INFERENCES. 
131 
amidst whose remains these rolled stones 
occur. The irresistible conviction from 
such instances of the regular growth, deray, 
death, mtombment, induration, elevation, 
erosion, and second deposit of these plants, 
is strengthened by the aspect of the whole ; 
and extended by proofs of successive similar 
operations, to a period embarrassing to our 
contemplation as we measure the past by 
the present. 
“ One part, one little part, we dimly scan, 
Thro’ the dark medium of life’s feverish dream. 
Yet dare arraign the whole stupendous plan, 
If but that little part incongruous seem; 
Nor is that part perhaps what mortals deem. 
Oft from apparent ill our blessings rise. 
0 then renounce that impious self-esteem. 
That aims to trace the secrets of the skies, 
For thou art but of dust, be humble andbe wise.”— Beattie. 
The beds of coal exhibit on their upper 
surfaces proofs of the action of floods in 
scooping channels and hollows now filled 
up by the materials of the superincumbent 
strata. It is clear therefore that there must 
have been consolidation of the successive 
layers, and then violent streams breaking off 
fragments, forming pebbles, gravel and 
