QE7// 



PREFACE. 



THE object of this Work is to communicate, in a 

 simple form, to the general reader, the chief results of 

 Geological Investigation. No detailed account of par- 

 ticular districts, no minute statements with regard 

 to peculiarities of structure exhibited in various for- 

 mations, or in their fossil contents, must, therefore, be 

 expected ; and, on the other hand, the reader will be 

 spared, as far as possible, the mere technicalities of 

 the Science, while being informed of the views de- 

 duced from the study of them. 



The Author hopes, that if, in thus endeavouring to 

 communicate definite ideas concerning the Ancient 

 History of the Earth and its Inhabitants, he shall be 

 found not to express with perfect accuracy the whole 

 amount of what is known in every department of 

 Geological Science, his attempt may yet be received 



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