Eifel.

Eifel. THE, a barren and bleak plateau of Rhenish Prussia, between the rivers Rhine, Moselle, and Roer, showing extensive traces of volcanic activity. Its surface, which ranges at an average altitude of 1500 to 2000 feet, is for the most part broadly undulating, and diversified by crater-like depressions and volcanic peaks and ridges, whilst towards its edges it is seamed by deep, wooded, rocky ravines. Its highest and, at the same time, most inhospitable parts are in the west and north-west, whence it falls away gradually to the Rhine on the east, and to the Moselle on the south. The central portion of the plateau is crossed by a range of basaltic summits, the loftiest in the Eifel system, including the Hohe Acht (2494 feet), Nürburg (2255), and Kellberg (2211). The ridges of the north-west are connected by the Hohe Venn with the Ardennes. Geologically, the basement of the plateau belongs to the Lower Graywacke of the Devonian formation, with intrusions of Eifel limestone, parts of which are rich in fossils. Above this are deposited, with tolerable regularity in a horizontal position, strata of Triassic age, containing considerable quantities of metallic ores, especially zinc and lead. The Eifel was for a long period the scene of volcanic activity; zones and islands of basalt are frequent, as also eruptive masses of basaltic lavas, with tufa and pumice. With the exception of the vine and fruit trees on the east and south edges of the plateau, and a little agriculture (up to 1700 feet), the Eifel is uncultivated, its rocky soil being too poor, and its climate too raw and bleak for anything to grow but heather.