I could not expect shells, for they never occur in this formation; but lignite or carbonaceous shale ought to be found.

I had previously been exceedingly puzzled by meeting in the sandstone, thin layers (few inches to feet thick) of a brecciated pitchstone.

I strongly suspect the underlying granite has altered such beds into this pitchstone.

The silicified wood (particularly characteristic) was yet absent.

The conviction that I was on the Tertiary strata was so strong by this time in my mind, that on the third day in the midst of lavas and [?
masses] of granite I began my apparently forlorn hunt.