L28 



which are found in the earliest rocks, and which last to the present time. There 

 is no reason to believe that there has ever been any interruption in their exist- 

 ence, anil yet there may be strata in whieli they are unrepresented. Another 

 interesting feature frequently met with in the lower portions of the Longmynd 

 may be here noticed, and which those who avail themselves of the post prandial 

 excursion to which they are invited in the programme of this day, may have an 

 opportunity of observing. I mean the wave-like corrugated structure produced 

 by lateral pressure along the plane of deposition, at the same time with great 

 vertical pressure at right angles to it. No doubt this effect was produced when 

 that great upheaval took place which raised these hills into their nearly vertical 

 position. 



Gentlemen, I have given, I fear, an extremely imperfect sketch of these 

 interesting, these most venerable hills. They may well be called venerable, as 

 they are the oldest of any of the formations with which we are acquaint ed in 

 this part of the country. Their claim to the greatest antiquity is indeed now 

 disputed by what is called the Laitrentian series, which is said to be represented 

 in the North of Scotland and at Malvern. Would that this subject had fallen 

 into more skilful hands, for it is well worthy of a more careful and accurate 

 investigation than I have been able to apply to it. The actual dimensions of the 

 various strata, the position, nature, and thickness of the conglomerates which 

 surround them, are within the range of patient measurement and calculation, 

 and may we not hope some day will be fully elucidated. 



