13 FEBRUARY 1886, Page 23

The Seasons Pictured. By Richard A. Proctor. (Longmans.)— This is

a useful contribution to popular astronomy. It gives—(1), A number of "sun-views of the earth," i.e., representations of the aspect presented by the earth to the sun on various days and at various hours of the day (6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m., and midnight); (2), plates showing the sun's course through the signs of the Zodiac ; and (3), star-maps illustrating the position of the heavens at mid- night on a given day in each month. Finally, a diagram is given illustrating that perpetual puzzle, the " clock before or after the sun." The volume is a reprint from Knotcleige for 1883 and 1884.