1885.] 
Analyses of Books. 
425 
atmosphere of carbonic acid it dies. But does it not perish also 
if carbonic acid is entirely excluded ? 
In the formation of carbonic acid in this manner, heat and 
elecftric 'y are, according to the author, always liberated, and 
without them life-force would be wanting. 
Mr. Spencer pronounces magnetic oxide as the only body in 
nature “ that possesses a quasi principle of motion of which it 
cannot be deprived without chemical dissolution. It is also in 
itself the most fixed oxide in Nature, though its particles are the 
most volatile known and ever in imperceptible motion.” 
Comparative Vocabularies of the Indian Tribes of British Co- 
lumbia. By VV. Fraser Tolmie and G. M. Dawson. 
Montreal : Dawson Bros. 
This compilation is issued under the auspices of the Geological 
and Natural History Survey of Canada, and is illustrated with a 
map showing the distribution of the tribes concerned, who 
occupy a territory of about 200,000 square miles to the west of 
the Rocky Mountains. A singular fadt is noted in the Preface. 
Along the coast line there is a striking diversity of languages, 
which is somewhat puzzling among tribes maritime in their 
habits, skilled in navigation, and thus enjoying great facilities 
for mutual intercourse. In the interior of the country, on the 
contrary, where, from the rugged and densely wooded character 
of the region, intercommunication is comparatively difficult, the 
languages have a much wider extent. 
Records of the Geological Survey of India. Vol. XVIII., 
Part 2. 1885. 
This issue contains some important matter. Mr. R. Lydekker, 
F.G.S., establishes a second species of fossil camel ( Camelus 
antiquus ) from the Siwaliks. It is distinguished from C. Siva- 
lensis by its smaller size, the perfectly smooth enamel of the 
teeth, and the concave surface of the lower true molars, the 
upper half of which is divided into two equal portions by a me- 
dian vertical ridge, which is totally wanting in C. Sivalensis and 
in the existing camels. 
Col. C. A. McMahon, F.G.S., contributes Notes on the 
Geology of Chambra. He produces evidence that the Himalayas 
VOL. VII. (THIRD SERIES). 2 G 
