8 OUTLINES OF FIELD-GEOD N , MM 



pretend to do who have made the subject their prolonged 

 study. It is not from books alone that a man can 

 acquire that practical acquaintance with geology which 

 will minister so much to his elevation and enjmmcnt. 

 He must betake himself to nature from the fn ; His 

 lessons in the Meld should accompany his lessons from 

 the text-book or lecture-room. In many cases he must 

 grope his way without guide or assistance. His progress 

 will be slow, but in the end he may find that it has been 

 none the less sure and pleasant, and that, through this 

 very tardiness of his advance, he has been compelled to 

 master thoroughly every foothold of the way. The 

 following chap offered for his help. They arc 



not to stand in the place of a systematic text -book, of 

 which he will find still constant need. But still less are 

 they to be looked at as in any way a substitute for prac- 

 tical observation in the field. Their aim is to point out 

 how observations may be made, what kinds of data 

 should be looked for, what sort of evidence should be 

 sought to establish a conclusion, and what deductions 

 may be drawn from particular facts. In short, they are 

 to be regarded as sign-posts pointing out some of the 

 highways and byways of geological inquiry, but leaving 

 the reader to perform the journey in his own fashion. 

 Their object will be fully realised if they induce him 

 to find so much interest in the pursuit as to adopt it as a 

 frequent solace for his leisure hours. But they are so 

 arranged that it is hoped they may not be found without 

 service to young geologists, who, whether at home or 

 abroad, would fain devote themselves with energy to the 

 task of geological investigation. 



