YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS IN LOWER WENSLEYDALE. 



deposits and the immediate proximity of land. Mr. Horne now 

 conducted the geologists by a mercifully easy gradient, considering 

 the high state of the thermometer, to the summit of Redmire Scars, 

 some 1,100 ft. above sea-level. And now ample opportunity offered 

 of grasping the physical geology of the wide expanse before us. 

 We were now on the escarpment so prominent from the valley, and 

 upon the bed known as the ' Main Limestone,' and Mr. Horne 

 pointed out, directly in front, but on the opposite side of the valley, 

 an escarpment just below the grit-capped summit of Pen hill, and 

 forming part of that gigantic elevation, the same bed of limestone 

 dipping gradually eastwards, a conclusive proof that Wensleydale is 

 a valley of denudation. The view from this point was expansive 

 and beautiful. To the left, above the historic pile of Middleham, 

 rose the wooded heights of East Witton Fell. Then before us 

 rose the giant mass of Penhill, and to the west, peeps of Bishopdale 

 and Waldendale were afforded, whilst more to the right, the flat- 

 topped summit of Addlebrough was conspicuous. Heights in Craven 

 and North-western Yorkshire bounded the view. Below was the 

 verdant smiling valley, rich in pastoral beauty, with the silvery Ure 

 meandering through it. This was a scene not only conveying 

 splendid practical lessons in denudation, but also inspiring an ardent 

 love for nature. We now traversed the summit of the escarpment 

 in an eastwardly direction, the fresh mountain breeze being a 

 pleasant contrast to the murky, smoke-laden atmosphere of the 

 West Riding. 



A descent was then made, when the party, under the guidance of 

 Mr. Rod well, visited the Keld Head Lead-mines, when the debris 

 at the mine was carefully examined, and ample explanations given as 

 to the working, etc., of the mine by the conductor. The hill was 

 again ascended, and half-way between the river and the summit 

 Mr. Horne pointed out the remains of small homesteads, alleged to 

 be of early British origin ; whoever the builders were, they had a 

 large stock of common sense. These homesteads are always on the 

 gritstone. Gritstone is not only drier in its nature than limestone, 

 but also easier to build a rude wall with. Agani, these grits always 

 rest upon shales which throw out the water which liad percolated 

 through the upper beds : thus they were sure of good water close at 

 hand. Another easy ascent brought the party to the top of Leyburn 

 Shawl, that splendid terrace of limestone overlooking Wensleydale. 

 Its highest part is about 870 ft. above sea- level, and as the whole 

 length is traversed by carefully-kei)t paths, fine views of the dale are 

 readily obtained. Mr. Horne now called a halt to inspect the ' Lady 

 Algitha ' Cave, but an amusing delay was occasioned by the dis- 



Jiiiie 1888. 



