432 Correspondence — Burjahl Bell. 



species all have pronounced lateral ribs, while, except in S. paradoxus, 

 S. daleidensis, and S. Trigeri, the median fold is smooth. They also 

 are uniformly ornamented with fine lamella3 of growth broken into 

 papillae. 



The notes accumulated by Mr. Beclard in accomplishing this 

 work, notes that naturally involve many species other than those 

 occurring in Belgium, namely, all the Lower Devonian spirifers of 

 the world, form the groundwork of his "Catalogue Synonymique," 

 for which all students of Brachiopoda will feel profoundly grateful, 

 while they will hope that the Brussels Museum will continue to 

 produce work of this solid and enduring nature. 



COEEESPOl^DEUCE. 



PROFESSOR BONNET AND THE "PARALLEL ROADS." 



Sir, — I had some other points in Professor Bonney's " Ice-Work " 

 marked for comment ; but the author's Note in your last issue 

 suggests the question, cui bono f 



I took the liberty of pointing out that, in certain instances, his 

 statements were extremely partial and one-sided — more like the 

 work of an advocate than of a judge. Such " criticism," he retorts, 

 is a " typical specimen of forensic advocacy ! " This is not generally 

 considered a very satisfactory or dignified style of reply. To me, 

 indeed, the charge may be rather complimentary ; while it may be 

 the very thing to be complained of in regard to him, who claimed 

 to be a "judge," setting forth fairly the facts and arguments on 

 both sides. 



The Professor represented the " dispute " regarding these Parallel 

 Roads as still active, and one on which "authorities" are divided. 

 Now, when this has been shown to be incorrect, he says he is " not 

 afraid of being in a minority " (a different matter altogether of which 

 there was no mention formerly), having seen the fading of too many 

 " Brocken spectres " ! 



May I ask where is the "Brocken spectre" in this instance? If 

 there be one such apparition which the present generation of geologists 

 has seen "fading," it is that of a "great submergence" during the 

 Glacial epoch, which Professor Bonney now vainly attempts to 

 restore or reproduce on the cloudy " screen." 



I am content to leave the matter as it stands to the "jury," by 

 whom all " advocacy," whether open and avowed from the " bar," 

 or more covert and disguised from the " bench," will be weighed 

 and tested ; and who will not fail to note when good and sufficient 

 evidence is set aside, and other evidence asked for, simply because 

 that which is produced is not in accord with the opinions of the 

 presiding judge ! 



I desire, however, to part from Dr. Bonney with the same expression 

 of respect which I have long felt towards him. I sincerely trust 

 that during his present tour in the Alps, he will not be tempted, 

 by desire for singularity, to forsake the "trodden paths," and 

 wander into others that have been disused for nearly thirty years. 



Glasgow, 10th August. DuGALD Bell. 



