4 NEGLECT OF THE STUDY OF THE PRIMARY ROCKS. [Ch. I. than it would otherwise possess. Indeed, without such an introduction, the succeeding theoretical discussion -would not be generally understood: for the granitic formations have not been carefully studied by all the cultivators of geology during the last twenty years; and even now they attract little at tention, as is clearly demonstrated by the brief and un satisfactory manner in which they are sketched in the recent, and otherwise excellent, works of De la Beche and Lyell. Dr. Macculloch, indeed, during the early part of the period specified, continued to enrich this branch of the science with a vast body of facts, to which I am indebted lor numerous and most important illustrations: but, with this exception, no geologist of note, in this country, has published any minute and descriptive details concerning the primary rocks; all have been absorbed in the pursuit of the wonderful and fascinating knowledge unfolded by the fossiliferous strata. This predilection in favour of a new study, which gave access to unexplored regions, abounding in valuable productions, is not surprising; but, now that time and successful researches have somewhat satiated the vehement curiosity at first ex cited, it may be hoped that the other department ot the science will no longer be regarded as uninteresting or un fashionable; but that each will equally be the subject of active and patient investigations. There is reason to expect that this desideratum is on the eve of being accomplished; for Professor Sedgwick, in his address to the Geological Society in 1830, pointed out and advocated the importance of the study of the older rocks. And he has also added example to precept: for some time past he has been, and is still, engaged in exploring the intermediate or transition rocks, the debateable land on the confines of the primary formations. Nor must it be forgotten, that De la Beche has been occupied during the last two years in the examination of Devonshire; so that the primary rocks must necessarily come under his observation: and that they will receive a careful investigation may be expected, not only from