ON SUB-WEALDEN EXPLORATION. 347 



It should be remembered that the problem originally offered for aolution 

 was one based on the strong opinion expressed by our most eminent geolo- 

 gists, that there was a high degree of probability that Palaeozoic rocks (fol- 

 lowing the course of the axis of Artois, and dipping beneath the surface in 

 Belgium and the north of France) would be found at a depth variously esti- 

 mated at from 700 feet to 1700 feet. 



In this aspect the problem is solved, a depth of 1753 feet having been 

 explored with the certainty that (within the aforesaid maximum distance) 

 no such rocks exist in this locality, i 



On the contrary, an extraordinary and unexampled thickness of sedi- 

 mentary beds, possessing many features of the Jurassic series, with a fauna 

 most persistent in type, and such as has hitherto been considered to denote 

 the Kimmeridge Clay of England and of the Continent, is the result so far of 

 the discoveries made by the Sub-Wealden Exploration. 



Although no economic advantages were ever sought by the promoters, two 

 not unimportant results have ensued : — 



1. A company has been established for developing the rich beds of gypsum 

 which we have discovered, and which were hitherto unknown to exist in 

 Sussex. 



2. We have proved that the project for supplying Hastings with .water by 

 means of a deep well on the Artesian system would be abortive. 



After three years of toil and anxiety, it is some satisfaction to be able to 

 state further that, owing to the munificent response made by lovers of 

 science, of all orders and degrees of men among us, a contract has been 

 entered into for completion to 2000 feet, should no unavoidable hindrance 

 occur. 



Ko additional grant is solicited, or will be required, from the British 

 Association. 



The geological results will be fuUy explained in more minute detail by 

 Mr. Topley's report, hereunto appended. 



To him, to Kobert Etheridge, Esq., E.R.S. (for his invaluable palseonto- 

 logical services), to J. H. Peyton, Esq., F.G.S. (for numberless journeys of 

 inspection to the works), to Prof. Kamsay, to the Committee of Scientific 

 Reference, over which he has so ably presided, and to the Patrons and Sub- 

 scribers who have so generously supplied the funds for prosecuting the work, 

 the thanks of all sympathisers with scientific advancement are due. 



Although, by Mr. Warner's offer of £300, on reaching 2000 feet, that depth 

 has been named as the maximum limit to be aimed at, yet the friability of 

 the strata at the present depth (1762 feet), and the persistent character of 

 the sedimentary deposits, seem to show the wisdom of stopping any further 

 outlay on the " Sub-Wealden Exploration." 



Geological Report hy W. Topley, F.6.S., Assoc. Inst, C.E., Geological Survey 



of England. 



In the Report submitted to the Association at Belfast an account was 

 given of the strata passed through and of the fossils found down to a depth 

 of 1013 feet. It was then believed that certain Ammonites found in the 

 lower cores were Oxford-Clay foims ; and it was therefore supposed that the 

 boring had passed from the Kimmeridge Clay to the Oxford Clay without 

 finding any representative of the Coral Rag or Calcareous Grit. 



