Wherefore we see, here a broad patch of
red, where the back of a sheet of Lava, Porphyry, Greenstone, or what
not is exposed; there a narrow line curving often with the curve of
the hill-side, where only the edge of a similar sheet is exposed; and
every possible variety of shape and attitude between these two. He
will see also large spaces covered with little coloured dots, which
signify (as he will find at the margin) beds of volcanic ash. If he
look below the little coloured squares on the margin, he will see
figures marking the strike, or direction of the inclination of the
beds--inclined, vertical, horizontal, contorted; that the white lines
in the map signify faults, i.e. shifts in the strata; the gold lines,
lodes of metal--the latter of which I should advise him strongly, in
this district at least, not to meddle with: but to button up his
pockets, and to put into the fire, in wholesome fear of his own
weakness and ignorance, any puffs of mining companies which may be
sent him--as one or two have probably been sent him already.
Furnished with which keys to the map, let him begin to con it over,
sure that there is if not an order, still a grand meaning in all its
seeming confusion; and let him, if he be a courteous and grateful
person, return due thanks to Professor Ramsay for having found it all
out; not without wondering, as I have often wondered, how even
Professor Ramsay's acuteness and industry could find it all out.
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