AND FRESH-WATER FORMATIONS. 



The preceding chapter has indeed already suggested 

 what this theory is to be; and I may examine its 

 probability in the same hypothetical manner, first, 

 and end, as before, with a reference to the facts in 

 evidence. 



Having shown that the " Subapennine" formations, 

 are the bottom of the present ocean, thus elevated 

 in times posterior to the general emergence of the 

 secondary strata, it is, first, plain, that aestuaries must 

 have been engaged in it, forming a portion of the 

 total elevated mass. It is next evident, that as land 

 already supramarine was further elevated in this case, 

 it might have contained lakes of any nature, and in 

 any stage as to the formation of subaquatic deposits. 

 Thus might a pure basin of lacustral formation have 

 been elevated by the volcanic forces; as this might 

 also be either a fresh or, a saline one, or further, have 

 contained that mixture already explained. And if 

 there be such a basin, it may exist at any elevation 

 equivalent to any one that has been proved, though 

 not limited by such a measure. It might thus be 

 situated as high as the highest of the Subapennine 

 deposits, or as high as the coral reaches on the sides of 

 Mouna Roa; not to make more extravagant sup- 

 positions, founded on the elevations of limestones 

 in the more antient times of the globe. Under the 

 same hypothetical view, if such a basin of strata can 

 be distinguished from those in situ, the distinction 

 should be sought in the neighbouring presence of 

 such appearances as these of the Subapennine deposits, 

 and in the disturbance of its regularity, under modes 

 analogous to those which occur among elevated rocks 

 in the older marine strata. 



Such is the hypothetical view: a deposit of such 

 a character ought to exist: the facts will show whether 



