1887] Recent Literature. 551 
they hibernate in a warm one; that the flesh of the sponge is 
washed off merely by being drawn from the water; that the 
nettle-cells of the hydroids are shot out with actecelesiie ve- 
locity to lasso the prey; that—but we forbear. We only hope 
and pray for a relief, or even a respite, from the continual shower 
of unnatural history which is being poured out upon a long-suf- 
fering world of science. 
On a former occasion we referred to the gross injustice which 
has been perpetrated by the State of Michigan in the matter of 
its late geologist, Professor Rominger. This gentleman, by eco- 
-nomical methods, saved enough of his small appropriation to 
pay for the publication of his report. When the report was 
completed the State refused to publish it and retained the surplus 
in the treasury, where Professor Rominger had, with too great 
faith, allowed it to remain. The State should either publish the 
report or return the money to Professor Rominger. Michigan 
cannot afford a transaction like this to stain her history, and, in 
view of her general intelligence and liberality to learning, it is 
surprising that the injustice has not been corrected long ago. 
WE understand that the fine exhibition of basaltic columns at 
Llewellyn Park, Orange, N. J., is undergoing destruction. It is 
being used as a quarry for paving and macadamizing material. 
This is to be greatly regretted, and we hope that the persons 
controlling the park will endeavor to put an end to the desecra- 
tion. It is one of the principal attractions to visitors and resi- 
dents in the neighborhood, and the authorities of the park will 
do well to see that it is preserved. 
RECENT LITERATURE. 
Trou s Microbes, Ferments, and Moulds.‘—This work 
is intended for. ie general reader, and not for the specialist in 
science. In the words of the author, “ There is much to be done 
before modern society is practically on a level with the achieve- 
ments of science; many prejudices must be uprooted, and many 
false notions must be replaced by those which are sounder and 
1 The International Scientific Series. Microbes, Ferments, and Moulds. By E. L. 
Trouessart, With ohe hundred and seven illustrations. New York, D. Appleton & 
Company, 1886. 12mo, pp. xii. 314 
