THE LAST DECADE. 
393 
had now to be stopped, partly on account of bad weather and partly 
to give the proprietors of the quarry an opportunity to remove a 
large mass of limestone which extended from the fissure to the sur- 
face of the quarry. For a considerable time the operations of the 
committee were practically suspended, during which the obstructing 
mass of limestone was removed. In the summer of 1866 work was 
re-commenced, and it was found that the branch of the fissure which 
had been investigated to a short extent extended to a distance of one 
hundred and fourteen feet, with a gradual declination in a south- 
easterly direction. At a distance of sixty feet it expands and forms 
a lofty cave. Thence, forwards, the diameter again diminishes. At 
the further extremity' which has been explored it appears to receive a 
tributary extending almost vertically in a north-westerly direction. 
The general direction of the fissure is towards a neighbouring valley 
forming the channel of a watercourse at present running at no great 
distance, and it appears probable that the fissure formerly opened 
into this valley, although no direct evidence at present exists of the 
exit. Borings in the fissure showed the bottom to be filled with clay, 
varying from six inches to several feet in thickness, with slight alter- 
nating layers of sand and gravel, and occasionally fragments of grit 
and limestone at the bottom. A few remains of mammals were found 
near the entrance, similar to those already recorded. The work of 
investigation was found to be increasingly laborious, and the expense 
proportionately heavy ; and as there was little probabiHty that the 
knowledge of the fauna buried in the clays would be extended to any 
great extent, it was thought advisable to suspend operations until a 
more favourable opportunity. The importance of the investigation 
of this fissure was recognised by the British Association, who, during 
the period that operations were carried on, made grants of money to 
assist the committee. 
Four general meetings were held in 1880, the first in Januar}^ at 
Halifax, when the Marquis of Ripon presided. It was immediately 
before his Lordship's departure to preside over a great nation as the 
Viceroy of India, and the opportunity was taken to congratulate him 
on his appointment, and to assure his Lordship of the continued good 
wishes of the Society. In April, the Society met at York, and under 
