Topographical surveying, beside the measurement of lines and angles, takes note of variations of level, that the draft may properly represent superficial inequalities. Maritime surveying is an important branch, fixing the positions of shoals, rocks and shore-lines. Mine surveying determines the location of works in the mine and decides whether the excavations conform, as required, to lines on the surface. The compass and chain are the surveyor’s most common instruments, but others are used according to the nature of the surveys to be made. Incompetency or carelessness in surveys often occasions serious trouble and loss. Fortifications for the defense of cities and the protection of soldiers are as ancient as the existence of armies. The former, built in time of peace, of such form and materials as military science and experience suggest, are called “permanent fortifications;” and the temporary works constructed as the exigencies of a campaign require are “field fortifications.” The art and science have been practiced and studied in all ages, and there is now an immense literature on the subject. As methods of defense must be adjusted to those of attack the earlier permanent fortifications, in the progress of society and after the introduction of artillery, became nearly worthless. High stone walls are a protection while they stand, but, however strong, they can be battered down by heavy siege guns that have less effect when directed against earth works, which seem less formidable. A place thoroughly fortified is seldom taken by a sudden assault. The United States have fortified less than most of the great European nations, but are by no means defenseless. Previous to 1860 there had been expended on our forts more than $30,000,000; and all the exposed positions have been greatly strengthened within the last twenty-five years. _End of Required Reading for February._ THE POET’S VISION. BY MARY A. LATHBURY. My Lady Lily, the waters sleep, And the winds are among the clover; Would I could hear the tale you told The Poet once, till with voice of gold Singing it over and over He came to the court and cried, “O king, My song of thy state and glory Is dead on my lips! I am done with strife, And courts, and conquests. A song of life I have learned from a water lily.” “Carol us then thy pretty song, Sir Poet!” the king cried, sneering; So standing stateliest of them all The length of the royal banquet hall, And flinging a look unfearing, Full on the king and his court, who sat Smiling in fine derision, He sang or chanted as chants a seer When sense is fading, and draweth near The high beatific vision. He sang of life in the soil of death, A seed of a heavenly sowing; Asleep in the murk and mire of earth, In silence waiting its wondrous birth, Of death or of life unknowing.