202 



argued that the relation of the deposit in question to the underlying beds, 

 and the fact that the entire series of beds on which the deposit rests, 

 appear to have partaken of an alteration of dip subsequent to the 

 deposition of the more recent formation, justify him in considering it as 

 not improbable that "previous to the scooping-out of the picturesque 

 combes of the Stroud Valley, the uovr distant hill-tops may have formed 

 portions of a widely-continuous level tract, presenting alternations of 

 morass and thicket, on the surface of which the deposit under considera- 

 tion may have formed the bottom of a pond of considerable capacity." 



The question thus opened up by Mr. Jones requires still further 

 elucidation, which it will doubtless receive at the hands of the Cotteswold 

 Club. In the meantime I may be permitted to observe that the circum- 

 stances, as at present detailed, scarcely seem to warrant the vast antiquity 

 ascribed by Mr. Jones to the freshwater deposit in question. 



Wednesday, 15th July. The Club went by steamer down the 

 Gloucester and Berkeley Canal to Fretherne and Sharpness, landing by 

 the way at the former locality, where the fine escarpment of part of the 

 BucMandi zone of the Lower Lias presents one of the finest sections to 

 be seen La Gloucestershire. Here the well-timed hospitality of Sir Lionel 

 Darkell drew the party aside to partake of luncheon at his residence, an 

 act of courtesy which was highly appreciated, as the day was one of 

 exceeding heat. 



Attention was directed en passant to the Parish Church of Fretherne, 

 which has lately been restored by Sir Lionel Dakrell in a manner that 

 does credit to lais taste and liberality, and which drew forth expressions 

 of warm approval from all the visitors. 



The Club dined at Sharpness, where the tables were laid alfresco 

 under the shade of the trees on that beautiful promontory, commanding 

 an extensive prospect over the Severn to the Forest hills beyond, which 

 is justly considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in a district 

 abounding in fine natiaral scenery. 



After dinner a communication was made by Mr. John Jones of a 

 discussion which, since the publication of his monograph on " Gryphcea 

 incm-va and its Varieties," has arisen between him and Mr. C. Moore, of 

 Bath, respecting the alleged discoveiy of Gryphcea incurva associated with 

 Ostrea interstriata in Ehsetic or Upper Keuper beds near Bridgend, in 

 Glamorganshire. The information upon which Mr. Jones based his 

 statement of the presence of the Gryphite in the White Lias, was furnished 

 to him by Mr. Tomes, a gentleman whose labours as a geologist are well 

 known and appreciated, and whose character as an accurate observer 



