542 Remarks on Dr. Boase's Primary Geology. 



" The granitic formations have not been carefully studied by all 

 the cultivators of Geology during the last twenty years : and even 

 now they attract little attention, as is clearly demonstrated by the 

 brief and unsatisfactory manner in which they are sketched in the 

 recent and otherwise excellent works of De la Beche and Lyell. 

 Dr. Macculloch, during the earlier part of the period specified, con- 

 tinued to enrich this branch of the science with a vast body of facts, 

 to which I am indebted for numerous and most important illustra- 

 tions : but with this exception no Geologist of note, in this country, 

 has published any minute and descriptive details concerning the 

 primary rocks ; all have been absorbed in the pursuit of the wonder- 

 ful and fascinating knowledge unfolded by the fossiliferous strata." 



Also : 



" In most of the lately published geological accounts of coun- 

 tries we look in vain for details concerning primary rocks : we some- 

 times indeed learn, that such and such a district consists of granite ; 

 but cannot collect any information concerning its composition, or 

 the manner in which its varieties are associated together." 



Also : 



" This deficiency is attributable to two causes : first, to the indis- 

 position of Geologists to enter into mineralogical minutiae, which they 

 have hitherto considered in this country to be comparatively unim- 

 portant ; and secondly, to the want of such favourable opportunities for 

 investigation as occur in the cliffs of Cornwall." 



In remarking on the advantages of the study of the pri- 

 mary rocks, the author quotes De la Beche : 



" The inferior stratified rocks may not at first be so attractive as 

 the contemplation of the varied forms of organic life, and the proba- 

 ble conditions under which it may have existed ; but it will never- 

 theless be found equally, if not more, delightful, as the enquirer 

 obtains more certain results, from the investigation being conducted 

 through the medium of the exact sciences." 



Upon the effect produced by a constant reference to 

 theoretic system, it is remarked, that, 



