1869.] DAWSON — SCIENCE IN THE UNITED STATES. 7 



would give a very good red sandstone. Many ages of subaerial 

 decomposition of rocks like these, followed by rapid denudation, 

 would give red sandstone rocks like those which appear in so 

 many geological periods. 



Among these ancient rocks, there appear beds of white, red and 

 dark gray clay. In the latter there are numerous trunks of trees 

 converted into lignite, and layers of nodules of carbonate of iron, 

 which are extracted in large quantities as an ore of the metal. It 

 appears that in the lower beds of this formation well preserved 

 trunks of Cycads are found, and the whole are regarded by 

 Mr. Tyson as possible representatives of the Wealden. In one of 

 the fossil trunks I observed a portion of charcoal perfectly repre- 

 senting the mineral charcoal which occurs under similar con 

 ditions in the coal formation ; and in this comparatively modern 

 formation, deposited probably in a lagoon or estuary, the conditions 

 of deposition of the clay-ironstones of the coal-measures are per- 

 fectly reproduced. 



The Peabody Institute at Baltimore is a remarkable monument 

 of the generosity of a man celebrated for his princely munificence. 

 Mr. Peabody resided for some time in Baltimore, and, as an evi- 

 dence of his regard for its welfare, he has presented to it the sum 

 of one million of dollars, for the establishment of an Institute, the 

 primary objects of which are stated to be — 1st, an extensive 

 library; 2nd, the delivery of lectures in science and literature, 

 and in connection with this the provision of prizes and medals for 

 competition in the high schools in the city ; 3rd, an Academy of 

 Music, and 4th, a G-allery of Art. In pursuance of these objects 

 a plain but substantial and commodious building of white marble 

 has been erected, and a library of the greatest possible excellence 

 is rapidly being accumulated, while progress is being made in all 

 the other objects contemplated. The Institute is already, in its 

 Library, Lectures and Academy of Music, an inestimable boon to 

 the city, and must speedily have a marked effect on the interests 

 of literature and science. A museum is not at present contem- 

 templated ; but if not otherwise provided for, it would be a worthy 

 object to attempt, in such an institute, a representation at least of 

 the geology and natural history of the State, which might do 

 much to promote the development of its resources, as well as the 

 education of its voung men. The Provost, Mr. Morrison, is evi- 

 dently earnest and enthusiastic in the good work in which he is 

 employed, and the Librarian, Mr. Tlhler, from his knowledg ef 



