The Geological Features. 165 



edifices in the New Town, Craigmillar stone was 

 used. In this age of haste and competition the 

 stone is regarded as being too hard for architectural 

 purposes ; indeed, few smiths can now temper 

 tools to withstand its adamantine nature. It is, 

 however, unequalled for the building of dwelling- 

 houses, being almost impervious to damp, a block of 

 stone weighing practically no heavier after being 

 steeped for days in water than it did when dry. It is 

 also very useful for dock purposes, in consequence of 

 its power of resistance to the action of salt water, 

 and large contracts for its use have from time to time 

 been entered into when harbours were about to be 

 constructed. In the ' History of George Heriot's 

 Hospital,' by William Steven, we are informed that, 

 in the erection of that edifice, part of the material 

 was brought from Craigmillar quarry. What is more 

 remarkable is, that the stones were drawn in " cairts " 

 by "wemen." "It must not be supposed," says the 

 above-named writer, " that females were generally 

 put to such servile and shocking work in the seven- 

 teenth century. . . . These women were hardened 

 offenders, upon whom every kind of Church censure 



