38 AGRICULTURAL SURVEY OF chap. A 



found, with the peculiar property of resisting 

 the force of fire. It will endure for many years, 

 without being wasted or broken, though expos- 

 ed to the most intense heat. On this account 

 it is used for the soles of ovens, and for the sides 

 of chimney grates. 



In the Lomond hills, it is believed that there 

 are both lead and copper. The existence of th'e 

 former, at least, is certain. A lead mine of rich 

 ore was discovered many years ago, which at 

 that time was given up, either through the want 

 of enterprize, or the want of money to follow 

 it out. It was again opened, and a second trial 

 made, at considerable expence, by the present 

 proprietor. But, jeither through the misma- 

 nagement of those employed to conduct the 

 work, or because appearances were not suffi- 

 ciently favourable to justify the risk, it has been 

 again relinquished. 



Marie, though it cannot be said to abound, is 

 nevertheless to be met with in several parts of 

 this county. In the lands of Captain Cheap of 

 Rossie, there is an extensive and rich bed of 

 this valuable manure, the most extensive, per- 

 haps, of any in Fife. There is marie also in the 

 estate of Lundin. Some has been discovered 

 and wrought in General Wemyss's grounds ; 

 and in the estate of Balbirnie, there is a consi- 

 derable, though not extensive bed of shell marie, 

 which has never yet been used. In the bottom 

 and around the edge of Kinghorn loch, also, 

 marie has been found. In summer 1 796, which 

 was a very dry season, a considerable quantity 

 was taken out by the different proprietors around 

 the loch. On the farm of Balbedy, I have been 



