THE GEOLOGIST. 
11 
whence it seems to emanate. When tlie Geologist reasons from 
well-established 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 like the wonders of some faiiy 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 which 
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 life, the size and form, the structure and habits of 
the entire animal can be determined, 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. 
