192 Miscellanies. : 
which will render the valuable statistical information contained in them, 
very available. The astronomical department is still under the conduct 
of Mr. Paine, and is, as usual, able and accurate. 
18. Green Feldspar and | Galena—The green feldspar of Beta, 
mentioned in our last, was discovered by Prof. Webster, not by Dr. 
- Cornelius, as stated, together with zircon, and described in the Boston 
Jour. of Philos. Vol. Ist. A vein of Galena*has just been discovered at 
— Mass; : 
19. Fossil Fishes in the red sandstone of New Jersey. — Professor Gale, 
of the New York University, has found fossil fishes in the sandstone of 
New Jersey, near its western margin in Morris County. The existence 
of these fossils seems to have been long k 
the vicinity. The principal specimen obtain 
be a species of the Palaoniscus, of Agas nd 
_ with one of the Palaonisci, found at Middletown, in the state of cach : 
ety 
20. United States 5 South Sea Sueigitan and Exploring Expedition.— 
The squadron entrusted with the execution of this important national 
enterprise, sailed from Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Va. on the evening of 
Saturday, August 185: 1838... _ The results of this noble undertaking will, 
we doubt not, prove of the greatest value to the cause of science and to 
the nautical and commercial interests of the nation, and highly creditable 
both to the members of the expedition, and to the government, which 
sends it forth. ‘The officers of the various vessels, and the members of 
the s corps which — apanies them, are gentlemen of ample 
quiliioaiiona’ om ‘the arduous and honorable duties assigned to them; and 
the auspices under which the expedition is finally dispatched, are highly 
propitious. ‘The enterprise has excited a deep interest in the mind of 
the nation, and all embarked in it depart with the kindest wishes of theif 
countrymen, for their prosperity, and for their safe return, in due time, 10 
their kindred and their homes. 
We annex an account of the vessels comstihisting the squadron, with a 
list of the officers and of the gentlemen of the scientific corps. 
The Vincennes, is a first-class sloop of war, -of 650 tons, commanded 
by Charles Wilkes, Esq. Commander in Chief ofthe Expedition. A light 
spar deck has been put on this ship, which gives her the appearance and 
some of the conveniences of a small frigate. Her battery is reduced to 8 
guns, and she carries about 150 men. The Peacock, commanded by 
William L. Hudson, Esq. is a second-class sloop of war, of 600 tons, and 
of the same construction. She carries 130 men and 8 guns. The store- 
ship Relief, peacearmingot K. Long, Esq. is of 450 tons burthen, 
