Miscellaneous Localities of Minerals. 55 
New Localities of Tourmalines and Tale.—Extract froma 
letter to the Editor. 
of an inch in length ; from this they are of all sizes down- 
wards to that of nearly the smallest grain, : but still are regu- 
larwell defined crystals, as may be easily ascertained by the 
aid of a magnifying glass. 
e tale differs from any that [have ever heard mentioned 
or seen described. Thissingular variety is from near Worces- 
ter, Mass. The mass has a brownish cast and is com 3 
two The one is compact, of a at Bates and yellow- 
ish colour, constituting the base ; the other is in thin 
of a yellowish and blackish cast, and resembles mica very 
much in appearance. It exhales an argillaceous odour up- 
on being moistened. When pulverized it seems to consist of 
a yellowish powder interspersed with small shining laminz. 
If subjected to the flame of a blowpipe, or that of a common 
lamp, it expands and shoots out into a variety of fanciful 
forms, resembling most generally small worms having the 
vermicular motion exact. It sometimes expands with such 
force as to be thrown some distance. These vermiform 
remnants are composed of small irregular scales, loosely 
adhering to each other, having a silvery white appearance 
and metallic lustre. 
If this proves to be a new variety, would it not be better 
in giving it a distinctive appellation to select one that will 
indicate the peculiar property it Ses, than to 
use of an arbitrary name. | term it Vermiculite (worm bree- — 
der) from Vermiculor, to breed or produce worms. 
THOMAS H. WEBB.” 
