544 Notices of Books . [October, 
principles of their work. The time has gone by when that mere 
mindless routine which some men call “ practice ” can suffice in 
any art. In the chapter on “ graining ” we regret to find that 
this national vice passes without a protest. It is not art, but 
simply falsehood, for which no rational plea can be urged. 
Whilst pronouncing this book highly valuable to all connected 
with any of the building trades, we cannot help asking whether 
all other branches of industry are about to be dealt with as tho- 
roughly and carefully, and if not, why not ? 
It is somewhat peculiar that the title-page does not bear the 
name of any author or editor. 
Field Geology . By H. Penning, F.G.S. (H.M. Geological 
Survey of England and Wales). With a Section on Pale- 
ontology. By A. J. Jukes-Browne, F.G.S. (H.M. Geolo- 
gical Survey). London : Bailliere, Tindall, and Cox. 
Even in this age, so rich in manuals, hand-books, and text- 
books, it will happen that a science, under some very important 
aspet, may escape attention. Geology certainly has now been 
popular for along time; its cultivators are numerous and in- 
creasing, and its literature is most comprehensive. Looking 
over the formidable array of published books, we might at first 
sight imagine that the subjet had been already treated from 
every conceivable point of view. We have works theoretical 
and works pratical, works elementary and works advanced, and 
yet till the appearance of the little volume before us one phase 
of geology appears to have been overlooked. Let us suppose a 
student who has made himself familiar with the science by 
reading, and wishes, as every student should, to become himself 
an observer. How is he to proceed ? He has read of green- 
sand, of oolitic limestone, of Kimmeridge clays, and the like, 
but the ordinary hand-books give him no clue as to how he is to 
know these and other rocks when he meets them. Here Mr. 
Penning steps in, and teaches him how and what to observe. 
The author describes adtual geological work under four heads 
— mapping, sedtions, the determination of rocks (lithology), and 
the observation of fossils (palaeontology), and for each of these 
simple and pradtical instructions are given, the student being 
merely pre-supposed to have a fair general knowledge of the 
science, of the sequence of the various systems, formations, and 
groups, and of the general succession of fossil plants and ani- 
mals. As far as possible the directions given are illustrated by 
examples of their practical applications. The section on the 
determination of rocks is exceedingly valuable, The author, 
from his extensive practical experience, is able to propose those 
