58 
THE MALHAM DRY RIVER BED. BY THOMAS TATE, F.G.S. 
(Communicated November 13th, 1895.) 
Eighteen years ago this Society organised an exploration party 
for the purpose of ascertaining the origin of the River Aire. The 
diverse opinions held up to that time, are fairly summarised in the 
words of "Whitaker : — " Speaking in general terms, the lake may fairly 
be considered as the source of the Aire ; but as its outlet quickly 
sinks into the ground, and is lost, and as several streams which 
appear below contend for the honour of the connection, it still remains 
a matter of some uncertainty to which of them the preference is to 
be given. 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 pro- 
bable. 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 Hensetts 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 sub- 
terranean course of more than two miles, this is the stream which 
here emerges again. Thirdly, the Airton Water, from which the 
village derives its name, seems precluded 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." " West 
Yorkshire " contains the following account of the origin of this 
river : — " The River Aire has its source in several small streams 
rising in the moorlands at the foot of Fountain's Fell and Hard Flask. 
The principal stream runs from Capon Hall to the Tarn, and is 
joined by others in its passage. A second feeder, having its origin 
near Capon Hall, runs in a more southerly direction for about a mile 
over the Streets, and sinks in a cleft in the rock near an old smelting 
