143 



a museum in itself; rich in sponges, wliich, from their abun- 

 dance, have given a name to the deposit, and are in themselves 

 very beautiful objects, their form and condition being frequently 

 as perfect as when they grew on their ancient sea-floor. Of 

 these a large collection was made. The following were identified 

 on the spot: — Tragos faring donensis, Manon marginatum, M. 

 porcatum, M. peziza, Oculospongia, Verticillites anastomosans, Che- 

 nondopora fungi formis, Jerea Desnoyersii, and Scyphiaforaminosa. 



The attraction here proved so great, and the delay in conse- 

 quence was so prolonged, that the accomplishment of the entire 

 programme was impracticable. Hedding's Pit was not visited, 

 and Bradbury Camp was only seen at a distance. Some time, 

 however, was given to the inspection of Great Coxwell Barn, 

 a ]4th Century structure of vast size and solidity, erected 

 by alien monks in connexion with the Abbey of Beaulieu, in 

 Normandy, who held manorial rights in Faringdon and Coxwell. 

 This is a grand piece of masonry, about 150 feet in length by 

 40 in height, having four lofty arched entrances, and the roof 

 supported by timber up-rights and cross-pieces of imposing 

 strength and size. 



The party dined together at the Crown Inn, Faringdon, and 

 returned to Gloucester by the " Down Express," carrying with 

 them a fine series of fossils from the " Sponge Grarels," and the 

 recollection of a day of more than usual interest and instruction. 



This was the last "field meet" of the season — a season which 

 may be regarded as one of marked success. The Meetings have 

 been well attended, the localities selected have yielded much of 

 interest and instruction, and the papers read before the Club, 

 which will appear in the next number of our printed Transac- 

 tions, are such, as from their high character, cannot fail to add 

 to the reputation and give value to the publications of the 

 Cotteswold Field Club. 



