Page:Transactions of the Geological Society, 1st series, vol. 2.djvu/42

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32
Dr. Berger on the Isle of Man.

quarters broad, by thirty miles long, or three hundred and fifty-two square miles and a half, would give one third, by approximation, for the ratio of the moory and uncultivated land to the land that is under tillage; there can be no doubt however, but a considerable proportion of the former is susceptible of being reclaimed.[1]

Parallel to each other, but at a distance respectively different, and nearly vertical to the main direction of the chain, there are three transverse vallies, the bottom of which, if not on a dead level with the sea, comes at least very near to it. The first of these is situated in the middle part of the chain, and the road leading from Douglass to Peel town passes through it. Its watershed is one hundred and twenty-six feet above the level of the sea, from which on the northern side rises a steep slope of 1352 feet to the top of the North-Greebah, and on the southern side a nearly vertical precipice of 609 feet to the top of the North Slieau-Aalyn above the hamlet of Mullin-y-Chlea, which stands 93 feet only above the sea.

The second transverse valley is about ten miles in a direct line to the south of the first, between Purl-Keill-Moirrey and Port Erin. Its watershed is 81 feet above the level of the sea, and is a low

  1. According to Mr. J. C. Curwen's calculations, the Isle of Man contains 245,760 Acres. viz.
    100,400 of mountain
    69,045 for grazing
    30,158 in oats
    15,079 under barley
    14,761 under green crop, 710 of which may be considered as potatoes
    9,047 in wheat
    7,270 in roads, rivers, houses
    ──────
    Total 245,760 Acres

    Report of the Agricultural Society in the Isle of Man.—Workington, 1810.