15 
the pit, a sumptuous cold collation prepared under a tent, with 
no lack of cooling and sparkling beverages, to which their 
previous exertions disposed them to do ample justice. After 
dinner Mr. CossHam proposed in felicitous terms the health of 
Her Majesty the Queen, which was followed by that of your 
president, who in proposing the health of their host made 
reference to his great practical knowledge as a geologist, which 
he had turned to such good account in unravelling the very 
obscure and difficult problems of coal-mining—difficulties with 
which the Kingswood coal-field abounds. In illustration of 
this point, reference was made to plans of the underground 
coal-seams hanging on the walls of the tent, by which it was 
seen how some of the most intricate problems of coal-mining 
had been grappled with and successfully overcome. 
The last toast was connected with the name of their colleague 
of many years, Ropert Erueripes, F.R.S., now occupying the 
distinguished position of President of the Geological Society 
of London, a post of honor and distinction, the well merited 
reward of his own industry and ability, which have placed him 
at the head of one of the most important scientific bodies in 
the world. The presence of Mr. ErurripcEe amongst his old 
comrades was warmly welcomed. He expressed his pleasure at 
again finding himself amongst those with whom he had been 
so long associated. He dwelt with emphasis upon the valuable 
work done by the Club and embodied in their Transactions, 
assuring them that in the estimation of men of science the 
Cotteswold Club held a position at the head of all kindred 
societies. But while thus awarding so large a measure of 
praise to the memoirs published in the Transactions of the 
Club, he expressed an opinion that much of their utility was 
missed by reason that, as works of reference, they are almost 
unprocurable—the result of their limited circulation—no copy 
being found either in the British Museum, or in the libraries 
of the Geological Society or of the School of Mines; and he 
strongly advised that this omission should be repaired with as 
little delay as possible. This I am enabled to say has since 
been done. 
