390 Miscellanies. 



Thus much of the order ; now of the execution of the Wonders 

 OF Geology. After the ample proofs of talent, science, skill, taste 

 and enthusiasm, regulated by a severe induction, which Dr. Mantell 

 had before given us, it would indeed have been surprising if his last 

 ■work had not been worthy of its predecessors and of its author ; 

 with pleasure we add, that it fully sustains its claims to the lineage 

 ■whence it has sprung. 



In point of science it is precise, accurate, condensed and cumu- 

 lative in proof, conducting the pupil forward by a series of steps, 

 grateful in the progress and conclusive in the result ; no important 

 facts are omitted and none are unduly expanded.* The style is lucid 

 and flowing, but simple and elevated, while the figures render every 

 thing intelligible, even to the unprofessional reader. 



The introduction which precedes, and the retrospect which closes 

 the account of each formation, afford an admirable summary both of 

 facts and doctrine, and are distinguished for graphic power, eloquent 

 diction, and comprehensive views. 



The greatest excellence of Dr. Mantell's work is, that it affords an 

 excellent pioneer and conductor for the pupil attending a course of 

 lectures, and even for the private student, who has to work his own 

 way without a guide. In both these respects, it is superior to any 

 book with which we are acquainted, and we shall be gratified should 

 it be in our power to introduce it to the American public under a form 

 in which it can reach the colleges! and academies and schools — not 

 to mention the studies of literary men, and the parlors of families. It 

 is a work of delightful entertainment as well as of instruction, and 

 although less elaborate than the original Avorks of investigation of 

 the sam_e author, it will find its way to many more readers, and will, 

 therefore, be even more extensively useful than they have been. 



The author modestly disclaims the merit of originality, having, as 

 he says, only strung together the beautiful pearls collected by others, 

 while he has merely furnished the string. But his friends will not 



* If there be any part which some persons might regard in this light, it would 

 probably be what relates to the local geology of the English and French secondary 

 and tertiary ; for ourselves, however, we should decidedly prefer this fullness, es- 

 pecially, aided as we have been by our English friends, (and by none so much as 

 by Dr. Mantell himself,) with the specimens necessary to the elucidation of these 

 formations. In this countr}^, geologists might wish a more ample account of the 

 granitic and primary family which on this continent, and especially in the Eastern 

 States, makes a great figure. 



t We hope soon to be able to take similar ground with respect to a new work 

 of Mr. Lyell — Elements of Geology, in one volume, now in the press in London. 

 Mr. Bakewell's new edition, of which a reprint was promised in our last number, 

 has not yet, to our knowledge, arrived in this country. 



