Geological Society. 279 



but when it appears again on the opposite coast : that in strata of 

 considerable comparative depth fossils are found, which are not 

 discovered in any of the superincumbent beds : that some fossils, 

 which abound in the lower, are found in diminishing numbers 

 through several of the superincumbent, and are entirely wanting in 

 the uppermost strata *," &c. &c. 



To this passage, the author appends a note, commencing as fol- 

 lows : " This mode of conducting our inquiries was long since 

 recommended by Mr. W. Smith, who first noticed that certain fos- 

 sils are peculiar to, and are only found lodged in, particular strata; 

 and who first ascertained the constancy in the order of super- 

 position, and the continuity of the strata of this island," &c. &c. 



One quotation more and I have done. The Reverend J. Town- 

 send of Pewsey, in the first volume of a work published in 1813 

 (entitled " The Character of Moses established for Veracity as an 

 Historian"), described at considerable length the secondary strata 

 of England ; and after referring nearly the whole of his information 

 to Mr. Smith, adds the following words : " The discoveries of this 

 skilful engineer have been of vast importance to geology, and will 

 be of infinite value to the nation. To a strong understanding, a 

 retentive memory, indefatigable ardour, and a more than common 

 sagacity, this extraordinary man unites a perfect contempt for 

 money, when compared with science. Had he kept his discoveries 

 to himself, he might have accumulated wealth ; but with unparal- 

 leled disinterestedness of mind, he scorned concealment, and made 

 known his discoveries to every one who wished for information. It 

 is now eleven years since he conducted the Author in his examina- 

 tion of the strata which are laid bare in the immediate vicinity of 

 Bath : and subsequent excursions in the stratified and calcareous 

 portions of our island have confirmed the information thus ob- 

 tained." 



Knowledge thus orally communicated, gradually and insensibly 

 became a part of the public stock ; and beyond doubt " produced 

 a very important, though unobserved effect upon the labours of all 

 succeeding inquirers, who have been, perhaps unconsciously, but 

 not less really, indebted to Mr. Smith for very essential assistance 

 in their progress." Edinburgh Review, vol. xxix. p. 313. 



On what Mr. Smith has done since 1813, it is needless for me to 

 dwell, as it is now a matter of public notoriety. But I may be par- 

 doned for reminding you of his great geological map of England, pub- 

 lished in 1815, which forms one of the decorations of this room of a 

 work accompanied by plates (published by Mr. Sowerby, in numbers, 

 commencing, I believe, in 1816), entitled " Strata identified by 

 their Fossils" of a stratigraphical system, published in 1817, spe- 

 cially designed as an accompaniment to his collection of fossils 

 purchased by the Treasury, and deposited in the British Museum 

 of his instructive series of sections, published at various times, and 



* Geol. Trans, vol. i. 1st series, p. 325. 



intended 



