1833.]. Miscellaneous. 559 
of the same or a different nature from the stratum on which they are laid. If the 
latter, endeavour to trace them to their native bed. Note the different heights at 
which gravel is found, and whether or not it is composed of the same rocks as the 
adjoining country. 
13. Nautical collectors are requested to separate and preserve any shells or 
corals which may be brought up, either with the lead or the anchor; noting the 
depth and the locality. 
14. On coasts where there is a considerable ebb tide, and where the shore con- 
sists of rocks or clay containing fossils, some of the best of these petrifactions 
may be looked for, by breaking up with a pick-axe the shelving beds exposed at 
low water. 
15. In making sections, or memorandums, distinguish well upon the coast, 
between masses which have simply slipped and fallen away, and the real cliff itself, 
16. When drift wood is met with at sea, collect pieces of it: note the longitude 
and latitude, the distance from the nearest land, and the direction of the current by 
which it has been borne. Examine well the state of the floating mass, and see 
whether any roots or leaves be attached to it. 
17. Every specimen should be labelled on the spot, or as soon after collection 
as possible, and then rolled in strong paper, or any soft material, to protect its 
edges. 
18. A heavy hammer to break off the specimens from the rock, and a smaller 
one to trim them into shape, are indispensable. If the larger hammer have a pick 
at one end, it will be found very useful in digging up and flaking off those thir 
shelly beds which usually contain the best preserved shells, &c. A chisel or two 
are also desirable. 
19. The recommendation expressed in the instruction No. 1, may be repeated : 
—That it should be a general maxim with geological collectors to direct their prin- 
cipal attention to the procuring of fossil organic remains, both animal and vegeta- 
ble. These are always of value when brought from distant countries, especially 
when their localities are carefully marked ; but when the rocks contain no petri- 
factions, very small specimens are sufficient. 
2.—Mirrors of Fusible Alloy. 
Berze ius has found that by the unionof nineteen parts of lead and twenty-nine 
of tin, fusible alloy is produced, which affords, on cooling in thin plates, very bright 
surfaces. A convex lens dipped several times into the melted alloy, yielded from 
the surface dipped, a concave mirror of great lustre. This, mounted upon plaster, 
was preserved for some time in the air untarnished. Dust destroys these mirrors, 
which will not bear wiping. —Traité de Chimie. 
3.—Liverpool and Manchester Railway. 
It appears from the account of the Company for the half year ending the 31st 
December last, that notwithstanding a diminution of nearly 74,000 in the number 
of passengers during July and August, (supposed to have been caused by the cho- 
lera), the loss on this account had, in a considerable degree, been made up by the 
greater quantity of merchandize conveyed, anda reduction in the general expenses 
of management. The total number of passengers during the half year, was 182,823 
—the receipts £43,420. The merchandize conveyed amounted to 86,642 tons— 
receipts £37,781. The expenses, including £12,646 for repairs of engines, 
amounted to £48,278, leaving a clear profit of £37,781, which enables the Com- 
pany to make a dividend, for the half year, of four guineas per share.—Mech. Mag. 
