150 Obituary. 
Capt. J. C. Fremont, of the U. 8. Topographical Engineers. Printed 
by order of the U.S. Senate. Washington, 1845. pp. 694, 8vo. With — 
maps and plates.—This truly valuable report has reached us at the last 
moment. The first part we read with equal profit and pleasure two 
years since, and shall give a more extended notice of both in our next 
number. 
8. The American Electro-Magnetic Telegraph, with the Reports of | 
Congress, and description of all Telegraphs known employing Electri- 
city or Galvanism, illustrated by eighty one engravings ; by ALFRED 
Varn. Philadelphia, Lea & Blanchard. This is a useful descriptive 
pamphlet of 208 pages, which is well timed, and will be read with 
interest by all who watch the progress of human affairs. 
9. Papers on Practical Engineering, (No. 3,)—On Sustaining 
Walls: Geometrical Construction to determine their thickness under 
various circumstances ; derived chiefly from a memoir of Mr. PoNncELET, 
with modifications and extensions, by Lt. D. P. Woopsury, U. S. Corps 
of Engineers.—This is one of a valuable series of scientific papers 
now publishing under the enlightened superintendence of Col. Totten, 
Chief-Engineer. ~The labors of the gentlemen of our army in the 
various departments of science are fast gaining them a well earned 
reputation. ; 
10. A History of Fossil Insects in the Secondary Rocks of England, 
§c.; by the Rev. Perer Bropiz, M. A., F.G.S. London, J. Van 
Voorst, 1845. pp. 130, 8vo, and 11 plates.—Such books as this are 
the reward of minute and patient investigation, and mark a mature 
state in the progress of science. 
OsITUARY. 
1. It is our painful duty to record the tragical death of Dr. Dove- 
tass Hovenron, State Geologist of Michigan, which occurred on the 
night of October 18th, by’ drowning in Lake Superior. Dr. Jackson 
has sent us the following letter of particulars, which will be read with | 
melancholy interest by all. 
: Boston, Nov. 9th, 1845- 
Pror. Situiman: My Dear Sir—You have doubtless heard of the 
death of our estimable friend Dr. Dovcnass Hoveuron, state geolo- 
gist to Michigan, and United States surveyor of the public lands in that 
state. I now communicate to you all that I have been able to learn re- 
specting that melancholy event, which has deprived science of one © 
her most untiring votaries, the state of her geologist, and his friends of 
one of the most amiable and true-hearted of men. 
Dr. Hoverron, in addition to his duties as state geologist to Michi- 
gan, had made a contract with the United States government to run the 
