GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY. 205 
tinctions, however, are amply sufficient to separate the two species. Finally, it 
should be mentioned, that, not wishing to add to the already too copious list of 
unnecessary synonyms, we have obtained the confirmatory opinion of Mr. Billings 
as to the distinctness of our species from his A. Dicksoni. When we wrote to 
Montreal, we did not think of the apparent resemblance of the new species to 
A. parasiticus, but we have no doubt Mr. Billings will agree with us also in placing 
the two apart. In the extended notice of our species, we propose to givea general 
analysis of the genus 4yelacrinites, with a comparative view of its structural re- 
lations and affinities; as, on these points, we have some new suggestions to offer. 
NEW FOSSILS FROM THE COAL MEASURES OF NOVA SCOTIA. 
The following abstract is from a paper by Professor J. W. Dawson, LL.D., of 
Montreal, read at arecent meeting (14th December, 1859) of the Geological Society 
of London : 
On revisiting the South Joggins in the past summer, Dr. Dawson had the 
opportunity of examining the interior of another erect tree in the same bed 
which had afforded the fossil stump from which the remains of Dexdrerpeton 
Acadianum and other terrestrial animals were obtained in 1851 by Sir C. Lyell 
and himself. This second trunk was pointed out to him by Mr. Boggs, the Super- 
intendent of the Mine. It was about 15 inches in diameter, and was much more 
richly stored with animal remains than that previously met with. There 
were here numerous specimens of the land-shell found in the tree previously dis- 
eoyered in this bed,—several individuals of an articulated animal, probably a 
Myriapod,—portions of two skeletons of Dendrerpeton,—and seven small gskele- 
tons belonging to another Reptilian genus, and probably to three species. 
The bottom of the trunk was floored with a thin layer of carbonized bark. On. 
this was a bed of fragments of mineral charcoal (having Sigillaroid celi-structure),. 
an inch thick, with a few Reptilian bones and a Sternbergia-cast. Above this, 
the trunk was occupied, toa height of about 6 inches, with a hard black lami- 
nated material, consisting of fine sand and carbonized vegetable matter, cemented 
by carbonate of lime. In this occurred most of the animal remains, with copro- 
lities, and with leaves of Noeggerathia (Poacites), Carpolithes, and Calamites, 
also many small pieces of mineral charcoal showing the structures of Lepidoden- 
dron, Stigmaria, and the leaf-stalks of Ferns. The upper part of this carbonace- 
ous mass alternated with fine grey sandstone, which filled the remainder of the 
trunk as far as seen. The author remarked that this tree, like other erect 
Sigillarie in this section, became hollow by decay, after having been more or 
less buried in sediment: but that, unlike most others, it remained hollow for 
some time in the soil of a forest, receiving small quantities of earthy and vegeta- 
ble matter, falling into it, or washed by rains. In this state it was probably a 
place of residence for the snails and myriapods and a trap and tomb for the 
reptiles ; though the presence of coprolitie matter would seem to show that in 
some instances at least the latter could exist for a time in their ‘underground 
prison. The occurrence of so many skeletons, with a hundred or more specimens 
Vou. V. Q 
