The surface (C, fig. 2) was composed of rubbish derived from previous working of the quarry. The rock, A, was that in which the fissure
Fig. 2.—Section of Windy-Knoll Exploration.
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A. Rock. B. Ossiferous loam &c.
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C. Rubbish. D. Floor of quarry.
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E. Yellowish débris.
(The portion excavated is enclosed with a dotted line.)
was; and the bones lay in the debris, B, at the back of the rock and filling the fissure in it.
This débris has been stated to be "drift" of glacial origin (Plant, Manchester Geological Society, Trans. April 28, 1874, pp. 2 et seq.). It has, however, none of the characteristics of drift; there are no foreign rocks or rounded pebbles in it; it is the ordinary loam, containing angular fragments of limestone, which is found in all hollows and fissures hereabouts; nor does it seem necessary to sup- pose that the Yoredales of Mam Tor have contributed to it, as no pieces of these rocks have been observed in it, and its colour is not peculiar. It is simply the subaerial débris of the Mountain-Limestone district.
About the end of April we began with the fissure, and removed the débris from it.
In May, work was Systematically carried on for a fortnight, four men being constantly at work.
We first got out a quantity of the debris from behind the rock, having taken off the surface-rubbish. We then got the quarrymen to blow down the supporting rock, so as to leave exposed the face of the deposit behind. As much as possible of this was then got out and carefully examined.
The surface-rubbish contained nothing of interest; and few bones lay in the upper part of the debris. But within about 4 feet below the surface (at the point commenced with) was a most astonishing mass of animal bones, mixed in a confused manner; bones of bisons, deer, wolves, bears, and other quadrupeds lay in the greatest profusion. Near the top the loam was very damp and sticky, and the
