380 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW, 
and there through newspapers, journals, reviews, blue-books, and such- 
like, on the subject of guns, and has formed a book which is as interesting 
as a novel, and as instructive as it need be. Sir Emerson Tennent has 
exhausted the entire history of guns, and by the mass of evidence which he 
has adduced, has taught us a great and serious lesson ; one too which we 
trust may leave some permanent impression on the Government of this 
country. He has been accused of partiality. It has been asserted that 
the book before us is little better than an advocacy of Mr. Whitworth’s 
views. We candidly confess we do not see that it is anything of the sort. 
It seems to us that the author has done ample justice to Sir William Arm- 
strong, even while placing in their true light the discoveries of Mr. Whit- 
worth. There can be very little doubt that the claims of the latter have 
been grossly neglected by those in power, and we congratulate Sir E. 
Tennent upon his able exposition of the case. It does not seem likely that 
in this century anything in the shape of a perfect gun will be discovered, 
and therefore the authorities are unwarranted in supporting the system of 
a single individual, and excluding all idea of competition. This is what 
our author teaches, and it is this open and independent expression of 
opinion which has given rise to the adverse criticism of some of our con- 
temporaries. For our part we consider that the book will effect good 
service, and we cordially commend it to the consideration of everyone pos- 
sessed of patriotism and independence. It is beautifully illustrated, and 
reflects much credit on its publishers. 
HANDBOOK TO THE COTTON CULTIVATION IN MADRAS * 
HOSE anxious to know how cotton is cultivated in India, will find in 
this book a useful and well-selected compilation of the various modes 
of culture, and the conditions under which they occur, in Madras. The 
author does not profess to have had any experience in the matter, but 
admits that he has drawn on many different sources for materials. He has 
not produced a very light volume, though the latter from the arrangement 
of the letter-press will be found invaluable as a book of reference, a cha- 
racter which most probably it was intended to possess. The text is divided 
into a multitude of sections, each of which has its own special heading ; and 
as the matter has been taken from various writings, side-notes are given, 
which contain the title and date of the works referred to. Mr. Wheeler 
has evidently been at considerable pains to produce a useful work, and we 
think the result has realized his anticipations. His conclusions as to the 
growth of cotton in India are as follows (1.) American cotton can be 
grown, but the profit is questionable. (2.) Indian cotton may be im- 
proved, but only to a degree. (3.) American cotton must always com- 
mand a higher price than Indian. (4.) The demand for Indian cotton 
must always depend on the supply of American. 
* ({ Handbook to the Cotton Cultivation in the Madras Presidency,” &c. 
By J. Talboys Wheeler. London : Virtue Brothers. 1863. 
