200 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 



small streams formed by the melting waters on the surface of 

 the snow ; is observed most frequently where the snow resists 

 solution longest. No one has seen it fall. The prior thinks it is 

 earthy and ferruginous ; that it is caused by particles brought 

 by the winds, or sometimes by currents of water. He says that 

 no superstitious opinions are connected with it. It is not to be 

 obtained before the middle of June. 



Two portions of this coloured snow were furnished by the 

 prior to M. Peschier, who analyzed them. No. 1, had an 

 earthy appearance, and a ferruginous dirty-yellow colour ; heat- 

 ed, it lost a tenth of its weight, and deepened in colour; 100 

 parts gave — 



Siliceous matter 65.5 



Alumine 6.35 



Per oxide of iron 21.35 



Organized matter 6.8 



100. 



No. 2. appeared like a coarse vegetable earth, in which the 

 eye could distinguish fragments of lichen, ^c. It came from a 

 spot of red snow, above which a red tint was observed, suppos- 

 ed by the prior to be caused by the decomposition of a crypto- 

 gamous plant ; this kind of snow is rare, and occurs only in 

 small spots. When strongly heated, it gave out strong fumes 

 of burning vegetable matter, and 100 parts lost 40. The resi- 

 duum was brilliant, and of a violet colour ; 50 grs. of it, distill- 

 ed in the fire, gave an ammoniacal liquor, a few drops of an 

 empyreumatic oil, and 32 grains of a charry residuum; 100 

 parts, on analysis, gave. 



Insoluble matter 20. 



Alumine 4.25 



Per oxide of iron.... 31.25 



Lime .5 



Insoluble organized matter 37.5 



Soluble organized matter ........ 6.5 



100. 



i 



