42 



and with this is also commonly found the fine gravel ; which like- 

 wise varies, in different parts, in its degree of fineness, and in its 

 colour. Underneath these, in many parts, are the infinitely vary- 

 ing strata of sand-stone, lime-stone, &c. which serve, with the 

 trunks of trees, which have grown in, and which have been nourished 

 by, the first layer; and with the bricks and tiles, made from the 

 second layer, to supply the materials, of which the dwellings of 

 man may be composed. They also serve, with the sand and gravel 

 of the third stratum, to supply that kind of surface to the earth, 

 which may best expedite the intercourse, which must, necessarily, 

 take place between the inhabitants of distant parts. These strata 

 of stone, varying perpetually in their colour,, solidity, and texture, 

 form, in some places, the ceilings and floors of the vast subterranean 

 caverns, which are found in various parts of the world ; and which 

 often contain, as do those, particularly, in the principality of Bay- 

 reuth, and in the Hercynian forests, very interesting specimens of 

 those remains, which are the objects of our particular research. 

 They also form the surrounding parts of those mines, which contain 

 the valuable metals, which civilized man forms into innumerable 

 articles of utility, and of ornament. Beneath schistose or slaty 

 strata, are generally found the immense beds of coal, so necessary 

 to the comfort, and in some situations, even to the existence of man. 

 These strata do not always follow each other in regular order ; since 

 sand and gravel are, sometimes, found at a considerable depth, and 

 trap, or rag-stone, is often interposed between them, in various di- 

 rections. 



In almost all these strata, even to a very considerable depth, the 

 remains of vegetables and animals, which have existed in former 

 remote periods, are frequently found : and, in general, possess 

 the same physical and chemical properties, and are composed of 

 similar constituent parts, with the strata themselves. What these 



