ATLAS, a chain of mountains in Africa, lying between the 20th and 25th degree of north latitude, and supposed almost to divide the continent from east to west*. They are said to have derived their name from Atlas king of Mauritania, who was a great astronomer. They are greatly celebrated by the ancients on account of their height, insomuch that the abovementioned king, who is said to have been transformed into a mountain, was feigned to bear up the heavens on his shoulders. We are assured, however, by Dr Shaw, that the part of this chain of mountains which fell under his observation, could not stand in competition either with the Alps or Apennines. He tells us, that if we conceive a number of hills, usually of the perpendicular height of 400, 500, or 600 yards, with an easy ascent, and several groves of fruit or forest trees, rising up in a succession of ranges above one another; and that if to this prospect we add now and then a rocky precipice, and on the summit of each imagine a miserable mud-walled village; we shall then have a just idea of the mountains of Atlas.