42 Do JFosdls and Rocks Grow? [January 



inclies long, and others of various sizes — one was perfect, four feet high, 

 spreading four feet, and stuck to the side like ivy to a wall. There were 

 many others as large, hut injured, as it was a working level. I can 

 produce impressions of plants of the same kind and as large, printed 

 between the cleavage of stone. All these things are to be seen, as I 

 never promulgate mere hearsay. 



'' We have also ample proof that quartz grows in a short space of time, 

 which I could prove to any one who likes to accompany me thrpugh the 

 mines. A person visiting Devon Consols will have it pointed out. I 

 am, for various reasons, inclined to think that all lodes, where quartz or 

 other crystals are in the act of growing, are progressive lodes. While 

 on this subject, I would call attention as to how these things first form. 

 Do they germinate from a seed of their own kind ? or what is the first 

 formation ? as I at all times find the centre to be of a difi'erent character 

 from the outer portions. Again, how do they increase in size ? I was 

 at first inclined to think the additions took place on the outer side by 

 accumulation from aqueous gases passing through the earth, but I now 

 discover it is not the case, as the very chrystals at Devon Consols have 

 shot up by thousands from the lode in the bottom and sides of levels 

 where there is a current of air, which clearly proves that they draw their 

 nutrition from the rocks below, which is carried up as the sap passes up 

 in a tree ; and rings may be often seen in a quartz chrystal when broken 

 across, similar to those in a tree when sawn." 



We give these observations for what they are worth, firmly believing, 

 however, that no future discoveries will ever overthrow the commonly 

 received doctrine of geologists in regard to the antiquity and nature of 

 most fossils. But the thought here suggests itself, how many valuable 

 discoveries might be made by our working men, were they oftener found 

 as devotees of science. They have better opportunities, in their par- 

 ticular province, for observing the mysteries of nature, than the profes- 

 sional man or the mere amateur can have. This pursuit of knowledge 

 would not, or need not, interfere with the pursuit of their calling, though 

 it would probably sadly interfere with their attendance at the grog-shop 

 or tavern. 



^ ■»• • ^ 



DR. KANE'S FORTHCOMING WORK. 



We see it stated that Dr. Kane has been busily engaged since his 

 return from his last Arctic Expedition in preparing a full account of this 

 novel, perilous and interesting voyage. It is being gotten up in splendid 

 style, and at a cost of upward of $20,000. 



