130 
HUDLESTON AND DAVIS : EXCUESION. 
at the foot of that remarkable cliff, just where the river Aire 
springs from the base of the precipice, drew attention to the 
geolog-ical characteristics of the scene, more especially in con- 
nection with the underground course of the water which disappears 
a little to the south of Malham Tarn. The party retraced their 
steps in the direction of the village of Malham, and then walked 
to Gordale Scar, some of the gentlemen visiting Janet's Cave on 
the way. The gorge at Gordale is an excavation in what is 
known as the Scar Limestone, which is the lowest member of the 
carboniferous series in this district. The visitors were scarcel}^ 
prepared for such an impressive scene, and nearly all agreed that 
it is one of the most remarkable spots, not only in Yorkshire, but 
in England, and that probably no part of the carboniferous lime- 
stone, not even excepting the celebrated Cheddar Cliffs, can 
compete with Gordale in wonder and magnificence. The stream 
which flows through this extraordinary gorge, by its numerous 
waterfalls, adds largely to the interest of the scene. There can 
be very little doubt that this excavation is almost entii'ely the 
result of water action, aided to a certain extent by rock-jointing 
in the first instance. The scramble up the gorge is a somewhat 
difficult undertaking, but was safely accomplished, and the whole 
of the party finally stood on the limestone pavement of the m»)ors 
above. From thence a rather rough walk led them to within a 
short distance of Malham Tarn, which is said to be situated on 
Silurian rocks and boulder clay. At the place where the water 
sinks, to reappear, as already stated, at the foot of Malham Cove, 
the director read the following interesting communication from 
Mr. Walter Morrison with reference to the underground course 
of the water, which disappears at this point. 
"Malham Taen, Bellbusk, July, 10th, 1882. 
" Dear Sie, 
''Very unfortunately I have to leave home on Wednesday, 
July 19th, for a Board Meeting in London on the Thursday, and 
a Meeting of a Company of which T am a director, on the Friday. 
