RAMBLING THOUGHTS IN A HANLEY MAUL PIT. 79 



not be safe to come to a positive conclusion on the sub- 

 ject, but when I was here three weeks ago there was a 

 younger calamite standing a few feet off with an inclina- 

 tion precisely parallel with this stem of larger growth. 

 That confirmatory evidence, the absence of which I deplore 

 this evening, coupled with the statement of the Messrs. 

 Hampton, the lessees, as to the similar inclination of other 

 stems would leave no doubt in my mind that the inclina- 

 tion of the bed is due to a subsequent disturbing force. 

 All doubt is removed when we combine the knowledge of 

 the general structure of the North Stafford coal-field, af- 

 fording indisputable evidence of disturbing influences sub- 

 sequent to the deposit and consolidation of the beds. 



Time compels me to conclude. Perhaps it is as well, 

 for if I proceeded it would have been my painful duty 

 to call your attention to certain faults in the strata, for 

 alas, this clay, like the human, has its faults as well as 

 its virtues. Let us for once reverse the supposed associa- 

 tions of the tea-table, and as 



" From silver spouts the grateful liquors glide, 

 White china earth receives the smokiug tide," 



let us drown all ideas of faults in a cup of that grateful 

 fluid so kindly supplied by the hospitality of our host 

 and hostess. 



