CHAPTER XII.

The two Aspects in which Matter can be viewed; Space and Time.--Geological History of the Earlier Periods.--The Cambrian System.--Its Annelids.--The Silurian System.--Its Corals, Encrinites, Molluscs, and Trilobites.--Its Fish.--These of a high Order, and called into Existence apparently by Myriads.--Opening Scene in the History of the Old Red Sandstone a Scene of Tempest.--Represented by the Great Conglomerate.--Red a prevailing Color among the Ancient Rocks contained in this Deposit.--Amazing Abundance of Animal Life.--Exemplified by a Scene in the Herring Fishery.--Platform of Death.--Probable Cause of the Catastrophe which rendered it such, 211-225