CHAPTER XI.

FOSSIL REMAINS--THE EXPLORATION.

From the Museum to the Quarry--Fossil Fish in the Limestone Rocks of Monte Bolca--in the Quarries of Aix--in the Chalk of Sussex--The Ichthyosaurus or Fish-like Lizard--Gigantic Dimensions of this Ancient Monster--its Predatory Habits--The Plesiosaurus--The Megatherium or great Wild Beast--History of its Discovery--the Mylodon--Profusion of Fossil Shells--Petrified Trees erect in the Limestone Rock of Portland--Fossil Plants of the Coal Measures--The Sigillaria--The Fern--The Calamite--The Lepidodendron--Coal Mine of Treuil--Fossil Remains afford undeniable Evidence of former Animal and Vegetable Life--Their Existence cannot be accounted for by the Plastic Power of Nature--nor can it reasonably be ascribed to a Special Act of Creation, 172