889-90.] 201 



Next day three men were started to clear the ground for the 

 trial pit, a short distance from the gravel escarpment, while 

 the other three excavated a trench, at the foot of the cleared 

 face, to determine the nature of the underlying strata, it having 

 been resolved to reserve the examination of the lower bed of 

 gravel for the following day (Saturday), when it was expected 

 that others interested in the work might attend. During the 

 afternoon Mr. Gray was present, and assisted the investigation. 



On the 29th inst, the sinking of the trial pit through stiff 

 Estuarine Clay was continued. In the afternoon the trench at 

 the base of the cleared face had attained a depth of 5'-6" below 

 the level of the ground, at which depth the Estuarine Clay was 

 struck. No further excavation here being desired, as the clay 

 was being thoroughly examined in the trial pit, and Mr. Gray 

 having arrived, the exploration of the lower bed of coarse gravel 

 was commenced, the mode of excavation and examination being 

 that already detailed. At a depth of 13 feet work was sus- 

 pended for the day. Rev. Canon Grainger and Mr. W. H. 

 Patterson, M.R.I. A., arrived as the day's work was concluding, 

 and examined the sections, and the flakes, &c, which had been 

 found. 



On Monday, July 1st, the sinking of the trial pit through the 

 beds below the Estuarine Clay was continued, but in the even- 

 ing a stratum of coarse gravel was reached, so charged with 

 water as to flood the excavations and endanger the stability of 

 the banks, and it was determined not to attempt any deeper 

 sinking here, as it would entail heavy expense in staying and 

 pumping. On 2nd inst., the scrutiny of the lower gravel, 

 which had been stopped at 13 feet, was continued, Mr. Joseph 

 Wright, F.G.S., being present, in addition to Messrs. Stewart 

 and Praeger. 



The following morning the examination of the lower gravel 

 was concluded, and some time was spent in inspecting sections 

 of the gravels exposed at other points on the Curran, the points 

 of resemblance or difference to the typical section chosen for 

 detailed examination being noted. The dip of the various beds 



