On a Protrusion of Silurian Rock in the North of Ayrshire

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Abstract
The productive coal-fields of Ayrshire terminate abruptly to the north at the town of Ardrossan, from whence, for some miles along the coast, red sandstones and conglomerates prevail. These are correctly coloured in the maps of Phillips and of Sharpe as Old Red Sandstone, though I am not aware upon what precise grounds. At Ardrossan, and for two or three miles at least to the north, the two formations are caused by a fault to abut against each other; so that proof by superposition is wanting: no fossils, I believe, have been found in the red sandstones; and the coast of Arran opposite gives an example of sandstones and conglomerates indistinguishable in mineral type, some superior to, and others underlying the coal-measures. Having lately discovered a patch of Silurian rock in this district, which appears to me conclusive of the age of the sandstone series, it may be worth while to give details of the section. From Saltcoats to Ardrossan (see fig.) the coal-measures are seen on the shore, dipping S.E., and consisting of the usual alternations of sandstones and shales with imbedded plants, beds of coal, and limestone. Approaching the harbour of Ardrossan, these beds dip S.E. at an angle of 45°, when a mass of trap sets in, which, running out to sea, forms a natural breakwater. To the north of the trap begin the red sandstones, also dipping S.E., but at a lower angle. They are well exhibited in a quarry immediately north of the town. The top

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