The Rev. T.E. Lindsay, B.A., F.C.S., F.G.S, then read a paper on “Chalk”.

The lecturer, after describing its Physical & Chemical properties, said that the structure, as revealed by the microscope, showed the formation to be identical with that of the Globigerina mud formed by the disintegration of shells of Foraminifera in the Ocean bed investigated by Sir Wyville Thomson. [He served as the chief scientist on the Challenger Expedition]

The Geological formation to which this mineral gives name was describe as of very various characters in different places marked however by similar genera of fossils as the Planes Kalk, Sandstone, etc.

The extent in Europe was described as being in two large beds. The Anglo-Paris basin extending in England to the Chilton Hills & Cambridgeshire & the Great Southern formation stretching away to India & the heart of Asia.

The various formations characteristic of Upper Chalk were then described.
1. Gault
2. Upper Greensand
3. Chalk maul
4. White Chalk without flints
5. White Chalk with flints
6. Most recent beds at Faxoe & Maesticht

Some characteristic remains of these beds were next described & a few diagrams displayed.

The Fauna, Birds, Fishes, Saurian & Flora with many plants now existing were also alluded to. The presence of Flint Nodules in chalk at regular intervals – centres of crystallization – was also touched upon.