194? Dr. Richardson’s Letter on the basaltic Surface 
First Stratum , (m). 
The stratum I commence with forms the whole faqade, 
from its first appearance until it reaches the promontory; it 
consists of massive pillars rather rude, and about sixty feet 
long, its course for half a mile ( as I have stated ) seems hori- 
zontal, but on the face of the promontory it ascends, and con- 
tinues to rise uniformly until it reaches the summit, which it 
lines as far as Portmoon, on the south side of which it loses 
some of its thickness, then suddenly disappears and vanishes 
from that facade, receding westward in the form of a stony 
ridge, and is seen no more. 
Second Stratum (,£). 
The stratum upon which the preceding rests, is red as brick, 
and about nine feet thick ; it appears in spots, and patches just 
above high water mark, so long as the incumbent stratum 
continues horizontal, but when that rises obliquely, the second 
ascends with it ; it is now completely displayed, and having 
supported the preceding in its course to the summit, vanishes 
with it (at x in the view of Portmoon,) and is seen no more. 
These ochreous matters, so common in all basaltic countries, 
according to Mr. F. St. Fond’s opinion, were once pure basalt, 
but have undergone some chemical process of nature we are 
unacquainted with, by which their colour has been changed. 
Third Stratum, (z ) 
The next stratum is the last of those composing the pro- 
montory which appears beyond it ; for so long as the first and 
second continue their horizontal course towards Bengore, 
this third accompanies them, shewing its upper surface be- 
