204: The Anieriran Geologist. March, 1893 
forecast of the future, that better results, in a pecuniary sense, will 
be obtained 
Of his present effort the author says: "The price of the first volume 
of the 'Annals of British Geology' was fixed at 5 shillings, in the hope 
that it might thereby reach a larger number than those who have 
usually subscribed for 'I{ecords,'but this hope has, unfortunately, not 
been realized. The second volume, which is larger and is illustrated 
by six plates, is priced at 7s. 6d. to subscribers and 9s. net at the pub- 
lishers'. It is found, however, that this is scarcely likely to cover the 
cost, and that the sale must be reckored on no larger a number than 
that of the supporters of the geological or zoological records. The 
former, aided by a grant from the British Association, and containing 
between 300 and 400 pages, was issued at the 'low' subscription price 
of 10s. 6d. ; the latter, supported by the Zoological Society, is issued 
at 30s. for about 1,000 pages. It does not, therefore, seem probable 
that the present 'Annals,' supported only by its subscribers, can ever 
be issued without loss at a less subscription than 10s. and it would 
even then require a considerable increase in the number of its sup- 
porters. It is hoped that the third volume will be still further im- 
proved, suggestions toward which will be gladly received, and it will 
contain a minimum of 400 pages and si.x; plates or their equivalent of 
figures." 
We may express the hope that at the price above named sufficient 
support will be secured to enable the author to continue the work. 
Though principally of use to British geologists, yet others who take a 
wide view over their special departments of the science can scarcely 
afford to be without it. 
The first part of the volume contains the titles and sliort abstracts 
of works and papers on general geology, occupying 52 pages. Then 
follows Structural Geology, 120 pp., including all the contributions on 
this topic. Pahi'ontology, including Anthropology, fills 70 pages, 
Mineralogy 30, Petrology 45, and Economics 20 pages. Then follow 
50 pages with summaries of papers and works on geology published 
in Great Britain and an appendix of 4 or 5 pages for 1890. A good 
index of authors renders the book more available for reference than 
it would otherwise have been. 
The author does not coniine himsslf to bare announcement of the 
subject of the papers and books, but gives these fully enough to en- 
able the reader to determine if he need procure them for the purpose 
of investigation. His own criticisms and remarks are confined to 
foot-notes — an excellent device — as it avoids interrupting the sum- 
mary and confusing the author and the summarist. 
AVhen we add that both summary and comment have been sent to 
the authors for revision, we show plainly that Prof. Blake has spared 
no pains to render his book fair, trustworthy and complete. We trust 
those of our readers who go beyond the locals in geology will procure 
it for future reference and consultation. 
