Association of American Geologists and Naturalists. 179 



7th. Beds of marine limestone in contact with the seams of coal. 



8th. Theory of the origin of the coal strata ; sketch of the discov- 

 eries and opinions of preceding writers ; deficiencies in the hypotheses 

 hitherto presented ; condition under which the vegetable matter of the 

 coal seams was accumulated ; of the part performed by earthquake 

 inundations in producing the mechanical strata ; evidences of gradual 

 depressions and risings of the coast of the carboniferous sea ; indica- 

 tions of similar alternations of secular and paroxysmal movements of 

 the earth's crust at all geological periods. 



9th. Regular gradation in the proportion of volatile matter in the 

 coal as we cross the Appalachian basins northwestward ; phenomena 

 connected with it ; theory of the debituminization of the coal, and con- 

 version into anthracite. 



Prof. W. B. Rogers made a few remarks on thermal springs, 

 as relating to the foregoing subject. 



Dr. A. A. Gould, Dr. Amos Binney and Mr. Haldema,n, were 

 appointed a committee to report on the distribution of shells. 



Some discussion on the subject of the publication of the Trans- 

 actions of the Association followed. 



Resolved, That Prof. H. D. Rogers, Mr. B. Silliman, Jr. 

 and Prof. L. C. Beck, be appointed a committee to take charge 

 of the whole matter. 



The following gentlemen were invited to become members 

 of this Association : Prof. Johnston, of the Wesleyan University, 

 Dr. Barratt, Middlelown, Ct., Dr. James Deane, Greenfield, 

 Mass., Prof Nichols, Union College. 



Resolved, That the thanks of this Association be tendered to 

 our distinguished chairman. Dr. Morton, for his services at the 

 present meeting. 



Resolved, That an invitation be given to European societies 

 who may have the same objects in view as our Association, to 

 send delegates to our next meeting. 



Prof Wm. B. Rogers expressed his feeling of great satisfac- 

 tion at the unanimity and good feeling which had pervaded the 

 present meeting, as well as at the straightforward devotion to 

 science which had marked so strongly all the proceedings of its 

 members. The Association adjourned to 



Saturday, April 30th, 9 o'clock, A. M. — Association met pur- 

 suant to adjournment. Dr. Morton in the chair. Minutes of the 

 last meeting were read. 



