352 
Analyses of Books, 
[June, 
The chapters on Prayer, Immortality, Revelation, Christ, the 
Old Creed, and the New Evangels, though of profound interest, 
lie outside of our legitimate scope. 
In the conclusion the author brings forward certain wholesome 
cautions, too often overlooked. He reminds us that Science 
cannot deny the spiritual efficacy of Prayer, and cannot demon- 
strate that there is no Hereafter. He bids us consider that the 
process of Evolution is not at all fully understood, and that even 
the theory of the conservation of energy is only “ a daring infer- 
ence drawn from our present scientific experience.” 
The New Truth and the Old Faith ” is a work well deserving 
thoughtful perusal, and may be advantageously studied even by 
the many who will not accept the author’s conclusions. 
The Causes which Produce the Great Prevailing Winds and 
Ocean Currents , and their Effects on Climate. By C. A. M. 
Taber. Boston : D. Clapp and Son. 
This small pamphlet deals with most important questions, and 
supplies matter for grave reflection. In his speculations on gla- 
ciation, the author remarks that the Antarctic ice-cap is con- 
stantly increasing in diameter, and will probably continue so to 
do till it closes the channel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific 
south of Cape Horn. Glaciers have already appeared in the 
Southern Andes, and with a fall of temperature will rapidly cover 
Patagonia and Chili, and push out to sea, uniting with the 
southern ice-cap. 
The author criticises the theories of Lyell and of Dr. Croll, 
and finds himself unable to accept them. He points out that ice 
is gradually increasing round the Poles in both hemispheres. 
The northern regions are being chilled because the Arcftic cur- 
rents are constantly forcing the waters of the Gulf Stream 
southwards. All the climatic agents now operating in northern 
latitude furnish all the conditions requisite for the slow but con- 
stant increase of cold, and consequently for the introduction of a 
new Glacial epoch. In support of this view he cites facts of 
common notoriety. The oceans of the temperate zone have be- 
come more boisterous than in the days of the early navigators. 
Greenland was found by the Northmen clothed with verdure in 
parts now covered with enormous glaciers. Iceland has retro- 
graded in fertility. In France the culture of the vine is admitted 
by Arago to be receding southwards. The past three winters in 
Britain have been of exceptional severity, and our summers have 
been now for several years most pitiful. Even the most effemi- 
nate writers in our comic and “ society ” papers can now scarcely 
