37 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1913. 
Though there was an average attendance of members at the 
various meetings and excursions of the Society, the number of new 
members elected during recent years is less than should be the case. 
This is to be regretted since some members, whose researches and 
contributions to the work of the Society have played such an important 
part in its progress, are finding it increasingly difficult to attend its meet- 
ings. The decrease in membership, though not serious, is sufficiently 
evident to warrant attention being called to the fact. The increase 
in the facilities for geographical study and the remarkable develop- 
ment of coal-mining in the County encourage the hope that a larger 
increase of membership may be looked for in the future. The 
publication of the Bibliography of Yorkshire Geology has been delayed 
partly owing to the illness of its editor, Mr. T. Sheppard, and partly 
for the reasons given in the 1912 Report. 
The opening meeting was held in Leeds, as usual, on Thursday, 
March 6th, the morning excursion being well attended. The evening 
meeting was held in the Geographical Department at the University. 
Mr. W. Cash, who was voted to the chair, referred to his long connection 
with the Society and his keen interest in the subjects that were to be 
discussed that evening. Mr. J. J. Burton, F.G.S., communicated a 
report on the present status of palaeobotanical research in N.E. York- 
shire, and laid specimens on the table from the recently discovered 
plant-beds in inland localities in rocks of Jurassic age. Prof. Kendall 
and the Hon. Secretary referred to the importance of the new discoveries 
and to the fortunate circumstance that a geologist with the local 
knowledge and influence of Mr. Burton was the secretary of the Com- 
mittee that is carrying on the researches. Professor Kendall introduced 
the question of the " Origin of coal," and reviewed the various theories 
that had been put forward. An animated discussion followed in 
which Messrs, Fennell, Hawkesworth, Gilligan, the Hon. Secretary 
and others took part. 
The Easter excursion to Buxton, owing to the inclement weather 
and Easter falling very early, attracted a smaller number than usual. 
Some successful excursions were made and the chief geological fea- 
tures of this interesting district were visited. The evening meeting 
was held in the George Hotel, Buxton, on Saturday, March 22nd, 
Dr. Bowman taking the chair. After the formal business had been 
completed Mr. R. G. Carruthers of the Geological Society of Scotland 
