Notes on the Gravels, Sands, and other Superficial Deposits in the Neighbourhood of Newton Abbot, Devonshire>

Abstract

The visitor to Newton Abbot cannot fail to be struck with the number of sand- and gravel-pits, some of great size, which are scattered about the neighbourhood, not only in the valleys, but high up the slopes of the hills, and in several instances on their summits. On giving some attention to the character and distribution of these deposits of sand and gravel, it will be found:—<i>first</i>, that two main divisions may be made in them, namely those of an evidently alluvial character, and those which occupy positions quite unconnected with the present systems of drainage; and, <i>secondly</i>, that these latter deposits are nevertheless confined to the Bovey Basin and bordering hills, not descending into any of the other lateral or outlying valleys. A reference to the geological maps of the country will not serve to throw much light on the correlation or identification of the beds when they are examined in detail. But since the days when De la Beche and Godwin-Austen recorded their observations, many new sections have been opened up. The rapid growth of Torquay and Newton Abbot has been attended by a call for sand, which is largely used in the preparation of “cobb,” a kind of plaster, unfortunately necessary to envelop and keep the damp out of houses for the most part built of marble. The examination of these sections, together with those dug for the foundations of new villas on Woolborough Hill, has led me to differ from the opinions and eonclusi,ons which have