Sends his paper ["Oceans and continents", Geol. Mag. 7 (1880): 385–91].

Thinks John Murray of Edinburgh goes out of his way to deny an elevation/subsidence view of coral reefs ["On the structure and origin of coral reefs and islands", Proc. R. Soc. Edinburgh 10 (1878–80): 505–18].

Obliged for paper ["Oceans and continents" (1880)].

Agrees that John Murray’s view [of coral reefs] is far-fetched.

Recommends letters by William Topley in Geological Magazine. WT discusses past distribution of oceans and continents.

Comments on TMR’s "Oceanic islands" [Geol. Mag. 8 (1881): 75–7]. Fact that oceanic islands are all volcanic argues for view that no continent ever occupied the oceans. Chalk seemed best evidence of ocean having existed where continent now stands. CD leans to view that continents have occupied present positions since Cambrian.

Argues against volcanic origin of coral islands and for the submergence of continents. Cites Judd’s argument on the volcanoes of the moon.

Praise for Earthworms.

"Roots often run down worm burrows, but can penetrate the ground without such aid."