52 



CHAP. V. 



Qn the general Outlines, or the picturesque Characters 



of Rocks. 



As IT has been frequently asserted that the geologist 

 may derive essential assistance in his investigations, 

 frt>m the general features or picturesque characters of 

 rocks, and as some rapid and superficial travellers 

 have even ventured to describe tracts of country from 

 distant observations, made, often, in haste, and some- 

 times by means of a telescope, it will not be here 

 misplaced to inquire what value is due to such ob- 

 servations. After reading the few remarks that follow, 

 the student may determine how far he may avail him- 

 self of this assistance, and where a reliance on it will 

 mislead himself and deceive his readers. That it may 

 serve many useful accessary purposes, or occasionally 

 convey valuable hints, is unquestionable; but it will 

 be seen, that without great precautions, it will more 

 frequently contribute to deceive than to instruct the 

 observer. 



To profit by this class of observations, it is, in the 

 first place, requisite that the geologist should possess 

 the eye of an artist and the practice of a landscape 

 painter; without which he will be a very imperfect 

 judge of those minute variations in the picturesque 

 characters of rocks, or of the tracts of land which 

 they may form, that often indicate essential variations 

 in their nature and disposition. It is next necessary 



