S3 



Numerous cases of a similar kind could easily 

 be cited if necessary, But admitting that the sea 

 has gained upon the land in some instances, and that 

 the land on the contrary has gained upon the sea in 

 others ; it does not, by any means, prove that there is 

 an actual but gradual diminution of the waters of the 

 ocean.* If such were the case, we should, every 

 year have numerous islands appearing above the sur- 

 face of the water in almost every part of the ocean ; 

 that is to say, in the vicinity of islands and continents. 

 Not only so, but we should have, every succeeding 

 year, innumerable reefs, or hidtlen rocks and quick 

 sands to encounter, at the risque of the lives of mil- 

 lions of our fellow creatures, and ultimately, the al- 

 most total occlusion of a friendly intercourse between 

 the nations of the earth, as well as almost a complete 

 annihilation of commerce upon the bosom of its 

 waters. 



But this is not the case ; Heaven, in its unerring 

 foresight, has decreed it otherwise ; and the surface of 

 the sea, doubtless, retains the same elevation, and ex- 

 tent of superficies that it did, at least five thousand 

 years ago. Of this, we have the most unquestionable 

 evidence that can be required ; and that in almost 

 every part of the world. The shores and coast of 

 America afford sufficient data to calculate upon, with- 

 out having a recurrence to foreign countries. 



* To this opinion, De Luc seems to be decidedly opposed, and 

 say*. li Proofs are every where found that such a change is chi- 

 merical." 



I 



