OF C LAC KMANAN SHIRE. 483 



the most quiescent state, as it was divided into 

 the finest laminae, not thicker than imperial pa- 

 per ; and when a thick piece was taken up, these ' 

 laminae could be separated and turned over like 

 the leaves of a book ; and their tenacity and flexi- 

 bility was considerable, being very much similar 

 to fine bread paste, rolled out very thin. This 

 was the only instance we have seen of this sort of 

 clay. After it was dried for about fourteen days, 

 it grew very hard ; and when thrown into the fire, 

 decrepitated with much noise. The till, when 

 brought to the surface, is very sterile, and remains 

 long exposed before any plants strike upon it ; the 

 common thistle is the first which appears. 



From the south boundary of the till coyer, the 

 recent alluvial soil of the Forth commences, and 

 continues in the line of section 3720 yards, when 

 it joins the Forth. It is nearly level ; part of it is 

 even under high- water mark, and is secured from 

 being overflowed by embankments. Upon an 

 average, it declines from the horizon at an angle 

 of only 15 minutes. This alluvial soil is com- 

 monly known by the name of Curse ; it is compo- 

 sed of clay and a mixture of fine sand, being fit 

 for making bricks and tiles. In general, a few 

 feet below the surface, an inferior clay is found, 

 mixed with light red-coloured clay-pipes, which 

 are probably formed by insects. Below this it is 

 found of a softer consistence, with apparently- 

 more sand, and of a dark-blue colour, commonlv 



H h 2 



