10 



to the society in place of the one they had expected 

 from Sir Walter James. The contents of the report 

 just read were of a nature to afiFord matter 

 for congratulation, especially with regard to the attendance 

 at the different meetings held during the past year. There 

 were one or two of those meetings at which it would have 

 afforded him (Mr. Bell) the greatest gratification to be 

 present, particularly as the proceedings would hare enabled 

 hira to increase his somewhat limited knowledge of different 

 branches of the science of Natural History. Referring to 

 the specimen of lignite, which was exhibited in the room, 

 and which had been found in some of the railway works 

 now in course of construction. The discovery of that piece 

 of lignite had given rise to very different feelings among 

 the inhabitants of the district. Some of the landowners 

 had been induced to examine into the geological formation 

 of the district, with the expectation of finding seams of 

 coal under their estates, by means of which they should be 

 able in a short time to realise large fortunes. Others, 

 again, were afraid that the existence of coal should be 

 demonstrated, lest they should in time see this pretty county 

 covered with tall chimneys and enveloped in an atmosphere 

 of smoke. But leaving those considerations out of the 

 question, it was a very curious fact that an isolated piece of 

 coal should be discovered imbedded in a stratum of chalk at 

 a considerable depth from the surface. After referring to 

 a theory that the piece of lignite may have been conveyed 

 to where it was found, from some distant locality, by 

 means of an iceberg, Mr. Bell briefly reverted to a number 

 of specimens arranged in different parts of the room, and 

 concluded by again proposing the resolution. 



The Rev. B. S. Malden seconded the resolution, which, 

 on being put to the vote, was unanimously agreed to. 



Captain Cox. rose to propose the next resolution. He 

 very much regretted the absence of Sir Walter James, as 

 it had in some measure thrown the society into a difficulty. 

 However, though the meeting might not prove «o interest- 



