1<821.] . Astronomical Society^ 313 



Charpentier. It belongs to the transition formation, and rests 

 at Lavey on primitive rocks. It is composed chiefly of a Hme*- 

 stone, of which we distinguish two varieties ; one is compact and 

 pohtic, sometimes containing much silex ; the other is an argil- 

 laceous hmestone. It is in the last that the gypsum of the 

 environs of Bex is situated. This gypsum is generally in the 

 state of anhydrate, and presents several varieties. It is usually 

 impregnated with muriate of soda, and sometimes contains beds 

 of hydrous gypsum in the state of selenite ; the fine crystals of 

 which, from this place, are very celebrated. Native sulphur is 

 also found. The beds subordinate to the gypsum are argilla- 

 ceous limestone and slate clay. 



Between Morcles and Lavey commences a transition forma- 

 tion, consisting of felspathic rocks, clay slate, and breccias, or 

 puddingstone. This country is little known. Nearly the whole 

 length of the Valais, a formation of clay slate extends : it con- 

 tains also beds of limestone, of gypsum, and of quartz. 



Above Oberswald are found rocks of gneiss, mica slate, clay 

 slate, dolomite, and gypsum. These constitute the mountains of 

 the Fourche of St. Gothard, and the superior part of the valley 

 of the Tessin. 



At Lago di Lugano, a blackish-brown porphyry is met with^ 

 consisting of hornstone with small crystals of white felspar. 



ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. 



At the commencement of the last year this interesting and 

 important Society was founded. Although, at that time, we 

 omitted the expression of our gratification on account of its forma- 

 tion, and even neglected to announce it, yet we fully participated 

 with the cultivators of the science of astronomy in their enthusias- 

 tic expectations of the decided and powerful influence of this as- 

 sociation upon its future progress. Indeed it had always appeared 

 to us to be somewhat extraordinary, that while chemistry, 

 geology, and several branches of natural history, were promoted 

 and extended by associated bodies, a science, which, from the 

 vastness of its objects, and the extent and difficulty of its obser- 

 vations and investigations, demands in the highest degree, the 

 powerful aid of this concentration of intellect, should so long- 

 have been left to rely for its advancement on the labours of insu- 

 lated and independent individuals. That this desideratum for 

 astronomy will now be eflPectually supphed, cannot be doubted by 

 those who have perused an exposition of the views and objects 

 of the Society, in an address circulated prior to their first meet- 

 ing, and a list of members affixed to the report presented by the 

 Council to the first annual general meeting. Although the last^ 

 we boldly predict, that the Astronomical Society will not be the 

 least, in the career of utility and fame. 



Without entering too much into detail, we may, by an extract 

 from the admirable address before alluded to, sufficiently display 



