38 PEOCEEDINGS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCLETY. 



From what I have already said, it will not be expected that I can 

 attempt to add to our knowledge of the Alps by more detailed ob- 

 servations of their rock-features. My suggestions must derive their 

 force from other regions. I saw enough of the Subalpine ground 

 to assure me that it presents a close parallel in geological history to 

 the Subhimalayan region. The original and the superinduced 

 characters in the two are strikingly similar. Whatever mode of ex- 

 planation suits the one must fit the other. The interpretation I 

 have put forward* of the Subhimalayan rocks, based perhaps upon 

 sections more favourable for observation, differs so widely from what 

 I find written about the Alps, that I am induced to call attention 

 thereto. It will be necessary first to indicate, by reference to authors, 

 what the views are to which I would take exception. I will, after 

 that, sketch the results of my observations in the Himalayas, and 

 finally indicate their possible application to the Alps. 



II. Notice of CuEEEisrT OpiiaoNS oisr Alpinte Sectioits. 



The name of Molasse has long since been extended, from its 

 original application to a particular soft sandstone, to the whole series 

 of strata of which that sandstone forms a prominent member. The 

 series has more recently been divided into several groups ; but the 

 same general term is still conveniently applied to all. They are of 

 Middle Tertiary age. The home of the Molasse is along the northern 

 base of the Alps, where it occupies the great valley of Switzerland, 

 between the Alps and the Jura, extending eastwards through the 

 Bavarian plains to Yienna. To the south-west, in Savoy, where the 

 Jiu'a-range becomes confluent with the Alps, the Molasse appears in 

 tte longitudmal valleys, along the continuation of the main valley. 

 The actual area of these Miocene rocks represents approximately 

 the original limits of dej)osition; and the strata are throughout 

 strongly unconformable with the adjoining formations. In a zone 

 along the base of the Alps, and several miles in width, the Molasse 

 strata are more or less intensely disturbed, while beyond that zone 

 they maintain their original horizontality. 



Yery conflicting opinions still maintain their ground regarding 

 the bare facts of the Mo^.asse section, both as to composition and as to 

 the features of disturbance. One generally accepted feature is the 

 continuous anticlinal flexure, observing an approximately medial 

 posi ion in the zone of disturbance. M. Studer described it in 1838 f. 

 In the same memoir a general descending order of succession is given 

 — -N'agelfluhe (conglomerate), molasse, and mottled argilaceous strata. 

 There would thus be an ascending section up to the main line of junc- 

 tion at the base of the -mountains, where the author speaks of 

 these rocks as abutting against the Secondary formations of the Alps. 

 The Eigi is referred to as typical of the common mode of contact, 

 the strata there passing under the Cretaceous system. This is ex- 

 plained by the sliding of the older rocks on the top of the younger. The 



* Mem. Geol. Sm-v. India, vol. iii. pt. 2. 

 t Mem. Soc. Geol. France, P sefie, vol. 



for 1838, p. 379. 



