308 Revieio of the Boston Journal of Ji^atural History. 



REVIEWS. 



Art. I. Boston Journal of JVatural Histonj, Containing Papers and 

 Communications read lo the Boston Society of JVatural History, and 

 published by Ihtir Direction. 8vo., Part I., Nos. I. and II. 

 Hilliard, Gray & Co., Boston, 1834, 1835. 



We received the first number of this Journal some time 

 since, and althougfh we have yet had scarcely time to look it 

 through, we cannot omit the opportunity of giving it a par- 

 tial notice. The first paper is an address delivered at the 

 opening of the Society's new hall in Tremont street, by F. 

 W. P. Greenwood. The writer gives a retrospective view 

 of the society from its formation in 1830, and an account of 

 several of the objects for which the society was established. 

 It is short, but is, throughout, animated with a desire for the 

 spread of the study of natural history. 



The society, from what we learn in the address, appears 

 to be in a very flourishing condition, its members zealous in 

 its interests, and its future prospects bright and cheering. 

 We are gratified to see that it has already made such rapid 

 progress; and we may venture to say, it will one day rank 

 among its members, some the most learned and scientific 

 men in our country. The number is already upwards of 

 two hundred. The Library is rapidly increasing in value, 

 many rare works having been added during the last season. 

 The society have given two courses of lectures, which have 

 been well attended, and they have realized sufficient from 

 the sale of tickets, to fit up and lease the hall which they 

 now occupy. We sincerely hope that it will continue to in- 

 crease in the number of its members, to gather together in- 

 formation in relation to all the branches of natural history, 

 which come within its province, to publish the results of its 

 scientific investigations, and disseminate that knowledge for 

 which it was first originated. 



We have now before us the second number, which we 

 have perused with much satisfaction. We are happy to see 

 that it continues to aid and advance the cause of Natural 

 history, by such valuable and original information. 



The first paper of the present number is from Prof. Hitch- 

 cock, relating to certain Geological changes now in operation 

 in Massachusetts. It contains some curious facts, which 

 although they must have often come under the observation of 

 many, have perhaps never been duly noticed before : such 

 as the existence of sub-marine forests on our coasts ; atmos- 

 pheric action in the gradual decomposition of the hardest 

 minerals : asrents in the removal of Boulders : chang-es 



