18 
THE GEOLOGIST. 
tological evidence, are we to draw a line of demarcation in tbe 
Paleozoic 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 oj 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 he taken to aid 
the student in his early efforts, and to disjierse broadcast some 
useful elementary information, which may prove to the mass at 
once a source of instruction and of enjoyment, and so, by 
clearing the road to future and higher studies, may foster 
a dawning taste, and ultimately prove the means of adding many 
volunteers, and not uuhkely even some brilliant master-minds to 
the ranks of Geologists, that otherwise, 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 iceve 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 feU, and the world 
went roUing 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 then, perhaps, in its wildness, was this 
beautiful world, e'er the voice of gladness had cheered it, or 
