PREFACE. XI 



and abroad, which have long been carefully studied by him, 

 he gives the reasons for considering that they are only to be ex- 

 plained on the hypothesis of a " submergence of vast extent," 

 "an inundation of continental dimensions." A considerable 

 number of geologists were present when the paper was read, 

 the discussion dealt with the scientific issues presented in the 

 paper, and was contributed to by Sir J. AViLLlAM Dawson, 

 C.M.G., F.R.S., Sir H. Howorth, K.C.I.E., M.P., F.R.S., Dr. 

 H. Woodward, F.R.S. (President of the Geological Society) 

 Admiral H. D. Grant, C.B., R.N., Professor T. McK. Hughes, 

 M.A., F.R.S., Professor E. Hull, LL.D., F.R.S., Professor 

 T. Rupert Jones, F.R.S., Mr. J. Allen Brown, F.G.S., 

 the Rev. J. M. Mello, M.A., F.G.S., Mr. Warren Upham, 

 Assistant State Geologist, and others. Sir J, W. DAWSON, 

 in his remarks on the paper, expresses the " hope that the 

 subject will now be followed up on both sides of the Atlantic, 

 and will ultimately afford a sure link of connection between 

 the geological record and the oldest historical documents of 

 our species." 



To all who have taken a part in the work done the 

 best thanks of the Members and Associates are due ; by 

 their aid the Transactions of the Institute possess a unique 

 value, for on each subject dealt with, these present the 

 opinions, not of one author, but of man}* of those whose studies 

 have lain in the direction of the matter taken up. 



FRANCIS W. H. PETRJE, Capt, 



Hon. Sec. and Editor. 

 1894. 



