TO THE READER.
Deeply impressed with the conviction that it is of the highest importance the young and inquiring mind should have a correct idea of natural phenomena—that it should not be left to its own unaided efforts to unravel the mysteries of the beautiful world in which this first state of being is destined to be passed—or have its curiosity stifled or misled by unsatisfactory or erroneous conjectures—I have endeavoured in this little work to explain in a simple and attractive guise, some of the grand truths relating to the ancient physical history of our planet, which modern geology has established.
The favourable reception of these desultory "Thoughts" which were originally penned for the amusement and instruction of an intelligent boy, is a gratifying proof that the attempt has not been unsuccessful; and I would fain indulge the hope, that this "First Lesson in Geology" may still be productive of good, by exciting in some youthful minds a desire for the acquisition of natural knowledge; and inculcating the important truth, that He who formed the Universe has created nothing in vain; that His works all harmonize to blessings unbounded by the mightiest or most minute of His creatures; and that the more our knowledge is increased, and our powers of observation are enlarged, the more exalted will be our conception of His wondrous works.
Chester Square,
Pimlico.