III.—The Geologically Recent Origin of the Surface Contour of Scandinavia and Finland, and its Lessons

Extract

Some time ago I discussed in this Magazine the recent geology of Greenland; and I ventured to argue, and, I think, to prove, that the general rise of that great island from the sea, which is conceded by every inquirer, has been unbroken, and that during the so-called Glacial period, instead of being a lofty plateau as it now is, it was a comparatively low-lying land. I ventured further to argue, and also, I think, to prove, that with the rise from the sea of this great island there has been a corresponding fall in its temperature, which is a very natural and simple a priori meteorological conclusion, and to adduce a number of biological facts to show that during the so-called Glacial period Greenland, instead of having been mantled with an ice-sheet as it is now, had a comparatively mild climate; and that its scanty fauna and flora, instead of having been the result of sporadic migrations thither since the so-called Glacial age, is, in fact, the expiring and shrinking remnant of a once much more important life. The facts and arguments I adduced have nowhere been traversed or met, and it seems to me they are unanswerable.