SKY. CO ,\ i.NERV. 



effect at the proper point of sight is equally regular; 

 while from the frequent occurrence of groups, recesses, 

 and projecting masses, and from the absence of any super- 

 incumbent load, they are far superior in lightness of 

 appearance as well as in elegance and variety of outline. 

 In many cases, where the columnar trap lies above the 

 horizontal strata, the appearance of architectural imitation 

 is much more perfect than in any part of Staffa; the 

 stratified rocks presenting horizontal courses of natural 

 masonry, resembling basements, crowned by straight or 

 curved colonnades ; one of which, from a particular point 

 of view, so exactly represents the general proportions 

 and character of a circular temple of Greek architecture, 

 that the artist who should represent it truly would be 

 suspected of forcing nature into the forms established by 

 art. A singular circumstance sometimes occurs among 

 these columnar ranges, adding much to the lightness and 

 elegance of their effect. This is the detached state in 

 which slender groups or single pillars remain after the 

 surrounding parts have fallen away. From this mode 

 of wasting, the summits of the cliffs are sometimes crowned 

 with pinnacles, or with conoidal points resembling those 

 of the latest style of Gothic architecture : while in a few 

 instances, single columns or groups are seen standing 

 detached before the colonnade as if they were the last 

 remains of some ruined portico. One of the most remark- 

 able appears to be about 200 feet in height ; its lower 

 part being clustered, and the pillars terminating in suc- 

 cession upwards till a single one remains standing alone 

 for a height of thirty or forty feet, and apparently not 

 above four or five in diameter. In another place a group 

 of five or six, adhering together laterally, stands advanced 

 in face of the cliff, presenting its narrowest edge against 

 the sky and reaching to fifty or sixty feet in height. A 

 similar detached column, but of far less height, is seen 

 in the small island of Trodda, and another of still inferior 

 dimensions on the shore to the south of Duntulm Castle. 



