RIVEES AND LAKES. 



16 



distinguish North-western Wales, on the other side of St. George's Channel. But 

 whilst in Wales the old red sandstone occupies the region to the east of the more 

 ancient rocks, it extends in Ireland to the south-west, rising into a succession of 

 ranges, amongst which lies the culminating point of the entire island.* 



The geological formations which in Great Britain intervene between the old 

 red sandstone and the upper tertiary beds are in Ireland either wanting alto- 

 gether, or occur only sparingly, being confined to the north-east of the island, where 

 they crop out beneath the vast sheet of basalt which forms the striking scenery 

 along the coast of Antrim. 



In its coast-line Ireland presents features analogous to those of Great Britain. 

 The eastern coast is mostly flat, and obstructed by sunken rocks and sand-banks, 



Fig. 9. — Comparative Size of some British and Foreigx Lakes. 



IR.EL.A.ND. SCOTLAND. CUMBRIAU WALES. 



h°ï'i\l Lower- L..Ree l-j-»^asW - W;^- 



Neêa|h L. Erne. J "^ . , ^ .^,. _, „ , , 



whilst the western coast, facing the open Atlantic, abounds in deep inlets, or 

 fiords, separated by rocky peninsulas terminating in bold headlands. There are 

 many excellent harbours, but, owing to their remoteness from seats of industry, 

 they are little frequented. 



Rivers .\nd Lakes. 

 Compared with the rivers of Continental Europe, those of Great Britain are inferior 

 in length of course, volume, and the extent of the basins they drain ; but when we 

 consider the facilities they ofi'er for navigation, those of England, at all events, 



* Culminating summits in Ireland : — 



North-eastern highlands, Slieve Donard (Moume) 2,796 feet. 



North-western highlands, Errigal (Donegal) 2,466 ., 



Western highlands, Muilrea (Mayo) 2,688 „ 



South-eastern highlands, Lugnaquilla (Wicklow) 3,039 „ 



South-western highlands, Carrantuohill (Kerry) 3,414 „ 



