On the basaltic Surface, &c. 103 



the nature of the several strata laid open to us at their abrupt 

 and precipitous terminations. 



To the southward we perceive the distinctive features 

 abate, and wear away ; the basaltic stratification indeed re- 

 mains, but is no longer displayed to us in the same manner; 

 the neat, prismatic, internal construction of the strata, 

 which occurs so frequently on, and near, the coast, is scarcely 

 to be met with at a distance from it ; a rude columnar ap- 

 pearance is all we find, and that but rarely. 



Tt is at the periphery of our area, and especially at its 

 northern side, that every thing is displayed to the greatest 

 advantage ; here we have perpendicular facades often con- 

 tinuous for miles, and every separate stratum completely 

 open to examination. 



Of these facades, four are more distinguished by their 

 grandeur and beauty than the rest, Magilligan Rock, Cave 

 Hill, Bengore, and Fairhead. 



The two former are at the extreme points of the north- 

 west diagonal of our area, and nearly forty miles asunder ; 

 they are at the summits of mountains, and accessible by 

 land. 



The precipitous faces of Fairhead and Bengore, to which 

 I had the pleasure of attending you, and which are visible 

 only from the sea, are the most beautiful, and the most 

 curious ; for the strata, which at Magclligan and Cave Hill, 

 are all nearly similar, at Fairhead and Bengore are much di- 

 versified. Of Fairhead I have already published an account 

 in Nicholson's Journal for December, 1801, and I now 

 propose to execute an intention which I have had for some 

 years of giving a minute account of Bengore. 



I am aware that it will be extremely difficult to convey a 

 clear and adequate idea of an assemblage of 16 strata, (for 

 such is the number of which our promontory is composed,) 

 appearing and disappearing at various altitudes, yet retaining 

 each its own proper place, and forming together a most 

 beautiful and regular whole, though never considered as such 

 before. 



But as I have the aid of very correct views of the most 

 important parts of the facade, to the accuracy and fidelity 



G4 of 



