METEORITES. 
71 
regarded as one of the precious stones, is likewise of vegetable Amber, 
origin. It is a fossil resin, chiefly derived from trees alKed to 
the existing pines ; its originally viscous condition is sufficiently 
proved by the insects sometimes found enclosed in it. 
In the pavilion at the east end of the gallery the visitor will Larger 
find many specimens which, owing to their size, cannot be specimens, 
satisfactorily exhibited in the table-cases. 
Among these, attention may be called to the magnificent 
series of minerals in the wall-cases, and to the specimens of 
galena and jade on separate tables : also the large specimen of 
gypsum or selenite, presented by the late Prince Consort, which, 
with some fine illustrations of calcite, is exhibited in a special 
case. 
Of the four table -cases in the windows, the first three contain 
a series illustrating the various kinds of pseudomorphs, and 
the fourth a set of specimens arranged by the late Professor 
Euskin to illustrate some varieties of Silica. 
The most important feature of the pavilion is the collection Meteorites, 
of Meteorites,* of which the smaller specimens are shown in the 
four central cases. The fall of masses of stone and iron from 
the sky, though observed again and again since the most remote 
ages, was very rarely credited by anyone beside the spectators 
themselves ; and till the beginning of the eighteenth century no 
attempt to collect such specimens for examination and comparison 
was made. In the special guide it is shown how evidence of the 
actual fall of such bodies at length became irresistible, and a 
description is given of the circumstances attending their fall, of 
their general characters, and of their chemical composition : 
illustrative specimens, collected together for easy reference, will 
be found in one of the cases. It is also shown that meteorites 
are closely related, not only to the shooting stars, but also to 
comets, and probably to the nebulae and fixed stars. 
Second Floor. 
The upper floor of the East wing is devoted to the Depart- 
ment of Botany. 
* See 'An Introduction to the Study of Meteorites, with a List of the 
Meteorites represented in the Collection.' Price sixpence. 
