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XVI. A Defcription of a petrified Stratum ? 
formed from the Waters of Matlock, 
in Derbylhire. By Mathew Dobfon, 
M* D, Communicated hy Dr . Fother- 
gill. 
Redde, Jan. 13, T _ AURING a fhort ftay atMATLOCKT, 
1 774 * J| this futnmer, I made fome ol> 
fervations on the petrifying quality of the waters, 
.and examined a very lingular Stratum r which has 
been formed in their collide. 
This Stratum I found about 500 yards in length; 
in feveral places, near 100 yards in breadth ; and, 
where thickeft, from 3 to 4 yards in depth. The 
manner, in which this body of done has been pro- 
duced, is eafily afcertained. 
Within the memory of fome perfons now alive, 
the waters of Matlock were not appropriated 
1 6 the purpofes either of bathing or drinking.. 
They Hided from near the bottom of the hill, 
which lies to the weft, immediately behind the 
prefent houfes, and ran, at random, down a de- 
clivity of about 100 yards, to the river derwent. 
In their courfe, they formed large petrified mafles, 
intermingled with great quantities of petrified mofs, 
nuts* leaves, acorns, pieces of wood, and even 
trunks, of trees. 
r% 
A 
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