10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF 



was refen-ed for a full report at the next meeting of the Associa- 

 tion. 



Specimens were next presented of the sandstones of Massa- 

 chusetts, exhibiting the fossil footmarks, so caUed, and observa- 

 tions made in regard to them. This subject was of so much 

 interest as to induce the Association to appoint a committee to 

 visit the localities, and to report their conclusions at the next 

 meeting. 



After this, followed a discussion on the subject of diluvial 

 action, in which several members took part. Information was 

 communicated concerning the diluvial grooves or scratches, 

 which are observed in the valleys of the Hudson, Ohio, and 

 ]\Iississippi, the polished limestones of Western New York, the 

 erratic blocks found in New York, Pennsylvania, 6cc. ; and sev- 

 eral points were suggested for future investigation. 



April Sd. — The first business was, a lecture on some parts 

 of the geology of the State of New Jersey. Upon this^ remarks 

 were offered by several members ; after which there was pre- 

 sented to the Association, an outline of the geology of the State 

 of Michigan. The remaining part of the day was spent in free 

 conversation on various geological topics. 



April 4:th. — ■ The meeting was opened by some remarks on 

 the apparent stratification of serpentine. A locality was referred 

 to in the State of Pennsylvania, where that rock exhibits the 

 appearance of being regularly stratified. Several members pre- 

 sented facts respecting other localities bearing upon the question 

 of the origin, whether strictly intrusive or metamorphic, of cer- 

 tain belts of serpentine. 



A statement was made in regard to the frequent occun-cnce of 

 fossil infusoria in almost every town in New England in which 

 primary rocks prevail. A member observed, that after the most 

 diligent search, he had been unable to detect them in the creta- 

 ceous group. After remarks by several other members, the 

 conclusion was, that so far as fossil infusoria are known in this 

 country, they are confined to the primary formations. 



A notice was next presented of the occuiTcnce of the native 

 black peroxide of copper, on the shores of Lake Superior. This 

 was followed by remai-ks upon the copper ores of New Jersey. 



Some observations were then made regai'ding the coal-fields 

 of Pennsylvania, particularly with reference to certain changes in 

 the chemical composition of the coal as we proceed from the 

 east to the west. Statements corroborating the general cor- 



