Geology, I should thus conclude, admits us a step nearer than any of the other sciences, even than astronomy itself, to the actings of the divine Architect. The revolution of every season demonstrates a providence—the workings of a perpetual miracle—in its sustaining energies. But geology shows us, not the mere annual renovation of things already existing, but the circumstances under which they BEGAN to exist. The fiat of Omnipotence peals through the bounds of creation. The earth and the seas obey. We see new things starting into being. We are present, as it were, at the moment of their birth. We see the molds out of which they are fashioned, and the first provision made to sustain them. Geology, in a word, hangs up before us one of the brightest and most diversified pages in the book of nature, inducing habits of thinking, and constantly reminding us of the facts and relations, that bodily and vividly keep before the mind the ever-active impress of the Divinity at whose bidding— “Awakening nature hears The new creating word, and starts to life In every heighten’d form.” FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND. PART III. CHAPTER I. GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF FRANCE—BASIN OF PARIS. ORGANIC REMAINS. On the continental side of the Channel it will not be necessary to dwell, in minute details, upon any of the systems of rocks which are here presented. What is France? The tourist will say—A two hours’ voyage from the sister isle—a salt lake separates them—a pleasure trip is the measure of their estrangement. The geologist will add—And when safely landed, one finds himself among the sights and objects, the rocks and fossils, which engaged his attention on the coast of Albion, the cliffs and downs of both countries being composed of the self-same materials. I. THE PHYSICAL UNION OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND, although already adverted to, falls again to be noticed.