354 Reviews. — Literary J^otices. 



ance with the purpose of this Magazine, we shall omit a 

 detailed notice of Part 11. of the work before us, which treats 

 in eleven chapters, of the chemical processes of fermentation, 

 decay, and putrefaction, ingeniously illustrated, and worthy 

 the attention of the general reader. An appendix of twenty- 

 three pages, prepared by Prof. Webster, contains many 

 curious experiments, which elucidate the text. Some of 

 these, such as the "action of charcoal from wood on vegeta- 

 tion, in promoting remarkable and thrifty growth in plants, and 

 in affording facilities in striking or rooting cuttings of plants, 

 hitherto dilficult to propagate," are familiar to the floricultural 

 public. The application of geine to vegetables is under ex- 

 periment in several gardens, within our knowledge, and, so 

 far, with the promise, we are assured, of considerable success. 

 Of the nature and application of this, we have the views of 

 Dr. S. L. Dana, and Dr. C T. Jackson, in full. 



In consequence, (says Professor Webster,) of the difference of 

 opinion in regard to the substance which has been called geine, and 

 which has been made public in the Agricultural Reports and Scien- 

 tific Journals, it was deemed desirable, and due to the advocates of 

 opposite views, to proffer to them the opportunity of appending to 

 this volume such remarks as they might be desirous of presenting in 

 addition to, or in support of, what they have already given to the 

 public. From the re[)lies to the letters addressed to the gentlemen 

 who have advocated the different views, the following extracts are 

 given, together with an extract from the tonhcommg Final Report 

 on the Economical Geology of this State, for which I am indebted to 

 the politeness of its distinguished author. Professor Hitchcock, of 

 Amherst. It will be obvious that Liebig is conceived to have taken 

 but a limited view of the action of geine. 



In conclusion, we recommend the work to the agriculturist 

 and to the horticulturist — to the amateur florist, and to the 

 curious student into the mysteries of organic life, — assured that 

 they will find matter of interest and of profit in their several 

 tastes and pursuits. *4t* 



Art. II. Literary JsToticcs. 



Michaux'^s JSTorth Jlmcrican Sylva. — A new edition of this 

 splendid and valuable work is announced as now preparing for 



