COAST OF PERU.
With the exception of deposits containing recent shells and of quite insignificant dimensions, no tertiary formations have been observed on this coast, for a space of twenty-two degrees of latitude north of Copiapo, until coming to Payta, where there is said to be a considerable calcareous deposit: a few fossils have been described by M. d’Orbigny from this place, namely:—
1. Rostellaria Gaudichaudi, d’Orbigny “Voyage” Pal. 2. Pectunculus Paytensis, d’Orbigny “Voyage” Pal. 3. Venus petitiana, d’Orbigny “Voyage” Pal. 4. Ostrea Patagonica? This great oyster (of which specimens have been given me) cannot be distinguished by Mr. Sowerby from some of the varieties from Patagonia; though it would be hazardous to assert it is the same with that species, or with that from Coquimbo.