An investigation of the sequence of microspores vertically within a number of seams containing horizons of crassidurite has revealed a succession of three distinct phases, each characterized in the main by the dominance of one of the three genera Lycospora, Laevigato-sporites, and Densosporites, The succession begins with the Lycospore phase and culminates in the crassidurite with the Densospore phase. The significance of this succession in relation to the formation of crassidurite and the provenance of Densospores is discussed.

Five species of Ordovician Bryozoa are redescribed, based on the type specimens of Lonsdale (in Murchison, 1839: “Favosites fibrosa” (1843: “Ptilodichtya” dichotoma), Phillips (1848: “Favosites” favulosa), and McCoy (1850: “Nebulipora lens” and “Ptilodichtya explanata”). Six other species are discussed and some of them figured, but the preservation of the material does not allow a complete redescription of them.

The Lower Hecla Hpek rocks of Ny Friesland are described petrographically, and evidence is presented relating to some granitic rocks in this group whose mode of origin is uncertain.

The fauna, mainly small gastropods and lamellibranchs, of the sands and silts (the Hammar Formation) occurring near the surface in various borings in the Basrah area is shown to be marine and of Recent age. It is suggested that the Persian Gulf sea in Recent times extended a considerable distance north of its present shoreline: its silting-up is considered to be due to cessation of subsidence. The subsequent geography of the area, with its fluviatile, lacustrine, and estuarine sediments, is possibly due to localized subsidence and elevation.

Plate atrophy (“plate crushing”) giving rise to interambulacral plates analogous to demi-plates immediately above the ambitus is described in the Miocene spatangoid Lovenia woodsi, from Beaumaris, Victoria. It appears to be caused by the development of large primary tubercles on the aboral surface, which causes the expansion of the lowest tubercle-bearing plates during ontogeny, so that the more ventral interambulacral plates are squeezed against the ambitus.

An unusual variety of quartzite is associated with Dalradian limestone and dark schist at two localities in Upper Glen Fender, near Blair Atholl. The appearance and texture of this quartzite suggest that it is derived from a chert or jasper, and not from a sandstone.

The ammonite species Cymbites laevigatus (J. de C. Sowerby) is fully described and illustrated for the first time. Nomenclatural problems are discussed. The interpretation of the genus Cymbites, and of its type species, Amm. globosus, is reviewed.

The interpretation of Brachymetopus (Brachymetopus) M'Coy and B. (Brachymetopina) Reed in Europe has been contrary to the general interpretation in America. The relevant literature is critically reviewed and it is concluded that both usages have been at fault and neither is in accordance with the International Rules of Zoological Nomenclature. The type species of B. (Brachymetopus) is maccoyi Portlock, 1843, and the type species of B. (Brachymetopina) is ouralica de Verneuil, 1845; B. (Brachymetopina) is a subjective synonym of B. (Brachymetopus).

Two graptolites with associated grooving in the sediment are recorded; these structures are thought to be caused by the thecae grooving the sediment during movement of the graptolite by a flow of overlying mud.