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already stated) in the middle lias, precisely the same forma- 
tion as that to which the ores of Cleveland and Lincolnshire 
belong. The ironstone, however, is generally more calcareous 
than in the former district, and its richest portions are limited 
to a tract, of which the village of Bloxham may be considered 
the centre. As yet the ore has only been worked at Fawler, 
near Charlbury, and at Steeple Aston, to a very limited 
extent; but the railways, now in course of construction, will 
probably have the effect of bringing it within easier reach of 
the coalfields of South Wales and Staffordshire. 
The authors remark, in conclusion, that every day’s 
experience enlarges our acquaintance with the great mineral 
resources of our country, and that, in the case of coal and 
iron, it becomes a question which is more largely distributed 
and likely to outlast the other. 
MICROSCOPICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SECTIONS. 
February 26 th, 1866 . 
A. Brothers, F.R.A.S., in the Chair. 
The following objects were exhibited : — 
Mounted specimens of twenty-four species of Ostracoda, 
from Dog’s bay shore-sand, collected by Dr. Alcock, and 
named by Dr. G. S. Brady. 
Mounted specimens of many forms of Foraminifera, from 
a deposit discovered while sinking a well at Boston, 
Lincolnshire — Mr. Sidebotbam. 
The skull and skin of a male Otter shot in Rostherne 
Mere, Feb. 16 .— Mr. Harrison. 
