406 On the ROCKS in the 
ples; perhaps alfo, to its having always been the object of 
thofe who have treated the fubject, to accommodate their ob- 
fervations to a particular theory ; and when this is the cafe, it is 
obvious, that the mind cannot refufe itfelf the fatisfaction, of 
dwelling with comparative enthufiafm on facts which appear fa- 
vourable to the adopted fyftem ; while others of a different ten- 
dency, are either reluctantly, and therefore fuperficially confi- 
dered, or what is yet worfe, even ftudioufly avoided. 
In the prefent ftate of our knowledge, to diveft geology of 
theory, would be to deprive it of all its intereft. We muft not 
defpair, however, that by the multiplication of particular facts, 
and the expofition of others, with which we are ftill unac- 
quainted, a fyftem of geology may yet be formed, founded ex- 
clufively on the phenomena of nature, or at leaft on reafoning 
much lefs hypothetical than is now required. 
Tue moft obvious means of attaining this object, feems to 
be a careful, minute, and candid examination of every circum- 
ftance which appears to convey an explanation of itfelf, with- 
out reference to any theory ; and from thefe we may ultimate- 
ly hope to obtain fome data, equally certain and comprehen- 
five. 
Ir is with this view, that I have always formed my collec- 
tions of geological fpecimens ; and although it will appear, that 
the arguments I have deduced are favourable to one fet of 
opinions, yet I can aflert with confidence, that the diftric which 
it is the objeét of the prefent paper to examine, has been faith- 
fully explored, and, I hope, candidly defcribed.. 
Tt 
