149 
TAB, ,CCLXXLY. 
Aruoucen much has been said about insects, leaves, bits 
of plants, gold, silver, and iron* being found in Amber, 
I do not know of Pyrites having being positively noticed. 
T have some with Pyrites in it in small globules, and one 
specimen with the decomposed remains of wire-like Pyrites © 
in long diverging tubes. The latter I figure while there yet 
remains this vestige of the Pyrites. It was observed when in 
the dealer’s hands ; but as he did not know how to value it, 
although J told him the Pyrites was decomposing, I did not 
obtain it until it was nearly decomposed, notwithstanding 
its being of no value but as a specimen, from its foul and 
- unbrilliant aspect. 
The upper figure shows a piece with the striz or tubes 
more or less filled with Sulphur and decomposing Pyrites. 
The lower figure exhibits another piece with small knobs 
or little round specks of Pyrites, some decomposing and 
showing the Sulphur and empty holes, © 
The left hand figure much resembles Gum Anime in the 
common outward aspect, except that it appears to take a 
more perfect polish. It, however, has all the characters 
of Amber, and encloses about the middle an insect of the 
Hymenopterous Class, probably of the Genus Sphex; but — 
it seems a species not known at present. I prize this more 
than ordinary, as I have good reason to suppose it came 
from the Lowestoft coast. It contains also some drops of 
liquid, which I suppose have not been before observed in 
Amber—See the lower corner towards the right hand. 
The specimen is full of flaws and cracks, and holds 
* In the Encyclopxdia Britannica it is questioned whether this gold or 
silver may not be Marcasite, and the Iron is mentioned as being sometimes 
in the state of Vitriol. The glistening appearance of the flaws may often 
mislead. ; 
