knowledge of a large assortment of theorems is necessary; but the practical value of the study to students who are neither engineers nor architects is another matter.

There is, however, another kind of mathematical drawing which does not fall under any of these heads, and which consists in the invention of graphic solutions of equations which can be solved with great difficulty, if at all, by the stock processes of accurate mathematics. This branch is at once the most useful and the most vague; it is impossible to lay down its principles in systematic order-it must be learnt by abundant exemplification.

The ordinary academic problems of statics and hydrostatics furnish many examples of this subject, but only a few of these can be noticed here.

If AB and BC are two ladders freely jointed together at B, of different weights and lengths, placed with the ends A and C resting on a rough horizontal plane, A being prevented from moving while C is drawn out along the plane, the inclinations, 0, 4, of AB and BC to the ground when the limiting position is reached are determined from two equations of the forms

a sin -b sin $=0; m tan 0+n tan =k,

where a, b, m, n, k are all given quantities. The graphic solution of these equations is effected with great ease thus :-draw a line OH equal to m, and produce OH to O' so that HO'=n; at H draw HC perpendicular to OO' and equal to k; through O draw any line OQ meeting HC in Q; take a point R in CH such that CR=HQ, and draw O'R; then the point, P, of intersection of OQ and O'R is a point on the locus represented by the second of the above equations, the angles, being POO' and PO'O. These points, P, are therefore constructed with great ease and rapidity. Also the locus represented by the first equation is a circle having for diameter the line joining the points which divide OO' internally and externally in the ratio a:b, and the points of intersection of these two loci give the required values of @ and p.

The following problem leads to precisely the same equations as the above :-rays of light emanate from a fixed point P in one medium separated by a plane surface from a second medium; find the ray proceeding from P which will be refracted to a given point, Q, in the second medium.-

Again, the fact that when a uniform chain hangs with free extremities over two fixed supports of equal heights there are either two figures of equilibrium or none results from the solution of an equation of the form xea/x=k, which is effected by drawing the curve yer and the right line y=kx/a, and then it is at once seen that there are either two points of intersection or none.

When a heavy wire rope has its ends fixed at two points in the same horizontal line, and a load is suspended from the lowest point of the rope, the rope forms parts of two distinct catenaries, and the determination of these curves leads to an equation of the form

e* /x = [(x2 + a2)++a]/[(x2 + b2)1 +b],

in which x alone is unknown. The tracing of the curve obtained by putting y equal to the right-hand side of this equation is quickly effected by means of two fixed circles and the drawing of right lines.

The figure of equilibrium of a revolving self-attracting liquid spheroid gives an equation which is a particular case of x(a+bx2)/(c+x2)=tan-1x, and this is best solved by the tracing of two curves. If we put y equal to the left-hand side we have a curve of the third degree the geometrical construction of which is exceedingly simple, and requires only a fixed circle and right lines.

Whenever a problem involves two unknown angles in two equations one of which is of the form m cos 0+n cos &=c, where m, n, c are given, all angles satisfying this equation can be represented as the base angles of a triangle the base of which, AB, is fixed, and the vertex of which describes what may be called a quasi-magnetic curve, the geometrical construction of which is this: take any two fixed points, A, B; about A as centre, with radius m.AB/c describe a circle; about B describe a circle with radius n.AB/c; draw any line perpendicular to AB meeting these circles in Q and R respectively; then the lines AQ and BR intersect in a point on the required curve. When m=n we have the common magnetic curve the construction of which is not nearly so well known as it should be.

The solutions of the above examples have all been of a purely geometrical kind, and have not involved the plotting of points by coordinates arithmetically calculated. There are other problems of a slightly different kind, still independent of plotting, but involving trial; the value of a certain unknown quantity which has to satisfy a certain geometrical condition is found by trial to do so very nearly if not completely. In all such cases Taylor's theorem furnishes a still closer value than the observed one, and completes the solution with all desirable accuracy.

For example, many problems lead to the equation a sin 2(0-a)=b sin @ for an unknown angle 0, the other quantities being all given. This can be solved by two circles thus-draw a line AB equal to b, and on it as diameter describe a circle the centre of which is C; draw AD making the angle BAD=a and cutting the circle in D; draw CD and produce it to E so that CE=a, and on CE as diameter describe a circle. Now find on the circumference of the first circle a point P such that if CP meets the second circle in Q we have BP = EQ. This is done with great accuracy by the eye, and Taylor's theorem will improve the solution.

An equation which can be solved also very easily by trial is a sin2=b cot 0, which may be taken in the form a sin3 0=b cos, and a graphic solution suitable to each form is easily found.

Finally, we may notice equations of the form

tan x=ax/(c-x2),

which we obtain from Bessel functions in certain problems relating to vibrations. Such an equation is easily solved by the intersections of the curve y=cot x with the hyperbola y=(c-x2)/ax, and the construction of the hyperbola belongs to the most simple case of this curve, viz. given one point on the curve and the asymptotes. As compared with the graphic solution of equations given by physical problems, the graphic solution of algebraic equations is unimportant, though not devoid of interest, because Horner is always available for numerical cases.

Prof. Gibson gives many examples of the solutions of quadratics and of cubics by graphic methods; but as regards quadratics it must be confessed that there is no utility in the process, and too much space is usually devoted to it. For cubics in general he gives a graphic solution and an interesting discussion. In a second edition of his book he might treat the biquadratic similarly, because its graphic solution can be easily effected by means of a circle and a parabola, or by means of a right line and a curve easily derived from parabola. Many curves occurring in physics are dealt with in the book-such as isothermals and adiabatics; there is also a useful discussion of Fourier's theorem, and a treatment of the curves belonging to vibrations, damped as well as undamped. The graphic method is also applied to the solution of some of the simpler mixed trigonometric and algebraic equations, and the book concludes with a chapter on the properties of conic sections. GEORGE M. MINCHIN.

CENTRAL AMERICAN MAMMALS.1 THREE years ago the author of these volumes published, in the same serial, a valuable synopsis of the mammals of North America and the adjacent seas. In the present larger work he has taken in hand the mammals of the tract generally known in this country as Central America, but on the other side of the Atlantic termed, at any rate by zoologists, Middle America, together with those of the West Indian islands. The greater bulk of the present work is accounted for, not so much by the greater number of species (690 against 606) as by the increased elaboration of the mode of treatment, the addition of diagnostic "keys to the various genera, and by a fuller account of the habits of many species, the latter feature rendering these volumes proportionately more valuable to the naturalist, and at the same time of more general interest. The illustrations, too, are more numerous, comprising, besides crania, figures of the external form of a considerable number of species.

1 "The Land and Sea Mammals of Middle America and the West Indies.' By D. G. Elliot. Field Columbian Museum Publications, Zoological Series, vol. iv., part, 1 and i, pp. xxi+850, illustrated.

the addition of the latter likewise tending to popularise the work.

In his preface Dr. Elliot reiterates and emphasises the remarks made in the companion volume as to "the excessive and probably unwarranted multiplications of species and races (made easy by the too liberal application of the trinomial system) " of American mammals in general. Many of the forms, he adds, which have received separate names are separated on the evidence of comparative instead of distinctive characters. That is to say, their differences from other types are so slight as to be incapable of definition except by comparison with the latter, often, indeed, involving the necessity of placing specimens of each side by side. Consequently, in many instances specimens cannot be referred to their respective species or races without access

to museums.

Perhaps it is rather unfortunate that the author did not see his way to go one stage further, and mention what species and races are entitled, in his opinion, to recognition. A step would then have been made towards the elimination of the forms named on insufficient distinctive characters. Nowadays it is the fashion to assign a distinct name to every recognisable form, however slight may be its points of difference; but some limit in this direction will apparently have to be imposed before long, unless zoology is to become an impossible science. In our opinion, one way of mitigating the difficulty is by using specific terms in a comparatively wide sense, thus leaving the subspecies, or races, to be recognised or not according to the discretion of the individual student.

Nomenclature is another point on which the author has a good deal to say, and he mentions that some of the names employed in the companion volume have been changed in the present work. He hopes, however, that as the result of such changes "a nomenclature that at least will approach stability may, in the distant future, be expected to be reached." Possibly it may-at the cost of rendering all the older standard works on zoology, palæontology, distribution, and scientific travel worse than useless but a proposal like that of emending such a name as Odocoileus (in universal use among his naturalist countrymen) to Odontocœlus scarcely seems calculated to pave the way to such a happy millennium!

Among changes in nomenclature that we specially regret to see is the substitution of Agouti for Coelogenys as the name of the paca, largely on the ground that the former is the popular title of a totally different group of rodents, for which reason we think its use in the scientific sense should be barred. It is also distressing to see the familiar

FIG. 1.-Lord Derby's Opossum and young. From Elliot's "Mammals of Middle America."

name Hapale, for the marmosets, banished in favour of Callithrix, so long used for the titi monkeys, which now figure as Saimiri. On a par with the latter is the substitution of Tayassu for Dicotyles, of Coendu for Cercolabes, and of Potos for Cercoleptes, which is like an invasion of zoological Goths and Vandals into the sacred precincts of

the species-name itself does not appear in the list at all, but only the subspecies, such forms consequently lacking a distinctive number, and thus rendering the census of specific types occurring within the area inaccurate:

Otherwise we have nothing but commendation to bestow on the general mode of treatment of the subject, and it may be safely affirmed that the author has earned the gratitude of all naturalists on this side of the Atlantic by putting in a convenient and easily accessible form such a vast amount of information with regard to the mammalian fauna of an extremely interesting region. The illustrations (two of which are reproduced), it may be added, are, for the most part, beyond praise. R. L.

THE FISHERIES OF SCOTLAND. THE twenty-second annual report of the Fishery Board for Scotland, for the year 1903, is issued in three parts as usual, the first dealing with the sea fisheries, the second with the salmon fisheries, and the third being concerned with marine research.

With regard to sea fisheries, tables are given showing the results of the trawl fishing and the line fishing. The number of steam trawlers has been increasing steadily for the last seven years, and rose from 109 in 1896 to 280 in 1903. The average catch per vessel increased from 5030 cwt. to 5594 cwt., while the value of the catch per cwt. was practically the same in 1903 as it was in 1896.

In the line fishing the number of steam liners increased from 39 vessels in 1898 to 91 vessels in 1903, the number having varied somewhat in the intermediate years, 23 vessels having been added in 1903. The total number of boats was slightly less than in 1898, owing to a steady decrease in the number of sailing craft. The catch, since

to

1898, has steadily decreased from 1,050,000 cwt. 602,600 cwt., and the value per cwt. has slightly decreased. The reason given for the reduction in value of line-caught fish is that the trawlers have been landing large quantities of cod. Thus, in spite of the large increase in the number of steam liners, which are, of course, independent of wind in getting to the fishing grounds, the catch per boat fell from about 182 cwt. to about 121 cwt.

It is interesting to note that. for the herring fishing in the Buckie and Peterhead districts experiments have been made with sailing boats fitted with auxiliary steam power. The value of steam power is shown in another part of the report, where the catch of the Scotch boats (sailing craft) working from English ports during October and November is compared with that of the English boats, a large number of which are steamers. The Scotch boats caught more than 65 per cent. of the total catch, but only got 46 per cent. of the total value, the steamers always being able to make the market first.

The west coast mackerel fishing has shown great improvement, the catch in 1903 being 57 per cent. better than in 1902. The trade apparently only requires development, as shoals of mackerel almost every year visit the coast.

In the report on salmon fisheries we learn that during the year Mr. Calderwood, Inspector of Salmon Fisheries for Scotland, made inquiries as to the views of the various fishery boards with regard to the limitation of netting in narrow waters, this move being an outcome of the report of the Royal Commission on Salmon Fisheries.

Some of the boards have already taken steps to reduce the netting in their rivers. In the Annan all nets have been removed, while in the Spey only about three miles of water is now netted. In the Aberdeenshire Dee an association has, for about thirty years, annually bought off the nets on some sixteen miles of water, and now both upper and lower proprietors are seeking to secure the permanent removal of these nets.

While eleven of the boards consulted passed resolutions in favour of reducing the netting, six were unable to express an opinion, and only one, the North Esk Board, passed a resolution against any such reduction. In Mr. Calderwood's words:"The resolution was prepared and agreed to by the lower proprietors-who are in the majority-before the meeting took place, and was based upon the argument, supported by good evidence, that the present amount of netting in the district-which netting has been constant for a great number of years-has not produced a decline in the stock of fish. The question of improving the general interest of their whole district is complicated by other considerations which need not be referred to here.

One of the most important papers in this report is Mr. Calderwood's contribution to the life-history of the salmon as observed by means of marking adult fish, the first part of which appeared in the report for 1901. Since then 62 additional re-captures of marked fish have been made, which, with those previously caught, gives a total of 252 re-captured fish. From this material, and also from other results obtained in Scotland, Ireland, and Norway, Mr. Calderwood. has been able to draw some important conclusions. We now have evidence bearing out the commonly accepted view that the great majority of salmon after visiting the sea return to the river they left.

The marking experiments seem to show that grilse spend less time in fresh water than salmon, running up and down from the redds more quickly than the latter.

Another very interesting fact brought out is that a grilse kelt after running down to the sea may return within a few months as a summer salmon of about 10 lb., or may remain in the sea until the following year, returning to the river as a spring salmon. This partly upsets the belief that spring salmon are old fish, for, although there is no doubt that old fish do run up in the spring, we now know that a fish of 18 or 20 lb. may only be five years old, according to Mr. Calderwood, and on its second return from the sea. There is evidence showing that some fish spawn in two successive seasons, and one case, No. 7298, seems to suggest that the fish was spawning for the third year in succession. There is a diagram, in which fish of various weights are considered as being of various ages, which shows the interesting facts observed as to the "dual migration "which exists, perhaps, in all stages of the salmon's life-history.

We know that all the fish of one hatching do not migrate to the sea at the same time. Some migrate at one year old, the great majority at two years, and some again at three years.

66

For the smolt to grilse stage Mr. Calderwood mentions three cases in which the smolts returned after a year and some months as grilse of 31, 3, and 6 lb. respectively, and says we have no data to show any other seasonal migrations which may occur at this stage.' We do not know whether the authority for the cases is untrustworthy, but we recollect records of smolts marked and released being re-caught after a few months as grilse up to 8 lb. weight. Such cases are mentioned by Fraser (" On the Salmon, &c.," 1833, pp. 15, 16) and by Brown ("Stormontfield Experiments," p. 92), who says "the experiments here have shown that all the smolts of one year do not return the same year as grilse, the one half returning next spring and summer as small salmon."

Mr. Calderwood shows that what he considers five-year-old fish do not increase in weight in the way that four-year-olds and six-year-olds do, and he suggests that this may represent the period in the life of the adult salmon when the reproductive function is at its best, and thus asserts itself at the expense of the body-growth.

Surely this classing of fish into ages by size can only be roughly correct at best. We do not yet know to what extent fish spawn annually or biennially, or whether a fish may rest several seasons after spawning. Yet if Mr. Calderwood's suggestion that the activity of the reproductive organs checks growth is sound, surely a fish spawning three years in succession-as No. 7298 suggests may happenwould be considerably smaller than a fish of the same age which spawned in alternate years or less often.

There are several other interesting papers in this part, but space precludes us from referring to them.

Part iii., scientific investigations, contains eight papers on various subjects connected with marine fisheries. Dr. T. Wemyss Fulton, the superintendent, gives an account of the trawling investigations, and in another paper continues the report of his investigations on the rate of growth of fishes. He also reports upon the operations of the Nigg Marine Hatchery, and has another paper entitled "Ichthyological Notes "" on the various interesting species taken during the year.

An important paper is that by Dr. Williamson on the lifehistories of the edible crab and other decapod Crustacea. Dr. Williamson has discovered that the ova of the crab are not attached by mucilage to the long hairs of the spinnerets as was supposed, but that the eggs are actually pierced by the hairs, and are thus spitted in rows, the eggs not being attached to one another.

Dr. Thomas Scott contributes a paper on some rare and interesting marine Crustacea, and another upon some fish parasites new to the Scottish marine fauna.

The report is published at His Majesty's Stationery Office, and can be obtained through any bookseller.

FRANK BALFOUR BROWNE.

PRIZE AWARDS OF THE PARIS ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

AT the annual meeting of the Academy of Sciences the list of prizes awarded for the year 1904 was announced as follows::

Geometry.-The Bordin prize to M. Servant, for his memoir on the determination of surfaces applicable to the paraboloid of revolution which pass through a given contour; the Vaillant prize, divided between M. Emile Borel (3000 francs), and M. Bricard (1000 francs); the Francœur prize to M. Emile Lemoine; and the Poncelet prize to M.

Désiré André.

Mechanics. A Montyon prize to M. Gustave Richard. Navigation. The extraordinary prize, of 6000 francs, divided in equal parts between M. Jacob (for his theoretical researches on the transmission of submarine explosions), M. Gayde (for a study of the resistance of hulls to submarine explosion), and M. La Porte (for hydrographic work on the coast of Brittany); the Plumey prize to M. Lucien Mottez, for important services to submarine navigation. Astronomy.-The Pierre Guzman prize is not awarded;

the Lalande prize to Mr. S. W. Burnham, for his work on double stars; the Valz prize to M. de Campos Rodrigues, for work done at the Lisbon Observatory, with especial reference to the determination of the solar parallax by means of the planet Eros; the Janssen medal to M. Hansky. Geography.-The Binoux prize, divided between M. Baratier (for his work in connection with Colonel Marchand's expedition in Central Africa), M. Bénard (for his work on Arctic exploration), and M. Alphonse Berget (for his book on the physics and meteorology of the globe); the Gay prize to Mr. Bell Dawson, for his hydrographic work in eastern Canada; the Tchihatchef prize to Lieut.Colonel Lubanski, for his explorations in Indo-China; the Delalande-Guérineau prize to M. Auguste Pavie, for work in French China.

Physics. The Hébert prize to M. Georges Claude, for his book on electricity for general readers; the Hughes prize to Lieut.-Colonel E. Ariès, for his publications on the theory of heat and chemical statics; the KastnerBoursault prize to Captain Ferrié, for his work on wireless telegraphy.

Chemistry. The Jecker prize, divided between MM. Freundler, Minguin, and Lespieau; the Cahour prize, divided between MM. Chavanne, Kling, and Binet du Jassoneix; a Montyon prize (unhealthy trades), divided between MM. Dupont and Détourbe.

Botany. The Desmazières prize to M. Guilliermond, for his work on cryptogams, especially fungi; the Montagne prize to M. Camille Sauvageau, for his work on algæ; the de la Fons-Melicocq prize is not awarded.

Anatomy and Zoology.-The Savigny prize to M. Krempf; the Thore prize to M. d'Orbigny.

Medicine and Surgery.-A Montyon prize to M. Paul Reclus, for his memoir on the proper use of cocaine in surgery; to M. Kermogant, for his work on exotic pathology and hygiene; and to M. Cazalbou, for his researches on the trypanosomiases of the French Soudan. Mentions are also accorded to MM. P. Launois and Roy, for their biological studies on giants; MM. F. Bezançon and M. Labbé, for their treatise on hæmatology; and to M. Odier, for his work on the action of electricity and certain poisons on nerve cells. MM. F. Marceau, P. Briquel, J. Gagnière, and R. Voisin are accorded citations. The Barbier prize to MM. Prenant, Bouin and L. Maillard, for their book on histology, and a mention to M. Pierre Lesage; the Bréant prize (accumulated interest) to M. Frédéric Borel, for his memoir on cholera and plague in relation to Mahometan pilgrimages; the Godard prize to MM. J. Albarran and L. Imbert, for their memoir on tumours of the kidney; the Baron Larrey prize to M. Conor, for work on typhoid fever, M. E. Lafforgue receiving a mention; the Bellion prize to M. Jules Delobel, for his book on hygiene in schools, M. Gabriel Gauthier receiving a mention; the Mège prize to M. G. Delamare, for his experimental researches on morbid heredity.

Physiology.-A Montyon prize to M. J. Jolly, for his memoir entitled " Experimental Researches on the Indirect Division of the Red Blood Corpuscles, a very honourable mention being accorded to M. C. Fleig, for his work on the mode of action of chemical stimulants on the digestive glands; the Philipeaux prize to M. Cristiani, for his work on thyroid grafting, an honourable mention being accorded to M. Joseph Noé; the Lallemand prize, divided between M. Maurice de Fleury (for his works on the nervous system) and MM. J. Camus and P. Pagniez (for their memoir on psychotherapy); the Pourat prize to M. J. Tissot, for a study of the physical and chemical phenomena at high altitudes; the Martin-Damourette prize, divided between M. A. Frouin (1000 francs) and M. Manquat (400 francs). Among the general prizes, the Lavoisier medal was awarded to Sir J. Dewar, for his work on the liquefaction of gases; the Berthelot medal to MM. Freundler, Minguin, Lespieau, Kling, Binet du Jassoneix, Dupont, and Paul Villard; the Jerome Ponti prize to M. Maurain; the Trémont prize to M. A. Guillemin; the Gegner prize to M. J. H. Fabre; the Lannelongue prize to Mme. Vve. Nepveu; the Leconte prize to M. René Blondlot, for his work taken as a whole; the Wilde prize to M. Paul Villard, for his work in physics; the Houllevigue prize to MM. Henri de la Vaulx and Henri Hervé, for their work in aëronautics;

the Saintour prize to M. Charles Frémont, for his experimental researches on the elasticity of metals; a Montyon prize (statistics), divided between M. V. Lowenthal, for twelve memoirs relating to the depopulation of France, and M. Paul Razous, for his memoir on the mortality and liability to disease in dangerous professions, MM. Henry Guégo, E. Maury, and Ott receiving mentions; the JeanJacques Berger prize is divided between MM. J. Resal (6500 francs), A. Alby (3500 francs), Laurent (2000 francs), Grimaud (1500 francs), and Retraint (1500 francs).

UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL

INTELLIGENCE.

LIVERPOOL. The arrangements for excavations to be made during the winter under the auspices of the university institute of archæology, in Upper Egypt, have been completed, and the work will be begun at Hierakonpolis before the New Year. The excavations have been placed as in previous years at Beni-Hasan, Negadeh, and elsewhere under the care of the university reader in Egyptian archæology.

DR. NORMAN MOORE has been appointed a member of the consultative committee vice Prof. Bertram C. A. Windle, F.R.S., who has resigned his membership upon appointment as president of Queen's College, Cork. Dr. Moore is chairman of the board of advanced medical studies of the University of London, and represents the Royal College of Physicians upon the General Medical Council.

THE annual meeting of the Geographical Association will be held at the Royal Colonial Institute, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C., on Friday, January 6, at 4 p.m. The president, Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield, will be in the chair. A report on the eighth international geographical congress will be read by Mr. H. Yule Oldham, and there will be a discussion on practical geography in schools.

ON December 20 Lady Warwick distributed the prizes gained by the students of the evening classes and of the day secondary school of the Carpenters' Company at Stratford. In the course of some remarks upon the school, she said that England needed a better system of secondary education, and it was now acknowledged that the State should take the matter in hand. But in the meantime the city companies were doing a good work in bringing secondary education to the doors of the people.

THE annual conference of the Public Schools Science Masters' Association will be held at Westminster School on Saturday, January 14, 1905. The following are among the subjects to be discussed :-(1) the importance of including both Latin and natural science in a scheme of general education; (2) recent proposals for school leaving certificates; (3) the use and misuse of terms in science teaching; (4) the possibility of teaching "scientific method" to boys whose education is almost entirely literary and who have no time for a regular course in chemistry and physics. Sir Michael Foster, K.C.B., is the president of the association for the year.

NEW buildings of the Willesden Polytechnic, erected at a cost of about 10,000l., were formally declared open by Sir W. Anson on December 21. After distributing prizes to the successful students, Sir W. Anson remarked that polytechnics marked what he hoped was becoming the modern view of education, that it did not consist of independent sets of studies, but was a composite whole, no part of which did not rest upon or form a foundation for another part. It should be borne in mind that a polytechnic did not merely train a student in a handicraft. The object of such an institution was to combine theory and practice, to teach the student not only how to do a thing, but why it was done in a particular way, so that he became not only skilful in the craft upon which he was engaged, but got to understand the scientific principles underlying his work.

MR. L. L. PRICE read a paper at the meeting of the Royal Statistical Society on December 20 entitled "Accounts of the Colleges of Oxford, 1893-1903, with Special Reference

to their Agricultural Revenues." The paper is based on the accounts, published annually, of the colleges (and the university) of Oxford, and is a continuation of one read in 1895. The gross external receipts of the colleges (and the university) in 1903 exhibited an increase on 1893 of 29,7971., and on 1883 of 16,3431. The net external receipts of the colleges alone showed an increase of 16,5661. on 1893, and a decrease of 10,311. from 1883. Later in his paper Mr. Price states that it hardly seems extravagant to affirm that during a quarter of a century the colleges (and the university) have lost between a third and a fourth of their agricultural revenues. Had it not been for an increase in revenues derived from other sources, they would have been crippled yet more seriously. The most noticeable feature is the large increase in the receipts from houses and sites of houses. Between 1883 and 1903 these receipts were doubled, and between 1893 and 1903 they increased from 56,8771. to 91,3881: On the whole this gross increase has more than balanced the gross diminution in the receipts from lands and tithe. The internal receipts of the colleges increased by 58141. between 1883 and 1893, and by 11,4281. between 1893 and 1903.

THE annual conference of headmasters of public schools was held this year at Christ's Hospital, West Horsham, on Thursday and Friday last, December 22 and 23. Among the subjects discussed on Thursday were the recommendations of the consultative committee of the Board of Education for the establishment of school certificates, and the policy of the Board of Education in encouraging the sending of intending elementary school teachers to secondary schools in lieu of pupil teacher centres. The following resolutions were adopted :-" That the question of school certificates be referred to the committee of the conference with a view to immediate action, and that it be an instruction of the committee to obtain in writing the opinion of every member of the conference on the various points involved in the scheme of the consultative committee." "That this conference pledges itself to support the education authority in its policy of providing that candidates for pupil teacherships in public elementary schools shall receive a substantial portion of their education in a public secondary school, and considers it desirable that as many recruits as possible for teacherships in public elementary schools should be obtained from the ranks of ordinary pupils of secondary schools. On Friday a discussion took place on the subject of Greek, with special reference to the proposals of the Cambridge Syndicate, and the following resolution was carried by twenty-one votes to eight :-"That, without committing itself to details, the conference generally disapproves of the Cambridge Syndicate with regard to Greek in the Previous Examination." The conference also expressed itself against some of the reforms of the new Army entrance examinations, and carried the following resolution unanimously:-"That this conference hopes that the scheme for qualifying certificates in the examination for Woolwich and Sandhurst will be so amended as to encourage the study of Latin." A strong representation is to be made to the War Office on this subject. It was also agreed that the committee of the conference should consider the syllabus issued by the Board of Education on the teaching of English literature, and should include their recommendations in the annual report.

SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES.
LONDON.

Royal Meteorological Society, December 21.- Capt. D. Wilson-Barker, president, in the chair.-Decrease of fog in London during recent years: F. ). Brodie (Discussion). -The study of the minor fluctuations of atmospheric pressure: Dr. W. N. Shaw, F.R.S., and W. H. Dines. The authors described an apparatus called the 66 microbarograph," which they have designed to magnify the minor fluctuations, and at the same time to disentangle them from the general barometric surges. They also showed some records from three of these instruments. authors wish to obtain information as to the nature of the disturbances and the causes to which they may be assigned. Among the causes which suggest themselves as likely to

The

produce temporary fluctuations of the barometric curves are stated by the authors to be (1) atmospheric billows passing along surfaces where there is discontinuity of density in a manner somewhat similar to ocean waves; (2) the passage of minute whirls or cyclonic depressions of small scale; (3) variations of pressure due to the attraction or repulsion produced by electric stress as masses of air at different potential pass over; (4) the mechanical effects of wind; and (5) the mechanical effects of rapid condensation of aqueous vapour.