NOTICES OF BOOKS. 315 
perhaps the largest and finest specimen that has been secured of this 
noble bird. In a few days we start again for the East. 
P.S.— I pointed out the barrows, which I have described in the 
former part of this letter, to Mr. J ukes, the naturalist of H.M.S. Fly, 
when he favoured us with a visit to Hawthornden. He has made geo- 
logy his particular study, and he tried and examined the calcareous 
nodules which are found in the mounds, and pronounced them to be 
limestone, and he thinks that the lime was deposited by springs which 
formerly existed. But the soil of these barrows, although fertile, is 
quite different from that which has formed, or is in course of formation, 
in the vicinity of springs. From all I have been able to observe, it 
seems to me they are deposits of a peculiar salt, probably the same as 
is found crystallized on the surface of lakes in the Interior. 
James DRUMMOND. 
NOTICES OF BOOKS. 
Botanical Expedition to Oregon. 
Under the title that heads this article, a thin quarto pamphlet has 
appeared, containing a notice of some of Mr. Jeffrey’s discoveries, to- 
gether with five well-drawn and lithographed plates, from the pencil © 
of Dr. Greville. By the accompanying text we are given to under- 
stand, that Mr. Jeffrey’s period of engagement expires in November 
next, and that the funds subscribed will be exhausted in paying his 
salary and expenses up to that date. The committee of the Society 
under whose auspices he is employed, desire to contract with him for — 
à continuation of his services, and recommend that the subscribers 
constitute a fresh association for the purpose, to act from November, 
1853, to November, 1854. Old subscribers are requested to com- 
municate their views and wishes on the subject to Andrew Murray, 
Esq:, Secretary of the Oregon Committee, at their earliest convenience, 
and to enlist the co-operation of others who may be desirous of coming 
forward as subscribers for so desirable an object. : 
From an examination of the plants that passed through our hands, 
