Letter to the Countess of Gosford, &c. 361 
junction of two systems: in the one to the northward, and at 
the Cave, the number of basaltic’ strata is five or six, differing 
considerably from each other, as appears by their colour and 
tendencies to decomposition. 
** To the southward, at the park wall, the strata are thinner, 
more uniform, and more numerous now, in nearly the same 
et of facade, 12 or 13. 
* The peninsula of Portrush, is an accumulation of little sy- 
stems perpetually changing their materials and the order in which 
they are arranged. 
** Such a variety of diminutive arrangements must baffle all 
speculation upon general causes and grand operations. 
~ © Tam so far guilty of the same fault I censure in Mr. Cuvier, 
stating arrangements, without pointing to places where they are 
to be verified. 
“* Let us look to Spain. Mr. Townsend, a modern traveller, 
who seems quite free from system, in his tour through that 
country, always states the change of material as it occurred in 
his passage through natural districts, from schistus to limestone, 
to basalt, to granite, to sandstone, to gypsum; and so on. 
« What has your ladyship to do with Spain? I should not 
have mentioned this diversified arrangement, had I not been 
able to establish it in my own country, and with hopes of having 
your ladyship for my witness. 
“© You yourself are fixed on a most interesting spot*, at the 
southern extremity of the great basaltic area, while the Giant’s 
Causeway itself, and our magnificent columnar facades, form its 
northern boundary: close to Gosford castle we find the last f re- 
mains of this curious work of nature, equally admirable whether 
we look to the stupendous magnificence of the grand whole, or 
the exquisite neatness of the execution. 
* Your ladyship’ s sharet of the Giant’s Causeway is small and 
imperfect, as if in an evanescent state, the original features all 
distinguishable, but faintly marked, and not failing from decay but 
from defect in original execution; it being a singular feature in 
this curious columnar and prismatic construction, that the neat- 
ness of the work, is perpetually varying from nearly and com- 
pletely amorphous, to the exquisite finishing of the Giaut’s 
Causeway itself, searcely to be equalled by the chisel of man. 
“« From this spot, on which I hope.your ladyship is perma- 
nently resident, proceed in any direction, and we shall try if you 
* Gosford Castle,which is N of Markethill and SE: of Armagh, Phil, Mag, 
xxxix. p. 281.—J. F. 
Tt Most “ southern extremity of the great Basaltic area,”—J. F. 
} Near to Gosford Castle, of similar strata to those, &c.—J, F. MT 
Wi 
