Correspondence. 129 
evidence that this plan is a most successful means of developing talent 
and enthusiasm in geological work. 
During the ye-'- our numbers have increased from sixteen active mem- 
bers to thirty-two active and three honorary members. We liave eleven 
active members in New York state, seven in Massachusetts, two in Con- 
necticut, two in Illinois, and one each in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, 
New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, California, and 
Nova Scotia. 
The reports are uniformly excellent, giving evidence usually of a 
strong Interest in geological work, and often exhibiting much labor and 
skill on the part of the writer. Over half of the reports are illustrated 
with drawings or photographs, which always add greatly to the value of 
scientific papers. The range of subjects presented is very wide, as would 
naturally be expected from the variety of regions represented in the 
Chapter. There is no space here to enumerate even a few of the titles 
of reports, but we may say, without any risk of exaggeration, that the 
fruit of our year's work contains material which is valuable not only to 
the amateur but to the professional geologist as well. Within the year 
eighty-three reports were received as follows : nineteen in May, twenty- 
two in August, twenty-one in November, and twenty-one in February, 
1891. It will be seen that the increase in number of reports has not 
kept pace with the increasing membership of the Chapter. 
Our plan of work cannot fail to recommend itself to those who are 
practicing the truly scientific method of geological study ; and it is to 
such students that we extend a hearty invitation to join us. A few more 
members of the right sort would greatly enhance the efficiency of the 
Chapter. 
Our past experience has suggested a few improvements in our models 
operandi which are being vigorously discussed among the members. 
This is not the proper place for a presentation of such matters ; the 
active interest shown by all in the improvement of the Chapter is a good 
omen and guaranty of greater success in the year to come than in the 
year just past. The following are the officers for 1891 : 
President, Fkederick A. Vogt, 844 Genessee St., Buffalo, N. Y. 
General Secretary, George F. Perry, Melrose, Mass. 
Treasurer, Miss Isa.bei.la S. Deane, 45 Park St,, Buffalo, N. Y. 
Executive Council, Axiadeus W. Grarau, Soc. Nat. Hist. Boston, 
Massachusetts. 
Executive Council, Franklin W. Barrows, High School, Buffalo, N. Y. 
All who desire to join the Chapter will please apply to the General 
Secretary. Very truly, 
Buffalo, N. Y., May W, 1891. Franklin W. Barrows, 
Retiring President. 
Orange Sand, Lagrange and Appomattox. — The study lately be- 
stowed upon the formations of the southwestern states in connection 
with those of the North, and especially those of the Atlantic slope by 
McGee, seems to render a revision and re-definition of the above names 
desirable. The first two. Orange sand and Lagrange, were first applied 
In 1856, by Safford, to a series of beds in west Tennessee that bear a very 
