Vol. 52.] MAMMALIAN REMAINS IN DERWENT RIVER-GRAVELS. 497 



29. Discovert of Mammalian Remains in the Old River-gravels 

 of the Derwent near Derby. (Read April 29th, 1896.) 



Part I. — By H. H. Arnold-Bemrose, Esq., M.A., F.G.S. 



These remains were discovered under the yard of the Crown Inn 

 at Allenton, not quite 3 miles south of Derby. In March, 1895, 

 Messrs. Orhler & Co. were sinking a well there for drinking-water. 

 When it was partly bricked in, a strong unpleasant smell was 

 noticed, several large bones were discovered, and the well was, 

 in consequence, abandoned. The water rose very rapidly, and only 

 twenty-one bones or fragments were taken out. These included 

 the left femur of an artiodactyle, several vertebrae or portions of 

 vertebrae, and fragments of ribs. The writers obtained them from 

 Messrs. Offiler & Co., and after examination decided to excavate for 

 the remainder. The funds necessary to defray the expenses were 

 readily obtained from a few local gentlemen, on condition that the 

 bones should be finally placed in the Borough Museum. The work 

 was commenced on April 8th and entrusted to Mr. Durant, builder. 

 During the day a hole, 8x6 feet, was dug through the clay, and the 

 water rose in it to within 6 feet of the surface. On the second day 

 the hole was deepened through the clay and sand to the top of the 

 gravel (9 feet 8 inches below the surface). One complete bone and 

 twelve small pieces, probably from the head, were obtained. 



On the third day the clay was tunnelled on the eastern and northern 

 sides, the total area excavated at the bottom being about 11 by 

 9 feet. The tunnelling was rendered necessary because of the small 

 space available in that part of the yard, which was limited by 

 buildings on three sides and a wall on the fourth. The main diffi- 

 culty was to contend with the water which rose from the gravel and 

 caused the sides of the pit to fall in, notwithstanding the timbering. 

 Two large pumps were kept at work by relays of men during the 

 whole of the second and third days, but in spite of this most of the 

 work had to be done in water. Under these circumstances it was 

 impossible to get up the bones without breaking some of them. One 

 hundred and twenty-seven bones or fragments were found. They 

 were numbered in the order obtained, and their relative positions 

 were noted as accurately as possible. One or both of the writers 

 was present during the whole time, and every bucketful of sand or 

 gravel was carefully examined. The sand and gravel taken from 

 near the head were washed in a sieve, but no loose teeth were found. 

 Most of the bones were obtained during the latter half of the third 

 day. No further discoveries being made, and the water gaining 

 rapidly upon the pumps, further work had to be abandoned. 



Samples of the clay and sand were taken from the pit, and 

 measurements and notes of the deposits passed through were made 

 by both writers together. 



