242 



road-side quarry on the Cirencester Eoad above Sapperton. 

 Here tlie Forest Marble occurs with Terehratula maxillata in 

 abundance^ of which, in a Hmited time a good number of 

 specimens were procured. The next halt was at the Tunnel, 

 where, under the guidance of Mr. Feanks, Engineer to the 

 Great Western Railway Company, those who were interested in 

 the subject descended into the cutting and examined the beds 

 of white limestone, which are here developed to a greater extent 

 than usual. The drive through Hayley Wood was most delightful, 

 the freshness and delicate tints of the foliage diversified by the 

 lights and shadows of a glorious spring day, calHng forth 

 frequent expressions of pleasure and enjoyment. On reaching 

 the open country, the members quitting the carriages embarked 

 on board the Canal Company's barge, which had been con- 

 siderately placed at their disposal by Mr. Taunton, and pursued 

 their course by water, stopping by the way to see the quarries 

 at Trewsbury. 



The next object of interest was the source of the Thames, or, 

 as it is called, the " Thames Head," — a title which it shares in 

 common with the head springs of many other tributaries. The 

 fact is, " Old Father Thames " is many-headed, and it is 

 fortunate for the old river-god that it is so ; for a few heaps of 

 stones in a hollow near the canal, and apparently quite dry, 

 were the sole representatives of what once claimed the proud 

 title of the " source of the Thames." An explanation was soon 

 supplied by the presence of a huge pumping engine, which 

 was discharging water for the supply of the canal at the rate of 

 250 gallons per stroke — water which, had it flowed from its 

 natural source, should have supplied the spring-head which was 

 now dry. After an examination of the pumping machinery, the 

 party proceeded by the canal boat to Somerville Aqueduct, 

 where they left the boat and proceeded on foot to the Agricultural 

 College. 



On arrival at the College, the Club was received in the library, 

 where many objects of interest were inspected, and a most 

 agreeable half hour spent previous to dinner, which was served 

 in the College hall shortly after four o'clock. A vote of thanks 



