Reviezv of Recent Geological Literature. 125 
troughs of very irregular outline. The coal varies a little in elevation, 
differences of 20 to 30 feet being common, and as much as 60 feet of 
local dip being observed in a single mine. Usually the coal thins to 
the rise, and it seems that the irregularities are a result of original 
irregularities of the bottom over which the coal accumulated." 
As to character it is stated that the coals are mainly adapted for 
domestic and steaming purposes, and practically the entire output is 
devoted to these purposes. A table of analyses of some of the 
most important coals is given. Tables are also given of boiler tests 
of the Iowa coals, evaporation tests of Missouri coals and tests of 
railway locomotive runs. 
The methods are concisely described. The labor question is of 
special interest. "The operators of this field are fortunate in the char- 
acter and conditions of their labor. An unusually large percentage 
of the men working in the mines are English-speaking, either Amer- 
icans or English. Welsh or Irish. In certain camps negro labor has 
been introduced as a result of strikes, but on the whole such camps 
are few. Of recent 3'ears Italians and Slavs have been coming into 
the region, and in certain districts, notably the Cherokee coal field 
of Kansas and Missouri, and the Centreville or Appanoose district of 
Iowa and Missouri, they form a majority of the workmen. The 
Anglo-Saxons are the best miners. They have a better comprehension 
of the work to be done, and are quicker and more intelligent in the 
handling of machinery. Indeed, practically all the machinery about the 
mines is handled by them, and almost all the bosses are chosen from 
their ranks." 
Detailed cost of mining coal in the various districts presents some 
unusually instructive phases. The account of the location and charac- 
ter of the markets contains much new material. 
The stratigraphy is perhaps too briefly' considered. And it is noted 
that by some oversight in both text and maps the Lower Coal Measures 
is referred to the ]\Iissourian series, and the Upper Coal Measures 
to the Des Moines series. c. R. k. 
MONTHLY AUTHOR'S CATALOGUE 
OF AMERICAN GEOLOGICAL LITERATURE 
ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY. 
BAIN, H. FOSTER. 
The western Interior Coal fieM. (22 Ann. Rep., U. S. Geol. Sur., 
1900-1901. part 3. pp. 339-366. 1902.) 
