the Primary Rocks and the Oolitic Series in the North of Scotland. 151 



disappeared, and the true order of succession is much concealed by superficial 

 accumulations of incolierent matter. They derive a considerable part of their 

 interest from the numerous beds of concretionary limestone (resemblino- the 

 cornstone of Herefordshire) which appear to be subordinate to them, and are 

 associated with green, purple, and variegated marls. 



The lower part of this system is in many places, and probably throughout, 

 composed of a very fine conglomerate alternating with red sandstone. These 

 masses are succeeded in the ascending- order by various beds of sandstone 

 sometimes so coarse as to pass into a conglomerate form. They are well ex- 

 posed both on the banks of the Findhorn and the Spey, and nearly resemble 

 the sandstones of the lower parts of Easter Ross and Cromarty. Their pre- 

 vailing colour is red, and on the Spey they are of a deep hcematite-red 

 colour. 



The beds of sandstone last mentioned, are surmounted by the cornstone and variegated marls, 

 which, although not forming continuous strata of great extent, appear to be characteristic of this 

 portion of the series. Quarries have been opened in them in the following places, which may be 

 traced on the map of Scotland, and will be sufficient to convey a correct general notion of their 

 position and line of range. 



1. Letham or Clewan, about six miles west of the Findhorn. 



2. Cothall on the Findhorn, three miles south-west of Forres. 



3. Sherra Mill, one mile east of P]lgin. 



4. Glass Green, one mile and a half south of Elgin. 



5. Linksfield or Catley Hill, one mile north of Elgin. 



6. Wark Mill, two miles north-east of Elgin, near the turnpike on the road to Fochabers. 



7. Stone-walls near the house of Innes, four or five miles E.N.E. of Elgin. 



This is the last of the cornstone quarries in this direction ; but there are probably several 

 other localities which escaped our notice. 



In all these places the quality of the limestone was nearly the same. The 

 most solid portions of it are compact or subcrystalline, and generally of a 

 yellowish grey colour: they are, however, seldom of great extent even in the 

 strongest beds, bat are mixed with, and pass into masses which are less cohe- 

 rent, and have a green, reddish green, or variegated colour, derived from the 

 marls with which they are associated. Their structure is obviously concre- 

 tionary ; and when the softer portions are washed away, the forms are in some 

 instances so irregular, as to give the masses an appearance of being brecciated. 

 It is unnecessary to accumulate details ; but the following- section in descend- 

 ing order, exhibited in the quarries on the right bank of the Findhorn near 

 Cothall, will serve to explain the nature of these deposits. 



1. Green and purple-coloured beds impure, and confusedly mixed with 

 gravel. 



