but the granite which raised these strata from their horizontal position having burst forth, the force ceased, and the red sandstone remained undisturbed. The disappearance of it on the western side may be accounted for, from its being of a very loose friable texture, and if it was much broken during its elevation, it would be easily disintegrated, and gradually washed away. Perhaps it may be found covering these strata, further to the westward than my observations extended, and where the disturbance was not so great. It covers a great extent of country in Shropshire, considerably to the westward of the line of the Malvern Hills.
As I have related the facts I observed, independently of any theory, if they are at all valuable in the geological history of this country, their value will remain undiminished, whether the speculations I have entered into are just or fallacious. If the geologist strictly guards himself against the influence of theory in his observations of nature, and faithfully records what he has seen, there is no danger of his checking the progress of science, however much he may indulge in the speculative views of his subject.
