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Annual report for 1870
GEOLOGISTS' ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1870
THE proceedings of the Association during the past year have been marked by the excellence of the Papers read at the ordinary meetings of the members; by the number and success of the excursions made to places of geological interest, and by the visits to public museums. The following papers were read during the year : On Graptolites, by W. CARRUTHERS, F.L.S., F.G.S. On the Strata exposed by the Line of Railroad through the Sevenoaks Tunnel, by C. EVANS, F.G.S. On Volcanoes, by H. WOODWARD, F.G.S. On the Chalk of the Isle of Thanet, by G. DOWKER. Notes en the Geology of the Neighbourhood of Swana~e, by T. D. BaTT, F.G.S. On a Visit to the Scilly Isles, by C. T. RICHARDSON, M.D. Two Days in a Mining District, by J. L. LOBLEY, F.G.S. On the Distribution of the British Fossil Brachiopoda, by J. L. LOBLEY F.G.S. On the Structural Character of the Dinosamia, by Dr. J. MURIE, F.G.S. Remarks on the Geological Distribution of the Dinosauria, by Professor J. MORRIS, F.G.S. The British Islands, Past and Present, by R. ETHERIDGE, F.G.S., F.R.S.E On the Geology of the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth, by C. EVANS, F.G.S.
These papers, several of which, as will be observed, were by geologists of eminence, fully maintained the reputation of our monthly meetings. The subjects chosen, and the manner in which they were handled, were in each instance well adapted to the character and purpose of the Association, and several of the papers were of a superior order. Your Committee rejoice to be able to add that some of the most elaborate and able of them were written by members of the Association; at the same time they may be permitted to again urge upon members, and particularly upon the younger members, the desirableness of their taking a larger share in this part of the work. It is not to be
[75]
ll.
wished that all the papers should be of an elaborate description, deal with large subjects or leading principles, or occupy the greater part of an evening in the reading. But with papers such as are named in the above list, it would be well if we could occasionally have short papers giving a clear and succinct account of some special investigation, or original piece of field-work, undertaken by our younger members: papers in which they might try their nascent skill, and dip their wings for a bolder flight. Such papers could not but be of service to the writers, and they would lead to discussions which would add to their interest with the members generally. It might be necessary to introduce these papers with some reserve, and occasionally to exercise the previous censorship with seeming severity; but it deserves consideration whether an evening might not be occasionally appropriated, especially to the reading of three or four such papers. Your Committee note with pleasure the general animation of the discussions which follow the reading of the papers; but here again they earnestly invite the wider co-operation of the members and friends. A suggestive remark, however brief, any item of local information-often a mere question-will serve not only to enliven the proceedings, and evince interest and sympathy, but frequently elicit knowledge of a kind that would hardly have been brought forward in a more formal manner. The object of these, as of the former, remarks is by this, or any, means to induce as many of the members as possible to take part in the actual work of the Association. Before passing to another section of the Report, your Committee wish to offer a few observations on their recent publications. Among the interesting papers communicated to the Association during this and the preceding year, have been some directly bearing on Palooontology, and having for their object a concise description and classification of certain groups of fossil remains. Of these, the papers on the Cephalopoda, by the Rev. T. Wiltshire, and on the Pala3ozoic Bivalved Entomostraca, by Professor T. Rupert Jones, have been distribu1ed among the
[76]
iii.
members; and those read by Mr. W. Carruthers, on Graptolites, and by Mr. J. Logan Lobley, on Brachiopods, are in preparation with a view to their early issue. The value of these papers to the student of Geology cannot but be fully appreciated; and your Committee hope, with the kindly co-operation of members and friends, that a continuation of similar papers will be prepared for, and published by, the Association, that thus one of its main objects may be carried out-the diffusion, among its members and others, of useful information, especially with reference to the character and relations of fossil remains to existing forms, and so to assist the student in inferring the conditions under which the various strata were accumulated. The valuable papers "On the Chalk of the Isle of Thanet," by Mr. Dowker, and" On some Chalk Sections between Croydon and Oxtead," by Mr. C. Evans, have been printed and distributed among the members. These papers shewing subdivisions, or zones, in the chalk formation are of much interest in relation to the origin and mode of accumulation of this deposit; more especially at the present time, when the recent discoveries of the deep sea deposits, now taking place in the bed of the Atlantic, bear certain analogies to, or contain forms which are considered to be representatives of those found in the older cretaceous formation. The excursions have become an increasing ly prominent feature in the proceedings ofthe Association. Their value to the student every geologist will admit. Geology must be learned in the field. Whatever may be acquired from books or in the lecture-room must be applied there: and these excursions, made under the guidance of experienced geologists, not only afford ready means of testing, and tuming to account, what has been studied at home, and of occasionally collecting characteristic rocks and fossils, but also furnish excellent lessons in the art of observing and recording observations, and, what is not least to be prized, opportunities for social intercourse and mutual aid and recognition as fellowstudents in a science in which co-operation is especially valuable. Excursions were made during the year toCaterham and Oxtead, Surrey, under the guidance of
[77]
iv. C. Evans, F.G.S.; and to Nutfield, Surrey, under the guidance of C. J. A. Meyer, F.G.S. In Kent to Herne Bay, on Whit Monday, under the direction of Professor Morris j to Lewisham, and to Erith. In Hertfordshire, Watford was visited under the guidance of Mr. J. Hopkinson, F.G.S. j and, Hampstead in Middlesex, where Mr. S. R. Pattison, F.G.S., kindly volunteered to lead, and where, at the conclusion of the day, the members were hospitably entertained by Mr. C. Evans, and had the opportunity afforded them of examining his extensive collection of Tertiary and Cretaceous fossils. An afternoon was pleasantly and profitably spent at Grays, in Essex, where, with Professor Morris as guide, the extensive chalk quarries were carefully examined, and afterwards the party were liberally entertained by R. Meeson, Esq., F.G.S., in his picturesque grounds immediately above the quarries. More distant excursions were made under the able direction of Professor Morris, in May, to Swindon, Stroud, and May Hill, a very instructive three days' trip, and to Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire. These excursions were all well, and some numerously, attended, and those who took part in them invariably expressed their satisfaction with the result, and their enjoyment ofthe meeting. Their popularity and success must again be to a great extent ascribed to the zeal and kindness of the President, who, this year, as in the preceding, gave up a large amount of time to their arrangement and conduct. Your Committee also desire to express their obligations to the other gentlemen who led excursion parties. Besides the country excursions, visits were made on three or four occasions to the British Museum, and to the Museum of Practical Geology. At both of these places there was a very numerous gathering of members, who evinced great interest in the proceedings. At the British Museum addresses were given before the actual specimens by Professor Morris, Professor Tennant, Mr. H. Woodward, F.G.S., Mr. Carruthers, and Dr.
[78]
v. Carter Blake j at Jermyn-street, the members were conducted round the galleries by Mr. Etheridge, Professor Morris, and Professor Tennant, who pointed out the principal objects of interest and delivered brief addresses. To the officers of both these institutions the Committee are under great obligations for the frank and friendly cordiality with which they tendered their assistance. The success of these visits, and the many enquiries which have been made respecting their repetition, seem to suggest the desirability of making a new series of such visits to these and other great public collections, especially as they may be made at a season when country excursions are impracticable. But both the excursions and the visits to the Museums seem to your Oommittee to be worthy of all possible encouragement: and they recommend to consideration the possibility of re-arranging them so as to extend their usefulness, and place them for the future on a more regular and systematic basis. With this view they invite such members as may be qualified by general or special knowledge, and any friends who may possess local information, to volunteer their assistance in arranging and conducting excursions. Your Committee have to record, with exceeding regret, the loss by death of one of the vice-presidents. Mr. E. Oresy We one of the f(lmrdem 8i ~Bil Association; was one of the small band who took part in the Oonference, Nov. 29, 1858, at which the Association was formally constituted j was one of the Il).embers of the original Oommittee, and one of the most regular attendants ever since; was President in 1864-65, and then Vice-President until his death: and in each capacity, by his wide and various knowledge, energy, readiness of resource, urbanity, and business tact, rendered great service to the Association at every stage of its career. He contributed several valuable papers; and was ever ready to assist the officers of the ASHociation with advice and good counsel. In turning to the appointment of the Officers of the Association for the year 1871,. your Oommittee, in announcing the retirement, by efflux of time, of the President, Professor Morris, who
[79]
vi. has already served one year more than the usual period, have to repeat the deep obligation which they, and the whole body of members, feel for the many and great services he has rendered to the Association during his tenure of office. They trust, however, that, as Vice-President, he will continue to afford them his invaluable aid and counsel. As President for 1871 and 1872, the Committee have nominated the Rev. T. Wiltshire, M.A., F.G.S., who has kindly expressed his readiness to accept the post. Mr. Wiltshire, they may remind the members, was ~Jl& of tllre formder~ of the Associa.tioIJ'; was Chairman 9£ UIO Oonferell~o for its etl.ablis1ululIlh~ndvirtually the first President, Mr. Toulmin Smith, originally elected to that post, having resigned after the first meeting, in January, 1859. Mr. Wiltshire acted as President during 1859-1861, and was then elected Vice-President. He has a.lways been an active member of the Committee; has contributed several valuable papers, some of which have been printed, and has conducted many of our excursions. The members will participate in the regret with which the Committee announce the retirement of Mr. John Cumming, F.G.S., from the post of Honorary Secretary. Mr. Cumming has filled this office since 1861 with great benefit to the Association, and now resigns it on account of the' increase of his professional avocations no longer allowing him to devote to it the time he f(lels to be necessary to the adequate fulfilment of its duties. As a testimony of their sense of the value of his services, and their regret at his retirement, your Committee recommend his election as Vice-President, and they trust to have in that capacity the benefit of his frequent presence and counsel at their meetings. As his successor in the office of Honorary Secretary, they beg to recommend Mr. J. Logan Lobley, who has intimated his willingness to serve, and whose energy and experience, they believe, will be of essential service to the Institution. The Financial Condition of your Association continues to oner matter for congratulation. There has been an increase in the
[80]
vii. annual subscriptions; the general expenses have been very moderate; the expenditure for printing has been not nearly so heavy as in 1869 ; and, as the result, the balance remaining in hand, after discharging all liabilities, has increased to the sum of £58. Messrs. C. Evans, F.G.S., and Mr. M. Hawkins Johnson, have kindly acted as Auditors; your Committee append their Report, and recommend those gentlemen for election as members of the Committee in the place of Mr. J. Pickering, who, after working with us zealously from the commencement, retires on account of the state of his health, and of Mr. J. L. Lobley, who has accepted the office of Honorary Secretary. The other members of the Committee and Officers of the Association submit themselves for re-election. Your Committee recommend the following list of officers for the year 1871 : -
President.-REv. T. WILTSHIRE, M.A., F.G.S., F.RA.S., &c. Vice-Presidents.-Professor JOHN MORRIS, F.G.S. ; JAMES THORNE, F.S.A.; Professor J. TENNANT, F.G.S., F.RG.S., &c.; JOHN CUMMING, F.G.S. Treasurer.- W. HISLOP, F.RA.S., 177, St. John Street Road; E.C. General Committee: J. W. BAILEY. REV. J. CROMBIE, M.A., F.G.S. C. EVANS, F.G.S. J. HOPKINSON, F.G.S., F.RM.S. J. W. lLOTT. M. H. JOHNSON, F.G.S.
W. H. LEIGHTON, F.G.S. T. LOVICK. C. J. A. MEYER, F.G.S. G. POTTER, F.RM.S. C. T. RICHARDSON, M.D. H. WOODWARD, F.G.S., F.Z.S.
Honorary Secretary.-J. LOGAN LOBLEY, F.G.S., F.RG.S., 50, Lansdowne Road, Kensington Park, W. Honorary Librm·ian.-A. BOTT, A.A., F.G.S. Your Committee also recommend the election of THOMAS DAVIDSON, Esq., F.R.S., F.G.S., &0., and CHARLES MOORE, Esq., F.G.S., &0., as Honorary Members of the Association. The Auditors' report is on the next page.
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THE proceedings of the Association during the past year have been marked by the excellence of the Papers read at the ordinary meetings of the members; by the number and success of the excursions made to places of geological interest, and by the visits to public museums. The following papers were read during the year : On Graptolites, by W. CARRUTHERS, F.L.S., F.G.S. On the Strata exposed by the Line of Railroad through the Sevenoaks Tunnel, by C. EVANS, F.G.S. On Volcanoes, by H. WOODWARD, F.G.S. On the Chalk of the Isle of Thanet, by G. DOWKER. Notes en the Geology of the Neighbourhood of Swana~e, by T. D. BaTT, F.G.S. On a Visit to the Scilly Isles, by C. T. RICHARDSON, M.D. Two Days in a Mining District, by J. L. LOBLEY, F.G.S. On the Distribution of the British Fossil Brachiopoda, by J. L. LOBLEY F.G.S. On the Structural Character of the Dinosamia, by Dr. J. MURIE, F.G.S. Remarks on the Geological Distribution of the Dinosauria, by Professor J. MORRIS, F.G.S. The British Islands, Past and Present, by R. ETHERIDGE, F.G.S., F.R.S.E On the Geology of the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth, by C. EVANS, F.G.S.
These papers, several of which, as will be observed, were by geologists of eminence, fully maintained the reputation of our monthly meetings. The subjects chosen, and the manner in which they were handled, were in each instance well adapted to the character and purpose of the Association, and several of the papers were of a superior order. Your Committee rejoice to be able to add that some of the most elaborate and able of them were written by members of the Association; at the same time they may be permitted to again urge upon members, and particularly upon the younger members, the desirableness of their taking a larger share in this part of the work. It is not to be
[75]
ll.
wished that all the papers should be of an elaborate description, deal with large subjects or leading principles, or occupy the greater part of an evening in the reading. But with papers such as are named in the above list, it would be well if we could occasionally have short papers giving a clear and succinct account of some special investigation, or original piece of field-work, undertaken by our younger members: papers in which they might try their nascent skill, and dip their wings for a bolder flight. Such papers could not but be of service to the writers, and they would lead to discussions which would add to their interest with the members generally. It might be necessary to introduce these papers with some reserve, and occasionally to exercise the previous censorship with seeming severity; but it deserves consideration whether an evening might not be occasionally appropriated, especially to the reading of three or four such papers. Your Committee note with pleasure the general animation of the discussions which follow the reading of the papers; but here again they earnestly invite the wider co-operation of the members and friends. A suggestive remark, however brief, any item of local information-often a mere question-will serve not only to enliven the proceedings, and evince interest and sympathy, but frequently elicit knowledge of a kind that would hardly have been brought forward in a more formal manner. The object of these, as of the former, remarks is by this, or any, means to induce as many of the members as possible to take part in the actual work of the Association. Before passing to another section of the Report, your Committee wish to offer a few observations on their recent publications. Among the interesting papers communicated to the Association during this and the preceding year, have been some directly bearing on Palooontology, and having for their object a concise description and classification of certain groups of fossil remains. Of these, the papers on the Cephalopoda, by the Rev. T. Wiltshire, and on the Pala3ozoic Bivalved Entomostraca, by Professor T. Rupert Jones, have been distribu1ed among the
[76]
iii.
members; and those read by Mr. W. Carruthers, on Graptolites, and by Mr. J. Logan Lobley, on Brachiopods, are in preparation with a view to their early issue. The value of these papers to the student of Geology cannot but be fully appreciated; and your Committee hope, with the kindly co-operation of members and friends, that a continuation of similar papers will be prepared for, and published by, the Association, that thus one of its main objects may be carried out-the diffusion, among its members and others, of useful information, especially with reference to the character and relations of fossil remains to existing forms, and so to assist the student in inferring the conditions under which the various strata were accumulated. The valuable papers "On the Chalk of the Isle of Thanet," by Mr. Dowker, and" On some Chalk Sections between Croydon and Oxtead," by Mr. C. Evans, have been printed and distributed among the members. These papers shewing subdivisions, or zones, in the chalk formation are of much interest in relation to the origin and mode of accumulation of this deposit; more especially at the present time, when the recent discoveries of the deep sea deposits, now taking place in the bed of the Atlantic, bear certain analogies to, or contain forms which are considered to be representatives of those found in the older cretaceous formation. The excursions have become an increasing ly prominent feature in the proceedings ofthe Association. Their value to the student every geologist will admit. Geology must be learned in the field. Whatever may be acquired from books or in the lecture-room must be applied there: and these excursions, made under the guidance of experienced geologists, not only afford ready means of testing, and tuming to account, what has been studied at home, and of occasionally collecting characteristic rocks and fossils, but also furnish excellent lessons in the art of observing and recording observations, and, what is not least to be prized, opportunities for social intercourse and mutual aid and recognition as fellowstudents in a science in which co-operation is especially valuable. Excursions were made during the year toCaterham and Oxtead, Surrey, under the guidance of
[77]
iv. C. Evans, F.G.S.; and to Nutfield, Surrey, under the guidance of C. J. A. Meyer, F.G.S. In Kent to Herne Bay, on Whit Monday, under the direction of Professor Morris j to Lewisham, and to Erith. In Hertfordshire, Watford was visited under the guidance of Mr. J. Hopkinson, F.G.S. j and, Hampstead in Middlesex, where Mr. S. R. Pattison, F.G.S., kindly volunteered to lead, and where, at the conclusion of the day, the members were hospitably entertained by Mr. C. Evans, and had the opportunity afforded them of examining his extensive collection of Tertiary and Cretaceous fossils. An afternoon was pleasantly and profitably spent at Grays, in Essex, where, with Professor Morris as guide, the extensive chalk quarries were carefully examined, and afterwards the party were liberally entertained by R. Meeson, Esq., F.G.S., in his picturesque grounds immediately above the quarries. More distant excursions were made under the able direction of Professor Morris, in May, to Swindon, Stroud, and May Hill, a very instructive three days' trip, and to Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire. These excursions were all well, and some numerously, attended, and those who took part in them invariably expressed their satisfaction with the result, and their enjoyment ofthe meeting. Their popularity and success must again be to a great extent ascribed to the zeal and kindness of the President, who, this year, as in the preceding, gave up a large amount of time to their arrangement and conduct. Your Committee also desire to express their obligations to the other gentlemen who led excursion parties. Besides the country excursions, visits were made on three or four occasions to the British Museum, and to the Museum of Practical Geology. At both of these places there was a very numerous gathering of members, who evinced great interest in the proceedings. At the British Museum addresses were given before the actual specimens by Professor Morris, Professor Tennant, Mr. H. Woodward, F.G.S., Mr. Carruthers, and Dr.
[78]
v. Carter Blake j at Jermyn-street, the members were conducted round the galleries by Mr. Etheridge, Professor Morris, and Professor Tennant, who pointed out the principal objects of interest and delivered brief addresses. To the officers of both these institutions the Committee are under great obligations for the frank and friendly cordiality with which they tendered their assistance. The success of these visits, and the many enquiries which have been made respecting their repetition, seem to suggest the desirability of making a new series of such visits to these and other great public collections, especially as they may be made at a season when country excursions are impracticable. But both the excursions and the visits to the Museums seem to your Oommittee to be worthy of all possible encouragement: and they recommend to consideration the possibility of re-arranging them so as to extend their usefulness, and place them for the future on a more regular and systematic basis. With this view they invite such members as may be qualified by general or special knowledge, and any friends who may possess local information, to volunteer their assistance in arranging and conducting excursions. Your Committee have to record, with exceeding regret, the loss by death of one of the vice-presidents. Mr. E. Oresy We one of the f(lmrdem 8i ~Bil Association; was one of the small band who took part in the Oonference, Nov. 29, 1858, at which the Association was formally constituted j was one of the Il).embers of the original Oommittee, and one of the most regular attendants ever since; was President in 1864-65, and then Vice-President until his death: and in each capacity, by his wide and various knowledge, energy, readiness of resource, urbanity, and business tact, rendered great service to the Association at every stage of its career. He contributed several valuable papers; and was ever ready to assist the officers of the ASHociation with advice and good counsel. In turning to the appointment of the Officers of the Association for the year 1871,. your Oommittee, in announcing the retirement, by efflux of time, of the President, Professor Morris, who
[79]
vi. has already served one year more than the usual period, have to repeat the deep obligation which they, and the whole body of members, feel for the many and great services he has rendered to the Association during his tenure of office. They trust, however, that, as Vice-President, he will continue to afford them his invaluable aid and counsel. As President for 1871 and 1872, the Committee have nominated the Rev. T. Wiltshire, M.A., F.G.S., who has kindly expressed his readiness to accept the post. Mr. Wiltshire, they may remind the members, was ~Jl& of tllre formder~ of the Associa.tioIJ'; was Chairman 9£ UIO Oonferell~o for its etl.ablis1ululIlh~ndvirtually the first President, Mr. Toulmin Smith, originally elected to that post, having resigned after the first meeting, in January, 1859. Mr. Wiltshire acted as President during 1859-1861, and was then elected Vice-President. He has a.lways been an active member of the Committee; has contributed several valuable papers, some of which have been printed, and has conducted many of our excursions. The members will participate in the regret with which the Committee announce the retirement of Mr. John Cumming, F.G.S., from the post of Honorary Secretary. Mr. Cumming has filled this office since 1861 with great benefit to the Association, and now resigns it on account of the' increase of his professional avocations no longer allowing him to devote to it the time he f(lels to be necessary to the adequate fulfilment of its duties. As a testimony of their sense of the value of his services, and their regret at his retirement, your Committee recommend his election as Vice-President, and they trust to have in that capacity the benefit of his frequent presence and counsel at their meetings. As his successor in the office of Honorary Secretary, they beg to recommend Mr. J. Logan Lobley, who has intimated his willingness to serve, and whose energy and experience, they believe, will be of essential service to the Institution. The Financial Condition of your Association continues to oner matter for congratulation. There has been an increase in the
[80]
vii. annual subscriptions; the general expenses have been very moderate; the expenditure for printing has been not nearly so heavy as in 1869 ; and, as the result, the balance remaining in hand, after discharging all liabilities, has increased to the sum of £58. Messrs. C. Evans, F.G.S., and Mr. M. Hawkins Johnson, have kindly acted as Auditors; your Committee append their Report, and recommend those gentlemen for election as members of the Committee in the place of Mr. J. Pickering, who, after working with us zealously from the commencement, retires on account of the state of his health, and of Mr. J. L. Lobley, who has accepted the office of Honorary Secretary. The other members of the Committee and Officers of the Association submit themselves for re-election. Your Committee recommend the following list of officers for the year 1871 : -
President.-REv. T. WILTSHIRE, M.A., F.G.S., F.RA.S., &c. Vice-Presidents.-Professor JOHN MORRIS, F.G.S. ; JAMES THORNE, F.S.A.; Professor J. TENNANT, F.G.S., F.RG.S., &c.; JOHN CUMMING, F.G.S. Treasurer.- W. HISLOP, F.RA.S., 177, St. John Street Road; E.C. General Committee: J. W. BAILEY. REV. J. CROMBIE, M.A., F.G.S. C. EVANS, F.G.S. J. HOPKINSON, F.G.S., F.RM.S. J. W. lLOTT. M. H. JOHNSON, F.G.S.
W. H. LEIGHTON, F.G.S. T. LOVICK. C. J. A. MEYER, F.G.S. G. POTTER, F.RM.S. C. T. RICHARDSON, M.D. H. WOODWARD, F.G.S., F.Z.S.
Honorary Secretary.-J. LOGAN LOBLEY, F.G.S., F.RG.S., 50, Lansdowne Road, Kensington Park, W. Honorary Librm·ian.-A. BOTT, A.A., F.G.S. Your Committee also recommend the election of THOMAS DAVIDSON, Esq., F.R.S., F.G.S., &0., and CHARLES MOORE, Esq., F.G.S., &0., as Honorary Members of the Association. The Auditors' report is on the next page.
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