446 
Geology of Norfolk. 
a limited district, unaided by those general principles, deduced 
from more extended observation, which he brought to the so- 
lution of the question. 
The relations existing between the geological structure of a 
district and the system of agriculture pursued in it constituted a 
favourite point of view from which the father of English geology 
loved to contemplate the science which he had created ; and so 
intimately is the natural vegetation which a soil supports con- 
nected with its chemical composition, and this again with that of 
the rocks from which it is derived, that by these means alone he 
was not unfrequently enabled to define on his maps the limits 
of strata when not too much obscured by the detrital deposits. 
An eminent agriculturist and land-agent, having heard him ex- 
plain the structure of the Wiltshire hdls and vales, their relation 
to the neighbouring districts, and the influence of this structure 
on the system of culture pursued on them, exclaimed, "That is 
the only way to learn the true nature of soils." Even such 
sympathy," says Professor Phillips, the nephew and biographer 
of Smith, " was highly prized by the modest father of geology, 
who in later years, when that science had obtained a high degree 
of public favour, frequently recounted, among many mortifying 
instances of disregard, this apparently slight and solitary case of 
encouragement.' 
Fifty years have elapsed since this remark on the value of 
geological knowledge to practical men was uttered by a practical 
man; and how little progress has been made during that period 
in the work whicli Smith commenced, and which he had so much 
at heart — the application of geology to the improvement of tlie 
soil! This has arisen, not from the inability of geologists to 
afford assistance, but from the Utile encouragement they have 
received from agriculturists to pursue this course of investi- 
gation. We are now, however, at the commencement of a 
new era, when the economic value of science is beginning to be 
better appreciated. The number is increased of those, like 
Mr. Davis, who declared the road to the true knowledge of soils 
to lie through the paths of geology ; like Mr. Bevan, who requested 
of Smith a sight of his maps and sections, when he was folding 
them up, disheartened at the little attention which they received 
at an agricultural meeting; or like Sir John Johnston, the friend 
and patron of Smith's declining years, who engaged his services 
as land-steward to the Hackness estates. Still there are many 
who, if they dare not now openly denounce geology as a visionary 
speculation, are yet in their hearts incredulous as to its practical 
utility. Some there are who a few years ago would have been 
among the scorners, but who now, when science is rising in public 
estimation, are willing enough to partake the triumph, and with 
