On the Red Marl Formation of Mysore. 33 



because that distinguished philosopher, from being better 

 acquainted with the extensive alpine and rocky districts of 

 Europe, has tacitly acknowledged himself incapable of des- 

 cribing the active causes employed by the Creator in forming 

 those portions of the globe which he had carefully, but only 

 superficially examined ; such at least we must consider to be 

 the spirit of Macculloch's remark, " that after twelve years 

 more experience Saussure died and made no sign." 



Dr. Boase in describing Cornwall has pointed out many 

 phenomena quite incompatible with prevailing theories, and 

 also by references to the works of other writers has shewn 

 that the same phenomena may be observed in other parts. 



The circumstances pointed out by Dr. Boase have obliged 

 Professor Philips to acknowledge, that " we may freely 

 admit that they in some cases point to agencies not yet 

 familiar to our philosophy ; that a full examination of the 

 whole series of granites, porphyries, serpentines, and killas, 

 and of the disseminated and venigenous minerals in them, 

 will kindle a brilliant light in the most secret laboratoi'y of 

 nature ; but one thing is wanting, an exact description of all 

 the characteristic facts observable in each particular case, 

 without the adornment of theory or the disarray of new no- 

 menclature, (Encyclopaedia Metropolitana — Geology). This 

 candid acknowledgment from one of the first professors of 

 the science is, I consider, as great a concession as could be 

 expected from a professed theorist, and would seem to con- 

 fess that geologists in describing primary formations have 

 thought too much about theories, and too little of giving 

 exact descriptions. 



In South India, the primary and granitic formations are 

 developed in such vast extent, that the most casual observer 

 cannot fail to collect the most useful information; and did 

 geologists in that part of the country display a little more 

 energy in appreciating the advantages they have at com- 

 mand, there can be little doubt that in a few years they 



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