PETERMANN ' S MAPS OF THE BRITISH ISLES.
We have before us two maps exhibiting the hydrography or geographi- cal distribution of the inland waters and the population-statistics of the British islands—the two first of a series which will probably be continued. They are interesting for the information which is conveyed at a glance, and still more for the singularly beautiful execution. The hydrographical map shows not only the course and general features of 1,500 rivers, lakes, waterfalls, &c, but follows out the details with a minuteness only to be found in much larger maps; diagrams and tables show the comparative fall and length of the principal watercourses. The statistical map shows the comparative density of population by shading, and also by small circles coloured according to the amount of population—speaking very eloquently to the eye; diagrams and tables show the progress of the population for terms of years, the average proportion to area, &c. The fulness of in- formation in a little room could only be attained by a wonderful delicacy of execution. The bounding lines are graduated in thickness and force pro portionately to the extent of the area circumscribed; the very lettering is graduated in the same way; so that the prominent features stand out with perfect clearness, and yet upon close scrutiny the eye is enabled to follow out a minute topography. Some of the names are written in characters literally finer than a hair. In the neighbourhood of London the mop might almost serve as a topographical guide; and yet this fulness of names has no effect of crowding, but leaves the map the clearest that we remember to have seen. The subscription-list comprises testimonials from Alexander Von Humboldt and Professor Carl Ritter, couched in terms due to the merit of the artist-geographer.
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