in the Neighbourhood of Edinburgh. 235 



the most part, a direction between the limits of SS.W. to NN.E., 

 and S. W. to N. E. ; and, in this respect, remarkably confirm the 

 theory of M. de Beaumont. 



The first line of fracture may be traced from the vicinity of 

 Burdiehouse, and not far from the trap of the Pentlands, in a di- 

 rection from SS.W. to NN.E. as far as Joppa on the Frith of 

 Forth. This line of fissure passes to the west of, and close to, the 

 limestone of Burdiehouse. 



A second line of fracture nearly follows the fine of the North 

 Esk, from the vicinity of Penicuik to Bilston Burn near Loan- 

 head, whence it is continued to the west of Musselburgh, in a di- 

 rection from S.W. by S. to N.E. by N. This great line of fissure 

 was first traced by Williams, the mineral surveyor, who has 

 written so ably on the coal-fields of Scotland. 



A third fine of fracture appears to nearly follow the course of 

 the South Esk, where it may be traced at intervals from the vi- 

 cinity of Dalhousie to the east of Musselburgh, in a direction from 

 SS.W. to NN.E. This line of fissure is not so evident, owing 

 to the comparatively little difference of inclination subsisting 

 among the strata upon each side of it, as well as the covered state 

 of the ground. 



A fourth line of fracture, owing to the covered state of the 

 ground, is not easily traced. It probably has its rise from the 

 vicinity of the Moorfoot Hills. Its course is assuredly along the 

 Roman mount, east of Dalkeith, where it is possibly implicated 

 with an intrusion of trap, which may have not found its way to 

 the surface. The direction of the fissure is not far from SS.W. 

 to NN.E. 



There are, however, other fissures varying from these, which 

 do not appear to be of any great extent. Among these, I do 

 not include the numerous subordinate faults or troubles which 

 are so well known to miners. One near Dalkeith, perhaps larger 

 than common, is said to run in a transverse direction, nearly from 

 N. W. to S. E. 



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