206 SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. 



nodules of pyrites, intermixed with pjTitized fragments of branches 

 of trees, in great abundance. It is at such spots that the numerous 

 and beautiful specimens of fossil fruits are found ; but, to ensure suc- 

 cess, the collector must be content to go upon his knees, and carefully 

 search among the fragments. The whole of the beach, from about 

 the parallel of Minster church to Warden Point, abounds with these 

 patches of pyrites, and I have by this means obtained in the course of 

 a morning upwards of one hundred fine fruits of various sizes. Cai'e 

 must be taken in such an investigation of the coast that it be underta- 

 ken during the falling of the tide, or unpleasant consequences may 

 arise from being shut in between the shoots of mud which are pro- 

 jected into the sea at many points of the coast. 



If the principal object be the attainment of the greatest quantity of 

 fossil organic remains, a different course should be pursued. The 

 collector should then, after having made his purchases at Scaps-gate, 

 direct his steps towards Minster church, passing which, he will proceed 

 on the road towards Warden. About three quarters of a mile beyond 

 the church, he will find a lane on his left hand, leading towards the 

 Royal Oak, in which lives a woman named Mummery, and several 

 others, who work upon the beach, and from whom fossils are frequently 

 to be procured. These people will direct the traveller to the cottage of 

 a family named Crockford, where there is usually a gopd assortment of 

 fossils, and will direct our fossil-hunter to many other parties who also 

 work upon the beach, and who reside between this point and Hens- 

 brook, to which our traveller must now direct his steps. At Hens- 

 brook enquiry should be made for a man named Pead, who has usually 

 a considerable number of good specimens in his possession. From 

 this point, Hensbrook, the collector must proceed along the top of the 

 cliff" towards Warden, calling at the various cottages in his way, until 

 he arrives at Warden Point, at which place he must enquire for Mud 

 Row, many of the inhabitants of which work upon the beach, and 

 from whom a considerable addition to the specimens already collected 

 may be purchased. Beyond this pohit nothing will be obtained, and 

 the best way to return to Sheerness is by the road which runs through 

 the most level portion of the country ; the path along the north clifif 

 undulates very considerably more than the road. 



The course of proceeding thus sketched applies to the supposition 

 that the time is limited to three days, but if a greater extent of time 

 can be spared, I should recommend the tourist not to leave Sheerness 

 without viewing the dock -yard ; and the return to London may be 

 made by the way of Chatham and Gravesend, affording the gratification 

 of a view of the dock-yard and lines at Chatham, and of the fine old 

 cathedral and castle at Rochester ; and, at the same time, enabling him 

 to arrive in London on the evening of the same day that he quits 

 Sheerness. 



I remain, Mr. Editor, 

 Yours, &c. &c. 



J. S. BOWERBANK. 



19, Critchell's Place, Hoxton, 

 March 24th, 1840. 



