the Formation of Rocks. 193 



as it is very insoluble, could not have been in its present state 

 originally, but probably existed as a very soluble hyposulphite of 

 lime, which required much oxygen, in order to become what it 

 now is. It may thus be explained why gypsum does not occur 

 in the older formations, but is of the same age as rock-salt, with 

 which it is frequently associated. 



After this brief account of the three series, we must consider 

 shortly the accompanying collateral and intermediate geologi- 

 cal events. During the crystallization, the pasty or semi-solid 

 masses must have become contracted into smaller space. The 

 consequence of this must have been the formation of rents and 

 fissures into which the existing amorphous mass penetrated, and 

 in which it could freely crystallize ; and in this way, veins were 

 formed, as, for example, those of granite. In a similar manner 

 great caverns and empty spaces were produced ; and this gave 

 rise to sinkings and fallings-in, by which strata were dislocated 

 and had their original position altered, and acquired the appear- 

 ance of having been elevated. Sinkings of masses of rock also 

 produced valleys and ravines, besides circular hollows in which 

 water was collected, some of which still remain, and others 

 were broken through. By means of earthquakes, the falling- 

 in of caverns, and the bursting of lakes, huge masses of debris 

 were formed, which became the sport of the waters, whose 

 power was often combined with that of hurricanes and violent 

 rains. Great devastation was produced by such agencies, as- 

 sisted by volcanos. 



During such prodigious processes as those by which the 

 earth and atmosphere were formed, the imponderables must 

 have been in very active operation; sometimes assisting in form- 

 ing, and sometimes in destroying, what had been already form- 

 ed. The electrical meteors, more especially, must have acted 

 with a vigour and power, of which no conception can be ob- 

 tained from their present displays. Since, even at present, 

 lightning sometimes shatters rocks, and melts quartzose sand, 

 we may believe that, at such a time, the electrical masses of 

 fire descending from the heavens, may have vitrified rocks, and 

 caused actions in the depths of the earth, of such a nature as 

 to lead to the belief that they were produced by subterranean 

 fire. Since, even at the present day, water-spouts uproot the 



VOL. XXVI. NO. LI.— .JANUARY 1838. N 



