1884.] 
Analyses q / Books . 6 0 g 
Mr. James W. White contributes a paper on the “ Flora of the 
Avon Bed.” A disused limestone quarry had been filled up with 
matter dredged from the bed of the Avon and the floor of the 
docks. On this rubbish there sprung up a great variety of plants, 
some of which had formerly been known to grow in the Avon 
Valley, but which had become extindt. The author concludes 
that these plants were due to seeds which had been buried in 
and had been dredged up with the mud of the Avon. 
“ Report on Wells sunk at Locking, Somerset, to test the 
Alleged Power of the Divining Rod,” by Prof. W. J. Sollas, D.Sc. 
This paper is reprinted, with additions, from the “Journal of the 
Society for Psychical Research.” The conclusions of the paper 
are adverse to the pretensions of the rhabdornant, or “ dowser.” 
This man maintained that at the critical moment the dowsing- 
rod turned of itself, without any pressure being exerted by the 
fingers. But both Prof. Sollas and Dr. Burder are positive that 
every time the rod turned they discovered a corresponding move- 
ment in the fingers of the dowser. 
Mr. Cedric Bucknall continues his Catalogue of the Fungi of 
the Bristol District, and Mr. J. W. White resumes the Flora 
of the Bristol Coal-field. 
Twelfth Annual Report of the United States Geological and 
Geographical Survey of the Territories. A Report of 
Progress of the Exploration in Wyoming and Idaho, for the 
Year 1878. Part II. By F. V. Hayden, United States 
Geologist. Washington : Government Printing Office. 
This goodly volume contains, in the first place, an account of 
the Geology of the Yellowstone National Park. This tradl of 
land, which is for ever set apart for the benefit of the public, and 
guaranteed against all encroachment, is 55 by 65 miles across. 
The entire area is from 6000 feet or more above the sea-level. 
Hence, as might be expedted, the climate is rigorous, not a 
single month of the year being free from frost. Its geological 
features, both in form and colour, attracft the wonder even of 
non-scientific men, and its hot springs and geysers are absolutely 
unequalled. 
These geysers form the subject of a special report, by Dr. A. 
C. Peale, which occupies the greater portion of the volume. Of 
the geysers three— the Giant, Lie Castle, and the Grand— are 
calculated to reach the height of 200 feet ; one, the Bee-hive, 
of 219 ; and one, the Giantess, of 250. 
By way of comparison an account is given of the geysers of 
Iceland and of New Zealand. The height reached by the Great 
VOL. VI. (THIRD SERIES) 2 S 
