Having thus taken a general Prospect of our Terraqueous Globe, I shall in this Book come to its Particulars. But here we have such an immense Variety presenting it self to our Senses, and such amazing Strokes of Power and Wisdom, that it is impossible not to be at a Stand, and very difficult to know where to begin, how to proceed, or where to end. But we must however attempt.
And for the more clear and regular proceeding on this copious Subject, I shall distribute the Globe into its own grand constituent Parts.
I. The Earth and its Appurtenances.
II. The Waters and Theirs.
The first of these only, is what at present I shall be able to take into this Survey.
And in Surveying the Earth, I intend,
1. To consider its constituent Parts, or Things peculiar to its self.
2. The Inhabitants thereof, or the several Kinds of Creatures that have their Habitation, Growth, or Subsistence thereon.
1. As to the Earth it self, the most remarkable Things that present themselves to our View, are,
1. Its various Moulds and Soils.
2. Its several Strata, or Beds.
3. Its very Subterraneous Passages, Grotto’s and Caverns.
4. Its Mountains and Vallies.