438 Scientific Intelligence. — Geology. 



veller may undergo in approaching it from the plains. Its 

 height, lately ascertained (without instruments) as accurately 

 as the nature of the ground admitted of, is 380 feet. At the 

 distance of about fifty feet from the bottom, the water meets 

 with a slight interruption from a shelving projection in the 

 rock. This, however, adds to, rather than subtracts from, the 

 peculiar interest and grandeur of the scene, — forming a kind of 

 resting-place for the eye in surveying this stupendous fall, and 

 giving occasion to an increased volume of spray, which must 

 ever contribute to the imposing appearance of such scenes. 

 There is, however, independent of this break, at any season, 

 and in any weather, a miglity fall of 300 feet. But the inter- 

 ruption alluded to is not at all perceptible when there is any 

 great body of water in the river (Girsac) ; and, on such occa- 

 sions, the fall is unbroken, terrific and sublime. The best view 

 is obtained from a solitary tree, about 100 feet down the ravine, 

 to the south-west of the fall, in a situation the most favourable 

 possible for getting a complete view of the whole scene ; for 

 here, a narrow neck of rock, covei-ed with long heath, stretches 

 forward towards the water, enabling the visitor to occupy a 

 station in the very centre of the tremendous objects by which 

 he is surrounded. As there is no path, the tourist will at once 

 perceive the necessity of using much caution in descending to 

 this spot. On looking around him, he will find the range of 

 his vision fearfully limited, by objects vast and immense, con- 

 centrated in fearful magnificence before him, and in almost 

 alarming proximity to him. He is apt, however, to consider 

 his situation more dangerous than it really is. From the tree, 

 the scene is extremely grand. The water appears to issue from 

 an oblong fissure in the rock, from whence, with a fearful rush, 

 it dashes its way, chiefly in one great column, to the pool be- 

 low, from which, at this station, no outlet can be perceived. 

 The immediate neighbourhood of the fall is amazingly wild and 

 barren. In this respect, it differs essentially from its neigh- 

 bour of Foyers. Here and there may be seen a tuft of grass, oi* 

 probably of breckens, or a mountain saxifrage, clinging to the 

 great naked sheets of perpendicular rocks, and adding, if pos- 

 sible, to the general grandeur of the scene.— -Statistical Account 

 of Scotland, No. xii. p. 173. 



8. 071 two examples of Transported Blocks, on the South 



