many Points in the Frith of Clyde. 249 



exact position of the various important points, and the true con- 

 formation of our own shores, would be accurately known. 



This, in many instances at least, is far from being the case, 

 and that, too, in the track of the most extensive shipping trade 

 in Scotland ; I mean the river, and more especially the Frith of 

 Clyde. 



My attention was drawn to this point lately, when I resided 

 a short time in the island of Arran. During the month of Au- 

 gust last my friend Mr George Atkin and I examined a consi- 

 derable portion of the sea-coast of that romantic island, with re- 

 gard to its geological structure, and its botanical productions ; 

 while at the same time it was thought that latitudes, longitudes, 

 and elevations of the more prominent mountain ranges above the 

 mean level of the sea (subjects which should always, if possible, 

 be combined) would also contribute to render any account of 

 our joint labours a little more interesting and satisfactory. In- 

 deed, if the relative positions are not well fixed, any geological 

 survey of Scotland, as that proposed by the Highland and Agri- 

 cultural Society, will not be very satisfactory, as it is difficult to 

 trace the directions of the strata correctly across the country 

 without being misled, or drawing, perhaps, erroneous conclusions, 

 as I found by experience some years ago in an attempt to trace 

 a section across the country from Inverary through the moun- 

 tains about Glencroe, Benlomond, Aberfoyle, &c. towards Stir- 

 ing. This I intended to carry across the country from sea to 

 sea, though I have not as yet had either leisure or opportunity, 

 but may perhaps resume it on some future period. Indeed the 

 expense attending such operations is, in my case at least, one of 

 the greatest* obstructions. The Highland Society no doubt 

 offer a premium of about L. 50 for a geological survey of any 

 part of Scotland of about 200 square miles, that is, a country of 

 about 14 miles square, or about 20 long by 10 broad. Such a 

 reward may be very good for an independent gentleman, who has 

 leisure and inclination to pursue such researches, or for one whose 

 professional pursuits are likely to direct his attention that way, but 

 for any other, I am afraid, the temptation will not be sufficient. 

 It appears to me that there is no reason it should. I have lately 

 learned, on authority which I think may be trusted, that M. 



