231 
to hear Major Wright read a paper on the “Cause of Earth- 
quakes,” which though not a subject of local interest, he said, in 
spite of some recent remarks in the Cornhill Magazine, yet their 
recent occurrence has brought the subject home to us. (Vide 
page 212). 
The CHAIRMAN, whilst thanking Major Wright for his paper, 
said that once during a ride the. only indication that he had of 
the action of an earthquake then in progress was the bowing of 
the heads of the trees to one another. Neither his horse or himself 
were affected by it. 
Mr. Timins, Major Mrenars and Mr. McMurrtriz joined in 
the discussion afterwards, the former stating the fact that coast- 
lines were generally the seats of disturbance tends to support the 
steam theory. The latter also thought that theory the most 
reasonable, and with reference to the recent calamity in the 
Straits of Sunda, reminded the memhers of the statement so often 
made, but rarely accepted, that the workings of Nature in past 
ages and in the present are identical. 
The meeting was concluded by a paper from the Secretary ona 
“ Rheetic Section at Kelston.” Mr. WINWoop said that travellers 
on the Midland line could not fail to notice the many-coloured 
strata recently exposed in the cutting near Kelston station. His 
attention having been called to this by several friends, he thought 
a description of the beds would not be unacceptable to the 
members (vide page 220). 
Mr. McMourrtrir£ and others took part in the conversation 
afterwards. 
EXCURSIONS. 
Maesbury and Gurney Slade.—The quiet little station of Maesbury 
saw a large party of the members assemble on the platform on 
Tuesday, April 24th, from the 9.57 train. The Mendip hills are 
always attractive, and on this occasion their charms failed not to 
exercise their influence, notwithstanding the almost exclusive 
