Scientific Intelligence. — Geology. 223 



the red light that is perceived ; for the simultaneous existence 

 of the aurora borealis with the formation of the cloud, proves 

 the great similarity of the white bands and the white veil to 

 those of the same sort which present themselves without any au- 

 rora, but which are much less intense ; so that, when we per- 

 ceive the white horizontal bands that have lasted a long time, we 

 believe, first of all, that they are a white cloud formed by the 

 debris of the first aurora borealis. 3. We are of opinion that 

 the explanation of the aurora requires the observation of general 

 terrestrial circumstances as well as of local conditions, especially 

 when the phenomenon is of great extent. 



GEOLOGY. 



4. The Lartington-Hall Museum of Natural History. — Du- 

 ring the last few years we have witnessed, with much satisfaction, 

 the commencement of collections of natural history in many of our 

 smaller provincial towns ; and we now notice with pleasure the re- 

 cent erection of a private museum at Lartington Hall in York- 

 shire, the seat of Henry T. Maire Witham, Esq. F. R. S. E, 

 The apartment in which Mr Witham's extensive collections have 

 been placed is equally remarkable for the elegance and good 

 taste of its architectural design and decorations, and for its 

 adaptation to the purposes of scientific arrangement and study. 

 Besides containing valuable mineralogical and conchological col- 

 lections, the Lartington museum is particularly rich in fossil or- 

 ganic remains, and we allude more especially to the fossil fishes 

 of this and other countries, and to the splendid saurian animals 

 from Whitby and Lyme Regis. The geological department 

 includes a good general suite of mountain rocks, and extensive 

 series of specimens from Germany and Italy ; but it derives its 

 chief interest from the local collections from many of the coun- 

 ties of Scotland, which are arranged geographically, and are the 

 products of Mr Witham's personal activity and zeal during his 

 numerous geological tours through the mainland and islands. 

 We have to express the hope that Mr Witham's example in 

 forming a museum, and his liberality in throwing it open to 

 strangers, will be speedily followed by many noblemen and gen- 

 tlemen in other parts of the kingdom. 



