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with verdure, into the valleys below, leaving the rocks 

 beneath, apparently in a state of decomposition. 



But this newly formed surface, composed of loose 

 and confused fragments of imperfectly formed rocks 

 and stones, mixed with earth, being exposed to the 

 operations of rain and torrents of water, are hurried 

 down the steep into the valley ; until at length, the 

 firm and solid mass is exposed to view, and no longer 

 exhibits those striking appearances of decomposition. 



Again, in digging a few feet into the earth over a 

 bed of rocks, we come into a similar covering of the 

 strata. As we descend, the mass becomes more and 

 more compact, until we arrive at the solid and perfectly 

 formed rocks. 



These, and many more, are instances, calculated to 

 favour the opinion, that the decomposition of vegetable 

 matter, through a lapse of ages, may have had a con- 

 siderable influence in producing this apparent change. 

 But if we cut through a hill where the earth is fifty or 

 a hundred feet deep above the rocks, and through 

 which no menstruum could have been infiltrated, of 

 sufficient strength to decompose any mineral substance, 

 we find tbe same appearances. 



Again. If we dig down to a small or great depth 

 upon solid compact granite, lime-stone, and some other 

 rocks, we find no such appearance, though but a few 

 feet below the surface Besides it frequently happens 

 that the soil from the sides of mountains, slides down, 

 as before, and leaves the above mentioned rocks expo- 



