FORMATION OF THE SOCIETY : UNPUBLISHED RECORDS. 37 
which would have intersected the rocks ahnost at right angles. He 
adverted, also, to the advantages which geology would confer on 
architecture ; and on agriculture, in reference to manuring and drain- 
ing ; and the great value of geological knowledge to colonists. He 
referred to Dr. Smith, " who may be regarded as the father of English 
geology, and who has collected an immense amount of knowledge on 
the subject, which it is feared that his embarrassed circumstances 
will render him unable to bring before the world." Mr. Morton 
recommended this as an exceedingly fit case for the liberal interposi- 
tion of government. In various respects, the government was then 
encouraging the increase of geological knowledge, which he hailed as 
a favourable sign of the times. 
On the motion of Mr. Embleton, seconded by Mr. Wilson, the 
thanks of the society were voted to the Rev. Mr. Thorp and Mr. 
Morton, for their valuable and interesting papers. 
Mr. Hall then exhibited a patent hydraulic belt for raising 
water. The machinery consists of a cylinder working in the water, 
and another corresponding to it, a little above the point to which the 
water is to be raised. A woollen belt passing under the lower 
and over the upper cylinder is moved by their revolutions, and 
brings up great quantities of water, which is thrown off by the work- 
ing of the belt over the upper cylinder. By this cheap and simple 
machinery, it was explained that water had been raised to the 
height of 130 feet by a seven inch band, at the rate of 80 gallons 
per minute. 
The Chairman then announced the adjournment of the meeting 
to seven o'clock in the evening. At four o'clock, about 60 gentlemen 
sat down to an ordinary at the Tontine, when Lord Howard presided, 
and his Lordship took occasion to remark upon the importance of 
the Society, so capable of rendering great services to the neighbour- 
hood, being adequately supported by all persons resident within the 
sphere of its operations. The interesting proceedings of this 
morning convinced him of the great utility of this Society, and made 
him regret that he had been absent from the former meetings. 
In the evening. Lord Howard, on taking the chair, expressed his 
gratification to see so large an audience. He remarked, that we so 
