390 Miscellanies. 
Thus much of the order; now of the execution of the WonpERS 
or Geotocy. After the ample proofs of talent, science, skill, taste 
and enthusiasm, regulated by a severe induction, which Dr. Mantell 
had before given us, it would indeed have been surprising if his last 
work had not been worthy of its predecessors and of its author; 
with pleasure we add, that it fully sustains its claims to the lineage 
whence it has sprung. 
In point of science it is precise, accurate, condensed and cumu- 
lative. in. proof, ‘conducting the pupil forward by a series of steps, 
grateful in the progress and conclusive in the result; no important 
facts are omitted and none are unduly expanded.* The style is lucid 
and flowing, but simple and elevated, while the figures render every 
thing intelligible, even to the unprofessional reader. 
The introduction which precedes, and the retrospect which closes 
the account of each formation, afford an admirable summary both of 
facts and doctrine, and are distinguished for graphic power, eloquent 
diction, and comprehensive views 
The greatest excellence of Dr. Mantell’s work is, that it affords an 
excellent pioneer and conductor for the pupil attending a course of 
lectures, and even for the private student, who has to work his own 
way without a guide. In both these respects, it is superior to any 
book with which we are acquainted, and we shall be gratified should 
it be in our power to introduce it to the American public under a form 
in which it can reach the colleges and academies and schools—not 
to mention the studies of literary men, and the parlors of families. It 
is a work of delightful entertainment as well as of instruction, and 
although less elaborate than the original works of investigation of 
the same author, it will find its way to many more readers, and will, 
therefore, be even more extensively useful than they have been. 
The author modestly disclaims the merit of originality, having, as 
he says, only strung together the beautiful pearls collected by others, 
while he has merely furnished the string. But his friends will not 
* If there be any part which some persons might regard in this light, it would 
probably be what relates to the local geology of the English and French secondary 
and tertiary ; ; for ourselves, however, we should decidedly prefer this fullness, es- 
pecially, aided 7 te been by our English friends, (and by none so much as 
by Dr. Mantell himself) with the specimens necessary to the elucidation of these 
formations. In this country, geologists might wish a more ample account of the 
granitic and primary family which on this continent, and especially in the Eastern 
States, makes a great figure. 
t We hope soon to be able to take similar ground with respect to a new work 
of Mr. eStats of Geology, in one volume, now in the press in London. 
Mr. Bakewell’s new edition, of which a reprint was promised in our last number, 
has not yet, to our knowledge, arrived in this country. 
