— @ lower ey thn the specimens from Bodenmais and 
426 Scientific Intelligence. 
warrant the assumption that nitrite of ammonia is formed from nitrogen 
and water; while at the same time some of Schénbein’s experiments are 
scarcely explainable on ~~ other hypothesis 
2. Lhe Nitrogen Question.—Liebig,  Nicklés,? and others regard the 
theory of Schénbein with, peirnaracin favor, since in their view it re- 
lieves the “nitrogen question” of agricultural chemistry of all em bar- 
rassment, and demonstrates that the atmosphere is to — a source 
as abundant as unfailing of combined or assimilable nitro 
We must emphatically dissent from any such nanchaaiiin for two st 
sons: Ist. It is not proved that there isin the atmosphere 
lable nitrogen than corresponds to what has already been pa 
in a manner that we must at present regard as entirely trustworthy, by 
Way and = aca Lawes and Gilbert, at Rothamstead, Eng i 
collected all the rs of rain, snow, dew and fog that could be gath- 
ered during the aa 1855-6. Way analyzed these waters, and found 
in them, for 1855, 7:11 lbs. of ammonia and 2°98 lbs. of nitric eins 
acid, for 1856, 9°53 lbs. of ammonia and 2°80 lbs. nitric acid—am mounts 
corresponding to 6°63 and 8:31 lbs. of nitrogen, respectively, for an acre 
of surface, 2d. It is not proved that any nitrogen is made assimila 
converted into nitrite—by the act of ev aporation. Until solid facts have 
n. accumulated to a considerable extent, especially until quien 
investigations really demonstrate that combined nitrogen is mu . 
abundant than appears from the researches of Way and Bousst ingly 
we are not warranted in making such positive deductions from the re- 
sults of Schénbein, interesting and valuable as they are. s. We de 
V. MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY, 
ig mineral 
toxyd of 
‘and Connecticut. The specimens from these localities vary ex 
in their pie! their powder varies in color, and by careful nea 
at they are more or less decomposed. The ¢ 
not cnequet traversed by rifts and seams, and, on being 
ract @ ra i i 
and from the I] 
and their always constant; their powder is cherry 
c md from the analysis of these unaltered specimens 
mistry ap ; peas to eee: ith edition. 
2], Xxxv, 
