NAZEING STAGE (PLEISTOCENE) 39
pellet. The other samples, though containing the occasional
elytron, were not so rich in this type of fossil. No shells have
yet been found from a considerable sample but the abundant
plant remains included some fragments of moss and a few fruits
and seeds. It is likely that the appropriate experts will take
some time to identify the beetles and mosses. Fruits and seeds
include the following species, all of which are typical of the
Nazeing Stage :—
Hippuris vulgaris Linne
Menyanthes trifoliata Linne
Potamogeton sp. or spp.
One other fact, a full discussion of which is beyond the scope
of this paper, is that the bed of shell marl belonging to the
Rammey Marsh Stage was found in situ between the peat and
the succeeding marsh clay. It seemed to be strictly confined
to the central part of the channel. It therefore seems that this
deep channel of late glacial age was subject to continuous
sedimentation during four successive stages of Lea Valley
geological history and that the deposition was confined
within the limits of the channel. These stages (reading from
the bottom) are :—
NOTES ON PLATE 4
A. I. The southern part of the main channel. Gravel iii is distinguished
only by being later than the phase represented by beds B, C, D,
and the B4 group.
II. Section across an associated deep channel, probably a loop but
the complete course was not traced.
III. Section further north showing the situation of beds B, C, D,
and also site X.
The three sections are generalized: the fall of the surface is from
right to left and there are wide gaps between the three.
The length of the complete section is about one-third of a mile.
[From note by S. H.W.]
B. Section along the southern part of the line GH. Measurements made
at frequent intervals with intermediate parts inserted by eye. The
peat was seen to thin out about 60ft. to the left of the section. Base
of excavation approximately 18.0 O.D.
C. Section along the line JK. Boundaries above the base of the peat
inserted diagrammatically. Lower boundaries measured at frequent
intervals with intermediate parts inserted by eye. Base of excavation
approximately 23.0 O.D.