WALES. 



47 



five or six montlis of the year. Though only 3,590 feet in height, this mountain 

 impresses the heholder by the boldness with which it rises above all surrounding 

 heights, revealing the whole of its slopes, from their base to the peaked summit 

 called Y Wyddfa, or the " Place of Presence." The prospect to be enjoyed from 

 this mass of slate pierced by porphyritic rocks, rising close to the sea, is most 

 magnificent, and extends over a vast horizon of lower hills, valleys, lakes, promon- 

 tories, and inlets of the sea. On a clear day the eye commands not only a vast 



Fig. 20. — YiBw OF Snowdon. 



portion of Wales, but may range eastward to the distant plains of England, 

 and westward across St. George's Channel to the blue hills of Ireland. In the 

 north the Isle of Man and Scotland are also visible. Snowdon, during the 

 glacial epoch, was a centre from which six glaciers descended the divergent 

 valleys extending at its foot. The greatest of these occupied the valley of 

 Llanberis, covering it to a depth of 1,200 feet. At that time the Uyns, or lakes of 

 green-hued water, which occupy the hollows of this mountain group, were filled 



