the Western Part of Asia Minor. 3 



observed ; but as geological facts are dry and uninteresting without arrangement, 

 we have ventured on such a classification as the rocks of Asia Minor appeared natu- 

 rally to admit. We are, nevertheless, well aware how imperfect such a first attempt 

 at generalization must be in a country which had been only partially explored, and 

 concerning the geology of which, we could obtain very little satisfactory informa- 

 tion from external sources. We wish, therefore, the general views here advanced 

 to be considered as provisional, and open to correction ; our only source of confi- 

 dence in them being derived from the general simplicity of materials and uniformity 

 of arrangement which mark the rocks of Asia Minor, and which render the task 

 of classification much easier than in many other districts of equal extent. It 

 remains, however, a question of some doubt, how far the relative antiquity of the 

 metamorphic rocks can safely be depended upon ; and whether they are not in 

 some instances really secondary deposits, which have been acted upon by the vol- 

 canic and igneous influences, which have operated so abundantly throughout the 

 peninsula of Asia Minor. 



Physical Structure of Western Asia Minor. 



The western part of Asia Minor is thickly beset with mountains, some of which 

 form chains of considerable extent, but others are more isolated and indefinite in 

 form. These mountains are often alpine in their character, and present many 

 points of interest to the general observer. They rise for the greater part abruptly 

 from horizontal plains, the smooth and verdant surface of which is strikingly con- 

 trasted with the rugged outlines of the surrounding mountains. It will be seen 

 hereafter, that this abrupt transition from mountain to plain is the result of peculiar 

 geological conditions. (See posted, p. 13.) 



On the great scale, the prevailing direction of these alpine chains is nearly east 

 and west. This latitudinal strike is exhibited in no less than six parallel ranges. 



1. The chain of Olympus. This mountain-tract commences with Mount Ida 

 (lat. 39° 40'), whence a range of high land extends eastward to the Mysian Olympus, 

 the snowy summit of which is about 7000 feet above the sea. Beyond this point, 

 the same chain re-appears under the ancient name of the Bithynian Olympus, and 

 ranges eastward as far as the Halys. The chain sends numerous streams from 

 its northern slope into the sea of Marmora and the Euxine ; and the Macestus, 

 Rhyndacus and Sangarius, conduct the drainage of its southern slopes through 

 transverse gorges, the two former into the sea of Marmora after passing through 

 the lake ApoUonia, and the last directly into the Euxine. 



2. The chain of Temnus or Demirji (lat. 39° 5'). This range is furcated at its 

 western end, inclosing the valley of the Caicus. These branches unite to the 



B-2 



