i6 
BEEKITE. 
This question, while it may explain the reason why some fossils 
are more susceptible than others, does not seem to throw any 
light on the origin of this peculiar deposit. Before going on with 
this point it may be as well to mention certain other features 
connected with its mode of occurrence. 
(1) That the rock in which it is found most freely always shows 
signs of an excess of Silica in the form of masses of Chert, Flint, 
Chalcedony, &c., indicating that Silica was present to a consider- 
able extent. 
(2) That the Beekite occurs in varying grades or degrees, from 
a few isolated dots and rings up to a complete silicification, and 
sometimes obliteration of the fossil nucleus, which then consists 
mainly of knobs or warts of Silica. 
(3) That different localities show it in various degrees, i.e.y 
the Dundry Beekites are largely in the earlier stages, while those 
at Torquay are nearly all in the last stages, with the Antrims 
coming somewhat midway. This applies to the average finds, as 
many places (such as Dundry) have it in all degrees. 
(4) So far as is known at present Beekite is a marine product 
— that is, of the numerous specimens examined not one (as yet) 
has been noted on any fossil which can be allotted to a fresh water 
deposit. Neither has any occurred on vegetable remains. 
(5) Another peculiar feature of Beekite is that it follows, or is 
influenced by, the structure of the fossil on which it forms. Thus 
in the interior of a coral or stromatoporid, it appears in a granular, 
stringy, or thread-like form, whereas on a shell, the rings are 
predominant — while on certain shells, such as “ Lima lycetti ” it 
is usually oval in shape. 
(6) When Beekised fossils (especially corals) are immersed in 
acid, there is almost always an odour given off suggestive of 
decaying organic matter, similar to that frequently noticed on the 
sea shore at low tide. 
In considering the origin of the Beekites, there is one point 
which stands out more prominently than others, that is, they are 
always associated with fossil remains of some organism or other. 
W. Pengelly asserts in his paper that he had never found one 
which was without a fossil nucleus, and this observation of his 
(which was founded on “derived” specimens from the Torbay 
district) is fully corroborated by the numerous examples found 
in situ in various formations during the last few years. Of those 
examined, to the number of over three thousand, not one has yet 
come to hand which is not on a distinct fossil. In most cases 
the organism can be at once detected and named, some require 
the use of acid to remove the enveloping matrix, but the fossil 
is always to be found ! 
