218 FOSSILS. 



observation, however, to that effect is incorrectly 

 placed in the paragraph concerning limestone fossils, 

 for the Jenny Cliff specimen occurs in clay-slate 

 where that substance passes into greywacke. Still 

 the table remains correct, as regards this fossil, for, 

 besides its occurrence in clay-slate, it has been known 

 to occur in limestone. 



The different strata of the earth are stated to be 

 received one into, or upon, another; and, accord- 

 ingly, the sandstone mentioned by Mr. Henneh, as 

 exhibiting specimens of shells, (fee, we may conclude 

 to have been deposited in the lap of the limestone ; 

 and we do not find any sandstone classed among 

 the transition formations, so that we may fairly 

 argue that, in one instance, the secondary rocks 

 contribute something to our list of fossils. Lastly, 

 let us pass on to the tertiary depositions, in which 

 the diluvial clay yields so abundant, and interesting 

 a harvest ; and here, whilst the mind regards the 

 relics of past ages, which, offering unequivocal and 

 substantial testimony to the event of a great deluge, 

 conduct us back about six thousand years ; we 

 cannot help reflecting on the contrast between 

 Devonshire, at that period, and as it now exists ; 

 between the time at which gigantic elephants, huge 

 rhinoceroses, and ferocious hyaenas held dominion 

 on our lands ; and that in which scarce anything 

 but luxuriant vegetation, highly cultivated fields, 

 domesticated animals, towns constructed with splen- 

 dour and convenience, and the refinements of society, 

 meets the eye. When the waters of the deluge over- 

 whelmed this island, living animals were destroyed 

 and imbedded in diluvial soil ; the disturbed element 

 entered the cavities of rocks, carrying with it soil, 

 pebbles, sand, carcases of animals, and so forth. 

 Certain of these cavities, having already been the 

 dens of carnivorous animals, contained the refuse of 

 their prey, and also the remains of individuals of 

 their own species, which had perished in the course 

 of nature, or such as through youth had become the 



