Notices of Books. 
1876.] 
131 
details are valuable, as we may be sure that all the experiments 
described have been repeated at South Kensington, and not 
merely introduced on the hearsay of others. Altogether the 
book is to be welcomed as a real addition to our scientific 
literature. 
Catalogue of the Publications of the United States Geological 
Survey of the Territories. By F. W. Hayden. Washington: 
Government Printing Office. 
“ The geologist in charge is desirous of securing, by exchange, 
the publications of foreign countries on geology, palaeontology, 
and natural history generally, to aid in the formation of a library 
of reference for the use of the survey of which he has charge. 
“ He avails himself of this opportunity to again ask those 
persons or societies that may receive the publications of the 
survey to reciprocate by sending to him such of their own pub- 
lications as they may feel disposed, and he believes that he can 
assure them an ample return, either in books, or specimens, or 
both. 
“ The reports of surveys with maps, charts, and sections, 
transactions of societies, or the publications of individuals 
engaged in scientific studies, are much desired as works of 
reference. 
“ Parties who may look favourably upon the above proposition 
can send all packages, through the Smithsonian Institution, to 
the address of Dr. F. W. Hayden, U.S. Geologist, Wash- 
ington, D.C. 
“ Societies, libraries, or persons engaged in active scientific 
investigation, desirous to receive the publications of the survey 
will confer a favour by communicating their wishes.” 
Whilst we feel great pleasure in giving publicity to this appeal, 
we feel it our duty to call attention to the truly magnificent 
character of the survey now being executed on behalf of the 
Government of the United States. Not merely the geology, but 
the mineralogy, botany, zoology, meteorology, ethnology, and 
antiquities of the whole union are being carefully explored. 
Will the day never come when a similar survey will be made 
of the still wider and more varied regions included within the 
British empire ? It would be a glorious contribution to science 
and a worthy bequest to posterity. 
