USES OF FRACTURES. 
153 
The inclination downwards of a vein or 
coal-bed, would soon carry it beyond the 
reach of our powers, but the fracture (or fault 
as it is termed) dislocates the mass, and 
brings it again into useful proximity to the 
surface level. The dykes of clay and por¬ 
phyry, if they obstruct the workman, yet 
they also obstruct his chief enemy the 
water, and thus operate as natural dams, 
which intercept and direct to the surface 
the subterranean streams which would 
otherwise immerse the mine beyond re¬ 
covery. 
An extended display of the mode in which 
the mineral riches of the globe are actually 
disposed, would constitute a description 
abounding with proofs of the actual wisdom 
of the arrangements of God, and the devout 
student will find these '' dark unfathomed 
caves ” as full of such gems as the better 
explored, and more attractive caskets on 
the earth’s surface. 
It appears to be impossible to contem¬ 
plate the mineral kingdom, without coming 
to conclusions concerning the attributes 
of the Creator, in harmony with those 
