r less elliptical. In the
places where the stratification is horizontal, the longer axes
of these pebbles are all horizontal, for the same reason that
an egg cannot stand upon its point. But where the strata are
inclined at an angle of 45 deg., the greater axes of many of these
pebbles form this same angle with the horizon; and when the
layers become vertical, the greater axes of many of the pebbles
become vertical also.

"This observation, in respect to the position of the axes of
the pebbles, _demonstrates,_ that the sedimentary formations
have not been deposited in the position they now occupy; they
have been raised in a greater or less degree, when the
mountains, whose sides they cover, have arisen from the bosom
of the earth.

"This being proved, it is evident that these sedimentary
formations, whose strata present themselves upon the slopes of
mountains, in inclined or vertical directions, existed before
these mountains arose. The formations of the same class that
are prolonged horizontally, until they meet the same slopes,
must be on the contrary of a date posterior to the formation of
the mountain; for it cannot be conceived, that, in rising from
the mass of the earth, it should not have elevated at the same
time all previously existing strata.

"Let us introduce proper names into the general and simple
theory which we have developed, and the discovery of M. de
Beaumont will be announced.

"Of the four species of sedimentary formations that we have
distinguished, three, and these are the uppermost, the nearest
to the surface of the globe, or the most modern, extend in
horizontal layers, from the Cote d'Or and from Forez, to the
mountains of Saxony; and only one, which is the oolite or
limestone of Jura, shows itself elevated within this district.

"Therefore the Hartz, the Cote d'Or, and Mount Pilus of Forez,
have risen from the globe since the formation of the Jura
oolite, and before the deposit of the three other formations.

"On the slopes of the Pyrenees and Appennines, two of the
formations are raised up, namely, the oolite and the greensand
and chalk; the tertiary formations, and the diluvium that
covers them, have preserved their primitive horizontality. The
Pyrenees and Appennines are, therefore, more mod