146 PAPERS, ETC: 
of dip in the strata, which is very considerable ; and in the 
few points of difficulty which occur at Blue Anchor, as to 
the relative position of the lias and red marl, there can be 
no doubt the obscurity is to be referred to these disturbing 
causes. During which particular geological period the dis- 
turbing cause was in operation, it is impossible to determine. 
The probability is there was a succession of convulsions. 
Some evidently occurred while the lias beds were plastic, 
for they are curved so regularly, and with so unbroken a 
line, as would be impossible if the rock had become in- 
durated. Others have taken place long after, as the great 
disturbance in the stratification clearly indicates. 
While these changes were going on, and the lias was 
being deposited, the sea-shores of that period were crowded 
with living creatures, differing most widely from those 
of the present time, yet presenting analogies which help 
the comparative anatomist to determine the simple types 
according to which animated being appears to have been 
arranged by the great Creator. To reproduce the living 
forms of that period—to re-people the shores of that 
ancient sea—to look into the deep pools swarming with 
strange and beautiful forms of life—would seem almost to 
require a spirit’s vision and a super-human power. But it 
is not so in reality. The record of that time, as writ by 
the finger of God upon the very rocks themselves, supplies 
the knowledge we need, and almost all the information we 
require. ‘The fossil remains are so abundant, and in general 
so well preserved, that we have little difficulty as to the 
main features of the Fauna of that period. The animals 
themselves stand before us. Shoals of Ammonites and Nau- 
tili crowd near the shore, now floating on the surface in their 
chambered shells, with their formidable arms stretched out 
in search of prey, and in an instant disappearing, on the 
