83 



explained, is a conglomerate of fragments of sandstones, quartz, and other rocks, 

 deposited in the form of mud, and afterwards consolidated by great heat and 

 pressure. 



The hammers of the party were speedily in rapid action, but the rock 

 presents little to repay the explorer ; and the party, after a brief stay, bent their 

 steps in tlie direction of the Folly, situated on the northern face of the hill. On 

 reaching that spot, the striking beauty of the vale of Presteign, with its en- 

 circling range of hills, singularly varied in forms, and in many parts richly clad 

 in foliage, with the old gray church tower, and the quiet town bathed in the 

 brilliant sunlight, excited the admiration of the visitors. 



In describing the geologic formations of the scene, the Rev. President 

 remarked that the hills before them consist of the Upper Ludlow, but in one 

 instance, a broad patch or islet of Old Red Sandstone, quite dissevered from all 

 thf( rest of the formation, still forms the summit. This Old Red islet crowns the 

 hill] called Hell-peak Hill. Its occurrence is interesting, as evidence of the 

 natural sequence of the rocks. 



Doubtless, the whole tract of country w;vs once covered witli the Old Red, 

 but save the islet before them, and one or two others lying some miles to the W. 

 and S.W. of that spot, the whole formation had been swept away, leaving the 

 subjacent rocks exposed. 



At this quarry the members found a great number of specimens of trilobites 

 and other fossils, but had not time to prosecute their search to any great extent. 



From that spot the party proceeded through the wood in a southerly 

 direction, visiting various quarries and spots where the Caradoc sandstone "crops 

 out," the botanists gathering a number of uncommon plants, and the geologists 

 finding many interesting specimens of Orthis, Pentamerus, Corals, and other 

 fossils. The next stage was the lofty precipice of Wenlock limestone, at the 

 Nash lime kilns. From that spot they made their way again through the wood 

 into the lane leading to Knill. 



Passing on through the romantic gorge in which the secluded mansion of 

 Knill Court is situated, the party proposed to extend their explorations to the 

 lofty and striking igneous dyke of Stanner rocks, the concussion attending the 

 protrusion of which (Mr. Lewis explained) had probably caused the wild contor- 

 tions of the strata, now forming the picturesque hills of Rurva, Herrick, Bradnor, 

 &c. ; but as a section of the party had previously devoted themselves to the 

 botanical examination of Stanner rocks, and as the hour fixed for the not less 

 important duty of dining was fast approaching, it was resolved to leave the 

 geological exploration of Stanner to a future occasion. The members reconciled 

 themselves to this decision the more readily since they felt at that time of the 

 day, about 4 p.m., it was useless to attempt the satisfactory examination of a spot 

 which would well repay the labour of at least an entire day, Having gratified 

 themselves witli many an admiring look at the beautiful scene, the party directed 

 their course through the pass by way of Downfield, entering the Aberystwith 

 road near the two-mile stone. 



