XXIV PROCEEDINGS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



many distinct branches of natural history. M. Barrande's investi- 

 gations have for ever set at rest one question once so keenly contro- 

 verted, namely, whether there existed in Paloeozoic as in Neozoic 

 times distinct natural-history provinces of Mollusca and of other 

 classes of Invertebrata. He has shown, not only in regard to the 

 fauna called by him Primordial, but also in respect to his second and 

 third faunas, corresponding with what we have usually termed Lower 

 and Upper Silurian, that distinct assemblages of species inhabited 

 simultaneously different marine areas. The Palaeozoic species, for 

 example, of Bohemia differed from those of Scandinavia, and the 

 North American species from both. After examining, with M. Bar- 

 rande as my guide, the beautiful sections of Silurian rocks laid open 

 on the banks of the Moldau, I felt convinced that he had correctly 

 interpreted the order and succession of the rocks, and in whatever 

 manner we may endeavour to account for the intercalation in the 

 midst of the Lower Silurian strata of certain distinct groups of species 

 called by jSI. Barrande " colonies," we must at least accept the facts 

 as true, and believe the exact position of the fossiliferous formations 

 to be as they are described by this accurate observer. 



I Avill now conclude by begging you. Sir Roderick, to present this 

 medal to M. Barrande in the name of the Geological Society, and to 

 assure him of the unmixed feelings of regard and admiration with 

 which we watch the progress of his original and important labours. 



Sir Roderick Murchison thus replied : — 



Sir, — I have great satisfaction in being made the medium to con- 

 vey to my eminent friend M. Barrande the Medal which has been 

 bestowed upon him in terms so well suited to his merits. 



It has been, I assure you, an increasing and constant source of 

 delight to myself, who first explored the environs of Prague in the 

 year 1829, when a few trilobites only were known in these * trans- 

 ition' rocks, to mark from year to year the intelligence, zeal, per- 

 spicuity, and untiring diligence vrith which this distinguished French 

 gentleman has rendered his ' Silurian Basin of Prague' truly classical, 

 by amassing a multitude of organic forms hitherto unknown, by the 

 philosophical spirit in which he has compared and illustrated them, 

 and by the talent he has evinced in clearly defining their geological 

 position and relations. 



Knowing that M. Barrande went to Bohemia as a stranger who 

 had to learn a difficult language before he could thoroughly inquire 

 into the natural history of the country, and seeing that with very 

 moderate means he has accomplished such grand results, I am cer- 

 tain that our Society never decreed an honour more thoroughly in 

 the spirit of the illustrious Wollaston than at this Anniversary. 



I am charged, Sir, by M. Barrande, to offer to the Geological So- 

 ciety the expression of his profound gratitude for what he terms " the 

 highest distinction which a geologist can receive, since it emanates 

 from those authorities who are the most respected and the most 

 independent." 



" I feel (he adds) that England, in thus bestowing marks of her 



