Geological Idea on the Formation of the Causeway. 181

they are not sufficiently scientific to appreciate these geological wonders, or the polygonal formations over which they tread; after a cursory glance at which they content themselves with a pleasant row to some of the caves above mentioned. No doubt many of these are highly picturesque and interesting. Port Coon and Grace Staples should on no account be omitted, and will well repay a visit. The innermost recesses of Port Coon have often been compared to the aisles of a Gothic cathedral, while Grace Staples appears a miniature representation of the celebrated one at Staffa.

Numerous opinions prevailed in former times with regard to the origin of basaltic columnar formation. The guides tell you the entire was the work of a gigantic race, and that the Causeway at one time extended to the opposite coast. This latter portion may be quite true, as we have numerous instances of similar depressions, and the corresponding shore line of Scotland evidences its being of the same formation, as shown by the illustration on the opposite page of Fingal's Cave at Staffa. But it is now generally admitted these columns have been produced as lava by submarine volcanoes, which, cooling under the pressure of water, became crystallized, thus assuming their present form, while they were afterwards gradually raised from their ocean bed by the agency of Him who controls the earth and its surroundings.

It is curious to find in a hitherto out-of-the-way corner of Irelan amongst the wild headlands of the north-eastern coast, a singularly comfortable hotel, with a good table, and bed-rooms of first-rate convenience; curious old wines, brandies, and whiskeys; curious folk to meet with at the table d'hote (for spectacled savants, and even ladies of science, from England and Scotland, and from the Continents of Europe and America, in the tourist season, much do here congregate); curious to a foreigner. Old and young guides, in curious habits, and of a curious tongue, bearing curious trays and baskets loaded with curiosities, amongst the rest very curious specimens of the paleolithic and neolithic works of stone or flint, most admirably and curious y wrought and manufactured-the specimens to be had for a few shillings, or less, each.

*The Causeway Hotel is now worked nection with the Electric Tramway; it has been thoroughly renovated, refurnish and enlarged; and for comfort, attention, and good fare, combined with moderate charges, cannot be surpassed. Well-appointed vehicles run in connection with the tramway, and the coasting cars arrive and depart from the hotel. Special guides and boatmen are attached to the Hotel, with fixed charges. There is through booking to the Causeway from all the principal stations.

There is a second Hotel, called the Royal; Francis Kane, Proprietor; which, at a moderate charge, offers excellent accommodation.

TOUR FROM BELFAST-ROUTE No. 3.

Belfast to Newcastle.

From Queen's Bridge Terminus a most interesting trip may be made to Downpatrick, Newcastle, Dunluce, Rostrevor, and Warrenpoint, returning to Belfast the same day. Should the tourist not wish to continue the whole journey he might make a stay at Downpatrick and examine the cathedral of that ancient see.

Downpatrick.

The foundation of the church is ascribed to Saint Patrick. At the

invasion of Ulster by De Courcy the cathedral was attached to a house of canons regular, of the Order of St. Augustine, and called the Church