192 RESEARCH 



with the bones of extinct animals, while in the upper 

 part implements of a higher type were exhumed, 

 together with bones of living species of animals. 



6 Besides the innate interest of the subject, these 

 reports of progress in the excavation of the Devon- 

 shire cave owed not a little of their attraction to the 

 remarkable expository power of the explorer, William 

 Pengelly. Torquay being his home, he spent most 

 of his time in superintending the work of excavation, 

 and knew by heart every relic that had been found. 

 To great capacity as a skilful and accurate observer 

 he united a strong sense of humour which found vent 

 from time to time in the midst of his details, when with 

 a flash of wit he alluded to some of his subterranean 

 experiences. His account of each year's results was 

 one of the most prominent incidents at the meetings 

 and always kept the large audience spell-bound. 



' A notable and characteristic feature of Section C 

 has always been the encouragement given to local 

 observers to make communications on the geology 

 of the district in which the meeting is held. One or 

 more excursions are also usually organised by the 

 help of resident geologists for the purpose of making 

 the visitors acquainted with any noteworthy points 

 in the local geology. These excursions have not only 

 taught the ordinary natives much which they did 

 not know before about the rocks and scenery of their 

 surroundings, but they have also conferred a much- 

 appreciated benefit on many geologists from a distance 

 who by their means have been enabled to visit 

 geological features which otherwise they might have 

 little chance of seeing. 



( (2) There can be no doubt that the general belief 

 is well founded that by bringing men of science 

 together for a few days each year for the purpose of 



