} Ors bi she ¢ Jim hy eat 3 ay + ) % Meets au Z Pace) iy Al ye : Aiea are’ ihe nae iy THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCHENCE, AND ARTS. CONDUCTED BY BENJAMIN SILLIMAN, PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY, ETC. IN YALE COLLEGE; CGRRES- PONDING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF ARTS, MANUFACTURES AND COM~ MERCE OF LONDON, MEMBER OF THE ROYAL MINERALOGICAT. SOCIETY OF DRESDEN, AND OF VARIOUS LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES IN AMERICA. VOL. IV.....1822. NEW-HAVEN: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY S. CONVERSE, FOR THE EDITOR. Sold by the Publisher and Howe & Spalding, New-Haven; Huntington & Hopkins, Hartford; Cummings & Hilliard, Boston; Ezekiel Goodale, Hallowel, Maine; A.T. Goodrich & Co. New-York; E. Littell, Phil- adelphia; Caleb Atwater, Circleville, Ohio; Thomas I. Ray, Augus- ta, Geo. ; Henry Whipple, Salem, Mass.; Edward J. Coale, Baltimore ; Timothy D. Porter. Columbia, S.C.; John Mill, Charleston, S. C.; Mil- ler & Hutchins, Providence, R.I.; Thomas R. Williams, Newport, R. I. ; William T. Williams, Savannah, Geo. ; Luke Loomis, Pittsburgh, Pa. ; Poni plone, Brunswick, Me.; Professor D. Olmsted, Chapel Hill Col- ege, N.C. Pa I ee) Ev IASTITY RSs Sy i OATES a yoitsviking sitvome beegels ovat iled 5 bas ese a Hot lik wesy eae bde Wwetel eid? 46° omulov sed att to | -lidieogesy yrsiauead edi bomuces tonba 9d) sone ecinom mi eoniloy. ost one rattel mF niet ye 1 2URAOV 8 Reisen ats ag Pa Baie. “: a ae ae & vasp ai iemwek sult dutidug o2 leita | a8 a es -bebugi O88 3n973 odi to Yleqiagiiq, Insgaog.ng sud erodmun yt Yo. bus ors envit nd Cinsska ttlod ects ibidlw Ano oxnar iesiigerg ao aeontos Xa gatsivebus goiveygas to rede agiel edt . eldanisits eyawls ton ai via eis eu) s29enIGXS ei festea deeb aaddapuieaaii ton ean A10w (emi ow (.notscnoqaioe cereniwdide zo lnvietths To 300 Assqe arr ben a MARAT Bey o AN vol bong tomas ti sacs bras, bi weit agiod omuigy ! rien Jo potaiyprg adi, IRN Ae HA AADE, ATI, 90% 1g, 107 ailt bas ,zisnoage, pt Hh eaoeuulgy. age agastt act, to, 9 eoneqza, lsgoiges, as. eer |B IYI9 9 Bi 28 AnicE sip t9ga0l onisvswoue.tignah dT Please \woxnwhg ais lasenoqee od} ys vos wood s Jeu] Jasesty bata aidt io vigecloeib bessretsends, «wodsl lounom odd to bas fou 1 s19W wisewm-ad yfsots92 bluow bas wisinvg jom et ; at} Svomiar of y9¢oq ott oved sacls odw .vildoq oft todd | #2 e. . Romisie- edi to mois ogre last § ordgis s oved guluoTiih ~~ vlleobors goimiry ssvowod .2i sysnousy adteA seay aft 7a “witave sd lie iow sit snelt hovailed’ zi i isiieasiza fod Sie Sn amo Siw 2 srotod gaol od yem si dguodiile , iss heuve is e hy 2 eae suodat Isntselisint evonuisty 1d xf 4 wWashestive cylel .vfioik os rere a as 2d B/ oe bue jnsloo@ebnglegt svohowe song ome) ane al -29rtiauos wgisiol isdio of Pilenoiess30, i i bs oN ‘Hott oie $0) 0) “avitesttqas ag o ‘gone0 2000 ae eh puitelyots sol shew assd esd taomagedetie velugen a (Ae. ii ERE adris ye, sisi igo it ispuie oe! ,. iasies a -wobriand to ROL to Jeon bis onal la i eevAlsAT: ft) 3 sepmadoxs au sew mre et ‘beviened, a 13 7 TRGB Fomr ei ‘noiistay ‘Ditegari tate oy eee bosinld, hi erug 20st Ad ity: adr fiver baviish ef ‘ogadoneg 9viens eIxg by ‘ i - affi0d Waste tL) "Huily 2 apigas. Bios eodal ) ddidy bitiqh * tisods ii biots soreol bas ney-volt to eaitin ot PREFACE. Two years and a half have elapsed, since the publication of the first volume of this Journal, and one year and ten months since the iiditor assumed the pecuniary responsibil- ity. Within this latter period, three volumes have been published, giving an average of a volume once in about sey- en months, and of anumber, once in half that time. It is in- tended, as far as practicable, to publish this Journal in quar- terly numbers, but on account principally of the great geo- graphical range from which the communications come, and of the large number of engravings, undeviating exactness on this point, is not always attainable. The work has not, even yet, reimbursed its expenses, (we -speak not of editorial or of business compensation,) we in- tend, that 2t has not paid for the paper, printing and engrav- wg ; the proprietors of the first volume being in advance, on those accounts, and the Editor on the same score, with respect to the aggregate expence of the three last volumes. This deficit is however no longer increasing, as the receipts, at present, just about cover the expense of the physical materials, and of the manual labour. Areiterated disclosure of this kind is not grateful, and would scarcely be manly, were it not that the public, who alone have the power to remove the difficulty, have a right to a frank exposition of the state of the case. As the patronage is, however, growing gradually more extensive, it is believed that the work will be eventu- ally sustained, although it may be long before it will com- mand any thing but gratuitous intellectual labour. It is regularly transmitted to Sicily, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, and England, and occasionally to other foreign countries. In London, in consequence of an application to the Editor from that city, a regular arrangement has been made for circulating the Journal in Great Britain. Many of the periodical scientific works of Europe, and most of those of London and Paris are forwarded in exchange. Its domestic circulation is not local; it is transmitted to all the most important parts of the United States. Its most extensive patronage is derived from the city of Philadelphia, which takes more copies than any other com- munity ; the cities of New-York and Boston afford it about Lo] PREFACE. an equal and a very respectable and an increasing patronage. It is well sustained by Connecticut and most of the eastern states ; it is not without patronage beyond the Alleghanies, but the state of the currency has made it necessary to relin- quish an extensive subscription in those regions. Washington, Baltimore, Charleston, and the Southern States generally, but especially South Carolina, demand a very considerable number of copies, and all the smaller cities receive a proportionate supply. These facts, with the obvious one,—that its pages are sup- plied with contributions from all parts of the Union, and oc- casionally from Europe, evince that the work is received as a national and not as a local undertaking, and that the com- munity consider it as having no sectional character. En- couraged by this view of the subject, and by the favour of ma- ny distinguished men, both at home and abroad, and sup- ported by able contributors, to whom the Editor again ten- ders his grateful acknowledgments, he will still persevere, in the hope of contributing something to the advancement of our science and arts, and towards the elevation of our na- tional character. Yale College, Feb. 15, 1822. CONTENTS OF VOL. TV. pe GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, &c. : Page. Mr. Z. Cist on the Wilkesbarre Anthracite, &c. (with a map and a section plates I. and II.) - - 1 __Mr. Thomas Nuttall on the Serpentine of Hoboken, &c. 16 Prof, F. Hall on Iron and its Manufacturers in Vermont, &c. 23 _ Dr. J. W. Webster’s Foreign notices in NEES &e. (com- ~_ municated in May, 1821.) - 25 Miscellaneous notices in American Mineralogy. &e. a Messrs. J.P. Jenkins, Z. Cist, T. Seal, and Drs. L. Foot and J. H. Steel, - - 33 Notices in Miner alogy, &c. he the Editor Sie oho AO - President Thomas fonpes .D. on ealeanpes and eran substances, 205 Dr. J. W. Biers cinan notices in Mineralogy, er onerts ancient Arts, &c. - Mr. D.W. Barton on the Geass of He Catskills »( with atte) ae Notice of Dr. J. W. Webster’s work on the Azores, &c. —- 251 M. Alexander Brongniart on Vegetable F ssils, which trav- erse the layers of coal formations, (translation, with a plate,) 266 Miscellaneous Notices of American Mineralogy, &c. 274 Prof. Dewey’s notices of various localities, - 274 Mr. D. W. Barton, on the Virginia fluor spar, - rings Major Delafield on the L. Erie Sulphat of nisoniags &c. 279 Dr. J. I. Bigsby on the same, - 280 Major Delafield on the Geology of the Late Poa, 282 H. H. Hayden, Esq. on Cobalt & Manganese Ores, 283 Mr. T. H. Webb on Minerals near Providence, (R. 1.) 284 Mr. H. R. Schoolcraft on a Remarkable Fossil Tree, 285 BOTANY. Prof. D. B. Douglass and Dr. J. ertey on the Plants of the North-West, - 56 Mr. John P. Brace on the Plants ci batenfeld, &e. - 69 Professor J. Green on the Cotton Plant, - 86 Mr. John P. Brace’s Catalogue of Plants near Liichfelal &c. 292 ZOOLOGY. Dr. J. E. Dekay on the Pennatule fléche, (witha figure, ) 87 CONTENTS. Page. Prof. J. Green on the Bald Eagle. : - “ 89 Prof. S. L. Mitchell on the Proteus of the North-American Lakes, - - - = bee Prof.S. is Mitchell on the Mus enteral | L 183 Prof. Jacob Green—F ragments relating to Animals, = 309 PHYSICS, MECHANICS, CHEMISTRY AND THE ARTS. Mr. Minus Ward’s Alternating Steam-Engine, (with a plate No. IIT.) - - - - - - M. Girard on Navigable Canals, translated from the French by Mr. I. Doolittle, - - 102 Dr. B. W. Dwight’s account ofa remiiecitl Storm - 124 Dr. R. Hare on the Cause of Heat, - - tela: > ln Professor J. Dana on some morbid animal Products, = 749 President Thomas Cooper, M. D. on Tests for Arsenic. 155 Dr. T. D. Porter on the same, < - - 160 Dr. C. Miller on the use of Phosphoric acid in Jaundice, 162 Prof. J. Green’s account of a new Blow-Pipe, (with a figare,) 164. On the manufacture of Italian Bonnets, - - 166 Notice of the Lithographic Art, - - 2 169 Editor on the Tempest of Sept. Sp T8215 - - 171 Editor on Natural Ice-Houses, : - - 174 Editor on a singular Change in two Cannon Balls; - 178 Prof. Robert Hare, M. D. account of an improved mode of sus- pending Gazometers, (with a figure,) - - 312 Mr. Pearson’s patent domestic Telegraph, (with a plate,) 314 Great Earthquake at Kutch, (Edin. Phil. Jour.) - 315 Mr. Henry Seybert’s analysis of Sulphuret of stolybdenum, 320 Mr. Seybert’s analysis of the American Chromat of Iron, 321 Mr.G. T. Bowen’s et StS. of the Lake Erie Sulphat of Stron- tian, &c. - - =" 324 Dr. J. L. Comstock on the Aphlonistit Lamp; - - 328 Mr. Dearborn on a Natural [ce-House, - - - 331 Mr. Ives on the same, - : i ie Mr. Ed. Hitchcock’s Metegrelosted! Foliroel kept at Deerfield, 333 Dr. T. R. Beck’s do. at Albany. - - - - 338 Mr. W. H. Denny on the cause of Goiire, - 339 Dr. J. A, Allen on luminous appearances in the atmosphere, 341 Letter of the Editor to Dr. Hare on his Galvanic Defla- grator, - - - - - 2 201 MATHEMATICS. President Wm. Allen onthe Curves of Trisection. . 343 CONTENTS. MISCELLANEOUS. Page. Wotice of Rev. Jared Eliot. - - - - 357 Original letters of Dr. Franklin to Rev. Jared Eliot, - 358 INTELLIGENCE, &c. 1. Foreign—from Prof. Griscom. Mechanic Arts—Chemieal Arts, ; - - 192 Economical Arts, - -- - - eet SOS Premiums for 1821 and 1822, - - - 194 Potatoe—Caraibees Insect—Hospital at Hamburgh, = 195 Munich—Vaccination in Plague—College of Chios, - 196 M. Bonpland—Lithography—Vienna—Sculpture, - 197 Natural History-—Anatomical Model, » - - 198 Schools—Razors—Geneva Museum, - - 199 Botanical Items—New work on St. Michael, - - 200 Iceland—the Geysers—M. Gaus—Lava containing ammonia —Sculpture, - - e = : 371 Capacity of Gas for Caloric—Natural History—Dolcoath _Mine—Heat of the Earth—Test for Barytes and Strontites, 372 River Niger—Natural History—Gas illumination——Lime, Mortar and artificial puzzolana, aes - 373 Tropical Rains—Volcano of Goonong-Api, - eon oD Statistical Notices of Paris—Composition of Steel, ee OKO Tea—Skull in a tree—New diplomatic Cypher—New mineral substance—New mathematical Instrument—Steam-boats, 377 Royal Medical Society in France, - - ay Manufactory of Apprentices—Philoluogy, = - = - 379 Museum of the Vatican—Literary Society of Antwerp, 380 Natural History in France, : Peg i 381 Scientific Journey—Pisa, Z ie 3 LHS kg 83 Means of detaching paintings in Fresco—Pompeia, —- 384 Remedy for Drunkenness—H ydrophobia, eae ee 385 Criminal Jurisprudence of Paris—Organic Remains— Astron- omy—Generous Legacy, - s Es & 386 New Machine—Monument to Copernicus—Academy of Sci- ences at Stockholm, - - - - 387 Benevolent Exertion—Zeal for Science, - - 388 Sculpture—Lancasterian Schools in F rance—Russia, - 889 Head of Descartes——Currents of the Atlantic——Medical Quackery—Pepper, - - S : 390 American Skunk—French voyage of Discovery, - 391 Leipsic Fair—Fair of Nishegorod—Consumption of Coffee— Caterpillars, - > = = > ERRATA. Page. Suspended Animation—Death of an Elephant, - 398 Evaporation of ‘ec Stella on the Vincentin—Mineral —Geography, &c. - - 394 New work on Fossil Shells, ee M. ha deicee - 395 M. Brongniart’s Researches on Organized Remains, - 396 Il. Domestic. Professor Buckland on American Geology, &c. —- - 185 Massive yellow oxid of Tungston, - : - 187 New locality of Fluor Spar, - - - 188 Manganese—Survey of Rensselaer County—Cure for Bite of a Rattle-Snake, - - - - 189 Morse’s Gazetteer, - 190 School eee ct nang im a Celie POR, 191 Letter of Professor Green and of Dr. Hosack, 396 New Graduating Instrument, - - - - 398 Singular Explosion, - - - - 400 ERRATA for the 9th No. Pa. 144, line 27—for three times heavier, read twenty-six times heavier. | 145, 26—after fall read af. - 33—for analagous, read analogous. 157, 9—for relation, read radiation. In the description of Michaelite, pa. 391, the analysis of two distinct varieties was given by mistake. The last anal- ysis only, for which I am indebted to my friend Dr. Dana, belonged to that notice. B. WW. Some erratain Dr. B. W. Dwight’s account of the Catskill storm have been accidentally lost. For the 10th No. In Mr. Brace’s Catalogue there are. some errors, chiefly of single letters, but we have not room to insert them here. Pa. 320, line 10—for apurcpicca, read a pure piece. 309, 25—for acrons, read acorns. 332, 20—for H. A. Y. read H. A. S. 353 bottom line—for Dinostratus, read Dinostrates. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, &c. GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, &c. —— Arr. 1.—Acecount of the Mines of Anthracite, in the region about Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania; by Mr. Zacuariau Cist. Extract of a letter to the Editor, dated Wilkesbarre, July 24, 1821. Dear Sir, { Have forwarded to your care, the enclosed letter to Mr. Brongniart, which, should you deem it of sufficient interest, you are at liberty to make use of, either in part or in whole, for your Journal. The accompanying pamphlet, which was published a few years since, with the view of assisting the introduc- tion of our coal into general use, will give you the desired information respecting its economical relations. About two thousand tons are now annually consumed along this river, from this to tide water. The quantity sent to market from the Lehigh and Schuylkill mines, may be estimated from one thousand to fifteen hundred tons. The coal is here valued at 50 cents per ton, in the mine; costs about 50 more to raise it; and 121 to 60 cents, according to the distance from the bed, to deliver it at the river. It is transported in arks,* carrying from forty to sixty tons, to- * The foreign reader may need to be informed that this word is adopted. in American river navigation, to denote a large rudely covered boat, in which those charged with the care of it Jive, asin a house, during their descent to the point of their destination, when the ark m broken up and. sold for what it will bring.—En. Vor. FV. No. 4. 1 2 Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &e. Harrisburgh, Columbia, and other towns on the river, where it sells at from $4 to $4 50 per ton. At Philadelphia, it brings from 30 to 40 cents per bushel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ZACHARIAH CIST. P.S. The accompanying view of one of our Coal Mines, presents a section sufficiently complete of the strata of most of them. Section of the strata at Smiru’s bed, on the West side of the river. Dip to the South, about 20°, 1. Sand stone of the mountain, composed of coarse stone and quartz, from the size of shot to that of a pea, grain rather regular, used for building, very compact, and diffi- cult to dress—color dark. This runs of great thickness, ee in detached masses heaped on one another. 2. Slate, with considerable quantity of minute fragments of mica interspersed, containing vegetable impressions, fif- teen feet thick. 3. Micaceous sand stone, four feet thick, easily worked, and used for grind stones, for which it is well adapted— color light blue. 4. Slaty coal, two feet thick, left to form the roof of the mine. 5. Coal worked, eighteen feet. 6. Tough fine blue clay, two inches. 7. Sand stone, containing but little mica. The first part of this is easily bored through, but it becomes gradually harder. About thirty feet of this stratum is exposed—its depth is unascertained. Section of Bowman’s mine, on the east side of the river— dip to the north at about 15°. 1, Coarse sandy schist, as you proceed in depth passing into argillite sixteen feet. This stratum contains vege- table impressions. 2. Coal, twenty-five feet thick. 3. Argillite, with pyrites imbedded, and investing the sur- face one foot thick. These pyrites seldom exceed one- fourth of an inch square, and are much flattened ; the “Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &e. = $3 plates lie over one another in a very confused manner ; they readily decompose in a short time on exposure to — the atmosphere. 4. Sand stone, rather soft at first, becoming harder in depth. About Aliecn feet of this stratum is exposed, it is similar to the No. 7, at Smith’s bed. It is evident from the inclined position of the strata, that one bed of coal lies over another, the upper being pridently of much later formation. At Buacxman’s bed, on the east side of the river—dip to the north, about 35°—the strata are :— 1. Argillaceous grit, with particles of mica, ten feet. The impressions in this are few, chiefly branches of trees, a plant about six feet high, in bloom, occurred in this. 2. Coal, twelve feet thick. 3. Argillite, thickness unascertained. 4, Sand stone, thickness not known. 5. Schist, with intervening layers of micaceous sand stone and argillite, the latter with impressions generally of aquatic plants. 6. Coal, fourteen feet thick. 7. Argillite, without impressions, thickness not known. Letter to Mr. Aurxanper Bronentart, Engineer of Mines, Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences, &c. Sir, Through the medium of the Americar Journal of Science, your circular request, addressed to Naturalists and the friends of Science, has reached me, and desirous of afford- ing you all the information in my power on the subject of organized remains which have come under my notice in this quarter, 1 have forwarded to you a collection of the vegetable impressions of the Anthracite formation, in the range of which I reside. Engaged myself in formimg a collection, and in figur- ing the fossil reliquie of this formation, I have transmitted only those of which I have duplicates. If it would be pleasing to you to obtain more of them, you have only to signify your wish in this respect and you shall be gratified. 4 Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &c. Being here, without the facilities of referring to works on organised remains, should these specimens be recognised by yourself as similar to those of Europe, I should be pleased to obtain their scientific designation. I have therefore marked this set alphabetically, and have added correspond- ing letters to the drawings in my collection. The valley of Wyoming, in the centre of which Wilkes- barre is situated, is about eighteen miles long and from three to four wide. Through this, the Susquehanna river, which is here seven hundred feet wide, winds, occasionally approaching the mountain, now on one side and then on the other. The land rises very abruptly on each side of the river to the height of one thousand feet above its level, and keeping nearly that height, extends to the east about thirty miles before it again descends. On the other side of the river, the high table land extends to a great distance. The top of these mountains, or highlands, is composed of argil- laceous grit, coarse sand stone, (No.1,) and quartz bYeccia, (2,) formed of rounded quartz pebbles, from the size of a pea to that of a hen’s egg, imbedded in a siliceous cement, forming immense rocks. About eighteen miles to the east, occurs the variety of manganese (a) imbedded in a black vein of about ten inches thick, of black earthy manganese. The variety (3,) is scattered in detached lumps, from the size of a walnut to that of a man’s head, all over this moun- tain, though not in great quantity.in any one place. On reference to the map annexed, you will perceive that the broad black streak denotes the length, breadth, and course of our coal formation. ‘This extends in a 8. S. westerly direction, from its commencement at the upper part of the Lackawana river, near the Wayne county line, down the course of that river to its junction with the Susquehanna, thence along the Susquehanna, keeping chiefly the east side, leaving this last river about eighteen miles below this place, it passes in a southward course on to the head waters of Schuylkill river, and from thence, after its crossing three main branches, becomes lost, a small seam of it only ap- earing at Peter’s mountain, a few miles above Harrisburg. he only minerals in this extensive range of above one hundred miles in length, are micaceous iron ore, (3,) fer oligiste, found on the Schuylkill—specular iron ore, (4,) on the Lackawana, and in numerous places, owing to the decomposition of pyrites, bog iron ore. Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, Sc. 5 On the height of land, the veins of coal are more level than in our valley, where the strata dip from the height of ftve hundred feet, at an angle of from 10 to 35°, towards the river on both sides, inducing a belief that the valley has been formed by the sinking of the surface. The coal alternates with schist, argillite or thonschiefer, micaceous slate, (5,) and micaceous sand stone, (6 ;) which last is in strata from five to one hundred feet thick, the coal itself forming veins of from thirty to forty feet deep, though the general thickness is from twelve to fifteen feet. The deposition of vegetable matter to have formed such masses of coal, making allowance for its compression, must have been enormous. You will not fail to remark that the mica of the slate is very abundant, and the presumption is, that it is of very old formation. The bed of the river is composed of coarse gravel, three fourths of which are pieces of granite, sienite, porphyry, pri- mitive limestone, chert, hornstone, petrosilex, &c. ; although for one hundred and twenty miles above this, not one primi- tive rock is to be seen on either side of the river, whilst the entire bed of the river, as far up as I have been, is composed principally of the above primitive stones brought down the river, and rounded by attrition. This bed of gravel, which extends to a considerable distance on each side of the river, is, in many places twenty-five feet above its present level. The alluvion of the river is a clayey loam. All the finer clays which are found in it, vitrify at a strong heat, and have evidently been formed from the de- composition of the feldspar, of the granite gravel of its bed. This gravel, at Wilkesbarre, reposes on a thick bed of clay. Intermixed with these primitive stones, are found the habi- tations of molluscous animals, generally imbedded in chert. About forty miles above, to the N. W. a stratum of sea shells, twenty feet thick, rises to the summit of the highest hill adjoining the river—they are chiefly bivalves. These, when burnt, form a coarse lime mixed with considerable sand. When long exposed to water, this stratum loses its calcareous matter, leaving the impressions of the shell in the sand. Aspecimen of this brought down by the river is marked.* * With a figure resembling the Greek Delta 6 Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &c. The vegetable impressions always accompany the super- incumbent schist and argillite; none have been found among the coal, nor any, or rather very few, in the carbon-im- pregnated argillite of the floor. I have, in this last, how- ever, met with the phytolithus verrucosus, figured by Martin in his Petrificata Derbiensia. The mass of the impressions are in the argillite immedi- ately in contact with the coal, although they are common in the coarse sandy schist* above it, and occasionally are found in the sand stone strata which alternate with the coal. There are above a dozen species of fern. A frequent impression, is that of a very broad-leaved, apparently, aquatic plant, pro- bably a sedge, with a transverse thread across the leaf at every three or four inches. This leaf is sometimes found of the breadth of six and even seven inches. Another very much resembles the leaf of the Indian corn, (zea mays,) or rather that which comes to us in boxes of tea. Occasionally, very perfect specimens of flowers of a stellated form occur, and rushes and a variety of singularly formed plants and jeaves, the originals of many of which are probably now lost. There are also numerous impressions resembling the bark of trees, or lichen attached to the bark, some of them forming tableaux four or five feet long, and a foot or more wide, so regularly and beautifully figured, that the colliers term them ‘jacket patterns.” These are very interesting, but the schist in which they are generally found, is so very friable, as to render it difficult to obtain any thing like large or perfect specimens; possibly they are aquatic alge. In general, the cryptogamic class prevails, to which the alge and filices belong—these last, in particular, are very numerous. Culmiferous plants also abound, but they are generally leaf- less, the impression of the stem alone being left. One or two of the beds here are worked by leaving mas- sive pillars eight or ten feet square at the base ; but with the exception of these, the beds, which are very numerous, are worked aw jour, that is, the superincumbent strata are first removed, when the coal is either blown off with gun- powder or taken off with wedges by drilling in a straight fine, at suitable distances, or from twelve to twenty-four inches apart, several deep holes about two inches in diame- * In this schist, the phy. cancellatus and tesscllatus, figured by Martin and Steinhauer occur. Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &c. 7 ter, dropping in each two long semicircular wedges, the thick end of each down, and driving in a long very gradually tapering wedge between them, so that the greatest pressure shall act at bottom. These wedges are alternately driven, until a large mass of the coal breaks off, when it is broken up with sledges, of a convenient size for handling. Gun- powder is occasionally used, but the effect is much less certain than that of the drill and wedges. The specific gravity of our best coal, is from 1-5 to 1-6. The purer the coal the less is its specific gravity. In its purest state, the fracture is what the German mineralogists would term muschliger, that is of a conchoidal splintery fracture breaking like rosin. This is its true fracture ; but when contaminated with slate, or pervaded by delicate layers of it, even imperceptibly so, its fracture becomes more angular, lamellar and cubical—in the former state, it affords but a small quantity of ashes, in the latter the quan- tity is considerable. In the samples, the pure is marked No. 7, the impure 8. Brilliant specimens of pavonine, or iridescent coal, are abundant; but this kind is found only in the water, or in moist situations. Our anthracite, when pure, affords the most intense heat of any of the carbonaceous minerals. In a properly con- structed wind furnace, of the cubic dimensions of ten or twelve inches, cast iron readily melts, and the most refrac- tory clays, either become glazed, melt, or loose their form. The best Spring-Cove and New-Castle Delaware clay, used for glass pots in this country, which will stand the heat of a window glass furnace, for six or eight weeks, will melt in thirty minutes ; and feldspar, in a few minutes, is changed io a porcelain. Water thrown on it is instantly decomposed. I am, sir, very respectfully, ZACHARIAH CIST. Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1821. Practical facts relating to the Lehigh or Wilkesbarre coal, cited principally from the pamphlet mentioned in the letter of Mr. Cist to the Editor. 1 [This pamphlet appears to have been published about six years ago, and although written evidently not with 8 Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &c. scientific, but with mercantile views, we have every reason to confide in the truth of the statement of facts, having often heard them from other, and those disinterested persons, of probity and intelligence. As the subject is one of national importance, and appears not to be extensively understood, we subjoin some certificates of practical men as to the value of this coal in different arts, depending on fire.-—Eprror. } LEHIGH COAL. The importance and value of this coal for manufacturing as well as for domestic purposes, is not generally known ; but its use is rapidly extending, it having been found equal, if not preferable, to other fuel for most of the purposes to which it has been applied. For nailing, for the rolling and slitting of iron, malting, distilling, evaporation of salts, for steam engines, where the furnace is properly constructed ; for all these purposes it is entitled to a decided preference. It produces a regular, steady heat, without smoke or un- pleasant smell, and makes a most durable fire. Producing no soot, the pipe or chimney can never become foul, or be in danger of taking fire. Neither will the misery of a smoky chimney ever be endured where this fuel is used. For blacksmiths use, it is superior to the bituminous coal for all general purposes, except, perhaps where a large hollow fire is required, for very heavy work. Some alteration, however, is necessary in the tue (twyer?) iron. The gud- geons of the bellows ought to be placed four or five inches above the level of the nose of the pipe; the back of the fireplace should be brought up slanting back, so that part of the fire may rest on it; the hearth should be filled up to nearly level with the bottom of the tue iron, and some little skill is requisite to keep the fire open, which is soor acquired. When we take into view the trouble attending the making of charcoal, that not every kind of wood will answer, (hickory, maple, gum and chesnut being the wood generally used for this purpose,) the nightly watching while in the pit. where even in spite of every care it is often entirely con-~ sumed ; the waste and destruction it causes of timber, which: might be applied to more valuable purposes; and that with one bushel of this mineral charcoal, as much work may be Anthracite formation of Wilkesharre, &§c. 9 done as with eight or ten of wood coal, and with a saving of time, we are warranted in the assertion, that the Lehigh Coal will soon supercede the use of charcoal altogether. A similar species of coal was introduced about five years ago, into Lancaster, Dauphin and York counties, where it is much approved of by the smiths, and is burnt by the farmers in stoves* of a peculiar construction, and the use of it is rapidly extending. Not less than sixty thousand bushels have been used in those counties during the last year. A powerful consideration with the farmer is, that by using this coal, there is no need of his retaining so large a propox- tion of his farm in woodland; all that is necessary is to keep a sufficiency for building and fencing: the quantity of his arable land may be increased without any additional purchase, and the superfluous wood can be sold to advan- tage. It is to be observed that the grates should be so con- structed as to free themselves from the ashes, which is done by having no place, if possible, for the ashes to lodge, and making the bars smaller below than on the surface where the coal rests, placing them about 7-8 of an inch apart, and giving the stove or grate a strong draught of air; the sides and back of the grate should be formed of good fire brick ; they should be perpendicular and not inclined. The introduction of this coal is a subject of general im- portance. Whoever casts a retrospective glance of a dozen years will remember the low price of wood, and the little estimation in which woodland was then held. If he com- pares it with its present advanced price, and observes how those tracts are subdivided and cut up now, he will be able to form some idea what the price of firewood will probably be a dozen or twenty years hence, if no other fuel is adopt- ed, or dependence placed on our forests alone for supplies. The following statements form only a part of those which have been received; it is deemed superfluous to present any more. | J.C, * These stoves may be had at the furnace of Reuben Trexler, Berks county, Pa, Vou. IV.....No. 1, 2. 10 Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &c. Certificate from Messrs. White & Hazard, proprietors of the extensive Wire Manufactory and Rolling and Slitting Mill, at the falls of Schuylkill, five miles above Philadel- phia. We have used the Lehigh Coal, and in the heating of bar iron for rolling, we find it to contrast with Virginia Coal as follows : With Lehigh Coal, three men will roll ten cwt. of iron for wire, and burn five bushels coal per day of twelve hours. The wages are $ 4 00 Five bushels of coal, at ninety cents, is 4 50 With Virginia Coal, it takes ten bushels to heat five cwt. of bars, which is all the three men can do with this coal in one day 8 50 The wages as above, is four dollars per day, but rolling but five cwt. a day, it will take two days to roll ten cwt. making the wages for that quantity 8 00 Suppose the coal to cost only 23 cents per bushel, twenty bushels would be 00 50 $8 50 It follows, that to us, Lehigh Coal at nenety cents, is equally cheap as Virginia Coal at two and a half cents per bushel. WHITE & HAZARD. Whitestown, November 1814. Having made a trial of the Lehigh Coal, at the Pennsyl- vania Bank, in the large stove, I found them to answer for that purpose exceeding well—they give an excellent heat and burn lively. It is my opinion they are nearly equal to double the quantity of any other coal brought to this mar- ket for durability, of course less labour is required in attend- ing to the fire—they require a strong draught. My opinion is, they will be found cheaper than wood ; they burn clean; no’smoke or smell of sulphur is observed, or any dirt flying when stirred, which is a great objection to all other coal for family use. Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &c. i If the fire places are properly constructed for burning this coal, I am well convinced that most of the citizens of Philadelphia will give it a preference to wood. FREDERICK GRAFF, We, the undersigned, do certify, that we are now using the stone coal for heating hoops for cut nails, and find it 10 exceed any other coal or wood fire for this purpose. Our practice is, in the morning when we leave the shop for breakfast, to throw a quantity of coal on the fires, which will be fit for working on our return, and will last until we leave it at nine in the evening, when we again put on a quantity which lasts until the next morning at breakfast time. We find a very great advantage in thus having the fire ready to work at an early hour in the morning. Such a fire requires about a half bushel of coal in twelve hours. We find also, that the hoops heat in half the time that they do with any other fire. Upon the whole, we think that the Lehigh Coal is much the best for nailing, and not attended with one fourth the trouble of any other fire, and that the nails are, in our opi- nion, superior to others on account of the quickness of the heat, which does not cause the iron to scale so much. We also cut one fourth more nails with this fire than with a wood fire. GEORGE SMITH. JOHN MORGAN. DANIEL COLKGLASER. December 7th, 1814. — I have used in my business for years past, occa- sionally, charcoal, sometimes Virginia coal, and at others Lehigh, and from use and careful examination of their rela- tive value, I am perfectly satisfied that one bushel of Lehigh coal is equal in durability and value to nearly three of Virginia, and from ten to twelve of charcoal; and further, I find that they are the only coal I can depend on for weld- ing of gun-barrels, as with them I am always sure of a true and uniform result. I have now used them twenty years, ahd would not be willing to be without them even if they cost me two dollars per bushel. 1 own three tilt hammers, and have worked for the United States and the state of Pennsylvania the last eight years. 12 Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &c. It requires about a peck of coal a day, with a small pro- portion of charcoal, for one fire ; with this 1 manufacture eight gun barrels or twenty pistol barrels, or one quart of this coal to a musket barrel. DAVID HESS, Smith and Gunbarrel maker, Northampton. Pa. December 3, 1814. I have used this kind of coal for the last two years, both for the malt-kiln as well as under the brewing copper, and also for distilling, for which purpose I find it to be superior to wood, cheaper, safer, and attended with much less labor. In distilling, with thirty bushels of this coal and half a cord of wood (to raise occasionally the heat,) I distil one one hundred bushels of grain in a still containing one hun- dred and twenty-five gallons, upon the common old con- struction, in ten days, when I formerly used five cords of wood for the same quantity, taking longer time and requir- ing much more labor. In order to dampen the fire, whilst occasionally mashing or drawing off the still, | have only to throw on some of the finest of the coal, and when again I want to raise the heat, I put on a stick or two of wood. The length of the bars of my grate is twenty-two inches, of inch square iron; they are set in loose, the ends widened, so that the bars may be about 7-8 of an inch apart, and placed thus side by side, they make a grate of fifteen inches wide—the still& are set bare to the fire, about sixteen inches above the grate, with single flues passing round each still, with doors to the furnace. For inalting, the advantages are, that producing no smoke and containing no sulphur, there is no danger of their smok- ing or otherwise injuring the malt, whilst the regularity of the heat is such, that the fires require little or no attention at night, and there is also no danger, with common attention, of burning the malt. For brewing, or under the boiler, I prefer it for the rea- sons which induce me to use it in distilling. WILLIAM BOWN, December 20, 1814. Brewer and Distiller. This may certify, that I have been concerned in distilling for two years past. The capacity of our large still is one Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &e. 13 hundred and twenty gallons, of the small one seventy. We make use of stone coal for fuel. We can, with ease, dis- charge our stills six tumes in twenty-four hours, and in that time use only about three bushels of coal, without any dan- ger of burning the liquor or stills. It is not attended with half the labor of a wood fire, nor do we experience that dif- culty of regulating the fire as is the case where wood is used. JOHN P. ARNDT. Experiments of Mr. Smith, of Bucks county, Plough manu- facturer, shewing the excellence of Laeuren Coat, for Blacksmiths work. Ist. In forging twenty plow clevices, used a full heaped half bushel weighed 45lb. 5 7 In making the same number of twenty, with charcoal, used six bushels, and took two hours more time. 2d. In welding up coulters that used to require three heats with charcoal, now require but two and frequently done with one. 3d. Laying sharemoulds and welding on the land-sides, that used to require four heats each, now done in three and frequently with only two, and taken in less time. 4th. In order to make a more accurate experiment, I yes- terday morning weighed a bushel for each fire (72lbs. or the thirtieth part of a ton) having previously cut up two hundred of 3-4 square iron, which they forged into fifty- three plow clevices; one fire in working twenty-eight, used all their coal and one bushel of charcoal; the other, in working twenty-five had 8lbs. left, and completed their work in one hour less time than the same hands had done the twenty-eight with charcoal. They are also found to work steed better than any other kind of coals; not burning either that or iron as other coal does. From the whole of my observations (and [ have been particularly’ attentive to the use of them the month past,) I am fixed in the opinion that one bushel of this coal is worth two of the Richmond, and ten or twelve of the best charcoal. I also think Weiss’s the best that I have seen, as they were so very pure that the smith had no occasion of clearing out his fire more than once a day. 14 Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, &c. The following statement taken from my book, will exhibit in a clearer light, the value of Lehigh coal : Smith book account and wrought iron on hand, for the month of January, eighty-six days work done $211 Charcoal used in forging the same, three hundred and seventy-five bushels, at $12 per hundred bushels 45 Smith book account and wrought iron on hand, from 1st February to the 25th March, one hundred and seventy-seven days work done 733 Charcoal used, two hundred and seventy-five bushels, deduct for same in proportion for January, as the work was similar 129 Seventy-five bushels of Lehigh coal used in forg- ing the above, $604 worth of work, at $1 per bushel 604 Charcoal necessary to have done the $604 worth of work, agreeable to the experiment of January, one thousand and seventy-two bushels, at $12. 127 From which deduct $75, the price of the Lehigh coal 75 Leaving the balance in favour of the Lehigh coal of 52 Tt is my firm belief, that the time gained is worth more than the whole price of the coal. JOSEPH SMITH. Tinicum, Bucks County, Pa. 4th month, 2d day, 1814. N. B. One of my journeymen, who was the most adverse, is now using the Lehigh coal at Boyertown, Berks county, at $75 per hundred bushels, in a neighbourhood where charcoal can be purchased for one tenth of the sum. March 13, 1815. I have, for two months past, made use of stone coal in my distillery, and am much pleased with it. I have ascer- tained that three bushels of coal (with a little dry wood to kindle) is sufficient to run my singling still six times, my doubling still once, and boil all the water for mashing, &c. Anthracite formation of Wilkesbarre, Se. 15 I find, in using this coal, a great saving of labor, and the copper is not so liable to be injured as by wood, because there is not so much danger of burning the still, or running - foul at the worm. My mode of setting stills for this kind of coal, is as fol- lows :—I draw a circle sufficiently large to give room for 4 circular flue, round the body of the still, of about four inches, leaving an opening of twelve inches wide and two feet deep, for an ash hole; I then raise the ash hole twelve inches high, and put on my grate, which is made of inch square bars, placed about three-fourths of an inch apart, and a sufficient number to cover the ash hole. I prefer to have the square bars riveted (instead of putting them in loose as some do) into a cross bar at each end, to keep the bars sta- tionary ; 1 then put up a cast iron door frame in front, of fifteen inches wide and twelve high, with a cast iron door to it; then raise the side wall and back of the furnace a little flaring to the height of the cast iron door frame, level- ling the top; then put down four brick for bearers, on which set my still; then drawing a flue of about four inches round the sides of the still, enclose it at the top rise of the breast. This mode I find to answer a very good purpose for stone coal. It is not necessary to have a slider or damper in the chimney, because by closing the front of the ash hole, and epening the door of the furnace, it will sufficiently check the operation of the fire when required. GEORGE HAINES. March 10, 1815. I have used the Lehigh coals. They produce a greater degree of heat than any other fuel I am acquainted with— they give no smoke—contain no sulphur. I have tried them for my steam engine, and find them to exceed all others for keeping a steady fire, driving my engine well.— I find that iron heated by these coals, does not scale, as when heated with Virginia coals; therefore, I think a boiler will last as long again; and as they make no smoke, no soot (which is a non-conductor of heat) can accumulate on the outside of the boiler. While the boilers are clear of soot, less fuel will produce steam to drive the engine. The fur- nace must, however, for this purpose, be properly con- structed for them. i6 On the Serpentine Rocks of Hoboken, N. J. &. These coals will no doubt prove the cheapest, most du- rable, cleanly, and pleasant fuel for warming apartments, as well as for many other useful purposes.—They are without doubt the best for making edge tools. . I believe that Lehigh Coal at 5s. per bushel is as cheap as Virginia at 2s. 9d.—In a grate or stove, a fire of this coal will Jast from twelve to fourteen hours. OLIVER EVANS. Arr. [i.— Observations on the Serpentine rocks of Hoboken, in New-Jersey, and on the minerals which they contain ; by Tuomas Norra.u. {Read in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, May 8th, 1821. Forwarded in MS. for insertion in this Journal. Tus formation which appertains rather to the transition than the primitive range, and to the species of serpentine called the common kind, occurs at this place in a consid- erable mountain mass, which is washed by the tides of the Hudson. By its position it appears to be incumbent on the granite on which the city of New-York is founded, and in contiguity with a rock, sometimes coarsely granular, formed principally of quartz and felspar. Seams of breccia formed of angular fragments cemented together by a calcareous spar resembling arragonite, and which has been erroneous- ly announced as a carbonate of magnesia, indicate at least the partial transition of this serpentine into the surrounding formations, or the transfusion of some foreign ingredient in- to the rocky mass while yet yielding and capable of easy penetration. This serpentine, which differs so much in external char- acter from the finer diaphanous or nephritic kind of Massa- chusetts, is of an uniform consistence, of an earthy fracture, perfect opacity, soft enough to be easily scraped by a knife, and of a dull yellowish-green colour, somewhat inclining to olive. Its specific gravity by Nicholson’s balance was 2,820. It acquires but a feeble polish, and is commonly penetrated by octahedral crystals, said without sufficient authority to be chromated iron. Before the blowpipe it remains infusible, and by strong calcination looses 16 per On the Serpentine Rocks of Hoboken, N. J. &c. 17 cent. of volatile matter, and then acquires a pale brownish tinge. Decomposed by acids, without calcination, which obstructs the solution, it afforded 30 percent. of silex, about 52 per cent. magnesia, with only two parts in the hundred of oxid of iron, and not a vestige of chrome, alumine or lime. So that as we shall perceive in the sequel of this es- say, the magnesian earth pervades this formation and all its concomitant minerals in a manner hitherto unparalleled. It is unnecessary for me to add any thing concerning the rare and singular mineral of this locality known as an al- most pure hydrate of magnesia, but which, though perfectly colorless and transparent, still conceals an essential though minute portion of iron, and about 30 per cent. of water. That part of the mineral which presents a greenish colour, with the lamina less flexible and diaphanous, is a contamina- tion, by degrees approximating it to a contiguous substance, which as a peculiar mineral I shall distinguish by the name of marmalite.* Although this hydrate presents a high de- gree of purity and homogenity, it has never yet been detec- ted in a proper crystalline form. Its lamina indeed appear almost always fasciculated in different directions, and insome specimens I have traced itinto a magnesian marble, present- ly to be described, in which it presents triangular lamina di- verging from a common centre so as to exhibit a radiating circle. The substance above mentioned, which 1 shall term magnesian marble, appears as it were, to form a continua- tion of the same veins which afford the magnesian hydrate. Its colour is commonly, and constantly when pure, of a per- fect white, sometimes of a very close grain, and with a frac- ture inclining to the conchoidal, but commonly splintery. The most compact kind even gives some sparks with steel, in the same fragments there are also almost always portions of a lamellar or sparry texture, the lamina as in marble, but more hyaline, crossing each other or implicated in dif- ferent directions. In the cavities also occur small clusters of limpid crystals, too minute for very accurate investigation, but as far as visible through the microscope, presenting elongated six-sided prisms, with faces of unequal breadth, * From papatpa, to shine, in allusion to its pearly and somewhat metal- ic lustre. : Vor. IV.....No. 1. 3 18 On the Serpentine Rocks of Hoboken, N. J. &e. and either truncated at the apex, or with an acumination so indistinct as to be scarcely visible. If these crystals are to be considered as homogeneous with the sparry mass to which they adhere, they are essentially crystals of carbonate of magnesia, but at the same time there is nothing thus far dis- coverable in them by which they could be distinguished from carbonate of lime. This white substance presents sometimes a singular state of disintegration, filling the cavi- ties of the veins with a perfectly friable and pulverulent sub- stance of the colour and appearance of the magnesia of the shops. ‘The specific gravity of this marmoraceous mineral taken by Nicholson’s balance was 2,880. Chemical characters. 50 grains of the white and sparry kind, possessing a splintery fracture, and giving fire with steel, after pulverization, and strong ignition for an hour and a half, came out a little tinged with brown, and had lost 25 grains. This powder dissolved almost instantaneously in nitric acid, and formed a saline brown mass, which was evaporated to dryness, when, being diluted and filtered, itleft one grain of silex in a hyaline gelatinous form. On the addition of the prussiate of potash a deep blue precipitate appeared, and amounted by the usual reduction to a quarter of a grain of protoxid of iron. The whole of the earthy contents were now precipitated at a boiling heat with carbonate of potash, which when edulcorated and calcined gave 22 grains of what appeared to be magnesia, and which lost no appreciable portion on be- ing boiled in caustic potash. Its solution, however, in sul- phuric acid afforded 10 per cent. of gypsum, or nearly the proportion of three and a half grains of pure lime. From this experiment the magnesian marble of Hoboken appears to consist in the 100 parts of Magnesia cai ce - 44,00 Carbonic acid and water 50,00 Lime - - - - 3,50 Silex -. - - - 2,00 Protoxid of iron - - 0,50 100,00 The proportion of lime varies, so that in a highly colour- ed green and sparry specimen, scarcely distinguishable from serpentine, I obtained 48 per cent. of lime. This substance, which forms veins in tte serpe itin Hoboken, is in all probability one of the most deceptn erals ever discovered, since it appears in every respé ch as a well characterized variety of amianthus for which it had-al- ways been mistaken. It possesses the usual silky lustre and flexible fibrous texture, and is commonly ofa pale blue colour. It cannot indeed like the genuine amianthus be re- duced to a flocculent mass, so as to be twisted and spun, and the fibres when presented to the flame of a lamp, in- stead of running up into a globule, like that of Massachu- setts, remain infusible, become friable, opaque and rigid, and at the same time assume alight browntinge from the oxi- dation of the iron contained in them. But the most singular character which this deceiving mineral presents, is its total solubility in acids, without effervesence, except in such fragments as have been exposed to the weather, or which are slightly contaminated by carbonate of lime. Its spe- cific gravity I found to be 2,44. By exposure to a considerable heat, in the experiment which I made it lost 30 per cent. and in sulphuric acid was all converted into a well characterised epsom salt, excepting about a grain of lime and a precipitate of iron, equivalent to about 5 per cent. of the protoxide. This mineral when rubbed with a piece of iron as well as the lamellated magnesite phosphoresces with a yellowish light. Marmolite. This mineral, which has hitherto been considered in this country as a variety of talc, forms also narrow veins in the serpentine of Hoboken, and in that of the Bare Hills near Baltimore ; in the former locality it sometimes occurs in contact with the lamellar oe of magnesia and in the magnesian marble. ne Its texture is foliated with the lamina thin, and often parallel asin diallage. Sometimes also cleaving in two di- rections parallel to the sides of an oblique and compressed four sided prism. These lamina, sometimes a quarter of an inch broad, are commonly collected into radiating or diver- 20 On the Serpentine Rocks of Hoboken, N. J. &. ging clusters, of a pale green or greenish-grey colour and a pearly submetallic lustre, soft enough to be easily cut by a knife, and almost perfectly opaque, inflexible, and brittle. Its poyder is unctuous and shining. By the influence of the weather it becomes whitish and more brittle. Its spe- cific gravity by Nicholson’s balance was 2,470. Chemical characters. Before the blowpipe it decrepitates, hardens, and slightly exfoliates without showing any sign of fusion. 100 grains after an hour’s ignition lost 15 per cent. and the fragments were then sufficiently hard to scratch glass. The remaining 85 grains were dissolved in nitric acid and formed a thick and partly gelatinous mass. After the so- lution appeared complete, there remained on filtration and desiccation by ignition 35 grains of silex, which with pot- ash readily fused with effervesence into a pellucid glass. The metallic matter was then precipitated by prussiate of potash and by the grass green colour of the solution ap- peared mixed with a minute portion of chrome. This pre- cipitate of a deep blue amounted when dried, after making the necessary reduction, to one half a grain of the protoxid of iron. Concentrating the solution to dryness and lixiviating, there remained one grain more of silex. ‘The earth previously ascertained to be principally mag- nesian, was now precipitated by caustic potash, and the precipitate boiled to separate the alumine it might con- tain. The alkaline liquor was again supersaturated with muri- atic acid, to which ammonia was added, but without produ- cing any precipitation. The precipitate by caustic potash, after edulcoration and ignition, sufficient to expel the carbonic acid, weighed 46 grains, and was then redissolved in sulphuric acid, which after repeated digestion and solution, deposited five and a half grains of gypsum, equivalent to two grains of lime. The remaining fluid crysta 100 Pes of. the LUE as con M *100,0 ‘if emicd composition alongwere to guide us in the classification of minerals, in this instance more particularly; we might conclude this substance to be essentially similar to the serpentine in which it occurs ; but as this mineral has not as yet presented us with any thing like ery staliza- tion, I consider myself-as rather justified in considering it a distinct mineral, and more particularly, as it might on equal grounds be referred to tale or steatite, from all which its external characters sufficiently remove it. From steatite, which does not essentially differ from tale, it is sufficiently distinguished by the peculiar association and form of its la- mina, their opacity, brittleness, and infusibility. Its spe- cific gravity, inferior hardness, and chemical composition equally remove it from Diallage, with which, however, it is more nearly associated by external characters, not knowing therefore where to refer it by comparison with other known minerals, | conceive myself justified in proposing it under a new denomination. By Cleaveland it appears to have been considered as similar to the indurated tale, to which, however, it bears no genuine affinity, the latter being rather a variety of asbestus. From the remarkable pee deen ee of magnesia in all the minerals which compose the hills of Hoboken, an their easy decomposition by sulphuric acid into an Epsom salt, uncontaminated by any alum, and only a very minute and almost accidental portion of lime, itis evident that a profita- ble and extensive manufactory of this salt, now so much used * The Baltimore mineral covtains enly 30 per cent. silex, and notrace of lime. 22 Onthe Serpentine Rocks of Hoboken, N. J. &c. in medicine, and imported largely into this country, could here be established. ‘In England it has been found profitable to manufacture this salt from the calcareous magnesian minerals. In this process, however, it becomes necessary to saturate the use- less and predominating portion of calcareous ‘earth besides the magnesia, which in the serpentine of Hobdken, and probably that of Baltimore, is entirely obviated by the ab- sence of every soluble earth but the magnesian. In Salinelle, in the department of Gard in France, this salt is fabricated to advantage from an earth which consists in the 100 parts of Silex 45, magnesia 22, water 32, and a trace of iron. From such minerals and particularly from a substance so pure, unusually productive, and uncontaminated as that of the serpentine in question, the sulphate might be obtained in a degree of purity altogeter superior to that of commerce, usually manufactured from the bittern of sea-water which abounds in foreign ingredients. A pulverization similar to that which is employed in pre- paring gypsum for agricultural purposes is all that would be requisite in these serpentine rocks ; and as far as my ex- periments have extended in the small way, the solution of this mineral is more complete before than after ignition, at least when a moderate heat is employed. In the vicinity of Germantown, about eight miles from Phil- adelphia, a serpentine formation occurs so very similar to the Fahlunite of Sweden, that [ could not satisfy myself of their distinction in any other way than by the educts of analysis. Like that mineral it occurs in disseminated, but partly con- fluent blackish-green masses, blended with a pe tare confusedly laminated tremolite, closely allied to Hornblende, and as well as the serpentine, soft enough to be easily scrap- ed with a knife, and scarcely scratching glass. The frac- ture of this serpentine is somewhat conchoidal as in Fahlu- Pre Fron Mines, &c. in Vermont. 23 nite, though dull and merely translucent in their splinters, which emit a greenish light. Its composition I found to be in the 100 parts Silex - - - 33, 0 Magnesia - - - 42,0 Lime - = = 3,50 Iron - - - med Water and volatile matter 13, 0 100 The composition of this variety, deducting the iron and small portion of lime, as well as that of Loudan grove near Chester, a few miles from Philadelphia, is also very well suited for the manufactory of Epsom salt. Art. Il.—Notice of Fron mines and manufactures in Ver- mont, and of some localities of earthy minerals ; by Pro- ressor I. Hau, in a letter to the Editor, dated Middlebury College, April 12, 1821. In my last communication, I promised you a description of some of the other iron ore beds of Vermont. I have since examined the one situated in Brandon, a town sixteen miles south from this place. The ore bed, lying about two miles north from the centre of the town, is owned by a number of gentlemen; two of whom are John Conant and Roger Fuller, Esqrs. of Brandon. The ore is found by digging a few feet below the surface, in a horizontal plain, extending several miles in length, and from fifty to a hun- dred rods in width. Where this plain now is, I could not help imagining, was once a deep valley, which, at a remote period, was filled with mineral matter, brought down from the Green mountain, by which it is bounded, on the east. The ground being covered with snow, when I visited the ore bed, I had no opportunity to examine the surface of the earth. An ore digger, who has long resided on the spot, gave me all the information in his power, relative to the 24: Tron Mines, &c. in Vermont. ore. He conducted me to a number of piles of it, which he had recently assisted in digging. An acre or two of land is made into a complete riddle by pits, from which the ore has been thrown. ‘They are from six to twenty-five feet deep, and from eight to twelve in diameter. ‘Their walls are perpendicular. Several kinds of ore occur in this immense deposit ; such as the brown oxide, both amorphous and hematitic, the compact red oxide and yellow ochre. The last is vastly the most abundant. In one pit, the brown oxide made its ap- pearance within about six feet ; in another, within twenty feet, of the surface. It runs in veins in the yellow ochre, which are sometimes a number of feet in thickness. It is very porous, but the pores are principally filled with ochre. The oxide is easily frangible ; it soils the fingers, but does not feel greasy. Its colour is often of a bluish cast. When taken from the bed, it has no effect on the magnet. I ex- posed a smal] specimen to the action of the blowpipe, and its attraction for the magnet was speedily revived. The compact red oxide is not however of a deep red. Its fracture is dull. All the varieties of the ore have more of an earthy, than of a metallic appearance. This bed of ore appears to be exhaustless. In its vicinity is a forge, owned by Mr. Roger Fuller, in which are annually manufactured thirty-six tons of bar iron. The ore, on an average, yields thirty per cent. of pure iron. The iron, in this part of the country, is held in high estima- tion. Itsells for one dollar in the hundred. more than the best Swedish iron. Its superiority arises from its being tougher, and more malleable than most other iron. It plates with facility, into shovels, which are pronounced to be equal to the best English shovels. Mr. Fuller has recently erect- ed an‘establishment for the manufacture of shovels, a few rods from his forge. In Brandon village, a large and commodious furnace hag lately been built, by Mr. John Conant, where this ore is manufactured into cast iron. ‘The works have been in op- eration a short time only, but should they perform as much labour, monthly, through the year, as they have done since their erection, the whole quantity of cast iron annually made will amount co upwards of one hundred tons. I have sel- dom sren castings, which were so perfect. Conant’s and Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, &c. 25 Broughton’s patent stoves, the making of which constitutes the chief business of the establishment, are in so much de- mand, that they are disposed of as fast as they can be man- ufactured. At the forge, the ore is fused, without the addi- tion of any foreign article for a flux. At the furnace, sili- cious limestone is employed for this purpose. In the single county of Rutland, there are no less than four blast furnaces, and two or three pocket furnaces, as they are called, all in successful operation during a consid- erable part of each year. I have just received a mineral from a gentleman at Mon- treal, which, if I mistake not, is awgite imbedded in schthy- ophthalmite. The latter substance is less brilliant, than a specimen [ have from Sweden, but possesses most of its characters. The augite is green, and occurs in large imper- fect crystals. The mineral was found at Long Sault on the Ottawa river, about seventy miles above Montreal. Amianthus occurs, at Barton, Vt. Its fibres are white and remarkably delicate. Common and ligniforin asbestus is foundin vast quantity, in Mount Holly, Vt. Tremain, Dear Sir, With sentiments of high respect, Your very obedient, F. HALL. a er a a ror ee Arr. 1V.—Foreign notices in Mineralogy, &c. 3 comment cated by J. W. Wesster, M. D. ee 1 -—Notice of some minerals from the New South Shetland Islands. Tue arrival of a vessel, from the New South Shetland Islands, at this port, afforded me an opportunity of examin- ing many interesting specimens of the minerals of those islands. From the general character of these substances, and from the close resemblance they bear to some of the mineral productions of Iceland and the Ferroe Islands, | am induced to think that the geological structure of the New South Shetland Islands, is similar to that of the two former, Vor. IV.....No. 1. 4 « 6 Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, §¢. and that they are in part, if not wholly, of volcanic origin.* One of the specimens, which is now in my cabinet, is very much in favour of this opinion. It is a fragment of a Trap rock, composed of augite and felspar, and cannot readily be distinguished from portions of the Trap rocks of Iceland. This specimen is about six inches in length, and ‘has an ir- regular prismatic form. Nearly the whole of one side of it is covered with calcedony, and small rock crystals. This is evidently part of alarge drusy cavity. The calcedony has a slightly bluish colour, and is rather more than half an inch in thickness ; and the transparent crystals rest upon it. A second specimen is composed of jasper and calcedony. The jasper is red, (about the colour of arterial blood,) with bands of light yellow, and brown ; the surface is irregular, and is covered on one side with calcedony of a most deli- cate flesh colour, in small mamillary concretions, studded with innumerable minute brilliant crystalline points. The most singular specimen is a portion of a stalactite, which has been broken transversely. Its length is three inches and a half, its diameter rather more than two. The exterior layer, which is about a quarter of an inch thick, is composed of crystallized transparent quartz, within which is a layer of milk white calcedony of about the same thickness, and the centre of the specimen is filled by calcareous spar of a yellowish brown colour, and opaque. The calcareous spar is so hard near its junction with the calcedony, that it yields with difficulty to the kuife. It however effervesces with an acid. The central portion is considerably softer. Among these specimens are many globular, and ovoidal masses of calcedony, of various shades of white, grey, blue, aud red. ‘Their size varies from that of a hen’s egg to the diameter of eight or ten inches. They are hollow, and are lined with crystals of transparent quartz and calcareous spar ; of the latter I observed four forms, viz: primitive, inverse, cuborde, and metustatique of Hauy. The exterior of these geedes is irregular, having that indented surface so * Mr. J. Miens, in the Edin, Philo. Jour. No.6, has given a very interesting account of the discovery of New South Shetland, and from the information obtained by him from the mate of one of the vessels which had been there, is disposed to consider the coast as composed of chlorite slate, or ‘ schistose harnblend.’” Foragn Notices in Mineralogy, &c. 27 common in the calcedonies of other localities; and it is covered with a thin layer of green earth. I have one very beautiful specimen of jasper, composed of alternate layers of red, brown, white, and grass green. Among some specimens, which the captain of the vessel told me he picked up “ on the summit of a lofty mountain,” I observed three or four small pieces of selenite. _ Coal and arsenical iron pyrites were also found in these islands. The specimens of crystallized quartz brought here, were numerous, and many of them of great beauty. Most of these minerals, as I was informed, were picked up *‘ loose on the shores of the islands,” but many were ob- tamed by “ digging into the rocks.” 2. Notices from the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal. * Rock crystals containing nine globules of water formed and forming, in decaying granite in Elba—The granite of Elba is sometimes traversed by fissures, and these fissures are frequently filled with a disintegrated granite, in which, we are told, are daily forming rock-crystals, nearly all of which contain bubbles of water ; and sometimes there ap- pears a vegetable-like matter floating on the water.” ** Strontites and precious opal, &c. in the Ferroe islands.— Vargas Bedemar, who has lately spent a year in examining the geognostic structure of the Faroe islands, discovered strontites, in secondary trap; also opal, most frequently the precious kind, and but rarely the common or semi-opal ; and he mentions having found adularia, helictrope, and black Mint also in the trap-rocks.” *¢ Mohs’s charactertstic.—An English translation by Pro- fessor Mohs himself, of his characteristic, or characters of the classes,Orders,Genera, and species of minerals, has been lately published at Edinburgh. This classical work is but ibe forerunner of the system of crystallography of this pro- found naturalist.” “© Hausmann’s New Mineralogical Work.—Professor Hausmann, we understand, is at present printing a large 28 doreign Notices in Mineralogy, &e. work, “ on the Formsof the Inorganic Kingdom,” of which the first part will appear next Easter, and the second the following summer. Having finished this interesting work, he will next prepare and put to press, an account of his geognostical investigations in the Alps and in Italy.” “ Extraordinary mass of Platina discovered in Peru.— A negro slave in the gold mines of Condoto, in the govern- ment of Choco, in South America, found a mass of platina of extraordinary magnitude, and which. is now deposited in the Royal museum, in Madrid. It weighs rather more than one pound and a third, and is the largest piece of this metal hitherto met with. The largest specimen brought from America by Humboldt, and deposited in the King’s cabinet in Berlin, and which weighs 1085 grains, was also found in Choco. These facts allow us to hope, that platina may be found in its original repository somewhere in that country.’ Dr. Brewster has given the name Comptonite to a mine~ ral brought from Italy, by Earl Compton, (Resident of the Geological Society of London.) ‘It is found in small transparent or semi-transparent crystals, lining the cavities of an amygdaloidal rock from Vesuvius. The crystals are right prisms, nearly rectangular, with plane summits; or the same figure truncated on the lateral edges, so as to compose an eight sided prism. This last form is the raost common. Comptonite, by exposing it in the state of powder to the action of nitric acid, is convertible into a jelly, like all the mesotypes.—It scratches stilbite, fluor spar, and apatite, but not mesotype. It is distinguished from stilbite, by its being convertible into a jelly by nitric acid, a prop- erty not possessed by stilbite. It is distinguished from auvergne mesotype, and from the mesotype or needlestone of Iceland by the angles of the primitive prism, &c. From No.5 of Edinburgh Philosophical Journal. * Account of three new species of lead ore found at Lead hills; by H. J. Brooxe, Esq. F. R. S. Lond. M. G.S. &c. &e. Among some specimens of lead ore from Lead hills, I have found three new species, of which two have been no- Foreign Notices in Mineratogy, &c. 29 ticed by Count Bournon, and one by Mr. Sowerby. I shall designate them by the names of Sulphato-carbonate of lead. Sulphato-tri-carbonate of tead. Cupreous sulphato-carbonate of lead. Count Bournon has described the first merely as a variety of carbonate of lead. The second he calls rhomboidal carbonate, and describes it as dissolving more readily in ni- tric acid, and with greater effervescence than common car- bonate. Its primary form he supposes to be a rhomboid of 60° and 120°. The third species has been called by Mr. Sowerby, in his British Mineralogy, Green Carbonate of Copper. The difference between the external characters of this third species and green carbonate of copper, and between that of the two first species and any carbonate of lead I had seen, induced me to dissolve some of the rhomboidal crys- tals in nitric acid. The effervescence was considerable, as described by Count Bournou ; but I was surprised to observe, after the effervescence had ceased, a white insolu- ble residuum, which, on examination, proved to be sul- phate of lead. In consequence of the observation of this fact, and of the: association generally on the same specimen of the three varieties, or some two of them, I have examined them all, and I believe the following results will be found correct: The sulphato- conbonate consists of 1 atom sulphate fiead 1 ‘* carbonate ; fe ge Diener cele while dissolving in nitric acid, scarcely perceptible. Specific gravity, 6.8 to 7. Hardness nearly as sulphate-tri-carbonate. Colour whitish, bluish, and greenish-grey, sometimes approaching to apple green. The crystals Ihave seen are seldom distinct, always minute, and aggregated together lengthwise, presenting a character approaching to fibrous. From the measurements taken by the reflective goniom- eter on two cleavages; from the character of some of its secondary planes; and from the observation of its cleaving more readily in one particular direction than in any other, 30 Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, ¥c. { conceive its primary form to be a right prism, whose base is an oblique-angled parallelogram of 59° and 120° 45”. But the crystals I have, are too imperfect to determine this point with precision, or to give the height of the prism. The sulphato-tri-carbonate consists of 1 atom sulphate, ai: Ue aan. eat Specific gravity, 6.3 to 6.5. Hardness between sulphate of lead and cupreous sul- phate-carbonate. Colour of the rhomboidal crystals pale greenish, or yel- lowish, or brownish, or colourless and transparent, when very minute. The prismatic varieties are colourless, or of various shades of pale yellow. The rhomboids are acute, meas- uring 72° 30” and 107° 30”; and from not having found any other cleavage than one perpendicular to the axis of the crystal, | am induced to adopt this as the primary form. The principal modifications I have observed, are those which pass into the six-sided prism by the truncation of all the solid angles of the rhomboid, and those which produce more obtuse rhomboids, of which there are three or four. The natural planes of all except the most minute crystals are more or less rounded, and consequently afford imper- fect reflections. 7 The cupreous sulphato-carbonate appears, from the sep- arate analysis of 3.59 ers. to consist of — if the carb. of cop- 5. ‘ (6atoms sulphate, > of lead, ) per be chemically 5 “ (4° © -earbonate, combined, and not 1.41 “ J3 “ carbonate of copper, \ accidental. Specific gravity about 6.4. Hardness between carbonate of lead and sulphato-tri- carbonate. Colour blue to dark greenish-blue. The primary form is a right prism, with either a rectan- gular or rhombic base. From the indication of joints par- allel to all the planes of the latter; and from not having ob- Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, &e. 31 served any joints parallel to more than four of the planes of the rectangular prism, I consider the right rhombic prism as: the primary form. ‘The angles of this prism are 95° and 85°; the planes which give the angle of 95° appear on ma- ny of the crystals as a “dihedral termination to secondary forms, analogous to some prismatic varieties of sulphate of barytes. The crystals are generally very minute, and ap- pear sometimes in small bunches, radiating from their com- mon point of attachment to the matrix. Besides the cleavages parallel to its planes, the rhombic prism divides also in the direction of its shortest diagonal, and its height is to the edge of the base as 2 to 1. The fact that presents itself to our notice here, of so dis- tinct a difference of crystalline form, produced by a change in the proportions only of the elements of the crystallized body, will tend to confirm the intimate relation that subsists between the chemical and crystallographical characters of minerals; and it appears to disprove M. Beudant’s conjec- ture, that only the secondary form of crystals are affected by a change in the proportions of their constituent chemi- cal elements. -Itis remarkable, too, that lead should alone present so many instances of a single base combining at the same time with two acids. London, 13th May, 1820. From No. 6 of Edinburgh Philosophical Journal. © New works on Petrifactions.—1. The well known ge- ologist, Baron Von Schlotheim, is just about to publish : an extensive work on petrifactions, and, judging from the ac- curacy, and extensive knowledge of the author, it cannot fail to prove a valuable addition to this interesting branch | of natural history. 2. Emmerling, the Mineralogist, has also announced a work on the fossil organic remains met with in brown coal, and other new formations of the same description. 3. There has just been published at Leip- zig, a work in folio, with numerous plates, entitled Geog- nostical Flora of a former world, by Graf Kasper Von Sternberg. From the plates of this work, sent to the Wer- nerian Society by Count Banos, the drawings appear to be faithfully executed, and many of the cbjects represented 32 Foren Notices in Mineralogy, Se. are of the same description with those so abundantly distri- buted in our coal fields.” 3. Geological notices in Northern Africa, from the Quar- terly Review, No. 49. ““ A narrative of travels in Northern Africa in the years 1818-19 and 20, &c. &c. by Captain G. F. Lyon, R. N. companion of the late Mr. Ritchie. 4to. pp. 382. Jon- don, 1821.” ** From specimens of rock collected by Captain Lyon in various parts of his journey, Professor Buckland has been able to determine the geological structure of Tripoli and fezzan ; all of which may be referred to the three forma- tions, 1. Basalt; 2. Tertiary limestone of about the same age with the calemre grossier of Paris; 3. New red sand stone. The Soudah or Black mountains, as we have al- ready stated, are of basaltic formation; their direction is east and west, and they extend probably across the continent, Horneman having crossed them nearly two hundred miles to the south-eastward of Lyon, where they take the name of the Black Harutsch. Some basalt also appears in the Gharian mountains ; but this ridge, which runs probably to the bor- ders of Egypt, is composed apparently of trap and calcare- ous rocks—the tertiary limestone above mentioned. The rocks contain marine shells, particularly two species of car- dium, in a state of delicate preservation. Indeed most of the limestone formation, in every part of Northern Africa, appears to be loaded with fragments of organic remains, the most distinct of which, brought away by Captain Lyon, may be referred to the genera ortrea and pecten. We are in- formed by Horneman, that the ruins of the temple of Si- wah are limestone, containing petrifactions of shells and small marine animals; and from this place, westerly, the face of the rocky chain rising abruptly from the sandy des- ert was so crowded and filled with marine animals and shells and white detached mounds, as it were wholly composed of shells, that when taken in connexion with the ‘sea sand,’ which covers the desert, this vast tract of country, he con- cludes. must have been flooded at a period Jater than the QE . Miscellaneous Notices, &c. 3 o3 great deluge. Farthersouth and close to the Black Harutsch, the calcareous hills, rising steep from the level desert, are so friable, that ‘ petrified conchs, snail-shells, fish, and other marine substances,’ may be taken out by the hand. ‘I found heads of fish,’ says Horneman, ‘ that would be a full burthen for one man to carry.’ ” The third and last formation appeais under its usual form of loose red sand, accompanied by rock salt and gypsum, associated with beds of a calcareous breccia, cemented by magnesian limestone, and of compact dolomite. The drift sand is composed of extremely minute grains of red semi- transparent quartz. Mr. Buckland observes, that the fre- quent occurrence of salt springs and of rock salt and gyp- sum, goes far to identify this sand of the deserts with the new red sandstone in the south of England. In this also are ferruginous concretions, forming etites or geodes; the broken fragments of whichare compact, sonorous, and of a dark liver colour, having a shining polished surface ; they are abun- dantly found among the sand. A narrow bed, entirely composed of tubular concretions of iron of similar origin, near the pass of Kenair, threw out irregular ramifications through the sand like the roots of trees, and presented at first sight the resemblance of lava. Most of the plains are strewed with magnesian limestone, or dolomite split into small laminated fragments, which break and rattle under the feet like pottery. Many other varieties of magnesian lime- stone and carbonates of lime are associated with the sand. and sandstone of the hills and plains of this barren and mis- erable country.” Arr. V.—Miscellaneous notices of American Moene Y Geology, &c. 1. Notice of some facts at Hudson, wn a letter to the Editor. Hudson, N. Y. Dec. 3, 1820. Sir, Having lately perused your Tour to Quebec, I was struck with the close resemblance which the strata of limestone at Vou. IV.....No. 1. 5 34 Miscellaneous Notices of American Glenn’s Falls, as described by you, bear to some detached rolled masses lately found in this neighbourhood, about forty feet below the surface. ‘These pieces were thrown out in digging a well on the side of Prospect hill, about one mile. from the river.—This city is built on a foundation of argil- laceous marl lying in horizontal strata, and containing a con- siderable portion of sulphate of magnesia. In front of the principal street there is a steep bank composed of silicious slate, which rises about seventy feet above the surface of the river : as you recede from this, the ground declines ten or fifteen feet to Market square, from whence there is a gradu- al ascent for about one mile to the base of Prospect-Hill, on the north-west side of which this well was commenced at an elevation of about one hundred and seventy feet. The well was sunk about eighty feet, passing almost entirely through a solid mass of hard clay, (or pan,) not stratified, and containing rounded pebbles of quartz, &c. and rolled and water-worn pieces of limestone abovementioned, aspecimen of which accompanies this letter, and is quite different from any thing of the kind in this district of country.—From the mouth of the well the hill rises about one hundred and eigh- ty feet, with an uniform smooth surface, and falls off gently on the south-east, toa low meadow, which divides it from the north end of Becraft’s mountain, so called. This is a solid mass of grey reck supporting a blue compact limestone: the upper strata of both rocks contain a great variety of pe- trifactions which have been described by Mr. Eaton and others. Prospect-Hill, on the contrary, presents no ap- pearance of rock strata whatever, although on the surface and in the vicinity are found pebbles and rounded masses of quartz, granite, gneiss, &c. Among the pebbles we find slate of several colours, chlorite, jasper, basanite, &c.; these are also found in connection with a grey sand, which is ta- ken from the adjoining vallies for building purposes, and which is evidently composed of the particles of disintegrated primitive rocks, and presents so strong appearance of alluvi- al deposition as to be apparent to the most careless observer. {t appears therefore evident that this alluvial matter has been borne down by the rushing waters from its original situation in the primitive regions of the north, and deposited in its present location. The investigation of this subject appears to me of some importance in a geological view. If Mineralogy, Geology, &c. 36 you shouid think otherwise I trust you will excuse me for troubling you on the subject. I have forwarded some of the crystals* of selenite, found in this vicinity during the last season, a description of which was published in severa! of the newspapers of the day, which possibly you might have seen. I have the honour to be, with respect, yours, &c. JOHN P. JENKINS. Pror. SinLiman. 2. Noteces in Geology and Mineralogy, communicated in a letter from Dr. Lyman Foor, of the United States army- Plattsburgh, 15th of June, 1819. Dear Sir, Our route from Niagara to this place was very interesting to me. We came down Lake Ontario to Sackett’s harbour, and thence down the St. Lawrence to Salmon river, and then up Salmon river to French mills, from which we march- ed across the country to this place, a distance of sixty-five miles, the greater part of it an uninhabited wilderness. I was careful to preserve specimens of the different rocks, and believe I could point on a map to the different rock forma- tions of the country through which we marched. 1 took some pains to examine the country from Fort Niagara to Buffalo as it appeared on the Niagara river. The river Niagara, thirty-five miles in length, forms the well known water communication between Lakes Ontario and Erie. Its width is from half a mile to six miles. From Fort Niagarat to Lewistown, a distance of seven miles, the borders of the river are nearly perpendicular, and from fifty to seventy feet in height. They are composed principally of hard clay, resting on a bed of red sand stone. In some places large *They are of the usual form, tolerably distinct, and imbedded in clay.—Ed. +t Fort Niagara is situated on that point of land where the river empties into the Lake ; was built by the French about the year 1725, surrendered to the British troops under command of Sir William J ohnsoni in 1759, and by the treaty of 1783, fell within the U. States. 36 Miscellaneous Notices of American masses oi pudding stone are found resting upon the sand stone, and rising nearly to the surface. The appearance of this rock is somewhat singular. It is composed almost entirely of rounded pebbles, from the size of ounce balls to that of grape and canister shot, adhering together like so ma- ny small rounded magnets, with little or no intervening fine sand to actasa cement. Yet it is pretty firm. I have seen lying on the beach masses of it as large as a half barrel, which were difficult to break. The pebbles composing this rock are principally carbonate of lime, some, however, are quartz, felspar, and gneiss. Petrifactions of various kinds, particularly of shells and roots are occasionally found in this rock. At Lewistown the banks of the river sudden- ly rise to one hundred and fifty feet perpendicular. They are composed entirely of compact limestone, the strata are nearly horizontal. They have more the appearance of art than of nature, and extend quite up to the falls, (a distance of eight miles,) so that the water when viewed from the edge of this bank, has more the appearance of falling inte a great pit or chasm in the rocks than any thing else. Was any proof wanting to convince us that the water once rolled over the abutment at Lewistown,and thatthe banks above that were then no higher than they are now above the falls, the situa- tion in which the gypsum is found, affords, I think, a deci- sive proof. It is found filling little cavities in the rocks, on the edge of this bank all the way from Lewistown to the falls, from one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet above the present highwater mark. It has an earthy appearance, is very soft when first broken out, but hardens on exposure to the air. As no gypsum is found in this neighbourhood except on this bank, it must have been deposited there by the water. I have seen one specimen distinctly crystalized. These little cavities in the rocks are numerous, most of them are filled with rhomboidal crystals of carbonate of lime, and on these rhomboidal crystals are occasionally found and de- posited those almost cubic crystals of carbonat of lime, the cuboide of the Abby Hauy. From the falls to Buffalo there is nothing remarkable in the appearance of the coun- try. The banks of the river are low, and its bed is rock, probably limestone. It is to be seen in most places on the bank of the river, rising a little above the surface of the water. At Black rock, just below Lake Erie, the banks Mineralogy, Geology, &c. 37 are somewhat higher. Here the water glides down pretty rapidly over a bed of solid limestone. From the appear- ance at this place, and from various other reasons which J have not now time to state, I have no doubt but at some ancient period of time this northern extremity of Lake Erie was entire, and the waters of this and the upper lakes emp- tied themselves through a southern channel. 3. New Locality of Chrysoberyl. Saratoga Springs, July 29, 18 21. TO PROFESSOR SILLIMAN. Dear Sir, I hasten to inform you of the discovery of a new locality of Chrysoberyl and Prismatic Mica, presuming that, as these minerals have not occurred very frequently in the U. States, it may afford you some gratification. ‘They are found in a vein of granite which passes through gneiss; the vein was dis- covered some years ago, and fine specimens of laminated mica and common schorl, (black tourmaline) which occur im great abundance, and sometimes in beautiful, (though not perfect,) crystals, were taken from it. The rock in which this vein is'situated, is about one mile north from the high-rock springs at Saratoga, and forms a part of the prim- itive region which approaches us from the north, and ter- minates, or passes beneath the secondary, near this spot. The surface of this rock is somewhat elevated, and remains uncovered for the distance of from two to three hundred ° yards ; the vein is observed to traverse its whole extent. The minerals which are found in this vein, are Ist. Felspar,—this assumes more or less the crystaline form, and affords well defined crystals of adularia. 2d. Common schorl—this is in great abundance ; it is mostly in amorphous masses, from the size of an egg down to that of the smallest pin’s head, it however, sometimes possesses a more regular form, presenting from two to five, or more sides of a beautiful crystal, with a one or two sided termination, while the remainder is irregularly diffused in the mass of its gangue. The colour is a shining velvet black. Itis perfectly opaque. 38 Miscellaneous Notices of American 3d. Laminated mica—this presents itself usually in iarge irregular tables, with some inches of surface, but it likewise occurs in rhombs, having sides of two or three inches in extent, and is in some instances an inch in thick- ness 5 it is as transparent as glass. 4thly. Garnets—both common and precious garnets are found diffused among the other materials of the vein, but none as yet have come to light in a very perfect state. 5thly. Chrysobery!—this occurs in various forms; it usually presents two, three, or more sides, very perfect while the remainder, like the schorl, in the same vein, is dif- fused in the same mass that surrounds it. ‘Two or more of the perfect sides of a crystal are usually striated, sometimes parallel to its edge, but frequently the strie diverge from a line, drawn through the plane of one of the sides, at an angle of about forty five degrees. It is of a greenish yellow colour and is translucent. 6thly. Prismatic mica—this has been very recently dis- covered ; it is beautifully transparent, and its delicate fila- ments strongly resemble those of the amianthus. 1 shall do myself the pleasure of forwarding to you, by the first convenient opportunity, specimens of the above minerals. Yours, &c. JOHN H. STEEL. Remarks. We have seen some specimens of the chrysobery], for- warded by Dr. Steel. They appear extremely like those of Haddam. Col. Gibbs, who has seen a full suite of the Saratoga specimens, concurs with Dr. Steel in the opinion that they are genuine.— Editor. 4. New Locality of Manganese. TO PROFESSOR SILLIMAN. Sir, I do not find noticed among the localities of manganese in the United States, that of this neighbourhood. During the late war, this article was at an extravagant advance ; it JMineralogy, Geology, &c. 39 is therefore desirable that the local existence of a mineral so essential to the chemist, the bleacher, and the potter, should be generally known. ‘The specimens accompanying this are— No. 1. Compact indurated manganese. Its colour is blue or purple black—very heavy, fracture splintry—fine grained and dull. It was analyzed by Woodhouse, (Coxes Med. and Phil. Register of April 1805, p. 451,) but he was misinform- ed as to its locality. It is found in detached masses, from the size of a walnut to that of a man’s head, on the head waters of Bear creek, Lehigh and Tobyhannah, on the Broad Mountain. No. 2. Brown frothy manganese. This is comparatively of little specific gravity, of a spongy mammillary, and porous texture ; it is generally found in the bed of water courses. From friction with the finger it receives a high polish ; also from the Broad Mountain. No. 3. Grey oxid of manganese, with cellular cavities, the surfaces of which are covered with minute globules of a brilliant lustre, found imbedded in black earthy manganese of a greasy feeling. From the Tobyhanna, near the turnpike, on the broad mountain, it is sometimes found investing peb- bles and cementing them in large masses. Very respectfully, Your obedient Serv’t, ZACH. CIST. Wilkesbarre, Pa. May 10th, 1821. 5. New locality of Beryl. Unionville, Chester county, Pa. May 7th. TQ PROFESSOR SILLIMAN. Dear Sir, I will briefly inform you of a locality of beryl which I dis- covered eighteen months since, and probably the most ex- tensive that has been made public in this country. It is found seven miles west of Westchester, New Linn township, in what is called the Barrens, a serpentine ridge, extending nearly east and west, with some interruptions, through a 40 Miscellaneous Notices of American great part of the state. The mineral is scattered over the surface, and for the most in irregular pieces, yet some tole- rable crystals are found, from a fewgrains to 20 lbs. weight. J am not yet able to give you all the information I could wish, but in a short time you may expect a more particular account respecting it. Respectfully yours, THOMAS SEAL. 6. Notices of minerals and rocks chiefly in Berkshire, Mass. and contiguous to the waters of the upper Hudson, and the lakes George and Champlain, with occasional re- marks on other subjects. —Editor. Ina short tour for health in the latter part of last May and the beginning of June, in company with Mr. S. F. B. Morse, through a part of Berkshire and Vermont, and around the waters of Lakes Champlain and George, and the upper Hudson, a few observations were made, which may possibly be of some use to future travellers. They are presented, not as bearing, by any means, the character of thorough re- search ; they were merely such casual notices as an invalid could make without much effort or sacrifice. Marble beds of West Stockbridge and Lanesborough, Mass. This is a part of the great northern region of white prim- itive granular limestone or marble, now so well known throughout the United States. These beds are evidently a continuation of those in Fairfield and Litchfield counties.* in Connecticut, and possibly of those at Kingsbridge and on the Schuylkill, near Philadelphia. It was remarked by Mr. M. that if primitive limestone thus extends, probably without interruption, for hundreds of miles, there seems to be uo good reason for regarding it as merely asubordinate rock ; it would seem to be as truly a regular member of the series of primitive rocks, as the mica slate and gneiss in which these strata are generally imbedded. At West Stockbridge, as far as we had opportunities to observe, the primitive marble lies between strata of gneiss, and therefore partakes of its direction, which isnearly N. F. * See this Journal, Vol. 2, pa. 201 Mineralogy, Geology, &c. 4} and S. W. and of its dip, which is to the east, at an angle generally over 45 degrees and often much larger. This marble is not all white; much of it is grey, of various shades, and near its junctions with the other primitive rocks, it is much mixed with the miea quartz, &c. which are found in them. The Lanesborough marble is generally spoken of as the whitest in America ; probably its finest specimens are not surpassed in this country, but we were disappointed in finding that but a small part of it, comparatively, is ofa pure white ; the greater part is mixed with dark colours, and many extensive ledges aré of a gray colour. We found the workmen quarrying it under circumstances of conside- rable danger. ‘The strata over their heads being in a sloping position like the roof of a building, and being also completely divided in the direction of their length and breadth, by the natural seams between the strata, they were kept from fall- ing only by the feeble adhesion of the parts of the stone itself, at the bottom and ends of the uncovered layers ; these being of the extent of some yards in breadth, and of many yards in length, presented, of course, an enormous un- supported mass, which gravity was constantly urging to its fall. We remonstrated with them as to the danger, and suggested to them the obvious and effectual expedient of props of timber; they assented to the danger, but seemed very little disposed to take any trouble to prevent the ac- cidents, which are the more probable to occur from the con- stant exertion of force, by implements and gun powder, at the bottom of these vast pendent ledges of marble. | Al small cavern. tis but a short time since a small cav- ern was discovered between the strata of marble in one of the quarries at Lanesborough; they accidentally opened into it, but the orifice is so small, that we could only with great difficulty, pass in, feet first, by lying nearly flat on one side, and thus pushing ourselves down, by the hands and el- bows. ‘This narrow passage is however only a few feet in length, and when once entered, we could walk erect, with sufficient room in every direction. ‘This cavern is only one hundred and fifty feet in length, and would scarcely be worth mentioning, were not the occurrence of caverns in re- gions of primitive limestone a comparatively rare circum- stance ; they being much more frequent in transition and secondary regions. Vou. IV.....No. 1. 6 42, Miscellaneous Notices of American This cavern is dirty and disagreeable, but is still worth visiting, especially if the observer has not seen any thing of the kind on a larger scale. The floor is descending and slippery, from the mud and water, and it is rugged from the masses of rocks and stones lying upon it; the water is con- stantly dropping from the roof, and every drop resounds with a distinct echo. ‘The voice, especially when exerted in singing and hallooing, is prodigiously augmented, as is com- mon nother caverns. The quantity of stalactite and sinter, in the common forms of pendent and protuberant and pro- jecting masses, is very considerable ; its fracture presents the usual concentric agate-shaped structure, butit is foul and dingy from the mixture of dirt, so that none of it, that we saw, is beautiful. A little trouble in blasting and breaking the rock at the mouth of this cavern would render it easily accessible. It is well known that the materials for the walls of the city-hall of New-York were drawn from the quarries in the neighbourhood of West Stockbridge, and considerable use is made of the marble in the vicinity, especially in the monu- ments of the burying grounds. Our eyes were naturally at- tracted to these repositories of the dead, which, in all this re- gion, are marked by white marble monuments. In one village we were struck with a peculiarity, which, however out of place, we will venture to mention. There is in the burying ground in this village a very decent vault, or tomb constructed in the usual form, with a door above ground— but on the door there is a knocker. Among a moral and re- ligious people, we will not suppose this a mere freak of levity — a misplaced joke of the living upon the mute voice of the dead. Whatis itthen? Did the builder feel that a door even of a tomb is unfinished without a knocker ? A stran- ger incident rarely occurs to the traveller; not even the flag- staff on the tomb at New-Lebanon. Chilorite abounds in the region about Lanesborough. It is frequent in the loose pieces of quartz along the road, and is very well characterized. Mountain groups and ridges of singular grandeur and beauty occur in all the region from Litchfield to and around Williamstown and Bennington. In Pownal, the S. W. cor- Mineralogy, Geology, &c. 43 ner township of Vermont, there is a mountain group of most imposing sublimity, with a richness (as we saw it,) of light and shadow rarely surpassed.* Tortuous Slate, singularly curved and involved, occurs on the right of the road a little south of Bennington : it is worth noticing as a curious specimen of the kind ; this slate appears very black, as if it were mixed with carbon. Lime stone of a dove colour occurs in continued ledges for many miles before coming to Bennington : it follows the general stratification of the country, and appears to be a part of the great transition formation of limestone which contin- ues on to Middlebury, &c. Fluor spar, (as we are informed by Bishop Brownell, who discovered it,) occurs in an iron mine near and east of Bennington; we had nottime to visit this place, nor the lo- cality of excellent manganese which exists in this vicinity. (Prof. Hall. Vol. III. pa, 57.) Sileceous slate, and even the Basanite or Lydian stone, lie scattered on the hills near the Hudson : we crossed these hills in passing to this river from Bennington ; we did not observe the mineral in place, but from its frequency and the geological structure of this region, (transition slate,) we presume that it may be found in its proper bed ; quartz crystals were also of frequent occurrence in the stones of ° the roads and fences. Yellow ochre of a delicate and bright colour, and formed in concentric bands like agate, also occurred on these hills. Veins of crystalized calcareous spar exist at Baker’s falls, inlaid in a black slate, and forming a striking feature, both by their contrast of colour and by their zigzag windings ; they are visible at a considerable depth through the water, and their ruins are abundant on the shores; the slate in which they lie also effervesces with acids, as does that of Saratoga through which they are now digging the Northern Canal. * Mr. Morse made sketches of several mountain scenes both here and on Lake George, and at Ticonderoga, and other places. 44 . Miscellaneous Notices of American Satin spar was observed by Mr. Morse at Glenn’s falls : it is in thin, delicate, but extensive veins, principally in the fallen rocks below the bridge ; generally it is of a brilliant white, but sometimes it is black, although still retaining its fibrous structure. Crystals of Butterspath, well defined and glistening in the black lime stone, occur at Glenn’s falls. Compact dove-coloured limestone, apparently of the trans- ition class, forms ledges at the head of Lake George, and the walls of old Fort George are composed of it. In this limestone there is a singular feature. Its angles are round- ed and smoothed, as if by the wearing effects of water, and (a circumstance which it appears much more diflicult to ac- count for,) there are numerous holes worn into the solid rock, sometimes shallow and irregular, but frequently deep and cylindrical, and bearing a very exact resemblance to those which are common in the ledges upon which cataracts fall; they appear as if they were produced by the same cause, namely, the wearing agency of water aided by small stones which it impels, in incessant vortiginous revolutions. If one were to judge from appearances, he would infer that a torrent of water once swept, with great impetuosity, through this defile, and wore these rocks as we now see them ; this supposition has perhaps nothing to support it except these appearances, and if we relinquish it, we have no agent to which we can attribute them, but the ordinary wearing effects of atmospheric influences, which appear alto- gether incompetent to the production of these results. Quartz crystals in the islands of the south end of Lake George.—These are commonly obtained by visitors; they are now become much more rare than formerly, and those which are procured are small, although still very limpid and beautiful. On visiting the island called Diamond Island, three or four miles from the village of Caldwell, and which has afforded most of these crystals, we found them occur- ring in the same compact limestone which forms the ledges at the head of the lake. ‘This small island, scarcely cov- ering the area of acommon kitchen garden, is inhabited by a family, who oceupy a small but comfortable house, and constantly explore the rocks for the crystals. These are found lining drusy cavities, and forming geodes in the lime- Mineralogy, Geology, &c. 45 stone ; these cavities are often brilliantly studded with them, and doubtless it arose from their falling out by the disinte- gration of the rock that the crystals were formerly found, on the shores of the island and in the water. At present they are scarcely obtained at all except by breaking the rocks. The immediate matrix of the crystals seems to be a mixture of fine granular quartz with the limestone ; it is impressible by steel, but sometimes does not effervesce with acids.* The erystals of this locality are of the common form, very lim- pid, and often contain a dark coloured foreign substance im- bedded in them. Crystals of calcareous spar, well defined and of considera- ble size occur in the same rocks, sometimes with the quartz crystals, and sometimes “by themselves; they appear to be modifications of the rhomboidai varieties. Very brilliant rhombic masses of calcareous spar also pre- sent themselves in these rocks; these masses are not-crys- tals, but have the crystaline structure, giving perfectly rhom- boidal fragments with a high pearly lustre; they are very white and appear exactly like the Iceland crystals, only they are not transparent. ‘They seem to be the bitterspath. The poor people on the island had no idea that the calcare- ous crystals were of any value, and had been in the habit of throwing them away; we took care to give them a different impression, and trust it may be useful to future visitors. Crystals of Diamond Point. We passed down the whole length of the lake, (thirty-six miles,) in a very small open boat—a fisherman’s skiff, rowed by two men. We stopped at a place on the north shore of the lake, called Diamond Point, from the fact that crystals are found also at this place. It has been recently opened by the man who lives on the island, and who was our guide on the present occasion. The rock and its associated minerals are the same as on the island, only we observed a greater variety of siliceous mine- rals ;—portions of calcedony and hornstone and agate—ele- gant cavities occupied by quartz crystals, and some singular banded portions, concentric and curved like agate, but * It commonly effervesces, and feebly scratches glass. 46 Miscellaneous Notices of American without beauty. It is probable that more research will dis- cover interesting varieties of siliceous and other minerals in the lime stone of the south end of Lake George. It would probably repay a good observer who should investigate it with industry and attention. Sands of Lake George.—At various places, we examin- ed the sands of the shores of this most beautiful lake. Around its head, there is a good deal of magnetic iron sand, of a fine glossy black, and both here and in many other places, we found the detritus to consist almost entirely, of the ruins of primitive rocks, and of their imbedded and es- pecially of their crystaline minerals. Limpid quartz, garnet, and epidote, are of most frequent occurrence, and when mixed with the black iron sand they have a pleasing appearance, especially when spread out on paper and viewed witha magnifier. It is indeed somewhat difficult to believe that the garnet and epidote, and proba- bly cocolite, often rich in their colours and highly translu- cent, are not ruby and chrysoberyl. It would be worth while to examine these sands more particularly, to ascer- tain whether there may not be gems among them, as the gems of Ceylon and of Brazil, and the hyacinths of Expail- ly in France, are found among alluvial ruins. Some sands shewn us by Professor Dewey, at Williamstown, and which came from the great falls of the Hudson, thirty miles above Glenn’s Falls, are even more remarkable for richness and beauty than those of Lake George: they and all similar sands should be examined with an attentive eye. Transparency and purity of the Waters of Lake George. —The fact is notorious, and the degree in which it exists is most remarkable : the bottom and the fish are seen at a great depth: the fishermen who rowed us asserted that they could, at particular times, see the fish at the depth of fifty feet: if even half of this statement be admitted, it is sufficiently remarkable. ‘The water is also very pure, sa- lubrious and agreeable to the taste. It is well known that the French formerly obtained and exported this water for religious uses,* and that they called the lake St. Sacra- ment. * To be used as holy water. Mineralogy, Geology, &c. 47 The cause of the transparency and purity of these waters is obvious. With the exception of small quantities of trans- ition lime stone, its shores, as far as we saw them, are com- posed of primitive rocks, made up principally of siliceous and other very firm and insoluble materials. The streams by which the lake is fed, flow over similar substances, and the waves find nothing to dissolve or to hold mechanically suspended. Clay, which abounds around the head waters of the contiguous lake (Champlain) and renders them tur- bid, scarcely exists here. It is remarkable however, that as we approach Lake Champlain, in the vicinity of 'Ticon- deroga, the waters of Lake George become, for a few miles, somewhat turbid, and near the efflux they are very much so Hematite.—This mineral appears to abound in the prim- itive mountains around Lake George. ‘They informed us at the village of Caldwell, that Emery had been discovered down the lake, and was used considerably for polishing, grinding, &c. We obtained some of this mineral from a promontory called Anthony’s Nose,* a few miles south of Ticonderoga, and nearly opposite to Rogers’ Rock. Itisa handsome and very well characterized hcematite ; it is com- pact, lamellar, fibrous, mamillary, botryoidal, &c. present- ing the usual appearances of this most valuable iron ore, which seems to be far less common in the United States than the brown and black varieties. ‘The colour and pow- der of this hcematite are bright red. The people were un- willing to admit that it was not emery, since it polishes and grinds, but this is well known to be a property of haematite as well as of other forms of the oxid of iron. The hema- tite of Lake George may very possibly answer for blood stones, so much used in polishing gilded buttons, &c. Flesh red Feldspar and compact Epidote—These mine- rals we observed on the western shore of Lake George, eight miles from Ticonderoga. The felspar was in very large plates in granite, and the epidote in loose stones : the epidote was of a very intense yellow, like that of chrome, but with * The boatmen called this mountain ’Tony’s Nose, and the mineralogical traveller must enquire for the Emery in ’Tony’s Nose, this being the style of the boatmen, who will of course be his guides. 48 Miscellaneous Notices of American a shade of green. Other minerals of more common occur- rence, as garnet and black tourmaline, were observed here. Plumbago.—This mineral, of singular beauty, occurs near Ticonderoga, both massive and disseminated, in brilliant plates, in a large grained crystalized lime stone. It has been mistaken for molybdena, a circumstance which, a few years ago, was common in this country. This locality we did not visit, nor the celebrated one of Roger’s Rock,* where the cocolite is found. Magnetic Iron of Crown Point—We were not able to visit this place, but we saw them working the magnetic iron, from its vicinity, in the forges at Ticonderoga. ‘This iron ore is both rich and beautiful in its kind ; its struc- ture is granular and almost crystaline ; it has a brilliant black colour, and contains a yellowish imbedded min- eral scarcely visible without a glass; it resembles cocolite, but is too soft, and at present we are not willing to give ita name. Mountains of Lake George.—There can be no doubt that, whenever they are thoroughly explored, they will abundantly reward the geologist and mineralogist. We, however, saw them only as picturesque objects; as such, they are certain- ly very fine. Particularly as we proceed north from the Tongue Mountain, which is twelve miles from Caldwell. For twenty miles beyond this, on the way to Ticonderoga, the scenery combines, in an uncommon degree, both rich- ness and grandeur. ‘The mountains are all primitive: they form a double barrier, between which the lake, scarcely a mile wide, but occasionally expanding into large bays, winds its way. They are steep and precipitous to the very wa- ter’s edge : they are still clothed with grand trees, and pos- sessed by wild animals—deer, rattle-snakes, and bears. They give, in some places, the most distinct and astonish- ing echoes, returning every flexion of the voice with the most faithful response. We saw them hung with the sol- emn drapery of thunder clouds, dashed by squalls of wind and rain, and soon after decorated with rainbows, whose “ This omission arose from want of time and want of health. Mineralogy, Geology, &c. 49 arches did not surpass the mountain ridges, while they termi- nated in the lake, and attended our little skiff for many miles. The setting sun also gilded the mountains and the clouds that hovered over them, and the little islands, which in great numbers rise out of the lake and present green patch- es of shrubbery and trees, apparently springing from the water, and often resembling, by their minuteness and deli- cacy, the clumps of a park, or even the artificial groups of a green-house. Fine as is the scenery at the southern end of the lake, and in all the wider part of it, within the com- pass of the first twelve miles from Fort George—its gran- deur is very much augmented, after passing Tongue Moun- tain, and entering the narrow part, where the mountains close in upon you on both sides, and present an endless di- versity of grand and beautiful scenery. It is a pleasing re- flection, that even after this part of the United States shall have become as populous as England or Holland, this lake will still retain the fine peculiarities of its scenery, for they are too bold, too wild, and too untractable, ever to be ma- terially softened and spoiled by the hand of man. This digression, although not altogether in place in a sci- entific Journal, may perhaps be pardoned by the reader, and therefore we will presume so far as to add, that the deer are still hunted with success upon the borders of. this fake. The hounds drive them from the recesses of the mountains, when they take refuge in the water, and the huntsmen easily overtaking them in an element not their own, seize them by the horns, knock them on the head, and dragging their necks over the side of the boat, cut their throats. There is a celebrated mountain about fourteen miles from Ticonderoga, called the Buck Mountain, from the fact that a buck, pursued by the dogs, leaped from its summit, overhanging the lake in the form of a precipice, and was literally impaled alive upon a sharp pointed tree, which projected below.* Walls of Ticonderoga.—After all the dilapidations of time and of man, Ticonderoga, with its mutilated walls and bar- * This circumstance was mentioned to us by the man whose dogs drove the buck to this desperate extremity. He stated, that he ltad cometimes taken forty deer in a season. Vou. IV.....No. 1. 7 50 JMiscellaneous Notices of American racks, and with its picturesque environs, presents one of the finest ruins in America. Happily the garrison ground, consti- tuting a farm of about six hundred acres, and including the old French lines, as well as the forts and barracks, has fallen into the hands of a gentleman, whose good sense and just taste will not permit a stone to be removed. ‘This scene, fine in its natural beauty and grandeur, and still finer in its historical associations, may therefore go down to posterity without farther mutilation. Our business with it is now, however, of a humbler kind. ‘The rock of which the walls and barracks of Ticonderoga* are built, is a black fetid compact lime stone. It abounds in this region, and consti-~ tutes the ledges on the shores of the contiguous part of Ver- mont. Its stratification is nearly horizontal, and it abounds with organized remains, corallines, bivalves, &c. At New- Shoreham, which is immediately opposite to Ticonderoga, they informed us that the water of the wells dug in this lime stone is offensive, and unfit for use. Hence the in- habitants use the water of the lake, and they provide ice houses, that the water may, in warm weather, be rendered agreeably cool. 7. Other Mineral Localities, &c. Fluor Spar near Providence, R. I—This new locality was discovered about a year since, in Seekonk, Mass. three quarters of a mile from India bridge in Providence, on the north side of the road, and a few rods from the house of Professor Burgess. It occurs in a vein of quartz traversing a sienitic or granitic rock which has been blasted to form the road, and the fragments of rock abound with this min- eral. It occurs also in the rocks in the fields on the south side of the road. ‘This fluor, which was at first taken for amethyst, is of a deep purple : in the specimen forwarded to us by Mr. Thomas H. Webb there are no crystals. The phosphorescence by heat is of a lively green mixed with spots of red. It may perhaps be regarded as a chloro- phane. * Every where in the vicinity called, with quaint brevity, 7%. Mineralogy, Geology, &<. 51 Fluor Spar in Tennessee.— Extract of a letter from H. Hi. Hayden, Esq. to the Editor. Baltimore, August 28th, 1821. This fluate of lime which I have sent you, was collected and brought to me by a young gentleman from Tennessee, who was graduated at our Medical University about two years since. He informed me that it was found in Smith Coun- ty, Tennessee, where it was abundant: that it was known to the inhabitants by no other name than the blossoms of lead, of which it was considered a manifest indication : that considerable excavations had been made in search of lead. in doing which, the fluate of lime was discovered in isolated masses of various sizes, which were broken up and thrown upon the surface. From these he gathered the specimens which I have. As to its geological situation, 1 have no means of ascer- taining at present; but believe it to be in the primitive range, and if I remember correctly, he informed me that it occurred on the side of the mountain, and near the road leading to the Atlantic States. Of this substance he brought me perhaps a dozen pieces, all of which are either whole or parts of cubes. The most predominant colour: is that of a beautiful violet or purple. Some of a yellow, and filled with brilliant pyrites. Among them is a specimen of two cubes united, (though mutilated,) having the angles accuminated, and such as is represented in the Abby Hauy’s work, plate 32d, fig. 87, and which he terms, “Chaux fluatee Bordee.” Of this locality 1 have not the smallest reason to doubt, being well acquainted with the gentleman ;* and moreover, I think the mineral the most interesting of the kind that I have yet seen from any part of the United States. Crystahized Gypsum.—We are indebted to William Lef- fingwell, Esq. for a very fine crystal from Ellsworth, Trum- bull County, Ohio. It is a very perfect rhomboidal crys- tal, or rather it is composed of two crystals united. It is * Dr. Mazee. 52 Miscellaneous Notices of American about three and a half inches long by one and a half in di- ameter. We have other specimens from Virginia: one was re- ceived from the late R. P. Barton, Esq. through Mr. John Grammer, Jr. It is six inches long by one inch in diame- ter: its form is that of a prism of six sides. It is from the Shannondale sulpbur springs ; found in the bottom of them, near the Shenandoah River. It is found near considerable masses of lime stone: the crystals occur in groups which appear to shoot ‘from a matrix of clay, marl, and calca- reous earth.”’ ) We have also received similar specimens from the same place, from Mr. Sanford I. Ramey, of the Senior Class in Yale College. Crystals of gypsum occur in clay near Hudson. (Mr. Curtiss.) Native Yellow Oxid of Tungsten.—We have omitted, for some time, to mention a fact which we ascertained a year or two since; namely, the existence of the ore mentioned above, which we suppose to constitute a new species. It occurs incrusting the ferruginous tungsten of Mr. Lane’s mine, and occupying the cavities. {tis not abundant. It is insoluble in acids, but readily dissolves in ammonia, from which it is precipitated by acids, white, becoming yellow. Tantalite in Haddam rocks.—Dr. Torrey writes, that a _ specimen of the granite of Haddam, Connecticut, which he sent to Count Wachtmeisten of Stockholm, has recently been examined by Professor Berzelius, and found to con- tain éantalite, in a state resembling that of Finbo in Swe- den. The Haddam mineral occurs crystalized in small prisms in the same rock with the chrysobery]. The Chrysoberyl of Haddam.—The genuineness of this mineral has been admitted by Hauy, Jameson, and other distinguished mineralogists to whom specimens have been sent; but Dr. Torrey writes—‘‘ The mineral! found in the eranite of Haddam, which is generally supposed to be chry- soberyl, and which I sent to Professor Germar of Halle, for examination, he thinks is a new variety of beryl. The specific gravity is only 2.7. Before the blow-pipe it melts Mineralogy, Geology, &. 53 into a milk-white enamel, and besides it is entirely too soft for chrysoberyl.” In reply to Dr. Torrey, we remarked, that we imagined the mineral examined by Professor Germar could not be the crystalized chrysoberyl of Haddam, whose character we suppose to be unquestionable. We suggested, that it might be a compact granular mineral, occurring in the same rock, and which we suppose may be beryl in mass. Dr. Torrey again writes that he believes the mineral which he sent to Professor Germar, was not crystalized : that the latter remarked, it should perhaps be called gran- ular beryl, and that it is doubtless the massive mineral to which we alluded. It has been already mentioned in this article, pa. 37, that ihe chrysobery! has been recently found at Saratoga. We would mention also, that there is a locality of it in Haddam, east of the river, and different from the one usually visited. We had specimens from Dr. Dart, two or three years ago, but cannot name the precise spot. Plumbago from North Carolina.—It is of a very fine quality, and appears well adapted both for crayons and pots. It occurs a few miles north of Raleigh, and exists in great quantities. It has long been used in the vicinity as a pigment. We are indebted for this information to the Hon. Judge Johnson, of the Supreme Court of the United States; and also for the most beautiful yellow ochre, from the waters of the Oconee in Georgia, and for a handsome fine grained greyish white marble well polished. This is from the waters of Broad River in South Carolina. Both the last are abundant. Chromat of Iron.—A compact specimen, said to be chro- mat of iron, has been handed to us by John Wales, sq. It is from Wilmington, Delaware, but not having examined it chemically, we cannot answer for its genuineness. Micaceous Iron—Of extreme beauty, is found a few miles from Northampton. It has a high lustre, and is contorted with delicate flexions, as if it had lain between the layers of mica slate, which we presume must have been the fact. Dr. Hunt and Mr. W. C. Dwight of Northampton, have 54 Miscellaneaus Notices of American favoured us with specimens ; and similar ones from Haw- ley in Mass. have been transmitted by Dr. Jacob Porter of Plainfield. This last is particularly beautiful, and is sprin- kled with points of magnetic iron readily attractable, while the micaceous part, even in powder, is unaffected by the magnet. Green Foliated Talc, from Windham, Vermont.—This mineral, communicated by Professor Hall and by Mr. Bradley of Yale College, is not inferior in beauty to the Venetian talc, and is well worthy of the attention of mine- ralogists. Good specimens have been transmitted by Dr. Jacob Porter from the soap stone quarry at Middlefield, Mass. and by Mr. Thomas H. Webb from Smithfield, R. I. The latter has a silvery appearance. Actynolite—This mineral well crystalized and of good colours, occurs with the tale at Windham, Vermont, also ait Saybrook, (Professor Hare,) and at Middlefield, (Mr. Cole- man, Tutor in Yale College,) at Cummington, (Dr. Jacob Porter.) The first mentioned, is as beautiful as that of the Tyrolese Alps, and much resembles it. Rose Quartz of Southbury, Con.—This occurs abun- dantly, forming a large rock about eighteen miles from New Haven. Itis of a lively agreeable colour, and is the same mentioned at pa. 298, vol. I. of this Journal. Crystalized Chlorite—Discovered by Mr. T. Nuttall, and communicated by Dr. Mead; found near the falls of the Schuylkill. Its colour is a deep bottle green. It is folia- ted, mammillary, and botryoidal, and is found ina hornblende rock. Black Oxid of Manganese.—This useful mineral, of a very excellent quality, has been recently discovered by Mr. Calvin Pease, of Hillsdale, Columbia County, N.Y. The specimens are apparently very pure, and of such size and weight as imply a valuable mine of this substance. Mr. Pease does not however, say in his letter where the mine ig situated—we presume in his vicinity. Mneralogy, Geology, &c. 55 Red Oxid of Titantum—Is found by Mr. Lane in the vicinity of his mine at Huntington. The crystals are occa- sionally as large as the thumb, and larger. They are often geniculated, and possess in their fracture a high resinous lustre, and a dark reddish brown colour. They often come out in irregular masses, and might then at first be mistaken for garnet. Sulphate of Lead.—On page 173, vol. III. we mention- ed a remarkable argentiferous galena found at Huntington, in Mr. Lane’s mine. Connected with this galena is an in- crustation of sulphate of lead. It is tolerably abundant, but is no where in crystals or in masses: it occupies merely the surface and cavities of the other ores of lead. It gives metallic lead instantly by the blow-pipe, but does not effer- vesce nor dissolve in acids. According to Mr. Lane, it is equally rich in silver as the galena. This, if correct, is we believe a new fact; but we have not examined the ore in this respect. Black Tourmaline—Well crystalized in quartz, from Dr. Porter, of Plainfield. Garnet Mass.—F rom the same. This remarkable mass is as large as a head, and composed entirely of garnets, individu- ally about a quarter of an inch indiameter. They are trape- zoidal and rhomboidal : often translucent and rich in col- our, and truncated deeply on the solid edges. ‘They are either in mere juxta position, or cemented by hyalin quartz. Green Mica, Hinsdale, Mass.—Dr. Jacob Porter. Dr. Webster has discovered Hyperstene in abundance in the vicinity of Boston. We have many other localities on hand, and some of them are sufficiently interesting, but they must be postponed to another number. 36 Professor Douglass and Dr. Torrey BOTANY. —<— Art. VI.~—Notice of the Plants collected by Professor D. B. Doveuass, of West Point, in the expedition under Governour Cass, during the summer of 1820, around the great Lakes and the upper waters of the Mississippi: the arrangement and description, with wllustrative remarks, being furnished by Dr. Joun Torrey. Letter from Dr. Torrey to Professor Douglass. New-York, August 4, 182]. Dear Sir, Inciosep I have the pleasure of sending you a cata- logue of the plants from the North-West, which you for- warded me some time since for examination. Many of the species are very rare, others are from entirely new locali- ties, and the whole are valuable in increasing our knowl- edge of botanical geography. To those species which are but little known or imperfectly described, I have added such remarks as I supposed would be useful. The Indian and popular names and localities are taken from your notes annexed to the specimens. With great respect, I remain your humble Servt. JOHN TORREY. Professor Dovetass, West-Point Military Academy. CATALOGUE, DESCRIPTION, &c. DIANDRIA. Monarda allophylla Mz. (Wild Balm.) Savannah Por- Mollis U.-Wiiip.-Pa. tage. July 10. On Plants of the North-West. 5% TRIANDRIA. Monoeynia. Pedia radiata Mz. Paleriana radiata Willd. Gross Isle, May 22d. V.locusta [radiata L. Sp. pl. Iris lacustris Nutt. Gen. 1. p. 23. Scape five to six inches high, about the length of the leaves. Radical leaves eusiform, one fourth of aninch broad. Mr. Nuttall discove- red this Iris in the same place where it was found by Capt. Douglass—on the ay shores of the Islands of Lake Huron. Sisyrinchium mucronatum Me. Pluk. Phytorg. t. 61. f. 1. Gross Isle, May 21. - Explanatory letter from Prof. Douglass to the Editar, dated New-York Aug. 22, 1821. Dear Sir, I must beg leave to observe, in the first place that the collection of plants was made by a person, who, besides not being a professed botanist, was al- most constantly engaged with other objects of research. The formation of an Herbarium, requiring much leisure and frequent attention, could scarcely be expected, under such circumstances, and would not have been undertaken, except in the exigency of having no professed botanist attached to the Expedition. Secondly, the region of country traversed by the Ex- pedition, particularly that bordering upon Lake Superior and the upper Mississippi, as well as a considerable portion of that on the Ouisconsin and Fox Rivers and around Lake Michigan, is but indifferently rich in plants at best, and this collection is besides chiefly confined to such as flower in the course of the summer months. ‘The deficiency I have endeavoured to sup- ply as far as possible by notes, particularly on ithe forest growth, which [ have interspersed in my journal; these however being at West Point, it is at present out of my power to communicate them. : Finally, a part of the collection was imjured by an accident on the Ouis- consin, in which my canoe was very nearly filled with water before it could be got ashore. The consequence of which was that nearly all the plants in one case were completely spoiled before I was able to dry them. Such as the collection is, however, the catalogue is entirely at your service, and I am glad that so much interest has been given to it by Dr. Torrey. The wvt- laria perfoliata of this catalogue is the plant which I mentioned to you some time since, as efficacious in the cure of the Rattle-snake bite—Of this I have, been witness, but the efficacy of the Pedicularis Canadensis for the same purpose, I can only state from report. I remain, dear Sir, your friend and humble Servant, D. B. DOUGLASS. Vou. IV.....No. ¥. 8 58 Professor Douglass and Dr. Torrey Dieynta. Panicum longisetum.* Stem terete, smooth, a foot and a half high ; leaves lanceolate, very large, (about an inch broad) subglaucous ; spike compound, resembling a pani- cle, dense, clandestine at base, somewhat nodding ; spike- Jets alternate and opposite : calyx three-flowered, exterior valve very small, the others unequal, ovate acuminate, his- pid, each terminated by a long awn. Awns from one and a half to three inches in length. On the banks of Fox River, &c. August. Bromus ciliatus L. On Fox River. August. canadensis Mx. Arundo phragmites L. (Reed.) Near the head of the Mississippi. Elymus hystrix £ ? Involucrum one to two-leaved, lat- eral, linear, nearly the length of the corolla—With the pre- ceding. Atheropogon Apludoides Muhl. in Wild. Sp. pl. 4. p. 937. Muhl Gram. p. 287. Nutt. Gen. 1. p.'78. Chloris curtipendula Mx. This grass has certainly a two-valved calyx as described by Nuttall and Muhlenberg. The inner valve however, is almost setiform. Neutral flower partly lodged in a grove of the inner valve of the hermaphrodite flower, two-valved, exterior valve with a very short awn be- low the apex, the other deeply cleft and two-awned. Her- maphrodite flower with lanceolate glumes, exterior one tri- fid, or with three short awns, interior one bifid. Authers blood red. Nuttall remarks that the neuter flower consists of one folded valve; this however, did not seem to be the case in the specimens I examined. Has. On the Ouis- consin river and the Mississippi generally. August. Oligostachyum. Nutt. 1. c. Mr. Nuttall has described this plant very accurately and minutely in the work quoted. He discovered it on the plains of the Missouri. Capt. Douglass found it in abundance on the Mississippi above Sandy Lake. TETRANDRIA. Comus canadensis Z. On the River St. Mary’s. On Plants of the North-West. 59 PENTANDRIA. Monoeynta. Batschia canescens Mx. j Anchusa canescens Munn. Car. tN (head io. Al lutea minor &c. Gron. virg 19. 5 i Menyanthes trifoliata L. Portage of Pt. Keeweenah, Lake Superior, June 26th. Pulmonaria virginica LZ. Black Rock, May 2d. Primula farinosa L. Muhl. Cat. Leaves abovate-spatu- late, crenately toothed, under surface covered with a yel- lowish green powder. Corolla lilac coloured, segments two parted. On a careful comparison of the American plant with specimens of P. farinosa, from Germany and Norway, I can find no difference except that the leaves are more toothed than crenate in the former. Shores of Lake Huron. Mr. Nuttall found it in the same place, but not in flower, and Muhlenburg states in his catalogue of North American plants that it grows in Canada. It is a rare plant in this country and is not described in Pursh’s Flora. Lysimachia ciliata Mv. Sandy Lake and Upper Mis- sissippi generally. Phlox divaricata L. Black Rock, May 2d. Campanula rotundifolia £. St. Louis and Upper Mis- sissippi. July. : Caprifolium parviflorum Ph. — ) bracteosum Mx. | Lonicera parviflora Lam.Pers. > diorca 1. Act.—WiLp. | On a primitive peninsu- la near Deadman’s river, Lake Superior media Murr. June. Diervilla Tourneforti Mz. ) humilis Pers. | canadensis Mun. pSavannah Portage. July. lutea Pu. J. Lonicera Diervilla L. J Ribes lacustre Ph. Shores of Lake Hu- axycanthoides B. tacustre Pers. ; ron. Ploridum Willd. rocurvatum Mx. With the preceding. pennsylvamcum Lam. 60 Professor Douglass und Dr. Torrey Viola pubescens Ait. pennsylvanica, Mx. Claytonia Virginica ZL. Black Rock, May 2d. Comandra umbellata Nutt. ae Thesium umbellatum L. i uperior. sed by . corymbulosum Mx. oo tra- Dicynta. Apocynum androsaemifolium L. On the river St. Louis. July. Thaspium aureum Nutt. NG) Dattor Smyrnium aureum w. ‘ Ke ae TRIGYNIA. Viburnum Lentago LZ. Near Detroit, May 20th. TETRAGYNIA. Parnassia caroliniana Mx. East shore of Lake Michigan, Sept. 6th. PonTAGYNIA. Aralia mudicaulis L. (Sarsaparilla.) Near Detroit. HEXANDRIA. Mowoeynta. Tradescantia virginica L. A variety with very narrow leaves. West shore of Lake Michigan, August 27th. Hypoxis erecta L. (Wabunocausk.) Shores of Lake Huron. Phalangium escullentum, Nutt. Gen. 1. p, 219. ) Root bul- Quamash Pu. Fu. Am. 1. p. 226. bous, trun- Scilla esculentum Bor. Mac. 1596. § cated,near- ly round, and an inch and a half or two inches in diameter. Scape two or three feet high, leaves more than a foot long, and about half an iach wide. Flower pale purple, ina spi- On Plants of the North-West. 61 ked raceme. Stigma trifid, Capsule three-angled, three- celled. Found on Cross Isle, Detroit river, May 18th. Mr. Nuttall has observed it near the confluence of Huron river and Lake Erie, near St. Louis, and on the lowest banks of the Ohio. Gov. Lewis brought specimens of this plant from the upper part of the Missouri, near the Rocky Mountains, where the natives use the bulbous roots exten- sively as an article of diet. They are known among them by the name of Quamash, and are eaten, baked between hot stones. Capt. Douglass did not understand that the Indians of the region where he found the plant, made use of the roots for food. | Uvularia perfoliata £. On the Islands of Lake Erie, This plant is said to cure the bite of a rattle-snake, and is believed by the Indians to grow wherever that animal is found. Streptopus roseus Mz. Uvularia rosea. Bot. Mac. 1489. fe wee ae Muhl. Cat. p. 34. (Matasbuck) Nearly Smilacina canadensis Ph. allied to Conéal br- Convallaria canadensis RepouTe. pfolia of Europe. Majanthemum canadense Desr. | May 28th. _ Convallaria bifolia Mx. Shores of L. Huron. Racemosa Desf-—Ph. ‘ Shores of Lake Huron. Convallaria racemosa Li. Stellata Desf—Ph. eee stellata L. ‘ Gross Isle, May 22d. Dracena borealis 4it. (Cus-cus-cun-domeneca.) Leaves ablong, oval, sometimes obovate, muscronate, smooth, membranous six-seven inches long and from two to three inches broad, ciliated on the margin, Scape six to eight inches high, terminated by three or four nodding flowers of a yellowish-green colour. Corolla six-petalled, petals lan- ceolate, rather obtuse, slightly connected at the base. Sta- mina the length of the corolla, inserted at the base of the petals : others oblong, two-celled, large, style thick, one third the length of the stamina: stigma three-lobed. Shores of Lake Huron, May 28th. 62 Professor Douglass and Dr. Torrey TRIGYNIA. Trillium erectum Willd. a atropurpureum Pu. 1 hi he T. rhomboideum a Mx. J May 3d , Grandiflorum. Salsb. in Parad. Lond. 2 With the pre- T. rhomboidewm and grandiflorum Mx. ceding. HEPTANDRIA. Trientalis europea B. angustifolia*® ) (Schoshogonieish.) Americana Pu. Shores of Lake Hu- Europea B. Americana Norv. ron, May 28th. OCTANDRIA. (Enothera biennis £. Upper Mississippi generally. Epilobium spicatum Lam. Pers. Muhl. Cat. St. Louis Angustifolium L. et plur. auct. k River, &c. Acer saccharinum L. Shores of Lake Huron. DECANDRIA. Monoeynia. Arbutus Uvaursi ZL. (Kinn-kinmk.) Smoked by the Indians asa substitute for tobacco. The Arbutus is seldom used by itself, though it forms the principal ingredient in the composition called Kinni-Kinnik. The bark of Co- mus sericea, and of several other plants are generally mixed with it, though a little tobacco is preferred. ~Pursh says the Indians of the Missouri call it Sacacommis. Andromeda polifolia B. rosmarinifolia.* Leaves linear, revolute. This variety is perhaps the A. polifolia a. angus- tifolia of Aiton, and Pursh, and is probably a distinct spe- cies from A. polifolia of Europe. It is not uncommon in New-England and in the northern parts of the state of New- York, growing in sphagnous swamps, and on the borders of mountain lakes. Ledum latifolium 4t. Willd. (Labrador tea,) Shores of Lake Superior &c. June 19. On Plants of the North-West. 63 Kalmia glauca Jit. Willd. With the preceding. _ Pyrola rotundifolia LZ. Savannah portage, July 10th. Dieynta, Mitella diphylla L. Shores of Lake Huron May 10th. Tiarella cordifolia L. (Paa-sewung.) Root mucilagi- nous. Petals lanceolate acute, attenuated at the base, three-nerved. Shores of Lake Huron. 3 PENTAGYNIA. Cerastium uw. sp. Cespitose, pubescent. Leaves lan- eeolate-oblong erect, acute shorter than the joints : flowers are long terminal peduncles; leaflets of the calyx oblong ; corolla obovate two-cleft twice the length of the calyx. San- dusky, May 8th. About eight inches high. This species is allied to C. termafolium of Pursu, but the leaves are much broader, and the calyx obtuse. The pe- tals are only twice instead of thrice the length of the calyx. With the C. glutinosum of Nuttall, it has also much affinity, but that plant is much larger and viscous, and the capsule is double the length calyx, while in our plant it appears to be oblong and shorter than the calyx. ICOSANDRIA. Monogeynia. Prunus virginiana L. Willd. 2 Gores Of Take Twn: Cerasus virginiana Mx. Depressa Ph. With the preceding. Penvacynta. Crategus pyrifola Ait. Willd. (Wild Apple.) Detroit, May 30th. — punctata At. Willd. With the. preceding. Pyrus ovalis Willd. arb. , On the river St. Ma- Mespilus Amebanchien. Wax. § ry’s 64 Professor Douglass and Dr. Torrey Potyeynia. Rosa parviflora Ehrh. Willd. On Lake Superior. July 4th. Rubus saxatilis B. canadensis Mx. Head of the Missis- sippi. Swamps. Geum rivale L. Shores of Lake Huron, May 30th. Potentilla anserina L. Near Detroit. pennsylvanica Mz. Willd. Willdenow and Geum agrimonoides Pu. arch quote as a synonim of this plant the G. Pennsylvanica of Gmelius Flora Sibirica, 3. t. 34. f. 1, but the figure is altogether un- like our plant, and does not agree with Michaux’s descrip~ tion of it. Willdenow however, remarks, ‘Planta sibirca majus est glabra sed foliorum florumque structura eadem ac 29 4 in Americana”! Sp. pl. 2. p. 1099. POLYANDRIA. Monoeynia. Actaea Americana Ph. Rubra Wiutp. Shores of Lake Huron. Spicata Mx. Sarracenia purpurea L. (Ko-ko-koh Mokasin. Owls’ Mockasin.) Point Keewenah, Lake Superior, June 26th. Cyamus luteus Nutt. } The only difference Flavicomas Sauiss. Px. | Willdenow makes between Nelumbium luteum Wixtp. >his N. speciosum and lute- Nymphea Nelumbo Waut. | um is that the former has N. Nelumbo BI. J hispid peduncles and peti- oles, and the latter smooth ones. He however describes a variety of the N. speciosum with smooth peduncles and pe- tioles, and the American plant according to Nuttall and the present Prof. Barton had them sometimes partly muricate. Hence there seems to be but little difference between the two species. The colour of the flowers, unless there are other distinctive characters, is not of much consequence. Found in great quantities near Sandusky Bay, west end of Lake Erie. On Plants of the North-West. 65 PENTAGYNIA. Aquilegia canadensis L. Near Detroit. May. Potyeynia. Ranunculus fascicularis Muhl. Cat.—Big. Fl. Bost. Near Detroit. sceleratus L. With the preceding. DIDYNAMIA. GYMNOSPERMIA. Stachys aspera Mz. Ph. excl. syn. The S. tenwifolia of Wilid.is placed as a synonym to this species by Pursh, but Muhlenberg makes them distinct in his catalogue. Speci- mens of S. tenwifolia sent from N. Carolina by Mr. Schwei- netz, appear quite different from the aspera. 'The short de- scription of the former by Willd. will agree equally well with either. Ontonagon river, June 30th. Hyssopus anisatus Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 27. Stem obtuse- Stachys feniculum Pu. 2. p. 407. ‘ ly four-angled leaves ovate-cordate, with large accuminate serratures, hoary beneath. Flowers in a dense somewhat interrupted spike. Stamina and style excert. Savannah Portage. July. First discovered on the plains of the Missouri by Mr. Nut- tall. Verbena hastata L. Upper Mississippi, generally. ANGIOSPERMIA. Bignonia radicans L. Near Sandusky Bay. Bartsia coccinea L. Euchronia coccinea Nutt. Pedicularis canadensis LZ. Near Detroit. Said by the Indians to cure the bite of a rattle-snake. — gladiata Mx. Shores of Lake Huron, May 30th. Linnea borealis LZ. Near White Fish Pt. Lake Supe- rior, June 19th. Gerardia Pedicularia LZ. Willd. Quisconsin river, Aug. Vou. IV.....No. 1. 9 ; Near Detroit. 66 Professor Douglass and Dr. Torrey TeTRADYNAMIA. Arabis rhomboidea Pers. B. purpurea* Smooth: bulbosa Muu... root bulbous granulated leaves rhomboid ; the superior ones with large repand teeth, inferior ones in very long petioles, obsoletely toothed, cor- date. Flowers corymbose, pale purple, as large as in Raphanus sativus. About ten inches high. Cardamine rotundifolia Mx ? lyrata L. Banks of Lake Huron, June 5th. Dentaria yes Muhl. Wiild. Black Rock, May 3d. concatenate Mx. —diphylla Max. (Indian pepper.) In the same place. MONADELPHIA. Lobelia claytoniana Mx. Savannah Portage. DIADELPHIA. Prairies of the Upper atts below Sandy Lake. — villosum Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 65. Petals 5, nearly equal alternating with the stamens. Calyx five-toothed. Grows with the preceding species. First discovered by Nuttall on the banks of Knife River, near Fort Mandan, Missouri. Polygala paucifolia Muhl. Willd. Shores of Lake Hu- ron. Vicia Douglassu.* Spikes many flowered, somewhat retrorsely imbricated, shorter than the leaves; stipules ovate-lanceolate, entire, leaflets numerous, (5 to 6 pairs) ovate oblong, mucronate, slightly pubescent beneath. Resembles V. cracca. Sandusky Bay. May 8th. Pisum maritimum L. Sandy Point, Lake Superior, July 4th. Petalostenum violaceum Mx. Dalea violacea Wiuup. SYNGEN..SIA. Liatris squarrosa Willd. Stem erect, smooth, about two feet high. Serratula squarrosa L. Leaves very long and On Planis of the North-West. 67 narrow, smooth, slightly scabrous on the margin. Raceme about six-flowered, flowers approximated, on short pedun- cles, calyx containing twenty florets, subcylindric, squamose below ; scales ovate mucronate, a little ciliate, interior ones foliaceous. Segments of the corolla linear, villose within. West shore of Lake Michigan, August 27th. Allied to L. gramimifolia. scariosa Willd. Stem simple, three feet high, Serratula scariosa L. ‘ nearly smooth. Leaves lance- olate, very smooth, and the upper surface a little shining. Flowers ia a long dense spike, very numerous, (40 to 70,) on short peduncles : calyx twenty-twenty-three flowered ; scales spatulate, obtuse, membranous and coloured: pappus a little longer than the villous seed ; corolla deeply cleft, smooth, with diaphanous punctures. West shore of Lake Michigan, August 27th. Erigeron bellidifolium Muhl.—-Willd. pulchellum Mx. ; Near Detroit. GYNANDRIA. oa ue East shore of Lake Michigan. Calopogon pulchellus R. Brown. ) Portage of Pt. Kee- Cymbidium pulchellum Swarrz. weenah, Lake Supe- Limodorum tuberosum L. Mx. rior, June 26th. Cypripedium spectabile Swartz. Point Keeweenah, album Arr. ra Superior, June canadense Mx. 26th. — pubescens Willd. (Mockasin flower.) Presque Isle, June 5th. calceolus Mx. calceolus B. Li. MONOECLIA. HEXAGYNIA. Zizania palustris Lin. Mautiss.295. Sp. pl.1408. Willd. sp. pl. 4. p. 395. Muhl. Gram. p. 271. Schreb. Gram. t. 29. Z. aquatica Lames. in Lintrans 7. p.264. Pursu. 1. p- 60. 2. p. 210. Grow. virg. 148. Z. clavulosa Mx. 1. 68 Professor Douglass and Dr. Torrey, &c. p. 75. Munu Gram. p.270. | Wiuxp. sp. pl. 4. p. 394.— (Wild rice— Water oats.) Abundant in the shallow rivers which fall into the Great Lakes, but in the greatest luxuri- ance and plenty in Fox river. PoLyanpDRia. Quercus alba L. St. Louis and the upper Mississippi. This was the first oak seen after leaving Michilimakinak. Fagus ferruginea Art.-_Willd. Shores of Lake Huron. Betula nigra L. Savannah Portage. MonapELpPHuia. Pinus balsamea LD. Mississippi, above Sandy Abies balsamifera. Mx. arb. ; lake. nigra Lamb. On the Mississippi, and near St. denticulata Mx. ‘ Louis. banksiana Lamb. 2 Near the head of the Missis- rupestris Mx. arb. ; sippi. Thuya occidentalis L. River St. Mary’s. Euphorbia corollata it. DIOECIA. DranprRia. Salix lucida Muhl.-Willd. Shores of Lake Superior. incana Ma. Shores of Lake Huron. This species is omitted in Pursh’s Flora Amer. OcTANDRIA. Populus balsamifera L. Savannah portage. trepida Willd. With the preceding. grandidentata Mx. tremuloides Ma. Shepherdia canadensis Nutt. Shores of Lake Huron. Hippophaé,canadensis L. In the same place. MonapELPHIA. Juniperus communis L. Near Chicago. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 69 prostrata Pers. Synop. 2. p. 632. Muhl. Cat 2 p. 98. repens Nurr. Stem prostrate ; branches running eight or ten or more feet along the ground ; leaves imbricate in four’s, ovate submucronate, bearing a gladulous depression in the middle. Berries larger than in the I. virginiana, but nearly of the same smell and taste. On Lake Huron, where it was also observed by Mr. Nuttall. Taxus canadensis Willd. ee Beene Ne ‘ On the St. Louis river. Arr. VII.—Lust of Plants growing spontaneously in Litch- field and wn tts vicinity. {Communicated by Mr. John P. Brace. | MONANDRIA. Dieynia. Calltriche. 1. hiterophylla (Px.) verna Muu. aquatica Bre. In a ditch near Wolcottville manufactory. June. Cinna. ' 1. arundinacea L. Shady Swamps. August. DIANDRIA. Monoeynia. 7 Utricularva. 1. vulgaris Pu. et Bie. macrorhyza N. Y¥. Cart. ‘Streams of the Little Pon v.v. Aug. Yellow. 2. cornuta Mx. Spagnous Swamps, near the Cranberry pond. Aug. Yellow. Gratiola. 1, aurea Mun. 70 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. officinalis Mx. ? Wet places. Aug. Yellowish white. 2. virginica DL. Wet places. Aug. Purple. 3. neglecta Torrey, N. ¥. Car. pubescens Eaton. Borders of the Bantum Lake. Aug. Yellow. Veronica. 1. serpyllifolia L. Streets and pastures. Blue. May. 2. beccabunga Brooks. June. Blue. 3. sentillata L. Wet places, near streams June. Blue. 4. arvensis L. Dry places in streets. May. Aug. Blue. 5. peregrina Sm. Cultivated fields. May. White. Lycopus. 1. Europaeus L. Wet places. Aug. White. 2. Virginicus L. With the last. Aug. White. Monarda. 1. didyma L. Near old garden spots. July. Red. Introduced. Collinsonia. 1. Canadensis L. Woods. Aug. Yellow. Fraxinus. 1. discolor Mx. f. americana. Woods. May. 2. sambucifolia. Wildswamps. May. Circaea. 1. Lutetiana LZ. Moist woods. May. White. var. alpina. With the last. Dicynta. Anthoxanthum. 1. odoratum L. Meadows. May. June. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 74 -TRIANDRA. Mownoeynia. Stsyrinchium. ; 1. anceps Lmk. Wet meadows. June. Blue. ris. 1. Virginica Z. Near streams. June. Blue. 2. Versicolor LZ. With the last. Blue. Xyris. 1. Jupicai Mx. Caroliniana Pu. flava Eat. Border of the Bantum Lake. Aug. Yellow. Schoenus. 1. albus L. Rhynchospora alba Spagnous swamps of the Cranberry pond. Aug. 2. glomeratus L. R. glomerata. Wet pastures. July. 3. mariscoides Munt. Borders of Ponds. Aug. Cyperus. - 1. parviflorus Muni. Banks of ponds. Aug. 2. strigosus L. Wet pastures. Aug. 3. poeformis. Pu. ‘With the last. Aug. 4. mariscoides. Sprengel. Scirpus cyperiformis Muu. Mariscus cyperiformis. N. Y. Car. et Syn. Dry sandy fields. Aug. 5. inflexus. Mount. uncinatus. Pu. Banks of ponds. Aug. 6. bicolor. Barron. With thelast. Aug. 7. diandrus. Tor. N. ¥Y. Car. With the last. Sept. Dulichium. 1. spathaceum Ricu. cyperus spathaceus Wiup. In swamps, near ponds. Aug. Scirpus. 1. tenuis. Winup. Overflowed places. June. 2. capitatus. ZL. Borders of ponds. July. 72 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 3. trichodes. Muni. Overflowed places. July. 4. intermedius. Muni’ Wet places. Aug. 5. capillaris. Muni. Sandy fields. Aug. 6. lacustris. Borders of Dog pond. Goshen. June. 7. acutus. Muut. Borders of ponds. June. 8. debilis Pu. et Munu. Sandy borders of the Great Pond. Sept. 9. autumnalis. Muni. With the last. Sept. 10. Americanus. Pers. triquetus Mx. Marshes near ponds. July. 11. palustris Z. Borders of ponds. July. Eriophorum. 1. Virginicum L. Cranberry pond swamps. 2. angustifolium Z. With the last. July. 3. vaginatum Guap. cespitosum Pu. With the last. April. Tricophorum. 1. cyperinum Pers. Eriophorum cyperinum L. Wet meadows. July. Dieynta. Oryzopsis. asperifolia Mx. Woods. May? Panicum. 1. glaucum Z. Cultivated grounds. Aug. 2. Crus-galli. Z. With the last. Aug. 3. Latifolium LZ. Woods. June. 4. pubescens. Munu. Pastures. July. 5. discolor. With the last. July. 6. nitidum. Lux. Pastures. July. 7. agrostoides. Muni. Wet meadows. Aug. 8. geniculatum. Muhl. Borders of ponds. Aug. 9. capillare. LZ. cultivated grounds. Aug. 10. lanuginosum Exu? Mount Tom. June. {1.nervosum Muh]? Pastures. July. 12. depauperatum. With the last. July. Digitaria. 1. sanguinalis Mubl. Panium sanguinale L. Streets. Ang. ~2 So) Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. - 2. paspalodes. Mx. Sandy streets. Aug. Paspalum. ciliatifolium. Mx. Barren pastures. Sept. Aristida. dichotoma Mx. Sandy streets. Sept. Alopecurus. 1. pratensis L. Meadows. June. Introduced. 2. geniculatus. Munt. Wet places. June. Phalaris. 1. arundinacea. Mx. Wet meadows. Aug. Miium. pungens. Torrey (MSS.) Mount Tom. May. Ce . alba. Z. Meadows and streets. July. Var. purpurascens. Near Streams. July. 2. vulgaris. Sm. Meadows. July. 3. Mexicana. Munz. Wet meadows. Aug. 4. Virginica. Muu. Streets. Sept. 5. diffusa. Muni. Wet meadows. Sept. G6. setosa. Munt. racemosa. Mx. Polypogon glomeratus. N. Y. Car. Swamps. of the Cranberry pond. Sept. 7. tenuiflora. Mut. Shady places. Sept. Muhlenbergia. 1. erecta. Scures. Wet woods. July. 2. diffusa. ScHREB. Streets. Sept. Leersta. 1. Oryzoides. Swarts. Swamps. Aug. 2. Virginica. Witp. Wet woods. Aug. Trichodium. ) laxiflorum. Mx. Meadows and streets. Aug. Phleum. oe pratense. L. Meadows. July. Introduced. Aira. i 1. obtusa. Mx. truncata. Muni. Wet meadows and near streams. June. 2. pallins. Mout. Var. Aristata. Pine Island Swamps. June. Elymus. 1. hystrix L. Wet woods. July. Vou. IV.....No. 1. 10 14 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 2. Canadensis. Wet pastures. Aug. Eleusine. Indica. Mx. Waterbury river turnpike. Sept. Triticum. repens L. Grass plots. July. Var. Aristata Pers. Meadows and hills. July. Briza. canadensis. Swamps. July. Dactylis. one L. Meadows. July. . annua. L. Fields &c. April to Sept. . nervata. Muni. Swamps. July. . hirsuta Mx. Sandy fields, near the Waterbury river, Sept. . trivialis L. Wet meadows. June. . pratensis. L. Meadows. May. . compressa. L. Woods. June. . palustris. Munt. Wet meadows. July. . knerva. Torrey (Mss.) Banks of the Bantum. May. . elongata. Torrey. (Mss.) Swamp at the head of the Sherman brook. July. 10. aquatica. Wet meadows. July. Windsoria. pallida. Tor. N. Y. Cat. Swamps. July. Festuca. 1, teuella. Willd. On rocks. June. 2. elatior. L. Meadows. July. *3. fluitans, L. Overflowed grounds. July. 4, nutans. Willd. Woods. June. 5. palustris. Schreb. Pastures. June. Bromus. 1. secalinus. L. In green fields. Aug. Introduced. 2. pubescent. Muhl. Woods. July. 3. canadensis. Mx. ciliatus. L. Moist woods. July. Danthonia. spicata. Nutt. avena spicata L. Dry hills and fields. July. OMAHA nNp’ gobo s * A new species cf Festuoa, as yet not well examined, is found differing from F. fluitans. in having acute glumes. Notice of Planis growing in Litchfield. Arundo. canadensis Mx. cinnoides Muhl. Wet places by rivers. July. Andropogon. 1. purpurascens. Muhl. Rocks. Sept. 2. fuscatus. L. Fields. Sept. TRIGYNIA. Lechia. 1. major. L. Dry hills. Aug. 2. minor. L. Sandy fields. Aug. Mollugoe. verticillata L. Sandy fields. Aug. White. Quervia. canadensis L. Rocky hills. July. Proserpinacea. palustris. L. Ditches near ponds. July. TETRANDIA. Monoeynia. Plantago. 1. ide major. L. Fields &c. July. lanceolata. L. With the last. June. Houstonia. blue. cerulea. I. Pastures and meadows. May to Aug. Mitchella. repens. L. Pine woods. June. Cephalanthus. | occidentalis. L. Near streams. July. White Galium. O op 99 tinctorium. L. Swamps. July. White. asprellum. Mx. Wet Meadows. July. White. . trifidum. Willd. Swamps. July. White. . aparine L. Hedges. May. White. triflorum. Mx. Woods. July. White. cireegans Mx. Woods. July. Purple and white. var. lanceolatum N. Y. Cat. With the last. July. Dipsacus. sylvestris L. Road sides Bradleyville. Aug. blue. at 76 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 7 Cornus. 1. canadensis. L. Pine swamps. June, White. 2. Florida. L. Woods, (not common.) May. White. 3. sericea. Willd. Swamps. June. White. 4, circinata |. Her. tomentulosa Mx. Rocky woods. June. White. 5. alba. Willd. Swamps. White. June. 6. paniculata l’Her. Borders of fields. June. White. Pothos. foetida. Mx. Wet meadows. April. TIsnardia. palustris. L. Ludwigia palustris. Ell. nitida, Mx. In ditches. Aug. Dicynia. Hamamelis. Virginica L. Woods. Oct. Yellow. TETRAGYNIA. Hex. canadensis Mx. Pine Island swamps. May. Green. Sagina. procumbens. L. Brooks. June. Potamogeton. 1. perfoliatum. L. In pond, (as are all the following species.) July. 2. fluitans L. July. 3. nutans. L. July. 4. lucens Mx. July. 5. gramineum Mx. pauciflorum. Ph. July. PENTANDRIA. Monoeynia. Cynoglossum. officinale. L. Road sides. May. Blue. Myosotis 1. virginiana L. Damp woods. July. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 77 2. arvensis. L. Mount Tom. May. White. Lysimachia. 1. racemosa. Mx. stricta. Ait, bulbifera. Curtis. Swamps. July, Yellow. 2. thyrsiflora. Mx. capitata. Ph. Swamps near the Sherman brook. June. Yellow. 3. quadrifolia L. Meadows. July. Yellow. 4. ciliata. Mx. Hedges near streams. July. Yellow. Menyanthes. trifoliata. L. Swamps of the Cranberry pond, June. White. Villarsia. lacunosa. Neut. Menyanthus trachysperma. Mx. Lakes and ponds. Aug. Yellow and white. Convolvulus. sepuim L. Borders of fields. July. White. Datura. stramonium L. Road sides. Aug. White. Verbascum. 1. Thapsus L. Road sides and old fields. July. Yellow 2. Blattaria L. Road sides. July. Yellow. Azalea. — 1. nudiflora Iu. Rocky woods. May. Red. 2. viscosa L. Swamps. July. White. var. pubescens. Swamps on hills. July. White. - Solanum. 1. dulcamara. L. Hedges. July. Blue. 2. nigrum. L. road sides. July. White. Physalis. Pennsylvanica. L. Streets. South Farms. Yellow. Lomicera. parviflora Pers. dioica. L.. Pastures. June. Red. Xylosteum. | ciliatum. Pine Islands. May. Yellow. Mervilla. humilis. Pers. Hedges and woods. June. Yellow. 78 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. Campanula. 1. rotundifolia. L. Rocks of Canaan falls. July. Blue. 2. amplexicaulis Mx. perfoliata. L. Sandy hills. July. blue.: 3. erinoides. MuhI. Wet meadows. Aug. White. Lobelia, 1. Clayioniana Mx. Meadows, (common.) June—July. blue. 2. pallida. Muhl. Woods. July. Blue. 3. Kalmii. L. Borders of Dog pond, Goshen. Aug. Blue. 4. inflata. L. Pastures. Aug. Blue. 5. cardinalis. L. Borders of Brooks. Aug. Scarlet. 6. siphilitica. L. Ditches, Salisbury. Aug. Blue. 7. Dortmanna. L. North border of Bantum Lake. July. Blue. Triosteum. perfoliatum. L. Shady places. June. purple. Rhamnus. franguloides. Mx. alnifolius Willd. Swamps. June. Green. Ceanothus. Americanus L. Woods. July. White. Celastrus. scandens L. Borders of fields. June. White. Vitis. 7 1. Labrusca. LZ. woods. June. 2. vulpina. L. woods. June. Ampelopsis. quinquefolia. Mx. near streams. Aug. Green Impatiens. noli-tangere. L, fulva Nutt ? wet places. July. Orange. Viola. . palmata L. woods. May. Blue. pedata L. Mount Tom. May. Blue. . blanda. Wild. bog meadows. May. White. . primulifolia. L. meadows May. Blue. . cucullata ZL. meadows May Blue. . rotundifolia Mx. banks of streams. April. Yellow. . uliginosa, Mux. wet meadows. June. Blue. AID oy Ph 69 DO Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 8. rostrata woods. Canaan. May. blue. 9. pubescens. Ait. woods. June. yellow. Claytonia. spatulata wet meadows. May. white and pink. Ribes. 1. recurvatum. Pu. floridum J. woods. May. green. 2. triforum. Wild. wet places. May. green. DIGYNIA. Asclepwas. 1. Syriaca L. borders of woods. July. purple. 2. phytolaccoides. Pu. hedges. July. purple. 3. incharnata. L. var pulchra banks of rivers. July. purple. 4, quadrifolia. Po. In rocky woods. June. white. 5. tuberosa. L. In pastures. Aug. orange. Apocynum. androsemifolium LZ. hedges. July. red. Gentiana. 1. saponaria L. meadows. Sept. blue. 2. crinita Willd. meadows. Sept. blue. 3. Quinqueflora Willd. pastures. Sept. blue. Cuscuta. americana Willd. Twining round other plants. Panacx. trifolium L. woods. May. white. Chenopodium. ) 1. album. L. cultivated grounds. Aug. green. 2. Botrys. L. sandy roads. Aug. green. 3. murale. Pu. cultivated grounds. Aug. green. Ulmus. 1. fulva. Mx. near streams. April. 2. americana. Mx. hills. April. Hydrocotyle. americana L. wet places. July. Sanicula. Marylandica. L. woods. July. green. Angelica. 1, atropurpurea L? ! triquinata. Big. wet meadows. June. green. 79 80 Notice of Plants growing in Latchfield. Stson. canadense. L. Myrrhis canadensis. Nutt. damp woods. July. white. Stum. 1. latifolium. Z. wet meadows. Aug. white. 2.. lineare Mx? swamps. Aug. white. | Conium. maculatum. ZL. road sides. July. white. Myrrhis. dulcis. Eaton. dry woods. June. white. Cicuta. 1. maculata. L. wet meadows. July. white. 2. bulbifera. L. borders of streams and ponds, Aug. white. Smyrneum. aureum. Li. meadows. June. yellow. Thaspium aureum. Nutt. TRIGYNIA. Viburnum. . Opuloides. Must. borders of streams. June. white. . Lentago. L. woods. May. white. . Lantanoides. Mx. woods. May. white. cerifolium Willd. woods. May. white. . dentatum L. wet woods. June. white. nudum. L. swamps. June. white. | Sambucus. Canadensis. L. hedges. May. white. D orp oo bo Rhus. . typhinum. L. woods. June. . glabrum L. mountains. July. . copallinum. L. with the last July. . vernix. L. swamps. June. . radicans. L. climbing in woods, &c. June PENTAGYNIA. i fe CO ho Araha. 1. racemosa. Lu. shady woods. July white. 2. nudicaulis Iu. among rocks. May. green. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. Si ‘Drosera. 1. rotundifolia L. In swamps; particularly in the spag- nous swamps of Cranberry pond. July. white. . longifolia Li. with the last. Aug. white. HEXANDRIA. Monoeynia. Caulophyllum. thalictroides. Mx. thickets. May. green. very rare. Prinos. verticillatus. L. swampy woods. July, green. HAypozis. erecta L. meadows. May. yellow. Allium. tricoccum L. damp woods. June. green. Pontederia. : cordata. L. near ponds. Aug. blue. Enythronium. Ainericanum Im. Dens-Canis. Mx. wet. woods. April. yellow. Lalium. 1. Philadelphicum. L. pastures. July. red. 2. Canadense. L. July. meadows. orange, ig a . pubescens. Willd. Polygonatum pubescens. Pu. rocky woods. May. June, white. 2. multiflora. L. Polygonatum aus. Desr. rocky woods. July. whitish. 3. umbellulata Mx, Polygonatum umbellata. Dracaena borealis Eaton. Clintonia ciliata Rafinesque. wet woods. May. yellow. 4. racemosa L. Smilacina racemosa Desr. woods. June. white. 5. stellata. L. Smilacina stellata Desr. Wet meadows. June. white. Vor. IV.....No. 1, 1} 82> 6. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. bifolia. L. Smilacina bifolia Desr. Wet woods. June. white. Uvularia. 1. 2. 2 v. perfoliata. L. woods. May. yellow. sessifolia. L. with the last. May. yellow. rosea. Muhl. Streptopus roseus. Pers. moist woods. May. pink. spotted. corns. calamus. L. ponds. June. Juncus. WRMoh Oo WO — [o9) . effusus L. wet grounds. July. . acutus LL. borders of the Lake. July. . nodosus. Munx. Gram. swamps June. . polyaphalus. M. swamps. Aug. . acuminatus. Mx. swamps. July. . tenuis. Mun. Gram. streets. June . pilosus. LZ. pastures. May. Lugula pilosa Wild. . campestris. Auct. Lugula campestris Willd. with the last. May. TRIGYNIA. fryronica. virginica Nutt. Mideala virginica. LL. woods. June. yellow. Veratrum. viride. Willd. album. Mx. swamps. May. green. Helonias. dioica Pu. Veratrum luteum. ZL. pastures. June. white. Trillium. 1. pictum Pu. pine woods. May. white. 2. erectum. Willd. near shady rocks. May. purple. Rumee. . obtusifalius. J. meadows (very rare.) July. . Brittanicus. LZ. swamps. Aug. . Acetosella. J. dry fields and rocks. nm GO £9 crispus. L. meadows. July. Lapathum acetosellum Eaton. Notice of Plants growing in Latchfield. 83 POLYGYNIA. Alisma. Plantago. L. ditches. July, white. HEPTANDRIA. Monoeynta. Trientalis. | Europaea. E.. pine woods. May. white. OCTANDRIA. Monoeynta. Oxycoccus. murocarpus Pers. Vaccinium oxycoccus. Mx. Cranberry pond meadows. June. red. Epilobium. 1. lineare. Muu. swamps. Aug. purple 2. coloratum. Munt. with the last. Aug. purple. 3. spicatum. Muu. angustifolium. L. Hataee: of woods. July. purple. Ocenothera. 1. biennis. L. fields. July. yellow. 2. chrysantha. Mx. pumilis. Bigelow eee June. yellow. Alcer. . rubrum. L. woods. April. red. . saccharinum. L. woods. April. yellow. . striatum. Mx. rocky mountains. May. green. . montanum. Willd. spicatum. Limp. sides of hills. May. hate Oar Direa. palustris. Z. woods. April. yellow. TRIGYNIA. Polygonum. 1. aviculare. Z. road sides. May—Oct. white. 84 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. . punctatum Ell. Hydropiper. Mx. ditches. Aug. white. mite Pers. swamps. Sept. white. . virginianum. Z. by the Bantum. Aug. white. coccineum. swamps. Aug. red . persicaria. L. cultivated grounds. Aug. red. . pennsylvanica. L. on Chesnut hill. Aug. red. . sagittatum. L. swamps. Aug. white. . arifolium. L. swamps. Aug. white. 10. scandens. L. cultivated fields. Aug. white. 11. cilivode with the last. Aug. white. ENNEANDRIA. Monoeynta. Laurus. 1. Benzoin. L. near creeks. April. yellow. 2. Sassifras. L. woods. June. yellow. DECANDRIA. Monoeynla. Baptisia. tinctoria E]). Podalyria tinctoria Willd. sandy fields. Aug. yellow. Cassia. . Marylandica. L. sandy roads. Aug. yellow. Pyrola. 1. rotundifolia. LZ. pine woods. July. white. 2. secunda. L. sandy woods. July. white. Chimaphila. 1. maculata. Pu. Pyrola muculata. ZL. dry woods. July. (rare.) 2. umbellata Eaton. Corymbosa. Pu. Pyrola umbellata. L. dry woods. July. -Indromeda. 1. polyfolia. L. Cranberry pond swamps. May. pink. (for a plate of ie gig see American Journal of Science, Vol. ILI. No. 2.) Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 85 2. paniculata. Mx. non. L. ligustrina Ell. pastures. June. white. 3. calyculata. L. bog meadows. May. white. Kalmia. 1. latifolia. L. pine woods. June. white. 2. angustifolia, L. woods and swamps. June. red. 3. glauca. L. var. rosmarinifolia. Px. Cranberry pond meadows. May. red. Vaccinium. 1, dumosum Curtis. Cranberry pond swamps. June. white. 2. frondosum. L. woods. June. white. 3. resinosuin. L. woods. June. red. 4. corymbosum. L.. woods. June. white. Epigela. repens. L. rocky hills. April. white. Gualtheria. 1. procumbens. L. pine woods. July. white. 2. hispidula. Munu. pine swamps, not seen in flower. /Monotropa. 1. hypopithys. Hypopithys Europaca Nutt. wet woods. Aug. yellowish white. 2, januginosa. Mx. Hypopithys lanuginosa. Nutt. woods, July. yellowish white. 3. uniflora. L. woods. July. white. var. erceta. morisoniana Big. with the last. DIGYNIA. Chrysosplenium. oppositifolium. L. in brooks. April. yellow. Saatfraga. 1. virginiensis. Mx. vernalis. Bigelow. rocks. April. white. 2. Pennsylvanica. L. meadows. May. green. Tiarelia. cordifolia. L. rocks. May. white. Mitella. diphylla L. wet. woods May. white. 86 Prof. Green on the Cotton Plant. Seleranthus. annuus. L roads in sandy soils. July. TRIGYNIA. Stellaria. 1. media. Sm. alsine media. L. cultivated ground. May. Nov. white. 2. longifolia. Munu. eraminea. Big. ? wet meadows. June. white. 3. palustris. Eaton ? ditches. July. white. PENTAGYNIA. Penthorum. sedoides. L. wet places. July. green. Oxalis. stricta. Willd. pastures, &c. June. yellow. Spergula. arvensis. L. cultivated fields. June. white. Intro- duced ? Agrostemma. Githago. L. In cornfields. July. purple. Introduced. Cerastium. vulgatum. L. fields. May. white. DECAGYNIA. Phitolacca decandria. L. borders of fields. July. white. [ T'o be concluded in our next. | ee RN HY Gossipium— Cotton. {Communicated by Professor Jacon GrEEN, Sept. 1821.} I ruinx it probable that the Cotton Plant (Gossipium) may be cultivated in the U. S. much farther to the N. than is generally supposed. A kinsman of mine residing in the neighbourhood of Princeton, made avery successful experi- ment on this subject. A quantity of seed procured from Dr. Dekay on the Pennatule Fléche. 87 some undressed cotton purchased for domestic purposes, was planted in a garden, having a N. W. exposure. The plants came to maturity rather better than was expected, but the staple was very fine and abundant, so that articles of domestic use such as stockings, gloves, &c. &c. were manufactured from it. It is probable that if these plants had received proper attention and been placed in a favoura- ble situation, the produce would have been much greater. ZOOLOGY. ~—e— Art. VIII.— Observations on the Pennatule fléche (P. sagit- ta of La Marck,) in the cabinet of Dr. Mitchill.—By James E. Dexay, M. D. Dr. Mircuiuy was so obliging as to submit to my in- spection an animal found adhering, to the Diodon pilosus of that gentleman. From its feathery appearance it was refer- red to the Pennatula of La Marck, species Sagitta, but it neither corresponded to the character of the order (Polypi natantes) nor to that of the genus. It appears that La Marck had described it merely from a figure by Esper. He mentions that Pallas was so doubtful with respect to its place in this genus, that he had not des- cribed it. Its want of an “ axe organique’ or internal bony substance was probably the cause. Linneus had placed this animal under the genus Lernea, but Cuvier pronounces perhaps too decisively, that it must be considered as belonging to the genus Calygus of Miller, which is included under Order Crustacea Branchiopodes : this is so palpable a blunder that it is very evident he had. never seen the animal. In another part of his work, speaking of this and another animal he says, ‘Ces sont des animaux parasites, voisin en partie des Calyges, en partie des Lerneées mais _nulle- ment de pennatiles, Le pennatule sagitta d’Esper est tout autre chose que celui de Linneé peutétre est, ce, un Nephtys.” This however, it cannot be from its want of Gills and horny jaws. 88 Dr. Dekay on the Pennatule Fleche. Thus we have seen, this animal has been first ranked as a Lernea, a parasite, then considered as a pennatule or po- lype, afterwards placed in the genus Calygus as a crusta- ceous animal, and finally, it has been decided that it shall oc- cupy a new genus as an Annelide. So much difficulty with respect to its proper place, clearly proves that with the ex- ception of Pallas and Esper, they are completely ignorant of the animal under consideration. DESCRIPTION. Body one inch in length, coriaceous, cylindrical, of a purple color and inserted { of its length, underneath the skin of the fish to which it was attached, all the part be- neath the skin white, mouth terminal, irregular, present- ing a granulated appearance, with several minute holes. Plumule on each side, nearly equal in length, and six- teen or seventeen in number on each side—cylindrical, their free extremities bulbous, in which a black speck was just visible under the microscope, The Plumule commence about 2 of the distance from the mouth and terminate one 16th of an inch from the extremity, which isrounded. The teguments consist of two membranes, the outer thick, purple and co- riaceous ; the inner pale and delicate. I observed nothing internally except some whitish fibres, running in a longitu- dinal direction and converging towards the upper extremity ; neither stomach nor ovary was apparent. From these few, and I am sensible imperfect observations, we may be satis- fied that it does not belong to any genus as yet established. Since De La Marck commenced his “ Animaux sans verte- bres,” Savigny has presented to the Institute a memoir upon a new class of polypi, among which our animal must finally be placed. De La Marck has embodied these under the order of Polypes tubiferes, containing four genera. The animal under consideration belongs to this order ; but a more accurate examination of its anatomical structure is ne- cessary before we can decide upon its place among the genera. In the mean time, the following may serve for its specific character. ‘ Stirpe coriaceo cylindrico inferne nudo, superne pinnato ; pinnis distichis, extremitatibus crassioribus.” Its natural size, is but little more than half an inch long ; the above figure is about six times magnified. J. E. DEKAY. Art. [X.—Falco Leucocephalus—Bald Eagle. [Communicated by Professor Jacop Green, Sept. 1821 ] December 23d 1820, I saw a large bald eagle shot in this neighbourhood. He measured seven feet and nine inches from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other; three feet and four inches in length, and weighed sixteen pounds fouror five weeks after he was killed. This is larger than the one men- tioned by Wilson, which measured seven feet from tip to tip, was three feet in length and weighed thirteen pounds. The bird shot here was probably not of full growth, as there was not the appearance of a white feather on the back of his head. This bird is usually called the Grey Eagle ; it is very uncommon with us, and so large a one I think has never been described. If the accurate biographer of American Birds had not assured us that the Grey and Bald Eagle were of the same species, differing in colour only on account of age, I should have considered this of another species. When first seen, the Eagle wasin company with a flock of birds on the ground, near some stacks of grain with- ina few yards of the road. He exhibited no signs of fear, and even ruffled his feathers as if to make an attack. After a short time, he rose with difficulty and flew a short distance —when shot he clung by his talons to the branch of a tree upon which he was sitting for about a minute, and then as he was falling to the ground made a last effort with his wings, and moved from the place some yards; he was not quite dead when approached—but he made no resistance upon being taken up. Vou. 1V.....No.. 1. 12 vO Ward’s Steam Engine. The Eagle sometimes flies about in the night. On one occasion I recollect that he was seen hovering for a con- siderable time, high in the air, over the flames of a_build- ing, the light of which was discovered at the distance of twenty miles. PHYSICS, MECHANICS, CHEMISTRY AND THE ARTS. ——<=— Arr. X.—Warp’s Alternating Steam-Engine. Some ac- count of a Steam-Engine, called the Alternating Steam- Engine, invented by Minus Warp, of South-Carolina. In a Letter from the Inventor to the Editor. Cotumsia, (8. C.) June 1, 1821. Sir, Ir has long been a desideratum in Mechanics, to produce, by means of steam, a direct rotary motion. It has, as long, been the received doctrine, that to produce a rotary from a rectilinear motion, is attended with much loss of power, owing to what has been called the reciprocation of the moving mass: and “ it was,”’ therefore, to borrow the language of Mr. Sullivan,* ‘* probably perceived to be a great object to getrid of the reciprocating movement of large masses, on the well known mechanical principle, that it consumes power to check momentum, as well as to give it—to drag an inert mass into motion rapidly, in opposite directions,’—or, as it has been more fully expressed by another writer, ‘to drag the inert mass from a state of rest to a state of motion, and from this state of motion to a state of rest.” To obviate this disadvantage, Mr. Watts in England, and Mr. Curtis, after him, in this country, endeavoured to give to the axis of the cylinder a direct rotary movement ; but owing, in a great measure, to the impossibility of con- fining the steam by packing upon ‘corners, their attempts proved abortive in practice ; and Mr. Morey, at last, in- * Am. Journ. 8. and A. Vol. f. p. 161. Ward's Steam-Engine. 91 vented a Revolving Engine, which, it was supposed, had completely triumphed over the difficulty of reciprocation. It may seem hardy to question a dogma, which has re- mained so long unquestioned ; but I hold it equally pusil- lanimous never to think ourselves at liberty to examine re- ceived doctrines; and I hope you and your readers will, therefore, excuse my presumption, in endeavouring to show, contrary to the received theory, that there is no loss of power in the reciprocating movement of the common steam- engine, and that the well known principles of mechanics have been applied to the subject, under a misconception of the facts. It is necessary, in the first place, to reduce to some more definite meaning, the phrases, ‘‘ dragging the inert mass in opposite directions,” and ‘‘ dragging it from a state of motion toa state of rest.” How and where does this “ dragging” take place? ‘The language here used, can only mean, that the power of the steam, being exerted upon the reciprocating mass, in a direction opposite to that, in which it ils moving, Overcomes its momentum, and causes it to stop. At what point, then, in the revolution of the crank, is the power of the steam thus exerted, and this cessation of movement affected? Supposing the crank to start from the upper dead-point, no such operation can take place at any point in the first half of the revolution ; for nobody ev- er disputed, that during this half, the power of the steam continues to be exerted, ‘and the reciprocating mass to move, in the same directions, which they respectively took at the commencement. ‘That such a cessation of movement can- not be effected in the other half of the revolution, that is, after the crank has passed the lower dead-point, is equally clear, from the same considerations. And if, therefore, it takes place at any point, in the whole revolution, it must be at the dead-point. Thus explained, then, the theory above mentioned, is this,—That, at the dead-point, the power of the steam, be- ing exerted upon the reciprocating mass, in a direction op- posite to that, in which it had been previously exerted, checks its momentum,” and causes it to stop. This proposition evidently assumes two facts: Ist. that, at the dead-point, the power of the steam is in full operation ; and 2ndly, that, at the dead-point, the reciprocating mass 92 Ward's Steam- Engine. possesses momentum, and indeed, all the momentum, which the power of the steam could give it, inthe semi-revolution. Both of these assumptions, I undertake to deny. 1. In their speculations on this subject, philosophers seem to have overlooked the mode, in which a steam-en- gine must necessarily be made, if intended for any useful purpose. Itis ofthe very essence of its construction, that not a particle of steam can enter the cylinder, when the crank is at the dead-point, cither on one side of the piston, or the other. And if there be no additional expenditure of steam, how can there be a further exertion of power? But, without resorting to this topic, is it not undeniable, asa general principle, founded in the very nature of things, that no power can be reversed, in its direction, as it is here, without first ceasing to act? And, as the power of steam is confessed to act, both before and after, the crank arrives at the dead-point; where else can it cease to act but at the dead-point, or which is the same thing, the point of its re- version ’—At the dead-point, therefore, the Engine must be perfectly impotent. 2. The disproof of the second assumption seems to fol- low, asa corollary, from that of the first. It is acknowl- edged by all, that the reciprocating mass does stop at the dead-point; and what is this, but another mode of saying, that it has ceased to have Momentum ? If, then, the momentum of the reciprocating mass be not | overcome by the power of the steam, how, and by what, isit overcome? ‘The true explanation of these points will be found in the connexion of the fly-wheel with the recipro- cating mass, by means of the crank. Supposing no other inert body.to be connected with the Engine,—since we have just seen, that the momentum of the reciprocating mass cannot be overcome by the power of the steam, of course, there is nothing else which can overcome it, but the mer- tia of the fly-wheel. And the modus operandi, I take to be this :—The reciprocating mass and fly-wheel being con- nected through the medium of the crank, it results, from the principles of the crank, that the reciprocating mass is regularly and alternately accelerated, and retarded: ‘This retardation is gradual, and finally ends in total rest; after which the accumulation commences, and continues gradu- ally, until it arrives at its maximum. Now, during the re- Ward’s Steam-Enewne. 93 oO tardation, the whole of the momentum, which existed in the reciprocating mass, at the time of its greatest velocity, is gradually transferred to the fly-wheel : and, in like man- ner, during the acceleration, this same quantity of momen- tum is again transferred from the fly-wheel to the recipro- cating mass.* It is this gradual transference of all the mo- mentum of the reciprocating mass to the fly-wheel, and not the power of the steam “ dragging the mass in an opposite direction,’”—that ‘checks’? its motion, and causes it to stop. It seems to me, therefore, a work worse than nu- gatory, to waste ingenuity in devising modes of avoiding the reciprocating movement ; and it has, I believe, invariably ‘happened, that men of genius, while striving to shun this phantom, have encountered or overlooked real difficulties, which, if not fatal, have proved so serious a disadvantage to their respective inventions, as to render them entirely useless m practice. If there be any exception to this re- mark, it must be in favour of the Revolving Engine, in- vented by Mr. Morey.» Much, however, as ‘his ingenious machine appeared, at first, to promise, I apprehend it will be found, upon a short trial, that he, too, has neglected to provide against substantial difficulties, while endeavour- ing to getrid of such as were merely imaginary. The great disadvantage in transferring momentum from a straight line to the circle, arises from the friction, which necessarily attends the operation. When, for instance, the piston-rod is made to play in whatare called parallel guides, and a connecting-rod, attached to the cross-piece of the slides, gives motion to the crank, there are but two points, in which the original direction at the power, and its direc- tion, as applied to the crank, coincide with one another. In all other points, the connecting-rod forms an angle with the guides ; and this angle varies, from the smallest, which the construction of the Engine will allow,—being greater, as the crank-piece is longer, dnd less, as you increase the length of the connecting rod. In all but two points, there- fore, the power reacts obliquely upon the guides; and, when the angle is the largest, the strain and friction are so * This is also the opinion of Oliver Evans Vid, ‘* Abortion of the Young Steam Engineer’s Guide ;’? published in 1815. 94 Ward's Steam-Engine. great, as not only to occasion a very serious loss of power, but to wear away the guides, and by increasing the play of the sliders, to destroy, in a short time, the parallelism of the motion. The only mode of obviating any part of these disadvantages, was, by having a short crank-piece, and a long connecting-rod. The greatest angle would then be small: the friction, of course, lessened; and the engine will stand a considerable length of time without need of re- airs. What, then, as it appears to me, will be found a serious, if not a fatal, disadvantage in Mr. Morey’s plan, is, that he is obliged to retain this parallel motion by guides. His en- gine, indeed, so far as this principle is concerned, is pre- cisely the same with the common Engine, which has the parallel motion by guides ; the only difference being, that the point of action in the one is the pointof re-action, in the other—a difference, however, which, in this respect, must be merely nominal, so long as action and re-action are equal. ‘There isa real difference, in another respect, that, in Movey’s Engine, the connecting-rod is necessarily so very short, and the angle of action so great, that, though it may answer the purpose, for a short time, yet the loss by friction, and the frequent necessity of repairs, will more than counterbalance its neatness of construction and com- pactness of form. : Having devoted my life to the study of mathematics, both pure and mixed, and being a mechanic in practice as well as theory, I was led to examine the various methods, which have been devised to render the power of steam subservient to the purposes of human life; and it occurred to me very early, in the course of my investigations, that the received supposition of a loss occasioned by the reciprocating move- ment, was founded in error. Quitting, therefore, the idle pursuit of expending my time and the ingenuity I might possess, in contriving ways to overcome a difficulty, which did not exist, I was left to direct my undivided efforts to the invention of some machinery, which would avoid the real disadvantages of the old steam-engine, namely, its fric- tion, bulkiness, complication, weight, and expense. To simplify and avoid friction were my sole objects ; and I be- lieve I have at Jength succeeded, in combining the in- Ward’s Steam-Engine. 95 dispensable parts of the Steam Engine, in such a way as to get rid of all the abovementioned disadvantages. In this Engine, the piston-rod is also the connecting-rod.* When applied to water-wheels, in propelling boats, the cyl- inder is placed within the water-wheel. Two centre-pieces, firmly fixed to the boat, one on each side of the recess in which the wheel is placed, serve as axes to the wheel, the boxes of which turn on necks prepared to receive them ; the centre-pieces, after traversing the boxes, are turned at right angles and extend, within the wheel and towards its circumference, a distance equal to half the sweep of the piston ; at this distance from the centre of the water wheel, boxes are inserted in the centre-pieces to receive the gudg- eons of the cylinder ; the cylinder revolves on those gudg- eons about its centre of gravity. ‘The steam is conducted to and from the cylinder, by means of a double pipe; so that the centre-piece answers the quadruple purpose of an in- duction-tube, an eduction-tube, a bearmg for the water- wheel, anda bearing for the cylinder. The steam is alternately let into each end of the cylinder, by a contrivance similar to what was first used, I believe, in | ihe Double Cylinder Steam-Engine of Mr. Hornblower ; and which will be easily comprehended from the following description, taken from Rees’ Cyclopedia: “'The cocks of this (Hornblower’s) Engine are composed of two circu- lar plates, ground very true to each other, and one of them turns round on a pin through their centres: each is pierced with three sectorial apertures, exactly corresponding with each other, and occupying a little less than one half of their surfaces. By turning the moveable plate so that the aper- tures coincide, a large passage is opened for the steam; and by turning it, so that the solid part of the one covers the aperture of the other, the cock is shut.”+ Instead of three sectorial apertures, which Hornblower’s Double Cyl- inder required, the cocks of my Engine have but two, which take up the same space, by being nearly ninety de- grees in length each. ‘These cocks are placed by the side of my cylinder, the gudgeon of which answers to the “ pin” * T have thought the description would be more readily understood, if the alphabetical references were kept separate from the text. See the figure and its references. + Rees’ Cyc. Art. SrmAM-HNGINE. 96 Ward's Steam Engine. in Hornblower’s valve : the moveable plate is attached to the cylinder, and is turned by it; while the other plate, being attached to the centre-piece, remains stationary. The steam-tube, after passing from the boiler along the cen- tre-piece, arrives at the cocks, and enters one of these sec- torial apertures, from the back, in the plate attached to the centre-piece. In like manner, the eduction-tube extends from the bottom of the opposite aperture in the same plate, through the centre-piece, to the condenser ;—or, if the en- gine be made without a condenser, the tube terminates in the open air, and the steam escapes. A tube extends from the bottom of each aperture, in the plate attached to the cylinder, to each end of the cylinder, and there enters its cavity. The revolution of the cylinder and the moveable plate attached to it, brings the aperture belonging to each end of the cylinder, alternately to the aperture in the station- ary plate, through which the steam enters; while, at the same time, the aperture belonging to the other end of the cylinder, is passing the aperture belonging to the eduction- tube. The outer end of the piston-rod is attached to a cross- piece, which is supported by gudgeons, moveable in boxes in the arms of the water-wheel. From the middle of this cross-piece, and perpendicular to it, proceed two wings, one on each side, from the ends of which two rods extend, play- ing through steps on the sides of the cylinder. These rods are necessary in order alternately to overcome the inertia, and resist the momentum, of the cylinder, encountered in consequence of the irregularity of its motion. The operation of this engine is as follows :—The steam, by means of the piston, alternately drawing and pressing upon the cross-piece, which works in the arms of the water- wheel, forces the wheel around, at the same time that the cylinder itself is carried round, by reason of its connexion with the cross-piece; the reaction being sustained by the gudgeons of the cylinder, resting on the centre-pieces. Asthe cylinder revolves ona different centre from that of the wheel, the radii of its angular motion vary from the radii of the wheel, coinciding with them in two opposite points only, which is at the moment the engine is passing the dead-points. If the revolution of the wheel be supposed uniform, the revolution of the cylinder will be irregular, be- Ward’s Steam-Engine. 97 ing accelerated during one half of the revolution, and retard- ed during the other half; but its revolving motion is con- tinual, moving always the same way. ‘The celerity of its revolution, or velocity of its angular motion, regularly and alternately increases, during one half of its revolution, and falls off just as much, during the other half : but, for reasons similar to that, which | gave above, this operation is at- tended with no disadvantage; for the momentum, which the cylinder, during its acceleration, receives from the wheel, it returns again to the wheel, during its retardation ; so that it accelerates the wheel as much, during its own re- tardation, as itretarded the wheel, during its own accele- ration. It is this peculiarity of motion in the cylinder, (namely, its regular and alternate acceleration and retarda- uon,) which induced me to distinguish my Engine by the name of The Alternating Steam-Engine. To dispense with the fly-wheel, it was long ago sugges- ted, that, if two cranks were used in such a way as that one should be at its greatest action, while the other was at the dead-point, the motion would be very nearly regular; and Mr. Brunel, in England, constructed, not many years since, an engine upon this plan, having two cylinders, which acted on two cranks at right angles to each other on the same axis. In my engine the same thing is done, by having two eylinders, whichact upon two cross-pieces at right angles to each other. ‘The cylinders are suspended side by side in the water-wheel, between the same two centre-pieces, their contiguous sides having, the one a box, the other a gudgeon inserted in the box : and they are further supported by a bridge, extending from the ends of each around the other, embracing the opposite gudgeon. The cocks are placed on the outsides of the cylinders in the manner above describ- ed ; the steam being conducted to and from each cylinder, through each centre-piece. It will be seen, at a glance, that my engine,—like all others, that have been turned to any account in practice,— acts upon the principle of the crank; or, in more general terms, upon the principle of a perpetually varying lever. In addition to the supposed loss of power, arising from the re- ciprocating movement, it has long been the settled doctrine, that the crank is also chargeable with another disadvantage, in consequence of this perpetual variation in its leverage. Vor. tV.....No. 1. 13 98 Ward’s Steam-Engine. The first of these notions, I think I have already disproved ; and that the last is equally founded in error, I must be al- lowed the boldness to aver. Mathematicians have computed this loss at jy of the pow- er used. But, in estimating the effect produced, they seem to have lost sight of the power consumed. In comparing the effects produced, when the steam is made to act, at all points, wholly in the direction of the tangents at those points, that is, at right angles to the crank, with the effects produ- ced, when, as in the common mode of applying the crank, the direction of the force is at an angle to it, continually va- rying from a right angle to a coincident line, men of science appear never to have considered, that, where the force is al- ways applied, as in the first instance, at right angles to the crank, the distance passed over by the piston, that is, the length of piston-rod protruded, is equal to the semicircum- ference of the circle described by the crank; whereas, when applied, as in the last case, at a perpetually varying angle, the length of piston-rod protruded is equal to the dtameter only of the same circle. Now, all other things being equal, the power consumed is proportional to the length of piston-rod protruded; and thesemi-circumference of the circle being to its diameter, as 11 is to 7, it follows, that, when the power is applied wholly in the direction of the tangents, its quanti- ty is expressed by 11, while, when applied as in the com- mon crank, its quantity is expressed by 7 only. So that, if the effect produced, when the power is applied in the tan- gents, be four-elevenths greater than when applied by the crank, the reason is, not that, in the latter case, four-elevenths of power are lost, but that four-elevenths less power are consumed. The same truth may be demonstrated in another way. Suppose the force to be applied in the tangents of a circle, the semicircumference of which is equal to the diameter of that which is described by the crank. Then, of course, the length of piston-rod protruded, during the semi-revolution of this reduced circle, is equal to the length protruded, when tbe crank is used 3 and the quantities of power consumed in each will be equal. That the effects produced will also be equal, may be shown by taking a quadrant of the circle de- seribed by the crank,—dividing it into a number of equal parts,—and comparing the effects produced by the impulses Ward’s Steam- Engine. 99 at these points of division, with the effects produced by a like number of impulsesat the circumference of the reduced circle. The pressure of the steam upon the piston being uniform throughout the stroke, it follows that the impulses at all points are equal to one another ; and this being the case, it is equally a matter of course, that the effects pro- duced at the several points of division of the quadrant, are as the perpendiculars respectively from those points to the line of force. The sum of the effects, then, will be equal io the sum of these perpendiculars: but these perpendicu- lars are as the sines of the angles at the several points of di- vision; and, if the reader will take the trouble of adding to- gether the natural sines for every degree in the quadrant, including radius, he will find their sum to be as nearly equal to ninety timies the radius of the reduced circle, as the im- perfection of our circulating decimals will admit. The for- mula would be this :— Let the radius of the circle described by the crank = 1. Ee Kae eh | Then 3.1415926 &c. =. 6366x90=the sum of the 5 ve natural sines of the quadrant for every degree including ra- dius. As an objection particularly applicable to my engine, it has been suggested by some, who have seen the model, that the power is exerted at a disadvantage, from the cir- cumstance, that the centre of reaction is within the circle of motion. Nothing is easier than to show, however, that, sup- posing, as we must in all such comparisons, the length and diameter of the cylinder, and also the elastic force of the steam, to be equal in each, the effect produced in my en- zine is equal to that produced in the Lever Engine. _ Let the line DB (Plate III. Fig. 1.) represent the elastic force of the steam ; the point D be the point of reaction ; and the circle BKZ, the circle of motion. The force DB is resolvable into DE and EB, parallel and perpendicular respectively to the radius AB ; and that part of it, which is exerted in the direction of the tangent, will be represented by the line EB. This is the force exerted in the Lever Engine. ma Th my engine, B is the point of reaction, and LDM, the 100 Ward's Steam-Engine. circle of motion. The force BD, in this case, is resolvable into BH and HD. parallel and perpendicular respectively to the radius AD ; and that part of it, which is exerted in the direction of the tangent, will be represented by HD. These two tangential forces EB and HD, are to each othi- er inversely as their distances from the common centre of motion A. For, in the two triangles, ACD and AFB, the angle at A is common ; and the angles AFB and ACD be- ing right angles, the remaining angles ABF and ADC are equal, and the two triangles similar. Therefore, BF (or HD) : DC (or EB): : AB: AD. And inversely, HD : AB:: EB: AD. But, from the properties of the Lever, forces which are to each other inversely as their distances from the fulcrum, or common centre of motion, counteract each other, and produce an equilibrium. The two forces, HD and EB, therefore, would counteract each, other, or, which is the same thing, produce equal effects. The error on this subject has arisen from supposing an en- gine to operate upon the larger circle LDM, from without its circumference, when, of course, the sweep of piston would be equal to the diameter of the circle LDM ; and then comparing this engine with one on my plan, fixed at B, and with a sweep of piston, equal only to the diameter of the small circle BKZ. ‘Taking it for granted, that both en- gines would be of equal power, it was easy to show, that the one on my plan would loose as much more power than the other, as the diameter of the large circle was greater than that of the less; but it was overlooked, that the two engines would consume steam and fuel exactly in the same propor- tion,—that my engine would consume as much less steam and fuel as its sweep of piston was less than that of the other,—that, in a word, the power consumed by my engine would be equal only to AB, while that consumed by the other would equal AD. The advantages of my engine over the Lever Engine, may be enumerated as follows: 1. The alternate transfer of momentum from the reciprocating mass to the fly-wheel, and vice versa, as above described, occasions a strain upon those parts of the engine, which connect the alternating with the rotary parts ; and this strain increases exactly in pro- portion as the time, in which it takes place, decreases ; for, Ward's Steam-Engine. i0] as you lessen the time, you increase the velocity, and, of course, the momentum. In the lever engine, this transfer takes place four times, during every revolution ; that is, the beam is accelerated and retarded, during the first half of the revolution, and again accelerated and retarded, during the other half. In my engine, the transfer takes place but twice in the whole revolution ; that is, the cylinder is accelerated during one half, and retarded during the other. If, then, we suppose the revolution, in each case, to be performed in the same time, it follows, that two transfers of momentum occur in the lever engine, inthe same time that one only takes place in mine ; and that the velocity and momentum and strain, at each transfer, are twice as great as in mine. ‘The strain is also greater from two other circumstances ; first, because the weight of the cylinder, which is the body accelerated and retarded in my engine, is not so heavy as the beam; and secondly, because it is placed nearer the centre of motion than the parts of the beam.—2. As the steam contained in the tubes, extending from the cocks to the ends of the cyl- inder, is necessarily lost at each revolution, the shorter these tubes are, the better; and the cocks being placed, in my engine, onthe sides of the cylinder, the aggregate length of these tubes is no greater than the length of the cylinder it- self.—3. The friction is much diminished, both because fewer pieces of machinery are employed, and because the action and reaction are sustained by gudgeons, which always revolve the same way,—except those of the cross-piece at the head of the piston-rod, which have a vibratory motion. 4. There being less use of steam, of course less fuel will be necessary ; and this is not only a saving of expense, but of room also, and freight; since it is well known, that the bulk and weight of the wood consumed, in the common steam- boats, cause a material drawback on the profits of those es- tablishments.—5. Many of the old pieces of machinery be ing got rid of, my engine is less bulky, a great deal lighter, much less expensive, and more durable than any other.— 6. There is a very great saving of room in placing the en- gine within the water-wheel.—7. If there be a water-wheel on each side of the boat, with steam tubes extending to each, the boat may be turned about with great facility, by merely shutting the throttle valve belonging to the one wheel 102 M . Girard on Navigable Cunais. or the other, according as you wish to turn to the one side or the other. I have not thought it worth while to protract this article, already extended to a tedious length, by specifying the ma- ny little practical matters, which will occur, in the construc- tion of my engine ; such as the mode of supplying the pails with oil, of casing the cylinder, so as to exclude it from the water of the wheel, &c. It scarcely needs to be added, that I have secured this in- vention by patent. References to the figure, Pi. Ul. a—piston-rod. bb—cylinders. cecc—water-wheel. dd—adjacent parts of the boat. e & f{—parts of the centre piece. g—gudgeon of the cylinder. h—neck on which the water-wheel turns. i & k—beginning and end of the induction tube. I] & m—same of eduction tube. n—stationary part of the cocks. o—moveable part of the same. p—cross-piece attached to the piston-rod. q—gudgeon of same. rrrr—arms of water-wheel. ss—steps for rods playing through steps in cylinder. tttt-—rods. , uuu—steps. Arr. XL—Memoir on Navigable Canals, considered in re- lation to the rise and fall, and the distribution of their Locks: by M. P. S. Girarp. | [Translated from the French as published in the “ Annales de Chimie’’— July, 1820: by J. Doolittle. ] The expense of. water in a navigable canal, during a giv- en time, is composed : Ist. Of a certain volume of water, evaporated from the surface : M. Girard on Navigable Canals. 103 2dly. Of that which is lost by filtration through the bot- tom and sides of the canal; and 3dly. Of that which is necessarily expended at the locks ia raising or lowering the boats. _ Evaporation is a natural effect, and which no art can counteract : the loss arising from this cause Is. therefore in- evitable. Whatever be the nature of the ground through which a canal is intended to pass, the loss by filtration may always be greatly diminished, or even entirely prevented, by re- course to suitable means. There remains then the expense occasioned by the move- ments at the locks, and this portion is generally greater than the losses by evaporation and filtration together: therefore when the subject of making a canal is under consideration, it is necessary, in the first place, to make sure ofa sufficient quantity of water on the most elevated point of its direction, to supply the uses of that navigation to which it is destined. The impossibility of fulfilling this first condition has often prevented the execution of canals, which, could they have existed, would have contributed powerfully to the advance- ment of agriculture and the prosperity of commerce in cer- tain provinces.. We have seen other canals which answer but imperfectly the object for which they were intended. because the water collected for their use could suffice for their wants only during a few months of the year. For this reason many engineers and mechanicians, both in France and England, have endeavoured to discover some means of obviating the difficulty of a deficiency of water in navigable canals. ‘Thus the moveable locks of Soldages, the inclined planes of Fulton, the wheel boats of Chapman, the floating gates (ecluses a flotteur) of Bettancourt, and more recently the Pneumatic locks of Congreve, have been successively imagined ; but, however ingenious these means may ap- pear in theory, they require in practice, the application of a force with which we may always dispense, wherever the boats can be kept naturally afloat, and can circulate in the canal without any other obstacle than that of passing the locks as they were first invented. On the other hand, these inventions are practicable only on small canals ; and, where fuel is plenty, the least ex- pensive mode of supplying a deficiency of water, is to raise 104 M. Girard on Navigable Canals. from the lower locks to the upper ones, by means of the steam engine, the water which has been expended by the passage of the boats. It would then be rendering an eminent service, and hasten the developement of a general system of inland navigation in France, if we could point out any means by which the expense of water could be diminished, without changing the common mode of construction of the locks, which is found- ed on so simple a law of Hydrostatics that we must perhaps despair of ever being able to substitute any thing more per- fect in its stead. From the first period of the invention of locks and gates, it was easy to calculate the quantity of water necessary to be drawn from an upper level or reservoir, to raise or lower a boat, when once the difference of levels between two con- tiguous locks or basins was given. Subsequently, the French engineers agitated the question of determining in what manner the expense of water from the reservoir of distribution was modified, when several locks were placed in immediate succession one after another. ‘The dif- ferent suppositions that were made, by changing the state of the question, gave rise to many different opinions, of which Mr. Gauthey first rendered an account, in a memoir published in 1783, among the memoirs of the Academy of Dijon, and which is also inserted in the 3d Vol. of his works. The engineers of the canal of Languedoc, who were deeply interested in the exact appreciation of the expence of the dividing reservoirs of thatcanal, and who had every . facility for repeating the experiments, in the two hypotheses of single locks, and of several locks contiguous to each oth- er, occupied themselves specially with the subject, and gave divers solutions of the problems, as may be seen in a me- moir of Mr. Ducros, inspector general of Civil Engineering (Ponts et Chaussees,) published in the year IX. After having pointed out, as Mr. Gauthey had done before him, the order in which the boats which ascend and descend a canal, should succeed each other in order to occasion no useless waste of water, Mr. Ducros gave some formule to express the expense of water on the passage of a boat, ei- ther in ascending or descending through any number of ad- joining locks ; General Andréossy, author of the History of M. Girard on Navigable Canals. 105 the Canal of Languedoc, attributes these formule to Mr. Clauzade, one of the engineers of that canal; they were generalized by Mr. de Prony, in a report made to the Gen- eral Assembly of civil engineers, on Mr. Ducros’ memoir, in such a manner as to give an easy method of calculating, in all cases, the quantity of water expended by the passage of one boat or more through a system of locks, the falls of which are severally known. But does there not exist a necessary relation between this fall, the quantity of water expended for the passage of boats, and the draft of water of the boats which ascend or descend through the locks ? This is a question which, notwithstanding its importance, has never yet been treated, and which I propose to resolve. To reduce the question to its most simple expression, we shall suppose ; Ist, that the boat is to pass from one level to another by a single lock. Qdly, That the boats are of a prismatic form, and that their dimensions are such that the interval which separates their sides from the sides of the lock, when compared with the space occupied by the boat, may be neglected without sensible error. Let § represent the horizontal section of the lock and the boat ; x, the lift of the lock, that is, the difference of level be- tween the two basins which it unites : t, the draft of water of a boat which ascends the lock. t,, the draft of water of a boat which descends. The manceuvre of passing a boat from a lower to a higher level consists in a é Ist, Drawing the boat into the lock through the lower gate, which is closed when the boat is in. 2d, Introducing, by no matter what means, from the higher basin into the lock a quantity of water sufficient to bring the two surfaces to the same level ; 3dly, Opening the upper gate of the lock, and passing the boat through into the upper basin. Hence we see that, to effect this passage, and in order to raise the surface of the water in the lock to a level with that in the upper basin, it is necessary to draw from that basin a prism of water = Sz, whose base is equal to the horizon- Mov lV.....Noot: 14 106 M. Girard on Navigable Canals. tal section of the lock, and whose height is represented by the lift of the lock. Furthermore when the boat passes from the lock into the basin, its place in the lock is necessarily supplied by a quantity of water = St,,equal to the volume of water which it displaces, and which flows from the basin into the lock. Thus the quantity of water expended to bring things to their present state, may be expressed by Sx+St,. Let us suppose that, the communication remaining open between the upper basin and the lock, another boat is ready to descend, the manceuvre is reduced to Ist, Introducing the boat into the lock, and shutting the upper gate ; 2d, Emptying the lock until its surface is on a level with that of the lower basin; and 3dly, Opening the lower gate and passing the boat inte the lower basin. The introduction of the boat from the upper basin into the lock has caused a reflux from the lock into that basin, of a volume of water = S¢,,, equal to that displaced by the boat. In letting off the water from the lock to lower its surface to a level with that of the lower basin, things are replaced in the same state as they were before the ascent of the first boat. This operation, which we shall denominate a double pas- sage, has caused an expenditure of water, represented by Sz—S (t,—t) = Sy’, since the quantity of water expended may always be repre- sented by a prism whose base is equal to the horizontal sec- tion of the lock, and whose height is represented by an in- determinate line y’. Dividing this equation by the factor S, common to all its terms, it becomes y!' =r— (t,—t,), which belongs toa right line of simple construction. It ex- presses moreover, between the lift of the lock, the draught of water of the boat, and the quantity of water expended, relations which, notwithstanding their extreme simplicity, have not hitherto been remarked, M. Girard on Navigable Canals. 107 it follows from this equation that the expense of water, y, will be positive, null or negative, according as we have: c> t,, raat, t, c= t,, —t, x St, —t,. Thus it appears that the expense of water from any lev- el may not only be diminished at pleasure, but that it may be rendered null, and that a certain quantity of water may even be raised from a lower to an upper contiguous basin. If two other boats successively pass the same lock, and if ‘their respective drafts of water be represented as follows. G for the ascending boat, and ¢, for the descending one, the expense of water occasioned by this double passage will be represented by ae Tees (co bi) i In the same manner we shall have for the expense of a third double passage } xs oo — (ty 7) The total expense of the upper level of a lock, for any number n of double alternate passages will therefore be y ty" 4+ Be. ne ( (6, tit tn) — (646 4ty-+ stmt) ) designating by odd numbers the drafts of water of the as- cending boats, and by even numbers those of the boats which descend. Therefore, if we make the sum of the drafts of water of the first ='T’, the sum of those of the lat- ter ='T’”, andthe total expense of water ie +y"+&e.=¥ we shall hav e, Y=ne — (T’ — The expense of waters for any eee of double passa- ges through the same lock, will therefore be positive, null or negative, Recor. as we have Tr T > ee n ; oh ECGS GTN a ea rt Te Uy ple 32. For the construction of a hand ‘mill for shelling legu- minous seeds. One thousand francs. 33. For the’ pr eservation of woollen stuffs. Three thou- sand francs. 34. For the Fcclbamition ne paper from: the bark of the paper mulberry. | Three thousand francs. 35. Potatoe.—Don Joseph Pavou, author of a Pha of Peru, has found the potatoe in a wild state in the province of Lima and in Chili,’ where it is'called Papas. ‘It was like- wise eesee edin 1809; in me environs of Santa-Fe’ de Bo- SOLA BING S 36. Sante Tere _M. Geoffroy de Nellonbave has lately sent to Paris a small quantity of insects, of a species of Caraibes, with the following note: Being in the village of Postudal, some leagues from St. Louis, occupied in col- lecting insects, and shaving the ‘negroes to assist me in my researches, one of them brought mea van containing many thousands of little insects of the kind: called Caraibes. On questioning ‘the negroe I learned that this insect is used in the making of soap. He shewed a piece of it of a blackish colour, but of a quality as good as European soap. I was assured afterwards that this insect is used for the same pur- pose along the whole Senegal coast. The insect’ is black, with corselet edges ; the wings have a reddish’ colour ; c the claws and the antennz are of a pale colour. 37. Hospital at Hamburgh.—The Magistrates anid Bur- sesses of Hamburgh have assessed themselves in the sum of eight hundred thousand thalers current, (about three mil- lions two hundred thousand francs,) destined for the erection of a new hospital for the sick poor. The citizens of Ham- 196 Foreign Laterutureand Science. burgh have long been distinguished for the exercise of chari- ty, ‘and on this occasion they have evinced so much zeal and liberality, as to deserve the most honourable mention. No poor person is found among them without food, cloth- ing and fire; no sick person without assistance. Mendicity is unknown in Hamburgh, and every person in a condition to labour finds the means of employment.—Rev. Encye: 37. Munich.—The German Journal entitled Morgenflatt gives the following view of the actual state of public instruc- tion in Munich. ‘The College and the Lyceum: are: both devoted to classical instruction, containing at the commence- ment of the present year about one thousand students. The elementary and popular schools were frequented by five thousand two hundred children. The gratuitous Sunday schools established within twenty-five years for female 'ser- vants and other young girls who have received no elemen- tary instruction nor learned to work with the needle. These schools of such vast moral utility, had above one thousand pupils. ‘The school of the same character for boys, when they learn not only to read, write and calculate to teach also the elements of drawing avid practical mechanics, were fre- quented by thirteen hundred and eighty apprentices, and three hundred and fifty of them companions of all profes- sions. From this view it is evident no individual remains in Munich without instruction, since in a population of forty thousand, near nine thousand attend the public schools. 37. Vaccination a remedy for the plague—Dr.Strubou at Constantinople and Dr. Lafond at Salonica, have made many experiments which tend to prove that vaccination is an excellent preservative against the plague—Rev. Encyclo. 38. College of Chios.—The college of Chios in» the Mediterranean, continues to prosper. The physical and mathematical sciences, Belles Lettres, the Greek, Latin, and French language, moral philosophy, drawing, &c. are successfully taught. ‘The number of students is’ four hun- dred and seventy-six. Many of them are from Pelopon- nesus, Cephalonia, and the Islands of the Archipelago ; and what is remarkable, two young men have come from Amer- ica to study the language of Homer in the Capital of Chios, one of the seven cities which contend for the glory of hav- ing given him birth. M. Varvaki, a native of Ispara, not far from Chios, and a rich Greek merchant, has contributed six Foreign Lnterature and Science. 197 thousand dollars, for the use of the college, beside.a great number of books. 39. A translation of the works entire of Sir Walter Scott, preceded bya historical notice of the author, and ornament- ed with his portrait, is about to be published at Paris. » 40. M. Bonpland, the distinguished naturalist, who ac- compaction Baron Humbold in 'S. America, has established himself with his family at Buenos Ayres, where he is enga- ged in forming a garden of rareand curious plants. Hehas already collected a great number. His researches have brought to light a:plant which grows in water, and which contains a great quantity of tannin. He proposes to profit by it in forming a tannery at Parana. 41. Lnthographic printing of MSS.—A society has been formed.at Munich, for printing by the Lithographic process all the best manuscripts of the Turk, Arabic, Persian, and Tartar languages, and to spread them throughout the East by way of Trieste. . The introduction of printing has been con- stantly opposed in those countries by the interested efforts of copyists, but still more by the difficulty, and indeed im- possibility of imitating by common. types the various orna- ments which the Turks and Arabs are accustomed to attach to their manuscript books. Lithography affords the means of imitating them in per- fection, and there is reason to believe that the very moderate price at which lithographic copies may be furnished, wil! procure for them an extensive demand in the East, sank con- tribute much to extend the light of knowledge in those re- ions. : 42. Vienna—The Emperor has given orders for the erection in this city of a temple, exactly similar to that of Theseus at Athens. The celebrated group of Theseus by Canova, is to ornament the interior of this edifice. 43. Sculpture. —Ceccarini, a young Roman sculptor, and a pupil of Canova, has expressed his gratitude to his distin- guished master, by executing his statue of a colossal size. Canova is seated before a ee efdapiter, the work of which he appears to admire. This group is greatly admired for eet of expression, as well as for its originality, and the skill with which the drapery is disposed. 198 Foreign Literature.and Scrence, 44. Natural History._-M. Drapier, Professor of Chemistry and Natural History, and one. of the editors of the “« Annales generales des sciences physiques,” has substituted with suc- cess, in lieu of the poisonous matters employed in preserv- ing objects of natural history, a soap composed of potash and fish oil... He dissolves one. part of caustic potash in water, -and.adds to the solution one part of fish oil: herubs the mixture till it acquiresa pretty firm consistence. When it 1s completely dry he reduces it to. powder, with a rasp. One part of this powder is employed in forming a soft paste or liquid soap, by means of an equal quantity of a solution of camphor in musked alcohol... This liquid soap is well rubbed upon the skin of the bird, previously cleared of its fat, and the other part of the soap and powder is plentifully scattered between the feathers. ‘Thus prepared, the bird:is placed in a moist situation in order that the particles of soap: may soften and attach themselves perfectly to the feathers, the down and the skin. It afterwards is put in a dry place. By this means it completely resists the attacks of larve, ‘and has neither the danger nor the. inconvenience of arsenical preparations, which, as is well known, stain and spoil aary extremities of the feathers and down. 45. Anatomical model, representing par beets the my- ology of the human body. —M. Ameline, Professor of As- tronomy of the School of Caen, has just invented, and com=: posed an anatomical model of a human body, of the natural ; size. This modelis formed, 1st, of real bones, which con-: stitute the skeleton. . 2d, of muscles made of pasteboard,: which after being softened and fashioned true; to nature, are) covered with fine blades of hemp, so as to imitate the mus- cular fibres, and afterwards painted of a natural colour... 3d, of threads and cords of cat-gut, covered with coloured var- nish, so as to resemble arteries, veins, and nerves. 4th, of real hair on those parts to which it belongs. By means of this exact image of the structure and colour of the organs which compose the human body, students may examine with facility parts which itis very difficult to observe accu- rately in a dead subject. This model presents the parts un- der their various aspects, admits of their being handled, de- tached and separately studied without altering their natural forms. It serves too for demonstration when the heat Foreign Literature and Science. 199 would not admit’ of dissections, and especially to persons who ‘have a natural repugnance to these operations. — 46. Schools of Mutual Instruction —This system contin- ues'to spread rapidly in almost every part of Europe, In Italy, Spain, Portugal, and especially im France, it is mak- ing a most encouraging progress. — The society of Paris is active in its exertions. Agreeably to the statements pre- sented to that society, there are now in the single department of Seine Infereure thirty schools in full activity, containing two thousand scholars, viz. within the district of Rouen eight schools, one of which is of girls ; Neufchatel five; Yacetot three ; Dieppe four ; Havre nine. This progress is due to the zeal and protection of the Baron Maonet. Dr. Hamel who has’been commissioned by the Emperor Alexander to travel over Europe, to examine all the schools of mutual in- struction, has remarked on the Register of that of Rouen, that it was one of the handsomest and best kept that he had ie visited. »47. Razors.—A paste or powder for Razor Strops, Yor? superior to Emery, plumbago and other things commonly used has’ been discovered in Paris by M. Merimée. It 1s the crystalized tritoxide of iron, called by mineralogists, Specular Oligiste Iron. Itis a mineral substance, but an artificial oxide of equal fitness for the purpose may be made thus.> Take-equal parts of sulphate of iron. (green coppe- ras) and common salt. Rub them well together, and heat the mixture to redness in a crucible. When the vapours have ceased to rise, let the mass cool, and wash it to remove the:salt, and when diffused in water, collect the brilliant mi- caceous scales which first subside. ‘These when spread up- on leather, soften the oes of a razor, and cause it to cut perfectly. ; 48. Geneva-~Museum.—The halls of thi natural astablighy ment, due entirely to the patriotism of the Genevese, (which dates only a year since its commencement,) will soon be in- sufficient to contain the donations which are daily received. It has already been found necessary to construct an addi- tional hall for the reception of the black Elephant, killed at Geacya at the beginning of the year 1820. 200 Botanical Items, &c. Botanical Items communicated by Dr. Torrey. 49. Prof. Hooker, of Glasgow, has in the press a Flora Scotica, and Mr. Gray is printing a new Flora Brittanica in Natural orders. The first volume of the latter work is al- ready done, and the second nearly ready for publication. 50. R.A. Salisbury, Esq. has finished his great work on Natural Orders and Genera, with quite new locations. 51. W. Swainson, Esq. of Liverpool, has finished the 9th No. of his Zoological Illustrations, containing lithograph- ic figures, and descriptions of new and rare animals, partic- ularly in the departments of Conchology, Eutomonogy, and Ornithology. The drawings and engravings are exe- cuted by himself. 52. The 1st volume of Prof. Agardh’s Species Algarum, has been received. It embraces the Order Tucomez, containing fourteen genera which were all included in the Genus Fucus of Linneus. Prof. Agardh spent a part of the last winter in Germany and France, whither he went for the purpose of examining collections of Alge for his work. The Inspectors of the Royal Museum of Paris, and Baron Humboldt have com- mitted to Prof. A. all their new or undescribed Alge aquo- se, for description. | 53. The sixth volume of the new Systema Vegetabilium, commenced by Roemer & Schultes, and continued by the latter since the death of his colleague, has recently been published. It finishes the class Penranpria. The Um- BELLIFERAE are arranged by Sprengel, according to his new system. 54. Prof. Fries, of the University of Lund, in Sweden, has published the first volume of his Systema Mycoxoer- cum, according to a new natural method. In the press—A description of the island of St. Mi- chael, comprising an account of its geological structure, with remarks on the other Azores or Western Islands, with maps and plates. Originally communicated to the Linnean Soci- ety of New-England. By J. W. Webster, M. D. APPENDIX. —<—- Notice of the Galvanic Deflagrator of Professor Rosrrt Hare, M.D. of the University of Pennsylvania, in a let- ter to that gentleman from the Editor. Yate Conurce, October 23d, 1821. ., My Dear Sir, Iwas much impressed by your account of lie Galvanic Deflagrator, and of the fine experiments which you perform- -ed with it, as described in the 3d Vol. (pa. 105) of this Journal. By means of your kindness in sending me your original apparatus, (the only one which, as far as I am in- formed, has hitherto been constructed,) I had it in my pow- er, early in the month of June, to repeat your experiments in my public course of lectures. . Large numbers of intelli- gent persons attended, in addition to the classes, and the re- sults gave great pleasure and satisfaction. My health being, at that time, very feeble, it was not in my power to pursue the subject to the extent which I had intended, and expect- ing to resume it, I had. postponed the writing of a notice of yourinstrument, hoping that by and by, | could do it more to my own satisfaction. But as no one else appears to have re- peated your experiments, | have conciuded, even at this late - mnoment, to throw a hasty notice into the Journal, although it has not been in my power to add any thing to the experi- ments performed in June. I cansay with truth that I consider your Deflagrator* as the finest present made to this department of knowledge, since the discovery of the Pile by Volta, and of the trough by Cruickshanks... The vessels being filled with the fluid, before hand, prevents any haste or confusion, and the advan- tage which your arrangement gives the operator, of immer- sing, at one quick movement, the whole of an extensive se- ties, is very great. Being perfectly..ready, and with the poles in his hand, the teacher only giving a. signal to his as- sistant to immerse the coils, instantly directs the whole power to the desired point, and produces results, which Doth in brilliancy and energy, totally surpass any thing be- * Your Calorimotor J have never possessed. vou. EV.:....No;. J. 26 202 Dr. Hare’s Galvanic Deflagrator. fore effected by the same surface of metal, arranged in the same number of combinations. This will appear the more’ remarkable, when it is remembered that your apparatus pro- duces these effects without insulation. Although through your civility I have just received the glass jars by which you insulate your coils, I have not yet been able to use them, and can therefore speak only of the results obtained without them. With your eighty coils of fourteen inches by six, for the copper, and of nine by six for the zinc, I obtained ef- fects which, as to every thing that related to intense heat and light, and brilliant combustion, far surpassed the powers of a battery of the common form of six hundred and twenty pairs of plates—one hundred and fifty pairs of which, of six inches square, are insulated by glass partitions—one hun- dred pairs of the same size, and three hundred of four inches square, are insulated by resin, and the rest, either by Wedg- wood’s ware or by resin, making in the whole a battery with a surface of thirty-six thousand eight hundred and eighty square inches. Your’s has a surface of only twenty-two thousand and eighty square inches, but even with- out insulation it isincomparably more powerfulthan the other with that advantage. ‘This is the most singular circumstance connected with your new apparatus, and which goes far to shake our previous theoretical opinions, if not to rel sre your own. I repeated every important experiment ined in your memoir, and with results so similar, that it is scarcely neces= sary to relate them. ‘The combustion of the metals was brilliant beyond every thing which I had witnessed before, and the ignition of the charcoal points was so intense, as to equal the brilliancy of the sun; the light was perfectly intolerable to eyes of only common strength. If 1 were to name any metallic substance which burned with more than common energy, it would bea common brass pin, which, when held in the forceps of one pole, and touched to the chareoal point on the other, was consumed with such ener- _ gy, that it might be said literally to vanish in flame. The light produced between the charcoal points when im- mersed beneath acids, oils, alcohol, ether, water, &c. was very intense, and platina melted in air as readily as wax in the blaze ofa candle. Jt is a very great advantage of your Dr. Hare’s Galvame Deflagrator. 2: Deflagrator that we can ‘suspend the operation at-any’ me ment, with the same facility with which/it was commenced. A. lool; directed to the assistant, is’ sufficientto' raise the coils out of the fluid. ‘All action instantly ceases—neither the metal nor the fluid are wasting any farther, and the lecturer is:therefore at ease while he illustrates and reasons, and when he is ready and not before, he proceeds to his next experiment. In the mean time, the instrument, during a certain period, rather gains than loses strength, by the rais- ing of the coils. It seems as if the imponderable fluids, partially exhausted from it by its continued action, had time again to flow in from surrounding objects, and thusto impart new energy: I found the power of the instrument to’ last for several days, although declining, and the same charcoal points, when well prepared,* would also continue to operate for several days. When the coils, after immersion, had been suspended, for some hours, in the air, a coating of green oxid or carbonat of copper always formed on one part of the outside-of the copper coils, and on the same part invall, but no where else.” If I do not misremember, it col= lected next to the negative pole, but was, of course, always removed by the next immersion, though it was formed again at the next suspension. One circumstance occurred during these experiments, which demands farther attention. In the hope of uniting the power of your Deflagrator, with that of the common galvanic battery; I connected your in- strument with the powerful one mentioned above. Both instruments, when separately used, acted, at the time; with great energy, producing both their appropriate and common effects, in a very decided manner; but, on connecting by the proper poles, the battery of six hun dred and twenty pairs, with the deflagrator of eighty coils, I was greatly surprised and disappointed, at finding the pow= er of both instruments so completely paralyzed, that, at the points where a moment before, and when separate, a streani of light and heat, hardly to be endured by the eye, was poured forth—now, when connected, bothinstruments could scarcely produce the minutest spark. On separating the in- struments, they both resumed their activity ; on again ‘con- necting them, it was again destroyed, and so on, as often as * By igniting pieces of mahogany beneath sand in a crucible. 4 Dr. Hare’s Galvanic Deflagrator. 1e experiment was made. While they were in connexion, provided.the coils were lifted out of the acid, so as to hang in the air merely, then the power of the common galvanic battery would pass through the Deflagrator, which appeared to act simply as a conductor, and as might have been expect- ed, when so extensive a conductor was used, the power of the common battery was, in this case, considerably dimin- ished, while that of the Deflagrator did not act at all. If, while things were in this situation, the coils of the Deflagrator, without being plunged, were lowered so far as merely to dip their inferior extremities, say only one fourth of an inch in the acid, the communication was immedi- ately arrested, and all effect destroyed almost as com- pletely, as when the coils were wholly immersed. Thus it appears that the inability to act, in connexion with the com- mon galvanic battery, depends upon the relation of the fluid and metal, and not upon that of the metals merely. These experiments should be repeated, with the aid of the insula- ting glasses, placed so as to receive the coils of your ma- chine. I should be very curious to know whether the ef- fects would be the same ; and as I now have the glasses, I shall, as soon as possible, try this experiment. We must look to you, Sir, for the explanation of this singular in- compatibilty between the two instruments. At present, I con- fess myself unable to explain it. It may, very possibly, lead to important results, and may have a bearing, such as I have not now time to discuss, on your own peculiar theory. I would state that the mode of connecting the two batteries was varied in every form which occurred, not only to myself, but to several able scientific gentlemen, who were present at these experiments, and who were equally with myself surprised and confounded by their results. I congratulate you upon the brilliant additions which you have made to our experimental means, in this depart- ment of knowledge ; along with your invention of the com- pound blowpipe, they fairly entitle you to the gratitude of the scientific world, notwithstanding the uncandid attempts which, in relation to the blowpipe, I am sorry to see, are till persevered in, to deprive you of the credit which you so richly deserve. I remain, as ever, your friend and servant, B. SILLIMAN. Prof. Roperr Hare, M. D. IRISH EG OIROL: Aeon eensymanires passe shu. METI ADL 7 er pe w pqear trains sisivaninnses iiiasemn need Gjanminavier ride eer ASCARID Ue meres pet Pp , cae A222 (a Uarermnorncre teed benaeStelhnsar thaiearsotencrlBO Sitar. oo Ceal-Mine op Ireul, near ae Chenme. department ol the Me F inn P os THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, &c. GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, &c. ——— Art. I1.—On Volcanoes and volcanic substances, with a particular reference to the origin of the rocks of the fletz trap formation, by Tuomas Coorrr, M. D. President of the College of South-Carolina. [Read in the American Geological Society, December 3, 1821.} Columbia, (S. C.) Nov. 1, 1821. ProFressor SILLIMAN, Dear Sir,—I send you my Lecture on Volcanoes and Flcetz trap, delivered in my course here, this fall. I think the current of opinion in this country is against mine, and therefore the subject will probably give rise as it ought, to some discussion. I strongly suspect your sentiments onthe subject do not at all agree with mine; so. much the better : the more able my opponents, the sooner will truth be eli- cited. I shall draw outa full syllabus of my course of Lec- tures on Geological Mineralogy, forming the elements of that science for the use of my class, this winter, and shall _ probably publish it early in the summer. I am, Dear Sir, Your friend and servant, THOMAS COOPER, President S. Car. College. Vor. Lif.....No. 2. 1 206 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes My voleanic and fleetz trap collection consists of One case (about forty specimens) neighbourhood of Rome. One Do. Italy and Spain. Two Do. France. One Do. Germany. One Do. Great-Britain and freland. One Do. The volcanic Mediterranean isles... . One Do. The volcanic African Islands, with the Isle of Bourbon. One Do. The West-India Islands, and Ferro. One Do. Miscellaneous. pares One Do. Minerals imbedded in voleanic matter. ) One Do. Zeolytes of various kinds, and imbedded prelinites. One Do. Pseudo-volcanic products. One Do. American flcetz trap, supposed volcanic; North- East of New-York. , sal ‘ua One Do. New-Jersey, Pennsylvaniaand Carolina. ___ ~ Which I mention, for the purpose of shewing that I have taken much pains in collecting specimens, to ascertain the identity of origin, of volcanic ejections and the fletz trap formation. ON VOLCANOES AND VOLCANIC SUBSTANCES. Ow examining the structure of the strata that compose the crust of the earth, we find manifest proofs of deposition from aqueous mixture in some cases, and-ejections from igneous fusion in others. Effects may have been produced by the agency of magnetic polarity, or Galvanic electricity ; but as we cannot point out any known appearances ascriba- ble to these causes, we must reject them. We can explain phenomena that are doubtful, only by means of phe- nomena that are known: nor is it allowable in our philo- sophical reasonings, to take for granted the actual existence of any agent, from the mere possibility of its existence. 4 posse, ad esse, non valet consequentia. Hence as we are unacquainted with any geological phe- nomena appertaining to the strata that form the crust of the earth, except such as are owing to the agency of water, or the agency of fire, or the agency of both these causes com- bined—we must confine ourselves in the present state of our knowledge, to these, the only known sources of expla- and Volcanic Substances. 207 nation that we at present possess ; all others are conjectural only ; without foundation in known facts. To enable us therefore to explain, any geological phe- nomenon whose cause is doubtful and obscure, we must ac- cumulate and review the known facts that are manifestly connected with water as the agent; and also the known facts that are manifestly connected with fire as the agent ; and apply the indubitable and the probable. conclusions which these facts afford us, to any case of difficulty presen- ted for our examination. There areonly three ways within our knowledge in which water can have acted upon the stones and earth that form the crust of the globe. 1. By dissolving them. ~ _ 2. By suspending them. 3. In torrents and in floods, by removing masses of rock from one place to another. | ‘It may be assumed, that - Earth forms not quite 1, and water 2 of the surface of the globe: look at any general map of the globe with this view. Taking the average depth of the sea, with La Place, at twelve miles, it. will not suffice as a solvent of the primitive strata alone. In travelling from Richmond .to Charlottes- ville in Virginia, at the foot of the south mountain with Mr. Vanuxem,’a distance of seventy miles and upwards, it ap- peared to that gentleman and me, that we travelled over the edges of the primitive all the way till we came to the transi- tion country. We had not an opportunity of taking the an- gles made by the strata respectively with the horizon, but we can hardly be much beyond the fact in stating the low- est depth of the primitive there, at fifty miles. But the mineral substances of which the strata of the earth are com~- posed, are upon the average nearly three times the weight of water under equal bulks. ih Mee AiO Further, to make a chemical solution of the earths as they are usually found in combination, as alumane, in clay slate, mica; and slate clay :) Lime, in carbonat, sulphat, and fluat, of Lime: Silex in quartz, hornstone, agate, &e. -Ba- rytes and strontian in their carbonats and sulphats : Magne- sid, in soap stone, serpentine, and chlorite : Zrcon, in the Hyacinth Zirconite, and Jargon: Glucine in the Emerald : Yiétria, in the Y¥ ttriolite—will require upon the average seven 208 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes hundred and fifty parts by weight of water to one part of the substances in question.’ But the known quantity of water on the preceding data will be to the primitive formations: in, absolute quantity as 18 only to 150: whereas to dissolve them chemically would require six thousand times the weight of water known to exist. ‘ ‘Chemical solution therefore can extend but a very little way, even with the aid of subterranean heat.’ Lacknowledge these calculations are not accurate : but they are founded on the present state of our knowledge ; and in sucha caleu- lation, minute accuracy is’ not necessary to the conclusion deduced; which is that the primitive crystalized rocks, constituting so large a portion of our present globe, so farvas its strata have been exposed to our view, have not been chemically dissolved, formed, and-erystalized in the mass of waters at present or at any ‘time actually known tous." It may be supposed, that the oceanic waters! are: less in quantity now than formerly : but this supposition is entirely gratuitous. It may be supposed, that the solvent powers of the water were increased by heat: this also is gratuitous. Nor does’ it appear certain that the silex is separated from the Geyser spring in crystalized masses.’ Nor is there any evidence, however slight, that the waters of the ocean ever reached deeper than their present bed = had they :held:in solution the ancient and lowest granite, they: wouldvhave been exposed to the direct action of subterranean fires, that burn now, and for soley we know, have never ceased to burn. saHORD 16k gt 2 ebook The inferences are “that ‘the crystalized pila: of thevold Giinkee and theother crystalized primitive rocks, has al- ways been, and is’ independent of any aqueous solution in the waters of the present: ocean : wt we can have: nO: evi- dence of any others) © saKlq ih But 2dly. ‘The present Sttata may il been mhodisi debi im the component parts and in their present disposition, by having been mechanically mixed with and suspended in the waters of the ocean, and from thence mechanically deposi- ted: and there is ‘sufficient evidence from present appear- ances to induce us to believe that this has been the case-: The transition’ and secondary strata, bear such manifest marks of subsidence from a state of suspension in a‘disturb- ed and turbulent aqueous fluid—there is throughout the and Volcanic Substances, 2.09 ’ whole of them, such an earthy, aspect; such a fragmentous and pasty texture—and: so many marks of the bottom of the ocean having been violently torn up, from the frequent mix- ture of oceanic remains in these strata, that there can be no reasonable cause of doubt, as to. the mode in which they have been formed. » The torrents and: inundations-that have thus mingled the seit and the water, are: fairly aseribable to convulsions in the strata that support the ocean ; the effect of subterranean fires beneath ;: because such convulsions. have. been. re- peatedly observed as the consequence of earthquakes and volcanoes.on the coasts and in the islands of the Mediterra- nean, and elsewhere... Butyall depositions of substances suspended i in. water, being in-a soft state with respect to their mass, in falling down, as- sume an’ horizontal deposition—a deposition conformable to the strata on: which the soft mass is thus gradually deposit- ed.\\ We see) this, in the stratified rocks of the. globe; and this isa known-law of the deposition of dust and fragments from aqueous suspension. ‘The direction of these. deposi- tions, will be regulated; by the force and direction of the in- undation, which will also modify the effect of the specific gravity of the ‘substances thus hurried on. ..A mixture.of sand) and» pebbles with water, in’ an inclined trough, will casetineeged illustrate the form,and ‘character of such “depos. its. 3dly. Basibepnts eachies away the adiace ns of oda ice- floods enveloping large masses, will nearly account for, the boulder stones, and other. masses out of place that. are so frequently found : suchas. the boulder stones onthe Rhone Kidd’s Geol. Essay,;.170—the boulders, of, Limestone ,at Keningre:in Ireland, and of granite, in the Ohio: the mas- ses out of place observed by De Luc and-others in the Alps and on Luray; probably, arise from. these causes. ‘That we must recur to: them. to account for the rock masses on the main land:of Scotland, similar to those found on the islands in the immediate vicinity, appears from, Dr. M’Culloch’s statements. But we must \wait: for more light ere. .we! ob- tain a satisfactory explanation,,- |. Ties Torrents such as these, will account re the Jape anette nar- tow deposits of surface blocks,of Basalt; and. other, trap r¢ SMS US SHS Rs 210 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes stones, that we find extending for many miles in length, and a few yards comparatively in breadth. Those who have witnessed the fall of trees in the Ameri- can woods by the effect of hurricanes, extending fifty or six- ty miles in length, and from a quarter to half a mile per- haps in breadth, with borders exactly defined through the whole length, will find no difficulty in applying the force of fluids acting in torrents of limited direction and limited ex- tent. For, what happens when forests are levelled by cur- rents of air, happens also when rocks are hurried. on by the still greater momentum of torrents of water. The present observations leave it uncertain in what way the primitive rocks have been crystalized. Until we see how a granite stone can be formed by solution in water, and subsequent crystalization, or how by means of aqueous solution, granite veins can shoot into and permeate newer rocks, we must hesitate in admitting aqueous solution as the cause: and we shall lose nothing in the mean time by confessing our ignorance. From the laws of action of aqueous fluids thus laid down, it will follow, that the deposits of solid matter from aqueous solution, must be more or less crystalline; and from aqueous muxture, they must be soft, pliable and_ pasty. Hence, it will be impossible for mountain masses, amor- phous, and rising into peaked or abrupt eminences to be thus formed : for while in their soft state, they will of neces-_ sity fall down and subside in strata of comparatively even and uniform surfaces : itis manifest you cannot form an abrupt peak, or a mountain-mass, out of mud. It will follow also, that as all muddy depositions must as-. sume a plane and uniform surface, so far as the subjacent rock will admit of it, no abrupt mountain mass can have been formed by deposition from aqueous mixture : and the moun- tain eminences on the surface of our globe, must be ac- counted for onsome other principle. But we have no other principle left to account for them except the action of sub- terranean fire; to which alone, if this reasoning be legiti- mate, we must ascribe their elevation : unless indeed we consider them as the waves of a fluid mass turning on its axis ; but even this supposition will account for no mountain nob, or peak, or any abrupt eminence: such a cause would produce round-backed mountains but no other. For, this and Volcame Substances. P11 reasoning is conformable to matter of fact within our know- ledge. i. The floetz or horizontal strata, bear indubitable marks of having been deposited, from aqueous suspension. 2. We know of innumerable mountain eminences owing to the indisputable action of subterranean fire : volcanic mountains raised in continents, and islands out of the ocean: and peaks of lava-basalt formed by sudden cooling. Being bound therefore to explain the unknown phenome- na, by the known, we are compelled to acquiesce in the reasoning here advanced. — With these preliminary remarks, I proceed to shew, that The Fletz-Trap formation of the Wernerians, 1s of igneous origin, and comes under the head of volcanic ejections. VOLCANOES, are natural vents in the crust of the earth, made by subterranean fires, to afford an exit for the gasses, vapours, and solid substances that have been ex- posed to the action of intense heat in the bowels of the earth. Volcanoes are active, or extinct. Active volcanoes may be considered as those which have manifested conflagration and discharge of ignited matter within a céntury of the present time. Prof. Youngin avery interesting article on volcanoes in Rees’ Encyc. expresses the opinion that the number of active volcanoes is near one thousand. Werner reckoned them at one hundred and ninety three. Brieslak, after M. M. Leonhard, Kopp, and Gaertner in their prospectus of mineralogy in 1817, at one hundred and eighty-seven only : viz. fifteen in Europe, six- ty-two in Asia, ten in Africa, ninety-four in America, six in Australasia 3 of which one hundred and eighty-seven, nine- ty five are situated on continents, and ninety-two on islands: 3 Breis. 403. D’Aubuisson reckons up two hundred and five, of which one hundred and seven are onislands. But from Lieut. Gov. Raffles’ account of Java, and his remarks on the Celebes and Philippine islands to the east of Java, there is good reason to believe we may add to that number 3 but we are not yet able to enumerate more from actual ob- servation. ‘The seat of volcanoes, by commion consent of the latest and best observers, is within or below the oldest granite. 2 Spalanz. trav. jee 165, at Montemulo 3 ib. 235. eu 212 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes jas St. Fond Volcan’s eteints 169. 187, Humbold. relat. d’un voyage I. 90, and in the transl. of his pers. narr. y. 1 p. 238. Breislak. Inst. de Geol. § 203. Desmarets Mem. Ac. Sc. 1771. Pallas’s speech to the Imp. Acad. Petersb. 1771. Desaussure voy-aux Alpes ch. 5. § 181. Padre Torré. Abbe Ordinaire (Dallas’s transl.) on volcanoes p. 48. Mem. Geol. Soc. Cornwall, p. 48. Bakewell’s Geol. 72. Because, (a) they are frequent in primitive countries, as Auvergne, &c. Brieslak. § 203. 585. (6) they are seen to cut through Granite ; forcing their way upward; as at Red Rock, F. de St. Fond Vole. et. 365 ; and index to the same book titles Basalt, and Granite. At Teneriffe, 1 Humb. pers. nan. 94, 238. Eng. trans. Ger. de Sonlavie § 409. 757. 759. 780, who mentions the village of Antraigues built on basalt which has forced. up enormous masses of Granite. A basalt Dyke ten or twelve feet thick, cutting through the chief granite mountain of Arran from bottom to top. The basaltic evidences to be sure are premature as yet, but they may be borne in mind. (c) Granite is thrown out with lava in numberless. instances, even at Vesuvius, Brande’s Jour. No. 10, page 29; as by the Gros Morne near the source of Trois Rivieres mentioned by Humbold in his personal Nar- rative, V. I. p. 235, 240. (d) Many specimens of lava have been observed and are found in cabinets, enveloping, and enveloped by Granite. 1 Humb, pers. nar. 236. Ger. de Sonlavie § 757, 758, 759, 780, &c. &c. Dr. M‘Culloch in No. 19, p. 29 of the Journ. of Sciences by Brande, Basalt veins in Granite Brande’s Catalogue of Minerals of the Roy. Inst. 145, 165. . Wacke vein in the old Granite, at Rocky Run, one mile from Columbia, South-Carolina. (e) Cor- dier has ascertained that the component parts of Lava and of Granite are the same, Felspar, Amphibole, Mica, Py- voxene, Peridot, Titaniferous oxyd os Iron, and oligistic, or oxydulated Iron. See Cordier’s paper, surles substances dit en masse que entrent, dans la composition des roches vol- caniques de tous les ages. nse Volcanoes are usually situated in the vicinity of the ocean, and sometimes sea water breaks into them. (Ree’s Ency. Volcano.) Lakes also break into them and fish are ejected according to Humbold Pimelodus Cyclopum (H.) It does aad Volcanic Substances. B13 not appear that any characteristic effect of Volcanoes de- pends on their proximity to the ocean. Breisl. § 644 et oa Volcanic eruptions usually co-exist with Earthquakes. 1 Humb. per. nar. 227. 2 Ib. 226. Breisl. § 567. Bakewell’s Geol. p. 234. 51 Phil. trans. pt. 2p. 566 ann. 1760. 49 Ib. 1755 p. 351 to the end of the volume. Art. Volcano and Earthquake, Rees’ Encyc. The exit for the ejected matter is usually the top or sides of a conical mountain, of which the top opening is the Cra- ter. In process of time, the craters of mountains that have long ceased to be active, fall in, by being undermined, or by atmospheric action, and are gradually obliterated ; in ‘which case the volcano becomés extinct, and the traces of its existence rest upon the evidence of the volcanic char- acter of the ejections in its vicinity. A volcano in operation, gives out smoke and flame. Bibl. ‘Britan. tom 30. derived from its contact with coal strata ; for we know of no substances capable of combustion and of giving out smoke and flame from the Granite or beneath it, ull we arrive at Werner’s independent coal formation. __ Itis usually accompanied by electric light ; I know not from what source derived. _ The ejections are Lava, _ ‘consisting of fluid, or half fused, “or softened minerals, or stones ienited only, and stones un- acted on, from the Granite rock below through the whole series of formations whose edges are exposed to volcanic action. What has taken place “at Chaud Coulant, between Buzene and Fraissinet in Auvergne. 2 Soulav. § 1166, must take place more or less inevery active voleana: © “You find ejected spongy ‘basalts, solid basalts, granite, calcareous rocks, mud lava, and confused mixtures of all kinds of mat- ter in the valley below: calcareous matter in Lava, in all degrees of vitrification, and all kinds of substances volcanic and non-yolcanic ea together. The Lava is glass (Obsidian) or partly fused and imper- “fect glass as ‘the 1 resinites, Spalan. tr. 250. V. 3. or porcela- nous substance, or cinders, or roughhackly slag or scoria, or columnar basalt, or vesicular basalt, or compact basalt; with stones of various kinds acted on by fire in various desrees. The basaltic Lava, is often columnar, both in the sea, and in places where no water could have reached; in figu- rate prisms of 3, 4,5 or 6 sides: rarely more; generally of Vor. IV.....No. 2. 214 Dr, Cooper on V oleanoes 5. The cause of the columnar and prismatic figure of vol- canic basalt is.as yet undetermined. ) Basalt affords strong suspicion of its having been formed out of primitive, or transition Hornblende rocks : from its appearance—from hornblende accompanying it—from its analysis Lavas however, have been found by Cordier after mechanical examination by means ofa microscope, to be composed chiefly of felspar, and black augit or pyroxene and oxyd of Iron. This mineral (augit) of other colours than black, is found occasionally in primitive strata, but the black crystals of augit seem to be peculiar to Lava, and characterize it. Hence, augit has been considered as an igneous product of volcanic action; a conjecture that de- rives strength from the fact that Dr, Thomson found crystals of augit sublimed in a chimney of a house on Vesuvius that had been exposed to acurrent of Lava. Insulated crys- tals of augit, are thrown out by volcanoes in prodigious abundance. Breisl. 675. so, near Rome and at Frescati crystals of Leucite are thus thrown out, from the extinct voleanoe of Mons Latialis. Ib. The chemical analysis of Hornblende and Augit is so much alike, that I cannot help suspecting a common origin; and that black pyroxene may have been formed by the igneous fusion of primitive trap or hornblende rock. ‘The oxyd of iron in Lavas may amount on the average to about 20 per cent: it is frequently titani- ferous, indicative ofa primitive origin. . When the Felspar prevails in Lavas, the fusion is comparatively more easy. Lavas may be considered generally as felspathic, (Trachy- tes) or augitic and amphibolic. Laavas are also, fibrous ob- sidian or pumice; or they are earthy and lithoid ; or fria- ble and hard as Tufas ; or decomposed into an ocreous sub- stance as Puzzuolana or ‘Tarras; or into an earthy blackish argillaceous substance as the wacke of the Germans. In fact, Lavas will have different appearances in proportion to the degree of heat they have undergone—the continuance of the heat—and the nature of the stone itself and its relations tocaloric. Lavas consisting of Felspar, Augit and Iron, as their general component parts, have been observed also as containing or enveloping, crystals of mica, of Hornblende, of Petrosilex. Fragments of Granite and other primitive rocks not ap- parently acted on by fire. 1. Spalanz. trav. 78. Crystals and Volcanic Substances. 215 of black augit, of Leucite, volcanic hornblende, nepheline, Meionite, sommite, Idocrase. Doubts have been entertain- ed whether these were pre-existent crystals, or the effect and product of igneous fusion, or the effect and product of subsequent filtration into the cells, vesicles and cavities of the Lava containing them. See Borkowsky on Sodalite. Breislak found a chrystal of Augit inside a chrystal of Leu- cite. Inst. § 682. Beside these chrystals, the following have been found ac- companying Lava; Garnet, Hyacinth, Zircon, Sap- phire, Spinelle, Peridot, Epidot, titaniferous sidero-calcite, Tremolite, Gyps, Hauyene, Zeolyte, Sodalite, Tafelspar, Topaz, Humite (Bournon.) In fact, we need not won- der at finding the minerals which accompany primi- tive rocks, accompanying Lava also ; sometimes chang- ed, sometimes unchanged. I Spalan. 78. In the vesi- cles or cells of Lava, the minerals commonly found, are Leucite (in Italy) Peridot, Zeolyte of various kinds, Preh- nite carbonat of lime as at A{tna, at Lipari, 3 Spalan. 228, in Iceland. 7%. Ed. Trans. 90. Quartz, Agate, chalcedony, green earth. Forming amygdaloids, toadstones and geo- des; the crystals in the cells are probably infiltrated. Various specimens of these, are in every cabinet of tolera- ble extent. The Lavas containing crystals more or less perfect, of Felspar, are porphyritic Lavas. Lavas contain- ing Zeolite, Prehnite, Agate Chalcedony, mentioned nouv. Diet. d’hist. natur. Tome 17, p. 390. Lavas cut through all metallic veins, and rarely envelope any metalline sub- stance. Galena is said to have been found in whin (Kidd 102.) but such a case is accidental and rare, though very possible. Vegetable and animal remains have been found adhering to Lava and enclosed in it. Breisl. § 700. 1 Humb. Pers. Narr. 241, see the question discussed in 3 Breisl. p. 251. Ihave a shell adhering to the slag of an iron furnace. Lavas are sometimes very extensive. Dolomique notices one of ten leagues. A stream from the north side of Atna, according to Recupero, extended forty miles. Lord Win- chelsea mentions another in 1669, fifteen miles long by seven broad.’ Pennant states the current from Hecla in 1784 at ninety-four miles one way and fifteen another, and from eighty to one hundred feet thick. The currents in the Isle of Bourbon produced thirty million tois- 216 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes es cube of Lava. Breisl. § 669 note... Suppose for the mo- mentthat the disputed district of Auvergne and its vicinity is volcanic, there are 35 3 millions of prisms of columnar and figurate basalt, according to Soulaive in that district, beside amorphous. basalt and cellular basalt, on the surface. Ta- king in the depth, he calculates the basaltic matter at two thousand one hundred and_ eighty-seven millions of cubic feet French. 3 Soul. 348. Currents of Lava are often slow. Dolomieu cites one which ran but twelve thousand and five hundred, feet in two years. M. de Buch however saw one descend from Ve- suvius, twenty three thousand feet in three hours and. reach- ed the sea. In the eruption of Aitna of 1787, (Atina is six- ty miles in circumference) the whole crater was full of La- va, which flowed over the top and filled an opening of ten thousand feet high, by six thousand feet diameter. . There are several mountains of Lava round ALtna, each of them, larger than Vesuvius. In the eruption of tna of 1669, the Lava flowed for four months afterwards and.was hot eight years afterwards. Ferrara’s Hist. of the eruptions of AXtna. Journ. de Physique Mai. 1819. Some Lavas from tna smoked twenty-six years. S. W. Hamilton thrust a stick into a mass of Luava, two leagues from the opening in Vesu- vius, three years after it had been ejected, and the stick took fire. Among voleanic ejections are mud Lavas, (moia.) They are noticed by S. W. Hamilton and Spalanzani, both from Etna and Vesuvius. Menard de la George says they are frequent in volcanoes near the sea. The earthquake at Lima in 1746, was accompanied (ac- cording to Ulloa) by a mud eruption from Monte de la Con- ception at Lucanas, which covered an immense space of ground. . According to Humbold in 1698, the. volcanoes of Carguarazo near Chimborazo, covered eighteen, square leagues with mud. Such also are the eruptionsof Peru and Quito. In 1797 the village of Pilleo was inundated with a mud eruption, which when dry was combustible. (Humbold.) There is a mud volcano at Salsa, at Montegib- bio, in the duchy of Modena ; another at Querzola ; anoth- er at Mendola ; and another at Sigillo in the Appennines. Cadell’s trav. into Carinthia and Italy vol. ii.p.55. A mud volcanic mountain at Macalonba in Sicily, (Dolomieu.) and Voicanic Substances. Q17 It ejected mud two hundred English feet high. Many small ones near Modena. They are mentioned by Pallas and Von Humbold. (D’Aubuisson’s Geol.) Pallas notices . one at Taman in the Crimeda which in 1794, burst out into flames with an ejection of bituminous mud in a current of about half a mile in length. Flames from bituminous matter are common in the erup- tions of Vesuvius. Breisl. § 602. Humbold observed the same in two caverns in a limestone hill at Cumana. These must arise from the independent coal formation. Boiling mud springsin Java. Penang Gazette Feb. 10, 1816. As to the distance to which volcanic ejections have been carried, Anno. Dom. 472, according to Procopius, the ashes of Vesuvius were wafted as far as Constantinople, two hun- dred fifty leagues: this requiresstronger evidence. In Asia and America, they are said to have been carried one hun- dred leagues: this also I have no precise authority to es- tablish. In 1794, Calabria was covered with a thick cloud of ashes fifty leagues distance from the volcano. They have been certainly wafted from Hecla to Glaumba, one hundred thirty miles. In 1812, from St. Vincents to Barbadoes, fifty miles, when a white handkerchief could not be seen at six inches distance. According to the Abbe Ordinaire, the ashes from the eruption of Vesuvius in 1794, passed Taren- to and Otranto, and were lost in the Mediterranean, four hundred miles from Vesuvius, p. 128 of Hist. of Vole. Stones of many tons weight have been thrown out of ‘tna and Vesu- vius to the distance of a quarter of a mile. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are concomitant. The earthquake at Lima in 1746, was accompanied with a mud eruption from Monte de la Conception, at Lucanas, which covered an immense space of ground ; as before no- ticed from Don Ulloa. The earthquake at Lima, Nov. 1, 1755, may be said to have extended throughout most of the habitable globe. See thenumerous accounts that fill up the volume of the Philosophical transactions for the year succeeding, and 1 Humb. per. narr. 227, and the facts col- lected by Dr. Kidd, Geol. Es. 249. It took nine days to travel to North-America: it was felt at Philadelphia, New- York and Boston. At the latter place four hours after the. . shock at Philadelphia. Flames broke out at Scituate, a- hout thirty miles south of Boston. After the earthquake 218 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes at Lisbon, Europe, Africa and America, were for some time repeatedly agitated by subterranean explosions. tna, which had been in a state of profound repose for eighty years, broke out with great activity. In 1812, the earth- quake of the Caraccas, was followed by the volcanic erup- tion of St. Vincents, before mentioned, in thirty-five days. Humb. per. narr. ii. 226. Many clear and indubitable volcanoes once in action are extinct. There are eleven in Rome and the Campagna of Rome, according to Dr. Sicklu’s topographical view of that district, viz. solfaterra. Lake Gabinus, Regillus, Albanus, Ne- morensis, near to Ariccia, Juterna, Castello Gandolfo, Nemi, San Juliano, Baccono, Brecciano, Lago Morte, Anagni: Breislak counted thirty-five extinct voleanoes in the space of five or six leagues by two leagues, about Naples. ‘The Lava appears to be from one hundred to one hundred fifty feet deep, as appears in digging wells ; in which case the workmen have to dig that depth before they come to the newest or most recent Lava. Rocca di papa two thousand six hundred feet high is voleanic, so are the ‘hills about Frescati and Albano. There is a space of near six hundred square leagues about Rome, covered with Lava of various kinds. The ancient voleanoes of Sicily, extend from Cape Paclino to Atna, and are covered by, and alternate with, shell Limestone : hence they were submarine. ‘To the same purpose Mr. Leckie in Bakewell 216, 2d Ed. This alternation of submarine volcanic ejections with limestone of marine origin is noticed by our own mineralogist Mr. W. M’Clure, in his account of the West-India Islands : the facts are so curious, that I shall copy them from the trans. of the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, p. 142 at seq. Dominica. A bed of coral or Madrepore Limestone with shells, lies horizontally on a bed of cinders, about two” or three hundred feet above the level of the seas at Rousseau, and is covered by cinders to a considerable height. St. Christophers. p..147. Brimstone hill is a’ stratifica- tion of Madrepore limestone with shells, at an angle of up- wards of 50° from the horizon, reposing on a bed of volean- ie cinders, and partly covered by volcanic irruptions, ma- king a fine specimen of the alternation of the Neptunian and volcanic formations, which for aught we know, may be re- peated twenty or thirty times in the foundation of these and Volcanic Substances. 219 islands ; as every current of lava that runs into the sea, is liable to be covered with corals madropores, &c. and again covered with Lava, until it comes above the surface of the sea. St. Eustatia Ib. on the South East side of the large hill towards St.. Christopher, there is a stratification of madre- pore Limestone alternating with beds of shells similar to those found at present in the sea. ‘The whole of this ma- rine deposition dips to the South West at an angle of up- wards of 45° from the horizon, resting upon a bed of cin- ders, full of pumice and other volcanic rocks ; and is imme- diately covered by a bed of Madrepores, sand and cinders mixed together with blocks of volcanic rocks, so dissemina- ted that there can be no doubt of the volcanic origin of the substance above and below the madrepore rock, which may be from fiye to six hundred yards thick. Saba. p. 148. The madrepore and coral rocks mixed with shells, partly similar to those at present found in the sea, alternate with the cinders and other volcanic rocks, presenting much the appearance of the whole having been ejected from the bottom of the ocean. _ He concludes, that all these islands were probably thrown. up-from the bottom of the ocean, and that the seat of com- bustion was in the primitive, because the transition formed the islands of the Eastern group. Great attention is due to the opinions of this very experienced Geologist. That Islands should be thus raised is so common that without voyaging to those of the Eastern Archipelago, we may refer to the eleven mentioned by Pliny, to the following noticed . by’Forber 127. Ischia, Nistia, Santorini: Monte Nuovo, Monte Gauro or Barbaro, Monte di Camaldoni, St. Elmo, Capo di Chino, Pizzo-Falcone, (the ancient Echia,) Ib. Attempts have been made to ascertain the ages of different volcanic eruptions, from the quantity of soil formed upon them; but this is manifestly an inaccurate mode of compu- tation, owing to the very different states of fusion in which Lavas have been ejected, and the, different kinds of stones of which they are composed. Count Borch has observed that in December, 1776, the Lava of tna poured out in 1157, had a coating of twelve inches of earth. 1 Spal. tr. p. 205. i 220 Dr. ‘Cooper on Polcanoes “One of 1329 had 3 coating of 8 niches" One of 1669 — Bs S j eam One of 1766 ha a A ae In Italy, they are of opinion that the Cactus opuntia is better fitted than any other vegetable, to reduce the surface of Lava to. earth. Lavas are either submarine, or terraneous. Where they repose on, and alternate with strata, manifestly of marine origin, they may be considered as submarine. The volca- noes that elevate islands—those that alternate with madre- pore strata.as in the West-India islands. ‘The strata at the base of AStna consisting of Limestone with shells, Lava, then Limestone, and Lava are doubtless submarine ; “for the shell limestone on Lava must be a marine deposit. Other Lavas bear marks of being poured out originally on dry land, provided fleetz basalt should prove to be Lava ; as the hill Ng PS so Ger. de Soulavie says, he found wood cut with an axe, under a mass of Lava (Basalt) at Butaressa in Auvergne. ‘The same kind of occurrence is noted by M. Cocquebert at Meisner, where the Basalt three hundred feet thick covers a stratum of charred and bituminous wood in some places sixty or ninety feet high. Some of it cut in lengths with the marks of the Axe.and the Saw. Journ. des Mines No. 22. Breislak. § 701. Saulavie says, that in upper Vivarais none of the volea- noes-were submarine, but lower down. there are marks of the action of waves and the craters are obliterated. 2 Soul. 353; A line of craters in that part of Erpnce, traced for sixty miles. The streams of Dave, fill up valleys and ae ae .. They are not conformable to the surface over which they flow, longer than. this fusion continues. They accumulate in thick and deep incumbent masses, frequently from sud- den congelation, exhibiting peaked eminences, like the ice congealed in our great rivers. ‘They break through from below, and they cover from above, every stratum of ‘rocks without discrimination, that they happen to come into contact with. They produce the effects and marks of fire on the substances contiguous to them. The great mass of Lava streams consists of Basalt ; amorphous, tabular, columnar and figurate, compact, po- and Volcanic Substances. 221 rous, porphyritic or amygdaloidal. This is accompanied by stones fused, half fused, ignited, heated, or warmed, acted on by fire so as to affect their appearance, or not so, according to the degree and continuance of the heat, and _ the nature of the stones thus acted on. This statement re- quires no proof to persons accustomed to look at volcanic regions, or even cabinet specimens of well selected volca- nic productions. _ __ sill these characters, belong to the Basalt of France and ‘Germany, and to the whin and toad stone of Great-Britain. They belong to no other class ofrocks. Every known character that Lava possesses, is possessed also in like man- ner, and under like circumstances, by the newest fletz trap of Werner. Werner himself was aware of it, for when on a visit to Paris.a few years before his death, he was invited, and urged to pay a visit to Auvergne, he steadily declined it. - He had already put the detached masses of Saxon Basalt into his Neptunian formations, finding them to repose upon, and to alternate with rocks decidedly of Neptunian origin. He called them, rocks of the newest fleetz trap formation. Newest because they were found covering the alluvial, and the most recent of his secondary formations. _ Fletz, because, covering the fleetz or horizontal rocks, they appeared to belong to that series. Trap, from the hornblende character so observable in Basalt. He does not seem to have distinguished between Augit and Hornblende, as being decisive of the character of igneous rocks. The rocks usually ranked as fletz trap, by the Werne- rians, are Basalt, Porphyry, Amygdaloid, Greenstone, Pitchstone, Obsidian and Pumice. It is hardly necessary at the present day, to prove that the three last of these rocks are igneous in their origin. I shall take it as conceded that they are so. J proceed then to shew, 1. That the columnar, prismatic, figurate basalt, so com- mon among these disputed rocks, is common also among the best known active volcanoes, which abound in basalt of all kinds. 2. That Basalt leaves decided aba les of fire on the sub- stances contiguous to it. Vor, IV....,.No: 2. 3 22.2 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes 3. ‘That it passes into and is accompanied by porphyries and amygdaloids like Lava. 4, That the other characteristics of Lava, belong also and in equal degree to Basalt. As to the first. tna is a porphyritic mountain sur- mounted by columnar basalt. | Humb. per. narr. 237 note. Prismatic columnar basalt forms the base of AXtna: itis found in compact lava on the sides of AZtna. The rocks called the Cyclops opposite Catania, consist of columnar basalt. This is common also at La Frezza, at Monte Fi- noches, at Monte La Motta, Santa Anastasia, on the emi- nence at the town of Acireale, and below La Scala. Spa- lanzani. Ferber. All these are Sicilian and Vesuvian ba- salts. Spalanzani found pentagonal columnar Lava in the cra- ter of Voleano, one of the Lipari Isles. 3 Spal. tr. 195. Much columnar basalt formed of Lava atits entrance into the sea in the Eolian Isles, tna, and Ischia, according to Dolomieu, ib. p. 202. Prismatic basalt from Catania to Castello di Saci, ib. At Felicuda ib. p. 202. Observed also by Colonel Imrie. Figurate basalt at the summit of ‘Etna, even within the inside base of the crater, ib. 208. Much figurate, columnar basalt at Monte Rosso described by Sir I. Strange 65 Phil. trans. see also 3 Spal. tr. 232, 315. Gioeni says he has frequently found polyhedrous basalt in the artificial excavations of A‘tna on the sides of it, 3Sp. tr. p. 208. Presque habituelle dans les pays volea- niques. 1 Brogn. Min. 472. Basaltic prisms for a great extent on a bed of volcanic ashes and pumice at Bolzena and Ronea. Ferber’s tr. 238. Much columnar basalt on Montesomma, adjoining Vesu- vius, according to Lord Winchelsea. The basalt of Monte Somma, not to be distinguished from that of County An- trim. 3 Geo. tr. 233. Sir W. Hamilton in his letters on the volcanoes of Italy, p. 257, mentions the columnar Lava that flowed from Vesu- vius in 1632. He compares the prismatic columns at Ca- lastro, to those of Bolsena, and the Giants Causeway. Pris- matic basalt found at the foot of Vesuvius itself, Brongniart art. Basalt, Nouv. Dict. de l’hist. naturelle. On the same authority they are found inthe Vincentin, and in many of the isles of the Greek Archipelago. The face of Monte and Fi wldanic Substances. 223 Somma (an ejection of Vesuvius,) is exactly like the cliffs of Antrim, from Bengore head, to the river Bush. 1 Geol. trans. 234. The Paduan, (Euganean,) and Vincentin hills, and the Varonese Lava hills, such as Mont St. Luca, Mount Rose, Monte di Diavolo, Ronca, are columnar in whole or in part; and so is Radicofani. Ferber. tr. p. 61, 63, 230, 241,148. In this he is corroborated by Desmarets, and by Sir John Strange in his paper on the columnar basalt of the Venetian state. 65. Ph. tr. for 1775, part I. Von Buch having examined the current of Lava, froin Vesuvius in 1794, declares it impossible to be distinguished from the Basalts of Bohemia, Silesia, Hesse, and Saxony. Breislak, § 688. This Lava, is exactly like that of Aitna and the Eolian Isles; of Hecla and ‘Teneriffe. Ib. § 689. So says Raspe, Ferb. tr. 61. Columnar basalt common in Iceland, according to Dr. Henderson’s trav. in that country. Dr. Geo. M’Kenzie says that the cavernous Lava of Iceland abounds in colum- nar basalt. The eruptions of Teneriffe in 1794 and 1797, were Ob- sidian and Basalt. Cordier and Humbold found columnar basalt plentiful at Teneriffe. So did Mr. Henry Bennet at Madeira. 1. Geol. Transac. : ; M. Bory de St. Vincent, found the ground strewed to a great extent with columnar Lava (basaltic prisms) very regular, at the Isle of Bourbon. : The accompanyments of Basalt of disputed origin, are the same as those of Lava. Thus at Muro] m Auvergne, — we find scoriz, cinders and puzzuolana above ; next com- pact basalt not to be distinguished from compact Lava ; then figurate, columnar, prismatic basalt of a fine grain, very compact fifty or sixty feet high; then tabular Basalt, then shistose Basalt. Breisl. § 693. Like Lavas, they cut through without enclosing any me- tallic substances. It is said that Galena has been found en- veloped in Basalt, which may well be the case, but this is anomalous and accidental, just as vegetable and animal re- mains may be found adhering to any slag that meets them in its way. ’ at I proceed next to shew that Basalt like Lava, exhibits marks of igneous origin, by its effect on the substances it encounters. { 224: Dr. Cooper on ¥ olcanoes Basalté burn contiguous substances.. M. Voight in: his mineralogical journey to the mountains of Hesse, says that. between the ‘coal and basalt isa thin argillaceous layer ; but the coal has manifestly been acted on by the heat of the in-: cumbent Lava. Breisl. § 703... Sand stone acted on by and converted into Jasper for ten feet, by pervading and superincumbent basalt just like that of the iron surfaces, Haussman. Ib. § 704. Same phenomena observed in an agillaceous: stratum, by Messrs. Conybeare and Buckland. {b... Also by M. Hoff near Suhl: and by Prof. Playfair at Salisbury Craig. ‘The same circumstance observed also by Whitehurst in relation to the Derbyshire Toadstone. See Theo. of the Earth, 197, 198... The same observations by Brande as to the coal at Fairhead. Cat. of the Min: of the Roy. Inst. p. 184, 185. ” Basalt burning coal and also contiguous limestone, 4 Geol. trans. 102. See also to the saine purpose, 3 Geol. trans. 99, 201, 205, 213, 257. Sandstone converted. by Basalt into Hornstone and black shist into. black lydian stone. Ib. To the same purpose Brande’s Catalogue, p. 171, 179, 184. Hard chalk converted into granular marble for upwards of ten feet. 3 Geol. tr..172.., So, of Lias Limestone. Ib. 213. Coal deprived of its bitumen and,eharred through a: layer of interposed sandstone. Ib. 257... -Limestone chryss tallized by the Cleaveland Dyke. Bakewell, p. 272. . The’ same effect produced artificially by Sir James Hall :, Edin. The basalt dyke on the Yorkshire coast, forty feet thick, running sixty or seventy miles on the surface from Cockfield, fellin the County of Durham, to the river Tees, near Pres- ton, Lancashire...Then entering Cleaveland in Yorkshire, is traced to the coast where it is lost about Blea Hill, near. the upper end of Harewood Dale. It rises perpendicular- ly to the strata. It is found in oblong. blocks or ‘masses parallel to one another lying inthe vein.’ The fracture is rough, granular, of a blue colour, containing shining crys- tals. The seam of coal in Durham, where the dyke cuts it for some feet distance, is turned into a sooty substance, which becomes a-cinder, as. the distance from the: whin- stone, (Basalt,) increases, until at fifty yards it assumes the. appearance of coal, 214 Tillock’s Mag. for March, 1818. Greenstone, deprives contiguous coal of its bitumen, even and Voleanic Substances. 225 through a layer of sandstone three feet thick at Birch hill Colliery in Staffordshire. 3 Geo. trans. 257. At Tividale, the coal is completely charred under the Rowley Rag, which there, (‘Tiviotdale near Derby, Shrop- shire,) is thirty-five feet thick. In the third place, I -have to shew that Basdie like’ Bava graduates into, “and is accompanied by Porphyries one Amygdaloids. Dhave already: observed after Humbold, that ZEtna is a porphyritic rock, surmounted by columnar basalt. Iknow the ambiguity that attends the name Porphyry: but I trust that my geological reader will acknowledge, that porphy-— ritic lava, and: fleetz trap porphyries are in general suffi- ciently distinct from primitive trap porphyries.” If 1 saw’a porphyritic stone crystallized throughout, I should refer it to the primitive porphyries ; but the confused and rounded specks that porphyrize a basaltic or volcanic stone, are easi- ly recognized:» The volcanic and basaltic porphyries are too similar to each other, and too dissimilar to primitive por-. phyries, to occasion frequent mistakes to an experienced eye. adit the porphyries concerning which I speak, so far” as I can collect from the authorities, shall be basaltic por- phyries only. Ihave well considered Humbold’s fourfold division of Porphyries ; ; his second class alternates with ba-. salt, pitch stone and obsidian ; his third class includes the -amygdaloids of Oberstein, which I should certainly ascribe to volcanic origin 5 and his fourth class consists of the fleet trap porphyries ‘now under consideration. -Porphyries of this class, alternate with’ decidedly voléd! nic products in voleanic districts, even: according to Jame- son. 3 Geognos. 192, and Humbold says it forms the sum- mit’ of many of. ‘the ‘volcanic mountains of ‘the Andes. 1 Pers. Narr. 115—218. ‘Porphyry and Araygdaloid: accompany basalt. E Geol.” trans. part 1, p. 277. . Basalt passing: into pee casete and porphyry slate. Kida. 136. ; The general range of the Andes, which are fifty ers according to Humbold, granite, gneiss; mica slate, and clay slate ; but these are seen surmounted by Le ia aco. ‘Bake- well’s Geo. 65. \ 226 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes Clinkstone passing into trap porphyry in Sky. 3 Geol. trans. 66. Basalt passing into porphyry. Ib. 80, 189, 191, 192. , Porphyritie volcanic mountains, noticed by M. Arduini in the Vincentin territory ; at Bresciano, and at Bergames- co. They repose on slate. Ferb. tr. 37. Porphyritic vol- canic hills between Walshonickel and Newmack. Ib. 325. They continue to Brandsol, and split into prismatic and co- lumnar forms. Ib. hy The porphyry called Serpentino, verde antico, found in large blocks near Ostia, where the Egyptian ships used t unload, contains cells filled with agate. Ib. 225. Trappean porphyries intimately connected with volcanic productions. 1 Humb. pers. narr. 94, 212. Clinkstone porphyry covers the basalt of the Bohemian volcanic moun- tains. Ib. 211. Amygdaloid covers the basalt, at La Pun- ta di Nager at Teneriffe. Ib. 214. The Lava in the plain of Retama at Teneriffe, very similar to the resinite porphy- ry of Tribrick in Saxony. Ib. 215. The porous basalt of the Island of Gratiosa, passes into Amygdaloid or Mandel- stein, according to Humb. I. 91. Pitchstone Lavas, near Teols: and Bajamonte. 3 Spal. tr. 250, 251. Porphyry with agate opal. Brande’s Catal. p. 171, 179. As to the Amygdaloids of this formation, we can ac- count for their cells and pores, only as we account for the cellsand pores of Lava and other igneous stones ; and for the agates, quartz, carbonate of lime, prehnite and zeolyte found in them, as we account for the same substances found under like circumstances : in volcanic amygdaloids : for in no case can we legitimately reason to a disputed subject, but from what we know of similar circumstances undisputed. Hence then it appears, that the Porphyries, the Green- stones, the Amygdaloids and the Pitchstones, are equally common to known volcanic formations, and to the rocks now considered. Fora further consideration of the gene- ral fact, and of the reasoning here adopted, I refer to Dr. McCulloch’s paper on the Granite of Aberdeenshire, in No. 19 of Brande’s Journal. I have next to shew that the other acknowledged charac- ters of Lava, belong in an equal degree to the Basalt of the F'leetz trap formation. and Folcanic Substances. 224 And first, let us describe basalt; wherein, I profess to give the most usual discriminating characters of this Rock, and I offer it, as equally true of the basalt of acknowledged voleanic origin, and of the basalt of disputed origin; and so submit it to the mineralogical reader. In fact, as Brong- niart, (who in 1807, was a vulcanist,) says, it is difficult to explain la presence presque habituelle des Basaltes prisma- teques, dans les pays evidemment volcaniques. Min. v. i, p. 472. Basalt, whenever found as a Lava, or asa member of the floetz trap formation, is a compound stone of sp. gr. from 2,85 to3. When exposed to the air, generally covered with an ochry crust on the outside. Withinside, it is of a blackish brown, a greyish or a greenish black according to the predominance of felspar in its mixture with the horn- blende or augit, that constitute with oxyd of iron, the re- maining bulk of the stone. When polished and melted it assumes a bluish aspect. It is sometimes porphyritic with crystals, or with ob- tuse, oblong, or rounded grains of felspar. It is sometimes stellated, as the Abbe Fortis found it inthe Vincentin. It is very often amygdaloidal, (as the same observer remarks, ) with carbonat of lime, as at Castagnamoro ; and as the toad-stone of England and Scotland often is, and as the ba- salt of mount Holyoke in Massachusetts is. It is thus found at Adtna, at Lipari. 3 Spal. tr. 228. In Iceland, 7 Edin. trans. 90. At Monte Somma. Breisl. § 707. It is often granular: but the component parts are some- times so intermixed as to appear homogeneous ; at other times the component parts are distinguishable by the naked eye. When viewed steadily through a good magnifying glass, the black portion appears in. small dull, irregular, short crystals, whose angles are generally obliterated, They are not flat and shining like the crystals of augit or even of hornblende. The white part of the grey and black- ish varieties is felspar, often petrosiliceous in its aspect. When broken into minute fragments, (not dust,) according to Cordier’s directions, the character of the component parts is much more apparent through the microscope. The fracture of the compact varieties tends to conchoi- dal; with an approach to radiation, especially in the grey 228 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes black, and blackish varieties, where the hammer has struck it. ‘The aspect when bruised is white and dusty. The compact fine grained variety is hard and very tough ; hence it is used for the gudgeons of mills to run it; bearing a fine polish. But it is often porous and hackly to the touch, as well as smooth and compact. Generally it gives fire with steel ; a property attributable to the accidental presence of silex, or to the indurating effect of fire. Gene- rally also it acts on the needle ; itis something polar: but these properties depend much on the quantity and state of the iron contained in it, and vary in different specimens and often in the same specimen. ‘The iron is usually in the state ofa black oxyd within, and yellow oxyd without. It is fusible before the blow-pipe ; more easily in pro- portion to the felspar it contains. In a glass furnace, it runs into a greenish or greenish black, bottle glass, adhering with some difficulty to the glass blowers’ rod: the colour of the glass is lighter in proportion to the felspar contained in the stone. It is not acted on by acids. Basalt is always massive, sometimes stratified. The masses assume different forms : sometimes they form high and rugged peaks : often they are prismatic and columnar, with four or five sides ; less frequently with three or six, seven or eight: occasionally but very rarely with nine. This figurate basalt, as it is often called, has the external appearance of crystallization ; but the sides are not of any determinate number ; the angles have no regularity in their dimensions ; the inside of the stone has no distinct crystal- lization in the mass; no nucleus or primitive crystal can be traced by means of any natural joint or fracture. Hence, the form of the prismatic figurate or columnar basalt, has been ascribed to the contraction that takes place on cooling. in a heated or mm drying, in a moist mass. There are also shistose (feuilleté Fauj. St. Fond. 156) tabular, and globular basalts ; it is found also concentric- lamellar. The two last varieties approach so much to crystallization, that the arguments of M. Patrin, who as- cribes the columnar form to this property are difficult to be refuted, though not generally adopted. The experi- ments of Mr. Gregory Watt, shew, that fused basalt some- times crystallizes. in spheroidal masses ; and that figurate 4 and Volcanic Substances. _ 229 or prismatic, basalt may ve and actually is formed, when these masses press against each other : hence, the question - of the crystallization of columnar basalt, is not in my. mind ~fally settled. Phil. trans. 1804, p. 279. »» Basalt is, found, sometimes in plains. and in some mea- sure conformable to the. supporting stratum—sometimes fy filling up yallies—sometimes in compact amorphous, uncon- -formable masses—sometimes in figurate and columnar Masses, sometimes breaking through the hardest rocks in jets, and forming. peaked hills aA knobs—sometimes for- -cing up the stratum from below; as at Antraigues in Au- vergne, which.1 is. builton curved basalt that supports enor- mous masses. of | granite. 2 Soul. § 716. Sometimes in ) Dykes. reaching to great distances and. of unknown depths, disrupting and displacing the strata through which the dyke has ivaolently broken. ‘Fhe great coal Dyke of the North of England of this kind extends from sea to sea. (White- burst-Bakesvell. aN? ‘These Dykes burn, char, fuse, or indu- rate all contiguous substances, and break through and dislo- cate all metallic veins, as we have already seen. Vegetable. organic, remains (Humbold, ) and animal also, is rievioc eres Dr. Richardson.) have. occasionally, though rarely been found.in, Basalt, adhering 10; or enveloped i in “saaateas rye) has charred. wood. These.organic remains are not sort in the prismatic or figurate, and only io the tabular Basalt, which has met with them. in its course. , | have a. shell iabonded’l in the fused slag of an, iron, furnace. ‘Metallic “substances, excepting - iron, and titaniferous iron, are rarely found in Basalt.” Columnar, basalt has been found with water in its cells : pethaps owing to-steam, that not escaping, has cooled into water.;i Jamieson’s Geognosy, 1808, Ps 186, and 3 Sou- lavie.\, 1402. Basalt hills are. much subject. to rents and, fede: and are often found with fragments. of all. shapes and sizes at the, bottom.agd sides; assumaing a | breccious structure ; and cemented to, the subjacent, rock as. at La Spisso, Reconro, &e.. Ferber:Trav. Basalts are frequently. found covering , passing ‘into, and connected with, granitic and porphyritic rocks, which Werner calls Wacke, Grunstein and Porphyritic ‘shige. so that it is frequently in} possible to mark the line of distinction between Vor Hl......No. 20. 4 230 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes these rocks and the basalt connected with them. Dolomieu remarks the same, as to the basalt and greenstone of Egypt: some very important observations to the same pur- pose have lately been made by Dr. M’Culloch in his paper on the granite of Aberdeenshire. The vulcanists say, these are not different formations, but one connected and con- tinued series of ejections, under different degrees of heat operating on them; and they apply this reasoning to the slenitic granite of Christiana, observed by Von Buch and Haussman: Cellular, or vesicular basalt, often incloses in its cells, peridot, carbonat of lime, Zeolytes: of various kinds, prehnites, green earth, &c. In the large cells of Geodes (as at Oberstein) we find Agate, Chalcedony, Quartz. The cells are sometimes round, and sometimes elongated in one direction. Until lately, on the suggestion of M. Cordier, the pres- ence of Augit has not been particularly noticed in basalts ; which are sometimes augitic, and sometimes amphibolic ; but within my own experience more commonly indetermi- nate. Observers with good eyes and a good microscope, breaking the basalt into minute fragments, but not into dust, may often determine this very important point. Analysis of basalt. Bergman. Klapr. Kennedy. Silex - - 50 - 44 50 - 46 Alumina - 15 - 16 75 - 16 Lime - - 8 - 9 50 - 9 Magnesia - 2 - 2 25 - 0 Oxyd of iron - 25 - 20 - 16 Soda - - 2 60 - 4 Ox. Manganese - - 12 - Mur. acid - - - 5 - 1 Water - - 2 - 5 Loss - - 2 23 - 3 100 100 100 The varieties thus analyzed appear to be of the Fleetz trap formation. and Volcanic Substances. 231 Analysis of common Hornblende. — Augit (Frascati.) Silex - - 42, 48 Alumine - - 12 5 Lime - . 11 24 Magnesia - - 2 25 8 75 Oxyd of Iron - 30 12 Manganese = 25 1 Water - - 75 Trace of potash - The black basalts wherein either hornblende or augit predominates, do not decompose by the action of air and moisture so easily as the greyish trachytic varieties which contain more felspar. The olivine or peridot of the cellu- lar basalt, also decomposes easily into an ochreous pow- der. By long exposure, all kinds of basalt gradually de- compose into a yellowish fertile soil. Terras or Puzzuolana is generally regarded as decomposed Lava, or decomposed basalt, containing much iron: and argillaceous iron ores have been found of equal value for like purposes. Basalt Lavas, and Basalt floetz trap, moreover agree in other particulars, noticed by M. Conybeare, 3 Geol. trans. 208. The newest formations are the lowest—the least ele- vated among the strata: they occupy vallies, plains, the foot of mountains : but Lavas, and floetz-trap porphyries and basalts are found covering high mountains as in Saxony and other parts of Germany, and in South-America. - Among the decided volcanic formations, the least an- cient, are the least elevated ; but the flcetz trap surmounts all others. Of all other formations, the degree of consoli- dation decreases, as they are of later origin: thus the most crystallme are the primitive: next come the transition which are sub-crystalline ; then the compact, coarse, and earthy : while in the fleetz trap, even where it rests on chalk, the crystalline character of the older rocks often ap- pears. Whin-Dykes which belong to the fleetz trap basalt, and amygdaloid, differ from all other mineral veins, by travers- ing all rocks indifferently as Lava does; while other mine- ral veins are associated with particular rocks. 232, Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes No difference in appearance can be pointed out between the basalts of Saxony and Lavas, as has been before ob- served. No difference has been shewn in the chemical, or in-the mechanical characters of basaltic Lava, and basaltic floetz trap. Cordier’s paper on the substances that compose the mass of voleanic rocks of all ages, has shewn that augit, horn- blende, felspar, and titaniferous iron ore, are the compo- nent parts equally of fletz trap and of Lava-basalt. Journ. de Phys. Tom. 63. The more the fletz trap regions are examined, the more decided marks of former craters are discovered. Until the numerous craters in and about Rome were discovered, this voleanic region would have passed for a country covered by fleetz trap ; just as Auvergne yet is, notwithstanding the numerous craters of extinct volcanoes, traced and noticed by Soulavie and others. Itis impossible to account for the pores in basalt, but from the violent extrication of air, or steam while in a soft or fluid state, as we do for the pores in Lava: or for the carbo- nat of Lime, prehnites, zeolytes, agates, &c. that are formed in those pores, as we do for similar substances gradually in- filtrated and crystallized in the pores of Lava. The experiments of Sir James Hall, Mr. Gregory Watt, and Dr. Hutton, on Whin-stone, and Rowley Ray, ch fane the volcanic origin of these stones as they now appear. Hence then it appears, stated briefly, that Lavas | The Fletz-trap formation ; Contain as their greatest proportion,| Contains as its greatest propor- rocks not to be distinguished in any|tion, rocks not to be distinguished way ; from floetz trap basalts. from basaltic Lava, in appearance, in physical properties, or in chemical or ihe mechanical composition. ; They pass into and are accompa-| So are fletz trap Basalts. nied by porphyries, amygdaloids, and porous stones filled up by infiltrated minerals of various kinds. They are accompanied by granite, Such is the case also of fleetz trap gneiss, mica slate, sienite and other} basalt. See particularly Dr. M’Cul- primitive rocks of various sizes and in| loch’s paper on the Granite of Aber- various quantities. deen-shire, and his remarks on the sienite of the Scotch Isles. So, when Von Buch and Haussman were at | Christiana i in Norway, the exclama- ‘tion was, sui’je en Auvergne. and Volcanic Substances. 938 3 Lavas. | The Floetz-trap Formation. They pierce through and beara-| So does floetz trap basalt. way before them all rocks indiscrimi- nately of whatever description. They cover indiscriminately all! So does floetz trap. rocks in their way. They rarely contain or envelope,| Such isthe case with floctz trap. vegetable, animal, or metallic sub- stances save titaniferous iron. They charr contiguous coal\; they} So does flostz trap. burn all the rocks in contact with them. They are not associated with any| Such is the case with ficetz trap. rocks or any veins in particular. They are unconformable to the} Such also are the fleetz trap. rocks on which they are poured, un- less while in a state of great fluidity. They form columnar masses when| slowly cooled. These columnar masses, impossible] No other way remains to account to be distinguished in any way from| for the forms of figurate basalt of floetz the columnar basalt of floetz trap, are! trap. surely and undisputedly attributed to cooling after ignition. They have been found abounding| The same isthe case with floetz trap in countries where craters have been| basalt. traced but recently. There is no possible mode ofcon-; The same difficulty occurs as jecturing from known fact how aj fletz trap basalt. Lava basalt can be dissolved in wa- ter: and we know they haye been fused by fire. It is absolutely impossible to sup-| It is equally impossible to account pose amass of Lava, in a soft state| for Whin-Dykes, where the same ap- from aqueous solution or dispersion, to! pearances exactly take place. force its way, upwards through the whole range of superincumbent stra- tato the surface. Yet we know this is done. Wherever we can observe this ef-| We are boundin the case of Whin- fect from Lava, in our own time, or| Dykes of floctz trap, to account for know it from historical record, it has} similar effects from the operation of been caused by igneous, fusion, not) similar causes. by aqueous solution or suspension. None of the appearances or effects} | Nor will those of floetz trap basalt, of basaltic Lava, will admit of ex-! and Whin, or Dykes of toad-stone or planation from the agency ofsolution| Amygdaloid. ‘The difficulty is equal or diffusion in water. on both sides. What then are the arguments used by those who. oppose the igneous origin of the newest fleetz trap? It is said, (a) They overlie and alternate with the secondary and alluvial formations, and therefore belong to them. So does the floetz trap. 234. Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes Reply. So does the Lava of Atna over shell Limestone ; so does the Lava of Dominica, St. Kitts, &c. the Lava cov- ers the alluvial of the shores of the Tibur near Rome. Further ; if Lava and Basalt rocks, are dissociated with, and unconformable to other rocks—following no law of su- perposition or alternation, as the case is—then there is no reason why they should not cover and alternate with rocks of comparatively recent formation. (6) Basalt and trap rocks afford aqueous vapour on dis- tillation : Lavas do not. Reply. The newest fleetz trap formation is. much older than any modern Lava: and therefore has undergone more ' exposure to the causes of disintegration. Also, it is obvious that every rock that admits of infiltra- tion, and where pores are filled with crytals apparently for- eign to the rock, must contain moisture. This is the ease with porous and amygdaloid Lavas, as well as flcetz basalt. (c) The prismatic figurate form, is common to many por- hyries and shists ; to gyps, and to compact Limestone, as seein observed in the Pyrenees. Reply. This form may be found accidentally and rarely in the shists, limestones and gypsums mentioned. It is not a common but avery uncommon occurrence. As to the porphyries, it is probable they were of the formation now disputed. The only instance in which I have observed a figurate form (tetrahedral) that can create any doubt on the subject, is in some primitive traps within two or three miles of Philadel- phia. But the jointed, articulated prisms and columns of fleetz trap basalt, are no where else found but among de- cided Lavas. (d) Streams of Lava are comparatively narrow at their source, aud extend in breadth as they flow ; they vary in thickness ; they are never in very thin, or parallel and hori- zontal layers. Basalts of the floetz trap formation, on the contrary are so; and affect an equable thickness in the same, and in different layers. Reply. All this depends on the degree of fusion. If the heat has been great and the stones fusible, the lava-stream in thin fusion, will extend in breadth as it flows. If other- wise, it will not. Basalts of all kinds and descriptions in this respect, are so fully described by Soulavie, that his ac- and Volcanic Substances. 235 count of the part of France he describes from Auvergne, through Velai, Viverais, &c. to the mouths of the Rhone, furnishes replique sans reponse. (e) The summit-basalt of the Saxon and Bohemian range, from Elba to the North, and Franconia to the South, consists of round hills and nodules of granite and other primi- tive rocks of that formation on the back of which, and on the highest points, we find basalt in the form of Cones, Domes, Plains, &c. These basaltic summits are insulated ; they do not consist of more than ;',%; of the extended chain on which they are dispersed with considerable uniformity ; they are covered often with greenstone ; they cover gravel, coal, and sandstone. They are prismatic ina great degree, and very solid and regular, as Stolpen, about eighteen miles east of Dresden. Spitzberg, the highest point of the chain, three thousand eight hundred feet above the sea, is full of metallic veins, but the basalt surmounting it, contains none. Meisner in Hesse, is covered by a table of basalt three hundred seventeen feet thick. The body of the mountain is red sandstone and limestone covered by bituminous red . marle, on which rests the basaltic mass. In this chain none of the valleys are filled with basalt, as they would have been, if this rock had been thrown out as a Lava. Reply. These are probably boulders: the ground has been carried away by the long and repeated action of cur- rents. Those who have considered the boulders of the Iura, and attended to Mr. McCulloch’s suggestions of the sameness between the granite strata of the Scotch isles, and the cor- respondent boulders of the main land, will not allow this to be an objection of great weight. _ Moreover, exactly the same objection applies to its sup- posed aqueous formation, was the basalt congregated in the small compass of the top of Meisner when it fell there‘ Who can believe this ? -. Dr. Richardson’s objections are considered at length by Breislak, ch. 113 and seq. but Richardson has certainly ranked petrosilex and hornstone among the basalts by mis- take. I have often had occasion to recur to the old acknowl- rac rule of reasoning, we can argue only from what we now. 236 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes ~ We must explain, (if we do attempt explanation) a doubt- ful fact, by its analogies, not to what we may suppose, but “to what we know, and to that only. I take a piece of hard clink stone hackly basalt: T offer it to the reader, I say to him, “you are a chemist: this piece of floetz trap weighs sixteen ounces avoirdupois : how much water will it take to dissolve it °” Well : but you urge, the argument does not require solu- tion, only suspension—be it so. How came these pores, in a stone gradually consolidated and indurated from a paste coarse or fine, suspended in water? Did you in any other case ever witness a similar formation of a stone from’ its parts diffused in water? Is not such a product common in pseudo-volcanoes and in the slag of furnaces ? Again: how can a soft pasty mass, form a rough ragged peak as the summit of a mountain ? Again: how can a pasty mass find its way upward, for- cing asunder, forcing one end upward, and another down- ward ofa series of strata of unfathomable depth, till it ar- rives at the surface as in the case of Whin-Dykes? Read account of Dykes in 4 Geol. trans. and account for them if you can by aqueous solution, or aqueous suspension. Look at the ice in winter in any of our great rivers, espe- cially at the time of their breaking up in the spring. ‘The exact analogy of peaks, rough summits, prominencies of all shapes and sizes, and in all directions, rough masses formed one over another, the result of great presure a tergo of li- uid masses suddenly congealed, will strike you at once. * The fields of extinct Volcanoes which I have had the opportunity of examining (says M’Clure, 1 trans. of ‘the Philad. Academy of Sciences, p. 332) were as similar as possible in their component parts and relative position. An extensive field round Orlot—near Hamila, and at Cap du Gat in Spain—round Rome—between Rome and Florence, and in the Vincentin in Italy—in Auvergne in F'rance— round Andernack on the Rhine—at Cassel in Germany— all of them, leave no doubt on my mind of their voleanie or- igin. In all of them I found abundance of Basalt; in some of them the greatest part of the solid Lavas was in the form of basalt. The Austrian police prevented me twice from examining Hungary, but I have seen repeated collec- and Volcanic Substances. 937 tions of the rocks of that country, and could scarce distin- guish them from those collected round Ripler.” Psuedo Lavas. ‘The one described by Mr. Finch, in the neighbourhood of Bradley in Staffordshire, halfway between Wednesbury and Bilson, Ann. Phil. May, 1818, p. 342, will suffice as an example. It is about 1} miles in length by amile in breadth. It furnishes 1 crystallized sulphur, 2. mineral tar at the cropping out of a thin bed of coal, 3 rotten coal, 4. sulphat of alumina, 5. muriat and sulphat of -ammonia, 6. sulphat of zinc, 7. sulphat of lime, 8. porcelain jasper from 5 to 40 feet thick, where the clay has been in- durated by the burning of the coal underneath, 9. newest ficetz. trap basalt, or Rowley Rag: like the Rowley Rag between Dudley and Oldbury, (described by Kirwan, and operated on by Gregory Watt,) where the village of Rowley in Staffordshire now stands. It encloses crystals of horn - blende;. breaks into polygonal forms, and decomposes into spheroidal masses. _ To account for the cause of volcanic action ? J consider it established, that the chief seat of volcanic agency is under the old Granite ; in cavities that communi- cate very extensively but not universally, under the crustof the earth; for otherwise the phenomena of earthquakes, extensive as they occasionally are, would not be so often local. To feed these fires there must be combustible matter and oxygen : whence are they supplied ° The theories on this subject are ist. The decomposition of water by the decomposition of sulphuret of iron. The objection is, that there is no evidence of sufficient quantity of this substance to produce the prodigious and long continued effect. Lavas contain upon the average about + of iron. Sulphur, although common, is not abun- dant. This suggestion appears inadequate to the purpose. 2. Werner, Spalanzani, and Breislak, recur to bituminous ety The objections are, that voleanoes probably existed be- fore coal and bitumen: for nothing but the violent action of voleanoes, producing powerful and destructive currents, could have worn down the primitive, and produced the Naor EVs, Noyes en 238 Dr. Cooper on P olcanoes abraded, fragmentous, muddy intermixture, of which the transition is manifestly formed. 3 Werner recurs to his independent coal formation; but this is younger and later than volcanic action, which is also seated far deeper than that formation. The coal will be burnt by the ignited matter in its passage upward, but gran- ite cannot be thrown up by avolcano seated among the coal basins. 3. Sir H. Davy’s theory of the metallic oxyds (metals f Ed.) of the earths, has been applied to volcanoes: they are supposed to become incandescent by decomposing water, or atmospheric air, and uniting to oxygen. . This source of volcanic action must be renounced ; inas- much as the nucleus of the earth being more than 5 times heavier than water, cannot consist of substances that are as light as ether. ' 4. Hutton’s theory that the whole of our Strata from the primitive downward, have been fused by some. igniting cause operating at a remote period, and at present unknown to us: and that the nucleus has not yet had time to cool. I am aware of all Murray’s objections to this hypothesis, but I incline to it for the following reasons, viz: 1. That there is in pointof fact, a source of heat below the old granite, sufficient for the fusion or ignition of the sub- stances ejected from volcanoes in the state of fusion or igni- tion in which we find them ; the great mass of which are the hornblende rocks, or primitive trap. Wherever we propose to get the fire for this purpose, there it is. 2. That the late experiments on the temperature of mines in England, Germany, and France, shew that the warmth in- creases regularly as you descend, in the proportion of at least twelve degrees of Fahrenheit’s thermometer, in a thousand feet. © would not pretend from about twenty experiments, at various depths, in various mines, of various countries, that we have data enough to assign the ratio to the center of our globe; this would be presumptuous in the present imperfect state of our knowledge: still, these are the facts : there is no getting rid of them: they point directly to a grad- ual increase of heat in some ratio, and the general phenom- ena of volcanic action confirm it. | Will this consideration account in any degree for the re- mains of animals of warm climates found in cold ones? and Volcanic Substances. 239 Were those climates warmer formerly ? Has the surface eradually cooled? Will it account for the supposed in- crease of cold in European summers? Or for the supposed accumulation of ice in the Alps, or in the polar regions ? Of the volcanic region in the United States. Hitherto it has generally been believed that there is no evidence of volcanic action or volcanic ejection in the United States. Iam persuaded otherwise ; as may be supposed from my ranking the floetz trap formation, among the rocks of igneous origin. I have seen decided specimens of igneous rocks from the Mandan village, but I suspect them as pseudo-volcanic. We have heard also of volcanoes in the western country toward the commencement of the barren that reaches to the stony mountains. Of all this, I know nothing. I possess compact and figurate pentagonal basalt, with and without pores filled with the carbonat of lime, froin Mount Holyoke in Massachusetts. I have never been there: but my collection of volcanic matter from various countries is pretty extensive ; and I have no doubt on the subject of this being a real volcanic ejection, if Basalt and Whin be so. No person accustomed to volcanic specimens can look at the porphyries from the neighbourhood of Boston, in my possession, and doubt of their volcanic origin, According to the description of Prof. Silliman, in his inter- esting travels to Canada, the fleetz trap formation described by him as covering the red sand stone through Connecticut, is also voleanic.* So is the basaltic region described by Mr. Eaton, extending in fact from Deerfield in Massachusetts, to New Haven in Connecticut. The basalt, greenstone, and amygdaloid, cover the old redsandstone. At Pine rock in Connecticut, Prof. Silliman found Zeolite; and Mr. Eaton dark brown Augit: indications, I should suppose, sufficient- _ly decisive of volcanic origin. Indeed, Mr. Katon asks the question, Are basalt and greenstone trap of volcanic origin? (p. 258.) Tshould venture to say yes: they are. From the neighbourhood of New Haven and Woodbury in Connecticut, 1 possess many specimens of flcetz trap with imbedded prehnite. The volcanic region, therefore, * That is, the facts stated in the work quoted in the text do, in Dr. Coop- er’s opinion, justify this conclusion—no opinion on this point is expressed im the tour to Quebec.—Ed. 240 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes extends southward from Massachusetts near.Vermont,: to that part of Connecticut. East and west rocks at New Ha-. ven, consist of columnar greenstone. Proceeding southward, the trap or greenstone rocks in New Jersey that form the margin of the Hudson river, de- scribed by Dr. Samuel Ackerley, in his geology of the Hud- son river, p.32, and that cover the old red sandstone, are indubitably volcanic; figurate columnar quadrangular, pent-' angular, hexangular, basalt, with greenstone and amygda- loid. From thence to the falls of the Passaic, I have had no opportunity of examining personally. At the falls of Passaic I spent some time in akamituiog the rocks: I have no seruple in pronouncing them basalt of all textures, appearances and composition—compact—po- rous with prehnite, and carbonat of lime and zeolyte —figu- rate in trihedral, tetrahedral, but chiefly in pentagonal prisms—some dull when struck, some ringing. This mass of fleetz trap, is poured over the old red sandstone. In very many places, this undermost rock is porous and manifestly burnt at the place of contact and for some inches downward. Of this appearance, among others, | have specimens too de- cided to leave any doubt of their igneous. origin to those who will make an honest use of their eyes. This trap formation, as it is called, extends about 40 miles from the Hudson toward the Delaware ; L entered it at three several and distant places ; I collected every where porous basalt with carbonat of lime, prehnite, and occasion- ally zeolyte ; as well ascommon basalt, greenstone and figu- rate basalt, all graduating into. and connected with each other. I examined this chain, in three places at about ten miles distance from each other, and I am satisfied of the nature of the rock. Whether it crosses the Delaware I do not know, but I think not. On the road side from Princeton. to Brunswick in New- Jersey, is a manifest Basalt formation, consisting chiefly of figurate clinkstone... I have not traced it. , About eleven and a half miles from Philadelphia, de- scending a hill, on the Ridge turnpike road, there is a for- mation of about one hundred yards broad, that I have trac- ed from thence across the Scuylkill, for a considerable dis- tance beyond the Gulph mills in Montgomery County. It and Volcanic Substances, 241 crosses the river at Matson’s ford, about thirteen miles upward from Philadelphia. It cuts through all the strata in its road, to an unknown depth. I have not traced its termi- nation either way. It consists of a confused heap of figu- rate trap, many of the prisms clinkstones ; tetrahedral and pentagonal. ‘The large pentagonal prism which I caused to be brought to the Academy of Sciences in Race Street, from the Gulph mills, and which is now there, is a trap rock ; internally bearing no mark of igneous operation. It is more like a primitive than a fletz trap. It is found cut- ting through with its companions the limestone stratum of, the river Scuylkill about three miles above the Soapstone quarry. ‘This dyke is different from the rocks it adjoins, in-all its characters; it is a confused heap of unconformable basaltic prisms. The stone in question, is a pentagonal prism.~ It has been (from its internal appearance) consid- ered as a primitive trap. Who ever saw a Pentagonal primi- tive trap? Moreover, the rule of morals, is ‘the rule of Geology, nosciter a socio. ‘Lhave no other information of any fleetz trap until we come to the basalt wall near the Yadkin in North-Carolina. I have specimens of this ; but I never have been at the spot. It is undoubtedly a basalt dyke. About a mile from Columbia, (South-Carolina) near Rocky branch, a few yards from Dr. Fisher’s mill dam in the high road, Mr. Vanuxem found a thin vein of trap, (a_ wacke as I think) cutting through the old granite. The depth unknown. The vein is about two inches over, While the fletz trap formation is referred to aqueous ori- gin, we shall never understand our country: but I appre- hend, that opinion has at present few supporters among well — informed Geologists in Europe. In this country Werner? oe theory prevails, but its downfal is not far distant. _ Indeed, the igneous origin of our Granite formation in its present form and appearance, has been made so probable . by the investigations of Hutton, Playfair, Sir James Hall, — and Dr. M’Culloch, that we shall in my opinion be driven to adopt it, notwithstanding the Me EInCICeS that as yet stand in ‘the way. iT C. : “Hip pinidial-De. T. D. Porter fils Wee so good as to : furnish me with the following additional information. — 242 Dr. Cooper on Volcanoes The flcetz trap formation of our north eastern states, ex- tends higher than Deerfield, Massachusetts ; and perhaps to the New-Hampshire line ;* see Mr. Hitchcock’saccount of that region in Prof. Silliman’s Amer. Journ. of Science. These rocks contain agates, prehnites, carbonat of Lime, &c. I have specimens. Part of Mr. H’s account will be found to afford strong confirmation of much of Dr. Cooper’s opinion. T know nothing of the brown Augit mentioned by Mr. Eaton at Pine rock. The only augit I have seen, as an American specimen, was in the possession of Dr, Bigsby. of the British staff from the neighbourhood of Montreal. 1 think New-Haven is the most southerly point of this forma- tion in Connecticut. East and West rocks in New-Haven, which are said to be miniatures of Salisbury Craig, are com- posed of Trap rocks based on what is esteemed the old red sandstone. ‘They are columnar, with considerable regu- larity, containing prehnite in seams and nodules, with Zeo- lites; and in one case I met with some quartz crystals. The appearance of these two mounts seems like that of the Palisadoes on the Hudson, which however I have seen only at a distance. The forms of the rock are. various ; more commonly trapezoidal: they are used with their natu- ral surfaces exposed externally in buildig the walls of a church in New-Haven. ‘They are often found in thin La- mina, which in place have their edges vertical, and are ex- cellent clinkstones ; they are frequently irregular. About two or three miles east in East-Haven, there are numerous parallel ridges of similar rock, but for the most part, without any regular jointed structure abonnding in different places with agates, chalcedony, and amethystine quartz geodes,} carbonat of lime, analcime, Prehnite and ereen earth. In some spots this basalt, if basalt it be, is found in spherical balls. In one or two instances it alter- nates with the. sandstone which has been mentioned ; and where the two come in contact, the sandstone is somewhat altered: whether by heat or not Ido not pretend to say. ig DPa Look at Hitchcock’s map of the Connecticut river in 1 Sillim. Journ. 105, for the Greenstone breaking through * It extends a few miles into Vermont not New-Hampshire.—Ep. + Are not the Geodes of Oberstein, Lava? T.C. Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, &c. 243 ihe red sandstone and conglomerate, disrupting the rock in a narrow dyke: no possible supposition of aqueous agency could have caused this appearance. T: Look at the same volume, p. 134, for the localities of a- gate, Chalcedony, Zeolyte, Titanium, Prehnite, &c. they amount to proofs of the volcanic character of the country from Deerfield to East-Haven and Woodbury :* for all these substances are thus found as the indubitable accompany- ments of rocks whose igneous origin is undisputed (Iceland, Ferro, &c.) and are never thus found in rocks of undisputed aqueous origin. : 2 TC. ‘P.S. Since writing the above; I have been induced to consider as the source of volcanic fire, the caloric of tem-. perature given out by the condensation of a column of at- mospheric air, reaching from the surface below the old Granite. On the same principle as the common condensing tube for firing punk. It appears that the temperature of mines increases about 12 or 14° of Fahrenheit gradually at the depth of one thousand feet. I have not yet had time. to give sufficient consideration to the subject, to state any ra- tio of compression (other than Cotes’s) or the quantum of precipitated Caloric by the condensation of the lowest part ofthe column. I therefore throw out the idea only for con- sideration, ~~ 4 LH OF Arr. H.—Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, Geology, ancient. Arts, &c. ; communicated by Dr. J. W. Wensrer. : : Boston, Nov. 25th, 1821. To Pror. Siniiman, Dear Sir, From 'Thomson’s Annals of Philosophy, I extract the results of an analysis of a substance that occurs in the Lime- stone of Pargas, (by P. A. V. Bondsdorf, Ph. Dr. of Abo.) This substance * occurs in Limestone in a white, radiated form 5 it was long considered Tremolite—it is accompanied * Woodbury is an isolated basin of trap surrounded by primitive and sepa- rated by many miles of primitive from the great trap region of New- England. Vid. Vol. Il. pa. 231 of this Journal.—En. ; 5a) 244 Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, by “ granular calcareous spar, blackish sphene, and an amor-~ phous mineral of a reddish colour resembling idocrase or garnet.”—It consists of “ Silica, - 52.58, containing 26.45 of ogigen. Lime, - - 44.45 ig 12.49 Magnesia, - 0.68 a 0.26 Protoxide of Iron, 1.13 i 0.26 Allumina a Trace Volatile matter 0.99 99.83.” At a meeting of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh, ‘¢Mr. J. Deuchar read a paper containing observations on the occasional appearance of water in the cavities of regular- ly shaped crystals, and on the porous nature of quartz, and other crystalline substances, as the probable cause of this circumstance. In this paper he supposes that natural and ar- tificial crystals have a similar origin, and that although the former possess a peculiar compactness of cohesion, and tar- diness of solution, which do not belong to the latter, yet that the artificial ones, through length of time, would acquire a similar cohesion and insolubility. Mr. Deuchar holds, that the water of crystallization is in great excess, and that this excess under certain circumstances gradually decreases. He holds that the water escapes by capillary movement through the pores of the salt, till what he supposes to be the neutral state be acquired, when the salt becomes compact and insoluble. When any malformation of the nucleus pro- duces a cavity or partial vacuum in the interior of a crystal, then the capillary attraction may be exerted to that cavity as well as to the surface; but that this is modified by various circumstances. By pouring hot water upon a crack in the mouth ofa bottle, about three inches in length, it extended to five inches, but returned again when he stopped adding the hot water ; cracks in pieces of window glass were also extended by pressure, and contracted again upon its remo- val; hence Mr. Deuchar concludes “ that water may enter the void interstices of crystals, when aided by pressure, not only from the porous nature of their particles, but also from their temporary display of rents during the application of a high temperature.” Geology, ancient Jirts, &e. _ 245 The second part of the 5th Vol. cf the Transactions of the Geological Seeiety of London is announced to be pub- lished ‘‘ early in October.” Dr. Macculloch has given the name Chloropheite to a mineral found in Fife and Rum, (Scotland,) and which has been since feund in Iceland,.in an amygdaloidal rock. It has the singular property “of being perfectly transparent, and of a bottle-green colour, when taken out of the rock, but becomes opaque when removed from its place, or exposed to the air.” From the observations of Dr. Brewster, it ap- pears that this change is a mechanical one. ‘ ‘The cause of ithis change may. be conceived,” observes Dr. Brewster, “* by supposing a number of prisms assembled in a particular manner and kept together by screws, so as to bring their touching surfaces into that. close contact which prevents total reflection at the junctions. The mass of aggregated prisms willbe now quite transparent; but if we either diminish the “compressing forces by loosening the screws, or suppose some force similar to the disintegrating force of the atmos- ~ phere, to-act.in opposition, to the cohesive force represen- ted by the action.of the screws, the touching surfaces will be separated, and the whole mass become opaque.” Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, No. 8. oo Dre Fyfe, (of. Edinburgh,) has analysed the Hydrate of © » Magnesia from Hoboken, and found it to consist of 68.57 of Magnesia, and 31.43. of Water, with a trace of Lime. "The same gentleman examined the Hydrate of Magnesia discov- ‘ered by Dr. Hibbert in Ust, one of the Shetland Islands, see found it to consist. of Magnesia 69. 13, Water 30.25. Heuer. ‘No 9 of the Edinburgh Pilesbptsved Journal. “ New System. of Mineralogy. —Dr. Brewster is preparing for the press a Treatise on Mineralogy, founded chiefly on the physical relations of mineral bodies, and embracing an -account of those remarkable phenomena which have been detected in crystallized substances by the. agency of com- mon and polarised light. {n this work the unerring charac- -ters which are derived {rom optical structure will be substi- tuted in place of the ambiguous distinctions which have been senerally employed; and the student will be pied jo a Vou. TEH......No. 2. 6 246 Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, knowledge of the science, when he finds that, in addition to the usual qualities of weight, lustre, and external form, min- erals possess an internal organization which displays itself by the most beautiful optical phenomena, and exercise fune- tions of a physical nature, not less interesting than those which are exhibited in the agencies of animal and vegetable life. This Treatise will consist of two volumes, 8vo., with numerous plates, and will be preceded by an Introduction, containing a popular account or the action of crystals upon polarised light; an explanation of the new method of deter- mining primitive forms from the number of axes of double refraction; and a description of various new methods and in- struments for examining and distinguishing the precious stones and other mineral substances.” “ Discovery of the Fossil Elk of Ireland, in the Isle of Man.—Some months ago, in digging a marl-pit in the Isle of Man, there was discovered a skeleton of that remarkable animal, the Fossil Elk of Ireland. ‘This specimen, which is the most perfect and beautiful hitherto found, has been placed in the Museum of the University of Edinburgh.” From the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, No.8. “ Notice regarding the working and polishing of Granite in India ; by Alexander Kennedy, M. D. F. R. S. Edinburgh. The following observations have been suggested by the very excellent paper upon the Temples of Thebes, lately read by Colonel Stratton in this Society. (The Royal Soci- ety, Edinburgh.) In that paper he had occasion to mention the very high polish ‘still retained by the granite statues, columns, and other remains of Egyptian antiquity ; and in illustration of the great hardness of the material of which these are formed, he noticed incidentally the difficulty which had been found in operating upon one of these granite stat- ues now in the British Museum, and the number of tools which had been broken in the process of replacing one of its arms. That the arts, as well as the religion of the Hindoos, were originally derived from the Egyptians, seems not to admit of any doubt; and among the arts now practised by the Hin- doos, that of working and polishing granite, has, in all prob- ability, undergone no change from the period of its first in- Geology, ancient Arts, &c. 247 iroduction among them. Most probably therefore, the pro- cess may be the very same as those by which the materials of the stupendous temples of Egypt were prepared and fin- ished ; and.as the subject thus acquires an additional inter- est, I shall subjoin some notices of the manner in which I have seen the hardest granite cut and polished by Hindoo workmen. The only tools which they employ, are a small steel chis- el, and an iron mallet. The chisel is short, probably not longer than twice the breadth of the small hands which work it.* _ I think it most probable that each of these chissels may be formed of one of the short bars of Berar wootz, descri- bed by Dr. Heyne, in his tracts on India; but this is mere- ly conjecture. The chissel tapers to a round point like that ofa drawing pencil ; and this I believe to be the only shape ‘ever given to the points of their chissels. The mallet, I have said, is of iron. It is somewhat long- er than the chisel; its weight cannot exceed a few pounds. ‘The head, set on at right angles to the handle, may be from two to three inches long. — It has only one striking face, in this respect resembling the hammer by which the bell of a clock is struck. The striking face is formed into a pretty deep hollow, which is lined with lead, no doubt to deaden the blow, when these two instruments come in contact. With two such simple tools, to detach the most massy granite from its native bed,t to have formed, fashioned, and ‘scarped the granite rock which forms the tremendous for- tress of Dowlatabad, and to have excavated the wonder- ful caverns at Ellora, are instances both of the incredible pa- tience and perseverence of the Hindoo, and of the simple and apparently inadequate means by which he accomplishes the most difficult undertakings ; for it seems by no means probable that the Hindoo stone-cutters ever worked with any other tools. Accordingly, the traces of the pointed chisel, are at this day as fresh upon the rock of the very * The smallness of the handle of the Hindoo sword has often been remark- ed. + An obelisk of a single granite stone, the shaft of which, as I am credibly informed, is seventy-five feet in length, was erected a few years ago in the neighbourhood of Seringapatam, to the memory of the late Josiah Webbe, sq. It was quarried in the neighbourhood, and the whole work executed by Hindoo workmen. 248 Foreign Notices in Mineralogy, &c. ancient fortress of Dowlatabad, as when first cut. Are not traces of tbe pointed chissel to be seen upon the granite an- tiquities of Egypt ? ul Having by these two instruments only, brought the stone to a smooth surface, it next undergoes the dressing with water, in the manner usual with masons. It now only re- mains to apply the black shining polish, which is ¢one as follows: A block of granite of considerable size, is usually fashioned into the shape of the end of a large pestle. ‘The lower face of this is hollowed out into a cavity, and this is filled with a mass composed of pounded corundum stone, mixed with inelted bees-wax. This block is moved by means of two sticks, or pieces of bamboo, placed one on each side of its neck, and bound together by cords, twisted and tightened by sticks. 'The weightof the whole is as much as two work- men can easily manage. ‘They seat themselves upon, or close to the stone they are to polish, and by moving the block backwards and forwards between them, the polish is given by the friction of the mass of wax and corundum. Granite finished in this way is the most common material of which the tomb-stones of princes and great. men in India are constructed. Asa beautiful glossy black, it is scarcely, if at all inferior. to the finest black marble ; and referring both to ancient Indian monuments,* and to the observations *In the end of the year 1794, I had an opportunity of visiting the ancient city of Warankul, and of seeing a granite gateway, standing within the bounds of the palace; the fine black polish of which appeared to have lost nothing of its original lustre. It was almost the only remains of the royal residence, and we were told had been originally one of four similar gates, which led into a court into the interior of the palace. ‘The other three had been removed for the sake of the materials. This beautiful gateway de- serves also to be mentioned for the very durable manner in which it was constructed. The stones were fitted to each other most accurately, so that the joinings were as close as those of a modern marble chimney piece; and as no mortar or cement of any kind, had been employed, it seemed perfect- ly secure, both against the attacks of vegetation and the influences of the weather. But for these circumstances, it would not have escaped being at- tacked by the seeds of the banyan tree, and would probably have been en- tirely subverted long before the time of my seeing it. On the contrary, it seemed quite secure from the attacks of this irresistible enemy of Indian architecture, and was in every respect so perfectly fresh, that, unless by the application of external force, it seemed to be capable of lasting forever. According to Colonel Wilkes, the city of Warankul was founded A. D. 1067, and captured by the Delhi Patansin 1323, when the dynasty was sub- verted. The gateway in question could therefore scarcely have been less than 500 years old, and might probably have been considerably older. Geology of the Catskills. 249 of Colonel Straton, it would appear that the polish thus giv- en to granite, may be said to be as imperishable, as the ma- terial itself to which it is applied. 1 had an opportunity of making these observations while engaged in erecting a granite monument, ornamented with black pilasters. - The workmen succeeded most perfectly in giving the black polish to the granite, in the manner I have described.” Art. [1f.—Notice of the Geology of the Catskilis ; by Mr. D. W. Barton, of Virginia—uwith a Plan. Tux study of Geology becomes more satisfactory, the nearer approach to perfect uniformity, we discover in the ar- rangement and stratification of the same minerals in different parts of the world—when they exhibit the same internal structure—the same relation, position, and the same asso- ciation with other minerals. It is an object of noless impor- tance to be able to establish the geological identity of remote sections of the same country, and to trace particular mine- rals through an extent of several hundred miles, with little or no interruption of continuity, and invariably accompanied by the same rocks. I have recently examined, with some degree of minuteness, the geology of the Catskills and their vicinity, with a design to compare the northern extremity of the transition region of the U. States with acorresponding section in the south. The result of my observations is ex- _ hibited in the accompanying chart. If in some instances I have not given to a stratum of rocks its appropriate designa- tion, the error will be of little consequence, since it cannot materially affect the accuracy of the comparison which I propose: In addition to this imperfect delineation of the geology of the Catskill Mountains, I am enabled to notice several lo- calities of minerals which have not hitherto been described. Ist, On the side of the Mountain which rises immediately to ’ the north of Kaaterskill clove, and about a quarter of a mile from the dwelling of Mr. Absalom Smith, is a ledge of com- mon argillaceous slate, from which during the winter and spring, issues a smal] stream, strongly impregnated with alum. On arriving at the surface of the rock, the fluid is 250 Geology of the Catskalls. evaporated, and deposits the alum in the form of a powder. It is here collected in considerable quantities, and employed without farther preparation as a substitute for the imported alum. I observed sulphur in the fissures of the same rocks ; to this no doubt the sulphate of alumine owes its origin. The same substance occurs in many other places, efflorescing from the mineral cavities of the rocks. 2d. In the sand- stone about two miles east of the Mountains, I discovered malachite (green carbonat of copper) with its usual associates, quartz and sulphat of barytes. 3d. The Fer Ologiste or specular iron frequently occurred in small quantities in de- tached masses of quartz. 4th. In the channel of a stream, two miles south-east of the Durhan meeting-house, (Greene county,) I found the sulphat of iron distinctly characterized. The same rock in which this occurs, (a coarse variety of slate,) abounds with imperfect vegetable impressions, some of which are converted into coal, and the cavities which the decay of others has left, are occupied by sulphat of iron, which frequently presents the fibres and branches of the ori- ginal vegetable. The acidification of the sulphur (one of the ingredients of the Pyrites) accounts satisfactorily for the production of the sulphate of iron, as well as the sulphate of Alumine with which itis found in intimate connexion. References to the Engraved Plan. No. 1. Ledges of schistose sandstone running in a diree- tion about N. by E. and S. by W. containing numerous pe- trifactions—position nearly horizontal. No. 2. A fine argillaceous slate, embracing very “few, and these indistinct organic remains. Its inclination is much greater than that of the preceding class, and where I have observed them contiguous, the schistose sandstone has invariably occupied the highest position. The Argillite is evidently of earlier formation. No. 3. Sandstone similar to that denoted by No. 1. No. 4. Slate not differing essentially from that of the sec- end class. . No. 5. Ledges of Limestone nearly horizontal and par- allel with the strata already described. Insome instances there is a sudden and remarkable deviation from. this posi- tion, andthe strata become inclined at an angle of 20° or 30°. Dr. J. W. Webster on St. Michael, &c. 251 In the rocks which constitute this ledge, are imbedded nodules of flint of almost every variety of curvilinear form. ‘They also abound with petrifactions of shells, &c. &c. No. 6. Argillaceous slate inclined at an angle of 45°. In every other respect resembling No. 2. “No. 7. An alluvial valley. The soil consists of clay, mingled with a calcareous mould, evidently the result of the decomposition of the rocks in its vicinity. No.8. vide No. 2. No. 9. — No. 5. ; No. 10. Limestone. In this ledge the imbedded masses of flint and hornstone are so abundant, as to constitute al- most a third. No. 11. vide No. 2. No. 12. — No. 5. No. 13. — No. 2. a No. 14. Immense ledges of carbonat of lime, essentially the same with that described in No. 5. These form the termi- nation of the limestone region, on the E. side of the Cats- kill mountains. The geology of the intermediate space is perfectly uniform. The rocks are a species of sandstone, so fine as scarely to present the appearance of a conglome- rate, and with difficulty distinguishable from some of the coarser varieties of common slate. At the foot of the moun- tain the slate occurs, extremely well characterized, and con- tinues. to be the predominant rock for a considerable dis- tance up the mountain, when the sandstone again appears,. and extends uninterruptedly at least ten or fifteen miles to the W. Here my researches terminated. Arr. [V.—Notice of a New Work. ‘¢ A description of the Island of St. Michael, comprising an. account of its Geological structure; with remarks on the other Azores or Western Islands. Originally communi- cated to the Linnean Society of New-England. By Joun W. Wesster, M. D. Cor. Sec. L. S$. N.E. Boston ;. published by R. P. & C. Williams.” Tue Linnzan Society was originally formed bya few gen- tlemen of Boston, among whom was the author of this 952 Dr. J. We Webster on St? Michael work. It has attained a part of the object for which it was instituted, a very extensive collection of specimens in all the branches of Natural History. ‘The Society has lately been meorporated. It has labored chiefly in silence, but has accomplished much. The only publication which hassap- : peared under its auspices, as we believe, is 2 vada res- pecting the Sea Serpent. This work on St. Michael, professes to be a communica- tion tothe same Society. We have perused it with much _ pleasure and satisfaction, and we hope that Dr. Werstes’s example may excite others to similar efforts. In the preface, Dr. Webster observes that: ‘ it is not a lite remarkable that a group of islands, situated’ as. the Azores are, within eight hundred miles-of the shores of Europe, should not Tave commanded ‘the attention of naturalists, nor have induced some one to undertake anex- ~ cursion to them for the purpose of investigating their geo- logical structure. The only notices we have of them, are brief, tending to excite the curiosity, rather than affording much positive information respecting them.” In.1813, a work entitled a ‘ History of the Azores was published in England, which Dr. Webster observes; is said to have been - written by the well known Ashe; a review of this appeared in the Quarterly’ Review for 1814, from which and from Dr. Webster’s account of the islands it wor to be highly incorrect, and indeed almost utterly false..: ; Dr. Webster adds as\ so few atninlitch in) ‘the’ a. ted States have enjoyed the opportunity of examining yol- canic’ formations, it was thought that a tolerably ‘minute “ deseription of all the geological appearances: ‘observed ~ ‘would be interesting to them ; the whole of the. original “communication has. therefore been retained.. 1 have, the author remarks, thought it would be useful to point out . the rocks of some well known European ‘localities, which -many-specimens from St. Michael. resemble. A’ refer- ~encé to American — localities. would. have. been ,prefera- _. ble, but [ have met with no rocks in this country analo- gous to those described in this work. It has indeed Been -* Said that basalt occurs in the United. States, but,,the rocks which have been thus called, are widely different from é IV yd bersetexe Jc iinae sate : ; vod and the other Azores. Q53 the basalts of Saxony, or even those of Scotland and Ire- land.’’* The “Introduction” to Dr Webster’s book, contains an account of the discovery and early history of the Azores, collected and condensed from all the best authori- ties. The islands included under the general name of Azores, or Western Islands, are nine in number, and are called San Miguel, or St. Michael, St. Mary, Terceira, St. George, Graciosa, Fayal, Pico, Flores and Corvo. The group, in general may be considered as extending from 37° to 39° 45' of N. lat. and from 25° to 31° of W. long. It is’ situated in the Atlantic ocean, about eight hundred miles west from Cape St. Vincent, and at nearly the same dis- tance from the shores of Africa and America.” St. Michael is the largest of those islands, and is that which has com- manded the principal attention of the author. The obser- vations extend to most of those topics which usually arrest the attention ofa traveller, and many highly entertaining accounts are given of the customs and manners of the in- habitants, which are in some respects peculiar and appear to be but imperfectly known to the rest of the world. The following is an account of the general appearance of the island of St. Michael. ‘The view from the anchorage on the south side of the island, where vessels ride about a mile distant from the shore, is uncommonly varied and pic- turesque. Immediately at the water’s edge stands the city of Ponta Delgada, the principal town of St. Michael. It takes its name from the point Delgada, a little to the east- ward of which it is situated, and from the uniform white- ness of the houses has, at a distance, an air of great neat- ness and even of beauty. The buildings rise above each ether with great regularity as they recede from the sea, and * It will be seen from President Cooper’s memoir on volcanoes and volca- nic productions, thathe is ofa different opinion. It is obvious however from the citation which he makes of the “ Basalt’? of Mount Holyoke in Massa= chusetts, that he uses the word at least in that instance, and insome similar @4ses in such an extent, as to include greenstone—for such Mount Holyoke de- eidedly is, if we may rely on our own examination of this mountain. Bake- well and many other writers use the word Basalt, in a loose sense, including under it most of the trap rocks. Restricted to the sense in which Dr. Web- ster uses the word Basalt, we must say, that we have never seen a specimen of American Basalt. This we know to be the opinion of Col. Gibbs ; anda nuzn- ker of years since, we heard the same sentiment expressed by Mr. Maclure. Wow. LV....No. 2. | 254 Dr. J. We Webster on St. Michael the general effect is heightened by the numerous towers of the churches and convents scattered in various parts of the city. The land gradually becomes more elevated beyond the town, and clumps of orange trees and other evergreens, here and there intermixed, are more frequent as the eye reaches the open country, where they spread out in rich profusion. Numerous small conical hills are seen in the back ground, which are covered with a short, but verdant growth of heaths and ferns ; ; and the view is bounded on each side by lofty mountains.” - The habits of the people are thus described : “ In all seasons of the year the men wrap themselves in large cloth cloaks, one corner of which is usually thrown over the left shoulder. With the cxception of the cloak, their dress is simple, and well suited to the mild climate in which they live. It consists of a short jacket and breeches of a coarse blue, or brown, cotton cloth, from beneath which, white linen or cotton drawers hang several inches below the knees, both garments being loose and untied. Boots of unblacked leather reach rather more than half way up the legs, and the head is covered with a blue cloth cap, called ‘ carapu- ca.” * The females of the Azores have not the clear, flo- _ vid complexion so much admired in some other countries, but their countenances are not devoid of animation, and are often highly expressive. Their feet are remarkably small, and their gait is slow and graceful. Females of the better class are seldom seen in the streets, as it is esteemed highly indecorous for them to appear in public, unless ac- companied by their fathers or brothers; even then, their faces are veiled, and they are wrapt in large blue woollen cloaks, or are dressed in a peculiar, and uniform black habit called “ manto,” which equally protects them from the gaze of the multitude.” Then come descriptions of the Friars, Nuns, religious houses, &c. The superstition of the Azoreans is equalled only by their ignorance. The customs, ceremonies, pen- ances, processions, &c. during Lent are minutely described ; we extract the following passage: “In the afternoon of Good Friday, another procession takes place, when all the images which have been already noticed, are again carried through the streets : and in addition, an attempt is made to and the other Azores. ; 955 represent all the circumstances in the denial, condemnation, and crucifixion of Christ, together with many other events recorded in the Scriptures... Men and women, the charac- ters of some of whom are well known not to be the most pure, are hired to perform in this show, and are dressed and painted at the Franciscan convent, where the proces- sion is arranged. Our Saviour is represented by a large wooden image, dressed in a purple robe; uponits head is a crown of thorns, and the hands, which are tied, beara reed. ‘Two men, representing Herod and Pilate, march along in red boots, with splendid turbans on their heads, from beneath which an abundance of false hair hangs in graceful ringlets over robes. of purple and ermine. Their long trains are held by children dressed as pages. The cock and St. Peter have a conspicuous station, in company with Judas Iscariot. Children, dressed as in the proces- sion described in the preceding chapter, carry silver dishes, on some of which are a sponge, hammer and nails; on others are human skulls and thigh bones. Following the cross are two persons, representing the two thieves; they are strangely dressed, and their arms are bound with cords. Their faces are concealed by pieces of black crape, and they are guarded by soldiers on each side. An image of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is carried on a bier ; her eyes are raised to heaven, and tears appear to drop from them, which are conspicuous at the distance of many yards. In another part of the procession are seen Abraham and Isaac, clothed in sheep-skins, Isaac bearing on his shoulder a bundle of faggots.” The eighth chapter contains an account of the climate, agriculture, &c. ‘ The thermometer rarely indicates a temperature below fifty degrees of Fahrenheit’s scale, or above seventy-five.” The state of agriculture appears to be miserably bad, arising in part from the entailment of es- tates, and from anatural aversion to labour and improves ment in the islands. The remark made by the first adven- turers that noxious animals and reptiles do not exist in the Azores is confirmed by the observations of Dr. Webster, who in speaking of the miserable superstitions, of these islanders, very carefully avoids the use of those harsh epithets, which they so justly merit. . 256 Dr. J. W. Webster on. St. Michael Chap. IX. ‘ Orange gardens—purchase of fruit—Imports ~—Gathering and packing the fruit—varieties of lemons and. oranges—Grapes—V intage.”’ “ The orange and lemon. trees blossom in the. months of February and March.”—~ “‘ The trees generally attain the heighth of fifteen or twenty» feet ; they are planted with little regularity and are permits: ted to grow with unrestrained luxuriance.”—“, The usual: produce of a good tree, incommon years, is from sixtoeight thousand oranges and lemons. A few years since, twenty- six thousand oranges were obtained from one tree and tweuty> — nine thousand have been gathered from another. » ‘These quantities have never been exceeded. A singular variety of Jemon and orange is. described which has ‘a very irregular, lobulated appearance ;.and different lobes of the same or-.» ange or lemon retain the distinct sweet or sour taste.” Some of these arc shaped “like acucumber with numerous. long « slender processes growing out from. the sides ; some have - a form very similar to the human. hand, with projections like fingers ; and some hang in clusters, or resemble large oranges or lemons to which smaller ones, of the size of bul- lets are attached,” &c. ‘These’ are produced by innocula- ting the common, or sweet orange, with the sour oranges and lemons. 23 Chap. X. Dismissing the popular topics which however » we have found very interesting, we now advert to: the. Geological features of St. Michael, &c.‘‘ The Azores are peculiarly interesting to the geologist, as they exhibit to him at every step marks of their comparatively recent for- mation, and of the operation of agents the most, powerful » and terrific.””. The island is described, first generally, and . presents lofty mural precipices, deep ravines, lofty moun-. » tains, and iso!'ated conical hills with craters at the top. The principal variety. of Lava is of the basaltic kind, in applying | this term the author observes, he has. ‘‘ followed Daubuis- » son,” anda better authority it would be difficult-to find. . The structure of the rocks is minutely described... They abound. in. Olivine and Augite, and sometimes contain Haiiyne, basaltic hornblende, ‘Titanite, Felspar, &c. Much of the lava is cavernous, an expressive term which has been adopted from Sir George Mackenzie’s work ,on Iceland. ah yolioning is an accouut of one of the caverns in the island. ; und the other Azores. s 257 - “Having reached a field between three and four miles N. West from the city, we discovered the entrance to the cavern. It isa fissure in the rocks, which here rise only a few feet from the surface, and is about wide enough to ad- mit two persons abreast. The bottom, when viewed from _ the entrance, for some yards formed a gently inclined plane 3 but as we proceeded the rocks spread out on both sides, © and we soon found ourselves in a spacious apartment, the floor of which was heaped with huge fragments of lava that — had fallen from above, and over which our progress was, for some distance difficult and rather dangerous. At the dis-~ tance of ten or twelve yards from the entrance, we came. suddenly upon the edge of a precipice, beyond which it | seemed impossible to proceed. Creeping, however, with caution along the edge, we presently came to a point where _an accumulation of fragments afforded a natural, but dan- gerous passage, and, by leaping from rock to rock, we at length reached the bottom. * The heighth of the precipice was probably not’ less than thirty feet; and as the torches, with which we were armed, served to illuminate the cavern but feebly, we di- rected our guide to kindle a fire. From the sound of our ~ voices, we were of opinion that this apartment was of great © extent, and the strongest light we could obtain, did’ not enable us to discern the roof, id * ‘The light of the fire strongly contrasted with, and gradu: | ally lost in the surrounding darkness, produced avery pic- — turesque effect, which was greatly heightened by the situa- ~ tion of our party, some of whom were obscurely seen stand- - ing upon the huge fragments of rocks, while others were ~ passing and repassing in various directions, exploring a pas- sage to the recesses of the cavern. Having groped about for some time, over and among rocks ofall sizes and shapes, — which were piled on each other in every possible manner, ~ we at length discovered, on our right, a chasm about two ~ feet in width. Looking into it from above, the space be- low appeared to enlarge, and the lava on which we stood, — to form the roof of another cavern beneath us.” “The floor was covered with fragments of every size, and from the — roof hung stalactites of lava ; an appearance highly interes- — ting, and which amply repaid me for the danger and diffi- © culty encountered. Qn breaking the stalactites they were 258 Dr. J. W. Webster on St. Michael found to be much more porous and vesicular than any lava I had previously seen. The cells were nearly perfect spheres arranged in concentric circles, and most of them were large enough to contain a pea. They were not visi- ble, however, till the stalactites were broken, being covered with a smooth and hard crust. The partitions between the cells were less than the sixteenth of an inch in thickness, and had an imperfect glimmering lustre on the fresh frac- ture. Most of them contained a loose brown, earthy mat- ter, probably the result of partial decomposition. ‘The sta- lactites, externally, have a dark iron grey colour, sometimes passing to black, and they are deeply channelled in a longi- tudinal direction. ‘They occur of all sizes, some of them are less than an inch in length, while others exceed a foot. Their diameter is not less variable but never exceeds six inches at the thickest part. ‘Those which were about a foot in length, were usually fram one to three inches thick.” When these stalactites were broken, water fell from them, — but externally theyjweredry. The attraction of the volcanic rocks of this island for moisture is observed by the author to be very great and to this he attributes in a good degree, the fertility of these regions: the same remark holds true of other volcanic regions, and even of trap countries although in this respect they are less remarkable. “The difficulty of penetrating to the last apartment of the cavern, was by no means inconsiderable, and for the last few yards, we were obliged to creep upon the bottom, and advance with the utmost caution, while the sharp points of hundreds of stalactites were in contact with our clothes.” Some of the circumstances noticed in the lava of these cav- erns, are curious, &c. throwing light on the manner in which. they may have been formed, the lava appearing like melted lead thrown into water—the walls “‘ in some places seem to be covered with petrifactions or vegetables, and shrubs, re- taining the most perfect resemblance to their originals,” some specimens resembled bunches of grapes partially flat-. tened, and some were like ‘‘ coarse lace.” Chap. XII. “ Geology of St. Michael continued—Erup-. tions from the sea.” In addition to the facts which the author. examined in person, as to the structure of the rocks, &c. he. has given the details of the recent volcanic eruptions, all. “proving these islands to be “* among the most recent forma- tions of our globe,” but we have not room for extracts from this and the other Azores. 959 portion of the work which although highly interesting has been sn part published before. In this chapter is a letter from Captain Tillard of the British frigate Sabrina, ‘ describing the phenomena attending the eruption from the sea in 1811, and which was originally published in the Philosop. Transact. for 1812. The frigate being there at the time, Capt. T. landed on the new island and named it “ Sabrina,” but it disappeared a few days after beneath the waters of the ocean. ‘To the account of Capt. T. succeeds another, first published in the ninth volume of Brande’s Jour. of Science and the Arts, of the Royal Inst. We observe Dr. Webster makes much use of the word Trachyte, which is rather new in this country. This term is now applied very generally abroad to a porphyritic rock, or rather, to many different porphyritic rocks having the general character of containing crystals of glassy felspar. In speaking of this rock, it is observed in the Edin. Ph. Jour. ina paper of Dr. Borré’s on the volcanic rocks of Auvergne, that “ it is almost impossible to give a definition of such a rock; how could it be otherwise with a volcanic production, which is formed from all the different members of the granite formation ?” Pumice is described as occurring in vast quantity and it often contains bituminous wood resembling the Suturbrand of Iceland. A distinct transition from Pumice to Obsidian was often noticed. The obsidian is always found in St. Mi- chael, in loose pieces and is of the usual black colour, some- times irridescent, which Dr. Webster attributes to exposure to the air, &c. and always contains crystals of glassy felspar. In chap. XIV, an interesting account is given of a stu- pendous crater fifteen miles in circumference, and now em- bosoming an inland lake which covers one third of the in- cluded space, while the rest is occupied by vegetables and a thin population with a small village called by the natives, the seven cities, and the vale is called the valley of the sev- en cities; — ~ In the XVth chapter a remarkable rock is described as eccurring on the mountain of Agoa de Pao. ‘Some of the pieces were about twice the size ofa man’s head, and, at first sight, might easily have been mistaken for pieces of granite. They are composed of felspar and hornblende, and contain a few scattered grains of magnetic iron. The 260 Dr. J. W. Webster on St. Michael felspar is divided into prismatic distinct connections, which are from half an inch to two inches in length, and from an eighth of an inch to an inch in thickness.” The angles and ‘edges of these masses were rounded and showed marks of attrition—Angular spaces have been left between the con- cretions, in one of which, says Dr. Webster, I discovered a portion: of transparent quartz having a red tint. The spaces are partially filled by crystals of hornblende projecting into them, anditis probable that they were once entirely oceu- pied by that mineral. A small quantity of black mica ad- heres to the surface of ‘some of the largest concretions of felspar. . The most singular cireumstance in these masses, is the division of each one of them into a coarse and fine grained portion. The latter, composed likewise of hornblende and felspar, intimately mixed, and in nearly equal quantities, forms a nucleus, which is completely enveloped by the coarse concretions. There is no gradual transition from the one to the other, but they are so distinct, that, on the ap- plication of a slight degree of force, they separate from each other, and the nucleus, or fine grained portion, pre- sents a smooth and convex surface. ‘The lustre:and trans- lucency of the felspar, in all these fragments, is such as evinces that they could not have been subjected to a very elevated temperature.” ‘The author then goes on to re- mark, that “ if these rocks had been found on a mountain, composed of the primitive rocks of many geologists they _ would have been described as granite, or sienite, and there is a Dr. Webster’s opinion, no reason why ‘they are “not, in. their present situation, equally entitled to the name.’ ~ Perhaps we do notexactly apprehend the author’s meaning. He evidently does not intend that the specimens resembling granite and sienite (and this resemblance has appeared to us On inspection of the specimens tobe very striking) indicate that the immediate region in which they are found is primi- tive, for this is disproved by the whole tenor of his observa- tions. If he means nothing more than that the pieces in question have such indicia as prove their origin from primi- tive rocks, this conclusion contains nothing improbable, for fragments of primitive rocks are not uncommon among volcanic ruins, and the mechanical analysis of lava by Cor- dier, is said to discover principally primitive minerals. | We and the other Azores. 261 would ask Dr. Webster whether he is warranted in _infer- _ring that his supposed primitive specimens, “ could not have been subjected to a very elevated temperature,” because _they retain ‘ their lustre and translucency,” for the glassy felspar which he mentions as being found so commonly in the lava and even in the obsidian and pumice of St. Michael ds still more remarkable ‘for lustre and translucency, and in _ the lava of Vesuvius, we often find transparent and brilliant _ crystals of leucite, not to mention the beautiful olivin which abounds so much in the lava of the Azores. , The author next adverts to the occurrence of fragments of similar rocks, in the vicinity of volcanoes now active, .,and states his opinion that the specimens observed by him - could not have been carried up the mountain, or ‘have come there by design, or accident asinthe case of ballast stones, &c. _.. ‘These stones were not found in the immediate vicinity sof any, buildings, near the sea shore, nor at the base of the | mountain, but at an elevation of not less than one thousand feet. above the. level of the sea, and in a ravine, probably, never before trodden by human being.” We freely assent .to the author’s observation that “ in examining any tract of country,.the geologist cannot too often call to mind the re- mark of Humboldt that ‘“ he is exposed to a thousand er- rors if he loses sight of the changes, which the intercourse between nations produces on the surface of the globe.” The whole:of the lower part of the island is composed of “« tuff,” which also forms a smallisland, or more properly crater in the sea in front of the town of Villa Franca. This aslet. appears from, its structure to have been. formed by an eruption like that of 1811. Hot springs occur in’ various places in. St. Michael—those of * the valley of the Furnas” _. are,most.interesting and curious. ot Chap. XVIII. The Valley of the Furnas, &c. &c. The hot springs of the Valle das Furnas,”* render this the most interesting spot in St. Michael. The valley is nearly twelve miles in; circumference, and is bounded on every side by .. Moountains of various height. Its form is like that of the _pother enclosed vallies, which have already been described, oidéd nearly circular, but its surface has considerable irregu- »darity, rising here and there into ‘small hills. “A part of it is under tolerable cultivation, and ‘itis inhabited bys a ‘few 0 a The Portuguese word §§ ‘Buenas’? means caverns. | voi No. 2. 8 262 Dr. Webster on St. Michael peasants. Itis watered by many streams that wind throughs the plantations, till they unite to form a small river, called “ Ribeira Quinte,” or warm river. After a circuitous course the Ribeira Quinte flows through a deep ravine and empties itself into the sea on the southern side of the island at the base of Pico da Vigia. The mountains surrounding this valley are ri sie chiefly of pumice, but compact lava and rocks of the tra- _ chyte family are seen on the face of many of the precipices. The columnar structure and vertical arrangement of these rocks are quite distinct in some places; in others, beds of the porphyry and pumice appear to alternate. They are sometimes separated by layers of fine sand or ashes. A few pieces of slaggy lava and scoriz, are occasionally found at the foot of the mountains, but there are no large collections or beds of them. . *‘ The hot springs are continued towards one extremity of the valley, beyond a few cottages composing the village of 'Trunnas. They are not seen at any distance, being sur- rounded by small hills, some of which, there is great rea- son to believe, owe their origin in part, if not altogether, to the springs themselves. They are generally covered with short shrubs, butsome of them are wholly devoidof any traces of vegetation. They are composed of clay of different de- grees of compactness, which is variously, and often beau- tifully coloured by iron under different degrees of oxidation. The clay is intermixed with fine pumice and masses of siliceous sinter. As we pass along the narrow road from the village to this spot, the gradual change from a fertile to a barren soil is observed, and within a few yards of the hot springs nearly all traces of vegetation are lost. At the ex- tremity ofthe road the ground is almost snow white, and then acquires a reddish tinge ; this increases in intensity and brightness, and finally passes through an infinite variety of shades to a deep brown. Here and there patches and veins of a brilliant yellow and purple colour add to the singular aspect of this remarkable spot. The clay isin some places so much indurated as to retain an imperfect slaty charac- ter but most of it is soft and has an earthy aspect. It does not feel perfectly smooth when rubbed, but is full of hard grains, which are exceedingly minute; and when a mass of it is diffused in water, a quantity of fine siliceous parti- and the other Azores. 263 elesis apparent. It has many of the characters of Tripoli It is used by the peasants as an external application for cu- taneous diseases, and is undoubtedly beneficial in some par- ticular cases, from the quantity of sulphur it contains.” * The vicinity of the springs is indicated by the increased temperature of the earth, a sulphureous odour, and the es- cape of vapour or steam from every crack and fissure in the ground. ‘The temperature of the clay continues to increase as we advance, and a greater quantity of vapour is at last seen slowly ascending from the springs themselves. The volumes of smoke and steam rolling upwards from the sur- face to a great height; till they are gradually diffused through the atmosphere, or mingle with the heavier clouds that crown the summit of the mountains, produce a striking effeet. The confused, rumbling, and hissing noise, that is heard for some time before we arrive in sight of the springs increases at last to an incessant and terrific roar, and seems to issue from the very spot on which we stand. The earth returns a hollow sound, and great caution is required to avoid stepping into the pools and streams of boiling water, with which its surface is covered. The quantity of hot water discharged through the in numerable orifices in the ground is prodigiously great, and the different streams unite, forming a small river that, still hot, joins the Ribeira Quinte. The largest springs are termed ‘ caldeiras,” or boilers, and a shallow basin of earthy matter has been formed round each of them, by de- positions from the water. Much of the water is constantly retained within these reservoirs, and its surface is more or less agitated by the escape of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, and the ejection of the water from below. The tempera- ture of some of these springs on the second of December, between three and four o’clock P. M. the thermometer standing at 63° Farhr’t. the barometer at 29, 4 was as fol- lows : 207°—200°——96°—137°—203° 190°—134°—170°——73°—114° 184°—-94°—12.2°—171°—147° The basin of the largest spring, particularly designated as ‘the caldeire,” is circular, and between twenty and thirty feet in diameter. “ The water in this, boils with much greater violence than in any other caldeira, and dis- 264 . Dr. Webster on St. Michael tinct loud explosions. occur at short» intervals, which are’ « sueceeded bya very. perceptible elevation of the bodys of : water within the basin... This is attended with’a loud: hiss~': ing; noise and the escape of great quantitiesof sulphuretted:» hydrogen gas; steam and sulphurous sacids vapour.” The : water of these springs is used in bathing houses ereeted near » them-and found highly beneficial in many:complaints. 9» ‘Wherever the water has flowed, depositions of siliceous sinter have accumulated, and circular) basins; composed» entirely of this substance, have been here and there formed = round a spring. The siliceous:matter rises, in many places, eight or ten inches above the level of the water; and is of ten, exceedingly beautiful... Vegetables, grass, leaves and similar. substances which have been exposed to: the influ-'/ ence of the water are more or less incrusted with silex,: andz exhibit all the progressive steps of petrifaction ;. some being soft, and but little differing from their natural state ; while: others are partly converted into stone, or perfectly consoli+s dated.” .All these masses are more or less abundant im sul- phur, often crystallized and constituting splendid specimens. Much of the sinter resembles that of the geysersof lceland— » much. is represented as being far;more beautiful. One va~» riety, which has been described, in a former number of this} vol. Journal, pa. 26 is distinguished» by its structure and chemical composition (containing 16.35 per cent of | water)»: and Dr.W. proposes to designate it by the name ‘ Michael-« ite.” Silex occurs in the cavities of thesmassive sinter in stalactites, some of which are covered with ‘‘ small, brilliant erystals of quartz.”’ [on Ad Near the springs is'a remarkable breccia formed of frags ments of Java, pumice, sinter and obsidian, cemented by siliceous matter. From observing the ferruginous deposi- tionof some springs of cold water within.a few inches of the hot springs, and from the occurrence: of pebbles having a metallic stain; Dr. Webster suspected: the existence of sulphuretted iron and caused an extensive examination to be made. At a considerable depth below the surface, his conjecture was verified by “the discovery. of an abundance of sulphuretted-iron 3 a great quantity of which was thrown » up. Most.of the pieces were as large as aman’s head, with an irregular globular form.” These pieces had all the char-. acters of iron pyrites and in the author’s view, the existence and the other Azores. — 265 ofthis bed:of pyrites, enables us: at once to account for all the phenomena in this spot, especially the sublimation of thesulphur, the heat of the water, and the chalybeate prop- erties of the springs. “We cannot but think however, that — although the pyrites may be and doubtless are active in pro- ducing these remarkable phenomena, ‘the cause is scarcely adequate to such continued and grand effects which must ° probably be ultimately referred to the general and deep seated cause of the volcanic activity which so signally distin-— guishes all the Azores. Chap. XIX. Contains an account of the chemical and - medical properties of the waters of these springs, from ° which it appears they contain Carbonic Acid, Carbonate of | Potash, Muriate of soda, Iron in the state of Carbonate—a ~ trace of manganese and silex. In an Appendix is given a general sketch of the remain-~ ing islands of this ha si is -very brief, and consists chiefly of the scattered facts collected by the autkor from different journals, travels, &c. He did not visit these islands ° and therefore does not pretend to give any thing more than | asketch of them. ‘There is in the Appendix a very inter- esting account ofan eruption in the island of St. George in 1808, by J. B. Dabney, Esq. American Consul at Fayal.— ‘Dr. Webster’s volume is neatly printed and is fully illus- trated by the following engravings executed in a correct and elegant style. Lice 1. A general map of the Azores: 2. A particular map of St. Michael. $281 3. A scale of the Barometer and Thermometer at Ponts © Delgada, Oct. 1817 to March 1818. 4. A view of the Eruption onthe N. W. coast of St. Mie’ » chael, June 13, 1811. ibe Appearance of the Island Sabrina, S.)2We:coneé mile » from St. Michael. 6. View of Pico and St. George from Fayal - bs We have extracted so largely from Dr. Wiatisteh? S voleaie that the reader will now be able to form acompetent opinion’ for himself. But in closing this article we cheerfully add, ° that we have rarely perused a volume of equal extent which® has presented more valuable and interesting — ‘information conveyed in a chaste, unostentatious and perspicuous ° manner.The work is both popular and scientific; but rea- 266 Notice on Vegetable Fossils. ders of both classes may, and we presume will peruse the whole with pleasure and advantage. It is a valuable addi- tion to our stock of foreign travels and does credit to its author. Art. V.—Notice on Vegetable Fossils, which traverse the Layers of coal formations ; by ALEXANDER Broncniart, Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences, Chief Engi- neer of the Royal Corps of Miners, &c. Extracted from the ‘ Annales des Mines, for 1821.’’—Translated by Isaac Doolittle. Tue presence of organized remains in the midst of the solid strata of the crust ofthe globe, and which sometimes are found at great depths, is one of the circumstances most worthy of exciting the curiosity, and fixing the attention of observers. These remains of former worlds, often very numerous and but slightly altered in their form and structure, although entirely changed in their nature, seem to have been so well preserved, solely in order to afford us the only documents which we can ever hope to possess respecting the Natural History of these various periods: these ancient remains are like scattered sentences of that history. The more we can collect of them, the stronger will be the hope that we shall one day re-establish it, if not perfectly, at least in its most essential points. The fact which I am about to mention is not new, though instances of its having been observed are still rare. Itis, moreover,.so remarkable, so important to the theory of one of the formations of the earth, the most interesting in every point of view, that too many instances cannot be noticed. That which is the subject of this notice is the most com- plete, the most clear, and the easiest of observation ; it will, therefore, be one of the most authentic. In this publication I claim no other merit than that of having described and designed, and by that means, inscribed on the registers of Science, a fact which the Engineers of minesof the Depart- ment of of the Loire, (Messrs. Beaunier & Gallois,) pointed out to my notice. Notice on Vegetable Fossils. 267 » It has been long known that the deposits of Fossil coal are accompanied by large quantities of vegetable remains : it was alsolong ago observed, that plants having a strong re- semblance to our ferns, and the stalks of other plants, unlike any that are now known to exist, were most common in those regions ; but it is not a long time since it was first re- marked that the entire system of those vegetable remains was different from the entire system of vegetable remains which are found in the more recent strata of the earth; and it was not known until within a few years that these remains were not always laid down in the fissures, or on the surface of the layers, and parallel to their stratification, but that in some places they intersected those layers, passing through several of them, being sometimes perpendicular to them, and sometimes in a vertical position, natural to all phaneroga- mous plants. Most assuredly, if these notions had been more general, ifthe facts which confirm them had not been considered as exceptions due to chance, we should not have seen inrecent periods, theories proposed on the formation of coal, which theories are in evident contradiction with these facts. The vertical stalks which we are about to describe, have already been noticed by Mr. de Gallois; they are seen in the most distinct manner at the Mine of Treuil, at 1000 metres (1094 yards,) north of the city of St. Etienne, in the department of the Loire. This coal mine unites two circumstances very rare, and at the same time highly advantageous for observation, the strata are almost perfectly horizontal, and the mine is so sit- uated that it is worked wholly open from above, in the usu- al manner of working quarries; in this manner an opportu- nity is offered of observing a natural and complete section of the different rocks and minerals which compose the su- perstructure, and of representing them with a degree of clearness, and throughout an extent that is wholly impossi- ble where mines are wrought by subterranean galleries. This natural section of the ground is highly interesting, not only from the circumstance of the Vegetable Fossils, that form the principal object of the present notice ; but also from the presence of compact carbonate of iron, so constant- ly found to accompany coal, and which will soon becomein - France, as it has long been in England, a source of great 268 Notice on Vegetable Fossils. profit, and of a branch of industry hitherto waknown, te us. Confining ourselves to the examination of that pert of the mine of Treuil which is represented in the plate; we may remark, in proceeding from the lower terrace to the sunigoe of the sround : Ist.-A> stratum of a micaceous coal slate, * Phyllade charbonneuse pailietée” S, which is soon followed by a bed of coal, H, which is about 15. decimeters (near 5 feet) thick ; 2nd. A second layer of the same schiste and Phyllade S, but thicker than the former, and containing in its lower re- gions, and very near to the bed of coal, four beds of compact carbonate of iron, in flattened nodules, F’, of different sizes, and completely separated from each other; or in- large plates, swelled towards the middle, accompanied, covered, and. evea penetrated by vegetable remains; 3rd. And, as the second terrace above this bed of schist, another bed of coal whichis from 46 to 50 centimetres (18 to 194 inches) in thickness, and which is covered with a bed, composed of schistose clay, S, similar to the lower one, of four or five thin layers of coal, and, near its upper part, of three or four very thin and closely connected beds of compact carbonate of iron, F, in every respect similar to those above’ described. _. The schists and the iron ore are. decorapaniod by . great vumber of vegetable impressions which cover and fol- low ali the contours of their surfaces ; -. 4th, and lastly. Here. terminates. the coal formation by presenting a bed 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in thickness, of micaceous psammite, sometimes offering simply fissures _in different directions, sometimes very distinctly stratified and even passing to the structure of large lamina. In this bed, and throughout a very large extent, are found a great number of trunks, placed in a vertical position, trav- ersing all the layers of the bed, only a small. portion. of which are seen in the plate whith accompanies this notice. - It is a real fossil forest of monocotyledonous vegetables, in appearance resembling bamboos or the large equisetum, petrified on the spot. Although the strata are, in this place, almost perfectly horizontal, it may, nevertheless, be perceived that a move- Notice-on F egetable> Fossils. 269 ‘ment of translation has’taken place since the ‘precipitation, and even since the consolidation of the upper layer of psam- ‘mite; this movement, it'is true, was not extensive, though sufficient: to break, in several’ points, the continuity of the *stalks or trunks,*'so that their upper parts are, as it were, el nee aside, and do not correspond with the lower ones. Tédoes notenter into my plan to describe these plants, ‘sor to endeavour to determine to what family they may be- ‘Yong: this is avery important. and a very difficult subject, and one which cannot be treated cursorily. My son, aided - by the’ counsels of Mr. Decandolle and the assistance of the ‘geologists, commenced, along time ago, a separate work “on that branch of Botany, which has for its object the study “of fossil vegetables: for in giving names ‘to this species of Syvegetables, too rapidly and too superficially, there would’ be danger of propagating, relative totheir genus, opinions which might prove to be erroneous. But, although I here speak “only of the’ position of the stalks, sndenbllo® their nature, I - cannot refrain from offering, on this last head, a few observa- * tions which “relate immediately ‘to those of si Etienne, one I have just described. © nog * At the mineofTreuil there are two dik@tice sorts ap stalks, he one cylindrical; articulated, and striated, parallel to their edges 5 these do not offer, in iret interior, the least sign of organized texture, their cavity, probably fistular, is entirely ’ filled with a’ roéky substance of the same nature as those ‘which ‘comipose the layers they traverse, These stalks are the most numerous, ‘and differ mucli from each other in di- “ameter, from only 2 to 3 centimeters (2 to 1} inches) to 1 ~ or 2 decimeters (almost 4 to 8 inches) and perhaps more. * Their greatest length appears to be 3 to4 metres (10 to 13 * feet.)° Their surface is often covered with a ferruginous, and even a carbonaceous crust or deposit. The other’ vegetables, less common, are composed of “hollow cylindrical stalks, which diverge towards their lower extremities, and seem to be divided'in the’ manner of sae but without the least ramaification.* “It does not appear that any of these trunks can be ranked with the trees of the family of: the Palm tree. ‘This result, which I simply announce, will be developed and 2 egy * The plate shews these diverse circumstances. Vou. TV....,.No. 2. 9 270 Notice on Vegetable Fossils. by the reasons which lead to its admission in the speciai work which my son will publish on this subject. I stated, at the commencement of this notice, that the fact here described was not new to geologists. Among the instances which have been noticed of the stalks of fossil veg- etables, traversing several strata, or being placed vertically in the bosom of the earth, I shall call to recollection those which appear to me to have the strongest analogy with the example of the mine of St. Etienne: these citations will contribute to establish the resemblances equally real and remarkable which the coal grounds of all countries. offer, in every particular, as well of their formation as of their structure. Mr. Mackensie observed in the coal grounds of Scotland, near Pennycuik, ten ‘miles from Edinburgh, a vertical trunk of the length of about 12 decimeters (4 feet), which was composed of carbonaceous sandstone (psammite) and the bark or the substance that here replaces it is composed of coal. This trunk was not only striated longitudinally like the stalks of St. Etienne, but was divided like them by transverse sections or articulations.* A fact, very similar to the above, appears to have been observed in the coal ground of South Shields.+ Mr. de Schlotheim also cites instances of vertical stalks at Kiffhaiiser, in Hartz,{. in the mines of Maneback, near d’Ilmenau, &ce. But the instances which have the strongest analogy with that which I have described, are those observed in Saxony by Werner, by Messrs. Voigt and d’Aubuisson, in the coal grounds of the environs of Hainchen, and by Messrs. Habel and Noggerath, in the coal mines of the country about Saar- bruck. * Bibliothique Universelle V. VIII. p. 256. The figure which is there given represents this trunk with roots, and as rising above the surface of the soil; but it has been found that this was an error in the design, and that behind it should have been represented the layers in which it was, and re- mained engaged. + Ibid. V. VIII. p. 234." This fact, presented ina very vague manner, can hardly be given as an example from which useful consequences can be deduced. t In Leonhard Taschenbich fiir die gesammle, &c. 1813, 7th year, p. 40 Notice on Vegetable Fossils. 271 In the first of the above named places, four or five stalks irom twenty to 30 centimetres (about eight or twelve inches) in diameter, which Mr. d’Aubuisson calls trunks of trees, are seen standing i in a vertical position in the micaceous sand stone (psammite) of the coal ground. All the accompa- nying circumstances are similar to those which attend the vertical stalks of St. Etienne.* Similar facts have been observed in the environs of Saar- bruck, in several coai mines, particularly in that of Rohwald, where the trunks measured two metres (six and a half feet) in height, and six to eight decimetres (two feet to two feet seven inches) in diameter, and in the mine of Wellesweiler : the trunks, found in the latter mine, remarkable for their conic form, for their diameter from forty-five to thirty-six centimeters (seventeen and three fourths to fourteen and a quarter inches) and for their length which exceeded three metres (ten feet) have been lately described, and elucidated by plates, by Dr. Noggerath.t These trunks, which cannot be classed with any known vegetable, and which appeared to differ from those observ- ed at Hainchen and at St. Etienne, traversed several layers of psammite, as well sandy as schistose, and were situated between two beds of coal. Mr. de Charpentier cites a similar instance which he ob- served in the psammite coal-ground situated north-west of Waldenburgh, in Lower Silesia. He says that in 1807 there was discovered in that mine a fossil tree, in a vertical posi- ‘tion, traversing several strata, and having the forms of its roots and of some of its branchesin a good state of preserva- tion, while their nature was changed to a fine grained quartz of a greyish black, but the structure was not recogn- zable: the bark and the small branches were changed to coal. This trunk was four decimetres (fifteen and three quarter inches) in diameter, and there remained of its length about four metres MIeE feet.){ The presence of the * See Journal des Mines, V. KXVII. page 43, and more especially dW AUBUISSON, Géognoste Wis 2, Pacoz. + Ueber aufrecht in gebirgsgesiein ingeschloffene fossil Rouen &o, yon Dr. Jacon NoGGERATH. Bonn, 1819 + Bibliotheque Universelle, 1818. V. 1X. p. 256. - 272, Noticeow Vegetable Fossils. branches, of which there seems to be but little doubt, estab- lishes a remarkable difference between. this.case, that-of St. Etienne, and those of which we have made mention. Finally, Mr, Habel bas observed, in these same mines, vegetable stalks placed in an almost vertical, position, and which were in every respect similar toours ; they were from two to two and a half metres (six and a half to eight feet) in height, and twenty-five centimetres (teninches) in diameter; they were articulated, regularly fluted, and covered witha thin coat of coal. These stalks traversed the beds of the formation which contains the earthy carbonate of iron. | | There has been lately found in the standstones (these are probably the psammites) which cover the coal formation of Glasgow, to the north-west of that city, the trunk of.a tree in a vertical position ; this trunk was.six decimetres (one foot eleven and a half inches) in diameter, its transverse section presented a figure inclining to oval; like those already, de- scribed it was entirely filled with rock of the same,nature as those which surrounded it ; but, the bark,.(that is to say the external part of this vegetable, for nothing proves that it) had a real bark,) was converted into ,coal. It was disengaged throughout, an extent of about one metre (thirty-nine inch- es,) and no branches were discovered; yet, it is said, roots were formed at its lower,extremity, particularly four large ones which plunged into the earth like the roots of common trees. We cannot, says the author of the notice, class this with any kind of trees.now known. \(Thomson, Annals of Philosophy, 1820, November, page 138.) i I say nothing of the stalks and trunks of trees, properly so called, not only fossil but. petrified into silex, which have been found in formations absolutely foreign and always pos- terior to that of coal ; these instances of petrified wood are very numerous, but their geological position distinguishes them entirely from those which are the object of the present notice. aedowideiaba It is probable that examples of stalks traversing the layers of coal-grounds are also very frequent,.and that, if only a small number have been described, if so few. have been en- craved, this circumstance is owing chiefly to the manner in which the coal-mines are generally worked. They are almost always deep and can be approached only by shafts and gal- leries which are never very large. In digging these subter- Notice on Fe ezetable Fossils. 873 ranean passages, they always endeavour to avoid’ passing through the psammite, which would cause much expence without any profit to the miner; and itis these rocks which appear to contain the far greater number of the vertical stalks. These obstacles have much restricted the number of cases favourable to the discovery and to the complete and easy observation of those stalks ; but we are led by analogy to believe that, if urged on by the same motives of interest which induce the search for iron ore, those stalks would be found in the coal-grounds as commonly as the coal itself. Now if these stalks, still retaining their vertical position, announce that the coal-grounds of St. Etienne, Saarbruck, &c. have been formed and deposited in the places where these vegetables once lived and grew, we may, we ought even from analogy, to come to the same conclusion in rela- tion to the other coal-grounds. We must then no longer ‘go to seek beneath the torrid zone for arborescentferns, nd all the vegetables of a tropical aspect that we find buried in the coal-grounds, and bring them into our latitudes by means of strong currents, or great commotions. This hypothesis, which is now almost entirely abandoned, is, as Mr. Nogge- rath has judiciously remarked, incompatible with a vertical arrangement so regular, so clear, and so uniform. Nevertheless, Mr. de Charpentier, i in the notice above ci- ted relative to the vertical trunk of a tree found at Walden- burgh, offered some very just remarks on the difficulty of im- agining that those stalks could have grown in such ground as that which now surrounds them, and that this earth could have been deposited amongst them during their growth, without partially destroying, overturning, or at least deran- ging them. He supposes that these vegetables, adhering to the Soil by large and deep roots, were removed, with the soil which supported them, and left in the places where we now see them. He supports this explanation by a circum- stance which fell under his observation on the breaking out of the waters of the lake of Bagne. In that terrible Catas- - trophe large trees with their roots were transplanted by the current, and deposited vertically in the plain of Martigny. This observation leads us to admit that the vertical position of a stalk is not a certain proof that it grew in the same place where we find it; but it appears to me that such ca- ses must be extremely rare, whereas instances of stalks be- 274 Crystalized Steatite. ing found in a vertical position are very frequent. In those cited by Mr. Noggerath and by ourselves, there was not merely a single trunk, of a large tree, but there were ma~ ny trunks ; and in the mine of Treuil, which forms the prin- cipal object of the present notice, it is, as it were, a forest of slender stalks which remain parallel to each other. Be- sides, the nature of the soil to which the vegetables would adhere by their roots should be different, or at least, very distinct from that of the rocks which enclose them. It is perhaps more difficult to imagine that these sandy rocks should envelope them after their transposition, without de- ranging them, than thatit should have been deposited among them in the place where they grew, and where they were solidly fixed in the earth. And if we even suppose that these vegetables may have been transplanted thither, without losing their vertical positition, we cannot admit that they were brought from a great distance ; and the insurmounta- ble objection against the hypothesis which would bring these vegetables from the tropical regions into our climate, would still exist. Nevertheless the facts cited by Mr. Carpentier, and his observations thereon, tend to throw a degree of uncertain- ty over the primitive situation of those vertical stalks, which ought to engage us to continue our observations and our re- searches, and teach us that we cannot yet draw from these facts any absolute and general conclusion. Arr. V.—Miscellaneous Notices relating to American Mineralogy and Geology. 1. From Prof. Dewey of Williams College, addressed to y the American Geological Society. Crystalized Steatite. This rare mineral was found by Dr. E. Emmons in Mid- dtefield, county of Hampshire. The crystals usually occur in groups on masses of Steatite. On a piece three inches long and two broad are more than forty crystals, most of which are pyramids projecting from the mass, but a few are horizontal. Though most of the crystals are small, some Crystalized Steatite. 275 & are three-eights of an inch in diameter and more than half an inch in length. Ihave one which is double the dimen- sions just mentioned. ‘The surface of the crystals is of a brown colour, produced by the action of the weather. But when the crystals are separated, their faces are of a yellow- ish white colour. When fractured, the crystals present an uneven surface, with a structure inclining to the fibrous. The same fibrous appearance is seen on some parts of the Stéatite which is destitute of crystals. The crystalline ‘structure is exceedingly indistinct, except near the sur- face. The predominant form of the crystals is a six-sided prism, terminated at one or both extremities by a pyramid of the same number of sides. The truncations are numerous,— sometimes on the edges of the prism or pyramids, and at others on the angles, or at the vertex of the pyramid, form- ing very different faces. In one case, the face produced by truncation is of the kind, which the Abbe Hai designates by the term, Rhombifére. These crystals agree generally with the description of the prismatic crystals of Steatite, found in the Principality of Bareuth. “ Mineralogists are not agreed respecting these crystals, some considering them as true crystals, others as false ones.” Jameson considers them decidedly pseudo-morphous, the prismatic crystals hav- ing been formed in moulds made by crystals of quartz. See Rees’ Cyc. The erystals found in Middlefield very much resemble some rock-crystals. But when this group of crys- tals is examined, there seem to be insuperable objections to the hypothesis, that they are pseudo-morphous. No mould, formed by imbedded crystals which had fallen out, could approximate so nearly to the form required for the produc- tion of the group under consideration, The crystals, too, sometimes separate from each other, and the contiguous fa- ces are perfectly smooth and regular, neither of which fa- ces could have been formed by a mould, for no part of the mould could have intervened without remaining between them. But no trace of the substance of the mould is to be seen. The supposition that they were first formed in moulds, and afterwards fell into their present situation, is to- tally absurd, and, when this group is considered, is ridicu- lous. The crystallization appears more perfect near the sur- face of the crystals, and the imperfect crystallization extends 276 Zoisite—Foliated Chlorite, &c. to the depth of half an inch, terminating in a kind of seam where it is connected with the mass of Steatite, In both these respects, there is a close resemblance to some crystal- lizations of quartz, which are not pseudo-morphous, Stea- tite must, therefore, be considered as a mineral, which is crystallized, as well as amorphous. Zorsite. This variety of Epidote is found in abundance in Wards- borough, Vt. in quartz. The crystals are prismatic, gene- rally much flattened, sometimes rounded, often aggregated, of a gray or greenish-gray colour, and varying in magnitude to a foot or more in length and one or two inches in breadth. _ They are. distinctly striated, and havea pearly lustre.. They much resemble the bladed crystals of ‘Tremolite, but have a different and higher. lustre, and the cross seams are nearly perpendicular to the, sides, . Before. the blowpipe,.. the crystals are easily distinguished. Zoisite is fused iw, the Jcompound hlerspipe into a black e986 Foliated Chlorite... anon bas EST) F % ek This mineral. is s found in the, same. masses, s with the Zoi- site... Colour a very dark green,/folia yery distinct.and. of- tenin aviiesiaal masses... It occurs also,in large aggregates, like. common chlorite, and seems) to. be -passing into the common. variety. i} ; ‘The three, preceding rejasnale ee apts I believe, isc found i in any other places in our CDUBATYs Tie _ Silico-caleareous Oxyd of Fsapivey 4 _A new locality of this mineral pl kara ‘TD ushsientiogs Vi. Atis disseminated in Granite, sometimes in crystals, some- . times in grains or masses.. The crystals are not very dis~ _ tinct. .Many of them seem to be.six-sided prisms, appear- _ing to, be formed by placing a triangular prism on one, paix of the opposite sides of a four-sided prism... ‘This-triangular _. prism. is.separated by cleavage from the sides, having ’a four- sided, .prism, whose ‘ends are oblique to the »sides of the prism. Their colour is a dark brown, or datk. chesnut. D. W, Barton on the Virgima Fluor Spar. 247 Before the blowpipe they are partially fused, when a small fragment is employed. By the compound blow-pipe they are fused into a black glass, and burning particles are thrown off in various directions, resembling the scintillations of burn- jing iron, Repeated digestion with nitric acid separates a little lime. Melted with carbonate of potash, and the com- pound dissolved in boiling water, a dense white precipitate is separated, which is soluble in the stronger acids. ‘The specific gravity of the crystals is from 3.31 to 3.37. 2. Mr. D. W. Barton on the Virginia Fluor Spar. TO THE EDITOR, Dear Sir, ~T once gave you an imperfect description of the locality of Fluor in this vicinity. (Vid. V. 3, pa. 243 of this Journal.) Having lately examined it with more minuteness, I am ena- “bled to communicate some additional facts which may not be wholly uninteresting. I visited the spot, accompanied by two of my former classmates, (Messrs. Boyd and Rock- well, of Winchester, Ct.) for the purpose of excavating the sround, and ascertaining the position, extent, direction, and other circumstances of the vein. We penetrated to the depth of four or five feet, when we arrived at the original uninterrupted vein of Fluor and crystallized Carbonat of Lime promiscuously united. The inclosing walls consist of a soft, earthy, ‘calcareous rock resting of a ‘stratum of hornstone with which the fluor is frequently connected. The ’ vein is not so extensive as the number of detached masses near the surface induced us to believe. ‘To the depth we have explored it, it is not more than twelve or fifteen inches wide. Iam inelined however to believe, that it gradually enlarges as it descends, and that what we have discovered is only the clue which may serve to conduct the future adven- turer to one of nature’s rich and magnificent store-houses. With regard to the length of the vein it is impossible to form any other than a vague estimate. {It may terminate within a - few yards of its commencement—It may traverse a consid- erable extent of country. The Fluor is found here of almost every variety of colour which the mineral ordinarily assumes—white, greenish- eVor SEVG. 2G Novei 2 10 278 =D. W. Barton on the Virgima Fluor Spar. white, red, violet and dark blue, approaching, when in larger masses, near to black. I have obtained many well defined crystals, and [have little doubt that more diligent research Would discover specimens which would grace even your splendid collection. A few miles east of the fluat of Lime is an extensive stratum of crystallized carbonate of lime, much of which is remarkably transparent, equalling in beauty the Iceland spar. It possesses the property of double refraction in a very per- ceptible degree. I found many detached masses of the same substance, which by the attrition of ‘water had been worn into a spherical form. These frem their translucence exhibit externally the appearance of the Scotch pebble. The outer coating is beautifully tinged by the oxide of iron, and a fracture presents an elegant succession of fine col- ours. There is another mineral which exists abundantly i in es neighbourhood of Winchester. It is a species of iron ore very distinctly crystallized. ‘These crystals are probably octahedral, as the projecting half (the only visible part) is a four sided ‘pyramid ; ; the angles of whose base are very une- qual. ‘The value of this mineral may make it worthy of a more minute investigation, and on some future occasion I may communicate a more particular account of it. As soon as a convenient opportunity occurs, I will forward to you speci- mens of the two Jast minerals with some others, which are not worthy of earlier notice. I will only mention that I find the Cornu Ammonis abundant in this valley. Permit me, Sir, on this occasion to express my gratitude to you for inspiring a fondness for those sciences, which however imperfectly cultivated, already constitute a 2 Seite source of rational amusement. Yours with respect, D. W. BARTON. November, 1821. ‘Major Delafield and Dr. Bigsby, &c. == 279. as sehen ~ the Sulphate of Strontian of Lake Erie and Dev trott, River. * Extract ae a letter to the Editor from Major Delafield. a a November 12th, 1821. Dear_Sir, ‘Ihave the widest to “pee you't two specimens — Hi Sulphate: of Strontian, from Strontian Island, Lake Erie. The one, a large crystal* of the bluish white variety, in parts transparent and iridescent, and having its termination per- fect. ‘The other the foliated and fibrous variety. . I also. send you its gangue, or apiece of the lime stone, snveieh the Strontian is found. “Is not this lime stone like the lime stone used in the ma- sonry. of the canal of this State as a water-proof cement? .1 take for granted you have seen the stone thus used.. The lime stone of the west. end of Lake Erie, and the Detroit River, is generally like the specimen forwarded... I have made no experiments, but their external characters are so very. similar, that the suggestion readily occurs. When the Lake Erie lime stone is not impregnated with Strontian, its specif- iC gravity seems to agiee: with the water-proof cement. lime stone in question. The Sulphate of: Sinan is from a small Island near ne well-known: Put-in-Bay ..~» During the past summer I revisited the place, and had leisure to explore it. The vein is in a perpendicular cliff of lime stone, about fifty feet high, and mid way between its base and summit. The vein as now exposed, commences with a thickness of four feet, extends about fifty feet, nedrly * Five inches in diameter in its extreme dimensions and two thick.—Ep 280 Major Delafetd and Dr. Bigsby on the parallel to the surface’ of the Lake, and terminates at a thickness of one foot. Where it begins it consists of the compact crystallized variety, but the direction of the erys+ tals is so irregular, and their combination so close and di- versified, that distinct crystals cannot be obtained. ‘The vein terminates in the foliated and fibrous variety, of which the accompanying specimen is a part. In the massive end of the vein was a small opening that led toa cavity filled with distinct crystals. 1 enlarged it sufficiently to admit light, and obtain its contents. The. cavity was of about three feet diameter and circular. . Its arch was beautifully jetted with pendent crystals differing i in size and lustre. From all other parts of the cavity they were ihinseldedl i found them mixed with some dirt, and in a greater quantity than it would seem could have been required to cover the circumference of the cavity.’ They varied in weight from six ounces to six pounds ; in transparency from the per- fectly transparent, to the opaque ; in lustre from the dull to the resplendent ; in colour from the snow w nine to the dark blue and greenish blue. The tabular crystals of six sides with summit of four sides prevail, and are the most transparent. The specimens* I send you, will, T believe, shew this min- eral in allits varieties as there found, and give I trust; a sat- isfactory view of its form, colour, lustre; and cleavage. [ hope they may reach you in safety, and prove of some interest. Be pleased to accept them with my most respect+ ful remembrances, and believe me Your very obedient servant, JAS. DELAFIELD. To B. Sirtm1an, Esq. Extract of a letter addressed to the E dite from Dr. Jound: Biessy, M. D. of the British Medical Staff. Four miles from Put-in-Bay harbour at the upper end of ake Erie, and at a similar distance from the nearest main- * Prof. Douglass discovered this mineral upon the same Island in 1819; but did not, I think, notice the great vein. ‘The Sulphate of Strontian is found inall parts of this Island, and others of the Basse Islands ; on the neigh- bouring main shore ; and on some of the Islands in the Detroit River. sia 0 Strontian, of Lake Evie, Sc: 281 land, stands a solitary islet, oblong, with precipitous sides of about sixty feet high. It may be a third of amile in lengt h, and lies nearly north and south. At the south end itis tolerably well wooded ; but seanti- ly at the other. The rock of which it consists. is Limestone, ane a age greyish straw colour. It is soft, of an. earthy conchoidal fracture, having a granular structure. I do not recollect its stratification at this isle, but in the neighbouring districts it is placed in thick horizontal slabs, little prone to slatiness. About the middle of the east side, and in the face of the cliff is a mass of Sulphate of Strontian, about four yards by three in extent, ramifying every where, but most plentifully in the horizontal direction. It is in the form of promiscuously aggregated bundles of crystals united laterally, of a white or bluish white colour, imperfectly transparent and from one to four inches long. Although the confused manner of their crystallization has obscured their figure, yet the compressed six sided prism is to be distinctly traced. Drusy cavities are numerous in the mass. Here the crystals are perfect and of enormous size.’ Major Delafield, (agent under the 6th and 7th Art. Treaty of Ghent,) met with one nieighing six pounds. Professor Douglass has described them mineraloivally. Foliated Celestine also occurs on the island of Celeron and Grosse isle at the mouth of the Detroit river, where it appears to have combined in some places with the lime Seene, increasing the specific gravity of the latter. This lime stone prevails over a considerable district of country—it is found at Sandusky, lines the shores of the Lake, nearest the bed of Strontian just described, and floor- ing the river Detroit near Amherstburgh is discovered in the interior on both sides of that river, and is quarried for buil- ding. Excepting on the south and south-east, it is surroun- ded by alluvial country of some hundred fiiles radius. It is curious to observe that the foreign matters in this rock are deposited in fields or districts, and toa certain ex- tent do not intermix. I observed no organic remains on Moss island—no Sitrontian on the adjacent main, but multi- tudes of imbedded shells, orthoceratites (snhall) and a beau- tiful form of trilobite—together with various madrepores wrought in lime stone, especially a stellular radiated spe- 282 Geological Remarks on the Lake Regions. cies. ‘There is nota single shell in the Strontian deposits of Grosse isle—and neither shell nor Strontian in the floor of the contiguous river, while the extensive quarries two miles be- hind Amherstburgh produce an immense variety of organic remains, animal and vegetable, without a vestige of the rare erystallizations of Grosse Isle.* JOHN J. BIGSBY, M. D:. 4, os als Remarks on the Lake regions froma letter of December 6, 1821, addressed to the Editor by Mapes DELAFIELD. Professor Buckland’s notice of my present of minerals from the North, through your correspondent, is the,only knowledge I have of those specimens having been received. His analogy concerning the lime stones of certain latitudes; . is ead. on a partial view of facts, and is not altogether | satisfactory. The transition lime stone appears in “Lake Huron, but I had not considered the shell. lime stone to be transition. In truth, in the space of sixty miles you. sail . from secondary to transition and to primitive formations in the north end of Lake Huron. The organic.remains of the lime stone of Lake Huron are I believe, peculiar. Ortho- ceratites of such size and variety, I have not found described . in books. Tribolites are numerous, and partake of the char- acteristic of the remains of that region, which is that of prodi- gious size. The shores are covered principally. with rolled rocks out of place, of very many varieties. Green stone amyg- daloids, jasper, and other varieties of trap ; breccia, epidote, and others abound. Several of my specimens are pronounced to be of volcanic origin, which if true, is the first occurrence of such appearances to my knowledge eastof the Mississippi. Dr. Bigsby is engaged in the description of the Lake min- erals and geology; and has it in his power to.impart much information to those who wish to pursue the analogy be- tween American and European Geology. I do not doubt his exertions will prove of interest and value. ; en Perhaps your friend, who forwarded Mr. Buckland’s let- ter, would like to know. that the Trilobite is found in she Lake Huron lime stone, * The mineralogical sketch of Moss Island is to be considered as only my personal observations. Ina studied description of that district, I should em- body the remarks of Douglass and Bird, Ore of Cobalt and Maneanese. °° == 983 eS ANotiee of « singular ore of Cobalt and Manganese ; Bip H. H. Haypen, Esq. of Baltimore, ¢ in a letter to the Editor. I have now a Circumstance to mention, which I copter’ of avery novel and singular nature. A few days sincea gentleman returning from the country into Baltimore, at the distance of two miles, observed some men digging for sand, by the road side. Among the sand thrown out of the pit he observed some masses that had the appearance of ore. He brought some of it to town, when on examination, it was found to contain a considerable proportion of oxid of cobalt, combined with Manganese. Excited by no common de- gree of curiosity, I yesterday, in company with Mr. : visited the locality of this substance. We found the pit. abovementioned by the road side, and which was opened { believe, for the purpose of obtaining plastering sand. The hole or pit was sunk to the depth of aboutten feet—the sides. presenting to view much of the variety of stratification that occurs in almost every part of our alluvial region, and 1 _ which this pit is sunk. On examination we found the mine- ral above mentioned, to occur upon or between two veins or | strata of hard ferruginous sand, and at different heights—to one or the other of these it adheres. There were a number of masses upon the surface, at the mouth of the pit, however, that did not appear to have had any connection with the - ferruginous strata. S This substance occurs in masses of various sizes, and ap> pears to be made up of grains of sand firmly cemented to-_ eether by the cobalt and manganese ; so much,so as to ren- der its “specific gravity perceptibly greater than that of common substances. ‘The masses are somewhat spherical with surfaces inclining to the stalactitic form. The colour is black, inclining to a deep blue. “i I know of no instance in which cobalt and manganese oc- cur in this form and manner. It is true that Klaproth i in his Essays, mentions a mineral in which these two substances — are combined, and which is‘not described in any other work | that I know of. But the substance under consideration ap- pears to me to be an anomaly in the mineral kingdom, at least so far as respects its locality. Itis, as before, in a per- fect a alluvial bank, surrounded on all sides by strata of fine. 284 Notice of Minerals in the vicinity of Providence. sand or.sand. mixed with aluminous matter, and.at,a consid- erable distance south of..the primitive range. -How.it was formed or whence it came, is, to Mey not easily: eApleined. ‘Some months since a mineral was received in Baltimore from the western part of Virginia, which on examination, was found to contain the oxide of cobalt combined or associated with the ore of manganese. The mineral found in Virginia is essentially different from the one. found near Baltimore— the first being the oxide of cobalt, chemically (1 believe) associated with the radiated. or. stellated ore or black oxide of manganese. That found in the. alluvial. district near Baltimore contains, it is true the same oxides, associa- ted, but the appearance of the mass and the situation when found.in the sand pits, would incline one to suppose that a solution of these two substances had been formed upon a lump of sand, cementing as it were the whole togethers In this state it has a dark bluish appearance, a harsh fouge san- _ dy texture, and is somewhat weighty... , 6. Notice of Minerals in the vicinity of Providence, ( RI. ) ‘ina letter to the Editor, dated Nov. 26, 1821 ob Famt Mr. Tnomas H. Wess. Sir— I have forwarded to you in the bee sent Mr. George T. ‘Bowen, a specimen of the green tale which I wrote you some time since, was found at North Providence. There are also in the box specimens of silvery talc, from Harris’ lime rocks, Smithfield, much better:than the one I sent you before. ti is found in considerable quantities attached to ~bitter-spar. Among the minerals which have not hitherto been noticed, that occur in this vicinity, and elsoprhenty; are _ the following, viz :-— “1, White fibrous tremolite,* found i in eee quan- ’ tities, amongst granular lime stone, ‘at Harris’ lime-rocks, “Smithfield, R. I. It gives out a fine phosphorescent light, when placed on a hot shovel, and also phosphoresces by friction, ina dark room. .., 2. Earthy tremolite at the same place. “Mr, Bowen gaye you a specimen of this some time azo, [ believe. — ai ~ ete * Account of a Remarkable Fossil Tree. 235 3. Very fine specimens of bitter spar, occur In great quan- -‘ fities'at do. associated with silvery talc. 4. Red hematite found on Diamond Hill, in Cumber- land, R. 1. It is found in an excavation, about forty feet in length, from five to twelve in’ width, and twenty in depth, which was made some years since in order to procure it. It "occurs in botryoidal, mamillary, stalactical and various other forms. 5. Tremolite of different shades of green, near an old iron ‘mine on Tower Hill, Cumberland. 6. Epidote both massive and crystallized, of very fine colour, im quartz, at do. 7, Actynolite in masses associated with tremolite, at do. 8. Native magnet found in considerable quantity, though in small pieces, about a mile from the before mentioned lace. 9. Crystallized hornblende at do. 10. Lenticular argillaceous oxide of iron, termed shot ore by the workmen, obtained in abundance from a pond in Sharon, Mass. also an oxide of do. about the size and shape ofa cracker, and of a yellowish brown colour, called cake ore, is found there ; both of which are used at the forges in that vicinity. I found a few very good specimens of double refracting spar at Smithfield, and also one specimen of sulphur attached to the lime rock. Should these notices be considered. of any importance, they are at your service. — ~ Tam Sir, respectfully yours, : THOMAS H. WEBB. Pror. Bensamin Siuuiman. Arr. ae — Remarkable Fossil Tree, found about ‘iffy miles S. W. of Lake Michigan, by his Excellency Gov. Lewis ~ Cass ond Mr. Henry R. Scuootcrary, am August, 1821, on the River Des Plaines, in the N. E. angle of the State of Ilinois—extracted from a paper presented by Mr. Schoolcraft to the American Geological Society. «Tue tract of country separating the southern curve of lake Michigan from the sources of the Illinois river, is a nar- row plat of table land, composed of a stratum of compact Vor. IV.....No. 2. 11 286 Account of a Remarkable Fossil Tyce. limestone based upon floetz sandstone. This formation, which constitutes the north-eastern angle of the state of Illi- nois, where the waters of Michigan lake and the Illinois river often approach within a few miles of each other, and actually communicate at Chicago, continues east, and north- east, spreading in its course through Indiana into Ohio, and embracing the entire peninsula of Michigan. It is covered with a deposit of alluvial soil of a productive character, and presents to the eye a series of level prairies, interspersed. with occasional forests, and irrigated. by numerous small lakes and streams. ‘These features may be considered as peculiarly characteristic of the district of country drained by the rivers Kankakee and Des Plaines, which uniting their channels at the distance of forty miles south of Chicago, pro- duce the Illinois. ‘The junction is effected-on the southern slope of table and which confines lake Michigan to the north, at a point where the waters descend with considerable velocity, over a horizontal layer of shelving rock, which pro- duces a series of rapids, and is continually yielding to the action of the water; but there is nothing in the mineral physiognomy of the spot so remarkable as the petrified tree, which is found in the bed of the river Des Plaines about forty rods above its junction with the Kankakee. ‘** This extraordinary species of phytolites occurs imbed- ded in a horizontal position in a stratum of newer floetz sand stone, of a grey colour, and close grain. There is now fif- ty-one feet, six inches of the trunk visible... It is exghteen inches in diameter at the smallest end, which appears to have been violently broken.off, prior to the era of its mine- ralization. The root-end is still overlayed by the rock and earth in the western bank of the river, and is two feet six inches in diameter at the point of disappearance ; but cir- cumstances will justify the conclusion that its diameter at the concealed end, cannot be less than three feet... The trunk is straight, simple, scabrous, without branches, and has the gradual longitudinal taper observed in the living specimen. It lies nearly at right angles to the course of the river, point- ing towards the south-east, and extends about half the width of the stream. Notwithstanding the continual abrasion to which it is exposed by the volume of passing water, it has suffered little apparent diminution, and is still firmly imbed- ded in the rock, with the exception of two or three places /iccount of a Remarkable Fossil’ Tree. 287 where portions of it have been disengaged, and carried away ; but-no portion of what remains is elevated more than afew inches above the surface of the rock. It is owing, however, to those partial disturbances, that we are enabled to perceive the columnar form of the trunk—its cortical lay- ers—the bark by which it is enveloped, and the peculiar cross fracture, which unite to render the evidence of its lig- neous origin, so striking and complete. From these charac- ters and appearances, little doubt can remain that it is refer- able to the species juglans nigra, a tree very common to the forests of the Illinois, as well as to most other parts of the immense region drained by the waters of the Mississippi. The woody structure is most obvious in the outer rind of the trunk extending to a depth of two or three inches, and these appearances become less evident as we approximate the heart.. Indeed, the traces of organic structure in its in- terior, particularly when viewed in the hand specimen, are almost totally obliterated and exchanged, the vegetable mat- ter being replaced by a mixed substance analagous in its ex- ternal character, to some of the silicated and impure calca- reous carbonats of the region. Like those carbonats, it is of a brownish grey colour, and compact texture, effervesces slightly in the nitric and muriatic acids, yields a white streak under the knife, and presents solitary points, or facets of crystals resembling calc spar. All parts of the tree are pen- etrated by pyrites of a brass yellow colour, disseminated through the most solid and stony parts of the interior,—fill- ‘ing Interstices in the outer rind, or investing its capillary pores. ‘There are also the appearances of rents or seams between the fibres of the wood, caused by its own shrink- age, which are now filled with a carbonat of lime, of a white colour, and crystallized. ‘There is reason to conclude that the subject under con- sideration, is the joint result partly of the infiltration of min- eral matter into its pores and crevices prior to inclosure in the rock, and partly to the chemical action induced by the great catastrophe by which it was translated from its parent - forest, and suddenly enveloped in a bed of solidifying sand. With respect to the difference which exists between its ex- ternal and internal structure, we may suppose that it had partially submitted to decay, and: became hollow, before the process of petrifaction commenced, .and. that the interior 288 Account of a Remarkable Fossil ‘Tree.’ substance and the cale spar, were deposits from particles sol+ uble, or intimately mixed with ‘water, previous to the in- closure of the tree'm its rocky envelope. Ze “ At the time of our visit (August 13, 1821,) the depth of water upon the floetz rocks forming the bed of the river Des Plaines, would vary from one to two feet; but it will’ be recollected that it was at aseason when these higher trib~ utaries, and the Illinois itself, are generally at their lowest stage: Like most of the confluent rivers ‘of the Mississippi, and their tributaries, the Des Plainesis subject to great fluc- tuations, and during its periodical floods may be estimated to carry a depth of eight or ten feet of water to the junction: of the Kankakee. At those periods the water is also ren- dered turbid by’ the ‘quantity of alluvial matter it carries” down, and a search for this organic fossil, mtist prove unsue= cessful. But during the prevalence of the summer droughts, in ‘an atmosphere of little humidity, when the waters are drained to the lowest point of depression, and acquire the greatest degree of transparency, it forms a very conspicuous trait m the geology of the stream, and no person, seeking the spot, can fail to be directed to it. Although correspon- ding in its direction to the apparent course of the formation m which it rests, it forms an acute angle with the natural seams and fissures which chequer the surface of the rock; and from an effect analogous to carbonization, the exterior rind and bark of the tree, have acquired a blackish hue, while the inclosing rock, being a light grey, presents a contrast that i 18 teense te arrest the attention of the observer.” The sand stone rock in which this fossil tree reposes, “ is every where found in a horizontal ‘position, and differing on- ly with respect to’ hardness, and yagi OF ieee which do notnecessarily imply a different formation. | The remains of fossil organized bodies in this stratum, are not abundant, or have not’ been successfully sought’; and it appears to be wholly wanting in the various species of concholites so plen- tifully imbedded in the calcareous formation which rests: up- on it.) It is _probable that future observations will prove, that its organic conservata are chiefly referable to the vege table kingdom. ‘It is certain, that this inference is justifi- ed by the facts which are before me, and particularly by the, characteristic appearances of the ‘strata in the bed of thé river Des Plaines, where the imbedded walnut, is the only Accouat of a Remarkable Fossil Tree- 289:: species of petrification-to ‘be found. At a short distance. above, where the. bed. of the Des Plaines approaches nearer the summit level, limestone ensues, and continues from. that point northward to the shores of lake Michigan. . Inthe vi- cinity of Chicago, where this limestone is quarried for eco-., nomical purposes, it is characterized by the fossil remains of; molluscous, and other aquatic animals. fr ‘* There exists a watér communication between the head : of Jake Michigan and. Chicago, and the river Des Plaines, . during the periodical rises of the latter, but its summer level. is about seven feet lower, at the termination of the Chicago, portage, than the surface of the lake. From this point to its. junction with the Kankakee, a computed distance of fifty. miles, the bed of the Des Plaines may be considered as hay-. ing a mean southern depression of ten inches per mile, so that'the floetz rocks ‘at its mouth, lying on.a level of forty-. eight feet eight inches below the ‘surface of lake Michigan, have an altitude, which cannot vary far, from five hundred and fifty feet above the Atlantic. There are no mountains fora vast distance either east or west, of this stream: it isa. country of plains, in which are occasionally to be seen allu- vial hills-of- moderate elevation; but the most striking ine- qualities of surface proceed fon the streams which have. worn their deep-seated channels through it; and an oceanic, overflow, capable. of covering the eountry, and producing. these strata by deposition, would also submerge all the. im-, mense tracts of secondary and alluvial country, between the, Alleghany and the Rocky Mountains, converting into an arm. of ‘the -sea, the great valley of the Mississippi, from the Gulph of Mexico north, to the Canadian lakes. We find in the alluvial soil along the Illinois and Des Plaines, blocks of granite, hornblende, and gneiss, exhibiting the same appear- ances of attrition, and of having been transported from their. parent beds, which characterize the secondary table lands along the margin of the great American lakes, iis prairies of Illinois,-and the western parts of New-York. ~The country along both banks of the river Des Plaines, at the spot where this imbeded fossil tree. occurs, is a level and beautiful. prairie, covered. with a luxuriant growth of grass, and interspersed with small groves of oaks and hicko- ories—the quercus alba, and uglans dies i of the Amer- ream forest. uC 290 Account of a Remarkable Fossti Tree. ‘“‘ These appearances characterize the river Des Plaines from its source near the Millewacky of lake Michigan to the point of its junction mith the Kankakee. The latter stream also flows, in its whole length, through rich and level prai- ries and savannahs, where there is scarcely a hill to inter- cept the view. In some places it is overshadowed by scat- tering clumps of oaks, which throw a refreshing coolness over its banks, but most commonly its waters are exposed to the direct rays of the sun. Such too, is the rural complex- ion of the banks of the Llinois, from the confluence of | its principal tributaries, at the fossil tree, to the lower extremi- ty of Peoria lake, and if we survey the entire valley of the Mississippi, with all its confluent rivers, for that portion of it which has been distinguished by the hand of nature as pre- eminently beautiful to the eye, it is this! But it is not alone to the sylvan exterior of the country—to the pleasing varie~ ty and succession of prairies, forests, streams, and precipi- ces ; or to the geological arrangement of its strata and soils, that we find our reflections irresistibly directed. Every emotion raised by the contemplation of pastoral and pictur- esque objects, must yield to considerations of the national and domestic purposes, to which it is so admirably adapted by its fine climate, and productive soil. We cannot survey, without a feeling of calm delight, a country prepared for the future abode of millions of the human species who are des- tined to augment our national resources, and to transmit to posterity the blessings of our republican institutions : and perhaps there are few individual scenes along the valley of | the Illinois where the observer will partake of a higher grat- ification from these sources, than those furnished by the re- gion characterized by the confluence of the Des Plaines with the Kankakee, the conspicuous locality of the subject of this paper. , ; ) * It is to the latter class of depositions—to the seconda- ry series, and to the latest, deposits of this series, that we must | refer the sandstone of the river Des Plaines, in which we find a walnut, of mature growth, enveloped by, and imbed- ded in the rock, in the most complete state of mineraliza- tion: and since all geological writers who subscribe to the Neptunian origin of the earth, are constrained to employ the agency of oceanic depositions of different eras, in explaining the structure of the earth’s surface, it is one of the most ob- Account of a Remarkable Fossil Tree. 291 vious and important conclusions, to be drawn from the fact, that such submersions and depositions of rock matter have taken place subsequent to the existence of forests of mature growth ; and that the rock strata and beds composing the exterior of the earth are the result of different geological epochs, and of successive subsidencies of chaotic matter,— positions which have been so severely attacked and so often denied, particularly by the disciples of the Huttonian school, that it is not without a feeling of lively interest, I communicate a spaxeny which appears so conclusive on the subject. Ina letter from Gov. Cass to Mr. Schoolcraft, the follow- ing observations are made on this fossil tree : | ‘* The appearance of the wood and bark indicates, that it _ was a black walnut, the juglans nigra of our forests. The texture of the aay and the bark and the knots, are nearly as distinct as in the living subject, and the process of decay had not commenced previous to the commencement of this wonderful conversion. Every part of the mass which we could examine, is solid epoiie, and readily yields fire by collision with steel. “* When we visited the spot, the water of the river was at the lowest stage ; but there was no part of the tree within some inches of the:surface. The rocky bed of the stream, was formed round, and upon it. We raised from it pieces of-the rock, which were evidently in situ, and which had been formed upon the tree posterior to the period of its de-__ posit in its present situation. This rock is aspecies of sand- stone, whose characteristic features must be well known to ou. “ There are no mineralized substances, of vegetable ori- gin, in the vicinity of this specimen, nor are there any ap- pearances which indicate, that its present condition has been caused by any peculiar Bropesty in the waters of the Des Plaines.” 292 Notice of Plants growing in Latehfield. BOTANY. —— Arr. VII.—List of Plants growing spontaneously in Latch- field and its vicinity ; by Mr. Joan P. Brace. Conelu- ded from pa. 86 of this volume. DODECANDRIA. Monoeynia. Asarum. Canadense L Rich woods, May. Portulacca. Oleracea L. Cultivated grounds, July. Yellow. Lythrum. Verticillatum, L. Borders of ponds, Aug. Purple. Agrimonia. | Eupatoria, L. Woods, July. Yellow. TrRicynia. Euphorbia. 1. Maculata, L. Streets, Aug. 2. Depressa, N. Y. Catalogue. Sandy ground, Aug. 3. Denitata, Mx. With the last. Aug. ICOSANDRIA. Monoeynia. Prunus. 1, Virginiana, Willd. Woods, May. White. 2. Seratino, Willd. Hedges, May. White. 3. Pennsylvanica, Ait. On hills, May. White. 4, Depressa, Ph. Mount Tom, May. White. Di-PENTAGYNIA. Crataegus. Coecinea, Ait. Woods, May. White.” ai Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 293 Sorbus. Aucuparia, Mx. Pyrus Aucuparia, Lim. Sorbus Americana, Muhl. Swamps, May. White. Pyrus. * 1. Arbutifolia, Willd. - -Mespilus arbutifolia, L. Aronia pyrifolia, Pers. Wet pastues, May. White. 2. Melanocarpa, Willd. _ Aronia arbutifolia, Pers. Wet pastures, May. White. 3. Botryapium, Willd. Aronia Pe fap Weds, May. White. Spiraea. 1. Salicifolia, Ait. Alba, Muhl. Pastures, July. White. areca ss fei ae Pink. ‘eo Pouyeynia. Rosas" ; a 1. Parviflora, Willd. Woods, June. Red. 2. Carolina, Willd. Swamps, June. Red.» Rabiginosa, Muhl. Sudvealede, Ph. Mount Tom, June. Red. Rubus. | 1. Villosus, Ait. Woods and pastures, June. White 2. Strigosus, Mx. Swamps, . June. White. : 3. Occidentalis, L. Borders of fields, Poses White: 4. 'Trivialis, Mx. Pine woods, May, White. 5. Odoratus, L. Woods and hedges, June. Red. 6. Saxatilis, L. Rocky hills, May. White. Dalhbarda. ie Fragarioides, Mx. Pastures, May. yellow. Fragaria. Virginiana, L. ‘Fields, ‘May. “White. Potentilla. ~~ ie 1. Fruticosa, L. Sabha (Ives, ) oe Fell. : 2. Floribunda, L. Fields, May. Yellow. : 3. Canadensis, LL. Field, May. Yellow. 4. Simplex, Mx. Fields, May. Yellow. Vor TVG Joie te Le 294 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 5. Norvegiea, L. Fields, June. Yellow. 6. Argentea, L. Streets, June. Yellow. Geum. 1. Virginianum, L. Woods, July. Yellowish-white. 2. Strictum, with the last, July. Yellow. 3. Rivale L. Bog meadows, June. Purple. Comarum. Pulustre L. Borders of ponds, purple. June. POLYANDRIA. Monoeynta. Actaea. 1. Rubra, Willd. Rocks, white. May. 2. Alba, Bigelow, (secund. Eaton,) with the last. May. Chelidonium. Majus, L. Borders of garden spots, June. Yellow. Cistus. Canadensis, Willd. Helianthemum canadense, Mx. Sandy fields and hills, June. Yellow. Sarracenia. Purpurea, L. Cranberry pond meadows, July. Red. Tila. Glabra, Ph. Woods, near rivers, June. Yellow. Sanguinarva. + Canadensis, L. Near rocks, April. White. Nymphaea. _Odorata, Ait. Ponds, July. White. Nuphar. Advena, Ait. Ponds, July. Yellow. Di-PENTAGYNIA. Hypericum. ) 1. Perforatum, L. Fields, July. Yellow. 2. Punctatum, Lmk. Meadows, July. Yellow. 3. Parviflorum, Willd. Streets, July. Yellow. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 295 4. Canadense, L. Streets, July. Yellow. 5. Virginianum, L. Wet meadows, July. Reddish. Aquilegia. Canadensis, L. Rocks, April. Scarlet. Potyenia. Clematis. Virginiana, L. Hedges, Aug. White, Atragene. Americana, Sims. Glematis hexagona, Eaton.? Mount Tom, May. Purple. Thalictrum. 1. Dioicum, L. Woods and Fields, May. White. 2. Cornuti. Wet meadows, July. White. Coptis. Trifolia, Salisb. Helleborus trifolius, L. Pine swamps, nee White. Caltha. . Palustris, L. Swamps, April. Yellow. Anemone. 1. Nemorosa, L.. Woods, April. White. 2. Thalictroides, L. Shady woods, April. White. 3. Virginiana, L. Borders of woods, July. Greenish- white. Hepatica. 1. Triloba, Willd. Anemone hepatica. Rocky woods, April. White. 2. acutifolia. Triloba, var acuta, Dewey. Hills, April. White. Eiriodendron. Tulipifera, L. Wet woods, June. White. Ranunculus. . Acris, L. Meadows, June. Yellow. ; ee ae Wet woods, May. Yellow. . Repens, L. Ditches, June. Yellow. : Fascicularis, Bigelow Pastures and wet meadows, May. Yellow. . Fluviatilis, Big. Stagnant waters, Aug. Yellow. . Flammula, i Ditches, June. Yellow. mH 09 tO = Oo Gy 296 Notice of Plants growumg in Litchfield. 7. Sceleratus, L. Ditches, May. Yellow. 8. Hispidus, Mx, Hirtus, Muhl. Ditches, July—Sept. Yellow. 9. Saniculaeformis, Eaton. Wet woods, May. Yellow: DIDYNAMIA. GyMNOSPERMIA: {santhus coeruleus, L. Sandy fields, July. Lamium. Amplexicanule, L. Cultivated grounds, May. Purple. Pycnanthemum. 1. Incanum Mx., Mount Tom, bulye White. Clinopodiun i incanum, L, 2. Virginicum, Pers. Brachystenrum virginicum, Mx. Hills; Aug. White. 3. Aristatum, Mx. Woods, July. White. Nepeta Virginica, L. Vepeta. Cataria, L. Road sides and in woods, June. White. Hyssopus. Scrophulayifolius, Eaton. Hedges, Aug. Pine. Mentha. 1. Borcalis, Mx. Wet meadows, Aug. Purple. 2. Viridis, Watt. Tenuis, Mx. Streets, July. Pink. Galeopsis. Tetrahin, L. Cultivated fields, Aug. Purple. Leonurus. Cardiaca, L. Road sides, July. Wie, Marrubiun. Vulgare, L. Road sides, July. We Hedcoma. Pulegioides, Pers. Cunila pulegioides, L. Dry fields, July. Blue. Glechoma. | Hederacea, L. Along fences, May. Purple. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield, 297 Trichostema. Dichotoma, L. Sandy hills, July. Blue. Scutellarva. 1. Lateriflora, L. Swamps, July. Blue. 2. Galericulata, L. Swamps, July. Blue. Prunella. Pennsylvanica, L. Meadows, June. Blue. ‘ Phryma. Leptostachya, L. Rocky woods, July. Purple. ANGIOSPERMIA. Verbena. 1. Hastata, L. Streets and meadows, July. Purple. 2. Urticifolia, L. Road sides, July. White. Orobanche. 1. Virginiana, L. Wet woods, Sept. Purple. Epifagus Americanus, Nutt. 2. Biflora, Nutt. Uniflora, L. Shady woods, June. Yellowish. Bartsia. | Coccinea, L. Pastures, May: Scarlet. Melampyrum. Lineare, L. Woods, July. Yellow. Antirrhinum. 1. Lineara, L. Road sides, June. Yellow. 2. Canadense, L. Streets, Aug. Blue. Gerardia. 1. Purpurea, L. Fields, Aug. Purple. 2. Flava, L. Woods, Aug. Yellow. 3. Quercifolia, Ph. Glauca, Eddy. With the last yellow. ; 4, Pedicularia, 1. Woods, near the water burg, Aug. Yellow. ; Pedicularis. Canadensis, L. Wet meadows, May. Yellow and purple Mimulus. Ringens, L. Sianditie waters, Aug. Blue. Chelone. Glabra, L. Ditches, Aug. White. 298 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. TETRADYNAMIA. SILICULOSA. Thlaspr. , Bursa-pastoris, L. Cultivated grounds, Apri—October. White. Lepidium. Virginicum, L. Road sides, June.. White. SILIQUOSA. Arabis. 1. Hastata, Ns ¥..Cat. Turritis laevigata, Willd. Mount Tom, May. 2. Falcata, Mx. Canadensis, L. Rocky hills, Woodbury, June. White, Dentaria. Diphylla, Mx. Wet woods, May. White. Erysimum officinale, L. Old fields, July. Yellow. Cardamine, Pennsylvanica, Willd. Streams, May, White. Var tenella. Wet woods, near rocks, June. White. Sisymbrium. Amphibium, Li. Wet meadows, June. Yellow. Sinapis. Nigra, Sm. Cultivated grounds, July. Yellow. Introduced. MONODELPHIA. DeEcANDRIA. Gleranvun. 1. Maculatum, L. Fields, May. Purple. 2. Robertianum, L. Rocky hills, Woodbury, July. Red. PoLyANDRIA. ida. . Abutilon, L. Cultivated grounds, July. Yellow. Introduced. Malva. ' Rotundifolia, L. Cultivated grounds, June. Pink. DIADELPHIA. Hexanpria. Corydalis. 1. Cucullaria, Pers. Wet woods, May. White. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 299 2. Fungosa, Pers. Mount Tom, July. White and red. 3. Glauca, Ph. - Sempervivens, Pers. Rocks, May, Red and yellow. Fumaria. _ Officinalis, L. Cultivated grounds, June. Red. Intro- duced.’ OctTanpRIA. 7 Polygala. 1. Paucifolia, L. Pine swamps, May. Purple. 2. Sanguinea, L. Moist meadows, Aug. Red. 3. Verticillata, L. Dry pastures, Aug. Bluish White. 4. Rubella, Muhl. Sandy hills, July—Aug. Red Decanpria. Robinia. Pseudacacia, May. White. Introduced, Glycine. 1. Monoica, Willd. Rocky woods, Aug. White. 2. Apios, L. Apios tuberosa, Ph. In thickets, Aug. Purple. Tephrosia. Virginiana, Pers. Galega Virginiana, L. Rocky hills, Woodbury, July, Purple. Medicago. Cupulina, L. Cultivated grounds, May—Oct. Yellow. Trifolium. 1. Repens, L. Fields, June. White. 2. Pratense, L. Fields, June. Red. Introduced. 3. Arvense, L. Dry soils, July. White. Lespedeza. 1. Sessiliflora, Mx. Woods on Mount Tom, Sept. Violet. 2. Capitata, Mx. | Hedysarum frutescens, L. Sundry woods, Aug. Purple. 3. Polystachya, Mx. : Hedysarum hirtum, Ll. In dry woods. Aug. White. 4. Violacea, Pers. Woods, Aug. Violet. Hedysarum. 1. Canadense, L. Woods, Aug. Purple. 2. Nudiflorum, L. Rocky woods, Aug. Violet. 300 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 4, Acuminatum, Mx. With the last, Aug. Purple. 3. Rotundifolium, Mx. Rocky hills, near Mount’ Tom, Aug. Purple. 5. Ciliare, Mahl. Sandy hills, Aug. SYNGENESIA. AEQUALIS. Leontodon. Taraxicum, L. Grass plats, April. Yellow. Prenanthes. 1. Alba, L. Woods, Aug. White and Purple. 2. Cordata, L. Woods, Aug. Whitish. Lactuca. Elongata, Willd. Shady places, Aug. Yellow. Meraicum. 1. Venosum, L. Shady hills, July.. Yellow. 2. Paniculatum, L. Woods, Aug. Yellow. 3. Scabrum, Mx. Sandy woods, Aug. Yellow. 4, Halmii, L. Hedges, Aug. Yellow. Sonchus. Oleraceus, L. Waste places, Aug. Yellow. Krigia. Virginica, Willd. Kyoseris Virginicus, L. Sandy hills, May. Yellow.. Faatris. Scariosa, L. Borders of swamps, (very rare})) Sept. Purple. Vernonica. Noveboracensis, L. Borders of Daten lake, Aug. Purple. Cnicus. ; 1. Canceolatus, Willd. Streets and pastures, July Purple. 2. Altissimus, Willd. Wet woods, July. Purple. 3. Arvensis, Pers. Road sides, (rare. J uly. Arctium. Lappa, L. Cultivated and waste grounds, Aug. Pur “fg Bidens. 1. Cernua, L. Ditches, Aug. Yellow. 2. Chrysanthemoides, Mx. Ditches, Aug. Yellow. 3. Frondosa, L. Cultivated grounds, Aug. Yellow. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 301 ye ia 1. Purpureum, L. Swamps and wet woods, Aug Pur- le. 2. Verjoillewin, Willd. With the last, Aug. ‘Piniple.¢ 3. Perfoliatum, L. Wet pastures, Aug. White. 4, Ageratoides, Willd. Rocky woods, Aug. White. Mikania. Scandens, Willd. Eupatorium scandens, L. leas the Bantum, July. Pink. SUPERFLUA. Gnaphahum. 1. Plantagineum, L. ° Dioicum, Eaton. Dry fields, April. White. 2. Polycephalum,'Mx. Pastures and woods, Aug. White. 3. Margarataceum, Li. With the last, Aug. White. 4, Decurrens, Ives. With the last, Aug. White. 5. Uliginosum, L. Wet grounds Aug. White. Tanacetum. Vulgare, L. Road sides, Aus, Yellow. Introduced. Chrysanthemum. Leucanthemum, L. Meadows, June. White. Inula. Heélenium, L. Road sides and by brooks, July. Yellow. Erigeron. 1. Bellidifolium, Willd. Sides of hills, May. Blue. ' 2. Philadelphicum, L. In old fields, June. Purple. 3. Purpureum, Aiton. Wet woods, July. Purple. 4. Strigosum, Muhl. In pastures, July, White. 5. Heterophyllum, Muhl. Meadows, July. White. 6. Canadense, L. Cultivated grounds, Aug. White. olidago. 1. Procera, Ait. Borders of fields; Sept.’ Yellow. 2 Serotina, Willd. Borders of Woods, Sept. Yellow. 3. Ciliaris. Woods, Sept. Yellow. 4. Lateriflora, Ait. Old fields, Aug. Yellow. 5. Altissima, Willd. Wet places by hedges, Sept. Yel- low. -. 6. Patula, Muhl. Rocky woods, Aug. Yellow. 7. Recurvata. Woods, Sept. Yellow. 8. Bicolor, Li. Rocky woods, ee White. 9. Lanceolata, Ait. Vor. IV......No. 2 13 14. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. Graminea, Nutt. Wet fields, Aug. Yellow. . Caesia, Ait. Woods, Sept. Yellow. . Flexicaulis, L. Dry woods, Sept. Yellow. . Latifolia, L. Woods, Sept. and Oct. Yellow. , Puberula, Nutt. Sandy fields, (common) Sept Yel- low. Gigantea, Willd. Borders of fields, Aug. Yellow. aren 2. Aster. . Linariifolius, L. . Recurvatus, Eat.? With the last, Sept. Blue. . Hieracifolius, L. New fields, Aug. Aureus, Willd. Wet meadows, May. Yellow. Inula linariifolius, Nutt. Sandy hills, Sept. Violet. . Amygdalinus, Mx Umbellatus, Ait. Borders of fields, Sept. White. . Cordifolius, L. Rocky hills, Sept. White. . Corymbosus, Ait. Wet woods, Sept. White. . Macrophyllus, Ait. In woods, Sept. White. . Amplexicaulis, Mx. Rocky hills, Sept. Blue. . Laevis. In woods and borders of fields, Aug. Blue. . Puniceus, L. Near streams, Sept. Blue. . Conyzoides, Willd. On hills, July. White. . Acuminatus. Rocky damp woods, Aug. White. . Tradescanti, Eat.? Fields, Sept. Blue. The same species 13. Diffusus, Ait. In open fields — Helenium. Autumnale, L. In the pond meadows, Aug. Yellow. Anthems. Cotula, L. Road sides, July. White. Achillaea. Millefolium, L. In fields, July. White and pink. FRustTRANES. Rudbeckia. Laciniata, Willd. In swamps, Aug. Yellow. Helianthus. 1. Divaricatus, L. Borders of woods, July—Aug. Yel- low. 2. Trachelifolius, Willd. In copses, Aug. Yellow. 3. Frondosus, L. Borders of woods, Aug. Yellow. Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 303 GYNANDRIA. Monanpria. Orchis. 1. Ciharis, L.? Beephariglottis, Eaton? Cranberry pond meadows, ~ July. Pure white. 2. Tridentata, Willd. In wet meadows, July. Greenish- white. 3. Spectabilis, L. Rocky woods, May. White and purple. 4, Orbiculata, Ph. Rocky woods, May. Green. 5. Fimbriata, Willd. Meadows, July. Purple. 6. Psycodes, Willd. Wet meadows, July. Yellowish- white. Laura, Mx. Satyrium. Bracteatum, Pers. Wet wad May. Vellowish-white. Neattia. 1. Tortilis, Willd. Aestivalis, Pers. Wet meadows, Aug. White. 2, Cernua, Willd. With the last, Aug. White. 3. Pubescens, Willd. In woods, Aug. White. ued . Pulchellum, Sw. Limodorum tuberosum, L. Wet meadows, July. Purple. 2. Odontorhizon, Willd. Shady woods, July. Malaxis. Liliifolia, Sw. Ophrus liliifolia, LL. Wet streets and pastures, Jone. Greenish-white. Arethusa. 1, Ophioglossoides, L. Swamps of the Cranberry pond, July, purple. 2. Bulbosa, L. With the last, May. Purple. Dranprta. Cypripedium. 1. Pubescens, Willd. In wet woods, May. Yellow. 2. Spectabile, Willd. Canadense, Mx. In swampy A pe June. White and red." 304 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 3. Acaule, Mx. Humile, Wild. In woods, June. Purple. MONOECIA. MonanpRia. Caulina. | Flexilis, Willd. Najas canadensis, Mx. In ponds. Not seen in flower. Chara. Flexilis. Bottoms of ponds, July. Dranpria. Lemna. 1. Minor, L. In ditches. July. 2. Trisulea, L. In similar situations, July, TRIANDRIA. Typha. T atifolia, L. In pools of water, July. Sparganium. Ramosum, Sw. In ditches, July. Carex. 1. Cephalophora, Wahl. Woods, May. . Bromoides, Schk. In wet meadows, May. . Retroflexa, Muh]. On dry land, May. . Multiflora, Willd. ? Swamps, May. . Rosea, Schk. On dry land, May. - Disperma, Dewey, (Mss.) Cranberry pond meadows. June. . Scoparia, Willd. In wet meadows, June. - 9. Straminea, Willd. In similar situations, June. 10. Festucacea, Schk. Dry land, June. 11. Caespitosa, Eat. ?. Boggy meadows, May. 12. Crinita, Willd. Borders of streams, June. Var. palacea. Wet meadows, June. 13. Acuta, Willd. Boggy meadows, May. 14, Polytrichoides, Willd. Microstachya, Mx. On wet ground, May. 15. Virescens, Muhl. On dry land, May. 16. Varia, Willd. On dry hills in woods, Apa 17. Marginata, Willd. In dry woods, May 2 3 4 5. Sparganioides, Willd. Wet meadows, June. 6 7 § Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. = 305 18. Tentaculata, Willd. In swamps, May. 19. Lupulina, Willd. In wet meadows, June. 20. Flava L. Borders of Dog pond, Goshen, June. 21. Folliculata, Willd. In swamps, June. 22. Pubescens, Muhl. In wet woods, June. 23. Plantaginea, L. Moist woods, April. 24. Granularis, Muh]. On dry land, May. 25. Laxiflora, Willd. ? Near brooks, May. 26. Hystericina, Willd. Wet meadows, June. 27. Flexuosa, Muhl. Near brooks, June. 28, Miliacea, Schk. Wet meadows, May. 29. Pseudo-cyperus, Willd. Swamps by Ponds, dane 30. Pellita, Willd. In swamps, May. 31. Lacustris, Willd. Riparia, Muh]. Gram. Swamps, June. 32. Vesicaria, L. Wet meadows, May. 33. Rostrata, Mx. In swamps, June. Comptoma: Asplenifolia, Ait. Liquidambar asplenifolium, L. Dry hills, May. Eriocaulon. Pellucidum, Mx. Borders of Ponds, Aug. White. Serpicula. Occidentalis, Ph. In Bantum lake, Aug. White. TETRANDIA. Ortica. 1. Pumila, Willd. Wet places, July. 9. Dioica, L. Cultivated grounds, July. 3. Canadensis, D. Moist woods, Aug. Whitlowi, Muhi. ? Alnus. Serrulata, Willd. In swamps, April PENTANDRIA. Ambrosia. Elatior, L. In cultivated fields, a Amaranthus. 1. Albus, L. Streets, July. 2. weenie L. In cultivated fields, Aug. 306 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. PoryannRiA. Myrioiphyllum. Capillaceum, Torrey, (Mss.) ponds, July. Sagittaria. 1. Sagittifolia, L. Borders of Ponds and streams, Aug. 2. Hastata, Ph. with the last. Aug. White. 3. Gracilis, Ph. In similar situations, Aug. White. 4. Acutifolia, Ph. Muddy banks of ponds, Aug. White. 5. Simplex, Ph. with the last, Aug. white. Calla. Palustris, L. In swamps July. white. Arum. 1, Triphyllum, L. In moist woods, May. white and pur- le. 2. Witeiniilia IP Calla virginica, Mx. In swamps, July. Green. Quercus. 1. Tinctorium, Willd. Woods, May. 2. Alba, Willd. Woods, May. 3. Montana, Willd. Rocky woods, May. 4. Bannisteri, Mx. Tlicifolia, Willd. Mountains, May. Juglans. Nigra, L. Introduced ? May. . Cinerea, L. In woods, May. . Squamosa, Mx. Compressa, Willd. Woods, May. . Alba, L. Willd. In woods, May. . Glabra, Muhl. In woods, May. Fagus. Ferruginea, Ait, In woods, May, Castanea. 1. Vesca, Willd. In woods, July. Betula-populifolia, Ait. In woods, June. 2. Lenta, L. In woods, June. Carpinus. Americana, Willd. In woods, May. Corylus. 1. Americana, Wang. In woods, April. 2. Rostrata. In woods, April. Platanus. Occidentalis, L. Borders of streams, June. op woe Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. 307 MoNnADELPHIA. - Pinus. 1. Canadensis, L. Pine Island, May. 2. Nigra, Ait. Cranberry pond meadows, pit 3. Strobus, L. Pine island, May. 4, Rigida, L. Sandy hills, May, (rare.) 5. Pendula, Ait. Cranberry pond meadows, May. Acalypha. Virginica, L. Dry pastures and road sides, Aug. DIOECIA. DianpRra. Salix. 1. Conifera, Willd. Eriocephala, Mx. Swamps, April. 2. Nigra, Willd. Caroliniana, Mx. Near streams, April. . Lucida, Willd. Borders of ponds, May. . Cordata, Willd. Wet fields, June. . Grisea, Willd. Borders of streams, May. . Vitellina, L. Road sides, May. . Babylonica, L. Introduced, May. at M Gr f 09 TETRANDIA. Myrica. Gale, L. Borders of ponds, May. HexanpRIA. Smilax. 1. Rotundifolia, LL. Woods in Woodbury, June. 2. Peduncularis, Muhl. Fields, June. OcTanpRia. Populus. 1. Tremuloides, Mx. In woods, April. 2. Grandidentata, Mx. with the last, April. 3. Balsamifera. Introduced? May. MonaDELPHIA. Taxus. Canadensis, Willd. Pine island swamps. 308 Notice of Plants growing in Litchfield. CRYPTOGAMIA. (GONOPTERIDES. Equisetum, 1. Arvense, L. Low grounds, April. 2. Hyemale, L. Boggy grounds, April. STACHYOPTERIDES. Lycopodium. _ 1. Clavatum, Willd. In woods, July. 2. Complanatum, L. Willd. Woods, Aug. 3. Dendroideum, Willd. Obscurum, L. Wet woods, July. 4. Rupestre, L. On rocky hills, June. 5. Lucidum, Willd. In wet woods, July. ‘Botrychium. Gracile, Ph. In woods, July. Ophioglossum. ‘Vulgatum, L. Pond meadows, July. ScHISMATOPTERIDES. Osmunda. 1,. Cinnamomea, Mx. Low grounds, June. 2. Interrupta, Mx. Marshy grounds, July. 3. Spectabilis, Willd. Swamps, June. FIicks. Fes 1, Vulgare, L. On rocks, July. 2. Hexagonopterum, Willd. Wet woods, Aug. bare epson ; . Acrostichoides, Willd. aly. On Siti . Noveboracense, Willd. July. Wet:places. . Cristatam, Willd. July. Rocky woods. . Marginale, Willd. Mount Tom, July. . Asplenoides, Willd. In woods, Julys . Angustum, Willd. In woods, July. . Rufidulum, Willd. On rocks, July. . © } Dialatatum, Willd. In rocky hills, July. 3 Intermedium, Muhl. Moist woods, Jans: : Orioelea ; ° Sensibilis, L. Wet grounds, June. ‘Miscellaneous. Facts in Zoology. -309 Asplenium. Te 1. Ebeneum, Willd. Rocks, July. 2. Melanocaulon, Wille. On the sides of rocks, July. Pteris. olen Aquilina, L. In woods, July. Adiantum. Pedatum, L. Wet places, July. Dicksonia. z Pilosiuscula, Willd. Wet woods, Aug. ZOOLOGY. iia tae Ant. VIII.— Fragments relating to the history of Animals. Extract ofa letter ihe Baierodated 3 | Princeton, Dec. 22d, 1821. Dear Sip, Tue following are the extracts from my notes on Natural History, mentioned in my last to you. You have my consent to dispose of them as you think-proper. My en- gagements would not permit me to copy them before. Yours truly, JACOB GREEN. Curious Instinct of the common Hog, (Sus Scrofa—Lin.) It is customary with farmers who reside in the thinly.set- tled tracts of the United States to suffer their hogs to run at large. These animals feed upon acrons which are very abundant in our extensive forests, and in this situation they often become wildand ferocious. A gentleman of my acquaint- ance, while travelling, some years ago, through the wilds of Vermont, perceived ata little distance before him a herd of swine, and his attention was arrested by the agitation they exhibited. He quickly perceived a number of young pigs in the centre of the herd, and that the hogs were arranged about them in a conical figure, having their heads all.turned outwards. At the apex of: thisesingular cone, a huge boar Vou TY... Nov 2. 14 310 Miscellaneous Facts in Zoology. had placed himself, who, from his size, seemed to be the master of the herd. The traveller now observed thata fam- ished wolf was attempting by various manceuyres to seize one of the pigs in the middle; but wherever he made an attack, the huge boar at the apex of the cone presented him- sel{—the hogs dexterously arranging themselves on each side of him, so as to preserve the position of defence just mentioned. ‘The attention of the traveller was for a mo- ment withdrawn, and, upon turning to view the combatants, he was surprised to find the herd of swine dispersed, and the wolf no longer to be seen. On riding up to the spot, the wolf was discovered dead. on the ground, a rent being made in his side, more than a foot in length—the boar hay- ing, no doubt, seized a favourable opportunity, and with a sudden plunge dispatched his adversary with his formidable tusks. : It is a little remarkable that the ancient Romans, among the various methods they devised for drawing up their ar- mies in battle, had one exactly resembling the position as- sumed by the swine above mentioned. The mode of attack they called the Cuneus, or Caput porcinum. Blue- Yellow Bird.—Fringilla tristis. To those but little acquainted with Natural History, the assertion that a white black bird (oriolus Pheeniceus) or a black swan (Anas Atrata) are animals really in existence, appears too paradoxical for belief. Black swans, however, are found in New Holland and some other places, possess- ing all the graceful atitudes of the European species ; and ‘white black birds or albinos, are of no very uncommon oc- currence. I have observed another anomaly among the feathered tribe no less striking. A bird of precisely the same size, habits, and general appearance with our common yellow bird, (Fringilla tristis) associating with it, and differing only in colour—this being of a dark indigo in the places where the male (F. tristis) is yellow; the black bands on the wings, and the spot on the head, were the same in both. The following hints are offered by way of theory to ex- plain these anomalies :—If there be any truth in the opinion entertained by many, that the imagination of the parent, or JMiscellaneous Facts in Zoology. 311 that certain casualties during gestation, have an influetice on the offspring of the class Mamalia—why may not the like circumstance affect the embryo in the egg of birds. Again, we know that when the eye becomes fatigued with behold- ing the glare of one colour, it is relieved by changing the colour—or if a colour be viewed for some time, the opposite will be painted on the retina—thus when we look on the bright light thrown by a burning glass on any object, a black spot is produced in the eye, and if we look steadfastly on a black spot made with ink on a white sheet of paper, or moy- ing the eye a little, a luminous spot will be seen on the pa- per, much brighter than the surrounding part.* Will not these two particulars taken together, account for the above anomalies ? ~The causes which have produced the varieties in the hu- ‘man species, are but little understood. ‘Too much is per- haps attributed to the influence of climate. There are ma- ny reasons to satisfy an unprejudiced mind, besides the un- erring testimony of the bible, that the whole race of than has sprung from one and the same stock. The five princi- - pal varieties mentioned by Blumenbach—the Caucasian, Mongalian, Ethiopian, American, and Malay—may all have arisen from some such accidental cause as those noticed above, or such as occasions the albinos of our species. That species can be continued from such accidental varieties, ap- pears from the following account published in Edwards’ ‘Gleanings of Natural History, and in the 424th No. of the Philosophical Transactions. Edward Lambert, or the Porcu- pine man, was at his birth like other children ; but in eight. or nine weeks his skia turned yellow and then blackish, cov- ered with conical protuberances, which formed a rugged covering all over him, except his head, palms, and soles of his feet. This man had six children, eed skin exactly re- sembled his own. Edwards then remarks—“ It appears to me beyond all doubt, that a race of people may be propaga- ted by this man, having such rugged coats or covering. as himself, which if it should ever happen, and the accidental original be forgotten, it is not improbable they may be deemed 2) eiffctent species of mankind ; which considera- - * If we gaze long upon a bright yellow spot, a blue colour will be painted on the retina. Many curious particulars on this subject may be found in the first volume of Darwin’s Zoonomia. 312 Hare’s Gasometer. tion should almost lead one to imagine, that if mankind were all produced from one and the same stock,the black skins of the Ethiopians, &c. might possibly be owing originally to some such accidental cause.” —See Edwards’ Plate 212. MECHANICS AND THE ARTS—PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY. —_>— Arr. IX.—Account of an improved mode of suspending Gasometers ; by Dr, Hare.* an, It is well known to all who are conversant in gas light ap- paratus, that no mode has beenheretofore devised to render Gasometers accurately equiponderant at all points of their immersion in the water ; a circumstance so indispensable to their action. | The modeusually adop- _ ted'in the English Estab- - lishment, is that of. the (-\~ Gasometer chain. | This BO et Th feet is costly ,and difficult to ex- Pre =.,-ecute well, or. to, correct, i ~~... when erroneously propor- =. tioned. to. the desired. ef- é\.fect.. The plan of sus- N™pension on a. beam, like © that in the annexed cut, ' has in practice been found yo answer perfectly. Being once executed, it requires no further attention. The rationale of the operation of sucha beam, will be evident from the method of constructing one which I shall proceed to explain. | ; Find. (by tial, if possible ; if not, by calculation,) the weight of the Gasometer when sunk so low, as that the top will be as near as possible to the water, without touching it. In.the same way find the weight of the Gasometer at the highest point of emersion, to which itis to rise, when in use, Then, as the weight in the last case, is to the weight in the pan: pay o> &* Gp CORRE ED ae »S ay * Published first in the Analectic Magazine for May, 1817. Hare’s Gasometer. 313 first; so bet the length of the arm A, be to the length of the arm’ B, From the centre D, with the radius A, describe a circles, on which set off an arch C, equal to the whole height through which the Gazometer is to move. Divide this into as many parts as there are spaces in it, equal each to one-sixth of the radius or length of the arm A. Through the points thus found draw as many diameters ; which will, of course, forma corresponding number of radii and qivic! ions, on the opposite side of the circle. Divide the differ- ence between the length of A and B, by the sum of these divisions : and let the quotient be g: From the centre .D towards the side E, on radius 2, set off a distance equal to the length of the arm A, less the quotient or g. On radius 3, set off a distance equalte A, less 2 q, or twice the quo- tient ; and so set off distances on each of the radii ; the last being always less than the preceding, by the value of g. A curve line bounding the distances thus found, will be that of the arch head E. ‘The beam being supported on a gudgeon at D, let the Gasometer be appended at G,-and let the weight’ be appended at F’, adequate to balance it at any one point of immersion. This same weight will balance it at all other points of its immersion—provided the quantity of water displaced by equal sections of the Gasometer be equal. But as the weights on which A and B. were predicated, may not be quite correct, and as, in the construction of large ves- sels, equability of thickness and shape cannot be sufficiently attamed—the consequent irregular buoyancy is compensa- ted by causing the weight to hang nearer to, or farther from the centre, at any of the points taken in making the curve. This object is accomplished by varying the sliders seen op- posite to the figures 1, 2,3, 4, 5,6. When they are prop- erly adjusted, they are made firm by the screws of tad the heads are visible in the diagram. The drawing is of a beam twelve feet long; and i course the length of the arm A is six feet—that “of B four feet their difference two feet ; which divided by six, the number of points taken in making the curve E. gives four inches for the quotient g.. Hence the distance on radius 2, ‘was five feet eight inches—on radius 3, five feet four itichéson ra- dius ar five feet—on radius 5, ‘four feet eight inches—on ra dius 6, four feet four inches and! ‘lastly four feet. The i iron gudgeon, where it enters the beam, is square: 314 Domestic Telegraph. The projecting parts are turned true, and should be bedded in brass or steel dies ; placed, of course, on a competent frame. The sixth part of a revolution of the portions of the gudgeon thus supported, is the only source of friction to which this beam is subject during the whole period of the descent of the Gasometer ;—which, in large ones, does not ordinarily take place in less thai six hours: Arr. X.—Pearson’s Patent Domestic Telegraph. (Communicated for this Journal by the Inventor.) Tue Domestic Telegraph has for its recommendations the follow ing advantages, viz. 1. The ease, facility and dispatch with which domicsite wants may be supplied. 2. The great saving of labour to domestics, randehiag their attendance less irksome to themselves, and more ac- ceptable to principals. 3. The privacy with which domestic communication may be held in the presence of company ; and in many other cases that often occur. 4. In cold weather, obviating the necessity of so fre! quently opening the doors of apartments, which is so in- commodious and disagreeable ; besides admitting the influx of cold air. \ 5. By reference to the annexed arawiwess it will be per- cieved that by the Indexes, a. a. moving over two dials, B.B. an almost instantaneous communication is effected— they operating simultaneously by means of the connecting rods, ¢.c. and wheels, D.D. The motion, giving the dlarm to direct the domestic’s attention to the face of the dial, is by means of the small pinion, e. and rod, f, connected to the Wheels, d. d.—on whose centre of motion two small bells, g. g. are fixed, with their peripheries facing each other. A small space is left between the bells to give freedom to their vibration—to produce which a cast iron ball is enclosed be- tween them, and revoives on the inner side of their extrem- ities. The dials are divided by zones into three divisions— the inner of which contains the letters of the alphabet—the next extertor, figures to the number of 30—the outer is di- vided into 30 compartments, each of which contains the * See the end of the volume. Account of an Earthquake at Kutch. 315 name of an article in full. These divisions will generally be’ found to contain as many articlesas usually comprehend the wants of afamily. Should any article, however, be wanted, not expressed by words on the dial, it may with ease be communicated, by turning the index to the letters requisite to make out the name of the article. By the power of the alphabet, it will readily be seen that the Domestic Telegraph may be rendered the medium of communication to an indefinite extent—For the’ sake of convenience, by an understanding between the parties, words may be so abreviated, that certain letters shall stand as their representatives. Thus the names of domestics may be designated by the initials, and the figure may likewise be applied to similar purposes. By these arrangements it not only appears, how easily domestic wants may be supplied, and private communications held, by the use of the Domes- tic Telegraph,—but that it may be made to facilitate the con- veyance of intelligence through all kinds of buildings—such as stores, ware-houses, counting-rooms, &c. &c. &c. _ The simple structure of the Telegraph enables the inven- torto furnish the common one at the low price of five dol- lars ;—-while from its form, it is peculiarly adapted to ducstate the most elegant rooms—the ornamental ones will be furnished proportionally low. 'N.B. No. 2 inthe annexed drawing, represents a bell- action applied to the same purpose as bell-action No. 1, and is connected by the pinion, e. to the wheel D. at 4. ~The inventor proposes placing the more costly ones in: pedestals, vases, &c. &c. as chimney or table ornaments.— Mr. Pearson’s stand is in Water-street, Boston. Arr. XI,—* Account of the Earthquake at Kutch, on the 16th of June, 1819. Drawn up from published ‘and un- published letters from India.” From the Pfinbureh Phi- losophical Journal, No. 5, June 1820. ‘Tue western coast of India has been ee by an earth-. quake, which has spread desolation and famine over a great extent of country ; and whose destructive effects will be seen. 316 Account of an Earthquake at, Kutch and felt for many years tocome. ‘This tremendous conyul- sion of nature was experienced from Bombay to beyond the tropic of Cancer ; but the.centre of the convulsion seems to have been in the province of Kutch, which has se- verely suffered. . In describing this alarming occurrence, we shall select from a variety of letters which have heen receiv- ed on this subject, the most important particulars. .» The first and greatest shock took place on the 16th of June, 1819, a few minutes before seven in the evening. The day had been cool and showery ; Fahrenheit’s. ther- mometer ranging from 80° to 85°. The monsoon had. set in mildly without much violent thunder and lightning ; and . there was nothing unusual in the state of the atmosphere at - that season that could afford any ground for apprehension. The wind which had been blowing pleasantly towards eve- ning, at the commencement. of the concussion fell into a deep calm, and ina moment all was consternation and hor- _ ror. The wretched inhabitants of Bhooj were seen flying in all directions to escape from their falling habitations., A heavy appalling noise,—the violent undulatory motion of the ground,—the crash of the buildings,—and the dismay and terror which appeared in every countenance, produced a sensation horrible beyond description. The shock lasted from two to three minutes, and during that short period the city of Bhooj was almost levelled with the ground. The walls, from the sandy nature of the stone, were crumbled into. dust ; nearly all the towers. and gateways. were demol- ished ;..and the houses which were left standing, were so shattered as to be uninhabitable. .The fort, which stands at ‘some distance from the city, is so breached as to be render- -ed useless asa place of defence. It is calculated thatnear- ly two. thousand persons have perished in Bhooj alone. Among the sufferers is the mother of the depasqe Rajah, who was buried in the ruins of the palace. . The surviving inhabitants: were obliged to forsake the city, and encamp outside of the walls on some sand hills. Theirsituation was _ truly, distressing. Bruised, maimed, and in sorrow, they resorted daily to the city to extricate the mangled remains of wives, children and relations. In this. melancholy labour, they were nearly exhausted by the stench arising from the putrid bodies of their friends, and from the carcases of the . feattle, which had perished in great numbers, At the Account of an Earthquake at Kutch. Bi? date of the last account, between 1000 and 1500 persons had been dug out of the ruins. The devastation was general throughout Kutch.) From ‘Luckput Bunder to Butchao, in every town and village, more or less lives were lost by the falling in of the houses; ‘and in the towns of Mandavie, Moondria, and Anjar, very _ extensive damage has been sustained. Accounts from An- “gar state, that the first wall was almost completely destroy- “ed, not one hundred yards of it remaining in one spot, and guns and towers hurled in one common mass of ruin. ' Scarcely a fourth part of the town is standing, and the hou- “ses that do remain are considerably mjured. ‘In one word,” says the writer of the account, ‘ a flourishing popu- ‘lation has been reduced in one moment to wretchedness and misery ; and I fear we shall have to lament the loss of up- wards of one hundred people, besides those hurt.” ~The destruction occasioned by this terrible visitation was “not confined to Kutch. From Ahmedabad, the capital ~ of Guzerat, we have the following description: “« This city “is justly celebrated for its beautiful buildings of stone and “other materials, and for the famous shaking minarets, which _ were admired by every stranger. Alas! the devastation - eaused by this commotion of the earth is truly lamentable. ‘ The proud spires of the great mosque, erected by Sultan . Ahmed, which have stood nearly four hundred and fifty “years, have tumbled to the ground, within a few yards.of the spot where they once reared their heads! Another mosque of elegant structure, which lies to the left of the road leading to the Shahee Bagh, has shared the same fate. ‘The mag- nificent towers, forming the grand entrance inte the citadel, have been much shaken, and cracked in several places, es- “pecially the one in which the flag-staff has been placed. Many private houses have been reduced to ruins ; but it is most fortenate, amidst all our disasters, that not a single life has been Jost, and but few accidents.” We learn from Je- lilsheer, that “the earthquake was severely felt in that place, and the loss of lives terrible. ‘The fort and town are reduced to ruins. Many of the people killed were already out of doors, which is usually considered a situation of com- parative safety. A marriage was about to be celebrated in a rich man’s family ; and the casts had assembled from vari- ous quarters: the shock occurred when they were feasting Vor UVice. aes 2. 15 318 Account of an Eurthquake at Kutch. in the streets, and upwards of five hundred of the party were smothered in the ruins of the falling houses.” The effects of this earthquake have indeed been so exten- sive, that we cannot pretend to enumerate the more minute disasters. We have confined ourselves to the most promi- nent of them ; and we now proceed to give some accountof the sensations felt by the individual sufferers during the con- tinuance of the concussions. In the British camp, which was pitched in a plain between the fort and city of Bhooj, the general feeling was an unpleasant giddiness of the head, and sickness of stomach, from the heaving of the ground; and during the time the shock lasted, some sat down instinctively, and others threw themselves on the ground. Those who were on horseback were obliged to dismount, the earth shook so violently that the horses could with difficulty keep their feet ; and the riders, when upon the ground, were scarcely able to stand. At Ahmedabad, ‘all the disagreea- ble sensations were experienced of being tossed ina ship at sea in a great swell; and the rocking was so great, that ev- ery moment we expected the earth to open under our feet.” One gentleman writing from Surat, where the earthquake began at twenty minutes past seven, says, ‘‘ The vibration of the couch I was lying onwas so great, thatI was glad to get offit: the house was considerably agitated, and the furniture all in motion ; a small table close to me kept striking the wall, and the lamps swung violently. JI ran down stairs and out of my house as fast as possible. On getting on the outside, I found a number of people collected, gazing with astonish- ment at my house, which stands alone, and was so violently agitated that I expected it to falldown. The earth was con- vulsed under our feet.”’ Another thus writes from Broach : ‘* Such of the houses as are elevated, and at all loosely built, creaked like the masts and rigging of a ship in a gale, the venetians and window-frames rattling violently, and the buildings threatening immediately to fall; a considerable lateral motion was impressed on every thing that admitted of it. After this more violent concussion had lasted a min- ute or upwards, it was succeeded by. an oscillatory motion, of a more equable character, which continued for more than a minute and a half, making the whole period of the convul- sion nearer three than two and a half minutes.” , An intelli- gent native residing in Iseria, gives the following cccount: -Stecount of an Earthquake at Kutch. 319 * Yesterday in the eveninga noise issued from the earth like the beating of the nobut, and occasioned the tumbling of all the people : it appeared most wonderful, and deprived us all of our senses, so that we could not see, every thing appear- ing dark before us ; a dizziness came upon many people, so that they fell down.” Besides the great concussion on the evening of the 16th, frequent slight shocks were experienced during the night, and throughout the following day. One occurred a little ’ before ten in the morning, which shook the houses, and caused the windows and doors to rattle violently. It contin- ued, however, only for a few seconds. Another, rather more severe, took place on the 23d, at midnight. Some houses were thrown down but ro lives lost. Indeed daily vibrations were sensibly felt in the camp before Bhooj, for more than a month after. ‘The same unpleasant sensations which were experienced during the first shock, also contin- ued for several days. A giddiness, and slight sickness, ac- companied with pains in the knees, and an inclination to lie down rather than sit or stand. ‘This is attributed to the rocking orrolling motion of the earth, which, though not ob- servable, was in constant action. The inhabitants of Kutch, however, were much relieved from the dread of farther con- vulsions, by the circumstance of a volcano having opened on a hill about thirty miles from Bhooj ; and about ten days after the first shock, a loud noise, like the discharge of cannon, was heard at Porebunda. ‘The sound came from the East and was supposed to indicate the bursting of one or more volcanoes in that direction. Undulations of the earth had formerly been felt in this district, but had never been accompanied with any distressing effects. About two years ago, several of the British officers encamped in the neighbourhood of Bhooj, experienced a slight shock ; but it was so slight that others of them were not sensible of it. It is to be hoped, however, that none will ever be attended with such a horrible catastrophe as the one we have been describing; forthe distress occasioned by it is represented by almost all the writers as almost beyond their abilities to describe. 320° Seybert’s Analysis of Molybdenum ° Art. XIb.—Analysis of a Sulphuret of Molybdenum 3 by Henry Srvsert, of Philadelphia. (Communicated for this Journal.) Tuts mineral was found near Chester, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and. in its external character so much resem- bles that of Saxony, as to make a description of it unnecessa- ry. It occurs in a gangue of quartz, and is often accompa- nied by the sulphuret of iron. The specific. gravity of apurcpicca was 4. 444, Analysis. A. 5 Grammes reduced to minute lamine were treated by pure concentrated nitric acid ; soon after the addition of the acid, the mineral assumed a beautiful blue colour. When heat was applied, effervescence commenced, nitrous acid was abundantly disengaged, and the liquor became turbid, owing to the precipitation of the molybdic acid. The total decomposition was effected with difficulty, and took place twenty-four hours after the acid was added. The liquor was then filtered, and the residue was washed to separate the sulphuric Agu, that was formed during the decomposi- tion of the mineral. The filtered liquor was eollte bey slight excess of muriate of barytes, a precipitate of ni iti of barytes. was formed, which after being washed and calci- ned, weighed 14.39 grammes, equivalent to 4.945 grammes of sulphuric acid, or to. 1.984 grammes of sulphur on 5 grammes, or pr 100 — 39.68. B. The liquor (.4,) containing a portion of the molybdic cid, was evaporated to dryness, to expel the nitric acid. The dry mass was treated by water; a portion of the mo- lybdic acid remained insoluble, the liquor was then filtered ; the molybdic acid, remaining on the filter, after being wash- ed and moderately calcined, weighed 0.44 grammes. The liquor was then treated by ammonia, it became turbid, owing to.a precipitation of molybdate of barytes ; another portion of muriate of barytes was added to it, and it was then filter- ed, the molybdate of barytes remaining on the filter, when washed-and calcined, weighed 0.90 grammes, which corres- ponds to 0.415 grammes of molybdic acid. Seybert’s Analysis of Chromat.of Tron. 321, C. The residue on the filter (.2,) supposed-to be molyb- die acid and sulphur, was washed and dried at.a- moderate temperature insufficient to sublime the sulphur ; it was then moderately calcined ; during the calcination there was not the slightest odour of sulphur—a proof that the nitric acid had completely acidified it. The molybdic acid, after the calcination, weighed 3.61 grammes, it dissolved ‘etitirely i in ammonia, and was therefore considered pure. The results — in (B and C.) give a total of molybdic acid, amounting to 4.465 grammes, equivalent to 2.971 grammes of molydenura on five grammes, or pr 100 = 59.42, ( The constituents of the mineral according to this analysis, are, ; Per 100 Betsy. A. Sulphur, - 39.68 -C, Molybdenum, - - 59.42 99.10 100.00 000 90 Loss. Art. XIN. — Analysis of the ‘Whnbhibalt! Chromat of Tron ; by Henry Seysert, of Philadelphia. — Tis mineral was found at the Bare Hills, near Bama? in the State of Maryland ; the specimen submitted to anal-* ysis was amorphous, and incrusted with talc. Its colour was blackish-brown—colour of the powder deep reddish’ brown. Lustre metallic—opaque—fracture uneven—not very frangible—scratches glass—acts but very slightly on the magnet. The specific gravity , of a pure piece, wes, 4.0639. Infusible before the blowpipe. Analysis. _ fl. 8 grammes of the mineral, after being carefully sepa+ rated from the talc, were reduced to a very fine powder, and exposed to a red heat in a platina crucible. The eal- cimed mineral was a shade darker. and weighed 7.87 Bram 322 Seybert’s Analysis of Chromat of Iron. mes ; the loss of weight in water then amounts to 0.13 grammes on 8 grammes, or 1.625 per 100, B. The residue of the calcination (4) mixed with 16 grammes of nitrate of potash, and 8 grammes of caustic pot- ash, was exposed to fusion at a red heat, in a silver crucible during one hour. The fused mass was treated by water, and the solution, when filtered, was of a bright yellow col- our. The matter on the filter was red, it was then treated by diluted muriatic acid, to dissolve the silex which had formed a silicate with the alumine, insoluble in potash. This. solution was decanted, and the residue was boiled with con- centrated muriatic acid, to dissolve the per-oxide of iron, The last solution was filtered, and the residue on the filter consisted of that portion of the mineral which resisted de-_ composition ; after being washed and calcined it weighed. 3.34 grammes. After deducting the 3.34 grammes of unde- composed mineral, from the 7.87 grammes in (4,) there re- mained 4.53 grammes of the calcined mineral for the anal- sis. : C. The two muriatic solutions (B) were mixed and evap- + orated to dryness ; the dry mass was treated by water acid- ulated with muriatic acid; it was then moderately evapora- ted, again treated by water and filtered. Silexremained on the filter, which, after being washed and calcined, weighed 0.48 grammes, on 4.53 grammes, or 10.596 per 100. D. The liquor (C) was treated by.an excess of caustic potash, and boiled during an half hour ; it was then filtered ; muriatic acid was added to the filtered solution, and by means of ammonia, was found to contain a mere trace of . alumine. ‘The residue on the filter, washed and calcined, weighed 2.09 grammes ; it was dissolved in muriatic acid,... evaporated to expel the excess of acid, and treated by wa- ter ; the iron was then precipitated by ferruginous hydro~ cyanate of potash. The liquor was filtered, the alumine was precipitated from the filtered solution by ammonia, ° washed and calcined it weighed 0.459 grammes—then by difference we have 1.631 grammes of per oxide of iron on | 4.53 grammes of the mineral, or 36.004 per 100. | E. The yellow solution (B) was saturated by muriatic acid, a precipitate of alumine was formed, which, washed and calcined, weighed 0.13 grammes, so that, with the alu- mine obtained in (D,) we have 0.589 grammes alumine on 4.53 of the mineral, or 13,002 per 100. Seybert’s Analysis of Chromat of Tron. 323 #. To ascertain whether the proper quantity of acid was added to the liquor (£,) a portion of it was rendered slight- ly acid, and treated by ammonia ; no precipitate was form- ed; it was therefore certain, that the acid added had pre- cipitated all the alumine. The liquor was then treated by an excess of muriatic acid, it became intensely brown ; chlo-— rine was disengaged, and on heating the liquor, it was changed . io a beautiful deep green. The muriatic acid decomposed. the chromate of potash, and formed muriate of potash and - proto-muriate of chrome. The green colour proved that. the chrome was in the state of a protoxide. ‘The liquor, . treated by ammonia, yielded a light green precipitate of © proto-hydrate of chrome, which, washed and calcined, gave protoxide of chrome 1.79 grammes on 4.53 grammes of the mineral, or 39.514 per 100. j This chromate of iron, after being calcined, is constituted as follows. Per 100 parts. C. Silex, - 10.596 Containing oxygen, 5.329 — D, Per-oxide of iron, 36.004 - = - 11.038 E. Alumine, 13.002 = Bs - 6.073 &. Protoxide of Chrome 39.514 > a - 11.810 99.116 100.000 000.884 Loss. During my residence in Paris, I examined, in the Royal School of Mines, a specimen of the chromat of iron, found in Chester county, Pennsylvania. In its external charac- _ ters, it did not vary materially from that found at the Bare Hills ; the result of the analysis was as follows, viz: Per 100 parts. Sileyeer - = 02,901 Containing oxygen 01.45 _ Peroxide of Iron, - 35.140 - - = 10.77. Oxide of Manganese, a Trace. Alumine, - — = - 09.723 - - - 04.54 Protoxide of Chrome, 51.562 - - - 15.41 99.326 100.000 000.674 Loss, 324 Bowen’s Analysis. Arr. XIV.—Analysis of the Sulphat of Strontian from ‘Lake Erie, and of some Sulphats of Barytes ; by Mr. Grorer T. Bowen, of Providence, R. I. Remarks by the Editor. In our present No. pa. 279, we have inserted notices of the sulphat of strontian from Lake Erie. The highly respecta- ble authority upon which those localities have been receiv- ~ ed, scarcely demands any confirmation, especially. asthe external characters support the opinion of the gentlemen who have given their names to the public. Still the actual analy- sis is always desirable, and especially in this country, where we have so few original analyses of our own native minerals. Those detailed in the annexed paper were executed by a pupil in the Labratory of Yale College. The research 1s ex+ cluswely his own ;—we will observe, only, that the reagents were all pure, and that the results of all the stages of the analysis being shewn us, at the moment, were considered entirely satisfactory. The discovery of sulphat of strontian in our sulphats of barytes, must be deemed interesting’: Klaproth madea sim- ilar observation on some of the sulphats of barytes which he examined ; but in no instance did he find so much as Mr. Bowen found in’ the: Betlin mineral ; he generally found from one to two per cent, but the Berlin mineral. affords nearly four per cent. The analysis of the Erie strontian was performed upon afragment of the very. on and pure crystal furnished by Major Delafield. — Analysis of the Sulphat of Strontian. A. Three pieces whose specific gravities were respectively 3.82, 3.78, and 3.88, were finely pulverized and sifted. B. Two hundred grains of this powder were mixed with three times their weight of pure carbonat of potash and six ounces of distilled water, and the mixture boiled for two hours—the loss of water by evaporation being from time to time supplied, Bowen’s Analysis. 825 C,. The whole was then thrown upon a filter, and the insolu- ble powder repeatedly washed with distilled water, This powder when collected and dried, weighed 175 grains. Upon the insoluble portion (C,) muriatic acid was pour- ed, when it was entirely dissolved with effervescence, ex- ‘cepting a residue of one grain, which was silex. The muriatic solution (D) was filtered and saturated with “caustic ammonia, when a brownish coloured precipitate was produced. This precipitate when collected and dried amounted to two grainsin weight. Dilutedsulphuric acid when ~ digested upon it, dissolved it in part, and gave with prussiate of potash a blue precipitate. The residue was then heated with caustic potash, and dissolved in water. Sulphuric acid being added, and the solution placed in a moderate heat, ~ erystals of alum were formed. This precipitate then con- -. sisted of alumine and oxide of iron. The muriatic solution was then evaporated, when it crys- tallized entirely in needle-shaped crystals, which possessed all the properties of muriate of strontian—particularly the al- coholic solution tinged flame ofa most beautiful red. Esti- ‘mating, therefore, the quantity of pure strontian from the carbonate produced by the decomposition of the sulphate, the Lake Erie mineral contains in two hundred parts— Pure strontian, ~ - 108.5 Silex, -. - - ~ - 1. Alumine, —— - iat ot 1. Oxide of iron, - - - vhs Sulphuric acid and water, _— - 88. 200. Analysis of a Sulphate of Barytes from Berlin, Con. Having, by the aid.of charcoal and a red heat,decomposed a specimen of sulphate of barytes from Berlin, for the pur- pose of obtaining the muriate, it was observed that the crys- - Vou. IV.....No. 2... 16, 326 Bowen’s Analysis. tals which were deposited after the solution had been much: concentrated by evaporation ; did not possess the usual form of the barytic salt. An examination of the mineral was in consequence undertaken, the results of which follow. Its specific gravity is 4.36—colour pure white—structure broad foliated—-lustre shining—and in its other external.characters it agrees so completely with common specimens of sulphate of barytes, that a further description of it would be unneces- sary. Analysis. A 1. Distilled water digested upon the mineral in powder for one hour was rendered slightly turbid by nitrate of silver, and by oxalate of ammonia. 2. Pure muriatic acid was then poured upon the powder, and heated with it for half an hour; it dissolved nothing, however, excepting a scarcely perceptible portion of iron. 3. Two hundred grains exposed for one hour to a high red heat, lost only two grains in weight. B. Two hundred grains of the mineral finely powdered and sifted, were mixed with three times their weight of pure crystallized carbonate of potash, and exposed for two hours to a moderate red heat in a crucible of pure silver. _ C. The mass (B) after having been pulverized and boiled with water, was thrown upon a filter, and the insoluble por- tion repeatedly washed with distilled water. D. | ‘i To the filtered solution muriatic acid was added in ex- cess, and the fluid evaporated to dryness. Water being then poured upon the mass, there remained undissolved one grain, which was silex. . Es To the insoluble powder (C) diluted muriatic acid was added, when it was entirely dissolved with effervescence, ex- cepting a residue of four grains of siliceous earth. Bowen’s Analysis. 327 F The muriatic solution was then filtered and saturated with caustic ammonia, when a brownish coloured floculent pre- cipitate was produced, which when dried, weighed three and a half grains, and consisted of oxide of iron witha trace of alumine. The muriatic solution freed from iron and alumine, was decomposed by carbonate of ammonia, and the precipitate again redissolved in muriatic acid. This solution being placed ona sand bath, deposited tabular crystals of muriate of barytes until the solution had become highly concentrated, when it shot into needle-form crystals, which tinged the flame of alcohol of a deep red colour, and possessed all the other properties of muriate of strontian. These crystals of muriate of strontian, when collected and dried on paper, weighed twelve grains. The crystallized muriate of bary- tes, when washed with alcohol and dried, amounted to 182 ‘grains. The sulphate of barytes from Berlin contains then, in two hundred grains—— Pure Barytes, - - - 114.66 Pure Strontian, — - - - 7.84 Sulphuric acid - = - 67. Silex, - - - = - 5. Oxide of iron and alumine, - 3.5 Water, - - - - - Pe 200.00 Remark. The sulphate of barytes which forms the gangue of the celebrated Missouri galena, having been examined by a similar process, gave, in one hundred parts, about one part of strontian ;—the sulphat of barytes, fromthe Southampton lead mines, Mass. gave no trace of strontian. 328 Aphlogistic Lamp. Art. XIV.— Description of the Aphlogistic Lamp. Communicated by Dr, J, L. Comstock, of Hartford, Ct. In the construction of this lamp, the object is to keep a coil of wire in a state of permanent ignition, without either flame or smoke. The principle on which it is constructed, I believe was first discovered by Sir H. Davy. He found that on heat-_ ing the end of a piece of platina wire red hot, and instantly holding it near the surface of some ether placed in a wine glass, the wire was kept at a red heat as long as the experi- ment was continued. Chae Whether Sir Humphrey pursued the subject any farther, Iam not informed. It is most probable, however, that he did not, as it is stated in a London paper of the last year, that Prof. Ure of Glasgow had determined the circumstan- ces which modify the performance of the lamp, and that one constructed by him was in full action in that city, (London,) and had excited much public curiosity. This. notice contains some directions concerning the size of the wire, and the manner of coiling it. { have, however, _ seen no description of this lamp, which would enable one readily to construct it. The following may therefore inter- est such readers as have seen no account of this curious dis- covery. The principle on which the aphlogistic lamp is con- structed involves two conditions, which are absolutely re- quisite, viz : that we make use of a combustible substance which evaporates at a low temperature, and a metal which is a bad conductor of caloric. For the combustible alcohol seems best suited to the purpose. Sulphuric ether, aside from its high price and disagreeable smell, 1 have found sometimes to fail ; the ignition ceasing without any obvious eause. In regard to the metal, gold and silver both fail in consequence of the rapidity with which they conduct calor- ic. Silver too would soon be destroyed by the intense heat. Iron, although so bad a conductor as to remain ignited for a time, soon fails, being converted into red oxide. Pla- tina seems to be the only metal adapted to this purpose, Aphlogistic Lamp. 328 being comparatively a slow conductor of caloric, and not easily oxidated at the highest temperatures. This is to be drawn into wire of the dinates of 525; or ;°°, of an inch, being about equal in size to card, or brass wire No. 26. Experience has shewn that this size suc- ceeds better than any other. If larger, the heat is carried . off too rapidly, and ignition ceases ina few moments. If. much finer, it does not retain sufficient heat at the lower part of the coil to keep up the evaporation of the alcohol from the wick. ‘The coiling of the wire, and the adjustment of the wick, are the most difficult parts of the construction. The coil A. fig. 1, of the annexed plate,* is made by wind- — ing the wire round a piece of wood cut of the proper size and shape. The size is determined by the bore of the glass tube, allowing for the diameter of the wire. The. shape in that part which enters the tube is plain cylindrical, but slightly conical where it projects above the tube, as seen in the figure. (I believe this is the best shape, though I have succeeded equally well when the coil was of the same shape throughout.) In winding the coil, it is best that the turns of the wire should come in contact. Afterwards it is to be gently ex- tended, so as to leave the turns as near as possible to each other without touching. The diameter of the coil is about one sixth part of an inch where it enters the tube. Its length half an inch or a_ little less, containing from twenty to thirty turnsof the wire. The projection above the tube is rather less than one half the length. ae B. fig. 1, is a glass tube containing a cotton wick which by capillary attraction carries the alcohol. up to the platina coil. ‘The length of this tube is arbitrary, being from one inch to three or four inches. The bore is about one sixth of an inch, so as barely to admit the coil. The wick consisting of eight or ten threads, is first drawn through the tube, and then introduced about half way into the coil, so as to come nearly even with the top of the tube. This requires very nice adjustment. If the wick is too high, the wire is rapid- ly cooled by the alcohol, and ignition soon ceases. If too low, the evaporation by the heat of the wire is insufficient. If, however, the other parts are well constructed, a few tri- als will insure success. * See the end of the Vol. 330 Aphlogistic Lamp. Fig. 2,shows the lamp complete. The body of it isa low vial, or glass inkstand capable of holding about two ounces of alcohol. Itis stopped accurately with a cork, which is covered, for ornament, with tin foil. The aperture for ad- mitting the tube and wick is made with a hot iron. Disa small tube through which the alcoholis poured. A drop- ping tube is convenient for this purpose ; but a small fun- nel is easily made by cutting off an inch of the neck of a broken retort, into which is pushed a cork, and through this a small quill. Another orifice still for letting off the air, as the alcoho! goes in may be made through the cork. After the lamp is charged ; these orifices, are of course, to be clos- ed to prevent evaporation. When the lamp is completed, and charged, the alcohol is inflamed by holding the coil in the blaze ofa candle. After letting it burn far a minute or two, the flame is blown out, when, if every thing is properly adjusted, the wire will con- tinue red hot until the alcohol is exhausted. The explanation, why the ignition of the wire is perma- nent, seems to be sufficiently simple. Alcohol, when in the state of vapour, combines with oxigen with great facili- ty. The temperature of the wire is first raised by the flame of the candle to about 800° Fah. This degree of heat is such as to effect the combination of the alcohol with the ox- ygen of the atmosphere. When this is once effected, the caloric extricated by the combustion of the alcohol is suffi- cient to keep the coil at a red heat, which again is the tem- perature at which the alcohol is combustible, so that one portionof alcohol, by the absorption of oxygen, and the con- sequent extrication of caloric, lays the foundation for the combustion of another portion ; and as the alcohol rises in a constant stream, so the effect is constant. ‘The stream of vapour is much increased by the heat of the lower part of the coil, where it embraces the wick, and the temperature of the vapour is considerably raised before it reaches that . part of the coil where its combustion is effected. Some- times, the last or upper turn of the wire only, is kept red hot. | This lamp, though one of the most curious inventions of the age, is not merely a curiosity. The facility and certain- ty with which, by means of a match, a light may be obtained from it, constitutes its utility. The proper matches for this Natural Ice-House. 331 purpose are prepared by dipping the common brimstone matches into a paste made by mixing two parts of white su- gar with one part of chlorate, (oxy-muniate) of potash. The red French matches are of this kind, and answer the purpose completely. . In cases where a light might be wanted, but a constant one would be offensive, this lamp would be a great conven- lence ; a light being almost instantaneously obtained by touching a match to the platina coil, and then to the wiek of acandle. Physicians, or others, who are liable to be called up in the night would also find it convenient. The aphlogistic lamp, with the proper matches, may be obtained at Mr. Charles Hosmer’s variety store in this city, (Hartford.) A description of this Lamp is printed in the sixth editio of Conversations on Chemistry, just published by O. D. Cooke of this city, with notes, by the author of this article. - “Arr. XVIL—Natural Ice-House near W illiamstown, Mass.* Lat. 42° 38' N. Lon. 73° 15' W. from London. — Brinley Place, Roxbury, Dee. 17, 1821. To Pror. Sinuiman, - Sir—In the last number of your excellent Journal of Sci- ence and Arts, there is an account of a natural ice-house, which you examined, situated in the township of Meriden in Connecticut. Near the close of the article, it is observed, that you should be obliged by any information, respecting similar facts existing elsewhere. In the month of July 1800, in company with several young gentlemen, I visited a natural repository of ice, in Williamstown, in the north-west part of this State. It is near the summit of a mountain, the name of which I do not recollect, nearly west from the colleges, onthe top of which — is fixed a pile of stones as the bounds between ‘New-York. Vermont, and Massachusetts. * Country mountainous—more than one hundred miles in a right line from the ocean.—Ep. 332 Natural Ice- House. There is a large fissure which is open towards the west, I think, or south-west ; above it a projecting cliff excludes the direct rays of the sun, from falling into the cavity, which recedes, under the incumbent mass, at an angle of about forty or fifty degrees. During the winter, the cavern is filled with snow, by the driving storms, that sweep over the mountain range, with great violence. ; We found plenty of ice with which we cooled our liquors, and, I was informed by several of the oldest inhabitants of the town, that there was ice there during the whole year. You can get a particular and correct account of this curi- ous depot, from Professor Dewey of Williams College, who { presume has been to it, or will go, to gratify that very commendable and zealous passion, which he has evinced, to advance the natural history of our country. With the highest respect, I have the honour to be Your most obedient servant, H. A. Y. DEARBORN. Additional particulars communicated by Mr.'Tuomas Ives, of Yale College. Pror. Siiuiman, The account which Mr. Dearborn has given of the natu- ral ice-house, and which you shewed me in MS.’ accords entirely with my recollections. I visited it in the month of July 1818—the day was one of the warmest in the season, I would suggest in addition to what he has communicated, that the mouth of the “ fissure,” or cave has the form of an irregular ellipse, (or of a wedge obtruncated at the vertex.) Width at the top, where greatest, about ten feet—length from fifteen to twenty—depth not exceeding twenty. ll the dimensions diminish as you descend. The descent is easy: by two or three landing places or steps ; also assisted by fragments of stone and old logs.—There is likewise a thick growth of evergreens and other wood about the entrance, which contribute to exclude the sun’s rays.—It is designated in the neighbourhood by the name of the snow-hole, the contents being rather snow than ice—a micture of both. The distance from the College is between four and five miles. /Meteorological Journal. 333 Arr. XVIL—* Abstract of a Meterological Journal kept at Deerfield, (Mass.) beginning March 1817, and ending November 1818. North latitude 42° 34' 32". West longitude 72° 39' from London ; by Enwarp Hitcx- cock, A. M. to which is added a Meteorological Table, kept at Albany, by Dr. T. R. Becx. | _ Tats abstract embraces nothing but the range of the thermometer, direction of the winds, and state of the weath- er. The thermometer used was an ordinary one, with Fah- renheit’s scale ; and on examining it by a test, it was found .to vary one degree from the truth. This allowance was _made in forming this abstract. The situation of the ther- _mometer was on the second story ofa brick building, twenty feet from the ground, where it was not exposed to the direct or reflected rays of the sun. Several circumstances render- ed it necessary for me to fix on 7h. A. M. 11 P.M. and 10 PM. for the hours of observation in the winter, and on 6h. A.M.2 P.M. and 10 P.M. in the summer. Iam sensible the observations . were not, on these several accounts, of the most delicate kind; but believing them to give a tole- rably correct view of the temperature of this climate, and knowing of no journal of this kind kept in this vicinity, I presume to offer this to your consideration. \ My thermom- -eter has accidentally been broken, or I should continue the journal so,as to make out complete years before sending it 10 VOU. | “Th arsnipmnelen, Wind. |Weather. ~ | aa Pea li 5 | | Lan fered ts & 2 | Sra bra Co AS ie] ee]. a SSE e etal SISIEIe Th |1d.| 10h.) % BIE lE/ SIE] /=/8|3 | aif A.M|P MIP. MSS liz [ale He |S le ln 1S tSa7, S Highest | B6i | Sse a taale loco ANT be ke & 4 Mean... 25 | 40 |.28 31 1/8 |16)}12) 4) 3] 1} 7 = ( Lowest. |g! 39. 11 Lie! | Saye cil 68 | 76 | 65 | | aoe 40 | 52 | 40$\44- {| 6] 8116]|16] 5|.3] 2) 4 L. 30/35 4.31 | | » Numbers without any sign are above Zero ;—with the negative, below. * This communication was received in the winter of 1818—19; and the Vditor regrets the long delay in publishing it, but the facts are still valua- ble. - ei Vonsil View Noe Ques: i 334 Meterological Table. Thermometer. | Wi W me Weather FE: Ee 2215/5 lee Slelellelese = |o oO S/Olretic 8 o}2 rei. NPM sa le [ELE Bla > he i ve | | ean ¢ | c px Ei) rowdle 53.6 |10}13| 9!17| 6 fi 3] 1 if | | Bet 60 || 912\16//11] 3] 7 7] 2 2 (i | ce ty 68.3} 6|16/12)|15] 5] 1 5} 2 + CH ms M. aim 66 |11/16/16]|12) 8) 5 5) 1 Rare | =) M. | zim 59.3 || 8110) 9]| 9} 3 | 8 6 CH. | Oe Ei 711) 815] 4 4 3} 2 | . CH. F< iis gel oe ay 0 nen | 08 a | PS sll Pt: ein 7. 6| 8/16/|16) 2} 6 1] 5 r. s/( He ete 27.6 || 6} 9/14] 8] 5] 7 31 6 ii, 1818. (HL a}m (Fo 5{LOH15/115] 215 3] 5 ra MS 3 ( H. oy M: 13.6 || 3} 7/20)|17) || 3. 2] 6 Li: = H. gM. 31.3 ||10} 6/15/18) 1} 3) 6] 3 S (L. i Ht 3 5, 4 M. 39.3 | 11} 6}13]| 7] 4] 11] 6/2 2M i | | Meteorological Table. 385 ‘Thermometer. || Wind. y Weather. | | alssl (2 |; Sa/5{sls] [eles 6h. 2h. |10b./3 BPS (EIS eZ lel Sle | A.MIP.MIP. MS Slr | SIS EIS IZ la IC. 9 Mean 48 | 63 | 50 $153.6 lis] glial] 6] 5] 6] 9] 5 i Lowest 40 43 38 o fH. 79 | 95 | 79 eae 62 | 80 | 62 S68 Hh gj14ti2}15| 1] 4] 9} 1 i Ht 52 | 58 | 49 > M. 76 | 96 | 79 EW ie 65 | 821 66%'71 I] 71glt6ll16] 4} 2} 6| 3 a 55 | 70 | 55 | cae 69 | 90 | 72 Be 56 | 74 | 626 |64 |} 2) 9241/21) 2} 216 = 45 | 67 | 51 2S 64 | 84 | 65 aa 49 | 66 | 536156 [19] 3iig9ii15| 3} 5} 5] 2 i 32 | 53 | 39 a § 53 | 69 | 57 | 5 )™M. 38 | 56 | 40 $144.6} 4| 2.22120] 5] 1] 2 L. 27 | 41 | 30 Th. /14h.| 10h A.M'P.M.IP. M 2 CH. 47 | 61 | 51 3M. 35 | 47 | 374 [39.6] 4/11/16) 14) 4) 2} 2} 8 L. 93 | 35 | 23 Mean Temperature of the Season, &c. Thermometer. Wind. Weather. Vs hohe Sa ec n oy ° ‘s iB cal dj2i¢ iG is js le le Biss is GS lmle |e le ls 18 Ie te ls 16 18 = 190 |e Yo 15 eS | BS cies Sit ile la je F le Ss a [a |O 17. Spring. 42.9| 78} 8} 70l| 17] 29] 41]| 45 15} 10| 6| 12 Summer. | 64.8| 94] 41] 53]| 26] 44] 44|| 38] 16) 13] 17] 5 Autumn. | 46.4| 87| 17] 7oll 21| 29] 33/) 40' 9) 10] 12] 13 18. Winter. | 20.6] 481-25] 73/| 14] 26] 49|| 40) 7) 15] 8] 17 Spring. 41.4| 85|- 1} 86| 36] 20] 39|| 31) 10] 20) 21] 10 Summer. | 67.6) 96| 45] 51|| 18| 36 52|| 52) 7 9| 21; 4 Autumn. {46.7 | 84) 231 611] 20] 16} 57l! 49| 12) sl 9 336 Meteorological Table. The greatest range in the table, is between February and July, 1818 ; viz. 121°. The winter of 1818 was more se- vere than is usual ia this place. The winds in the above tables are divided into North- wardly, Southwardly and Westerly. The first includes N. E. and N. winds, and those between N. and N. W. The second includes S. E. and S. winds and those between S. and 8S. W. The third takes inS. W., W. and N. W. winds. No column is given for easterly winds; for, during the time the above journal was kept, only four from that quarter were noticed ; viz. June 29th 1817; and May 18th, June. 13th, and August 28th, 1818. These winds are generally not more frequent in this place; and S. E. winds are also rare—usually bringing a storm. Our other winds that produce long storms, are South, North-East, and North : those from the south generally shortest. It has been re- marked, that for several years past, our N. E, winds do not so commonly bring storms as formerly ; whereas those from the N. and N, by N. W. are more frequently attended with storms. It will be perceived that the above abstract shows the number of winds on the points of compass, without regard tothe days. This list of the winds is not in every case complete; since for a few days in some of the months, neither the wind nor weather were observed. In the col- umns of the weather those days are put down as mostly fair, in which were light broken clouds but no rain or snow. Those are called showery, in which there was any storm whose duration did not exceed half the day. Other occurrences. 1817. March 6th, lightning in the evening : 10th, vio- lent thunder and lightning with hail. During this storm the same electrical phenomenon occurred on the hills a few miles west of this place, that was noticed throughout the lower part of Vermont in a thunder storm of January pre- ceding, viz a lightradiating from the extremities of objects, attended with a hissing or crackling sound. On the 10th however, I do not know that this was observed in more than one place. A light was perceived on the elevated ex- tremity of a pole used for drawing water from a well. In Meteorological Table. 337 - lowering the pole, this luminous appearance gradually di-_ minished and disappeared. On raising it again, the light reappeared. May 13th, 14, 16th, 20th, 21st, and 3lst,— frosts: do. June 12th and 17th: do. August 25th and 26th, October 5th, 11th. 35 m. A. M. shock of an earthquake :” continuance four or five seconds. ‘Three swells or undula-- tions, were distinctly felt. Objects suspended, vibrated sev-~ eral degrees. ss 1818. From March 21st to May 17th, (58 days) oaly thirteen days are recorded as clear : on almost every other — day there was rain or snow. May 8th and June 6th, aurora borealis. July 29th a parhelion was visible on each hand of the sun. July 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th, smoky. Sept. 3d and 26th, aurora borealis. This appearance is becoming more frequent than formerly. October 25th, 26th, 27th, 29h, 30th, 31st, Nov. Ist, 2d, 4th, 11th, 12th, and 23d, smoky. A succession of smoky days generally occur at this season of the year, and is here called the Indian summer. Rac tiles of the Weather for the year 1820. Kept at the Albany Academy, by T. Romeyn Becx, M. D. i ! . | Thermometer. | Barometer. Weather. Winds. S |—-—le ere oo Sd Set a ) a a nk Eas é e ole | | [ oO © © ws e SI g ie, Syl se | E> | % 2 |e | |B | .| Ey] eo] 2 £ | 20 | a SI> S oo ealeale dal cl eiel oe 2 \é SEE 3 = s=|52/ 52/5419) <| sei 52 ZIe) | «| (ElBIS iS .\) ies | Oren [rey et ot Ot m= | Slice 2 o |'a Bi ee af E = a<|ea) gapas| e] 2] Sis as ais | Sie) .|Blel sie les] jas] be So | S32 | Bele A lS) Bea le w=| sl @le ls] S| sisisiais ele) |e|e a S | Bla] sisi é 21 B21 S18 | S| BS SISISISE! 1 etEiS) isis Soy 2 i¢ |s |q@ | 2| S| slell 43 =| Sl els] | S| seleisisis is sisicisi é 5 S18 |f (8 [Be eel & | Bl b) Ele] Sl S| Elsielslsi8 ie ele lag) & a8 = |S |S |S | Baloo} = BH] 2) O) | 0) 0) Haale a iB bh tele | a S Yan. {117.19 /27.51|20.48/21.73] 37| -3| 40/24°|129.6373 |30.02|28.90|1.121,60) 9| 17| s|—| 6] 5| 31 6) 7 3, 6 1). | = ||Feb. _|124.69)36.72)28.48/29.96| 56) —5] 61/31'1129.6488 |30.30}29.20|1.10],42)) 12] 15] | 6) 5| 4! 6| 7| 6 2} 4) -|-|W. |! ; March ||27.71|39.96|30.51/32.73| 69] 9] 60/29°1129.7486 |30.32|28.80]1.52|,46|| 8) 15| 8] 4] 7 7 4|10, 8) -| — 1) 11. S |lApril {/42.36 62.50/47.70/50.85| 85] 21) 64/36 129.7514 |30.22129.34| ,88),25|| 11] 12] 7) 9] 2/ 4! 9| 5! 6 3] 7) Qi a\s. B s May __|/52.78 69.87/56.32|59.65| 85] 44 4136 |\29.6708 '29.97|29.23| 574 18) 7) 22) 214) -| 3 6} 7) 5] 1) 6 2) 1/W. S |June |/63.86|80.80|69.96/71.54| 98] 48] 50/32 |/29.7296 |29.90/29.50 540),22)| 15] 8| 7 4 =| 2 5| 811) 1} 3} -} -\s. "E> |Yuly 1/7 1-32|85.42/76.00/77.58|100) 63] 37/25 }}29.8040 |30.10]29.47 ,63},18|] 11} 10| 10113] —| -| 7| 3} 5| -l13| -) 3/S. E. 2 lAug. \65.42/79.06170.45)71.64| 89] 54 35/31 [129.7766 |30.05|29.60| ,45],15|} 11} 9} 11/12] -| 3 8} 5) 8} -| 7) -| Is. SS jiSept. |/58.40/72.83/64,03'65.08) 90} 38] 52,24 |/21.9136 |30.26/29.30| ,96],31 | 15] 8| 7] 5| -| -| 4) 6) 8 2} 9) 1) -|S. E Oct. {|43.32 54.43|47.54 48.43 71} 27) 44:23 {29.8086 '30.20)29.15|1.05|,30} 8) 17} 6/11) 3, 4 5/10} 5; 1] 4) 2) -|W. Nov. |31.23/40.03|34.3035.18/ 56| 11) 45|18 [29.6961 |30.11/28,97|1.14),39| 9| 17| 4| 512. 1) 4| sital a] 2| -| -s. piece ec. | 20.61/26.67/23.03 23.44) 39} 2] 37/11 |/29.6892_ 30.22)29,20|1.02), 30, 6| 18} 7| 315 8 9] 6! 6} -| 2| - MeanT| 43.24|56.31147. 40 48. 98|100| —51105'36 ||29.72955'3.032)28.00'1.52',60 |122'168 76187130. 41 63/81 89l14|63| 9| 6S. | EEE ees 338 -IN.W. | On the Causes of Govtre. 339 Art. XVIII.—On the cause of Goitre—Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas. Pirrssurcn, Dec. 21, 1821. To Prorressor SILLiman, Sir—You know that the inhabitants of this place have been from its earliest settlement, subject to the Goztre :-— The greater part of philosophers have very properly, sought to trace this complaint to the influence of local and natu- ral causes ; but prevailing as it does in countries so widely different in their geological and mineral features, there is always some circumstance irreconcilable with all their theo- ries on the subject. That indefatigable naturalist, the late Dr. ‘Barton, attri- buted Goitre to a miasm of the same species as that which produces intermittent fevers, and assumes the fact that the scite of Pittsburgh is low and confined, somewhat in the form of a basin, the atmosphere of which in summer be- comes heated and stagnant. This description is true to that extent; the scite of the town is low in comparison with the adjacent hills but high enough from the water, which 1 pure and salubrious, for every object of health, and it is freely ventilated by the constant breeze through the river valleys. There is no doubt however, that there are many situations in the south west regions of this country where this miasm exists under every possible condition, where Goitre is unknown. Dr. Barton refers also to this place in confirmation of the doctrine of Mr. De Saussure, that ‘‘ the cause of the complaint is to be sought for in some modification and con- dition which is exclusively confined to valleys but little ele- vated above the level of the sea ; this modification is a hea- ted and stagnated air, owing to the confined situation of the valley.” Itso happens unluckily for this opinion of Mr. De Saussure, that Goitre prevails on the prairies of Michi- gan, on the German flats in New York, and upon the spa- cious and open plains of Mexico, in the latter case at an el- evation of six or seven thousand feet above the ocean ; and is unknown in the little coves among the mountains of this state, which in some instances resemble amphi-theatres, and are exceedingly hot in summer. 340 On the Causes of Goitre. According to Coxe, Tuf abounds in all those districts where Goitre is common, and that gentleman agrees with Mr. De Luc in considering Tuf as the cause: In those parts of the state of New York where the disease prevails, the springs are said to deposit calcareous matter: so does the well water of Pittsburgh, but much less than the water in the Limestone valley of Cumberland in this state where no cases of Goitre occur. The water of the Rivers Alleghany and Monongehela, on the contrary contains little or no calcareous matter: This fact is worth mentioning in connexion with the opinion of De Luc, and the statement of Dr. Stevenson of this place, that “ formerly the inhabitants of Pittsburgh drank the wa- ter of the neighbouring rivers, of late well water only is used, still the increase of inhabitants considered, the disease is not more frequent than formerly.” With respect to the idea the doctor probably meant to suggest, that the river water might have been concerned in the matter ; it is opposed by the fact, that our boatmen, who amount to some thousands, and who drink no other water than that of these rivers, are as free from the disease as any other class of people. Fodere remarked that the Goitrous tumours commonly in- creased in summer and decreased in winter: in this place they decrease in summer, and increase in winter. Some have thought it owing to the use of water impreg- nated with Fossil coal: Coal being a characteristic of this place, a conjecture of that sort would naturally present it- self. The probability is that coal exists in this country wherever Goitre prevails. Indeed Bituminous coal may be found in all the great secondary region from the Alleghanies to the Rocky mountains: but we do know that elsewhere the same coal does not produce it, and why should it?— The springs that come out from our strata of coal, are strongly impregnated with the oxid of iron, mixed with aluminous matter, slightly vitriolated by the pyrites: This water has a good deal of astringency : its qualities are ton- ie ; and tonics or astringents are the remedies in Goitre if there is any virtue in Burnt sponge.* * Perhaps the author may not have met with the fact now stated on good authority, that sponges contain the new and powerful body Iodine which is said to be almost a specific in Goitre, and to which the efficacy of sponge in this complaint, is now, in Europe distinctly attributed.— Editor. On Luminous appearances in the Atmosphere. 341 Our coal yields 64. 5 carbon, 33, bitumen, 2. 5 earth and oxid of iron. ‘These proportions vary a littl—the best eoal for domestic use is considered to be that which has the -most bitumen with the least earth. | Whether the immense increase in the consumption of eoal, and the vast volume of smoke that envelopes the town, together with the floating particles of soot that are con- stantly inhaled, may not have expelled the disease on the ‘principle of burnt sponge; is a question I leave for those who are professionally qualified to answer. My object is not to offer any speculations on this matter, but merely to correct the case stated for argument, from the few facts within my own observation: I prefer your Journal for that purpose 3 as the subject comes fairly within the department of general science ; if the phenomenon of Goitre is attributable to causes existing in the geological fea- tares of particular districts.—Very respectfully Sir, Your humble serv’t. W. H. DENNY. Arr. XIX.— On Luminous appearances in the Atmosphere; by J. A. Auuen, A.M. Lecturer on Chemistry in Mid- dlebury College. (Communicated for the American Journal of Science.) On the evening of the 18th of January I'817, daring a rapid fall of moist snow, attended with repeated claps of thunder; lights or luminous appearances were seen in the atmosphere in many places on the Green Mountains — The lights were observed by different persons in the towns ‘of Andover, Jamaica, Wardsborough, Dover, Somerset, “Stratton and New Fane. . In all these places the lights were described as having the “Same appearance. ‘They were observed on the tops of bushes, fences, houses &c. Some persons represented them as appearing like the blaze of candles, but all agreed ‘that they were luminous spaces which appeared to rest on pointed or elevated substances—In some instances, persons who were travelling, suddenly observed a light surrounding iheir heads; in others they were completely enveloped in a light but little less than the ordinary light of the sun—Several _persons found when they elevated their hands, that the light Voir TVia.aNo. 2. 18 342 On Luminous appearances im the Atmosphere. appeared to stream from their fingers. This fact was partic~ ularly noticed by J. Deming, Esq. of Andover. Such phenomena as these it is believed, have seldom been observed in this vicinity, probably this is the first in- stance since the settlement of the country.* But in other parts of the world they have long been witnessed—though not very frequently. When Gyllippus went to Syracuse, he perceived a flame upon hisspear, and during the night before the victory which Posthumius gained over the Sabines, the Roman javelins emitted light like toreches—Cesar informs us, that in the month of February, about the second watch of the night, there suddenly arose a great cloud, followed by a dreadful] storm of hail, and on the same night the points of the darts of the 5th legion appeared to be on fire. In 1713, Marquis de Maffei observed in time of a storm on a mountain a brilliant flame issuing from the ground, at- tended with a loud noise. In October 1805, on an evening after a considerable falt of rain, several gentlemen at the house of the Rev. Mr. Gross, Hartford Vt. noticed a bright light, resembling the Aurora Borealis, apparently perpendicular to White River, elevated a few degrees above the horizon, and from which, Juminous streams shot toward the zenith. From these facts the inquiry naturally arises, how can an explanation be given of their production? Were analogical reasoning to be admitted, the most plausible inference would ‘be that they were caused by electricity. It is a fact well known, that when electricity becomes accumulated, as on the prime conductor of an electric machine, its tendency to restore an equilibrium, will cause it to escape in diverging — rays from every conducting point. If the experiment be made in the dark, beautiful electric light will be produced. The same unquestionably takes place whenever electrici- ty becomes accumulated either on the earth or in the air.— When electricity becomes accumulated in the upper regions during a shower or a storm, it is launched to the earth or other places which are negatively, electrified. On the con- * We presume that Dr. Allen has not seen an interesting collection of similar facts that occurred on the same occasion, and an account of which was presented to the American Academy at Boston, by Professor Farrar of Cambridge University.—See the Transactions of the Academy.— Fd. * On the Curves of Trisection. 343 trary, if the earth becomes positively electrified, and there happens a storm, it will escape or be conducted in to the up- per regions. In this case if it escapes in a large quantity at one point, the brilliant flame and noise mentioned by the Marquis de M. would be produced; but if it escapes in not very large quantity and at many points, it would produce those curious appearances recorded in history, and the lights seen in Vermont. The opinion that the earth at times becomes positively electrified appears to have, in amount, been entertained by the ancients. ‘The Tuscans divided thunder into two kinds, celestial and terrestrial; or that which falls from the clouds, and that which rises from the earth. The identity of light- ning or thunder and electricity, since the investigations of Franklin and Buffon is probably unquestionable. Bratriesorouen, Oct. Sth, 1821. P. >. That species of Epidote called Zoisite 1 have found in beautiful large crystals at Wardsborough Vt. : Some of which I shall put into the box which I am prepar- ing for the American Geological Society. N. B. This box has been received —Hditor. MATHEMATICS. —j- — Arr. XX.—On the Curves of Trisection ; by the Rev. Wiuuram Auten, D. D. President of Bowdoin College, Maine.—Communicated for this Journal. Two new curves may be called Curves of Trisection, since by means of either of them any angle may be trisected, and thus the problem be solved, which has engaged the at- tention of mathematicians for above two thousand years. These curves, if I mistake not, may justly claim to be con- sidered as geometrical curves, for they are distinctly defined, and also accurately described by points, and by a continued motion, instruments for which description I have invented. In this respect they are very different from the Quadratrix of Dinostratus, and that of Tschirnhausen, the Spiral of 344 On the Curves of Trisection. Archimedes, and the Logistic Curve and Spiral, which are described, only by points ; and stand on the same footing with the Conchoid of Nicomedes, the Ellipse and the Hy- perbola, while they are superior to the Cyclotd, described by the motion of a wheel, and to the Parabola, which can be described only, I believe, by points, and in a continued line by means of a thread. Newton has said,——‘‘ We ought either to exclude all lines, beisde the circle and right line, out of geometry, or admit them according to the simplicity of their descriptions, in which case the Conchoid yields to none except the circle.” “That is arithmetically more simple, which is determined by the more simple equations, but thatis geometrically more simple, which is determined by the more simple drawing of lines; and in geometry that ought to be reckoned _ best, which is geometrically most simple ; wherefore I ought not to be blamed, if with that prince of mathematicians, Archi- medes, I make use of the Conchoid for the construction of problems.” With these remarks in view, the claim of the Curves, which I have discovered, to be regarded as geomet- rical curves will probably not be controverted ; andjpossibly the description of one of them by the instrument invented will be thought little inferior in simplicity to that of the Con- choid of Nicomedes by means of the instrument which he invented, and for the invention of which he felt an extreme elevation of mind. It seems, that the Greek geometricians, although they could not trisect an angle by a right line and a circle, yet were able to solve the problem by means of the Conic sec- tions and the Conchoid. ‘‘The moderns,” as is stated in ihe History of the Royal Academy of Sciences in France, ‘“ have demonstrated, that this problem depends on the res- olution of an equation of the third degree ; that this equa- tion has three real roots ;-—and that the problem cannot be constructed, except by the intersection of a right line with a curve of the third degree, or by the intersection of two curves of the second degree ; the analysis, which they have given of this problem is complete, and has for a long time left nothing to desire.” With these impressions the Academy resolved in 1775, that they would not examine any new so- lution of the problem of the trisection of an angle. Geome- triclans must decide, whether this determination is to be On the Curves of Trisection. 345 commended, and whether the Curves of Trisection do not offer a more simple and excellent method of trisecting an angle, than any method previously known, inasmuch as by means of a single curve every angle is trisected, and thus it is no longer necessary to describe a new curve for every dif- ferent angle: By means of the Quadratrix an angle may be trisected ; but the Quadratrix cannot be described by a continued mo- tion; and as, in order to describe it, the quadrant must be divided into equal parts ; it can be of no use in trisecting an angle, unless the angle in fact be previously trisected in forming the curve. The thing must be done before the Quadratrix can furnish-any aid in doing it. By the Trochoid or Cycloid, a curve which was not known by the ancients, angles may also be trisected ; but this curve, described by the motion of a wheel on a plane, is not easy and simple of description, and is of little practical use for the trisection of an angle. The Curves of 'Trisection may be distinguished by calling the first the Curve of Secants, and the second the Curve of Sines, since the first gives the Secant of the arc measuring the third of the angle to be trisected, and the second gives the point in the radius, from which point the Sine of the third of the proposed angle is to be drawn by a perpendicu- lar to the radius. 1. The Trisecting Curve of Secants. In figure 1, the line FmoD is the Trisecting Curve of Secants, passing from F at the extremity of the radius CF to D at the extremity of the radius CD, which is double the radius CF or CE; and so passing, as that the intersection, at any point of this curve, of a straight line from the centre to the circumference (as CA) and ofa straight line from the extremity of the radius D to the circumference, (as DG) shall give the distance from the curve to the centre, (as oC) equal to the distance from the curve to the circumference, (as 0G.) 1. This curve may be conceived to be generated, some- what like the quadratrix and spiral, in the following manner. If on the centre D the radius DB be supposed to revolve from B to G and g, and at the same time a point in this ra- 346 On the Curves of T'risection. dius be supposed to move from F at an equal distance from the centre C and B in the circumference of the outer semi- circle, and as it moves towards D in the moving radius, al- ways to keep at an equal distance from the centre C and from the are BHAD, this last distance being measured on the moving radius ;—the point thus carried around from F to D, continually receding from the inner semi-circle and ap- proaching D until it touches the outer semi-circle at D, will describe the trisecting curve of secants. Or the generation of this curve may be expressed as fol- lows: Let the radius DB revolve on D, and the radius CB on C, in such a manner as that the distance from F to B on DB shall be always equal to the distance from F toC on CB. The point of intersection of these radii describes the curve. - When DB is in the position DG, and CB in the position CA, FB will be enlarged to oG and FC to oC. When DB is in the position Dg, and CB in the position CD, FB be- comes Dg, and FC becomes DC. 2. This curve may be described by points, thus. Take iwo thirds of the exterior semi-circle, which is found by ex- tending the radius twice along the arc from B. In figure 1, two thirds of the exterior semi-circle will be the are BGg. Divide this are into any number of equal parts, and to each point of division draw a straight line from D. Divide the whole interior semi-circle into the same number of equal parts, and from the centre through each point of division draw a straight line to the exterior semi-circle : or, whichis the same thing, divide the whole exterior semi-circle into the same number of equal parts, and draw the lines from the centre. Theintersection of these lines from D and from the centre, will give points of the Curve of Secants, through which points with a steady hand the curve may be drawn. 3. This curve may be described mechanically, by a con- tinued motion, as follows. In figure 2, let CG bea straight rule, moveable about the centre C, where it is fastened by a pin. Let this rule have a fixed part, or perpendicular rule, HK, attached to it at H, aad let there be a slit through this perpendicular rule, which slit meets CG at H at an equal distance from C and G. Let CA be another rule, moveable about C, fastened by the pin, which fastens CG, and having a slit through a little more than half of it from A towards C. On the Curves of T'risection. 347 Let DG be a third rule, moveable about D, where it is fastened by a pin, having a slit through it of the length of DB ; and the distance CD being equal to CG. Let the pin G in CG pass through this slit of DG, so as to move in it. The instrument being thus constructed, let a single pencil pass through each of the slits of the three rules at the com- mon point of intersection, 0. By pushing the pencil either way the rules will move one upon another, and a portion of the curve of trisection will be described. IfCG be brought to the position CB; then the pencii will begin the curve at F, and will have described it and reached D, when CG shall have reached the position Cg, cutting off two thirds of the arc BAD. When CG is in the position CB, oG will coincide with FB, and oC€ with FC, that is, will each be equal to the radi- us of the interior circle ; but as the curve is described, they continually increase, until at the completion of the curve they each are double to the radius of the exterior circle, or equal to the radius of the exterior circle, that is, oC coin- cides with DC, and oG with Dg. From the construction of the instrument, HK being per- pendicular to CG, and H equidistant from C and G, it is evident, that Co, and oG are always equal. Supposing the curve to be described ;—then whatever line is drawn from the centre to the circumference between B and D, as CA, in fig. 1, a straight line from D passing through the point of intersection of the line CA and the curve, and proceeding to the circumference, as at G, will give that part of the line DG, which is without the curve of trisection, as oG, equal to that part of the line from the centre, as CA, which is within the curve,as oC. Thatis, oG and Co are always equal. Suppose then, the curve has been described, as in figure 1, and the semi-circles drawn. Let ACB be the angle to be trisected. Through the point 0, where CA. intersects the curve, draw, from D, a straight line DG to the exterior _ circumference. ‘Then oG is equal to oC. From the cen- tre draw CG. And because 0G is equal to oC, the angle oGC is equal to the angle oCG ; and AoG being an exterior angle to the triangle oCG, is equal to the two angles oCG and oGC, that is, is equal to ACG and DGC, and these are equal to each other. Because GCB is an angle at the cen- ; describing the curve, as in figure 2. 348 On the Curves of Triseetion. tre, it is double GDB, an angle at the. circumference. But GDB. is equal to DGC, they being angles: formed by the radii CD. and CG, and. the chord DG ;, and) therefore, as ACG has been proved to be equal to DGG; ACG. is. equal to GDB, | Consequently ACG is equal to one half of GCB. Bisect, then, the are GBin H, and draw CH, and the, an- gles ACG, GCH, and HCB are equal..,,Fhe angle ACB is therefore bidideterdy ' In like manner may any oth serangle, of which CB is one side, and the other side extending from C to.any point.of the circumference between Band D, be.trisected hy draw- ing from D a straight line through the intersection of the _curve and of the side of the.angle. By. drawing this straight line through the point of intersection, it, gives “the point.on the civcumaference, which is distant from A one third, of the given arc. So that with this carve, all: that is wanting. in order to trisection, is to draw a straight line through a given point, and to set offa given diatanver ry From the description of this curve it is evident, that an angle may be trisected by the, rule and compasses, in the following manner. ACB being the proposed angle, and the semi-cireles being drawn with the radius of, one semi-circle _ double that of the other; apply, a straight line to Drand ex- tend it across AC till by;the compasses, the, distance from a point in AC to the circumference, as measured on the . rule, be equal to the distance from the: same point to the cen- tre C. When the distance oG is thus found equal to,eC, G is the point marking one third of the. are AGB, and a straight line from the centre C to.G will therefore cut, off one third of the proposed angle. If the points o and K he connected by a, straightdine, oK, _ this line is. a tangent to the arc IK, of which Co. is the Se- cant 3 that i is, Covis a secant of the are measuring one third of the given angle, and oK isa tangent of the same. are. All this is very obyious from an inspection of the instramentifol Or) CK, being ) by, the aint construction, in figure 1, equal to KG, and, Go. equal to.0G, _/and CK being the radius of the interior semi-circle; itis. evi- __dent, that oK is the, tangent and Co. the secant of the’arc KI. The curye of secants being drawn, the angle ICF, and ' any other angle, may be trisected without the aid of the ex- terior semi-circle. “All that is necessary is to find the point On the Curves of Trisection. 349 K, where the tangent oK touches the circle. And this is easi- ly found by taking the secant Co in the compasses, on C as a centre, and drawing the arc oS, and then erecting on I the perpendicular In. The intersection of this perpendicular and the arc oS gives the point n, to which is to be drawn from the centre the line Cn. This line cuts the arc IF in the point K, where the tangent touches the circle, giving the arc IK one third of the arc IF, and measuring one third of the angle to be trisected. Bisect then KF, or set off IK from K towards F and you obtain the point L, to which draw CL, and the angle ICF is trisected without the aid of the exterior semi-circle. It is obvious that a similar curve may be formed on the other side of the diameter DB, and the two curves together would complete the curve of secants, forming a kind of oval, with a point at D, as in figure 7. Il. The Trisecting Curve of Sines. Two semi-circles being drawn, with radii as one to two, Bmo in figure 3, is a part of the Trisecting Curve of Sines, the property of which is, that HC is equal to Hm. --1. ‘This curve may be conceived to be generated by the motion of a point, as follows. Let EB be a radius moving on E-asa'centre to I, and G, and further, and let a point move with this radius, setting out at B, distant CF or the radius from ‘the interior semi-circle, which point keeps al- ways atthe same distance, as measured on the moving radi- us, from the circumference of the interior circle anti! it ar- rives at O. 2. This curve may be described by points, as follows. Take three quarters of the exterior semi-circle from B, and divide this arc into any number of equal parts, and to each point of division draw a straight line from the centre. Then divide the whole interior semi-circle into the same number of equal parts, and from E draw a straight line through each point of the division, and raise a perpendicu- lar to DC at E. The intersection of these lines, and of the lines from the centre will give points of the curve of sines, through which with a steady hand the curve may be drawn. This curve may also be described, as follows. Extend a straight rule from E towards the are BIAG, and with a pair Vou. 1Y.....No..2. 19 350 On the Curves of Trisection. of compasses, opened to the distanee of CE, or radius, of the interior circle, set off this same distance from. the point of intersection of the rule, and interior circle towards, the exterior circle. If, for instance, the rule intersect the cir- cle in H, then set off the radius EC or HC, from H to m Then will m be one point of the curve. In this way. may a sufficient number of points be found to enable one with a steady hand to draw the curve. 3. This curve may also be described mechanically, by. a continued motion, as follows. Let a straight rule CH in figure 4, be fastened by a pin at Cso asto be moveable about C. Let Hm be another rule of the same length, with a hole at m for a pencil to pass through. Let this rule be pinned to the rule CH at H so as to move about H, as CH moves about the centre C. Let EG be another straight rule, a little longer than three times CH, with a slit through the length of it, and moveable about E, where it is fastened with a pin, the distance. EC being equal to CH. In the slit of this rule let Hm be placed, so as to slide in it with ease and yet with accuracy. The. instrument being thus constructed, put a_ pencil through the. perforation at m, and. by pushing the rule with. it to Bon one side and to o on the other, the curve will be described. But when the point.m is_at 0,.the rule CH will be in the position CE, and the rules EG and Hm. in the po- sition Eo. As the largest angle, which can. be trisected by. means of this curve, is an angle of 135°, if the given angle is: larger than 135°, it must be bisected, and the parts trisected sepa- ratel List ACB, in figure 3, be the given angle, to be trisected. Describe the curve of sines, which intersects the side CA inm. From) the. point m, raise mI perpendicular to, AC. The perpendicular ml is the sine of one third. of the angle ACB. From the centre C draw Cl. Of course the. are Al is one third of the arc AIB, and the angle ACI is. one third of the angle ACB. Wherefore, by bisecting IB, or setting off the arc AI towards B, and joining the point thus found with the centre C, the angle ACB will be trisected. .. The demonstration of which is as follows. On the Curves af Trisection. 351 ‘Through H, the point where Em intersects the interior semi-circle, draw CG. \ Because EHC is an exterior an- gle to the triangle HmC, it is equal to the two angles HmC and HCm. And these two angles are equal to each other because by the construction Hm is equal toHC. Therefore the angle HCA or GCA, is one half of the angle EHC. - Because HCF is an angle at the centre, it is double the angle HEC at the circumference. But the angle HEC is equal to the angle EHC, because by the construction HC is equal to EC. Therefore the angle EHC is one half of the angle HCF. And as the angle GCA has been proved to be one half of the angle EHC, it consequently is one quarter of the angle HCF, of which the angle EHC is one half; or the angle GCA is one quarter of the angle GCB, which is the same with the angle HCF. ‘The angle GCA is there- fore one third of the angle ACB, for it being one quarter of the whole angle GCB, if it be abstracted from this whole, there will be left three parts, each equal to this part abstract- éd. Make AI then equal to AG, and draw Cl, and the an- ele ACI is one third of the given angle ACB. ‘This demonstration applies to every angle less than angle of 135°. The angle of 135° is known by the construction; and that the supplement is 45°, or a third of 135° and a quarter of 180° needs no proof. “The curve being described and ACB being the angle to be trisected ; take the radius of the interior circle in the compasses, and from m, the point of intersection of the side CA and the curve, intersect the arc EF. The point of in- tersection of radius CH and radius mH, each equal to the other, being H, through this point draw CG. The demon- stration just given will show the angle GCA to be one third of the angle ACB. aM From the point H let fall Hn perpendicular to Cm. CH and Hm being equal, this perpendicular will bisect Cm inn, making Cn equal to mm. As CH is equal to HG and in the same straight line, and as Cn is equal to nm, and Hn is perpen- dicular to CA, it follows that Gm is parallel with Hz and therefore perpendicular also to CA. Or make H the centre of a circle with HC radius. It is evident that GmC will be an angle in a semi-circle, whichis a right angle. Gm is therefore perpendicular to mC or CA. 352 On the Curves of T'risection. But-Gm, is the, sine of the angle GCA ; therefore ml,.; which is perpendicular also to AC from the same. point m, is the sine of the angle ACI, equal to the angle GCA. That is, mI is the Stne of one third of the given angle ACB.. . By letting fall therefore a perpendicular from the point of intersection of the curve of sines and of the side of the given angle, the intersection of this perpendicular and of the are measuring the given angle cuts off one third of that are, or gives the point of that arc, to which point a line drawn from; the centre will cut off one third of the given angle. The consideration of the nature of this curve suggests a) method of trisecting an angle by the rule. and-compasses: alone. Let the angle to be trisected be ACB. . Produce BC and draw the two semi-circles. . Extend a rule from E., to the side AC, and taking the radius of the interior cirele in’ the compasses move the rule, cutting the circumference HF and the side AC, until the distance between them by the): edge of the rule be found, by meansof the compasses,, to be equal to the radius ; that is, until Hm be equal to H@, Having thus found the point H, through it draw CG, and the angle GCA is found, and may be demonstrated. as before. to equal to one third of the given angle ACB. / sili By aslight change in this instrument the third part of any angle, not larger than 135°, may be obtained, by it. mechan- ically. In figure 5 the instrument has the addition of two. rules, namely, the rule CL, (parallel with EG) revolving on. C, where it is fastened by a pin to the rule DB, and the rule’ KN, moveable about a pin at K, where it.is connected. with the rule CL, and moveable also about a pin at m,. where it is connected with the rule Hm; and. the. dis- tances CH, Hm, mK, and CK being each equal. to the other, and one face of the rule CL towards L being in the straight line joining © and K continued., Let ACB be the given angle to be trisected. Apply the. face of the rule DB to the side of the angle CB, and the centre C at the angular point. Then move the sliding rule , Hm, and of course the other moveable rules, till the point m is on the side AC, which can be easily determined, (if the . rules EG and KN,are, of the same width) by the side AC « assing through the angle formed by the rules EG and KN. hen the rale CL gives the line for one third of ACB, or cuts off one third of the angle to.be trisected.. For as it has « On the Curves of Trisection. 353 been proved under figure 3, the angle HCm, or HCA, is one quarter of HCB. But ACL is obviously equal to HCA; it is therefore one third of ACB. The rule CKL therefore cuts off one third of the given angle. ‘If this curve, which terminates at 0, was continued to E, any angle could be trisected by it though larger than 135°" without the necessity of bisection. a By the following methods the curve may be continued _ to E. : , In figure 6 let Bo be the part of the curve of sines already described. By the construction Eo is equal to the radius EC. » The semi-circles on the opposite side of the diame- ter being formed, let Eo be supposed to move upon the fix-. ed point E at the extremity of the radius CE, the extremity _ E of Eo moving in the arc EGI, until TE be equal to Eo. The point o will describe the curve oAE, which continues the curve Bo from o to E. Or with the radius in the compasses, if it be set off from various points of the arc EGI towards o, so that a straight line from each point shall pass through E, the points between _ o’and E, thus found, will be points of the” curve ; and_ through these points with a steady hand the curve oAR may be drawn. Or this curve may be drawn mechanically, by a continued motion, as follows. Let CE, in figure 7, be a straight rule, fastened by a pin'so as to be moveable about the centre C.- Let Eo be another rule of the same length, fastened by a pin - at E, the extremity of the rule CE, so as to be moveable is about E. Through this rule let there be a ahi so as to allow ee rule to move upon a fixed pin at E. J.eta pencil pass. through a hole of this rule ato. By pushing the pencik towards EK the rule will move on the pin E and being fasten- ed to the radius CE will always, at its extremity E, be on- the circumference EI. The pencil will describe the curve oie! Bars i ‘The curve being thus formed, let HCB, (in figure 6,) an. angle greater than 135°, be the angle to be trisected. From A, the point of intersection of the side CH and the curve, - draw through E the straight line AG, terminating at'G on the circumference of the inner circle. By the-construction. , AG is equal to Eo, or to the radius. Through G draw CF. 304 On the Curves of Trisection. The angle ACG, or HCF, is one third of the angle ACP, or HCB. Produce GC to L, and the opposite angles GCE hd LCP are equal. Draw GN parallel with DB, and produce AG to M; and the angle ECG is equal to CGN, and MGN equal to GEC. The angle FGA being an exterior angle of the cries AGC is equal to the angles ACG and GAC, and these are equal to each other, because GA is equal to GC. But'the angle MGC is equal to FGA; the angle ACG@ is therefore one half of the angle MGC. Again, the angle GEC at the circumference is one half of the angle GCP, or ECL, at the centre ; the angle MGN therefore, which is equal to GEC, is one half of “the angle ECL. The angle CGN being equal to LCP and also equal’ to ECG, it is one half of these two angles together. Therefore the whole MGC, (composed of the angles MGN and NGC) is one half of the whole composed of ECL, LCP, and ECG. But this whole is the same as the two angles ACP and ACG; wherefore the angle MGC is ig to one half of the whole composed of ACP and ACG But ACG has been proved to be equal to one half of the angle MGC. It is therefore one quarter of the whole com- posed of ACP and ACG. Abstract this quarter, ACG, and three parts are left each equal to ACG ; that is ACG is one third of the given angle ACP, or HCB. Set off then ‘the arc HF twice from H towards B, and through the points thus found draw straight lines from the centre, and the angle HCB is trisected. The same demonstration will apply to any other angle. But it yet remains to prove, that in this part of the curve a perpendicular to AC will be the Sine of one third of the given angle. The proof is as follows. Join AF. The exterior angle AGF is equal to the two angles ACG and GAC, and these are equal to each other. The exterior angle AGC ‘is also equal to GAF and GFA, and these are equal toeach other. But AGC and AGF are together equal to two right angles ; therefore GAC and GAF are together equal to one right angle. FAC, composed of On the Curves of Trisection. 355 these, is therefore a right angle, and FA. is perpendicular to AC or HC. AL Or the same thing may be demonstrated thus. By the construction GC, GA, and GF are equal to each other. Liet Gthen be the centre of a circle drawn through the points CAF. It is evident that FAC is an angle in a semi- circle, which is a right angle, FA is therefore perpendicular to HC. A perpendicular on the opposite side of AC, drawn from the same point A, will necessarily be equal to ‘AF, and cut off an arc equal to the arc HF’; that is, will cut off an are, HR, measuring one third of the given angle HCB. ‘The whole curve therefore, BoAE, though formed by a complex operation, may well be called the Tr isecting Curve of Sines. By making in the same manner a corresponding curve on the other side of the diameter, the curve of sines will be completed, and the whole figure will resemble in form, Woveh not in properties, the Cardioide of Carre. In figure 8 the two trisecting curves, completed on each side of the diameter, are placed together. DoF np is the Trisecting Curve of Secants, and EmBsp is the Trisecting Curve of Sines. Any angle may be trisected with the great- est ease by either of them; as the angle ACB on the one side of the diameter, merely by drawing through the point o, (where the side AC intersects the curve of secants,) the straight line DG, which gives the are AG, one third of the arc AGB measuring the proposed angle,—or merely by: erecting at the point m (where the side AC intersects the curve of sines) the perpendicular mG, which also gives the are AG, one third of the are AGB.—In like manner may the angle HCB, on the opposite side of the diameter, be trisected by drawing through the point x of the curve of se- cants the straight line DI, or by erecting at the point S of the curve of sines the perpendicular sf, for by both meth- ods the are HI is obtained, one third of the given arc HIB. And by the same methods may any angle whatever, (on: either side of the diameter), formed with oP by AED revel ving on C, be trisected. ) By inverting the position off one of eae, clirses, , (as the: curve of sines, so that its point B shall be at D), it/is-obvi- ous, that while the angles ACB, HCB may be trisected by 356 On the Curves of Trisection. means of the one curve, (as the curve of secants) the con- tiguous angles ACD, HCD muy be trisected by means of the other ; and thus by means of these curves, as AH re- volves, all the angles, which it makes with DB at C, may be trisected. [The following additions to the above Memoir have been lately received in a letter from the author. ] In re-examining the instruments for describing the curves of trisection, it has occurred to me, that they might be im- proved. In the instrument for describing the curve of secants, (fig- ure 2,) the part AC is wholly unnecessary for the purpose of describing the curve; and it is obvious, that it renders the instrament more complex. Removing this part, the pencil will pass through the slits of only the two rules HK and DG. Another change may be made in this rule. Let the pin at G, instead of moving in the slit of the rule DG, be made fast to the rule DG, only allowing the two rules to move upon G as the centre. , Let the rule, with its slit, be lengthened beyond D. At D let there be a fixed pin, on which the rule GD shall move by its slit. By this change the motion of the rule is on a fixed pin at D, instead of hetnesee a moy- ing pin at G, The instrument for describing the curve of sines algo ad- mits of improvement, and may be rendered more:simple. Let the rule EG, (figure 4;) be entire from H to G, without the rule Hm. Let it be extended beyond E, with slit from H, so as to allow its motion on a fixed pinat E. The rule CH is retained with pins atC and H.. The distance Hm is made equal toCH. The point m describes the curve. By this change the rule EG slides upon a fixed pin at Eyinstead of having the rule Hm slide within it. Even without the central rule CH, if a perpendicular rule be attached to the rule EG at H, extending through the point F, with a slit init so asto move upon a fixed pin at F, while the part EG moves or slides in the same manner on a pin at E, it is obvious, that the result will be the same, as if there was a central rule. As this square rule is moved by its legs on the fixed pins at E and F, the point of the Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. 35 ot vight angle at H_ will necessarily describe the semi- -cirele, and the point m will describe the curve of signs. In this way a circle is described by a square. Hence by. means of a Square Rule, without slits or r pins, may an angle be trisected. Suppose EG (figure 4,) with a perpendicular part at H to be such a rule, the legs HE and HF being made of sufficient length. _ On the outward face of the rule EG mark the angular point formed by the out- ward face of the perpendicular part ; and on the same face mark any distance from the angular point, (as Hm,) whichis to:be the radius of the semi-circle. With this in- strument in the hand, supposing the angle ACB (figure 3) to be the angle to be triseeted and the semi-circle drawn, of which Hm is equal to the radius,—bring the point m to the side AC, and move it up or down on the said side of the an- gle until the faces of the square touch, at the same time, the extremities of the diameter, E-and FF... Then mark on the plane the angular point H, which will necessarily be in the circumference, and:knowing which the:angle may be trisect- edss: The: proof is:the same, as us been given in eplorehike torfigure 3.0) : oo (Phe: rule: may be aes of an entire piece ob tial or oe ei asfigure. 9.. Let Hm in this rule be the radius of the semi-circle: in figure 3. , In any: given angle, as ACB; there iscbutcone position of the square rule, in which its pomt m shall touch the side Af’, and the faces of the square, HP and HR,:shall atthe same time touch the extremities of the diameter, E and’ 5, and this position gives the point Hi in ‘the: penis ingles oAnid thus Fishesisty other Aue (Ua Oat Jens Ai hd Hl sacet b, H MISCE LLANEOUS. basen XXI Sug peel Tieaione of Dr. naan aii anid abaners addressed to the late Rev. Jared Eliot ee Kallingworth, Came er 2, Bau Remarks i ale Biitor. The late Rew: Me. Eliot was higchiye diatiheuished (forth ite period in which he lived) by a knowledge Sof natural sci- gee and by the aera abplicania which he aie oe its Vora Vz..aNo. 2. 20 - 558 Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. principles to rural economy and other useful arts. He was the son of the Rev. Joseph Eliot of Guilford, Connecticut, and was born Noy. 7, 1685. He received the degree of Master of Arts at Yale College in 1706, and spent his life at Killingworth. He died in 1763. He was a man of such uncommon vigor and industry, that he was at once a min- ister of religion—a practising physician—a naturalist and phi- losopher—an agriculturalist, and a cultivator of some other of the useful arts. He became so distinguished, that -he was made an honorary member of the Royal Society of London, and his correspondence and acquaintance were sought by many eminent men, who were drawn towards him by his social and amiable qualities, as well as. by his talents and learning. The Essays of Mr. Eliot on field husbandry, the earliest of which appeared in 1747, and which were continued annu- ally for several years, attracted so much attention that they were extensively read and published, both in the other colo- nies, and in England. We have recently perused them with much satisfaction. Although written in the guaznt and unformed style, which, with few exceptions, prevailed in this country at the period when they were composed, they are so replete with good sense—with proofs of original and acute discrimination, and with important facts, that they are, even at the present time, valuable, and with due revision, and the addition of some notes relative to modern improvements, these essays might be worthy of republication. They ap- pear to have been the principal means of bringing the author acquainted with his distant correspondents. We have recently been put into possession of a conside- rable number of original letters, addressed to Mr. Eliot, by several eminent men both at home and abroad ; they were obtained from one of his deseendants, and we propose occa- sionally to publish some of them in this Journal. Among them were several from Dr. Franklin, and few things which fell from his pen can be uninteresting to hiscountrymen. We shall give several of his letters on the present occasion, 1. From Dr. Franklin to Mr. Eliot—a fragment without date, but appears to have been written before 1747,.—Ep. Sir—I have perused your two Essays on Field Husband- ry, and think the public may be much benefitted by them Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. 359 But if the farmers in your neighbourhood are as unwilling to leave the beaten road of their ancestors as they are near me, it will be difficult to persuade them to attempt any im- provement, where the cash is to be laid out on a probability of a return, they are very averse to the running any risque at all, or even expending freely, where a gentleman of a more public spirit has given them ocular demonstration of the success. About eighteen months ago, 1 made a purchase of about three hundred acres of land, near Burlington, and resolved to improve it in the best and speediest manner, that I might be enabled to indulge myself in that kind of life which was most agreeable. My fortune (thank God) is such, that F can enjoy ail the necessaries and many of the indulgencies of life, but 1 think that in duty to my children, T ought so to manage, that the profits of my farm may balance the loss- my income will suffer by my retreat to it. In order to this I began with a meadow, on which there had never been much timber, but it was always overflowed, the soil of it is very fine, and black about three feet, then it comes to a black clay ; of this deep meadow I have about eighty acres, forty of which had been ditched and mowed ; the grass which comes in first, after ditching, ts spear grass “and white clover, but the weeds are to be mowed four or five years before they will be subdued, as the vegetation is very luxuriant. ‘This meadow had been ditched and: plant- ed with Indian corn, of which it produced above sixty bush- els per acre. 1 first scoured up my ditches and drains, and took offall the weeds, and then plowed it and sowed it with oats in the last of May ; In July I mowed them down, to- gether with the weeds, which grew plentifully among them, and they made good fodder. Limmediately plowed it again, and kept harrowing till there was an appearance of rain, and on the twenty-third of August, | sowed near thirty acres with red clover and herd grass, allowing six quarts of herd grass and four pounds of red clover to an acre in most parts of it, in other parts four quarts herd grass and three pounds red clover ; the red clover came up in four days and the herd grass in six days, and I now find that where I ailowed ‘the most seed, it protects itself the better against the frost. I also sowed an acre with twelve pounds of red clover; it does well. Isowed an acre more with two bushels of rye-grass seed, and five pounds of red clover; the rye-grass seed fail- 360 Original Letters of Dr. Fronklin.. ed, and the red clover heaves out much for want of being thitker; however, in March next | intend to throw in six pounds more of red clover, as the ground is open and loose: As these grasses are represented not durable, [ have sown two bushels of the sweeping of hay lofts, (where the best hay was used)well riddled, pure, supposing that the speargrassand white clover seed would be more equally scattered when the other shall fail. What surprised me was to find that the herd grass, whose roots are small, and spread near the surface, should be less affected by the frost than the red clover, whose roots I measured in the last of October, and found that many of their tap roots penetrated five inches, and from its sides threw out near thirty horizontal roots, some of which were six inches long and branched. From the figure of this root I flattered myself that it would endure the heaving of the frost, but now see that wherever it is thin sown, it is gen- erally hove so far out, as that but a few of the horizontal and a small part of the tap root remains covered, and I. fear will not recover. ‘Take the whole together, it is well mat- ted, and looks like a green corn field. I have about ten acres more of this ground ready for seed in the spring, but expect to combat with the weeds a year or two. That sown in August I believe will rise so soon in the spring as to suppress them in a great measure. My next undertak- ing was around pond of twelve acres; ditching round it with a large drain through the middle, and other smaller drains laid it perfectly dry ; this, having first taken up all the rubbish, 1 plowed up, and harrowed it many times over till it was smooth; its soil is blackish, but in about.a foot or ten inches: you come to a sand of the same colour with the upland. From the birck that grows upon it, E took it to:be of a cold nature, and therefore 1 procured a grass which would best suit that kind of ground, intermixt with many others, that I might thereby see which suited it best. On the eighth Sept. [ laid it down with rye, which being har- rowed in, I threw in the following grass seed; a bushel of Salem grass or feather grass, halfa bushel of timothy or herd grass, half a bushel of rye-grass, a peck of burden grass or blue cent, and two pints of red clover pavea, all the seed in the chaff except the clover, and bushed them in, I could wish they had been clean, as they would have come up sooner, and been better grown before: the frost ; and 1 Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. 361 have found by experiment that a bushel of ‘clean chaff of timothy or Salem grass will yield five quarts of seed. The rye looks well, and there is abundance of timothy or Salem grass come up amongst it, but it is yet small, and in that state there is scarce any knowing those grasses apart. I ex- pect from the sand’s lying so near the surface, that it will produce good. —— —— —— —— —— —— —— * * i Davi PuiiapELPeuia, Jury 16, 1747. ~ Dear Sir, 1 received your favor of the 4th instant. I ought be- fore this time to have acknowledged the receipt of the book, which came very safe and in good order, to hand. We have many oil mills in this Province, it being a great coun- try for Flax. Linseed oil may now be bought for 3s. per gallon; sometimes for 2s. 6d.: But at New York I have been told it generally holds up at about 8s. of this you can easily be satisfied, it being your neighbour government. In your last, you enquired about the kind of land from which our hemp is raised. Lam told it must be very rich land; - sometimes they use drained swamps and banked meadows : but the greatest part of our hempis brought from Canistego, which is a large and very rich tract of land 70 miles north from this city, on the banks of the Susquehanah a large fresh water river. Itis brought down in waggons. If you should send any of your steel saws here for sale, I should not be wanting where my recommendation might be of ser- vice. We have had as wet asummer as has been known here these thirty years, so that it was with difficulty our peo- “ple got in their harvest. In some parts of the country a great deal of hay hasbeen lost, and some corn mildewed : but in general the harvest has been very great. The two preceeding summers, (particularly the last,) were excessive- ly dry. I think with you, it might be of advantage to know what the seasons are in the several parts of the country. One’s curiosity in some philosophical points might also be gratified by it. We have frequently along this North Amer- ican coast, storms from the North East, which blow violently sometimes three or four days. Of these I have had a very singular opinion some years, viz. that though the course of 362 Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. the wind is from N. E. to S$. W. yet the course of the storm is from the 8. W. to N. E. i. e. the air is in violent motion in Virginia before it moves in Connecticut, and at Connect- icut before it moves at Cape Sable, &c. My reasons for this opinion, (if the like has not occurred to you,) I will give in my next. J thank you for the curious facts you have com- municated to me relating tosprings. I think with you, that most springs arise from rains, dews, or ponds, &c. on higher grounds: Yet possibly some that break out near the tops of high hollow mountains, may proceed from the abyss, or from water in the caverns of the earth, rarified by its internal heat, and raised in vapour, till the cold region near the top of such mountains condense the vapour into water again, which comes forth in springs and runs down on the outside of the mountain, as it ascended from the inside. There is said to be a large spring near the top of Teneriffe ; and that mountain was formerly a Volcano, consequently hollow within. Such springs, if such there be, may properly be called springs of distilled water. Now I mention mountains, it occurs to tell you, that the great Apalachian mountains, which run from York River back of these Colonies to the Bay of Mexico, show in many places near the highest parts of them, strata of sea shells, in some places the marks of them are in the solid rocks. ’Tis certainly a Wreck of a world we live on! We have specimens of these sea shell rocks broken off near the tops of those mountains, brought and deposited in our library as curiosities. If you have not seen the like, I'll send you a piece. Farther about mountains (for ideas will string themselves like ropes of on- ions) when I was once riding in your country, Mr. Walker showed me ata distance the bluff, side or end of a mountain, which appeared striped from top to bottom, and told me the stone or rock of that mountain was divided by nature into pillars ;* of this I should be glad to have a particular ac- count from you. I think [ was somewhere near New Ha- ven when [ saw it. You made some mistake when you in- tended to favour me with some of the new valuable grass- seed, (I think you called it hurd-seed) for what you gave me is grown up, and proves mere timothy; so I suppose you took it out of a wrong paper or parcel. _ * Without doubt the now well known mural precipices of columnar green- stone trap, constituting the East and West Rocks, &c.—Ed. Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. 363 1 wish your new law may have the good effect expected from it, in extricating your government from the heavy debt this war has obliged them to contract. Iam too little acquainted with your particular circumstances to judge of the prudence of such alaw for your colony with any de- gree ofexactness. But to a friend one may hazard one’s notions right or wrong. And as you are pleased to desire my thoughts, you shall have them in welcome. I wish they were better. First, I imagine that the five per cent duty on goods imported from yourneighbouring governments, though paid at first hand by the importer, will not upon the whole come out of his pocket, but be paid in fact by the consumer : For the importer will be sure to sell his goods as much dear- er as to reimburse himself: So that it is only another mode of taxing your own people, though perhaps meant to raise money on your neighbours. Yet if you can make some of the goods, heretofore imported, among yourselves, the ad- vanced price of five per cent may encourage your own man- ufacture and in time make the importation of such articles unnecessary, which will be an advantage. Secondly, I im- agine the law will be difficult to execute, require many offi- cers to prevent smuggling in so extended a coast as yours ; and the charge considerable: And if smuggling is not pre- vented, the fair trader will be undersold and ruined. If the officers are many and busy, there will arise numbers of vex- atious law suits, and dissensions among your people. Quere, whether the advantages will overbalance. Thirdly, if there is any part of your produce that you can well spare and would desire to have taken off by your neighbours in ex- change for something you more want, perhaps they, taking offence at your selfish law, may in return lay such heavy duties or discouragements on that article, as to leave ita drug on your hands. As to the duty on transporting lumber, (unless in Connecticut bottoms, to the West Indies,) I sup- pose the design is to raise the price of such lumber on your neighbours and throw that advanced price into your treasu- | ry: But may not your neighbours supply themselves else- where ; or if numbers of your people have Jumber to dis- pose of, and want goods from, or have debts to pay, to your neighbours, will they not, (unless you employ numbers of of- ficers, to watch all your creeks, and landings) run their lum- ber, and so defeat the law ; or if the law is strictly execu- 364 Original Letters of Dr. Frankiin, ted, and the duty discourage the transportation to your neigh bours, will not all of your people that want. to dispose..of lumber, be laid at the mercy of those few merchants that send it to the West Indies, who will -buy it at. their own price, and: make such pay for it as they think proper. . IfI had seen the law, and heard the reasons that are given for making it, might have judged and talked, of it more to.the purpose, At present [ shoot my bolt pretty much in the dark: But you can excuse and make proper allowances. My best respects to good Mrs. Eliot and your sons; and if it falls in your way, my service to the kind hospitable people near the river, whose names I am sorry Dve forgot... L.am, Dr. Sir, with the utmost regard, Your: obliged humb’] serv’t. B. FRANKLIN. 3. Pairapeupntia, Feb. 13, 1749, Dear Sir, You desire to know my thoughts about.the N. E. storms beginning to leeward. Some years: since, there was. an eclipse of the moon at 9 in the evening, which I intended to observe 5 but before 8 a storm blew up:at,.N.E. and contin- ued violent all night and allnext day; the sky thick,clouded, dark and ray, so that neither moon nor stars, could be seen. The storm did a great deal of damage all along the.coast, for we had accounts of it in the newspapers from Boston, New- port, New-York, Maryland and Virginia, . But, whatsurpri- sed me was to find in the Boston newspapers,an account of an obervation of that eclipse. made there :, for I thought as the storm came from the N. E. it. must have begun, sooner at Boston ‘than with us, and consequently have prevented such observation. I wrote to. my brother about it, and; he informed me that the eclipse was over there an hour before the storm began. \ Since which I have made enquiries from ' time*to time of travellers/and of my correspondents, north- eastward and south-westward, and observed the accounts in the newspapers from, N. England, N. York, Maryland, Vir- ginia, and South+Carolina, andJ find it:to. bea constant fact, that N. East storms begin to leeward, and: are. often more violent. there. than: farther to. windward... Thus the, last Onginal Letters of Dr. Franklin. 365 October storta, which with you was on the 8th, be- gan on the 7th in Virginia and N. Carolina, and was most vi- olent there. As tothe reason of this, I can only give you my conjectures. Suppose a great tract of country, land and sea, to wit, Florida and the bay of Mexico, to have clear ~ weather for several days, and to be heated by the sun, and its air thereby exceedingly rarefied : Suppose the country north-eastward, as Pennsylvania, New-England, Nova-Sco- tia, Newfoundland, &c. to be at the same time covered with clouds, and its air chilled and condensed. The rarefied air ~ being lighter must rise, and the dense air next to it will press into its place ; that will be followed by the next denser air, that by the next, and soon. ‘Thus when I have a fire in my chimney, there is a current of air constantly flowing from the door to the chimney : but the beginning of the motion was at the chimney, where the air, being rarefied by the fire, rising, its place was supplied by the cooler air that was next to it, and the place of that by the next, and so on to the door. So the water in a long sluice or mill-race, being stopped by a gate, is at rest, like the air in a calm; but as soon as you open the gate at one’ end to let it out, the water next the gate begins first to move, that which is next to it follows; and so though the waier proceeds forward to the gate; the mo- tion which begun there runs backwards, ifone may so speak, to the upper end of the race, where the water is last in mo- tion. We have on this continent a long ridge of mountains, running from N. East to 5. West; and the coast runs the same course. ‘These may, perhaps, contribute towards the direction of the winds or atleast influence them in somede- gree. If these conjectures do not satisfy you, I wish to have yours on the subject. 1 doubt not but those mountains which you mention con- tain valuable mines, which time will discover. I know of but one valuable copper mine in this country, which is that of Schuyler in the Jersies. This yields good copper, and has turned out vast wealth to the owners. I was at it last fall; but they were not then at work: the water is grown too hard for them, and they waited for a fire engine from England to drain their pits. I suppose they will have that at work next summer 5 it costs them 1000/: sterling. Col. John Schuyler, one of the owners, has a deer park five miles round, fenced with cedar logs, five logs high, with VouwlV:. No. 2: 21 . 366 Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. chocks of wood between; it contains variety of land: high and low, wood land and clear. There are a great many deer in it; and he expects in a few years to be able to kill 200 head a year, which will be a profitable thing. He has like- wise 600 acres of meadow all within bank. The mine is not far from Passaic Falls, which I went also to see. They are very curious ; the water falls 70 feet perpendicular, as we were told; but we had nothing to measure with. | It will be agreeable to you to hear that our subscription goes on with great success, and we suppose will exceed 5000/. of our currency. We have bought forthe Academy the house that was built-for itinerant preaching, which stands ona large lot of ground, capable of receiving more buildings to lodge the scholars, if it should come to be a regular college. The house is one hundred feet long and seventy wide, built of brick, very strong, and sufficiently high for three lofty. stories. FT suppose the building did not cost less than 2000/.; but we bought it for 775/, 18s. 112d. though it will cost us three, perhaps four hundred more to make the partitions and floors, and fit up the rooms. I send you enclosed a copy of our present constitution ; but we expect a charter from our proprietaries this summer, when they may probably receive considerable attentions. ‘The paper admonishes me that ’tis time to conclude. I am, Sir, your obliged humble servant, B. FRANKLIN, 4. Purtapenpuia, Oct. 25, 1750. Dear Sir, I ought to have informed you sooner that we got well home, and should have enquired after your health, as we left you in the hands of a fever. I beg you’d excuse the delay, and desire you would remember in my favour the old saying, they who have much business must have much pardon. Whenever Mr. Francis and I meet of an evening, we drink your health, among our other New-England friends, and he desires to be always respectfully remembered to you.—I am glad to hear you are got well again, but cannot have the pleasure of seeing you again this year. I will write to Col. Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. 367 Schuyler, and obtain for you a particular account of his man- ner of improving his banked grounds 3 and will also pro- cure you a Specimen of our alum earth, with Mr. Syng’s ob- servations on it. In return (for you know there is no trade without returns,) T request you to procure for me a particu- lar account of the manner of making a new kind of fence we saw at Southhold on Long-Island, which consists of a bank and hedge: I would know every particular relating to this matter, as, the best thickness, height, and slope of the bank; the manner of erecting it; the best time for the work ; the best way of planting the hedge ; the price of the work to labourers per rod or perch; and whatever may be of use for our information here, who begin in many pla- ces to be at a loss for wood to make fence with. We were told at Southhold that this kind of fencing had been long practiced with success at Southhampton and other places on the south side of the Island, but was new among them. I heard the minister of Southhold is esteemed an ingenious man ; perhaps you may know him, and he will at your re- quest, favour me with an explicit account of these fences. The fore part of the summer here was extremely dry, and the grass in many places was burnt up. But we had a good crop of wheat ; and rains coming on about the end of July, we had in August a new spring, the grass sprouting again wonderfully thick and fast in fields where we thought the very roots had been destroyed. Our grave-diggers said they found the earth hot sensibly at three feet depth, even after these rains. Perhaps the great heat below and the moisture above, occasioned this sudden and profuse vegeta- tion, the whole country being as it were one great hot-bed. fam, with esteem and affection, dear Sir, sen Your obliged humble servant, B. FRANKLIN. x ~ a : PHILADELPHIA, SEPT. 12, 1'751. ~ Dear Sir, I received your favour of last March, with the twelve essays. Some time since, I mentioned to you a method of increasing dung by leaves ; did you receive that letter ? 368° Original Leticrs of Dr. Franklin: The Collinson you mention is the same gentleman 1 cor- respond with ; he is a most benevolent. worthy: man, very curious in botany and other branches of natural history, and fond of improvement in agriculture, &e.. He will be pleas- ed)with your acquaintance. Jn the late Philosophical Trans- actions, you may see frequently papers of his, or letters-that were directed to him, on various subjects. -He is a member of the Royal Society. An ingenious acquaintance of mine here, Mr. Hush Rob- erts, one of our most curious farmers, tells me that it ap- pears by your writings your people are yet far behind us in the improvement of swamps and meadows; Iam persuading him to send you-such hints as he thinks may. give you far- ther insight into that matter. But in» other: respects, -he greatly esteems your pieces: He says they are preferable»: to any thing of, late years published on that subject im Eng= » land. . The late writers there, chiefly copy from one anoth- | er, and afford very little new or useful; but you have col-. lected experiences, and facts, and make » propositions, that aré reasonable and serviceable. You have taught him (he says) to.clear his meadows of elder, (a thing very pernicious | to banks,) which was before beyond-the art of all our farm- ers; and given him several other-useful informations. Tam exceedingly obliged to you for the plan and diree-., tions concerning ditching, It is very satisfactory and I hae will be useful here. Our Academy flourishes biencite expectation. We have. now, above one hundred scholars, and. the number daily in-:: creasing.» We have excellent masters.at present; and as» we give pretty: good salaries, I hope we shallalways be able: to procure such; We pay the Rector, who. teaches Latin and. Greek, &c. per Ann. sos - - £200 The English Master -) 9 = - 150 The Mathematical Professor - - 125 Three Assistant Tutors, each 60£ - 180. Total per Ann. £655. Our currency is something better than that of New York. The scholars pay each 4£ per Ann. The changes of the barometer are most sensible in high latitudes. In the West India Islands, the mercury continues Original Letters of Dr. Franklin. 369 at the same height with very little variation the year round. In these latitudes, the alterations are not frequently so greatasin England. ‘Thermometers are often badly made : T had three that differed widely from each other, though be- ing in.the same place. As to hygrometers, there is no good one yet invented. The cord is as good as any, but like the rest it grows continually less sensible by time, so that the observations of one year cannot be compared with those of another by the same instrument. I will think of what you hint concerning the Hydrostatic balance. What you mention concerning the love of praise is in- - deed very true, a love of praise, although corrected by art” reigns more or less in every heart; though we are generally hypocrites, in that respect, and pretend to disregard praise ; and that our nice modest ears are offended, forsooth, with what one of the ancients calls the sweetest kind of musick. This hypocrisy, is only a sacrifice to the pride of others, or to their envy ; both which I think, ought rather to be morti- fied: ‘The same sacrifice we make, when we forbear to praise ourselves, which naturally we are all inclined to; and — 1 suppose it was formerly the fashion, or Virgil, that court- . ly writer, would not have put a speech into the mouth of ~ his hero, which now-a-days we should esteem so great an in- decency, Sum pius /Eneas,—fama super ethera notus. One of the Romans, I forget who, justified speaking in his own praise, by saying, every freeman hada right to speak what ° he thought of himself as well as of others. That this is a natural inclination, appears, in that all children show it, and. say freely, J ama good boy; am Inot a good girl? and the like; ’till they have been frequently chid, and told their trumpeter is dead ; and that ’tis unbecoming to sound their own praise, &c. But naturam expellas furca licet, usque recurret ; being forbid to praise themselves, they learn in- stead of it to censure others ; which is only a round about way of praising themselves ; for, condemning the conduct of another in any particular, amounts to as much as saying, J am so honest or wise, or good or prudent, that I could not do or approve of such an action. This fondness for our- selves, rather than malevolence to others, I take to be the general source of censure and backbiting ; and I wish men had not been taught to dam up natural currents, to the over- flowing and damage of their neighbor’s grounds. Another 370 Poreign Laterature and Scvence. advantage, methinks, would arise from freely speaking our good thoughts of ourselves, viz. if we were wrong in them, somebody or other would readily set us right; but now, while we conceal so carefully our vain erroneous self-opin- ions, we may carry them to our graves, for who would of- fer physic to a man that seems to be in health? And the privilege of recounting freely our own good actions, might be an inducement to the doing of them, that we might be enabled to speak of them without being subject fo be justly contradicted or charged with falsehood: whereas now, as we are not allowed to mention them, and it is an uncertain- ty whether others will take due notice of them or not, we are perhaps the more indifferent about them : so that upon the whole I wish the out-of-fashion practice of praising our- selves, would, like other old fashions, come round in fash- ion again. But this I fear will not be in our time, so we must e’en be contented with what little praise we can get from one another. And I will endeavour to make you some amends for the trouble of reading this long scrawl, by tel- ling you, that I have the sincerest esteem for you, as an in- genious man, and a good one, which together make the val- uable member of society ; as such, I am with great respect and affection, Dr. Sir, ' ¥our obliged humble serv’t. B. FRANKLIN. © INTELLIGENCE, &c. —<>- — 1. Foreign Literature and Science. Comm «nicated by Prof. Griscom. Iceland.— Professor Menge de Hanau, ina tour which he inade in Iceland, writes from his tent in July 1819, at the very foot of the Geyser, a description of the phenomena which the boiling spring presented. A funnel of 700 feet circumference but of uneqiaal depth, is alternately filled with boiling water and thenemptied. In one of the intervals M. Menge had the courage to penetrate the interior and to col- Foreign Lnterature and Science. Ot lect.front the bottom some stones, which were only si- liceous tufa, of which the silex is in actual solution in the waters of the spring. If astone be thrown into the funnel it produces an explosion. Un the middle of one of the nights which he passed near the Geyser, the traveller was awakened by a noise similar to that of thunder. He rushed from his tent, and saw the. waters of the Stroch projected to such a height, that the smoke of the boiling water seemed to reach the skies; whilst in the midst of terrible explosions, the grand Geyser displayed most magnificently its colossal mountain ef va- pour. The brightness of the moon and the first rays of Au- rora enlightened on each side, the waving clouds formed by this watery volcano. In his enthusiam Professor Menge con-— gratulated himselfin having been a witness to the first spec- tacle which in his opinion nature can offer to the view of mortals. 2, M. Gaus, of Gottingen, an eminent Geometrician has been elected a foreign associate of the French Academy, in the room of Sir Joseph Banks. : 3. Lava.—Dr. Gmelin, of Tubingen, has found in clinkstone lava, (which ineludes the narolite or mesotype,) a certain quantity of ammonia, which is disengaged by distillation. He has also met with it in columnar basalt. It would be ex- tremely interesting to be able to prove that Java contains an animal substance. 4. Sculpture—The celebrated Canova has proved, by his sculpture of the two lions which ornament the mausole- um of Pope Clement XII. in the church of St. Peter, that his talent is equally adapted to all sorts of composition. A few years since he made the model of a horse of a colossal size. This work, which presented a crowd of. difficulties, was much eee by connoisseurs. It was cast in bronze _ at Naples, with much success. Canova then engaged in another model of the same animal in a different attitude. This model, in which the sculptor has surpassed himself, will be connected with the former. Both of them will or- nament. the grand place of the magnificent temple of St. 372, Foreign Literature and Science. Francis de Paul, which is building at Naples, from the de- sign of the architect Bianchi. 5. Capacity of Gas for Caloric.—J. H. Mallet, secretary of the Academy of Lyons, has published experiments, very judiciously contrived, upon one of the most important prob- lems of philosophy, the constitution of mixed gasses, and their capacity for Caloric. He thinks he has shown that at the same temperature the particles of different gasses are at equal distances, that their molecules have different volumes, and that the quantity of caloric which a gas can admit de- pends upon the extent of the space which separates the mo- lecules. 6. Natural History.—M. Adolphus Brogniart has discov- ered inthe ponds of the forest of Fontainbleau, a new crus- tacea which he bas named limnadia, and which is remarka- ble by its size. It appears to form a very distinct species. All the individuals which Mr. B. has remarked, to the num- ber of a thousand, had eggs upon their backs. He has not yet been able to account for this striking peculiarity. 7. Dolcoath Mine—The magnificent copper mine of Dolcoath in Cornwall, employs under ground 750 persons, consumes monthly 3000 lbs. of gunpowder and 5000 Ibs. of candles. It is 1400 feet deep, and contains within it 7,000,000 of cubic feet of excavated space. The pumps bring up daily from this mine 120,000 cubic feet of water. 8. Heat of the Earth.—It appears from the statements of Dr. Forbes and R. W. Fox, of Cornwall, that the tempera- ture of the mines in that country increases progressively about one degree for every 60 or 70 feet of descent. The maximum temperature of the deepest mines (1300 to 1400 feet,) is about 80 degrees of Fahrenheit, or 28 degrees above the mean climate of the country. 9. Test for Barytes and Strontian.—These earths may be readily distinguished from each other by the following process :—Make a solution of the earth, which ever it may be, either by nitric, muriatic, or some other acid, which will form a soluble salt with it; add solution of sulphate of soda Foreign Literature and Science. 373 in excess, filter, and then test the ee fluid by sub carbo- nate of potash. If any precipitate falls down, the earth was strontian; if the fluid remains clear, it was barytes.— Brande’s Jour, 10. The Niger.—lIt is at length ascertained that this river empties itself into the Atlantic Ocean a few degrees to the westward of the Equator. This important fact is confirmed by the arrival in England of Mr. Dupuis from Africa. This gentleman was consul at Ashantee. He is acquainted with- ‘the Arabic and Moorish languages, and got his intelligence by conversing with different traders with whom he fell in.at Ashantee. He thought it so important as to warrant his voyage home to communicate to government what he had learnt.— Tulloch Mag. 11. Natural Historya—M. Balande has returned. to ‘rance, after an absence of two years in the interior of Afri- ca. The whole collection which he has brought home for the Museum of Paris, comprises 15,000 articles. Among which are the skeletons and skins of an enormous Hippo- potamus, a Rhinoceros, and three Whales, one of which is 75 feet in length. 12. Gas nim inabian.22ae a meeting of the citizens of Hull, in England, on the 15th of January, after a discussion on the respective advantages of gas from coal and gas from oil, it was unanimously agreed to adopt the latter for the pur- pose of lighting the town. It'was stated that oil gas is free from the “offensive smell of gas from coal; that it does not corrode the pipes, nor tarnish nor discolour polished metals, silks, &c.; that it is used in Covent- Garden theatre, in the Argyle Rooms) i in Whitbread’s brewery, and some other pla- ces, and that 1000 feet of oil gas will produce light equal to 3333 feet of coal gas. It appears that the Emperor Alex- ander is lighting up his Pare at at Peres aes with oi] pas. 13. Extract from a French work on Lime, Moriar, and artificial Puzzolana.—Lime stones vary greatly in quality. Those which approach to marble in purity or consist almost entirely of carbonate of lime are called 7ick ; those on the Vor. 1V:... No: 2 92, 374 Foreign Literature and Science. contrary are called meagre, which contain notable portions of sand or silex, alumine and iron. The former when burn- ed, slacked, and made into paste, will retain their softness for ages under water, or excluded from the air, but exposed to the air, they contract a remarkable hardness by the double effect of dessication and union with the carbonic acid of the atmosphere. They even become susceptible of a beautiful polish. But the meagre lime stones, in general, treated inthe same manner, if kept under water, harden in a few days and at length form a kind of free stone which could be acted upon or broken only by the pick axe. Exposed to the air it ac- quires a crumbly consistence and will never admit of polish. From this circumstance the lime which possesses the quality last mentioned, is called hydraulic lime. But some of the meagre lime stones are unfit for hydraulic purposes, pape- cially those which contain large particles of silex. -Puzzolanas are either natural or artificial. The natural is found in situations which have been acted upon by subterra- neous heat. They all consist of silex, alumine, oxide of iron, and a little lime, the properties of which vary greatly. Silex is always the predominating ingredient, the lime and iron are sometimes, though rarely, wanting. The scoria of forges and furnaces, broken pottery, and pulverized brick or tile are artificial substances, analagous to puzzolanas. There is one class of puzzolanas which dissolve readily in sulphuric acid, and abandon the silex which immediately subsides. Others resist the action of this acid. ‘If we mix in various proportions, very rich lime, slacked in the usual way with sand alone, or with puzzolana which resists the action of sulphuric acid, we obtain a mortar, which, placed under pure water, remains always soft, or ac- quires, after a long time, only a feeble consistence. The same mortar exposed ‘to the air, soon hardens by drying, but is always easily broken or pulverized. But if the same experiment is made with a puzzolana-readily affected and decomposed by sulphuric acid, a mortar is obtained, which soon ses under water, and becomes gradually harder, but in air it does not acquire any great resistance in saa pa of its drying too rapidly. Hydraulic lime presents phenomena nearly the reverse. That is to say, it furnishes good mortar when combined with Foreign Lnterature and Science. paado sand alone, or with puzzolana, unaffected by acids, whilst - very unsatisfactory results are obtained by employing it with substances which unite well with rich or pure lime. -. Since the quality of natural hydraulic lime depends only on the presence ofa certain quantity of clay or argile com- bined by heat with calcareous matter, it is natural to sappose | that in mixing clay in suitable proportions with a rich slacked lime, and submitting the mixture to heat, the same result might be obtained. Experiments made upon a large scale and in various places, have confirmed this opinion so fully, that itis now possible to fabricate almost every where andat a very moderate price, artificial lime, superior to the nat- - ural. >» 14. Tropical Rains.—(Extract of a letter from M. Roussin, - captain of a vessel, dated Cayenne, 28th February, 1820.) You will perhaps learn with no inconsiderable interest the . following meterological fact, the authority of which I am able to certify. From the Ist to the 24th of February, there fell upon the isle of Cayenne twelve feet seven inches of water. This observation was made in the country by a per- son of the highest veracity ; and I assured myself, by expo- sing a vessel in the middle of my yard, that there fell in the city ten and a quarter inches of water, between 8 in the eve- ning and 6 in the morning on the night of the 14th and 15th of this month. From these enormous rains, which have cov- ered with a very high tide, there has resulted an inundation from which every plantation has suffered. The oldest people assure us that within the memory of man, nothing equal to this has been seen. 15. Eruption of the Volcano of Goonong-Api.—M. . Gaumbaner, Dutch resident at Banda, has transmitted de- tails of the -voleanic eruption of Goonong-Api, which took place on the eleventh of June, 1820. This phenomenon announced itself at half past eleven in the morning, in a frightful manner. At half past two o’clock a mass of red hot stones flew from the volcano with extraordinary force, - and set on fire in their flight whatever they happened to reach. The shocks occasioned by the eruption were so » great, and succeeded each other so rapidly, that the houses -and even the ships felt the effects. ‘The smoke and ashes 376 Foreign Literature and Science. vomited from the crater soon obscured the region of the mountain, and even more distant places. ‘The shocks en- creased toward evening, and the stones were carried to twice the height of the mountain, which appeared covered with torrents of fire. ‘This spectacle became still more frightful by an earthquake, which happened in the evening, and by a violent hurricane, so that the whole population of Banda and of other islands, passed the night in agony, and at day break all the ships in the harbour removed from the crash. The eruption continued during the whole of the 12th. The smoke and ashes covered Neira and Louthois, as far as the middle of the park of Baganev. ‘The trees were almost buried in the sand, and the wells that were not covered were filled up. The verdure was burned up, and the earth covered with ashes, which in its fall smothered many birds and quadrupeds. On the north-west of the mountain, a new opening was formed, from which stones is- sued as large as the habitations of Banda. According to Valentine the mountain burned during five years from the eruption of 1690 5 and an old man worthy of faith, asserts that the same thing took place from 1765 to 1775. Aniide Chime. 16. There were consumed in the city of Paris, during the year 1819—of wine 805,499 hectolitres, (each about 26% gallons)—of brandy, 43,849—of cider and perry, 15,919—of beer, 71,896, and of vinegar, 20,756 hectolitres. Of beef, 77,298 head—calves, 67,719, and sheep, 329,070. The whole number of births in the city were 24,344, of whom 8,641 were hors de marriage. Of the whole births 12,407 were boys, and 11,937 girls. The deaths amounted: to 22,671. ‘The number of marriages were 6,236, of which 5 025 were between young men. and young women—315 between bachelors and widows671 between widowers and ‘girls, and 225 between widowers and widows.—An. de Chimie. 17. Steel.— There appears reason to believe, from the ex- periments of J. B. Boussingault, of the French School of Mines, that silicium or the base of silex, is as essential an ~ ingredient as carbon, in the constitution of steel. It is found Qe Foriegn Enterature and Science. 377 in all the varieties ; whereas there was one variety in which only a trace of carbon could be procured.—Idem. 18. Tea.—A colony of Chinese established itself in Bra- sil, soon after the king of Portugal fixed his residence there, and applied to the cultivation of tea with so much success, that they have now three mul}ion of trees in full bearing. — Rev. eee 19. 4 skull found in a tree.-—The English Journals state that a labourer in the county of Warwick, in cutting an ald ash tree which he had felled, found in thecheart of the log, the cranium of an unknown animal, ‘The wood: that surrounded it was perfectly sound, as well*as the bark, and nothing apparent could lead to the conjecture how the skull could have been introduced. ‘Tbe cavity atiline a the skull was about four inches in diameter. 20. New dipbinninie Cypher.—Richard Chenevix, F.R.S. has invented a new cypher, which satisfies the rules pre- scribed by Bacon, and which he 1s confident it will be im- possible to unravel. He has engaged to pay 100/. to any person, who, before the end of the present year, will find out bis character ; 50l. if they succeed in nbsp a pbrdse of two lines. 21. A new mineral substance has been discovered ty Garolin, in the blue quartz of Finland. It is composed of 45.5 silex, 23 alumine, 10 of a rose red matter, unlike any known substance, 8.5 of magnesia, 5.6 oxide of iron, and 7.4 of water. It is called Steinheilite, from count Steinheil, the governor of Finland, a distinguished mineralogist, who first separated this substance from the genus quartz. 22. New Mathematical Instrument.—M. Maestens, of Halberstadt, has invented an instrument, by which can be iraced the ellipses, the parabola, and the hyperbola, in any given relation of the parameter to the axis. 23. Sednetabtie! Bk the al directed enterprize of the ‘American Consul at Trieste, a steam-boat called the Caro- tina, performs every Monday the passage between that port 378 Foreign Literature and Science. and Venice. Another called the Eridano, goes from Ven- ice to Pavia on the Po, and so rapidly as to make the pas- sage in 37 hours. The steam-boat at Trieste lately saveda, merchant vessel, . richly loaded, from shipwreck, when the weather was such as to prevent our vessels from leaving the port. 24, Royal Medical Society in France.—An ordinance of the king, of the 20th December, 1820, establishes at Paris, for the whole of France, a Royal Academy of Medicine. This Academy is specially instituted to answer the demands of Government in all that relates to the public health, and principally with respect to epidemics, diseases incident to certain countries, the diseases of domestic animals, the va- rious cases of legal medicine, propagation of vaccination, ex- amination of new remediesinternal as well as external, min- eral waters natural and artificial, and, in short, to occupy it- self with all the objects of study and research which can contribute to the progress of the different branches of the art of healing. ‘The Academy is divided into three sections, one of medicine, one of surgery, and one of pharmacy. It is composed of honorary titulary, associate and adjunct members. ‘There will be thirty honorary members in the section of medicine, twenty in the section of surgery, and ten in the section of pharmacy. Of titulary members there will be forty-five in medicine, twenty-five in surgery, and fifteen in pharmacy. There will be thirty free associates, - who must reside in Paris, forty-five ordinary associates, of whom twenty will reside in Paris, and thirty foreign. asso- ciates. The associates will be attached to no particular sec- tion. The number of resident adjuncts may equal that of the titulars in the section to which they are attached. The number of correspondent adjuncts is indeterminate, Each of the three sections will elect its honorary titular and ad- junct members. The associates will be elected by the entire Academy. The gencrai boardof the Academy will be com-. posed of a perpetual honorary president, a temporary pres- ident, a secretary and a treasurer. The first physician to the king will, ex-officio,be the president @’honneur perpetuel ; the other members of the board will be elected by the en- tire Academy. The particular board of each. section will be composed of a president, vice-president, and secretary. Foreign Literature and Science. 379 25. Manufactory of Apprentices-—A benevolent institu- tion has been formed in Paris, for the purpose of rescuing from idleness, misfortune and vice, the crowd of little unfor- tunate beings that swarm in the capital, and of giving them the means of gaining useful instruction, morals and industry. | For this purpose a capital has been raised by subscription, consisting of 800 shares of 1000 francs each. Every share is divisible into ten parts. ‘The administration is composed | of a director, three administrators, and seven counsellors, all chosen among the stockholders. To give the institution. greater weight and celebrity, an honorary council has been added, chosen from the most distinguished men, united in the national representation, the magistracy or public admin- ° istration. » ite The stockholders who only wish to place their funds tem- porarily in the institution, may withdraw them at certain pe- riods with ordinary commercial interests, or if they remain they will be entitled to whatever dividend shall arise from the profits of the manufacturing and commercial operations of the company. Those who subscribe from motives of be- — nevolence, will be at liberty to bestow their profits on the apprentices of the establishment—or if they choose, on some one whom they may wish to promote at the time of his exit from the institution. The most exact account is kept of all those appropriations. Each stockholder has a right to pre-_ sent an apprentice for each of his shares for gratuitous ad- mission into the institution. ‘Nothing is undertaken in the - work-shops but by the advice of the council, the more ex- perienced members of which watch over the progress of — each branch of industry. The benefit of the instruction © professed in this general manufactory will not be confined to ~ the indigent. “The children of parents above want will be — received as day pupils in the work-shops for a moderate _ contribution) © oe Se a The operations which have constituted the daily work of | the apprentices of this useful establishment, are book bind- ing and ruling, cabinet making, joinery, tanning, various ob- jects in the art of painting, gilding and varnishing, prepara- tion of mastic, varnish, &c. &e. 26. Philology.—M. D’Arndt of Frankford, has just pub- lished a treatise on the “ origin of the languages of Europe, 380 Loreign Literature and Science. and the different points of resemblance which, exist between them.” ‘This work will serve as a supplementto the Dic- tionary of all languages, which was undertaken under the auspices of the Empress Catherine, and to which M,.D’ Arndt was one of the most zealous contributors. The ex- planations of this scavant prove that many nations, now en- tirely separated, have been formerly united. It throws great light upon many obscure parts of Ancient. history. ‘The first volume comprehends all the languages of Europe, Asia, and some of Africa; the second contains notices rela- tive to the origin of languages and people, extracts from the best historians who have treated the same subject, and a very curious comparison of fifteen words in two. hundred different languages. The style is remarkable for its simpli- city, and alistiinneeass or : a7, The Museum of the Me atican at Seana which posses- es already so many riches, has just been augmented,.by a piece of antiquity unique in the world. It isa bathing tub formed of a single piece of Rouge Antique. Its length, is ‘six feet, its width rather more than three: feet, and its ‘depth about the same. — It has no*vein of calcedony nor any. other mixture, and is in good preservation. » Its form is very ele- “gant, and-it is ornamented on the sides with four lion’s heads “which are of the most’ perfect age of sculpture, and accor- - ding to-custom hold each a ring imits'mouth. [twas found in a private house in Florence,*which has>inall probability “belonged to the family of De Medici.» Some Roman,.work- _man who: knew the value of this piece; bought it ata twifling price and sold-it to the government for. 9000 ‘Roman pine ters, (tieatly 10,000 dollars. } Ge 19 itis @ 29. The Biiaiary Society of Anteadeg Ps ob its session. of the 21st of August 19821, will decide the prize. of.a.gold ' medal for the best poetical essay in the national language on “Paul Rubens, and a similar medal for the best essay on the question, ‘ whether the maternal language ought to! serve as “a basis for the study ‘of foreign languages and» science, and to what ‘extent it ought to be carried.” \Lastly,»a'silver.med- ~al ‘to the author of ‘the best piece of one hundred and fifty to four handred verses on the re-union in 1614 of thesev- enteén provinces-of the- Low Countries under the) form. of a kingdom. Foreign Literature and. Science. 38h 29. Natural history wm France-—The splendid collee- tion of natural objects in the several museums of the garden of plants in Paris is almost daily enriched by fresh acces- sions from Naturalists attached to the Institution, and who, supported by the government, perform voyages of research and collection in all parts of the world. The following sub- stance of a report presented the 10th of January 1821, to the minister of the Interior, by the administration of the Muse- um of Natural History, on the collection just brought from the Cape of Good Hope, by M. Delalande, is worthy of notice. Notwithstanding the previous researches of Kolbe, Sparrman, Le Vaillant, &c. it was believed that the Natur- al history of Southern Africa had not been sufficiently ex- plored. M. Delalande had given proof of his capacity in three voyages to Lisbon, to the sea of Provence, and to Brazil under the direction of the government. He again left Pa- ris on the 2nd of April 1818, accompanied by his nephew twelve years of age, who has shared in his fatigues, his la- bours and his dangers. ‘Two of the largest animals of Afri- ca were much desired by the directors of the museum, viz. the double horned Rhinoceros, and the Hippopotamus. In search of them he wandered among the Hottentots and the Caffres, the latter of whom were at that time much incensed against Europeans, and carried on a ferocious war when op- portunities for it offered. M.Delalande remained a long time in this research, and wandered 800 miles west of the Cape. Bat his intelligence and perseverance were at length crowned with success. He obtained a Rhinoceros twelve feet in length, and on the Berg River he surprised a family of the Hippopotamus, and killed the largest and most for- midable of the company. In this enterprise he was gener- ously assisted by Lord Charles Somerset Governor of the ~ Cape, and Col. Bird his Secretary, who in his favour dis- pensed witha law which forbids the hunting and _ killing of the Hippopotamus under a penalty. of 1000 Rix dollars. Thanks, (says the Report) to the enlightened protection of - those two chiefs of the colony, who procured for him the ' greatest facilities, gave him flattering encouragements, and . Bivishieod him with instructions to commit, by an authorized exception, an infraction of the law... In the interval of these distant expeditions, M. Delalande employed his time at the Vor. IV......No. 2. 882 Foreign Literature and Science. Cape upon animals of very different dimensions from the Giraff, the Rhinoceros and the Hippopotamus. There were enormous whales thrown upon the shore by the violent storm of the Cape. With almost incredible pain and la- bour, this Naturalist and his nephew, though exposed to the heatof the sun, and the excessive putrefaction of those huge masses of flesh, cut to pieces a number of them and obtained three complete skeletons. All the pieces, even to the small bone of the ear were faithfully preserved. But these results in themselves so satisfactory, were not the lim- its of his labours. During his stay of two years at the Cape, he collected the following objects. Individuals. Species. Of Insects, - - 10,000 - - 9 982 Birds, LON ite 2,305 a) pyobp 222808 Mammifferes, - 228 - - 59 Reptiles, - - 322, = -: 136 Fish, ‘: ‘ 263 eco. ae Molluseas, - - - 387 - - 102 And 122 Skeletons of his own preparation. In all 13,627 Individuals, 1629 species. In the number ot Molluseas, are several individuals of a new species of T'e- thys composita. Animals living in a family and all adher- ing to a fleshy nucleus, and fed by a common life—this is a wonderful organization, very recently known and never be- fore seen in animals so large as these. The interesting de- partment of Anthropology was not neglected by M. Dela- lande. He procured skeletons and heads of the people of this country, the races of which are as remarkable for their number in this little corner of the earth, as for their extra- ordinary conformation. Three hundred specimens of minerals, and about 6, 000 of plants belonging to 235 different genera, with some liv- ing plants, and a quantity of seeds also enrich his collection. Such extensive labours, secured for .M. Delalande the highest consideration of the first inhabitants of the colony, whose kindness was also conciliated by his. modest. and obliging demeanor. The administration of the museum. solicit for M. Dela- lande the decoration of the Legion of honowr.—Rev. Ency- Foreign Literature and Science. 383 30. Scientific Journey.—M. Seiber, a Bohemian Natural- ist who. travelled over Egypt and Syria in 1917, and 1818, is preparing to make a journey in Abyssinia. Professor Rask of Copenhagen, known by his Icelandic and Anglo Saxon Grammar, has set out for St. Petersburg where he has employed much time in studying the San- serit. He is to proceed to the Birman Empire to study the Pali language, and the sacred books of the Buddhists, He will remain sometime in the mountains of Caucasus to seek the origin of the languages of the North. The probable dura- tion of his journey will be three years. Professor Nevi has been sent by the Emperor of Russia to make researches in the Steppes of Independant Tartary and to examine the course of the Oxus and the towns of Balk and Samarcand. The expedition will extend perhaps as far as the lake Saisan. Embassadors have been previously sent to prepare the way in those countries so little known, and we may hope that success will crown this enterprise, which viewed merely un- der its Geographical relations, must lead to important, re- sults. {lod Count Romanzow has sent travellers who are to cross the ice from the Eastern coast of Asia to the Western coast of America. ; ‘The Academy of Sciences of Munich in Bavaria gave a brilliant reception at its first general session to two learned travellers, M. M. Martins and Spix, who were presented to | the: Academy on their return from Brazil... After the address of felicitation made them by M. Schichtegroll, the perpetual Secretary, one of the members of the Academy proposed to strike a medal in commemoration of this happy voyage, and of the generous assistance granted by the King, to this important enterprise. 'The proposition was unani- mously agreed, and steps were immediately taken to obtain the Royal authority —Rev. Ency. 31. Pisa.—M. Andrea Vacea Berlinghieri, a physician of that town, has found a new method of performing the opera- tion of Esophagotomy. By means of an instrument of his invention and which he calls ettopesofago; the operation may be made without danger, and all foreign substances taken from the esophagus... He published in 1820 a me- moir containing all the necessary developments. eis 384 Foreign Literature and Science; 32. Means of detaching Painting in Fresco.—Many at-* tempts: have been made to detach pictures in fresco ‘from 0 the walls, but without success. M. Stefano Barezzi of Mie «: Jan, has lately founda very simple method of doing it; what= > ever may be the size of the picture, and of transferring it to: another wall without the least risk of injury. For this a pose he covers the picture with\a cloth so prepared as to»: detach the picture completely, and. leave: the wall: whites The same cloth is afterwards applied to another wall, sod which the picture attaches itself, without losing the least: trait. By this means many»paintings’have: been detached): from their primitive position. The trial has been made on roughor uneven’ as well as-on smooth walls; and always with the same success: > The artist has received all possible: * encouragement from. the Roman government.) He is now ©! engaged in separating-the great picture of Marco D’Oggivne «9 in the church della Pace, and it is hoped that by this process” he«will be: able to preserve from the ravages of: time the >: beautiful remains of the supper of Leonardi de Vinci r Rev: » Encye. Mais 1821. 33. Pompeia-—The labours at this place have been car=- ried on with such activity that people may now pass throughs” most of the streets. M. Williams, an English traveller, has lately visited these ruins. “He entered by the Appian way through a narrow range of tombs very well sculptured; on’ which he could read very distinctly the names of the dead. '’ They have found near one of the gates of the city asentry = box, with the skeleton of a soldier holding'a lamp invhis:: hand. o:'The greatest part of the houses, and: public edifices: preserve their ornaments of architecture: and painting fresh and entire.» ‘The pavement of the streets is worn in many’ places with the wheels \ of carriages, and) every where: the « life-and activity of the inhabitants seem to have been all at: » once interrupted.» At each step are discovered. traces of » the industry of a people’ overwhelmed in the midst of their: labour. . Here the ‘shop of a blacksmith, with the hammer resting on the anvil ; there the shop ofa sculptor filled with the: statues just sketched out, and bloeks of marble ; the shop of a baker or a wine merchant, whose drawer contains money ; a school, in the midst of which is an elevation in- tended for the master ; a large theatre ; a court house; an Foreign Laterature and: Sciences 383 2. amphitheatre-220 feet in length; temples ; barracks whose columns are»covered: with bumorous inscriptions and - the: - names of soldiers who occupied it; wells, cisterns; public seats’; beautiful altars in mosaic; fragments of statues 3 ear- — then tubes for carrying water through the streets; prisons :- and:fetters ; such are the principal remains of the: arts of»: ancient Italy... The houses of Pompeia are in general very > low, many of them are only ten feet high. The streets are~> about sixteen feet wide, and the foot walks three feet, con- siderably elevated. ‘The narrower streets are only sixteen feet wide with: side walks in ase alate dt 34. Retwedy for Drunkenness. Me use of dilute Gant Ammonia as an antispasmodic has been long known. Dr. Girard, of Lyons, has applied it to the cure of fits of intoxi->- cation, which he considers as a: nervous affection. Seven or eight drops of this alkali in half a glass of water, is enough to rouse a’ person from this morbid:condition. It operates not-by a decomposition of the wine or alcohol, but by modi- fying the sensibility of the mucous membrane of the stom-_ ach, and acting upon the innumerable nerves which are dis- tributed: over it, and transmit to the brain the i suet they have received. 35: Rbiibahaloabes Ina report made to thie Faculty of Medicine of Paris; on the virtues of scutellaria laterifolia, — M. Merat observes that the New-York physician who eulo- gises this plant so highly, and who speaks of more than a thousand cures it has effected, does not distinguish in any case hydrophobia from madness, and seems to be ignorant : that the first is only a symptom of the second, and may ex- ist in other maladies. Hydrophobia: is only a nervous mal>: - ady, susceptible sometimes of cure, whilst confirmed mad= - ness is always incurable... Dr. Merat fears that the scutella- ria laterifolva has had no more success against madness than anasellis so much boasted of formerly, and alisma plantago recently presented as.a true remedy, and which:in reality is : like the others, destitute of properties in this frightfulomala=: dy. To form a safe conclusion, we must wait until the: American physician shall have pronounced Se on oo : a a ae 386 foreign Literature and Science. 36. Comparative table of condemnations to wfflictive and disgraceful punishments, pronounced by the Court of Assize in Paris during the years 1817, 1818, and 1819.—The friends of humanity will observe with satisfaction that not- withstanding the alledged corruption of the age, the num- ber of crimes is obviously diminished. | 1817. | 1818. | 1819. Condemned to hard labour for. | life, and disgrace, 511 | 393) 9 "390 For a limited time, 2,645 | 1,992 | 1,421 Ditto, with disgrace for the crime of falsehood or vagabondage, 173 | 184] 196 Total, [ 3,329 | 2,569 | 2,015 We would remark, h owever, that this summary does not include condemnations to solitary confinement, exportation and banishment. : 37. Organic remains.—Baron Cuvier is engaged in the publication of a new edition of his work on the fossil bones of quadrupeds. * It will be greatly enlarged and perfected. The price of subscription in Paris is 40 francs per volume. The first volume was to have appeared in May last, and the last volume is to be published in June, next year. The subscription was to close immediately after the publication of the first volume, after which the price would be doubled, and will extend to five volumes and include 200 plates. 38. A correspondent in the Calcutta journal for May, 1820, asserts that he had obtained the happiest effects from the Voltaic pile in cases of inveterate cholera morbus. 39. Astronomy.—The Emperor Alexander has ordered a magnificent observatory to be constructed at Abo in Fin- land. ) 40. Generous Legacy._-The princess Anna Narischkin, who died lately in St. Petersburgh, at an advanced age, left by ber will the sum of 150,0C0 rubles to various public schools, among which was the institution for the deaf and dumb. Foreign Laterature and Science. 387 41. New Machine.—M. (Kuhaiewski, a gentleman of War- saw, In Poland, has invented a portable machine for cleaning grain, which in separating the grain from the ear, breaks nei- ther the grain nor the straw. A single man by this machine can do the work of some dozens of common labourers. The same able mechanic has contrived a sawing mill, to work by hand, and an astronomical watch, which indicates the differ- ence of time in various parts of the globe. ‘The Emperor Alexander has sent to the inventor a magnificent snuff-box, and has furnished him with funds to carry on his useful. da- bours. 42. Monument to Copernicus.—The collossal statue in bronze, which is to be erected to the great father of modern astronomy, will be placed before the magnificent edifice of the “ Society of the Friends of Science” in Warsaw. This illustrious man will be represented sitting upon an antique seat, covered with an Academic gown of rich drapery. In one hand he will hold a celestial globe, divided by its astro- nomic circles. ‘I'he expense of this monument is defrayed by voluntary subscription in Poland. - Twelve periodical journals are published at Warsaw, the population of which, including the military, does not Pain: 210,000. 43. Academy of Sciences at Stockholm.—The king hav- ing sanctioned the new regulations and statutes of the Acad- emy, was waited upon by a deputation of its members to ex- press to him its gratitude. ‘The following was ‘his reply : ‘© Gentlemen, I have approved with the greatest pleasure of the regulations which the Academy has submitted to me, because they have issued from the pens of men known by their sagacity as well as by their profound knowledge, and whose labours will form an era in the history of science. In all enlightened, but especially in all free States, the monarch is the protector of the sciences ; and when he protects them as he ought, the nation as well as himself, may hope to wit- ness the gradual confirmation of those rights which nature has engraven upon every human heart. Continue, gentle- men, to labour to render more and more general the devel= opment of the intellectual faculties. The light of knowl- edge will, by degrees, dim those baleful stars whose fatal 388 Foreign Literature and Science. influence has desolated by*turns not only our own but other countries of Europe, the most fertile as well as the poorest. General peace, internal repose, the security of States,— these are blessings toward which the wishes of all nations now aspire.” : , 44. Benevolent exertion.—After the battles of Jena, Lut- zen, and Leipzic, some friends of humanity at Weimar in Prussia, formed the generous design of assisting a great number of children who had lost their parents, or who sep- arated from the troops they were following, wandered with- out shelter in the environs of that city, situated in the centre of the carnage. One of those respectable philanthropists M. J. Falk, set a noble example to his fellow-citizens, in this good work. He went from house to house, accepting the smallest sum which might be offered in this and the neighbouring towns. In the course of seven years he has been thus enabled to place out above 500 of those poor chil- dren, belonging to the various nations engaged in the war, among respectable citizens, and to provide for their religious instruction. These young people whose lives have been almost miraculously preserved, desirous of leaving a feeling proof of their gratitude, have resolved to construct a chapel all the materials of which from the brick and tile to the cloth of the altar, and from the ‘smallest nail to the lock of the door should be the work of their own hands. To aid them in this interesting project, a publication has been pro- posed of religious songs or hymns, with an exposé of the use to which the money is to be applied. Subscriptions for it are received in Paris. i . 45. Zeal for Science.—M. De Candolle, professor of bot- any in Geneva, had in his possession a flora of Mexico, col- lected and drawn in New Spain, by the Spanish botanists, and contained in thirteen volumes large folio, This collec- tion being called for by the owner, De Candolle regretting to loose so much treasure, desired his friend to join in taking copies of the most curious of the plants. All the inhabitants _of Geneva, capable of handling the pencil, were soon enga- ged in copying the Flora of Mexico. The ladies in a par- ticular manner, evinced an unbounded zeal in this undertak- Foreign Literature and Science. _389 ang, and ina, week’s time not.a drawing in the collection re- nd apouned to be copied. ; ve 46. - Seulpture. —Canova_ has just finished a work which “is said to be superior to every other production of. his chis- el. It is a group of collossal statues, one of which | represents _, Theseus killing a Centaur. The hero grasps .in his left m - hand the neck of his enemy, whose human part is still mak- »oang useless struggles against his formidable opponent, who _difts in his right hand the massy club of Periphates. _ This roup is: destined for the imperial. court of Vienna. a AG. ern Schools i in France.—At the Society i in say Paris for the amelioration of elementary instruction, M, Jo- .,mard.read on; the 24th of March last a detailed report of -. the, actual state of those schools in France. From this it «Appears. there. were then, 1550, schools of mutual instruction | dn activity in France, . which is more than 200 above.the _ bumber of last year. 170,000 pupils received instruction in ae hase schools, enna RN iy “48. Serge Pie. whole number of births i in the pene . Tae during the year 1817, is stated to have been 786,810 _. boys, and 714,796. girls: ‘The number of deaths was , 423,092 males, and 405,469 females, of whom 208,954.died . under 5 years, of age. Increase. of population, . 670,045. - The. number. ‘of dagiyiduals, who. had _attained the, age of , BO yeats.was.. 2. 5, - 68,723». : “80 RE eS res ca ‘16, Bib» ith See ee ee ee ee ad bch N BUD chk oneetng adieedinct fallen Laiadimns toda? GAME catalan ants loduoinss Gisela is git aa, Pais Sia 126, 717, ‘thou ‘the fae, he the iF ao . asa es Bridal - Vou. tV¥...NO: 2° ae a see aap 390 Foreign Literature and Stience. 49. The head of Descartes, the celebrated philosopher, was presented to the French Tastitute at Paris, onthe 30th of April last, by Cuyier, one of the perpetual sectetaries. It was.sent from Sweden by Professor Berzelius.. 50. Currents of the Atlantic.—A bottle was thrown into the sea from the Ospray, a British vessel, on the 28th of March, 1820, in Jat. 5° 12’ S. lon. 28° W. (that is, on the N. W. of the Island of Ascension,) and found ten months after on the shore of Martinique, in Jat. 14° 23’ N. lon, 65° 13' W. Making all reasonable allowances for the sinuosities of its track, it must have moved at the probable rate of 150 toises per hour, or about 54 feet per minute. It results from this that beyond the equator, at least as far as 5° 12'S. and at the turn of the equinox, the great current of the At- lantic sets north, and that the great bay of Mexico receives the waters of the ocean not only from westerly currents on its.own parallel, but from the south of the equator. This shows how and by what means the plants of Congo in Afri¢a, are found reproductive in the flora of the American Archi- : pelago, and how they are still transported into these Islands. 51. Medical Quackery.—The_ police of Paris, ‘from’ a conviction of the mischief and damages resulting from the secret. remedies of Charletans, have revived and enforced the law which prohibits the editors of journals and papers, from pulsing the advertisements of quacks and pretenders. 52, Pepper.—The analysis of black, pepper, ‘(piper ni- grum,) has been recently made by Pelletier of Paris, appa- rently, with much care and judgment. The results are, ~ Ist, That the common pepper is composed of a peculiar crystalline matter, which he calls piperin—of a conerete and very acid oil—of a volatile balsamic oil—of a coloured gum- my substance—of an extractive principle analagous to that of leguminous plants—of malic and tartaric acids—of starch— of Bassorine—of ligneous matter—and of earthy and alca- line. salts, in small quantity, 2d, ‘That there is no vegetable alcali in pepper, notwith- standing ‘the assertion of M. Olrstaidt. 3d,. That the crystaline substance of pepper is of a pe- euliar nature. Ath, That pepper owesits savour to an oil slightly volatile. Foreign Lnterature and Science. 391 53. American Skunk.—A chemical examination has been ‘made by J. L. Lassaigne, of the fluid which produces the intolerable odour of the American skunk, (viverra putorius.) It is contained ina sack of the form and size OF a walnut, situated between the tail and the anus, having two exterior orifices. .The fluid is,emitted only as a defence von the animal is provoked. _ It consists of ae ie a volatile oil, extremely powerful. ane . 2d, Of a fat oil. —— gir Of a colouring matter. : ‘ 4th, Of sulphur, combined with fatty matter in thie pro- portion.of ;3,. bth, Ofa small quantity of hydro sulphuret of ammonia. | 4. French voyage of discovery— The No. for April last ‘of the Annales de Chimie et de Physique, contains a very “interesting report of a committee of the Institute, consisting of Humbold, Cuvier, Desfontaines, de Rossel, Biot, Then- ard, Gay Eussae, cal Arrago, relative to the voyage of ‘Captain Freycenet in the Corvette Uranie. This expedi- tion was fitted out by the government, and sent under the di- rection of the Royal Academy (Institute,) for the purpose . of making researches in the..two hemispheres, respecting the _ figure of t the earth and the elements of terrestrial magnetism, __and. at the same time to embrace every occasion of extending ~_ their observations to Meteorology,Geography, Hydrography, and the various departments of Natural History. The'corvette “sailed from Toulon onthe 17th of September, 1817, and alter touching at Gibraltar and Teneriffe, proceeded to Rio Janei- _ro, thence to the Cape of Good Hope, Isle of France, Bour-- bon, ‘Timor, New. Guinea, Mariannes, and Owhyhee ; thence _ to Port eon in New South Wales and to Terra. idl Fu- C80), whence the vessel was driven by a violent storm, and _In six days after, namely the 13th of February of 1820 ‘they ‘were shipwrecked on one of the Falkland Islands. From this perilous situation in this desert Island they were happi- _ly relieved by an American ship ; and without much loss of the products of the voyage; they sailed again the 27th ; stopped at Monievideo and Rio Janeiro and arrived at Hav- re on the 13th of November 1820; having: been absent _ three years and nearly two months.” "Phe ° experiments made with the pendulum and magnetical apparatus are very . Aumerous, and the collections Ve home are’ Heh in 392 Foreign Laterature and Science. Zoology, Entomology, Botany and Mineralogy, and. the... collection of drawings is said to be one of the most remark- able which has ever been seen as to the number and variety | of its subjects, and will furnish materials for the most inter- esting and complete work which navigation has ever yet produced. The national museum will be greatly enriched ." by these discoveries and collections. The report concludes; - thus. ‘‘ It remains for the Academy to desire only two. things,—first, that.a publication, sufficiently in detail should speedily be made in order that science may reap the ben- efit deducible from this voyage.—Secondly, that labours so...’ arduous and important may claim for those who have per- ) formed them the just rewards of Government. These re- wards will become fresh motives. of encouragement, to. the officers and all other persons attached to the service of our marine, to circulate every kind of knowledge which may place them in a condition to render those important servi- ces to science which the interesting and curious event of these voyages may enable them to furnish.” 55. Leipsic fair.—This is the most famous place in. the world for the sale of books. _ At the Easter fair of last year, there were exhibited 12,700 new works in German, Greek and Latin, and 262 in foreign languages, such as French, Ttalian Danish, Polish, &c. " 56. The fair of Nishegorod in Russia, which is attended by large caravans from Buchava, was last year so abundant that the merchandise brought to market, was estimated at 139 millions of Rubles, about 33,360,000 dollars.—.4@n. de Pindustrie Nationale No. 7. 57, Consumption of Coffee.—At atime when commerce is languishing, it is not useless to note as one of the causes. of this evil the prodigious diminution in the consumption of coffee. Ithas. been calculated that anterior to 1819, the common. consumption in Europe rose to 69 millions of pounds, whilst in 1819 it, was only 37 millions.—Idem. 58. Caterpillars.—A gardiner at Glasgow, having obser- ved that a piece of woollen cloth which, blown by the wind, had accidently lodged upon a goose-berry bush, was soon covered with caterpillars, took the hint of putting pieces of Foreign Literature and Science. , 393 stuff upor other plants infested with these insects. 'The caterpillars took refuge upon them during the night and in this’easy way the bushes were clear of them. 59; Suspended Animation.—There were submerged, in Paris during the last year, (1820) two hundred and” sixty persons, only seventy one of which instances were acci- dental. Of them sixty two were taken out and restored to life.” But of the whole two hundred and sixty, there were but eighty six who had remained less than twelve hours un- der water. Hence the number of persons restored of those of whom there was the least probability of success was as sixty two'fo eighty six, or as five to seven nearly. A set of Newfoundland dogs is now trained for the purpose of diving for persons submerged in the Seine, and for rescuing such as may be in danger of drowning. 60. Death of an Elephant.—A_ beautiful Bengal Eie- phaut about nine feet high was purchased in London about siX years ago, and conducted through different parts of Eu- rope by a female’ with whose presence the animal always appeared tobe pleased. He had been exhibited at Geneva in Switzerland about a fortnight, and gratified every one by his docility and sagacity. In departing for Lausanne as usual in the middle of the night, and conducted by his two male keepers, he had scarcely cleared the gate of the town, when without any apparent cause he fell into‘a paroxysm of anger and pursued his keepers into the town whither they thought it proper to flee. His mistress who intended to follow him in the morning, was greatly alarmed at the information, but on gent- ly approaching him, and offering him dainties, she enticed him into an inclosure, but finding him still untractable, she desired that he might be killed as speedily as possible, great- ly fearing the same consequences which had been experi- enced at Venice a few years since by asimilar animal of which she had been also the proprietor. Poison was first resorted to. They first administered three ounces of prussic acid mixed with ten ounces of brandy (a favourite li- quor of the animal.) He seized the bottle and swallowed it at one draught, drew back into the court, lay down a few moments, then rose up, recommenced his sport with the things around him, and remaired entirely unaffected by this most terrific of all poisons, a single drop of which placed on 394 Foreign Literature and Seicnce. the tongue of ‘a dog produces instant death. Three ounces of the oxid of arsenic were afterwards given him, and: the same dose again repeated but without any effect... About an hour afterwards he was shot through the head. with a cannon ball and expired withouta struggle. | Notwithstand- ing the poison he had taken, three or four hundred individ uals ate of his flesh without inconvenience. . His skeleton was carefully preserved for the Museum of Natural History; and his skin will be used, after due preparation, for covering an artificial animal to be placed in the same: inclosure. .-The occurrence at Venice, and that just: described, very: properly suggest doubts of the propriety of suffering these animals to be'taken about the country without greater precaution, :da India, where they are domesticated, when one of them -is seized with a paroxysm he is immediately placed between two others, and sometimes a third is put behind him, which soon reduce him to order. 61. Spirits in glass Jars closed with Bladder, mode of wm- proving wines.—Dr. Summering, in a curious set of experi- ments detailed in the Memoirs of the. Munich Academy of Sciences, has proved, that if mixtures of spirit of wine. and water in glass jars, are covered, some with bladder and, oth, ers with paper, that the aqueous ingredient escapes through the bladder, and leaves a concentrated. spirit ;, while on the contrary, it is the spiritous ingredient which, passes. through the paper, and leaves little else than water. . It is proposed to fine and improve wines by exposing them in vessels cov- ered with bladderor some similar substance. In some ex- periments made with Cyprus wine, a sixth part escaped, and the wine was very much improved in quality... This mode of improving wines is practised in some parts of Sua- bia. Edin. Philos. Jour. 5 21991 Commmunications in letters ito the Editor,.&c. 62. Memoir on the Vincentin.—M. Brongniart.is., about publishing a memoir on the Vincentin in Italy, the result of his late travels in that country... This meraoir. will be illus- trated by figures of the fossil shells and reliquia of that region. 63. Mineral geography of the environs of Paris, by Mess. Cuvier and Brongniart.—As this forms a part of M. Foreign Literature and Science. 395 ©uvier’s great work, (the new edition of which we have already: mentioned,) M. Brongniart’ is engaged in revising it for that work. We are informed by him ‘that it will be greatly enlarged, and that he will referto it the analogous formations’ which he has had occasion to observe, or. to become acquainted with in other countries. The depart- ment relating to chalk is already executed, and the au- thor has described and figured all the fossil shells characteris- tic of that formation—four plates atleast are requisite for this ‘subject.’ From the chalk he will pass to the lime stone of the Jura and of transition. ‘In executing the memoir on the Vincentin, and the pein just mentioned, the author was obliged to have many figures delineated, and to digest many descriptions. This has af- forded him materials for another work which is a very great desideratum in the geological science : we mean—. 64. 4 new elementary work on ail shells with a particu- lar reference: to Geology.—Every person conversant with geological investigations, must have found extreme incon- veitience from the want of a good elementary work with plates exhibiting the various fossil reliquia in a manner so distinct; that they maybe recognized by a learner. \The splendid work of Parkinson, embracing a part of this sub- ject, is too expensive to be in’ many “hands, and that of La Marck is little known’ in this country. We are therefore peculiarly happy in learning: aa M, Brongniart, that he is himself engaged in the prepamtan of such a work, which is already far advanced. “The fossil shells characteristic of the geological forma tions to which they belong, are enumerated, described, and figured, with the greatest attainable exactness. | ‘The sub- jects are arranged in zoological order, and will thus consti- tute an elementary work in that department. It may be ex- pected to appear about the end of the year 1822;, We have seen some of the prints executed for the above work: they are’ beautifully done in the Lithographic method; and when accompanied by their appropriate descriptions, we cannot doubt that they will prove perfectly satisfactory. = + ‘We shall wait with much impatience for the appearance of this work, which will probably be even more useful i in this oy than j in as oo |S 396 Domestre Intelligence. 65. M. Brongniart’s Researches on Organized Remains.— We have already had occasion to call the attention of Amer- ican Geologists to the researches of M. Brongniart.on fossil remains. We regard it as the cause of the scientific world, and therefore renew our request that specimens may be for -warded to M. Brongniart from all our secondary regions. Those that have been already transmitted have been respect- fully acknowledged, by him and we shall, by and by, reap an ample recompense, when we obtain the result of the grand survey of the organized remains of all ages and coun- tries. In this work M. Brongniart is constantly engaged: He is aided in the Botanical department by his son, who is about publishing a memoir on fossil vegetables : we have before us some of the plates illustrating this memoir, and recognize in them fossil vegetables, similar (if we do not mistake) to those which accompany the coal formation on the Muskingum. ‘They are elegantly executed in the Litho- graphic mode. , Mitty —— II. Domestic. 1. Dr. Hosack’s donation of Minerals. Princeton, Dec. 6th, 1821. Dear Sir, sit . Knowing as I do that your love of natural science disposes you to take a deep interest in every exertion which is made to increase the facilities in our country for acquiring mine- ralogical knowledge, it is with great pleasure I inform you that Dr. David Hosack of New-York, with his characteris- tic Jiberality, has presented to the college of New-Jersey a very handsome collection of minerals. It consists of about one thousand specimens, several of which are rare and splendid. They are arranged according to the order ob- served in Professor Cleaveland’s admirable treatise, and are exhibited agreeably tothe French method, in very con- venient cases, erected by the Doctor at his own expense, in one of the public rooms of our college. To render this donation immediately useful, it was accompanied by a collec- tion of the most important works on Mineralogy. The brilliant cabinet of minerals, which Col. Gibbs, with a spirit which does him unspeakable bonour, has deposited Domestic Intelligence. 397 -4ne Vale College, will probably long remain unrivalled in this country. But smaller collections, if judiciously made and consisting of the most important articles, may be of \exten- sive utility. Many ofthe students of our college, by having the specimens of Dr. Hosack’s collection exhibited in illus- tration of the lectures they receive on mineralogy, have been led to enter into the subject with a zeal, which I hope will be productive of public benefit. Having requested of Dr. Hosack to give me.an account of the manner in which he obtained this collection, he has obli- gingly-returned an answer, from which I send you for pub- lication the subjoined. extract, in connexion with the state- vaments here made. This I do not only as a. merited ac- > knowledgment of the Doctor’s. liberality, but in hope that owhat he has done may serve as an example to. others... It would be of-incaleulable benefit to the interests of science camong us, if American gentlemen, while they visit foreign countries for their personal improvement, would remember the colleges—perhaps the places of their own education in the United States ; and make them such donations as their means and inclination should dictate. A principal reason why a liberal education with us is less valuable than in the Universities of Europe is, that’ we want the literary appara- ius which they possess. If, by the aid of a liberal patron- age, the libraries, philosophical apparatus and cabinets of natural history in our colleges, could be suitably extended, ~-we should, I trust, be able before long to do full justice to our national Rattan: Yours Facerely se GREEN. 2° Evtract of a letter atom Dr. Hosach to Prof Green. 5. Buting: my residence at tlie University of Bdtitiurehe: in 1792—3, my first attention was given to this department of aatural knowledge—in my tour through the north of Seot- jand, T afterwards ‘became more’ enamoured with this’ sci- ence by an opportunity which was afforded me of examining ‘at Lawrence Kirk, the small but beautiful collection made oy Lord Gardenston. In'the summer of 1793, in ecmendan, Von. IV......No. 2. a ati 398 Domestic Intelligence. my. acquaintance with. Mr. Schmeisser,* the pupil of »Wer- ner,—with Dr. Babington, and Dr.. now. Sir, Alexander Creighton, afforded me access to most of the collections:then forming in this metropolis; I availed myself of those oppot- tunities of beginning the small. collection now deposited sin your college. I also added to it many valuable articles»par- chased. at. the celebrated cabinet of the late Earl of Buté. The beautiful specimens of dendritical marbles were derived from the latter source. Shortly after my return to New- York, with the assistance of the late. Dr. Bruce, who was then my + private pupilin medicine, I arranged and marked the several specimens in that collection. This exercise first awakened Dr. Bruce to this subject, and laid. the fouti+ dation for his knowledge in that interesting branch of ‘natu- ral history, in which he afterwards became so distinguished: From time to time I hope still te make such additions:te the above cabinet, as:to render it more deserving of notice: As the first collection that. crossed the: Atlantic, and as the parent of 1 many others.of much greater value and extenty it perhaps meritsregard.as such. I shall endeavour to improve it and increase its usefulness as a source of instruction tothe pupils of Nassau Hall. With my best wishes for r the mer perity of the institution, Iam, dear Sir, i fie Respectfully yours, — DAVID. HOSACK.. Sacos Grezy, sss it of Natural Rbsterys mn ph echeee: 3. New Graduating Instrument.—T he, Editor bids bein lately favoured with a drawing and description of an instru- ment invented by Mr. Thomas Kendall, Jr. of New Leba- non, N. Y. and sik by him the Universal Graduator. “It furnishes a mode, inferior we présume to none hitherto known, in point of expedition and accuracy, of dividing a line of given length into any desired number of équal parts. The principal use to which the inventor proposes to apply: it, isto the graduating of thermometer scales. — a not. * This Sy Teed gave in the winter of 1 7183—4, the first course of Jee tures on M ineralogy ¢ ever delivered in the city of London. I had the pleasure of being one of his hearers. ¥ In the Biography of Dr. Bruce, contained in Silliman’s Journal, this fact is not mentioned and appears not to have been known to the writer. Domestic Intelligence. 399 know whether any contrivance is now in the hands of ar- tists for adapting the graduation of the thermometer to the irregularities of the bores “Ifthere is not, the instrument of Mr.. Kendall has the important peculiarity of supplying the defect,—supposing a number of points in the scale to have been previously ascertained by comparison with a standard thermometer. We are not authorised by the inventor fully to develope the principles of his instrument at tHe present time’; but we can state in general; that for every point in the scale whiely has. been experimentally determined, the iti- strument furiishes:the ordinate ofa curve. When the bore is uniform, the curve becomes d straight line ; but when variable, a continued curve is to’ be drawn through the ex- tremities of the ordinates, and to bé employed instead of the Straight ‘line in the process of graduation. An irregular scale is thus furnished, which is exact at the points experi- mentally determined, and through the intermediaté space varies according tothe law: of continuity. The natiire of the operation is such, that if a considerable number of points be ascertained, including thosé at which the ordinates are nearly or accurately a maximum, the small errors to which ié mechanical process of constructing thé curve is liable; will have no sensible effect ote eradiation. With stich itnprovements in the constraction of Mr. Kendall’s ifstru ifient as experience will probably suggest, we think it promi- isés to be of very eésetitial service to the artist, ii Construct- ing thermometers for those experimental téséarelies which require Very accurate ieasures of témperature, and in, which, of course, no dependence ought to be placed on the uniformity of the bore, isi DPE ee ‘We have seen an instrument off @ priticiplé similar to that of Mr: Kendall, and with some valuable additions, although without any provision for an irregular graduation, in thé pos- session of Professor Noyes, of Haiilton Colleve: tis due to these ingenious gentlemen to state, that édcli has proéead- ed without the knowledge of the other, and that both are’ entitled to the full credit of their respective inventions. 400 Domestic Intelligence. 4, Singular Explosion. Extract of a letter from Mr.:Samuel Howard to the Editor, dated ; Savannah, Dec. 13th, 182k. Str, I have lately been induced to suppose that I had met with a detonating mixture with which I was not acquainted ; about equal parts of wood ashes sifted ; of common Liver- pool salt, and of clay, apparently of the argillaceous kind, were mixed together with water, forming a kind of mortar, ; and a layer of this was put between two copper plates, ex- posed to a strong heat, with a view to stopping a leak in the copper ; but an explosion of considerable violence, took place. Please oblige me with your opinion, whether this was owing to the mixture, or arose from other unknown causes. Answer. It is well known that the fixed alkalies. at a red heat have a strong affinity for the silex and alumine of clay... Upon this principle common salt is decomposed for the purpose of procuring muriatic acid, by mixing clay with it and exposing the mixture toa red heat... By similar treatment, nitric acid is obtained by the agency of clay from nitrate of potash. It appears probable that in this experiment, the clay uni- ted rather suddenly with the potash of the wood ashes, and with the soda of the salt, disengaging from the first car- bonic acid gas and from the second murijatic, acid gas. These aerial agents, thus suddenly liberated, aided, also. by the steam arising from the water in the composition, would afford a mechanical power of sufficient energy to paedince the effect above related. INDEX. A. Academy of Sciences at Munich, 383 Academy of Sciences at Stockholm, 387 Actynolite from various places, 54 Africa, Northern, Geological Notices in, 32 Allen, J. A. Mr. on luminous appearances in the Atmosphere, 341 Allen, Wm. Rev. on the Curves of Trisection, 343 American Geological Society, 191 Analysis of Sulphuret of Molybdena, 320 Chromat of Tron, 321 Sigua of Strontian of Lake Erie, 324 Barytes of Berlin, &c. 325 ianivews, Elisha D. Rev. his discovery ‘of Fluor Spar in Putney, Vermont, 188 ‘Animals, traits of their history, 309 Anthracite, account of the mines of, at Wilkesbarre, Penn. 1 accompanying rocks and minerals, account of, 5 quantity of, consumed on the Susquehannah, 1 Anthracite at Miniatures’ description of, 7 Antony’s nose on Lake George, hematite in, 47 Arsenic, on tests for the discovery of, 155 Art, Lithographic, notice of, 169 Astronomy, 386 Atlantic, currents of, 390. B. Banezzi, Stefano M. his method of detaching painting in Fresco,384 - Barnet & Doolittle, their Lithographic Establishment, 169 Barton D. W.. Mr. his notice of the Geology and Mineralogy of the - Catskills, 249—on the Virginia Fluor Spar, 277 -Barytes, Sulphate of analysed, 325—from Berlin, 325—Missouri, . 327—Southampton, 227 _ Barytes and Strontites, tests for, 372 Basanite, 43 Beck, T. R. Doct. his meterological table, 333 Benevolent exertion, 388 » Berlinghieri, Andrea Vaccea M. his method of penforming the op- eration of Esophagotomy, 383 Beryl, new locality of, 39 Bigsby, John I. Doct. his letter on the Strontian of Lake Erie, 280 Bite of the Rattle-snake, cure for, 189 Black oxide of Manganese, 189 Blowpipe, new, by Prof. Green, 164 Blue-bird, 310 Bonnets, Italian, manufacture of, 166 Botanical items, communicated by Doct. Torrey, 200. Vou. IV.. ...No. 2. 26 402 INDEX. Bowen, G. 'T. Mr. his analysis of sulphat of Strontian, &c. 324 Brace, John P. Mr. his list of plants in Litchfield and its vicin ity, 292 Brongniart, Alexander, Mr. letter to, 3—his notice on vegetable fossils which traverse the layers of coal formations, 266—his re searches on organized remains, 395 Brownell, Bishop, his notice of Fluor spar, 43 Buckland, Professor, his opinion of American Geology, 185 C. Calculi animal, 150 Canals, navigable, memoir on, 102 Cannon balls, their conversion into plumbago, 178 Caraibes, Insects, 195 Caterpillars, 393 Catskills, storm at July 21st, 1821, 125 Cavern in lime stone, 41 Chlorite, crystallized, 54 Chlorite, foliated, 276 Chloropheeite, 245 Chromate of Iron, 53 Chrysoberyl, new locality of, 37 Cist, Zachariah, Mr. his account of the mines of Anthracite at Wilkesbarre, Penn. 1—of the Manganese of Wilkesbarre, 38 Coffee, consumption of, 393 College of Chios, 196 Comstock, J. L. Doct. on the Aphlogistic Lamp, 328 Comptonite, a new mineral, 28 Concretions in a parrot, examination of, 152—from a bullock’s tongue, 153 Cooper, Thomas, President, on tests for arsenic, 155—on volca- noes, 205 Cotton grows in New-Jersey, 86 Criminal Jurisprudence of Paris, for 1817, 1818 and 1819, 386 Cure for the bite of the Rattle-snake, 189 Cuvier, Baron, his work on the fossil bones of Quadrupeds, 393 D. Dana, Prof. his chemical examination of animal products, 149 Dearborn,H. A.S. Mr. on a natural ice-house at Williamstown,331 Dekay, James D. Doct. on pennatule fléche, 87 Delafield, Major, his notice of the Strontian of Lake Erie, 279 his geological remarks on the Lake regions, 282 Delalande, M. his collection of natural curiosities from the Cape of Good Hope, 381, 382 Denny, H. W. Mr. on the cause of Goitre, 339 INDEX. 403 Dewey, Prof. his miscellaneous notices on American Mineralogy and Geology, 274 Diamond Point, crystals and minerals of, 45 Dolcoath Mine, 372 Doolittle, his translation of Mr. Girard’s memoir on navigable ca- nals, 102 Douglass D. B. Prof. on the plants of the North-west, 56—his letter on the cure of the Rattle-snake bite, 189 Drowning, recovery of persons from, 393 Dwight, Benjamin W. Doct. his account of a storm at Catskill,125 E. Eagle, bald, 89 Earthquake at Kutch, 315 Eaton, Prof. his geological survey of Rensselaer county, state of New-York, 189 Editor, his letter on the galvanic Deflagrator, 201—his miscellane- Ous notices in mineralogy, &c. 40—his notice of natural Ice- houses, 174—of the conversion of cannon balls into Plumbago, 178 Elephant, death of, 393 Eliot, Jared, Rev. notice of, 357—Letters of Dr. Franklin to him, 357 Engine, steam, alternating, 90 Environs of Paris, mineral geography of, 394 Esophagotomy, a new method of performing the operation of, 383 F. Facts, practical, relating to the Wilkesbarre, coal, 7—16 Feldspar of Saratoga, 37 Feldspar and Epidote on the shores of Lake George, 47 Fluor spar of Bennington, 43—near Providence, 50—in Tennes- see, 51—new locality of, at Putney, Vermont, 188—of Virginia, 207 r Foot, Lyman, Doct. his notices on Geology and Mineralogy, 35 Fossil Elk of Ireland, discovery of, in the Isle of Man, 246 Fossil shells, new elementary work on, by Mr. Brongniart, 395 Fossil tree of the river Des Plaines, Mr. Schoolcraft on, 285 Fossil vegetable, notice on, 266 France, natural history in, 381 Franklin, Doct. letters of, 357—his notices of agriculture, 359— his ideas of springs, 362—his geological notices, 363—his re- marks on retaliatory laws, 363—on the north-east storms, 364—- on copper mines, 365—on the love of praise, 366 French voyage of discovery, notice of, 390 Fringilla Tristis, 310 404 INDEX. Galvanism effectual in cholera Morbus, 386 Garnet, remarkable mass of, 55 Gas, capacity of, for caloric, 372 Gasometer, improved, of Doct. Hare, 312 Geneva Museum, 199 Geology, American, opinion of Professor Buckland on, 185 Geology of the Catskills, notice on, 249 Geological remarks on the Lake regions, 282 Geological Society, American, 191 Geological survey of the country of Rensselaer, 189 Girard, M. P. S. Mr. his memoir on navigable canals, 102 Girard, Doct. of Lyons, his remedy for drunkenness, 385 Goitre, on the cause of, 339 Goonong-Api, eruptions of the volcanoes of, 375 Granite, notice regarding the working and polishing of, 246 Green, Jacob, Prof. on cotton, 86—on the bald eagle, 89—on ani- mals, 309—theory, concerning, 311—letter from, 396—his new blow-pipe, 164 Griscom, Prof. his communications, 370 Gypsum, crystallized, of Ohio, 51—of Virginia, 52—of Hudson,52 Ht. Hall, Prof. his notice of iron mines and manufactures in Vermont, and some localities of Earthy minerals, 23 Hare, Robert, Prof. his letter on the cause of heat, 142—letter to him on his Deflagrator—201—his improved Gasometer, 312 Hayden, H. W. Mr. on Tennessee fluor spar, 51 Hitchcock, Edward, Rev. his meteorological journal kept at Deer- field, 333 Hoboken, serpentine rocks of, 16 Heematite of Lake George, 47 Hog, anecdote of, 309 Hosack, Doct. his letter to Prof. Green, 397 Hospital at Hamburgh, 195 Hudson, geological notices respecting, 33 Hydrophobia, 385 1. Ice-house, natural, at Meriden, Conn. 175 at Williamstown, Mass. 331 Iceland, 370 Impressions, vegetable, at Wilkesbarre, 6 Tron, magnetic, of Crown point, 48—Micaceous of Mass. 53 Iron mines and manufactures in Vermont, notice of, 23 {sland of St. Michael and its geological structure, notice of, 251 INDEX.- | 405 Tialian bonnets, manufacture of, 166 Ives, Thomas, Mr. on a natural Ice-house, 332 \ J. \ Jaundice, use of phosphoric acid in, 162 \ Jenkins, John T. Mr. his notices of the geology of Hudson, 3 , Journal, meteorological, kept at Deerfield, Mass. 333 } Kendall, Thomas, Mr. his new graduating instrument, 398 | Kennedy, Alexander, Doct. his notice of working and polijhing granite in India, 246 Kutch, Earthquake at, 315 Kuhaewski, M. his new machine, 387 L. Lancasterian schools in France, 389 Lamp, aphlogistic, 328 Lava and puzzolana, 371 Lead, sulphate of, 55—-Lead ores, new species of, 25 Leffingwell, Wm. Mr. on fluor spar, 51 \ Lehigh or Wilkesbarre coal, practical facts relating to, 8 Leipsic fair, 392 | Letter on the cause of heat, 142 Letters, original, of Doct. Franklin, 357 Lime and mortar, extract from a French work on, 373 Limestone, dove-coloured, of Lake George, 44 List of plants growing in Litchfield and its vicinity, 292 Litchfield, plants of, 69 Lithographic art, notice of, 169 Lithographic, printing of MSS. 197 Lydian stone, 43 M. Magnesite of Hoboken, 18 Manganese of Wilkesbarre, 383—Of Hillsdale N. Y. 5A, black Oxide of, 189 Manufacture of the Italian bonnets, 166 Manufactory of Apprentices, 379 Marble beds of—in Berkshire Mass. 40 Marmolite, 19 Means of detaching painting in Fresco, 384 Medical Quackery, 390 Memoir on navigable Canals, 102 Meteorological table, 333—Journal kept at Deerfield Mass. 333 Mica Prismatic locality of, 37 406 INDEX. Miller, Caleb, Mr. on the use of Phosphoric Acid in Jaundice, 162 Mineralogy, foreign—notices in, by Dr. Webster, 25—American, notices in, 33—Min. and Geol. foreign, notices in, 243 Minerclogical and Geological notice, 188 Minerils, near Providence—notice of, 284 Miscelaneous notices in American Min. and Geol. 274 Mitchiil, Samuel, Doctr.—his letter on the Proteus of the Amer- icai Lakes, 181—Mus Bursarius, or pouched Rat of Canada, 183 Moly>denum, analysis of, 320 Monnment to Copernicus, 387 Morbid animal products, chemical examination of, by Professor Dina, 149 Morse, his new Gazetteer, 190—new school Geography and Atlas, 191—Morse, S. F. B. his notice of Satin Spar, 44 Momtains of Lake George, 48—Groupes and Ridges, 42 Muwich, public instruction in, 196 Museum of the Vatican at Rome, 380 Mrology of the human body, by M. Ameline, 198 M. Bonpland, his Botanical Garden at Buenos Ayres, )97 N Natural Ice houses, 174 Natural History, 198—372—in France, 381 Nemalite, or Amianthoid Magnesite, 19 New system of Mineralogy, 245—diplomatic, cypher, 377—Min- eral, 377——Mathematical instrument, 377— Machine—Graduat- ing instrument, 398—new blowpipe of Prof. Green, 164 Niagara, Geology and Mineralogy: of its vicinity, 35 Niger, the River, 373 Nishgerod, in Russia fair of 393 Notice of the Lithographic art, 169—of the tempest of September 3d, 1821—Editor, p. 171—of Morses new Gazetteer, 190—Ge- ography and Atlas, 191—Minerological and Geological 188— of the working and polishing granite in India, 246—of vegetable fossils in coal formations, 266 Nuttall, Mr. Thomas, on the serpentine rocks of Hoboken and the minerals which they contain, 16 O Ochres of Vermont, 24 Organic remains, 386 Organized remains, researches on, 395 Original letters of Doctr. Franklin, 357 Oxid of Titanium Silico calcareous, 276 Paris, statistical notices of, 376 Pearson’s domestic Telegraph, 314 Pennatule Fléche, 87 INDEX. AOT Pepper, analysis of, 390 Petrefactions, new works on, 31 Philology, 379 Pisa, 383 Plants of the North West, description of, 56 Plants of Litchfield, catalogue of, 69—growing there, 292 Platina, wire used for, a permanent lamp wick, 328—Platina ex- traordinary mass of, 28 Pompeia, 384—Potatoe, 195 Porter, Jacob, Doctr. localities, 55—Porter 'T. D. Doctr. on tests for the discovery of Arsenic, 160 Premiums for National Industry, 192—for Mechanical Arts, 192 Chemical Arts, 192—fabrication of Russian leather—i93— Economical Arts, 193—transferred to the years 1821—1822, 194 Princess Ann Narischkin, her legacy, 386 . Proteus of the North American lakes, description of, 131 Quartz, crystals of, in the Island of Lake George, 44 Quartz, rose of, Southbury, Connecticut, 54 R Rain, remarkable fall of, (see Catskill storm passim,) 125 Razors, M. Merrimée, 199 Remedy for Drunkenness, 385 Rock crystals, with water, 27 Royal Medical Society in France, 378 Russia, births and deaths, 389 Sands of Lake George, 46 ‘Schoolcraft, Henry R. Mr. his account of a Fossil tree on the river des Plaines, 285 Schools of mutual instruction, 199 Scientific Journey, by Mr. Seiber of Bohemia, by Professor Rask, of Copenhagen, &c. 388 Sculpture, 197 —389—37 1 Seal, Thomas Mr. onberyl, 39 Sections of the Wilkesbarre Coal Mines, 5 Serpentine Rocks of Hoboken, 16—Chemical characters of, 18 Seybert, Henry, Dr. his analysis of Sulphuret of Molybdenum, 320 Shetland Islands, minerals of 25 Shorl of Saratoga, 37 Singular explosion 400 Slate siliceous, 43 Society, American Geological, 191—literary of Antwerp, 380 Spar satin, 44—caicareous erystalize ed at Bakers Falls, 43——calea- reous, crystals of, from Lake George, 44 408 INDEX. Steam boats, 377—Engine alternating, 90 Steatile crystalized, 274 Steel, JohnH. Doctr. on chrysoberyl, 37 Steel, 376 Storm, remarkable, at Catskill, account of 125 Strontian, sulphate of,—-of Lake Erie and the Detroit river, noti- tices of, 279-—80—from Erie Analysis of, 324——in sulphate of Barytes, 327 ; St. Michael, Island of, description of, and its Geological stracture, 291 ¢ Survey, Geological of the county of Rensselaer in the State of New York, 189 Sus scrofa, anecdote of, 309 T. Tale foliated of Vermont, 54 Tantalite of Haddam, 52 Tea, 377 | Telegraph, improved, dannedic, 314 Ticonderoga, walls of, 49. Titanium, red oxid of, 55 Torry, Joha, Doct, on the plants of the North West, 56 Tourmalin, black, Plainfield, 55 Trisection on the Curves of, 343 Tropical rains, 375 | Tungsten, yellow, oxide of 52—Massive, 187 \U, Use of phosphoric acid in Jaundice, 162 XK Vv. . tom Vatefudiok a remedy for the plague, 196. Vienna, 197 Volcanoes and volcanic substances, Dr. Cooper on, 205 W. Ward’s Sitch atlaae steam engine, 90 Waters of Lake George, | their transparency and purity, 46—causes of, 46 » Webb, Thomas H. Mr. on fluor spar, 50—his notice of the mine- raid near Providence, 284 Webster, J. W. Doct. his foreign notices in mineralogy, 25—in mineralogy, geology and the ancient arts—243—his description of the Island of St. Michael and its geological structure, 251 Wolf, anecdote of, 310 Wyoming, description of the valley of, 4 ZL. Zeal for science, 388 Loiste, 276 te vA Fiuy é ¥ Bi Zi > b CV ACIP: LUV From the Lithog? 2 re Lrefs of Barnct GLovlitlle N028 Lumbet Sleek New J ork iron. g "agi himeestte LUNE IND af Meteor, Y i, . 4, 2) (- (NE ; aD Ig ae NS : - aio : ee ii = I LONG B @ - Sele 4 Ls z From Lhegraphuckbefs of Barnet GMalillle ‘ A iba Shue Nb Tore oe ; 7 Fig. tA The Coil of Platina wire. % The glass tube containing the wick. tig.2. The Lamp complete. D The tube for charging. APHLOGISTIC OR > : ae J) is Z Cee ci Yer CMOS ZAFAL QL: Designed by Dr. TL. Comstock CHAK : Lithographic Lrefs of Barnet §Doolethe womntier Strel New Xorte oh dbograptiecltefe of Barnet GMoolitllr labia a Sow! ied) ban senate Ace XM Py Nut Aas 2 kh Lee ay aN NK Le na NaN (Oi Wd We )) yi ‘watt a