with them. When two substances occur that nearly resemble each other, you must try to find the easiest test by which to know them apart: as in this instance you have observed one marked distinction between Granite and Porphyry, else not unlike each other in appearance. This is not the place for describing either; we shall recur to them; I merely wished now to ascertain if you understand our terms sufficiently to appreciate their meaning in future descriptions. You took no notice of the Lustre. ANNE. Because it is not all alike-some part shines, some does not.

MRS. L.-Exactly so-because Porphyry is composed of several substances, some of which are brilliant, others are not-therefore it would be difficult to give a word that might convey the degree of lustre on the whole: perhaps we might call it of a Flinty Lustre, if it were necessary to give it a name. But you see how little accurate these comparative words can be you must expect your knowledge from experience and observation, rather than from words. In studying the composition of the earth's surface, some division or classification of subjects is necessary; but on this Geologists are not agreed. It is not of great importance which mode of division we adopt; but I should wish to prevent your being at a loss, should you take up a work that adopts a different mode, therefore must take some notice of these differences. The moré usual division has been into three series of Rocks: the Primitive or Primary, the Transition, and the Secondary. This division arose from the supposition that the first Formation or Series were coeval with the creation of the world; that the second had resulted from the Deluge, or some great catastrophe occurring since the creation; while the third owed their formation to the partial revolutions and gradual changes taking place on the surface. If this were so, it would be the most natural division, and therefore the best; but that is by no means certain. If, therefore, I adopt it now, it is because it seems to me the easiest to understand. Other Geologists make but two divisions of

the three-including the Transition Class in the Primary; and as there is really no very definite line to be drawn between them, there is no reason against this arrangement: while others again call Secondary what we call Transition, and our Secondary they call the Floetz, or Flat Formation.

MATILDA.-Will not this difference cause us some

confusion?

MRS. L.-I shall endeavour to prevent it as we proceed. As general remarks on these three series, each of which we are about to describe minutely, you may bear in mind that the Primary, supposed the most ancient, are generally found in huge masses or blocks, not regularly stratified, and in a vertical or upright position. They are mostly hard and durable, alike in their tecture throughout, and composed of two or three ingredients blended together: the texture is generally crystalline, and they constitute the loftiest mountains. The Transition series, supposed to be next in antiquity, are less lofty than the former; they often present a slaty texture; seem to have been deposited in Strata or Layers, and these are seldom either vertical or horizontal, but inclined to the horizon, as I described to you in Plate 1. Fig. 3. The Secondary Rocks are nearly or altogether horizontal in their position-seem to be of more recent formation-are softer in texture and consequently more liable to change and decay. "These different series are tolerably regularly arranged in regard to each other. The Primary Rocks form the bases upon which the others rest; the Transition are immediately recumbent upon these; and these are succeeded by the varieties of Secondary Rocks; from the wreck and decay of which is formed the Alluvium, or what we commonly call the soil: besides this Alluvial matter, there is the Volcanic, the immediate product of Volcanos, and the Trap, or Overlying Rocks. Of all these we shall speak hereafter; and together they compose the whole of what we have called the earth's surface: that is, of its known substance—the shell that surrounds the unknown

Nucleus. Can you, from Fig. 3., point out to me the different series?

ANNE. I will try-a a, I observe, stand in a vertical position, rear their heads above the rest, are of a massive form without any describable shape-I cannot see their base, but from the firmness and largeness of their structure and position, I can imagine them to be the foundation and support of all the rest: these therefore I suppose may be the Primary or Primitive Rocks. From their oblique position on the sides of these, and from the succession of beds or Strata of different colours, I conclude bb bb to be the Transition Class —while c c c from the more horizontal position, doubtless describe the Secondary. I observe you have drawn over them a surface (d d) of something that I suppose to be Alluvium or soil, clothed in the verdure that hides these secrets from our view.

MRS. L.-Yes, because this is the more common case-but you may observe that it is not necessarily so there are spots where these Formations lie exposed, In our next conversation I shall describe to you the characters, supposed origin, uses, &c., of the first or Primitive Formation.

SERIES OF FAMILIAR CONVERSATIONS ON THE ANIMAL KINGDOM.

CLASS III. ARTICULATA.
SUB-CLASS 1. Annelides or Worms.
2. Crustacea.

3. Arachnida.
4. Insecta.

CONVERSATION IV.

INSECTS.

HENRY. I was much amused the other day, by

reading an account of an attempt made to set aside