Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 247 



CHAPTER XII.— PHYSICAL HISTOEY, GEOLOGY, AND 



BOTANY OF THE DISTEICT. 



By F. C. King. 



Geology and Physical History of the District. 



Generally, the geology of a district is more or less importaut and 

 interesting in direct proportion to the commercial and industrial signi- 

 ficance of its mineral deposits. In the absence of such deposits, how- 

 ever, it does not follow that the study of the geology of any district is 

 void of either interest or importance. 



In these days of scientific agriculture, a knowledge of the nature of 

 the soil resulting from the denudation and degradation of the sur- 

 rounding rocks is essential to the agriculturist if he would successfully 

 compete with his fraternity. With a knowledge of the compositions 

 and capabilities for retention of moisture of the sui'face-soil, sub-soU, 

 and underlying rocks, comes a knowledge of the requirements in the 

 matters of draining, depth of cultivation, and application of suitable 

 manures necessary to render the land perfectly fertile without waste of 

 material or labour. 



It is also a matter of very great moment to the residents in any 

 district that they should liave some knowledge of the water-bearing 

 properties of the rocks around them, the character of the water yielded, 

 and the possibilities and probabilities of a continuous supply during a 

 long-continued drought. 



Again, a knowledge of " the rocks" and of their order of superposi- 

 tion is absolutely indispensable to success in a search for those hidden 

 mineral treasures which have rendered such valuable aid in the building 

 of the British Empire. 



Apart from considerations of practical utility, it must be matter of 

 absorbing interest to enquire respecting the past history of our mother 

 earth. To learn why certain rocks appear at the surface in one place, 

 while different rocks show themselves in another ; why valuable 

 mineral deposits are foimd in one district, and are altogether absent in 

 an adjoining one ; and why some parts of our country are level, while 

 others exhibit an undulating or even mountainous aspect. These and 



