308 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 
their animals and plants. Middendorf had ascertained that the temper- 
ature of the soil at Turuchansk (obtained by digging pits) was near 
zero, C., (32° F.,) whilst the isothermal line on Mahlman’s chart of 
the temperature of the air at this place, is that of —10° C. (14° F.) 
The great disparity renders this a point meriting particular attention ; 
_ and observations in pits or wells are recommended, and series of such 
observations along meridians, to ascertain whether there is a decrease 
of temperature in the soil on going north. 
8. Ascension of the Snowy Peak, Kasbek, Persia, in 18443 by Dr. 
Korenati, (L’Institut, Nov. 1845, No. 619, p. 397.)—The peak of 
Kasbek is 2308 toises in elevation above the sea, or 2077 above the 
village of Tifflis..:Dr. Kolenati succeeded in making the perilous 
ascent, and has published an account of it, describing the different 
glaciers of Kasbek, their courses, the cause of the descent of one from 
Desdaroki to Dhagaur, and the attendant circumstances ; also the 
rocks and vegetation, including much that is interesting in geology and 
physics. 
9. Tycho-Brahe ; (L’lnstitut, Nov. 1845, No. 619, p. 400.)—Prof. 
Hersere, who is engaged in a work on the life and works of Tycho- 
Brahe, which will be published in the course of the year coming, is 
reported to have discovered in the ruins of the castle and observatory 
of Tycho, on the Swedish island Hveen, many utensils and implements 
used by this astronomer, in constructing his astronomical instruments. 
Besides these relics, there were also found several manuscripts in Latin, 
with Tycho-Brahe’s signature, some treating on different topics of as- 
tronomy, and others containing reflections upon the events of the time, 
and also a few poetical fragments. 
10. Geology of Brazil ; (L’Institut, 1845, No. 621, p. 412.)—Dr. 
Lunp is continuing his geological researches in the province of Minas 
Geraes, in Brazil, and has found in the marly clays of the calcareous 
caverns, remains of several animals, among which are two species of 
horses, and a colossal panther. 
11. Vesuvian Meteorological Observatory; (L’Institut, Nov. 26, 
1845, No. 621, p. 416.)—A new meteorological observatory has just 
been established on the summit of Vesuvius. It was inaugurated at the 
time of the late convention of the Italian Scientific Association, at 
Naples, and is placed on the celebrated mountain called Santissimo 
Salvatore. 
12. The Congress of German Naturalists, whose last session was 
held at Nuremberg, will take place next year at Kiel, in the duchy of 
Holstein. The general agent for that session is M. Michaels, professor 
of chemistry at the University of that village. 
13. Electrical Lady.—The electrical lady, particulars of whose sin- 
gular case are given in vol. xxxiii, p. 394, of this Journal, has lately died. 
