36 AGRICULTURAL SURVEY OF chap. T. 



In several places, however, the beds of iron- 

 stone have been found of such a thickness, ex- 

 tent, and quality, as to render the working of 

 them a* profitable object. Near Dysart, upon Sir 

 James Sinclair Erskine's, estate, there is a field of 

 excellent iron-stone, which has continued to be 

 wrought for a number years. Twenty-four men 

 are employed, who raise annually 2080 tons. 

 Iron-stone is also raised in the parish of Dun- 

 fermline. It lies upon Sir Charles Halket's coal, 

 and is wrought by the tacksman of the coal. 

 There is, likewise, an extensive bed of this mi- 

 neral in the lands of Balgonie, belonging to the 

 Earl of Leven. The stone has been proved hy 

 different hands, and is found to yield from 33 

 to 40 per cent. In consequence of a temporary 

 bargain, a few hands are, at present, employed 

 in working it for the Carron Company. To give 

 the proprietor the full benefit of this valuable sub- 

 ject, the erection of a blast-furnace upon the spot, 

 for making it into pig-iron, would be the most 

 effectual plan. There is plenty of coal at hand, 

 and lime at no great distance, for carrying on the 

 operation. 



Freestone, another very valuable and useful 

 mineral, is to be found in abundance, and of the 

 best quality, in this county. In the whole nor- 

 thern district, indeed, little freestone is to be 

 seen. But through the other districts, it is found 

 in almost every parish, nay, in almost every e- 

 state of any considerable extent. Its quality is 

 various ; but a great proportion of it is excellent, 

 being close, durable, and capable of a fine polish. 

 In the parish of Burntisland, particularly, there 

 is a fine freestone-quarry, from which, on ac- 

 count of its superior quality, and its vicinity to 



