MULL ISLAND, one of the Western Isles of Scotland, Argyllshire, bounded W. by the Atlantic; N. by the same and Loch Sunart; N.E. by the Sound of Mull, a narrow strait which divides it from the mainland; and S.E. by the Atlantic; N. Lat. (of centre) 56. 30., and W. Long. 6. 4. It is of an irregular shape, deeply indented on the west by Lochs Na Keal and Seriden, as well as by numerous smaller inlets round its entire coast-line, and measures 29 miles in length, by from 24 miles of maximum breadth to 32 miles at the head of Loch na Keal. The coast is rocky, and the surface rugged and covered in some parts by extensive tracks of moorland. With the exception of a
Müller. narrow belt of limestone on the S., the entire rock of Mull belongs to the igneous system of rocks, especially of trap, which on the western coast presents numerous horizontal terraces; while at its S.W. extremity a fine whitish granite occurs, used in the construction of the Skerryvore lighthouse. A Tertiary stratum, however, has been lately found between the newer trap deposit and that of an earlier date. Many caverns occur round the shores of the island, varied here and there by castles and columns of basalt. The interior, however, presents no aspect of interest, excepting Ben More, which rises to 3097 feet. The soil is almost wholly devoted to pasturage, the only spots where grain is grown being in the more sheltered spots near the coast. Excellent sheep and small hardy cattle are reared here for the lowland markets. The farms have recently been much enlarged at the expense of the small holders, who have since 1841 left the island in considerable numbers. In its climate Mull resembles the neighbouring islands, being mild and humid, and subject to severe storms from the S.W. A considerable number of the inhabitants are employed in the herring fishery; while abundance of white fish is to be had round the coast. The island is divided into the three parishes of Torosay, Kilninian and Kilmore, and Kilfinichen and Kilvickeon. The amount of poor rates collected here in the year ending May 14, 1856, amounted to £2269, against £2049 expended; and there were in the same year 432 persons who received relief. Pop. of island (1841), 10,064; (1851), 8369, of whom 4243 were females. (For the history of Mull, see HEBRIDES.)