exly 
subdivision names of Europe will not fit the known divisions of 
Tasmanian rocks, and accordingly with Professor Hutton and others, 
would prefer local names for the sub-divisions of rocks later than the 
English ‘‘ carboniferous.” He also pointed out dangers to true classifi- 
eation which may arise by ignoring the facts of local stratigraphy, when 
dealing with imperfect fossil remains. He urges that questions of local 
stratigraphy-should not be divorced from local paleontology, and that 
the association of the stratigraphy and paleontology of one hemis- 
phere, isnotalways a safe guide in the determination of the actual 
association, in the other hemisphere of stratigraphy and paleontology. 
Mr. C. H. Grant thanked Mr. Johnston, on behalf of the Fellows, 
for the very valuable paper he had read to the Society. It showed very 
deep research and careful reading amongst the best authorities, a large 
number of whom were quoted. He was pleased to see how thoroughly 
and philosophically Mr. Johnston treated the subject of geology, as in 
his earlier writings he had a far more positive manner of treating the 
subject. The paper would be of great value to the records, and he 
trusted would be only one part of the great work on geology which he 
understood Mr. Johnston was preparing. (Hear, hear.) It hardly 
admitted of discussion, but he thought they should express their satis- 
faction at such a valuable foundation for the study of geology in 
Tasmania. (Applause.) 
Mr. C. P. SpRENT referred to the application which had recently 
been made to the Government to put a sum of money on the estimates to 
assist deep sinking, and said that though that might be very desirable, 
the most important thing they could do was to ascertain the value of the 
coal deposits of the colony, especially on the extensive plain between 
Ben Lomond and the Western Tiers. He thought a series of bores should 
be put down across the plain, and that they shouid also have a first-class 
man from New South Wales who was used to the coal formations there 
to make an enquiry into the matter. Only within the last few days 
they had found coal cropping up at Longford, and very important 
results might follow from such action. Last year Mr. Cosmo Newbery 
was over here, and was speaking about the same thing, as well as of the 
value of their building stone, pointing out that both articles were likely 
to be found in the same locality, and that anyone finding a quarry 
of white stone in a practicable position would have a better thing 
than any tin mine or gold mine that had been found in Tasmania, 
He thought something ought to be done in the matter. He had tried to 
get the authorities to move in it, but they had so many important 
things to look after now they had not been able to give it attention. 
He thought the Society might use its influence in this direction. 
(Hear, hear.) 
The Curator and Mr. SrepHens also referred in complimentary 
terms to the paper, 
The CuarrMAN promised, on behalf of the Council, that the Society’s 
influence should be used in the direction indicated by Mr. Sprent. 
Mr. Jounston briefly returned thanks. 
3. Description of two apparently new species of genus Ancillaria, 
by W. F. Petterd, C.M.Z.8., was read by the Curator. 
AUSTRALIA OR AUSTRALASIA. 
The following paper was read by Colonel A. CRAwWFoRD :— 
There is a matter that, I conceive, certainly comes within the 
range of subjects of which our asscciation takes cognisance, and to 
which many circumstances combine, in my humble opinion, to render 
its immediate and careful attention most desirable. In the hope that 
my views may win the approval and support of the Royal Society, 
I will ask you kindly to read this note at its next meeting, trusting 
