148 
and how much more nearly allied in structure the Lias forms 
are with existing types than with any that are found in older 
formations. The same remark applies to the Star-fishes and 
Sea-urchins, which stand in very close affinity with newer forms 
of life. 
The Doctor concluded his animated Address by stating that 
he had endeavoured to place before his hearers a few of the 
difficulties he had encountered in attempting to reconcile the 
Darwinian theory with his studies in comparative anatomy 
among the fossils of the Lias formation; and claimed the 
admission, on the part of believers in animal evolution, that 
he had shown abundant anatomical evidence for withholding 
his assent to the theory, on the immutable grounds of animal 
structure; and these, as Darwin himself admits, are “the 
most obvious and serious which can be urged against his 
theory.” 
The first Field Meeting for the Season was held at 
BRISTOL, 
on Tuesday, 13th May; the weather was unfavourable, and 
storms of rain greatly interferred with the pleasure of the 
excursion. The Club was met by Dr. Burpsr, Vice-President 
of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society, and by Mr. W. W. Sropparr, 
F.G.S., who acted as guide to the Geology of the district under 
review. This was the section at Clifton, so well known as a 
splendid epitome of the Carboniferous Strata lying between the 
Millstone Grit and the Devonian Beds of Sandstone, which are 
seen to dip under the Triassic Conglomerate. 
This grand section, commencing with Devonian Strata 360 
feet thick, passes gradually through 500 feet of Lower Lime- 
stone Shales, then through 2000 feet of Mountain Limestone, 
and terminates in upwards of 1000 feet of Millstone Grit. 
Passing down the river side, beneath the suspension bridge, 
and a little below the Avonmouth Railway Station, Mr. Sropparr 
pointed out the position of the “Great Fault” which marks a 
great centre of disturbance in this area. Here, as Mr. Sroppartr 
pointed out, the ground is greatly confused and broken up, 
