vi • PREFACE. 



The rapid and unexpected augmentation In number, which the 

 Society has experienced, is the most satisfactory proof of the ex- 

 tended and increasing interest which is felt in geological studies; 

 and the continued support which it has obtained, in the accession 

 of new and highly respectable Members, is the best testimony in 

 favour of its pursuits, and of the principles upon which it is 

 founded. 



It is unnecessary to dwell on the advantages, which may be 

 derived from individuals acting in combination for the advancement 

 of particular departments of science. It may indeed be asserted that 

 there is no object of research in which this co-operation is more 

 necessary than in Geology. In this science, less perhaps has beein 

 done, and more that is important remains to be ascertained by future 

 Inquirers, than in any other branch of natural knowledge ; while 

 the variety of attainments, and the degree of leisure requisite for 

 the prosecution of it, can seldom fall to the share of one indivi- 

 dual. But as the attention of different Members of the Society has 

 been long occupied -in the investigation of several of the particular 

 objects which claim the notice of the Geologist, it was reasonable 

 to hope, that their combined exertions would be productive of more 

 immediate and important additions to the general stock of geological 

 knowledge, than could probably, be derived from the unassisted 

 labours of any one observer, whatever might be his zeal or oppor- 

 tunities. Again, the remarks which are made by separate in- 

 quirers, however interesting in themselves, are less valuable from 

 being unconnected; and are, moreover, in this state not unfrequently 

 lost to the public : but could such individuals be induced to record 



