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GLACIERS AND AYALANCIIES.
189
Now here we have side by side with these small
model glaciers as many small model avalanches, each
with a regularly established track. If all the snows of
the Romsdal hills were melted, I have little doubt
that a modern geologist would confound the avalanche
o o
with the glacier tracks ; he would find smoothed and
grooved rocks on both, and a heap of angular stones
at the termination of the smoothed rock. These
would, according to received views, be regarded as the
beds of former glaciers, and the remaining terminal
moraine.
In this valley the confusion would not lead to any
serious speculative error, for the difference in the causes
producing either a glacier or an avalanche in this
particular locality is so small—merely the form of the
trough — that general conclusions respecting former
climate would not be affected by the mistake. But
there are cases where the distinction between the former
existence of glaciers or avalanches would materially
affect a grand hypothesis. It is inferred from the
indications alluded to, that there existed what is called a
glacial epoch, when the greater part of Europe, or even
of this hemisphere, was subject to a much colder
climate ; and if all the observed smoothing, and
groov-ings, and heaps were produced by glaciers it must have
been so; for in order to produce a glacier there must
be continuous snow throughout both winter and summer.
If, however, these markings are but the vestiges of
avalanches, a very small difference of climate may
account for them; as regular periodical avalanches may
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