148 Dr. Berger on the physical Structure 



(hem. — If Tve are to attribute the origin of these veins, according^ 

 to the Huttonian Theorj^, to the action of a force from below, and 

 which has caused them to intersect the grauwacke posterior to its 

 formation^ how comes it that along the whole line of the superpo- 

 sition of the grauwacke on the granite, they occur in so few places ? 

 and how comes it that the grauwacke, without any exception, forms 

 a covering upon the granite, which, as it approaches the junction 

 between it and the primitive rock, continues diminishing in thick- 

 ness? 



From Mousehole to St. Burien, the road continues to ascend, and 

 is now completely in the granite formation. Several projections or 

 hillocks may be seen in the horizon as we advance into the in- 

 terior of the country ; they are all of little height, and to their par- 

 tial disintegration may be attributed the great number of blocks 

 which are spread over the surface of this plain ; it extends to the 

 west, and has that uneven rugged appearance peculiar to a low pri- 

 mitive country. 



St. Burien stands, I believe, on the highest point in that part of 

 the country ; its height is four hundred and sixty-seven feet above 

 the level of the sea. There is a very extensive view from the top 

 of the church tower, commanding the whole range of the surround- 

 ing country, and it is even said, that in clear weather, the Scilly 

 Islands may be seen in the horizon.* The soil in the neighbour- 

 hood of St. Burien is mossy, and 'characterized by that sterility which 

 usually accompanies a granitic country, but it becomes more fertile 

 in approaching the sea. There are two or three druidical barrows, 

 in very good preservation, at a short distance from the town. 



The plain on which St. Burien is situated preserves its height 



* I did not see them however, the weather, though Ter/ fine, being rather hazy. 



