208 New Diluinan Formation of the Vosges. 



This observation is of some interest, on account of the 

 inferences which may be drawn from it. It proves, for 

 example, how other sedimentary masses, which, on account 

 of their thickness or level, we were unwilling to ascribe to 

 the action of running water, may be referred to that agent 

 without fear of exae'^eration. 



The author regards the deposit of which he treats as the 

 result of the decomposition of Vosgian sandstones. He is 

 led to this conclusion, both by the facts passing under his 

 eye, and by the topographical position of the diluvium, which 

 is below a mass of Vosgian sandstone deeply furrowed, 

 almost even destroyed at many points, which extends very 

 nearly north-east and south-west from the valley of 

 Meurthe, near St Die, as far as that of the Moselle near 

 Epinal. 



The age of this formation, when compared with other 

 deposits of the same epoch, cannot yet be determined with 

 any degree of precision. 



In certain cantons, this diluvian deposit has a very marked 

 influence on agriculture. It often appears to be very favour- 

 able to the growth of forests. Sometimes, by retaining the 

 water on the surface, it gives rise to springs. When not 

 mingled with pebbles, it is used for the purposes of making 

 pottery, most frequently tiles and bricks. When the pebbles, 

 on the contrary, are very abundant, it is dug for the pur- 

 pose of mending roads. This formation has, therefore, a 

 certain degree of influence on the support of the people, their 

 modes of building, and the channels of communication ; and 

 if it be not of great importance in consequence of its mass 

 and extent, it is among the number of those which have a 

 direct effect on the inhabitants of a country. 



Notices of Neiu Publications deferred until next Number, in con- 

 sequence of the indisposition of Professor Jameson. 



EDINBURGH: 

 PKINTED BY NEtLL AND COMPANY, OLD riSIlM AUiCET. 



