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this deposit is evidently of post glacial date, it is in direct 
opposition to the theory of Professor Phillips ; and in addi- 
tion to this fact, they were apparently associated with the 
works of man. Such disclosures, therefore, show us plainly 
that, even in geology, we have much to learn as well as to 
unlearn, and how necessary it is to be open to conviction, 
even when opposed to generally received theories. 
The theory which I am endeavouring to establish is 
simply this : — That when we find the bones of extinct 
animals of a supposed remote period associated with those 
of Molluscous animals of genera or species equally extinct, 
it is perfectly logical to suppose that all are of the same age, 
from the fact that all have shared the same fate, and alike 
ceased to exist ! When again we find the remains of animals 
also extinct, but of genera well known, associated with those 
of animals still living and indigenous to Britain, and also 
with mollusca and plants still common in the district, — Is it 
not equally logical to reason that these are also of the same 
age ? And further, if we find the skeletons of some of these 
extinct animals with portions of their integuments, as skin, 
and hair, still adhering to their bones, — the contents of their 
stomachs undestroyed, — or their remains associated with the 
works of man, — does it not suggest a reasonable doubt whether 
the life periods of such animals may not be less ancient than 
is generally attributed to them? and from such instances 
which have occurred in various places, I shall adduce a few 
well authenticated examples in support of my position. 
In 1715, in digging for the foundation for a mill near the 
side of a brook, at Maghery, within eight miles of Bulturbet, 
the bones of a Mammoth were found lying four feet beneath 
the surface on a bed of stiff blue clay, covered over with 
ferns, rushes, branches of trees, and nut shells. The clay 
divided into layers, between each of which the seeds of the 
rushes occurred as fresh as if new pulled, from whence it 
