This barrenness had to our eyes a strange appearance, from having been so long accustomed to the sight of an almost universal forest of dark-green trees.

I took much delight in examining the structure of these mountains.

The complicated and lofty ranges bore a noble aspect of durability--equally profitless, however, to man and to all other animals.

Granite to the geologist is classic ground: from its widespread limits, and its beautiful and compact texture, few rocks have been more anciently recognised.

Granite has given rise, perhaps, to more discussion concerning its origin than any other formation.