Relief of Earth's Surface. — Curtis. 
181 
the specialist into a form which is readily grasped by the gen- 
eral public must be considered as very desirable. It means a 
wider possible field for the distribution of information having, 
as does the understanding of the relief of our country, a vital 
value to a large percentage of the population, and the deriva- 
tion of public benefit from data which having cost the people 
much, remains in form from which they can derive little im- 
mediate personal benefit. It has been suggested by an emin- 
ent geologist that in order to bring about this result, the topo- 
graphical modelling of the United States might be put on a 
A Mechanical or Convention "Relief Map" showing excellent "lettering" 
arbitrary generalities, but little if any characteristic likeness to 
the actual field represented. Interesting only to specialists. 
similar basis as tbat of other scientific work of the government 
bureaus. 
This better work is being carried on by private institutions 
and individuals, but being under no obligations to furnish 
topographic information to the public, the results may not 
bring immediate general usefulness. 
Conclusion. — Mechanical models may consistently embody 
any liberty of distortion or convention which may be preferred. 
Rational models are restricted throughout by the .facts and 
laws of nature. 
