70 On the Resinous Nature of Coal. 
furnis 
In conclusion, while we cordially recommend Mr. Quekett’s 
work as by far the best to be obtained on practical microscopy, yet 
we must protest that it by no means furnishes a complete expo- 
sition of this branch of microscopical science. The second edi- 
tion continues to be what the first emphatically was, an account 
of the state of microscopy in London. As such we believe it to ; 
be faithful and correct. H. V. A. 
much value to any drawing Mr. De la Rue has the “ kindness to 
h.”’ 
Art. XIIl.—On the Resinous Nature of Coal. 
Read before the Boston Society of Natural History, 7th April, 1852, by J. E. 
Teschmacher. 
Tue paper I last read before the Society, advanced the prope- 
sition that, the Stigmaria so abundantly and so universally found 
in the coal formations, was a resinous plant, identical with the 
genus Picea. I will now support this by evidence tending 0 
show the existence of other Coniferous plants at this period, as 
well as the general resinous nature of coal of all descriptions. 
The following specimens are produced for this purpose. 
Ist. A slice of southern pine (Pinus Australis) in which, owing 
to its resinous nature, the glandular vessels of the coniferous 
tribe are very clearly visible. 
ice of the same carbonized, in order to show the ap> 
pearance of these glands when changed by this action. 
3d. A specimen of anthracite, and one of Cumberland coal, 
in which these glandular vessels are extremely distinct. Such 
specimens are quite common in the Pictou and other coal. 
4th. Impressions in the shale, from Carbondale, Pa., of the 
leaves of a species of Pinus. 
5th. A specimen of the same shale, showing an impression of 
the base of a bunch of leaves and its sheath at the junction, with 
stem. ; 
On comparing the latter with the accompanying specimen of 
the , and depressions on each side thereof; the impressions of 
these in the shale although faint, bear a close resemblance. 1 , 
many of the leaves of the recent fir tribe, there are rows of glands 
‘tending from the base to the summit, and in some, very m- 
nute spines on each edge: it cannot be expected that these micro- 
Scopic characters should be visible in impressions on so coarse 4 
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