J. MAGENS MELLO ON SOME BONE-CAVES IN CRESWELL CRAGS. 679 



51. On some Bone-Cayes in Creswell Crags. By the Eev. J. Magens 

 Mello, M.A., F.G.S. With an Appendix by Professor Busk, 

 F.R.S., F.G.S. (Bead June 23, 1875.) 



On the north-eastern border of Derbyshire a low range of hills, 

 rising from the plateau of the Magnesian limestone, is somewhat 

 abruptly cut through by a short ravine known as Creswell Crags 

 (fig. 1). It is about a third of a mile in length, running nearly east 



Kg. 1.- 



View of Creswell Crags, 



and west, and is bounded on either side by beautifully wooded cliffs, 

 which in places are some 50 or 60 feet high. The limestone is 

 the Lower Permian, and is very hard and massive here, with an 

 easterly dip, which is rather difficult to trace. On either side of the 

 ravine the crags are much fissured, the fissures now and then forming 

 tolerable-sized caverns, opening some 15 feet or less above the level of a 

 sheet of water that has been formed by the damming up of a small stream 

 flowing between the crags from W. to E. Some years ago I had 

 formed a strong wish to examine the fissures in this locality, but until 

 lately could never find the opportunity. Last April, however, I was 

 enabled to pay a preliminary visit to the spot. A very brief inspection 

 sufficed to show me that it was one well worth careful exploration • 

 and m answer to an application to His Grace the Duke of Portland^ 

 he very kindly gave me leave to carry on the work. 



On the southern side of the ravine there is a cavern (Fissure C) with 

 a large mouth ; but it contracts at a very short distance in, where it has 

 been walled up to keep out foxes, many smaUer fissures being similarly 

 protected m the locality. In this cavern, in a small hole I made for 

 testing at the entrance, I obtained, about 3 or 4 inches below 

 tne surtace, a fine piece of the leg-bone of Rhinoceros tichorhinus. 



