Aug, 1845.] 261 



which the Society, by a late resolution, had authorized them 

 to receive on deposit, was now in the Hall. 



The Chairman, after making some general remarks on Mr. 

 Taylor's cabinet of fossils deposited this evening, read the follow- 

 ing abstract of its contents, from a printed circular, which was 

 issued by Mr. Taylor, and which will serve to convey some idea 

 of their extent and value. 



The collection is designed to illustrate the principal English 

 formations. The specimens were selected by Mr. Taylor with great 

 care from their respective localities, during a period of 25 years, 

 commencing in 1805; and although since they have subsequently 

 been subjected to frequent removals from place to place, &c, very 

 few have sustained injury. The greater portion is fixed on 

 blocks covered with paper of different colors. Labels attached 

 to the foot of each block, exhibit the generic and specific name 

 of each fossil, arranged according to Sowerby's Mineral Conch- 

 ology, and referring to the tables or figures in that work. 



In Geological arrangement, the collection commences with the 

 English Diluvium, so called, and proceeds downwards, by sec- 

 tions, from the most recent deposit to the oldest which contains 

 organic remains. In conchological classification, the Univalves, 

 Bivalves, and compound shells, are separated in distinct drawers, 

 and reference to any individual or species is further facilitated 

 under this arrangement, by an alphabetical nomenclature. 



The collection has been repeatedly subjected to examination 

 by English Professors and Naturalists of celebrity, and their aid 

 obtained in doubtful cases. 



The entire number now contained in the collection, amounts 

 probably to about 4000, all arranged in the mode already men. 

 tioned, in drawers with sliding glass covers accurately fitted, and 

 a label in the front of each, indicating the formation to which 

 the specimens contained in it belong. 



On motion of Mr. Cassin: Resolved, That the cordial thanks 

 of this Society be presented to Richard C. Taylor, Esq., for 

 his liberality in making the Academy the depository of his mag- 



