Darwin Correspondence Project

The communication from Dr Forchhammer on the changes of level in Denmark appears to me worthy of place in the Transactions from the following reasons.—

1st That the movements of the ground in that quarter of Europe have long been a subject of high interest, and therefore all additional information is valuable.

2nd That a kind of evidence is adduced in support of some of the statements, which could only be acquired by those intimately acquainted with the ancient history of those countries.

3d That several distinct facts are given (although, perhaps, unfortunately mingled with various hypotheses of deluges and bursting of channels) which relate to the nature of the superficial deposits,—the form of some ancient sea-beaches,—the localities where elevated shells have been found,—and to submarine forests.—

I would suggest, if the Paper is ordered to be printed, that it should be accompanied by a diagram, illustrating Dr Forchhammer's description of the shingle beaches.—

Charles Darwin
October 20th 1837