138 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS 



Scarcely had I stretched out my hand when it was enveloped in a 

 net of tentacles. After the first impression of cold (it had a cold 

 touch), it seemed as if my arm to the shoulder had been plunged 

 into boihng oil, and I screamed with pain." I dare say I would 

 have done the same had no one been present. I fear I used some 

 very unparliamentary language instead. 



The bituminous matter in the chert beds, more especially 

 near the base is difficult to explain away in a satisfactory manner. 

 While it seems probable it was derived from animal or vegetable re- 

 mains, I think it improbable that the sponges ever have contrib- 

 uted anything to the substance, for they are confined to the upper 

 or glaciated beds. It is evident also that the graptolites, (rarely 

 found so low down), can scarcely be the source. Impressions 

 of plants occur, but they are not so numerous or so well preserved 

 as in the limestone beneath where no bituminous matter is 

 found. It has been suggested that jelly fishes (medusse) which 

 would leave no markings to record their existence, may have been 

 the source. It appears to be probable. 



