a Theory of the Earth . 107 
to considerable distances be considered as a general phe- 
nomenon ? or, is it only a particular phenomenon, aris- 
ing from some local cause ? 
9. Can it be believed that such of those blocks as at 
present occupy elevated sites on mountains, have been 
transported by billows or waves, which raised them gra- 
dually from the bottom of the valleys, and that they must 
at first have descended to these elevated situations.* 
10. Or was it by enormous tides, of eight hundred 
toises, for example, that these blocks were transported to 
the tops of the mountains ? 
CHAP. IX. 
On Mountains in general. 
1. To consider whether a mountain be insulated, or 
whether it forms part of an assemblage of mountains 
connected with each other in the form of groups or 
chains. 
2. If it be a group, to determine its form and dimen- 
sions, and the manner in which its parts are connected. 
8. If it be a chain, to determine its direction, its 
breadth, and its extent; whether it be single or com- 
pound ; and, in the latter case, the nature and disposi- 
tion of the partial chains which enter into its composi- 
tion. 
4. If a mountain be insulated or considered separate- 
ly from its chain, or the group of which it forms a part, 
to determine its form, its height, and other dimensions. 
5. To determine the form and situation of its summit 
or most elevated part ; those of its declivities and bot- 
tom. 
* May not the transportation of these blocks* at least in cold countries, be 
ascribed sometimes to floating ice ? Til. 
