a Theory of the Earth . &63 
5. Whether the large mountains composed of granite in 
one mass, even the best characterised, do not give certain 
indications of stratification or divisions by strata, though 
less regular than those of schistous mountains. 
6. Whether in the bases of granite mountains the mani- 
festation of strata be not hurt by the number of fissures, 
or spontaneous and irregular divisions. 
7- Whether, even in the separate blocks of granite, an 
attentive eye does not discover some veins of mica, which 
affect the same direction, and such veins as induce the 
workman, who wish to make mill-stones or other works 
more extensive in one direction than another, to prefer 
attacking the stone in a determined direction. 
8. Whether the indications of the stratification are not 
observed in the interior part of granite mountains, as well 
as near their surface. 
9. Whether among the granites in a mass, and 
those decidedly veined, there are not found such inter- 
mediary shades that it is difficult to mark the line of sep- 
aration. 
10. To determine the distinguishing characters of gra- 
nites of modern formation. 
1 1 . To ascertain the truth of the assertion of the Pli- 
ny of France, that in proportion as people dig into a 
mountain, the summit and sides of which consist of gra- 
nite, the granites, instead of being found more solid and 
more beautiful the farther they advance, change, on the 
contrary, below a certain depth, lose themselves, and at 
last vanish by gradually assuming the coarse ( brute ) na- 
ture of the live quartzy rock *. 
12. Whether it be true that each primitive mountain is 
generally composed of one single stone, and of the same 
nature. 
Mineraux, p. 105. 
