entirely different method of approaching the question of the Earth’s age (which shall be presently referred to), it has been contended that it is too low.  It is even asserted that it is from nine to fourteen times too low.  We have then to consider whether such an enormous error can enter into the method.  The measurements involved cannot be seriously impugned.  Corrections for possible errors applied to the quantities entering into this method have been considered by various writers.  My own original corrections have been generally confirmed.  I think the only point left open for discussion is the principle of uniformitarianism involved in this method and in the methods previously discussed.

In order to appreciate the force of the evidence for uniformity in the geological history of the Earth, it is, of course, necessary to possess some acquaintance with geological science.  Some of the most eminent geologists, among whom Lyell and Geikie[1] may be mentioned, have upheld the doctrine of uniformity.  It must here suffice to dwell upon a few points having special reference to the matter under discussion.

The mere extent of the land surface does not, within limits, affect the question of the rate of denudation.  This arises from the fact that the rain supply is quite insufficient to denude the whole existing land surface.  About 30 per cent. of it does not, in fact, drain to the

[1] See especially Geikie’s Address to Sect.  C., Brit.  Assoc.  Rep., 1399.

15

ocean.  If the continents become invaded by a great transgression of the ocean, this “rainless” area diminishes:  and the denuded area advances inwards without diminution.  If the ocean recedes from the present strand lines, the “rainless” area advances outwards, but, the rain supply being sensibly constant, no change in the river supply of salts is to be expected.

Age-long submergence of the entire land, or of any very large proportion of what now exists, is negatived by the continuous sequence of vast areas of sediment in every geologic age from the earliest times.  Now sediment-receiving areas always are but a small fraction of those exposed areas whence the sediments are supplied.[1] Hence in the continuous records of the sediments we have assurance of the continuous exposure of the continents above the ocean surface.  The doctrine of the permanency of the continents has in its main features been accepted by the most eminent authorities.  As to the actual amount of land which was exposed during past times to denudative effects, no data exist to show it was very different from what is now exposed.  It has been estimated that the average area of the North American continent over geologic time was about eight-tenths of its existing area.[2] Restorations of other continents, so far as they have been attempted, would not

[1] On the strength of the Mississippi measurements about 1 to 18 (Magee, Am.  Jour. of Sc., 1892, p. 188).