©eolosg, 355 



Carboniferous Series. — The Great central formations 

 we have noticed are engirdled by an almost complete circle, 

 representing the important series of rock called Carboni- 

 ferous, which includes the coal measures and the extensive 

 limestone deposits of the country. These have been ar- 

 ranged in several groups, one of calcareous stone, rich in 

 animal remains ; another consisting of beds of limestone 

 and sandstone, and beds of coal and shale ; a third of grit 

 and other stone with little lime, but considerable quantities 

 of coal ; and lastly the rich coal fields of West Cumberland. 

 These vast formations occupy what was the ancient coast 

 line when the district was insular, and during the periods of 

 deposit and induration, must have undergone considerable 

 changes of elevation and arrangement. 



New Red Sandstone, &c. — Magnesian Limestone and 

 Conglomerate are found in a few localities, one near White- 

 haven, another near Rosley ; and immediately underlie a very 

 extensive deposit, namely. New Red Sandstone, which 

 occupies a wide field, over, and external to, the Carboni- 

 ferous series, ranging from Kirkby Stephen to Maryport, and 

 from Whitehaven, across the Duddon, to Low Furness and 

 Cartmel. This being the most recent formation, we close 

 with it our sketch of the Geology of the Lakes, which, short 

 and imperfect as it is, we consider sufficient to accomplish 

 the object stated at the beginning, and more in accordance 

 with the plan and purpose of this work, than if the subject 

 had been treated in a manner more worthy of the rank it 

 holds as a branch of physical science. The mineral pro- 

 ductions of the district will be noticed separately. 



Y 2 



