ON THE ERRATIC BLOCKS OF ENGLAND AND WALES. 195 
The Committee have reason to believe that inquiries are being made on its 
behalf in many parts of the country, although the returns at present received 
are not sufficiently complete to admit of systematic classification. It is felt, 
indeed, that a classified arrangement of the facts can only be attempted when 
the investigation approaches its termination, So many speculative theories 
are involved in glacial geology, that the greatest service can be rendered by, in 
the first instance, collecting the facts from every quarter, afterwards proceeding 
to their classification, and finally pointing out the relation of the classified 
facts to the various theories under discussion. This is the course which it is 
intended to pursue. 
The Committee would respectfully ask Members of the Association who 
have received schedules to return them with the information desired. 
Districts in which boulders are rarest are of especial importance. The 
evidence respecting the southward extension of the ice-sheet over England, 
or the reach of the waters of the glacial sea, depends largely upon the facts 
connected with their presence or absence; while the method of distribution 
of boulders over England and Wales will furnish the key for the solution of 
many problems. 
The necessity for the work of the Committee is increased by the fact that 
all over England and Wales the destruction of boulders is rapidly proceeding. 
Fields are being cleared for agricultural purposes, while the boulders of many 
districts furnish building-material out of which houses and bridges as well as 
walls are constructed. It is not too much to say that, in the course of a few 
years, some of the most curious and important facts connected with the cha- 
racter and distribution of boulders (facts involving the explanation of many 
of the phenomena of the glacial epoch) will remain simply matters of record 
‘without any possible verification in the field. The importance of a careful 
and thorough carrying out of the work of this Committee will be evident, how- 
ever long and tedious it may prove to be. 
NoRTHUMBERLAND, 
The following is reported by Mr. Topley :— 
(A) Isozatep BoupErs, 
Answers. 
1. Parish of Rochbury, Northumberland. Itis marked on the 6-inch map 
of Northumberland (sheet 44) as “‘ Main Stone,” about 34 miles west south- 
west of the parish church. 
2. Length 14 yards, breadth 5 yards, height 4 yards, 
N.B. It rests on surface of rock. 
3, Nearly rectangular. 
4. Longer axis §.8.E. and N.N.W. 
5. No markings except natural lines of weathering. 
6. Composed of sandstone, Similar sandstone forms the mass of the hill 
on which it rests. 
7. Called the “Main Stone.” 
8. Height above the sea about 1350 feet. 
9. Marked on 6-inch map of Northumberland (sheet 44). A township 
boundary-mark. 4 
11, Not connected with any long ridges of gravel or sand, 
YorKsHIRE, 
Mr, E, G. Spencer reports a remarkable isolated boulder. 
