1895-96.] Mr James Milne on Manufactured Iron of 1807. 21 
of paper taken for the purpose. The date, 1807, in hollow figures, 
is quite distinct, with a fragment of enclosing border line. There 
is a hole 1J inch by 1 inch right through, and filled up with a 
1-inch bar and two iron spikes, the 1-inch bar having evidently 
been roughly cut off after being wedged in the hole. Perhaps this 
bar was fixed in position to enable the block to be carried easily. 
There is also a curious hole If inch by 1 \ inch in the bottom. 
You will see the border under the date, and three strange rough 
square indentations. The top has evidently been a good deal 
battered, and one end considerably staved over. 
The opinion I at first formed was that the iron had been 
carried there by one of Napoleon’s armies, which may have made 
a futile expedition up this valley, and abandoned some of the 
heavy baggage, the iron being part of its equipment. The un- 
wieldy shape, however, does not support this theory, and the date 
is too late. 
The opinion I now hold is that this iron has been used by some 
scientific expedition as a mark, or to determine the travel of the 
glacier or surface stone. I believe, about the year 1807, there was 
such an expedition carrying out research in the Alps, and I feel 
confident that some of the members of this or other kindred 
societies not only will be interested to hear of this find, but may 
possibly be able to give information which may lead to our dis- 
covering its origin. 
The glacier does not come down this valley, but I have no doubt 
that in quite recent times it has extended over the edge of the 
rocks in this direction for a considerable distance. There is no 
vegetation in the bottom where the iron is lying, but there is a 
sparse growth of various ranunculi, &c., a short distance up the 
sides of the valley, perhaps 100 to 150 yards above. 
The weight of the iron I estimate at from 250 to 300 lbs. 
