The Search for Coal under London

Abstract

IN a recent communication to this journal I dwelt upon the importance of a systematic search being made for the Carboniferous rocks under London, by a series of borings running from north to south, and only a few miles apart; but I pointed out at the same time that much of the expenditure required for such a search might be saved by a judicious selection of sites for the first two or three borings. I then quoted the opinions of Mr. Godwin-Austen and Prof. Prestwich as to the localities at which such explorations might be undertaken with the greatest chance of success. My friend, Prof. Prestwich, has written to me expressing general agreement with the views I have put forward on the subject, but calling my attention to some other suggestions of his as to the points at which borings might be executed, with fair hopes of success. Writing in the Reports of the Coal Commission in 1870 (p. 162), Prof. Prestwich expressed himself as follows:—