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workings on the south dip of the Coal-field at Kingswood, at a 
great depth, follows the remarkable bends in the river Avon to 
_ which I have called your attention; thus showing, as I think, 
pretty conclusively, that the force that has caused the one has 
produced the other; and I also know that the level course of 
_ the workings at the south liberty of the Ashton Colliery has 
been turned round by the same cause. 
Allow me, Sir Wix114m, in conclusion, to apologize for the 
imperfect way in which I have, I fear, explained this, to me, 
intensely interesting problem. It is one that will have a 
very important influence on the future of this district; and, as 
you well know, it is associated with an industry upon which 
the future of our country largely depends. Whenever England’s 
mineral resources fail, her commercial supremacy must end, 
therefore every discovery that widens the area, and increases 
_ the extent, of our mineral resources should be regarded with 
interest. 
_ The very pleasant visits to our district that you and the 
Cotteswold Naturalist Field Club have occasionally paid us 
have left on my mind such sunny memories that I felt that 
to-day you would allow me to place my first contribution rela- 
tive to this recent discovery in our Coal-field at your service, 
with a hope that you may long continue the President of the 
Club, and that you may always be surrounded by the distin- 
guished gentlemen you have round you to-day. 
