o the
atmosphere and waters of the earth; and the operation that the sea may
have had upon their surface, is a subject for judging of which we have
not the smallest data, unless by taking the thing for granted, or
supposing that the present state of things is that former shape after
which we inquire. Now, this is a species of reasoning that M. de Luc
would certainly explode; for he admits, as we shall afterwards find,
great changes among the mountains of the Alps, from the influences of
the atmosphere, perhaps more rapid changes than we are disposed to
allow. Therefore, to call in the aid of the ocean, for the degradation
of these secondary calcareous mountains, holds of no reason that I can
see, unless it be that of diminishing the time which otherwise would
have been required in bringing about those changes by the atmosphere
alone.

To conclude: Whether we examine the mountain or the plain; whether we
consider the degradation of the rocks, or the softer strata of the
earth; whether we contemplate nature, and the operations of time, upon
the shores of the sea, or in the middle of the continent, in fertile
countries, or in barren deserts, we shall find the evidence of a general
dissolution on the surface of the earth, and of decay among the hard
and solid bodies of the globe; and we shall be convinced, by a careful
examination, that there is a gradual destruction of every thing which
comes to the view of man, and of every thing that might serve as a
resting place for animals above the surface of the sea.

CHAP. V.

_Facts in confirmation of the Theory respecting the Operations of the
Earth employed in forming Soil for Plants._

I have distinguished the mineral operations of the earth, by which
solid bodies are formed of loose materials, as well as the resolving or
decomposing operations which are proper to the surface exposed to the
sun and atmosphere. I have also pointed out the end or intention of
those several operations, and likewise the means by which they have been
brought about. We may now turn our view to that part of the system in
which an indefinite variety of soils, for the growth of plants and life
of animals, is to be provided upon the face of the earth, corresponding
to that diversity which, in the wisdom of nature, has been made of
climates.

In this last view, now to be considered, some confirmation should be
given to the Theory, in finding the soil, or travelled materials upon
the surface of