230 TlMEHRI. 
as fossils in abundance in some of the lowest strata of the 
earth. 
In the next case are shewn some shells in which the 
outer layer has been worn away so that the ornamental 
pearly layer beneath is clearly visible. Among them 
are seen the pearly-nautilus — different from the paper- 
nautilus which swims over the surface of the ocean in 
its delicate boat-like shell — the curious sea-ears or ear- 
shells (Haliotis) many of which are most beautiful, 
while the flesh is useful as food ; the armed spider- 
shells (Pteroceras) of fantastic shapes ; the beautiful 
sea-tops or top-shells (Trochus), etc. — but notice will 
be taken of the shells later. 
In the large central case is shewn a very fine collec- 
tion of small hand specimens of rocks and minerals, 
colle6led by Mr.BARRlNGTON BROWN on his survey of the 
colony. Among them are seen large series of specimens 
of oxide of iron, oxide of manganese, sandstone, conglo- 
merate, white and pink clay, mica-schist, greenstone, 
gneiss, plumbago, quartz-porphyry, jasper, quartz — three 
specimens, nos. 190, 191, 192, containing gold — granite, 
syenite, etc. Several of the specimens are in various 
stages of disintegration, showing the results of weather- 
ing. A specimen of sandstone (no. 73) shews suncracks 
as seen commonly in the stratified rocks. 
A small case of mixed corals is next noticed, among 
them the spiny coral (Mussa) ) the branched coral 
(Pocillopora) with minute cups, etc. These, like the 
forms already noticed, are true corals, that is, are made 
by little beings similar to sea-anemones ; while the fan- 
shaped blood -coral (Stylaster)) the finger-like coral 
(Distickopora) , and the large "sea-ginger" or stag's- 
