the mediterranean naturalist 
*> 
Indian seas, while in others, the resemblances are 
such as would seem to indicate that it is closely 
allied to the existing Chitra indica. 
After describing the characteristic features of 
the specimen and pointing out the affinities and 
differences that it bears to the genus Chitra , and 
the genus Trionyx , the author concludes by sum- 
ming up the evidences in favour of the latter, and 
accordingly proposes to name the new fossil 
T rionyx Melitensis. 
Manganese nodules 
At a recent meeting of the Royal Society of 
Edinburgh Dr. John Murray communicated the 
results of his researches on the form, structure, 
and distribution of manganese nodules in the deep 
sea. 
He found that, as a rule, the nuclei of these 
nodules consisted of fragments of pumice stone; 
but that shark’s teeth, earbones of whales and 
fragments of rocks not infrequently supplied their 
place. 
He found them in the greatest abundance in 
deep water where organic life was scarce, whereas 
in the waters in which shore deposits are being : 
laid down and in which organic life is the greatest, 
they were found to be of comparatively rare 
occurrence. 
There is some difference of opinion as to the 
causes that have led to the formation of these no- 
dules. Dr. Murray, however, expresses an opinion 
that the manganese has been deposited from so- 
lution in the sea water by way of the carbonates. 
It is interesting to note that similar manganese j 
nodules are often met with in the Malta “Globi- 
gerina Limestone” (Bed IV). There are several 
very fine specimens in the Malta University 
Museum. 
i 
The Subterranean Treasures of Italy. 
( “ I Tesori Sotterranei deli’Italia”, per il 
Cavaliere Guglielmo Jervis, Conservatore R. Mus. 
Indusfc. Ital. F.G.S., &c.) is the title of a most 
valuable and interesting work, in four volumes, 
which has just been acquired for the Malta 
Public Library. Vols. I to III treat of the 
topographical mineralogy of Italy; and vol. IV 
treats of its economic geology. 
The fourth volume, especially, is full of matters 
of such interest to the man of science and to 
the general reader, that a brief description of 
it will, no doubt, be of some service in indicat- 
ing the scope of the subject and the mode of 
its treatment. 
The kingdom is divided into three main 
divisions viz. “The Alps,” “The Appenines” and 
the “Islands of Sardinia and Sicily,” each of 
which is worked out with great minuteness 
of detail with reference to its mineral waters, 
fossii fuels and economic rocks. 
A description of the geological features of each 
district is given, arid the economic value of the 
various rocks of which the strata are composed, 
is noted with reference to their suitability for 
building and decorative purposes, and for 
the manufacture of cements, stucco, lime &c. 
Descriptions and illustrations of the kinds of 
stone used by the Etruscans & Romans, by 
the Greek, Egyptian, Phoenician and Pelasgiau 
colonists of Southern Italy and by their modern 
descendants, in the construction of their temp- 
les ond other public edifices, occupy consider- 
able space; and this, together with the interesting 
descriptive notices of the classical antiquities 
of the erst while mistress of the world, form 
a section, that will be of absorbing interest both 
to the classical, and the scientific scholar alike. 
Directions as to the routes to the localities 
in which the economic rocks may be studied 
to the best advantage are given. 
Of these Carrara, Rome, Tivoli, Naples, Syra- 
cuse and Sardinia are specially mentioned. 
Pages XI-XIV are taken up with descriptions 
of the materials used, in the construction of 
the principal monuments of Rome’s former 
glory. 
From these we select the following: 
Roman amphitheatre at Verona made of 
compact Jurassic marble; the Pantheon at Rome, 
with granite columns; the cathedral of Milan, 
of pre-paleozoic marble; pavement of the “Via 
Appia” of post piiocene basalt; the baker’s 
house at Pompeii with mill stones of late 
Tertiary leucitic lava. 
Then follows a list of the names of the 
Authors who have written works descriptive of 
