On the Red Chalk of England Part 3

(In the collection of Mr. Rose.)

Spondylus latus Sow. M. C. tab. 80, fig. 2, page 184.

(In the collection of Mr. Rose and Author.)

Ammonites alternatus ?

Woodward, Geol. Norfolk, tab. 6, fig. 23.

Ammonites complanatus Sow. M. C. tab. 567, fig. 1.

(In the collection of Mr. Rose.)

A. rostratus Sow. M. C. tab. 173, page 163.

(In the collection of Mr. Rose.)

A. serratus, Parkinson Sow. M. C. tab. 308, page 3.

(In the collection of Mr. Rose.)

Belemnites attenuatus. Pl. IV. fig. 5 Sow. M. C. tab. 598, fig. 2, page 176.

(In the collection of Author.)

B. minimus. Pl. IV. fig. 8 Sow. M. C. tab. 598, fig. 1, page 175.

(In the collections of Messrs. Bowerbank, Bean, Rose, Wetherell, and Author.)

Belemnites Listeri. Pl. IV. fig. 6 Phil. Geol. York. tab. 1, fig. 18.

(In the collection of Author.)

B. ultimus, D'Orb. Pl. IV. fig. 7 Sharpe, Chalk Moll. tab. 1, fig. 17.

(In the collections of Mr. Bean and Author.)

Nautilus simplex. Pl. I. fig. 3 Sow. M. C. tab. 122, page 122.

(In the collections of Mr. Rose, Mr.

Wetherell, and Author.)

Otodus appendiculatus Ag. vol. iii., page 270, tab. 32.

(In the collection of Mr. Wetherell.)

Tooth of Saurian (In the collection of Mr. Bean.)

Vertebra of Polyptychodon (?) (In the collection of Author.)

Siphonia pyriformis is probably the head of Spongia paradoxica. In the cabinet of Mr. Rose is a ma.s.s of the latter, to which a head similar to the one figured is attached.

Bourgueticrinus rugosus. The diameter of the specimen figured is 3/4 of an inch, the depth of each plate 3/16. The surface of attachment is covered with very fine mamillae, in rays of seven in number; a smaller specimen in possession of the author measures 3/8 of an inch in diameter and 1/8 in depth.

The serpula represented in Plate III. fig. 3 varies in its irregular growth from the specimens figured on the same plate.

This character perhaps can scarcely be regarded as a specific difference; both V. elongata and the serpula under consideration have the same thickness of the calcareous tube. The former occurs only at Speeton and the latter at Hunstanton; in order to distinguish the two, the t.i.tle "irregularis" may be applied to the latter as a variety.

Serpula triserrata, a species found on a specimen of Ammonites complanatus, is distinguishable by its three serrate longitudinal ridges. A similar form occurs on ostreae from the Kimmeridge clay of West Norfolk.

Terebratula semiglobosa is common at Speeton, but very rare at Hunstanton. T. biplicata is very common at Hunstanton, but is not known at Speeton.

Inoceramus laeviusculus, Bean, a large smooth species something like I. Cuvieri.

The Ammonites alternatus of Woodward is now lost; it was probably a variety of A. serratus, Park.

Belemnites minimus is sometimes two inches long in the Hunstanton Cliff.

The vertebra of Polyptychodon would be, if perfect, about six inches in diameter and three in thickness.

The small specimen shown in Plate II. fig. 9 evidently belongs to the Turbinolian family of corals, and possibly to the genus Trochocyathus inst.i.tuted by Messrs. Milne-Edwards and J. Haime, in 1848. The specimens as yet obtained are not sufficiently numerous nor perfect for a rigid comparison with other forms, or to admit of a sufficiently detailed description should the species prove to be new. The constricted form of growth is very common in the Parasmilia of the Upper Chalk, and has no specific value.

The characteristic fossils of the Red Chalk at Speeton are Terebratula semiglobosa, Belemnites minimus, and Vermicularia elongata; and at Hunstanton, Terebratula biplicata, Belemnites minimus, and Spongia paradoxica.

In conclusion, I have endeavoured all along to confine myself to facts, and to abstain from theories, because I think the Geologists'

a.s.sociation ought rather to follow in the steps of learned men than to wish to take the lead. I am sure by doing so we shall gain respect. If the strictly scientific workers see we wish to acquire information, rather than to purchase an empty name, they will hold out the right hand of fellows.h.i.+p and help us mightily; whilst, on the contrary, if they perceive we aspire too much, and attempt to grasp what we cannot hold, then well-merited ridicule will undoubtedly be ours. The Geologists'

a.s.sociation was only formed to bring amateurs together, to give them a place to meet in, and a room where they could speak on kindred subjects.

I trust the members will always use the opportunity, and not be afraid to speak, ever remembering that each one has some little knowledge which his neighbour has not, and that when each helps his fellow, much must be the gain at last.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Pl. I.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Pl. II.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Pl. III.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Pl. IV.]