In the volcanic part, a description (from personal observation) is given of St. Michael's. The structure of veins; the forming and destroying effects of water; the physiognomy of the dry land and submarine; the origin of islands and coral reefs, and a view of the principal mountain ranges throughout the world conclude the course.
2. Dr. Webster's Cabinet.
Dr. Webster, having spent two or three years in Europe, in professional studies, during which time he devoted much attention to mineralogy and geology, with the ample aids afforded by the cabinets and distinguished teachers in Scotland, France, and England, has recently returned to his own country, and has brought with him a very select and considerably extensive cabinet of minerals, with which, and with American specimens, he illustrates his lectures. We understand that the collection contains some thousand specimens, and is good in the English and Scotch minerals; also in the Siberian coppers; it contains a suite of three hundred geological specimens from Freyberg, from granite to gravel. The geological part is extensive, and was increased by numerous pedestrian tours in England and Scotland; most of the geological specimens have been examined, in company with Professor Jameson. The volcanic part is good, from the extensive opportunities which Dr. Webster enjoyed in the Azores, in which, on his return to this country, he spent some time, and found much to interest him. His observations will soon be given to the public, in a work entitled Remarks on the Azores or Western Islands.
It is well known that they are volcanic, and of course afford the usual volcanic substances. The most interesting part is that occupied by the boiling fountains, in many respects similar to the Geysers of Iceland, excepting that the water is not ejected to any considerable height; but the incrustations, the sinter, and sulphur, are every way equal to any specimens which Dr. Webster saw in Sir G. Mackenzie's collection.
We are much gratified in noticing both what Dr. Webster has done and is still doing. We are persuaded that he will do much towards promoting the cultivation of American mineralogy and geology, and especially in the enlightened community in which he resides.
We cordially wish him success, and trust that it will be ensured by the patronage of the citizens of Boston.
3. Supposed identity of Copal and Amber.
A correspondent, whose paper is withheld from publication till some additional experiments can be made, conceives that copal and amber are originally the same substance, and the product of the same tree.