Geological Survey of the State of New York. 77 



The analysis of Eupyrchroite, described by Dr. Emmons in the 

 second annual report, proves it to be a phosphate of lime 92.85, 

 with oxide of iron 5.26 and a trace of fluoric acid ; and Rensse- 

 laerite is "pyroxenic steatite;" its crystalline form is the oblique 

 rhombic prism, M on M 94^ and 86°, P on M 106° 30' ; and 

 resembles the steatitic pyroxenes of Sahla noticed by Beudant, 

 and its composition, 59.75 silica, 32.90 magnesia, is similar to 

 that of steatite. 



Dr. Torrey's report on Botany, is the first of importance re- 

 ceived from him. He is charged with the collection and preser- 

 vation of seven sets of each species, and the arrangement and 

 naming of the whole. From the nature of his duties, the assist- 

 ance of many observers and collectors in various portions of the 

 State, was indispensable, and they seem to have placed at his 

 disposal, with truly scientific liberahty, their catalogues and col- 

 lections, for the purpose of enabling him to make out his own 

 catalogue. 



" The whole number of species, indigenous and naturalized, in 

 the State, including the lower orders of the cryptogamia, proba- 

 bly exceeds 2,400. Of the phenogamous, or flowering plants, 

 1,350 species have been found ; of ferns and plants allied to 

 them, 53 species; of the mosses, 150 species; of Hepaticas and 

 Characese, 30 species ; lichens, more than 150 ; and fungi, at least 

 300. Of the flowering plants, 277 are trees or shrubs ; 1 50 are 

 reputed to possess medicinal properties; 250 are ornamental herba- 

 ceous species ; and 140 are plants which have been introduced 

 from other countries, and are now naturalized in our soil. Of 

 proper grasses, our Flora contains 150 species, twenty four of 

 which are of foreign origin. In the nearly allied tribe of the 

 sedges, there are 140 species, more than half of which belong to 

 the genus Carex." 



The natural method is employed in the catalogue, with the 

 synonyms, locality, time of flowering, &c. ; and the final report 

 will contain full descriptions of all these plants, and of others 

 that before its publication may be discovered and added to this 

 catalogue of 81 pages, 8vo. 



Mr. Conrad's report is short, and occupied in detailing the prog- 

 ress he has made in identifying the New York strata as equiva- 

 lents of Murchison's •' Silurian System." The view he took of 

 these in his first report, has been completely confirmed by more 

 careful comparison of the organic remains ; and it is impossible, 



