NOTES AND QUERIES. 
199 
Echiiiodcrms of Malta iii the Annals of Natural History, 2nd scries, vol. xv., 
p. 101, &c. 
Bchinodernjs are abundant in beds Nos. 1, 2, and 3, and are found also in 
No. 4. Sharks have left their teeth abundantly in No. 2 ; and remains of 
other fishes arc frequent in No. 3. 
Nkw Geological Works. — Can you tell me whether anything like a com- 
plete list of all the works on geology pviblished during the last year can be 
procured ? Such a list would of course include new editions of old books, 
such as the last of " Silui-ia," Page's " Handbook," &c. And then with 
reference to the " works of art in the drift ;" do you know of any resume or 
analysis of this question ? It would be exceedingly interesting to have the 
whole evidence collected, in order that one might study and compare the 
various hypotheses at a glance, so to speak. — H. D. 
With respect to works of art in the di-ift, such a work is in contemplation 
by the editor of this magazine. Bent's Monthly Literary Advertiser is sup- 
posed to give a list of all new English books and new editions. We shall give 
this topic further consideration, as to whether we can render the pages of 
this magazine useful in this respect. No resume of the memoirs, papers, notes, 
discourses, lectures, letters, &c., about the flints is yet made. 
Prlservation or CoAi Plants in Cabinets. — Sik, — I have some 
specmieus of coal shale, which as usual bear upon their respective surfaces im- 
pressions of Ferns, Calamites, &c. Several of the impressions being rather 
indistinct, I wish, if possible, to render them more apiiarent, but in such a 
manner as not to injure them in any way. If I mistake not, I have somewhere 
seen it remarked that this object may be accomplished by gently brushing over 
the surface a weak solution of Canada balsam dissolved in turpentine ; but as 
I am doubtful as to whether such be the case, I have ventui-ed to refer myself 
to you for the desii-ed information. — Yours, &c., Amatok Naturae. 
Coal plants are very commonly much iujiu'cd by collectors themselves, by 
being washed in water. Specimens will of course get dusty in the cabiaet, aucl 
recourse is natui'ally had to water for cleansing them. Water is also fre- 
quently applied to heighten the contrast of their dark coally substance iu 
ordinary examinations, but the process of wetting is always ruinous to the 
spechnens. Appreciating the value of a proper means of preserving coal-plants, 
we have submitted our correspondent's question to our friend, Mr. S. P. Wood 
ward, of the British Museum, who tells us that he finds it " necessary to var- 
nish, in some way, the coal-shale plants, both for the pui-pose of making them 
more distinct at a little distance, and also to enable them to be sponged when 
they get dusty. 
" i have seen fossils varnished with Canada balsam at the Geological Society, 
some years ago, but it never appeared to answer for any length of time. The 
balsam got soft in hot weather ; dust adliered to it ; and after a time it was 
always opaque. 
" I am now trying some very thin and pellucid white lac varnish, of Eowney's, 
which is soluble in spirits of wine. I usually endeavora- to apply it the fossil 
only, and not to the matrix ; and keep it so much diluted as not to make the 
surface shine more than I can possibly help. This varuisli is also useful for 
protecting one part of a specimen while another part is being subjected to the 
action of wet for the purpose of cleaning it." 
Geology of Cornwall. — Sir, — As 1 intend visiting Cornwall this summer, 
I shoiJd feel much obliged for any information you could give me through the 
" Geologist" as to the nature of the strata in that county, more particularly 
near Truro, or on the coast near the "Deadman" and "Giill" rocks, or " Ger- 
ran's Bay," and what fossils are generally found there. — Yours, &c.. Delta. 
The rocks of Cornwall are chiefly slaty schists, termed " killas," and granite. 
