A Handbook to the Geology of Cambridgeshire, for the Use of Students

Abstract

THE geology of Cambridgeshire possesses a special interest for many students. From Cambridge itself there have sprung a greater number of expert British geologists than from any other seat of learning in this country. Though founded by John Woodward, the school was created by Sedgwick; and it has been carried on with signal success by Prof. Hughes. This success, as the present Professor has cordially acknowledged, is partly due to the band of brilliant assistants he has gathered around him. Thus special instruction is given in all branches of geology, and the author of the present work has during recent years rendered aid in the department of stratigraphical palæontology. To a casual visitor the scenery and geology of Cambridgeshire may offer but few attractions, for the country is mostly low-lying, and there is much clay-land and fen. Oxford affords a greater variety of scenery and a more attractive series of fossiliferous formations. Nevertheless, there is much in Cambridgeshire geology to arouse interest when once an enthusiasm for the science has been kindled, and there was need of a concise handbook which should clearly describe and explain the leading facts that have been made known. The excellent “Sketch” by Prof. Bonney dates back to 1875, and the more detailed geological survey memoir on the neighbourhood of Cambridge, by Penning and Jukes-Browne, was issued in 1881. The present work is a model of what a county geology should be. The zones in the Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks, the phosphatic nodules in Lower Green-sand and Chalk, the glacial deposits, valley-drifts, and recent accumulations, are all duly described and accompanied by full records of the fossils. If we find fault at all, it is that the author has entered at too great a length into certain contrary views regarding the formation of the Chalky Boulder Clay, for the extraordinary “diluvial theory,” as he himself admits, “finds few supporters at the present time.” Even the view of S. V. Wood, jun. (noted on p. 168), was modified in that geologist's latest publication.

A Handbook to the Geology of Cambridgeshire, for the Use of Students.

By F. R. Cowper Reed 8vo. Pp. x2 + 76. (Cambridge: at the University Press, 1897.)