THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE CONTINENTS IO3 



in the mineral matters suitable for the skeletons of 

 humble animals, and fitted to nourish aquatic plants. 

 The conditions were certainly favourable to an exu- 

 berant development of the lower forms of marine 



Figs. 20 and 21. — Bent and dislocated Quartzite, in contorted schists 



interstratijied zvith Gj-enville Lifuestone, near Montebello. 



The Qiiartzites have been broken and displaced, while the schists have been bent 

 and twisted. In the immediate vicinity the same beds may be seen slightly in- 

 clined and undisturbed. 



life ; and in later times, when such conditions pre- 

 vail, we generally find that life has been introduced 

 to take advantage of them. The prudent farmer 

 does not usually allow his best pasture to remain 



