from the Coal Measures of Torhane-hill. 
51 
although I have examined it by powei a varying from 40 or 50, up to 
very nearly 700 linear. I have also examined the ash with great care ; 
and I may say that as to almost every specimen that has passed through 
my hands identified, and others as well, in no case have I found any 
indications of vegetable structure in the ash. 
Then the results of your examination of the coal, and of this mineral, 
are very different ? — Quite opposite. 
I suppose, Mr. Bowerbank, you have used the best instruments ? — Yes, 
Sir, I believe there are no better to be procured. Indeed, unless they 
were instruments of a high optical character, they would not develop the 
minutest portions of the tissue satisfactorily. 
Who are the great London makers ? — Ross, Powell and Smith, and 
Bett (or Beck). 
You have examined, I suppose, different varieties of shales, have you ? 
— To a very considerable extent. 
Any traces of organic structure in them ? — Not in the body of the 
shale itself, but a great intermixture of isolated plants. In fact, in coal 
shales isolated plants form a considerable portion of them. 
We have had the word ' amorphous ' used frequently, Mr. Bowerbank. 
Can you explain its meaning? — I understand an amorphous mass of 
that description to be a mass without crystallization — a mass which 
would cleave in any direction without any determinate arrangement. 
For instance, I would say a sandstone, although formed of granulated 
masses, is still an amorphous mass, as there is no determinate arrange- 
ment. 
Where there is organic structure, the word amorphous would not, of 
course, apply? — Not to the structure itself, but it may apply to the 
medium in which that structure is imbedded. 
Cross-examined hy Mr. Neaves. — Where did you get your specimens ? 
— Some from Torbanehill pits, which I visited within the last week. 
And adjoining properties V — And some from the adjoining properties as 
well. 
What property was that? — Bathgate pit, and another pit. I also 
received verified specimens sent from the country to request an examina- 
tion of them. 
You first saw the mineral there ? — I first saw the mineral at Queen- 
wood College, some time ago. 
Some months ago ? — About three months ago. 
Be-examined by Mr. Macfarlane. — Among other coals have you 
examined various cannel coals ? — Frequently. 
And the statements you have made have had reference to them as well 
as to others ? — The specimens which I have examined of the cannel coals, 
vary very considerably in character from this new mineral from Tor- 
banehill. 
You discovered the vegetable origin of the structure in them? — Oh, 
yes. 
This closes the evidence of the Inicroscopists on the 
pursuer's side. I will now proceed to read that given on the 
side of the defender. 
Professor J. H. Balfour. — Examined by Mr. Neaves. 
You are Professor of Botany in the University of Edinburgh ? — Yes. 
And I understand that you have devoted attention not only to the sub- 
ject of botany as concerns existing plants, but also to fossil botany ? — Yes. 
