Ixxvi 



Amorphous — Under the microscope cryptocrystal- 

 line ; optically negative ; H = 5"5; G=2"98. 



Lustre vitreous to pearly. Opaque- white ; in thin 

 splinters sub-translucent ; tough ; fracture even. 



Comp. — Silicate of alumina and soda, with traces 

 of lime and ammonia. 



"Before blowpipe fuses at 3 with intumescence to a blebby glass* 

 From the unequal distribution of free silica, and the presence of ammonia, it is 

 probable that the substance is the product of transmutation of a felsitic 

 or kaolinitic rock. If it can be shown from its mode of occurrence that it is 

 not merely an altered rock, then it is undoubtedly a new mineral species to 

 which the appropriate name of Weldite might be given." 



Mr. Krause had also furnished the following note on a specimen of the 

 altered sandstone at Campania, which was sometimes mistaken for a quartz 

 reef. Ferrugineus quartzite (so called " auriferous sandstone"), Campania. 

 No trace of gold. 



There was no reason to doubt, he (Mr. Stephens) thought, that the 

 specimen from the Weld River was from an altered rock allied to 

 those described by Strzelecki under the general term of silicious slates, 

 the outcrops of which might be seen at various points on the North coast 

 to the West of the River Leveu. If more accessible, it might probably be 

 utilised in the manufacture of the finer kinds of pottery, but he feared that 

 the remoteness of its situation would prevent it from being turned to any 

 profitable account. 



Mr. C. H. Grant believed that the rock under notice was the result of 

 decomposition of granite in some form or other. It was no doubt granite 

 freed from its mica, and probably altered by electrical action, and would 

 not be found in any quantity. It was nodular in its character. 



Mr. Stephens did not think that the rock was at all nodular in the sense 

 spoken of by Mr. Grant. It might be described as a massive band inter- 

 stratified with bands of quartzite and other altered rocks, and Mr. Glover 

 had traced it for a mile in the direction of its strike. 



The Chairman intimated that Mr. W. H. Charpentier had kindly con- 

 sented t.J become honorary draughtsman to the Society. 



Mr. Charpentier presented a cabinet of zoophytes, which, he stated, might 

 form the nucleus of a tine collection if any of the members desired to take up 

 the study, which was a favourite one in Victoria and the other colonies. A 

 great many specimens could be found on the Tasmanian coasts. There 

 were only three varieties missing from the collection to make it perfect, 

 and it included a great number of Diatomacea;. There was one matter 

 he would like to mention, though he did it with diffidence. In Man- 

 chester microscopical societies were formed in connection with such 

 institutions as this, and worked with a great amount of success. 

 By the aid of the microscope they were not only able to see a great 

 deal more of fossils, etc., but sections of rocks were made for examination. 

 Any gentleman desiring to take up the study could provide himself with a 

 microscope similar to that on the table (one of Field's), for £4 4s., and 

 if required he would be only too delighted to instruct any one in its use. 

 They would be astonished at the beauty which these zoophytes assumed in 

 various forms under the microscope. 



Mr. R. M. Johnston was very glad that Mr. Charpentier had brought 

 the matter forward, and trusted the remarks made would encourage the 

 study of a branch which had been greatly neglected. Mr. Harrop, of 

 Launceston, was well known in England as the contributor of many 

 peculiar forms of Diatontacece, in which Tasmania was very rich ; and 

 Mr. Petterd, of the same place, was also working up a fine and well- classified 

 collection. 



