PEAT. 641 



tensive basin-like deposits, now found in moun- 

 tainous countries, and which so often include 

 beds of marie formed from the shell-fish that 

 once inhabited their waters. In a similar man- 

 ner it occurs in low undrained or marshy situa- 

 tions. Where antient forests have fallen, it' is 

 also found, sometimes forming very extensive 

 tracts, and generally distinguishable by the pecu- 

 liar structure of the mass, and by the remains of 

 trees imbedded. It also occurs on flat sea shores, 

 being generally, in these cases, much intermixed 

 with sand, and having been generated by the 

 growth and decay of zostera marina and various 

 semimaritime and marine plants. Lastly it is 

 found, often in very considerable tracts, deposited 

 at some distance from the places where it was 

 formed, and at first in a semifluid state ; being 

 afterwards consolidated into a very compact mass, 

 by the drainage of the water. 



Recent animal remains and works of art, are 

 occasionally contained in peat. 



T T 



