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Formation of the Alps.—The opinion seems to be gaining ground that this mass of mountains is the result of a number of independent upheavals of strata at isolated points; that there is no such thing as the Alpine "chain," but that the Alps consist of several mountains, or "central masses," as they are termed, grouped together more or less irregularly. These "central masses" formed of hard crystalline rocks, such as gneiss, mica-schist, hornblende-schist, &c.; and the intermediate valleys consist of newer and softer material, chiefly clay-slate of different ages. This theory assumes, of course, that the Alpine valleys are essentially valleys of elevation, and not of denudation. But for further details we must refer our readers to Professor Theobald's work on the "Geology of the Grisons," and to M. Desor's "Die Gebirgsbau der Alpen."—Geological Magazine.

Llandeilo Fossils from Caradoc Strata.—At the July meeting of the Severn Valley Fish Club, held at Ludlow, Mr. Randall, F.G.S., exhibited a number of Llandeilo fossils from strata near Cound Brook (a tributary of the Severn), hitherto considered as of Caradoc formation. Mr. Randall read a paper, descriptive of the strata and fossils, and stated, in conclusion, that the fossils, particularly the Agnostus and Trinucleus Lloydii, must either be regarded as having been found for the first time in Caradoc beds or, as heretofore, of true Llandeilo type, and indicative of the Llandeilo character of the Cound shales.

Fossil Plants of Coal Seams.—Mr. E. W. Binney has recently communicated a paper to the Royal Society, in which he has endeavoured to show that the Sigillaria vascularis with rhomboidal scars gradually passes as it grows older into a ribbed and furrowed Sigillario; and that this singular plant not only possesses two woody cylinders, arranged in radiating series, an internal and an external one, divided by a zone of cellular tissue, both increasing on their outsides at the same time, but likewise has a central axis, composed of hexagonal vessels, arranged without order, having all their sides marked with transverse striæ. Evidence is also adduced to show that Sigillaria dichotomizes in its branches something like Lepidodendron, and that, like the latter plant, it has a Lepidostrobus for its fructification. The outer cylinder in large Sigillariæ is composed of thick walled quadrangular tubes or utricles arranged in radiating series, and exhibiting every appearance of the tree having been as hard-wooded as the Pinites; but as yet no disks or striae have been observed on the walls of the tubes.

Our Stock of Coal.—The extraction of saleable coal from British mines approaches a hundred million of tons per annum, and the waste of coal involved in getting this quantity is probably more than one-fourth part more. Coal weighs rather less than a ton to the cubic yard, and we are therefore removing and using, or destroying, from the portion of our own small island to which coals are limited, 125,000,000 of cubic yards every year of one of the most valuable substances in existence. Assuming a coal-seam to have an average thickness of two yards, it would take twenty square miles of such a seam to supply one year's consumption. It behoves us, then, to look around, and consider the resources we possess, whether we can afford to expend this portion of the capital stock of our national wealth, and what chance there may be of this stock becoming exhausted.—Ansted's Practical Geology.

Bituminous Oil.—The oil-bearing shales have recently been discovered in Australia, and promise to open up another important source of wealth. Extensive scams of this mineral have been found at Hartley and Wallongong, both in New South Wales. The scam at Hartley was accidentally discovered in consequence of a piece outcropping through the alluvial soil. The mineral is similar to the Boghead coal, but is superior from yielding a larger quantity of oil, and being free from sulphur. From the experiments which have been made, it is estimated that a ton would yield 140 gallons of crude oil. In colour it is a dark brown, breaks with a conchoidal fracture, and is so tough that when struck by a hammer the tool rebounds. Preparations are being made for working it.—W. J. Sterland.

Fossil Oak.—Oak occurs in the peat over the boulder-clay at Hoxne, in Suffolk, and in the peat-bed at the mouth of the river Cauche, which falls into the sea near the embouchure of the Somme, associated with the yew and fir, with the addition at the last-named place of the hazel. It is also found in considerable quantities in the peat-bed which extends over a considerable area in the county of Gloucester, to which the writer has had the satisfaction of first calling public attention.—J. Jones, in Geological Repertory.

The study of natural history is within the reac of every one; and he who is engaged in it, is presented at every step in his progress with something capable of awakening pleasing emotions.

Every pound of cochineal contains 70,000 insects boiled to death, and from 600,000 to 700,000 lbs. are annually imported to Europe for scarlet and crimson dyes.

The female cod-fish is supposed to carry in her ovary more than 500,000,000 of eggs.