MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. 581 
illustrations of greenstone rocks older than the lower marine beds of 
upper palzozoic age, and others again of a later date than the upper 
coal measures ; he is, however, inclined to the opinion that the massive 
greenstones of the mountains and tiers have been erupted prior to the 
deposit, even of the lower members of the carboniferous system. Mr. 
Johnston, in dealing with the local nomenclature of systems, is of 
Opinion that the finer subdivision names of Europe will not fit the 
known divisions of Tasmanian rocks, and accordingly with Professor 
Hutton and others, would prefer local names for the sub-divisions of 
rocks later than the English “ carboniferous.” He also pointed out 
dangers to true classification which may arise by ignoring the facts of 
local stratigraphy, when dealing with imperfect fossil remains. He 
urges that questions of local stratigraphy should not be divorced from 
local paleontology, and that the association of the stratigraphy and 
paleontology of one hemisphere, is not always a safe guide in the 
determination of the actual association, in the other hemisphere of 
stratigraphy and paleontology. 
(3) “ Description of two apparently new species of genus Ancil- 
larva,” by W. F. Pettard, C.M.Z.8., was read by the Curator. 
Hobart, Oct. 12th, 1885.—Mr. James Barnard, Vice-President, in 
the chair. 
New Fellows.—Messrs. J. '. Triffet and T. A. Tabart. 
Papers.—(1) “Shells of the Group Polyctstina, illustrated by the 
microscope,” by C. J. Atkins. 
(2) “On the mosses of Tasmania,” by R. A. Bastow. 
The following letter from Mr. A. B. Biggs, of Launceston, was read : 
“In my paper on our earth tremors (read 9th June last) I referred to 
indications of change in the general direction of the shocks, from time 
to time. In connection with this branch of the subject, it is interesting 
to note that the direction of the shock felt in Victoria on 8th inst. (as 
per telegram) was supposed to be from the south-west. This, so far as 
it may be relied on, accords approximately with the indications as per 
time reports, of our shock of llth ult., which would appear to have 
passed through the island, beginning at Hobart (as the first noticed) and 
leaving at the N.E. Coast. This is almost in the reverse direction of 
the generality of our tremors. I have recently had the pleasure of 
two or three interviews with Professor Malno Milne, of Japan, who, | 
think, holds premier position in seismology. ‘There was one sentence at 
the end of my paper of June 9th, which I now regret was sacrificed for 
brevity’s sake in printing. I there stated that, on examination, I was 
unable to discover any connection between our tremors and lunar 
positions. This deduction accords with that of Professor Milne, both as 
conveyed to me verbally by himself and as intimated in his latest 
pamphlet.” 
THE LONGFORD COAL DEPOSITS. 
Mr. Brain, who is in charge of the coal mines at Longford, gave 
some information respecting them at the request of the Hon. Secretary. 
He said it was hardly fair to judge the mine yet, though as far as he 
hhad been able to prove it up to the present time, it looked very well. 
The seam varied from 3ft. to 4ft. 6in. in width. It had a fine sandstone 
