Mr. Fareifs Geological Inferences. 171 



page 100 of your xxxixth volume, of my previous statements, as 

 to real Coal-seams not being found in England, higher in ^he 

 series than the Red Marl, as Mr. Smith originally taught. 



Since the deposition of the upper series of Briti.sh .strata was 

 completed, the same seems to have been subjected to dislocating, 

 and since to demidating external causes, more extensive in their 

 operation than tiiose before mentioned ; and wherein the effect 

 of tvise design is througliout clearly manifested, in so directing 

 the stupendous excavating cause (or causes) as to produce Ihe 

 perfect system of' valleys, covering every part of the surface, for 

 its drainage, as completely as the veins are distributed for re- 

 turning all the blood to the heart of an animal. Towards the 

 conclusion of which eventfiil period, depositions of nlluvinl mat- 

 ters were generally scattered, and in some places accumulated in 

 vast heaps, filling up shght inequalities, and finishing the beauti- 

 ful contour of the terrestrial surface, as the same had previously 

 been designed, bv its Creator. The still operating causes, of de- 

 composition or mouldering of the surface of the strata, the tides, 

 torrents, depositions from turbid wat-ers, the growth of peat, 

 &c. &ic. have in so very trifling a degree altered the true geolo- 

 gical features of the country, as they were left at the period 

 a!)ove mentioned (although the same appears to have been long 

 prior to the existence of all the present races of living animals 

 and vegetables) that the mention of them here, might perhaps 

 have !)een spared. 



It remains only, to hint at the very important consequences, 

 to the present and to future generations of the Inhabitants of 

 this Island, which may follow from tlie views here taken, as to 

 the probable extent of Coah, under the greater part of the Red 

 Marl ! ; and that a minute examination of the extended surface 

 of this stratum, with a view to discover such parts as'are deepest 

 excavated, or wherein the under-measures are brought nearest 

 to the surface, bv irregularities in their planes, or by Faults, wherein 

 trials for Coals may be instituted, with prospects of the greatest 

 advantage to districts, that are now far removed from pits of this 

 essential article, are among our greatest desiderata. 

 I am, sir. 



Your obedient servant, 

 Westminster, Feb. 18, 1815. JoHN FaREY, Sen. 



A Postscript to the above Letter. 

 Sir, — I CONFESS myself well pleased, that my Letter on Geo- 

 logical subjects, transmitted to you on the Ihth ult. could not 

 'h admitted into your last number, since having read the first 



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