File:The Quarterly journal of the Geological Society of London (12711579275).jpg

1855.. HULL ON THE COTTESWOLDS. 487
the great majority point 12° N. of W. There are also a few which
cannot be referred to either of these systems.
As far as the evidence goes, it tends to prove that the north faults
are of earlier date than those at right angles to them, inasmuch as
the second are generally terminated by the first. This, however, is
a point of much uncertainty.
With regard to numerical proportion, the east and west series
greatly exceeds those of other directions. They generally run in
approximately straight lines, and the degree of parallelism they pre-
serve over the entire area is most remarkable. When engaged in
mapping the geologic'al formations, I was often much assisted by the
knowledge which I soon acquired of the regularity in point of
direction maintained by the majority of the lines of dislocation. The
opposite diagram (fig. 7) represents their directions and numerical
proportions.
Diluvial and Erratic Fhcenomena.
Ancient Sea-beach. — The diluvial deposits of the Vale of Glou-
cester have already been very fully illustrated by the labours of Sir
R. I. Murchison *, the late Mr. Strickland f, and Prof. BuckmanJ.
To their observations I have only to add, that there are appear-
ances which indicate that an ancient sea-beach formerly extended
along the base of the cliffs formed by the Inferior Oolite. In this
position there are to be found patches of oolitic debris, in the state of
a fine gravel, waterworn, and stratified more or less horizontally. The
best section with which I am acquainted is at the base of the cliffs
Fig. 8. — Section of Lechampton Hill, showing the position of the
Ancient Sea-beach.
a. Cliff of the Inferior Oolite. e. Upper Lias.
b. Inferior Oolite sand. ae. Shingle-beach.

• See * Geology of Cheltenham,' and ' Silurian System.'
  

t Communications to the Geological Society; and 'Geology of the line alono-