344 
so blended together, in a confused mass, that were it not for the 
knots, which are very evident, its ligneous origin would not be 
detected. Switzerland, various parts of Germany, Saxony, Hungary, 
and Bohemia, have indeed hitherto produced the most beautiful 
specimens. From the chain of mountains, formerly named Taurus, 
in Natolia, from the neighbourhood of Pergamo, and from some of 
the mountains of Italy, very interesting specimens are obtained. 
The fossil wood of Coburg, in the circle of Franconia, is, in general, 
very beautiful ; since it equals any in hardness, and is, consequently, 
susceptible of as fine a polish as any ; and, at the same time, displays, 
very determinately, the ligneous texture. Bamberg also furnishes 
a fossil wood, very nigh approaching, in beauty, that of Coburg. 
The wood which is dug at Rockenhausen, and from the mountain 
at Kyfhausen, is eminently conspicuous for its beauty ,• its hardness 
almost equalling that of agate, and its intermixture with a white 
earth giving it also the character of jasper : an oxide of iron, fre- 
quently of a bright red, tints it very beautifully in various parts ; 
whilst a few, but decided traces of wood, determine the wonderful 
change which it has sustained. The fossil wood of Chemnitz seldom 
displays very clearly the characteristic marks of the wood ; it giving 
rather the idea of agate, or of jasper, which, in hardness, it fully 
equals. 
That Saxony and Hungary, whence the noble opal is chiefly 
obtained, should abound in those silicious woods which nearest 
resemble the opal in their lustre, is a circumstance which here 
demands our particular attention, since it will yield us some addi- 
tional evidence, whilst determining on the question which will next 
require to be agitated. 
Yours, &c. 
