162 
Mr. Weaver on the 
mounds, the lowest being placed about one third down the declivity. 
This and the circle immediately above it, seem to have been formed, 
in a simple and slight manner, of loose rough stones ; but the 
uppermost and inner circle is constructed of an immense assemblage 
of loose unhewn blocks, piled up to a considerable height and 
width, which with the crags above display a kind of mural crown, 
perceptible at a great distance ; (see Plate 10. No. 15.) The object 
of these inck>sures is not at present known but, as in most uncer- 
tain cases of this nature in Ireland, they are ascribed by the people 
of the country to the times of the Danish inroads. They seem, 
however, rather referable to an earlier period ; to that perhaps of 
the ancient worship of the country ; and the craggy summit may 
have served as an altar. 
§ 47. In a field adjoining Kilranela garden are blocks of granite 
containing schorl, and also garnet as large as a pea, some of which 
exhibits the leucite form of crystallization. Blocks of mica slate 
likewise occur, in which may occasionally be observed masses and 
small layers of garnet and quartz. Hence it is probable that this 
mica slate (which contains also at times a considerable quantity of 
hornblende) is the repository of the blocks composed of garnet, 
vesuvian, and quartz, found by Dr. Fitton ; but I could not dis- 
cover that compound in situ. In the same field also are blocks of 
hornblende, greenstone, and talc slate, the latter being composed 
of striae disposed in stelliform aggregations, but possessing a slaty 
structure. I also met with a block of quartz in which were incor- 
porated massive garnet, and epidote in acicular aggregations. 
§ 48. The general range of the rocks in Kilranela hill may be 
taken as north-west and south-east, with a dip to the north-east, 
though subject to some inflections. The summit, northern and 
eastern sides, consist of mica slate, including in the eastern quarter 
