Correspondcnce — Mr. J. Milne—Mr. J. R. DaJcyns. 285 
Dunbar, and discussed its affinities and S 3 ? stematic position, wbich he 
regarded as being atnong tbe Macrurous Decapods, although the 
absence of the e 3 r es in the preserved specimens, and some otber 
cbaracters, rendered it doubtful wbether it might not in sorae respects 
approach tbe Stomapoda. Its position among tbe Macrura seemed, 
however, to be established by tbe well-developed abdominal somites 
and telson. He referred the fossil to Salter’s genus Antlirapalcemon, 
and named tbe species A. Woodwardi. 
4. “ On the Stratigraphical Position of the Corals of the Lias of 
the Midland and Western Counties of England and of South Wales.” 
By R. F. Tomes, Esq. Communicated by R. Etheridge, Esq., F.R.S., 
Y.P.G.S. 
The object of this paper was to give tbe precise stratigraphical 
position of the species of Liassic Corals collected by the author and 
liis friends in the districts above mentioned. He noticed 41 species, 
of wbich 15 were described as new, namely : — Cyclolites Anningi, 
Thecosmilia longiserialis, Montlivaltia cyclolites, Thamnastrcea Ellie- 
ridgii, Thecocyathus mucronata, Montlivaltia papyracea, and several 
others to wliich no specific narnes ai - e attached, chiefly belonging to 
the genus Isastrcea. 
COBBESPOITDElirCE. 
THE ACTIVE VOLCANO OF OSHIMA. 1 
Sir, — It may interest some of j’our readers to learn that since my 
return to Tokei, Japan, I find, froni a microscopic examination, the 
lava from the Island of Oshima appears to be an Augitic Andesite, 
containing some Sanadine, and on the whole resembling some of the 
Java rocks, wbich will make it very interesting. John Milne. 
Imperial College of Engineering, Kogakurio, Tokei, Japan. 
March 24 th, 1877. 
EXPLORATION OF VICTORIA CAVE, SETTLE, TORKSHIRE. 
Sir, — It was with great surprise that I read, in an abstract of the 
proceedings of the Geological Society of London, the following 
passage : “ The President asked Prof. Boyd Dawkins whether the 
impression wbich prevailed in some quarters that there liad beeil a 
wantof care in the excavation of the Victoria Cave was well founded.” 
Having lived for a long time in the north of England, and having 
paid several visits to the Cave, since Mr. Tiddeman lias had the 
charge of it, I feel bound to state that I have always been struck 
with the great care shown in the excavation, and with the scrupulous 
accuracy with which the position of every article found was noted. 
I am morally certain that there is no ground whatever for any 
imputation of carelessness ; it would indeed be a gross injustice 
botli to Mr. Tiddeman, who bas so generously sacrificed so much of 
bis spare time to the work, and also to Mr. Jackson, the discoverer 
of the Cave. J. E. Dakvns. 
1 See “ Account of a Visit to the Active Volcano of Oshima” in Geol. Mag. 
May, 1877, p. 193. 
