Dr. G. J. Hinde on discovery of Chert, dc. 263 



In conclusion, Mr. Crouch referred to the luminosity of the 

 sea, which in our latitudes is caused by the presence of myriads 

 of a mmute Protozoa, NoctUuca, but in tropical regions to Pyro- 

 Boma, Tunicata, and even fishes themselves contribute to the 

 display. Prof. Moseley, of the 'Challenger,' is said to have 

 ■written his name luminously with the tip of his finger when 

 dipped into the phosphorescent sea. 



80. — Discovery of Chert containing Eadiolaria, &c., in the 

 Palaeozoic Eocks. 



By Dr. Geo. J. Hinde, F.G.S. 



(Read April 9th, 1890.) 



Dr. Hinde commenced by giving a brief description of what 

 chert was, and its geological position. Although allied closely 

 to flint, it is of a much more impure character, and its fracture 

 is not so conchoidal, but flatter ; it also occurs, not in nodules, 

 as in the case of flint, but in bands, and often in large rock 

 masses. It occurs largely in the lower greensand beds, Til- 

 burstow Hill, near Godstone, being a good locality ; it also 

 occurs in the Portland beds of the Oolitic series, in the 

 carboniferous limestone, &c. 



Dr. Hinde then exhibited and described some specimens of 

 chert from some beds far older than the above, viz., from those 

 of palaeozoic age. The localities whence these were derived were 

 chiefly Scotland and Spitzbergen. Sections of these were made, 

 and examination of them by the microscope revealed the presence 

 of sponge spicules and Eadiolarians, which had not hitherto been 

 known to extend so far back as this geological period. It was 

 evident that many organisms which from their delicate structure 

 were subject to destruction might have existed during early 

 geological times in beds where no trace of them exists ; whilst 

 others, as in this case, owe their preservation to the protective 

 agency of silica. 



81. — The Tenants of a Fossil Echinus. 



By the Eev. Geo. Bailey, F.E.M.S. 



(Read April 9th, 1890.) 



Some time ago, whilst waiting at the Farningham Eoad Eail- 

 way Station, having half-an-hour at my disposal before the train 



B % 



