ON THE ERRATIC BLOCKS OF ENGLAND AND WALES. 83 



country over which erratic blocks are distributed is considerably increased ; 

 (2) that the erratic blocks arc connected together more clearly in definite 

 groujis, distinctly jiointing to special centres of distribution; (3) that the 

 grouping and distribution of the blocks are throwing light upon the periods 

 into which the glacial epoch must be divided. 



Devonshire. 



Mr. W. Pengelly, F.R.S., F.G.S., reports the following particulars regard- 

 ing boulders and scratched stones in South Devonshire. 



1. The New Bed Sandstone boulders of Waddeton. 



These occur on the left bank of the river Dart, from 3 to 4 miles north 

 of Dartmouth, on the estate of Mr. Studdy. Between the Dart and Wad- 

 deton Court, and within sight of the latter, three subangular masses are 

 imbedded in the soil. So far as it is visible, the largest measures 6 feet 

 by 3 feet, and the others are not much smaller. 



They occupy the augailar points of an isosceles triangle, of which the base, 

 having the direction N". 78° W. to S. 78° E. magnetic, is 30 paces long, 

 whilst the sides are about 50 paces each. In an orchard are numerous pits 

 whence boulders have been dug up from time to time, and one specimen in 

 situ measures 3 feet long and 2 broad. In the front garden of a neighbour- 

 ing farmhouse is an undisturbed boulder. That portion of it which is visible 

 is considerably rounded, and measures 9 feet in mean diameter ; its base is 

 also weU rounded, and it lodges on undisturbed Devonian slate. This spe- 

 cimen has the appearance of a transported block. Adjacent to the same 

 farmhouse is the site of a boulder which has been broken up and removed 

 by Mr. Studdy, and, from his description, must have been fully 10 feet in 

 mean diameter. On the surface of a boulder projecting from the base of a 

 hedge there are several parallel grooves, crossed by a second set also parallel 

 to one another. This is the only fact suggestive of glacial scratches ; but it 

 is not sufficiently pronounced to justify the opinion that the lines were due 

 to such an agency. 



These boulders consist of very hard, more or less micaceous red sandstone. 

 All that have been found were imbedded in the soil, and, when dislodged, 

 all that portion of their surfaces which had been protected from the air was 

 very soft and friable, but soon hardened on exposure. So far as has been 

 noted, they all occupy areas having a slate subsoil. 



Their heights above mean tide are estimated to be generally from about 

 70 to nearly 200 feet ; but a large specimen has been found not more than 

 from 15 to 20 feet above low water, which appears undisturbed by man. 



The boulders being in much request by architects, on aecouut of the hard- 

 ness and durability of the stone, are sent off to Dartmouth and elsewhere 

 throughout a considerable district. 



Besides the sandstone boulders there are two of dolomitized limestone : one 

 of them, between the Dart and "Waddeton Court, is rudely globular, and 

 about 2'5 feet in mean diameter ; the other is in a field adjacent to that in 

 which there is an old well covered with a red sandstone boulder. 



The following questions present themselves respecting the red boulders 

 just described: — 1st. Are tlaey travelled masses? 2nd. If so, whence did 

 they come ? 3rd. When were they lodged where they now lie ? 4th. What 

 was the agent of transportation ? 



1st. The New Eed Sandstone system, as a continuous formation, reached 



g2 



