36 The Australasian Scientific Magazine. [August 1, 1885. 
general and intelligent interest in a fascinating branch of study. The 
Geological Society of Australia, which has its head-quarters in Melbourne, 
thus defines the objects it keeps in view — 1. The cultivation and advance- 
ment of the theory of Geology, more especially as it relates to the Aus- 
tralasian colonies, and the collection of information for the compiling of 
a reliable Geology of Australasia. 2. The promotion of a Geological 
Library and Museum ; (3) To help geologists to explore unknown 
parts. These are valuable ends to aim at, and every genuine scientific man 
must sympathize with the Society in what it is seeking to accomplish. It 
is clear that to prosper in its undertakings it must be well supplied with 
funds, and to obtain these it must secure the co-operation of those who 
love science for its own sake. So far it would seem the parent organization 
has had no cause to complain of the support accorded it. It is firmly 
established in Victoria, and it has more or less thriving branches in some of the 
other colonies. Elsewhere will be found a letter from its Grand Secretary 
(Mr. R. T. Litton) recommending the Society to the favourable notice of the 
South Australian public, and advocating the formation of a branch in Ade- 
laide. It is to be hoped that the appeal will be promptly and satisfactorily 
responded to. * There are men here who have won distinction in the 
geological field, and upon them must rest the responsibility of taking 
action. In doing this they will be at liberty to adopt for the branch such a 
basis as wall not be generally inconsistent with the constitution of the 
parent society. It will be open for them, for instance, to make such pro- 
posals as to the formation of a branch Library and Museum in Adelaide as 
will, without detracting from the completeness of the central collections, 
be a permanent and attractive source of information to local geologists. It 
is essential to the success of the scheme that the colonies should co-operate 
in giving effect to it, and we trust that the appeal now made to South 
Australia will not be made in vain. 
* GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA. 
TO THE EDITOR. 
Sir, — Will you permit me to inform you that a Society has been formed in Melbourne 
under the title of “The Geological Society of Australasia ? ” The Society has received 
much support from almost all of the other colonies, and I would suggest that it is desirable 
to form a branch of this Association in your city. If half a dozen gentlemen would form a 
committee, and convene a meeting either by advertisement or circular, I feel confident 
that a good beginning would be made. Victoria, I feel sure, would gladly welcome the co- 
operation of South Australia in their efforts to carry out the designs with which this 
Association was formed. The objects of this Society are: — 
1. The cultivation and advancement of the study of Geology, more especially as it 
relates to the Australasian colonies. 
2. The collection of information for the compilation of a reliable Geology of Aus- 
tralasia. 
3. For the purpose of founding a Geological Library and Museum. 
4. And the Society especially endeavours to promote Geological research in Aus- 
tralasia and in the islands adjacent thereto, and subsidizing Geologists, and by other 
measures, whenever opportunity arises, for extending Geological knowledge. 
I shall have much pleasure in giving any information to gentlemen in your colony, w f ho 
may feel desirous of forming a South Australian branch. As the Society intends shortly 
to equip an expedition to geologically explore the northern coast of Australia, we shall 
require the support as well as the good wishes of all who are interested in this branch of 
science. I have much pleasure in forwarding a copy of our constitution, which may be of 
service to you in furthering my washes. 
I am, Sir, etc., 
ROBERT T. LITTON, F.N.S. 
Honorary Secretary Geological Society of Australasia. 
Melbourne, June 22nd. 
