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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2009
The excavations for the foundations of the new Infirmary in the grounds of Watson's Hospital, Edinburgh, have disclosed several Boulders, which appear lying in the Diluvial-clay. This is a marly clay, and has been dug to the depth of about five feet, in several horizontal terraces, down the slope from north to south. These Boulders were of sufficient size to be left behind in situ by the labourers, and about six large ones were found in the north and twelve in the south area of the grounds. They were of trappean rock chiefly, being rounded on the angles and sides, and of a dark green crystalline structure internally, A large one in the north area was of a metamorphic granitic character; one in the same area of a buff-coloured sandstone; and another in the south was composed of the same rock, and grooved also.
1 An eminent Scottish Geologist writes to the Editor that “the true glacial striæ in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh all go from west to east; whereas the direction of the striæ on the erratics, examined by Mr. Black, appear to go from north to south.” This, he thinks, “looks like the plough.” “Striated pavements of Boulders,” he adds, “are great rarities; Hugh Miller has recorded a single instance.” —Lyell's Elementary Geology, p. 147. Chambers’ Papers, Proceed. Royal Soc. of Edinburgh, April 20th, 1857.
