ON A SUBMARINE FOREST IN THE FRITH OF TAY. 421 



more compact, and the vegetable remains more obliterated. 

 The peat contains a good deal of earthy matter. 



The surface of this bed of peat is nowhere (that I have de- 

 tected) covered by any alluvial stratum, nor does it occur at a 

 higher level than four or five feet below high water-mark. 

 Towards the shore it seems to be cut off by the old red allu- 

 vial clay, on which the newer grey, or carse clay also rests. 



The only circumstance of much interest, in reference to 

 this peat-bed, remains to be stated. Upon its surface may be 

 perceived the stumps of trees, with the roots attached, and evi- 

 dently occupying the position in which they formerly grew ; as 

 the roots are observed to spread, subdivide, and penetrate the 

 bed in their usual natural manner. I have counted at one time, 

 after a favourable tide had cleared away all silt and gravel from 

 the surface, upwards of a score of these roots, situate at unequal 

 distances from one another, but all, by the position and ar- 

 rangement of their roots, demonstrating that such had been, 

 while growing, their original situation. To prevent any suspi- 

 cion from arising, that I may have been deceived on this subject, 

 I may state, that the scene, situate but a few hundred yards 

 from my dwelling, has been examined repeatedly, and under 

 different circumstances, and several friends who have visited 

 the spot, have appeared satisfied of the accuracy of my conclu- 

 sions. I may mention the names of two of these, Mr Neill 

 and Mr Bald, both members of this Society, and well quali- 

 fied, by habits of observation, to form a correct opinion on the 

 subject. Many of these trunks and roots occur from eight to 

 ten feet below high-water mark. 



If we assume, therefore, that the roots of these trees are in 

 their natural position, with respect to the bed which now sup- 

 ports them, are we warranted to conclude that they grew 

 on a surface ten feet lower than the high water-mark, but 

 before that surface was exposed to the periodical inunda- 

 tions 



