162 Couthouy on Coral Formations. 



of which is yet in its infancy. Other advantages to the cause 

 of science, which we cannot now anticipate, would doubtless 

 result from such a course, as it frequently occurs that in the 

 collection of facts bearing on a particular subject, something 

 is elicited leading to important conclusions in regard to others 

 having at first sight no connection with it. 



While convinced in my own mind of the truth of the sug- 

 gestions here offered, in regard to the absence of coral forma- 

 tions in certain regions, I feel conscious also that the data 

 upon which they rest, though certainly presenting a strong 

 case as far as they extend, are after all but limited in compar- 

 ison with those still deficient. I submit them for what they 

 are worth. What this may be, time and more extensive ob- 

 servation must determine. Claiming only to have at least 

 sought a more rational method of accounting for the peculiar- 

 ities here pointed out, than that of supposing them altogether 

 fortuitous, I shall rejoice if the end show that I have contri- 

 buted in the slightest degree, or in a single point of view, to 

 the advancement of the great object to which we are all, 

 according to our opportunities, devoted. 



In the operations of Nature, or rather of Deity, there is 

 nothing the result of blind chance, and though there may be 

 particular phenomena, which in our present ignorance of the 

 laws controlling them, we are unable to explain ; it is not the 

 less certain that these laws really exist, and that patient re- 

 search will yet be rewarded by their discovery. The day 

 will come, and we may hope is even now dawning upon us, 

 when error and misconception shall vanish before the advance 

 of science, as the morning mist from the strength of the noon- 

 tide sun ; when with the clouds dispersed which yet partially 

 obscure even the brightest intellect, the veil shall be Ufted 

 from Nature's most secret mysteries, and those things which 

 we now behold but as " through a glass, darkly," be all re- 

 vealed in the clear eff'ulgence of immutable Truth. 



EuBATA. Page 78, line next to the liottom, for " Silurian," read Cambrian. 

 Page 79, 10th line from top, fur '' regions," read rigors. 



Page 147, 9th line Irom bottom, for" base elevated table land," read base of the 

 elevated table land. 



