as a solvent in the Process of Vegetation. 69 



little relation to the proportion of alkali present, and more 

 to the degree of temperature of the spring, and the quantity 

 of carbonic acid which it yields. These are remarks which 

 I studiously make vei'y briefly, and chiefly with the hope of 

 drawing attention to the subject in its most interesting rela- 

 tions, and of leading, under more favourable circumstances, 

 to farther and moi-e precise inquiry. 



I have observed at the commencement, that little or no at- 

 tention has hitherto been paid to carbonic acid as a solvent 

 of the inorganic elements of plants. Such is my belief in 

 relation to their growth ; but I may be mistaken. Since I 

 entered on the inquiry, referring to the work of Professor 

 Johnston on Agricultural Chemisti-y, I find in a note that he 

 describes an experiment made by him, proving that water, 

 holding in solution carbonic acid, is a solvent of phosphate of 

 lime, and as such, must tend constantly to abstract it from 

 the soil.* I may likewise have been anticipated in some of 

 the other results I have brought forward, and in their appli- 

 cations. 



Baubadoes, Feb. 15, 1847. 



Geological Researches in the Neighbourhood of Chainounix, in 

 Savoi/. By Alphonso Favre, Professor of Geology to 

 the Academy of Geneva. (With a Plate.) Communicated 

 by the Author. 



The Col de Balme is placed in an excellent position to 

 serve as general quarters to a geologist, and the formations 

 in the neighbourhood deserve to be examined. Near the Col 

 is a peak, named the Croix-de-fer (2373 metres above the sea). 

 from which is obtained one of the finest views among the Alps. 

 We observe from it that great chain of mountains which ex- 

 tends fi'om the Dent du Midi, near St Maurice, as far as Fiz. 

 It is rich in elevated peaks, and richer still in names ; for the 

 peasants and huntsmen always give at least two names to 

 each peak, according to the side fi'om which they view it. 



The Col de Balme is 2222 metres above the level of the 



* Lectures on Agricultural Chemistrjr and Geology, note, p. 290. Ediii. 

 IS-l-l. 



