140 Dr. Nugent on the Geology of Antigua. 
this variety, of which there is a specimen before you, acquires 
a high degree of solidity. Its fracture is earthy ; the colour is 
lighter. 
I should not have offered more on this subject than the 
labelled specimen, had I not made a most satisfactory experi- 
ment with this kind of fuel, which may be obtained in great 
abundance in our own State. It is easily kindled ; burns with 
a bright flame; yields a bluish smoke, and produces an odour 
similar to that which attends the combustion of gramineous 
substances. But this is momentary. When thoroughly kin- 
dled, it burns with less flame, yields a small proportion of 
blackish smoke, and sulphurous acid gas is evolved, though I 
cannot discover any pyrites. It burns for a long time, and emits 
a great body of heat. It leaves a very small proportion of light, ' 
grayish white ashes ; on which I have made as yet no experl- 
ments, having this day, for the first time, paid particular atten- 
tion to this substance, attracted by the unusual hardness which 
it has acquired since it came into my possession: and not many 
hours haye elapsed since I subjected it to combustion. The at- 
tempt succeeded so well, that I cannot refrain from express? 
my opinion, that this variety of peat will answer as an excellent 
substitute for the best Liverpool coal. ; 
ee not 
Art. VIII. Notices of Geology in the West-Indies. 
. 
REMARKS. 
i the former Number of this work, a notice was published 
respecting siliceous petrifactions of wood, from Antigua- ’ 
now publish a geological sketch of the Island, with notices 
some other parts of the West-Indies. This communication * 
made by a friend, with permission to publish it. It is a produc: 
tion of the pen of Dr. Nucenr, of St. Johns, Antigua, @ wil 
man of eminent scientific acquirements, who, it is h ’ 
eontinue his laudable and able efforts to illustrate the natutt 
history of the West-Indies. 
rr 
