232 REMARKS ON A FLOATING ISLAND. 



water, always generates a quantity of air; and 

 if the decomposition takes place where it is much 

 diluted with water, the air makes its escape 

 almost as quickly as evolved ; but when the 

 stratum of peat is more compact, the air is longer 

 retained. Peat earth is frequently found to 

 exist in the bottom of lakes; but I am not 

 exactly of opinion with Dr. M'CuUoch, that 

 it has been originally formed under water. I 

 am more inclined to think, that the water has 

 subsequently been brought to cover it. However, 

 when a stratum of peat earth under water 

 becomes so much impregnated with air, as to 

 render the whole mass of less specific gravity 

 than water, and having little adherence to the 

 clayey substratum, it may emerge to the surface, 

 and continue buoyant till the quantity of air 

 is reduced. Of this kind I consider the floating 

 island in Derwent Lake, which has been observed 

 on the surface, seven times since the year 1800. 

 Rising generally towards the latter end of a 

 warm summer ; and dissappearing before the 

 close of autumn. A more particular description 

 of this island, with my observations thereon, 

 has for some time been before the public. 



JONATHAN OTLEY. 



Keswick, Deer. Sth, 1828. 



