The _New York Independent_, after referring to the various books on Arctic explorations and adventure--the narratives of Kane and Hayes and Gilder and De Long--says of Dr. Nourse's work: "The field of Arctic authorship was not yet, however, covered by any of these works, and it is to the credit of Professor Nourse that he saw what remained to be done. In the work before us he comes into no competition with the literary workers who have preceded him. No one will be the less disposed to read Dr. Kane's chapters, or to peruse Mr. Gilder's, for having read Professor Nourse; nor, on the other hand, will these works prejudice Professor Nourse's chance to be read. His book stands on ground of its own, as the one complete and competent survey of what American explorers have done in the polar zones.... Professor Nourse's volume is embellished with numerous good illustrations, and provided with an excellent and indispensable circumpolar map. It deserves the successful sale we understand it is already receiving." The _Literary World_ in a review of the book says "it is an encyclopaedic review of the whole subject of American enterprise in Arctic seas," and adds: "Professor Nourse's book bears the credentials of accuracy and authority, is well printed and bound, has numerous engravings and useful maps, including some portraits on steel, has a suitable index and table of contents, and furthermore is provided with a bibliography of chief publications on Arctic research since 1818. In every respect, then, it is a well-made book, a solid contribution to popular reading." * * * * * BACCALAUREATE SERMONS.