224 



The effect of the action of the streams running along the 

 base of the hills is everywhere seen in the tumbled condition 

 of the Inferior Oolite, large masses of which are fovmd at 

 every conceivable height upon the slopes. It is by no means 

 uncommon to see a quarry of Freestone upon the Sands or the 

 the Upper Lias. The subjoined section (No. 1) is intended to 

 illustrate this condition of things. It is taken from the south 

 side of Stroud Hill, and the faults shewn upon it are visible 

 upon the surface of tlie ground. Shps of this description arise 

 from the deepening of the valleys as before mentioned. The 

 formation of combes is sometimes facilitated by the increased 

 erosion at the base, consequent upon the influx of a tributary 

 stream from a branch valley, by which the main stream is 

 impelled against the slope on the opposite side. 



Freestone Beds 



Section 1.— South side of Stroud Hill. 



But while the vaUeys have been deepened by running water 

 and branches or combes have been excavated in the hill sides by 

 springs and rivulets, they have been vridened by the action of 

 rain and frost, in addition to land sHps. 



Denudation by rain can only be appreciated by observing its 

 effect upon the surface in favourable localities. Tlius the slopes 



