24 II. RELICS. Introduction 



b. 10. The second, commencing 1 with the forma- 

 tion of plants, and an increase of those animals which 



tion of the stirrounding waters had destroyed, -were collected 

 by the ocean, and after a time deposited, either with the mine- 

 ral materials recently acquired, or the remainder of those origi- 

 nally suspended in the chaotic fluid. 



(Obs. We are not assured, that the Werner fan Geognosy em- 

 ploys this proposition alone, to explain the formation of what 

 are termed stratified rocks (Vide. prop. 16"); but if so, must re- 

 mark, it by no means accounts for the phenomena attendant on 

 certain coal tracts, and others, consisting of strata of this order, in 

 which vegetable remains are found unaccompanied by marine 

 relics.) 



16. The rocks formed at this period, containing more mechani- 

 cal deposits than the precedent, were more generally arranged in 

 horizontal strata. 



(Obs. Hence Werner distinguishes them by the title of strata- 

 fied rocks. They abound in petrifactions. The latest formed con- 

 taining the most vegetable remains.) 



17. They consist principally of limestones, sandstones, andpud- 

 dingstones ; gypsum, trap, and various coal-strata more 

 rarely argillite, porphyry, and some other substances. 



18. They constitute mountains frequently, but of a height much 

 inferior to those composed of primitive (6. 7- 8.) or transition 

 rocks (10. 11. 12. 13.) on the sides and extended bases of which 

 they were deposited. 



19. After this period, the sea gained gradually its present level, 

 and its last depositions were, for the most part, such substances, as 

 now compose the low hills and plains, between the more mountain- 

 ous parts of the earth. 



20. Such are chiefly the various chalk-strata, perhaps some 

 limestone and coal ? with sand, clay, marl, and other unconsoli- 

 dated materials. 



