INFLUENCE OF STRATA UPON SCENERY. 267 
On the whole, the calcareous chains of the Alps 
are wilder, the Crystalline grander. 
Typical Gneiss often gives gentle rounded out- 
lines. On the other hand, Sericitic Gneiss and Mica 
Schists, which often closely resemble Gneiss, show 
generally great readiness to fracture in shaip, knife- 
edge ridges, and very wild if perhaps less sublime 
forms. The Bernese Oberland owes both its great 
average height and the variety of its scenery to the 
combination of Gneiss with calcareous strata. The 
consequence is that it does not form an uniform 
range, like the Pyrennees, but a succession of in- 
dividual mountains, presenting some of the noblest 
forms. In this district the Gneiss is inverted over 
the secondary strata, which it thus serves to protect. 
The result is that the weathering forms of both strata 
come into play, and thus produce endless variety. 
Granite is regarded by poets as peculiarly re- 
sisting, and it is described as 
Stern, unyielding might, 
Enduring still through day and night 
Rude tempest shock and withering blight. 
As a matter of fact, however, granites, as a rule, 
are very susceptible of disintegration. Granite moun- 
tains tend to gentle, rounded, and massive forms. 
Rain, and especially water charged with carbonic 
