We may smile at the ignorance of the inhabitants of the fabled cities, but are we in a condition to give a more satisfactory reply should it be inquired of us, "What are the physical changes which the country you inhabit has undergone?"—and yet cautious observation, and patient and unprejudiced investigation, are alone necessary to enable us to answer the interrogation.
Dismissing from his mind all preconceived opinions, the student must be prepared to learn that the earth's surface has been, and still is, subject to perpetual mutation,—that the sea and land are continually changing place,—that what is now dry land was once the bottom of the deep, and that the bed of the present ocean will, in its turn, be elevated above the water and become land,—that all the solid materials of the globe have been in a softened, fluid, or gaseous state,—that the relics of countless myriads of animals and plants are entombed in the rocks and strata,—and that vast mountain-chains, and extensive regions, are wholly composed of the petrified remains of beings that lived and died in periods long antecedent to the creation of the human race. Astounding as are these propositions, they rest upon evidence so clear and incontrovertible, that they cannot fail to be admitted by every intelligent and unprejudiced reader, who will bestow but a moderate share of attention to the examination of the phenomena, of which the following pages present a familiar exposition.
I cannot conclude these introductory observations, without adverting to the incalculable benefits which result from scientific pursuits in general, and of Geology in particular. An able modern writer has justly remarked:—"It is fearfully true, that nine-tenths of the immorality which pervades the better classes of society, originate from the want of an interesting occupation to fill up the vacant time; and as the study of the natural sciences is as attractive as it is beneficial, it must necessarily exert a moral and even religious influence upon the young and inquiring mind. The youth who is fond of scientific pursuits will not enter into revelry, for frivolous or vicious excitements will have no fascination for him. The overflowing cup, the unmeaning or dishonest game, will not entice him. If any one doubts the beneficial influence of these studies on the morals and character, I would ask him to point out the immoral young man who is devotedly attached to any branch of natural science: I never knew such an one. There may be such individuals—for religion only can change the heart—but if there be, they are very rare exceptions; and the loud clamours which are always raised against the man of science who errs, prove how rarely the study of the works of the Creator fails to exert an ennobling effect upon a well-regulated mind. Fortunate, indeed, are the youth of either sex, who early imbibe a taste for natural knowledge, and whose predilections are not thwarted by injudicious friends."
And while Geology exerts this hallowing influence on the character, it possesses the great advantage of presenting subjects adapted to every capacity; on some of its investigations the highest intellectual powers and the most profound acquirements in exact science are required; while many of its problems may be solved by any one who has eyes and will use them; and innumerable facts illustrative of the ancient condition of our planet, and of its inhabitants, may be gathered by any diligent and intelligent observer.
But it is surely unnecessary to dwell on the interest and importance of a study, which instructs us that every pebble we tread upon bears the impress of the Almighty's hand, and affords evidence of Creative wisdom; that every grain of sand, every particle of dust scattered by the wind, may be composed of the aggregated skeletons of beings, so minute as to elude our unassisted vision, but which possessed an organization as marvellous as our own;—a science whose discoveries have realized the wildest imaginings of the poet,—whose realities far surpass in grandeur and sublimity the most imposing fictions of romance;—a science, whose empire is the earth, the ocean, the atmosphere, the heavens;—whose speculations embrace all elements, all space, all time;—objects the most minute, objects the most colossal;—carrying its researches into the smallest atom which the microscope can render accessible to our visual organs,—and comprehending all the phenomena in the boundless Universe, which the powers of the telescope can reveal.
And as no branch of natural philosophy can more strongly impress the mind with that deep sense of humility and dependence, which the contemplation of the works of the Eternal is calculated to inspire, so none can more powerfully encourage our aspirations after truth and wisdom. Every walk we take offers subjects for profound meditation,—every pebble that attracts our notice, matter for serious reflection; and contemplating the incessant dissolution and renovation which are taking place around us in the organic and inorganic kingdoms of nature, we are struck with the force and beauty of the exclamation of the poet—
"My heart is awed within me, when I think
Of the great miracle which still goes on
In silence round me—the perpetual work
Of Thy Creation, finished, yet renewed
For ever!