102 Analyses of Books. [February, 
have southerly winds with open winters in this island.” No one 
will deny that the seeming caprice of the wind is a powerful 
actor in the character of a season. If the “ polar current ” sets 
in strongly in the first two weeks of January we can scarcely 
escape frost and snow. If the equatorial current maintains the 
upper hand at this critical epoch we have a mild winter. But by 
some curious circumstance, not as yet understood, southerly and 
south-westerly winds in summer are not always mild. In 1870 
the worst fits of summer cold were brought by south-westerly 
winds. J 
Mr. Swinton s researches on the periodicity observed in the 
visits of certain species of inserts have repeatedly attracted our 
notice. In the work before us he foretells, or at least indicates 
as probable, that in the coming year the larger and finer 
Sphinges, such as C. Nerii, S. Convolvuli, &c., may visit our 
shores along with certain rare butterflies, such as V. Antiopa, 
Pieris Daplidice, Colias Edusa and Hyale, &c. It is interesting 
to notice that during the past summer specimens of the two 
latter inserts appeared on our southern coasts, possibly heralding 
a swarm to arrive in the next season. 
. We should recommend Mr. Swinton to concentrate his atten- 
tion especially upon cyclical phenomena in the appearance of 
animal species. It is an interesting fart that for the last two 
seasons herring and cod have been exceptionally scarce and 
poor on the Norwegian coasts. This winter herrings have ap- 
peared in great force at the Lofotens, and it is hoped that the 
cod will follow their lead. 
Natural Philosophy for General Readers and Young Persons. 
Translated and edited from Ganot’s “ Cours Elementaire de 
Physique,” by E. Atkinson, Ph.D., F.C.S. Fifth Edition. 
London : Longmans and Co. 
This book is sometimes confounded with a larger work by the 
same author and editor. The volume before us is, however, not 
a mere abridgment of Ganot’s “ Elements de Physique.” but a 
version of his “ Cours Elementaire de Physique.” It is specially 
intended for the general reader who, in these days, cannot well 
afford to remain devoid of an accurate, even though sketchy, 
knowledge of physics. Its claims upon the attention of the 
student are shown by the statement that it may be approximately 
taken to lepresent the amount of knowledge required for the ma- 
lI iculation examination of the London University. It is also 
adapted for the upper classes in schools. Its suitability for these 
purposes may be fairly judged by the fart that a fifth edition has 
