Page:Transactions of the Geological Society, 1st series, vol. 3.djvu/25

 which I shall have occasion to describe in their proper place. The other ridge which I mentioned as branching from it, is considerably lower, and consists in fact of uneven undulating ground, stretching away to the north-west till it reaches Vaternish point. The western peninsular division, from Dunvegan head to Macleod's Maidens, is a tract of high land containing the two remarkable flat topped mountains known by the name of Macleod's Tables, the height of which appears to be similar to that of the great eastern ridge. What remains of the island is one irregular table land, offering hills which in any other situation would appear considerable, but which lose their importance in the vicinity of the towering Cuchullin.

I have reason to think that in the general estimate here given of the elevations in Sky I have fallen short instead of exceeding, and shall be glad if future observers shall determine these altitudes with correctness. I scarcely however consider it in any other light than as a question of geography, as the increased examination of geological phenomena has proved that there is no general or necessary connection between formations of particular rocks and given elevations. Equally unfounded appear those rules which have, as recent observations show, been prematurely laid down respecting the outgoings as they have been called of the several classes of rock. The irregularities of these outgoings, not only absolutely but relatively, seem to point out to geologists a department requiring at least a very careful review, if not an absolute elision from the laws of the science.

I have nothing to add to the description of the rivers which I gave in speaking of the geographic divisions of the island, and the remarks I have to make on the waste of the land will be comprised in a short space.