XH PREFACE. 



of Zoology. From the connected examination of fossils, 

 and of the strata which contain them, much useful infor- 

 mation may be expected to be obtained, respecting the 

 situations in which various useful substances may be 

 found. Thus, the traces of vegetables generally point 

 out the vicinity of coal, whilst the remains of land ani- 

 mals show that, in general, in the places in which they 

 are found, coal can exist but at prodigious depths. It 

 is therefore hoped that, in future, the circumstance of 

 particular fossils being found in certain strata, may be 

 more particularly attended to : and whilst noticing the 

 localities of fossils, it is recommended to mark the stra- 

 tum, as well as the name of the place in which they are 

 found. 



The phenomena particularised in the latter part of this 

 volume, yield some important knowledge respecting the 

 structure of the planet which we inhabit, These facts 

 would also supply, if it were needed, the strongest proof 

 of the error of those who believe, that there has always 

 been a succession something similar to what is continually 

 observed ; and that the human species have had, and will 



