48 PAPERS, ETC. 



port of the ancient district of Slluria, frequented by Keri^ 

 the Sovereign of that district, and a distinguished uaval 

 Commander. It is now uttei'lj inadequate for the accommo- 

 datlon of shlpping. Evidence of the gradual rise of the 

 bed of the festuary of the Severn, has likewise been 

 afFoi'ded by excavations in the Bute Docks, CardifF; and 

 at Port Talbot, in Glamorganshire, " where ancient 

 harbour couveniences were discovered at considex'able 

 depths below the present surfaces."* 



The Geological features of the alluvial deposits in the 

 extensive plains on either side of the Poldon hills ; the 

 various objects, natural and artificial, which have been 

 found in different places, and at great depths, aflord con- 

 clusive evidence of similar changes on the English coast of 

 the Bristol Channel. 



Thus, we find as far up as Weston Zoyland, Chedzoy, 

 and Middlezoy, which stand upon red-marl prominences 

 slightly raised above the level of the surrounding marshes, 

 banks of sea-sand resting against these slightly elevated 

 lands, in such a way as most clearly to show that they 

 formed the margin of ancient sea-boundaries. In these 

 sand banks, are found the shells of the very same molluscs, 

 which are commonly picked up on our sea shores, and are 

 now living on our coasts; proving the deposit to have 

 belonged to a very recent period.f The same features 

 present themselves at Huntspill, Pawlet, and at Chilton 

 Trinity, near Bridgwater; which would indicate the 

 boundaries of the testuary on either side. At Chilton, the 

 sand containing the shells, lies at a depth of about two or 

 three feet below the surface of the soil. 



* lolo MSS. note p. 345. 

 f Ml-. Baker's paper on the Geology of Somerset, Proc. of Society, 

 1849-60, p. 136. 



