CALLENDER. 2J7 



about sixteen miles west of Stirling, and lies near 

 the entrance of the Highlands, in this direction. 



At the termination of the alluvial soil, which 

 stretches from the coal- formation, along the track 

 of the Forth, to the foot of the mountains, the first 

 rock that presents itself, is a peculiar species of Con- 

 glomerate, which forms the ascent and lofty mural 

 precipices to the north of Callender. It is dispos- 

 ed in thin layers or beds, with an inclination of 

 nearly 74* ; dip west of north, and direction 

 north of east, about 15°, in general. The neigh- 

 bouring country to a considerable extent, is com- 

 posed of this substance ; and the uniformity of its 

 dip and direction may be distinctly observed at 

 different places, particularly at the celebrated falls 

 of Brackland, where the water of Kelty, forcing 

 its way through a succession of almost (upright 

 beds, forms an interesting and picturesque scene. 



This rock is composed of rounded and angular 

 fragments of quartz, mica-slate, clay- slate, green- 

 stone, chlorite-slate, drawing-slate, and other sub- 

 stances, in masses of various sizes and forms, 

 and agglutinated in a basis of clay, which has a 

 deep-reddish colour, from the iron it contains. 

 We therefore infer, that it has been formed from 

 the debris of higher and primitive land. It de- 

 composes in the shape of vast flags. When used 

 for building, it only admits of being dressed with 

 the hammer; but its tenacity enables it to resist 

 long the action of the weather. 



$ 3 



