The loose materials which are found above the solid rocks, in the form of gravel, silt, rolled pebbles, etc., should be carefully distinguished from the solid strata upon which they repose.

And the more ancient of these loose materials, found on the sides or summits of hills, etc., should be distinguished from the recent mud, sand, and gravel, brought down by land-floods, or rivers.

The bones and teeth of animals are not unfrequently found in gravel of the former description; and the collection of these remains from distant quarters of the globe, is an object of the greatest interest to geology.
9.

Besides a note of the locality, there ought, if possible, to accompany every specimen, a short notice of its geological circumstances; as: Whether it be found in large shapeless masses, or in strata?
If in strata, what are the thickness, inclination to the horizon, and direction with respect to the compass, of the beds?
[If these cannot be measured, an estimate should always be recorded, while the objects are in view.] Are they uniform in dip and direction?
curved, or contorted?
continuous, or interrupted by fissures or veins?
Is the whole cliff, or mass of strata in sight, of uniform composition?
or does it consist of different kinds of stone?
If the strata be different, what is the order in which they are placed above each other successively?
10.

A label, distinctly written, should accompany every specimen, stating its native place, its relative situation, etc., etc.