WCP2467

[1]

Halton

Cambridge

10 July 1893

Dear Dr Wallace

I received some years ago an article by Mr. Margerie in L’Annuaire geologique universel. Tom IV. 1888¹ being an analysis of Mr. Suess "das antlitz der Erde". I took the trouble to make a translation of it. But I have never been able to make out what it all means. He seems to consider that the sea level came to raised or lowered without the land being simultaneously lowered or raised. This does not appear possible. You might as well dig out a hole without laying the earth anywhere.

I have considered the case of the duration of the sea level by attraction [2] of mountains. You will find the question disagreed in chap. XV of my book and there is something about it in the paper I sent you on causes of glacial submergence. ^x

I quite agree with you about the lake basin question. It seem to me absurd to conclude what the effects of ice action under great pressure would be from observations ^made where the pressure is so small that in the places the ice can stand in caverns and you can walk under it. I have seen somewhere detailed accounts of soundings in lakes — I think of Geneva if not of others besides. I must have them in my library somewhere.

Believe me | yours sincerely | Osmond Fisher.² [signature]

[3] x I am afraid I have not expunged myself quite clearly on p. 212 of P. E. L. In line 13 it would have been better to have said "a good way beyond the edge of the table land."

[sketch of the sea level and table land]