126 Scientific Intelligence. 
Ill. Grotoey. 
1. On the Connection na pe Theories and the Figure 
of the Earth; by Mr. H. Hennessey, (Proc. Brit. Assoc., Ath., No. 
1299.)—As Geology may be omaiens to oastricie an examination of 
the form and structure of the earth, it follows that every correct geologi- 
cal theory must be capable of explaining the greater as well as the lesser 
inequalities in the figure of our planet. Certain geological theories being 
Playfair and Sir John Herschel that the earth would from such causes 
ultimately tend to assume the form of an oblate spheroid ; but neither 
of these eminent mathematicians has presented such numerical results 
tive fluidity, which agrees with observation. The author also pointed 
out an inconsistency in the theory of climates proposed by Sir Charles 
—_ in order to account for the diminution of temperature at the 
rth’s surface since early geological epochs. This theory would re- 
na a gradual transport of matter from the equator to the poles, in 
order to account for a diminution of the heating surface of dry land at 
the equator. Consequ prope on this theory, the earth would tend to be- 
come prolate inthe of oblate. The author concluded by pointing out 
similar objections to the seneettny views known as the Neptunian the- 
ory and the chemical theory of volcanoes. 
2. Geology and Paleontology of a part of the Rocky Mountain 
Region; by Prof. J. Hatt, (from Capt Stansbury’s Expedition to the 
Great Salt Lake, p. 401.)—This report is made out from the specimens 
collected by Capt. Stansbury and the notes taken in the course of his 
expedition. We insert here some extracts.* 
_“ The first specimens furnished are from the ae side of the Missour! 
Riwe: near and above Fort Leavenworth, (39° 21’ N., 94° 44’ 7) 
These are all from limestone of the peaches ig comel and appar- 
i from the upper of the two great limestones of this period in the 
The most conspicuous fossils are sect gr ‘Terebratula, &e- 
"The route from the Missouri westward shows a oan of this 
i 
It is soon succeeded by strata of cretaceous age, which, from the pet 
a8 Zi" WN: uri and Platte to Fort Kesney. in 40° 3 
98° BOOW yt a sg! worth tee of the Platte to Fort ; pin! 5, 
104° 314’ W.; still west on the same Fork, leaving it for the tributary 
Sweet Water in 424° N. gore og signe Rcmbby Bertnatee ts gre f 
throug south side of the fabs tale mien se 
130 6! W.) the Moraes aie uated. ev i 
