Review of Recent Geological Literature. 57 
bution, none are known in the Paleozoic area. The report was evi- 
dently prepared as an aid and stimulus to the betterment of the roads 
of the state, and it is hoped that its object may be achieved. vu. s, G. 
Lessons in Physical Geography, Cuartes R. Dryer, pp. 430, Ameri- 
can Book Company, New York, Cincinnati, Chicago, 1901. 
The last five years have seen a greater change in the character of 
the instruction in physical geography than have any equal number of 
previous years. The reform has been largely initiated and guided by 
geologists. The somewhat vague and ill-defined field hitherto em- 
braced by this subject has been defined. Extraneous topics have been 
eliminated and much new physiographic material has been added. 
The first text-books representing the new departure to appear 
was Tarr’s “Elementary Physical Geography” (1896). This was al- 
most immediately follawed by a “First Book of Physical Geography,” 
by the same geologist. Both these books easily took the lead over any ~ 
predecessor in the field. : 
Davis and Snyder’s “Physical Geography” (1898) has been a most 
active agent in the further development of the science. 
Still more recently (1899) the Report of the Committee on College 
Entrance Requirements put in concise form what had been in the 
minds of educators on this subject. The scope of the science was con- 
sidered: Its position as a college entrance requirement was defined: 
A laboratory course was suggested and the equipment of laboratory 
and lecture rooms named. The newest and most valuable feature of 
this report was the outline of laboratory exercises which it contained. 
_ That field and laboratory work must accompany successful instruction 
in physical geography has been recognized within a few years. In re- 
sponse to this recognition field trips have, in the leading high schools, 
been introduced into the course, but laboratory work in connection 
with this subject still remains comparatively untried. Suitable 
manuals of laboratory exercises have not accompanied the text-books, 
nor heretofore have exercises been incorporated in text-books. 
Dryer’s Lessons in Physical Geography is the first text-book to 
recognize and meet this deficiency, and it is this feature which makes 
this latest text-book in the science welcome to teachers. The Realistic 
Exercises which follow the discussion of every important topic are 
practical and helpful and in a line with the proposed requirements Of 
the college entrance board of examiners for the middle states and 
Maryland. 
The illustrations of the book are in many cases new, and in every 
case good. Illustrations have been selected from new fields and are a 
distinct addition to the physiographic material now at the disposal of 
teachers. 
The arrangement of subject matter may be commended from a 
pedagogic point of view, and its presentation embraces the most re- 
cent knowledge upon the subject treated. Rarely a too cursory state- 
ment is liable to give an erroneous impression. 
