278 MIDLAND UNION OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES. Dec., 1890. 
about two hundred feet deep, now in disuse, and containing in 
one portion water to a depth of some forty yards. The 
almost perpendicular sides of the pit render it inaccessible 
except at one place, and this having been pointed out, the 
spirit of adventure so rife in Englishmen prompted one or 
two to make a trial of the descent, which was accomplished in 
safety. The deserted pit had a peculiar weirdness about it 
which proved something of a charm, and amply compensated 
for the risk and difficulties of descent and ascent. The 
immediate vicinity is rictf in ferns, sedges, mosses, fungi, and 
other cryptogams, and among these the true botanists lingered 
as long as time would allow. 
covf:- Perhaps the most pleasing feature of the whole journey 
was a short visit to The Brand. By the courtes y of Mrs. 
Ellis the excursionists were invited to pass through the park, 
where the wild beauty of the natural formation isplaced in 
striking contrast with cultivated tracts, brilliant in the extreme 
in colour and variety. The drive was then resumed, and 
Woodhouse Eaves was reached about one o’clock. Beacon 
Hill was ascended on foot, and from its summit an exceed¬ 
ingly picturesque view was obtained of the surrounding 
country—the richly-wooded plain on the one hand, and on the 
other the pretty timber-capped peaks of Bardon and Copt Oak 
and the other “ little hills” that conduce so much to the fine 
prospect. The highest point of the beacon was made a halting 
place, where an impromptu luncheon was attacked with 
vigorous appetites. Then, in a condition nearly akin to 
“ giants refreshed,” the excursionists pushed on their journey 
towards the rocky ridge of Benscliff. Here, unfortunately, 
they were met by a rain-storm, and the shelter of the trees 
had to be sought. The party was joined for a short time at 
Benscliff by Alderman Barfoot and Mrs. Mott. The excursion 
from this point had, regretfully, to be somewhat curtailed 
owing to the rain, and a distant view of the ruins of Ulvers- 
croft Priory had to suffice in place of a closer acquaintance 
with this interesting spot. Returning to Newtown Linford a 
very substantial repast was partaken of at Beck’s, and just at 
its conclusion the brakes containing the geologists arrived at 
the hotel. 
GEOLOGICAL. 
The geological party proceeded in two brakes along the 
London Road to the granite quarries at Mountsorrel, where 
the first stop was made. The party was met by Mr. Diggle 
(managing partner of the quarries), who, with Mr. J. D. 
Paul, F.G.S. (the leader of the excursion), explained the 
characteristics and working of the quarry. The blasting 
