NOTES AND QUERIES. 



115 



of our most eminent Tertiary geologists ; but, lest the question should appear to be 

 neglected, we have inserted here what is generally known to geologists on the sub- 

 ject. 



A Correspondent, in the last number (page 80), asks some questions on supposed 

 mammalian remains in the Lias. We are obliged by the offer of sketches, which 

 we shall be glad to receive. As far as can be judged from what we know of 

 other mammalian-like bones which have been rolled down from the storm-beaten 

 cliffs of the Dorsetshire coast, it is probable that geologists will have in these 

 fossils the remains of great Megalosaurian reptiles or Dinosaurs similar to those 

 which are already so well known in the Oolite and Wealden formations — some 

 members of this family having been found even as low down in the series as the 

 Trias at Wurtemburg. From their latter position we need not be surprised at their 

 occurrence in the Lias, which was probably the deep-sea formation fringing the 

 lands which supplied, in successive ages, the remains of this interesting family 

 of reptiles, the chief characters of which may be studied in Mr. Waterhouse 

 Hawkins's magnificent models at the Crystal Palace. 



T.V., Durham (see page 80). — Durham is one of the finest places in the 

 kingdom for a working geologist. The " Marl Slate " of the Magnesian Limestone 

 series is especially to be noted as full of splendid and almost perfect fish. Its 

 outcrop will be found at Ferry Hill, and many other places in the neighbourhood ; 

 and it is often cut through in the coal-workings. The whole Permian group of 

 the north of England is of the highest geological interest, and is divided by 

 Professor King into six divisions. 1st. Crystalline earthy compact, and oolitic lime- 

 stones. 2nd. Brecciated and pseudo-brecciated limestones. 3rd. Fossiliferous lime- 

 stone. 4th. Compact limestone. 5th. Marl-slate. 6th. Various-coloured sandstones. 

 Passing from Bolden to the coast, the series is crossed in ascending order, the lowest 

 member (6) occuring on the west of Down Hill ; then the marl-slate (5) is seen, 

 overlaid by several beds of brown-coloured limestone (4). The beds of light- 

 coloured limestone (3), abounding in fossils, occur at Hylton North Farm, and 

 Southwick Lane House ; while in the west quarry at South wick, the brecciated 

 and pseudo-brecciated deposits (2) are displayed — the superimposed crystalline and 

 other limestones being extensively worked in the Fullwell quarries, and con- 

 tinuously displayed to the shores of the German Ocean. The great 90-fathom dyke 

 is a physical phenomenon well worthy of note ; and CuUercoats Bay, the railway- 

 cutting at Thrislington Gap, Tunstall Hill, Ryhope, Hartlepool, and Tynemouth 

 are places well known to geologists. We have replied as fully as our columns 

 will permit ; and we must refer T V., if he desires more detailed information, to 

 the monograph of Professor W. King, in the publications of the Paloeonto- 

 graphical Society ; the papers by Mr. R. Howse in the " Annals of Natural 

 History," vol. xi., 2nd series ; and the remarks by Mr. Kirkby in the Quarterly 

 Journal of the Geological Society, vol. xiii. The labours and writings of the 

 Rev. Professor Sedgwick and of Sir Roderick I. Murchison are also of the highest 

 importance in the study of the Permian deposits. 



Verbum Sap. — The publication of an illustrated glossary or dictionary of 

 geological scientific words and terms was proposed by the present Editor to the 

 late proprietor, but the idea was not entertained. This matter is now again 

 under consideration, and will most probably be carried out. Some time, however, 

 must elapse before its practical execution can be commenced — the mere manual 

 labour of writing out and arranging in alphabetical order the numerous 

 expressions and technicalities of a science being by no means a trifling operation. 

 In the interim of its preparation, questions from correspondents and subscribers 

 will be freely and readily replied to ; and our subscribers and readers would do 

 well to note down such words and terms as they are desirous of having explained, 

 or which they think it advantageous to notice for the sake of others. Such 

 communications should be marked " Glossary," to save us the expense of printing 

 special answers. 



J. H. W., Nottingham.—" To the Editor of the Geologist.— Dear Sir,— I should 

 be greatly served if you will inform me upon the following questions : To what 



M 2 



