Although in some respects more technical in their subjects and style thanDarwin’s “Journal,” the books here reprinted will never losetheir value and interest for the originality of the observations they contain.Many parts of them are admirably adapted for giving an insight into problemsregarding the structure and changes of the earth’s surface, and in factthey form a charming introduction to physical geology and physiography in theirapplication to special domains. The books themselves cannot be obtained formany times the price of the present volume, and both the general reader, whodesires to know more of Darwin’s work, and the student of geology, whonaturally wishes to know how a master mind reasoned on most importantgeological subjects, will be glad of the opportunity of possessing them in aconvenient and cheap form.
The three introductions, which my friend Professor Judd has kindly furnished,give critical and historical information which makes this edition of specialvalue.
G.T.B.
CHAPTER I.
ON THE ELEVATION OF THE EASTERN COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA.
Upraised shells of La Plata.—Bahia Blanca, Sand-dunes andPumice-pebbles.—Step-formed plains of Patagonia, with upraisedshells.—Terrace-bounded valley of Santa Cruz, formerly asea-strait.—Upraised shells of Tierra del Fuego.—Length and breadthof the elevated area.—Equability of the movements, as shown by thesimilar heights of the plains.—Slowness of the elevatoryprocess.—Mode of formation of the step-formed plains.—Summary.--Great shingle formation of Patagonia; its extent, origin, anddistribution.—Formation of sea-cliffs.
CHAPTER II.
ON THE ELEVATION OF THE WESTERN COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA.
Chonos Arch