96 PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 



January 8th. — Mr. W. Walker*s Lecture on Geological 

 Changes resulting from Meteorological Agency. 



The Lecturer introduced his paper by some prefatory remarks 

 on the importance of Geology as a science; and alluded to the 

 errors committed by early geologists, in mixing up cosmological 

 theories with geological facts. He then gave a brief summary of 

 the present state of our geological knowledge, which may be con- 

 densed as follows. The planet we inhabit is an oblate spheroid, 

 having a mean diameter of about 42 millions of feet. Its polar 

 axis is about 26 miles less tlian its equatorial diameter. The 

 earth is enveloped in a transparent atmosphere, whose weight 

 would equal that of a volume of water sufficient to cover the 

 whole globe to a depth of 35 feet. 



After noticing the relative proportions of land and water, and 

 their geographical distribution, the lecturer went on to say that 

 the Earth, taken as a homogeneous mass, had a mean density, 

 five times greater than an equal volume of water; and that its 

 central parts must have a specific gravity equal to many of the 

 metals known to us. 



To be concladed in onr next. 



ON SEEING DARTMOOR AFTER A FALL OF 

 SNOW. 



The Moor ! the moor ! O, such a sight 



Hath seldom met the human view ; 

 The Sun shines o*er it calmly bright 



Clothing its hills with dazzling hue. 

 Tor above tor — the craggy peaks. 



Proud rising, seem to kiss the sky 

 The wind alone the silence breaks 



And distant shrieks the sea-mew's cry. 

 How few can feel the love to roam 



'Mid scenes so desolate and wild ? 

 Cities to me afford no home, 



For I was formed for Nature's child ; 

 To worship in her lonely fane — 



To linger o'er her wond'rous forms, 

 While, round me, o'er tlie desert reign 



The thunder's voice and rack of storms. 

 Here though her tors may barren be, 



Invested with a waste of snow, ^ 



The wilderness hath joys for me — 



The lone hill makes my spirit glow. M. A. P. 



G. p. UEARDER, PLYMOUTH. 



