Ch. II.] ASPECT OF PRIMARY DISTRICTS. 9 



most common feature is a wide expanse of barren hills, 

 abounding in grand and romantic scenery. The character of 

 such countries is more dependent on the granite than on any 

 other member of the primary class. 



ei Granite is one of the most universal rocks, forming some 

 of the highest and most remarkable chains of mountains. It 

 is not, however, limited to such high ranges as the Himalaya 

 or the Alps, or even to the much lower ridges of Britain ; 

 since it also occupies many extensive tracts of comparatively 

 level land. This rock has been commonly supposed to be 

 characterised by the pinnacled and serrated form of its moun- 

 tains, such as the well-known summits of the Alps, and of the 

 island of Arran : but this is not the case, for it assumes every 

 variety of outline. The mountains about Loch Etive, in 

 Scotland, have a simple conical form, which is particularly 

 marked in Cruachan ; the extensive ridge which surrounds 

 the sources of the Dee, forming the loftiest tract of land in 

 Britain, presents a series of heavy-rounded elevations ; in 

 Cornwall, in Galloway, and in Sutherland, it offers the same 

 uninteresting aspect ; while, in many parts of Aberdeen shire, 

 it occupies the lowest grounds, presenting large tracts of level 

 surface." * 



When a granitic country is characterised by elevated and 

 precipitous hills and mountains, its surface is covered with 

 numerous detached rocks; diversified here and there with 

 projecting tors or cairns of various fantastic forms, according 

 to the nature of the rock, and of the corroding influence to 

 which they have been subjected. Such tracts, whether they 

 occupy a whole district or are confined to portions thereof, 

 are generally barren, or, at best, they only afford a scanty 

 pasture for cattle during the summer months, and supply the 

 cottager with wild plants, and turf for fuel ; but, wherever a 

 granitic country is composed of undulating hills, with occa- 

 sional level spots, though the latter are commonly marshy, 



* Macculloch's System of Geology, vol. i. p. 54. 



