The Scottish Naturalist. 



15 



deposit passes from the red to a brown or yellow haematite, which, 

 Dr. Heddle of St. Andrews informs me, is not Limonite, but 

 Gotheite, and is a very fine example of this rather rare mineral. It is 

 distinguished from Limonite by yielding about one-third less water 

 on analysis. The red haematite is anhydrous, signifying the 

 absence of water, on analysis ; while the yellow is hydrous, from 

 the presence of water. The yellow appearance is evidently due 

 to the presence of magnesia. This layer is also fibrous in texture. 



Another change still is recorded here, and we find the supply 

 of water, iron, and magnesia had practically become exhausted, 

 as the space yet to be filled up had been only partially so, and the 

 deposit this time was not iron, hydrous nor anhydrous, but pretty 

 nearly pure crystals of Calcspar, or carbonate of lime. This 

 is shown in the drusy cavity. The word druse is derived from the 

 Greek word for dew, and is singularly expressive of the beautiful 

 forms which occupy the cavities of minerals. 



Haematite has never been found in Scotland, except in com- 

 paratively small quantities, insignificantly so when compared with 

 the deposits of North Lancashire and Cumberland, where they 

 range from 15 to 60 feet in thickness 



New Work on the Moss-Flora of Fife and Kinross. — Mr. Charles 

 Howie has issued a circular intimating his intention to publish a " Moss-Flora 

 •of the counties of Fife and Kinross," provided a sufficient number of subscribers 

 be found to cover expenses of publication. The price will not exceed 3s. 

 Intending subscribers should communicate with the author at 4 John Street, 

 St. Andrews. Mr. Howie proposes to describe the species, of which 290 are 

 known to him from the two counties, and to give habitats and other information 

 of interest. Mr. Howie has long been known as an enthusiastic student of 

 the botany of Fife ; and the book cannot fail to be of value as the result of 

 much personal study. 



