91 
^onorarp (Curators 
J. G. Marshall, Esq. ) T. W. Embleton, Esq. 
Eocal Secretaries. 
H. C. Sorby, Esq., F.R.S., Sheffield. 
Henry Briggs, Esq., Wakefield. 
Dr. Alexander. Halifax. 
Dr. Scholefeeld, Doncaster. 
Bextley Shaw, Esq., Huddersfield. 
Richard Carter, Esq., Barnsley. 
The Chairman then called upon Mr. W. S. "Ward 
to read a Paper 
OX THE GEOLOGY OF THE ESK VALLEY. BY JOHN WATSON, 
ESQ., OF WHITBY. 
This paper is illustrated by a section laid down from 
actual measurement, of 554 feet in thickness, taken in the 
Esk valley, near Whitby, Yorkshire, (see page 100.) The 
section, geologically speaking, comprises part of the lower 
Oolite, the upper and part of the lower Lias. I will remark 
on such as are of most value. 
2. — The freestone is very valuable, generally speaking, 
on account of its texture, colour, and large sized blocks ; 
and has been extensively worked for upwards of 50 years, 
and sent from Whitby, by shipping, for the construction of 
piers, breakwaters, &c, in nearly all parts of the United 
Kingdom. 
9. Oolitic Ironstone. — This seam of ironstone is very 
valuable for smelting purposes, but varies very much both 
in quantity and quality ; in some places showing a thickness 
of 20 and even 30 feet, containing only from 15 to 20 per 
cent, of iron, and a large proportion of silica ; and in other 
places, from 5 to 12 feet in thickness, containing from 
30 to 40 per cent, of pure iron, with only a moderate per- 
centage of silica. This seam of ironstone has only been 
known and worked for about eight years. It is, however, 
now worked very extensively, and sold to the iron smelters, 
principally in Newcastle, for the purpose of mixture with 
g2 
