It is the constant absence of peace and rest in the earth that produces instability, however great, however small, for the disastrous landslips that have occurred in Switzerland and other parts of Europe, in India, and recently at Quebec, and in all regions of the world were caused by the same disintegrating operations as those which generate an earth-slip of comparative insignificance. In proceeding to a practical consideration of earthslips and subsidences, it may be well to call attention to the complexity of the subject, the character and conditions of earth and the impairing elements being so very variable and numerous that it is impossible to determine any rules even for a particular soil; and, moreover, it is necessary to separately consider slips in cuttings and those in embankments, as movement is somewhat differently created, and it does not necessarily follow because earth stands well in a cutting that it will do so in an embankment, or _vice versâ_. It may be said every kind of earth will slip or weather under certain conditions, even the hardest rock if superimposed upon an unstable stratum; therefore, some of the main questions to be considered are:— I. THE PROBABILITY OF THE OCCURRENCE OF A SLIP. II. THE EFFECT OF A SLIP. III. SHOULD EVERY PRECAUTION BE TAKEN TO PREVENT A SLIP WHEN A CUTTING IS BEING EXCAVATED OR AN EMBANKMENT BEING DEPOSITED; OR IS IT BETTER TO REPAIR A SLIP AS IT HAPPENS? It is obvious in railway cuttings and embankments a mere crumbling of the surface may be disregarded, but in dock, canal, or any works containing or expelling water, the smallest movement, crack, or aperture must immediately receive due attention. In order to effectually remedy a disease it is necessary to ascertain its character. Many of the primary causes of slips in cuttings and embankments are, therefore, here enumerated; but, of course, they are not named in their order of importance, which cannot be established. HEADS OF THE CHIEF CAUSES OF SLIPS AND SUBSIDENCES IN CUTTINGS. 1. The want of uniformity of the earth, particularly as regards percolation, cohesive power, and resistance to change by the action of water or meteorological influences. 2. The temporary or permanent exposure of the earth to the effects of the atmosphere, rain, frost, and snow. 3. The opening to the air and weather, &c., of thin seams of an unstable character, which, when unsupported, gradually crumble away and cease to support superimposed strata. 4. The tapping of springs. 5. The lower portion of a slope being impaired or undermined through an infiltration and flow of water. 6. The erosion of the slope. 7. The earth having intermediate unstable seams. 8. The unprotected surface of a cutting in light soil being loosened and blown away by a storm of wind, especially when it is accompanied by rain.