168 NOTES OX THE LIAS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF EIDSTOCK. 



and an inspection of the list shows that we have to deal with 

 more than one zone of the L. Lias. 



With the Erachiopoda from the Radstock district there was a 

 similar confusion, e.g., all the specimens of Spiriferina Walcottii 

 were placed with the Middle Lias fossils. 



It hecame therefore desirable, before attempting to rectify these 

 anomalies, to examine the beds and collect fossils in situ in order 

 to see whether Ammonites — which in other localities are not only 

 confined to the L. Lias, but characterise often special levels in 

 these beds — were in the Iladstock district found in Middle Lias 

 beds mingled with M. Lias fossils. Special attention was to be 

 similarly extended to the distribution of the Brachiopoda. 



I regret much that the time we have been able to devote to 

 these investigations has been so limited, and our opportunities 

 of collecting fossils so comparatively few — it is desirable to be on 

 the spot when the quarrymen are getting out fresh stone, and 

 before it is broken up into roadstone and carted away — our list of 

 species is much smaller than it might be, for we have forborne 

 to name imperfect specimens, the identification of which was 

 uncertain ; the beds are evidently rich in species, and will repay 

 the careful collector. 



The result of such examination as I have been able to make is 

 that there is no confusion in nature between the Middle and L. 

 Lias — they remain distinct ; the mistake, apparently, nas been 

 that of the collector and classifier, who mingled together the 

 fossils of different beds, either because he did not recognise 

 the fossils, or was misled -by the beds not wearing the usual 

 appearance to which he was accustomed. 



It is necessary to state that Mr. C. Moore, F.G.S., has both 

 collected from and written on these beds, but it seemed desirable 

 to work at the quarries first, before making myself acquainted 

 with the precise words of this veteran Lias geologist, so as to 

 form an independent opinion. This I have done, and am happy 

 to think that my views of the beds are not in any important 

 respect at variance with anything expressed by that eminent 



