Abstract
THE map of the Swiss Topographic Survey, on the scale of 1: 50,000, forms part of this attractive publication. The reserve, established by the Federal Government in 1913, occupies a mountainous district trenched by two tributaries of the Inn. The best approach is by Zernez in the Lower Engadine, and the carriage-road to the Munstertal passes across the park. The author's description, translated from the original German, is picturesque and vivid; but the features that appeal to the visitor trained in scientific pursuits are always kept in view. Special chapters deal with geology and natural history, and the studious revival of the local Latin dialect is recognised by the stress laid on “romand” names. Pronunciations and a list are considerately furnished, and the careful translator informs us that the pronunciations given are those used in at least one village—that of Sinuos-chel. Great praise must be given to the illustrations. Apart from the four exquisite photogravures of the scenery of the park, Mr. H. Pfendsack of Pontarlier has supplied vigorous line-drawings of animals and plants, in every case connecting the subject with its stern environment. Compare, for instance, his Pinus montana (p. 149), recumbent but undefeated, clutching at the rock, with the climbing birds enjoying themselves as alpinistes on p. 217. He represents with equal insight the family life of the ibex, which it is proposed to restore to its former haunts, and the prolific poppy growing from a heap of stones. The author has well represented the history of the Alpine over-folds by successive sections. It is a pleasure to possess his book.
Le Pare National Suisse.
Par S. Brunies. Traduit par Samuel Aubert. Pp. 274. (Bâle: Benno Schwabe et Cie, 1920.) Price 12 francs.
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C., G. Le Pare National Suisse . Nature 106, 466 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/106466a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/106466a0