i INTKODUCT' 



OKV, which I have selected as 



expressive of my subject, |>omt> then, to practical work 

 in the open field, as distinguished from the researches 

 h may be carried on in ry or laboratory. I 



wish to describe some of the methods by which a geologist 

 obtains his information regarding the nature, j*. 

 arrangement, and hutory of the rocks of a coui 

 practical observation cxidcntly underlies all solid research 

 in geology. He who would pursue the theoretical parts 

 of the science mu.st either himself lay a foundation in 

 good thorough field -work, or take advantage of the 

 \shxh has, m this respect, been laid f 



Id-geology may be pursued with various aims and 



in various ways. To some men it is little more than 



i n.uue for holiday-making in the country fresh 



air, healthy exercise, new or old charms of scenery, and 



a bag full of "specimens" to attest t -:fi<- nature 



work. To other e solace and deli. 



busy lives, furnishing them not only with bright intervals 

 of escape to the country, but with materials for much 

 profitable thought and study when the ordinary duties 

 .ires of life confine them to their work in town. To 

 other men, again, it is itself the main occupation of life, 

 ultivate . own sake, or with a 



to the economic applications of which it is sus- 

 ceptible. 



There are few countries or districts where field-geology 



;ot be cultivated, and - healthful influence 



as an educational instrument may not be tested A few 



days of intelligently guided observation in the field are 



