Geological researches in China, Mongolia, and Japan, during the years 1862-1865.

128 APPENDIX.
covery of another marine stratum consisting of the siliceous epidermis of Diatomaces in such an unlooked for locality, is of the greatest interest, and will, it is to be hoped, assist somewhat in deciding
the true position of such commonly called "infusorial earths." Its similarity to that found on the
Pacific coast of North America, would seem to point to its identity in time with that widely extended
stratum, and doubtless the results which we have a right to expect from the very complete survey of
the State of California, now being carried on, will shed much light on this point. Prof. Tourney
placed the stratum of Virginia much lower than had been done by Prof. Rogers, and the correctness
or incorrectness of his views in this respect and as bearing on the Californian and Japan deposits, can
only be demonstrated after a careful examination and comparison of the adjacent strata. It is desirable
that the layer extending from Petersburg in Virginia almost to Baltimore in Maryland, should be
examined by a competent observer, and its characters be carefully determined and noted so that they
can be compared with those of the Pacific. I hope, ere long, to be able to contribute something
towards that end, but extended suites of specimens will have to be collected before we can hope to
arrive at any very definite results. Meantime the discovery of such a stratum in Japan will lead to
searches for similar deposits in other parts of the world, and I trust and fully expect with success.
Respectfully yours,
ARTHUR MEAD EDWARDS.