DURHAM AND NORTHUMBERLAND.

5

easily divide. The honeycomb spar likewiseabounds; and the stalactical spar, icicle, ordrop stone, presents itself in many lime-stonequarries, and in the rocks on which the ruinsof Barnard-Castle stand.*

The principal rivers are the Wear, theTees, and the Derwent, which added to theTyne furnish the most desirable means forfacilitating the exportation of minerals andmerchandize, from this part of the country,across the boundless deep, to the ports ofEurope, Asia, Africa, America, or any otherparts of the known world.

The Tyne, which is in Northumberland, isformed below Newcastle of the South andNorth Tyne. The South Tyne rises behindCrossfell, and the North Tyne commences onthe borders of Scotland: the two branches joinnear Nether Warden, and afterwards receivethe Dill, or Devil’s Beck, near Corbidge, andthe Derwent near Leamington. The mayorand corporation of Newcastle have been con-servators of this river with increased privileges

* Barnard-Castle was founded by Barnard, son of JohnBaliol, who came into England with the Conqueror. Itwa s a very extensive structure, situated on a rock; and itsremains are said to cover about six acres and three roodsof ground. Crosby's Gaxetteer.