240 REPORT— 1872. 



Locli Assynt no fossil has yet been discovered, except two by Mr. Peach iu 

 the stinking limestone above the manse near Inchnadamph. One of these 

 was an Orthoceratite. I sjDcnt some time on this limestone this year, 

 but was unsuccessful, except in finding a piece that may turn out to be 

 organic. Mr. Peach's discovery shows that fossils may be found here ; and 

 the parish teacher is to make search during next year. 



Elphin is situated, not far from the splendid limestone-cliff of Craig-an- 

 Knockan, figured by both Murchison and Nicol ia their papers on these rocks. 

 Here the limestone is largely developed, and has been quarried at various 

 points. The teacher of the Society school is to look for fossils. 



Near Ullapool, on Loch Broom, there has been a good deal of quarrying 

 for lime-burning, and the sections arc extensive. Something may be dis- 

 covered there. Search will be made. 



At Ktnlocheave, at the head of Loch Maree, there is not so much lime- 

 stone exposed as in other parts. The Free Church teacher there is to devote 

 his spare time to a search ; but much cannot be looked for, as the limestone 

 is in contact with igneous rocks, in Glen Logan, where it is found. 



At Locn KisuouN there is a large exposure of limestone along the loch 

 near Courthill. This will be submitted to careful search. 



In this way the whole line of strike of this limestone from N. to S. will be 

 examined by intelligent men, who have kindly and earnestly entered into the 

 work, and we consider ourselves fortunate in having secured such cooperation. 

 The Committee confidently hope that by next Meeting they will be en- 

 abled to present to the Association a good collection of organic remains from 

 these interesting rocks ; or, at least, to have done something that will contri- 

 bute to greater certainty as to whether, and to what extent, these rocks are 

 fossiliferous or not. 



Report of the Committee on Earthquakes in Scotland. The Committee 

 consists of Br. Buyce, F.G.S., Sir W. Thomson, F.R.S., D. Milne- 

 Home, F.R.S.E., and J. Bkough. 



As Convener of the Committee -on Earthquakes in Scotland, I have to report 

 that the last year has passed without any incident coming within the scope 

 of this inquiry ; there has not occurred any sensible disturbance in the 

 Comrie district, or oscillation of the lakes in the neighbourhood, such as 

 those recorded in former Reports. In other parts of Scotland the same 

 freedom from earthquake-movements has prevailed. But this state of 

 quiescence is not likely to continue ; and the attention of the Committee 

 has been turned to the remedying of those defects which from time to 

 time are apt to occur with instruments long in use, and to the extension 

 of the means of observing to other localities suitably placed for the pur- 

 pose. The accomplishment of this object renders necessary some more simple 

 means of noting shocks than any which have hitherto been applied by the 

 Committee. The seismometer belonging to the Association, which now 

 occupies the tower of the parish church of Comrie, is of too complex con- 

 struction, and takes up too much room, to be applicable except in a few 

 peculiar localities. Some simple and cheap method of indicating earthquake- 

 movements is thus much to be desired. Any apparatus for the purpose 



