Vol. 6S.'] ANN^IVERSAEY ABDEESS OF THE PEESIDENT* XCvii 



(6) Value of Increased Tectonic Knowledge. 



The great advantage of the study of geological structure is that 

 each set of observations makes the next step easier and more 

 definite. Abundant proof of this is afforded by the study of the 

 borings that have already been carried out. Each boring has given 

 some leading to help in locating the next, or in saving useless 

 expenditure. The knowledge of the exact succession of the visible 

 Carboniferous and other rocks, and of their zonal palaeontology, 

 which has been pushed forward so rapidly of recent j'^ears, both by 

 individual investigators and by the Officers of the Geological Survey, 

 has already rendered valuable aid, and will give still more assistance 

 in the interpretation of results obtained by boring. 



It is the gradual growth of tectonic knowledge, as it has been 

 ascertained stage by stage in the process of mining as well as by 

 the growth of the study of outcrops of all kinds of strata at the 

 surface of the ground, that has been one of the most important 

 factors in improving the efficiency of working in the exposed fields. 

 But in the concealed coalfields such knowledge is certain to be of 

 far higher service. It should result in minimizing many sources of 

 loss. It will aid in the selection of the best places for shafts and 

 in indicating the most economical planning of the field for hauling, 

 pumping, and lifting ; it should lessen the underground loss due to 

 natural causes, and permit of such arrangements being made that 

 the minimum damage is done to the surface and to its amenities. 



It would seem that the state of knowledge, as well as the appro- 

 priateness of the time, justifies the taking of this new step in the 

 study of the mineral resources of Britain. 



At the same time, it is not intended to imply that the work 

 of surveying the surface outcrops of either Palaeozoic or Neozoic 

 rocks is completed. There can be little doubt that as we pass 

 ■eastward and southward from the margin of the Neozoic cover, the 

 tectonic structure of the older rocks becomes increasingly complex, 

 and will require for its interpretation the highest knowledge of 

 geological principles which it will be possible to bring to bear upon 

 it. Nor can there be any doubt that many of the more important 

 lessons on the behaviour and arrangement of rock-masses have been 

 learnt without any economic incentive, by study made among 

 those older rocks which have suffered most from the effects of 

 earth-movement, and are at the same time, fortunately, so well 

 exposed that their structures can be easily seen in the field and 

 their relations in many cases satisfactorily worked out. Such 



