On the Anthracitic Schists and the Fucoidal Remains occurring in the Lower Silurian Rocks of the South of Scotland

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Abstract
T he Lower Silurians of the South of Scotland, as shown by other authors, constitute the whole of the mountainous region which, lying south of the Firths of Forth and Clyde, forms the Southern Highlands of Scotland, except a small patch at the eastern extremity of Kirkcudbright Bay, which appertains to the Upper Silurians. These Lower Silurians have a prevailing inclination towards the N.N.W., and along their northern margin we have the highest strata developed. At the north-western extremity of the range, near Girvan in Ayrshire, these higher beds consist of limestone and sandstones, abounding in fossils characteristic of the Llandeilo portion of the Lower Silurians. Towards the south deeper-seated strata occur; and as we find no traces of limestone beds in these, fossil remains become rare, the deposits consisting principally of sandstone, with some shales. Among these, however, under certain circumstances, organic remains are met with, more particularly as we approach the lowest portion of the formation. A locality where these deep-seated strata are well seen is in Glenkiln ‡, in the parish of Kirkmichacl, about nine miles north of Dumfries. Commencing at the entrance of the glen, we find exposed, in the course of the Glenkiln Burn (see fig.) underneath the manse of Kirkmichael, a small patch of bunter-sandstone (?) conglomerate ( a ) abutting against a purple sandstone (1), which forms the lowest portion of the Silurian strata here seen. Similar sandstones or grits (1) make their appearance higher up the stream, and, although partially covered with gravel, form the

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