Nezv Order of Gigantic Fossils. 



5 



These corkscrew beds are noticeably homogeneous and even 

 throughout, as if the most uniform and constant conditions 

 prevailed during the period of deposit. That sedimentation 

 should have proceeded with such rapidity as to surround any 

 organism and bury it many feet in sand during the relatively 

 short season in which it is possible for an organism to pre- 

 serve its integrity and equilibrium, argues for waters so 

 sediment-laden that it is to be marvelled at that life could 

 be sustained there at all. 



.k";' •■■■■ ^~~.^>.v ,*^_^ir--::>^'i5 



Fig. 3. — Eagle Crag, viewed from the east, showing Daimonelix in place. D is shown 

 in Fig. 15 ; Fm Fig. 7 ; G in Fig. 6. 



We know of not less than fifteen feet of sediment sur- 

 rounding some specimens. The fact that the tops of these 

 corkscrews are always missing may be accounted for by this 

 rotting away before it was incased in a bed of sand. 



Strictly speaking, these corkscrew beds can no more be 

 called bad lands, than foot-hills can be called the moun- 

 tains, though merging into them and of the same formation. 

 Besides, it might convey the false impression that a particu- 

 larly fertile region was sterile. To the contrary, these beds 

 are exposed in extensive 'blow-outs.' Those visited were near 



305 



