320 HEROES OF SCIENCE. 



between the granite of the Puy chain and the fresh 

 water formations of the Limagne, and I actually- 

 found it ; and my day's work alone will throw a new 

 light on the history of this remarkable country. I 

 believe most of the granite to have made its appear- 

 ance at the surface at a later period than even the 

 fresh water tertiary beds have, though they contain 

 the remains of quadrupeds. The scenery of Mont 

 Dore is that of an Alpine valley, deep, with tall fir 

 woods, high aiguilles above, half covered with snow, 

 and cataracts and waterfalls. A watering-place 

 with good views at the bottom of the valley. I 

 shall send Hall back from here, as, although he has 

 been useful, I do not think the advantage will over- 

 balance the additional expense. Le Coq has 

 promised some plants for certain, and Hall has 

 done pretty well in insects. 



Believe me, your affectionate son, 



Charles Lyell. 



Lyell was not sparing of criticism so far as his 

 friend Murchison's habits were concerned, as may 

 be gleaned in the following letter : — 



TO HIS MOTHER. 



Bains de Mont Dore, Auvergne. 



June iiih, 1828. 



My dear mother, 



We have been so actively employed, I 

 may really say so laboriously, that I assure you I 

 can with great difficulty find a moment to write a 



