262 PROCEEDINGS OF THE GEOLOGICAL Society.  [ Mar. 8, 
we consider the very peculiar character of the substance in question, 
the presence of these mere external forms seems almost sufficient to 
warrant the conclusion that the phosphoric acid in these beds was 
originally of animal origin. 
2. On the presence of Phosphoric Acid in the subordinate members 
of the Chalk Formation. By J. C. Nrspit, Esq., F.G.S. 
Ir is well known, that upon certain strata of the upper and lower 
greensand, the use of bones and other substances containing phos- 
phoric acid has not proved of the slightest benefit for agricultural 
purposes. I have for some time been engaged in collecting soils and 
rocks from these formations, for the purpose of chemical mvesti- 
gation into the origin of their fertility. Among others, I obtained 
from Farnham specimens of a fertile marl which is found on the 
estate of J. M. Pame, Esq. A cursory examination gave evidence of 
the existence of an unusual amount of phosphoric acid in the marl, 
and in November 1847 I communicated to Mr. Paine the discovery 
I had made. 
From the marl was subsequently obtained by washing, substances, 
evidently coprolitic, containing twenty-eight per cent. of phosphoric 
acid ; the general mass of the marl contained from two to three per 
cent. of phosphoric acid. 
An examination of some nodules from the gault near Maidstone, 
sent to me by G. Whiting, Esq., showed the presence likewise of 
twenty-eight per cent. of phosphoric acid. 
Every one who has visited the Isle of Wight must be aware of the 
existence in the Shanklin sand, at Shanklin and near Black Gang 
Chine, of nodular masses of shells of a dark iron colour. An ex- 
amination of these substances showed that they contained phosphoric 
acid to at least the extent of fifteen per cent., and probably more. 
The whole of the substances examined contained likewise organic 
matter and fluorine, some of them in very large quantities. 
I have qualitatively analysed at least a dozen other soils and rocks 
of these formations, and have found none destitute of phosphoric 
acid. The dark iron red sandstone rock, which occurs in masses in 
the upper portion of the lower greensand, as at Hind Head and other 
places, contains, for instance, 0°69 per cent. of phosphoric acid. 
3. Outline of the principal Geological features of the Salt-Field of 
Cuesuire and the adjoining districts. By G. WAREING ORME- 
rop, M.A., F.G.S. 
In the following pages it is proposed to give only a general geological 
description of the district connected. with the Cheshire salt-field. 
In so doing, such dislocations only as affect the general geological 
features will be noticed, and it is purposed to avoid as much as pos- 
sible touching upon any theoretical points, confining this paper to 
mere description. 
a 
