Principles of Geology. 7 
ous stratum, brown rock, and fossil bed, occur in the very same or- 
der of succession. It is needless to multiply examples, or every 
part of the coast from Flamborough to Saltburn might be cited in 
proof of the above important proposition. And though we only re- 
fer to a particular district, yet, without doubt, any part of the world, 
where the strata are distinctly visible, would equally illustrate the 
doctrine of local constancy in the order of succession among rocks ; 
because in every country this conclusion has been drawn from actual 
observations. But it may be inquired: How can the strata be thus 
traced across provinces and kingdoms? we see them, indeed, ex- 
posed on the sea-coast, but how are we to guide our inquiries inland, 
when wells and pits fail us? I answer, that as the different rocks lie 
not quite horizontal, but gently sloping into the interior, the surface 
of the earth is formed on their edges. ‘Thus, observe the chalk 
rising uninterruptedly from Bridlington to Speeton, when—another 
stratum, the blue clay, having risen from beneath it to the surface— 
that rock passes off inland, and keeps a regular course through the 
country. Inthe same manner, the calcareous grit rises from the sea 
at Filey, ascends to the summits of Gristhorpe and Red cliffs, after- 
wards attains the heights of Oliver’s mount, and ranges away in a 
direction parallel to the chalk. The same is the case with all the 
other strata. Thus, the surface of the earth is formed on the edges 
of the strata, a wise and admirable provision, whereby mankind, 
though ull lately regardless of the benefit, are provided with so great 
ivariety of mineral matter, suited to the various and increasing wants 
of civilized life, To trace the rocks through the interior of a country, 
demands, it Must be confessed, greater diligence and caution, than 
When we see them exposed on the sea-side; but the result, thus pru- 
dently obtained, may be as absolutely trusted. Nor are facilities 
Wanting to. the Soe ae inquirer. To him, the forms of hills, the 
character of surface, the very herbage and color of the soil, afford 
Most valuable data, and when corrected by the accounts of wells and 
Pus; and observations of roads and water-courses, leave little room 
to doubt the accuracy of his deductions. 
his being proved, we may now inquire if there be a conformity 
tocks over large districts, an accordance of composition, a simi- 
ty of Succession, and a connexion of strata, sufficient to unite to- 
Sether observations in distant countries: without doubt there is such 
Paes. The series of strata in Yorkshire, taken ina general 
Y> Is the following : chalk, gault?, Kimmeridge clay, coralline 
