l'J2 MR. C. REID ON THE FLORA OF THE CROMER FOREST-BED. 
siDGcially exaniined for plants. But it must be pointed out that 
there are many equally promising beds which want of time, or 
persistent talus, has prevented my searching.* 
Beeston. — Between Beeston Hill and the small stream east of it, 
immediately above the beach, there is a bed of black peaty clay, 
extending for about half a mile. Some part of this bed can 
nearly always be examined ; but apparently the most fossiliferous 
portions are those full of the twiggy stems of a small shrub, 
perhaps a Heath or Vacdnium. Ho remains of forest trees have 
been noticed here, and of about thirty plants, all, except a doubtful 
Thistle, are aquatic or marsh species. The seeds are generally well 
preserved, and little compressed ; but no leaves were noticed. 
This locality yields numerous sjiecimens of a curious undetermined 
bolster-shaped fruit nine millimeters in length. 
IluNTON. — On the west side of West Eunton (or Woman Hithe) 
Gap occurs the wonderfully fossiliferous deposit which has yielded 
so large a number of fresh-water shells and small bones. Plants are 
comparatively rare, and badly preserved ; but the clayey portions 
have not yet been properly searched, the bed having been much 
obscured by talus and the high beach for several years. The few 
species noticed include the Sloe and Alder, as well as several 
aquatic plants. The upper peaty portion of the bed would 
probably also repay examination, if the less decayed layers were 
selected. The only part of this deposit which has been system- 
atically washed and examined is sandy, and sands seldom yield 
many remains of plants. 
Cromer. — About three-quarters of a mile north-west of Cromer, 
rarely exposed at low water, is two or three feet of tenacious black 
mud, very difficult to wash. This mud rests on the AVeybourn Crag 
and Chalk, and is overlaid by estuarine clays with lignite and fir- 
cones. It represents the Lower Fresh-water Bed. The small 
quantity examined contained abundance of sporangia of two species 
of Chara, besides other aquatic plants. 
SiDESTRAND. — Opposite Sidestrand Church, the fresh- water clays 
at the foot of the cliff are full of beautifully preserved seeds and 
fruits belonging to about forty species. Portions of skeleton leaves 
* Fuller descriptions of the Forest-bed will be found in the ‘ Memoirs of 
the Geological Survey.’— “ Geology of the Country around Cromer,” 
pp. 20 - 80 . 
