34 



Frampton, Iron Acton, and Tortworth districts, and those that 

 concern ns in this paper. There are three or four seams of 

 workable coal in the lower portion of this Pennant Sandstone, 

 besides much carbonaceous matter distributed through its general 

 structure; but hitherto its chief economical value has consisted 

 in certain beds which are extensively worked for paving, building, 

 and sepulchral purposes. We have now to consider it imder 

 another phase and condition, having to recognise it as associated 

 with, and as the important matrix and storehouse for,theHydrated 

 Oxides of Iron that occur at Frampton, Iron Acton, Eangeworthy, 

 &c., and on towards Tortworth. This Pennant occupies a most 

 definite zone and position all around the north coal basin, being 

 of nearly one uniform thickness, and indicating a mass of country 

 devoid of coal. It is much to be regretted, both on economical 

 as well as physical grounds, that this broad tract was not laid 

 down either upon the Geological Survey Maps, or the later 

 Geological Map of the Bristol Coalfields, on a scale of foxir inches 

 to the mile, prepared by W. Sanders, Esq., F.R.S., where this 

 important band of Iron-bearing Sandstone might have been folly 

 expressed. I will, however, in the absence of such Hnes, or of 

 these maps, endeavour to delineate its chief features, as it is of 

 importance to understand its position. I have stated that its 

 Geological position is between the Lower and Upper true Coal 

 Measures, and that it is 1000 feet and upwards in thickness. 

 Its most northerly outcrop is at Sweethouse, its most southerly 

 at Eodway Hill, Mangotsfield; its most westerly outcrop is at 

 Winterboume, and its easterly at Yate. Its western boundary 

 beneath the New Bed, I believe may be defined by a line drawn 

 from Sweethouse to Kite's Hill, thence to Winterboume, Ham- 

 brook, and Stapleton; its southern boundary extends from Stapleton 

 to Mangotsfield and Siston; its eastern strike and extension is 

 under the New Eed Sandstone and Lias, to Pucklechurch, 

 Westerleigh HiU, and on to Tate Station, and thenceto Sweethouse 

 again, its northern apex, where it bends somewhat sharply round. 

 This contour I believe to be its outward limit; the inner line, 

 or boundary, is governed by the overlie of the Upper Coals and 

 Shales, and is easily understood. 



