»U ME. A. C. NICHOLSON ON HIGH-LEVEL 



bulk are in fairly good condition, and entire single valves of AstaHe, 

 Mactra, Tellina, &c., are common. A perfect specimen of Fustis 

 antiquus, 3 inches long, was found, and the univalve shells are 

 often well preserved. 



Amongst the finds was a small "shelly lump" consisting of 

 numerous shell-fragments consolidated in a sandy matrix, resembling 

 a solidified beach-sand. 



Another notable find was a portion of a tusk of ElepTias (primi- 

 genius ?), which was discovered in contorted strata in the upper part 

 of the deposit. The fragment was about 15 inches in length ; it 

 was unfortunately broken up by the workmen, but several small 

 pieces were secured. 



The sand in the gasteropod shells has been examined for forami- 

 fera, but none have so far been discovered therein. 



I have searched the lower-level gravels already mentioned as 

 occurring at Old Oswestry for shells, but have only obtained there 

 Turritella terehj^a, Purpura lapillus, and Mactra sp. The fragments 

 in that locality are for the most part comminuted to such a degree 

 as to be quite undefinable. 



It may appear doubtful whether the Gloppa deposit has been 

 derived from a pre-existing Boulder Clay ; the writer is inclined to 

 think that the weight of the evidence is to the contrary, although 

 it may be quite probable that part of the fauna is derived. The 

 only true Boulder Clay that I have seen in the immediate neigh- 

 bourhood is at a level of 700 feet. This clay contains nume- 

 rous striated and polished boulders, some of them running to 

 18" X 12" X 5", but so far as I have been able to ascertain 

 there are no northern erratics ; the boulders and pebbles are all 

 such as can be matched in the Welsh Hills lying to the S.W. and 

 IS^.W. 



I have, in conclusion, to express my thanks to Messrs. Clement 

 Eeid, R. D. Darbishire, and E. T. Xewton, for valuable assistance 

 rendered in the identification of the shells ; also to Mr. Wm. Shone 

 for much help and advice. 



The accompanying sketch-section (fig. 4, p. 89) of the ground 

 from Gloppa to Old Oswestry may be of interest* 



