328 



the only instance in which an alleged native iron has been reported 

 to have been met with, not in loose masses, but in the form of a 

 mineral lode, that of Canaan being stated to be a true vein two 

 inches thick in mica slate. The detection of carbon in this iron 

 proves the specimens to be spurious, and confirms an impression long 

 prevalent among American mineralogists, that the original state- 

 ment about this vein was founded either in mistake or fraud. An 

 examination of the best authenticated records of native telluric iron 

 tends certainly to reduce the number of the genuine instances, if we 

 accept the carbon test ; yet the authorities for the existence of such 

 are too many and too respectable to justify the general incredulity 

 in regard to the presence of native iron on our globe. The state- 

 ment that this African iron is manufactured in seven villages, is an 

 intimation that it exists in considerable quantity, more than would 

 be compatible with the supposition that it is merely a large mass of 

 meteoric iron. But the fact, particularly significant, against its 

 being native meteoric iron, is the total absence of nickel from its 

 composition, as shown in the full analysis given by Dr Hayes. The 

 absence of carbon indicates it not to be of human fabrication ; that 

 of nickel proves it not to be meteoric. Should it really be shown, 

 by further exploration, to exist in quantity, its occurrence on the 

 frontier of a Liberian colony, by presenting another incentive to the 

 settlement of that region by civilized men pursuing the arts of 

 peace, cannot but be regarded as full of good omen for the cause of 

 humanity in Africa. 



The following Gentlemen were duly elected Ordinary 

 Fellows : — 



James Hay, Esq., Leith. | R. M. Smith, Esq. 



The following Donations to the Library were announced : — 



Transactions of the Koyal Scottish Society of Arts, Vol. IV., Part3. 



8vo. — From the Society. 

 The Journal of Agriculture, and the Transactions of the Highland 



and Agricultural Society of Scotland. (N.S.) Nos. XLIX, L. 



8vo. — From the Society, 

 Transactions of the Architectural Institute of Scotland. Session, 



1854-5. 8vo. — From the Institute, 



