242 RELICS OF PRIMEVAL LIFE 



properly prepared by persons unaccustomed to the 

 work, or if so prepared, may not turn out satisfac- 

 tory, or may not be skilfully examined. One slice 

 heated in the grinding may show nothing but cleav- 

 age in the calcite layers, while an adjoining one 

 more carefully prepared may show beautiful canals. 

 These difficulties, however, Eozoon shares with other 

 specimens in micro-geology, and I have experienced 

 similar disappointments in the case of fossil wood. 



In conclusion of this part of the subject, and 

 referring to the notes appended to this work for 

 some further details, I would express the hope that 

 those who have hitherto opposed the interpretation of 

 Eozoon as organic, and to whose ability and honesty 

 of purpose I willingly bear testimony, will find 

 themselves enabled to acknowledge at least the 

 reasonable probability of that interpretation of these 

 remarkable forms and structures. 



