Ch.XIII.] ON THE NATURE OF INCLINED STRATA. 257 CHAPTER XIII. HAVE THE PRIMARY SCHISTOSE ROCKS BEEN ELEVATED INTO THEIR PRESENT INCLINED POSITIONS BY PLUTONIC AGENCY ? Points proposed for discussion — tlie proofs of elevation — and the existence of an elevating power. — Position of tubulites in the strata of Shropshire. — Elevated strata of conglomerates — in Suffolk—at Helford Harbour—at Bad-na-Bae.— Inclined fan-shaped strata of Caithness—depositions on inclined planes — calcareous grit of Falagonia — shingle strata of Monte Calvo. — Inclined strata of vast extent. — The vertical strata of the Isle of Wight. — The nature of igneous elevations. — Igneous operations now in action — earthquakes — volcanos — elevation-craters not generally admitted. — Changes in the relative level of sea and land. — Temple of Serapis — coast of Chili — ancient beaches — subsidence of the Baltic — sea-cliffs and caves, inland — submarine forests. — Phenomena of trap-rocks — their position in the strata of Sicily— Skye — and Pembrokeshire. — Protrusion of granite — in a fluid and solid state — disputed — De Beaumont’s Theory — Position of strata next granite — not always easily determined. — The bearings of primary strata not obvious — layers of these rocks threefold — continuous with those of granite. — Conclusions. Fiie fate of many geological speculations depends on the determination of the question which is about to engage our attention. For the sake of the general reader, it may be observed, that the prevalent opinion, at present, is, that the strata were originally horizontal; and that their departure from this position, indicates that they have been elevated by some subterranean power, such as the upheaving and protrud ing of granite, or some other ignigenous rock. A contrary opinion lias been sometimes advocated: and it will be the object of this chapter to enquire, whether the evidence already collected will enable us to draw any satisfactory conclusion on this subject. In our endeavours to dispute that the primary strata, s now