Marl of New Jersey. 95 
the existence of this formation near Camden, South Carolina,* where 
it is chiefly recognized by exogyre, &c. vast numbers of Belemnites 
(B. americanus, which, by the way, Mr. Mantell agrees with me in 
considering specifically different from .B. mucronatus, of Europe.) 
Much time, and the united labor of many geologists, will be re- 
quisite to make a complete exposition of this vast formation, which 
promises to the explorer a series of facts perhaps no less interesting 
than has been afforded by its equivalent in Europe. 
Before concluding this letter, I have much pleasure in mentioning 
that our Atlantic tertiary deposits are in a fair way to be brought to 
light. Under the patronage of the Academy of Natural Sciences, 
those of Maryland and Virginia, have been repeatedly visited of late, 
by my friend Mr.'T. A. Conrad; a young geologist whose discrimi- 
nating judgment, and untiring industry, have already attracted the 
favorable notice of the scientific public. A work which this gentle- 
man has now in hand, will make us acquainted with nearly two hun- 
dred species of fossil shells from the upper+ marine deposits of the 
state above named ; nor are these remains inferior in beauty and pres- 
ervation to those of the tertiary beds of Europe. It is to be borne 
in mind that this multitudinous series of organic relics, has been ob- 
tained in a comparatively circumscribed space; and that the vast 
tract from the north eastern section of Virginia, coastwise to the Mis-~ 
sissippi, remains almost entirely unexplored. How greatly inquiries 
of this nature might be facilitated, if persons resident in places where 
the fossils occur, would collect and transmit them to our public in- 
stitutions! The Academy of Natural Sciences is now in posses- 
sion of all the species hitherto described; they are classed and label- 
led, and displayed in manner so conspicuous as to be consulted to 
the utmost advantage. Our European series, so important for com- 
parison, is increasing rapidly; a part of it, designated as the Weth- 
erill collection of British fossils, embraces about a thousand specimens 
from all the formations. The continental series is much less com- 
plete. The entire Geological series contains about five thousand 
specimens, of which more than two thirds are fossil organic remains 
of animals and plants—a good nucleus for an institution which has 
been but twenty years in existence. 
* I formerly mentioned Cockspur Island, Georgia, as a locality of green sand, but 
find that I was misinformed; this island is now known to be destitute of fossil 
remains. 
t Jour. Acad. Vol. VI, p. 116, &c., in which I have proved the deposits in ques- 
tion to belong te the upper marine formation. 
