Miscellanies. 199 
of the earlier numbers of this Journal contains a brief account of some 
specimens procured at Westfield, the western parish of Middletown, from 
a pit excavated some years ago, with the delusive expectation of finding 
coal. But the notice states that they were taken up many feet below the 
surface, and in such a situation as would render it impossible to obtain 
more, unless the mining operations should be resumed. Fortunately for 
science, a much more favorable locality has since been opened in the vi- 
cinity, from which the fish impressions may be obtained in almost any 
quantity, with but little exertion. Fossils of the same kind are also pro- 
cured in Middlefield, the adjoining parish, at a locality which has been 
known for several years 
Having in the past peer visited both these places ae I submit 
the following remarks, which may be interesting to geologists 
The Westfield locality is situated about three quarters oft a mile in a 
north direction from the Congregational church, in the bed of a small 
stream, which becomes nearly dry in the autumnal months,—the most fa- 
vorable season for procuring the fossils. ‘The operations of previous ex- 
plorers are observable for several rods down the stream; but the peculiar 
site which seems to afford specimens the best defined,’ in the greatest abun- 
dance, and with the least labor, is just west of a large spring, in the chan- 
nel of the brook. The impressions found here are usually so indistinct 
as to render it difficult to recognize the minute characters by which spe- 
cies are usually distinguished. In a paper recently read before the Lyceum 
of Natural History of New York, Mr. J. H. Redfield has offered names 
for two varieties, common to this place and Middlefield: one of these he 
alls Catopterus gracilis, and the other, Palgzoniscus latus. Without 
doubt, other species, if not genera, will hereafter be recognized. A sin- 
gle individual, of extraordinary size, which it seems difficult to refer to 
either of the above genera, was obtained here last season, and is now in 
possession of Mr. Jennings, a young gentleman of the Wesleyan Univer- 
sity. The rays and scales are not sufficiently well defined to admit of a 
correct and precise description. The following are some of the dimen- 
the body are wanting, the specimen being broken off near the base of the 
dorsal. Probably the whole length was not less than 16 inches. The 
stone in which the fishes occur, is a hard and brittle slate, or bituminous 
a interstratified with sandstone, and bearing some traces of vegetables 
rted into coal. A few indistinct specimens of a fossil, bearing a 
psy ame to the eel, have recently been discovered; but perhaps 
ae pre be referred to the family of flags. Visitors will find it necessary 
to obtain permission of the female proprietor. 
The Ichthyolites of Middlefield are found on land of Mr. George Miller, 
at a spot locally known by the name of “‘ Saw-Mill Hollow,” near the Dur- 
