Notes on the Cannock Chase Coalfield. 
By GEORGE M. COCKIN, F.GS. 
Reap Brrore tHe NaturaL History axnp GroLoGicAL Section, 
Marca 15rx, 1907 
In considering the geological structure of a country we are 
influenced in the first place by its physical features. Each geological 
age has impressed itself more or less boldly upon the surface, and 
left its own characteristic marks. This fact is evident on Cannock 
Chase, the rolling hills form a high plateau of unproductive land, 
where only heather and bracken flourish, and where groups of birch 
and pine picturesquely mark each prominent feature. The rounded 
summits of Stile Cop, Castle Ring, &c. reach elevations of nearly 
800 feet above sea level. Standing on one of these heights the 
barren uplands of the Bunter Beds are remarkable for the contrast 
they present to the rich level pastures of the Keuper Marls, stretched 
out in the fertile plain across the Trent lying 500 feet below. 
THE BUNTER BEDS. 
The hills of Cannock Chase are formed of thick deposits of 
sand, gravel, sandstone and conglomerate, known as the Bunter Beds, 
being the lowest portion of the Triassic group of rocks. Although 
from their unfossiliferous nature they appear at first sight un- 
interesting, they contain many points of interest which will well 
repay careful study. These beds attain a local thickness of 300-400 
feet, and represent a deposit of water worn material. In Cheshire 
