is fortunate for the present theory, that our author, without prejudice
or the bias of system, had been led, in the accuracy of a general
examination, to make an observation which, I believe, will hardly
correspond with any other theory but the present.

If strata are to be erected from the horizontal towards the vertical
position, a subterraneous power must be placed under those strata; and
this operation must affect those consolidated bodies with a
certain degree of regularity, which however, from many interfering
circumstances, may be seldom the object of our observation. If indeed we
are to confine this subterraneous operation to a little spot, the effect
may be very distinctly perceived in one view; such are those strata
elevated like the roof of a house, which M. de Saussure has also
described. But when the operation of this cause is to be extended to a
great country, as that of the Alps, it is not easy to comprehend, as it
were, in one view, the various corresponding effects of the same cause,
through a space of country so extensive, and where so many different and
confounding observations must be made. In this case, we must generalize
the particular observations, with regard to the inclinations of strata
and their direction, in order to find a similar effect prevailing among
bodies thus changed according to a certain rule; this rule then directs
our understanding of the cause. The general direction of those alpine
strata, in this place, is to run S.E. and N.W. that is to say, this is
the horizontal line of those inclined beds. We also find that there is
a middle line of inclination for those erected strata in this alpine
region; as if this line had been the focus or centre of action and
elevation, the strata on each side being elevated towards this lint, and
declined from it by descending in the opposite direction.

The view which our author has now given us from this mountain is a most
interesting object, and it is a beautiful illustration of this theory;
for, the breaking of the tops of mountains, composed of erected strata,
must be on that side to which their strata rise; and this rupture being
here towards the central line of greatest elevation, the ridges must in
their breaking generally respect the central ridge. But this is the very
view which our enlightened observator has taken of the subject; and it
is confirmed in still extending our observations westward through the
kingdom of France, where we find