386 E.. Hitchcock on the Metamorphism of 
glomerates into the lamin of schistsshould be pronounced prepos- 
terous by able geologists. So the idea seemed to us at first, 
when the facts forced it upon our attention. But as the facts 
compelled us to give up our scepticism, so we think it will be 
with any candid mind. Looking at almost any specimen of 
' the taleose conglomerate schist, on the edge corresponding to the 
dip (B fig. 9,) we should see nothing but alternating lamin of 
quartz and talc, or mica, and pronounce it a good example of the 
rock which we have called, and which is generally called, talcose 
schist. But a fracture at right angles reveals the flattened peb- 
bles (A fig. 9), and shows us that their edges are what we have 
regarded as laminw. Let the process of flattening be carried a 
As has been repeatedly stated, most of the pebbles in the Ver- 
mont rock are quite pure quartz, having often more or less of a 
vitreous aspect., In fact it is nearly pure silex; and it is that 
form of silex which is absolutely insoluble in anything but hy- 
drofluoric acid; nor can we suppose the presence of any heat 
high enough to melt it, without completely destroying the forms 
of the pebbles. Yet the evidence that they have been in a plas- 
tic state so as to be molded by pressure is too decided to be 
resisted. How then have they been softened? 
Let us recur to the conglomerate at Newport. . Most of the 
But suppose the silicates in the form of pebbles to be per- 
: ; ing alkalies, could their bases be ab- 
stracted without entirely peeeangeie form of the pebbles? 
done, if ept 
