GEOLOGY. 283 



great crystalline series is unconforrnable to the ancient fossiliferous or 

 so-called primordial rocks which overlie it ; so that it must have un- 

 dergone disturbing movements before the latter or primordial set was 

 formed. Then again, the older half of the Lauren ti an series is uneon- 

 formable to the newer portion of the same. It is in this lowest and 

 most ancient system of crystalline strata that a limestone, about l,u:) ) 



V V 



feet thick, has been observed, containing organic remains. These 

 fossils have been examined by Dr. Dawson, of Montreal, and he h:is 

 detected in them by aid of the microscope, the distinct structure of a 

 large species of Rhizopod. Fine specimens of this fossil, called K<>:-!n>u 

 Ccmadcnse, have been brought to Bath by Sir William Logan, to In- 

 exhibited to the members of the Association. We have every reason 

 to suppose that the rocks in which these animal remains are included 

 are of as old a date as any of the formations named Azoic in Europe, 

 if not older, so that they precede in date rocks once supposed to 

 have been formed before any organic beings had been created. 



But I will not venture on speculations respecting "the signs of a 

 beginning," or " the prospects of an end," of our terrestrial system, 

 that wide ocean of scientific conjecture on which so many theorists 

 before my time have suffered shipwreck. 



NEW FACTS RESPECTING THE ANTIQUITY OF MAN. 



The search for evidence respecting the antiquity and prehistoric con- 

 dition of the human race, is still prosecuted by the geologists and nat- 

 uralists of Europe with the greatest zeal ; and new facts of the utmost 

 geologic and historic interest are constantly being brought to light, as 

 'the result of their researches. From the record of the past year, we 

 have prepared the following summary of the most recent discoveries. 



Cave of Bnmiquel, France. In the summer of 18G3 there was 

 opened on the estate of the Vicomte St. Jal, at Bruniquel, in the de- 

 partment of Tarn et Garonne, a cave, from which the proprietor ob- 

 tained numerous specimens of remains of animals, Hint instruments, 

 bone implements, fashioned and carved by means of the flint-knives, 

 and finally what the Vicomte believed to be human remains, all im- 

 bedded in the breccia. 



M. St. Jal at once communicated his discovery to the French Gov- 

 ernment, and proposed a sale of the cave and contents. His. com- 

 munication being treated with neglect, he next applied to the British 

 Museum. The latter was referred to Prof. Owen, who perceiving the 

 possible value of this discovery, at once started off, and in January, 

 1864, personally visited the locality. After inspecting the cave and 

 satisfying himself of its paleontological value he returned to England ; 

 and by his advice the right of exploring the cavern, with all its con- 

 tents, was at once bought by the Trustees of the Museum. 



Meantime, however, a somewhat curious episode occurred. The 

 visit of Professor Owen appears to have stimulated the French author- 

 ities, and Professors Milne-Edwards and Lartet were despatched on 

 a commission of inspection. They also recognized the value of the 

 discovery, and presently an offer was made from the French govern- 

 ment slightly outbidding that which Professor Owen had made, under 

 the necessary reserve of approval by the British Museum trustees. 



M. St. Jal, however, honorably adhered to his first bargain, and 



