CORRESPONDENCE. 



375 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



FISH REMAINS. 



Sir, — In the last number of the "Geologist," some observations were added to 

 your interesting pages byMr.E. R. Lankester, on the Pfceraspis remains at Cradley; 

 he would lead geologists to believe that perfect plates of this fish are found there 

 as plentifully as blackberries in the hedgerows. To use the words of your 

 correspondent, " three or four fine specimens in every block that one turns." 

 This is a little too strong ; and differs totally from- our experience of the spot. 

 The proper clue to the discrepancy would consist perhaps in an appeal to the 

 " respectable Scotchman " who presides over this pisciferous domain, who would 

 probably enlighten us in this instance ; and certainly provide us with as rich a 

 haul as Mr. Lankester had, and at the same rate, viz., in exchange for that 

 current coin of the realm that Scotchmen are not a whit behind the rest of Her 

 Majesty's lieges in loving. We should be much indebted to Mr. Lankester if 

 he would inform us on what authority he calls these Cradley fish, P. rostratus, 

 as we poor ig nor ami always thought them to be P. Lewisii and P. Lloydii. 

 It is well that this note should appear, if it only save anv young enthusiast from 

 instantly betaking himself to Cradley, fresh from your last number, and pro- 

 vided with too large a bag for the occasion. I believe, and the Quarry to us is 

 familiar ground, that he would have his expectations clipped, and his temper 

 tried. Still, do not, young geologist, turn aside from Cradley, but repair thither, 

 with thy dinner in thy satchel, and thy hammer in thy pouch, prepared for a 

 long day ; and though thou verifiest not Mr. Lankester's account, forsooth, 

 thou wilt not be disappointed. 



Malleus. 



ANNUAL MEETING OF GEOLOGISTS. 



Dkar Sir, — I am delighted to see the suggestions you have thrown out 

 in last month's Geologist, and in order that something tangible may come of it, 

 I would propose that a British Geological Association Meeting be held next year 

 at the ancient city of Hereford ; on the same plan as the British Archaeological 

 Association Meetings. From the number of railways, and readiness of access, 

 Hereford is advisable for the London geologists, as also for the members of the 

 Liverpool, Manchester and Oswestry Clubs who could reach it in four hours time, 

 while the Cotswold, Malvern, and Warwickshire Clubs are close by. If the 

 members of these associations alone would join, a very respectable meeting would 

 be the consequence : and I need not say that the Woolhope members, who have 

 their headquarters at Hereford, would leave no stone unturned to welcome their 

 brethren of the hammer. Excursion-trains might be run each day to places of 

 well-known geological interest : to Church Stretton and the Longmynd Hills ; to 

 Pontypool and the South Wales Basin ; to Newnham and the Triassic cliffs of 

 the Severn ; to the Malverns ; to the Woolhope Valley of elevation ; to the 

 Usk Silurians ; to the Ludlow district and the Clee Hills. I will venture to 

 say that no place in the kingdom could offer a more varied or interesting neigh- 

 bourhood in which such an association might inagurate its annual gatherings. 

 Last, but not least, Hereford offers plenty of accommodation for any number 

 of geologists that might attend. 



I am, dear Sir, yours faithfully, 

 Beaufort, August 19. G. P. Bevan. 



