223 
the only probable agent which could have done this. In 
this instance, the contorted portion extends only five or 
six yards, but it frequently is ten times that length, and 
then the curves are often very much more complicated. The 
upper part has been washed level, and a horizontal bed of 
gravel deposited over it ; though fine-grained thin-bedded 
sand and clay are often found just above the contortions, 
and hence they cannot have been produced by any violence 
of current ; though I have seen cases in confusedly bedded 
sandstone rocks which appeared to require that explanation. 
But besides those contortions which seem to have resulted 
from the action of a lateral force, there are others which 
indicate one proceeding from above. In some parts, of 
limited extent, it is not uncommon to find the beds of gravel 
and sand full of small faults, such as shown in Fig, 3, and 
by tracing the beds laterally, I found that the disturbed 
portion was depressed below the general level. This fact, 
as well as the character of the faults themselves, leads to 
the inference that they resulted from a force acting, not 
from below, but from above. Another sort of case, indica- 
ting the same fact, is shown in Fig^ 4. Here, at the bottom, 
is boulder clay, rudely stratified, and, as will be seen, the 
beds have been broken up along their partings, and gravel 
forced in amongst them. It is extremely improbable, not to 
say impossible, for these deposits to have been accumulated 
as they now are ; but I think the supposition of the action 
of a force from above would explain the facts of the case, 
lu this instance, also, it will be observed that the upper sur- 
face was reduced to a level, and horizontal undisturbed beds 
of fine sand and clay deposited. 
I, therefore, contend that the contortions I have de- 
scribed indicate a lateral force, or one acting from above; 
and since there are so many other facts leading to the con- 
clusion that icebergs were, to a great extent, instrumental 
in depositing the drift, I think that we must also refer these 
