Antarctic Expedition. 227 
All fossils, without exception, may be brought home, in large 
number and quantity. 
When fossils occur in sand or gravel, note their condition as 
to freshness or decomposition ; whether they resemble those of 
the adjacent coast or seas; the mode of their occurrence • 
whether regularly interstratified with clay or stone; in patches 
or continuously, on the sides of hills or of cliffs, and at what 
altitudes above the sea. 
State whether the fossils found in any given situation are all 
marine, terrestrial, or fluviatile; mixed, or in distinct groups; 
and, if mixed, in w hat proportions. 
Observe whether there be any intermixture of fresh-water and 
marine shells in bodies of water near the shore, or in lakes at a 
distance from it. 
Inquire whether bones of Mammalia occur among them. 
Note the brackish ness of the water—whether it communi¬ 
cates or not with the sea. State any differences of the animals 
from those of purely fresh, and of salt water. 
Observe carefully the position of fossils in the beds which 
afford them. If corals, whether vertical or inclined. If 
shells, are they disposed in layers parallel to the strata ? 
Notice whether Testacea are carried up to cliffs by birds; 
the quantity of shells thus accumulated, and their state of pre¬ 
servation. 
Notice the relative numbers of shells of the same species on 
the shores. 
Seek for and preserve all traces of fossil hones. 
Be careful to ascertain that they are imbedded in the allu¬ 
vium, not loose or intermixed with the recent detritus. 
If any bones should be dredged up, note the place of their 
occurrence, latitude and longitude, its distance from any great 
rivers, whether within currents. 
Bones in caves .—Examine the materials forming the bottom 
of caves for bones. 
Bone-breccia .—Search for this in crevices. 
Observe all indications of coal, and collect specimens; note 
any traces of vegetable impressions in the rocks, and preserve 
them carefully. m 
Seek with the microscope for infusorial animals, both in a 
fossil and recent state. 
Coral reefs .—Attend to the structure and appearance of 
coral reefs and islands. See, on this subject, Lieut. Nelson s 
Paper ii on the Geology of the Bermudas. Geol. Irans. 2d 
Series, Vol. V., p. 10:3—123. 
Ascertain to what depth below the surface of the sea they 
extend, and, if possible, on what basis they rest. 
Ascertain how far south they are found to occur. 
Floating or drift mood and plants .—Record the distance 
a 2 
