Fossil SJtcUs. 20 



tlian the remains of most otlicr animals. Now, as 

 tlie species in tlio early rocks dilTcr from those 

 found in later formations, quite as much as the 

 latter from the mollusca of our modern seas, the 

 gradual change in the character of the embedded 

 shells marks a certain interval of time in the world's 

 history/^ So we see that these rocks are the leaves 

 of a great book, written all over with wonderful 

 truths, and those who study such sciences as Geo- 

 logy and Conchology, are enabled to read much 

 that is there written. 



Every fossil shell that such a student picks out 

 of the chalk, or limestone, is like a letter in the 

 Alphabet of Creation; it has a significance, or 

 meaning, and a number of such put together form, 

 as it were, words and sentences, that can be made 

 up into chapters^ full of instruction, aye, and of 

 amusement too. The study may seem a little dry 

 at first, but never mind, go on, and you will soon 

 bo rewarded for your diligence by the wonders 

 that will unfold themselves to your understanding 

 — the fresh and delightful views which you will 

 obtain into the wide universe, the new and enlarged 

 ideas of the wisdom and goodness of the Creator, 

 and of the formation, habits, and connection each 

 ■with each of his various creatures. 



