VOLCANIC THEORY OF FORMATION OF FJORDS. 07 



of a Greenland fjord, and asked me to explain its formation on the 

 theory I have advocated. I daresay it would admit of a very simple 

 explanation, were we put in possession of all the facts in connection 

 with it. But, as Mr. Tayler's description is so meagre, until 1 

 have seen it myself it would only he mere guess-work to attempt 

 showing its mode of formation. I do not advocate that everything 

 in the shape of an inlet of the sea was formed as I have mentioned. 

 On the contrary, doubtless, many inlets now classed under the name 

 of fjords were originally rifts and chasms in the country from 

 almost primeval times. It would be damaging to any theory to 

 claim for it the merit of explaining every fact of this nature ; 

 and it is scarcely fair to adduce some supposed exception to the 

 law enunciated, and thereby attempt to throw overboard all 

 the numerous facts adduced which prove that in the vast pre- 

 ponderance of typical cases it holds true. The glacier-bed theory 

 of fjords is a general theory applied to, and applicable to, all parts 

 of the world where fjords are found ; so that because seemingly 

 some glen in Greenland, or elsewhere, looks like an exception, it 

 must not be thrown aside. With, however, even less display of 

 ingenuity than has been exerted on throwing it in the way of my 

 theory, it could be accounted for, yet for the reason mentioned I 

 will not attempt this, but leave it to the opponents of the theory to 

 extract from it whatever comfort it is capable of affording them in 

 the way of argument. 



5. Volcanic Theory of the Formation of Fjords. — "What expla- 

 nation the opponents of this glacier-bed theory would adduce is, 

 of course, not difficult to suppose. That fjords were formed by 

 the great volcanic agencies which in former times dislocated 

 the earth's crust is naturally their theory. Mr. Tayler has even 

 invented an hypothesis so ingeniously mechanical that I hope 

 he is not to be taken as a recognised exponent of the doctriurs 

 of his school ! " It appears," he remarks, 1 " that at the time 

 of the elevation of the west coast of Greenland, a chain of 

 mountains about 50 miles in breadth, running nearly north and 

 south, was acted on in a wave-like manner, i.e. leaving depres- 

 sions nearly equal to the elevations, and more or less at right 

 angles with the direction of the chain. These depressions, or 

 long valleys into which the sea runs, constitute the fjords," 

 and so on. I am afraid this theory is much too ingenious to 

 bo accepted by those who know anything of fjords or of igneous 

 action ; nor, I fear, is the general volcanic theory, though supported 



1 Op. cit., vol. v. p. '.id. 



v2 



