agent, electro-chemistry, telegraphy, telephony, and electric waves. There is an appendix containing tables and various practical points, such as "directions for setting up a cell," etc. This is followed by a number of carefully prepared problems for school use. There is a magnetic chart of the British Islands and other illustrations.
The Cat: a Guide to the Classification and Varieties of Cats, and a Short Treatise upon their Diseases and Treatment. By Rush Shippen Huidekoper, M. D. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Pp. 148. Price, $1.
The first national cat show, held in New York in the early part of May of the present year, may be regarded as opening a new era in the life of Pussy in this country; and we may henceforth expect to have cat fanciers and cat breeders and the other appurtenances of a well-cultivated and really proper fad, as we have long had horse and dog fanciers and breeders. In view of her independence and individuality, it is well that Pussy be taken up and have more regard paid to her than heretofore. When it became certain that the exhibition would be held, and inquiries were made concerning the classification and qualities, it appeared that New York had no suitable book on the subject. Dr. Huidekoper perceived the emergency, and determined to supply the want. He has done it very well. The book is a practical one, as well as scientific. It treats of the zoölogical position of the cat family, the anatomy, origin, and varieties of the domestic cat, classified as long-haired and shorthaired; the care of the cat; its diseases and the remedies, the etymology and synonyms, and the emblematic significance of the animal.
Electric Light Cables and the Distribution of Electricity. By Stuart A. Russell. With 107 Illustrations. London and New York: Whittaker & Co. Pp. 319. Price, $2.25.
This is to be one of the new series of books for students, practical engineers, and others, to be called The Specialists' Series. It is thoroughly practical, describing the primary systems of distribution and their combinations, the various forms of conductors and the insulating materials in use, modes of placing overhead and underground lines, internal wiring, modes of testing, etc. Among the problems discussed are the relative advantages of different materials for conductors, the relative economy of direct and transformer systems, the use of air insulation, and the comparative advantages and disadvantages of overhead and underground lines. Besides presenting the results of experience so far attained, the book has the additional purpose of helping the further advance of knowledge in its field.
Geological Survey of New Jersey. Report on Water Supply, Water Power, the Flow of Streams, and Attendant Phenomena. By C. C. Vermeule. Pp. 352 + 96.
The present is Volume III of the final report of the State Geologist. The waters of the State having been recognized by the Geological Survey as part of its mineral resources, much attention has been given to them in nearly all the reports. The subterranean as well as the accessible waters were studied by Mr. Cook, the late State Geologist, as to their accessibility, volume, and character, and the artesian wells along the Atlantic coast belt have demonstrated the accuracy of his studies. The work for the present volume was begun in 1890. Results of permanent value have been obtained, illustrating, among other points, the large influence of geological conditions upon storage and delivery of ground water; the bearing of evaporation and ground storage upon stream-flow; the preponderating influence of temperature in determining the amount of evaporation and the total run-off of streams for a given rainfall; the subordinate influence exerted by forests and other vegetation thereon; and the indicated certainty of occasional periods of small rainfall. The former part of the volume is occupied with discussion of the laws that govern stream-flow, rainfall, evaporation, ground storage, surface storage, and surface or flood flows. Gauging flows and the method of computing them are next considered. The local water systems are then described. The latter part of the book is devoted to generalizations as to water supply, chemical analyses, public water supplies, water power, evaporation, ground storage, effects of vegetation,
