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In an old edition of Lyell's "Elements of Geology," utterly unlike existing editions in quality, quantity, or comprehensiveness, after describing it as an extinct species of water-plant, the author hazarded the conjecture that it might ultimately be found to have a connection with some other well-known plant or tree.
The strongest apparent exception to this latter rule, is that of the so-called "colonies" of M. Barrande, which intrude for a period in the midst of an older formation, and then allow the pre-existing fauna to reappear; but Lyell's explanation, namely, that it is a case of temporary migration from a distinct geographical province, seems to me satisfactory.
For my part, following out Lyell's metaphor, I look at the geological record as a history of the world imperfectly kept and written in a changing dialect. Of this history we possess the last volume alone, relating only to two or three countries. Of this volume, only here and there a short chapter has been preserved, and of each page, only here and there a few lines.
Let him remember Lyell's profound remark, that the thickness and extent of sedimentary formations are the result and measure of the degradation which the earth's crust has elsewhere suffered. And what an amount of degradation is implied by the sedimentary deposits of many countries!
I have a number of people helping me every way, and giving me most valuable assistance; but I often doubt whether the subject will not quite overpower me." Early in 1856, on Lyell's advice, Darwin began to write out his views on the origin of species on a scale three or four times as extensive as that of the work published in 1859.
I am well aware that this doctrine of natural selection, exemplified in the above imaginary instances, is open to the same objections which were at first urged against Sir Charles Lyell's noble views on "the modern changes of the earth, as illustrative of geology;" but we now seldom hear the action, for instance, of the coast-waves, called a trifling and insignificant cause, when applied to the excavation of gigantic valleys or to the formation of the longest lines of inland cliffs.
Lyell's proof that the whole river might once have flowed, and may again be made to flow, down to St. David's thus, by expending a few millions, cutting off Jonathan's chance. But it is of no use to joke on this subject; Niagara is, both to the United States and to England, but especially to Canada, a public property.
I am well aware that this doctrine of natural selection, exemplified in the above imaginary instances, is open to the same objections which were first urged against Sir Charles Lyell's noble views on "the modern changes of the earth, as illustrative of geology;" but we now seldom hear the agencies which we see still at work, spoken of as trifling and insignificant, when used in explaining the excavation of the deepest valleys or the formation of long lines of inland cliffs.
The large one had not arrived when I was in town last week. Sir C. Lyell's chapter on Oceanic Islands I think very good. Believe me, dear Darwin, yours very faithfully, Down, Bromley, Kent, S.E. April 9, 1868. My dear Wallace, You allude in your note to several points which I should much enjoy discussing with you did time and strength permit. I know Dr.
Darwin in his autobiography thus sums up Lyell's achievement: "The science of geology is enormously indebted to Lyell more so, as I believe, than to any other man who ewer lived."
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