of Edinburgh, Session 1881 - 82 . 
791 
but they rest oil rocks of a different description. They are so 
remarkable by their number and size, that, from an early period, 
they attracted the attention of naturalists, and suggested scientific 
inquiries. It is, indeed, interesting to seek to comprehend how 
enormous masses, with from 40,000 to 50,000 cubic feet of contents, 
and weighing from 800 to 1000 tons, could be transported from the 
Alps from which they were evidently detached, to spots 40 and 50 
leagues distant, crossing deep valleys, such as the lakes of Geneva, 
Neufchatel, Zurich, Constance, Lucerne, &c, 
“This great problem has been discussed by numerous philosophers, 
both of Switzerland and of foreign countries.” Then follows a list 
of names, including those of our own Playfair, Lyell, Murchison, 
Forbes, Tyndall, and Ramsay. 
“ Unhappily” (the circular goes on to state), “during the last 100 
or 150 years, these erratics have been broken up for building 
purposes, and even for road metal. Recently the work of destruction 
has gone on more rapidly, and, unless stopped, the result will be to 
obliterate all traces of one of the greatest facts in the natural history 
of our country. 
“ Though the destruction of these blocks is now advancing with 
great rapidity, there are still a number of very large specimens left, 
and these the Geological Commission is anxious to preserve.” 
“ The members of Archseological Societies are interested in the 
conservation of these blocks, for they often bear those curious 
sculpturings, to which much importance is now justly attached.” 
The appeal thus made to various societies and to municipal 
authorities in Switzerland, was most successful ; as in many cases 
the proprietors on whose lands the boulders were found, in order to 
ensure their preservation, gave a right of property in them to different 
natural history societies. 
Professor Favre of Geneva, who was the first to institute the 
movement in Switzerland, next addressed a letter to the Geological 
Society of France, with the same object. A Committee was 
appointed to report on the subject ; and from their report, 
wdiich was adopted by the Society, the following extract may be 
given: — “Such is the object pursued vigorously in Switzerland 
with the co-operation of departments and of individuals. In a word, 
see what is going on near ourselves. Can we remain outside of, and 
