PREFACE. ix 



As the engravings are the first performances of a lady but Httle skilled 

 in the art, I am most anxious to claim for them every indulgence. I am 

 well aware that the partiality of a husband may render me insensible to 

 their defects ; but although they may be destitute of that neatness and 

 uniformity, which distinguish the works of the professed artist, they 

 will not, I trust, be found deficient in the more essential requisite of 

 correctness. 



It was originally intended to have restricted these researches to the 

 South-eastern division of Sussex ; but they have insensibly extended over 

 a wider field, and now, in a great measure, comprehend the geological 

 phenomena of the whole county. That the sketch is incomplete, I most 

 readily acknowledge ; nor am I desirous that it should be considered in 

 any other Hght than as a collection of facts illustrative of the physical 

 structure of the district. 



The Essay on the Mosaic account of the Creation, was communicated 

 to me by a clergyman of the estabhshed church, soon after the announce- 

 ment of the present work for pubhcation. The vast importance of the 

 subject, and the abihty and temper with which it is discussed, render any 

 apology for its insertion unnecessary. I will not, however, conceal the 

 gratification it affords me, that the excellent author has chosen these 

 humble pages as the medium of its appearance before the pubUc ; since 

 the arguments he has adduced must effectually silence the idle clamours 

 that have been raised against geological speculations, from their supposed 

 tendency to scepticism. 



I now arrive at the most gratifying 'part of my labours ; that of 

 returning my warmest thanks for the kind and able assistance which my 



