230 Wlialton and its Vicinity, by the Rev. J. E. Elliot. 



and at many of the old sally ports there is still free issue. 

 The study of earthquakes then, even at home where they are 

 so rare, is calculated to throw important light on some of the 

 problems of local geology. 



An Arcliceological Sketch of Wlialton and its Vicinity. By 

 the Rev. J. Elphinstone Elliot, Rector of Whalton. 



Although there may be little in the circumstances of a 

 secluded country parish, like that of Whalton, to attract the 

 attention of the superficial enquirer ; yet, to a Society like 

 that which I have now the honour of addressing, whose object 

 it is to investigate and examine not only the distinctive natural 

 features, but also those relics of antiquity which tell of bygone 

 periods in the social life of the district, it may present subjects 

 of interest connected with their peculiar pursuit. Many 

 things and facts, trivial apparently in themselves, yet possess- 

 ing some degree of value as illustrative of, and bearing upon 

 the natural and archaeological history of the country, are apt 

 to be swept away or covered by the advancing tide of high 

 civilization, every day rising aronnd us. The oldest inhabitant 

 departs to his last resting place, and many local traditions go 

 into oblivion along with him. The plough rips up and de- 

 stroys the vestiges of camps and battle-fields ; and the farmer 

 carries off the stones of ancient peles and castles to build his 

 dykes or mend his folds. 



" Out upon Time ! who for ever will leave 

 But enough of the Past for the Future to grieve 

 O'er that which hath been, o'er that which must be ; 

 What we have seen our sons shall see : 

 Remnants of things that have passed away, 

 Fragments of stone reared by creatures of clay." 



Partly, then for the sake of drawing the attention of the 

 Society to some of these memorials of the past while it is yet 

 possible to do so ; partly, that I may perhaps persuade it to 

 continue its excursions into a locality hitherto unvisited, I 

 have been induced to offer to you the following rough sketch 

 of the parish and neighbourhood of Whalton. 



The history of an individual parish may, in some degree, 

 be regarded as an epitome of that of "the country at large. 

 The same feelings, opinions, and passions, which prevailed 



