THE HISTORY OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC 9 1 



general truths which I have had in view in directing attention 

 to the geological development of the Atlantic. We cannot, 

 I think, consider the topics to which I have referred with- 

 out perceiving that the history of ocean and continent is an 

 example of progressive design, quite as much as that of living 

 beings. Nor can we fail to see that, while in some important 

 directions we have penetrated the great secret of nature, in 

 reference to the general plan and structure of the earth and 

 its waters, and the changes through which they have passed, 

 we have still very much to learn, and perhaps quite as much to 

 unlearn, and that the future holds out to us and to our suc- 

 cessors higher, grander, and clearer conceptions than those to 

 which we have yet attained. The vastness and the might of 

 ocean and the manner in which it cherishes the feeblest and 

 most fragile beings, alike speak to us of Him who holds it in 

 the hollow of His hand, and gave to it of old its boundaries 

 and its laws ; but its teaching ascends to a higher tone when 

 we consider its origin and history, and the manner in which it 

 has been made to build up continents and mountain-chains, 

 and, at the same time, to nourish and sustain the teeming life 

 of sea and land. 



REFERENCES : Presidential Address to the British Association for the 

 Advancement of Science, Birmingham, 1 886. " Geology of Nova 

 Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island." Fourth 

 Edition, London, 1891. 



