32 



On the Red Marl* Formation of Mysore. By Captain 

 J. Campbell, Assistant Surveyor General, Madras Esta- 

 blishment. 



In the Madras Journal of Science I have already hazard- 

 ed publicly my opinion that writers on primary geology 

 have been too hasty in framing their theories of the oper- 

 ations of nature. It is fortunate that in this I stand not 

 alone, but have the able support of Dr. Boase of Cornwall, 

 and apparently of most of his associates in the Royal Geolo- 

 gical Society of that country, (vide Boase's Treatise on 

 Primary Geology, 1834). 



In Europe there are many tracts in which primary forma- 

 tions prevail, but none have yet been described in which 

 granite is the prevailing, and most apparent rock. When- 

 ever therefore granite and its associations are described, we 

 find the wildest and most contradictory opinions promul- 

 gated. 



Werner in first drawing attention to primary geology, from 

 the examination of a tract where tabular rocks prevail, was 

 naturally led to the Deposition and Aqueous theory. Hutton 

 and Play fair from the examination of the north of Scot- 

 land, where granite in its associations appears to form veins 

 in the adjacent rocks, of course hit upon the Igneous theory, 

 which, on the strong ground afforded by the tract selected, 

 was successfully maintained; and Macculloch in confining 

 himself to the same tract has collected also strong evidences 

 of the igneous action, but for want of a sufficiently extended 

 experience and acquaintance with like formations in other 

 countries, has committed himself in sneering at Saussure, 



* As this term is applied in England to certain beds of new red 

 sandstone containing calcareous conglomerate and nodules of lime- 

 stone, it is necessary to remark that the author uses it in a peculiar 

 sense, as explained in the sequel. — Ed. Cal. Journ. Nat. Hist. 



