We have more than once had the pleasure of calling
attention to a very valuable work, The Year-Book of Facts in Science and the Arts, by James Mason. (Ward and Lock.) It will not be necessary to do more than mention that the issue for 1877 is now before us. The time of publication was made the subject of a judicious change last y ear. It now appears at the end of the year which it records. Of course, it is necessary, in consequence to make a corresponding change in the period which it covers. This is now from 15th October, 1676, to the same date in 1877. We cannot attempt to give a detailed account of its contents. The first chapter deals with the "Human Race," tho second with the "Animal World," the third with the "World of Plants," and the fourth with "Geography and Travel." Seven chapters follow, devoted to various branches of science, and then come thirteen treating of various arts and manufactures, the last of these being a new addition, "The Machinery of War." The most curious novelty we notice here is a description of a "land monitor ":—" The artillerists sit in com- pletely covered turrets, which are propelled by steam, and from which they can point the guns in any direction against the enemy." From the same author and published we get The Annual Summary, a Complete Chronicle of Events at Home and Abroad, 1876-77. "In the Annual Summary," Mr. Mason tells us, in his preface, "will be found a complete record of the leading events and noteworthy incidents of the world's history during the past twelve months."
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