4 



MINERALOGY OF THE OCHILS. 



than 2000 feet above the level of the sea. Several 

 smaller chains may be traced in a course nearly 

 parallel to that of the most elevated, particularly 

 to the south, where they may be distinctly seen 

 gradually diminishing, until they are lost in the 

 adjacent valleys. In a few instances, as at the 

 south-eastern extremity, they diverge from the 

 general direction, forming small mountain-arms, 

 which bound some lateral valleys of great fertility 

 and beauty. 



The individuals of which this group is com- 

 posed, are generally long round-backed hills, very 

 richly covered with verdure, having occasionally 

 conical and rarely tabular summits. Those of the 

 first description, are most numerous between Par- 

 ton Craigs and Abernethy, and those of the latter, 

 between Dunning and the Yetts of Muckhart ; and 

 it is worthy of remark, that the former are more 

 completely covered up than any of the other hills. 



The acclmties look to the north, and are gene- 

 rally rapid, though there are some remarkable ex- 

 ceptions to this observation. The declivities are 

 very gentle, except at Bencleugh, where they are 

 in many places nearly precipitous. A very large 

 proportion of the Ochil Hills are cultivated to the 

 very summits, and nearly the whole of the re- 

 mainder are excellent pasture. The' natural con- 

 sequence of this is, that there are few openings, 

 except in an accidental quarry, or some rare natu- 



