126 
JOHN PHILLIPS, F.K.S. 
the York ^luseiim in the following terms : — In a bright afternoon 
of early summer, while engaged in museum arrangements, a man of 
cheerful and distinguished aspect was presented to me by the presi- 
dent of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society (Mr. W. Vernon Har- 
court) as Mr. Murchison, a friend of Buckland, desirous of consulting 
our collection. The m.useum was tolerably well supplied with Oolitic 
fossils, especially those of the Coralline Oolite and Calcareous Grit of 
Yorkshire. Some of these were amusing enough. A dihgent 
collector at Malton, who supplied the museum with specimens, some- 
times brought what were called beetles, made by painting and 
varnishing parts of shells and crustaceans. After examining the 
fossils with care, Murchison would see these curiosities. As it 
happened they were laid contemptuously at the base of vertical cases 
and were rather difficult to get out. ' Never mind,' said the old 
soldier, ' we will lie down and reconnoitre on the floor.' I knew then 
that geology had gained a resolute disciple, possibly a master work- 
man." 
In 1827 he examined Dr. Henry's collection at Manchester, and 
made some geological excursions with him ; ascended Pendle Hill, 
and partially explored the limestone tract of Bolland. He also, in 
company with his friend Mr. George, completed a survey of the 
Cumbrian slates, and a leisurely review of the Craven fault and its 
attendant phenomena enabled him to draw up for the Geological 
Society a memoir of that district which is printed in the Transactions, 
N.S., Vol. III. The years 1828 and part of 1829, were devoted to 
the preparation of the first volume of the Illustrations of the Geology 
of Yorkshire." The latter part of the year was devoted to an exam- 
ination of the Eifel and various parts of Germany, and to visits to 
some museums and friends at Bristol and Bath. In 1830 another 
Continental tour, and in 1831 he says: — "My leisure was almost 
wholly occupied by the preliminary arrangements of the first meeting 
of the British Association for the advancement of science. 
In 1831 Phillips accompanied Murchison to explore the district 
of Collie Weston and Ketton. It was in the cool spring time, and 
they had a pleasant walk along the high grounds overlooking the 
Willand, cigars contending with endless discussions on the rocks 
