Geological Collections. 61 



be covered with a crust of spar or marl, break through it, and dig out any bones, 

 horns, or pebbles from beneath. 



12. Observe if the surface of the country be strewed over with large blocks of 

 stone ; remark whether these blocks are angular or rounded, and whether they 

 are of the same or a different nature from the stratum on which they are laid. If 

 the latter, endeavour to trace them to their native bed. Note the different heights 

 at which gravel is found, and whether or not it is composed of the same rocks as 

 the adjoining country. 



. 13. Nautical collectors are requested to separate and preserve any shells or 

 corals which may be brought up, either with the lead or the anchor ; noting the 

 depth and the locality. 



14. On coasts where there is a considerable ebb tide, and where the shore con- 

 sists of rocks or clay containing fossils, some of the best of these petrifactions 

 may be looked for, by breaking up with a pick-axe the shelving beds exposed at 

 low water. 



15. In making sections, or memorandums, distinguish well upon the coast, 

 between masses which have simply slipped and fallen away, and the real cliff 

 itself. 



16. When drift wood is met with at sea, collect pieces of it : note the longi- 

 tude and latitude, the distance from the nearest land, and the direction of the 

 current by which it has been borne. Examine well the state of the floating mass, 

 and see whether any roots or leaves be attached to it. 



17. Every specimen should be labelled on the spot, or as soon after collection 

 as possible, and then rolled in strong paper, or any soft material, to protect its 

 edges. 



18. A heavy hammer to break off the -specimens from the rock, and a smaller 

 one to trim them into shape, are indispensable. If the larger hammer have a . 

 pick at one end, it will be found very useful in digging up and flaking off those 

 thin shaly beds which usually contain the best preserved shells, &c. A chisel 

 or two are also desirable. 



19. The recommendation expressed in the instruction No. 1. may be repeated : 

 — That it should be a general maxim with geological collectors to direct their 

 principal attention to the procuring of fossil organic remains, both animal and 

 vegetable. These are always of value when brought from distant countries, es- 

 pecially when their localities are carefully marked ; but when the rocks contain 

 no petrifactions, very small specimens are sufficient. 



*»* All boxes to be addressed to W. Lonsdale, Esq. Curator, Geological So- 

 ciety, Somerset House, London. 



Apartments of the Geological Society, Somerset House j 

 London, February 19. 1830. 



Fossil Tree discovered at Craigleith Quarry near Edinburgh — Some years ago 

 a magnificent fossil tree occurred in Craigleith Quarry near Edinburgh, which has 

 been particularly described in a work on the internal structure of fossil vegetables, 

 lately published by Mr. Witham of Lartington, and noticed in our Analyses. This 

 tree he has referred to the Gymnospermous phanerogamic tribe, or Coniferee. 

 About two hundred yards distant f^om the locality of Mr. Witham's fossil tree, 

 another has just been exposed, at a depth of about sixty feet from the surface. The 

 former tree lay in the direction of the strata, but this is obliquely inclined. The 

 portion of it which is exposed is perfectly straight, compressed so as to present an 

 elliptical section, with a kind of transverse bourrelet or prominence, at intervals 

 of two or three feet. Its greatest diameter is about two and a half feet ; but as 

 only about twenty feet of it have been laid bare, the diameter of the lower por- 

 tion must be much greater. There is no appearance of branches, and in the 

 present state of matters, it is very difficult to say what may be the genus or order 

 of the plant. The exterior is carbonized, and the black appearance of the fossil 

 jhas a remarkable effect as contrasted with the light-coloured sandstone in which 



