During the last few years the Coal-measures have been reached through the overlying New Red Sandstone in three Collieries, and in three bore-holes, in that part of South Lancashire which lies between the St. Helens and Wigan Coal-fields and the River Mersey. The results were in some degree unforeseen, as the Trias was thinner than might have been expected, while it seems likely that the Permian formation is altogether absent.