200 Geological Society. 



The following communications were read : — 



1. "As to certain ' Changes of Level ' along the Shores on the 

 Western side of Italy." By B. Mackley Browne, Esq., F.G.S. 



After noticing the prevailing opinion that such changes as he 

 treats of were caused by earth-movements of elevation and depres- 

 sion, the author suggests that the altered levels were due to altered 

 conditions of the Mediterranean. He brings forward objections to 

 the prevailing theory, and remarks on the possibility of periodical 

 oscillating alterations in the tidal depth of the ocean. 



After noticing the special characteristics of the Mediterranean, he 

 infers that submergence and emergence on the Bay of Baiae would 

 follow equivalent alteration in the level of the Atlantic waters, such 

 as would be probably developed by changed conditions of astrono- 

 mical forces ; and after discussing the possible dates and periods of the 

 changes at Pozzuoli, makes the suggestion that within a period of two 

 thousand years alterations may have taken place in the astronomical 

 combinations, out of which a change in the surface-level of the oceans 

 generally may have become developed, and wherefrom consequently 

 a synchronous change in the Mediterranean would also occur, and 

 observes that the amount of actual tidal effects has never been 

 ascertained. 



2. " North-Italian Bryozoa." By A. W. Waters, Esq., F.G.S. 



3. " Notes on the Discovery, Mode of Occurrence, and Distribution 

 of the Nickel-Iron Alloy ' Awaruite ' and the Bocks of the District 

 on" the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand in which it 

 is found." By Professor G. H. F. Ulrich, F.G.S. 



In an introduction the author describes the original discovery, 

 determination, and naming of the mineral in 1885 by Mr. W. Skey, 

 and clears up a misunderstanding by which he himself had been 

 credited with the discovery ; he furthermore gives a historical 

 sketch of the further investigations and publications referring to 

 the mineral. 



The geology of the Awaruite -bearing district is described. The 

 rocks consist of peridotites and serpentines, breaking through meta- 

 morphic schists with occasional massive intrusions of acid rock. 

 The petrographical characters of the peridotites of the hill-complex, 

 including the Olivine and Bed-Hill Banges, and serpentines are con- 

 sidered in detail, and the mode of occurrence of the Awaruite in 

 them and in the sands derived from their denudation is discussed. 

 The author submits a sketch-map of the localities where the mineral 

 has been discovered in sand, including not only Gorge Biver, but 

 also Silver Creek, Bed Hill, and other localities, and quotes Mr. 

 Paulin's belief that it occurs diffused through the whole extent 

 of peridotite and serpentine rocks, and inferentially in the drifts 

 derived therefrom. 



