320 
eating the nature of the earth's surface in relation to agri- 
culture, they are still more important as regards the general 
nature of geological structure, and more especially the 
position and inclination of such rocks as are connected 
with mineral treasures. Geology is a science of facts, and 
the accumulation of well ascertained data is the surest, 
indeed the only way to arrive at correct conclusions. It 
will, therefore, appear at once that a collection of accurate 
sections cannot fail to throw much light on all investiga- 
tions of geological structure. Who that has had even the 
passing glance which a railway transit affords of the mag- 
nificent sections on the North Midland Railway, but must 
be convinced of the importance of having them transferred 
to paper, and preserved as one of the most instructive 
lessons which art has yet afforded to the geologist and 
miner I while the extensive mining operations, which have 
been commenced by Mr. George Stephenson, point out 
more strongly than any comment, the close connection which 
exists between an exact knowledge of the conditions of strata 
and those subterranean operations which are essential to our 
existence as a nation. 
The importance of preserving mining records has been 
duly appreciated by the British Association, and very satis- 
factory progress has been made by the Committee appointed 
by that body, at Newcastle, in 1838. Arrangements have 
been made in connection with the Museum of Economic 
Geology, under the able superintendence of Mr. De la Beche, 
and the subject will doubtless ere long receive the attention 
which it deserves, as one of the elements of our commercial 
greatness. To such records of the deep and rarely acces- 
sible parts of the mineral strata, the sections of railway 
cuttings, and of borings and sinkings, are a most useful 
auxiliary, and both are entitled to the attention not only of 
scientific bodies and parties locally interested, but to the 
