THEORY OF THE EARTH. 431 



actions, which I must not pass without notice: while, 

 if the cause he unknown, the broad deductions from 

 the remark are as new as the fact is certain ; he its exact 

 nature and bearings what they may. If it is a subsi- 

 diary fact in a Theory of the Earth, it is nevertheless, 

 deeply implicated with any pretence to perfection in 

 such an attempt. If subsidence as well as elevation has 

 been proved, thus establishing some probable system of 

 counterbalances, or of alternations in a moveable solid 

 surface, so must there be some peculiarity of structure, 

 on an enormous scale, in some portion of the earth ; 

 though a structure can only be conceived of that which 

 is solid. And the evidence of this consists in the ex- 

 tended uniformity of the elevations of strata, sometimes 

 producing corresponding mountain ridges; as the.fre- 

 quent linear directions of volcanoes are evidences in 

 support of this view, utterly obscure as the cause and 

 the exact nature of the fact may be. 



Thus far I have stated, as clearly as I can in so brief 

 a space, the entire foundation of a Theory of the Earth, 

 with its Evidence. If still reserving many subsidiary 

 points, that I may keep these matters disentangled, I 

 must now go back to what is, in reality, the object of 

 the highest ultimate interest, namely, the theory of the 

 Organic Creation, as far at least as it is connected 

 with the progress of the Earth, or, as far as it is a truly 

 geological question. All beyond this appertains to the 

 Natural history of organized bodies ; and it is fully time 

 that this should be separated from what is pure geology, 

 that, as a distinct science, it may receive due attention 

 from those who are really competent to pursue it. 



Unfortunately, this portion of the theory is very ob- 

 scure, and is for ever likely to remain so ; as the evi- 

 dences are also in a great measure inferential and un- 

 satisfactory. As to the existence of such beings in 



