348 Bibliographical Notices. 
The author gives a detailed account of the geological position of 
the insectiferous strata, and states that ‘“‘ one object of the present 
imperfect sketch has been to show the value and importance of even 
minute investigations, in elucidating the conditions under which cer- 
tain strata were deposited, and more especially to point out the ex- 
istence of many of those fragile but beautiful forms of animal life 
which tenanted our earth at very early geological periods. Our 
minds are so constituted that we readily admire everything grand or 
sublime in nature; but we are apt to overlook those small and less 
striking objects, which are, in fact, equally worthy of our observation 
and regard.” 
We strongly recommend Mr. Brodie’s work not only to our geo- 
logical readers, but also to entomologists and other naturalists, and 
will conclude by quoting a portion of his last paragraph, in which we 
need not add that we fully concur :—* In all our labours and reason- 
ings it should never be forgotten that every examination into the 
wonders and beauties of God’s creation, whilst it increases our know- 
ledge and improves the understanding, has also a far higher and 
better purpose in displaying the glory of God, and in leading us to 
adore and praise the wisdom and omnipotence which are daily dis- 
played in the material world.” : . 
Flora Calpensis : Contributions to the Botany and Topography of Gib- 
raltar and its neighbourhood. By E. F. Kexraart, M.D. London, 
1846. 8vo. 
In his * Voyage Botanique dans le Midi de Espagne,’ it is ob- 
served by Boissier, when writing about Gibraltar, that he is “ asto- 
nished that such a work (a flora) has not already been undertaken 
by some of the officers of the garrison.”” Such astonishment cannot 
in future be expressed by botanists visiting this singular place, for 
we have now before us a work of very high character by ‘“‘ one of the 
officers of the garrison.”’ Dr. Kelaart has availed himself of the 
knowledge which he obtained of the delightful science of botany 
during his studies in the University of Edinburgh, by employing 
that leisure time which his medical duties permitted in carefully ex- 
ploring the rock of Gibraltar, and has now published a list which 
will be found highly valuable to the botanical geographer, and doubt- 
less lead to a very complete acquaintanoe with the vegetable produc- 
tions of ‘‘ the rock.” 
The author appears to have made full use of the labours of former 
botanists who have visited Gibraltar, more especially of the account 
published by Boissier in his above-quoted work. He also refers to 
Willkomm’s notice of his visit, a translation of which will be found 
in these ‘ Annals’ (xvii. 118). In his Introduction the author re- 
marks, that ‘‘ the comparative botanist will find among the plants of 
Spain many which are also common to the Mediterranean coasts of 
Africa and Asia Minor. In this respect Gibraltar, being only a por- 
tion of the Peninsula, affords an opportunity of showing the extent 
of this similarity, and I have endeavoured to exhibit it in the habi- 
