Genre:

Reportage; Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Geology, Palaeontology

    Reports on a discussion of the discovery, in Manchester, of 'a block of millstone-grit, with three foot-prints in it'. The discussion prompted several learned people to propose ridiculous theories of the origin of the prints including Dr Black, who ascribed them to 'a stout boy's highlow [laced boots]', and Mr James Heywood, who, following William Buckland, argued that they were made by 'a tortoise taking a stroll'. Punch hopes it can illuminate the problem by submitting to 'these gentlemen' a patch of mud containing an impression of a Wellington boot.