— ne 
Miscellanies. 185 
universality of this statement? With respect to extinct voleanoes, 
the word is not, it is true, used by writers very definitely ; but 
we have been accustomed, with Dr. Daubeny, to regard all vol- 
canoes as active which have been eruptive within the limits of 
history, or of credible tradition ; neither of which will apply, for 
example, to Auvergne. 
With respect to the coal formations, we believe that the ex- 
istence in certain situations of marine shells, if not of marine 
plants, is admitted, implying perhaps only an estuary or occasional 
flooded or sea shore communication with salt water, while all 
agree that terrestrial organic forms are almost the exclusive ones 
in these deposits. 
2. Geological Reports. 
To those of us who were among the pioneers in American 
Geology, who began to observe and enquire when there were 
few or none to lead and direct; who looked out on the solid 
world with inquisitive, but with almost despairing gaze, since 
none could tell us what we saw, and there scarcely existed even 
the rudiments of cabinets to aid our enquiries—it is raost gratify- 
ing to see, that the first third of the present century has brought 
into the field a phalanx of explorers in geology and natural his- 
tory, respectable indeed for numbers, but still more respectable 
for knowledge, zeal, perseverance and success. The general 
government has prompted various explorations in its unappro- 
priated wilds; companies and individuals are appealing to ge- 
ologists to examine their mines and various supposed or real 
treasures, and several of the States have, by law, provided for an 
accurate reconnaissance, or a detailed and generalized survey of 
their respective territories. From the Canadas we have many 
interesting observations, chiefly by gentlemen connected with 
the British army, or in the civil service ; Nova Scotia was explor- 
ed some years ago by Dr. Jackson and Mr. Alger; Dr. Jackson is 
now executing the geological survey of Maine ; Massachusetts 
has been fully described and delineated by Prof. Hitchcock, and 
Connecticut by Prof. C. U. Shepard and Dr. Percival.* Ver- 
* The report of the latter, although drawn up, is not yet published ; that of the 
former was cited in our October No. (1837.) 
Vout. XXXIV.—No. 1. 24 
