SOME NOTES ON "MOORLOG." 57
was in all probability very similar to that we have at present,
and that the deposit was from a boggy area, but possibly not
containing very much Sphagnum."
The elytra of beetles were (through the kindly offices of Mr.
Cole) sent to Mr. G. C. Champion, F.L.S., F.E.S., who has
identified nine species and has sent us the following notes :—
Cyclonotum orbiculare. A common marsh insect.
Chlaenius holosericeus. A rare British species formerly found in the Fens,
taken more recently in Ireland.
Notophilus sp. (aquaticus or palustris). A common species in sandy
places.
Philhydrus sp. A common water-beetle.
Baris pilistriata, Steph ? A marsh insect.
Donacia vulgaris (typhae) ? An insect found on Typha, &c.
Donacia Claviceps (menyanthidis). Of similar habits to the preceding.
Apion sp. (possibly humile). A marsh insect.
Calathus sp. (probably flavipes). Found usually in sandy places.
To this list we can add another species identified by Mr. Cole
as Chlaenius schranki ?
With regard to the finding of species of beetles which live in
sandy places, Mr. Clement Reid suggests that the fen may have
had its seaward edge protected by a belt of sand-dunes, like the
coast of Holland at the present day.
The organic remains from the moorlog show clearly that the
deposit was laid down on a land surface, and under conditions
almost similar to those now existing in the fen districts. An
interesting point is now raised. Do these masses of moorlog
occur in situ on the slopes and top of the Dogger Bank, or have
they been detached from the coasts and drifted to their present
positions where they may have become water-logged and sunk ?
This is not an easy question to answer, but we are inclined to
the opinion that the deposit exists in situ, for the following
reasons:—
(1.) The moorlog is usually found on the slopes, and some-
times on the top of the Bank. The largest pieces of which we
have record (about 6 feet in length and 18 inches in thickness)
have been dredged from the slopes about 22 or 23 fathoms deep.
The fishermen always break up the large masses before heaving
them overboard, and as large pieces are being constantly brought
up, there must be a fresh supply in the neighbourhood. It
seems probable that these masses, often with freshly broken
surfaces, have been torn from their original bed by the trawl.