vm PREFACE. 



there was reason to hope, that some interesting and useful information 

 might be obtained :^iow far that expectation has been realized, it is for 

 the reader to determine. 



In the prosecution of these researches, the physical structure of the 

 country necessarily came under consideration, and the enquiry assumed 

 a new and more important character. The extraneous fossils were no 

 longer regarded merely as subjects of natural history, but as memorials of 

 revolutions which have swept over the face of the earth, in ages ante- 

 cedent to all human record and tradition. 



The following pages contain the result of my labours. They have 

 been composed under circumstances particularly unfavourable to literary 

 pursuits; and such as those only can duly appreciate, who are aware of 

 the numerous and anxious duties, which a country practitioner is called 

 upon to perform. Few indeed have been the moments dedicated to this 

 work, that have not been snatched from the hours of repose, after active 

 and laborious exertion during the day. 



Another formidable obstacle has arisen from local situation, which has 

 prevented access to a comprehensive library, and thus deprived me of the 

 important aid to be derived from an unlimited reference to the works of 

 others. 



If I allude to these circumstances, it is not from the unmanly wish of 

 shrinking from candid and honourable criticism; but neither prudence 

 nor policy require me to suppress any thing that can be offered in 

 extenuation of the imperfections of this volume. 



