Trans. N. Y. Ac. Sez. name 6. Dec. 19, 
purposes of fuel, and is that represented in the analysis of Mr. Britton. 
Such analysis, however, can throw but little light on the origin of the 
substance ; organic acid seems to be further indicated by the red ash 
derived from the coal-like substance (Analysis No. 3), the white ash of 
the enclosing peat showing the residue of silica and alumina insoluble 
in the humous acids. 
Further, the physical characteristics of the substance described by 
Prof. Fairchild, its brittle jelly-like character while moist, and extreme 
shrinkage on drying to bright coal-like brittle flakes, are identical with 
those of apocrenic, humic and other organic acids. These considera- 
tions render it highly probable that this substance has been produced 
within the peat at Scranton merely by the leaching out of the upper 
portions of the bog and the concentration of soluble salts of organic 
acids, in part crenates, along certain planes and in small cavities 
within the denser part of the peat toward the bottom of the bog. 
There is as yet no evidence, however, that these facts have any impor- 
tant connection with the formation of bituminous coal, much less with 
that of anthracite, represented by these specimens. A third method 
of the examination of peat is founded upon the determination of its 
proximate constituents or compounds, both those of amorphous char- 
acter and various organic acids. From insufficient knowledge of the 
exact constitution and nature of these acids, especially in their various 
hydrated forms, the method is very difficult and has thus far had but 
limited application. Only such a mode of examination can throw light 
upon the character of the bright jelly-like substance in the Scranton 
peat. 
Some statements by Prof. Fairchild, however, give a clue to its 
identity. He has mentioned a rapid change of color in specimens of 
the peat taken from a depth of thirteen feet, the yellowish-brown color 
of the surface becoming blackish brown in a few moments while being 
handled. This seems to indicate not the trifling change produced by 
drying, but the characteristic reaction of crenic acid, well known to 
chemists by its immediate oxidation and partial conversion into apocre- 
nic acid. This affects not only the acid but its ordinary salts, ¢. ¢., 
those of iron, and has been observed both in its artificial product in the 
laboratory, and in nature, in the deposit cf iron crenate beneath peat 
bogs and from the waters of many springs. 
Prof. D. S. MARTIN called attention to the resemblance of the lighter 
colored and solid variety of this peat to the darker variety of the 
“turba” of Brazil. In the latter he had also observed thin seams of 
a black bituminous substance looking much like that which occurs in 
this peat. 
The subject was further discussed by Prof. Hubbard and Mr. Parsons. 
