19 
much of the same being in the form of the Teste of arenaceous 
Foraminiferze of different kinds ; Diatomacez, particularly large 
Coscinodisci, were very abundant. Sponge Spiculee also abounded, 
but shelly Foraminiferze and Polycystinze were very scarce. 
Of the Foraminiferze in many cases casts only of the inside 
of the shells were found. The sand from Lancaster Sound, 
Lat. 73 N., and 673 fathoms, borings of annelids, still containing 
the skins of the inhabitants, were found, affording conclusive 
evidence of the existence of life at great depths in Arctic Seas. 
It was much to be regretted that the soundings, which might 
yearssince have taught so valuablealesson, should have been allowed 
to remain unexamined until their historical interest and the pro- 
minence of deep sea-soundings had caused their being brought to 
light. 
Allusion was then made to the recent discoveries of Car- 
penter, Jeffreys, and Thompson in relation to the physical condition 
of deep seas—to the geological changes now going on, as of old— 
and to the addition to our recent Fauna of many species before 
known only in a Fossil state. Dr. Carpenter found large areas of 
very low temperature in the temperate and intertropical zones co- 
existent with high surface heat. The fauna of these cold areas in low 
latitude corresponded precisely with that found in Sir E. Parry’s 
soundings from Arctic Seas. When the bottom temperature was 
high the fauna changed its character. The cretaceous formation 
was shown to be going on in warm localities, and a greensand 
accumulation in close proximity under deprivation “of heat. 
Satisfactory theories respecting the means of sustenance had 
been offered through the increase in our knowledge of the forms of 
life. The lowest forms—mere living jelly—were assumed to absorb 
nourishment from the different remains of surface life, these in 
turn affording food for higher organisms. Carpenter found in the 
gases, separated from deep water, a constant increase of carbonic 
acid gas where life abounded, and a corresponding decrease where 
it was scanty. In the ocean, as on the land, food and oxygen, 
excretion and carbonic acid, were the conditions and consequences 
of life. It was impossible to over-rate the discoveries of 
Carpenter and others. 
It might be mentioned that the Difflugia of our heath 
