SHEPHEARD : NOTE ON SPONGILLA. 



who had generously given free access to his beautiful estate, search was made in 

 the bed of the small stream for the Rhoetic Beds (the connecting link between the 

 Lias and the Trias) but without success, probably on account of the shallowness of 

 the section. On ascending the hill near the mansion, the Red Chalk was observed 

 to crop out. This was most interesting as Mr. Cole pointed out, it extends in a 

 long sinuous line from Speeton, then along the north side of the Wolds to Acklam 

 Brow, turning then southwardly to Brough, and through Lincolnshire to Hunstanton 

 in Norfolk, where it entirely disappears. Mr. Cole also showed from a large map 

 on which he had laid down his own observations, that the Red Chalk also crops 

 out in the dales of the Wolds, wherever the overlying White Chalk has been cut 

 through by denudation ; it can also be traced by the springs which issue from its 

 junction with the underlying clays, whether Lias, Oxford, Kimmeridge, or Neoco- 

 mian. The question was asked of Mr. Cole as to the deep red colour. of this bed 

 in such marked contrast to the White Chalk above, but beyond stating that it was 

 due to the presence of oxide of iron, it was a matter of much conjecture to say at 

 present how it was introduced. The rain was now so exceptionally heavy that an 

 agreeable change was made, and temporary shelter obtained by visiting the 

 extensive vineries, ferneries, and grottoes connected with the mansion. Mr. Cole 

 now led the way to the famous section in the Warter brickyard, mentioned by 

 Messrs. Tate and Blake in their great work on the 'Yorkshire Lias.' Here, 

 although somewhat obscured by slips, were seen in si in Grey and White Chalk, 

 succeeded below by the Red Chalk and again beneath by lower Lias beds of the 

 zone of Ammonites Bucklandi. The fact of the entire absence of the great series 

 of Oolitic beds between the Red Chalk and the lower Lias at this point tends to 

 the belief that they were denuded before the deposition of the chalk, this view 

 receiving further corroboration from the fact that at a little distance to the north, 

 both near Millington, and at Kirkby Underdale and Acklam, small patches of 

 Oolitic deposits remain. Harrison, however, attributes this effect to overlap. 

 Characteristic fossils of the lower Lias, such as Beleninites aciitiis and Gryphcea 

 incurva, were here obtained in abundance. The effect of several hours' exposure to the 

 rain now rendered it unwise to pursue geological research any further for the 

 present, and the way was now taken reluctantly to Pocklington. 



A vote of thanks to Mr. Fowler for his services in the chair concluded the 

 meeting, and about half-past five all the members left by train. 



ZOOLOGICAL NOTE. 



Note on Spongilla, etc. — During an excursion of the Chester Society of 

 Natural Science to Eaton Gardens and Serpentine on Thursday, the 2nd July, 

 some of the members found Spongilla in great abundance, growing on the roots of 

 the trees in the Serpentine. Some of the young specimens brought home proved 

 very interesting, showing the osculum and the circulation very plainly. After 

 keeping one specimen in a large cell for several days, I noticed the sponge studded 

 thickly with ovoid sacks of different sizes, the larger ones pushing their way to the 

 surface, and after watching them for some time, saw one swim away from its 

 parent, the movement being rapid for some time, it then remained stationary for a 

 time, and started again to swim about. 



Several have now ( 1 2th July) attached themselves to the cell and dead stick, 

 and others are still moving about in the water. The oval bodies are about one- 

 third full of granular cells, possibly yolk cells, the remainder has a semi-trans- 

 parent appearance. Those attached are now full of granular cells, and if supplied 

 with the necessaries of life, will doubtless develop into the parent form. I have 

 often watched the circulation in spongilla, but have never before seen its develop- 

 ment, and would advise your readers, who may have more leisure time than I have, 

 to watch more closely its curious and interesting mode of growth. 



We also found two species of polyzoa, Fredericella sultana and Alcyonella 

 fungosa, and the rare worm which has, I understand, been named Pteridonais by 

 Dr. Ray Lankester, and a good collection of rotifers and infusoria. It is ten 

 or twelve years since I first found Pteridonais in the canal, and those who have 

 seen it call it the 'Polite Worm,' owing to its constant nodding, and flapping of its 

 wings. — Thomas Shepheard, Kingsley Lodge, Chester, 12th July, 1885. 



Aug. 1885. 



