XL] GEOLOGICAL REFORM. 221 



My functions as your advocate are at an end. I speak with 

 more than the sincerity of a mere advocate when I express the 

 belief that the case against us has entirely broken down. The 

 cry for reform which has been raised without, is superfluous, 

 inasmuch as we have long been reforming from within, with all 

 needful speed. And the critical examination of the grounds 

 upon which the very grave charge of opposition to the principles 

 of Natural Philosophy has been brought against us, rather 

 shows that we have exercised a wise discrimination in declining, 

 for the present, to meddle with our foundations. 



