ASTRONOMY.

Siemens on solar physics.-In a recent lecture at the Royal institution, Sir. W. Siemens discusses the subject of solar radiation. He gives reasons for fixing the temperature of the photosphere at about 2800° C., based, first, upon the behavior of a rod of carbon and a gas-flame in the focus of a reflector exposed to the sun; second, upon a comparison between spectra of different luminous intensities; and, third, upon experiments for determining the relation between temperature and radiation made by means of an iridio-platinum wire a metre long, heated by an electric current. He finds the radiation to be expressible by the formula, Radiation Mt2 + pt, M being He disa coefficient due to the radiating substance. cusses also the effect of diminished pressure in lowering the dissociation temperature of compound gases, and restates and advocates anew his last year's theory of the maintenance of the solar heat. - (Nature, May [1061 3.) C. A. Y. Scintillation of stars as affected by the aurora borealis.-M. Ch. Montigny, observing for many years at Brussels, has noticed, as previous observers have done, that the scintillation of stars is much inHe has creased during the occurrence of an aurora. noticed, further, that every aurora' produces immediately its effects upon the scintillation,' that stars in the north are most affected, and that the influence of the phenomenon is most marked for the stars which are observed across the upper regions of the air. Magnetic disturbances also, even when accompanied by no aurora visible at Brussels, increase the scintillation to a marked extent. On two occasions during July, 1881, the effect of magnetic disturbances was observed with no aurora visible in Brussels, or even, so far as can be learned, in any part of Denmark. (Comptes rendus, Feb. 26.) E. H. H. [1062

Deviation of axis of meridian-circle.-M. Loewy of the Paris observatory gives two new methods of determining the azimuth constant of a meridian-circle. The first method depends on the following principle: if we take two points in the path of a star so that the chord joining them is approximately at right angles to the instrumental plane, and not greatly different in length from the polar distance, the inclination of the instrumental axis to the equator can be determined by readings of the instrumental declination and distances from the instrumental plane. Owing to the limited field, only those stars whose polar distances are about 1° 40′ or less can be used. About one hour and forty-six minutes before meridian-transit, simultaneous readings of the right ascension and declination micrometers are made, and also a reading of the circle. It is not necessary to record the time. After an interval of about three hours and a half, the series is repeated. The chord of the path described by the star during this interval From these observawill equal its polar distance. tions, we can deduce the inclination of the instrumental axis to the equator, and by means of this the azimuth constant, without using the right ascension of the star. The method gives thus an independent determination of the azimuth. The old method, that of upper and lower culminations of the same star, requires an interval of twelve hours, thus greatly increasing the uncertainty of the determination on account of instrumental changes; besides, for a large part of the year it can be applied to only one star, a Ursae Minoris.

M. Loewy's second method, which he does not

consider as good as the first, depends on observations of the distance of the star from the instrumental plane, time of observation being accurately noted. When both right ascension and inclination of axis are sought, it is best to observe these polars at an hour angle of about three hours. When the interval between observations is twelve hours, the inclination of the axis can be determined independent of the right ascension.

M. Loewy gives some results of determinations of inclination by his first method which show a very close agreement with the results given by that ordinarily employed. He believes that the probable error of his method will not exceed 0.02.-(Comptes rendus, April 16 and 23.)

M. Mc N.

MATHEMATICS.

[1063

Spherical representation of surfaces. - In a series of previous communications, M. Darboux treated the particular case of spherical representation when the spherical images of the lines of curvature form an orthogonal and isothermal system. In the present communication, he shows how the method previously employed conducts to the complete solution of the problem of spherical representation whenever this solution can be obtained in finite terms. Employing certain propositions due to M. Montard, the author arrives at the conclusion that we can obtain all the cases in which the problem of spherical representation is susceptible of a solution in finite terms, and that, whenever the problem of spherical representation has been solved in any manner for a system of orthogonal curves, we can derive from the obtained solution an entire unlimited series of orthogonal spherical systems. (Comptes rendus, Feb. 5.) T. c. [1064

Motion of a material point. In concluding a paper on a certain peculiar case of the motion of a material point, M. Gascheau considers the problem of finding the equations of motion of a material point acted upon by a central attractive force, varying inversely as the cube of the distance from the point to the centre of action. The trajectory is shown to be an hyperbolic spiral. The curve itself is discussed, and a formula is obtained for its rectification. Special phases of the motion of the point are also investigated. (Bull. soc. math., x. 110. 7.) [1065 Partial differential equations. It is impossible to do more than call attention to this memoir by M. Lemonnier, which treats of the integration of partial differential equations of the first order in n independent variables. The process followed is new, and decidedly simple and interestin scarcely be given here with deal of algebraical work. 7.) T. C.

T. C.

The ancient and modern alluvial deposits are very extensive. The exploration failed to find the zinc and copper localities that were mentioned to them in Tourane, and did not extend so far as to reach the important tin-veins of Laos and Yun-Nan.

Mr. Zeiller, in his study of the fossil flora of the coal-beds of Tong-King, from material brought back by Mr. Fuchs, and in part collected by Mr. Douzans, reports twenty-two species, of which two are new. Out of the twenty remaining, ten are identical with European species, confined exclusively to rhetic beds. Of the remaining species, five belong to the lower Gondwánas, and four to the upper Gondwánas,. while one belongs to both. From this there would seem to be strong reason for considering the coals of Tong-King as of rhetic (upper triassic) age, having analogies with the coals of India (Gondwánas), of South Africa (Karoo series). The coalbasin of the Ternera in the desert of Atacama, between Chili and Bolivia, also contained only rhetic species; and in our own country we have probably analogous beds in the Richmond and North Carolina trias (cf. 1086). — (Ann. des mines, (8), ii. livr. 5.) [1079

J. B. M.

Glacial depression of Scotland. - R. Richardson reviews all the localities at which arctic shells have been found associated with the drift in Scotland, and shows that arctic species not now living in the British seas have been discovered at various high levels throughout Scotland, ranging from 90 to 510 feet above tide at fourteen stations. At lower levels, such discoveries have been much more frequent. The shells are generally referred to interglacial deposits. A neatly drawn map illustrates the paper (Trans. Edinb. geol. soc., iv. 1882, 179). In the same volume, D, Milne-Home devotes part of his inaugural address to the evidence favoring the iceberg theory, stating, that, when due regard is paid to the general south-easterly transport of bowlders at various parts of the United Kingdom, it is difficult to account for such an extensive operation, except by bergs floating in the sea over the submerged land ([b., 124). W. M. D. [1080

Glaciation of Norway.-H. M. Cadell describes the plateau mountains of Norway as an old surface of denudation, now lifted above its former base level of erosion, and greatly roughened by subsequent erosive action. He agrees with Penck in maintaining that there is a fundamental difference between Swiss and Norwegian glaciers; the former originating in sloping fields of névé, while the latter are overflows of upland ice-sheets. Three glaciers descend from the ice of the Folgefond, and twenty-three from the great Justedal ice-plateau. These upper sheets are regarded as small examples of the present Greenland ice, and as remnants of what once 'extended over the whole of northern Europe.' The fiords are described as 'most typical examples of true ice-formed rock-basins,' and it is stated that there is no evidence of fracturing or faulting in the rocks about them (although Kjerulf has shown the contrary statement to be true). - (Trans. Edinb. geol. soc., iv. 1882, 227.) W. M. D. [1081

GEOGRAPHY.

(Alpina.)

Hygiene of mountain climbing. - Dr. Brenner advocates exercise in the high, fine air of mountains as the best protection against the diseases contracted in city life. The characteristics of the mountain climate are the low temperature and air-pressure, the low relative humidity, the high per cent of

Geographic nomenclature. A chapter of definitions of Alpine words used in Trient is contributed by Apollonio, with a valuable pictorial supplement of thirty-seven figures, showing as many types of mountain form. Six cuts illustrate passes, and sixteen are given to peaks, the latter being chiefly of the acute form characteristic of the dolomites. Unfortunately it is not specified whether the figures are taken from nature. The style of work may be commended to our own mountain clubs. — (Ann. soc. alp. trident., viii. 1882, 329.) W. M. D. [1083

(Arctic.)

Arctic notes. - Kumlein's researches among the Eskimo of Cumberland Inlet during the Howgate expedition are summarized and reviewed in the Deutsche geographische blätter, heft ii. 172-178. For the promotion of traffic with Siberia, it is proposed to construct a canal in about latitude 58°, connecting the Yenisei and the Ket branch of the Obi River. The distance is about twenty miles from water to water, but much improvement of the Ket, and a small branch of the Yenisei called the Kas, will be necessary before through navigation will be practicable. An investigation by official engineers is in progress; and, if the difficulties are no greater than anticipated, the work can be rapidly finished, and at a reasonable cost. At present, there are more than fifty steamers on the Obi, while in 1854 there were but two. The U. S. coast-survey has issued several new charts of the Alaskan coast. One covers part of the coalfields of Cook's Inlet, and several glaciers bordering on Kachekmak Bay; another includes the codfishing grounds of the Shumagins, the sea-otter region of the south shores of Aliaska peninsula, and the peninsula itself from Coal Cape to Issannakh Strait. It is partly compiled from published data, but includes much new and important information on both sides of the peninsula. The position which should be taken by Germany, in regard to polar research, was discussed at the first day's meeting of the German geographers at Frankfurt, in March.

Karl Pettersen has printed a scheme for international polar expeditions, which includes stations at Bering Strait, North Spitzbergen, and the northeast coast of Novaia Zemlaia, which should be occupied during summer, for ten years, making observations, watching the changing character of the seasons each year, making short expeditions northward, and annually visited by recruiting vessels, which should bring back the staff of observers at the end of the season. Something of this kind has been done by the more intelligent traders and whalers who annually visit these seas, but whose observations are rough, not comparable, and often lost entirely. Still more near to Pettersen's idea is the plan adopted by the Dutch, whose little schooner, the Willem Barents, has just sailed on her sixth cruise in the arctic European seas, and has each season brought back carefully systematized and comparable observations. — The fourth number of the Mittheilungen of the international polar commission contains a number of notes and letters from various stations. The Lena station, on Sagastir

Island, is comfortably housed on the right bank of the Sagastir mouth of the river in latitude 73° 22′ 30 north, and east longitude 126° 34′ 56′′. Firewood and whitefish were abundant. November was very clear, with little snow, which interfered with reindeer-stalking. Dr. Bunge, the surgeon, had the misfortune of breaking a rib through a fall, but was doing well, and was visited by many Tungusi, who wished for medical advice. The last number of the Irkutsk bulletin contains four months' observations of the temperature of the air, by Ivan W. Pavloff, an exile, at the village of Marsha, the period covering August to November, 1882.- A communication from the Danish ministry to the Parliament gives an account of the condition of the colonies in West Greenland for the year 1882. It is stated that the plans of Dr. Boas for his studies of the Innuit of Cumberland Inlet and vicinity embrace a visit this fall to Iglulik, and a return to Cumberland Inlet via the unknown west shores of Baffin Land, wintering at the station; and, next year, an investigation of the little-known tribe of Eclipse Sound and Pond Inlet, returning by the most convenient whaleship. [1084

- W. H. D.

(South America.) Bove's Patagonian voyage. - Lieut. G. Bove gives a narrative of his unfortunate voyage southward from Montevideo, whence he sailed Dec. 25, 1881, to Santa Cruz, on the eastern coast of Patagonia, Staten Island, the easternmost of the Fuegian Archipelago, and other islands near Cape Horn, until his wreck in Hammacoja (Sloggett's Bay) on May 31, 1882. Santa Cruz is described as the fittest centre for the population of southern Patagonia, having a tolerable anchorage, and fair supply of water and wood, and a climate not too severe. But it is a poor place at best; for the surrounding country is dry and desolate, and the strong currents are continually shifting the sand-bars in its river-channel. The spring tides rise 16 met., and produce a violent bore. Forty days were given to a careful exploration of Staten Island: it is very mountainous, with peaks rising to 850 met., and a deeply indented shore-line; its rocks are mostly schists and quartzites, with nothing more recent than carboniferous strata; evidence of glacial action is distinctly found in old moraines and numerous lakes; and peat bogs of great area occur not only near sea-level, but on the mountain flanks as well. Further description of this region may be given in later reports. The islands next explored near Cape Horn are seldom visited; and one regrets to find so little description given of them in Bove's account, although as a simple narrative it possesses much interest. While the southern islands were extremely barren, a better country was found farther northward along the deep fiords; as, for example, about the successful English mission at Ustchiuvaja, - a fine site, with good anchorage, and sufficient wood and water, and pasturage for cattle, on the On-astchiaga (Beagle Channel). Bove compares the snowy Sarmiento peak (2,300 met.) to the finest of Alpine scenery: it gains from contrast with the sea what it loses in absolute height. Extended glacial action is often referred to; but, in the mention of rounded rocks and abandoned moraines, there is again need of more definite statement. Recent glacial retreat was shown by the interval of 100 met. between the foot of the Negri glacier and its nearest terminal moraine. The final wreck of the vessel was occasioned by the selection of an anchorage, unprotected on the southeast, where a rising storm exposed it to such severe weather and waves, that it was hastily decided that the only chance of safety lay in running ashore.

This was accomplished without loss of life, and much was saved from the stranded vessel. After five days' waiting, their only boat was launched, and a few men returned in it to the English mission aboved named, whence the mission vessel, Allen Gardiner, was at once despatched, and rescued the entire party on June 10, after they had been somewhat disturbed by a band of natives. A rough outline map, and some views of doubtful accuracy, are among the few illustrations; those of the Fuegians, accompanying the author's special description of the Jagan tribe of the southern islands, being much better. Reports on zoölogy, botany, and geology, by Vinciguerra, Spegazzini, and Lovisata, all members of the expedition, give information of technical value (cf. 1100). — (Boll. soc. geogr. ital., viii. 1883, 5, 89.) [1085

W. M. D.

(Asia.)

Indo-China. A successful search in certain parts of this peninsula for coal, iron, and gold, gave M. Edmond Fuchs opportunity to note some of its physical peculiarities. Its larger features are: the valley of the Red River (Song-ka) or Tonking, fertile and open, occupied by 12,000,000 inhabitants, and containing valuable coal of early mesozoic age; next westward, the granitic plateau of Laos (Annam), flanked with ranges of ancient slates, abruptly descending to the coast on the east, and with a long slope to the west into the valley of the Mekong, — å great river 1,800 miles long, with a rapidly growing delta, which is included in French Cochin-China. The daily discharge of this stream is estimated at almost 4,000,000,000 cubic metres, with a thousandth part of silt. By the extension of the delta, an old bay between mountain spurs on the north-west has been shut off, and now appears as the great Cambodian Lake, nearly two hundred miles inland. At the time of high water, the Mekong rises some forty feet, and reverses the current in the lake's outlet, flooding it with muddy water, and thus filling the lake from its lower end. Interesting notes are added on the native population, and further details are given on the geology and mineral resources of the vast region (cf. 1079).- (Rev. scient., 1883, 482.) W. M. D.

no comment.

BOTANY.

[1086

Experiments upon variation in plants. In the botanical garden in Giessen, Prof. H. Hoffmann has conducted for many years an interesting series of researches upon variation, the results of which have been published from time to time, with little or The last notice gives a few facts relative to constancy of color, which may be briefly stated as follows: Adonis aestivalis, pure red, selfsown for 15 years, 410 plants in 15 generations, without any change of color; same species, yellow variety, no change in 13 generations.

Hieracium alpinum is regarded by Kerner as a plant which cannot thrive on a lime soil. Hoffmann obtained, however, good seeds from specimens grown in soil rich in lime, and afterwards carried on a series of observations relative to the variation of the species in soil both with and without lime. He found the widest variability as regards the branching and leaves; but, with the most divergent forms, he had also in every generation a few perfectly typical plants. — (Bot. zeit., April, May.) G. L. G. [1087

Pollination of Rulingia.- According to Urban, several species of this Australian genus of Byttneriaceae possess curious adaptations to crossing by insect aid. The flowers are small (one cm. or less in di

ameter) and whitish. The pistil secretes nectar, which collects about it or in the hollowed petals. At first the stigma is closely covered by five dilated staminodia, closely inflexed over it for a time, but later separate. In R. pannosa there is well-marked protandry, the staminodia not separating, nor the stigma maturing, until the stamens are all dehiscent. R. corylifolia, on the other hand, is synacmic, the expansion of the sepals and the dehiscence of the stamens occurring in regular succession, and being closely followed by the successive removal of the staminodia from the mature stigma. R. parviflora is intermediate between the two species already mentioned. Its flowers assume a rosy color with age, like those of Trillium grandiflorum, Weigelia, etc. - (Sitzungsb. deutsch. bot. ges., 1883, i.) W. T.

[1088

Pinus koraiensis Sieb. and Zucc.-Through the kindness of Chief Engineer G. W. Melville, U.S.N., Mr. Josiah Hoopes had received some specimens of this interesting species of pine collected during the voyage of the unfortunate Jeannette. They consist of a branch clothed with foliage, two immature cones, and a few mature seeds from eastern Siberia. The trees were seen along the banks of the Lena, the Yenisei, and the Obi rivers, growing to a height of about thirty feet, with trunks about ten inches in diameter at base. The collector further states that it fruits abundantly, and that the edible seeds are used by the natives as food, and by travellers as nuts. It is interesting to note that this heretofore comparatively rare species has a wider habitat, and is more numerous, than has generally been supposed. Siebold found it in Kamtchatka, and various authors have described it in the list of Japanese Coniferae as a rare introduced species.

This nut-bearing pine is well marked throughout, and especially so in its cones and seeds, the latter being wingless, sub-angulate, flatly compressed, leaving on both sides of the scale, when removed, remarkably deep impressions. The cones are very distinctive, with long reflexed scales, terminating in an abrupt mucro-like apex. Murray, in his Pines and firs of Japan, records its height as from ten to twelve feet; but Parlatore, on the authority of Perfetti, gives it as 'sometimes thirty to thirty-three feet. The latter is corroborated by Mr. Melville, thus indicating that the tree is a true northern species, attaining its greatest size only near the extreme limits of arboreal vegetation. It will, no doubt, make a valuable addition to our list of ornamental conifers, as its hardiness is unquestioned, and the foliage is as attractive as any other of the white-pine group, with the exception, perhaps, of P. excelsa. In England it has proven reliable, and the small plants cultivated by Mr. Hoopes show evidences of success. (Acad. nat. sc. Philad.; meeting May 8.) [1089

ZOOLOGY. Coelenterates.

Recent researches upon the Pennatulida. — As the result of a prolonged study of Renilla, Dr. Wilson gives a brief summary of his results and conclusions upon the following topics: the segmentation of the egg and the formation of the germ-layers, the formation of the organs and tissues of the axial polyp, the origin of the community by budding from the axial polyp, the significance of the polymorphism and bilateral symmetry of the community.

During segmentation the division of the nuclei appears to be nearly regular; but the vitellus may either divide with the first division of the nuclei, or it may remain at rest until a much later stage. In some

eggs the first division of the vitellus was into thirtytwo spheres. After segmentation the ectoderm is separated by delamination from the solid central endodermic mass, and the supporting layer is secreted from the inner ends of the ectoderm-cells.

The gastric cavity, which has at first no communication with the exterior, is formed by absorption of the central endoderm-cells by those which are more peripherally placed, and the oesophagus is formed as a solid invagination of ectoderm. Its central end is not simply perforated, but absorbed, during the formation of the mouth. The peduncular septum consists of three layers of endoderm-cells, and the author therefore believes that it is morphologically a fused pair of septa. The muscles are developed as processes from the bases of the endoderm-cells; and the cell-body, in many cases at least, becomes reduced to a small granular mass enclosing the nucleus, and closely applied to the side of the muscular fibre. The apicules are developed in the interior of cells, and are of two kinds (ectodermic and endodermic), which differ much in form and size

The buds which are to form the sexual polyps are developed along the axial polyp in pairs, as two simple lateral rows, and each of them soon becomes a secondary axis for two rows of buds which appear in the angles between the older buds. The law of budding is the same for the zooids and polyps.

The hauptzooid is formed at an early stage as a median bud upon the axial polyp; and its function is to discharge water from the colony, while the other zooids draw in water, as do also the young sexual polyps, but not the adults. Wilson therefore concludes that the zooids are homologous with young sexual polyps; that they are polyps in a state of arrested development. He believes that the polymorphism of the community has not been brought about by the gradual specialization of an undifferentiated community, but that the ancestors of the zooids never possessed a higher organization than at present. He believes that the bilateral symmetry of the community has been directly determined by the bilateral environment, and he holds that Renilla is descended from a form like the Bathyptileae, and not, as Kölliker believes, from a primitive simple 'Archyptilum.'

The paper is an abstract of an extended monograph which is to be published in the Phil. trans.; but the author is an American naturalist, and the researches were made upon the coast of North Carolina. — (Proc. royal soc., no. 222.)

Living specimens of the very rare genus Funiculina have been obtained near Lisman Island, and they have been observed and studied by A. Milnes Marshall and William P. Marshall. The immature or young specimens have all the characteristics of Funiculina Forbesii (Verrill), while the full-grown ones are typical specimens of F. quadrangularis (Pallas); and the authors therefore reject Verrill's identification of the northern form as a new species. The paper contains a revision of the literature of the Pennatulidae, and an account of the general anatomy of Funiculina, Virgularia, and Pennatula, but it adds very little to the researches of Kölliker and others. (Rep. Oban Pennatulidae.) [1090 Hydro-medusae without digestive organs. Dr. Lendenfeld describes a new sub-family of hydroids, Eucopellinae, in which the medusa has no digestive organs, and lives only a short time after its escape from the genophore. Only one species, Eucopella campanularia, is known, and this is found in AustraThe larva is a campanularian whose hydranths are carried upon short, unbranched stems, which

lia.

W. K. B.

Island, is comfortably housed on the right bank of the Sagastir mouth of the river in latitude 73° 22′ 0 north, and east longitude 126° 34′ 56′′. Firewood and whitefish were abundant. November was very clear, with little snow, which interfered with reindeer-stalking. Dr. Bunge, the surgeon, had the misfortune of breaking a rib through a fall, but was doing well, and was visited by many Tungusi, who wished for medical advice. The last number of the Irkutsk bulletin contains four months' observations of the temperature of the air, by Ivan W. Pavloff, an exile, at the village of Marsha, the period covering August to November, 1882.- A communication from the Danish ministry to the Parliament gives an account of the condition of the colonies in West Greenland for the year 1882. It is stated that the plans of Dr. Boas for his studies of the Innuit of Cumberland Inlet and vicinity embrace a visit this fall to Iglulik, and a return to Cumberland Inlet via the unknown west shores of Baffin Land, wintering at the station; and, next year, an investigation of the little-known tribe of Eclipse Sound and Pond Inlet, returning by the most convenient whaleship.w. H. D. [1084

(South America.)

Bove's Patagonian voyage.-Lieut. G. Bove gives a narrative of his unfortunate voyage southward from Montevideo, whence he sailed Dec. 25, 1881, to Santa Cruz, on the eastern coast of Patagonia, Staten Island, the easternmost of the Fuegian Archipelago, and other islands near Cape Horn, until his wreck in Hammacoja (Sloggett's Bay) on May 31, 1882. Santa Cruz is described as the fittest centre for the population of southern Patagonia, having a tolerable anchorage, and fair supply of water and wood, and a climate not too severe. But it is a poor place at best; for the surrounding country is dry and desolate, and the strong currents are continually shifting the sand-bars in its river-channel. The spring tides rise 16 met., and produce a violent bore. Forty days were given to a careful exploration of Staten Island: it is very mountainous, with peaks rising to 850 met., and a deeply indented shore-line; its rocks are mostly schists and quartzites, with nothing more recent than carboniferous strata; evidence of glacial action is distinctly found in old moraines and numerous lakes; and peat bogs of great area occur not only near sea-level, but on the mountain flanks as well. Further description of this region may be given in later reports. The islands next explored near Cape Horn are seldom visited; and one regrets to find so little description given of them in Bove's account, although as a simple narrative it possesses much interest. While the southern islands were extremely barren, a better country was found farther northward along the deep fiords; as, for example, about the successful English mission at Ustchiuvaja, -a fine site, with good anchorage, and sufficient wood and water, and pasturage for cattle, on the On-astchiaga (Beagle Channel). Bove compares the snowy Sarmiento peak (2,300 met.) to the finest of Alpine scenery: it gains from contrast with the sea what it loses in absolute height. Extended glacial action is often referred to; but, in the mention of rounded rocks and abandoned moraines, there is again need of more definite statement. Recent glacial retreat was shown by the interval of 100 met. between the foot of the Negri glacier and its nearest terminal moraine. The final wreck of the vessel was occasioned by the selection of an anchorage, unprotected on the southeast, where a rising storm exposed it to such severe weather and waves, that it was hastily decided that the only chance of safety lay in running ashore.

This was accomplished without loss of life, and much was saved from the stranded vessel. After five days' waiting, their only boat was launched, and a few men returned in it to the English mission aboved named, whence the mission vessel, Alleu Gardiner, was at once despatched, and rescued the entire party on June 10, after they had been somewhat disturbed by a band of natives. A rough outline map, and some views of doubtful accuracy, are among the few illustrations; those of the Fuegians, accompanying the author's special description of the Jagan tribe of the southern islands, being much better. Reports on zoology, botany, and geology, by Vinciguerra, Spegazzini, and Lovisata, all members of the expedition, give information of technical value (cf. 1100). — (Boll. soc. geogr. ital., viii. 1883, 5, 89.) [1085

W. M. D.

(Asia.)

Indo-China. A successful search in certain parts of this peninsula for coal, iron, and gold, gave M. Edmond Fuchs opportunity to note some of its physical peculiarities. Its larger features are: the valley of the Red River (Song-ka) or Tonking, fertile and open, occupied by 12,000,000 inhabitants, and containing valuable coal of early mesozoic age; next westward, the granitic plateau of Laos (Annam), flanked with ranges of ancient slates, abruptly descending to the coast on the east, and with a long slope to the west into the valley of the Mekong, — a great river 1,800 miles long, with a rapidly growing delta, which is included in French Cochin-China. The daily discharge of this stream is estimated at almost 4,000,000,000 cubic metres, with a thousandth part of silt. By the extension of the delta, an old bay between mountain spurs on the north-west has been shut off, and now appears as the great Cambodian Lake, nearly two hundred miles inland. At the time of high water, the Mekong rises some forty feet, and reverses the current in the lake's outlet, flooding it with muddy water, and thus filling the lake from its lower end. Interesting notes are added on the native population, and further details are given on the geology and mineral resources of the vast region (cf. 1079). (Rev. scient., 1883, 482.) W. M. D.

no comment.

BOTANY.

[1086

Experiments upon variation in plants. - In the botanical garden in Giessen, Prof. H. Hoffmann has conducted for many years an interesting series of researches upon variation, the results of which have been published from time to time, with little or The last notice gives a few facts relative to constancy of color, which may be briefly stated as follows: Adonis aestivalis, pure red, selfsown for 15 years, 410 plants in 15 generations, without any change of color; same species, yellow variety, no change in 13 generations.

Hieracium alpinum is regarded by Kerner as a plant which cannot thrive on a lime soil. Hoffmann obtained, however, good seeds from specimens grown in soil rich in lime, and afterwards carried on a series of observations relative to the variation of the species in soil both with and without lime. He found the widest variability as regards the branching and leaves; but, with the most divergent forms, he had also in every generation a few perfectly typical plants. (Bot. zeit., April, May.) G. L. G.

[1087