The universal geography : earth and its inhabitants

MYERS AND LAKES. U
distinguish North-western Wales, on the other side of St. George's Channel. Eut
whilst in Wales the old red sandstone occupies the region to the east of the more
ancient rocks, it extends in Ireland to the south-west, rising into a succession of
ranges, amongst which lies the culminating point of the entire island.*
The geological formations which in Great Britain intervene between the old
red sandstone and the upper tertiary beds are in Ireland either wanting alto-
gether, or occur only sparingly, being confined to the north-east of the island, where
they crop out beneath the vast sheet of basalt which forms the striking scenery
along the coast of Antrim.
In its coast-line Ireland presents features analogous to those of Great Britain.
The eastern coast is mostly flat, and obstructed by sunken rocks and sand-banks,
Eg. a.—CoftLPABATivE Size of some British and Foreign Lakes.
I R. E Xj A. rl D.
1: 3,700.000
]0j) Miles
whilst the western coast, facing the open Atlantic, abounds in deep inlets, or
fiords, separated by rocky peninsulas terminating in bold headlands. There are
many excellent harbours, but, owing to their remoteness from seats of industry,
they are little frequented.
Rivers and L.\kes.
Compared with the rivers of Continental Europe, those of Great Britain are inferior
in length of course, volume, and the extent of the basins they drain ;
but when we
consider the facilities they ofi'er for navigation, those of England, at all events,
* Culminating summits in Ireland :
—
North-eastern highlands, Slieve Donard (Mourne) 2,796 feet.
North-western highlands, Errigal (Donegal) 2,466 ,,
Western highlands, MuOrea (Mayo) 2,688 „
South-eastern highlands, Lugnaquilla (Wicklow) 3,039 ,,
South-western highlands, Carrantuohill (Kerry) 3,414 „
c 2