416 Sir Roderick L Murcliisonh Geological Address, 



distant lands, we cannot but be struck with tbe fact that, while 

 Hindostan (with the exception of the higher Himalayan moun- 

 tains), differs so materially in its structure and fossil contents from 

 Europe, Australia (particularly Victoria) presents, in its palgeozoic 

 rocks at least, a close analogy to Britain. Thanks to the ability 

 and zeal of Mr. Selwyn, a large portion of this great auriferous 

 colony has been already surveyed and mapped out in the clearest 

 manner. In doing this he has demonstrated that the productive 

 quartzose veinstones, which are the chief matrix of gold, are mainly 

 subordinate to the lower Silurian slaty rocks, charged with trilo- 

 bites and graptolites, and penetrated by granite, syenite, and vol- 

 canic rocks, occupying vast regions. Mr. Selwyn, aided in the 

 palaeontology of his large subject by Professor M'Coy, has also 

 shown how these original auriferous rocks have been worn down 

 at successive periods, one of which abrasions is of pliocene age, 

 another of post-pliocene, and a third the result of existing causes. 

 All these distinctions, as well as the demarcation of the carboni- 

 ferous, oolitic, and other rocks are clearly set forth. Looking 

 with admiration at the execution of these geological maps, it was 

 with exceeding pain I learnt that some members of the Legislature 

 of Victoria had threatened to curtail their cost, if not to stop their 

 production. As such ill-timed economy would occasion serious 

 regret among all men of science, and would, I know, be also deeply 

 lamented by the enlightened Governor, Sir Henry Barkly, and 

 would at the same time be of lasting disservice to the material 

 advancement of knowledge among the mining classes of the State, 

 let us earnestly hope that the young House of Parliament at 

 Melbourne may not be led to enact such a measure. 



[Want of space compels us to omit the conclusion of this 

 address, as well as a preceding portion relating to the Permian 

 rocks.] 



