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THE GEOLOGIST. 11 



whence it seems to emanate. When the Geologist reasons from 

 well-estabHshed facts, which are open to all who choose to grasp 

 them, he need not be afraid of the ignorant prejudices and false 

 accusations which have sometimes assailed him. Truth is ever 

 stronger than fiction, and must prevail ; its voice will make itself 

 heard in spite of opposition. 



The Geologist stands upon a rock, and declares boldly whence 

 it has been derived, and what it contains, even though it may be 

 far removed from its parent source ; his marvellous revelations 

 seem Hke the wonders of some fairy tale, so strange and yet so 

 true, so startling and yet so imperishable. He touches the earth 

 with the magician's wand, and from it, at his bidding, spring forth 

 mighty monsters of the deep, reptiles of gigantic dimensions, 

 flying lizards of uncouth form, fish and shells, corals and sea 

 plants, unlike their living congeners, but fulfilling a very important 

 part in the history of the past, which would have been altogether 

 lost and unknown except for the unlooked-for discoveries Avhich 

 Geology has of late years achieved. It is truly wonderful to see 

 how from rude fragments of bone, mere remnants of a skeleton 

 which once had Ufe, the size and form, the structure and habits of 

 the entire animal can be determmed, and its restoration so far 

 completed. 



These are some among the many marvels of the Science; 

 more might be added, for every day brings forth new facts of 

 greater or less importance, which may hereafter be turned to 

 practical account, but enough, we think, has now been said 

 (however imperfectly) to shew that Geology claims and deserves a 

 place second only to Astronomy itself, and that its utility and 

 attractiveness will rather increase than diminish, as long as its 

 reasonings are kept within the bounds of a sober philosophy, and 

 are carried on in a spirit of honest and generous rivalry. Truth 

 is the motto which should be engraven on the hammer of the 

 Geologist; it will then strike with a truer aim and better 

 results, and his studies will not be selfish and unmeaning, but will 

 produce the noblest ends which human learning can effect, 

 namely, the glory of God, and the welfare of his fellow- creatures. 



