HOPKINS ON THE LAKE DISTRICT. 95 
Passing to the east of Stainmoor, it must be observed, that the pre- 
sent height of the Eastern moors is about 800 or 900 feet above the 
sea, which is less than that of Stainmoor by 600 or 700 feet. Hence 
we must conclude that when the latter tract was under water the 
former must have been so likewise, and probably at a considerably 
greater depth. Consequently I conclude that the oolitic escarpment 
of the Wolds (due as it is to denudation) could not have existed at 
that period (Art. 20). Such an escarpment would be the necessary 
consequence, under the most simple and probable conditions, of the 
denuding power of water during a gradual elevation of the land ; but, 
as I have before remarked, is inconceivable as the effect of ocean- 
currents acting on a surface entirely submerged. 
Hence then I conclude that the transport of blocks towards the 
east was not impeded by those numerous irregularities of surface 
which now exist, and may be attributed to the partial and local 
operation of denuding causes. Nor was there any great oolitic escarp- 
ment to surmount; the only apparent impediment was the great 
limestone ridge, of which Stainmoor is the lowest part, due, not to 
denudation, but to elevation, and of which the general outline was 
the same as at present. Similar observations are applicable to the 
surface of other portions of the district. While in its general out- 
lines it would resemble the existing surface, the subordinate inequa- 
lities would be wanting. 
26. We may now examine the progress of one of our great waves, 
produced, I will suppose, by a general elevation of the district of the 
Lakes. The wave and the current attending it would diverge from 
the central point of elevation, so that the current from Shap Fell 
would set very nearly in the direction of Stammoor. The portion of 
the wave opposite that pass would, in approaching it, be compressed 
into a narrower space, both by the diminution. of depth, and by the 
hills rismg above the sea on the north and south of the pass, and 
leaving there a contracted channel for the current, the velocity and 
power of which would thus become greatly increased. When the 
current was directed to the north of Stammoor, it would be turned 
northwards by the projecting Cross Fell range; and in like manner 
another powerful current would ‘be directed southwards by the con- 
tinuation of the same range in that direction. On the other sides 
of the district the wave would radiate from the centre with little in- 
terruption. 
The absence ef a satisfactory cause for powerful diverging currents, 
and the passage over Stainmoor, have been two of the great difficulties 
which have hitherto beset the problem before us: they are entirely 
removed by the explanations now given. Diverging currents, in fact, 
of greater or less magnitude would be the necessary consequence of 
movements beneath the sea such as we are sure must have taken 
place ; and the increased power which the current would acquire in 
approaching Stainmoor, as above shown, explains the transport of 
the blocks in their passage over that elevated tract. This current 
would be sufficient to carry the blocks considerably further to the 
east, but it is probable that their transport to their extreme limit 
