48 
THE GEOLOGIST. 
The footsteps from the Cuiniiiiiigstoii quarries were next described. The 
largest yet seen l)y the author are eight or nine inches long, hut the majority are 
mucli smaller. Prof Huxley expressed iiis opinion tluit all the tracks which he 
had seen were referable to variously-sized individuals of one and the same species 
of reptile ; and he described at length the only perfect impressions he had observed, 
the one of a fore-, tlie other of a hind-foot. The impression of tlie fore-foot, pre- 
sented a broad, oval palmar dejiression, ending in five digits, of wliich the inner- 
most, representing the tluuuVi, was very broad and short. Each of tlie outer digits 
was terminated by a long and tapering claw, and tliere were clear traces of a web- 
like membrane uniting these digits as far forwarils as tlie bases of the ungual 
phalairges. The iimermost digit or thumb is directed inwards, as well as forwards, 
and appears to have been furnislied witli a tliick, short, and much curved nail. 
The impression of tlie hind-foot is smaller tlian tliat of the fore-foot, to which, 
however, it has a general resemblance. It exhibits only four digits, all termi- 
nating in taper claws and united by a web. There are indications of a rudimentary 
outer toe. In one track, wliere the impression of the fore-foot measured three 
inches, the stride was twelve inches. 
The imjiressions might very well have been made by such an animal as Star/o- 
nolepis, with the ungual phalanges of which, indeed, the daw-marks of the foot- 
steps present a close resemblance, while tlie shortness and lireadth of the i)almar 
ami plantar impressions harmonize very well with the proportions of the metatarsal 
or metacarpal bone. 
In the course of his remarks, tlie author took occasion to express his gi-eat 
obligations to jNIr. Patrick Duff ami the Rev. George Gordon for their zealous and 
most efficient aid, without which it would have been quite impossible for him to 
lay so complete a case before the Society. 
[This jiaper was illustrated by original sketciies, and by a fine series of tracks 
from Cummingston and of natural and artificial casts and models of the remains 
of the Sfar/ortolejiis (including the specimen originally figured), from the collections 
of Mr. P. Duff, the Rev. G. Gordon, tlie Museum of Practical Geology, &c.] 
4. " On Fossil Footprints in the Old Red Sandstone, at Cummingston." By 
S. H. Beckles, Esq. F.G.S. 
Mr. Beckles, during a late tour through the Higldands, examined the Sandstone- 
quarries at Covesea, near Elgin ; and liaving exjiosed and removed several square 
yards of the Sandstone-slabs bearing fossil footprints at tliis place, has sent a 
large collection of them to London, but lias not yet liad the ojiportunity of study- 
ing them in detail. Mr. Beccles says that he has secured several varieties of foot- 
steps, differing in size and form, and in the numl)er of the claws, which vaiy 
apjiarently from two to five. One footprint, of a circular shape, measured fifteen 
inclies in breadth. Some of the smaller footprints are evidently formed by young 
individuals of the same species that made some of the larger marks. Some of the 
prints have been left, in tlie fiutlior's opinion, by web-footed animals. 
Most of the surface-planes of the rock, at diff erent levels, bear footmarks. The 
majority of the tracks, Mr. Beckles says, are uniserial, the double (or quadrupedal) 
series being exceptional. 
Mr. Beckles noticed also im])ressions of rain-prints well-marked on some of the 
surface-planes, and indicating the direction of the wind blowing at the time of the 
rain-fall. 
Geologists' Association. — A meeting was held at No. 2, Upper Wellington- 
street, Strand, on Friday evening, tlie 17th December, 1858, for the purpose of 
organizing a new society to jiromote the study of Geology, and its allied sciences. 
The means iirojjosed are the holding of periodical meetings for reading and dis- 
cussing papers, and the exhibition of s]ieciniens, arrangements for facilitating 
the exchange of specimens between distant members, the formation of a typical 
collection of fossils suited to the wants of students, tlie establishment of a library 
of reference, and the delivery of short courses of lectures. 
It was announced, in the course of tlie proceedings, that 120 applications for 
membership had been already received. 
The first meeting for actual work will take place early in January, when an in- 
augural address will be delivered by the President, and more detailed plans will 
be stated. 
