118 REPORTS ON THE STATE OP SCIENCE. 



study the methods pursued in that institution. Some important rocks 

 of the Schistose Complex still remain unexamined chemically. These 

 are now being done, and, as it is hoped that the portions of the memoir 

 in which they will be described will be written during the coming 

 winter, it is likely that this group of analyses will complete the work of 

 this Committee. When certain older analyses, some published, some 

 unpublished, are added to those done under its auspices, the body of 

 chemical evidence bearing on the problems presented" by the crystalline 

 locks of Anglesey will be unusually large. 



The Committee ask to be reappointed for one year more, using 

 during that time the balance remaining, but without any further grant 

 of money. 



Characteristic Fossils.— Report of the Committee, consisting of Professor 

 P. F. Kendall {Chairman), Mr. W. Lower Carter (Secretary), 

 Professor W. S. Boulton, Professor G. Cole, Dr. A. R. Dwerry- 

 house, Professors J. W. Gregory, Sir T. H. Holland, and S. H. 

 Reynolds, Dr. M. C. Stopes, Mr. Cosmo Johns, Dr. J. E. Marr, 

 Dr. A. Vaughan, Professor W. W. Watts, and Dr. A. Smith 

 Woodward, appointed to consider the preparation of a List of 

 Characteristic Fossils. 



Tins Committee, appointed at the Sheffield Meeting, held a preliminary 

 meeting of the members present at Sheffield at the Victoria Hall, on 

 September 7, 1910, when the subject was discussed and suggestions 

 were made as to the lines on which the work should be carried out. It 

 was resolved to consult teachers of geology and to submit to them the 

 suggestions of the Committee. 



The Chairman and Secretary have been in correspondence with 

 the members of the Committee, and have submitted to them the follow- 

 ing questions — 



(1) What should constitute a characteristic fossil? 



(2) How many lists would be needed for various grades of students? 



(3) How many fossils should be included in each list? 



(4) To what extent should the geological formations be subdivided 

 for this pur])ose ? 



(5) To what classes of geological teachers should the circular be 

 sent ? 



(6) Do you approve of the preparation of preliminary lists of forma- 

 tions and fossils by a small sub-committee of experienced teachers, 

 which should be circulated round the Committee for revision and sug- 

 gestions before the several divisions are submitted to specialists? 



Answers to these questions have been received from nearly all the 

 members of the Committee and when they are completed and tabulated 

 they will be embodied in a circular of suggestions which will be sent to 

 teachers of geology for their consideration. 



The Committee ask to be reappointed with a grant of o/. for print- 

 ing and postages. 



