916 The American Naturalist. [October, 
—In the death of the U. S. Commisioner of Fisheries the Hon. ` 
Marshall MacDonald, the country loses a veryjefficint officer. It is to 
be expected that an equally competent man shall succed him. 
—WE must again remind our contributors that the most certain way 
of getting soparate copies of their papers*lis-to] comunicate with the 
publishers directly; and the most directZmethod of doing this is to 
write their wishes on the copy which goes tofthe printer. 
RECENT LITERATURE. 
Rambles in Alpine Valleys.'—In this little book Mr. Tutt gives 
the impressions of a naturalist while} exploring the valleys on the 
Italian side ofthe Mont Blanc range. Especial attention is given to 
the insect life, and in describing their habits and habitats, many prob- 
lems are suggested for discussion. These are touched upon lightly, but 
never slightingly, the object of the author, as stated in his preface, being 
to explain simply and clearly, without going deeply into scientific 
technicalities, the scientific bearings of some of the facts that came under 
his notice during a holiday spent in that region. The book is very 
pleasantly written and well repays perusal by the lover of nature and 
of scenery. Among naturalists it appeals especially to entomologists. 
Five plates gives some idea of the scenery in the valleys visited. 
Lead and Zinc Deposits of Missouri.’—This report is pub- 
lished in two volumes of nearly 400 pages each, the subject being 
treated under three heads. Part I is a general discussion of the history, 
compounds, modes of occurrence, distribution and industry of lead and 
zinc throughout the world. Part II deals with the lead and zine in 
Missouri. Part III is a systematic and detailed description of the im- 
portant developments and occurrences of lead and zinc ores in the state 
of Missouri. Accompanying the report are two papers having a bear- 
ing upon the subject: A study of the Cherts of Missouri, by E. O. 
1 Rambles in Alpine Valleys. By J. W. Tutt. London, Swan., Sonnenschein 
& Co., 1895. 
2? Missouri Geological Survey Vols. VI and VII. Report upon the Lead and 
Zine Deposits. By Arthur Winslow, assisted by J. D. Robertson. Jefferson 
City, 1894. 
