R. PEJfNINGTOX 0~8 THE CASTLETOtf BOXE-CAVES. 243 



The surface (C, fig. 2) was composed of rubbish derived from previous 

 working of the quarry. The rock, A, was that in which the fissure 



Fig. 2. — Section of Windy-Knoll Exploration. 



A. Kock. C. Rubbish. 



B. Ossiferous loam &c. j D. Floor of quarry* 



E. Yellowish debris. 



(The portion excavated is enclosed with a dotted line.) 



was ; and the bones lay in the debris, B, at the back of the rock and 

 filling the fissure in it. 



This debris has been stated to be " drift " of glacial origin (Plant, 

 Manchester Geological Society, Trans. April 28, 1874, pp. 2 et seq.). It 

 has, however, none of the characteristics of drift; there are no 

 foreign rocks or rounded pebbles in it; it is the ordinary loam, 

 containing angular fragments of limestone, which is found in all 

 hollows and fissures hereabouts ; nor does it seem necessary to sup- 

 pose that the Yoredales of Mam Tor have contributed to it, as no 

 pieces of these rocks have been observed in it, and its colour is not 

 peculiar. It is simply the subaerial debris of the Mountain-Lime- 

 stone district. 



About the end of April we began with the fissure, and removed 

 the debris from it. 



In May, work was S3 T stematically carried on for a fortnight, four 

 men being constantly at work. 



We first got out a quantity of the debris from behind the rock, 

 having taken off the surface-rubbish. We then got the quarrymen 

 to blow down the supporting rock, so as to leave exposed the face 

 of the deposit behind. As much as possible of this was then got 

 out and carefully examined. 



The surface-rubbish contained nothing of interest ; and few bones 

 lay in the upper part of the debris. But within about 4 feet below 

 the surface (at the point commenced with) was a most astonishing- 

 mass of animal bones, mixed in a confused manner ; bones of bisons, 

 deer, wolves, bears, and other quadrupeds lay in the greatest pro- 

 fusion. Near the top the loam was very damp and sticky, and the 



Q.J. G. S. No. 122. s 



