To the latter class of observers, as well as to those who have hitherto bestowed no attention on the subject, this little work is more especially addressed: it having been the object to present the leading features of Geology in a simple and concise form: embracing a systematic arrangement (as far as at present determined) of the rocks and strata of the earth's crust, and a general view of its fossil organic contents. In treatises on Geology, the descending series, or commencing from the latest geological period, is very usually adopted: but the highly interesting views afforded by the successive introduction (in organic nature) of genera and species gradually drawing nearer and more near to existing races of creatures, as we approach the era of man's creation, have induced the writer to make choice of the ascending series; and to conclude with some account of the Recent Period. In the Preliminary Discourse, an attempt has been made to call the reader's attention to the nature and advantages of Geology, with the view of rendering the subject more interesting to all; and in the hope that, should this little treatise fall into the hands of any who consider this science as trivial and unimportant, such may be led to regard it in a light more in accordance with its actual value. It would have been highly satisfactory to have referred to the various authorities consulted in this work. It has, however, been deemed advisable to avoid the numerous references which this would necessarily have entailed. The Author, therefore, must rest contented with a general acknowledgment of the obligation due to the valuable works of Adolphe Brongniart, Buckland, Cuvier, De la Beche, Ehrenberg, Lyell, Mantell, Murchison, Phillips, Sedgwick, Whewell, &c.; as well as to numerous other authors who have made important communications to the Geological Society, Royal Society, British Association of Science; to the London and Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine, the Magazine of Popular Science, Geographical Journal, &c. &c. In offering to the public a third edition of 'RECREATIONS IN GEOLOGY,' no further notice will be required, than a brief intimation that such additions have been made to the work, as recent discoveries, and the progressive state of the science, have appeared to demand. February, 1852. R. M. Z. |