Lessons in Elementary Astronomy. By Richard A. Proctor. (Cassell and
Co.)—This is a manual of the simplest and easiest kind, on a subject which must rouse the interest of a learner, of any learner, that is to say, in whom there is any sort of intellectual activity. The first chapter deals with the earth viewed in what may ho called its astro- nomical relations, as a member of the Solar system ; then comes it chapter on the sun ; then the planets are discussed in their order, the size of each being set forth by au illustration, and the main facts known about them being made as clearly intelligible as possible. We venture to say that few readers will over have had as definite an idea of the relative density of Jupiter as compared with our earth as they will gain from the simple statement that "ho weighs no more than he would if his whole globe were made of such a wood as mahogany." A separate chapter deals with "comets and meteors," and another with "the fixed stars." The book strikes us as being an excellent little class-book on is subject which, amidst the crowd that is clamouring for admission into our curriculum of education, will deserve a preference.
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