264 
SCENERY OF SWITZERLAND. 
instance, at the Rigi(Fig.84, vol.n. p.55). On the other 
hand, the same rock may give a very different land- 
scape. Thus Granite often assumes rounded outlines, 
but often also gives wild ridges of teeth and needles.’ 
Gneiss summits with gently inclined beds are 
less steep and less pointed, while calcareous rocks if 
hard and steeply inclined assume not only wild but 
grand outlines. The Eiger is perhaps the finest type 
of a calcareous mountain. 
On the other hand, in any given district similar 
geological structure will generally give similar scenery. 
Steeply inclined strata as a rule produce bold 
outlines, while those which are more horizontal give 
a tamer sceneiy. 
Still, where the rocks are very resistent, and de- 
nudation has been great, even horizontal strata may 
give very bold forms; of this we have a remarkable 
instance in the Matterhorn, a mountain left between 
two valleys, where the strata are but slightly inclined, 
and yet owing to their position and hardness give 
us the boldest and steepest mountain of the whole 
chain. In districts of the softer rocks we naturally 
miss the bold, steep precipices, the jagged ridges 
and noble peaks, and must content ourselves with 
smiling landscapes and gentle undulations. 
