Miscellanies. 197 
telescope on the principle of Rogers, mentioned in Dr. Brewster’s 
journal ; this telescope proved to be a very good one for a small pow- 
er, although it is not completed : its length is five feet, and aperture 
three inches and three fourths. Mr. Dixon, has made a machine for 
grinding and polishing mirrors :and lenses, on the plan of Lord Ox- 
manton’s, mentioned by Dr. Brewster. Mr. Dixon has also estab- 
lished a manufactory of prussian alkali for dyers. ‘ 
10. Skulls—Dr. Samuel G. Morton of Philadelphia, has recent- 
ly deposited in the Academy of Natural Sciences of that city, an 
extensive series of skulls, embracing those of the different races of 
men and the various classes of inferior animals. A principal object in 
forming this collection, is to investigate the peculiarities of the abori- 
ginal inhabitants of the American continent ; and persons who are in 
possession of Indian crania, are respectfully invited to communicate 
with Dr. M. in reference to them. 
ll. Notices of scenery, &c. in Pennsylvania; ina letter to the Edi- 
tor from Mr. W. B. Weed, dated Chilicothe, Aug. 13, 1831.—From 
Harrisburg westward, to the distance of sixty or seventy miles, the coun- 
ty presents one continued scene of beauty and sublimity. The road — 
'S cut along the side of a ridge that rises above you, in rugged bluffs, to 
the height of two or three hundred feet, and descends as far below, to 
the bank of the Juniata, whose gentle current and waveless surface 
ormed a striking contrast with the rude surrounding scenery. Here 
too is the Pennsylvania Canal, running parallel with the river, with 
nothing but the tow-path between, and producing a most beautiful effect. 
the other side of the river ascends a ridge to the height of four hun- 
dred leet, crowned with thick forests to its very summit, which, seen 
tough the thin veil of vapor which is continually ascending from 
the Water, presented (though not half a mile distant) the exact ap- 
arance of the densest thunder cloud. The summit of this ridge, 
or fifty miles, is perfectly uniform, as if levelled by art. Pittsburg 
00 has an abundance of fine scenery; both within and around it. 
The only trace which remains of Fort Pitt, which you know was 
built on the tuins of Fort Du Quesne, is the magazine. Built as it 
Sof massive rock, it will probably remain for centuries, to indicate 
the origin of this flourishing city. You know Pittsburg is situated at 
* confluence of the two rivers which form the Ohio. From the 
*P of « Coal hill,” you have a fine view of all three. ‘The Allegha- 
