100 Extracts from the Journals. Jan. 



RECENT DISCOVERIES. 



At a meeting of the Geological Society in London, on the 19th 

 of November last, the following communications were read, as re- 

 ported in the jdtheiieum. 



1. Mr. Lyell, on the age of the newest lava current of Auvergne, 

 and on shells found in gravel under the lava. The discovery of 

 fossils that could determine accurately the age of these newer 

 lava currents, is only a recent event; but during the past few 

 years a number have been determined, distributed in several beds 

 alternating with the lava. The author states the circumstances 

 under which these fossils were found, and mentions the species 

 to which they are referred. They appear in several distinct beds, 

 alternating with lava of various dates of eruption, and include a 

 great variety of mammalian remains, referable no doubt to differ- 

 ent portions of the tertiary period. In conclusion, the author 

 states that he has not yet seen sufficient reason to abandon his 

 idea, that the Auvergne beds generally are of the Eocene period. 



2. Mr. Pratt, on the geological position of the bitumen used in 

 asphalte pavements. This bed of bitumen is of variable thickness, 

 and spread out at the bottom of a series of sandy beds, wnth some 

 alternating clays. It contains shells, altered by the bitumen, 

 which has manifestly been injected forcibly, in a soft or liquid 

 state. The bitumen terminates suddenly at a fault. 



3. A letter was read, announcing the discovery of coal, or lig- 

 nite, in the island of Formosa. Specimens of this lignite were 

 on the table. 



HEADLY'S DESCRIPTION OF THE GIRANDOLA. 



The next night after the grand illumination is the Girandola, 

 or fire-works of his holiness, and we must say that he does far 

 better in getting up fire-works than religious ceremonies. This 

 " Girandola" does credit to his taste and skill. It is the closing 

 act of the magnificent farce, and all Rome turns out to see it. 

 About half way from Corso — the Broadway, of Rome — to St. 

 Peter's, the famous marble bridge of MichaBl Angelo crosses the 

 Tiber. The castle of St. Angelo, formerly the vast and magnifi- 

 cent tomb of Adrian, stands at the farther end. This castle is 

 selected for the display of the fire works. None of the spectators 

 are permitted to cross the bridge, so that the Tiber flows between 



