320 CAV. W. p. JERVIS, F.G.S., ON THALASSOGRAPHICAL AND 



slightly from 200 fathoms within a central part 10 miles 

 wide. 



Since wu have fonnd a depth of 430 fathoms in the 

 Skager Rack, off Avendal; 3<)8 fathoms in the Vinda fjord; 

 348 lathoms at a great distance from the coast; 348 fathoms 

 in the Oster tjord, Avhile the depth of water in the Sogne 

 fjord is no less than G()0 fathoms, it seems reasonable to 

 conclude that the bottom of the Paheoscandinavian Channel 

 nmst have been filled np with a thickness of from 230 to 450 

 fathoms of newer tertiary deposits. 



§ III. Pal.^obritanxia. 



From any point along the coasts of Denmark, and thence 

 to Belgium, the ancient mariners could steer in a direct 

 ct)urse across the North Sea, so as to land at any locality on 

 the east coast of England, between Dover and Newcastle, 

 Avithout leaving the British platform, and find that the 

 soundings Avere exclusively less than 50 fathoms — frequently 

 far less — as between Tonning and Yarmouth in no instance 

 exceeding 27 fathoms; the bed of the sea being everywhere 

 sandy. 



It may be interesting to state, in passing, that at least 

 70 localities are specified by name in the map of Eastern 

 Pala?obritannia, or, more strictly speaking, in the charts of 

 the North Sea. Such names are given to parts of the bed 

 of the sea where the depths are considerably difterent from 

 those of the adjacent portions. Navigators are compelled 

 to give heed to them, and fishermen know by experience 

 that fish have their hannts regulated by them. 



But what is tin's to the marvellous thalassography of 

 Norwegian mariners? There every small rock peeping 

 above the level of the water has its particular name, and 

 often the very sunken rocks. The charts of the coast-line 

 are croAvded with such information. In the vicinity of 

 Aalesund and the Bredsund dybet, of which we have 

 given a sketeh, there are far more than 70 names given for 

 positions in the Atlantic within the radius of a few miles. 



It is to be hoped tliat future charts Avill register all such 

 data, Avhich Avill .serve in llie most marked maimer to give 

 precision to our knowledge of two-thirds of our globe?, 

 which remain yet as little explored as is the centre of. 

 Alrica to geographers. To talk of the phenomena, the 

 faima, the flora, etc., of the North Sea or Atlantic, is about as 



