578 
Lower Scar Limestone, by such gradations that no precise 
divisions can be drawn. An ideal section for this district 
would give argillaceous shales passing insensibly into one 
great calcareous bed. 
I shall now proceed to the topography of the district. 
Between Settle and Colne lies a considerable tract of 
country, which in many parts of England would be considered 
hilly, but bounded as it is on all sides, except the west, by 
such elevations as Pendle Hill, Bombald's Moor, and the 
scars of the South Craven Fault, 'it is by comparison a low 
and level district. Many parts, especially about Gisburn, 
are richly wooded, and there is a general appearance of 
fertility and cultivation which contrasts agreeably with the 
wild scenery of the surrounding hills. Tradition mentions that 
this low country was anciently an extensive marsh, and the 
local etymologists explain the word Bell Busk by reference 
to a bell which is supposed to have been anciently rimg at 
nightfall to warn travellers off the dangerous plain. We 
may find more satisfactory evidence in the fact that consider- 
able tracts of sedgy ground still remain, that many low-lying 
meadows are to this day protected by " cop " and dyke, that 
the old road from Settle to Long Preston made a great 
circuit along a rough and precipitous hill-side instead of 
taking the level plain. The existing names of places bear a 
similar testimony. Hellifield is a Scandinavian translation 
of Holland; Meer 8yke, Moss End, and many others, are 
Saxon words, which imply a former condition of marsh, 
pool, and wilderness. Out of the alluvial straths, however, 
the small eminences which I shall describe rose in ancient 
times as they do now. 
The geological features of the district are interesting and 
varied. Southwards stretch the desolate grit moors of East 
Lancashire, Keighley, and Skipton. To the east lie the long 
ridge of Eylstone, separated from the plain by a range of low 
