io8 Analyses of Books . [February, 
mild climate. The vegetation of Bute and Arran reminds us of the 
Channel Islands, the Scilly Isles, and the most sheltered spots of 
the coast of south Devon. Everyone must know that the districts 
of Chester, Warrington, Lancaster, Ulverstone, &c., are often 
enjoying open weather when the midland counties, even Kent 
and Sussex, are covered with snow. But supposing this influx 
of the Gulf Stream cut off by the proposed isthmus, there is 
every probability that the temperature of these districts would 
be reduced to that which prevails at corresponding latitudes on 
the eastern side of Britain. Bute, Arran, Helensburgh, &c., 
would lose much of their attraction for health- and pleasure- 
seekers. 
It is also very possible that the fisheries on the north-western 
coasts of England and on the south-west of Scotland would 
suffer, e.g., the Lock Fyne herring fishery. 
On the other hand, the land junction would, in the opinion of 
the author, lessen the depth of the Irish Sea, “ serving to aid 
the natural drainage of the adjacent coasts, and make the marsh- 
land of the west (?) coast of Ireland capable of the highest forms 
of cultivation.” 
Another advantage which suggests itself is that at present in 
case of war an enemy’s fleet might enter the Irish Sea and do 
incalculable damage to the wealthy and practically undefended 
towns of our western coasts with but little fear of being inter- 
cepted. Were the proposed isthmus an existence, such a fleet 
would almost inevitably find its retreat to the south cut off. 
What may be the general opinion of the nation should this 
projeCt take a more definite shape, we can scarcely venture to 
foretell. But we suspeCt that in Ireland and in certain parts of 
England and Scotland, it will meet with but little support. 
Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society . Containing its 
Transactions and Proceedings, and a Summary of Current 
Researches relating to Zoology and Botany (principally 
Invertebrata and Cryptogamia), Microscopy, &c. Edited 
by Frank Crisp, LL.B., B.A., one of the Secretaries of the 
Society, with the assistance of the Publication Committee, 
and A. W. Bennett, M.A., B.Sc., F. Jeffrey Bell, M.A., 
S. O. Ridley, M.A., and John Mayall, Junr. Series 2, 
Vol. II., 1882, pp.941. London and Edinburgh: Williams 
and Norgate. 
The current volume of this valuable periodical has just been 
issued. It contains first of all sixteen original communications 
