thin its
limits, but as explanatory of its undulations, and the means of
maintenance for its inhabitants.

The strata of the Forest repose in a basin-like form, the greatest
depression being near the centre; the longer axis extending from N. to S.
about eleven miles, and the transverse axis, in the widest part, ranging
from E. to W. about seven miles. The general observer, if he takes his
stand on the edge of hills by which this basin is bounded, will see the
enclosing character of the ridge, as well as the less conspicuous circle
of somewhat elevated land occupying the central portion of the field, and
which is separated by a valley or plain from the surrounding ridge.

This outlying ridge marks in most places the outcrop of the Conglomerate,
Mountain Limestone, Iron Veins, Millstone Grit, and Lower Coal-measures.

Mr. Maclauchlan's geological map of the district exhibits the course of
the conglomerate bed, and the consequent disappearance of the old red
sandstone formation under the Dean Forest basin. Occasionally this
conglomerate, or hard grit, forms two distinct beds, very distant from
one another, near Lydney for instance, and on the Kimin Hill and
Buckstone, although it is sometimes cut off altogether by a "fault," as
opposite Blackney. It varies in hardness as well as in the number of the
pebbles, and not unfrequently presents an abrupt fall at its termination,
as at "the Harkening Rock" in the Highmeadow Woods.

[Picture: General view of the centre of the Forest]

[Picture: Geological Map of the Forest]

The upper portion of the bed is soft, and acquires the character of the
limestone clay, often throwing out springs, such as St. Anthony's Well,
which have accumulated in the limestone rocks above. A very micaceous
stone sometimes occurs in the upper parts, having the appearance of
silver: hence the name of "Silver Stone" given to a spot near the
Hawthorns, where it is found. The surface which the carboniferous
limestone exposes is also represented in the map. The Forest coal-field
is surrounded by this formation, with the exception of the line of fault
between Lydney Park and Danby Lodge, a distance of four miles.

The principal iron-mine train of the district divides into a lower or
more crystalline, and an upper or more argillaceous and sandy stratum.
Mr. Mushet thus describes this important metallic vein:--"The iron ores
of the Forest of Dean, which have become intimat