1859.] BINNEY LIAS DEPOSITS NEAR CARLISLE. 549 



been effected gradually, — more or less, it may be, by fits and starts, 

 such as we have an example of in earthquakes, and with occasional 

 paroxysms, like those witnessed in volcanic eruptions — but \>j pro- 

 gressive steps, and not by such immense single expansive throes as 

 are the favourite idea of M. de Beaumont and those continental 

 geologists who maintaiu the theory of upheaval of volcanic cones 

 and craters, — the one supposition being, in fact, the counterpart and 

 fit companion to the other. 



It is, at all events, certain that the fundamental conception of the 

 chronology of our geological periods must be largely affected by 

 these considerations. Our views as to the laws of plutonic action 

 upon and beneath the earth's crust cannot but be influenced by 

 those we entertain respecting volcanic action ; for few geologists will 

 doubt that both are modifications of the same subterranean agent 

 under varying conditions. It becomes therefore the interest of 

 every inquirer into the history of our planet that the question raised 

 in this discussion should be closely examined, and, if possible, con- 

 clusively solved. 



If, in the endeavour to perform this duty, I have appeared to treat 

 with little reserve the authority of geologists of eminent reputation, 

 I trust that the facts and arguments advanced in opposition to their 

 view of the question, and the immense importance to our science of 

 its complete and final settlement, will be my sufficient apology. 



February 18, 1859. 



Annual General Meeting. 



[For the Reports of the Council, &c., see the commeneemeut of this volame.] 



February 23, 1859. 



Richard Trench, Esq., Geol. Survey of Great Britain; William 

 Francis, Ph.D., Richmond and Red Lion Court, Fleet Street; the 

 Rev. Thomas Wilkinson IS'orwood, Cheltenham ; John Johnes, Esq., 

 Dolaucothy, near Llandeilo ; and John Bainbridge, jun., Esq., Fisher- 

 gate Villa, York, were elected Fellows. 



The following communications were read : — 



1. Notice of Lias Deposits at Quarry-Gill and other places near 

 Carlisle. By E. W. Binney, Esq., F.R.S., F.G.S. 



On the western side of the Pennine Chain, up to this time, none of 

 the secondary rocks superior to the Trias have been noticed north of 

 the small patch of Lias at Audlem in Cheshire ; therefore the dis- 



