Miscellanies, 405 



10. Fossil Shells of the Tertiary Formations of the United States, 

 hy T. A. Conrad. No. 2. J. Dobson, Philadelphia. — We have 

 much pleasure in announcing the second number of this valuable 

 work, with eight lithographic plates, illustrating seventeen species of 

 our tertiary fossils. It is really cheering to observe that this depart- 

 ment of American geology, is now in a fair way to be fully elucida- 

 ted ; and we must confess our surprise that such interesting facts, such 

 multiplied materials for geological reseach, should not sooner have 

 called forth the talent and attention they so justly merit. Mr. Con- 

 rad's second number contains five species of Crassatella, one of Tur- 

 binella, four of Ancillaria, four of Ostrea, a Macta, and a Pholado- 

 mya. These fossils are taken indiscriminately from the upper and 

 middle tertiary deposits, and from localities widely distant. New Jer- 

 sey, Virginia, the Carolinas, Alabama, &ic. Mr. Conrad is now on a 

 tour in the southern states, collecting materials for the continuation 

 of his work j from this cause the third number may be delayed until 

 April or even until May. Those persons who feel interested in the 

 geology of our country, may look forward with pleasing anticipations 

 to the results of Mr. Conrad's journey. 



11. Anthracite in Wrentham, Mass. — Specimens of this mineral 

 have been forwarded to us by Mr. S. Day, in a letter dated Provi- 

 dence, R. I. Oct. 11. It is stated to be newly discovered — that the 

 boring has been carried to eighty feet and the excavation or shaft, to 

 sixty ; that the coal lies in strata of different depths, interspersed with 

 slate, and that it is proposed, should the prospect continue fair, to pe- 

 tition the legislature for a charter of incorporation, and in the spring 

 to push their enterprise with vigor. 



The coal appears like the European anthracite, and resembles 

 that of Rhode Island more than that of Pennsylvania. The latter 

 state possesses such vast resources in this mineral, and of such admi- 

 rable quality and easy acquisition, that prudent men will look well "to 

 every undertaking, which must depend, in a degree, upon successful 

 competition. 



12. Comparison of iveights and measures of length and capacity, 

 reported to the Senate of the United States hy the Treasury Depart- 

 ment in 1832, and made hy Ferd. Rod. Hassler, M.A.P.S., ^fc. {Doc. 

 JVo. 299.) Washington, 1832. — On the 29th of May, 1830, the 

 Senate passed a resolution requiring a comparison of the weights and 

 measures used in the several custom houses in the United States, 



