R. Field on Fossil Foot-marks. 361 
Arr, XXXTI.— Ornithichnites, or tracks resembling those of Birds ; 
a by RoswELu Frexp, of Greenfield, Mass. 
Wuen fossil footprints were first discovered in the sandstones 
of the Connecticut Valley, it was indeed thought to be a great 
discovery, but that the tracks, thus found were made by birds 
was received by men of scientific attainments with great distrust. 
ad skepticism. That they were tracks made by once living 
tumals there could be no doubt, but that they were ornithich- 
_ tutes was very much doubted. 
_ , Itwas not indeed until after my esteemed friend Dr. Hitchcock 
had spent much time in comparing, describing, and in distribu- 
_ ting specimens, that the scientific public became satisfied that 
wore obscure way have followed in their footsteps. I think I 
may safely say that IT have uncovered more footprints, and found 
: new species, and a greater variety of tracks than any other 
aye think I might also say with propriety than all others that 
a Tha =P age me, and if I have learnt anything on this subject 
oe eee eS Oe ee ee ae 
Meier sing and t relessness of workmen many choice 
 Pecimens is been. so and lost; other slabs literally cov- 
the tprints, have been spoilt by suncracks the shrinkage 
king wud in drying; the stratum over which the animal moved 
as Spier too retain good impres- 
ome such are rejected and lost to the student, at the quarries. 
ee Cr No. 87.—MAY, 1860. 
