334 The American Geologist. May, 1891 
Among the fossils of No. 3 are such well known Cretaceous forms as : 
Cardium eufaulense Con. Pachycardium spillmani Con. 
Exogyra costata Say. Ostrea subspatulata L. & 8. 
Aphrodina tippana Con. Crassatella pteropsis Con. 
Cucullsea antrosa Mort. Trigonia divaricata Tuomey=T. anguli- 
costa Gabb. 
Most of these forms are very numerous and there are several others 
not fully identified, but none of the Tertiary forms so abundant in the 
overlying beds are found in No. 3. 
The existence of a highly fossilferous Cretaceous stratum in contact 
with the Tertiary was the one fact needed to complete the explanation of 
a mechanical mingling of the faunas and it is, therefore, deemed worthy 
of publication. 
U. S. Geological Survey, T. W. Stantox. 
Washington, D. C, April 9, 1891. 
PEESONAL AND SCIENTIFIC NEWS. 
An Australian Sample of Gold has analyzed as high as 99 per 
cent, gold and the remainder silver, with iron and copper. Again, 
a sample of gold from Transylvania contained as high as over 38 
per cent, of silver." But the average purity of the gold found all 
over the world is about 85 parts gold and the remainder silver, 
with iron and copper in greater or less quantities, together with 
traces of the rarer metals. The average fineness of California 
gold is about 88 per cent, of gold. The average of Australia is 
about 92 per cent. Of the best grade of Nova Scotia 97 per cent. 
Of Chili, the average is about 82 per cent. Of Russia, 93 per 
cent. And thus all gold found in any country, has so far shown 
by actual analysis, that it contains more or less silver intermixed 
with it as an alio}' in various proportions, and also nearly always 
is found contaminated with iron and copper, and sometimes with 
traces and even appreciable amounts of palladium, rhodium, osmium, 
iridium, etc. — Dr. Willis E. Everette. 
The Legislature op Texas, avhich has just adjourned 
provided for the continuance of the geological survey by appro- 
priating the sum of $35,000.00 per annum for the next two years. 
In addition to this amount the printing is provided for in the 
appropriation for public printing, and sums were allowed for the 
testing of the lignites and preparation of a state map, which will 
very much increase the total available funds of the survey. The 
salary limit was also increased five hundred dollars each for the 
state geologist and three assistants and provisions made for a 
good suite of rooms for the chemical work of the survey in the 
new laboratory building to be erected at the University of Texas. 
The Legislature of Minnesota has also aided the state 
geological survey by appropriating $15,000 for the next two 
years for work in the field and for apparatus in the laboratory. 
This is in addition to the proceeds from the Salt Spring lands 
which in the past have supported the survey. The survey reports 
