On the Geological features of the Northern part of Formosa, and of the adjacent islands

Abstract

The west coast of Formosa is generally very flat, consisting of low alluvial plains for the most part, the monotony being broken here and there by a hill, which forms an important landmark. Such is the coral hill known as Apes′ Hill, 1110 feet, marking the entrance to the port of Takau-con, on the south-west coast; and such are the two prominent peaks of Kwang-yin and Tai-tun (1720 and 2800 feet respectively), between which is situated the harbour of Tamsuy, on the north-west coast. Both of these are treaty ports. Besides these, there is no conspicuous elevation immediately upon the west coast. This coast, in all its middle portions at least, has been placed, during the present visit, by Commander Bullock, of H.M.S. “Serpent,” 12 miles further west than appears on the most recent charts, thus very materially narrowing the passage between it and the Pescadores, known aa the Formosa Channel. The only place where the hills approach this coast is in lat. 24° 15′, where there is some tableland which is denuded into picturesque valleys at right angles to the shore. It is well known, however, that a considerable range of mountains runs nearly through the island from north to south, of which Mount Morrison is the culminating point. These mountains approach the east side of this island, and for the greater portion of it render it harbourless and inhospitable, the steep sides of the mountains running sheer down into the sea. At Tamsuy, in the north-east of the