26 



strata, — ^this result we have in the table-land, composed of nearly 

 horizontal strata, of which the well known Minchinhampton 

 Common forms part. At the same time this arangement of the 

 strata would lead to the formation of an anticlinal axis on either 

 hand, producing lines of weakness, in which lines, by the 

 subsequent action of the denuding agencies, valleys would be 

 formed. It is possible that the positions and directions of the 

 deep valleys of Brimscombe, and of NaUsworth, have been 

 determined by such anticlinal axes. 



Whilst considering the irregularities which have occurred in 

 the elevation of these hills, I would call attention to the FAtriiTS 

 which are found in this district. As indicated by the Geological 

 Map, they are — those grouped around Painswick Hill ; those 

 in the Cranham Valley; in the Truffham Valley; and two or 

 three minor ones. As mentioned by Mr. HtrLL, in his Memoir 

 on Sheet 44 of the Geological Survey, the neighbourhood of 

 Painswick Hill has uadergone an unusual amount of disturbance; 

 and the way in which the Inferior Oolite has been shouldered 

 off the dome-like elevation of that hill is clearly seen in the 

 quarries worked on its flanks, — as, for instance, in one adjoining 

 the road leading from Painswick to Upton St. Leonards. As 

 regards the influence which Faults have in the formation of 

 valleys, it may be remarked, that when they are confined to 

 such highly pervious strata as the rock beds of the Great and 

 Inferior Oolites, it is not to be expected that they should have 

 conduced to the formation of valleys ; but when they have 

 extended to the argillaceous beds underlying these rocks, they 

 must readily have received, retained, and given direction to the 

 outflow of the drainage waters from the beds lying above and 

 around them. And it is noteworthy, that in the Cranham 

 Valley, where — as described by Mr. Hull — the Fault is so 

 decided that, " at Sutton Mill, the Upper Lias is exposed to 

 view on the left bank down to the brook, while on the opposite 

 side the Marlstone forms a bank 30 to 40 feet in height," the 

 stream runs chiefly in the line of the Faulting. Before this 

 valley was scooped out to its present depth, and when by this 

 Favilt the Sands must have been placed in juxtaposition with 



