30 
FOREST AND STREAM. 



Slew Publications. 
—__>—_—- 
{Puwlications sent to this office, treating upon subjects that come within 
the scope of the paper, will receive special attention. The receipt of all 
books delivered at our Editorial Rooms will be promptly acknowledged 
in the next issue. Publishers will confer a favor by promptly advising 
us of any omission in this respect. Prices of books inserted when 
desired.| 
Screntrric AMUSEMENTS, or Recreations tn Popular Science. 
Dana Estes, Editor. Boston, Estes & Lanriat. « 
Alllovers of Science will be greatly pleased to notice from the press 
of Estes and Lauriat, a young and enterprising publishing house in ou” 
sister city, this Half Hour series of Scientific tracts. 
No. 1, upon Strange Descoveries respecting the Aurora, and recent solar 
yesearches, opens one of the most mysterious as well as beautiful of na- 
ture’s grarfd developments, and promises to further disclose its hith- 
erto hidden beautiful. This paper is decidedly one of surpassing inter- 
est to every one who looks upon these wonders of our northern skies. 
No. 2 introduces us to “* The Cranial Affinities of Man and the Ape.” 
This has been for some considerable time the question of the times, 
whether the old gray ape of the primeval forests, is, or is not, our great- 
great-grandfather. Many persons in this latter day seem disposed to com- 
pletely ignore Adam. We are not astonished that such a belief should 
have been entertained near the close of the middle ages,for almost all ana- 
tomical knowledge possessed by physcians rested solely upon the study 
of the structure of the ape. Every one should read No. 2, as a full and 
concise account of the first Orang-Outang from Borneo, that was brought 
from Europe. 
Nos. 3 and No. 4: Spectral Analysis Discoveries Explained—Its appli- 
ation—Microscopic Descoveries beautifully illustrated. The highly inter- 
esting theory of the probable origin and nature of spots upon the sun is 
clearly treated of by Kirchhoff. The uses of science as adopted in expla- 
nation of the theory of sound, heat, light, and color—illustrated. An 
entirely new realm of science is here introduced to the reader, with all 
the wonderful revelations of physical science. Truly we live in a won- 
derful and beantiful world: the stupendous works of creation are herein 
made manifest, and the far-off, obscure, and dim become at once wonder- 
fully clear and plain to our comprehension. Every one should read .No. 
3, for it is a commentary of sound, heat, light, aud color. 
No. 5, upon Nebulae, Comets, and the Coral Islands.—On a light and 
clear evening, as we cast our eyes upwards to the heavens, how near to 
us seem the remotest realms of the universe! behold yon, stellar cluster, 
a sort of dim outline of a milky appearance in the heavens. What are 
they? bring out the telescope, if only of a very moderate power, and you 
behold these clusters of stars which you supposed to be only clouds, 
revealed in thousands of stars standing out quite vividly against the 
dark background of the heavens. Then you can faintly appreciate the 
views which burst upon the sight of Herschel when he applied to these 
dim clusters his gigantic forty-foot telescope! But even here all was not 
seen; for far beyond was apparant to his gaze a still farther-off world, a 
more distant field of starry worlds. A beautiful description of the great 
nebule of Orion is here given, worth alone the price of the whole work. 
In this paper npon the Coral Islands, the entire history and wonderful or- 
ganism of these little island-builders is given, andtheir method of secre- 
tion, the very lowest form ofjanimal life, is made a deeply interesting and 
scientific study. Who would think, when he reads of a terrible ship- 
wreck upon some far-off coral reef, that so diminuitive an insect as the 
little coral insect caused all this disaster? Truly, although a microscopic 
insect of tiny proportions, yet he is astone mason possessed of most gigan- 
tic power. Twenty fathoms deep, low down upon the bottom of the ocean, 
the tropical coral reef has its foundation. And many islands covered 
with a rich and beautiful verdure, rest upon the wonderful coral pillars 
which were built by these same little stone masons. A wonderful history 
is this contained in No. 5. 
No. 6 opens to our view the great unexplained mental phenomena. 
Uneonscious Action of the Brain, and Epidemic Delusions. Under this head 
the entire doctrine of spiritualism and its many absurd phases are ac- 
counted for, and numerous illustrations of mental impressions being 
taken as realities are explained quite satisfactorily; as for instance, by 
way of illustration, a lady at a sceance in a darkened room, thought she 
would ‘like to have a live lobster brought into the room,” and presently 
she began to feel some uncomfortable sensations which she attributed to 
the presence of this live lobster. The fact is recorded that two live lob- 
sters were brought in, or they thought so; they imagined they felt them 
crawling over them, &c. All of which was surely a delusion. 
No. 7. The Geology of the Stars. This, although a deeply interesting 
disclosure of those contemplations made out in distant heavens, is not 
strictly speaking a new discovery. Yetit contains matter given to the 
millions new, and worthy of deep thought; for to them it is a new revela- 
tion of the wonderful works of God as revealed in the glowing firmament 
of stars. The theory, a most beautiful one by the way, of progressive 
development, is fully stated. Our earth has reached a certain period; it 
is passing a “dertain epoc; it brings with it a new revelation to many; 
that is, it happens by the providence of an all-creative power, to be in- 
habited. Are not all worlds inhabited? and how long has our earth been 
inhabited? has it been so from its first creation? Changes are constantly 
transpiring; history always progressive, tells us wonderful tales, and 
this little tract will lead the mind from nature up to nature’s God, and the 
soul be filled with the grand contemplations of the truly sublime. 
No. 8, and last of these parts, On Yeast, Protoplasm aud the Germ 
Theory, and The Relation between Matter and Force. “Yeast!” says one 
or more of our readers, on looking at the letter of No. 8. Yeast! who 
cares about ‘‘yeast?” and with a contemptous toss, perhaps, he consigns 
our No. 8, to the extreme corner of his room. Now this is not fair, you 
know not how great a power you throw away when you throw away yeast, 
or its veritable history. Now it is plain to the comprehension of most of 
our ladies that anything of a liquid kind containing sugar, will when left 
to itself soon begin to undergo achange. The beautiful colorless liquid 
soon hasa dirty appearance. A yellow scum rests upon its surface; 
while you notice at the bottom of the vessel the same dirty yellow, which we 
will call ‘‘lees.”” After atime this ‘‘scum” and “‘lees’’ stop increasing 
and the same has become altogether different in quality. The simple 
sugar water has a pungent smell; it has become a spirit, and it intoxicates 
if one drinks it. Itis now the demon of the bottle. This is after the 
process of distillation, that old rascal called Alcohol, and if you have any 
doubts of his being a smart spirit, put a portion on the fire and*see how 
angry he will become. Such were the facts known from old antique 
days. Antiquity also tells us of a time, too, when the old and wise men 
“got drunk.” Old Noah did; also the Indians. Old Lot on a certain 
occasion became drunken, and since then many great, good, and wise 
men have known the power of the last, if not the first stage, of yeast. 
But readers, get these little Scientific Tracts. Every one should read 
them, and give them a valuable binding. 
Har Hazarp, by Kate Field. Boston, R. Osgood & Com- 
pany. 
This is one of our Summer story books, although a portion of these 
articles have appeared before in various journals of the day. Miss Fields 
has long enjoyed the reputation of being one of our most entertaining 
and popular journalists. She is not at all afraid of expressing her thoughts 
in the most forcible and terse terms; never makes the mistake of call- 
ing black white. She is feared as a writer, for she speaks the truth in 
such manner that evil doers whose sins are often visited with severe 
lashes from her, stand in abject fear of her wholesome pillory. Few 
journalists would dare say in their professional capacity what Kate Field 
utters with utmost freedom. Yet we like Kate, and believe she is doing 
much good. Although not free from some errors, they are by no means 
so very grave that we cannot forgive them. She uses some phrases that 
would be considered inelegant, if we apply not a stronger term, We think 
her last book, though an earnest expression of her thoughts, could be 
_poor children. 
improved, (not in elegance of execution, binding, &c., for it is a beautiful 
work), leaving out a few words and sentences which mar the smoothness 
of the style somewhat; as, “if it take but two days to demoralize hu- 
manity.”” We commend this little work of Kate Field as one of the re- 
formatory stories of the times, and many readers will find it speaks the 
truth forcibly and sensibly. 
Harwer’s Montury for September, is of unusual excellence. Some- 
how its editor seems to have the peculiar faculty of always finding not 
only interesting matter, but that whichis particularly adapted to the 
season. There are two articles on subjects kindred to our own particular 
topics which are exceedingly well done in the number under review. 
One is “The Trotting Horse in America,” the other ‘“‘The Twelth of 
August,” descriptive of the opening of the English shooting s eason. 
Mr. Nordhoff’s experiences in Hawnaii-nei, the continuation of his itin- 
eary, is of great interest. We trust to follow him to Japan, China 
and all the way home. The apereu we haye of Stamboul, in the 
article entitled ‘“‘General Sherman, in Europe and the East,” gives the 
reader an idea of how Stamboul may be seen under the most advanta- 
geous circumstances. There is a general quality of excellence about 
Harper’s Monthly, which makes it not only reading matter for Americans, 
but for everybody else who can understand the English. 
Tue Live Stock, FARM AND FisHING JouRNAL for August. Buffolo 
& New York. This most useful publication, treating all the various 
subjects of the farm, the dairy, poultry and apiary, with their innumera- 
ble collateral branches, is in itself a model of excellence. That portion 
of the journal devoted to horsemen, is particularly interesting to us, 
since itshows not only a thorough knowledge of racing stsck, but that 
which is quite as useful, an acquaintence with the ordinary working ani- 
mal. Sometimes without being exactly optimists, still apreciating the 
great amount of work necessary to produce such a thoroughly good paper 
as the Live Stock Farm and Fishing Journal realy is, we wonder at the 
amount of brain, toil, and research necessary to produce it. We trust to 
be able presently to give a portion of its contents to our readers. 
——— 
IN PRESS. 
Among the forthcoming books of the season, James R. Osgood & Com- 
pany have in press and will soon issue a work entitled “ Oldport Days” 
a volume of essays, &c., on life and scenes at Newport. It is expected 
this book will make something of a sensation. Also a New Series of 
“ Tales of a Wayside Inn” and other miscellaneous poems. Several 
other very valuable works, are in press and will soon appear, the an- 
nouncement of which will be found in due time under the literary head 
of this paper, as above. 
RIVERSIDE Press, Hurd & Houghton, will soon publish a very elaborate 
and valuable work, bearing the title of ‘‘ Painters, Sculptors, Architects, 
Engravers, and their Works.” This work will contain a complete and 
extensive catalogue of the first workers in the fine arts, with many inter- 
esting monographs, biographical notes, and sketches of eminent men 
never before published. We understand the work is prepared with great 
care, andis destined to take a high place among the rare and valuable 
works upon this interesting subject. C. E. Clements is the author, 
We shall give a full review of this dictionary or companion of the Arts 
as soon as published. ; 
—__>—_———__ 
BOOKS RECEIVED. 
We are in receipt of the following books: 
Tue Fisarne Tourtst.—Charles Hallock. Harper & Brothers. 
I-Go-a-Fisuine.—W. C. Prime. Harper & Brothers. 
O.Lp RomE AND New Iraty.—Emilio Castelar. Harper & Brothers. 
Oup anp New Eneianp Tratts.—By George Lunt. Cam- 
bridge, Riverside Press, Hurd & Houghton. ‘ 
Tue TRAPPER’s GurpE.—By S. Newhouse. - New York,* 
Mason, Baker & Pratt. P 
Protection AGAINST FrreE.—By Joseph Bird. Riverside 
Press, Cambridge, Hurd & Honghton, 
Reviews of these books in our next. 


There was a large attendance of members of the Na- 
tional Rifle Association at Creedmoor, August 16th, and 
a marked improvement in the general arrangements for the 
shooting. The National Guard who wish to practice with- 
out charge, are requested to make application in writing 
to the Association; they mnst be in uniform, and in a body 
under the command of officers. The following prizes are 
announced: A prize challenge cup, value $100; to be 
called ‘‘ The Jersey challenge cup;” open only to members 
of the National Guard of that State. The Hon, Nathaniel 
Mills of New Jersey, is the generous donor. Captain 
Wingate, secretary of the Association, makes the follow- 
ing report of prizes offered for competition: Colonel 
Church, an appropriate silver design, valued at $700, open 
to all miitary organizations in the United States; to be won 
twice. The State prize of $500, to the best train of twelve. 
Messrs. Remington, a gold mounted rifle for the best shot in 
each train. General Slater gives a $100 prize; open to the 
first division; and General Woodward the same, for the 
second division. A Gatlin gun, open to any military regi. 
ment in the United States; to be won three times. Bethel 
Burton presents a handsome present. The Association 
gives a number of elegantly designed badges, medals, and 
what with the many prizes, the total gifts will not fall far 
short of $6,500. 
The grand meeting will most Ilkely take place on Wednes- 
day, October 8th, and the following nine days; this is in- 
‘deed a great achievement for the the popular National 
Rifle Association. . . 
a 
The New York Times deserves the living eratitude of the 
On Saturday last, it treated over eighteen 
hundred of them to a holiday and steamboat excursion, 
the ninth of the series. The pro rata expense was only 
about thirty-nine cents per head. There is great amount 
of good done at only a trifling cost. It not only gives the 
youngsters health and a new lease of life, but it enlarges 
the scope of their ideas, gives them new views of existence, 
and breaks the connection of vicious habits and debasing 
associations. If the mind can be diverted from evil, even 
for short intervals, the effect is beneficial. The concious- 
ness of the kind consideration shown, the temporary con- 
tact with respectable people, the fresh air, the good fare, 
and the cleanliness, increases their self-respect, and creates 
an incentive to well-doing and well deserving. 
——— 0 
A monster toadstool or fungus has been found growing 
at Churchville, near Rochester, which measures three feet 
and seven inches in circumference, and weighs seven pounds 
and a quarter. It grew to maturity in three days. 
PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL LIFE. 
— 
4 Pe incompatibility between the physical and intellec- 
tual lives is often very marked, if you look at small 
spaces of time only ; but if you consider broader spaces, 
such as a lifetime, then the incompatibility is not so marked, 
and gives place to a manifest conciliation. The brain is 
clearer in vigorous health than it can be in the gloom 
and misery of sickness, and although health may last for 
a while without renewal from exercise, so that if you are 
working under pressure for a month, the time given to ex- 
ercise is so much deducted from the result, it is not so 
for the life’s performance. Health sustained for many 
years is so useful to the realization of all considerable 
intellectual undertakings that the sacrifice to the bodily 
well-being is the best of all possible investments. Frank- 
lin’s theory about concentrating his exercise for the economy 
of time was a mistake. Violent exertion for minutes is 
not equivalent to moderate exercise for hout. The de- 
sire to concentrate good of various kinds into the smallest 
possible space is one of the commonest of human wishes, 
but it is not encouraged by the broader economy of na- 
ture. In the exercise of the mind every teacher is well 
aware that time is an essential factor. It is necessary to 
live with a study of hundreds or thousands of hours be- 
fore the mind can assimilate as much of the subject as 
it may need; and so it is necessary to live in exercise 
during a thousand hours of every year to make sure of the 
physical benefits. Even the fresh air itself requires time 
to renovate our blood. The fresh air cannot be concen- 
trated; and to breathe the prodigious quantities of it 
which are needed for perfect energy we must be out in it 
frequently and long. 
The inhabitants of great cities have recourse to gym- 
nastics as a substitute for the sports of the country. These 
exercises have one advantage—they can be directed scien- 
tifically, so as to strengthen the limbs that need develop- 
ment; but no city gymnasium can offer the invigorating 
breezes of the mountain. We require not only exercise, 
but exposure—daily exposure to the health-giving inclem- 
encies of the weather. The postman who brings my let- 
ters walks 8,000 miles a year, and enjoys the most per- 
fect regularity of health. There are operatives in facto- 
ries who go through quite as much bodily exertion, but 
they have not his fine condition. _He is as merry as a 
lark, and announces himself every morning as a bearer of 
joyful tidings. What a postman did for necessity an old 
gentleman did as regularly, though more moderately, for 
the preservation of his health and faculties. He went out 
every day ; and as he never consulted the weather, so he 
never had to consult the physicians. Nothing in the hab- 
its of Wordsworth—that model of excellent habits—can be 
better as an example to men of letters than his love of 
pedestrian excursions. Wherever he happened to be he 
explored the whole neighborhood on foot, looking into 
every nook and cranny of it—and not merely in the imme- 
diate neighborhood, but extended tracts of country ; and 
in this way he met with much of his best material. Scott 
was both a pedestrian and an equestrian traveller, having 
often, as he tells us, walked thirty miles or ridden a hun- 
dred in those rich and beautiful districts which afterward 
proved to him such a mine of literary wealth. Goethe 
took a wild delight in all sorts of physical exercise— 
swimming in the Im by moonlight, skating with the merry 
little Weimar court on the Schwansee, riding about the 
country on horseback, and becoming at times quite out- 
rageous in the rich exuberance of his energy. Alexander 
Humboldt was delicate in his youth, but the longing for 
great enterprises made him dread the hindrances of phy- 
sical insufficiency, so he accustomed his body to exercise 
and fatigue, and prepared himself for those wonderful ex- 
plorations which opened his great career. Here are in- 
tellectual lives which were forwarded in their special aims 
by habits of physical exercise ; and, in an earlier age, have 
we not also the example of the greatest intellect of a great 
epoch, the astonishing Leonardo da Vinci, who took such 
a delight in horsemanship that, although, as Vasari tells 
us, poverty visited him often, he never could sell his 
horses or dismiss his grooms? The physical and intellec- 
tual lives are not incompatible. I may go further, and af- 
firm that the physical activity of men eminent in litera- 
ture has added abundance to their material and energy to 
their style; that the activity of scientific men has led 
them to innumerable discoveries ; and that even the more 
sensitive and contemplated study of the fine arts has been 
crrried to a higher perfection by artists who painted ac- 
tion in which they had had their part, or natural beauty 
which they had travelled far to see. Even philosophy it- 
self owes much to mere physical courage and endurance. 
How much that is noblest in ancient thinking may be due 
to the hardy health of Socrates.—From the Intellectual Life, 
by Philip Gilbert Hamerton. 


—There is a good deal of dissatisfaction in England, in 
regard to the exclusiveness of the Royal Yatch Club. 
—This week in England, Mr. Mechi, the famous experimen- 
tal agriculturalist, will open his farm for inspection. 
—The reports of some very startling experiments are{going 
the rounds of the European Press, in regard to the injection 
of warm cow’s milk into the blood, for the cure of cholera. 
—Infantile mortality in London amounts on an average to 
thirty-five per cent of all thechildren born. Under ten years 
of age thirty-five children die in the one, hundred. 
—Late English authorities have highly recomended the 
use of the American system of fog-whistles, as much superior 
to the old fashioned bell-ringing, or even the firing of can- 
nons. 
—How much heat can an animal stand? Dr. Wood of 
Philadelphia showed that a brain temperature of 114 degrees 
was fatal to cats, and that muscle coagulates between 108 
and 115 degrees. 
—St. Bartholomew is the oldest of the London hospitals. 
It was founded in 1123 by Rahere, prior of the Monastery 
of St. Bartholemew. To-day it has 650 beds, and adminis- 
ters relief to no less than 100,000 people. 
—A learned Zurich Professor has just issued a work on 
Textile Fabrics, a large portion of which is devoted to 
the discovery of shoddy in cloth, by the use of the micro- 
scope. In society it can be found without the use of glasses, 
