RECENT ORIGIN OF MAN. 
359 
THE FOOT OF THE DODO 
u’hich is still jireserved in the British Museum. 
Another highly interesting and important fact is 
proved by the phenomena that have been pre- 
sented to our examination, namely, the compara- 
tively recent period at which man became an in- 
habitant of the earth, and exercised dominion over 
the animal creation ; a fact in strict accordance 
with those sacred records which reveal the moral 
obligations and destiny of the human race. 
With these observations I conclude this volume ; 
entreating the indulgence of the geologist for much 
prolixity on subjects with which he was already 
familiar, but which without such detail would have 
presented but little interest to many ; and assuring 
the general reader who may feel desirous of further 
information, that the more he becomes acquainted 
with the nature and objects of geological enquiries, 
the more he will find them to possess in an eminent 
degree the charms and advantages which are so 
eloquently described by Sir John Herschel, as being 
A A 4 
