CHAPTER IX.
Fossils of the Upper Old Red Sandstone much more imperfectly preserved than those of the Lower.—The Causes obvious.—Difference between the two Groups, which first strikes the Observer, a difference in size.—The Holoptychius a characteristic Ichthyolite of the Formation.—Description of its huge Scales.—Of its Occipital Bones, Fins, Teeth, and general Appearance.—Contemporaries of the Holoptychius.—Sponge-like Bodies.—Plates resembling those of the Sturgeon.—Teeth of various forms, but all evidently the teeth of fishes.—Limestone Band and its probable Origin.—Fossils of the Yellow Sandstone.—the Pterichthys of Dura Den.—Member of a Family peculiarly characteristic of the System.—No intervening Formation between the Old Red Sandstone and the Coal Measures.—The Holoptychius contemporary for a time with the Megalichthys,—The Columns of Tubal-Cain,
CHAPTER X.
Speculations in the Old Red Sandstone, and their Character.—George, first Earl of Cromarty.—His Sagacity as a Naturalist at fault in one instance.—Sets himself to dig for Coal in the Lower Old Red Sandstone.—Discovers a fine Artesian Well.—Value of Geological Knowledge in an economic view.—Scarce a Secondary Formation in the Kingdom in which Coal has not been sought for.—Mineral Springs of the Old Red Sandstone.—Strathpeffer.—Its Peculiarities whence derived.—Chalybeate Springs of Easter Ross and the Black Isle.—Petrifying Springs.—Building-Stone and Lime of the Old Red Sandstone.—Its various Soils,
CHAPTER XI.
Geological Physiognomy.—Scenery of the Primary Formations; Gneiss, Mica Schist, Quartz Rock.—Of the Secondary; the Chalk Formations, the Oolite, the New Red Sandstone, the Coal Measures.—Scenery in the Neighborhood of Edinburgh.—Aspect of the Trap Rocks.—The Disturbing and Denuding Agencies.—Distinctive Features of the Old Red Sandstone.—Of the Great Conglomerate.—Of the Ichthyolite Beds.—The Burn of Eathie.—The Upper Old Red Sandstones.—Scene in Moray,