No. 1.] J. W. DAWSON — PAL^ONTOLOGICAL NOTES. 7 



'•' Each organism is a hollow sphere. The sphere-wall is much 

 thicker in proportion to its diameter than is the case among the 

 Welsh specimens. Externally the transverse section of each 

 sphere presents an undulating outline due to the intersection of 

 prominences and ridges that characterise its surface. Sometimes 

 these surround the entire section, but more frequently they are 

 absent from limited portions of the periphery. Occasionally 

 these ridges may be seen pursuing an oblique direction like the 

 bands crossing the nucules of a cJiara. The central cavity is 

 always occupied by crystalline infiltrated carbonate of lime. 

 Though the sphere-wall often exhibits a granular texture, I 

 discover a radiating structure in a sufficient number of the speci. 

 mens to convince me that in this respect they have closely 

 resembled some of the Welsh objects." 



This description differs from mine in two important points : 

 (1) It does not recognise the aperture, which is of course not 

 easily observed except when specimens can be completely de- 

 tached from the matrix. It exiwsts, however, and is surrounded 

 by a slightly flattened space or rudimentary flange. I may add 

 that the possesion of an aperture does not conflict with the filling 

 of the test with clear calcite, as the same substance occupies the 

 spaces between the fragments contained in the enclosing lime- 

 stone. (2) The supposed fibrous character of the test does not 

 appear in my specimens. They are decidedly granular, even 

 when viewed under high powers, though there is occasionally a 

 tendency to linear arrangement in the constituent grains, perhaps 

 indicating a porous structure. I have examined many specimens 

 both by reflected and transmitted light, and feel confident that 

 there is no truly radiating structure either of tubes or pillars. 

 Farther, the minute grains of the test are similar in size and 

 appearance to the more minute fragments visible in the matrix ; 

 and I cannot doubt that the test is granular and arenaceous, 

 though it is of course possible that this granular texture may be a 

 result of re-arrangement of particles in the process of fossilization. 

 This, however, I do not think at all probable. 



On the whole, I see no reason to depart from the conclusion 

 that the organism in question is the test of a foraminifer, and 

 this seems also to be the opinion of Williamson and Brady, who 

 are the best possible authorities on such a question. 



With regard to affinities, the flanu'e-like orifice suggests rela- 

 tiouship to the Lagencc^ while the globular form resembles 



