SO 8 Dr Fleming on the Geological Deluge . 
gravel and clay which contain fossil bones, but has success- 
fully explored many caves which he considers as having been 
the dens of antediluvian animals. The results of these inquiries 
he has published in his 44 Reliquiae Diluvianae,” in which he 
considers geology as 44 attesting the action of an universal de- 
luge.” This work, like the 44 Theory” of Cuvier, has greatly 
contributed to render the science of geology popular, by bring- 
ing it into favour with the Church, and even securing the coun- 
tenance of the drawing-room. The general reader has been 
charmed with the novel scenes which it discloses, while the 
Christian has hailed it with joy, as offering a valuable testimo- 
nial to the authority of revelation. 
To my 44 Remarks illustrative of the influence of Society on 
the Distribution of British Animals,” inserted in No. XXII. of 
this Journal, Professor Buckland has conceived it necessary to 
make a 44 Reply,” which has a place in No. XXIV. In this 
communication, he continues to advocate the opinions which he 
had advanced in the 44 Reliquiae Diluvianae,” and attempts to 
obviate some of the objections which had been, incidentally* 
stated against them. 
In an inquiry of this kind, regarded as highly interesting to 
the philosopher and the Christian, it seems requisite to exercise 
extreme caution. The fate of former theories in geology, which 
professed to explain the phenomena of nature, and to strengthen 
the authority of revelation, but which inquiry demonstrated to 
be visionary, intimates the risk of error, and calls for a minute 
examination of the value of the proofs adduced. I enter up- 
on this inquiry as one deeply interested in the authority of re- 
velation, and not indifferent to the progress of geological science. 
My remarks may not appear convincing, but they may excite 
that inquiry and discussion which lead to truth. It is impossi- 
ble, however, in a paper of this kind, to enter into all the details 
which the general reader would probably desire. The outlines 
only of the subject can be noticed. 
In reference to this important subject, two questions natural- 
ly occur to the mind : — 1. Does the character of any of the mem- 
bers of the modern strata demonstrate the occurrence of a uni- 
versal flood, as exclusively the agent in their formation ? — 
Does the character of the geological deluge, as supposed to be 
