Through Professor Cleaveland, we have received from him the following
NOTICE
Concerning the method of collecting, labelling, and transmitting specimens of fossil organized bodies, and of the accompanying rocks, solicited by M. Brongniart.
The study of fossil organized bodies appears to be of the utmost importance in determining the relations of different formations, one of the principal objects of geology.
In order more effectually to appreciate the value of this method of investigation, it is necessary to multiply observations—to endeavour to render them exact and precise—and especially to make them upon a general plan.
M. Brongniart has been long occupied in such researches. The essay published by M. Cuvier and him, upon the geology of the environs of Paris, has afforded an example of their use.
He has laboured since this period to apply this method to other formations, which contain the relics of organized bodies; but he stands in need of much assistance, and he presumes to ask it, not only of naturalists, but even of all persons interested in the sciences. By means of the following instructions, he endeavours to avail himself of the kindness of persons the least conversant in the discrimination of fossils.
1. To collect all the fossil organized bodies which can be obtained; especially the distinguishable impressions and remains of vegetables from coal countries, and beds of wood, coal, and others. The shells, crustaceæ, madrepores, fishes, &c. It is not necessary that these bodies should be either large or entire, but they must be sufficiently characterized to be capable of being recognized.
It is useless to transmit large unmeaning pieces, which are recommended only by their size—such as large ammonites—large madrepores—large pieces of petrified wood—fragments of the one, or small individuals of the other, are often sufficient. We may avoid also collecting the inner moulds ("des moules interieurs") of shells, because they are almost invariably incapable of being recognized.