402 
Analyses of Boohs. TJune, 
character of weather. The barometer and the wind-gauge were 
not consulted. At the end of each month the mean temperature 
and its relation to the average for the month, and the total rain- 
fall are recorded. The purpose of these observations was to 
ascertain the influence of variation in the character of the seasons 
upon organic life. The leafing, flowering, fruiting, &c., of plants 
are recorded, and the appearances, migrations, &c., of birds, 
inserts, and Mollusca. Of these observations many are suffi- 
ciently numerous to admit of tabulation, a task which has been 
performed by Miss Ormerod. 
The work will be a useful manual of reference to observers of 
animal and vegetable life, and Miss Ormerod has done a useful 
and laborious task in rendering it available. She points out, 
however, certain shortcomings in these “ Journals.” Many of 
the native plants are mentioned merely by their local names ; 
and as for the garden plants, which figure in the list to a consi- 
derable extent, their time of flowering, leafing, &c., must be 
influenced to no small extent by the manner of cultivation to 
which they are submitted. The inseCts mentioned are, as a 
rule, not specifically named, but merely characterised as 
“Aphides,” “ gnats,” “two species of butterfly,” &c. 
These tables may be usefully compared with those of the Rev. 
Leonard Jenyns, which are based upon a much shorter series of 
observations. 
Science Lectures for the People. Science LeCtures delivered in 
Manchester, 1879-80. Eleventh Series. Manchester and 
London : John Hey wood. 
This series of the Manchester Science LeCtures must, we regret 
to say, be regarded as the last. In the Preface Prof. Roscoe 
remarks that, in spite of the character of these discourses and 
the eminence of the men by whom they have been delivered, 
public interest, as measured by the number of persons attending, 
“ has so far declined that the Committee have had no alternative 
but to discontinue the LeCtures.” This faCt may be partly ex- 
plained by the peculiar complexion of the times and the with- 
drawal of public interest to other spheres. Not the less is it a 
humiliating result. 
The first leCture in this series is on “ Islands as illustrating 
the Laws of the Geographical Distribution of Animals,” by Mr. 
Wallace, whose name is here made to appear as “ Arthur R. 
Wallace.” The leCture contains a brief but clear and compre- 
hensive summary of the main faCts laid down in the lecturer’s 
classical work on the distribution of animals. 
Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins discoursed on the “ Age of Dragons.” 
