46 Mr Johnston o?i the Elevation of 



Now, the theory we have advanced accounts for this higher 

 intensity in the most satisfactory manner. The higher the tem- 

 perature of the globe, the more rapid must the cooHng have 

 been, and the greater the contraction. In remote periods, there- 

 fore, the convulsions caused, wherever the compressed matter of 

 the globe found a vent, must have been exceedingly powerful ; 

 and to such periods we must look for that intense action from 

 which the highest mountain ranges have resulted. The earth is 

 now approaching its minimum of temperature, and its mass con- 

 sequently to a state of rest. It is contrary to the most certain 

 physical laws, therefore, to suppose that, from the cause we 

 have assigned, similar elevations could now result. 



That the era when the expansive energy of the interior of 

 the globe was powerful enough to produce such mighty results, 

 must have been very remote, is proved by phenomena which 

 present themselves over the entire surface of the globe. Within 

 the limits of authentic record also, no very striking changes 

 have been produced on the earth's surface, if we except such as 

 are due to true volcanic action. In Sweden, we can define one 

 period of eleven hundred years at least, within which the rais- 

 ing of the land now observable has been little more rapid than 

 recent admeasurements prove it still to" be. To advert to one 

 proof only, the Church of Gammel, (Old) Upsala, about two 

 English miles from the celebrated seat of learning, stands on the 

 limits of the lower part of the plain of Upsala, and at a height, 

 I should suppose, of not more than 100 feet above the present 

 level of the Maeler. It bears marks of great antiquity, and is 

 known to have been a temple of Thor, before the introduction of 

 Christianity, a thousand years ago. At the present rate of ele- 

 vation, the plain should rise about 50 feet in a thousand years. 

 There cannot, therefore, have been a much more rapid eleva- 

 tion since the Pagan ritual was abolished. 



In whatever way we explain it, there is, in my mind, no 

 doubt of the fact, that a gradual elevation of the land in Scan- 

 dinavia is now, and probably has long been, in progress. From 

 this fact we derive a new principle to assist us in accounting for 

 evidences of elevation on the coasts, and drainings on a large 

 scale, occasionally observable in mountainous countries. Where- 

 ever ranges of mountains occur, especially in northern latitudes. 



