Our object at present is not to see the degradation of that great mass of granite out of which have been hewn, by the hand of time and influences of the atmosphere, these lofty pyramids which surround Mont-Blanc; it is to see the degradation of that immense mass of vertical or highly inclined strata, out of which that great mass of granite rises; and it is to understand the conical and rounded forms which are to be perceived more or less in all the inferior mountains, where apparently the degradation has come to a stand, and where the surface is actually employed in vegetation, or in maintaining the system of living bodies in this world.

How high those vertical strata may have been erected, or how much may have been wasted of that mass in forming the mountains and their valleys, is a question which it is impossible to resolve:  It is evident, however, that this quantity must have been very great.  In the Mont-Rosa we find those strata at present in the horizontal situation, as high as the summits of those granite pyramids that overlook the mass of vertical strata which we are now considering; and, in those mountains of Rosa, the valleys are most profound.  It is therefore most reasonable to suppose, that the mass out of which the Breven and all the other mountains had been formed, was once as high, at least, as the summit of Mont-Blanc.  It is altogether inconceivable, that this mass of vertical and horizontal strata could have been formed, either originally, or by any mineral operation, into the present shape of things; therefore, we must look out for another cause.

Let us now suppose them degraded by the hand of time, and all their moveable materials transported in the floods; In what state would they be left for our examination?—­Here is a question that must decide the theory of those mountains; for, if it is not possible to conceive the present appearances as arising from any other cause than this gradual degradation which we see operating at present, we must conclude that this is the system of nature established for the purpose of this world.  But this is the very state in which they are found; every where the solid parts are going into decay, and furnishing those heaps of earth and stones that form the slopes by which we ascend from step to step.  Wherever earth and stones may lie, there they are found to form a bank for vegetation; whenever these loose materials are carried away to a lower; station, the more solid parts above are still decaying in order to furnish more.  There is not one step in all this progress, (of the summit of the solid mountain forming earth and stones, and travelling to the sea) that is not to be actually perceived, although it is only scientifically that man, who reasons in the present moment, may see the effect of time which has no end.