CHAP. xix. NEW STRATA EXPOSED. 327 



and leaves new strata exposed, so that they may be 

 traced in layers, one above the other. I now found many 

 large blocks of rock, which a hundred men could not 

 move, tossed about as a strong man would toss a foot- 

 balL 



"As the sea had gone thundering along over the 

 rocky ledges, the waves had torn up and removed many 

 of the lesser masses, thus exposing to the curious eye 

 numerous fresh surfaces. I ran eagerly to examine 

 them ; for there, if anywhere, I knew that I might have 

 a chance of finding fossils. My luck was, however, very 

 ordinary. I found many scales of the size of half- 

 pennies ; bits of bones ; bits of fins ; and little sea-shells. 

 I found, also, bits of plants, hard and black. In one 

 spot, a large stone had been driven along, and by its 

 weight, as it grated on the rocks, had exposed what, to 

 the inexperienced eye, would seem a trifling bit of bone. 

 I saw it, and laughed aloud. / knew it ! I knew it, 

 though not more than the breadth of a penny-piece lay 

 exposed ! The rest was under the stone. 



"I returned home, but not without marking many 

 wonders. On the following day I returned to the 

 stone, with my hammer and chisels. After fully an 

 hour's hard kbour, I dug out the bone, and carried it 

 home with me. I afterwards cut it neatly with a saw. 

 It now awaits Professor Thomson. No one can give 

 him such another bone. A truth ! I have a few small 

 fishes, fish-heads, plants, shells, and sundry other things, 

 for the Professor, and I expect more ; but 'tis awful hard 

 work." 



