THEORY OF THE EARTH. 



with a paste as compact as that of the mar- 

 bles, the sandstones, or even the coarse limestone 

 (calcaire grossier) in which we see the shells of 

 our strata enveloped. Still less do we any where 

 find the sea depositing those more solid and more 

 siliceous strata which have preceded the forma- 

 tion of the shelly strata. 



In short, all these causes united, would not 

 change, in an appreciable degree, the level of the 

 sea ; nor raise a single stratum above its surface ; 

 and still less would they produce the smallest 

 hillock upon the surface of the earth. 



It has been asserted that the sea has undergone 

 a general diminution of level ; and proofs of this are 

 said to have been discovered in some parts of the 

 shores of the Baltic.* But whatever may be the 

 causes of these appearances, we are certain that they 

 are not general in their operation ; and that, in the 

 greater number of harbours, where any alteration 



* It is a common opinion in Sweden, that the level of the 

 sea is becoming lower, and that many places may even be 

 forded or passed dry-shod, which were formerly impractica- 

 ble. Eminent philosophers have adopted this popular opi- 

 nion ; and M. von Buch goes so far as to suppose that the 

 whole of Sweden is gradually rising. But it is singular, 

 that no one has made, or at least published, a series of accu- 

 rate observations, calculated to confirm a fact that had been 

 announced so long ago, and which would leave no doubt up- 

 on the mind, if, as Linnaeus asserts, this difference of level 

 were so much as four or five feet yearly. Note I. 



C 



