| “Pray, Sir,” said Edward, “Of what are the Basaltic columns composed ?” <br>Dr. Walker. —”Basalt is always a homogeneous rock, and abounds in black oxyde of iron; and a piece of basalt presented to a common observer, would immediately be pronounced the product of a volcano, the analogy between it and the lava being most striking.” <br>Upon reaching Fairhead, Edward was lost in astonishment. Even his glowing imagination had fallen short in the picture of the Giant's Causeway. He was perfectly speechless. “Was I wrong when I described the grandeur of this scene,” said Dr. Walker, as his pupil gazed with astonishment and delight at the magnificent scene before him. “Oh no, Sir,” replied Edward, “Oh how I wish my mother and sisters could see this grand view ! I hope you will not quit Fairhead to day, Sir, I could gaze for ever.” — No,” replied Dr. Walker, “You shall pass one more day [p. 80] here; but we have, you must remember, a finer prospect of this kind in reserve—the Isle of Staffa.” <br>Edward was unwilling to allow any view could be finer than the one before him. The next day unfortunately proved very stormy, and the travellers, although they received much gratification in contemplating the majesty of the waves as they broke against the Basaltic columns, were compelled to pass the greater part of the day in the inn where they had taken up their abode, and where they amused themselves with the following short dissertation upon rocks. [pp. 79-80] [Preceded and followed by several pages on rock formations.] |
