240 Dr. Daubeny on the Geology of Sicily. 
canic tuff.* Between Taormina and Giarre, at the foot of 
Etna, is a limestone, with shells similar to the above, which 
alternates with a yellow sandstone ; these beds seem to re- 
pose upon the older lavas. 
The same recent formation occurs in various situations 
along the northern coast, as near Melazzo and Termini, be- 
tween Alcanio and the sea, and at the foot of Mount Guillia- 
no near Trepani. 
In following the line of coast from the latter place to Gir- 
genti, we observe a white calcareous breccia, which appears 
to be of the same date and origin.f 
It is well seen near Mareola, where it contains numerous 
shells, especially Trochi, Pectens, Telline, Cardia, Arce, 
Dentalia, Neritz and Murices. 
A similar breccia, but one of a more arenaceous character, 
constitutes the whole of the coast between Selinus and 
Sciacca, and is in many places ascertained to extend several 
miles into the interior, for [ found it at Castelvetrano, which, 
in this part of the island, was the farthest point froma the 
coast to which I deviated. 
The shells in these places are mostly the same as those 
before enumerated, but they here form an aggregate suffi- 
ciently compact for a building stone. Of this material were 
built the temples at Selinus, the stupendous ruins of which 
are known by the names of the Pillars of the Giants, (Pileri 
dei Gigante ;) and though the uneven surface of the stone 
would have been ill adapted for finished sculpture,{ yet, from 
* If a statement of Ferrara’s be correct, the breccia above mention- 
ed must be formed by causes now in action, like the indurated sand of the 
coast of Cornwall ; for this author states, that remains of the utensils of 
mariners have been found in it. This, however, cannot be the case with 
respect to the breccia which covers the blue clay, for in this we have 
abundant evidence of diluvial action. 
+ Humboldt’s Personal Narrative, Vol III. p. 10., English Transla- 
tion, describes a calcareous sandstone or breccia of the same kind, as 
occurring near Cumana. It rests on beds of clay containing selenite 
and gypsum. ‘ 
{ It is to be hoped that the public will soon be presented with a de- 
tailed account of the recent discovery made in 1823, by some of our own 
countrymen among these ruins,—a discovery not less interesting in itself, 
as making us acquainted with an wra in Grecian sculpture, anterior to 
any of which we possess documents, than for the enterprise and self-devo- 
tion displayed by the individuals who accomplish it ; one of whom fell a 
victim to a fever, brought on by his zeal in prosecuting bis laborious 
task dnring a most unwholesome season. 
