INTRODUCTION. 



IT would be difficult for us to name a study more interesting 

 than a history of the Earth, past and present ; for by a peculiar 

 and distinct chain of causation, it unites the present with the re- 

 mote past ; constantly urges us to look for the beginning of that 

 state of things we have been contemplating; conducts us to the 

 boundaries of physical science, and even gives us a glimpse of 

 the regions beyond. 



The Astronomer looks upon the heavens as the type of eternity 

 and immortality. The crystal spheres and orbs which he once 

 imagined to exist, are, so far as stability and uniformity are con- 

 cerned, now no longer necessary. A few simple motions, results 

 of one law, controled by one Power Divine, sustains the mighty 

 fabric. The Geologist looks upon the heavens and upon the 

 earth as but everlasting; he comprehends that a thousand changes 

 may come aver them, while still they move in their grand circles. 

 To him the present configuration of land and sea is but one of the 

 many changes through which the globe has passed, and he is 

 prepared to admit that the whole human race may be swept away, 

 and a new creation succeed ; such catastrophes have occurred. 

 We ask in vain, whether other worlds are inhabited 7 no voice 

 comes from those distant orbs to tell us of life , no eye can pene- 

 trate so far; we turn then with a renewed zeal to study " the sci- 

 ence of the changes which have taken place in the organic and 

 inorganic kingdoms of nature," as developed on the surface of 

 our own planet. The beginning; where shall the beginning be ? 

 We endeavor in vain to penetrate the almost sepulchral stillness 

 and darkness of the primeval world, and trace with certainty the 

 origin of things. All that we can possibly know is the simple 



