200 On the basaltic Surface of the Counties 



hills that surround it preserve their characteristic form, to 

 witj a gradual acclivity on one side, with a steep abruption 

 on the other. 



As we sail along our northern shore we discover another 

 great chasm or interruption of our strata, which also cuts 

 deep into the substrata : for on the west side of Bqllycastle 

 pier, the bold basaltic precipices suddenly disappear, and at 

 a lower level disclose the substratum, which appears to be 

 an alternation of sandstone, and coal, sometimes with bitu- 

 minous schistus. 



A mile or two to the eastward the abrupt precipice is re- 

 sumed, and a basaltic stratum again occupies its summit on 

 to Fairhead, with the same angle of inclination in which it 

 was disposed along our whole coast, that is_, a slight ascent 

 \o the north. 



Traces of similar operations and abruptions are to be found 

 over our whole area, but the preceding are sufficient to make 

 us acquainted with the style of these interruptions of our 

 strata ; of course it is time to proceed to the suspended de- 

 monstration, that our strata, so interrupted, were once con- 

 tinuous, notwithstanding the magnitude, of the interval by 

 which the corresponding parts are now separated. 



Proofs that our now interrupted Strqta were once continuous,. 



We must now turn ba,ck to the facades o^Bengore, where 

 the strata themselves, and all the circumstances attending 

 them, are so happily displayed, as to throw great light on 

 the subject, and to lead us analogically., step by step, to the 

 conclusion we seek for, 



X^et us examine and trace the summit of the precipice for 

 a mile immediately eastward from the Giant's Causeway, 

 and we shall find a frequent interruption and resumption of 

 the fourth, fifth, and sixth strata, at the shortest intervals,, 

 the interruption not always reaching to. the lowest of the 

 three, which in that case remains continuous : so far simple 

 inspection removes all doubt, that each of these strata was 

 Once continuous as far as the great depression to the west of 

 Pie. skin. 



£Jere indeed the interruption becomes considerable, not 



less, 



