126 = On the Study of the Principles of Stratification: 
in the language of hypothesis, must be very evident ; and the 
more so, when he considers the narrow views on which hypotheses 
must be formed, in the present state of geological science, 
It may be difficult to form a regular and general principle. of 
classification, independent of some hypoth esis respecting the for- 
mation of the strata 3—a dificulty perhaps to be removed, only 
by more complete information respectiug the stratification of 
other parts of the globe: however, as far as relates to this island, 
the strata might be arranged, according to the order in which 
they follow one another, beginning at the highest in the series. 
No doubt mistakes will sometimes occur, in assigning each stra- 
tum its proper place in the series, but in the progress of the 
science, tiese will be corrected. 
The eeaiaiots of geologists is earnestly called to this, or to 
some superior arrangenient of the British strata; for were such 
an arrangement euce made, and a proper and scientific methed 
of describing the phenomena adopted—the number of observers 
would soon increase, and the knowledge of this important branch 
of geology would make rapid advances towards perfection. 
The landed proprietor will soon find it as much his interest, to 
know the nature of the strata that form his estate, as to know 
the number of acres it contains, and a correct mineral survey of 
his property, will forin an useful and valuable appendage to the 
plan of his estate. And in thus ascertaining the value of his own 
property, he will have an opportunity of forwarding the progress 
of science, by a udding the result of his inquiries to the common 
stock ;—every mine that he opens, every shaft that he sinks, walt 
either add additional facts or confirm those already known—even 
in digging a well, semething worthy of note may be observed. 
And should he previously have made himself acquainted with the 
principles of stratification, he would then have the pleasure of 
anticipating the general results, while the progress of the work 
would enable him to ascertaén the accidental variations which 
frequently occur, 
But if the study of stratification afford pleasure and useful in- 
formation to the settled individual; how much more must it af- 
ford to the well-informed traveller 1—He will no longer need to 
confine himself to hasty notices of those geological subjects ouly, 
that are apparent to the most careless observer—a wider field 
will open before him, and the structure and mineral production 
of the country will form one of the most interesting objects of 
his research. Other travellers have noticed such mineral pro- 
ductions only, as were in use, or plentifully scattered over the face 
of the countries they have passed through; but the traveller who 
knows the nature and principles of stratification will be able, not 
only to give mofe satisfactory information respecting the minerals 
already 
