120 
Mr. Weaver on the 
Introduction . 
§ 1. In the following pages I propose to give an account of the 
mineral constitution of that portion of Ireland, which is bounded 
on the east by the Irish Channel, on the south and west by the 
mountains which confine the Suire and the Shannon, and on the 
north by the hills of Louth, Meath, Cavan, and Longford, and by a 
line produced from thence to the bay of Galway. The tract in- 
cluded in this area, extends nearly 100 miles from north to south, 
and between 60 and 90 miles from east to west, and comprehends 
about a third part of the island.* 
§ 2. It will be my object in this memoir, to exhibit a general 
view of the more prominent and important geological relations of 
the tract described, in the form of a condensed abstract, rather than 
to detail the progress of my researches. But, I shall illustrate this 
account occasionally by more minute description, in such parts as 
afford appearances either new, or more than commonly instructive : 
and I shall throughout abstain from indulging in the expression of 
speculative opinions ; contenting myself with a plain description and 
connexion of the facts, and leaving the application of them to the 
reader. 
§ 3. By referring to the annexed map, (see Plate 15) the phy- 
sical and geological features of the several mountain chains, which 
occupy or traverse the field proposed for consideration, may be seen 
at a glance, as well as the distinct situation of individual mountains : 
but to illustrate more completely their general forms and their con- 
nexion with each other, I have given views of all the principal 
ranges, together with sections of some of the most instructive 
* The miles mentioned here, and in the following pages, are Irish which are to English, 
as eleven to fourteen. 
