THE CORDILLERAS. 335 



sand, less than one-twentieth of an inch in thickness. How 

 insignificant then must the proudest works of man appear 

 what a mere speck himself to One who looks down from 

 on high on this earth of ours ! 



On examining their sides in various parts, proof is afforded 

 that these vast mountains have been heaved upwards from 

 beneath the ocean. Shells are found 1300 feet above the sea, 



PICHINCHA. 



covered with marine mud. On a beach elevated 2500 feet 

 above the Pacific, numerous species of patella and other shells 

 can be picked up, identical with those obtained on the coast 

 with the living animal inhabiting them. At Huanuco, in 

 Peru, there is a coal r bed existing at the height of 14,700 

 feet. Shells have also been found at the height of 13,000 

 feet ; and on the side of Chimborazo there is a salt spring 

 13,000 feet above the ocean. 



