278 The American Geologist. April, i8i>7 
Hinple of what certainly is destined to be the prevalent method of illus- 
tratinjf text-books of natural history. In that respect it is by far in 
advance of all geological text-books, whether American or European, 
and it marks an epoch in scientific instruction. This excellence alone, 
other things being equal, will strongly commend it to teacher and pupil. 
The author is a well-known and competent geologist, the compiler of 
several other geological text-books. His general grasp of the science is 
very comprehensive, and his statements flow from his pen with ease and 
rapidity, in keeping with the familiar and systematic style of the college 
lecturer. He avoids, in this work, confessedly and properly, the tech- 
nical parts of geology, and devotes the greater part of the volume to the 
general principles of structural and dynamic geology. These principles 
are rapidly and simply placed before the young student, who, with this 
work as a guide, cannot fail to acquire a love for geology. There is no 
attempt at tine writing nor poetic sentiment. The pages are overflow- 
ing with geological truth, given in simple language. In case something 
hypothetical is introduced it is distinctly said to be hypothesis. There is 
no discussion, no hesitancy. The certainties only are put forth. In an 
elementary work discussion and hypothesis are necessarily excluded. 
There are evidences, though but few, of too hasty composition, or at 
least of too hasty publication after composition, and there are minor 
errors of statement of fact. All in all, however, the volume is admirably 
adapted to the purpose for which it is intended, viz., for a text-book for 
secondary schools, or even for many college classes. It is well adapted 
for the use of college students that are pursuing classical studies, in the 
main, but who desire an easy and comprehensive glance at the princi- 
ples of geology. N. H. w. 
Glaciers of North America. Israel C. Russell. Pp. 210, 8vo, 22 
plates. (Boston, Ginn & Company, 1897.) This volume puts into the 
form of systematic description what is known of the principal glaciers 
of North America, with an introduction giving the principal character- 
istics of glaciers and their effects on the rocks and the production of the 
drift. The work is highly instructive and valuable to all who are en- 
gaged in glacial geology. Owing to the nature of the subject and the 
very easy and progressive way in which it is treated by the author, this 
volume is a good introduction to geology, and many will peruse it with 
interest if not with wonder as the truths of glacial geology are unfolded 
to them through its pages. As one after another of the geologic sci- 
ences are specialized in text books, the day is near when the great 
"manuals"' will be done away with. To understand glacial geology 
thoroughly is a good term's work for an ordinary college class, but too 
often in our colleges not only this, but all stratigraphic and dynamic 
geology are crowded into one term. n. h. w. 
