This chapter traces the background of the stranded stones which leads to more general reflections concerning the ‘correct’ place of things as well as what kind of objects may be of archaeological concern. Ballast is what gives ship stability, preventing it from capsizing when it is not sufficiently laden with cargo. Large quantities of ballast flint have been found at archaeological excavations across Newfoundland, including in Ferryland, a British settlement dating from 1621, where an extensive study has been underway since 1992. Lindroth examined the spread in Europe of the species of ground beetle that were introduced to Newfoundland in ship ballast. He found that all species were present in the places where ballast was taken in south-west England, and therefore they probably also originated from the region. In many places, today’s flora and fauna are an effect of the movement of ship ballast.