This is a carefully compiled volume, giving the statistics for mineral products in the United States. Coal, coke, petroleum, and natural gas are first treated of; the metals, from iron to zirconium, come next. Under aluminum the work of Col. Frishmuth, of Philadelphia, and of the Cowles Smelting Company, of Cleveland, are noted. In view of the demand for zirconium pencils for the oxyhydrogen light, the section on the sources and preparation of the oxide, by Mr. David T. Ray, is of special interest. Other subjects treated are structural materials, abrasive materials (buhr stones, etc.), precious stones, fertilizers, glass materials, and, under many other headings, a complete review of the titular subject appears. We also note a section of much interest on mineral paints, by Mr. Marcus Benjamin, F.C.S. In it the preparation of barytes as an adulterant for paints is described at some length. In some instances an elaborate explanation of the classification of paints as adopted is given. In other cases it is entirely omitted. The first system is certainly preferable. A very full index closes the work. It can be had on application to the Director of the United States Geological Survey, Washington, D. C., the cost of printing and binding (40 cents) being at the same time remitted. Business and Personal. _The charge for Insertion under this head is One Dollar a line for each insertion; about eight words to a line. Advertisements must be received at publication office as early as Thursday morning to appear in next issue._ Best tempering fluid known--Mercury, potash, and hydrochloral. $2.00 per gallon. Samples, 25c. Address Chemical Works, New Albany, Ind. Hodges' universal angle union makes pipe connection at any angle. Rollstone Machine Co., Fitchburg, Mass. To makers of water wheels, current wheels, and horizontal turbines--Please address W. H. Garlick, Calumet, Ohio. Sphero! A new and original game; an out-door sport; unlike any other. Apparatus of wood, simple, inexpensive. Packed like croquet, and cost to manufacture about the same. Patent pending. Rights, etc. Address J. M. Hughes, Brooklyn P. O., N. Y. The H. W. Johns Manufacturing Co., 87 Maiden Lane, N. Y., will send to any address in the United States, postage prepaid, a trial package of ¼ pound of asbestos wick packing and 1½ pounds of asbestos piston rod packing, on receipt of one dollar; or ¼ pound of asbestos wick packing and 3½ pounds of asbestos piston rod packing, on receipt of two dollars. Give address in full--name, town or city, county, and State. The H. W. Johns asbestos packings are the best and most economical made. For Sale--Ivory button works. Large, well lighted building; 20 H.P. engine; capacity, 200 gross per day; doing splendid business; plenty of cheap labor. Price, only $3,000. Address T. Bergy, Caledonia, Mich.