of the "Sattel," near Niederkirchen, not far from Wolfstein, in Rhenish Bavaria. These have lately been described by G. Leonhard. One of them is easily explained, viz. when the prehnite assumes the trapezoidal form previously belonging to Analcime, an appearance already observed and described by Haidinger. The origin of the other, however, has given rise to various opinions, and its form has been partly attributed to datolite, and partly to stilbite, mesotype, or laumonite. Professor Blum had regarded-this variety of prehnite as derived from laumonite, especially as the angles presented great similarity; and it was only some months ago, when being engaged in a work on pseudomorphoses, he examined the crystals in question with greater attention, that he found the similarity existed only with respect to the size of the angles, but not to their position, which is just reversed, in so far as the lateral angles are concerned. As, then, it was thus evident that it could not have been laumonite which had undergone the conversion into prehnite, what substance was it? The Mineral-comptoir at Heidelberg, lately received a quantity of laumonite from the neighbourhood of Schemnitz, and it immediately struck Professor Blum that the crystals were the same as the pseudomorphic ones, a supposition which was confirmed by measurement. He thus found that this so-termed laumonite was to be regarded as a new mineral; and the analysis made by Dr Delff shewed that its composition was different from that of the true laumonite. There is, however, a remarkable resemblance between the two substances, both in external appearance, and in many of their properties. The great tendency to decomposition exhibited by laumonite, exists also in this new species, which Professor Blum and Dr Delff propose to term Leonhardite. The crystallographic form is klinorhombic. Primitive form: an oblique rhombic prism, M: M' = 96° 30′ and 83° 30′; P : M=114° and 64°. This is the only form observed. The prismatic crystals are frequently aggregated together, so that a large individual is composed of several smaller ones, which are sometimes of equal length, but on other occasions vary in this respect. The lateral planes are streaked in a direction parallel to the principal axis; two of them are often larger than the others. Sometimes crystalline-columnar and granular masses occur. Cleavage very perfect parallel to the lateral planes, imperfect in the direction of P. Fracture uneven. Hardness = 3 3.5 (in fresh pieces). Brittle, easily frangible. Sp. gr. = 2.25. Translucent on the edges. Lustre pearly, especially on the perfect cleavage-surfaces; on the fractured surface vitreous. Colour white, passing into yellow, and more rarely into brownish. Frequently coated with a brownish or black powder. Streak white. The Leonhardite occurs near Schemnitz, in Hungary, in the fissures and drusy cavities of a trachytic rock; sometimes in considerable quantity. It is also found imbedded, and then imparts a porphyritic structure to the trachyte. The pseudomorphic prehnite above mentioned, undoubtedly owes its form to this mineral. Analyses of the leonhardite have been performed by Dr Delff and Von Babo, and the following are the results.

VOL. XXXVI. NO. LXXI.-JAN. 1844.

Although these two analyses do not correspond exactly with each other, yet they both lead to the conclusion that the chemical constitution of the Leonhardite and Laumonite is distinct, inasmuch as the Laumonite contains much more water and much less silica than the Leonhardite. As the analyses of Laumonite by Vogel, Gmelin, Dufrenoy, and Connell,* differ a little from one another, Dr Delff and Von Babo have also repeated the analysis of that mineral, and the following are the results.

14. Strawberries, 1597.- Extract from the Accounts of the Lords High Treasurers of Scotland.

Junii, 1597.-Item in drink sylver to ane man that brocht stray berreis to His Majestie fra Alloway. W. C. T.

V. LI.

15. Yew and laburnum imported to England for the manufacture of bows in the 16th century." Conspicite etiam nunc Anglos apud Rhetos negociantes, et in eorum montibus, Taxi et Laburni, arbores cædentes, quas certa longitudine in assulas findentes in suorum arcuum usum, in fasciculos deinde colligunt, atque lacu Valstatensi cymbis ad Rhenum usque devehunt, et deinde secundo Rheno descendentes in Angliam usque deportant, ubi arcus denum conficiunt."-Petrus Bellonius, "De neglecta stirpium, cultura," &c., Antverpiæ, 1589, p. 57. W. C. T.

16. Capture of Whales in Faroe.—The capture of the small Caaing-whale (Delphinus melas), the Grind of the natives of the Faroe Islands, is one of the most important events which occurs in the course of the year in that country, as, besides the value of the oil, which averages about L.2 sterling for each fish, the flesh and the blubber are one of the principal articles of food, the first being dried and the latter salted, forming a wholesome and nourishing diet, though perhaps not very palatable to our more fastidious

* See Professor Connell's paper in this Journal, vol. vi. p. 262.

tastes.

The usual mode of capturing these animals has hitherto been (as described in the Edinburgh Cabinet Library on Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, and in other publications) by a number of boats collecting to seaward of the drove, and driving them into the most accessible sandy bay, where, if the fish ground in shallow water, they are speedily dispatched. In this way many hundreds are often slain; but they are sometimes chased for a considerable distance before being taken; thus 288 were captured on the 21st of June 1843, the chase of which commenced on the 18th, and extended round the islands a distance of about forty miles. This year a new method of taking them has for the first time been tried, and with success. A net about 200 fathoms long, 14 deep, and the meshes 1 foot square, has been purchased at the cost of about L.140. The first time it was used 236 were taken, and subsequently, up to the 26th August, about 400 more,- -so that the prime cost of the first net will soon be recovered, one-eighth of the capture being set apart for that purpose, and probably more nets will be purchased.

The same means might be profitably employed in taking these animals on our northern coasts, where they often occur in great numbers. The bones and flesh, if not used as food, might with advantage be employed W. C. TREVELYAN, Esq.

as manure.

NEW PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

1. The Invisible Universe disclosed; or the real Plan and Government of the Universe. By Henry Coleman Johnstone, Esq. London, Effingham Wilson. 12mo. 1843.

2. Observations on Days of Unusual Magnetic Disturbance; made at the British Colonial Magnetic Observatories, under the Departments of the Ordnance and Admiralty. Printed by the British Government, under the Superintendence of Lieut.-Colonel Edward Sabine, of the Royal Artillery. Part 1. 1840-41. London. Published for Her Majesty's Stationery Office, by Longman & Co. 1843. 2to. For this very important volume we are in some measure indebted to Baron Humboldt and the late Duke of Sussex. Lieut.-Colonel Sabine, with his usual ability and accuracy, has edited the work, and presented it to the scientific world in a form worthy of the British Government.

3. Rapport sur un Memoire de M. F. de Castelnau, relatif au System Silurien de L'Amerique Septentrionale. From the rapporteurs, Elie de Beaumont, Brongniart, Milne Edwards, and Dufrenoy. 4to. 1843.

4. Rapport sur un Memoire de M. Alcide D'Orbigny, intitulé Considerations Generales sur la Geologie de L'Amerique Meridionale. 2to. From M. Elie de Beaumont.

5. Observations on the Practicability and Utility of opening a Communication between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, by a Ship Ca

nal, through the Isthmus of Suez; with an Outline Map of the Isthmus and Lower Egypt, shewing the Tract of the Ancient as well as of the proposed Canal. By A. Anderson. 8vo. pp. 48. Smith, Elder, & Co., London. 1843. This pamphlet, on an important subject, was sent to us by our friend Mr Wilson Pillans, but too late for particular notice in this Number. 6. Inquiry into the Means of establishing a Ship Navigation between F.R.S. the Mediterranean and Red Seas. By James Vetch, Capt. R.E., Illustrated by a Map. London, P. Richardson, Cornhill. 1843. 8vo. pp. 32. From the Author. Of this memoir, by an accomplished engineer, an account appears at page 136 of the present number of our Journal.

7. Popular Conchology, or the Shell Cabinet arranged; being an Introduction to the Modern System of Conchology. By Agnes Catlow. 12mo, pp. 300, with numerous woodcuts. Longman, London, 1843.

This little volume will prove a valuable aid, not only to the youthful conchologist, but even to those who have long studied this beautiful branch of Natural History. Since the Linnean classification has been to a certain extent superseded by that of Lamarck, such a work has been greatly wanted; and we rejoice to see it now so well executed. Most possessors of shells are ambitious to derive from them further interest than arises out of the mere contemplation of their beautiful forms and colours, and anxiously enquire for some book, as a guide to their classification. By the aid of Miss Catlow's Work, even beginners may arrange their shell cabinets, in strict conformity with the most advanced state of the science, so far as respects the genera; aud when the genera are correctly discriminated and classed, the main difficulty of the study is overcome. The system of Lamarck has been closely followed, with a few alterations, which subsequent more accurate knowledge of the habits and physiology of the molluscous animals has rendered essential. The introductory chapter, which is written with clearness and elegance, embodies useful information respecting the inhabitants and the mode of formation and growth of shells. The woodcuts are numerous and accurate, The style of the work is perspicuous and simple; and there is throughout a gracefulness and refinement of thought and expression, that seems singularly appropriate to the description of these beautiful creations of nature.

8. Contributions to the Geology of the United States. By William Barton Rogers, Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of Virginia, and Henry Davison Rogers, Professor of Geology in the University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia. 1843. From the Authors. These interesting and valuable contributions, now so well known to British geologists, ought to be reprinted for the use of geological enquirers in this country.

9. Popular Cyclopædia of Natural Science and Animal Physiology. By W. B. Carpenter, M.D., &c. &c. Parts 1 and 2, pp. 79. Dr Carpenter, in this Treatise on Animal Physiology, which we recommend to the cultivators of this important branch of zoology, displays his usual acuteness and skill in popular and accurate scientific writing and reasoning.

10. The Tenth Annual Report of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society for 1842. Parts 1 and 2.

11. Magnetical Investigations. By the Reverend William Scoresby, F.R.S. L. & E., and Corresponding Member of the Institute of France. Part II. London; Longmans, 1843. We expect an article on these cxperiments for a future occasion.

12. Experimental Researches; Chemical and Agricultural-shewing Carbon to be a compound body, made by Plants, and decomposed by Putrefaction. By Robert Rigg, F.R.S. 12mo, pp. 264. Smith, Elder, and Co. London. 1843. This interesting work, received when going to press, will be noticed afterwards.

13. Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, No. II. of Part V. 1843. London, Smith, Elder, and Co. This number contains the conclusion of Mr Bell's account of the Reptiles collected during the voyage of the Beagle.

14. A Sermon preached in Ripon Cathedral. By the Rev. Henry Parr Hamilton, A.M., F.R.S., Late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. Ripon. 1843. From the Author. We recommend this discourse to those who may wish to obtain sound views in regard to the bearings of science-particularly geological science—on religion.

Conducted by

15. The American Journal of Science and the Arts. Professor Silliman and Benjamin Silliman jun.—up to vol. lxv., No. 5. October 1843.

Edinburgh, J.
These beautiful,

16. Maps and Illustrations of the Physical Geography of the Globe. By Dr H. Berghaus, Professor of Geography, Berlin, and an Ethnographic Map of Europe, by Dr Gustaf Kombst. Folio. and W. & A. K. Johnstons. 1843. From the Editors. accurate, and admirably engraved Maps and Illustrations, are deserving of every praise and public encouragement.

17. Annalen der Physik und Chemie herausgegeben zu Berlin Von J. C. Poggendorff. Received up to No. 7, 1843.

18. Bibliothèque Universelle de Genève, up to No. 93. September 1843.

19. Report on the Geology of Connecticut, in North America. By James G. Perceval. 8vo, pp. 495. This work, which we consider of great importance in a geognostical point of view, has just reached us from the author.

20. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Edited by the Secretary. The number last received was No. 131 for the year 1842.

21. The Journal of Agriculture, and the Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. No. 2. New Series for October 1843. Edinburgh. Blackwoods.

22. General results of Microscopic Inquiries into the minute structure of the Skeletons of Mollusca, Crustacea, aud Echinodermata. By William B. Carpenter, M.D. With two Plates. 1843. From the Author.

23. Essay on the Physiognomy of Serpents. By H. Schlegel, Doctor in Philosophy, &c. Translated by T. S. Traill, M.D., F.R.S.E., Regius Professor of Medical Jurisprudence in the University of Edinburgh, &c. 12mo. pp. 254. With Plates, and a Map shewing the Geographical Distribution of Poisonous Serpents. Edinburgh, Maclachlan and Stewart,