By the Student the Book "_must be digested, that is, read wholly, and with diligence and attention_." He should fully comprehend one subject before he advances to the consideration of another, and should test the solidity of his knowledge by practical research. He should visit some of the localities described; collect specimens, and develope them with his own hands; examine their structure microscopically; nor rest satisfied until he has determined their general characters, and ascertained their generic and specific relations. Nor is this an arduous or irksome task; by a moderate degree of attention, a mind of average ability may quickly overcome the apparent difficulties, and will find in the knowledge thus acquired, and in the accession of mental vigour which such investigations never fail to impart, an ample reward for any expenditure of time and trouble. It is, indeed, within the power of every intelligent reader, by assiduity and perseverance, to attain the high privilege of those who walk in the midst of wonders, in circumstances where the uninformed and uninquiring eye can perceive neither novelty nor beauty; and of being "Even as one, Who by some secret gift of soul or eye, In every spot beneath the smiling sun. _Sees where the Springs of living Waters lie!_" TABLE OF CONTENTS. ~~~~~~~~ VOL. I. Dedication, p. v. Prefatory Note to the Second Edition, vii. Preface to the First Edition, ix. Address to the Reader, xi. Table of Contents, xv. Description of the Plates, xix. List of Lignographs in Vol. I., xxxi. Introduction, 1. Preliminary Remarks:--On the Plan of the Work and the Arrangement and Subdivision of the subjects it embraces, 8. Works of Reference, 8. Explanation of Terms, 11. List of subjects, 12. PART I.--Stratigraphy of the British Islands, and the Nature of Fossils, 15. Chapter I.--On the Nature and Arrangement of the British Strata and their Fossils, 15. Chapter II.--Synopsis of the British Strata, 23. Chronological Arrangement of the British Formations; Modern or Human Epoch; Post-Pliocene, 23. Tertiary Epochs, 24. Secondary Epochs, 25. Palæozoic Epochs, 30. Hypogene Rocks, 34. Volcanic Rocks, 35. Chapter III.--On the Nature of Fossils or Organic Remains, 37. Incrustations, 38. Silicification, 40. Animal Remains, 43. Hints for Collecting Fossil Bones, 45. PART II.--Fossil Botany, 51.