140 Dr. Nugent on the Geology of Antigua. 



this variety, of which there is a specimen before you, acquires 

 a high degree of sohdity. Its fracture is earthy ; the colour is 

 lighter. 



I should not have offered more on this subject than tlie 

 labelled specimen, had I not made a most satisfactory experi- 

 ment with this kind of fuel, which may be obtained in great 

 abundance in our own State. It is easily kindled ; burns with 

 a bright flame ; yields a bluish smoke, and produces an odour 

 similar to that which attends the combustion of gramineous 

 substances. But this is momentary. When thoroughly kin- 

 dled, it burns with less flame, yields a small proportion. of 

 blackish smoke, and sulphurous acid gas is evolved, though I 

 cannot discover any pyrites. It burns for a long time, and emits 

 a great body of heat. It leaves a very small proportion of light, 

 grayish white ashes ; on which I have as yet made no experi- 

 ments, having this day, for the first time, paid particular atten- 

 tion to this substance, attracted by the unusual hardnes.^ which 

 it acquired since it is in my possession : and not many hours 

 have elapsed since I subjected it to combustion. The attempt 

 succeeded so well, that I cannot refrain from expressing my 

 opinion, that this variety of peat will answer as an excellent 

 substitute for the best Liverpool coal. 



AiiT, VIII. JYotices of Geology in the West-Indies. 

 REMARKS. 



In the former Number of this work, a notice was published 

 respecting siliceous petrifactions of wood, from Antigua. We 

 tjow publish a geological sketch of the island, with notices of 

 some other parts of the West ndies. This communication is 

 made by a friend, with permission to publish it. It is a pro- 

 duction of the pen of Dr. Nugent, of St. Johns, Antigua, a 

 gentleman of eminent scientific acquirements, who, it is hoped, 

 will continue his laudable a';d able efforts to illustrate the 

 natural history of the West-Indies. 



