PREFACE 
The readers of this work will observe that some new and modified views of 
geological phenomena have been introduced. This has not been from any desire 
of novelty or notoriety, but with a conviction that they explain more satisfactorily 
the geological problems with which they are connected, and with a sincere desire 
to attain to a knowledge of truth in the works of nature. The facts now known 
are believed to be sufficient to render the conclusions highly probable. Investiga¬ 
tions will be made by others to test the facts and conclusions, and I trust this 
work may aid in throwing light on some of the physical causes of geological 
phenomena, and lead to a solution of some of the problems of geology. It is 
scarcely possible that the conclusions arrived at from a review of the various 
facts adduced and known, will stand the test of time unmodified; as almost all the 
theories that have heretofore been given, have been found imperfect or erroneous 
as knowledge of the earth’s structure has progressed. The evidences are often 
imperfect or local, and often those parts of the country, continent, hemisphere, 
or of the earth where the decisive evidence rests, remain either unexplored, or 
have been so slightly examined as to afford nothing satisfactory. I have no theo¬ 
retical hobby to maintain, and have been uninfluenced by any theories of others. 
The views of one of my colleagues are different on some of the problems of 
geology, as I have just learned by seeing his published works. Time will de¬ 
termine who is right; and the author, if wrong, will, without hesitation, yield the 
point. Prof. E. Emmons has discussed the long and still vexed question of the 
age of the Taconic rocks (the peculiar slates, limestones, etc. along the eastern 
line of New-York, from Lake Champlain to the Highlands). He has the advan¬ 
tage of having lived on and among them, and of exploring them with much 
minuteness during many years, and probably every geologist from examining them 
where he has, would arrive at the same conclusion as to their age. He admits 
[Geol. 1st Dist.] 2 
