REVIEWS 
213 
Contributions to the Physical History of the British Isles. By Prof. E. 
Hull, F.R.S. Pp. xvi. and 143, 2 woodcuts, and 14 coloured 
plates. Price, 12s. 6d. E. Stanford. 
In this valuable book Professor Hull attempts to restore the physical 
geography of the British Isles as it existed during each of the great 
geological periods. A double map is given for each geological forma¬ 
tion, showing (1) the part of the surface now occupied by the strata, 
and (2) the area and coast-line of the sea in which these were origi¬ 
nally deposited. Professor Hull’s high position as the head of the Irish 
Geological Survey entitles his opinions to great respect, and we believe 
that the main facts relating to the changes of distribution of land and 
sea are better and more clearly laid down in this book than in any which 
has hitherto heen published. On every point the author appears to 
have consulted the latest available authorities, while on many points 
his own original researches have thrown much light. An interesting 
feature in the maps of the Carboniferous, Permian, and Triassic 
periods is the indication of the ancient Land Barrier which then 
stretched across Central England, and from which we believe the 
pebbles of the Triassic Conglomerates to have been mainly derived. 
Common British Insects (Beetles, Moths, and Butterflies). By the Rev. 
J. G. Wood. 284 pp., 130 figures. Price 3s. 6d. Longmans, 
Green, & Co. 
This is a capital hook for a beginner in entomology. The technical 
terms used are but few, and the exact meaning of each is carefully 
explained. The author devotes fourteen chapters to the Coleoptera, 
and seven chapters to the Lepidoptera; he describes the structure, 
appearance, and habits of all our common species, and adds, from his 
personal experience, many interesting anecdotes concerning them. 
The figures are good and clear. 
The Young Collector's Handbook of Flowering Plants. By James Britten, 
F.L.S., of the Department of Botany, British Museum. 12mo., pp. 32, 
11 woodcuts. One Penny.—W. Swan Sonnenschein and Co. 
This is a marvellously cheap book, and both the author and publishers 
deserve our thanks for giving us so good a work in so cheap a form. 
The author, who is one of our leading British Botanists, and who has 
had great experience both in the field and study, has in this little 
pamphlet presented us with an accumulation of knowledge well digested, 
and given in a pleasantly readable form. It will be found a valuable guide 
to all young botanists, and many of even riper years. The illustrations 
are good, marvellously so when the price is taken into consideration, 
and sufficiently characteristic to enable a young student at once to 
recognise such plants as the Shepherd’s Purse or the Harebell. The 
book deserves every success, and merits more praise than has here 
been given. J. E, B. 
