14 



Again, as we find first living, then bleached, and lastly 

 fossilized corals and shells in those beds near the sea, and 

 observe them gradually falling to decay as we advance inland, 

 we must believe that their death, by change of level, is 

 attributable to elevation, and not depression. We have thus 

 established by its organic forms the slow elevation of a zone 

 bordering the present high- water line, but the microscopist 

 alone can tell whether in the various inland marls any trace 

 of marine origin can be found, to prove that they are 

 formed from similar decomposed materials, 



Now these fossils are of existing species (for the most 

 part, if not entirely), and are of such mollusca as we generally 

 find on coral reefs at this day ; for though I have failed to 

 find many on the present south-western coast, yet I have 

 specimens of them from other parts of the Island. As we 

 look at any series dug near the sea we find traces of colour 

 on Nassae and others, which are in good condition, but as we 

 advance inland we find them gradually more and more 

 coiroded, until we cease to recognize them at all within a 

 mile of the coast. 



These fossiliferous coral marl deposits, or, if we prefer 

 the name, these decayed reefs and lagoon beds, all occur in 

 open places where vegetation has not yet penetrated deep into 

 them ; wherever it has, the fossils seem to corrode at once, 

 and we fail at first sight, to recognize marine origin. Thus 

 the beds of lagoons contain the most perfect shells, 

 &c, sedge covered marshes rank next, and wherever trees 

 begin to grow fossils disappear. In no place are any such 

 tertiary deposits many 'yards deep, and under all suitable 

 circumstances they are penetrable by vegetation. 



Now as we find the fossils only in Lagoons, &c. ? and 



