As the discussion at the Geological Society on Dr. Hicks' paper “On the Morte Slates and Associated Beds in North Devonand West Somerset ” (Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc, vol. lii, pp. 254–272, pis. x, xi) showed that the case for the Silurian age of those beds rested mainly on the palæontological evidence, I examined themore important fossils somewhat carefully at the close of the meeting. I had a perfectly open mind as to the age of the fauna, for a couple of visits to North Devon and West Somerset had given me the impression that pre-Devonian beds might be hidden in theeastern part of the area.