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Geological Report of the Midland Counties of North Carolina:
Electronic Edition.

Emmons, Ebenezer, 1799-1863

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
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Source Description:
(title page) Geological Report of the Midland Counties of North Carolina.
(spine) North Carolina Geological Survey.
Ebenezer Emmons
xx, 351 p., ill.
New York
George P. Putnam & Co.
Raleigh
Henry D. Turner
1856
Call number C551 N87e 1856 c. 2 (North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

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GEOLOGICAL REPORT
OF THE
MIDLAND COUNTIES
OF
NORTH CAROLINA.

BY

EBENEZER EMMONS.

Illustrated with Engravings.

NEW YORK:
GEORGE P. PUTNAM & CO.
RALEIGH:
HENRY D. TURNER.
1856.

Page verso

PRINTED BY HOLDEN & WILSON,
Raleigh, N. C.

Page iii

TO HIS EXCELLENCY THOMAS BRAGG,
Governor of North Carolina.
SIR:

        It would be an omission of duty on my part to neglect to speak of the interest you have taken in the geological survey during the period you have held the high office of Chief Magistrate of North Carolina. Upon myself its influence has been cheering, and I hope its effects will be seen in the results of the survey.

        The publication of this report has been delayed much longer than I expected, but it has arisen from causes beyond my control. It embodies what is now known of the mineral resources of the midland counties. I have intended in all of my statements to keep within the bounds of truth, and not to give them a coloring which future experience will not justify.

        I submit it to your Excellency, regretting that it is not more worthy of your approbation.

I am, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,

EBENEZER EMMONS.

RALEIGH, October 1, 1856.

Page v

PREFACE.

        THIS Report is selected from the matter contained in my field notes, which has been accumulating during the period the survey has been in progress. My attention from the first was directed to the mineral interests of the midland counties, but at the commencement of the work, I was obliged to be satisfied with an examination of abandoned mines, and the indications which the country afforded of those which had not been observed. Since the second year of the survey, the opportunities for investigating its mines and mineral interests have been much greater, and I have improved them, when possible, for acquiring a more exact knowledge of their characteristics. The Deep river coalfield has been carefully re-examined along the outcrop of coal and its bituminous slate, and the results of these examinations tend to confirm the views I expressed in a former report. It will be perceived, that the products of this coalfield are more valuable than the friends of the Deep river improvements had anticipated. But I believe, if those improvements had been completed at an early day, the prospects at this time would be much better than at the present. The mining interests of this State are worthy of the consideration of the public. The auriferous ores are remarkable for their richness. The silver lead of the Lead Hill or Washington mine, is probably not exceeded in value by any mine in this country, and perhaps I may say, in any country. It yields zinc, lead, copper, silver and gold. The processes for the separation have been so simplified that all these metals may be preserved.

Page vi

        The fluctuations in mining property, however, have injured its reputation in several notable instances. This has arisen from speculations. Many mines have been purchased with that view alone. They have been in the hands of stock companies; and it was more consonant to the feelings of parties to make money by the forced rise or fall of stocks, than by legitimate mining business. But this is now assuming a more permanent character, and the time is not distant when it will become one of the main sources of the wealth of the State.

        The recorded observations embodied in this Report have been made by those who have been engaged in this survey. We have, it is true, received information from others; but at the same time it has been made a principle to see for ourselves, and to base every important inference, or doctrine, upon independent observations.

        It would be unjust, however, to two distinguished individuals, to intimate that the geology of the State, and its resources, are now, for the first time, placed upon record. The Pioneer in these investigations was Prof. Olmsted, of Yale College. He was followed immediately by Prof. Mitchell, of Chapel Hill. Their examinations were practical, and highly valuable. Their reports are extremely scarce. I have not referred so frequently to their labors as I should, if I could have had access to them at the proper time. But geology has undergone important changes since their investigations were made, and these gentlemen would now put an entirely new phase upon their reports, were they in the field.

        It will be seen that I have attempted to determine, more than had been done prior to the commencement of the survey, the age of the formations of this State. The use of the word AGE is comparative, and is always so understood by

Page vii

geological writers. Even in this sense of the word, there are great difficulties to be met and overcome, inasmuch as there are no immediate terms of comparison which can be employed; for instance, the lower part of the Deep river coal series which I have called the Permian, rests upon the Primary and Taconic rocks. But the Permian is not connected with the series which immediately preceded it, indeed the three older systems, the Silurian, Devonian and Carbonifeferous, are absent. The long interval during which these systems were being deposited, is a blank, upon the Atlantic slope. The regular succession is interrupted, and during these vastly extended periods, this slope was dry land.

        While engaged collecting the matter of this Report, I have not neglected the agricultural interest; but it was thought proper to confine the communication to the subject already indicated. Should another be called for, I propose to pursue the plan which I have adopted in this. The western section of the State follows in the order I originally proposed.

        The eastern counties embrace a field of great interest and importance, but it is quite different in its characters from the former, as most of the citizens of the State already know. I hope to complete the examinations of it this autumn and winter; and during the coming spring and summer, to complete also the survey of the western and south-western counties.

        The additional labors which those who are now engaged in the survey have voluntarily undertaken, has impeded the common fieldwork which had been laid out, and has prevented its extension to the western and south-western counties. But this should not be regretted, inasmuch as its advantages will be increased. The additional work referred to, consists in the collection and arrangement of specimens of

Page viii

the rocks and simple minerals and fossils illustrative of its geology and mineral productions. They have been arranged in a room provided for the collection in the Capitol. Citizens and strangers visiting Raleigh will be able to form an opinion of the resources of the State by an examination of this collection.

        It contains, as yet, only the products of the midland counties; and though it does not make a brilliant show, still it will be found a valuable depository for many purposes.

        I deem it necessary only to add to the foregoing statements, the expression of my desire to complete the survey at an early day as possible, consistent with that degree of completeness which shall give satisfaction to its friends, and especially those who projected it.

        It is important also to say, that in the printing of this Report, that several of the forms passed through the press without my supervision, and it will be seen that in them are many errors; these will be found in the proper place, corrected.

EBENEZER EMMONS,
Geologist to North-Carolina.

Page ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Page xiii

INTRODUCTION.

        THE subjects treated of in this Report are mainly those which relate to the natural resources of the midland counties of the State. It therefore contains a statement of the water power, an account of the depositories of the metals, the materials used in construction, and those which are important to the arts and manufactures.

        It is not, however, intended to intimate by the foregoing statement, that the principles of geology have been entirely omitted. If the subjects alluded to, were treated of without reference to principles, they would lose much of their interest and utility; for geological investigations cannot be successfully pursued, or their results understood, unless our researches are prosecuted under their guidance. It seemed necessary, therefore, to incorporate so much of the elements and principles of the science, as appear to be intimately related to the subjects treated of in this Report.

        In its perusal, it may appear to some, that I have occupied too much space to the consideration of subjects which are interesting to a few only, or which may have reference to the author. To such, I will say, that it became necessary to make reference to what I have said and done at former times; but I believe I could not say less and leave the subjects so as to be understood. Others may not perceive that it is at all necessary that the elements and principles of geology should be at all important in communicating facts respecting the resources of the country. On this question, a medium course should probably be pursued. It is not necessary that every fact should be explained. It is only the most important; those which have a bearing upon practical questions.

        I have avoided as much as possible, a discussion of points, which are purely theoretical, or, which appear to be disconnected with questions of utility. But there are connexions

Page xiv

of the practical with the theoretical, which it is important we should understand, and which should be stated.

        Abroad, where the opinions of men, in a great measure, must be formed from oral or written reports, it is necessary that they should be consistent with facts and the commonly received theories. Consistency of theory with facts, gives a passport to descriptions, especially when they are true to nature.

        If a mineral vein is described in language which is equally applicable to a trap dyke, a belief in its value would be with-held, for the former differs essentially from the latter; or, if the products of a mineral vein are represented as uniform in all its parts, the statement would be disbelieved, for it would be contrary to experience. The circumstances attending the filling of vein fissures differ from those which attend the filling of a fissure, containing only trappean matter.

        Every newly explored geological field may furnish new matter, and may also bring to light new facts, some of which may be extraordinary, or which appear so to us, because they are new; but which in reality do not conflict with the known when fully investigated. Thus, the facts elicited respecting the coalfield of Deep river, present many new facts. It had become a prevalent belief, that the workable coal seams belong mostly to the epoch termed the carboniferous; an epoch already passed when the rocks of Deep river were deposited.

        It was also maintained that coal is the product of a peculiar vegetation, which belonged to this period, and ceased to exist with it; and hence, it was not to be expected that valuable seams would be found in after periods. This opinion is not sustained by the facts elicited in the Deep river formation.

        It appears that though coal is a vegetable product, it is not necessarily the product of a particular kind, and cannot be formed from others; neither is it necessary that they should grow in the carboniferous epoch; for the plants which have become coal in the Deep river rocks, differ entirely from those of the carboniferous rocks, they form another group; but yet they perform the same office. There is really no conflict of old with new facts; the conflict is with the

Page xv

new facts and old opinions, or rather, hasty generalization. Geologists erred in limiting nature. They introduced into science a dogma, which she repudiates. Deep river has a coalfield, with all its appurtenances. They are as largely developed as similar ones in the carboniferous epoch. Its iron ores in all their varieties, its bituminous slates and fine clays, its plant beds, etc., fully attest, that the epoch is entitled to the appellation, carboniferous.

        The statement of the plain facts as to its coal, its qualities, etc., required, in this case, a full elucidation of its geology. No other course would be acceptable to a large class of readers. I have, therefore, not only described, with much minuteness, the beds which succeed each other, but have described and figured the organic remains which are found in them.

        There may be details which appear unimportant to another class of readers; but they are requested to tolerate them for the sake of another party, who feel some interest in them, because they are wishing to compare this series or formation with another. These details are designed to advance not only economical or practical geology, but theoretical also.

        Among the purely geological questions introduced in this Report, there is one which relates to the oldest sediments. In North-Carolina, the rocks of this epoch furnish a greater development of chert and porphyry, than the equivalent series in the Northern States; and the general result of this peculiarity, is such, as to obscure their relations, or rather to take from them the distinct lithological evidence of the epoch to which they undoubtedly belong. Indeed, to prove that they are sediments at all, required a series of observations, before the fact could be established. Accident may frequently disclose facts almost immediately after the question for solution is taken in hand; but geologists in another instance, may seek for light for years, upon a given question, before they can be satisfied respecting the ground they ought to take. The discovery of fossils in Montgomery county, sets the question of the origin of the rocks referred to, at rest; and this discovery is important geologically. It carries down the evidence

Page xvi

of life upon the globe to a much more distant epoch, than geologists had been led to believe. By this discovery, it appears that life received its introduction upon the globe in the earliest or oldest of the sediments. It is sometimes amusing to see the claim set up with an obvious feeling of pride, that North-Carolina has the highest peak east of the Rocky mountain range. It will no doubt be amusing to others, should I claim for North-Carolina, the honor of being the birth place of the oldest inhabitants of this globe. The fossils of Montgomery county, to which I refer, and to which I have given the family name, PALÆOTROCHIS, or old messenger, are quite likely to prove in reality, the oldest representatives of the mysterious principles, life, the harbinger of that immortal part which connects man with the celestials, and who does not feel that the birth place of life, and the birth place of the projenitor of our race, are interesting spots, and quite as much so, as the highest peak of the Black mountain, about which there is now so much contention by the aspirants for fame.

        The repositories of the metals form a most important subject of inquiry in this State. It is here, that I have found unmistakable evidence that gold is one of the oldest metals of the globe, and that it is also a sediment; facts which I believe, are now for the first time, established. Mr. Murchison, one of the most distinguished European geologists, has expressed the opinion, that it is of recent origin, and that it first appeared at the surface, during the tertiary epoch. The facts disclosed in North-Carolina show, that it is first found in the oldest primaries, granites, hornblende, gneiss, mica, and talcose slate. From the debris of these rocks, it is first transferred to the sediments of the Taconic system, where it is associated with fossils. Subsequently it again appears in veins blended with sulphides of copper, iron, and with quartz. It is therefore, a product of the earliest pyrocrystalline rocks, and the oldest sediments instead of the newer.

        In connection with the subject of mineral veins or repositories of the ores, the question, how they have been filled, I considered worthy of a discussion. It bears directly upon

Page xvii

their permanence, and although it appears, that there are many phenomena which remain unexplained, still, we may be assured, that the forces by which the process is accomplished, operated within the earth's crust, and that true veins were not filled from above. The most indicative of all the phenomena attending them, point to sublimations and to a source of material existing beneath; but like many phenomena, it would be unwise to construct a theory which looks only to a single class of causes which are concerned in this process. The source of the metals, is no doubt well determined; the great reservoir is the interior of the earth. When they are found in beds upon the surface, or bear it in caves and other places of this nature, it may be maintained, that they are derived from broken down rocks and veins.

        I have described some of the most important and productive veins, with as much minuteness as the nature of this Report will admit. I have, however, passed unnoticed, many localities, where both copper and gold are known to occur; but they are not at present of sufficient importance to require attention, though I am sure many of them are destined to become important, when better plans for working them have been devised, and better roads to market have been opened.

        A subject which requires a few words of explanation in this place, is the reference of certain rocks to the Taconic system. Of this system, I would not disguise the fact, that there exist among geologists differences of opinion. Some refer the series to the Silurian system. I doubt very much however, whether any geologist would be willing, after an examination of this series in Virginia and North-Carolina, to refer them to the latter, especially, as they are developed east of the Blue ridge; and I believe, that in these States, they will be unanimous in their opinions, that the Silurian does not exist in territories designated. But, there seems to be a disposition on the part of some, to regard the Silurian as extending to the base of the sediments. They would arbitrarily assign all the lower deposits to this system; but this course is certainly as unwise, as it is unscientific. If nature

Page xviii

has made a distinct boundary between the lower Silurian and the Taconic systems, it should be recognized.

        At the present time, however, certain distinguished geologists are satisfied that the name Silurian does not cover all the older sediments, but they place the older series in the Cambrean system of Prof. Sedgewick. The adoption of the latter course, evidently indicates progress: it is an admission of a great fact, that we have both sediments and fossils below the Silurian; yet, the Cambrian system, as maintained by its author, really contains a part of what American geologists regard as lower Silurian. It has this fault, it contains too much. This fact I pointed out many years ago. A medium course might be pursued. The lower Silurian as developed in this country, might be regarded as a distinct system, and called Cambrian. The lines of demarkation are strongly defined. We have an upper horizon between the Lorrain shales and sandstones and the Shawangunk grits of New York, or the Medina sandstone. Below, the series or system is distinctly defined by the base of the Potsdam sandstone, or when this is absent, by the Calciferous sandstone, which rests unconformably upon the Taconic series, when the latter are present.

        The rocks below the foregoing, consist of slates, limestones and conglomerates, none of which, at first, were supposed to be fossiliferous. Now, this view is known to be erroneous, but all the fossils yet discovered, differ specifically from those of the upper and lower Silurian series. The distinction between the Taconic system and Silurian, is much more strongly marked than it is between the Silurian and Devonian. There can be but little doubt respecting the propriety of making this separation I have proposed. It is but the carrying out of those principles which have been acted upon by Smith, Maclure, 'de Orbiny, Sedwick and Murchison. If these distinguished geologists have been wrong, respecting the principles which should govern their views of the characteristics of a system, it is time to abandon them. If on the contrary, their views are based on principles which commend

Page xix

themselves to our understandings, let them be followed. These are four leading facts, which go far towards establishing the Taconic system. Superposition of the Silurian, unconformability, specific differences in the organic remains, and a want of correllation of the members of one system with the other. Such being the fact with respect to the series in New York and Massachusetts, and such too, being in the main, the fact in North-Carolina, it is proper to apply the same name to them by which they are known or designated in the former States.

        It is, however, time to drop the consideration of a subject, which cannot directly benefit the majority of the readers of this Report. We may profitably turn to the consideration of some of the results which must necessarily follow from the progress already made in the development of the resources of the State, and also to those which are likely to follow: First, there is a source of wealth which must flow directly from local discoveries; Second, there are indirect sources of wealth in the addition of dwellings and the increase of inhabitants, which, of course, increase the amount of taxable property. The agricultural interest cannot fail of being prosperous, when manufacturing villages spring up, or when a mine is profitably worked; they create a home market for the surrounding country. But North-Carolina contains those materials which elsewhere, are of sufficient importance, to build up large towns and large markets; I refer to her coal and iron, and when we take into the account, the fact, that both are of a superior quality, and inexhaustible in quantity, it is evident they must become a source of direct revenue and wealth, both to individuals and to the State; to the latter especially, through the increase of taxable property. So also, in proportion to the development, the North will become indebted to North-Carolina, because the North is her market, and hence the balance of trade will be in her favor, and Northern exchange will cease to command a premium at her hands. Such are some of the legitimate and certain results of development of the hitherto hidden resources. I cannot trace them out through all the ramifications.

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        Suffice it to say, it is felt in the rise and the value of taxable property; in the growth of manufacturing towns, the impulse which will be given everywhere to agriculture, the improvement of roads, the construction of railways, by which the avenues to market will be laid open, and imparting thereby an efficient stimulus to enterprise throughout the State.

Page 1

REPORT
OF THE
NORTH-CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

        THERE are three physical conditions of a country which promote the accumulation of wealth: 1. The existence of the raw materials out of which the mechanical instruments in civilized life are made; 2. The existence of the powers which are necessary to aid the mechanic in their construction, and 3. Cheap and certain means to convey the manufactured articles and natural products to a market.

        If the foregoing statements are true, then, in conducting a geological survey of a country, the first enquiries should be, What materials exist within its bounds which may be converted into useful instruments in civilized life? Do those materials exist in sufficient abundance to make it an object to explore them? And are there water-powers which may be employed in their manufacture? and, lastly, can those products, either natural or artificial, be taken profitably to a market?

        In regard to the importance of making enquiries respecting the existence as well as to the amount of raw materials within the territory of a State, such as gold, silver, copper, iron, etc., there can be but one opinion; but enquiries relative to water-power have not hitherto been regarded as of sufficient importance to occupy the attention of the geologist. But, inasmuch as this power is a source of wealth, and, moreover, as it depends upon the geological features of a country, or, in other words, dependent upon the operation of geological

Page 2

causes, it should not be lost sight of in a survey whose object is to make known the natural resources of a State.

        Taking it for granted, then, that not only are the natural resources of a country worthy of attention, but also that which is necessary to convert the raw materials into useful forms almost equally so, I have, in accordance with this view, made the existing water-power in many instances a subject of special attention. The propriety of these enquiries may be made still more apparent, when it is considered that even the most valuable natural products may abound, but for the want of means for exploration and manufacture they really may be less valuable than the common stones of a field. There may be neither water-power nor fuel for exploration and manufacture; and being in the interior of a country, they must necessarily remain valueless to the people of a State. Natural products, then, are valuable in proportion to the available means of exploring them. We wish, then, to know the associations under which natural products occur, in order to estimate their value and determine the bearing which their existence may exert upon the prosperity of a State.

        Governed by these views with respect to the objects and duties of the survey, I propose to state, in the first place, the facts respecting the water-power of a part of the State which has thus far been more immediately under examination--treating it as an auxiliary power, calculated to promote, directly, the prosperity and wealth of the State. Water-power, it is admitted, in a country like that of North-Carolina, is the cheapest and most convenient which can be employed for manufacturing purposes, and is preferable to steam, as it saves an immense amount of fuel and timber which may be required for other purposes. In order to obtain comprehensive views of the water-power of the State, it is necessary, in the first place, to direct the reader's attention to the topographical features of the State, which I propose to give very briefly in the following chapter. It is only upon such a statement the general adaptation of the country to certain general purposes can be understood.

Page 3

CHAPTER I.

        Natural Divisions of the State; the Three Parallel Belts or Zones; the Eastern, Western and Midland Lines of Demarkation between them--Characteristics of these Zones, etc.

        * 1. North-Carolina is naturally divided into three nearly parallel belts. The eastern lies along the seaboard, and upon that side is irregularly indented by intrusions of the sea upon the bordering land, but is more prominently characterized by extensive shallow sounds which communicate but imperfectly with the ocean. The soil of this belt is eminently sandy, and, along the coast, is subject to great changes both by the force of wind and water. On the west, this belt may be regarded as extending as far inland as the falls of the Roanoke, at Weldon, and the Buckhorn, on the Cape Fear, and the Yadkin, near the Grassy Isles. A waving line connecting these points, passing near Smithfield, in Johnston county, will mark approximately the western boundary of this belt. But this western boundary-line is nearly as irregular as the coast-line itself. In the immediate neighborhood of Raleigh, marine products are distinctly visible, and at many points the sands project far beyond the west line which I have just marked as approximately the west boundary-line. This zone is flat or gently rolling. The latter seems to have been produced by the action of waves after the sea had become shallow. Near the coast, this flat country is sixteen feet above storm tides. Notwithstanding the general flatness of the lower country, the Neuse, near Smithfield, has sufficient fall to create a good mill-site, and numerous living streams, rising in the rolling hills composed of sand, furnish many small mill-sites which are of considerable importance to the country. But this section of the State is by no means regarded as adapted to manufacturing purposes through the the aid of water-power, and hence will not require at this time further notice.

Page 4

        * 2. The midland zone, comprehending the midland counties, is bounded westwardly by a line which skirts the outliers of the Blue Ridge. In these outliers I place the Saratown. Pilot and Brushy mountains. The Brushy mountains are situated about twelve miles east of Wilkesborough, and are prolonged south-westwardly through Lincoln, Rutherford and Cleaveland counties. This zone is hilly in all parts of it, but more so upon its western borders. The direction of the hills is about north 20°, 30° east; hence is somewhat variable in different parts of the belt. The streams, as they run southeast, must necessarily intersect this line, and in some instances the hills or ridges deflect the streams to the east, by which they seek a pass around the more formidable barriers, as in the case of the Yadkin in traversing Wilkes, Surry and Yadkin counties.

        This belt is usually regarded as table-land, inasmuch as its rise is only in a moderate degree, when its breadth is taken into account. It may be regarded, too, as rising in a series of steps till it reaches the base of the Blue Ridge. Considered as a gently inclined plane, we find it somewhat broken by the transverse ridges already spoken of. When the rivers pass these, rapids and falls are created, which are generally favorable sites for manufacturing purposes. Those streams, however, which are deflected by the more formidable barriers, and which are nearly land-locked thereby, become navigable for small craft high up towards their origin in the Blue Ridge, as in the case of the Yadkin, Dan and Catawba, or at least may be made so by trifling expenditures.

        * 3. The third zone or belt comprehends the western and mountainous parts of the State. The principal rivers of North-Carolina rise in its crest or its numerous spurs, and as this region is elevated, and presents an extended drainage surface, the supply of water to sustain the main trunks is abundant and never failing. This drainage slope of the Blue Ridge has certain peculiar features in that part immediately adjacent to the crest. This peculiarity consists in the comparative steepness of the ridge. Thus the descent is four or five times greater than upon the western side. The descent

Page 5

is exceedingly great. Beginning at the crest, I find that the greater part of the entire fall or descent to the ocean is made in the first six miles. The greater steepness of the Blue Ridge on the east side, though it may not be regarded as an anomaly, yet most of the northern part of the ridge, the west and north-west side, is the steepest. It might be suspected, from this fact, that the dip of the rocks in North-Carolina might be changed from south-east to north-west; but this is not the case. The dip is still to the south-east, and preserves the same characters as where the greatest steepness is upon the north-west side. The rise in five or six miles of the east side of the ridge is from twelve to fifteen hundred feet; about one-half of the ascent from the sea level to the lowest passes of the ridge has to be overcome in this distance. These features of the mountain ranges are very unfavorable to the construction of railways. So, also, the great inequality of the steepness of the south-east and north-west sides is a serious bar to the tunneling of it; for, though the east side may be approached in a favorable direction, still a tunnel must pierce the ridge only a few hundred feet below, because it cannot terminate on the north-west side within any reasonable distance from the summit, on account of the slight descent on that side; or, in other words, a tunnel can be carried in, but it cannot be brought out, within the required distance from the top, to make the enterprise of much consequence in overcoming the high grade of this part of the ridge. The general slope of the country is indicated by the direction of the rivers. The amount of the slope is usually small for the eastern half of the State. From Raleigh to Cape Hatteras it is between one hundred and eighty and two hundred miles. The slope is about one foot to a mile. The middle zone is also about one hundred and eighty miles wide. The descent is about ten feet to the mile, or not far from this number. As the attention of the reader will be directed to the midland counties, I do not propose to detain him by a detail of the features of the west. The farther consideration of the subject will be deferred to another time. Greensborough is eight hundred and forty-six feet above tide. The

Page 6

summit of the central road west of Greensborough, eight hundred and ninety-four. The summit west of Deep river, nine hundred and fifty-three feet above tide. The water of Buffalo creek is ten hundred and twenty-three, and the summit between the Buffalo and Bull-run, eleven hundred and twenty-five feet above tide at Charleston.

        Taking the foregoing levels as approximations to the aggregate amount in feet of the fall of the principal rivers which traverse the State, we may form a tolerably correct estimate of the water-power which they are capable of furnishing, or, in other words, that the midland counties are richly furnished with this important element of wealth. I am now prepared to enter more into detail respecting the advantages certain localities possess for manufacturing purposes. I shall begin with the western rivers of the midland district.

CHAPTER II.

        The Catawba--Its Manufacturing Sites--The great Horseshoe Bend and Falls in its vicinity.

        * 4. The Catawba rises in the south-western flanks of the Blue Ridge. It interlocks with the French Broad and Yadkin, and as its waters are collected from so wide an expanse of country, it becomes an important river when it has reached the upper table-lands of this district. It is confined to narrow valleys by the spurs of the Blue Ridge; in this part of its course its current is not so rapid as the streams of New England, but still its rapids are rather numerous. These do not always afford good manufacturing sites. Its system of waters is composed of Broad river, Little Catawba, Linville

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river, and numerous smaller streams, originating in spurs of the Blue Ridge.

        The most important section of the main trunk of this river for its water privileges, are situated between the Tuckasege ford and the great Horse-shoe bend, some six or seven miles above the former. In this limited section, the most important site is formed by the Horse-shoe bend itself.

        At this place the river makes a circuit of twelve miles, according to a statement made by persons living near the place, or seven or eight, according to the statement of others. The extremities of this bend are about one mile apart, and the river falls, in making this circuit, thirty-two feet, or, as stated by persons at a distance, only twenty-seven-and-a-half feet. The lower extremity of this bend is just above the new bridge for the plankroad leading from Charlotte to Lincolnton. This fall may be made available for manufacturing purposes by a low wing dam and the construction of a race about one mile long. The river at this place is six hundred feet wide, and in the lowest stages carries a large amount of water. The water is sufficient to fill a race one hundred feet wide, four feet deep, one mile long; the advantages being still farther increased, from the circumstance that the water may be used twice in the lower half of the race, before it escapes into the river. This location is entirely unoccupied, and hence, there are no old structures or other incumbrances to interfere with the most convenient and economical use of this power. The advantages of this location are: 1. The amount of power afforded by the river; 2. Its entire safety and freedom from the danger of freshets; 3. Its accessibility; 4. Its good building sites, whether for mills or dwellings; 5. Its healthfulness, and 6. Its nearness to other sites: which, when their advantages are combined with this, hold out to capitalists great inducements to lay out a manufacturing town, upon an extensive and liberal plan. I have said that this location must be exempt from loss by freshets. In high water, the surplus will find its way around the great bend, and pass entirely around the structures which may be erected upon the race, and hence, pass harmlessly away. The condition

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of the surface along the race and its vicinity is favorable also to a most advantageous use of the power for the foundations of buildings for machinery. The site is accessible, and the cost for the construction of the race will be moderate, considering the great advantages which will be secured.

        It is unnecessary to enter into details respecting the advantages which would necessarily follow from the occupation of this great water-power for manufacturing purposes. Situated as it is in a healthy region, in a country where the agricultural products may be increased indefinitely, and where, too, steps are being taken to construct a railway to an important market near the seaboard, it does not require the gift of prophecy to foresee that the foregoing proposed enterprise must be eminently successful.

        The climate of North-Carolina is well adapted to the manufacturing of cotton in all its branches. The cost of maintaining laborers is much less than in New England. Fuel is plenty, its growth rapid; and into whatever channel a manufacturing spirit may be turned, it has the most flattering prospects of success. It is not now as in former years, when ways to market were unopened. Then, the utmost which could be done, was confined to the immediate section of country in which they were located. As it is, this home market will be retained, while the markets upon the seaboard may be competed for with every reason to expect success; for the interior of North-Carolina can manufacture goods cheaper by far than New England or New York. Her natural advantages put her upon vantage ground, and it only requires enterprize and the application of that capital which she now has invested out of her territory, to place her among the foremost of the manufacturing States.

        In addition to the foregoing position already alluded to, at the great bend, the river still falls, and creates one mile, or a mile-and-a-half below the bridge, other important manufacturing sites. Both sides of the river are susceptible of great improvements. The west side is already profitably occupied in part by Mr. Tate. The opposite side, which, though not so convenient for taking out the water, may still be used by

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erecting suitable wing dams. These positions have more importance, from being in the vicinity of the power furnished by the great Horse-shoe bend, inasmuch as advantages are secured by proximity in manufacturing enterprises. There is a mutual advantage accruing, by the multiplication of mills in the neighborhood of each other. It is something to witness what our neigbors are doing; to see their improvements, and to obtain advice and assistance. But for repairs and the manufacture of machinery of all kinds, proximity secures the necessary mechanics for the many purposes for which their skill and experience are required. There is, therefore, in manufacturing towns, a concentration of skill and experience which may be relied upon, in cases of necessity. It saves the delays incident to those cases where all dependence is placed upon mechanics who are located at distant places. The falls below the great bend, the site of Mr. Tate's factory, is known as Mountain Island, as the river is divided at this place by a high island. The fall here is twenty-two feet, sufficient to secure the most important advantages to such manufacturing establishments as its favorable position may demand.

        If the Wilmington and Charlotte road should be constructed and prolonged to Rutherfordton or Lincolnton, it will probably cross the Catawba at the Tuckasege ford, six miles below the great bend. This is now supposed to be the most favorable point for crossing. From this ford the river may be made navigable by locks and dams far up the river above the great bend. Such an improvement would connect the rich deposits of iron in Lincoln county with river navigation. This iron belt crosses the river just above Sherrill's ford. I may not, however, possess sufficient information respecting the improvements alluded to, to entitle me to an expression of an opinion, either of the position, feasibility of the undertaking, or of its use, provided it were once completed. I have little doubt, however, of the practicability of improving the river, as it was proposed many years ago. At the same time, other modes than those of locks and dams may be found

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better adapted to connect the important points which have been under consideration, with each other.

        Perhaps I have dwelt too long on the importance of the great bend as a manufacturing site. The ways and means for communicating with this place have been greatly improved in a few years. It only requires enterprise and the investment of capital at this point and its vicinity to create an entirely new state of things in this part of the State; a new opening to prosperity and wealth, by the simple use of those natural advantages, which are now lying unimproved. It is by no means an extravagant expectation that this place will, at no very distant day, sustain ten thousand inhabitants, who will be engaged mainly in manufactures. Honor to the man who dares lead in an enterprise so important. His name would stand beside the Lawrences of the old Bay State, who not only became, by their enterprise, rich themselves, but opened the way for thousands also to enter upon a path of prosperity and wealth.

        * 5. The south or Little Catawba, though carrying much less water than the Great Catawba, may be regarded as upon the whole, the most important manufacturing river. Its shoals are numerous and accessible, and the aggregate amount of water-power is immense. Of these shoals and rapids, the High Shoal is the most important and valuable. The fall is twenty-three feet over a ledge of gneiss. This site has probably no equal in the State for convenience and safety, unless it is the one upon the South Yadkin, which is owned by the Hon. Charles Fisher. Its capacity is not so great as that formed by the great bend already described. It cannot, of course, be compared with the latter, as to its capacity and power; but, considering the small capital it requires for using it, the height of the fall, and its accessibility, and the mineral property in immediate proximity to it; it certainly becomes one of the most valuable in North-Carolina, as I have already stated. So also it is safe, as no risk is incurred in building, so far as freshets are concerned, or need not, as the water is taken out at a point above, which secures all the buildings from danger. The High Shoal property contains, beside the

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fall, about ten square miles of land, upon which there are several iron mines, as well as gold and copper mines. Formerly, iron of the best quality was manufactured here. It could not, however, furnish it, except for home consumption. The iron ore is inexhaustable, but is not at present sought for, the company being engaged in working their gold mines, though not at a profit. The ore is the magnetic oxide, and is easily wrought, and makes a remarkably tough iron, being adapted to nail plates; and nails which were formerly manufactured here on a small scale, obtained a high reputation for toughness. This location being occupied and well known, requires no farther notice in this place. Should the Wilmington and Charlotte road be constructed, it will necessarily pass in its immediate vicinity, and hence increase its importance as a manufacturing site.

        Below Lincolnton there are ten or eleven mill-sites which are adapted to manufacturing purposes--some of which possess remarkable advantages and are still unoccupied. They are situated along the river for twelve or fifteen miles. They vary in the amount of fall from seven to twenty-three feet, rarely, however, less than nine feet. To form an estimate of the capacity of this branch of the Catawba, I may compare it with a well-known stream, the Hoosick river, in Berkshire, Massachusetts. This river, in the upper part of its course, including that part of it between Cheshire and North Adams, and embracing a branch which comes from the Hoosick mountain, and which joins the Cheshire branch at North Adams, supplies power for moving thirty large mills, most of which manufacture cotton. The Hoosick, at Adams, is about half the size of the Little Catawba; yet it furnishes a power equivalent for turning 500,000 spindles, in a space of about twelve miles; and at the same time, there is no single location which can compare with the High Shoals of the Little Catawba. Iron, calico, satinetts and woollens are manufactured, giving employment to between 3000 and 4000 individuals, and making an important market for this part of the country. The Little Catawba can furnish twice the power in the same distance, and employ 10,000 persons, and

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create thereby a home market for the produce of all of this part of the country.

        Should the manufacturing capacity of this section of country be filled, it would become one of the most populous parts of the State. The different branches of industry would sustain each other, while there would be at the same time an accumulation of wealth from the use of powers now lying dormant.

        It is by these instrumentalities that public improvements, such as railways and canals, are sustained, and the facilities of travel, transportation and intercourse promoted; all of which are more or less mutually dependent upon each other.

        I cannot, at the present time, make a full estimate of the capacity of the water-power in Lincoln, Gaston and Catawba counties. Enough has been said to show its importance and call the attention of capitalists to a field which promises so much to enterprize and investment of capital. Its importance will only be discovered by the progress of the several distinct interests which exist in this section of the State; for the iron and other mining interests no doubt will become very important, inasmuch as the raw material is abundant. So also, I find numerous materials required in their manufacture, as glass, clays for fine brick and pottery, etc.

        * 6. The Yadkin is another stream which rises upon the flanks of the Blue Ridge, and which runs a course of three hundred and fifty miles in the State, including its windings. It leaves it in Richmond county, a large river, with water sufficient for the largest class of steamers. In its course it forms several most important sites for manufacturing towns. Its system of waters embraces Uwharrie, the South Yadkin, Abbot's creek, Swearing creek, Dutchman's and Muddy creek, and numerous other streams which interlock with the Dan, New and Catawba rivers. The main trunk of the Yadkin furnishes water which may be employed for manufactures and for navigation. The Narrows present an obstruction to its complete navigation, which cannot be overcome. From a point five miles above the Narrows, plans for making it navigable to Wilkesborough, have been proposed,

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and the enterprize is no doubt a feasible one. Above Wilkesborough, the Yadkin with its numerous branches furnishes numerous water-powers, some of which are employed in flouring grain and sawing timber. The country drained and watered by the Yadkin, is adapted to wheat and corn, and might also become a fine grazing country, if the attention of people were once directed to this branch of industry. Sheep and cattle would thrive well on the hills of Wilkes, Surry, Ashe, Davie and Yadkin.

        As it regards sites for manufacturing towns, two seem to be quite prominent. The first is at the Trading ford, near the great railway bridge of the Central road. Something has been attempted here, but conflicting claims respecting the use of the power on different sides of the river prevent, at present, the completion of works which have been begun by parties competent to carry them out, and into successful operation. Thus, unforeseen difficulties have brought to an end, for the present, the improvements at this place. The shoals and rapids of Yadkin, below this point and above the Narrows, are in part occupied, but there is always a great surplus of water which is unemployed in the lowest stages of the river.

        Milledgeville, five miles above the Narrows, and one-and-a-half miles below Stokes' ferry, is probably one of the most important of the manufacturing sites upon the river; or may become so. On the west side of the river there is a flouring establishment. This side, however, is too much hemmed in by the hills to admit of its growth into a manufacturing village, though there is an abundance of water. On the east or Milledgeville side, there is room for a wide race way and the erection of buildings for machinery. There is a fall of thirteen feet in four thousand, not including a rapid at the head of the fall, which has been used for a carding machine, but which is, itself, quite sufficient for a large factory. The middle, or one hundred feet of the river, is reserved as a public sluice for the benefit of the fishing interest. But sufficient water may be controlled by a wingdam for a race eighty feet wide, and carrying four feet of

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water. This race may extend three-quarters of a mile, and distribute its waters at intervals convenient for the mills required. Milledgeville is accessible, and the banks of the river being low, they present no obstacles to a good road. Indeed, it is to be hoped that the river may be improved from Stokes' ferry to Wilkesborough, by which the means for sustaining the manufacturing interests will be greatly increased.

        One mile below Milledgeville, the plantation of Mr. Davis furnishes another equally valuable site for manufacturing. It is entirely unoccupied. The fall which is available is about thirteen feet, and the water can be disposed of in a race which will be free from danger in freshets. The situation of these two points, within a mile of each other, increases the relative value of each, and increases also the inducements to use these naturel powers for manufacturing purposes.

        At Mrs. Locks, at the head of the Narrows upon the west side, there is another unoccupied water-power. There is, however, a want of space for a large establishment. The Yadkin falls rapidly in its passage through the Narrows, and its channel is narrow and exceedingly rocky. Fish do not attempt to ascend it during the night.

        * 7. The South Yadkin is one of its principal branches. It joins the Yadkin in Davie county. It is analogous to the Little Catawba, and like that, has a very important water-power some five or six miles above its junction. This branch is navigable to the falls and about twelve miles above them. The actual descent or fall is twenty-two feet. This mill site becomes important both from the amount of water which may be employed, and the quantity of iron ore in its immediate vicinity, and its easy access by land and water. In certain respects, this fall has advantages over others; those particularly which have been enumerated. Both sides are adapted to use, and hence its full power may be employed. We can scarcely estimate the advantages which would be conferred upon this part of the State by the occupation of this power for manufacturing purposes. It has all the advantages

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of the great bend so far as cheapness of living is concerned, being situated in a fine agricultural region.

        * 8. The water system of the Cape Fear embraces the Haw, Deep river, New Hope and Little river, with many smaller streams which are its tributaries--principally to the two first named. The Haw is the largest of the two, and is the most tumultuous stream, and furnishes the largest amount of water-power. Deep river is tortuous and sluggish up as far as Hancock's mills, where it becomes a more rapid stream, and hence it furnishes several important water-powers through its whole course. The tributaries of the Cape Fear are large below Fayetteville. For manufacturing purposes, it will be conceded that the Haw and Deep rivers are the most important. The Haw, for example, has twenty mill sites in about sixty miles. These are important, because the greater part of the country through which it passes is well adapted to the growth of the cereals. The first, two miles above Haywood, has a fall of ten feet. As the volume of water is large, and inasmuch too as it can be controlled to advantage, and as the river will be boatable as far as the site, it acquires very considerable importance. At the present time it is only occupied by a rickety mill, which might very well give place to something of greater importance. A mill site is formed every three miles in the sixty miles alluded to, and none of them are fully occupied. From Haywood to Wentworth, in Rockingham county, this river is truly a manufacturing stream. The country through which it flows is not so rich in minerals, but cotton and wheat are the staples of the lower half of its course, and tobacco the upper. The lowest fall is one of large capacity; and is, at least, equal to that required to turn 25,000 spindles; while the aggregate capacity of the Haw is equal to that which may be required to turn 500,000 spindles.

        It is impossible to calculate the capacity of Deep river for manufacturing purposes. It is supposed that there will be a large surplus of water, which may be thus employed, at each of the dams constructed for the improvement of its navigation. Jones' falls is one of the most important upon the

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river. The fall in three thousand is twenty-four feet. It has been calculated that the discharge of water below the falls is equal to forty-four hundred and eight-two cubic feet per minute, an amount which is said to be considerably less than that above the falls, owing to a loss from evaporating.

        Several water-powers have been occupied in part for many years in the vicinity of Franklinsville. In this part of the river there are six mill sites in a distance of about six miles. The whole capacity of these sites is equal to that required to turn 30,000 spindles during the lowest stages of water.

        The Cape Fear has two well known falls; the Buckhorn and Smiley's. The first falls fourteen feet in two stages. The supply of water is sufficient to meet all the wants of navigation, and furnish a large surplus for mills. The river at Smiley's, falls thirty feet in three miles.

        New Hope, which falls into the Haw two miles above the bridge at Haywood, is a sluggish stream in all the lower part, yet it has two mill sites of considerable importance.

        There are several other tributaries of the Haw, which furnish good sites for mills: Back, Sellers and Kane creeks are mill streams of some importance. The latter, in Alamance county, is a valuable stream for country mills, and for small manufacturing establishments.

        * 9. I shall not attempt to give, at this time, any statement respecting the water-power of the Neuse, Dan, Roanoke or Tar rivers; inasmuch as I have not obtained that local and specific information respecting them, which the subject demands. In general, however, it may be observed that their descent within the bounds of the State does not differ from that of the Yadkin and Cape Fear; and if so, they probably furnish an equal amount of water-power, and an equal number of sites adapted to manufacturing purposes. The falls of the Roanoke, at Weldon, furnish a large water-power, in part occupied; but capable of moving a much greater amount of machinery, should not be passed over unnoticed. The place itself is the most accessible one in the State; and hence, with its valuable water-power, it seems that ere long measures will be taken to use its advantages upon a much larger scale than they are at present.

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        * 10. In the foregoing remarks, my object has been to direct the attention of capitalists to the subject; and I have mentioned certain points which are especially deserving of attention. When the whole field is brought under view, all must admit that this most important power is distributed over the midland counties in such a way as to give each section a participation in all those advantages which a power of this kind is capable of conferring. While the rivers and their tributaries water the soil and render it productive, they still furnish a surplus not only for the every day wants of man to prepare his lumber and grind his grain for domestic purposes, but enough also for manufacturing the cotton and the ores for a home or a distant market. The immediate wants of a neighborhood may be supplied, and enough left to be used for a more public purpose, which will bring a current of wealth and prosperity from abroad. An inspection of a map shows a very advantageous distribution of the rivers of North-Carolina. East of the Blue Ridge it is traversed obliquely by seven large rivers, all of which interlock with each other. Their course secures to each section through which they flow a great supply for vegetation. Even the hilly and mountainous New England, cannot claim a larger and more advantageous supply for the promotion of agriculture and the arts. New England has not suffered her advantages to go to waste. North-Carolina has been too quiet and too indifferent to her natural advantages. But the time of her indifference has past. Already experience has demonstrated that her public works, undertaken mainly by the State, secures those advantages which tell strongly upon the prosperity of the midland counties.

        Experience sets right the public sentiment, and in beginning a system of improvement, founded upon natural advantages, it only requires time for their development, in order to secure a favorable expression of public opinion.

        The principle end in view must always be a market for the surplus productions. A road to a market not only encourages the cultivation of the soil, but the development and use of the water-power of the country. If the cereals can be

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ground and prepared for market at home, it is better than to send them abroad. If cotton can be manufactured at home, the profits of labor are retained, and the productive property within the State increased thereby.

        It is to those sections of the State which are supplied with means and instruments, that these observations apply.

        To one who has been familiar with the disadvantages of a New England soil and climate, and who has witnessed the disappearance of formidable obstacles in prosecuting extensive public or private works by the force of the will, it will not seem strange that he should look with surprise on the little progress which a people under a better sun, with a better soil, and numerous natural advantages to encourage, have made in the last quarter of a century. When, however, a single public or private enterprise has been prosecuted to a successful termination, confidence is increased and timidity diminished. Every successful enterprise multiplies the friends of enterprise, and the results are being seen in the growth of villages, the erection of a better class of dwellings, and the circulation of money.

CHAPTER III.

        Elementary facts and principles respecting the Igneous or Pyrocrystalline Rocks.

        * 11. It is no doubt proper that a geological report should be restricted mainly to the communication of such facts and observations as relate to the objects of the survey. It cannot be expected that it will be devoted to the teaching of elementary geology; but it may be necessary, where peculiarities exist in the structure of the rocks, to place immediately

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before the reader a brief statement of the elements or principles of the science; besides, it will be found that certain conclusions which I have arrived at will be better understood, by first placing before the reader some of the most important of the elements of geology, than they can be by their omission.

        * 12. All that is important, or is worth knowing in geology, has been obtained by observation; it has been worked out by hard labor in the field.

        In this way, and by the aid also of principles and axioms which are universally received, and among which we may place the following, viz., that like causes produce like effects, geologists have arrived at certain conclusions respecting the origin of rocks, as well as to the interpretation of certain phenomena, and the agents also which have left their impression upon the accessible parts of the earth's crust. Of the agents which have left their marks upon the earth's crust, it is universally admitted that fire and water are the most general and important. Their marks are seen in the phenomena of each respective class, and known to be those which are fitting and agreeable to the effects which we see every day to belong to them. In the order of time the former stands first; but its agency must still be recognized. Assuming a very common opinion as true, that the earth has been an ignited mass, we shall not be unwilling to admit the conclusion that its agency has become much less, and that the marks which it now leaves upon the earth's crust are much more limited, than in the ancient periods of its history.

        If the foregoing is true, water stands second in the order of time; but it also acquired its acme of power in the early periods, and is this day as influential in its proper sphere as ever; but in its common every day movements its operations are slow and scarcely perceptible.

        * 13. These agents have given origin to two classes of rocks, which are known under the general apellations the igneous and the aqueous, each of which may be separated into subordinate kinds. In the igneous rocks, structure, or the peculiar arrangement of the parts composing the mass, forms

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the basis upon which the division is made. It appears that notwithstanding the fact that heat acts upon bodies uniformly, still the results are not uniform, because the circumstances which attend the cooling of the heated mass are not uniform. But as I have not time or space to make a full explanation of these varied results, I proceed at once to give the subordinate divisions to which I have referred. Igneous rocks, then, are divided into two general sections: 1. Those whose structure is distinctly crystalline throughout, as granite, sienite, gneiss, mica slate, hornblende, etc.; 2. Those whose structure is massive, or earthy and compact, or which contain in a compact base a few chrystaline particles, and is also vesicular, and may pass into incoherent particles. This section embraces the basalts, greenstone, porphyry, lava, volcanic ashes, etc.

        Each of these sections, however, may be subdivided; thus, the section comprehending the granites and gneiss, and which have been called pyrocrystalline, are farther subdivided into the massive pyrocrystalline, and the laminated pyrocrystalline rocks; their crystallization being produced by fire, but having operated under different circumstances, has imparted to the rock a massive structure, and in another case a laminated one, like that of gneiss and mica slate.

        * 14. The section embracing the basalts, porphyry, and which have been termed pyroplastic, are also divided into two subsections, which are founded upon the circumstances under which the masses have cooled, or condition under which the heat has operated. Thus, the first section contains those rocks which have cooled under water or great pressure. It contains basalt, greenstone and porphyry. They are called the subaqueous pyroplastic rocks. The second contains the lavas and all other volcanic products which are thrown into the atmosphere and cooled under the air, and are hence called sub-oerial.

        * 15. It should be stated in this place, that, although the foregoing subdivisions are sufficiently exact for all practical purposes, still, rocks are sometimes met with, whose structure is intermediate, and may not be referred readily to either of

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the foregoing sections; and I may add, also, by way of explanation, that the rocks which are denominated laminated, are frequently called stratified, which is no doubt incorrect, inasmuch as stratified rocks should be placed in the sedimentary class, and belong entirely to another order of phenomena.

        It may be inquired, why I have not followed the classification of others, and recognized a class which has been called metamorphic. The reason is this: All rocks may become metamorphic, and hence, by the application of certain agents, great changes in their structure; any rocks, therefore, may be metamorphic, or be metamorphic in part only; and hence, too, while we admit that rocks are changed or altered subsequent to their consolidation, it is evident the fact is not a fitting one to form in part the basis of a classification. The so-called metamorphic class are mere accidents in the world's history; and hence, it will be right to say, that a certain rock is metamorphic at a certain locality.

        The term primary has been and is still applied to the pyrocrystalline rocks--meaning, simply, that they were consolidared before organic beings were created.

        * 16. But, to make the foregoing classification more clear, and to show more distinctly the character of the respective masses, I proceed to state, that the particles in granite, though crystalline, are not arranged in parallel stripes or bands. In fig. 1, A, this peculiarity is represented. It may

Illustration

FIG. 1 [Pyrocrystalline rocks]

be traversed by plains or lines, as in the figure; but these are the natural joints, and serve only to divide the mass into angular blocks: while in fig. 1, B, the mass is divided into strips or lamina, each of which is separated from adjacent
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ones, by the mica or hornblende, which is sometimes present. In gneiss, the lamina are usually thicker than in mica slate, represented in fig. 1. C. In Talcose slate, the lamina are usually curved, and the surface may be corrugated.

        * 17. The structure of the pyroplastic rocks, those which have been moulded by fire, is represented in part by fig. 2, A, B, C. Basalt is columnar, as in fig. 1, B. An example of this rock is furnished in the natural walls of Rowan. A porphyry is rock which has a compact base, through which crystalline particles of felspar are disseminated, as in fig. 2, B.

Illustration

FIG. 2 [Pyroplastic rocks]

The subærial pyroplastic is represented in C. The vesicular structure is often indistinct in the lower parts of the mass which have been subjected to pressure. So, also, the texture and cohesion are variable.

        There is no determinate order in the arrangement of the foregoing rocks, neither do they belong to ancient or modern periods exclusively, except in the laminated pyrocrystalline rocks, which, as a class, together with certain granites, are the oldest rocks of the globe; while certain granites, with the basalts, greenstones, and lavas, may be said to belong to all periods indiscriminately.

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CHAPTER IV.

        Origin of the Sediments.--How distinguished from the Eruptive Rocks--thickness of the Sediments--their Classificacation, etc.

        * 18. Sediments consist of abraded particles from pre-existing rocks. These, in most instances, form consolidated beds, the consolidation having taken place beneath the ocean, or beneath the waters which have received the transported matter from rivers. This matter sometimes remains in a soft condition, like the marls and sands of the low counties.

        * 19. Sediments may be distinguished from the eruptive or pyrocrystalline rocks, 1st, by the presence of water-worn particles; 2d, by the presence of organic bodies, or fossils. The former is the most common character, inasmuch as fossils are extremely rare in the oldest sediments.

        * 20. Geologists estimate the aggregate thickness of the sediments at ten or twelve miles, without including in the estimate those which are regarded as the oldest. This great accumulation of abraded matter is not known to exist at one place, the land not having been stationary beneath the sea, so as to receive the sediments all the time during which they have been accumulating. But different parts of the earth's surface have been covered with water at different periods. So that sediments have always been accumulating since water has been collected in the great depressions of the earth's surface.

        * 21. This fact has been useful in classifying these deposits, belonging, as has been stated, to different periods; for it has been proved, by observation, that the different periods during which sediments have been accumulating, contain, entombed in them, different kinds of organic beings. But another kind of evidence, going to prove both the succession of the sediments and their capability of being separated into groups, is derived from the superposition of rocks.

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Superposition is, however, the highest proof of age; the oldest occupying the inferior position.

        * 22. The bearing which fossils have to any scheme of classification which has been proposed, can be understood only by a knowledge of the following laws: 1. That species or kinds have had a limited duration; 2. That there has been a succession of species; and 3. That the species of one period, and which have become extinct, have never lived in any future period. The utility of the knowledge of fossils is based on these three laws. This knowledge is particularly useful in comparing rocks which are widely separated from each other, or in those cases where direct superposition cannot be observed. If, for example, certain rocks in Canada furnish a group of fossils similar to those of a given series in Tennessee, the inference would be, that they belonged to the same period, and hence occupy the same geological position; or, if we compare the fossils of the coal formation of England and America, it will be found that they are almost identical; and it is proved also, that the position relatively is the same in both countries, though separated from each other three thousand miles.

        * 23. From the foregoing statement of facts, it will be perceived, that one great object in geological research is to identify periods and formations; for periods and formations have a similarity of character not only in their organic contents but also in the minerals connected with them.

        We are interested in knowing the life character of the different groups of sediments, as it is from that that the history of the earth is to be deciphered. It is more than a life history, it is also a physical history; for in that, or in the phenomena they present us with, we may read the physical changes which the earth's surface has undergone. The life history and the physical history are often recorded on the same page of the stone book.

        * 24. In order to see clearly the difference in the different groups of rocks, we should construct what is known as a geological column, on which we may indicate the relative positions of rocks by different colored zones, and adjacent to each

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zone place the fossils of each group. Such a column would not only show the relative position of the physical groups, but it would also indicate the epochs during the geologic time, the epochs being characterized by groups of different kinds of animals and plants. But this is not all; it would show an advance in rank, or a progress in an ascending scale represented in the passage of one zone to another upon the column. At the bottom, molusca, with low grades of animals and plants, would occupy the whole of the lower zone. In the next, we may observe a few fish which are the lowest representatives of the vertebrated class. In the next, the reptile; and a little higher, we should find the bird; and after this still, the lowest form of the mammal. The progress in rank seems to continue, till we reach the highest zone, or the last and present epoch. The progress is from a low to a higher rank; not from the simple to the complex, as some suppose: or from the imperfect to the perfect structure; for perfection of structure has reference to adaptation only; and, in this view, the structure of a molusk is as perfect as a mammal.

        * 25. Now in the examination of the rocks of North Carolina, I have sought to identify them with those of other States and countries; or, in other words, to determine the relative position which they occupy in the geologic column or scale; as such determination furnishes a clue to their economical value as depositories of the valuable metals or products; it is, therefore, practically useful, while it advances or promotes the progress of the science.

        * 26. The following scheme or table contains a list of the systems of rocks, arranged in the order of superposition.

        The left hand column contains the names of the general systems recognized in different parts of the earth's surface, and the right those systems which are known in North Carolina:

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General Systems. Systems of North-Carolina.
Cainozoic, Recent and Tertiary. Recent and Tertiary.
Mesozoic, Cretaceous, Cretaceous.
Mesozoic, Oolite,
Mesozoic, Lias,  
Mesozoic, New Red Sandstone. New Red Sandstone?
Palæozoic, Permian, Permian?
Palæozoic, Carboniferous, . . . .
Palæozoic, Devonian, . . . .
Palæozoic, Silurian, . . . .
Palæozoic, Taconic. Taconic.
Eruptive or Pyrocrystalline.   Eruptive or Pyrocrystalline.

        * 27. The new red sandstone and permian are inserted with a query, as it is not satisfactorily determined whether the coal rocks of Deep and Dan rivers belong to the first or second, or to both. It will be observed, that several systems of rocks which are clearly recognized in other States are wanting in North-Carolina, as the silurian, devonian, carboniferous, and the lias and oolite; the two last are probably wanting, though it should be stated that the opinion has been expressed, by very competent geologists, that Deep and Dan river rocks belong to one or both of them.

        Of the rocks which belong to the State, the tertiary or cretaceous occur in the lower counties; they are the depositories of the marls, and never contain the ores of the metals, excepting the earthy ores of iron and manganese. The rocks of the Deep and Dan rivers are important, as they contain beds of coal, ores of iron, fire clay, millstones, grindstones and freestones.

        The taconic system, which belongs to the oldest sediments, and which will be fully described hereafter, occupies the midland counties in part, and the extreme western border. It contains the most important repositories of the ores. The eruptive or pyrocrystalline rocks are very generally distributed; they are also the repositories of the ores.

        * 28. While I believe it is generally true that certain formations are more productive in metals and economic materials than others, still, there are evidently certain exceptions to the rule; and it may prove that certain districts are rich in metals, irrespective of the period to which the rocks of the district belong; thus that part of the taconic series west of

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the Blue Ridge, and which is referred to as occupying the midland counties, is rich in the ores, while the rocks of the same age west of the Blue Ridge are certainly very poor. It would seem, therefore, that the causes which have been operative in charging the rocks with ores, have been confined to certain districts of country. Yet it does not invalidate the conclusion that the metals or ores of a district belong to a distinct period; but in their distribution they have been only partial, or have rather been limited to certain parts of the system, which represents the period in question.

        There is a general rule, however, with respect to the distribution of the ores, viz: they belong rather to the eruptive or pyrocrystalline rocks, and the primary division of the sediments, the palæozoic, or are more common to the oldest rocks of this division. It would appear, therefore, that the dissemination of the metals through the rocks took place in the early periods of its history, and prior to the mesozoic and cainozoic series.

        * 29. Having stated a few of the elementary principles and facts belonging to the subject under consideration, I shall now proceed to describe the rocks which belong to the middle zone of the State; after which, I shall be prepared to describe, with considerable minuteness, the veins and repositories of the ores which belong to those rocks. The rocks of Deep and Dan rivers, with their rich and valuable contents, will come up for consideration in the last place, when the facts which throw light upon their relative age will be stated.

CHAPTER V.

        Of the Eruptive or Pyrocrystalline Rocks of the Midland Counties of North-Carolina--their Distribution, etc.

        * 30. The granitic formations, which are the subject matters

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of this chapter, form two continuous belts which cross the State in a north-east and south-west direction, or nearly so. The first or easterly belt is the widest, having Raleigh situated nearly centrally upon it. This belt furnished the stone of which the Statehouse is built, and hence some of its characteristics will be at once recalled by the reader. It may be called locally the Raleigh belt, or the Raleigh granite. The second belt has Salisbury and Greensborough situated centrally upon it in their respective districts. It differs from the eastern in certain particulars, and may, with propriety, receive a local name, the Salisbury and Greensborough granite belt. In some parts of the belt it is syenitic, and is frequently called sienite; but in other parts it is similar to the eastern belt in composition.

        * 31. The color of the Raleigh granite is a light gray, passing occasionally into a dark gray. It is composed of quartz, felspar, and a very small quantity of dark colored mica; felspar is the most abundant element, and it is the color of this mineral which gives it its lighter shade. To the presence of this mineral also is due its disposition, in certain beds, to undergo a chemical change, by which it becomes soft and worthless as a building stone. The particles of felspar are of a uniform and medium size; the grain may be rather fine, but I believe never extremely coarse. So far as its texture therefore is concerned, the stable and hard parts of it are fitted for works of construction, though its defects are sometimes brought out when it is protected from the weather, as may be observed in the floor of the Statehouse. The defect first appears in a separation into rather thin lamina usually concentric; the lamina becoming visible, soon disintegrate and pass into a powdery condition, which are the first steps towards the formation of a porcelain clay. These concentric lamina were no doubt developed during its passage from a fluid to a solid state. The decomposition of felspar is supposed to be due to the presence of an alkali or alkaline earth. In the granite under consideration, it is potash; indeed, all the granites of North-Carolina have a kind of felspar which is technically called potash felspar.

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        * 32. It is only from the decomposing granites that porcelian clay is produced, which, however, requires a perfect freedom from the oxides of iron and manganese. The test for good porcelian clay requires a perfect whiteness when subjected to the highest heat of a furnace. It is only the most thoroughly decomposed felspar that gives us a good clay. In the progress of its formation, and in the ultimate results of decomposition, we witness a most beautiful example of the molecular force. First, there is the separation into lamina, which is properly due to a mechanical force, but which exposes a larger surface of molecules to atmospheric influences; then a slight detachment of particles from each other, and by which the stability of the compound is disturbed, and which soon results in a complete separation of some of the potash. When the chemical affinity is so far weakened, the process of decomposition goes on rather rapidly, until the mineral felspar is completely disorganized, and is perfectly resolved into its original elements. But we must look at the process in another point of view. When certain elements are being detached in this way, they are by no means inert or inactive; they are in a state disposed to enter into new combinations, or the particles may simply combine together, kind with kind, and so unite as to produce solid elementary minerals; or they may combine and form new compound bodies. It is so in this case; that portion of the silica which was in combination with potash combines, and frequently forms minute crystals of quartz; but sometimes it is a hornstone. The iron ore also collects by itself, and forms balls consisting of the hydrous per oxide of iron, which may be, and often are, perfectly well defined and separate from the white mass of porcelain earth; while the manganese also, which is usually present in some form in the granite, combines and forms also concretions of the metallic oxide. Sometimes these chemical changes appear to be completed, and each new formed body to have become stable again; but frequently we may witness the changes in all its stages progressing slowly to the termination to which I have alluded, and in which they become, for a time at least, fixed bodies.

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Such changes are well worthy of notice, as they prepare us to comprehend other changes more complicated, and taking place, under circumstances which we might not expect. Such is the case in many mineral veins, to which reference will be made in its proper place. Similar changes occur in reducing rocks to a soil, and under certain circumstances recompositions take place in the soil, which operates injuriously on its productiveness. Soils are no doubt generally derived from solid rocks. In the south there is a peenlipeculiarityarity which makes the study of rocks, in connection with agriculture, more important than it is at the north; for, as was shown as long ago as 1824-25, by Prof. Olmsted, the debris from rocks forming the soil, remains in situ. The elements of the soil and of the rock therefore, are more alike; and a knowledge of the composition of the rock gives us information respecting the composition of the soil.

        * 33. Relation of the Raleigh belt of granite to other members of the primary rocks.--When granite is spoken of, the expectation is, that it is an under lying rock. I have, however, intimated that cases are on record, in which it is shown that it is an overlying one. In the belt of granite under consideration, there is evidence which goes to show that it overlies gneiss, mica, slate, and hornblende. The most important locality which brings to light this relation, is about one or one-half miles west of Warrenton, in Warren county. These laminated rocks crop out from beneath the granite in this region. The exposure is uot extensive, but sufficiently so to establish the relation at this place. There are still others of the kind, but less conspicuous. But if the observation is correct at or near Warrenton, it seems to me that it establishes the fact for the whole belt.

        It follows, from the foregoing, that it was projected through fissures in the gneiss or mica slate, and that from those it overflowed the country where it is now the upper rock.

        This relation, however, is not new; for many years since I observed the same fact respecting the granites of Maine, which have become so celebrated in architecture. But in Maine, the area of the beds is limited, frequently only capping

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a hill, and from which the whole had been removed, leaving the beds of gneiss and hornblende exposed.

        * 34. This belt of granite is peculiar in another respect, it furnishes no metalic veins; and is rarely traversed by trapdykes. This negative character is referred to, in consequence of its being in contrast with the Salisbury and Greensborough belt. It is of course unnecessary to attempt to explain the fact. We cannot account for the activity of those forces which are instrumental in filling fissures with metallic matters in certain districts, neither for their inactivity in others.

        * 35. The geographical position of the Raleigh belt of granite may be defined approximately, by giving the names of the places through which its extreme outer edges pass, and connecting those places by lines; thus the western edge runs three miles west of Henderson, and one-and-a-half or two miles west of Raleigh, and from thence south-westwardly through the Buckhorn falls, on the Cape Fear river. From the latter place it is concealed by sands but appears to sweep around towards Rockingham and Richmond counties, as it appears there, and also upon the head waters of Turkey creek. Upon Turkey creek there are fine quarries of millstone.

        The south-east edge passes through Weldon, where it forms a barrier across the Roanoke; thence to Belford, at the west boundary of Nash county; thence five miles west of Smithfield, in Johnston county. In this neighborhood it is concealed by sands.

        The granite of Rocky Mount belongs to this belt: but it is separated from it by a belt of slate which extends from Gaston through Halifax and Belford, where it lies in contact with the granite. The breadth of this granite is from twenty to twenty-five miles.

        * 36. In an economical point of view, very little need be said of this belt of granite. It makes a fine building material when it is firm, and resists the action of the weather. It contains a very few minerals, which, on exposure, weather out, and thus impairs its qualities. In the shade it however often becomes dark and dingy from the growth of lichens and fungi, whose growth seem to be favored by moisture,

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and perhaps also by the disengagement of potash from the felspar. This rock furnishes one of the most distinct unmixed granite soils in the State. It will be interesting to know its agricultural capabilities, and to ascertain whether it has, in any respects, advantages over the slate soil, in its vicinity.

        * 37. The Salisbury and Greensborough belt of granite.--This is frequently a syenitic granite, that is, hornblende takes the place of mica. The grain and texture of the rock is not unlike that of the Raleigh granite. It is rarely coarse, and never contains large particles of quartz, mica, or hornblende. Felspar predominates over the other elements, and hence, as this is usually light colored, so the granite is generally a light gray. The disposition to crumble is greater than the rock already described, and frequently it is easily crushed by the hand, and large beds of it occur where it is soft, to a depth of twenty feet; indeed, large areas occur, in which we may not observe the rock at all, except in the form and condition of a debris. But in some places it furnishes a fine firm building material, capable of withstanding the influence of the weather. The weathering rock frequently exposes masses which are hard, and resist atmospheric influences a long time. These hard rocks are nuclei, which seem to have been formed by concretionary movements. They stand about upon the surface like boulders. The roads from Salisbury and Concord, and from the former place to Gold Hill, pass through or by fields of these rocks, which have been weathered out in the course of ages.

        * 38. Notwithstanding the great similarity existing between this and the Raleigh granite, in texture and composition, still the two belts present a great contrast in other respects. This contrast appears in the numerous metallic veins and trap-dykes which traverse the Salisbury and Greensborough belt. Of the former, it will be sufficient to mention the North-Carolina copper mine, McCulloch gold mine, Phenix & Vanderburgh gold and copper mine, the Pioneer gold and copper mine, and the Boger & Hill copper mines. Trap-dykes are numerous at most places where the rock is exposed,

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and appear very conspicuous in many of the railroad cuttings. But, at certain points they are so numerous that the rock is obscured. The dykes are not composed of one material, but consist of the common amphibolic trap, quartz, felspar and thin seams of epidote; forming, together, a net work of eruptive rocks. When they decompose, the hornblende trap appears in dark green stripes, and many, when carefully examined, have assumed the structure of a sediment or a laminated rock, and which often appears like the dark green slates of the taconic system. This singular structure of an eruptive rock is interesting and important, as it proves that it may be produced in rocks which have been regarded as sediments, but which, in these cases, are the farthest removed from rocks of this description, and with which water has had nothing to do. The lamina are sometimes as thin as paper, and, from their appearance, cannot be distinguished from the slates referred to. They are bounded by walls of granite, and are frequently only from six to ten inches wide. We see the phenomena in the apparent slate or killas which border the gold and copper veins when they traverse granite. The slaty structure of the dykes, which has just been noticed, is in strong contrast with the columnar structure which frequently occurs, of which instances, the well known natural walls of Rowan and Stokes counties are familiar examples.

        * 39. I have already alluded to some of the differences between this and the eastern belt, especially in the existence in the former of numerous metallic veins. It should be stated in this place, that the veins referred to are not distributed indiscriminately through the rock. On this subject, however, it is sufficient to state the fact, that they are confined mostly to the edges of the granite, or to the sides which are bordered by slate, of another formation. The veins which I have already enumerated lie along the south-east border, most of them within one or two miles of the slate.

        The central railroad runs along the central part of the belt, and although there are many deep cuttings through the granite, still there is not a single instance in which those cuttings

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have intersected metallic veins--though, as I have said, the dykes exposed are very numerous.

        The explanation of the foregoing facts respecting the occurrence and peculiar distribution of the metallic veins is difficult. We are not in possession of all the facts required, for a solution of the question. The fact which bears more immediately upon this subject, is the greater thickness of the granite mass in its centre, or along the line of railway. Vein fissures in this part of the rock may not reach the surface--or it may lie at a distance from the axis of disturbance, or of the eruptive force.

        * 40. This belt of granite is from ten to fourteen miles wide. The belt will attract attention wherever it is crossed by the numerous trap-dykes in all parts of the districts; thus, in going from Roxborough to Yanceyville, from Graham to Guilford, or from Union county through Charlotte to Lincoln county, he will pass over the granite with its trap-dykes.

        * 41. The eastern border of this belt passes four miles east of Roxborough, and from thence southwardly by the North-Carolina copper mine, and about two miles east of Lexington; thence one mile west of Gold Hill, and thence a few degrees west of south to the State line in South-Carolina.

        The western border is about four miles east of Yanceyville; thence by the High Rock ford, on Haw river; thence five miles west of Jamestown, and crossing the Yadkin near Crump's ford; thence near the fork of the South Yadkin, and crossing the Catawba near the great horse show bend, and thence crossing the Little Catawba near Springs' mill, and passing out of the State, it takes the direction of Yorkville, in South-Carolina. The belt crosses the State obliquely; it takes an easterly sweep after passing north of Salisbury: it crosses the Dan just above Clarksville, near the junction of the Dan and Roanoke.

        Notwithstanding the fissuration to which this rock has been subjected, it is comparatively barren in minerals, except the metallic oxides. Epidote is common, schorl rare, and the tourmalines unknown in connexion with it. In this respect it is similar to the eastern belt.

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        * 42. This would be the proper place to discuss, at some length, the age of the trap-dykes and metallic veins of this formation; but, inasmuch as the subject of the formation of veins will come up in another place, I shall now leave this interesting question to a future time, barely observing that the bearing of the facts upon it go to show that the dykes were formed subsequent to the deposit of the adjacent slates, which are, no doubt, sediments of the Palæozoic age.

        * 43. Granites of Lincoln, Gaston and Catawba Counties.--A person, on arriving at Lincolnton in the evening, would imagine that the streets were covered with snow. This whiteness of the streets, however, is not so glaring now as formerly. The soil is a decomposed white coarse granite, which explains the peculiar appearance referred to. The felspar is predominant here, but the mica being very light colored, and in rather large lamina, the whole rock appears whiter than usual. The granite of Lincoln and the counties named, occurs in veins both in gneiss and talcose, or mica slate. It is therefore a subordinate rock. It forms a network of veins in this region, and some veins are very wide.

        This rock first appears about two miles east of Lincolnton; large plates of mica will probably be noticed first by the road side. The rock to which it belongs will be seen occasionally in the ditches. It is very abundant in and about Lincolnton, as if it was the principal rock. It extends over a wide area. Towards King's mountain the road passes for twelve miles upon it, or it is very frequently a prominent rock on the way side. To northwards from Lincolnton it may be traced ten or fifteen miles. Its breadth is not over three miles. This belt seems to have been extensively fissured, which circumstance gave origin to this eruption along a narrow belt which seems to lie between two systems of rocks; on the east are the slates of the taconic system, and on the west gneiss, mica slate and hornblende rock. I have not been successful in my searches for the ores in this rock. Schorl and lepidolite are the only minerals which I have discovered.

        This granite resembles that which occurs at Chester, Chesterfield and Norwich, in Massachusetts--and which there

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contains many kinds of rare minerals, though the metals are absent, excepting some exceeding rare ones in minute quantity.

CHAPTER VI.

        Of the Laminated Pyrocrystaline Rocks--as Gneiss, Mica and Talcose Slates and Hornblende.--Limestone.

        * 44. The individual rocks which fall under the foregoing denominations occupy only limited areas. Indeed it is rather difficult to determine, in certain instances, the line of demarkation between gneiss and granite, as frequently there are passage beds connecting one with the other. I find passage beds in belts along the Crabtree, near Raleigh; but they are more remarkable near the line of junction with the slates, the ancient sediments along the western border of the granite. These beds are intersected by the road leading from Raleigh to Louisburg; but being quite indistinct, and moreover quite limited in the area they occupy, I have included them within the bounds of the eastern range of granite.

        It may become necessary, on a farther examination, to separate them from the granite. There is no necessity for it now, inasmuch as in an economical point of view they are of little importance.

        * 45. The most distinct belt of gneiss, and its related rocks the primary slates, bounds the Salisbury and Greensborough granite in Lincoln, Catawba and Iredell counties. The belt is narrow, and not only extends through the eastern part of the counties just named, but runs on through Davie and Forsythe to Rockingham county.

        The locality where the rock under examination presents its typical form, is at Brevard's furnace, on Dutchman's creek. A

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deep cut exposes, at this place, a rather remarkable condition of the rock; it is in a concretionary condition, the concretions being upon the largest scale of development. The rock is gray, fine grained, and obscurely jointed. It presents the usual character of gneiss in its laminations and passages into mica slate and hornblende. In Rockingham county the rock is more schistose and fine grained, or rather approaches in structure and composition talcose slate, and a thin laminated kind of hornblende.

        It seems unnecessary to dwell at greater length upon these rocks at this time. They have furnished very few metallic veins. They however lie between the granite and the oldest sediments; and as marking a geological as well as a geographical boundary, their place in the series should not pass unnoticed. These rocks, however, as they are largely developed along the Blue ridge, will receive the attention they deserve in the proper place.

        * 46. Limestone of this series.--The most important rock which appears in intimate connexion with the foregoing, is a white granular limestone. The mode in which it should be described, or how it should be regarded, is not well settled in my own mind at least. Its position, at several localities, is certainly among the gneiss and mica slate and hornblende rocks, and its lamina or beds are nearly parallel with them; but still it has many characters which belong only to the eruptive rocks.

        Bolejack's quarries in Stokes county is the most typical form under which it occurs. These quarries are four miles west of Germanton. The rock is white granular, rather coarse and firm, is free from magnesia, and lies in beds or thick laminated parallel masses, which incline at about 10° to the horizon. At Mr. Martin's beds, the limestone incloses foreign rocks, as quartz, slate and hornblende; but the lime it furnishes is good and strong.

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CHAPTER VII.

        Of the oldest Sediments--their Primary Characters or Aspect--difficulty of distinguishing them from the true Primary or Pyrocrystalline Rocks by their Lithological Characters, etc.

        * 47. A few years only have elapsed since geologists first attempted to discover the bottom rocks, their labors having been confined to the superior masses to which they were allured by the innumerable relics of the past, and among which they could revel with more pleasure than the antiquarian among the ruins of cities. It is difficult even now, to satisfy oneself what the real views of geologists now are of the bottom rocks; and it is a question which is still in the mouths of some, can they be distinguished and known, seeing they must have been subjected to many changes from the action of forces which were then powerful and energetic?

        But notwithstanding the plausibility of such a question, there are still grounds for believing that the bottom rocks, or the oldest sediments, retain the marks of their origin, if not entirely intact, yet, sufficiently distinct and entire for their recognition. This view is founded on the probability, that when these rocks began to be laid down upon the sea bottom, the earth's crust had become stable, the inner forces had become comparatively quiet, and that their activity did not greatly exceed in intensity what is witnessed in our day. The time had come when the earth was to be inhabited; it had received its two outer envelopes, water and the atmosphere. These results had come to pass, or had taken place in the natural progress of things--were the result of laws which govern bodies placed in the condition the earth then was. The forces had died out, or had become weakened; and they ceased to be energetic, because the sources of their energy were spent. If the foregoing is true, it follows, that in the course of nature, the partially extinct powers could

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not be revived or awakened into life. Locally, they might still be energetic, but their general force was expended, and hence too, it would not be in accordance with the general condition then existing, for forces to act so intensely as to change sediments into those universal rocks, gneiss, mica slate and hornblende.

        But to turn to the results of observation. A consistent interpretation of the phenomena connected with sediments certainly old, if not the oldest, prove in this country, and in Europe, that we reach a sedimentary base, or what appears to be such, below which, we have no evidence of still older beds. We find that they rest upon those universal rocks, gneiss, mica and talcose slate and horublende, to say nothing of granite as a substratum. The proof of rocks of sedimentary origin, reaches us from these deep seated beds, below which we can find nothing deeper or lower, bearing the character of sediments. The oldest beds are supposed to be azoic, but discoveries have proceeded downwards, and masses supposed to be destitute of organic remains have been giving them up to the tireless observations of geologists, so that it is yet unsafe to declare that the bottom beds are truly azoic.

        The older, deep seated sediments, are sometimes distinguished with difficulty from the true primary series; their lithological characters very often belong to the same order. We might doubt their being sediments at all, were it not that they are associated with pebbly beds.

        * 47. The masses which are obscure, are derived from those containing mica and talc, especially the former. This is due to the properties of these minerals, they are never reduced to rounded grains, but retain their form, or are merely splits; besides, when subjected to attrition, the size of their particles are rarely diminished, and hence, when reformed into rock, the characters of the parent rock are reproduced; hence, we find very good mica and talcose slates among the sediments: even in the coal measures, beds are not unfrequently occuring, which retain a decided primary aspect. But the abrasions in the first instance, and forming for the first time sedimentary beds, are still more like the original

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rocks from which they were derived; and hence, it may require the most careful observations, in order to arrive at the conclusion that they are sediments at all. It is not, then, their lithological characters which we seek, for the purpose of determining their origin, but the associated beds with which they are strictly conformable, which gives us the evidence in this particular upon which we may rely; and to repeat what has been already intimated, their sedimentary character rests mainly upon the occurrence of conformable pebble beds; yet the presence of fossils may yet come to our aid, and confirm their origin assigned to them.

        * 49. Another source of difficulty, whic