A CENTUKY OF GEOLOGY. 287 



to any superiorit}' of American geologists, but to the superiority of 

 their opportunities. Dana has well said that America is the type con- 

 tinent of the world. All geological problems are expressed here with 

 a clearness and a simplicit}' not found elsewhere. We must add to 

 this the comparative recency of geological study in this rich field. In 

 Europe the simpler and broader problems are already worked out, and 

 all that remain are difficult problems recjuiring much time. In America, 

 on the contrary, not only are all problems expressed in simpler terms, 

 but many great and broad problems are still awaiting solution. For 

 these reasons the greatest activit}" in research, and the most rapid 

 advance during the next century, will probably be here in America. 



SM 19U0 21 



