120 GEOLOGY [Chap. IX 



Letter 481 whether he thinks there is too much detail (quite independent 

 of the merits of the book) in my volcanic volume ; as to know 

 this would be of some real use to me. You could tell me 

 when we meet after York, when I will come to town. I had 

 intended being at York, but my courage has failed. I should 

 much like to hear your lecture, but still more to read it, as I 

 think reading is always better than hearing. 



I am very glad you talk of a visit to us in the autumn if 

 you can spare the time. I shall be truly glad to see Mrs. 

 Lyell and yourself here ; but I have scruples in asking any 

 one — you know how dull we are here. Young Hooker l talks 

 of coming ; I wish he might meet you, — he appears to me a 

 most engaging young man. 



I have been delighted with Prescott, of which I have 

 read Vol. I. at your recommendation ; I have just been a 

 good deal interested with W. Taylor's (of Norwich) Life and 

 Correspondence. 



On your return from York I shall expect a great supply 

 of Geological gossip. 



Letter 482 To C. Lyell. 



[October 3rd, 1846.] 



I have been much interested with Ramsay, 2 but have no 

 particular suggestions to offer ; I agree with all your remarks 

 made the other day. My final impression is that the only 

 argument against him is to tell him to read and re-read the 

 Principles, and if not then convinced to send him to Pluto. 

 Not but what he has well read the Principles ! and largely 

 profited thereby. I know not how carefully you have read 

 this paper, but I think you did not mention to me that he does 

 (p. 327) 3 believe that the main part of his great denudation was 



1 Sir J. D. Hooker. 



2 " On the Denudation of South Wales and the Adjacent Counties of 

 England." A. C. Ramsay, Mem. Geo/. Survey Great Britain, Vol. I., 

 London, 1846. 



3 Ramsay refers the great outlines of the country to the action of the 

 sea in Tertiary times. In speaking of the denudation of the coast, he 

 says : " Taking unlimited time into account, we can conceive that any 

 extent of land might be so destroyed ... If to this be added an ex- 

 ceedingly slow depression of the land and sea bottom, the wasting process 

 would be materially assisted by this depression" (loc. cit., p. 327). 



