I am at this moment arrived here, after passing three delightful days at Count de Montlosier’s, an old man of seventy-four, in full possession of faculties of no mean order, and of an imagination as lively as a poet’s of twenty-five. I stayed a day longer than the Murchisons, as I was determined to have one more trial to find a junction between the granite of the Puy chain and the fresh water formations of the Limagne, and I actually found it; and my day’s work alone will throw a new light on the history of this remarkable country. I believe most of the granite to have made its appearance at the surface at a later period than even the fresh water tertiary beds have, though they contain the remains of quadrupeds. The scenery of Mont Dore is that of an Alpine valley, deep, with tall fir woods, high aiguilles above, half covered with snow, and cataracts and waterfalls. A watering-place with good views at the bottom of the valley. I shall send Hall back from here, as, although he has been useful, I do not think the advantage will overbalance the additional expense. Le Coq has promised some plants for certain, and Hall has done pretty well in insects. Believe me, your affectionate son, CHARLES LYELL. Lyell was not sparing of criticism so far as his friend Murchison’s habits were concerned, as may be gleaned in the following letter:— TO HIS MOTHER. Bains de Mont Dore, Auvergne. _June 11th, 1828._ MY DEAR MOTHER,