63 



of these nodules in an economic point of view. The transition 

 from phosphatic to flint nodules was easy, and Mr. Crickitt 

 concluded the evening's transactions by reading a paper on the 

 formation of flints. Difi"ering from Dr, Buckland that flint was 

 formed of the silicious matter held in suspension in the chalk 

 mud of an ancient sea, and precipitated in a gelatinous form 

 around organic nuclei on the ocean bed, the Lecturer advocated 

 the theory that the ancient sea beds were covered with living 

 sponges which had been buried alive by a drift of decomposed 

 coral mud. In process of time this bed was upheaved, and by 

 the efi"ect of alkaline volcanic springs, like those of Tongariro, 

 holding silica in solution, the porous strata were interpenetrated,^ 

 and the silica lodged in the cavities, thus forming masses of flint. 



Three Evening Lectures of the winter and spring Session, of 

 1866-67, have already been given, — by the President, on the 

 " Bath Flora,"— by Mr. Crickitt on " The Hot Springs of Bath, 

 and elsewhere," — and by Mr. Scarth on " The Koman Villa lately 

 excavated at Wick, by the Club." When the concluding lecture 

 by Mr. Moore on the 13th March, shall have been delivered, it is 

 to be hoped that means will be provided to ensure the publication 

 of these and similar papers in a more permanent form than that 

 aff'orded by the columns of the newspaper press. 



The four Excursions fixed at the Anniversary Meeting have all 

 taken place. The good attendance of Members and the pleasing 

 recollections which have remained, testify to the interest which 

 has been felt. 



The first, in April, to Caerwent, was numerously attended, 

 fourteen or fifteen Members having assembled at the Bath 

 Station for Portskewet and Chepstow. The Vice-President met 

 the Members at the latter place, and under the admirable guid- 

 ance of the Lady of Dennel Hill, they proceeded in carriages to 

 investigate the antiquities and historical places of the neighbour- 

 hood. The Church and Farm House at Mathern, about three 

 miles distant, was the first point ; in the north wall of the chancel 



