6 Anniversary Address, 



character of certain granitic rocks wliich I endeavoured to 

 explain as the result of transmutation. The idea of seeming 

 stratification in such rocks, was a novelty to some who spoke on 

 that occasion. It may serve the purpose of fuller exposition, to 

 mention, that since thar discussion Professor Montagna's 

 observations have been made known. In his work, published at 

 Naples in 1869, the author proposes a new theory of " Metamor- 

 pMs7n founded on tlie fossilisation of animals and plants.^^ He 

 states that he has discovered in granite portions of coal-measure 

 Lepidodendron, and in porphyry and serpentine L. seccangulare. 

 Casts of Asterophyllites and Stigmaria have been also found by 

 him in all kinds of the rock named. If (as he suggests) a new 

 arrangement of rocks, according to such discoveries, is to be 

 brought about, Geological science may be hastening to a 

 development which will cast many long-cherished theories to 

 the winds. 



DISCOTEET or DIAMONDS IN NEW SOUTH WALES, — OPINIONS AS 

 TO THEIB, OEIQIN. 



Connected with coal plants in transmuted deposits, there has 

 arisen another enquiry amongst ourselves, as to the probable 

 origin of the Diamond. How has the Diamond been produced, 

 and to what Geological formation does it belong, are questions 

 which have had various replies. Although we may not be able 

 to solve the mystery, it may, perchance, be not uninteresting to 

 review the statements that have been put forth by different 

 authorities, now the public mind in Australia is excited by 

 accounts of increasing discoveries of the precious gem in New 

 South Wales. 



It appears that I did not miscalculate, when, in 1860, I headed 

 a notice of five diamonds that had come into my hands, Neio 

 Sozith Wales a Diamond country (" Southern Gold Fields, " p. 272) ; 

 for, up to the present time, several thousands have been brought 

 to light. In some valuable papers by Mr. Norman Taylor, and 

 in a report of similar character by Prof Thomson of our 

 University, may be found a clear exposition of the phenomena 

 presented in the diamond field at Two-mile Flat on the 



