the idea that the Funafuti reefs are now very different from what they were when the core was being formed. Practically Lithothamnion, Halimeda, Heliopora, Millepora, Porites, Madrepora and Pocillopora are stated to be the only sedentary organisms of importance at the present day, the section being little more than an essay on them. We look in vain for precise accounts of upgrowing shoals more than two or three fathoms deep, of the silting up of the lagoon, and of the outward extension of its encircling reefs. Does the boring alga Cliona occur in the living reef corals, and do boring worms affect them? The detailed account of the collections from the outer slope is not included in the present report, a matter of regret when one considers their importance in connection with the depth of formation of the core and with certain theories of coral reef construction. As it few-the but the dredgings were evidently too naturalists had only an open row boat-for deductions to be drawn as to the occurrence of individual species and genera. The main part of the work, that on the boring, appropriately commences with a general introduction by Prof. Judd, in whose hands its supervision was placed. From the main hole, 1114 feet, about 384 feet of core was obtained. It was carefully labelled, and boxes of sand collected at intervals to fill up its gaps. From the middle of each piece of rock a slice was taken longitudinally, the total length of these being the total length of the core. These slices were then examined, and from all portions which presented difficulty microscopic sections were ground. The corals of much of the core being in the form of casts, a set of wax impressions of recent forms was made for is, the general report on them forms one of the most interesting sections of the volume, and it is greatly to be hoped that the specimens will subsequently be deposited with the core. The face of the cliff, 40 to 140 fathoms, is apparently composed mainly of the remains of the same organisms as form the shelf above, while the area at its base, from 140 to 200 fathoms, is covered by a talus of the same. A few true corals and some Halimeda (one piece 86 fathoms) were obtained below 40 fathoms, but this depth is considered to be about their true limit. Lithothamnion and Polytrema grew in abundance from the surface to 200 fathoms, while Cycloclypeus, a foraminiferan sparingly present in the core between 570 and 1070 feet, was found from 30 to 200 fathoms. In addition some deep-sea corals and other organisms were secured, comparison. Prof. Judd personally contributes a most valuable article on the chemical composition of the core (Section xiii.), while to Dr. Hinde we owe its detailed examination and the elucidation of the nature of its organisms, with the exception of the Foraminifera, assigned to Mr. Chapman (Section xi.). Lastly, Dr. Cullis gives a full report on its mineralogical changes (Section xiv.). From the surface to a depth of 748 feet only 72 feet of core were brought up. The first 150 feet gave 26 feet, consisting mainly of corals and the regular reef organisms very little changed in any way. Deeper the aragonite of the corals was found to have been gradually dissolved, other organisms of more resistant structure persisting, until at about 400 feet such core as there is consists of cavernous limestone, formed largely of Foraminifera with casts of corals, the whole cemented together by crystalline calcite. Foraminifera predominate still more between 637 and 748 feet, where the rock becomes soft and chalky looking, crystalline dolomite largely replacing calcite as the cementing material. From this depth to the bottom, 366 feet, the core was 311 feet long, the rock being a hard dolomitic limestone, with frequent cavities where organisms had been dissolved out. Corals are only represented by casts, and these are generally very badly preserved, though in some places protected by incrustations of Polytrema or Lithothamnion. Here and there occurs a disposition to form alternate bands of corals and Foraminifera mixed with detritus, the thickness of the latter considerably exceeding that of the former. The whole core was divided into 1065 lengths, each of which has been separately examined and described which the various expeditions were sent out to solve. Their matured judgment, after examining the whole core, could not but have been of great value. It is quite clear, however, that they consider the whole core, running through nearly 200 fathoms, to consist of the same materials and to have been formed in the same way. Lithothamnion, Polytrema, and certain Foraminifera extend through the whole of it, but also live down to 200 fathoms. Unfortunately our knowledge of the bathymetrical limits of corals is less certain, but, so far as it at present goes, they cannot have grown at a greater depth than 50 fathoms. The characteristic sedentary organisms of 50 to 200 fathoms are stated to be absent from the core, and, if this be the case, it seems almost certain that Funafuti in its upper 200 fathoms owes its formation to some change or changes of level in the sea floor. Had there been such a subsidence practically all FIG. 2.-Ocean Side of Funafuti Island, from the living Lithothamnion Reef to the Hurricane Beach, opposite the Site of the main Boring. by Dr. Hinde. The core from the borings of the first expedition was similarly treated, as was also that from the lagoon boring, though the latter was largely fragmentary in its nature. It was situated about one and a half miles from the middle of the eastern rim of the lagoon, and commenced at a depth of 101 feet. Two borings were made, the deeper reaching a depth of 144 feet below the floor of the lagoon. To a depth of 70 feet an uncemented material was obtained consisting mainly of Halimeda fronds and a few Foraminifera. Below, this was gradually replaced by a porous, rubbly limestone formed of the same genera of corals as now live in the lagoon, together with Foraminifera, the whole cemented by calcite into a hard rock. In our opinion it is unfortunate that Prof. Judd and Dr. Hinde have not clearly expressed their opinions on the formation of the atoll, really the sole question the corals of the core should be in their positions of growth. Corals are frequently stated in the report to be so, but the question as to whether they are or are not is such an important one that the full evidence should have been given. Coral colonies differ largely in different parts of their surfaces, but that any conclusions could be drawn from casts as to their positions of growth seems doubtful. Again, the relatively small size of the corals found in the 'core-five or six or more corals per foot-does not agree with the usual descriptions that have been given of coral growth in situ, and seems better explained by the consolidation of a heap of dead corals. If the rock were formed by a growing reef in shallow water it should be observed that no reef similar in its constitution was found by Mr. Finckh. However, the authors evidently consider that they have proved a vertical thickness of nearly 200 fathoms of rock not showing organisms other than live in the upper 50 fathoms, and in that case the conclusion can hardly be avoided that subsidence has taken place. The analysis of the core rock shows that down to about 640 feet it is a limestone, between 10 and 35 feet containing more than 10 per cent. of magnesium carbonate with two maxima of about 16 per cent., but below this averaging about 4 per cent. Still deeper it becomes dolomitic, containing upwards of 40 per cent of magnesium carbonate, but in one area, 820 to 870 feet, averaging less than 15 per cent., with further falls at 1061 and 1080 feet. The presence of 4 to 5 per cent. of magnesium carbonate is explained by the leaching out (solution) of the more soluble calcium carbonate, while the magnesium carbonate is left to enrich the rock. This factor will not serve to explain either the large amount near the surface or the enormous increases at certain depths, but the reader should carefully consider for himself Prof. Judd's discussion of the chemical changes. Considered in its entirety, the work has been well and carefully done. It adds immensely to our knowledge of the possible means of the formation of coral reefs, and shows that subsidence may have at any rate played a dominant part in the formation of Funafuti. The illustrations are well chosen and all that could be desired. The geology is illustrated by an admirable series of maps. Indeed, the work reflects immense credit on all who have been connected with it, and cannot but be of great permanent value. THE FORTHCOMING CAMBRIDGE MEETING Cambridge will be held this year from August 17 to August 24. In 1833, the third year of its existence, the association met at Cambridge under the presidency of Prof. Adam Sedgwick; Sir J. F. W. Herschel presided over the second meeting in 1845, and the third Cambridge meeting was held in 1862 under the presidency of Prof. Willis. The arrangements are already sufficiently advanced to admit of a preliminary forecast of the programme of the meeting next August. The invitation to the association to visit Cambridge in 1904 was presented by the university and the town, and by the county councils of Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Ely, and these bodies are all represented on the various committees entrusted with the local arrangements. The Mayor and Corporation have kindly consented to the use of the Guildhall for the purposes of a reception room; the Corn Exchange will be utilised for the president's address on August 17, and the lectures will be given in the new theatre. The sectional meetings will in most cases be held in the buildings of the several science departments. The sections are the following:-A, mathematical and physical science, president, Prof. Horace Lamb, F.R.S.; B, chemistry, president, Prof. Sydney Young, F.R.S.; C, geology, president, Mr. Aubrey Strahan, F.R.S.; D, Zoology, president, Mr. William Bateson, F.R.S.; E, geography, president, Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield; F, economic science and statistics, president, Prof. William Smart; G, engineering, president, Hon. Charles A. Parsons, F.R.S.; H, anthropology, president, Mr. Henry Balfour; I, physiology, president, Prof. C. S. Sherrington. F.R.S.; K, botany, president, Mr. Francis Darwin, F.R.S.; L, educational science, president, the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Hereford. A “Handbook to the Natural History of Cambridge shire," specially written for the meeting under the editorship of Dr. J. E. Marr and Mr. A. E. Shipley, will be published by the University Press; the syndics of the Press have decided to present a copy to each ticket-holder, provided that the number to be supplied for the purpose does not exceed 2000 copies. A special edition of Mr. J. W. Clark's "Guide to the Town and University "will be presented to each member of the association, also a series of excursion guides, together with a coloured map of East Anglia supplied by the Director-General of the Ordnance Surveys. Emmanuel College has agreed to entertain the secretaries of sections. The majority of the colleges have expressed their willingness to entertain free of charge a limited number of distinguished guests, and some of the colleges have agreed to place rooms at the disposal of members of the association, making a charge for meals and attendance. ham Colleges, and the Ladies' Training College, have also agreed to extend hospitality and lodging accommodation to British and foreign visitors. Girton and Newn A considerable number of favourable replies have been received in answer to invitations issued to American and foreign men of science; it is expected that at least 100 visitors from abroad will be present. The master and fellows of Trinity College have kindly granted the use of the college for a conversazione and reception to be held on Thursday, August 18. The Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and the Mayor of Cambridge will entertain the members and associates at a garden-party in the Botanic Garden on Monday, August 22. The High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire has also expressed his intention of giving a garden-party during the meeting. It is hoped that a table d'hôte lunch will be served on week-days in certain college halls. Light refreshments will be served each day (including Sunday) in the Masonic Hall, adjoining the museums and close to the reception room, from 12 to 8 p.m. It has also been arranged to have an open-air café and beergarden on ground adjoining the museums, which will be open on week-days from 11 to 6. The committee has provisionally arranged eleven excursions for Saturday, August 20. These include Audley End and Saffron Walden, Brandon and Didlington Hall (flint-knapping industry and Lord Amherst's collection of Egyptian antiquities), Cromer (geological), the Dykes of Cambridgeshire; Ely, Hatfield and St. Albans, Lincoln, Lynn, Castle Rising and Sandringham, Norwich, Wicken Fen, Wisbech and Woad Works. 66 On Thursday afternoon, August 18, the registrary of the university, Mr. J. Willis Clark, will deliver a lecture on "The Origin and Growth of the University." The evening lecture on Friday, August 19, will be on Ripple-marks and Sand-dunes," by Prof. George Darwin, and on Monday, August 22, the second evening lecture will be delivered by Prof. Osborne, of New York, who will give an account of "Recent Explorations and Researches on Extinct Mammalia.” On Saturday, August 20, Dr. J. E. Marr will lecture to the operative classes on "The Forms of Mountains." On Friday, August 19, a garden-party will be given by the principal of Girton College, and on Tuesday afternoon, August 23, members of the association will be entertained at Newnham College. A classified list of lodgings and hotel accommodation is now being prepared for the use of intending visitors. Information in regard to lodgings may be obtained from Mr. A. Hutchinson, Pembroke College. General inquiries should be addressed either to the local secretaries, British Association, or to Mr. A. C. Seward, Emmanuel College, Cambridge. MR. FRANCIS GALTON is about to address a circular letter and a schedule of questions to each fellow of the Royal Society on "Ability in Families." He asks for a return of those relatives in specified near degrees who have achieved any kind of " noteworthy success. This is defined to be a success in any pursuit whatever that ranks among those who follow that pursuit at least as high as success in gaining the title of F.R.S. ranks among men of science. Nothing is desired that is otherwise than honourable to members of the family, and nothing that has not already appeared in print, though it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for a stranger to hunt it all out for himself. This new form of hereditary inquiry is expected to be fruitful of results, and will probably be extended in other directions after the experience of the present attempt. THE death is announced of Dr. A. P. Aitken, professor of chemistry and toxicology in the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, Edinburgh, since 1875. MR. PERCY LONGMUIR, of University College, Sheffield, has been appointed junior assistant in the metallurgical department of the National Physical Laboratory. Mr. Longmuir is a pupil of Prof. Arnold, and has for two years been engaged in research as a Carnegie scholar of the Iron and Steel Institute. He will at present assist Dr. Carpenter in carrying on the work undertaken by the laboratory for the Alloys Research Committee of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. As the searches hitherto made for Baron Toll's polar expedition have been in vain, a reward of 5000 roubles (500l.) is offered by the Academy of Sciences at St. Petersburg for finding the whole expedition party, or any part of it, and a reward of 2500 roubles (250l.) for giving the first exact indications of tracing the party. The expedition, which was sent out by the Academy of Sciences, left the Bennett Island, lying north of New Siberia, on October 26 (November 8), 1902, taking a southern direction. It has been suggested that the expedition may have drifted towards Franz Josef Land, and it is therefore desired to direct the special attention of whalers to this notice. THE Weights and Measures Bill, designed to secure greater uniformity in the administration of the law relating to weights and measures, was read a second time in the House of Commons on April 15. In moving the second reading, Mr. Bousfield explained the provisions of the Bill, and pointed out that the fourth section of the Bill had reference to the metric system. It was proposed that after January 1, 1908, the two abnormal systems of troy weight and apothecaries' weight should be abolished in favour of the metric system. This would produce no disorganisation of trade, and would be an instalment of the reform desired, which, although a measure was now before the other House, it was unlikely that any Government would make en bloc. as it would at first result in unpopularity. In the subsequent debate many objections were raised to this section of the Bill, and it was on the understanding that the section referring to the metric system was to be withdrawn that the Bill was read a second time. WE regret to see the announcement of the death of Sir Henry Thompson, distinguished as a surgeon and by his active interest in many departments of science. Sir Henry Thompson was born at Framlingham, Suffolk, on August 6, 1820, and received his early education at University College, London. He gained the Jacksonian prize of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1852 and 1860 for essays on surgical subjects. In 1866 he was appointed professor of clinical surgery in University College Hospital; and in 1884 he became professor of pathology and surgery to the Royal College of Surgeons. He took a leading part in the establishment of cremation in this country as a proper method of disposal of the dead, and was president of the Cremation Society from its foundation in 1874. He was the author of numerous works, including volumes and papers on the branches of surgery in which he was an acknowledged master, on motor cars, horses, diet and death certification, and also of two novels. For several years he cultivated astronomical studies, and had a well equipped observatory constructed at Molesey, but this was abandoned after a time, and the two fine refractors were presented to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. Later, in 1897, Sir Henry Thompson added to his gift the thirty inch photographic reflector which bears his name. He was knighted in 1867 and created a baronet in 1899, and was the recipient of many honours and distinctions from professional and other learned societies, both at home and abroad. PROF. C. L. BRISTOL, professor of biology, New York New York University unite with the Bermuda Natural THERE is at Durango, Mexico, a great mass of iron ore which has figured in story and fable for 300 years, and was thought to be a meteorite by Humboldt, who, however, did not quite reach Durango in his explorations. Mr. Le Roy, the United States Consul at Durango, now reports that the mass proves to be a remarkable dyke, emerging from a rocky plain at the elevation of 6300 feet, rising from 400 feet to 650 feet in height itself, and forming a mass of iron ore a mile long and one-third of a mile wide. It has been calculated that it contains 500 to 660 million gross tons above the surface, while there are no means of knowing what may be below. The ore is a hard specular hematite, with, on an average, 60 per cent. of metallic iron, much of it going up even to 67 per cent. THE recent annual presidential address of Mr. T. Fairley to the Society of Analysts has been published as a separate pamphlet, a copy of which has reached us. The president, we notice, directed attention to the fact that we are falling behind both Germany and America in research work in analytical chemistry, and proceeded to urge each member of the society to do his utmost, not only to remove this reproach, but to seek to restore to this country a front rank in the cultivation of this branch of chemistry. THERE was a considerable attendance at the triennial meeting of the German Meteorological Society held at Berlin during Easter week, under the presidency of Prof. von Bezold, the meetings being held at the Institut für Meereskunde. Numerous papers were read and discussed, those on April 7 and 9 being mainly meteorological, and those on April 8 electrical and magnetical, the one which occasioned the most animated discussion being communicated by Prof. Holdefleiss, Halle-" Ueber die meteorologischen Ursachen des Auswinterns des Getreides." On the afternoon of April 7 the members were conducted over the Meteorological Institute in the Schinkelplatze; that of April 8 was devoted to the Physical Observatory at Potsdam; that of April 9 to the meteorological and military balloon and kite flying establishments at Tegel, and the evening to the Geographical Society's meeting; and Sunday evening to the Astronomical Observatory at Treptow. At Tegel the Luftschiff military section charged a balloon of 600 cubic metres within three minutes; within fifteen minutes it had been attached to its car, and, with two officers on board, had disappeared beyond the clouds. The military authorities also carried out wireless telegraphy experiments by means of kites. Dr. Assmann, in charge of the meteorological station, had observations taken at a considerable elevation by means of a kite, and also dispatched a small rubber free balloon with a set of instruments attached. In accordance with an imperial decree, the duties of the Earthquake Committee of the Academy of Sciences of Vienna have been transferred to the Central Meteorological Office, the director of which is Dr. J. M. Pernter. title of the institution is now changed to K.k. Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik. The In our issue of December 10, 1903 (p. 135), attention was directed to some of the leading features of a paper read by Dr. H. R. Mill at a meeting of the Institution of Civil Engineers on November 24, on the mean and extreme annual rainfall over the British Isles. A complete copy of this valuable paper has now been received, containing an abstract of the discussion upon it. It is accompanied by three tinted maps showing respectively the mean rainfall in 1870-99, the maximum rainfall in 1872, and the minimum in 1887. There are also three outline maps showing the positions of stations used, and the distribution of the extremes of annual rainfall, the years of occurrence being entered in the geographical positions of the stations. A glance at the map of stations shows that great care has been exercised in their selection, and that materials were forthcoming (except in one or two of the Irish districts) for a remarkably uniform distribution of stations over the whole of the British Islands. THE great dustfall of February, 1903, has been discussed by Dr. H. R. Mill and R. G. K. Lempfert, and the results published in the Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society of January last. Before the completion of this investigation an elaborate discussion of the same phenomenon was published by Dr. E. Hermann, of Hamburg, in the Annalen der Hydrographie for October and November, 1903. The English authors have approached the subject from a somewhat different point of view from that taken by Dr. Hermann, and have concerned themselves mainly with the relation between the fall of dust and the larger motions of the atmosphere, illustrated by a series of maps embracing the North Atlantic and the western portion of Europe. They have also paid more particular attention to the fall over the British Islands. The area over which it fell thickly in England and Wales is estimated at not less than 20,000 square miles, to the south of a line drawn from Anglesey through Wrexham and Northampton to Ipswich, and the total deposit in England is estimated at not less than ten million tons. There is strong evidence in favour of the dust being of African origin, and that it travelled at a very high altitude. The paper includes some interesting descriptions of competent observers, and a valuable note of a microscopical examination of a number of specimens of the dust by Dr. J. S. Flett, of H.M. Geological Survey. the stiff tail is used to support the animal. Prof. Osborn remarks" I have not seen this interesting fact recorded elsewhere. It is, however, possible that it is well known among students of the habits of this animal." THE Occasional appearance during winter of pipistrelle bats, hedgehogs, and frogs, according to a paper by Mr. C. B. Moffat in the April number of the Irish Naturalist, is, in Ireland at any rate, much more frequent than is commonly supposed. In the same issue Mr. G. C. Gough discusses the formation of iron-ore in Lough Neagh, and concludes that this is chiefly due to the decomposition of the magnetite in the surrounding rocks. AMONG the contents of the Jahrbuch of the Nassau Naturalists' Union, published at Wiesbaden, is an article by the editor, Dr. A. Pachenstacher, on the hawk-moths and Bombycida collected by Baron Carlos von Erlanger during his travels in Shoa, Gallaland, and Somaliland in 1900 and 1901. In another paper Dr. W. Schuster describes the enormous number of long-eared owls nesting in the warm Mayence basin. |