Transactions of the Geological Society of France. 287 
Geology and mineralogy have particularly engaged the attention 
of the Russian government; inasmuch as its mineral riches are so 
widely diffused. The count of Cancrin, equally distinguished as a 
philosopher and as minister of state, has for ten years, given a pow- 
erful impulse to these studies. ‘The government had undertaken in 
1833, eight expeditions, four of which were directed to the Urals, 
for the purpose of completing a geological map of this important 
chain of mountains. These enterprises were to be completed in 
seven years by a general map of these countries. 
Information has been sought concerning the district north of the 
Ural, with a view to extend a knowledge of the auriferous sands. 
The trans-caucasian region is becoming better known every year. 
The volcanic soils, and the rich deposits of Glauber’s salts, have par- 
ticularly attracted the attention of geologists. ‘The Oriental acqui- 
sitions of Russia also, have been followed by scientific researches. 
Moldavia and Wallachia, likewise have been geologically explored. 
But if Russia merits this tribute for the fostering hand she has exten- 
ded to science in her own dominions, what shall we say of her cru- 
el policy towards the two principal Universities of Poland, from 
which she has dismissed MM. Puscu and Zeuscuer, their pro- 
fessors of geology, together with the other instructors of these insti- 
tutions! The collection of the former, has been sold in Russia, and 
every means employed to prevent the dissemination of instruction 
- within the territory of Poland, in the hope of company afer sons 
to resort exclusively to the Russian Universities. 
The Hungarian Academy has printed, Ccoriunsely, for man- 
kind, in ne Hungarian language, its first volume of memoirs. 
(Trattner karolyt Nyomtatasa, 1833, 4to.) 
The Natural History Society of the Island of Mauritius, appears 
to be very actively engaged with the science of Geology. M.J. Drs- 
JARDINS, has given some account of its labors in the Aszatic Journal, 
vol. xii, p.127. An African Review, has been commenced in the 
Island, under the title of the Cerneen. . 
The Asiatic Society, has published since 1832, two volumes of 
memoirs, relating to geology and geography. 
A learned society has been founded at Van Diemen’s Land, and 
a number of persons are engaged in geological observations in New 
Holland, while Gurziarr has commenced a periodical in China, the 
principal object of which is to make that people acquainted with Ku- 
ropean science. 
