USE OF TERMS FEINT AND CHERT 
173 
regarding them, should not be circumscribed by hard and fast 
rules. On this account, however, they should not be made pro- 
miscuous ^'catch-alls” whose latitude may be unwisely increased 
by including much more than the simple siliceous nodules and 
bands in chalk and limestones. Until such a time when investi- 
gation shall point out the true origin, and the differences if any, 
or variations, in mode and place of occurrence, form, composition, 
texture — in other words point out the real nature, limitations 
and gradations of the terms flint and chert as applied to their 
field equivalents — it would be well for the sake of truth to for- 
bear an attempt at exact definition. Under the circumstances 
precision is at the present premature and probably misleading. 
The Department op Geology, 
State University op Iowa. 
