268 



Mendips would throw a flood of light on the geology of the 

 district. ]\Ir. E. AVethered explained his views and suggested 

 that a microscopical examination of the specimens might alter 

 Mr. McMurtrie's opinion. He said it was impossible to judge of 

 Sandstones from lithological characteristics alone, without 

 microscopical and chemical analysis. 



Excursions. 



It now only remains to give an account of the excursions and 

 walks. The former have been satisfactorily attended and the 

 weather very favourable considering the general wetness of the 

 summer. 



Bradenstoke Priory was visited on the 29th April, when there 

 was a large gathering of the members at the G.W.E. station for 

 the 9.15 train to Dauntsey. The weather was particularly 

 favourable for the first excursion, and the freshness and clearness 

 of the air was a foretaste of the long expected spring. Leaving 

 the Dauntsey station and crossing the bridge the hill was 

 ascended to the village of Clack, consisting of a long street of 

 houses, with some slight pretension to antiquity about them in 

 their overhanging upper storeys and carved /asc/a. Opposite the 

 church, which is modern, is a stone cross, the base and steps of 

 which seem original, the pointed shaft erected on them being 

 evidently a later addition. Turning off the main road to the 

 right, and through a gate into a meadow, the members investigated 

 some earthworks, which appeared to be the foundations of a 

 building of probably mediaeval times. A square platform, the 

 four sides of which measured some 246 paces in extent, is 

 surrounded by a ditch. In the centre of the platform is a mound, 

 which has been used as a beacon. A ditch runs along the 

 east side. From the top of the "beacon" a very extensive view 

 of the undulating plateau to the north and north-west was 

 enjoyed. The remains of Bradenstoke Priory to the west were 



