METHODS OF STUDY fXG THE SHORE 3 



tion, into the celestial spaces. It all in the end tintls its way 

 back to that cold realm, but before it leaves the atmosphere 

 it does work of varied kinds; converting^ water into vapor, it 

 lifts the material into the air, whence it descends in the form 

 of rain or snow, each in their way capable, if they fall upon 

 the land, of doing a great deal in the way of geological deeds 

 before their water is returned to the sea. By setting the air 

 in motion and thus creating the wind, the solar heat gives 

 rise to the waves which may roll over the deep, gathering 

 energy as they gain in height, until, arrested at the shore, 

 they apply their stored force to the work which is done along 

 the coast line. Not only should this large view be enter- 

 tained at the outset of the student's inquiries, but it should be 

 again and again taken into mind, in order that his thoughts 

 may not altogether be lost in details, but that they may seize 

 upon these large truths. 



All those who would find an easy way to a conception of 

 the most important facts of geologic science should take uj:* 

 their inquiry on the coast-line : if they understand the pro- 

 cesses which are there in operation — they are indeed easily 

 understood — they will gain a clue to some of the most impor- 

 tant truths of geology. The portion of the earth's machin- 

 ery that may there be seen in operation, or may be readily 

 inferred from that which is visible, is of the utmost impor- 

 tance in the development of this sphere. It is only necessary 

 clearly to see what is going on upon this part of the land and 

 ocean, and then to conceive the conditions arising from tlir 

 accumulation of these effects through the ages of the past, to 

 bring before the mind that picture of the slow yet majestic 

 progress of the earth's history which it is the peculiar privi- 

 lege of the geologist to win from his studies. 



