308 Proceedings of Philosophical Societies. [Ocr. 
pensable. But we respectfully submit the following question to 
the consideration of the learned ; and though at the risk of our 
notions being thought rather antiquated, we would desire to be 
understood as putting the case gravely and even strongly thus : 
«Would the branch of natural history of which we are now treat- 
ing, have been injured or improved, supposing that naturalists had 
gone on conforming to the Linnean arrangement, even with all 
its errors and imperfections (and they are doubtless manifold), 
until such time as more matured and definite information, a 
general wish felt, and inconvenience expressed by the scientific 
world, should, while it demanded, have sanctioned the intro-. 
duction of a new or an improved system worthy of universal. 
adoption ?” 
But we must desist, and bring to a conclusion an article which 
has expanded itself under our hands much beyond what was at 
first contemplated. The general tone of our remarks will have 
sufficiently evinced the high opinion we entertain of Mr. B.’s. 
unpretending but meritorious labours. He has now all but 
ec coies a work that must endure while a delightful branch of 
nowledge continues to be cultivated ; nor do we despair of yet 
having to congratulate him on giving to it the finishing stroke 
of his graver. 
Before taking leave, we would direct his attention to one work. 
that would prove acceptable to every British naturalist, amateur, 
and sportsman. It is still a desideratum, viz: “A Manual of 
British Ornithology,” with Mr. Bewick’s cuts, and the leading 
generic and specific characters attached, in the manner of Smel- 
lie’s Elements, or Turton’s Manual. The materials for such or 
any similar work are in his hands, to be moulded into any form 
he may think fit—{[H.] 
ArticLe XVI. 
Proceedings of Philosophical Societies. 
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
June 21.—A paper was read on the Rocks that occur in the 
Neighbourhood of Bovey Tracey, in Devonshire. By i a ee 
Croker, Esq. 
The rocks which have been observed within this tract are 
granite, containing veins of tin and copper ores, a remarkable 
vein of micaceous iron ore, and its fissures tourmaline and apa- 
tite. Sienite containing ores of lead and copper, red sandstone, 
limestone of several varieties, and Bovey coal. 
The author details the topographical situations and boundaries. 
of these various rocks; but the assistance of the map by which 
