Volume 5

53
the north-east, and in Canonbie on the east. In Sanquhar parish, a bed of coal
six miles long and more than half a mile broad, runs along both sides of the
Nith. This rock is bounded by the common blue rock of the country; and
when clear of steps and dikes, which frequently occur at thirty yards' dis-
tance, dips one foot in twelve to the north-east by east. Of two seams of
workable coal, one is about four feet thick, and the other three feet eight
inches. How long these coal-mines have been wrought seems to be
unknown; but by the operation of forty men, a great extent of country is
supplied with fuel (x). The same bed of coal continues from Sanquhar west-
ward along the Nith to the extremity of Dumfriesshire (y). One seam of
this body of coal is worked at Cairnburn, and supplies the only coal that is
used for working iron, and is carried for such a purpose forty miles. The
coal-works of Upper Nithsdale are of the more importance, as there are no
other in the neighbourhood or in Galloway. There are indications, how-
ever, of coal in other parts of Nithsdale, which by perseverance or accident,
may produce still more abundant fuel. In the eastern part of Dumfries-
shire, the coal-formation commences at Langholm bridge, and extends
southward, through lower Eskdale, to the Solway Frith. There are two
coal-works in Canonbie parish; one at Archerbeck, which is wrought by an
open level, and the other at Byreburnfoot on the Esk, that is wrought by a
water-engine of a new construction. These works yield a sufficient supply of
coal for the eastern half of Dumfriesshire.
Limestone, which exists in every part of Dumfriesshire, has been the prin-
cipal means of its improvement. In 1786, an immense bed of limestone was
discovered at Barjarg in Nithsdale, which has since been manufactured to
great extent and profit. At Closeburn, a vast mass of limestone has been
long found, yet has been but recently manufactured. It was in 1772 that
this work began, and has since given energy to agriculture. In Sanquhar
parish, limestone was unknown till recent times when a vast bed was dis-
covered on Auchentaggarthill In Lower Annandale limestone abounds, and
is in general of an excellent quality. There are numerous lime-works at
various places, where lime is manufactured to a great extent, and has been
(x) The town of Dumfries is supplied with coals, partly from those coal-mines, and partly from
Cumberland beyond the Solway. Stat. Acco., v. 129.
(y) This bed of coal is between two and three miles broad, and consists of several seams, some of
which are very deep. In several places the coal is covered with blue freestone-rock, which is very fine
and hard, and is capable of being cut to any size and thickness, and receives a polish almost as smooth,
but not so glossy, as marble.