27 
of geological terms, & c. : also the proofs of the origin of stratified 
rocks, resulting from degradation of the land, produced by the 
action of rain, rivers, frosts, glaciers, icebergs, accumulations of 
organic debris, &c. The nature of aqueous denudation, including 
the destruction of land by the sea, is explained, together with the 
general formation of continents and islands, mountain chains, 
table lands, and the different kinds of valleys. In connection 
with these subjects, the transport of matter by rivers, both me- 
chanically and in solution, the formation of deltas, &c., and the 
general accumulation of great deposits of marine and freshwater 
strata are examined. The theory of the origin of salt lakes is 
considered ; also, the detailed proofs that large areas of the 
earth's surface are now being elevated above, or depressed be- 
neath the sea. The relations of coral reefs and of earthquake 
and volcanic phenomena to this branch of the subject are dis- 
cussed. The theory of volcanoes and the analogies between 
existing volcanic phenomena and those of past geological periods 
are traced. The mode of occurrence of organic remains in the 
rocks, the fossilization of organic substances, and the consolidation 
of strata form other branches of this division of the course. 
The second part includes the theory of the metamorphism of 
rocks with the origin of gneiss, granite, &c. Also a description of 
the whole series of geological formations, in stratigraphical order, 
beginning with the oldest known rocks and passing through the 
Palaeozoic or Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and more recent 
deposits. In this part of the course the manner of deposition of 
the various formations is described, the nature of their organic 
remains, the igneous rocks with which they are occasionally 
associated ; and the origin and distribution of coal, the useful 
metals, rock-salt, the building stones, limestones, clays, &c. The 
laws by which questions connected with these and other im- 
portant subjects are determinable are explained, as well as the 
connection of Geology with Physical Geography. 
An account is also given of the use of instruments, of the mode 
of conducting geological surveys, and, under certain conditions, 
field excursions will be made for the purpose of affording practical 
illustrations of the subjects lectured upon. 
