PROCEEDINGS OF THE COTTHSWOLD CLUB 285 



Mr Bristow, of the Museum of Practical Geology, 

 Jermyn Street, describes it as a basalt, chiefly composed 

 of augite and felspar, " in the composition of which the 

 augitic or hornblcndic ingredient largely predominates." 



For road pur])Oses the stone is, quoting the words of 

 a very impartial and central authority, viz., the Home 

 Office, " almost perfect as a road stone." 



The material owes this high commendation to its 

 extremely close texture and its consequent solidity, and 

 above all things to its excessive toughness, due to its 

 hornblende base giving to it a power to resist abrasion or 

 friction, which I believe is not equalled by any other stone 

 in the kingdom. 



I have seen from time to time various methods 

 proposed, whereby the capabilities of stone for road 

 purposes may be tested, but, I am acquainted w4th none 

 which will give satisfactory or even approximately reliable 

 results. 



To my mind, the only reliable test is that of constant 

 use during a long period, exposed to all the uncertain 

 elements of weather, rains, and frosts, and subject to 

 the busiest, heaviest, and most constant traffic. 



Some few years ago, I believe on the suggestion of a 

 road authorit}^ tests were made by Kirkaldy of Southwark 

 to ascertain the stress, or load, which the stone would 

 bear before fracture, and ultimately the stress required to 

 crush it. 



If the merits of a road stone are to be determined by 

 such a test alone, then the Dhu Stone of the Glee Hill must 

 win " hands down " against all competitors. It may be 

 said, however, that the capability of withstanding an 

 enormous (I may say a very exceptional) pressure whilst 

 it marks the stone as one of great resisting power, does 

 not by itself demonstrate that it is the most capable of 

 fulfilling the other necessary requirements, such as ability 

 to resist friction or the wear and tear to which coverings 



