14 REPORT 1871, 



The next morning they found the paper precisely where they had left it, 

 but with about one-fifth of one of the leaves gone, and the broken margin 

 of the remainder apparently nibbled. There was nothing to prevent the 

 whole from being taken off, and it was noted that, though left in a preca- 

 rious position, it had not fallen down. The broken leaf was then torn oif 

 and preserved, whilst the unbroken one was allowed to remain as a further 

 experiment. The next morning no trace of it was to be seen. That even- 

 ing a rat-trap was set at the spot, and very near it another leaf of paper was 

 placed, having on it a small stone, which it was supposed a rat, but not 

 a smaller animal, might be capable of moving. The next morning the 

 paper was found where it had been put, but very much nibbled, whilst the 

 trap and the grease with which it was baited appeared to have not been 

 touched. Before leaving work, the men baited the trap with a tempting end 

 of candle, and placed it on a leaf of paper ; whilst another leaf, weighted 

 with a lump of earth, was placed near. On the following morning both 

 pieces of paper were found to be considerably eaten or torn ; and it was 

 noted that the injury done to the former was within the margin of the trap 

 placed on it, whilst the trap itself, as well as its bait, remained unaffected, 

 further than that there were on it a few spindle-shaped fteces about a quar- 

 ter of an inch long. There can be no doubt that some animal, probably 

 smaller than a rat, carried off the missing leaf to a recess in the Cavern, 

 where it may serve to make its nest comfortable, and perhaps hereafter to 

 puzzle a cavern searcher who may discover it. 



Fourth Report of the Committee for the purpose of investigating the 

 rate of Increase of Underground Temperature downwards in vari- 

 ous Localities of Dry Land and under Water. Drawn up by Prof. 

 Everett, at the request of the Committee, consisting of Sir Wm. 

 Thojison, F.R.S., Sir Charles Lyell, Bart., F.R.S., Prof. J. Clerk 

 Maxwell, F.R.S., Prof. Phillips, F.R.S., G. J. Symons, F.M.S., 

 Dr. Balfour Stewart, F.R.S., Prof. Ramsay, F.R.S., Prof. A. 

 Geikie, F.R.S., James Glaisher, F.R.S., Rev. Dr. Graham, 

 E. W. BiNNEY, F.R.S., George Maw, F.G.S., W. Pengelly, 

 F.R.S., S. J. Mackie, F.G.S., Edward Hull, F.R.S., and Prof. 

 Everett, D.CL. (Secretary). 



In last year's Report, the intention was expressed of boring down at the 

 bottom of Rosebridge Colliery, if the Association would provide the necessary 

 funds. The circumstances were exceptionally inviting, and the Association 

 very liberally granted the sum asked. The Secretary thereupon paid two 

 visits to Eosebridge, descended and to some extent explored the coUiery, in 

 company with Mr. Bryham, and, after a careful study of the plans and sec- 

 tions, agreed upon a particular spot where the bore was to be sunk. Tra- 

 cings of the plans and sections were kindly sent by Mr. Bryham, who in 

 every way cooperated most cordially, and gave much valuable assistance in 

 arranging the scheme of operations. Several weeks elapsed, which were 

 occupied in making and testing a very large spirit thermometer, suitable for 

 reading in the bad light of a mine, and capable of being read, by estimation. 



