344 Norllicr)! Xcivs. 



of calcareous concretions (Sphaerosideriten) in certain Austrian 

 coal seams. These are accompanied by roof nodules (Thon- 

 Sphaerosideriten) containing the remains of marine shells. On 

 the other hand, Mr. James Lomax has pointed out that when 

 the calcareous nodules are very numerous, and often welded 

 together into a single mass, neighbouring nodules do not show 

 continuity of plant structure ; which fact he suggests points to 

 the possibility of the nodules having been carried into their 

 present position after petrifaction. To settle definitely which 

 is the mode of formation, it would seem important: — (i) To 

 obtain as much evidence as possible from a wide geographical 

 area, and from different horizons, of the occurrence of these 

 calcareous concretions in coal-seams, and to note whether they 

 are in all cases associated with a shale roof containing remains 

 of marine animals. (2) To examine carefully the tissues in 

 closely-packed nodules, with a view to discovering any possible 

 continuity of structure, so as to determine whether the nodules 

 have been formed /// situ or not. 



A STIGMARIA OF UNUSUAL TYPE.* 



Prof. F. E. WEISS. 



This has been found in one of the nodules from the Halifax 

 hard bed of the lower coal measures. It differed from most 

 specimens of Stigmaria in the considerable amount of primary 

 wood which was centripetal in its development. This gave to the 

 plant at first sight the appearance of a Lepidodendron stem. The 

 stigmarian nature, however, could be recognised by the absence 

 of any hard cortex, and by the characteristic periderm, to which 

 were attached the remains of rootlet cushions. 



A new Natural History Museum has been acquired by Salford. 



Dr. VV. H. Perkin, F. R.S. , who half a century ajjfo discovered the first 

 aniline d\e, has been knighted. 



At the York meeting no report was presented by the ' Erratic Blocks of 

 the British Isles' Committee. This committee, which has presented most 

 valuable reports for a great number of years, has surely not finished its 

 labours. 



The Geological .Association of London has issued ' The Geology of the 

 Yorkshire Coast between Redcar and Robin Hood's Ba\,' by R. J. Herries, 

 at one shilling. Some of the blocks used are beginning to look very 

 ' ancient.' 



For the loan of the block of Dr. .Anderson, on page 283, we are indebted 

 to Messrs. (i. J. Smith it Co., Liverpool, the publishers of the 'Official 

 Illuslrated Souvenir' of the W^\■\< Mcdiiig. and for tliat of the Multangular 

 Toui-r, on Jiage jSi, to the N'oik Museum. 



* Abstract of jiajii r reail to Section K of the .Meeting of the British 

 Association, York. 



Naturalist, 



