254 Mr. Webster on the Strata lying over the Chalk. 



In the smooth and undulating surface of the chalk hills, in the 

 banks of gravel of great extent, in the deep hollov/s often filled 

 up again by the detritus of regular strata, in the direction of the 

 principal ridges and valleys, we cannot but recognize the effect of 

 ivater^ the only agent which we know to be capable of producing 

 such appearances. 



But under v/hat influence has this power, fully equal to such a 

 purpose, been directed ? What could give sufficient energy to a 

 body at other times so tranquil ? These are questions of which the 

 complete solution will perhaps ever remain in obscurity. 



Yet already we have had sufficient proofs that the sea has not 

 always maintained the same relative level ; that it has alternately 

 risen and fallen ; although to ascertain the distance of time between 

 these changes be absolutely beyond the reach of human sagacity. 



Let us then imagine an ocean in a violent state of agitation. The 

 hills of chalk, and the last depositions of the globe are torn to 

 pieces ; the flints are dispersed and rounded by attrition against 

 each other; finally, currents carry them to great distances, and 

 lodge them in hollows worn by the waters, or form them into 

 ridges and other accumulations. Fragments of other rocks are in- 

 termixed ; forests are torn up and levelled, and, with the vegetable 

 soil, formed into morasses. The inhabitants of the land are de- 

 stroyed and buried deep in this dreadful ruin. But a more sur- 

 prizing revolution ensues. Disorder ends ; the waters retire ; the 

 northern continents are disclosed, become fitted for vegetation, and 

 are peopled by the tribes of animals which now inhabit them. 



