Mr. Horner on the Mhieralogy of the Malvern Hills. 321 



but the granite which raised these strata from their horizontal posi- 

 tion having burst forth, the force ceased, and the red sandstone 

 remained undisturbed. The disappearance of it on the western side 

 may be accounted for, from its being of a very loose friable texture 

 and if it was much broken during its elevation, it would be easily 

 disintegrated, and gradually washed away. Perhaps it may be found 

 -covering these strata, further to the w^estward than my observations 

 extended, and where the disturbance was not so great. It covers a 

 great extent of country in Shropshire, considerably to the westward 

 of the line of the Malvern Hills. 



As I have related the facts I observed, independently of any theory, 

 if they are at all valuable in the geological history of this country, 

 their value will remain undiminished, whether the speculations I have 

 entered into are just or fallacious. If the geologist strictly guards 

 himself against the influence of theory in his observations of nature, 

 and faithfully records what he has seen, there is no danger of his 

 checking the progress of science, however much he may indulge i« 

 the speculative views of his subject. 



^1 s 



