110 



M. Goeppert are said to have discovered proofs that the Prussian 

 Amber is the product of a fir tree, the species of which is now 

 extinct. In some cases the leaves of the Conifenr have been 

 found in amber, and although, according to Dr. Berendt, they 

 appear to differ from all known species, he thinks himself 

 justified in ascribing them to the genus Pimts. 



On this subject the Rev. F. W. Hope, F.E.S., says, "In a 

 letter lately received from Dr. Berendt he informs me tliat the 

 anotomico-microscopical examination of the wood places it beyond 

 a doubt that the amber was a Piiius ; but of Avhat species cannot 

 be now known, and that Pinvs Balsamexi approaches nearest to it 

 in appearance." 



The period during which this species of fir tree existed is 

 supposed to have been about the commencement of the Tertiary 

 epoch. The lignites or Brown Coal formed by it are superior to 

 the Chalk and inferior to the Tertiary and diluvial gravels and 

 sands of Germany. 



Amber is said to be occasionally thrown on the beach of the 

 East Coasts of England along with masses of jet, and if not torn 

 from the bed of the sea may be washed from the Baltic, where 

 there are regular mines of it. It is also abundant on the shores 

 of Sicily and the Adriatic Sea and also in the beds of lignite or 

 Brown Coal in Germany, and is occasionally found in Spain and 

 France. Dr. Berendt states that he is of opinion " that the 

 geographical focus of the amber wood was at the bottom of the 

 Baltic." 



The insects at present detected in amber appear to relate to 

 species extra European, many of them belonging to tropical 

 climes, while some approach South America and Indian forms. 

 They do not appear related to any existing sjiecies, and are there- 

 fore probably extinct, and this seems to be the oi^inion of Germar 

 Jussieu, De Jean, Hope, Dr. Leach and others. On this 

 subject the Rev. F. W. Hope says, " The major part of the 

 insects discovered in amber exhibit a close resemblance to 



