•220 THE GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THE 



IX. Economic Considerations. 



1. The Geographical Extent of the Freestone. 



This is a matter of considerable economic importance. 

 We are able to show that the freestone thins away very 

 rapidly, and also loses the freestone character, as we pro- 

 ceed from Dundry Church to the east — the Northern 

 Main-road quarry — and to the south-east — the Southern 

 Main-road quarry. These beds thin away and deteriorate 

 so rapidly that it is very doubtful whether workable build- 

 ing-stone of good quality would be found a quarter of a mile 

 east of the church. Westward, on Dundry Down, the old 

 workings for freestone are very numerous, occupying a con- 

 siderable area, and it is probable that nearly all the good 

 stone has been obtained in that direction. There remains, 

 however, the ground east of the Down and south of the 

 church, an area about equal in extent to that which has 

 been worked for stone ; and this may certainly be expected 

 to yield freestone of good quality. Farther south, in the 

 direction of Barns Batch, there is a considerable thickness 

 of stone, but its quality would seem to be inferior to that of 

 the Freestone proper. It is obvious, therefore, that the area 

 over which workable freestone is likely to be found is a 

 very restricted one. 



2. The Boadstone. 

 Local stone obtained from the Dundry quarries is used 

 for the repair of the roads on the hill. No particular dis- 

 crimination appears to be exercised in its selection, but 

 nearly all the beds are made to do service. However, the 

 best stone beds for the purpose are certainly the Ironshot 

 Oolite and the hard, massive beds of Aalenian date. The 

 latter are worked for the purpose at Rackledown, and they 

 were at one time worked to a small extent at the South 



