6. Permian and Triassic strata (see pp. 29, 30).
The mineral substances found in the above strata in Derbyshire are very numerous, and the organic remains equally so, and of a highly interesting character.[804]
[804] A good, catalogue of the principal varieties will be found in Mr. Adams’s pamphlet previously recommended; and specimens may be obtained at his museum in Matlock, and from Mr. Tennant (Professor of Mineralogy to King’s College), 149, Strand, London.
This enumeration of the geological formations of which the country around Matlock is composed will enable us to proceed on our rambles without further digression, and should the reader be at a loss to comprehend the nature of any of the rocks or strata we may meet with on our way, he can refer to the above description.
Mr. Bakewell, with his wonted penetration, first detected the true character of the stratification of the High Tor, previous writers having described this cliff as being composed of nearly horizontal layers. But this is a deceptive appearance; for, although, when viewed in front, or in the direction of their planes, the strata appear to be horizontal, yet they are in reality highly inclined, as may be seen in the line of dip, and enfold or envelope the back of the cliff; and they are continued into the hill (Masson) on the opposite side of the valley, where they present a similar arrangement. The continuity of the strata is broken by the vale of the Derwent, which has evidently originated in a fissure extending along the axis of elevation, in a direction from north to south; thus forming the water channel for the drainage of the country on the north, and the bed of the present river. We have already pointed out the curved position of the strata on the face of the Church Tor.
EXCURSION TO CRICH HILL.
Excursion to Crich Hill.—The appearances observable at the High Tor are of so striking a character, and involve the consideration of so many interesting phenomena relating to the physical mutations which this district has undergone, that it is desirable, while they are strongly impressed upon the mind, to take an excursion to Crich, a few miles to the south-east of Matlock. Here there is an entire mountain of limestone, formed by a protrusion of numerous strata, many hundred feet in thickness, through the once superincumbent beds of millstone grit and sandstone, into a dome-shaped mass, upwards of 800 feet high. And there it stands, a stupendous monument of one of the past revolutions of the globe, with its arches of rifted rock, supported by a central mound of erupted mineral matter, now cooled down into an amorphous mass of compact basalt! Were there no other object of interest near Matlock, Crich Hill would alone render it worthy of resort.
From the heights above our hotel, looking towards the south-east, a mountain remarkable for its elevation and obtusely conical configuration, and distinguished by a tower on the summit, forms a striking object on the horizon, at an apparent distance of three or four miles—this is Crich Hill; and on the same range, to the right, is seen the church-spire of Crich village (see [Lign. 272]).
A long summer’s day is not too long to visit this mountain, and examine all its interesting details. A good pedestrian should proceed with his hammer and haversack, for every step of the road is replete with interest; and as numerous specimens will be obtained, bags, paper, and boxes should be taken. If an invalid or ladies be of the party, it will be desirable to have a carriage for the day, and dine at the little village of Crich;[805] and, if time permit, the interesting ruins of South Wingfield Manor-House (once the prison of Mary of Scotland), about two miles from Crich, may also be visited.
[805] A good, guide will be a great acquisition, and save much, time and trouble; and Benjamin Froggatt, who has conducted Dr. Buckland and other geologists to the principal localities in the neighbourhood, will be found an obliging and intelligent attendant, perfectly conversant with the richest geological and botanical sites around Matlock.