Northumberland and Durham, 51 



IV. Lead-mine Measures. 



The metalliferous or lead-mine measures form the northern and 

 western boundaries of the Coal-field. This formation enters Nor- 

 thumberland from the northern side of the Tweed, and constitutes 

 its southern banks from its junction with the Tiviot at Kelso to the 

 sea. In a south-eastern direction it follows the coast from Berwick 

 to the Coquet for 32 miles. The porphyritic mountains of Cheviot 

 interrupt it towards the west for about 20 miles ; but having passed 

 the southernmost point of that ridge it stretches across the whole 

 breadth of Northumberland, and is spread over the adjacent borders 

 of Cumberland, Durham, Westmoreland and Yorkshire. It is ter- 

 minated towards the west by the red sandstone near Brampton and 

 Melmerby, about 54 miles from the sea at Tynemouth and at Seaham. 



The characteristic features of the north-eastern part of this district 

 are gently swelling hills, heightened occasionally by mountain caps 

 of basalt, and then assuming a rugged and broken aspect on their 

 summits. Towards the western part of Northumberland it forms 

 sterile moor-lands and exposed sheep-pastures, being still accom- 

 panied by basaltic eminences : the river vallies, however, that inter- 

 sect these wastes, are fertile and picturesque in a high degree. If a 

 line be drawn across the island through Newcastle and Carlisle, the 

 highest station between the German ocean and the Irish channel is 

 not more than 445 feet above the level of the sea ; upon this spot 

 the village of Glenwhelt is built.* On the banks of the South Tyne 



* From Tynemouth to Newcastle 9 miles 9 feet 



From the river Tyne to the west turnpike gate above Newcastle 196 



From the turnpike to Haydon bridge, on the same level... 27| 



From Haydon bridge to Ridley hall on south Tyne 1| 100 



From Ridley hall to Haltwhistle opposite the church .... 7 60 



From Haltwhistle to Glenwhelt 3 80 



48 miles 445 feet 



Vol. iv. h 



