CHAP. xvn. A MAP MOULDED IN FLOUR. 273 



superficial observer, seem to lie simply in undulations. 

 But to whatever extent these dislocations have occurred, 

 they never can be accurately defined until a correct map 

 of the county be executed, it being a melancholy fact, 

 that though easily capable of examination owing to the 

 slight elevation of the greater part of the county, 

 Caithness is probably the worst mapped county in 

 Scotland."* 



Mr. Peach has also a pleasant recollection of the 

 interview. He says : " I felt it to be a great privilege 

 indeed to be present at the meeting of the baronet and 

 Dick in the bakehouse. It was a treat to me to see the 

 hills and dales, the rocks and cliffs, made up with flour, 

 and a likeness of Caithness moulded in relief by his 

 nimble fingers. He seemed to be familiar with every 

 foot of the county, every hill and dale, every movement 

 and flexure, every fracture and dislocation, and the 

 readiness and ease with which he communicated the 

 information greatly pleased and surprised the renowned 

 geologist ; and when he left the place he expressed his 

 delight and astonishment at the amount of information he 

 had received from the wonderful, though comparatively 

 unknown, baker of Thurso." 



The conference between Sir Eoderick Murchison and 

 Dick lasted so long, that Peach says " he was so much 

 overcome by sleep, that he had a long nap while they 

 talked together." For Dick took the baronet up to his 

 museum, and showed him his collection of plants. Sii 

 Eoderick was as much surprised at his knowledge of 



* Sir Roderick Murchison's Siluria. Fourth edition, p. 269. 



