94 DISPOSITIONS, FRACTURES AND 



That such a series would occupy a less horizontal 

 space after disturbance than before it, is a difficulty 

 that occurs to a greater or less degree in almost every 

 instance of similar elevations ; but it is not such as to 

 alter our general conclusions respecting the real 

 nature of these phenomena. 



As the general causes of the elevations of strata will 

 necessarily be considered hereafter, it is only now re- 

 quisite to say, that, whatever these may be, it is easy 

 to apply them to the production of the most compli- 

 cated of these effects, by merely varying their energy 

 or multiplying their places, or repetitions. It can 

 hardly be necessary to point out, that one elevation 

 at a given point would produce a simple series con- 

 verging above the surface, and that two would give 

 rise to a convergence downwards in the intermediate 

 space. If subsidence be resorted to for the explana- 

 tion, it is only requisite to reverse this statement; and 

 it is further evident, that the most extensive and dis- 

 cordant series that can exist, will admit of a similar 

 mode of explanation. 



Of the Depth of Strata beneath the Surface. 



It has been ignorantly made a matter of reproach 

 to geologists, that they reasoned respecting the structure 

 of an earth, to which they had no further access than 

 by operations that ought to be considered but as 

 scratches on its surface. It has been said that the highest 

 mountains were but as dust, and the deepest mines 

 but as invisible punctures on a common geographical 

 globe. But a consideration of the elevated positions 

 of strata, and of the consequences which may thence be 

 inferred, are sufficient to show that this reproach is 



