S96 On the Causes -which retard Geological Knowledge. 



seat within the line B, extending itself at a depth of one hundred 

 miles from the level of the sea. Mr. De la Beche ridicules the 

 " stupendous mountains" and " tremendous dislocations" of some 

 writers; and in truth, when we consider this Diagram, we are 

 not only apt to hold mountains, and earthquakes^ and fissures 

 very cheap, but to wonder how it is that we are permitted to 

 keep possession so quietly. Gur readers, however, will not take 

 alarm at our A's and B's and C's; they know that there is a 

 power both wise and benevolent that controls the fearful agents 

 appointed to work his will. These, whilst they beautifully dis- 

 pose the surface of the earth for our benefit and enjoyment, re- 

 member the voice, " thus far and no farther." With great con- 

 fidence, therefore, we may all say with the psalmist, " Therefore 

 will we not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the 

 hills be carried into the midst of the sea ; though the waters rage 

 and swell, and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the 

 same." 



Note. — Lest it should be supposed that some of the language 

 of this Essay has been borrowed, without acknowledgment, from 

 geological writings heretofore published, where the name of the 

 writer may not have been affixed; the Editor requests those 

 who may observe any coincidence of this kind, to believe, that 

 he never quotes from a previous publication without acknow- 

 ledgment, except where he has been the unknown author. 



ON THE CAUSES WHICH RETARD GEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE. 

 (From a correspondent, dated London, October 12, 1831.) 



" I take great pleasure in speaking encouragingly to you, of 

 the success of your Journal in England. I am sure you will be 

 satisfied with the various commendations it has received. The 

 review of your first number, in the Philosophical Magazine for 

 this month, is conclusive as to its reception here ; and I think 

 your numbers for August and September sustain well the praises 

 which it has amply given to that for July. American geology 

 has been in such a state of confusion, and we have been so much 

 in the dark about it, that we are very much gratified in the 

 prospect before us, of having the geological facts of your country 

 brought intelligently out ; and I know that this feeling is partaken 



