Amiwersary Address. 23T 



I may here mention, that another boulder, still more inter- 

 esting, is situated a few hundred yards below Coldstream 

 Bridge, on the north side of the bank of the Tweed. Judging 

 from its dimensions and quality, it must weigh above 13 tons. 

 It consists of chert limestone, of a cream or grey colour. The 

 field in which it lies is called from it, the Grey stone field.* 

 Limestone of exactly the same description occurs in sittt, 

 near Carham, about six miles to the westward. 



It is a question of much difficulty, to explain by what means 

 these large boulders have been transported. That the natural 

 agents now existing in the district, are quite inadequate, is 

 evident. 



I conceive that Millfield plain is in like manner the bot- 

 tom of an ancient lake. The beach or bank, about 40 feet 

 high, ; is very conspicuous near the turnpike road at Wooler 

 Cottage.f 



On the river Eye also, above Ayton, there has been a 

 lake, the banks of which are plainly discernible on both 

 sides of the valley near the village of Reston ; to the east of 

 this village, two successive sinkings of the lake are indicated 

 by terraces on the south bank. At all these places, there are 

 extensive flats, formed by the sediment which has been 

 brought down by the rivers, consisting of fine gravel, mud, 

 and sand, — and with which the valleys have been filled up. 



Reference is made in the minutes to Roxbui'gh castle, the 

 ruins of which were visited during the course of the day. 

 Considering the original extent of the walls, and their im- 

 mense thickness, it is surprising that so few fragments should 



* This large Boulder in former days was an otject of popular mystery and 

 reverence. It was resorted to on the occasion of the celebration of Border mar, 

 riages. The couple, having proceeded with their respective friends to the stone, 

 the bride and bridegroom, stretched across it, and joined hands. The friends 

 then declared the compact formed. 



t In confirmation of the opinion, that Millfield Plain was formerly the bot- 

 tom of a lake, I may mention what Sir Horace St. Paul, the proprietor, recently 

 stated to me, that at the brick-work of Ewart Park, the depth of the clay ex- 

 ceeds 70 feet. The clay is very free from stones, and consists of sediment 

 evidently deposited in still water. 



