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THE SUBMARINE FOREST-BED AT PORTMELLIN, NEAR 

 MEVAGISSEY. 



BY N. WHITLEY, F.R.M.S. 



During the past summer, the surface of a submarine forest- 

 bed has been extensively exposed at spring tides at the little cove 

 of Portmellin, near Mevagissey. This being observed by Mr. 

 Mathias Dunn, he suggested to the Council of this Institution, 

 that an exploration of such an interesting relic of the past, 

 should be undertaken by the Council ; it met with their full 

 approval, and preparations were at once made for the work : and 

 I have now to report on the results. 



As the remains of the Forest could only be advantageously 

 examined at spring tides, and at certain hours, and in suitable 

 weather, it was found impracticable to muster a large gathering 

 of our members. After several delays I carried out the work 

 with the help of one other member of the Institution (Mr. 

 Eundle), aided by the Eev. D. Q-. Whitley, and the very 

 effective co-operation of Mr. Dunn, his son, and 5 hired 

 labourers. 



The first day was occupied by surveying the cove for the 

 construction of a plan and sections ; and by a somewhat super- 

 ficial examination of the extent and nature of the relics of the 

 forest-bed, by probing it with a 10 feet iron rod and sinking a 

 few pits. On the second day, two large pits each about 10 feet 

 long and 5 feet wide were sunk completely through the forest- 

 bed, that on the north side of the cove to a depth of 1 1 feet, and 

 that on the south side to a depth of 8 feet, and about 25 yards 

 apart. The excavated portions were carefully examined, and the 

 selected specimens taken to Truro for further investigation ; these 

 have since been inspected by several members of the Institution. 

 A general description obtained from the exploration is as 

 follows : — 



The surface of the forest-bed exposed to the action of the 

 waves charged with sand, was much waterworn and compact, and 



