2(i8 Further StKiHrx on the Soils of Xorth Wales 



jjossible to make a more satisfactory classification. From the nature 

 of the processes by which these soils have been formed one cannot be 

 surprised at their extreme variability. 



It is rather noteworthy that a large number of samples contain 

 little or no calcium carbonate. This is the more surprising in view of 

 the fact that the corresponding rainfalls are not excessive: the average 

 annual rainfall at Lligwy in Anglesey for example is not more than 

 about 35", while that on the Orme at Llandudno is not more than 30". 



2. Millstone Grit Soils. 



These soils are always found adjacent to the limestone and apart from 

 the deficiency or absence of calcium cnrbonate they resemble to a 

 large extent the soils of that formation. They present no features of 

 special interest. AVe may remark that as in the case of the limestone 

 so in the case of this formation a large portion consists of hill pasture. 

 A single sample from the so-called Gwespyr Sandstone seems identical 

 with the Millstone Grit type. Generally these soils are not of the highest 

 quality, but this may be attributed to a large extent to their situation 

 at comparatively high altitudes. 



* 3. West Carnarvonshire Light Luam. 



This type of soil occupies a considerable area in the west of Carnarvon- 

 shire and is roughly bounded by a line running from Pwllheli to Nevin. 

 Within this area the soil generally belongs to this type. There are, 

 however, patches of heavier soil and also of sand and gravel. In the 

 centre of the district there is a broad stretch of wet lowland which was 

 probably in former times an arm of the sea and is now mainly peat and 

 sand. West of Pwllheli there is a tract of estuarine alluvium. The 

 agriculture of the area is of a fairly good character. In normal times 

 the land is farmed on the usual rotation of North Wales which includes 

 a period of three, four or more years under grass. The rearing of store 

 cattle is the mainstay of west Carnarvonshire farming. The principal 

 corn crop is, as elsewhere, oats, but there is also a considerable area 

 under barley, in which it differs markedly from Anglesey. The two 

 areas are in many other respects comparable, but the Anglesey soils 

 would appear to be rather more fertile. 



Although the soils of this type are generally the result of the northern 

 glaciation, there is generally an admixture of local material. Micro- 

 scopical examination of the sand fractions shows grains of roimded 

 quartz together with fragments of shaly and igneous rocks., If the 



