184 Miscellanies. 



Prof. Reiiwick, whose established character would lead us to ex- 

 pect what we actually find, not only precision and perspicuity, but 

 also a graduated reduction of this great subject to a proportional 

 scale, so as to preserve the harmony and distinctness of the parts, 

 while there are citations of well ascertained facts sufficient to ex- 

 cite interest, and create conviction. In connexion with a course 

 of lectures, properly illustrated by specimens and drawings, this 

 elegant little work must prove extremely useful, as it may be said 

 to be truly classical in its character ; and we have no doubt that, 

 for the classes of other institutions than the one for which it was 

 prepared, and even for intelligent popular audiences, it may prove 

 a valuable substitute for the larger geological treatises. 



In relation to a work in which we find so much to approve, 

 we have no disposition, as there is no occasion, to criticise ; but 

 we will state a few queries and suggestions, that have occurred 

 to us during the perusal, and should the respected author see fit 

 to answer them, the pages of this Journal are at his service. 



With respect to the heights of mountains, we would inquire for 

 the authorities that give an elevation to Nevado de Serata in Peru 

 of 25,250 feet, and of lUimani 24,000 ; and more especially, we 

 inquire in relation to the height of the mountains near the sources 

 of Columbia, which are stated to yield very little to those of the 

 Himmalaya peaks. This last statement is based upon the obser- 

 vations of the surveyors of the Hudson's Bay Company, but not 

 having seen the details, we are not informed whether they are 

 trigonometrical or barometrical, or if accurate observations have 

 not been made, we should like to know upon what probabilities 

 the conclusions are founded, and we are persuaded it would be 

 gratifying to the public to be more fully informed. It has been 

 heretofore supposed that Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, 

 is the highest land in North America this side of the Rocky 

 Mountains, and of Mexico ; and in a recent ascent up the former 

 mountain we have supposed this to be true, (see pa. 80 of this No.) 

 We are not informed by Prof. Renwick what mountain in North 

 Carolina is 7000 feet high, and on what evidence the conclusion 

 rests. In relation to iron, which is mentioned as the only metal 

 found in quantity in alluvial formations, it may be asked whether 

 the alluvial gold of Africa, and of the middle geological region of 

 the southern States, as well as of other auriferous regions, and the 

 deep beds of stream tin of Cornwall, do not form an exception to the 



