186 NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE COAL FOSSILS. 



studied, would afford valuable datum-lines in mining 

 operations. It must, however, be borne in mind that the 

 seams of both coal and ironstone vary considerably in 

 different parts of the district. So marked is the change 

 that many of them are not recognisable even within a 

 short distance. There are, however, many seams which 

 are distinguished either by their proximity to some well 

 known bed, or by particular fossils which render their 

 identification easy. 



We would urge upon all those specially interested in 

 mining pursuits to carefully note the organic remains, 

 together with any other striking peculiarities they may 

 meet with in the sinking of shafts or other mining oper- 

 ations. These, if properly studied, cannot fail to be valuable 

 auxiliaries in the correlation of beds in districts of which 

 little is known. 



The coalfields of North Staffordshire are as follows : 

 First, that known as the Pottery coalfield. Second, the 

 Wetley and Shafferlong basis. Third, the Cheadle and 

 Ipstones coalfield. Fourth, the small coalfield of the 

 Roaches. They comprise an area of between 70 and 80 

 square miles. There are between forty and fifty workable 

 beds of coal and many of ironstone. Many of these beds 

 are of great value. The Pottery coalfield is bounded on 

 the north and east by ridges of millstone grit, and on the 

 south and west by Permian strata. It is triangular in 

 form, the apex resting near Congleton, and gradually 

 expanding to a width of twelve or fourteen miles, as 

 measured from Longton in the east by Newcastle and 

 Apedale to the western boundary. At the present time, 

 operations are being carried on which, if successful, will 



