308 



At the conclusion of this very able paper. Professor Phillips 

 informed the meeting that the specimen of petrified hazel was in 

 the microscope on the table, for the inspection of the company. 



Mr. E. Charles WORTH, F.G.S., Curator of the York- 

 shire Philosophical Society, was next introduced to the 

 meeting by the Noble Chairman, and proceeded to give 

 his paper, of which, like the preceding one, we cannot give 

 more than a short abstract, in consequence of the author 

 being unable to supply, in time, the number of diagrams 

 required for its illustration. 



ON SOME FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE SILICIFICATION OF 

 ORGANIC BODIES. BY MR. E. CHARLESWORTH, F.G.S. 



He commenced by expressing his assurance that, until a 

 few days ago, he had not been aware that he should be 

 expected to take a part in to-day's proceedings. However, 

 he came forward in obedience to the call that had been made 

 upon him, and would present a few remarks which he hoped 

 would be such as would give satisfaction. 



His object was not to treat of the general question of 

 petrifaction, but of petrifaction under certain restricted 

 circumstances. Silicification was neither more nor less than 

 petrifaction with silex, a mineral which was to be found 

 in a great variety of forms, but generally in the shape 

 of common flint. The author here directed the attention 

 of the company to a great number of diagrams which were 

 suspended from the walls of the room, and describing there- 

 upon flint in its natural state ; besides various specimens of 

 chalk and other substances in which it was found imbedded. 

 He also pointed out some specimens of the silicification o. a 

 class of organic remains which are popularly known by the 

 name of fairy loaves or sea urchins (Echinus.) Another 

 diagram represented a specimen of belemnite in the same state. 



After referring to, and explaining, the diff'erent diagrams, 

 he stated that the silicification of organic bodies was not at 



