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further to seaward and are covered by the sand that they are still 

 preserved, for to the North and South the sand, the peat, and the 

 remains of forests have largely disapi)eared. Further South also 

 the strong current Avhich flows down the East Coast of Scotland and 

 England has a great denuding influence, Avhereas Hartlepool Heugh 

 and Redcar Rocks deflect the current to the eastward, and Redcar and 

 Seaton beaches are comparatively iniaffected by this cause. While, 

 however, there are no deposits of peat to the East of Redcar, 

 occasionally there may be found brandies of trees, &c., in the 

 stifl clay, which, covered by a thin layer of sand, forms the floor 

 of the beach between high and low water marks between Redcar 

 and Saltburn. Similar remains have also been seen between 

 Coatham and the South Gare Breakwater, though less frequently, 

 as the covering of sand on the beach is much thicker on the West 

 than it is to the East of Redcar. 



Witliin comparatively recent years beds of peat have been 

 exposed close to the east end of West Scar Rocks, immediately 

 in a line with AVest Terrace, and also not far from the West end 

 of the same rocks, almost opposite to the Convalescent Home. 

 The beds, however, remain "on view" for a very short time, but 

 some thirty years ago tliat opposite West Terrace was exposed for 

 some Aveeks, and during that time large quantities Avere dug out 

 when the tide was low and carted away by tlie inhabitants, who 

 dried it and found it as excellent a fuel as the present day peat, or 

 the sea coal which is so largely consumed by the fishermen and 

 others at Redcar. The period during which tlie bed was left bare 

 by each tide was only short, not more than two or three hours, but 

 those who were securing supplies of tlie deposit, in some cases, got 

 to considerable depths. When first dug out tliis peat Avas black 

 and somewhat evil smelling, but the odour quickly disajipeared 

 Avhen it was dried. Embedded in the peat Avere large portions of 

 trees, chiefly oaks and firs, and they included trunks as Avell as 

 branches, but seldom roots. Hazel nuts, acorns and decayed leaves 

 Avere plentiful, apparently Avell preserved by the astringent qualities 

 of the peat. Antlers of the red deer and tusks of the Avild boar 

 Avere found, and I believe some of the antlers Avere presented to 

 the Museum, at York. At Seaton CarcAv, I am informed the sub- 

 marine peat beds have yielded antlers of the Irish elk and a tusk 

 of the mammoth, but from Avhat I can learn these have not been 

 met AA'ith at Redcar. 



