y of elevation which rests on the
supposition "of the simultaneous action of an upheaving force at every
point of the area over which the phenomena of elevation preserve a
certain character of continuity...The elevated mass...becomes stretched,
and is ultimately torn and fissured in those directions in which
the tendency thus to tear is greatest...It is thus that the complex
phenomena of elevation become referable to a general and simple
mechanical cause...")) and from other reasons, it has been my opinion
that, as a general rule, very large portions of the world have been
simultaneously affected by elevation or subsidence. I can see that this
does not apply so strongly to broken Europe, any more than to the Malay
Archipelago. Yet, had I been asked, I should have said that probably
nearly the whole of Europe was subjected during the Glacial period
to periods of elevation and of subsidence. It does not seem to me so
certain that the kinds of partial movement which we now see going on
show us the kind of movement which Europe has been subjected to since
the commencement of the Glacial period. These notions are at least
possible, and would they not vitiate your argument? Do you not rest on
the belief that, as Scandinavia and some few other parts are now rising,
and a few others sinking, and the remainder at rest, so it has been
since the commencement of the Glacial period? With my notions I
should require this to be made pretty probable before I could put much
confidence in your calculations. You have probably thought this all
over, but I give you the reflections which come across me, supposing
for the moment that you took the proportions of space at rest and in
movement as plainly applicable to time. I have no doubt that you have
sufficient evidence that, at the commencement of the Glacial period, the
land in Scotland, Wales, etc., stood as high or higher than at present,
but I forget the proofs.

Having burnt my own fingers so consumedly with the Wealden, I am fearful
for you, but I well know how infinitely more cautious, prudent, and
far-seeing you are than I am; but for heaven's sake take care of your
fingers; to burn them severely, as I have done, is very unpleasant.

Your 2 1/2 feet for a century of elevation seems a very handsome
allowance. can D. Forbes really show the great elevation of Chili? I am
astounded at it, and I took some pains on the point.

I do not pretend to say that you may not be right to judge of