148 SOWERBl's MINERAL CONCHOLOGY. 



tion, might thus not only have been anticipated, but the value of the 

 work itself greatly diminished. We know nothing of the history of this 

 matter, beyond that which we can gather from the statements now quo- 

 ted, and the second of these is apparently written w ithout reference to the 

 first ; the possible relation which the one may bear to the other, being 

 purely a matter of assumption on our part. We do not notice this 

 circumstance, for the purpose of showing up the errors of Mr. Gray, or 

 those of Sir Wm. Beechey, and striking a balance between them, but 

 because we have seen too much of ex parte statements, and have too 

 often been subject to them ourselves, not to deal out justice with an even 

 hand, when the opportunity lies in our power, and a legitimate occasion 

 comes before us. 



We have the satisfaction of stating that the one hundred and sixth 

 number of the ' Mineral Conchology of Great Britain,' has really made 

 its appearance, for we have a copy now lying on our table. The author 

 has therefore redeemed the pledge to that effect, which he put forth a 

 short time since in the pages of the * Magazine of Natural History.' 

 The most gratifying circumstance that could possibly have come before 

 us, in connection with this publication, is that of the Council of the 

 Geological Society having just awarded to Mr. Sowerby, the proceeds of 

 the Wollaston Donation Fund, as an aid towards the immediate contin- 

 uation of a work, which bears so important a relation to our knowledge 

 of the British fossiliferous deposits. The materials now in hand, for 

 carrying forward the ' Mineral Conchology' are so extensive, and promise 

 to accumulate so rapidly, that we trust there will be no impediment in 

 the way of its regular appearance, but that Mr. Sowerby may receive 

 from the hands of English naturalists, a share of support which shall 

 show their due appreciation of the value of his labors ; and that, without 

 infringing on the boundary of justice towards himself or his family, he 

 may be enabled to go on, so long as he shall have health and strength 

 to engage in the undertaking. 



It is generally understood that Mr. Children has resigned his post at 

 the British Museum, and that his valuable library and entomological 

 collection is shortly to come to the hammer. Whoever may be ap- 

 pointed to fill the vacancy thus occasioned, will we trust have, like his 

 predecessor, other attainments to grace the station than only those ari- 

 sing from a profound acquaintance with zoological science. 



