86 PROCEEDINGS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
theory in such case assigns to the resulting phenomena. These 
characters are theoretically described in my memoir on Physical 
Geology in the Transactions of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 
(Art. 57), from which I make the followmg extract :—“If we sup- 
pose the superficies of our elevated mass to be of finite length, and 
to be bounded for instance by a line approximating to the form of 
an elongated ellipse, the directions of the fissures in the transverse 
system, as we approach towards either extremity of the elevated 
range, will gradually change from perpendicularity with the major 
axis (the axis of elevation) till they become parallel to it, at the ex- 
tremities of the ellipse, always preserving their approximate coinci- 
dence with the directions of the Imes of greatest inclination of the 
general surface of the mass.’ It will be observed how exactly this 
description accords with the Wartwates Ennerdale, and Buttermere 
lines of dislocation. 
Professor Sedgwick, in the memoir already alluded to, not only 
recognized the law of arrangement in these lake valleys, but had evi- 
dently also the idea of the kind of mechanical action to which it 
must be due, regarding the centre of radiation as a centre of eleva- 
tion. When the subject is regarded, however, with reference to more 
precise theoretical views than Professor Sedgwick had then probably 
any object in discussing, it is manifest that the western extremity and 
highest peint of the elevation is to be considered as the termination of 
a central line of elevation, and the part of that Ime where the eleva- 
tory force has been more intense than in other parts, especially those 
immediately west of the Lune. And this is the reason why the ra- 
diating arrangement of the lines of dislocation, so beautifully exhi- 
bited on the west, is more imperfectly preserved on the eastern side 
of what is properly termed the Lake district. 
Parr II. 
§ Phenomena of Denudation. 
17. It will not be necessary to enter into any details respecting 
the well-known phzenomena of the distribution of detritus and erratic 
blocks which have proceeded from the Cumbrian mountains as a 
centre. The most curious of these pheenomena, and apparently the 
most difficult to account for, are those connected with the dispersion 
of boulders of Shap granite. Their transport across the deep vale of 
the Eden and the lofty pass of Stammoor, with their distribution from 
thence along the vale of York, and upon the high Eastern Wolds of 
that county, constitute one of the most curious problems of this kind 
which Geology presents to us. The immense mass of smaller detri- 
tus spread out over the more level plains of Lancashire will also have 
to be considered in this branch of our subject ; and finally, the forma- 
tion of the great valleys from which I conceive this detritus to have 
been in great measure derived. There is probably in the present day 
no wide discrepancy in the opinions of geologists respecting the origin 
and formation of great valleys like those in the district we are con- 
sidering. It will be generally allowed, I conceive, that they have 
originated in dislocations, and that their formation has been effected 
