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, inasmuch that the above-mentioned 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.
According to M. Chenier*, this mountain is formed by an endless chain of lofty eminences, divided into different countries, inhabited by a multitude of tribes, whose ferocity permits no stranger to approach. "I have not been able (continues he) to obtain a sufficient knowledge of these mountains to describe them accu-
rately: What Leo Africanus has said of them is very vague; and his account is the less to be regarded at present, as it is now about three centuries since he wrote, and the face of the country has been in that time totally changed. Nothing perhaps would be more interesting to the curiosity of the philosopher, or conduce more to the improvement of our knowledge in natural history, than a journey over Mount Atlas. The climate, though extremely cold in winter, is very healthy and pleasant; the valleys are well cultivated, abound in fruits, and are diversified by forests and plentiful springs, the streams of which uniting at a little distance, form great rivers, and lose themselves in the ocean. According to the reports of the Moors, there are many quarries of marble, granite, and other valuable stone, in these mountains: It is probable there are also mines, but the inhabitants have no idea of these riches; they consider their liberty, which their situation enables them to defend, as the most ineffable of all treasures."