483 
of Edinburgh, Session 1870 - 71 . 
of the Geological Society of France for December 1869, that I 
make the following extracts :— 
The great interest attaching to the investigation is allowed by 
the reporters, and a compliment is paid to the Swiss naturalists for 
commencing and urging it. 
Eeference is made to the rapid disappearance of the boulders, 
and especially limestone boulders, which were generally broken 
up for limekilns. The reporters state that near Lyons, the greater 
part of the boulders had been destroyed long ago, and in particular 
one weighing about 150 tons, which marked the point where the 
boundaries of three parishes met. 
Examples, however, of remarkable boulders still untouched, with 
legends attached to some, are specified, such as the “ Pierre du 
Lon Dieu,” of 120 tons, and the “ Pierre du Diable,” of 56 tons, 
which it is strongly recommended should, with many others of less 
note, be saved from destruction or injury. 
Eeference is then made to the steps which should be taken to 
carry out these views. Circulars, it is said, should be drawn up, 
and sent not only to the public departments which superintend the 
management of Government or communal lands, but also to indi¬ 
vidual landed proprietors, pointing out the scientific interest attach¬ 
ing to these erratic blocks. 
These suggestions were at once favourably responded to and 
acted on. Three public departments or functionaries, viz., the 
Minister of Public Works, the Director-General of Forests, and 
the Prefects in each of the provinces of Savoy, High-Savoy, Ain, 
Ehone, and Isere—all adjoining Switzerland—are stated to have 
lent their willing co-operation. 
Afler the project had received the approbation of the Geological 
Society of France and the promise of important official support, an 
appeal to the friends of Natural Science was drawn up by Messrs 
Faison and Chantre very similar to the appeal which had been 
previously drawn out and issued in Switzerland. This appeal, 
after describing the movement and proceedings in Switzerland, 
proceeds thus :—“ Such is the object pursued vigorously in Switzer- 
“ land with the co-operation of departments and of individuals. 
“ In a word, see what is going on near ourselves. Can we remain 
“ outside of, and indifferent to, this scientific enterprise, especially 
