xxxiv Transactions of the South African Philosophical Society. 



Two of the main points of scientific interest on which light is 

 thrown by the geological survey of this country are : — 



(1) The distribution of land in the Southern Hemisphere during 

 past times. In this connection facts brought to light in other 

 countries have to be considered. The most important result 

 hitherto obtained with regard to this subject is the close con- 

 nection between India, Australia, and South Africa in early 

 mesozoic times. 



(2) The development of the present surface features of South 

 Africa, such as the long ranges of mountains between the Karroo 

 and the south coast districts, and the rivers which cut through them. 

 That the main rivers draining the Karroo are older than the moun- 

 tains is proved by the conformity between the rocks of the Karroo 

 and those at present seen in the mountains ; and also by the com- 

 plete independence of these rivers and the rock folds forming the 

 mountains. 



Dr. Gilchrist showed a number of pearl oyster-shells from Algoa 

 Bay as well as one or two from Zanzibar and Australia for com- 

 parison. In addition a number of Cape pearls were shown, also 

 from Algoa Bay, and Dr. Gilchrist gave an account of the past work 

 in pearl fishing in the Colony. A discussion followed, in course of 

 which reference was made to the possibility of assisting the pro- 

 duction of pearls by insertion of irritant substances into the pearl 

 oyster's mantle. 



Ordinary Monthly Meeting. 



Wednesday, July 28, 1897. 



Present:— Mr. T. Muir, LL.D., M.A., F.R.S.E., President, and 

 fifteen members. 



The following accessions to the Library were announced : 

 Calendar of the University of Sydney, 1897. 

 The Canadian Eecord of Science, No. 4, Vol. VI., 1897. 

 Proceedings of the Canadian Institute, New Series, Vol. I., Part 1, 



Nos. 1 & 2, Toronto, 1897. 

 Transactions of the Canadian Institute, No. 9, Vol. V. Part 1, 



Toronto, 1896. 

 The Scottish Geographical Magazine, Nos. 5, 6, 7, Vol. XIII., 



Edinburgh, 1897. 

 A Study in Black and White. Trustees of the John F. Slater 



Fund, Baltimore, 1897. 



