Forbes. Is it not monstrous for a professed conchologist?
This is a fair specimen of his reasoning.

One of his arguments against the Pampas being a slow deposit, is that
mammifers are very seldom washed by rivers into the sea!

Because at 12,000 feet he finds the same kind of clay with that of
the Pampas he never doubts that it is contemporaneous with the Pampas
[debacle?] which accompanied the right royal salute of every volcano
in the Cordillera. What a pity these Frenchmen do not catch hold of
a comet, and return to the good old geological dramas of Burnett and
Whiston. I shall keep out of controversy, and just give my own facts. It
is enough to disgust one with Geology; though I have been much pleased
with the frank, decided, though courteous manner with which D'Orbigny
disputes my conclusions, given, unfortunately, without facts, and
sometimes rashly, in my journal.

Enough of S. America. I wish you would ask Mr. Horner (for I forgot to
do so, and am unwilling to trouble him again) whether he thinks there
is too much detail (quite independent of the merits of the book) in my
volcanic volume; as to know this would be of some real use to me. You
could tell me when we meet after York, when I will come to town. I had
intended being at York, but my courage has failed. I should much like
to hear your lecture, but still more to read it, as I think reading is
always better than hearing.

I am very glad you talk of a visit to us in the autumn if you can spare
the time. I shall be truly glad to see Mrs. Lyell and yourself here; but
I have scruples in asking any one--you know how dull we are here. Young
Hooker (481/2. Sir J.D. Hooker.) talks of coming; I wish he might meet
you,--he appears to me a most engaging young man.

I have been delighted with Prescott, of which I have read Volume I. at
your recommendation; I have just been a good deal interested with W.
Taylor's (of Norwich) "Life and Correspondence."

On your return from York I shall expect a great supply of Geological
gossip.

LETTER 482. TO C. LYELL. [October 3rd, 1846.]

I have been much interested with Ramsay, but have no particular
suggestions to offer (482/1. "On the Denudation of South Wales and the
Adjacent Counties of England." A.C. Ramsay, "Mem. Geol. Survey Great
Britain," Volume I., London, 1846.); I agree with all your remarks made
the other day. My final impression is that the only argument against
him is to tell him to read and re-read the