THE BLACK FOREST.
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As if built cxprcssly jo oppose an impenetrable barrier to the French invader, tbe lieiglits facing tbe Rhinc abruptly rise to a consideräble altitude, wliile tlie eastern part of the Black Forest, in wliicli tbe Danube and tbe Neckar take tlieir origin, gently slopes down in undulating bills. Its waters also partake of tliis nature, — those destined to swell tbe Danube and the Neckar, descend gradually to these rivers, peaceably gliding along between soft green meadows: wliile tbe rest, doomed to feed that green and insatiablc monster, the Rliine, niadly rusb down througli narrow fissures and over precipices, pursuing tlieir hcadlong career with an im- petuosity of wbich the luige bolder-stones, lining tlieir beds, are the silent witnesses.
The skeleton of the Black Forest consists of granite and gueuss rocks, which are predominant in the Southern and Western districts. In tbe eastern part these rocks disappear under strata of red sandstone, which, near Frcndenstadt and the Kniebis, rise to a consideräble altitude. All the higher points of the northern cliain consist of red sandstone, granite and gneuss reappearing but in tbe valley of tbe Mourg and in tliat of the Enz, between Wildbad and Enzkloesterle. Metals found in the Black Forest are: Lead, Iron, Copper, Cobalt, and Silver.
In all directions the Black Forest is intersected by val- leys which impart the highest and most admired beauties to its highlands. The valleys of the Neckar and the Danube send fortli two large rivers, one of tliem the most important of Europe. In the Southern quarter the valleys of the Steinach, the Schlucht, tlie Melnxt , the Sch war zach , tlie Wu- tach, tlie Upper-Alb, the Upper-Mourg, and the Werrach, allow egress to the waters collected on the declivities of the neighbouring bills. Opening upon tlie plain of the Rhine, and mostly extending in a north-eastern direetion, the most
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