3 8 Hints for the Formation of 



1. In regard to the fituation of thofc countries which 

 were firft inhabited. 



2. In regard to the order in which they were fucceffively 

 inhabited. 



We fhall thence fee whether it be true, as fome traditions 

 affert, that this habitation was determined by the progreffive 

 retiring of the waters ; and by coming to periods lefs remote 

 and lefs involved in obfcurity, hiftory may point out to us — 



3 . The changes undergone by the feas,. lakes, rivers, and 

 even fome of the folid parts of the globe. 



4. It will throw fome light on the origin of the different 

 races of men and animals ; on the modifications they have 

 experienced ; and on the real or pretended lofs of fome of 

 thefe races. 



5. The deluges or great inundations; their epochs and 

 extent. 



6. Whether there exift proofs of the diminution of the 

 water of the fea ; and what may be the caufe of it ? 



7. If it be probable that large caverns have been opened 

 in the bowels of the earth, and that thefe caverns fwallowed 

 up a part of the waters ? 



8. Do there exift any hiftorical monuments which prove 

 that the countries at prefent cold were formerly fo warm as 

 to favour the multiplication of plants and animals which 

 are no longer found but in the torrid zone ? 



CHAP. IV. 



Obfervations to be -made on the Seas. 



1. Their firm, extent and fituation; thofe of their great 

 gulphs and ftraits ; their relative elevation. 



2. The fenfible flux and reflux out of the ocean, at the 

 extremity of fome gulphs and in fome ftraits ; their periods 

 and their limits. 



3. Their bottom ; notes of the places where they are 

 decpeft, and of the moft remarkable flioals ; their pofition 

 and extent. 



a. Currents* 



