178 
how much there is yet to be learnt, I have thought it might be 
interesting to the Members of the Bath Natural History and Anti- 
quarian Field Club, if I were to point out to the best of my ability 
some of the more interesting points in the Geology of Somerset- 
shire that have not yet been thoroughly examined, and some of 
the many theoretical questions that have yet to be solved. 
In bringing forward these remarks, it is not that I imagine any 
want of energy on the part of the local Natural History Societies 
and Field Clubs (the work done by them is so well-known and 
appreciated, that it would only sound presumptuous on my part to 
say anything in praise of it) but when one looks to the actual 
workers, they will not be found to be very widely diffused over 
the county. Excluding Clifton and Bristol, which of course send 
several workers into the field, the actual resident geologists in 
Somersetshire, or at any rate those who have published their re- 
searches, seem to be confined to Mr. Charles Moore and the Rey. 
H. H. Winwood, of Bath, and Mr. McMurtie of Radstock ; not 
forgetting, however, Mr. W. A. Sanford, who (in conjunction with 
Mr. Boyd Dawkins) has so largely added to our knowledge of the 
Post-Pliocene Mammalia of the county ; nor Mr. G. 8. Poole, of 
Brent Knoll, who has thrown so much light upon the history 
of the alluvial and estuarine deposits of the Moor-lands. 
Frome, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Axbridge, Bridgwater, Taunton, 
Chard, Ilminster, Yeovil, Crewkerne, Wincanton, and many other 
towns and large villages, seem to be destitute of geologists. Any 
effort therefore to stimulate more local activity and interest in 
geological subjects, may I trust not be undeserving of consider- 
ation. 
Old Red Sandstone.—The paleontology of this formation is but 
little known, and although essentially a barren deposit, yet it is 
possible that patience would be rewarded by the discovery of some 
forms of life, besides the few obscure plant remains that have 
been recorded. The discovery of animal remains would gain 
more importance from the fact. that the Mendip Old Red 
