1S46.] Structure of Granitic Mountains. 209 



Hence it follows, that in the course of geological periods layer 

 after layer has been broken up — the harder parts of some remain, 

 while that of others has been precipitated into the lower regions. 

 The whole process and the whole condition of things upon these 

 granitic domes and peaks remind the agriculturist how the vast 

 strata of debris and soil has been formed which covers the plains 

 and hills below — the only difference is, that here the process is 

 more rapid. The materials resulting too from this process, find a 

 resting place only below and upon the champaign country. Here 

 too is the source of the potash and soda of the rich alluvions, and 

 to some considerable extent of the phosphates. The feldspar and 

 mica of the granite and the phosphate of lime, common in pri- 

 mary rocks, are transferred from a bleak and solitary region to 

 the mild and beautiful valleys, where they become of the highest 

 use to the husbandman. 



It is by the processes which we have here described that un- 

 cultivable waste lands and deserts are made subservient to the 

 wants of man. In themselves, they appear to the unreflecting as 

 wastes, valueless to the world, which mar its beauty, and deform- 

 ing the face of nature, and diminishing the value of domains, and 

 to which opprobrious epithets have been w'ith some show of truth 

 and justness applied. But the intelligent and reflecting see in all 

 these arrangements the highest evidence of wisdom and utility. 

 It is in the high towering cliffs, the sharp, high peaks or domes, 

 that most of the fertile agents are prepared, when they are de- 

 tached from their combinations and brought into an available 

 state. It is here that Nature unlocks her storehouse of potash 

 and soda — here phosphate of lime and other inorganic matters, 

 which are essential to the existence it would seem of life, are to 

 be found. The tempests and storms which sweep over these wastes 

 conspire to the same end. The violence of nature must be ex- 

 erted, the lightning must flash upon the summits, the waves must 

 beat upon the cliff, the frost must rend the rocks, the searchino- 

 vapors must penetrate the masses, before they will yield their 

 treasures. Where could all these processes be conducted so safely, 



Vol. III., No. II. 16 



