192 Theory as to the Origin of Basalt. 



of the north of Ireland ? The same appearances 

 extend towards the west ; we therefore presume 

 they are all composed of similar substances, as 

 it is easy to observe a communication of the 

 lava, from Port Rush to the Giant's Causeway, 

 and thence to Fair-head a distance nearly equal 

 to fifteen miles. 



Whether this theory, or that of the Neptunists, 

 is best founded, I pretend not to judge. Pro- 

 bably both are entitled to credit, and that the 

 wondrous effects produced may not solely and 

 exclusively be imputable either to fire, or to 

 water, but to the combined effects of both. 

 Little doubt can be entertained that the present 

 magnificent appearances were produced by some 

 violent explosion, attended by so intense a 

 degree of heat as to burn, fuse, or char, what- 

 ever matter came within reach of its volcanic 

 powers. Water, indeed, may possibly have 

 been the original cause the generating agent 

 of the explosion ; whether from beneath the sea, 

 or at an immense depth under the surface of 

 land, now occupied by St. George's Channel 

 the consequence of such explosion the ad- 

 mission of cold sea- water, rushing on an im- 

 mense mass of heterogeneous bodies indiscri- 

 minately and suddenly resolved into a fluid con- 

 tinuous fire, would necessarily generate various 



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