THE PHYSICAL HISTORY OP THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS. 129 



rain and river erosion, continued throagli long ages of 

 geological history ; modified somewliat by glacial action in 

 later times, and to a less degree by changes in the relations 

 of land and sea ; in a word, that they are simply partially 

 submerged river-valleys.* To many, this statement will 

 appear merely a truism; and my apology for enunciating 

 it here is, that from personal conversation on the subject, I 

 find a great variety, not to say confusion, of thought and 

 opinion on this subject which it is desirable to help in 

 clearing up. 



2. First and earliest stage of formation. {Continental Period.) 



It is admitted by Scandinavian geologists that in Pre- 

 silurian times the Peninsula formed a part of an extensive 

 continent composed of Archaean rocks, and extending from 

 northern Russia Avestwards into the British Isles. It Avas in 

 its general form an undulating plateau, and under these 

 conditions it would be subject to meteoric influences 

 including those of rainfall and riA^er-erosion. To this epoch 

 Ave may probably refer the incipient formation of the larger 

 A'alleys Avhich naturally drained toAvards the 0(;ean of the 

 period, presumably lying somcAvhere in the position of the 

 Atlantic. This period is too remote and too vague to allow 

 of our doing more than alluding to it in a A'^ery cursory 

 manner, so that Ave pass on to the next stage, Avhich Avas one 

 of subsidence. 



3. Second stage. (Silurian and Cambrian or Primordial.) 



At the close of the continental period just described, there 

 appears to have been a gradual subsidence under the Avaters 

 of the sea of a portion of the ScandinaA^an area toAvards the 

 south, so as to allow of the deposition of the Cambrian or 

 Primordial and Silurian strata, containing the earliest forms 

 of marine life. These strata of Cambro-Silurian age have 

 been so altered and folded in some places that it is difficult 

 to distinguish them from the pre-Cambrian or Archasan 

 formations. Probably only very small portions of the 

 existing peninsula Avere unsubmerged during this stage, and 

 the valleys of the continental peiiod Avere but little 

 extended. 



* I am pleased to observe that this is the view of Lord Avebury, 

 recently recorded in his work. He calls them " drowned river- valleys." 

 The Scenery of England, p. 101 (1901). 



K 



