Association of American Geologists and Naturalists. 179 
7th. Beds of marine limestone in contact with the seams of coal. 
8th. Theory of the origin of the coal strata ; sketch of the discov- 
eries and opinions of preceding writers; deficiencies in the hypotheses 
hitherto presented ; condition under which the vegetable matter of the 
coal seams was accumulated; of the part performed by earthquake 
inundations in producing the mechanical strata; evidences of gradual 
depressions and risings of the coast of the sat bontbar tag sea ; indica- 
tions of similar alternations of secular and paroxysmal rivets of 
the earth’s crust at all geological periods. 
9th. Regular gradation in the proportion of volatile matter in the 
coal as we cross the Appalachian basins northwestward; phenomena 
connected with it; theory of the debituminization of the coal, and con- 
version into anthracite. 
Prof. W. B. Rogers made a few remarks on thermal springs, 
as relating to the foregoing subject. 
Dr. A, A. Gould, Dr. Amos Binney and Mr. Haldeman, were 
appointed a committee to report on the distribution of shells. 
Some discussion on the subject of the publication of the Trans- 
actions of the Association followed. 
Resolved, That Prof. H. D. Rogers, Mr. B. Silliman, Jr. 
and Prof. L. C. Beck, be appointed a committee to take charge 
of the whole matter. 
The following gentlemen were invited to become members 
of this Association: Prof. Johnston, of the Wesleyan University, 
Dr. Barratt, Middletown, Ct., Dr. James Deane, Greenfield, 
Mass., Prof. Nichols, Union College. _ 
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association be tendered to 
our distinguished chairman, Dr. - Morton, for his services at the 
present meeting. 
Resolved, That an invitation be given to acpden societies 
who may have the same objects in view as our Association, to 
send delegates to our next meeting. 
Prof. Wm. B. Rogers expressed his feeling of great satisfac- 
‘tion at the unanimity and good feeling which had pervaded the 
present meeting, as well as at the straightforward devotion to 
science which had marked so strongly all the proceedings of its 
members. ‘The Association adjourned to 
_ Saturday, April 30th, 9 o’clock, A. M.—Association met pur- 
suant to adjournment, Dr. Morton in the chair. Minuiesg the 
last meeting were read. iis ie 
a” 
