ae * 
Association of American Geologists. 165 
mined fossils which they contain, are nearly alike in all the localities 
which he has visited in the above mentioned states. Slight contortions 
of the strata with small faults or dislocations, which in some cases affect 
the fossil specimens, are also common to the several localities, and seem to. 
be referable to like causes. sad + 
In addition to the above, Mr. R. also exhibited specimens of a- 
new species of Catopterus from the rocks which overlie the coal 
mines in Chesterfield county, Virginia. 
Some remarks upon the elevation of trap dykes were made by 
the chairman, and Profs. H. D. Rogers, Mather, and Hitchcock. 
The Association then adjourned until 4 o’elock. 
oJ 
April 7th, 4 o’clock, P. M.—The Association met, Prof. Silli- 
man in the chair. 
Mr. Vanurem, from a committee appointed at the last meeting 
of the Association, presented a report in regard to the “ Ornithich- 
nites or foot-marks of extinct birds in the new red sandstone of 
Massachusetts and Connecticut,” observed and described by Prof. 
Hitchcock. ‘This report confirms the opinion respecting these 
appearances now entertained by Prof. Hitchcock. 
Report on the Ornithichnites or Foot Marks of Extinct Birds, in the 
new red Sandstone of Massachusetts and Connecticut, observed 
described by Prof. Hitchcock, of Amherst. << 
The undersigned, forming the committee to whom the subject of the 
origin of the bird-tracks of Prof. Hitchcock was assigned, beg leave to pre- 
sent the following brief report. a , \ 
It may be well previously to state, that the object of the meeting in ap- 
pointing this committee, was founded solely n the desire to produce, if 
Possible, unanimity of opinion, there being of the members who 
dissented from the views, published by Prof. Hitchcock. In our try, 
the subject, as it undoubtedly ought, had attracted considerable ition. 
It had been very favorably received and republished in Europe, and from 
its great importance to Paleozoic geology, an attempt should be made to 
settle the question; for were the views of our highly respected eyed 
correct, we were made acquainted with the earliest period in piccae ee 
animals existed whose foot-marks were analogous to, if not identical with, 
those of the tread of birds. On the contrary, if wrong, we were pre- 
sented with another class of facts, which show that certain appearances 
Supposed to belong solely to animal life, were held and presented by the 
vegetable kingdom likewise. 
We shall now state, in a few words, what we suppose are the general 
facts upon which Prof. Hitchcock’s views were founded, and then the 
facts of those who assumed the opposite opinion. 
¥ 
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