Hence it is evident that the elevations on the earth’s surface have been _partly_ caused by subterranean force upheaving them; and _partly_ by currents of water wearing away channels, defiles, vallies, &c. The natural result of upheaving, _in mass_, the bed of the ocean, would be to protrude a body in which were embedded the marine exuviæ throughout the whole depth of the marine deposites. Hence mountain masses are sometimes composed of limestone, in which are found immense quantities of sea shells, throughout the mass, and entering intimately into the composition of the rock. This, without doubt, is the true origin of these marine mountain remains. Some have been disposed to attribute them to the _deluge_ in the days of Noah; but this is impossible for two reasons. 1. The deluge did not continue a sufficient length of time to allow these animals to be produced in such quantities, or to bury them so deeply in the earth. 2. The _rising_ waters could not have carried them to their present places; because, in that case they would be found at the _surface_ of the earth, or near it _exclusively_; whereas they are found buried thousands of feet in mountains, and embedded in solid rocks. They could not have been _transported_ by the waters, because they would have suffered violence, and been fractured, and compressed; which is not generally the case. They are found perfectly preserved, though of such delicate structure as would seem to have been destroyed by the least violence. Hence it is evident they are buried where they lived and died in perfect tranquillity. It is true, there are instances in which the _position_ and _nature_ of the animals clearly prove that they were inhumed by some _sudden_ catastrophe. For instance: when we see the fossil remains of delicate, and very active fish so placed as to indicate they were _caught_, we are convinced they perished _suddenly_. But this case is always _local_, and may have been produced by an earthquake, or volcanic action. That the primitive chaotic ocean occupied the earth a long time, _generally_ in a state of tranquillity, though occasionally, strongly agitated, and rising into overwhelming deluges and gradually retired, is evident also, from the fact, that the most delicate _plants_, _leaves_, and _flowers_ are found inhumed, as the marine animals above, _in a state of perfect preservation_. All the above phenomena took place prior to the creation of man. _Appendix._