ilev. Dr Fieming’s Gleanings qf Natural History. 99 
sionally nodules of chalcedony and conclioidal hornstone^ were 
observed. In the fissures of the rocks, the beautiful Cyathed 
fragilis was abundant. The temperature of a spring, evidently 
perennialj on the south-eastern base of the hill, was 47° Fahr. 
in the forenoon of the 22d, we reached the far-famed Stafia, 
and were peculiarly fortunate in having it in our power to enter 
Fingal’s Cave, in a boat, without being much incommoded by 
the swell of the sea. The shores of this island exhibit well 
marked sections of the beds of amygdaloid and basalt, of which 
it consists, and offer no obstacle to an examination of the forms, 
structure^ and bendings of its interesting columns. On the soilj 
the Orobanche ruhra was observed in plenty, but in fruit ; and 
an abundant supply of the eatable mushroom was procured. 
In the afternoon of the same day, we visited the ruins of Iona. 
I had time to glance only at the strata of clay-slate near the 
landing-place, at the ruins, and to break off’ a specimen from the 
red granite blocks which were in the neighbourhood. This lastj’ 
however^ was not without interest, as it contained, besides a few 
scattered crystals of hornblende, numerous depressed doubly ob- 
lique prisms of Sphene. 
The weather was unfavourable during the whole of the S3d, 
On the 24th, we touched at Isla, landing at Portnahaven ; and,' 
on the morning of the 25th, we found ourselves a-breast of the 
Giant’s Causeway. The basaltic scenery here, though superior 
to that of Staffa in height and breadth, and the paitches of rich 
green pasture with which the dark ground is relieved, is yet 
destitute of that distinctness which adds so much to the elegance 
of Fingal’s Cave. At the Causeway, the accumulations of de- 
bris conceal much that would interest. At Staffa, every thing 
is exposed, the sea washing away the disintegrated portions as 
speedily as they are produced. The rocks, however, are the 
same at both places, being basalt and amygdaloid ; but here the' 
latter is more varied in its contents, and tile whole mass of trap 
rests on chalk. Upon landing at the Causeway we were soon 
joined by a host of natives, exhibiting, in their tattered dress,’ 
flattering appellations, and impetuous manner, their peculiar 
marks. Each vied with his neighbour in praising his own qua- 
lifications as a guide. Specimens collected from the neighbour- 
ing cliff’s, and contained in small boxes of rude workmanship,^ 
