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 the ridges of the Jura, and then those of Burgundy gradually diminishing in their height as they recede from the centre of elevation, but still preserving a certain degree of regularity in the course of their direction.

But our author has still further observed that this is a general rule with regard to mountains.  I will give it in his own words, Tom. 2. (p. 338.)

“Sec. 918.  Mais la chaine centrale n’est pas la seule primitive qu’il y ait de ce cote des Alpes.  Du haut du Cramont en se tournant du cote de I’Italie, on voit un entassement de montagnes qui s’etendent aussi loin que peut aller la vue.  Parmi ces montagnes on en distingue un au sud-ouest qui est extremement elevee:  son nom est Ruitor:  elle se presente au Cramont a-peu-pres pres sous le meme aspect que le Mont-Blanc a Geneve; sa cime est couverte de neiges, un grand glacier descend de sa moyenne region, et il en sort un torrent qui vient se jetter dans la riviere de la Tuile.  Cette haut montagne, de nature primitive, est au centre d’une chaine de montagnes moins elevees, mais primitives comme elle, et qui passent au-dessus du val de Cogne.  On voit de la cime du Cramont des montagnes secondaires situees entre le Cramont et cette chaine primitive, et on reconnoit que les couches de ces montagnes s’elevent contre cette chaine en tournant le dos a la chaine centrale.