105 



Not appear to have penetrated the lower sand- 

 stone, to which they reach. Small portions of 

 coal were observed where the bark existed, the 

 form of which is so distinct on the fossil, that 

 we may conjecture the tree to have been a 

 Scotch pine. This conjecture may appear more 

 probable, from the roots spreading more hori- 

 zontally than those of other species. There 

 are several rents across the trunk, which may 

 have been caused by frost. 



A LUSUS NATURJE, OR SPORT OF NATURE. 



The pebble from which the Vignette in the 

 title page is copied, weighs nine penny-weights, 

 six grains, according to the description given 

 of it a few years since, which said description 

 further remarks : " They surprise and please 

 all who see them. Originality, antiquity, and 

 the fame of the artist, are esteemed essential 

 traits to render any picture truly valuable. AH 

 these are eminently conspicuous, at the first 

 view, in this matchless gem. It being the mar- 

 vellous work of God, it claims the pre-emi- 

 nence of all others in a superlative degree ; and 



F 3 



