SKY. GKXERA L DtSCU I PTION. 



SKYV 



IF the magnitude of Sky were not a sufficient apology 

 for the space which its description occupies, an excuse 

 will be found in the variety and intricacy of the rocks of 

 which it is composed, as well as in the unexpected 

 nature of their connexions. Such appearances do not 

 admit of being detailed with the same brevity as those 

 which, from their correspondence with prevailing phe- 

 nomena, are capable of being referred to a numerous class 

 of analogies. As nothing but a minute examination could 

 have satisfied the doubts of the observer, so a correspond- 

 ing description is necessary to remove or anticipate those 

 of the reader. I have nevertheless rescinded all such 

 observations as appeared, in this view, superfluous ; while, 

 their topographic importance being trifling, their absence 

 will in that respect be immaterial. 



The dispersed manner in which many of the rocks 

 geologically connected are here situated, - has also neces- 

 sarily led to some difFuseness ; perhaps to some repetition : 

 while the importance of many of the facts has frequently 

 compelled me to enter into general statements, which, 

 should they appear superfluous to some, seemed absolutely 

 required for the purpose of connecting the phenomena 

 in an intelligible manner ; as well as for the elucidation 



* Sky, clouds, Scand. The Isle of mist of the Gaelic poet. The 

 Highlanders, who look no further than their own language, derive 

 it from Skianach, winged : an etymology unworthy of a comment. See 

 the Map of Sky. 



A paper on this subject appeared in the 3d Vol. of the Geol. 

 Trans. : of a partial nature, but corrected and enlarged by subsequent 

 remarks. The importance of the subject has induced me to remodel 

 the whole : with the advantage of a more intimate knowledge of the 

 country, and on a plan consistent with that adopted respecting the other 

 islands described in this work. 



