1883. | Recent Literature, 1267 
rise to the conception that he has a considerable function to per- 
form in the order of events, and that his exertions are needed ; 
that he should look upon himself more “as a freeman, with 
power of shaping the course of future humanity.” The question, 
“How man can assist in the order of events,” he answers, “ by 
furthering the course of evolution.” This means that man “may 
use his intelligence to discover and expedite the changes that are 
necessary to adapt circumstances to race and race to circum- 
stances, and his kindly sympathy will urge him to effect them 
mercifully.” 
The book should be read by physicians, moralists, philanthro- 
pists, biologists and intelligent parents, as well as the civil service 
reformer, in fact by everyone interested in the advancement of 
mankind, whether they accept all the author’s conclusions or not. 
Tue Tortucas ann Fioripa Reers.!— Professor Agassiz com- 
mences this memoir by the statement that Darwin's theory of 
teef formation will not apply to the peculiar conditions existing 
along the Straits of Florida. The southern extremity of Florida 
was shown by the elder Agassiz to be of comparatively recent 
growth, and the mode of growth ef the present reei, keys and- 
mud-flats to be identical in its nature with past action. The 
whole southern part of Florida is built of concentric barrier reefs, 
cemented into continuous land by the accumulation and consoli- 
dation of mud flats between them. The curve of the Florida 
en found in any of the soundings taken east of the Mississippi. 
The line of keys seems to be formed by the waste of the eii 
lave been formed by the detritus driven to the westward by the 
Prevailing easterly winds and the currents running we oR 
oA incipient coral reef is already forming upon a patch to 
irs of 
i The Tor tugas and Florida Reefs. By ALEXANDER AGASSIZ. From Memoirs 
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Vol. XI. 
