117 



angles of elevation, taken at determinate stations, 

 would solve this question more clearly than a 

 complete trigonometrical survey, the result of 

 which is affected by the errors, which may take 

 place both in the measurement of the basis, and 

 in that of the oblique angles. 



When we consider the physiognomy of the 

 mountains on each continent, we discover an 

 analogy of form, which we could not have ex- 

 pected, if we reflect on the concurrence of the 

 forces, which in the primitive world have acted 

 tumultuously on the softened surface of our 

 planet. The fire of volcanoes raises cones of 

 ashes and pumice stones, where it penetrates 

 through a crater ; immense swellings, like domes 

 of extraordinary magnitude, seem owing to the 

 expansive force only of the elastic vapours ; 

 earthquakes have raised up strata full of sea- 

 shells ; and the basins which now form circular 

 vallies, or elevated plains surrounded by moun- 

 tains, have been furrowed by the currents of the 

 sea. Each country of the Globe has its peculiar 

 physiognomy ; but amidst these characteristic 

 features, which bestow such a richness and va- 

 riety on the face of nature, we are struck with a 

 resemblance of form, founded on an identity of 

 jocal causes and circumstances. When we sail 

 amid the Canary islands, and observe the basal- 

 tic cones of Lanzerota, of Alegranza, and of 

 Graciosaj we seem to view the group of the 



