knowledge of diluvial action; while the accumulation of sand and shingle upon the shore of the neighboring coast, and the production of marsh land from mud brought in by the tides, assisted by marine plants and mollusca, as well as river alluvion and peat bog, illustrate the nature and progress of alluvial formations.

From the preceding outline of the geology of the vicinity of New Haven, its general mineralogical character may easily be inferred. We shall, therefore, only annex a list of a few mineral deposits which are deemed particularly interesting by mineralogists, and which are well calculated to excite enthusiasm in the mind of the young collector.

WEST HAVEN AND MILFORD.

"Verd Antique Marble.

Chromate of Iron.

Asbestos.

Columnar Bitter Spar.

Sahlite.

CHESHIRE.

Thompsonite. In regularly terminated, transparent crystals. Analcime. Massive, and in trapezohedral crystals.

Asbestos. In thin, flexible layers of a white color in Limestone.

FARMINGTON.

Prehnite. In very distinct crystals of a handsome green color.

Native Bismuth.

Magnetic Iron Pyrites.

Blende.

Argentiferous Galena.

MUNROE.

Wolfram. Massive, and in large octahedral crystals, (pseudomorphs of Tungsten).

Tungsten. Massive and in octahedral crystals.

Yellow Oxide of Tungsten.*

Tourmaline. Black, and highly finished as respects form and lustre. There are two localities in this town, both of which present crystals of several modifications, and neither, any individuals of a common form. The crystals are of unusual dimensions, and for the most part regularly terminated at both extremities.

Beryl. Thickly imbedded in graphic granite, well crystallized, and of a handsome, green color.

Topaz. In very large crystals, also in smaller ones which are often transparent: colors, white and yellow.

Chlorophane.

Pyroxene. In eight sided prisms, also, granular: color green. Sphene.

Garnets. In handsome, trapezohedral crystals.

Pyroxene. In large, white crystals which are found loose in the soil and imbedded in dolomite.

Hornblende. White varieties, or tremolite.

Brown Hæmatite.

Ochery Brown Iron-Ore.

Garnet.

Staurotide.

SALISBURY.

* The minerals of the preceding list are all found at one spot, upon the farm of Mr. Ephraim Lane.

LITCHFIELD.

Kyanite.

Corundum. Massive, and in small six sided prisms of a pale, bluish, or reddish color.

Sillimanite.

SAYBROOK.

HADDAM.

Chrysoberyl. In crystals of uncommon dimensions and variety of modification: color yellowish green.

Beryl. Colors yellow and green: crystals sometimes very perfect and transparent.

Columbite.

Albite.

Tourmaline. In doubly terminated, black crystals.

Pinite.

Zircon.

Sulphuret of Molybdena.

Anthophyllite.

Garnet. In large, trapezohedral crystals of a rich, red color.

Arsenical Nickel.

Arsenical Cobalt.

CHATHAM.

MIDDLETOWN.

Tourmaline. Colors, black, green and red, or pink.

Albite. (Cleavelandite variety).

Galena.

Blende.

Vitreous Copper.

Heavy Spar.

Fibrous Limestone.

BERLIN*.

* For the knowledge of the localities in this town, the author of this sketch

is indebted to Dr. Percival.

Chlorite. Crystallized in geodes.

Agate.

Prehnite.

Mesotype.

Chabasie.

The above minerals are all found in Trap

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.

The ROOMS devoted to this department are in the Atheneum, (the old Chapel,) and consist of a spacious and convenient lecture room called the Philosophical Chamber, of two apparatus rooms, and several small apartments in the tower, one of which is fitted up for a camera obscura, and another for an astronomical observatory.

The APPARATUS belonging to the department is, in general, executed in plain style, but the greater part of it is the work of distinguished artists. The instruments are sufficiently various, to furnish the means of illustration, to a full course of lectures in Natural Philosophy and Astronomy.

Previous to the year 1806, the Philosophical Apparatus consisted chiefly of the following articles :—

Gregorian Telescope, 31 feet, mounted on a brass stand.*
Another of similar construction, 2 feet, very old.

Orrery. Land Telescope (4 feet,) by Dollond. Astronomical clock.

Astronomical Quadrant.

Hadley's Quadrant.

Air pump-old and damaged.

Condensing Fountain.

Electrical Machine.

Magic Lantern—old.

*This instrument was lost with Professor Fisher, who was taking it to England for the purpose of having it repaired.

Compound Microscope.
Mechanical Powers.
Whirling Tables.

Pair of Globes.

Most of the foregoing articles were out of repair, and several of them were entirely useless.

In 1806, Professor Silliman purchased in London the greater part of the Philosophical Apparatus now belonging to the department, comprising an assortment of instruments in Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, and Astronomy. Nearly the whole were made by BANKS, or under his immediate direction, and they are, in general, of excellent workmanship. The following are some of the most valuable articles: Atwood's Machine, for illustrating the laws of falling bodies. Large Plate Electrical Machine.

Electrical Battery of 12 large Jars.

Lucernal Microscope, a very elegant instrument.

To the foregoing have since been added

Variation Compass, furnished with a small transit telescope. Hydraulic Ram.

Coulomb's Torsion Balance.

Armillary Sphere.

Pair of 21 inch Globes, by Carey, of the best construction. ACHROMATIC TELESCOPE, by George Dollond, 10 feet focal length, 5 inches aperture.

For these two last articles, namely, the Globes and the Telescope, constituting a most valuable accession to this department, the College is indebted to its distinguished benefactor, Sheldon Clarke, Esq.