of community
between strata that are far from contemporaneous?

Thus the reasoning from which it is concluded that similar organic forms
were once more widely spread than now, is doubly fallacious; and,
consequently, the classifications of foreign strata based on the
conclusion are untrustworthy. Judging from the present distribution of
life, we cannot expect to find similar remains in geographically remote
strata of the same age; and where, between the fossils of geographically
remote strata, we do find much similarity, it is probably due rather to
likeness of conditions than to contemporaneity. If from causes and
effects such as we now witness, we reason back to the causes and effects
of past epochs, we discover inadequate warrant for sundry of the
received doctrines. Seeing, as we do, that in large areas of the Pacific
this is a period characterized by abundance of corals; that in the North
Atlantic it is a period in which a great chalk-deposit is being formed;
and that in the valley of the Mississippi it is a period of new
coal-basins--seeing also, as we do, that in one extensive continent this
is peculiarly an era of implacental mammals, and that in another
extensive continent it is peculiarly an era of placental mammals; we
have good reason to hesitate before accepting these sweeping
generalizations which are based on a cursory examination of strata
occupying but a tenth part of the Earth's surface.

* * * * *

At the outset, this article was to have been a review of the works of
Hugh Miller; but it has grown into something much more general.
Nevertheless, the remaining two doctrines which we propose to criticize,
may conveniently be treated in connexion with his name, as that of one
who fully committed himself to them. And first, a few words respecting
his position.

That he was a man whose life was one of meritorious achievement, every
one knows. That he was a diligent and successful working geologist,
scarcely needs saying. That with indomitable perseverance he struggled
up from obscurity to a place in the world of literature and science,
shows him to have been highly endowed in character and intelligence. And
that he had a remarkable power of presenting his facts and arguments in
an attractive form, a glance at any of his books will quickly prove. By
all means, let us respect him as a man of activity and sagacity, joined
with a large amount of poetry. But while saying this w