214 



On the Denudation of the Cotteswolds, hy E. Witchell, F.G.S. 

 Bead at Foss Bridge, May 22nd, 1867. 



The process by which the denudation of a tract of coimtry 

 is effected, can scarcely be studied under more favourable 

 conditions than those which prevaH in the Cotteswolds. The 

 high levels at which the rainfall is thrown out in springs— the 

 large number of rivulets which run down the slopes, and which 

 uniting in the valleys become streams of considerable importance 

 —the "varying character of the rocks, and their HabiUty to 

 disintegration, are conditions which render the district peculiarly 

 Hable to the action of denuding forces. As a necessary 

 consequence, the deep vaUeys, with their sinuous branches 

 everywhere intersectedby those picturesque hoUows or "combes," 

 by which the scenery is so charmingly diversified, bear testimony 

 to the action of these forces during a long period of time. 



Although we are accustomed to consider the subject of 

 denudation from its results, over large, rather than limited 

 areas, it may be advantageously investigated in the smaUer 

 valleys or combes, where, instead of large rivers, we have to 

 regard only the erosive action of brooks and rivulets. In 

 these limited areas the eye can measure the extent of the 

 changes which have been effected in the course of ages, and in 

 many instances can observe the process of denudation still 

 in progress; it may, therefore, be less difficult here than 

 in a wider range of country, to form a con-ect opinion as to the 

 sufficiency of existing causes to produce the results presented 

 to the view. At the same time it must not be forgotten, that 



