12 FORMATION OF THE SOCIETY : UNPUBLISHED RECORDS. 
and arrange ; on the whole it was very valuable. I briefly explained 
the model (Mr. Einbleton had prepared a model of the workings of a 
coal-pit). Mr. C. Morton noticed an extraordinary variation of the 
compass by a large mass of iron amounting to 10 tons." There was 
very little discussion on the papers, which the writer attributed to a 
want of arrangement on the part of the committee. It was decided 
to issue the following prospectus of the Geological and Polytechnic 
Society of the West Riding of Yorkshire : — 
The extent and importance of the Yorkshire coal field are well 
known. Its numerous beds of coal and iron-stone extend under a 
great portion of the West Riding, and are at once the origin and 
support of its great and increasing manufactures ; while in the 
winning and working of them, a large capital, extensive machinery, 
and a numerous population is employed. It is believed that great ad- 
vantages would result from the formation of a Society, which would 
bring together those who are engaged in the practical working of the 
minerals, and the votaries of general science, and would invite the 
intelligent and inquiring portion of the public to be present at their 
discussions. 
A short and imperfect sketch of the principal objects which 
might thus be attained, will show that such a Society would find an 
ample field for its exertions, without interfering with any existing 
institution. 
First in importance, as in general interest, would be the con- 
tributions it would make to the mineral history of the district, for 
which it would possess peculiar facilities from the mass of minute 
and local information which its practical members possess, and are 
hourly acquiring, the collection and methodising of which can alone 
fully illustrate the Geology of this important formation, and furnish 
an accurate map of its mineral riches, tracing the various seams of 
coal and iron-stone through the whole district, and the direction and 
extent of the faults by which they are disturbed. The opportunities 
it would possess for forming, almost without expense, a most valuable 
and complete collection of the Fossil Botany of the county, would be 
a sufficient inducement to form a museum, even if it were not ab- 
solutely necessary for the identification of the strata. While the 
