400 
the Oolite can be approached, we may expect to find a large 
deposit of iron ; but, coming southwards, it is almost certain 
the same deposit has disappeared, although it may re-appear 
in Northamptonshire. 
ON THE CLAIMS OF THE GIGANTIC IRISH DEER TO BE 
CONSIDERED AS CONTEMPORARY WITH MAN, BY MR. 
H. DENNY, A.L.S., CORR. MEM. ACAD. NAT. SCIEN. 
PHILADELPHIA, &C. 
Of all the Mammalia whose remains attest to us their 
former existence in Britain, perhaps none possess stronger 
claims upon our attention than the Gigantic Irish Deer, 
from the number, magnitude, extraordinary state of per- 
fection, and singular association of its bones ; as also from 
the fact of its having been almost entirely confined to certain 
parts of the British Isles. That the date of its extinction 
has been geologically recent, and that it was also one of the 
last which ceased to exist, we have abundant evidence. 
But whether its period of active life was prior or subse- 
quent to the creation of man, is a very debateable and doubt- 
ful point, as also the causes which brought about its 
extinction. Individuals, eminent for their scientific labours, 
are divided on this question, which is one of no little import- 
ance, involving as it does, the geological age of other large 
quadrupeds which are allowed to have been its contempo- 
raries. Such being the interest of the subject, and as the 
West Riding supplied the first British example of its 
remains, I conceive it not unworthy to occupy the attention 
of this Society for a few minutes. 1 shall therefore more 
especially consider the subject under the following heads : — 
1. Its recent extinction. 2. The causes of its extinction. 
3. Its claims to be considered as contemporary with man ; 
and in so doing shall adduce such evidence in support of each 
as I have been able to extract from various sources. 
