18 



THE GEOLOGIST, 



tological evidence, are we to draw a line of demarcation in the 

 Palaeozoic Rocks ? 



THE COMMON FOSSILS OF THE BRITISH ROCKS. 

 By S. J. Mackie, Esq., F.G.S. ; F.S.A.; &c. &c. 



CHAPTER I. 



The nature of Fossils and their value. 



In a magazine devoted especially to the propagation of 

 Geological knowledge, it seems no infringement of its space, no 

 deterioration of its value, that some pains should be taken to aid 

 the student in his early efforts, and to disperse broadcast some 

 useful elementary information, which may prove to the mass at 

 once a source of instruction and of enjoyment, and so, by 

 dealing the road to future and higher studies, may foster 

 a dawning taste, and ultimately prove the means of adding many 

 volunteers, and not unhkely even some brilliant master-minds to 

 the ranks of Geologists, that other\^dse, deterred at the outset, 

 might perhaps have turned their attention and talents to some 

 more accessible, if not more congenial study. 



Who does not feel some interest in the past history of this beau- 

 tiful world — the scene of our labours and of our loves — of our suc- 

 cesses and of our failures — the stage of our existence and the tomb 

 of our dust ? If the animated creations of the past were dumb brute 

 animals, still the earth was green and gay with trees, and plants 

 and flowers — the hum of insects vibrated on the summer's air, 

 and the snows of winter covered the ancient lands with their 

 hyemal mantle — the tides of ocean rose and fell, and the world 

 went rolling on through time and space, through years and seasons. 

 There were earthquakes then and blazing volcanos — and winds 

 and storms — great waves and merry dancing ripples on the sea. 

 Even more beautiful tlien, perhaps, in its wildness, was this 

 beautiful world, e'er the voice of gladness had cheered it, or 



