CHAP. xxiv. HIS FOSSILS, 425 



dislocations of the strata ; thus correcting the statements 

 of previous geologists. He was not satisfied with accept- 

 ing the statements and adopting the conclusions of 

 others. He would not take anything for granted that 

 he could see and observe for himself. When his views 

 as to the nature of the fossil fish, as explained by Hugh 

 Miller, were disputed by scientific men, he said, " Why 

 can't they leave their books, and come here and see for 

 themselves ? " 



Nor was he in a hurry to connect himself with those 

 who traced a harmony in all respects between the cos- 

 mogony of the Hebrew Scriptures and the indications 

 of geological science. " We think," he said, " that we 

 have deciphered the writing on the selvage of the great 

 volume of the earth ; and, lo ! we proceed to erect our 

 fragmentary knowledge into a science, and to show its 

 correlation with all the other departments of truth." 

 Again, " Let us watch for facts, and wait." Knowing 

 that Nature herself must ever harmonise with truth, he 

 endeavoured to trace out the workings of the Almighty 

 in the little spot of earth to which he was confined, 

 with lowly and reverent adoration, and with simple, 

 childlike delight. 



The number of fossils that he collected was very 

 great. With his usual generosity, he made over a con- 

 siderable part of them to Hugh Miller. Another 

 portion, containing some of his best specimens, was 

 sold to Mr. Miller of London, for the purpose of paying 

 his debts after the shipwreck of his flour. The remain- 

 ing fossils were found in his museum after his death. 



