184 Miscellanies. 
Prof. Renwick, whose established character would lead us to ex- 
pect what we actually find, not only precision and perspicuity, but 
also a graduated reduction of this great subject to a proportional 
scale, so as to preserve the harmony and distinctness of the parts, 
while there are citations of well ascertained facts sufficient to ex- 
cite interest, and create conviction. In connexion with a course 
of lectures, properly illustrated by specimens and drawings, this 
elegant little work must prove extremely useful, as it may be said 
to be truly classical in its character ; and we have no doubt that, 
for the classes of other institutions than the one for which it was 
and even for intelligent popular audiences, it may _— 
a valuable substitute for the larger geological treatises. 
In relation to a work in which we find so much to approve, 
we have no disposition, as there is no occasion, to criticise ; but 
we will state a few queries and suggestions, that have occurred 
to us during the perusal, and should the respected author see fit 
to answer them, the pages of this Journal are at his service. 
With respect to the heights of mountains, we would inquire for 
that give an elevation to Nevado de Serata in Peru 
inquire : 
of Columbia, which are stated to yield very little to those of the 
Himmalaya peaks. This last statement is based wpon the obser- 
vations of the surveyors of the Hudson’s Bay Company, but not 
having seen the details, we are not informed whether they are 
trigonometrical or barometrical, or if accurate observations have 
not been made, we should like to know upon what probabilities 
the éoticlasions are founded, and we are persuaded it would be 
gratifying to the public to be more fully informed. It has beer 
heretofore supposed that Mount Washington, in New Hampshire; 
is the highest land in North America this side of the Rocky 
Mountains, and of Mexico; and in a recent ascent up the forme? 
mountain we have supposed this to be true, (see pa. 80 of this No.) 
We are not informed by Prof. Renwick what mountain in North 
Carolina is 7000 feet high, and on what evidence the conclusion 
rests. In relation to iron, which is mentioned as thé only metal 
found in quantity in alluvial formations, it may be asked whether 
the alluvial gold of Africa, and of the middle geological region of 
the southern States, as well as of other auriferous regions, and the 
Anne hte a ae ao oa the 
Cave p 
