168 Observations on some Metamorphic Rocks 



addition to our knowledge, will sympathize with their sufferings, 

 and will admire their wise arrangements and their perseverance, 

 or, will learn from their experience how to guard in future 

 against the difficulties which beset their path, or how success 

 may be secured by those who boldly volunteer to resume their 

 labours. 



Much has been done, but much remains to be achieved ! 

 And if the greatest genius which ever mankind possessed, after 

 his most brilliant achievements, left us, with the modesty 

 which always characterises a son of science, an immortal and 

 self-denying word, we may regard the labours of our own 

 great explorers only as leading stars for future discoveries, 

 and we may apply to them Newton's philosophic words, " I 

 have played like a child with the pebbles on the shore while the 

 great ocean of truth lies unexplored before me." 



Akt. XX. — Observations on some Metamorphic Rocks in 

 South Australia. By the Rev. Julian Edmund Woods, 

 Catholic Missionary, Penola. 



[Bead before the Institute, 25th November, 1857.] 



There is no part of the science of Geology which is in a more 

 unsatisfactory state than that portion which has to do with 

 metamorphic rocks. While one section of scientific men pro- 

 pound various theories as to the manner in which metamorphism 

 is effected, others are questioning the very facts upon which 

 they generalise, and not a few are found who give a very 

 reluctant consent to the results which long investigations on 

 the subject have produced. This state of things is, no doubt, 

 owing to the want of a systematic series of observations in those 

 countries in which metamorphism is most strongly manifested, and 

 until this is accomplished we may be certain that the present 

 difference of opinion will prevail. With a view therefore to call 

 attention to a country where observation is most wanted, I am 

 induced to lay before the Institute the result of some investiga- 

 tions among metamorphic rocks in the northern settled districts 

 of South Australia, and while I state that I believe I have been 

 labouring in a place which offers a wide field for an experienced 



