282 Dr Hibbert on the Limestone of Kirk ton. 



The whole of the limestone strata dip generally towards the west, or north-west 

 by west, at angles varying from 24° to 28°. 



To the west of the limestone is much covered ground, but, as far as I could learn, 

 the strata succeeding to this fresh-water deposit consist of alternations of sandstone 

 and shale. 



But, at a little farther distance, are limestone beds, containing marine shells, 

 dipping in like manner to the west, and thus shewing that they are the uppermost, 

 and, consequently, later strata. 



The Kirkton limestone, in common with newer limestones of marine origin, ap- 

 pears to have not only undergone an elevation subsequent to the period when it was 

 consolidated, but to have also had its tilted and upturned strata covered over with 

 subsequent volcanic eruptions of felspathose trap. This trap is superimposed upon 

 the limestone of several quarries extending from Bathgate to Linlithgow, and it oc- 

 casionally assumes a prismatic form. More frequently, however, it appears under 

 the character of a decomposed wacke. From six to fifteen feet of this substance, in 

 perpendicular depth, repose upon the upturned edges of the Kirkton limestone. 



This overlying mass must have originally covered a considerable tract of space in 

 the form of a lava. 



In concluding this account I must observe, that the limestone of Kirkton parti- 

 cularly recommends itself to the attention of all who are anxious to trace, in the va- 

 rious effects produced upon rocks, the influence of central heat. I have already trans- 

 mitted specimens of this limestone to a distinguished philosopher, M. De Leonhard 

 of Heidelberg, who, more than any other geologist, has successfully prosecuted this 

 important branch of investigation. 



Description of the Plates belonging to this Memoir. 



Plate V. View of the old quarry of Burdiehouse. Described in Part I. section 17 

 VI. The fossil plants described in Part. I. section 3. 

 VII. The lesser fish. Described in Part I. sections 7. and 13 

 VIII. The sauroid remains first discovered in the limestone. Described in 

 Part I. sections 7. and 11. 

 IX. The large fossil teeth. Described in Part I. sections 7. and 11. 

 X. Part of the jaw and round scales of the Megalichthys. Described in 

 Part I. section 11- 

 XI. The scales of the Megalichthys, and the dorsal rays of the Gyracanthus. 

 Described in Part I. sections 7, 11. and 14. 

 XII. Specimens of the Eurypterus of Kirkton, Sec. Described in the Supple-' 

 ment. 



