12 Proceedings of the Diirafrietnihire a/nd Galloway 



of Sweetheart Abbey, and builder of the Old Bridge over the 

 Nith at Dumfries. 



The Secretary read a paper contributed by Mr Crisp, 

 Chelsea, on the Anatomy and Habits of the Spoonbill 

 (Platalea Leucorodia). This paper contained the result of 

 a very minute anatomical examination of the bird, one of 

 the principal peculiarities of which is the strangely convo- 

 luted trachea, generally found in the female, of which a 

 diagram was exhibited. 



Dr Gilchrist then read a short paper in continuation of 

 his researches on the Ancient Sea Beaches of the Nith 

 Valley. His attention had been confined to the terrace 

 which was seen commencing on the left bank of the Nith, 

 immediately below the caul at Dumfries. The correspond- 

 ing terrace on the other side was that which formed St. 

 Michael Street. He was of opinion that those terraces were 

 of marine origin, as he had certain information that marine 

 shells had been discovered in the soil near the brickworks at 

 the shooting range. He was still in the midst of his 

 researches, and would communicate the result from time to 

 time to the Society. 



Dr Gilchrist also exhibited Fossils from the Silurian at 

 Dunscore. In one there was a circular marking that re- 

 minded him of the anarkings noticed in a paper which had 

 recently been sent them from the Isle of Man. He had also 

 been supplied by Mr Cordiner of Fraserford with a specimen 

 of the Graj^tolite Fossil found in the Silurian near Dun- 

 score, which was the first time, he believed, that they had 

 been found there, although abounding in the Valley of the 

 Moffat Water. 



A lengthened paper on the Fireclay of Edinburgh, con- 

 tributed by Mr Marshall, was presented, but was only 

 partially read, owing to the lateness of the hour. 



Dr Grierson, Thornhill, exhibited some Skeletons of 

 Monstrosities in Lambs. Among them was a lamb with a 

 double body and a single head from Holestanc. In the 

 digestive system of this specimen it was noticed that the 



