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THE FOUNDATIONS OK THE CONTINENTS ,03 



m the n-„neral matters suitable for the skeleton, of 

 humble animals, and fitted to nourish aquatic plant. 

 The conditions were certainly favourable to an exu 

 berant development of the lower forms of marine 



clined and undisturbed. ^ "** ^^'"e beds may be seen slightly in- 



life; and in later times, when such conditions pre- 

 va,l, we generally find that life has been introduced 

 to take advantage of then,. The prudent farmer 

 does not usually allow his best pasture to ren.ain 



