the first man
ever to accomplish this feat, as you will see by
his book. Who is correct?

Very truly yours,
J. T.

If you read the account again, you will see that Milutine is quoted as
having said that he had heard that no Christian had previously gone to
Mecca and returned safely. It is true that Burton did precede Milutine.
EDITOR.

* * * * *

New Books

"Manipulation of the Microscope," Edward Bausch (Rochester: Bausch &
Lomb Optical Co.). At this season of the year, when so many of our
readers are interested in the study of botany and other nature work, the
use of the microscope enters largely into their work--and yet how few
people really understand this most useful instrument. The writer of this
admirable little book very sensibly assumes that his readers are anxious
to learn the subject from its simplest form to the more complex details,
and he has therefore made a thoroughly useful book. Few people realize
the delight of using a microscope intelligently, nor do they grasp the
true value of even the simple pocket forms of this invaluable little
instrument. If they did properly appreciate the microscope, every boy
would carry a two or three loop lens, and find it as useful almost as
the indispensable jackknife. The wonders of field, forest, and seashore
are not thoroughly appreciated unless the microscope is
used--_intelligently_.

[Illustration: SPANISH TORPEDO-BOAT DESTROYER, "FUROR."]

* * * * *

Current History

* * * * *

In our last number we give a review of the first month of the war. In
glancing over the news, it is extremely interesting to contrast the
losses of Spain with those of the United States. In the campaign off
Cuba, we have had less than thirty men killed and wounded, whereas the
Spaniards have lost several hundreds; they have had many of their
fortifications destroyed, and have suffered great damage in other
ways--by the capture of vessels, etc. In the far East, Spain's fleet was
destroyed, and many men killed and wounded; against this was a loss on
our part of one man killed and six wounded, and approximately no damage
to our vessels.

The escape of the _Oregon_ is considered another victory for us, as
during that trip of about fifteen thousand miles she might easily have
been intercepted and destroyed had she not been splendidly handl