20 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF 



have been a lusus natural, and the two specimens on the taljle of 

 the Association, which present in rehef a distinct tripartite form. 

 These marks, as they all appertain to rocks of great antiquity in 

 comparison with those of New England, it appeared more reason- 

 able to believe that there might be resemblances as perfect, as the 

 fossils with a tripartite character were approximations to the forms 

 in question. 



That no trace of organic matter could be discovered by the eye in 

 the greater number of the fucoides. In some, such as the Harlani, 

 they have been seen to be made up of small pebbles, presenting no 

 little difficulty, not as to the manner only in which the organic mat- 

 ter was replaced, the external form being complete, but as to the 

 nature of this material, which could make so definite an impression 

 and preserve its form entire. 



There were other facts which showed resemblances, such as that 

 the part in relief was the part removed when the fucoides was at- 

 tached to the sandstone at its upper part. It may also be stated, 

 that the appendages to the heel of some of the New England tracks, 

 which, it is supposed, might have been caused by a bird whose legs 

 were feathered, but not to a wader, favored their vegetable origin ; 

 for the appendages might readily be conceived to be either leaves 

 or radicals, or both. 



Fi"om a comparative examination of the facts on both sides, your 

 committee unanimously believe, that the evidence entirely favors the 

 views of Prof Hitchcock, and should regret that a dilfcrence had 

 existed, if they did not feel assured it would lead to greater sta- 

 bility of opinion. To liken things to what we know, is the nature 

 of mind. The error from this tendency increases with ignorance, and 

 diminishes as knowledge increases ; so that he that knoweth all 

 things, as is self-evident, can commit no error when following this 

 instinct of his being. The discoveries of Prof Hitchcock were pub- 

 lished at a period when the mind of those who embraced the nega- 

 tive side of the subject was preoccupied with the anomalous vege- 

 tation with which many of the Siluria)i rocks of New York abound, 

 and to which, provisionally, the name of fucoides had been given. 

 From this imitative character, and from finding a few specimens 

 presenting a tripartite or trifurcate form, &c., it appeared not only 

 possible but probable, that the impressions from Massachusetts and 

 Connecticut, were with greater proprioiy referable to fucoidal bodies, 

 than to those to which Prof Hitchcock had assigned them. 



We may here remark how essential it is that truth, or the facts 

 which make manifest any truth, should first be presented to us ; so 

 readily is the mind impressed when not preoccupied, and when a 

 strong impression is made, be it ever so false, it is no easy matter 

 to free ourselves from it. From this circumstance we can readily 

 foresee the advantage which future generations will possess over 

 the present, and especially over those of former times. As the pro- 

 gress of knowledge is certain, each day will lessen error and enlarge 



