300 PROCEEDINGS OF PROVINCIAL SOCIETIES. 



lodged at the bottom of the primeval waters, we derive our chief 

 supplies of coal and iron, sources which contribute more than any 

 other mineral production of the earth to increase the riches, multi- 

 ply the comforts, and ameliorate the condition of mankind." 



Dr. Henry Johnson read a short but interesting paper on the 

 animal matter which he had obtained from portions of fossil bones 

 in the museum of the society, extracted from the Bleadon Cavern, 

 Somersetshire, and the diluvial gravel at Lawford, Warwickshire. 



A paper by Mr. W. A. Leighton, " On the Evidence of Design 

 observable in the Vital Economy of the Colchicum autumnale 

 (Linn.), or common Meadow Saffron." After detailing the pecu- 

 liar structure of this plant, the writer deduced that there was abun- 

 dant evidence of design manifested in the mode of its flowering, in 

 the provisions made for its reproduction in case of the germen re- 

 maining unfertilized, and also in the relative positions of the embry- 

 onic bulb and the parent bulb. 



The following papers were subsequently read : " An Analysis of 

 the Water of Sutton Spa, near Shrewsbury ;" " An Historical Ac- 

 count of the Parish and Church of St. Michael, within the Castle 

 of Shrewsbury/' by Mr. Henry Pidgeon ; and " Some Account 

 of a Tumulus between Rhoscolyn and Holyhead," by Mr. T. 

 C. Eyton. This singular remain is chiefly composed of about 

 fifty stone coffins, placed in layers one above the other, each com- 

 posed of one or more flat slates placed horizontally for the bottom, 

 on which the body rests, with others for the sides and top. The 

 interstices between the body and the sides of the coffin were filled 

 up with shells of species now found on the shore, and the intervals 

 between the coffins with sand. An examination of the bones deter- 

 mines them to be those of adult males. The tumulus is partially 

 destroyed by the sea, which has made evident encroachments on this 

 part of the coast. There is a tradition, that the summit was crowned 

 with a pile of stones, nearly all trace of which is now obliterated. 



Mr. Henry Pidgeon exhibited and presented to the society a 

 leaden seal, once appended to a bull of Pope Gregory X. (who died 

 1276), found in an excavation made near an old house in Coleham, 

 Shrewsbury, during the present year. On the obverse is GRE- 

 GORIVS PP X ; and on the reverse, two full faces under a rude 

 canopy, bearing in front a crosier, and inscribed above with the let- 

 ters SPA S PE : meaning Sanctus Paulus, Sanctus Petrus. 



The General Annual Meeting was held on Thursday, Nov. 17. 

 Dr. Du Gard, one of the Vice-Presidents, having taken the chair, 

 delivered a brief and apposite address. After expressing the regret 

 which he was sure would be felt by all present, at the absence of 

 the President of the Society (the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry) 

 on account -of indisposition, and briefly adverting to the objects and 

 exertions of the Society, especially the desirableness of founding at 

 this time, a proper building for a permanent Museum, he concluded 

 by proposing, on behalf of the council, that Lord Viscount Clive 

 (on whose public character and amiable disposition he pronounced 



