158 Skeleton of a Whale. 



Besides these large bones, a very entire oval and „ , , 



hollow bone was found similar to a shell : 



In length 5 



In diameter 3 



Along with the bones, a fragment of the lower 



part of a stag's horn was also found, measur- 

 ing in length 1 2 



Circumference where a branch had been broken off 8 



What is most singular regarding this horn is, that at nine 

 inches from the root a hole of about an inch diameter has been 

 perforated, evidently previous to the horn being deposited in the 

 place where it was dug up. 



All these bones were found at a depth of from eighteen inches 

 to three feet from the surface of the ground, in what is termed 

 recent alluvial earth, formed by the river Forth, and composed of 

 a blue-coloured sludge or sleek, with a covering of peat earth a 

 few inches thick. 



The situation where the bones were dug up naturally refers to 

 a very remote period of time, of which we have no record, when 

 the river Forth was here a great arm of the sea, extending from 

 the Ochill mountains on the north, to the rising ground in the 

 Falkirk district on the south ; and when the very interesting and 

 picturesque greenstone rocks of Abbey Craig, Stirling Castle, 

 and Craigforth formed islands in the midst of deep water. 



The skeleton was found lying in a diagonal direction across 

 the line of march betwixt the estates of Airthry and Powis ; and 

 it is very probable that the bones adjoining the tail will be found 

 upon digging into the estate of Powis, the property of Edward 

 Alexander, Esq. 



The lovers of natural historv are under very great obligations 

 to Sir Robert Abercromby, for the particular care and attention 

 he has paid in preserving these very singular and interesting re- 

 lics of the animal kingdom. 



Sir Robert Abercromby having caused his workmen to pro- 

 ceed in search of the remaining bones, has found no less than 

 thirty additional vertebrae, and one shoulder-bone of a fan shape j 

 this bone measures in breadth 4 feet ; in length, 3 feet I inch. 



It is hoped the remaining bones of the skeleton will be found, 

 as Mr. Alexander of Powis has, in the most polite manner, granted 

 permission to cut through the march fence in search of the same. 



According to the situation of the Roman stations and cause- 

 way at a small distance from whence the skeleton has been found, 

 it may reasonably be concluded that the whale has been stranded 

 at a period prior to the Christian aera. 



METEORO- 



