Page:Transactions of the Geological Society, 1st series, vol. 2.djvu/80

70 consists of five stones, of which the upper ones are so much the largest as to overhang the base on all sides. The collective height of the whole pile is about 15 feet, from which compared with the drawing, the sizes of the different masses composing it are easily appreciated.

The rounding of the angles in this instance, has proceeded in some parts so far as almost to give an appearance of convexity to the touching surfaces from certain points of view; a state which once attained will speedily compel the Cheese-wring to join its former companions in the plains below. It is evident enough, that the cairn of which this is now the only remaining memorial, has been of considerable dimension.

An abstraction of its support, occasioned probably by the gradual disintegration and sliding of the summit of the hill, has permitted the lateral parts to fall away, leaving, in its present whimsical position, that part which happened to be best poised. It is unnecessary to suppose that the chisel of Druidism has been employed to reduce it to an image of Saturn. Natural causes are sufficient to account for its appearance. Dr. Borlase reports that the upper stone of this pile had been a logging stone, and thus attempts to strengthen his Druidical system. It would doubtless be a great improvement on the statue of Saturn, to be furnished with a moveable head, but an inspection of the upper stone is sufficient to show that its centre of gravity is placed much too high to admit of the conditions requisite for the production of that effect.

The last of these tors which I have chosen for the purpose of this illustration, is the Vixen Tor on Dartmoor. (Pl. V.) There is nothing extraneous or traditional connected with this rock to render it an object of interest in any other point of view than that for which I have selected it.

The granite of this county is known to be in general split by