14 PROCEEDINGS OF SmiNGFIELD MEETING. 



New species will probably have to be recognized in the genera Nehimho, Cin- 

 namonmm, Paliurus, Rha77inus, Ficus, Cassia, Dewalquea, Liriodendropsls, Falrantlius, 

 Ilex, Platanus and Betula. 



The conifers and ferns are not yet completely worked up, but will probably yield 

 quite a number of characteristic species. 



Making due allowance for the comparative abundance of the Marthas Vineyard 

 material as compared with the paucity of that from Long island and Staten island, 

 we are undoubtedly justified in claimin^j: the closest possible identity between the 

 strata at these localities and to declare them to be the equivalent of the Amboy 

 Clay series.* 



It is unfortunate that the INIarthas Vineyard material could not be utilized for 

 the differentiation of the strata on that island, but with very few exceptions all the 

 specimens collected in place in the clay strata are absolutely worthless for purposes 

 of identification. All the best specimens are in the ferruginous concretions, whose 

 stratigraphic position is generally in doubt. This is particularly to be regretted, as 

 some of the specimens in clay were found in strata which were thought by some 

 authorities to be of Tertiary age, and a few well defined leaves would probably 

 settle the point. It is also of interest in this connection to note that certain leaves 

 found on Long island were somewhat hesitatingly referred bj^ me to upper Creta- 

 ceous species. If the existence of the entire series from the plastic clays upward 

 could be demonstrated, it would be of exceeding interest. 



The negative evidence to which these investigations bear witness is also of im- 

 portance. It will at once be noted that is no instance has there been any indication 

 discovered of the former existence of lower Potomac strata in this region. In dis- 

 cussing this point Professor Ward says : f 



" Here in New Jersey we find the [Amboy] clays in direct contact with the red sandstone of the 

 Newark system as far west as the Sand hills and Ten Mile run. The question is, whether farther 

 out in the formation there is any evidence of older Potomac material underneath the clays " 



The fact that no indication of any lower Potomac fossils have yet been found in 

 connection with the moraine would seem to indicate that at least it never existed 

 over any portion of the region which was subject to erosion by glacial action ; other- 

 wise these ought to be represented in the moraine in the same manner as are those 

 of the Amboy clays. 



Remarks upon this paper were made by President Shaler. 

 The folloAving two papers were read by title : 



ASBESTOS AND ASBESTIFORM MINERALS 

 BY GEORGE \\ MERRILL 



SYENITE-GNEISS {LEOPARD ROCK) FROM THE APATITE REGION OF OTTAWA 



COUNTY, CANADA 



BY C. 11. GORDON 



The latter paper is printed in full in this volume. 



* The posthumous work on the " Flora of the AmVjoy Clays." by the late Professor J. S. Newberry, 

 is almost through tlie printer's liands. The editor has corrected and returned proof during the 

 present month. It will be issued as a monograph of the U. S. Geological Survey. 



t Loc. cit. 



