Of recent expeditions, that of Nansen has attracted most attention because he succeeded in reaching farther North than any one before him had ever been and returned to tell the tale. The case of Andree, who sailed away last July in his great balloon, expecting to pass over the North Pole, is interesting for its novelty of plan. He was equipped with provisions to last him at least two years, and accompanied by only two comrades on his long voyage. The question is often raised whether Arctic exploration pays. Probably by itself, that is, if it would have no bearing upon anything else, it would not pay for the lives that are lost by it and the money that is spent upon it. But when we consider that every scientific fact is an addition to our knowledge, and may influence for great good some other line of work which would seem to be in no way connected with it, it is undoubtedly true that the explorations should continue on scientific lines until no part of the globe which can be reached is unknown to man. =Gordy's History of the United States.= =Crown 8vo, 480 pages,= =$1.00 net.= _Among the many features which contribute to the general excellence of the book a few may be briefly mentioned as follows:_ =More and better Illustrations and Maps than have ever appeared in any text-book on the subject. Carefully selected lists of books for supplementary reading. Suggestive questions for pupils to discuss. Introductory chapter of hints to teachers, illuminating the author's method of treatment. Notes throughout the text explanatory of general statements. Special stress laid upon the industrial and social development, with a lucid presentation of the powerful influence exerted by routes and modes of travel, soil, and climate. Prominence given to the characteristics of our great national leaders. Emphasis of the importance of the West and South in our national development. Pupils are led throughout to form high ideals of social duty.= =TO THE TEACHER.= (_Extract._) _The Recitation._--The purposes of the recitation should include more than a test of memory; they should include a _comparison_ and _discussion_ of facts acquired in the preparation of the lesson. At the beginning of the recitation a topic should be named and the pupil required to recite upon it without question or comment from the teacher. Such a method, _if persisted_ in, will inevitably develop fluency and readiness of expression. The best work lies in helping the pupil to get definite ideas and then to give these ideas clear expression in well connected sentences. =TO THE PUPIL.= (_Specimen_.) 1. What complaints did we make against England about searching American vessels and impressing American seamen? What complaints did England enter against us?