510 COAL OF MIOCENE PERIOD. 
In the Molasse of Switzerland, there are many 
similar deposits affording sometimes Coal of con- 
siderable purity, formed during the second, or 
Miocene period of this series, and usually con- 
taining fresh water shells. Such are the Lig- 
nites of Vernier near Geneva, of Paudex and 
Moudon near Lausanne, of St. Saphorin near 
Yevay, of Kaepfnach near Horgen on the lake of 
Zurich, and of CEningen near Constance. 
The Brown-coal at CEningen forms thin beds 
of little importance for fuel, but very perfect 
remains of vegetables are dispersed in great 
abundance through the marly slates and lime- 
stone quarries which are worked there, and afford 
the most perfect history of the vegetation of the 
Miocene Period, which has yet come within our 
reach.* 
as thin as paper (Papier Kohle) and are composed entirely of a 
congeries of many kinds of leaves. Henderson mentions the 
leaves of two species of Poplar, resembling the P. tremula and P. 
balsamifera, and a Pine, resembling the Pinus abies as occur- 
ring in the Surturbrand of Iceland. 
Although we have followed Mr. Brongniart in referring the 
deposits here enumerated to the first, or Eocene period of the 
Tertiary series, it is not improbable that some of them may be the 
products of a later era, in the Miocene or Pliocene periods. 
Future observations on the Species of their animal and vege- 
table remains will decide the exact place of each, in the grand 
Series of the Tertiary formations. 
* I have recently been favoured by Professor Braun of Carls- 
ruhe, with the following important and hitherto unpublished 
catalogue, and observations on the fossil plants found in the 
