g5 THE GEOLOGIST. 



never occurs below the ragstone," it forms a distinguishing mark of 

 the upper zone. In the neighbourhood of Minchinhampton, Mr. Lycett 

 has noticed another and higher stratum, probably the equivalent of the 

 '* Clypeus grit " of Mr. Hull, which he designates " Pholadomya grit." 

 Mactra gibbosa occurs in it, and numerous specimens of Terebratula 

 globata. If we include the basement-beds, the total thickness of the 

 Inferior Oolite is not less than 230 feet at Leckhampton Hill ; of 

 which, nevertheless, it does not form the main part, as there is a much 

 greater thickness of Lias between its outcrop and the level surface 

 of the plain. ^' This holds good with regard to the outer edge of the 

 Cotswold chain, in its entire range over a considerable area. On the 

 south and east, the Inferior Oolite is much reduced in thickness, and, as 

 we have shown, subject to considerable variations, both in bulk, struc- 

 ture, and fossil contents ; some beds being altogether absent or replaced 

 by others; and, if rich in organic remains at one spot, are entirely 

 destitute of them at another. ^Notwithstanding the depths and con- 

 ditions of the sea frequently varied during the period of its deposit, 

 there is one striking similarity in the beds of this division: viz., 

 the almost entire absence of any terrestrial or liuviatile animals 

 or plants. Marine shells and corals of several genera are the 

 prevailing fossils, though remains of fish and saurians have been dis- 

 covered — the latter very rarely. The student will do well to spend 

 some days at Cheltenham, whence he will be able to make excur- 

 sions to the chief points of geological interest in the neighbourhood, 

 among which may be mentioned Leckhampton, Crickley, Birdlip, Cold 

 Comfort, Lineover, Cleeve Cloud, Sudeley, and Bredon— all within an 

 easy reach of that town. Further on, in an easterly direction, he may 

 visit the numerous quarries by Andoversford, Naunton, Stow, Stan way, 

 Burford, and Broadway. Southwards he should examine the country 

 in the neighbourhood of Stroud, especially the quarries at Eodborough, 

 Selsby, Painswick, Haresfleld, Sheepscombe, and Frocester. 



We must now say a few words on a very interesting series of deposits, 

 which we have designated the " Ammonite and Belemnite beds " f 

 ("Cephalopoda-bed " of Wright), which, though much reduced in thick- 



• The entire formation, except ^rhere locally aflFected bjfaults, has a gentlo 

 dip to the south -cast. 



t "On the Basement Beds of the Inferior Oolite in Gloucestershire," by thq 

 Uov. IV H. \\vodk\—Jonrn,d of the Geoloyical Society, 1851, p. 208, 



