of similar fascicles in different genera might be explained in the opposite way to that which the author adopted, and that they might be considered evidence of genetic connexion, subsequent variations having produced differences of generic value.
Mr. Gwyn Jeffreys also considered that every palaeontologist ought to be a naturalist, as the fossil and recent forms are intimately connected by insensible gradations. All the Echinocardia with which he was acquainted were inhabitants of clean sand.
Dr. Duncan, in reply, stated that if the Spatangidae were classified, generic distinctions would be observed quite irrespective of the presence of fascioles. He considered the fascicles, like the horns of Mammalia, of third-rate structural importance. One specimen from Arabia appeared to have a fascicle developing. He remarked that all the fossils were of the same size, so that it was impossible to determine whether the formation of fascioles was dependent on embryonic conditions, or whether they were developed in the perfect animal.
December 9th, 1868.
Arthur Champernowne, Esq., M.A., Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon ; James Thomson, Esq., Glasgow ; W. Chandler Roberts, Esq., F.C.S., Associate of the Royal School of Mines, Thurlow Place, Dulwich; John S. Winbott, Esq., M.A., Sandridge Vicarage, St. Albans ; Lawrence Preston, Esq., Keynshambury House, Cheltenham ; John H. Blake, Esq., Geological Survey of England and Wales, 9 Aberdeen Park, Highbury, N. ; John Hewitt Wheatley, Esq., Abbey View, Sligo ; Owen Rees, Esq., 26 Albemarle Street, W., and Octavius Russell Fabian, Esq., 5 Bruce Terrace, Lordship Lane, Tottenham, were elected Fellows.
The following communications were read : —
1. Note on a Geological Reconnaissance made in Arabia Petraea in the Spring of 1868. By H. Bauerman, Esq., F.G.S., Assoc. Roy. School of Mines.
[Plate I.]
The following communication is of an essentially unsystematic nature. Owing to the small amount of country traversed, it has not been possible to construct anything more than a single line of section, which it is believed will be more acceptable as a contribution to exact Geology than an attempt to frame a general geological map of the whole country from observations made at only a few points. The order followed is, therefore, that in which the sections were observed, making it, as the title implies, more of a geological itinerary than a systematic description.
The country included in the description is that between Suez and the lower part of Wady Ferran, the crystalline rocks of Sinai and the Tertiary beds near Tur being reserved for another communica-
VOL. XXV.— PART I. C
