Nutitml History. 221 



varieties of zoophytes ; and is remarkable, for containing near 

 its summit, stalactites in the interstices of the chalk. The 

 only flints I observed in the pit, were a few detached pieces, 

 both angular and rounded, interspersed throughout the chalk. 

 This pit having been worked but a few feet below the surface, 

 no horizontal layers of flints present themselves ; though in 

 others, in the neighbourhood of this pit, worked to a greater 

 depth, in the same range of the downs, and in the same chalk 

 formation, they abundantly occur. 



5. Discovery of Retinasphaltum in the Independent Coal 

 Formation* 



Dear Sir, — In pursuance of your request, I send you the 

 following account of the Retinasphaltum in this vicinity. It 

 occurs in the Independent Coal Formation, of the south part of 

 Staffordshire. I found the first specimen about two years ago, 

 near a village called Rowley ; and have since perceived it at 

 Oldbury, West Bromwich, and Tipton, but not in large quan- 

 tities, as it is by no means a common mineral. The coal in 

 which it is found, is chiefly composed ofmineral charcoal, or car- 

 bonized wood, and the presence of retinasphaltum in it strength- 

 ens the idea, that some of the older species of coal owe their 

 origin, at least partially, to ancient forests. Retinasphaltum has 

 been hitherto considered as peculiar to the very recent forma- 

 tion of wood coal, at Bovey, near Chudleigh, in Devonshire; 

 but this affords an instance of it in a very different geological 

 situation. I have deposited specimens of it, and some other 

 local fossils, in the collection of minerals belonging to the Bir- 

 mingham Philosophical Institution, where they may be seen. 

 The following appear to me to be its characters, but as it has 

 been subjected to chemical analysis by Professor Brande, per- 

 haps that gentleman will give any farther description that may 

 be required. 



It forms thin layers, about one-sixteenth of an inch in 

 thickness, parallel with the lamina of the coal ; its colour is 

 blackish brown and brownish yellow ; on rubbing it becomes 

 very light brown; it is very brittle and light. On applying the 

 flame of a candle, it takes fire with great rapidity, emitting 

 bright white sparks and flame, and an aromatic smell. It is par- 

 tially soluble in alcohol. — I have the honour to be, Sir, 



Your most faithful and obedient servant, 



John Finch. 

 Birmingham, March 15, 1821, 

 To Charles Hatchett, Esq., Belle- Vue House, Chelsea. 



I have examined this substance, now discovered by Mr. Finch 

 for the first time, associated with ordinary coal, and find that 

 it, in all respects, resembles the retinasphaltum, as described 

 by Mr. Hatchett, in the Philosophical Transactions. 



W. T. B. 



