256 SUBTERRANEAN EROSION, 
with the origin of Coal-beds. Mr. Morton further states that. 
on ‘approaching the embankment from Dove Point, the two 
lower old Forest-beds gradually amalgamate, and then both are 
represented by one carboniferous bed; the three feet of silt 
between having thinned out until lost.” 
The section given by Mr. Morton 
4. in his admirable second edition (1891) 
AS of ‘The Geology of the Country around 
“$= Liverpool,’ on the Manchester Ship 
A” Canal between Ellesmere Port and 
€8 Ince Ferry, will I think, throw much 
3 light upon the section at Dove Point, 
*f now unfortunately destroyed by the 
te encroachments of the sea. 
Mr. Morton states that the Peat 
and Forest-beds ‘‘occur in the depres- 
sions between the rock-exposures, and 
they extend with little variation along 
the middle; but as they approach 
the sides and ascend the slopes they 
become thinner, and gradually end 
before reaching the rock” (p. 265.) 
He also states that ‘‘there is frequently 
a difference in the height of the peat 
on opposite sides of the Canal, and 
constant indications of the varying 
contour of the old land-surfaces ; but 
it is evident that those of the rocky 
eminences have been continuous with 
the lower and upper beds of peat” 
(loc. ctt.) Having carefully watched 
the progress of this section of the 
Canal, I can testify to the accuracy of 
Mr. Morron’s observations. He has 
kindly allowed me to make use of this 
section; and I am greatly indebted to 
him for this favour, because it enables 
me to base my explanations of the 
causes of submerged Peat and Forest- 
beds upon his independent observa- 
tions. However opposite, therefore, 
my conclusions as to the causes of 
submerged Peat and Forest-beds may 
be to his, there is no difference between 
us as to the stratigraphical position or 
description of the section. 
The section of the Ship Canal from 
Ellesmere Port to Ince Ferry is about 
three miles long, and is cut through 
marshes forming the left bank of the 
Mersey, into which they drain. The 
section exposes the solid basement 
J. Upper Peat and Forest-bed. 
é. Blue Clay. 
Fig. 4.—Section from Ellesmere Port to Ince Ferry. 
d. Lower Peat and Forest-bed. 
c. Upper Drift Sand. 
a. Lower Pebble-beds. 
6. Boulder Clay. 
Ellesmere 
