178 
TATE: SOURCE OF RIVER AIRE. 
The inhabitants of Malham plead that the waters of the Tarn 
actually appear again in two most abundant and beautiful 
springs about a quarter of a mile below the village, and 
nearly three miles from the place of immersion. This opinion 
seems most probable. But from the foot of the Cove, and 
almost a mile nearer to the Tarn, a copious stream breaks 
out, which has undoubtedly the second claim. Yet it is well 
known that a collection of springs rising in the Black Hills, 
the Hen setts, and Withes, is swallowed up in a field called 
the Streets ; and from the turbid quality of the water, very 
unlike that of the Tarn, there is little doubt that, after a 
subterraneous course of more than two miles, this is the 
stream which here emerges again. Thirdly, the Aireton 
Water, from which the village derives its name, seems pre- 
cluded by its distance from any reasonable pretensions. 
Fourthly, Gordale Water, which springs in the Great Close, 
and of which the whole course may be traced, can have no 
other claim than that of a collateral feeder." * 
Phillips says : — " The principal stream of the Aire has a 
very singular origin. On the limestone hills above Malham 
is a large piece of water, fed from an immense area of dry 
rocks which absorb the rain and yield a part of their stores 
to the elevated lake. Malham Water is on the line of the 
North Craven fault, overlooked on the north by the limestone 
ranges of Hard Flask and Fountains Fell, while from below 
it rises to the south the depressed band of the same lime- 
stone. The natural exit of the water is in this direction, as 
a superficial channel distinctly shews ; but instead of follow- 
ing this channel, to fall in a mighty cascade over the tre- 
mendous precipice of Malham Cove, the water sinks into the 
open-jointed limestone rock, and bursts forth in a full and 
perpetual stream at its foot. This is the Aire." f 
* " Craven " (1805), page 206 ; 3rd ed., page 207. 
t " Geology of Yorkshire" (1830), pt. ii., page 102. 
