SNOWI)ON, is the name of a group of lofty moun tains in Caernarvonshire. But the name is particu larly applied to the highest mountain of the group, which, according to the results of the ordinance survey, is 3571 feet above the level of the sea, 3548.9 accord ing to General Roy's barometrical observations, and 3546.25 according to Mr. Wollaston's thermometri cal barometer. It is generally ascended by Llyn Ca wellyn, half way between Bedgellas and Caernarvon. From the summit the view is grand and extensive. The mountains and part of the coast of Scotland, the county of Wicklow in Ireland, the Lancashire hills, the Westmoreland and Cumberland hills, with the Isle of Man, areal] seen in the distance; while the interme diate country appears like a map to the observer. Camden says that Snowdon is covered with snow throughout the year: and though this is not the case at present, it might have been, and il' we believe hu man testimony, must have been in his time. Ilis words are, " It harbours snow continually, being throughout the year covered with it, or rather with a hardened crust of snow, and hence the British name of Craig Eryri, and the English one of Snowdon." Snowdon was held sacred by the ancient Britons, as Parnassus was among the Greeks, and it was said that whoever slept upon Snowdon would wake in spired. Leland informs us, that stags were found here in his time, and according to Pennant they were extirpated in 162G.
The following description of the summit of Snow don is given by Pennant: " The summit which, by way of pre-eminence, is called irltddfit, or the Conspicuous, rises almost to a point, or at least there is but room for a circular wall of loose stones, within which travellers usually take their repast. The mountain from hence seems propped by four vast buttresses, between which are four deep elt'lllS or hollows; each, excepting one, has one or more lakes lodged in its distant bottom. The nearest was rynnon Las or the Green WI, lying immediately below us. Its waters appeared black and unfathom able, and the edges quite green. From thence is a succession of hollows, surrounded by lofty and rugged hills, the greatest part of whose sides are perfectly mural, and form the most magnificent amphitheatre in nature. The Wyddfa is on one side; Cribb-y-distill, with its serrated tops, on another; Crib-Gotch, a ridge of fiery redness, appears beneath the preceding; and opposite to it is the boundary called Lliweed. Another very singular support to this mountain is V Clawdd Gotch, rising into a sharp ridge so narrow as not to afford breadth even for a path." Pennant's Tour in Mlles, vol. ii. Sec the Beauties of England and ides, vol. xvii. p. 411, &c.