348 Bibliographical Notices. 



The author gives a detailed account of the geological position of 

 the insectiferous strata, and states that " one object of the present 

 imperfect sketch has been to show the value and importance of even 

 minute investigations, in elucidating the conditions under which cer- 

 tain strata were deposited, and more especially to point out the ex- 

 istence of many of those fragile but beautiful forms of animal life 

 which tenanted our earth at very early geological periods. Our 

 minds are so constituted that we readily admire everything grand or 

 sublime in nature ; but we are apt to overlook those small and less 

 striking objects, which are, in fact, equally worthy of our observation 

 and regard." 



We strongly recommend Mr. Brodie's work not only to our geo- 

 logical readers, but also to entomologists and other naturalists, and 

 will conclude by quoting a portion of his last paragraph, in which we 

 need not add that we fully concur : — " In all our labours and reason- 

 ings it should never be forgotten that every examination into the 

 wonders and beauties of God's creation, whilst it increases our know- 

 ledge and improves the understandings has also a far higher and 

 better purpose in displaying the glory of God, and in leading us to 

 adore and praise the wisdom and omnipotence which are daily dis- 

 played in the material world." 



Flora Calpensis : Contributions to the Botany and Topography of Gib- 

 raltar and its neighbourhood. By E. F. Kelaart, M.D. London, 

 1846. 8vo. 



In his ' Voyage Botanique dans le Midi de I'Espagne,' it is ob- 

 served by Boissier, when writing about Gibraltar, that he is " asto- 

 nished that such a work (a flora) has not already been undertaken 

 by some of the officers of the garrison." Such astonishment cannot 

 in future be expressed by botanists visiting this singular place, for 

 we have now before us a work of very high character by " one of the 

 officers of the garrison." Dr. Kelaart has availed himself of the 

 knowledge which he obtained of the delightful science of botany 

 during his studies in the University of Edinburgh, by employing 

 that leisure time which his medical duties permitted in carefully ex- 

 ploring the rock of Gibraltar, and has now published a list which 

 will be found highly valuable to the botanical geographer, and doubt- 

 less lead to a very complete acquaintance with the vegetable produc- 

 tions of " the rock." 



The author appears to have made full use of the labours of former 

 botanists who have visited Gibraltar, more especially of the account 

 published by Boissier in Lis above- quoted work. He also refers to 

 Willkomm's notice of his visit, a translation of which will be found 

 in these * Annals * (xvii. 118). In his Introduction the author re- 

 marks, that *' the comparative botanist will find among the plants of 

 Spain many which are also common to the Mediterranean coasts of 

 Africa and Asia Minor. In this respect Gibraltar, being only a por- 

 tion of the Peninsula, afl^ords an opportunity of showing the extent 

 of this similarity, and I have endeavoured to exhibit it in the habi- 



