4-23 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Geology and Scripture. 

 To the Editor of the Naturalist. 



Esholt Hall, near Leeds, June 1 1, 1838. 

 1)ear Sir, — Yesterday I duly received your present of The Naturalist for 

 June, for which I return you my sincere thanks ; and beg to say that I have been 

 highly gratified in the perusal of the articles therein — especially by your remarks 

 on Professor Phillips's Treatise on Geology ; for, having read some works on 

 Geology by authors of different opinions, who all seem desirous of promulgating 

 their own favourite theories, I have been forced to the conclusion that Geology 

 can only be profitably studied on the distinctive principle as regards science and 

 sacred history. 



On the Formation of Charcoal from Plants embedded in Sandstone. 

 We have good, specimens of the Cactuses in the Caitlaird of this neighbourhood. 

 I found the matrix of one some time ago, which clearly shews the footstalks of 

 the leaves. We have likewise several specimens of Arundinaceous plants [Reeds, 

 &c. — Ed.]] in the Sandstone, which, when taken out of the stone, are generally 

 found embedded in Charcoal. As to the process which the bark of the tree 

 would have to undergo in being converted into Charcoal, I most respectfully beg 

 leave to ask you the following question : — Is it possible that Charcoal can be the 

 result of a slow and gradual chemical decomposition of the bark under the waters 

 of the ocean, or has it been converted into Charcoal by the action of the heat ? 



I shall take an opportunity of introducing The Naturalist to some of my 

 friends in this part of the country who are likely to take an interest in the work. 



I have the honour to remain, 



Dear Sir, yours respectfully, 

 To Neville Wood, Esq., James Pringle. 



Campsall Hall. 



[The query propounded to us is of difficult solution without a more accurate 

 idea of the situation, &c, of the plants alluded to than has been imparted to us. 

 We believe, however, that the intervention of heat would not be required in the 

 case alluded to. The Sandstone strata consist of subaqueous deposits. It must, 

 therefore, in all probability have been by a gradual chemical action that the 

 change from bark to Charcoal has been formed. There is very little doubt but 



3k2 



