98 On the Geognostical Phenomena 
And therefore, I shall only, in reference to the engraving-, 
(PI. III.) resume what has been advanced, and subjoin a few 
remarks. Both in the upper and undermost figure, a is the level 
of the sea, and b the elevation of the Temple above it. 
The centre figure represents the views we entertain. The 
line c indicates the filling up of the court of the Temple, which 
became afterwards the bottom of the lake ; and d the height at 
which the water stood in it. Between these two points the 
mussels took up their abode. The mound formed above and 
around the Temple, at the period of its being overwhelmed, 
is denoted by e ; and the columns and walls in the transverse 
section of the terrain are traced by dotted lines. 
In the under figure, where the cleared spaces are seen, the 
perforated part marked by dots, corresponds to the former lake 
c, d, and sets our explanation in a clear point of view. We have 
only to remark, that the exterior mason-work of the Temple 
will not be found so open as it is represented, for the sake of 
conformity, but is covered with rubbish, since the excavation 
was continued only so long as it answered the purpose for which 
it was begun. 
Were it necessary for me to add any thing more, it would be 
to give the reasons why I have not come forward with this ex- 
planation long ago. In this, as in other instances, I had con- 
vinced myself, and did not feel called upon, in this cavilling 
world, to undertake to convince others. When I published my 
Travels in Italy, I omitted this part of my Journal, because 
such a detail appeared to me unsuited to that work ; and there, 
also, the matter was merely noticed, and illustrated by a few 
strokes of the pen. 
But lately two circumstances have combined to induce me to 
make this disclosure, and to furnish me with the means of doing 
so. An equally friendly as expert architect, drew, after my 
slight hints, these parallel figures, which set the matter in a clear 
light, without any laboured explanation, and which, as they 
have been very neatly engraved by Schwerdtgeburth, will give 
satisfaction to all the friends of science. 
I was also excited by the hope, that Von Hof might take 
notice of the present case, in his invaluable work, by which he 
saves the intelligent inquirer so many unnecessary questions, in- 
