Annual report of the Geological Survey of Indiana, made during the year ...

Indiana. Geological Survey · 1873 · Historical

A marked variation in the tbieknesa as well as in the mineral character of the rocks representing a geological epoch is not confined to the millstone grit

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ITikrarg of tje 'ixstxm

Op

Comparative Zoology,

At Hartau 0Olu6B, Gaibkd6S, Ia8S.-

#ottnlieli ts ptDiatt suiiscrrptfon* fn 1861.

r;:

♦

. Seventh Annual Repobt

Of Thb

Geological Survey

Of

Indiana,

Made During The Year 1875,

Bt

E. T. Cox,

▲8Sibted Bt

Prof, John Oollett. Prof. W. W, Borden, And

Dr. G. M, Levette.

Indianapolis:

Sentinel Company Printers.

Office of State Geologist,

Indianapolis, Indiana,

December 30th, 1875.

To the Hofu Ptesideniy and Members of the

Indiana State Board of Agriculture.

Gentlemen: — I herewith submit to your honorable body my Seventh Annual Seport of progress in the Geological Survey of the State, embracing detailed reports on the counties of Ripley, Jennings, Orange, Yanderburg, Owen, Vigo, Montgomery and Huntington, and partial reports on Clay and Putnam counties; which, together with other important and interesting information, will be found in the body of the Report.

Very Respectfully,

E. T. Cox,

State Geologist.

Preface.

In consequence of the small sum of money appropriated for the Stat printings it has been found impossible to publish more than a part of the county geological maps and the numerous horizontal sections that have been prepared to show the continuity of the seams of coal and associated beds of shales, sandstones and lin>estones. These sections are of great importance to present the geology in a clear and'comprehensive manner. It is hoped therefore that the Legislature will make a special and adequate appropriation to enable the Geologist hereafter not only to publish what maps and sections are needed to make comprehensive the dynamical geology of the various counties, but also to cover the necessary expenses of engraving and publishing plates containing figures of the characteristic fosnls of the various geological formations as this will render the report more useful to students in the universities, colleges and high schools of Indiana*

Geological Report.

During tbe preseDt year, 1875, Prof. John Collett ha made a survey of Vanderburgh Owen and Montgomerj counties. He hae, also, visited a portion of Clay and Putnam counties, where, especially in the formet, new and valuable mining industries have sprung up since the publication of the first report. Prof. W. W- Borden has made a survey of Jennings and Ripley counties.

Dr. G. M. Levette, assisted by Mr. Caleb Cooke, of the Peabody Academy of Science, Salem, Mass., made surveys of a number of lakes situated in the counties of Fulton, Laporte, Kosciusko, Noble and Steuben. This survey embraced a study of the character df the strata and deposits surrounding the lakes, the depth of water and its temperature at different depths, collections of the fishes and moUusks, and samples of the dredgings of ooze or mud, from the deepest water, for microscopic examination.

The very large and interesting collection of fishes made by this survey, among which it is believed a number of new species will be found, has been placed in the hands of Prof. F. W. Putnam, of Peabody Academy, Salem, Mass., for the purpose of having them described and properly named. It is feared, however, that owing to unforseen business rela* tions, Prof. Putnam will not be able to furnish his report on them in time for publication in this volume.

Dr. Moses N. Elrod, of Orleans, and Dr. E. S. Mclntire, of Mitchell, Ind., have jointly furnished a report on Orange county. Dr. J. Schneck, of Mt. - Carmel, 111., has very

Geological Report

obligingly furnished a catalogue of the flora and sylvia of the Wabash valley below the mouth of White river.

This report is accompanied with highly valuable notea which give# among other things the measurements made of the diameter and hight attained by many of the noble forest trees of that fertile region. The sections furnished by Elrod and Mclntire, of the rocks 'in Orange county, represent the St. Louis limestone as the lowest, and the millstone grit as the highest palasozoic rocks in the county, and the glacial drift as immediately succeeding the latter.

The millstone grit may be traced from Lawrence and Martin counties into Orange county, and is everywhere recognized by being full of quartz pebbles. Though the upper part is a massive conglomerate, the lower beds are in thin layers and sometimes schistose or shaly. While it generally rests .upon the upper Chester Archimedes limestone in Lawrence county, there is an intervening bed of workable coal near Shoals, in Martin county ; also near Bloomfleld, in Greene county, and at many other localities in this part of the coal field. In Spice Valley township, Lawrence county, the Archimedes limestone has locally been removed by chemical action, and its place is occupied by a valuable bed of porcelain clay, Indianaite''* and hydrated brown-oxide of iron.

A marked variation in the tbieknesa as well as in the mineral character of the rocks representing a geological epoch is not confined to the millstone grit series, but is to be met with in all formations of sedimentary origin.

The millstone grit of Orange county possesses unusual interest because it furnishes the whetstopes and grindstones that have a world-wide reputation under the name of " Hindostan " or " French Lick " stones. They received the name of Hindostan stones from the village of Hindostan, which was situated on the bank of East White river, twelve or fifteen miles west of the quairies, and thus became the port from which the stones were shipped down

*See description in Geol. Rep. for 1874, p. 15,

Of Indiana.

the river to market. But this village which was once the county seat of Martin coantj, has long since been deserted and only one log cabin remained to mark its site when I visited the spot in 1870, and the Hindostan stones though still retaining the name find their way to the markets of the world through other channels of trade. It may seem strange but experience has proved that for sharpening special kinds of mechanical tools the whetstones from Orange county are superior to any other known grits and they are* largely shipped to England. It is. not from their commercial importance alone that these grit beds are of special interest to the geologist but they are abundantly filled with the fossil remains of a magnificent flora. Dr. Elrod has made a fine collection of these plants and they have leen identified by Prof. Leo Lesquereux as representatives of the carboniferous flora and he gives the names as follows :

Sphenopteria hiifoliaj Brg't.

Sphenopteris tridactylitea, Brg't.

Newropieris Smithiiy Lesq.

Neuropteris Elrodi, p. nov., closely allied to the former.

Lepidodendron obovatuniy Stemb.

Lepidodendron VaUheimianum, Stemb.

Lepidodendron diohotomumf Stemb.

Lepidophlorus, new species?

I enclosed the following section made by Elrod and

Mclntire to Prof. Lesquereux and he assures me that I

have correctly designated the whetstone beds as belonging

to the Conglomerate or Millstone grit.

Stion at Dishman's quarry.

ft in.

Conglomerate with pebbles 45.00

Siliceous iron ore 5.00

Massive sandstone, buff, fine grained, filled with Stigmaria roots which render it unfit for whetstones

or other uses ; 20.00

Shaley sandstone, bluish color 4.00

Whetstone in feet layers with shale between, filled with ferns, lepidodendrons, etc., 15 feet of good grit. , , M 20.00

8 Geological Report

it in.

Black bitttminons shale... r .4

Coal, good quality 10

Under clay 6

Shaly sandstone 3.00

MasBive sandetone, locally white, glass aand 35.00

Upper Gliescer limestone Arekmadu FbrtAent, JFWrmttef

rdbutifMf P. pffrifortMB Athyris tybtUiia and JBryoxoans 3.00 Covered and massive sandstone, grindstone grit, Siig-

maria, LepidodeTidroM, SiqUiaria, bat no ferns have

yet been found 70.00

Chester, limestone (middle member) same fossils aa

above 12.00

Sandstone alternating with shale, locally good flagging,

8Hffmaria and tigiUaina, middle contains coal 4

inches 25.t)0

Lower Chester limestone, lithographic, same fossils as

above 60 to 90.00

St. Louis limestone, chert, with liihostron 2.00

Magnesian limestone, fire.stone, lower part concretion-

ary and filled with same fossils as above 50.00

Argillaceous limestone m 40.00

Bituminous oil limestone, coal 2 in 10.00

This section, with the exception of the lower part, is seen at F. E. Dishman's quarry, S. 24, T. 3 N., R. 1 W-

The coal, 10 inches thick, is seen in many places in the western. part of Orange couDty as well as in the southeastern part of Martin coanty, and I believe it to be the equivalent of the sub-conglomerate coal near Shoals in the . latter county.

Since it has been assumed by western geologists that the upper Archimedes limestone marks the upper limits of the Chester group, we have in this formation a good guide for establishing the horizon between the upper and lower carboniferous epochs. While the stems and trunks of. Jjepidodendron, Sigillaria and Stigmaria are found abundant in the Chester sandstone immediately under the upper limestone, they have thus far furnished no remains of filices.

The above. reports will be found in their proper places.

In addition to the general management of the survey and increasing duties of the offioe, I have been able to make a

Of Indiana. 9

surrey of Vigo and Huntington counties. In the office and laboratory work I have been assisted by Dr. Q. M. Levette and a large number of analyses of eoals limestone, iron ores, hydraulic cements and mineral waters have been made.

Analyses Of Coals.

Notwithstanding the attention which chemists have given to the analysis of mineral coals, it appears that there is yet much to learn in regard to the nature of the substances formed by its elementary constituents and to the changes which these substances undergo when under the influence of heat and pressure, or the atmosphere at common temperatures. Without discussing in this place the relative merits of proximate and elementary analyses for determining the industrial value of coal, I will proceed to recount the nature of the investigations which have been made in the laboratory during, the year for ascertaining the character and calorific intensity of the Indiana coals.

There are almost endless varieties of mineral coals. They differ from one another, not only physically, but in their manner of burning, in the molecular arrangement of their elementary constituents, and in their heat-producing powers. They differ in every coal basin, and in parts of the same field and same seam. We may classify them into anthracite and bituminous coals, and a few other well mked types, yet there are shades of difference which gradually blend them together, so that, as a general rule, the coals at each mine will require a specific study, for they have a distinct industrial value. Coal I, which is usually a non-caking or block coal in the eastern part of the Indiana coal basin, passes into a caking coal a few miles west of Brazil, in Clay county; to the south, at Cannelsburg, Daviess county, the upper part of a correlated seam has four feet of dull- black, close-textured, ringing cannel coal, which gives 6.2 cubic feet of 26 candle gas to the pound.

10 Geological Report

The cannel coal is firmly united at the base to two feet of glistening, jet-black, caking coal.

' Fossil fuel is usually classified as Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite or Brown Coal, and Peat. Anthracite is a hard coal, black, sub-metallic, sometimes iridescent (peacock colors), and brilliant, fracture usually conchoidal. It yields 85 per cent, of fixed carbon, and after drying, from 3 to 6 per cent, of volatile matter, burns with feeble flame of pale color. Anthracite graduates into bituminous coal, consequently we have semi-anthracite and semi bituminous, as the fixed carbon approximates nearest to one or the other. Anthracite is not found in the coal measures west of the Appalachians. In 1864 Prof. Richard Owen and myself examined a seam, from four and a half to five feet thick, of good anthracite, iu the Placer Mountains, twentyseVcn miles south of Santa* Fee, in New Mexico. It was overlaid by a mass of porphyry, and is probably of cretaceous age. For the sake of comparison, I subjoin the proximate analysis which I made of this coal :

Carbon 87.00 per cent

Ash, red 5.00

Gas 4.50 "

Water 3.50 "

In the Jennie Lind Prairie, near Fort Smith, Arkansas

there is a seam, four to five feet thick, of semi-anthracite

coal, which belongs to the lower part of the coal measures.

It is covered by a few feet of shale and soil, and has to be

worked by stripping. A proximate analysis of the top and

bottom gave :

Top. Bottom.

Fixed carbon.. , 82.26 84.10

Volatile matter 12.36 10.70

Ash, light brown.. 4.00 1,40

Water ;... 1.40 3.80

Closely allied to anthracite is a native coke, found near Richmond, Ya.; it is more compact than artificial coke, but contains some bitumen.

All the coals of the Indiana field belong to the class

Of Indiana. 11

known as bituminous. The principal varieties may be designated as follows :

Caking coal long flame, gas and smith ooal; fat coal.

Semi-caking coal, long flame.

Block coal non-caking coal, long flame dry burning coaly furnace coal.

Semi-block coal, long flame.

Cannel coal long bright flame dry burning, gas coal*

Lignite or brown coal is not found in Indiana. It differs from the bituminous coals in containing a large per cent, of hygrometric water and oxygen. It burns with considerable flame, without melting or changing form.

Peat is a fossil fuel which is forming, even at the present time, and furnishes striking evidence of the mode of origin of the older beds of coal. It is found in many of the counties in the north part of the State, and will eventually prove of great commercial value to the people of that region, though the present low price of coal, and its great abundance, has thus far caused it to be neglected as fuel. Az some of the railway crossings of the Kankakee marshy peat beds have been probed to the depth of 60 feet.

The following constitute the most marked varieties of bituminous coal :

Caking coal; non- caking or block coal; aemi'Caking, or semi' block coal; and cannel coal.

The seams of caking coal in Indiana are, locally, not less than fifteen in number, and they vary from a few inches to seven and eight feet in thickness. There are as many as three seams, found over a great portion of the field, that have a united thickness of 15 to 20 feet.

Caking coal varies in color, being black, brownish-black, brilliant-black, and iridescent, (peacock coal). Its fracture is cubical, conchoidal, splinty 'and obsolete laminae often appear in its structure.

Most of the bituminous coals of America, England, France and Germany are of this variety. They soften and become pasty, or semi-viscid in the fire at a moderate temperature, and give ofi a large amount of inflammable gas. When

12 Geological Report

by the prolonged action of heat, all the volatile matter has been driven off, there will remain a grayish black cellular mass called coke. The amount of coke left, or carbon not volatile, varies from 45 to 80 per cent. On account of its melting and running into a mass under the influence of fire, this kind of coal can not be used in its natural state to smelt iron ores, as it would form into a cake and stop the passage of the blast, but when previously charred or converted into coke, the latter constitutes one of the best fuels for the reduction of ores known to the world. The manu&cture of coke, however, requires an additional expenditure of labor and involves a loss of at least onethird of the productive heat of the coal.

Block OoaL — In these coals the volatile matter holds about the same relation to the fixed carbon as in the caking coals, but its quality is such that the* usual beat produced by burning is not sufficient to render the coal viscid or pro* duce caking, and when the volatile matter is expelled there remains a charred mass of hard, close- textured coke that resembles the original coal in shape and structure ; in other words, the coke does not swell and puff up, but retains the laminated structure of the coal. The block coal of Indiana is, therefore, a non-caking, bituminous coal. It has a lam* inated structure, and contains between the laminae a soft black substance, that in its fibrous-like structure greatly resembles charcoal. Its composition by proximate analysis

is

Csrbon 63.00 percent.

Gas 32.50 per cent.

Ash, white 1.00 per cent.

Water 3.50 percent.

An ultimate analysis of the same gave :

Carbon 8270

Oxygen ; .0881

Hydrogen , 0477

Nitrogen 0174

Sulphur 0098

Ash : 0100

Op Indiana. 13

Block coal may be readily split into sheets or thin slabs in the dirlsotion of its bedding lines but is very difficult to break in the opposite direction. The color is dull-black on the &ce and glistening or resinous biack on*the fractured edges. The beds are crossed at right angles, or nearly so| by lines of. fracture that appear co-extensive with the field* These fractures also extend from top to bottom of the seam in such a manner that the coal may be readily taken out in great blocks, which gives rise to its name. This severing into blocks, the entire thickness of the seam, leaves the face of the mine notched and not smooth as is usually the case in mines of caking coal. The blocks are very compact and will endure rough handling and stocking without suffering material ioss from abrasion. This, in a commercial point of view, gives the block coal great value over and above its other good qualities as a fuel for smelting iron and generating steam.

Cannel coal differs from the other varieties of bituminous coals in its physical appearance as well as in the manner of its burning. It has a more homogeneous structure, rings under the hammer, conchoidal fracture in every direction and does not crock and like the former coal, is usually mined in large blocks. The cannel coal of Daviess county is so hard and enduring that it has been used as a foundation for the engine and mine houses.

Cannel coal kindles readily and burns with a long, bright flame which illuminates the room and does not become viscid. The name is derived from the corruption of the word candle.

It is now universally admitted by all well informed people, that coal is derived from vegetable matter and is the fossil remains of land and water plants such as trees, reeds, ferns and mosses. The change from woody fibre to stone coal having been brought about by chemical action, a species of slow distillation, so to speak, whereby the oxygen, hydrogen and a portion of the carbon of the wood is eliminated in the form of water, carbonic acid and carburetted hydrogen. All the numerous varietiea of fossil

14 Geological Report

fuel including asphalts, petroleum, lignites and peat are mainly, if not solely, due to the modified oondition3 under which this chemical change takes place, such as presence of water, greater or less pressure and heat. On account'of its homogeneous, compact structure some eminent geologists and fossil botanists have been led to conclude that cannel coal is formed from water plants which have a cellular structure, and uQt from fibrous land plant. While this theory may be true in some degree, it is not sustained by all the facts that may be brought to bear on the subject. The Breckenridge, Kentucky, Cannel coal, which is extremely rich in carbon oils and of a remarkable dense structure, appears to be made up entirely of Stigmaria stems and leaves and Lepidodendron. One seldom splits a block of this cannel coal without finding in it marks of Stigmaria or Lepidodendron well defined by a coating of pyrites. The wash-coal at the bottom of this seam contains Lepidodendron, Calamites and Stigmaria. The roof is formed of a heavy bed of black bituminous shale, containing fragments of ferns and Lingula umbonata, I accompanied Prof. Leo Lesqueureuz on a visit to the Breckinridge coal in 1857 and his observations on its flora are given in 3d Vol. Ky. Rep., p. 632.

Here then we find one of the best oil producing cannel coals in the country, actually made up of the remains of air breathing plants. But since the roof shales contain the remains of marine brachiopods there is evidence that salt water was close at hand and may have had something to do in forming the character of the coal. Breckenridge cannel coal, according to Dr. Peters' analysis contains :

Moisture iw 1.90

Volatile matter 64.40

Carbon 32.00

Ash 12.30

/

Of Indiana. 15

The elementary analyBis gave :

Carbon 68.128

Hydrogen 6.489

Nitrogen 2.274

Oxygen and loss. 5.833

Sulphur 2.476

Ash 14.800

The Daviess county Indiana, cannel coal, as already stated, is four feet thick and at the base is firmly cemented to a bed of brilliant black caking coal totally unlike the former in chemical composition. No plants have yet been seen associated with either part of the seams yet it is difficult to conceive that the vegetation should have suddenly changed from land to aquatic plants.

This is the most remarkable seam of coal of which I have any knowledge, and when taken in connection with the Breckenridge coal, sets at defiance the theory that cannel coal is due to a flora distinct from that which, in general, furnished anthracite and bituminous coals.

The Indiana cannel, .like the Breckenridge, is rich in carbon oils and gas. It contains from 7 to 10} per *cent. of very white ash and is remarkably free from pyrites. The quantity of ash greatly exceeds what we find in the caking an<t block coals of Indiana, though less than is found in the Breckenridge coal. In every case the ash is in excess of what could be derived from any species of plants known to botanists and in a great measure must have been furnished by water, either turbid or holding in solution minneral matter. If by the latter, as I suspect, then its presence must have had a marked influence in determining the chaJracter of the chemical change from wood to coal. If all cannel coals were alike burdened with a large excess of ash we might look to the mineral matter as a prime agent in its production, but while most cannels are in this, category with regard to ash, there are some that contain very little. It would appear, therefore, that, so far, scientists have not been able to prove, in a satisfactory manner, that different varieties of coal are in any manner due to distinct species of plants.

16 Geological Beport

In the Geological Report of Indioina 1873 the results are given of experiments made, by Dr. Level te and myself, to show the effect produced on the fixed carbon of coal when charred under a pressure made by forcing the volatile matter to escape under a column of mercury from 0 to 12 inches high. Since then we have devised an apparatus with a pressure guage attached which indicates the exact pressure, in pounds, under which the gases are confined. With this apparatus we are enabled to distil coals, in 20 gram charges, under a pressure of one atmosphere or 16 pounds per square inch, without leak or danger to the iron retort. A stop-cock was placed in the half inch iron tube which forms the neck of the retort so that the coke may be cooled before coming in contact with the atmosphere.

The most important &cts at present deduced from these experiments of coking under pressure are, an increase of fixed carbon obtained from some coals and an increasing tendency to fusibility or viscidity of the fixed carbon so obtained. This is particularly marked in the caking coals of Indiana, but most of all in those of Pennsylvania, such as the Connellsville coal, so celebrated for its dense, crystalline, silvery coke when the volatile matter is expelled in the ordinary coke-oven. And Stone's 2d pool, gas coal which is alike celebrated for its coke, but more especially as . a, ga coal. The latter coal yields 10,000 cubic feet of gas from a ton of 2,000 pounds, which has an illuminating power of 17 to 18 candles and at the Gas Works at Indianapolis, gives 61.25 per cent, of coke that is dense and crystalline in structure. For the sake of easy reference the results, published in the report for 1873, are here reproduced in table No. 1. The results obtained in 1876 are given in table No. 2, page 18.

Of Indiana.

Table No, I.

Nahb Of Mine Or Owner.

Platinum

crucible.

Proximate

analytie.

Iron retort.

No

mercury.

Iron retort.

3 inches

mercury.

Iron wtort.

6 inches

mercury.

Iron retort. 12 inches mercury.

H. K. Wilson, Sullivan Co., Tnd.. Simon8on*8 Knoz Co., Ind

Shepard & Haslett's, Knox Co. Ind Woodruff & Fletcher, Clay Co.Ind Bamett's, Clay Co.. Ind

i:?tone*8, Pittsburg, Pa

After recommencing the experiments of testing. the effect of coking coals under pressure with the new and more com* plete apparatus, we soon found that, in order to obtain results strictly comparable with one another, fresh samples of coal should be had from the mines, embracing caking coal, block coal, and cannel coal, and then to begin the investigations at the very start and carry the pressure from 0 to 16 pounds, or more, to the square inch; for the protean hydrocarbon constituents of coal undergo a rapid change, whether exposed to the weather or kept in the house for even a short time.

In the first column of the above table will be found the proximate analyses made in the usual way, that is by charring one gram of the coal in a covered platinum crucible at a bright red heat. The sample of Connellsville coal analysed was sent by my esteemed friend, E. C. Pechin, of Dunbar Furnace, Fayette county, Pa. It is in large lumps, of quadrangular columnar structure, iridescent colors, and slightly coherent. The samples were several months on the road, and then remained some weeks in the laboratory before they were analysed, so we may consider it well seasoned coal. The gain under 15 pounds pressure amounts to 4 per cent, of fixed carbon.

Stones gas coal, pool No. 2, gave 8.25 per cent, more fixed carbon under 15 pounds pressure than by proximate G. E.— 2

18

Gecwlogical Report

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Of Indiana, 19

analysis. The sample was obtained from the Indianapolis Gas Works and had been on hand for a considerable but unknown length of time.

Arbuckle & Budd's coal had been in the labohitor about four weeks. It is a bright blacky cubical, caking coal. The increase of fixed carbon, made under a pressure of 15 pounds, is 7.70 per cent.

Barnetts coal from Clay county is one of the most complete non-caking coals in the State. The sample analyzed had been on hand six years. By proximate analysis the particles were not nearly so firmly cemented together in coking as those subjected to pressure. It does not swell or puff up and the pieces that are put in the retort adhere together on account of a slight fusing of the edges which serves as a kind of solder.

Niblock & Zimmermans northern mine is a block coal that contains a few thin layers of caking coal from onesixteenth to one-eighth of an inch thick at intervals in the seam. The sample analyzed was obtained from the office of Niblock, Merrifield & Co. Indianapolis and had been only a few days out of the mine. It contained 6 per cent, of hygroscopic water. The increase of fixed carbon under 16 pounds pressure amounted to 6.50 per cent. The coke was well cemented together and is good and strong.

Carbon Block Coal Co.'s block coal. This sample had been in the office five years.

The sample of cannel coal, three years old, gained under pressure 7 per cent, of fixed carbon, while the fresh specimen only gained 6 per cent. In these samples the structuce of the coal remained unaltered. From the tables it will be seen that though there is a pretty uniform increase in the amount of fixed carbon when the coals are distilled under pressure, each seam of coal furnishes specific diffierences with reference to the effects of pressure on the fixed carbon. Coals from different seams are also differently affected by exposure for a long time to the influence of the air.

20 Geoixxiical Report

A fresh sample of caking coal taken from Dick's mine in Sullivan county and analyzed in 1870, gave :

Fixed carbon 60.50

Volatile, combastible matter 43.50

Water 4.50

Ash, brown 1.50

The same specimen exposed for six years on a shelf, in a room adjoining the laboratory, gave :

Fixed carbon 55.00

Volatile, combustible matter 40.00

Water 3.50

Ash, brown 1.50

By keeping this coal in the office for six years it has had the effect to change the specific gravity to the extent that a cubic foot has lost 1.19 per cent, of i(s weight. It has also lost one per cent, of water, 3.6 per cent, of volatile matter, and gained 4.5 of fixed carbon.

If we take 8080 as the heat units of carbon and 11175 as the heat units of the combustion of the combined volatile matter and deduct 2000 units for the heat expended in their expulsion, we have the respective value of fresh and weathered coals.

Fbe8H Coax..

Carbon .5060x8080 4080

Vol. matter .4350x11175— .4350x2000 3891

Total heat units in fresh coal 7971

Same sample weathered in the office for about six years :

Weathubed Coal.

Carbon .5500x8080 4441

Vol. matter .4000x11175— .4000x2000 3670

Total heat units in weathered coal 8114

So that instead of losing in caloric value by weathering there is a decided gain of 143 units of heat.

A fresh sample of bl6ck coal taken from the Carbon Block Coal Co.'s mines gave :

Carbon 65.26

Volatile matter 3S.85

Water

Ash

Of Indiana. 21

The same sample after weathering in the Geological rooms for five years gave :

Fixed carbon 59.50

Volatile matter 37.00

Water

Ash

A cubic foot of this coal lost 6.07 pounds of its weight, 1.9 per cent of hygroscopic water and 2.85 per cent. of. volatile matter and gained 4.25 per cent of fixed carbon.

We now proceed to calculate the heating power of this noncaking coal in the same manner as for Dick's caking coal and it will be seen that weathering has the effect to also increase its evaporative value :

Fbbsh Sample.

Carbon .5525x8080 4464

Vol. matter .8985x11175— .3985x2000 355

Total units of heat - 8020

Same sample five years weathered :

Carbon .5950x8080 4807

Vol. matter .3700x11175— .3700x2000 3394

Total units of heat 8201

The gain in heat power by weathering five years is therefore equal to 181 calories.

The relative value of the above coals as determined by their calculated or theoretical units of heat produced by combustion may be more readily understood by reference to the pounds of water which one pound of the coal will raise from OC. (32°F.)t 100 C. (212°F.)

Dicks' coal, fresh, 1 lb. will raise 79.71 water.

Dicks coal, weathered, 1 lb will raise 81.14 water.

Carbon Coal Co., fresh, 1 lb. will raise 80.20 water.

Carbon Coal Co., weathered, 1 lb. will raise 82.01 water.

This investigation is very important from the fact that it is generally believed that coal which is long from the mine deteriorates in value as a fuel and that caking coals part with their caking properties in so great a degree that

22 Geological Report

coals which make good coke when fresh mined will make but indifferent coke after they have been stocked for a period of time.

By the proximate analyses of the above coals no difference could be detected in the caking or fusion of the carbon,, and in each case the coke from the respective coals gave evidence of being ust as good from the five or six years weathered samples as when fresh from the mines*

In this connection I will mention that it is stated in Danas System of Mineralogy, article " Mineral coal," p. 754, that ''caking coal will loose its caking quality if kept heated for two or three hours at 300° C. (572°F.) and sometimes by mere exposure to the air J' This temperature it will be remembered is nearly as great as that of molten lead (617°F.)

The conditions under which the experiment was made, are not given, but with such a temperature and exposed in an open vessel the greater portion of the volatile matter might be so gradually expelled in the time specified that the coal will cease to fuse in the process of coking

A number of experiments have been made in this laboratory to test the effect produced on various kinds of bituminous coals by subjecting them to moderate heat in an air tight vessel arranged somewhat after the form of a digester suggested by Frof. Carmichael for dissolving substances in acid under pressure. The result of these experiments are given in table No. 3, on page 23.

Niblock, Zimmerman & Co. and Woodruff & Fletchers are block coals ; all the other samples with the exception of the cannel coal from Daviess county, are caking coals. The Connellsville sample was the same used in former experiments and was at least four months from the mine, one month of the time in the dry atmosphere of a room heated with a stove.

This coal heated np to 212°" F. for twelve hours in the digester lost .2 per cent, of volatile matter, .5 per cent, of fixed carbon, and in twenty-four hours, at the same temperature, it lost .3 per cent, of vol. matter and 1 per cent, of

Of Indiasa.

iJJ|SS ij i jS

"i'.io "sSo

-HSfp 01 "Ol

1,70

'i!s6

S ;SgSgggggggg

e

IS iSpill? 1

1:

t i"

i;

24 Geological Report

fixed carbon. Heated forty hours at the same temperattnrethe result was the same as in the last experiment.

Heated for six hours at F. it lost 1.10 per cent, of its weight and gave 71.50 per cent, of eoke the same as obtained from the raw coal. There was no apparent difference in the swelling of the coke from the raw coal and that which had been kept at a temperature of 572° F. for six hours.

The samples oi caking coal from Arbuckle & Budd' mine Seelyville, Vigo county, and Hartford mines, same county, had been in the laboratory about two weeks before analyzed.

Chandler's coal from Vanderburg county was retained in the cellar about a mouth previous to being analyzed.

The block coal from Niblock, Zimmermai & Go's mine had been on hand about a week in the coal house. These are marked " fresh " in the table.

Arbuckle and Budd's coal heated, respectively, for twelve and twenty-four hours at 212° F. lost 3.30 per cent, in weight, while the fixed carbon gained 2 per cent, in weight. Heated for forty hours at same temperature it lost 1.70 per cent, in weight, while the fixed carbon remained the same. Heated for six hours at 572° F. it lost 3.50 per cent, in weight which corresponds to the whole of the water expelled by drying in the air bath, and gained 4 per cent, in fixed carbon.

The Hartford coal, while it lost 3.10 per cent, in twelve hours, 5.20 per cent in twenty-four hours and 6.50 per cent in 40 hours, at 212° F., the fixed carbon remained the same in each experiment and was not changed by the temperature of 572° F. to which it was subjected for six hours, though it gained 1 per cent, in weight.

Chandler's coal from Vanderburg county, heated in the air tight digester at 212° F. for twelve hours lost 3.10 per cent, of its weight and gained 3.50 per cent, of fixed carbon ; in twenty-four hours at same temperature it lost 4.30 per cent of weight and gained 3 per cent, of fixed carbon ; in forty hours the loss was only 2.80 per cent, while the fixed

Of India.Na. 25

carbon remained the same as in t)\e twelve hour experiment. Under a temperature of 572 F. for six hours the loss of weight amounted to 7.6 per cent, and the fixed carbon was 2 per cent, less than when heated fi>r twelve hours at 212° F.

The caking coal from Dick's mine and Henry K. Wilson's coal were both from 8sullivan county. The former had been in the office five and the latter four years when treated in the digester. Both were analyzed when fresh fron the' mine and the results are here given fi)r comparison with those after four and five years seasoning.

Dick's coal, top part, when fresh 52.00

Dick's coal, top part, after five years seasoning 62.00

Gain of fixed carhon in five years 10. 00

Dick's coal, hottom part, when fresh 54.50

Dick's coal, hottom part, after five years seasoning 61.50

Gain of fixed carhon in five years 7.00

H. K. Wilson's coal,* when fresh 52.40

H. K, Wilson's coal treated in digester after five years

seasoning .; 69.00

Gain of fixed carhon 16.60

The Daviess county cannel coal when nearly fresh from the mine contained :

Fresh coal, - - Water 2.50 Coke 48.50

After three years, " 3.50 " 50 50

Gain of fixed carhon 2.00

As shown in table No p. 28, heating in the air tight digester even up to F. for six hours made no change in the yield of fixed carbon.

We had no old sample of Niblock's block coal for comparison. A fresh specimen heated for twelve hours in the digester at 212 F. lost 9 per cent, in weight and gained 5 per cent in fixed carbon.

The following statement will show the change which

<K)ii accoant of losing the only sample we had of this interestiD coal th/t amount of eoke it yields after five years exposure can not be given.

26 Qeologica.L Report.

Woodruff & Fletchers block coal uncferwent during two years exposure Iq this office, and under the influence of 212 F. in the digester for twenty four hours.

Fresh eoal yielded water 4.50. Coke 53.50

Old coal yielded " 4.00 €0.60

Gain of fixed carbon in two years. 7.00

Two year old coal gave coke 60.50

Same after exposure in digester 24 hours 61.00

Gain of fixed carbon 50

The deductions to be drawn from the foregoing experiments are :

1st. That the volatile hydrocarbon constituents of bituminous coals undergo a decided change by exposure to the air at common t'emperatures. The effect of this change is to render nou-volatile or to fix a portion of their carbon element whereby the percentage of coke is increased and that of the volatile matter diminished. The excess of carbon is greater in some coals than in others, most in caking coals and least in cannel coals. The maximum amount of change when under shelter, may be reached by eome coals in less than five years.

2d. That the same result may be brought about by subjecting the coal to a temperature of 212° F. for a period of twelve to forty hours in an air tight digester.

3d. That while the volatile matter diminishes in quantity and may be less valuable for manufacturing illuminating gas, as a fuel, the coal is increased in calorific power and becomes more valuable with age, owing to the unstable nature of the volatile matter in coals.

It becomes a question of very great importance to the analyst to know what length of time and at what temperature coals should be exposed in order to expel the hygrometric water which they contain. Prof. S. Heinrichs has given some very valuable results on this point, in the Iowa Geological Report for 1868, deduced from the analyses of Iowa coals. He found these coals when powdered and exposed for one hour to a temperature of 115° C. (240° F.)

Of Indiana. 27

lost their maximum weight or hygrometric water, after which time they began to increase in weight. This increase he believes is due to the oxidation of bitumen. Since the publication of Prof. Heinrichs' analyses his views have, in the main, been adopted by chemists, and thirty to sixty minutes have been generally taken as the proper length of time, and 212° to 250° F. as the best temperature for ex})elling the moisture without changing the weight of the coal by decomposing some of its hydrocarbon constituents.

In order to uetermine the effect of prolonged drying on Indiana coals, a sample of caking coal, containing only 1.5 per cent, of a'sh, from Dick's mine, Sullivan county, and a block coal from Barnett's mine, clay county, containing 1.5 per cent, white ash, were pulverized and a centigram of each was weighed in platinum capsules and then placed in a copper air bath with thermometer attached and maintained at a temperature of 212° F. Two samples of Pennsylvania caking coals, one from Connellsville, the other? Stone's gas coal from Fayette county, were subsequently treated in the same manner and the results are given in Table 4, on page 28.

It will be seen in this table that the maximum amount of loss was reached by all the coals in two and a half hours. At three and a half hours they began to increase in weight and this increase continued to the end of seven hours, which closed the day's work, and Dick's and Barnett's were left over night exposed to the atmosphere of the laboratory. The next morning, after a lapse of twelve hours,* Dick's coal only showed a loss of 0.5 per cent, and Barnett's had completely regained its original weight of a decigram. As the air bath would only hold two samples at a time, these coals were now thrown away and their place given to the two Pennsylvania coals, which were left in the air bath for sixty two hours to test the point of maximum increase of weight.

At the end of fourteen hours Stone's coal had increased .0025 or 2.5 per cent ; and the Connellsville .0029 or 2.9 per cent. They were returned to the hot air bath and

GEOLOCilCAL REPORT

Table No. Iv.

SHOWING THE EFFECT OF CONTINUED HEATING OF COALS IN AIR BATH AT FAHRENHEIT.

Connella-

viUe Coking

Coal, Pen nil J 1-

vauia.

Barnett'8

Stone's

' Coal, Sul-

Coal,

Gat Coal,

livan Co.,

Clay Co ,

Indiana.

Indiana.

rania.

After i hours exposure it lost

After 1 hours exposure it lost

After Ih hours exposure it lost

After 2 hours exposure it lost

After hours exposure it lost

After hours exposure it lost

After 4 hours exposure it lost

After 4i hours exposure it lost

After 5 hours exposure it lost

After hours exposure it lost

After 6 hours exposure it lost

After hours exposure it lost

After 7 hours exposure it lost

After 7J hoars exposure it lost

After 14 hours exposure it gained... After 22 hours exposure it gained... After 62 hours exposure it gained... After 90 hours exposure it gained... After 140 hours exposure it gained.

M

2.7 "

weighed again at the end of eight hours additional exposure; Stone's showed no change in weight but the Connellsville had increased to .0038 or 3.8 per cent. After a continued exposure of forty hours longer Stone's had increased to .006 or 6.0 per cent, and Connellsville .0083 or 8.3 per cent.

Total hours in hot air hath 60

Maximum gain of Connellsyille 8.3 per cent

Maximum gain of Stone's 6.0 per cent

Of Indiana. 29

It is difficult to account for so great a gain in the weight of these coals by exposure to the moderate temperature of 212'' F. for sixty-two hours.

Fresh portions of the same coals after a lapse of one week, during which time they had been exposed to the dry atmosphere of the laboratory were again placed in the hot air bath, and kept at a temperature of 212 F. for ninety hours. Connellsville gained in weight .00475* or 4.75 per cent. It was then charred or coked in the usual way and gave 76.03 per cent of coke which was incoherent and poured from the crucible like so much black sand.

Stone's gas coal gained in ninety hours 5.8 per cent. It was returned to the air bath for fifty hours longer and no change in weight was apparent. It was then charred and gave 71.92 per cent, of coke which presented the same appearance as that from the Connellsville coal.

By referring to the proximate analyses of these coals we find that the unheated coals gave :

ConDellBville 70.50 per cent.

Ninety hours at 212° 76.03 per cent.

Showing an increase in fixed carbon of.. 6.53 per cent.

Coke from Stone's coal, fresh 64.50 i>6r cent

Ck>ke from Stone's coal, after 90 hours at 212° w 71.92 per ceni

Showing an increase in fixed carbon of.. 7.42 per cent.

I can not agree with Prof Heinrichs that the increase in weight given to bituminous coals by a prolonged exposure at a moderate temperature in the hot air bath is due to the oxidation of carbon, but rather to the oxidation of hydrogen, since the oxidation of carbon will result in its expulsion as C. O. or C. O. and thus reduce instead of promote the increase of weight and the fixed carbon shown by the above experiments. It is my opinion therefore, that the change which takes place is due to the oxidation of the hydrogen of the marsh gas, C. H4, to form C + Hj O. C. + 2 H2 O.

A portion of the increased weight is also due, in cases

30 Geological Report.

where sulphide of iron (Fe S) present in the coal, to the oxidation of the sulphur into proto-sulphate of iron (Fe O,

S O3 + H2 O).

It is of course difficult in the absence of a knowledge of the elements of the coal determined under the various conditions to which it has been subjected, to indicate the precise , nature of the change which has taken place in its constituents, in order to produce so remarkable a difference in its composition as we see brought about by weathering or by the application of moderate heat, either while exposed to the influence of the atmosphere or in a closed vessel.

In addition to hygrometric water, mineral coal encloses a large volume of gas similar in composition to those known to occur in mines, that is, carbonic acid, oxygen, nitrogen and marsh gas. E. Meyer has examined coals from several coal fields in Germany and from the New Castle and Durham districts in England, and found in both fresh raised samples and samples that had been weathered from one to five years, a ready flow of enclosed gases Some Durham coals enclosed as much as three times their own volume of gases. The quantity was less in the weathered coal and contained but little or no marsh gas (C. II 4), but a considerable per cent, of heavy carburetted hydrogen (C2 Hg). Meyer considers the absence of marsh gas in the weathered specimens due to its great diffusibility. Samples of the same coal containing marsh gas, when heated to a temperature of 45° C. (113° F.) for two days lost all trace of this gas, but there was developed in its place heavy carburetted hydrogen (C, Hg).

Another coal heated to 50° C. (122° F.) gave similar results C.H4 disappeared and Hg made its appearance.

In every case the volume of enclosed gas is lessened by weathering at ordinary temperatures, or by subjectiug the coal to moderate heat. The important question suggested by these interesting experiments by Meyer is: whence comes the He ? His analyses indicate that the hydrogen was oxydised by the oxygen of the coal and not by that contained in the atmosphere. May it not be possible then

Of Ixdiaita. 31

that Cj H4 is formed by the oxidation of one equivalent of hydrogen from the marsh gas (C.H4) leaving C.H3 C2 Hg. Since the oxidation of hydrogen will alone account for an increase of carboii in the enclosed gases it may also account for the conversion of volatile hydrocarbon into solid carbon, as shown by weathering and also by subjecting the coal to a temperature of P. in the air tight digester. But it will* not account for the increase of weight under prolonged heating in the air bath after all water and enclosed gases have been expelled for this requires the addition and not the subtraction of matter, and the latter must be obtained from the atmospheric oxygen*

If moderate heat and pressure have the effect to increase the per cent, of carbon in bituminous coals, then it is not necessary to loose for any extraordinary physical phenomena to explain the formation of beds of anthracite, since these causes are sufficient to account for their containing so little volatile combustible matter.

M. L. Gruner in his very able treatise on the classification and heating power of coals* endeavors to show that the industrial value of coal is more accurately obtained by proximate than by elementary analysis since the greater the amount of carbon and the less the volatile matter a coal contains the greater will be its heating power, or in other words, the heating power of a coal depends upon the amount of coke which it yields. While I am ready to admit that proximate analysis will teach us very much in regard to the physical peculiarities of coal, it can not justly be claimed as conveying to the consumer its real industrial value. The rapid change which the relative proportion of fixed carbon undergoes by weathering and the variations which are made in its determination by rapid and slow distillation or by increasing or diminishing the heat, all admonish us of the impossibility of drawing accurate conclusions by a comparison of the proximate analyses of coals made at different times by different analysts and under unknown conditions of the sample analysed. Nor

Engineering and Mining Journal, IStb July 1874. Translated by R. P. Roth welUM E.

32 Geological Report

will it do to refer to the American experiments by Walter R. Johnson, or to those made by the English admiralty for the evaporative value of coals as the touch-stone by which to compare the value of more modern results, since they are imperfect in roods and totally without value for comparison.

By an elementary analysis we find the total amount of carbon and hydrogen, and since these elements, singly or combined, represent all that is combustible in coal or capable of producing heat, no matter whether the sample be fresh or weathered, provided the results are rendered from coal that has been previously dried for one hour in a hot-air bath at a temperature not less than 212° F, therefore, if we wish to make a perfect study of coal, I can not see how it is possible to dispense with its teachings. Not only does it furnish the carbon and hydrogen, but those elements which, by their expulsion, act as absorbents of heat.

But I am free to admit that by using proper care in

making proximate analyses of coals, such as paying strict

attention to see that the specimms after leaving the mines

are kept similarly exposed to meteorological changes, then

dried and charred at similar temperatures, that such results

are comparable with one another and we may very fairly

arrive at their heat units by Dulong's formula and using

the accurate determination of Favre and Silberman of the

heat units of carbon burning to carbonic acid, C. and

those of the volatile combustibles of coal burning to form

water and carbonic acid, and of hydrogen burning to form

water, L e., one grain of carbon burning to carbonic acid

will raise 8080 grains of water from O"" C. (32°F.) to 1° C.

(.)3.4° F,) one grain of hydrogen burning to form water,

(Ho O.) will raise 34462 grains of water from 0° C. to l"" C.

The constituents of coal gas by weight and their heat units

are:

Hydrogen 6x34462=- 172310 heat units.

Marsh gas 61 x*13061=- 797843 heat units.

Olefiantgas 10x11858— 118580 heat units.

Carbonic oxide 12 x 2403— 28836 heat units.

Carbonic acid, nitrogen, etc nil. nil.

Of Indiana. 33

1117569 -?- 100 11176 heat units for the combustion of coal gas. That is, one grain of volatile combustible matter of coal when burned will raise 11175 grains of water from 0° C. to l"" C.

If now we use Duloug-'s formula f calculating the calorific value of coal by the heat units of its combustible constituents and deduct 2000 heat units for every unit of volatile matter in the dry coal, as heat lost in their expulsion and then compare the results deduced from the proximate analysis with those obtained from the elementary analysis of the same coal, they will be found' to agree so closely that it will be quite safe under the conditions already stated, to adopt this mode of calculating the relative evaporative jpower of coals by means of a knowledge of their proximate constituents alone*

In the Gas Works,* at Indianapolis, it is found that it requires about 16 pounds of coke to expel the volatile matter from 100 pounds of coal. I have therefore assumed, upon the basis given by Mr, Bell, 2000 as the number of heat units required to expel one unit of volatile matter, instead of 1895, and have taken the determination of carbon heat units, as established by Faver and Silberman, and the exact figures given by Bunsen for the heat units of the volatile combustible matter of coal.

The following examples will serve to illustrate the two modes of making the calculation.

The sample taken, block coal from the Star mines, Clay

Mr. I. Lowtbian Bell ascertained that, at the New Castle Gas Works, 15 pounds of coke were used to expel the gas: from 100 pounds of coal. The 15 pounds coke contained eight tenths of a pound of ash aud a deduction of one-third was made, from the heat units, for radiation and waste by the chimney :

15 cok-=0 14.2x8000— 113600

Less one-third for waste „... 37iOO

Net calories CToIved by burning 100 ponnds of coal 768(X)

Admitting the general correctness of this estimate, each unit of volatilQ mattler Toqairfs 1895 heat units. Chemical Phenomena of the Blast Furnacts" p. 'i06.

#

34 Geological Report

county, Indiana, being one of the few coals which were simultaneously analysed, ultimately arid proximately.

Ultimate analysis gave :

Ash 0100

Carbon 8270

Hydrogen 0477

Oxygen 0881

Nitrogen 0174

Salphur. 0098

The combustion of the carbon will give: C. 8270 x 8080 6682 carbon calories.

Hydrogen, after deducting the amount which combines with the oxygen, gives : H. 0389 x 34462 1340 hydrogen calories. Throwing off the fractions in each instance, we have 6682 + 1340 8020 coal heat unit.

The same coal, by proximate analysis, gave :

Ash, white.. 010

Carbon 630

Gas 325

Water 035

Heat of combustion calculated as before ; Carbon .630 X 8080 5090 carbon calories. Volatile combustibles .325 X 11175 3611 units, but this will require .325 x 2000 .650 units of heat to expel it, then 3611—650 2961 calories available for heat, then :

Carbon. 5090 heat units.

Volatile matter 2961 heat units.

Gives 8051 total coal calories.

We may therefore, with very great propriety, adopt this rule for estimating the evaporative power of coal.

Manner of conducting the analysis of coal :

It is a matter of no little difficulty to select from a mine a proper sample for analysis, at least such a sample as will represent the average commercial value of the seam.

Of Indiana. 35

The best way, therefore, is to take samples from the top, middle and bottom parts of the seam. These should be carefully labeled, wrapped in paper and sent to the laboratory as soon thereafter as practicable. On arriving at the laboratory, they should be taken in hand at once. About a pound of each sample should be pulverised fine enough to be passed through a porcelain colander with one*tenth inch perforations. Then transferred to bottles with good cork stoppers. Each bottle should be labeled, showing the date of mining, when bottled, name of mine, etc. These bottles serve as stocks from which the different quantities are to be taken that serve for analysis. It is not a good plan to mix the portions taken from different parts of the seam and consider the mixture an average sample so that one set of analyses may serve ; for though it might furnish a fair statement of the commercial value of the seam, it would leave us in ignorance of much useful information in regard to the true character of the seam.

Peoximate Analysis.

One gram, is charred in a covered platinum crucible of about one fluid ounce capacity. The heat is derived from a three-jet Bunsen gas burner and the crucible is kept at a bright red heat until the escaping gas ceases to burn and the condensed carbon disappears from the cover. The weight of the charred mass gives the coke, and the volatile matter is estimated by the loss. To determine the hygroscopic water, one decigram of pulverised coal is weighed in a small, shallow, platinum capsule and placed in a hot air bath where it remains at a temperature of 100° to 105° C. for one hour, the loss gives the water. The capsule, with the dry coal, is then placed over the strong flame of a Bunsen burner until it is consumed to ash.

The weight of the ash is deducted from the coke to find the fixed carbon and the weight of the water is deducted from the total volatile matter to find the per cent, of combustible gas.

All this appears very simple but it requires great care and.

36 GEOLOGICAL RllPOKT

attention in order to obtain reliable results. The temperature of 100° C. (212° F.) is recommended, since it isbelieved that a higher temperature is no more effective and is more liable to produce decomposition of the Tolatile con stituents.

Elementary Analysis.

The combustion is best performed in a hard glass tube, twenty inches long and three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Twelve inches of the posterior end is filled with a tightly rolled coil of fine copper gauze. This is oxidised by drawing air through the red hot tube with an aspirator. The usual appliances are used to dry the oxygen and free it from carbonic acid and other impurities, and also arrest the hydrogen, sulphur and carbonic acid.

Previous to commencing the combustion a current of pure oxygen is passed through the heated tube to complete the oxidation of the copper and expel the last trace of moisture. Two decigrams of pulverized coal are now placed in a platinum boat and inserted in the anterior part of the tube about three inches from the copper. The heat of the gas furnace is applied with due precaution and the combustion is completed when the coal has been burnt to ash and oxygen bubbles pass freely through the potash apparatus. When the hydrogen, sulphur, potash apparatus and potash U tube have been weighed, another analysis may be proceeded with and in this way as many as four combustions may be made in a day. A good tube will serve for ten or twenty combustions. The potash apparatus should be renewed after every third combustion in order to insure a proper absorbtion of the carbonic acid.

The advantages to be derived from this mode of conducting the analyses, are : You are enabled to watch the combustion of the coal and see when it is completed ; the ash may be determined at the same time and the tube is at once ready for the reception of another sample of coal ; nitrogen is determined by Varrentrapp and WilPs method, L e., by conversion into ammonia. The ammonia is received in a measured quantity of standard oxalic acid, and the

Of Indiana. 37

amount of free acid remainiDg is determined by neutralizing with a standard solution of soda. The quantity ot cid saturated by ammonia is then found from the difier- -ence.

Determination Op Sulphur And Phosphorus.

There is generally speaking, less reliance to be placed in the published statements of the amount of sulphur and phosphorus in coals than in any one of its other elementary constituents. The results are, as is well known, generally under rather than over the actual amount of sulphur present in a coal. The loss is due to a portion of the sulphur being converted into sulphuretted hydrogen, and the phosphorous into phosphoretted hydrogen, which escapes during the process of dissolving the coal. In order to avoid this loss, five decigrams of coal are fused with eight grains caustic potash nd two grains nitrate of potash in a silver crucible.

Both the caustic potash and nitrate of potash should be tested for sulphur and the per cent, marked upon the bottle.

The half gram powdered coal is placed in the crucible and moistened with alcohol, eight grams potash is then put in with the coal and placed over a moderate heat until the potash is melted, after which two grams nitrate of potash is added, the whole is kept at a gentle heat for about two hours or until all the moisture is expelled ; the heat is then increased until all ebullition ceases. The coal should dissolve without deflagration from ignition. After cooling, the contents of the crucible are dissolved out with water and neutralized with hvdrochloric acid, evaporated to dryness, moistened with hydrochloric acid and re-dissolved with water. Filter out the silicic acid, heat the filtrate and precipitate the iron and alumina with ammonia and determine the sulphuric acid in the filtrate with chloride of barium.

The phosphoric acid is precipitated with the iron, and to separate it, the precipitate is dissolved from the filter with a weak solution of hydrochloric acid, and then evaporated to dryness to separate the last trace of silicic acid. Moisten with nitric add, dissolve in water, £lter and precipitate the

38 Geological Report

phosphoric acid with molybdate of ammonia. Wash the precipitate as directed by Fresenias, dissolve with ammonia and precipitate phosphoric acid with sulphate of magnesia. In order to determine the per cent, of iron and alumina, it is better to take another half gram of coal and fuse as before. The iron and alumina are then precipitated from the hot solution with ammonia and the alumina is separated by digesting the precipitate with hydrate of potassa in a silver crucible.

This mode of determining the sulphur, phosphorous, iron and alumina in coal, is simple, expeditious and accurate. It has been adopted after repeated trials of all other known processes and leaves nothing to be desired. Owing to want of time these deleterious ingredients have not been determined in the following coals, but the proximate analyses have been determined with great care. This deficiency will be supplied in future reports as well as other important investigations to render their commercial value more definitely understood ; for after years of experience in the study of coal analyses, it is only within the last year I have hit upon modes that can be relied upon as furnishing the necessary information regarding the physical and chemical constitution of this mineral.

Review Of The Geological Work Accomplished

During The Year.

Proft'ssor John Collett has made a classification of the coal seams and their accompanying rock strata in Vanderburg and Owen counties, as well as some additional investigations in the south and southwestern part of Clay county where there has been very important mining operations instituted since the report of 1869. Also, a detailed survey of Montgomery county.

Professor Borden finds in his survey of Ripley and Jennings counties the most westerly crop of the Cincinnati rocks in the northeastern part of the latter county and the most easterly crop of the Niagara and Clinton along the

Of Indiana. 39

water; of Laughery creek in Ripley county. The Cincinnati rooks io the latter county have an aggregate thickness of 190 feet. The Niagara 42 feet. There is a hiatus in the chronology of the strata from the Niagara to the Quaternary beds. The latter period is represented by glacial drift and Champlain 35 feet and from 2 to 26 feet of alluvial clays and soil. The geological section of Jennings contains a thin crop of Cincinnati rocks which are 32 feet thick in the northeast part of the county, 40 feet of Niagara, 74 feet of Devonian strata, Corniferous 18 feet ; building stone, equivalent of the hydraulic cement beds of Clarke county, 11 feet; Gennessee shale of New York reports, " New Albany black shale,'' 45 feet.

The lower carboniferous and coal measures are entirely absent, and we come next in the ascending order to the Quaternary, which appears in about the same force as in Jennings county. The Hamilton beds in this county furnish some of the best building stones in the State. For a detailed account of the various formations and the economical value of their minerals the reader is referred to Prof. Borden's Report in another place in this volume.

The survey of the inland lakes, in the northern part of the State, conducted by Dr. G. M. Levette, assisted by Caleb Cooke, of Peabody Academy, Salem, Massachusetts, was productive of many important results as will be seen by reference to the report. Up to the time of this survey it was currently believed that many of these beautiful lakes had a very great depth of water, some indeed were commonly called "bottomless lakes," The greatest depth of water found in any examined did not exceed 52 feet while

m

some of the so called " bottomless lakes " had a depth of only 9.5 feet. The temperature of the water was taken with one of Green's deep sea thermometers and carefully noted at different depths, which showed a uniform decrease in the temperature from the surface to the bottom. Pine Lake, in Laporte county, had a surface temperattire of 68 F. and at the bottom 52 feet the temperature was 55 F. An apparent exception to the rule of a gradual decrease in

40 Geological Beport

the temperature toward the bottom was met with in Stone's Lake, Laporte county, where the thermometer fell from 66° at 28 feet to 56° at 30 feet, a diflference of 10° in two feet. This rapid chunge of temperature is no doubt properly attributed ta the presence of springs of cold water which rise from the bottom. The water of these lakes is remarkably clear and free from mineral matter. An analysis was made of the water from Lake James in Steuben county. It is clear And has a pleasant taste and is neutral to litmus paper.

An imperial gallon (10 pounds) contains 10.5 grains of solid mineral matter, composed of

Bicarbonate of lime 7.00 grains;.

Iron, alumina and silica 2J0 grains.

Magnesia and andetermined 1.40 grains*

It contains no more mineral matter than is commonly present in river water and is not only a potable water in a most eminent degree, and may be drawn from the bottom with a temperature of 50° which is refreshingly cool without the addition of ice,, but is likewise well suited for laundry purposes and for those branches of manufactures which require large quantities of water, such as the manufacture of fine writing paper, printing paper, etc.

The ancient shores of many of these lakes, for it appears that their water area has been constantly diminishing, arc composed of chalk (carbonate of lime) of creamy tint almost white. This tint is due to organic matter since it only contains a trace of oxide of iron and the discoloration disappears when it is burnt. This chalk was at one time in common use for the manufactut*e of quick-lime, for which purpose it answers very well, but does not compare favorably in quality with the lime from Huntington, Peru and Delphi, nor can it be mined and burnt as cheaply as at the latter localities where the best of limestone is quarried at the surface crop. Samples of this fresh water chalk were

Of Indiana. 41

collected from various localities, two of which were analysed. One from the shore of a small lake on the farm ot G. W. Slocum, Sec. 3, T. 37, R. 13, Steuben county. This sample contained in 100 parts :

Water at F 8.00 per cent.

Carbonic acid and combined water 41.50 per cent.

Insolnble silicates 30 per cent.

Oxide of iron a trace

Alamina 1.50 per cent.

Lime 45.36 percent.

Magnesia. 8.42 per cent

Sulphuric acid 10 per cent.

Phosphoric acid 38 per cent.

The other sample analysed was taken from a bluff one mile north of Rome City, Noble county, that formed the border of a lake which has filled up by vegetation and formed a peat bog.

Composition in 100 parts :

Water at 212° F 3.00 per cent.

Carbonic acid and combined water 41.00 per cent.

Insoluble silicates 70 per cent.

Oxide of iron a {race.

Alumina 1.00 per cent.

Lime 49.84 per cent.

Magnesia. 4.10 per cent.

Sulphuric acid... 03 per cent.

Phosphoric acid... 52 per cent.

These chalks show a remarkable degree of purity, the insoluble matter in each case is less than one per cent., and they contain only a trace of iron. The discoloration is removed by ignition ; it is pulverulent when dry and soft like mortar when first taken from the bank, and may be pressed into pencils and will mark like the common Eng* lish chalk.

The deposits bordering some of the 'lakes, and which occupied the ancient bed of the lake, have a thickness where penetrated by wells, of from twenty to thirty feet.

42 Geological Report

Specimens of this fresh water chalk were sent to Prof. Edwin Bicknell, of Cambridge University, and Dr. J. Gardner, of Bedford, Indiana, and to Dr. W. W. Butterfield, of this city, for microscopic inspection, and not one of these able microscopists could find in it either diatoms or the globigerina so characteristic 6f the marine chalk, nor any other forms of foraminifcra. We are therefore brought to conclude, notwithstanding that the percentage of bicarbonate of lime is not greater than is commonly found in river water, that these great chalk beds are formed by chemical precipitation of the lime and magnesia from the water, brought about by the agency of the atmosphere and aquatic plants. In the absence of accurate knowledge regarding the annual rate at which this deposit takes place we may with reason assume that it progressed at the rate of one- tenth of an inch a year and at this rate the deposit of thirty feet required a period of 3,600 years for their accumulation. Long this period may appear to many, it is plain to see, independent of other striking geological evidence, that it does not by any means represent the age of the lakes; since it is known that the deposition accumulates with far greater rapidity along the shores where the watr is shallow and more under the influence of the sun's rays to elevate its temperature and dissipate the carbonic acid that held the lime in solution, so that the estimate should include a horizontal as well as verticle measurement of the accumulated chalk. By this means too the circumference of the lakes have been very greatly contracted and the chalk deposit may, in some instances, be followed inland for several hundred yards. Indeed in this way some lakes have been almost entirely filled up and the central portion formed into peat bogs.

While this chalk is available for the manufacture of quick lime it is far more valuable as a fertilizer. It will be found especially well suited when dried and pulverized to promote the growth of cereals and grasses on sand and clay lands. About two tons prepared in this way should be sown broadcast over an acre and then plowed in. It will have a

Of Indiana. 43

tendency to toarm the soil and famish lime magnesia and phosphoric acid being richer in the latter substance than most productive soils.

In addition to the investigations for temperature of the water of these inland lakes at serial depths Dr. Levette was directed to take the temperature of the deep wells bored for artesian water at Fort Wayne, Allen county, and at Wabash, Wabash county. The well at Fort Wayne, at the time of his visit, was 2,635 feet deep, but has since reached a depth of 3,000 feet, where the work is suspended without having found water that rises to a greater hight than eight feet below the surface. The mouth of the bore, which is situated in the public square, is about thirty feet above the bed of the Maumee river, 228 feet above the level of Lake Erie and 793 feet above tide-water of the Gulf of Mexico. The first eighty-eight feet went through glacial drifl where it struck the first rock, which is a light colored limestone belonging to the Niagara epoch and continues through limestone and calcareous shale to the depth of 2,500 feet ; thence in soft calcareous rock to the bottom which is still in the Lower Silurian. The temperature of the air in the house covering the well and the machinery used in boring, was 70 F. The temperature of the water in the well was taken at 90 feet down, at 100 feet, at 1,000 feet, at 1,500 feet and at the bottom, 2,635 feet, and in each instance the thermometer registered 51 J° F.

The well at Wabash was commenced in the Court House square, 85 feet above Wabash river, 186 feet above Lake Erie, and 751 feet above tide water in the Gulf. This bore started in the Niagara limestone, which shows itself in the street cut close by, and continued in limestone and calcareous shales to the depth of 2,270 feet without, finding artesian water. Water was reached at 85 feet and it is believed by the parties who were employed to make the that several other seams of water were encountered. The temperature of the air at the surface was 85 F. and uniformly 50J'' F. at 100 feet, 500 feet, 1,000 feet and 2,270 feet down.

44 Geological Report

The results obtained above were so different from what was expected, that special precautions were taken to prevent any possible error from derangement of the thermometer, which is one made expressly for the purpose by James Green, of New York, it was therefore subjected to the temperature of melting ice and found to be in perfect working order. The inference to be drawn from the uniform temperature of tiiese wells, is, that they are filled with water that comes from an uppr stratum and the temperature which it receives at that horizon is by means of the >reater specific gravity of cold water carried down to the bottom. This constant supply of cold water from above counteracts the influence of internal heat. In this respect the deep wells correspond with the results obtained by the " Challenger " in the sheltered basins of the deep sea lying in the neighborhood of the Australian continent. These basins correspcmd to wells of large diameter and the temperature of the water within the rim was found to be the same from top to bottom.

The level of the water in the Wabash well stands on a level with that of Wabash river, since it is known to rise and fall with that stream and is topographically 96 feet below the surface of the water in the Fort Wayne well. But on the other hand the seam of water supply of the latter well lies some nearer to the surface of the earth.

Having determined the temperature of these wells, where the water does not reach the top, it was deemed important to make a test of some artesian well. Several wells had been bored at Terre Haute, in Vigo county, for petroleum, but owing to the moderate yield of oil and its low price in the market they have been abandoned and we only found one of the three wells that could be tested for temperature in any manner. This is a well owned by J. S. Miller and is ' situated in the edge of the city and on the bank of Wabash river, 93 feet below lake Erie, and 472 feet above tide water of the Gulf of Mexico. The drill commenced in the glacial drift, passed througb the coal measures, Devonian and in my opinion stopped in the Niagara at the depth of

Op Indiana. 45

1923 feet and 4 inches. According to the record of the bore, it went through five seams of coal. 1 he first seam at the depth of 164 feet which is 6.2 feet thick ; at 183 feet, coal 3 feet thick; at 216 feet, coal 9 inches thick; at 224 feet, salt water with gas ; at 262 feet, coal 2 feet 3 inches thick; 308 feet, coal 3 feet 3 inches; sulphur water first appeared at a depth of 980 feet but the present flow, it is believed, comes from the bottom of the well and if piped so as to confine the water it will rise to the hight of 30 feet above the surface. The water belongs to the class known as saline sulphuret. At out-flow the water has a temperature of 81® F. and continued the same to the depth of 100 feet where the thermometer was stopped by some obstruction that prevented its farther descent. There can be no question but the temperature of 81° will be found persistant to the bottom. This well fully confirms the conclusions which had already been reached, that the temperature of these bores is dependent upon the temperature of the water which fills them, and the latter is determined by the horizon from which it is derived. It is now generally admitted that the earth was once in a state of liquid incandescence and that it has been gradually cooling. In this way the outer surface became a solid crust and finally so much reduced in temperature as to render it the fit abode of plants and animals.

Physicists have determined by observations on the manner in which the earth attracts the moon and by experiments made with the pendulum that the earth can not be an empty sphere* And by observations on the precessional motion of the pole of the earth, Mr. Hopkins undertakes to show that the solid crust can not be less than from 800 to 1,000 miles, but, as Lyell remarks, " this does not preclude us from imagining that great lakes and seas of melted matter may be distributed through a shell of 800 miles thick." Though the thermal condition of the central part of the globe is a subject which has long elicited the attention of mathematicians and philosophers, the solution appears to be still far from being definitely settled. By the study of deep

46 Geological Report

mines and deep bores certain fiicts have been attained which go to show that under varying conditions there is a regular increment in temperature of the earths crust as you descend below the external stratum. According to Bishoff the heat increases more rapidly in schists than in granite still more rapidly in metallic veins and more in lodes of copper than in those of tin, and most of all in beds of coal. From the irregularity found to exist in the temperature of artesian wells they have not proved to be a reliable means of determining the true rate of increase in the temperature of the earth's strata.

In an artesian well in Wurtemburg the temperature increases 1° F. for every 19 feet of descent. In two wells, one in Durham the other in Manchester, each 2,000 feet deep, Mr. Phillips found the temperature to increase 1° for every 65 to 70 feet in depth. In the silver and lead mines of Saxony the increase was found to be 1° for every 65 feet. While in other mines in the countrv it was found necessary to descend three or four times as far for one degree of heat. In Cornwall, England, at a depth of 1.380 feet the mean temperature was found to be 68° F. which gives one degree for every 75 feet. The experimental well bored at Grenelle, near Paris, is 1,800 feet, or nearly the same as the Terre Haute well, gave an increase of 1° for every 60 feet. But the artesian well at the Royal Palace in Naples, is 1460 feet deep and has a temperature of only 68° and after deducting for the moan temperature at the surface, this gives a rate equal to one degree in 208 feet. Another well in the same city, only 900 feet deep, shows an increase of one degree in every 83 feet of depth. The difference in the rate of increase in these two wells may be due to an influx of cold water in the upper part of the well at Grenelle. These examples are given for the purpose of comparison with the results obtained from the well at Terre Haute, and if we may assume the mean temperature of the surface to be 50° F. at Terre Haute, we then have an increase of one degree for every 62 feet of depth which

Of Indiana. 47

agrees very closely with the observations made on the Durham and Manchester wells in England.

In estimating the temperature of the earth by observations on the temperature of artesian wells and mines, it is not only necessary to know the mean temperature at the surface, but the elevation above the sea should also be taken in consideration. In my opinion the most reliable way to arrive at the mean temperature of a locality is to adopt for it the temperature of well water where the depth is not less than 20 to 40 feet. For I have found that the temperature of well water at such depths represents very fairly the mean temperature of the surface and at all events furnishes a constant standard by which to calculate the rate of increment in deep bores. The deepest as well as one of the most instructive artesian bores of which I have any knowledge, is the one situated about 25 miles south of Berlin and bored by the Prussian government. For a depth of 291 feet it passed through gypsum and from thence it encountered salt for a distance of 3,881 feet without reaching the bottom of the mass. The total depth being 4,172 feet.

Professor Mohr, of Bonn, reports the temperature of this well to be as follows :

Increase per Depth. Degrees F. 100 feet.

700 67.22

900 72.16 2.47

1100 76.87 2.36

1300 81.37 2.25

1500 85.62 2.13

1700 89.65 2.02

1900 93.46 1.91

2100 97.03 1.79

3390 114.70

These observations show that the rate of increase of heat diminishes with the depth, and Prof. Mohr believes that at a depth of 5,170 feet a zone of invdriable temperature will be reached.

Estimating according to the rate of increase shown by the investigations of Mohr, the temperature of the earth at the bottom of the Fort Wayne well will be about

48 Geological Report

108.88° F. but calculated by the assumption of one degree of increase for every 62 feet of depth, as furnished by the experiments on the Terre Haute well, it would give a tem- I)erature of 3000 -h 62 + 50 98.4° F.

The temperature found in the Prussian well is 93*46° at the depth of 1900 feet which is 12.46° higher than the water which issues from the Terre Haute well, and goes to show that the latter water is mixed with colder streams from above, or is from a horizon about 1500 feet below the surface, since the actual difference of temperature between the Prussian well and the Terre Haute and Fort Wayne wells at the respective depths given above, are about the same.

Analyses Of Coals.

One hundred and thirty-three samples of coal, representing sixty-nine different mines or out-crops, have beep analysed during the year and the I'esults are given on the following pages and in the tables of analyses in another part of the report.

Clay County Coals.

£lia8 Cooprider's coal L on section 31, township 10, range 6, near Middletown, Clay county. This is a compact jet-black, slightly laminate, caking coal with some evidence of pyrites in the lower part.

Topv Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 44,00 45.00 60.50

Gas 47 50 44.00 42.60

AVater 4.00 2.50 3.00

Ash. pink 4.50 brown, 8.50 yellow, 4 00

Coke, per cent 48.50 53 50 64.50

Heat units 7924. 7673. 7980.

Specific gravity..; 1.280 1.533 1.211

Weigbt of 1 cubic foot. 80.00 95.81 75.68

Coke: vitreous, puffed/amorphous.

John Cooprider's coal K on section 31, town 10, range 6 near Middlebury, Clay county* Coal L, 8 feet thick. A,

Analyses Of Coals.

jet-blacky compact, caking ooal breaks into irregular cubes and has some pyrites in the vertical seams.

Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 44.60 41.50

Gas 47.00 47.50

Water 3.00 3.60

Ash, purple 6.60 7.50

Coke, per cent 50.00 49.00

Heat units 7808. 7711.

Specific gravity 1.271 1.274

Weight of 1 cubic foot 79.44 79.62

Coke : lustreless, puffed, amorphous.

Kennedys coal near Centre Point, Clay county. Coal I, 4 feet thick. This is a dry, laminate, dull black, block coal, breaking into irregular fragments; shows charcoal partings and pyrites in the vertical seams. The bottom of the seam runs into caking coal with white clay in the seams.*

Top.

Fixed carbon 46.50

Gas 35.00

Water 3.00

Ash.. brown, 16.50

Coke 62.00

Heat units 6968.

Specific gravity 1.354

Weight of 1 cubic foot... 84.62

Coke: not pufifed, vitreous, laminate, the bottom part showing a tendency to cake.

Knickerbocker Coal Companya shaft near Salem, Clay oounty. Coal 1, 3 feet 2 inches thick. This is a dull black, block coal in thin laminae with charcoal partings, breaks into irregular forms and is very strong across the lines of bedding.

Top.

Fixed carbon 55.00

Gas 37.00

Water 2.50

Ash. ..buff, 5.50

Coke... 60.50

Heat units 7838.

Specific gravity.. 1.167

Weight of 1 cubic foot... 72.93

Coke : laminate, vitreous, not swollen.

G. Il— 4

Middle.

Bottom.

white, 9.00

white, 4.50

7917,

Middle.

Bottom.

white, 6.00

white, 6.50

50 Geological Kepcmect.

TF. It. Krea coal I, on section 6, township 9, range 5, near Middlebury, Clay county. A dull black,, slaty, block coal; mnning into caking coal at the bottom of the seam, has charcoal partings, is much stained with iron and show pyrites at the bottom of the seam.

Top' Middle* Bottom.

Fixed carbon 44.00 40.50 38.50

Gas 39.50 44.50 44.50

Water „ 3.50 4.50 4.00

Ash.. .red, 13 00 brown, 10.50 gray, 13.00

Coke 57.00 51.00 51.60

Heat units 7179. 7355. 7194.

Specific gravity 1.318 1.287 1.432

Weight of 1 cubic foot.. 82.37 80.43 89.40

Coke: from top and middle laminate, vitreouSi not puffed; from bottom, puffed, lustreless, amorphous.

Limited Liability Coal CoJa coal, near Ashboro, Clay county. Coal I, 3 feet 10 inches thick. This is a typical block coal, in thin lamiose, separated by charcoal markiLgs very strong across the bedding and free from sulphur.

Fixed carbon 67.00

Gas 37.00

Water 3.00

Ash, white 3.00

Coke 60.00

Heat units.. 8000.

Specific gravity 1.231

Weight of 1 cubic foot , 76.93

Coke: not puffed, lustreless, laminate.

Coal at Lodi, Clay county, 30 inches thick. A glossy jet-black, caking coal, with pyrites in the partings.

Fixed carbon 43.00

Gas 40.50

Water -. 3.00

Ash, red r. 13.50

Coke 56.50

Heat units. , 7190.

Weight of one cabic foot „. 81.43

Specific gravity ,... 1.303

Coke ; puffed In streless, amorphous.

Analyses Of Coals. 61

Marhlund Coed Co.'s coaly near day city, Clay ounty. "Coal I; 3 feet 4 Liches thick. This is a bright black, laminate, block ooal with very distinct charcoal partings. Four inches of the middle of this seam is a glossy, jet black, caking coal, with only one-half per cent, of ash ; it bears a close resemblance to the mineral Albertite from Nova Scotia. On exposure to the air, it breaks into small irregular fragments, and burns like a pine knot when once ignited. Underlyidg the bottom are 3 or 4 inches of bone coal, containing considerable pyrites, aiialysis not given.

Top. Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carboH - B8.00 63.50 69.00

Water ,—.. 2.00 2.50 2.60

Asli, white r. 4.00 .50 2.60

Coke - -62.00 64.00 61.50

Heat units 7989. 8205. 8070.

Specific gravity 1.202 1.146 1.221

Weight of 1 cubic foot, 76.12 71.56 76.31

Coke from top slightly pu£fed, laminate, vitreous; from middle very much puffed, amotphousi vitreous ; from bottom slightly xmffed, amorphous, vitreous.

MeCleUan & ZeUera coaly north of Brazil, Clay county. This is a typical block coal, a dull, lustreless black, in thin lalninse, separated by fibrous charcoal partings, strong across the bedding lines, free from pyrites and calcite and is highly esteemed for blast and puddling furnace use. The specimen analysed was fresh from the mine and hdd a large excess of water which on exposure to the air of the laboxatory for a few weeks would reduce to about 3.d per cent.

Fixed carboB... 66.50

Oas .,..., 32.50

Water , „ 8.50

Ash, white... 2.50

Coke r., 69.00

Heat units, wet coal*. 7549

Heat units, dry coaL 000.

Specific gravity.. 1.286

Weight of Icubicfoot ., 80.31

Coke : laminate, not swdllen, hireless.

52 Geological Report.

John McOreaB coal near Hoosiertown, Clay county. Coal I. This is a dull black, semi-block coal in moderately thin laminae, running into caking coal at the bottom of the seam ; no pyrites yisible.

Top. Kiddle Botton.

Fixed carbon.. 56.50 6.00 58.00

Gas 39.50 36.00 37.00

Water „ 2.00 2.50 2.50

Ash, white... 2.00 5.50 2.5(

Coke, 58.50 61.50 60.50

Heat units 8189. 7828. 8080.

Specific gravity 1.196 1.229 1.227

Weight of 1 cubic foot 74.75 76.81 76.06

Coke : slightly pufied, laminate, vitreous.

Morrisona shaft coaly on J. B. Moss' land, section 9, township 11, range 6, near Centre Point, Clay county. Coal I, 3 feet 11 inches thick. This is a compact, strong, dull black, block coal in moderately thin laminse, breaks into irregular cubic fragments ; is slightly iron stained in the vertical seams.

Top- Fixed Carbon.. 52.50

Gas, 37.00

Water 3.50

Ash iesh, 7.00

Coke 59.50

Heat units 7637.

Specific gravity 1.233

Weight of 1 cubic foot 77.06 Coke : from top and middle, laminate, vitreous, not pufifed f from bottom, slightly pufied, amorphous, vitreous.

Muir & Frea coaly on section 27, township 9, range 7, in Clay county. Coal I, 3 feet 3 inches thick. This is a dull black, block coal with charcoal partings in moderately thin laminse, breaks into irregular cubic forms and glossy on the cross fracture,

Filled Carbon 52.00 48.50

Gas -. 42.50 41.50

Water 2.50 4.00

Ash, white 3.00 6.00

Coke - - 55X10 bA£9

Middle.

Bottom.

white, 4.50

flesh, 3.50

Jlnaly8Es Op Coals. 53

Heat unite 8101. 7727.

Specific gravity 1.269 1.167

Weight of 1 cubic foot 79.31 72.93

Coke : slightly puffed, laminate, lustreless.

Ward <fc Perrys gocU, " Oakland Slope,'* on section 19, township 12, range 6, Clay county* Coal I, 4 feet thick. The top part of this coal is a dead black, compact, bony, <n]iel-like coal, with pyrites in the vertical seams. The remainder of the seam is a dull black, distinctly laminate, block, coal with no appearance of pyrites.

Top. Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 67.00 58.50 68.00

Gas 36.6a 36.00 34.50

Water 3.00 2.60 2.50

Ash rd, 3.50 white, 3.00 white, 6.00

Coke- 60.50 61.60 63.00

Heat unite 7955 8030. 7851.

Specific gravity... 1.165 1.162 1.222

Weight of 1 cubic foot 72.81 72.62 76.37

Coke: from top, not puffed, amorphous, brilliant; from middle and bottom, slightly puffed, laminate, vitreous.

Ambrose Phipp's cooZ, on section 30, township 10, range 6, near Middlebury, Clay county. Coal K, 3 feet thick. This is a brilliant black, semi-rbloek coal in moderately thick laminse, with charcoal partings, running into a caking <3oal at bottom of the seam, with pyrites. The whole is much iron-stained.

Top. Middlo. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 52.00 48.50 40.00

Gas. 39.60 44.50 47.00

Water 3.00 2.50 2.50

Aflh brewn, 5.60 pink, 4.50 Fed 10.50

Coke... 57.50 53.00 50.50

Heat unite 7826. 8002. 7544.

Specific gravity.. 1.303 1.266 1.333

Weight of 1 cubic loot. 81.48 79.15 83.31

Ooke: slightly puffed, lustreless, laminate.

Jacob RouacVa coaly on section 4, township 9, range 6, near Middlebury, Clay county. Coal K, 17 inches thick. This

54 Geological Report:

is a lustreless blacky slaty, block coal, in thin and easily separated laminse; stained with iron in the vertical seams.

Gas : 40.00

Heat units - - 7670.

Specific gravity. 1.239

Weight of 1 cubic foot . 77.42

Coke: not pufifed, lustreless, laminate.

Stedmans ooal, near Centre Point, Clay county. Coal I,. 3 feet 10 inches thick. A dull black, laminate, block coal,, breaks into rectangular forms and shows some pyrites in the seams.

Top.

Fixed carbon... 67.60

Gas 36.60

Water S.Oa

Coke.. 61.60

Heat units 7903.

Specific gravity 1 .208

Weight of 1 cubic f ooL 76.60

Coke: from top and middle not puffed, laminate, histreless; bot* tom, puffed, vitreous, amorphous.

John StormHa coal, on section 6, township 9) range near Middlebury, Clay county. Coal B ? 3 feet inches thick. The upper part is a laminate, shaly, iron-stained, block coal j; the middle and lower parts run into bright caking coal with white elay in the seams and breaks into irregular fragments*.

Top.

Fixed carbon 62.60

Gas 38.00

Water 2.60

Coke... 69.60

Heat units 7728.

Specific gravity... 1.204

Weight of 1 cubic foot. 76.26

Coke: from top not puffed, laminate,. ¥itceou8;.from middle and bottom puffed, vitreous amorphous.

Middle.

Bottom

39;6a

76.00'

Bottom.

2:60

Analyses Of Coals. 55

WagstaJTs ooal, near Coal City, Clay C50imiy. Coal B ? 3 feet 6 iDches thick. The top and bottom parts of this Beam are lustreless, sbaly, block coals, while the middle portion is a bright, glossy black, caking coal; the top portion contains considerable pyrites.

Top. ' Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon.. 61.00 59.00 64.50

Gas. 33.50 36 00 40.50

Water 2.50 2.50 2.50

Ash, red 8.00 2.50 2.50

Ooke. 64.00 61.50 . 67.00

Heatnnits 8003. 8070. 8120.

Specific gravity L319 1.231 1.214

Weight of 1 cubic foot.. 82.43 .76.93 75.87

Coke: from top and bottom, not puffed, laminate, lustreless ; from middle, puffed, amorphous brilliant.

Woodruff <fe Fktchers ooai near Hoosiertown, Clay county. Coal I, 4 feet thick. This is a dull black, laminate, block coal, with charcoal partings, breaks into rhomboidal blocks, no visible pyrites.

Top. Middle. Bottom.

fixed carbon 65.50 59.00 58.00

Gas 86.00 35.50 38.50

Ash white, 6.50 flesh, 3.50 white, 1.50

Coke 62.00 62.50 59.50

Heat units 7787. 8024. 8218.

Specific gravity... 1.221 1.216 1.188

Weight of 1 cubic foot.. . 76.31 76,00 74.12

Coke: pnfifed, vitreous, amorphoas.

Owen County Coals.

Ameya coaly near Middletown, Owen county. Seam 3 feet S inches thick. This is a dull black, caking coal, breaking into irregular blocks, except a few inches of the middle of the seam, which has a conchoidal fractnre, slightly iridescent and indistinctly laminate. In the upper and lower parts of the seam the laminse are well marked and oalcite appears in the vertical seams.

Top.

Middle.

Bottom.

Fixed carbon

white, 2.00

red, 5.00

56 Geological Report.

Water., 3.00

Ash white, 2.50-

Coke 52.00

Heat units 8129.

Specific gravity.. 1.212

Weight of 1 cubic foot 75.76

Coke : from top and middle, puffed, vitreous, amorphous ; from bottom, not puffed, laminate, lustreless.

Reuben Barton s coal, on section 14 township 9, range by near Patricksburg; Owen county. Seam 17 inches thick. A glossy, black, caking coal, with pyrites in the partings ; breaks into irregular cubes.

Fixed carbon 44.00

Gas - 49.00

Water 2.50

Ash, red 4.50

Coke 48.50

Heat units 8051.

Specific gravity 1.267

Weight of 1 cubic foot „ 79.18

Coke : puffed, amorphous, brilliant.

Jame8 Beamena coal, on section 3, township 11, range 4, near Cataract, Owen county. Coal A, 2 feet thick. This is a dull black, dry, block coal, in very thin laminae ; no signs of pyrites or calcite.

Fixed carbon 62.50

Gas. 41.00

Water 3.50

Ash, red.. ', 3.0O

Coke 55.50

Heat units... , , 8004.

Specific gravity 1.240

Weight of 1 cubic foot 77.60

Coke: unaltered, laminate, vitreous.

Joseph Brammer'a coal, on section 1, township 10, range 5, near Patricksburg, Owen county. Seam 32 inches thick. This is a dull black, semi-cannel coal nvith a slightly conchoidal fracture, the bottom of the seam running into slaty, block coal with pyrites in the partings; the whole showing iron stains.

Middle,

Bottom.

pink, 4.50

1.20,4

Analyses Of Coals. , 57

Top.

Fixed carbon. 46,00

Gas 48.50

Water 4.00

Ash... yellow, 1.50 red,

Coke.. 47.50

Heat units 8167.

Specific gravity... 1.192

Weight of 1 cubic foot. 74.50

Coke: from the cannel portion of the seam, shriveled, laminate, lustreless ; that from the middle and bottom, slightly puffed, laminate, lustreless.

Tice Burger's coaly on section 26 township 10, range 6, near Marion, Owen county. This is a dull black, lustreless, block coal in thin laminse with charcoal partings ; pyrites occur in the vertical seams*

Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 54.00 58.00

Gas 42.50 85.00

Water 2.00 3.50

Ash, white 1.50 3.50

Coke 55.50 61.50

Heat units 8262. 7897.

Specific gravity 1.191 1.223

Weight of 1 cubic foot 75.68 76.44

Coke: from middle part, not puffed, laminate, vitreous; from bottom, slightly pced, vitreous, amorphous.

Chamber coal, on section 3, township 10, range 6, near Patricksburg, Owen county. This is a jet black, brittle, caking coal in the top and middle portions of the seam, while the bottom part ib slaty with considerable pyrites. The whole more or less stained with iron in the vertical seams.

Top.

Fixed carbon 49.00

Gas 46.50

Water 2.50

Ash brown, 3.00

Coke... 52.00

Heat units 8134.

Specific gravity 1230

Weight of 1 cubic foot. 76.87

Coke: from top slightly puffed, laminate, lustreless; from middle and bottom, unchanged, laminate, vitreous.

Middle.

Bottom.

white, 2.00

brown, 8.50

5S.50

58 Geological Report.

D. C, Oreaa' oocUy near Yandalia, Owen county. Coal A, 2 feet 3 inches thick. This is a dull blacky slaty caking coal with pyrites in the partings.

Fixed carbon 55.00

Gas... 39.50

Water 3.00

Ash, yellow 2.50

Coke 57.50

Heat units 8068.

Specific gravity. 1.248

Weight of 1 cubic foot 78.00

Coke: slightly puffed, vitreous, laminate.

G. CrofVs coaly on section 23, township 10, range 6, pear Marion, Owen county. Coal I, 3 feet thick. This is a dry, laminate, block coal, with charcoal partings, no pyrites visible.

Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon .57.50 57.00

Gas '. 38.50 36.00

Water 2.00 2.50 .

Ash, white 2.00 4.50

Coke 59.50 61.50

Heat units 8178. 7909.

Specific gravity 1.214 1.250

Weight of 1 cubic foot 75.87 78.12

Coke: slightly puffed, laminate, vitreous.

Joel Dillon's coaly on section 21, township 9, range 6, Owen eounty. Coal M, 18 inches thick. This is a slaty, dull black, block coal, stained with iron.

Fixed carbon 53.00

Water 3.00

Ash, white~% 4.50

Coke 57.50

Heat units 7906.

Specific gravity 1.243

Weight of 1 cubic foot 77.68

Coke : slightly puffed, laminate, vitreous.

Aaron Fiscus? coaly on section 26, township 9, range 5, in Owen county. Coal 14 inches thick. This is a compact,

Analyses Of Coals. 69

slaty dull black, cannel coal with pyrites and plant impressions in the partings.

Fixed carbon , , 45.00

Gas 33.00

Ash, gray 19.50

Coke 64.50

Heat units.. - 6664.

Specific gravity 1.362

Weight of 1 cubic foot - 85.12

Coke: unchanged, laminatCi vitreous.

Calvin Fleichers coal, on section 10, township 10, range 6, near Patricksburg, Owen county. Coal 5 feet 6 inches thick. This is a dull black, laminate, block coal with charcoal partings, no visible pyrites though stained with iron in vertical seams.

Top.

Fixed carbon 60.00

Gas 35.00

.Water 2.00

Ash white, 3.00

Coke 63.00

Heat units 8059.

Specific gravity 1.219

Weight of 1 cubic foot 76.18 Coke : slightly puffed, laminate, lustreless.

Louisa Hestera coal, on section 26 townihip range in Owen county. Coal 14 inches thick. A compact slaty; dull blacky cannel coal, with pyrites in the partings.

Fixed carbon 47.00

Gas 36.00

Water 4.50

Ash, gray 12.50

Coke 59.50

Heat units 7101.

Specific gravity 1.333

Weight of 1 cubic foot 83.31

Coke : unchanged, laminate, vitreous.

. Jackson James coal, near Areola, Owen county. Coal 8 inches thick. This is a compact, lustreless, deep black, cannel coal.

Middle.

Bottom,

white, 2.50

red, 8.50

60 Geological Report.

Fixed carbon 32.60

Gas 54.00

Water 4.00

Ash, pink 9.60

Coke 42.00

Heat units 7680.

Specific gravity 1.222

Weight of 1 cubic foot - 76.31

Coke : sbriyelled, laminate, lustreless.

McOrearrfs coal Owen county. Coal A, 1 foot 2 inches thick. This is a dull black; laminate, somewhat slaty, semi-block coal, with iron stains and pyrites in the vertical seams.

Top. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 63.60 61.00

Gas 38.00 42.00

Water 3.00 2.60

Ash. brown, 6.60 red, 4.60

Coke 69.00 69.50

Heat units 7809. 7974.

Specific gravity 1.280 1.276

Weight of 1 cubic foot - 80.00 79.76

Coke : slightly puffed, laminate, lustreless.

W. 8. Norru? coaly near Patricksburg, Owen county. Coal B, 2 feet 6 inches thick. This is a dull black, shaly, caking coal, with pyrites in the partings.

Fixed carbon 46.00

Gas., 48.00

Water 2.0Q

Ash, red.. 6.00

Coke ;. 60.00

Heat units 8040.

Specific gravity 1.282

Weight of 1 cubic foot 80.12

Coke: puffed, vitreous, amorphous.

OverhoUzers coal near Patricksburg, Owen county. Coal I, 4 to 6 feet thick. This is a dry, laminate, dull black, block coal, with charcoal partings, vertical seams stained with iron.

Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 67.00 63.00

Gas. 36.00 34.60

Water 3.60 . 3.00

Middle.

Bottom.

Analyses Of Coals. 61

Ash yellow, 4.60 white, 9.60

Coke 61.60 62.60

Heat units. 7817. 7447.

Specific gravity 1.242 1.292

Weight of 1 cabic foot.. 76.66 80.76

Coke: not pafifed, laminate, lustreless.

Je9e Jteagana ooal, near Stockton, Owen county. Seam 3 feet 6 inches thick. This is a dull black, dry, shaly, laminate, block coal, running into caking coal at bottom of seam; charcoal partings between the laminse; vertical seams stained with iron.

Top.

Fixed carbon. 62.60

Oas. 87.00

Water 3.00

Ash, white 7.60

Coke .'... 60.00

Heat units 7666.

Specific gravity... 1.261

Weight of 1 cubic foot. 78.81

Coke: slightly puffed, laminate, vitreous.

Jesse Rowers coal on section 11, township 10, range 6, near Marion, Owen county. Coal I, 3 feet 2 inches thick.

This is a dull black, slaty, laminate, semi-block coal, with pyrites in the partings.

Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 66.00 63.60

Gas 36.00 89.00

Water.. 3.00 3.00

Ash, white 6.00 4.60

Coke 61.00 68.00

Heat units 7828. 7901.

Specific gravity 1.236 1.213

Weight of 1 cubic foot- 77.18 76.81

Coke : not puffed, laminate, lustreless.

William Boyers coaly on section 11, township lOy range 5, near Patricksburg, Owen county. Coal I, 6 feet thick. This is a deep black, laminate, block coal, with charcoal in the partings. Some pyrites in the lower part of the seam.

Top. Middle. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 66.60 66.00 61.60

Gas. 38.00 39.00 41.60

Water 2.60 8.00 3.00

pink, 3.00

white, 4.00

62 Geological R15P0Rt.

Ash white, 4.00

Coke 59.50

Heat units 7970.

Specific gravity 1.260

Weight of 1 cubic foot 78.76

Coke : from top and middle, not puffed, amorphous, lustreless ; from bottom, slightl/ puffed, amorphous, vitreous.

John C StahPa coal, on section 19, townAip 10, range 6, near Patricksburg, Owen county. Coal I, 4 feet 6 inches thick. This is a deep black, laminate, block coaU breaking in regular cubic forms, has charcoal partings, and the vertical seams are stained with iron.

Fixed carbon 58.00

Oas 86.00

Ash, white.. % % ;. 8.00

Coke .V 61.00

Heat units 7989.

Specific gravity 1.203

Weight of one cubic foot 75.18

Coke : not swollen, laminate, vitreous.

Mrs. JR. Whitens coal, one mile south of Coal City, Owen county. Seam 2 feet 6 inches thick. A bright, black, laminate, semi-block coal, with iron stains and pyrites in the partings.

Coke ., : 58.00

Heat units. v 8062.

Specific gravity 1.216

Weight of one cubic foot.. 76.00

Coke : not puffed, laminate, lustreless.

Greene County*

JB. Schweitzer's coal, on section 14, township 8, range 5, in Greene county. Coal A, 2 feet 6 inches thick. A bright black, caking coal, in indistinct laminse, breaks into

Analysis Op Coals. 63

tegular cubes and has pyrites and iron stains in the vertical seams.

Top. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 47.00 56.00

Gas 44.50 44.00

Water 2.60 2.60

Ash, red - - 6.00 3.60

Coke 63.00 63.60

Heat units 7861. 8077.

Specfic gravity — 1 317 1,302

Weight of 1 cubic foot 8131 81.37

Coke i puffed, lustreless, amorphous

FOUNTAIN COTjNTir.

Barker's Mine, Fountain county. Block coal in thin alternating, vitreous and lustreless laminse, with charcoal partings, very hard and difficult to break across the bedding lines.

Gas.. 36,00

Water 6.00

Ash, white.. 4.60

Coke 59.00

Heat units.. 7707.

Specific gravity 1.195

Weight of 1 cubic foot 74.68

Coke : laminate, compact, lustreless.

Judge Coaiea mine, Fountain county. A brilliant, glossy black, caking coal, indistinctly laminate, breaks with somewhat oonchoidal fracture and contains pyrites in the partings.

Gas - - 44.00

Water.. 5!fc0

Coke 50.50

Heat units.. 7875.

Specific gravity , 1.230

Weight of 1 cubic foot 76.25

Coke: puffed, glossy, amorphous.

Kirtlande mine, three miles north of Veedersburg, Fountain county. The top of the seam is a vitreous, compact,

64 Geological Report.

caking coal cubical fracture distinctly laminate. The bottom of the seam is a dull; lustrelesscannel coal breaks with a splipty fracture and contains pyrites and calcite in the vertical seams.

Top. Bottom.

Fixed carboa 47.60 89.00

Gas 46.00 53.00

Water 4.00 3.60

Ash red, 2.50 brown, 4.60

Coke 50.00 43.60

Heat units 8058. 8014.

Specific gravity 1.203 1.211

Weight of 1 cubic foot 75.18 75.68

Coke: from top coal, slightly altered, compact, vitreous; from bottom coal, unaltered, lustreless.

James W. MoKees Goal, Fountain county, A compact, dull black, block coal, with occasional quarter-inch strata of brilliant, cubical, caking coal, separated by thin laminse, and they in turn by fibrous charcoal markings, vertical seams slightly stained with iron.

Top. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 65.00 47.60

Gas 36.00 41.50

Water 6.00 5.60

Ash, white 4.00 5.50

Coke 59.00 53.00

Heat units 7665. 7644.

Specific gravity 1.205 1.225

Weight of 1 cubic foot 76.31 76.56

Coke : compact, unaltered, laminate, vitreous.

Stedman Thompson's coal, Fountain county. This is a deep black, lustreless, compact, block coal, in thin laminse, very strong, and free from pyrites.

Top. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 52.50 51.50

Gas 37.50 41.50

Water , 5.50 3.00

Ash white, 4.50 flesh, j4.00

Coke 57.00 55.50

Heat units. 7682. 7969.

Specific gravity 1.239 1.207

Weight of 1 cubic foot. 77.43 75.43

Coke : unchanged, compact, vitreous, laminate.

ANALYSES Of COALS. 65

Bottom.

42.0e

3,50

VANDEBBUBO COfJNTY

Ingleside mintj near Evansville. Coal M, 4 feet 2 inches thick. This is a glossy black, caking coal, irregular frac*- ture, with <5alcite in the vertical seams.

Fixed oatbon* ,. 44.00

Gas v.. 39.50

Water 3,00

Ash, white % 13.50

€oke 67.50

Heat units.,. 7179.

Specific gravity h 1.273

Weight of 1 cubic foot 79.56

tlk>ke-: puffed, amorphous, brilliant.

Jngkside mine, John Engle's heirs, near Evansville, Vanerburg county. Lower coal L, 1 foot 3 inches thinks This is a dull black, caking coal, with charcoal markings between the laminsB ; pyrites and cakite are seen in the ver*- tical seams, which are more or less stained with iron,

ixed carboiK , 53.50

Gas ; 39.00

Ash, red, , 4.00

Coke. 57.50

Heat UDits , v.../ 7901.

Specific gravity , 1.275

Weirfit of 1 cubic foot , 79.68

Coke : puffed, lustreless, amorphous

WARRICK COUNTYv

Chandlers ecd, 12 miles east of Evansville, in Warrick tnnty. Coal M, 4 feet 2 inches thick. This is a jet black, semi-block coal, with charcoal markings between the laminae ; breaks into cubic forms and shows some pyrites and <K)nsiderable calcite in the vertical seams.

Top.

Fired carbon , 47.60

Gas 40.00

Water 3.50

Ash) white 9.00

G. R.— 5

Middle.

Bottom

13

66 GEefLQGICAL REPORT.

Coke .-. 66.50

Heat units - 7508.

Specific gravity:.. 1 274

Weight ol 1 ubic fool. 79.62

Coke: from top and middle, slighUy pvffed, Uminafte, lustreless p from bottom, less pufed, lustreless, amorphous.

MUlerBburg eealy Warrick county Coal 3 feet ft inches thick. A dense glossy black, caking eoal, conchoidal fracture, with occasional iridescence no pyrites visibie.

Middle Bottom.

Gas 41.50 45.50

Water 8.00 8.50

Ash blue, 2.50 brewn, 2.00

Coke 55.50 51.00

Heat units 8090. 8042.

Specific gravity 1.242 1.243-

Weight of 1 cubic foot- 77.62- 77.68

Coke : slightly puffed, lustreless, amorphpusk

Posey County.

Oeorge SeldferVa coal, sear St. Wendells, Posey coonty.

Seam 18 inches thick. This is a dull black, slaty caking

coal, stained with iron in the seams.

Fixed carbon .,,.,... 51.00

Gas .r .v 39.50

Coke.., 56;50

Heat units.. 1 7745.

Specific gravity 1.327

Weight of 1 cubic foot , 82.93

Coke : not puffed, laminate, lustrefesa

Bitllivan Cotjkty.

Dick's mincy on section 30, township range 8, Sullivan county. Coal M. Upper part of seam, collected by Prof* Collett in 1870. A brilliant, glossy black, caking coal, irregular fracture, no visible laminse, has the appearance of bitumen after being melted and cooled ; contains very little earthy matter The first column gives the analysis made in

Analyses Of Coals. 67

December, 1870. The second column, the analysis after the specimen had been kept in the laboratory five years.

Analysis of 1870. Analysis of 1875.

Fixed carbon 50.50 55.00

Gas 43.50 40.00

Water 4.50 3.50

Ash, white 1.60 1.50

Coke 52.00 56.50

Heat units. ., 8071. 8114.

Specific gravity 1.239 1.258

Weight of 1 cubic foot 77.43 78.62

Coke : in both cases, has a metallic lustre, slightly puffed, amorphous, compact.

Daviess Cx)Unty,

JatMS 8, Margana coai, on the Ohio and Mississippi railroad in Daviess county. No. 1 is the top and No. 2 the bottom of the top seam of coal 30 feet from the sur&ce. The top of the seam is a deep black, distinctly laminate block coal with charcoal partings, breaks into irregular cubes and shows pyrites in the seams. The bottom of the seam is a bright, deep black, semi-block coal with no traces of pyrites. No. 3, is a lower seam, 63 feet from the surfitce, 3 feet 4 inches thick, a glossy, jet black, caking coal, concboidal fracture, laminae not distinct, no pyrites visible.

No. 1. No. & Ko. S.

Fixed carbon 56.00 53.50 53.00

Gas 32.50 36.00 39.50

Water 6.00 5.50 6.00

Ash red, 5.50 white, 5.00 white, 2 50

Coke.. 61.50 58.40 55.50

Heat units — 7507. 7626. 7906.

Specific gravity-- 1.277 1.252 1.239

Weight of 1 cubic foot 79.81 78.25 77.44

Coke : from No's. 1 and 2, slightly puffed, laminate, lustreless from No. 3, much puffed> vitreous, amorphous.

V£RMILLiON COUNTY,

Charles Moore's ooaly near State line, on Indianapolis, Decatur & Springfield Railroad, in Vermillion county. Seam 4 feet 6 inches thick, 130 feet from the surface*

68 Geological Report.

This is a deep black, caking coal, distinct laniinse, breaks into large cubical blocks and has some pyrites and calcite in the vertical seams.

Fixed carbon 46.00

Gas - 44.00

Water 5 50

Ash, flesh „ 4.50

Coke 60.50

Heat units 7754.

Specific gravity , „ 1.258

Weight of 1 cubic foot 78.62

Coke r puffed, amorphons, lustreless

Parke County.

Hargravea mine; north side of Sugar creek, near Moore's Mil], Parke county. A glossy, deep black, caking coaly upper part shaly, with pyrites in the'sams.

Fixed carbon 46.50

Water 4.00

Ash, browft 3.50

Heat units 7977.

Specific gravity 1.228

Weight of 1 cubic foot 76.75

Coke : puffed, amorphmis, brilfiant.

MOCSTGOMERY OOtTNTY.

Berryman ClomrB eoal, four miles south of Waveland, Montgomery county Coal A, 1 foot thick. A dull black, caking coal in indistinct laipinae, stained with iron and ba considerable pyrites in the partings.

Fixed carbon „ 52.00

Water 3.00

Coke 55.50

Heat units 8010.

Specific gravity , 1.254

Weight of 1 cubic foot 78.37

Coke : slightly puffisd, laminate, lustreless.

ANALYSES Oi> COALS. 69

Hannah 8. Burfords coaly three and a half miles northwest of Waveland, Montgomery county. Coal A, 7 inches thick. A dull blacky caking coal, in thin laminse with pyrites in the partings.

Fixed carbon 49.00

Gas 43.50

Water 2.50

Ash, white 5.00

Coke- 54.00

Heat units 7950,

Specific gravity , 1.202

Weight of 1 cubic foot 75.12

Coke: puffed, laminate, luBtrelessL

Extra- Limital Coals.

ConneUsville coal, Fayette county, Pennsy Wania. Sent by E. C. Pechin, of Dunbar Furnace, in the autumn of 1875. From this coal the celebrated foundry coke is made. The specimen received would measure about one-half a cubic foot ; every part of it displayed prismatic colors ; it has a columnar structure, inclined to be granular and easily broken into small fragments.

Fixed carbon 65.00

Gas 24.00

Water „ 4.50

Ash, white.. 6.50

Coke 71.50

Heat unitSw 7454.

Specific gravity 1.280

Weight of 1 cubic foot 80.00

Coke : of steel gray color, culumnar, very strong, dense, slightly paffed on the surface.

Stomas Oas coaly Fayette county, Pennsylvania. This coal is in common use in many cities in the western states for the manu&cture of illuminating gas. The specimen analysed was obtained at the Indianapolis Gas Works, and said by the Superintendent to be first-class.'

Fixed carbon 58.00

Gas 34.00

Water . v 3.00

70 GEOIXKilCAL BEPORT.

Ashy whiter 5.0&

Coke. 63.00

Specific gravity 1.292

Weight of 1 cubic foot 80.76

Coke : slightly puffed, amorphous, lustreless, and is much esteemed by our citizeuB as a grate and stove fuel.

Chal from Sardrie, Mnd river, Mecklenburg county, Kentucky. Coal N, (No. 11, of D. D. Owen), 3 feet 6 inches thick. This is a dull black, vitreous, caking coal with irregular, resinous fracture, laminsd indistinct, no visible pyrites,

Sardile. Mud river.

Fixed carbon 61.00 67.00

Gas - 42.50 37.00

Water 2.0O 3.60

Coke 65.60 69.50

Heat units 8020 SOOOt

Specific gravity 1.325 1.280

Weight of 1 cubic foot 82.81 80.00

Coke : puffed, lustreless, amorphous.

Wilmington coal, Illinois. A brilliant, jet black, caking coal, cubical fracture, with pyrites and calcite in the seams.

Fixed carbon 46.00

Gas 37.00

Coke 62.60

Heat units 7111.

Specific gravity . 1.248

Weight of 1 cubic foot 78.QO

Coke : puffed, amorphous, brilliant.

Monunk ooal Illinois. A campact, deep black, caking coal, laminsd very indistinct breaks into irregular cube and contains some pyrites.

Fixed carbon 48.00

Gas 86.00

Water 11.60

Ash, brown 6.60

ANALYSES jOF COAM. 71

Heat units - - 7089.

Specific gravity 1.232

Ooke : pufiled lustrelessj amorphoiu.

Lignite — Bnown coal from Bdbertson county, Texas, €eam 10 feet thick, specimen presented by Levi PenniDgton. This is a lustreless, dull brown coal with irregular fracture, and much inclined to rink, crack and fall le {)ieees on exposure to the air.

Water 11.00

Specific gravity - 1.232

Weight of 1 cubic foot 77.00

Ooke : slightly shrunken, lustreless, and bears b close resemblance wood eharcoaL

Geological Report.

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Vigo County,

This county lies on the western border and almont mid* way between the north and the south boundary lines of the State. It was named in honor of Col. Francis Vigo, who came from the republican land of Sardinia to St. Louis when it was a military post under the dominion of the Spanish Government. Here he early acquired the honored distinction of " Spanish merchant." Col. Vigo moved to Vincennes prior to it capture by Gen. George Rogers Clarke, and advanced sums of money to feed and clothe his suffering army. He also conveyed to that officer the information which enabled him to capture the post of Vincennes.

The money which was so generously advanced to relieve the destitute condition of General Clarke's army was not recovered from the state of Virginia, in full, until after Col. Vigo's death. He died very poor, but left a bequest in his will, in the event of his claims against Virginia being paid, that five hundred dollars should be given to the county which had honored him by the adoption of his name, to be expended in purchasing a bell for its court bouse.

Col. Francis Vigo had a high reputation for integrity, liberality and for his firm support of the American government. In addition to these brief notes, derived from the published sketches of Col. Vigo, it may be a matter of interest to scientists to state that he and Mr. John Badolet, the first Register of the Land Office at Vincennes, and a noted Indian interpreter, were intimate friends of the celebrated naturalist C. A. Lesueur,, who lived at New

Vigo County. 79

Harmony Posey coQnty. I can well remember seeing the three together, and have in mj possession a profile portrait of Col. Vigo and Mr. Badolet, exquisitely drawn by Lesueur and lithographed by Mrs. Mezzara.

This oounty was organized in 1818, out of a portion of the original territory of Sullivan county, and contains about 400 square miles. The topography is not marked by any prominent hills or rugged scenery. In the northwestern part, the table land has an elevation of from 130 to 190 feet. A low amphitheatre of hills skirt along the western border and give rise to a generally level table land. Prairies occupy a large portion of the central area of the county and the townships bordering on the Wabash river. The Wabash river runs in a southwest direction through the northwest part of the county, and at the southwest corner forms the boundary between Indiana and Illinois* Numerous small streams that rise in the table lands on the east and west find their way into the Wabash river in such a manner as to furnish an abundance of running water to every township. Splunge creek and other tributaries of Eel river rise in the extreme southeast corner of the county.

Terre Haute, the county seat of Vigo county, is on the east bank of Wabash river. It derives its name from the French terre, land, and have, high, signifying high land. The location is on a level river terrace, 45 or 50 feet above low water. The location is all that could be desired for health and beautiful surroundings. The city is regularly laid ofi and contains a number of large and elegant public and private buildings. The Normal School building, and the Rose Polytechnic School are buildings that display much taste and elegance of design. The latter building, with a liberal endowment of four hundred thousand dollars, is the munificent gift of Mr. Chauncey Rose to the city, and no worthier monument can be devised to commemorate his many good acts, and the firm devotion of this noble man to the city of his adoption.

The Rose Polytechnic School is destined to become one

80 Geological Report.

x>( the most important educational institutions in the West The philanthrophy and generosity of Mr Rose does not, ho\vevcr, stop with the buildiug and endowment of this institution, for he has also furnished the means to erect an Orphan's Home and endowed it M'ith a fund of $350,000. Terre Haute is the seat of many large branches of manufacture. Tiiere are already here two large blast furnaces, nail works that turn out 3,000 kegs weekly, a merchant rolling mill, railmad machine shops and a variety of other manu* factories. Nine railroads connect Terre Haute with the Burroundiug country, and the Wabash river is navigated a great portion of the year by small steamboats, that ply between it and the towns, for some miles, up and down the stream. Indeed, no city in the West is more favorably situated as regards means of transportation, and cheap fuel for the economical production of all kinds of manufactures. The population has more than doubled in the last ten years and is now estimated at 28,000 to 30,000. There are flourishing villages in each of the twelve townships forming the civil divisions of the county*

Geology.

The entire surface of this county is covered by quaternary deposits, which rest immediately on the coal measures* The latter formation, where penetrated by artesian wells bored in the city of Terre Haute, is about 450 feet thick* The first coal reached is probably referable to I, and if we add the strata, which is found above this coal, at the Seelyville mines, 86 feet less the drift, it will give 536 feet as the thickness of the coal measures of this county. At the east* em edge of Terre Haute, where the first and second wells were bored, the drift and alluvial is 150 feet thick, and the well reached probably as low as the Niagara beds. These wells, therefore, furnish important information of the strata which underlie the coal measures; and since the coals which it passes do not crop in the county, the entire section is given.

VIGO COlTNTt. gl

SECTION Of TERBE HAUTE WELL,

As rq)orted by thcompaDy who had the work ia charge:

Ft. In.

Sand and gravel ,..v 100 00

Coal I .v #. 6 02

Hard sandstone.. 2 03

Soapstone, ,.. 10 00

Soapstone 4 03

Gray sandstone 5 10

Blue soapstone 4, 0 10

Gray sandstone s 0 06

Blue Boapstone /. 12 09

Coal F 0 09

White sandstone, Conglourerate) 30 03

Blue shale 7 02

Coal B 2 03

Black shale* 10 00

'Nhite soapstone 3 00

Black shale.. , .w 15 00

White soapstone 8 00

Black shale. .v 3 03

Coal A , 3 00

Soapstone ?0 00

Sandrock 10 00

Limestone 2 00

Blue shale 60 00

Sandstone , 7 00

Blue shale 24 00

Sandstone 3 00

White shale 10 00

Blue shale ..,. 147 00

Hard, gritty, slate rock 11 07

Hard, gray, fine sandstone 14 05

Hard limestone 11 00

White limestone 24 00

82 Geological Report.

White limestone

Soapstone -

Brown limestone

Soapstone

Lime rock .'.

Soapstone

White limestone

Soapstone

White limestone

Gray limestone

Lime and soapstone, mixed...

Gray limestone 5

White limestone

Bine limestone..*

Stbono Sulphub Water.

Gray limestone and flint.

Light gray lisaestone

Blue gray limestone

Soapstone — fire clay .- ..

Gray limestCMie.. -

Gray sandstone.. -

Soapstone— fire clay

Shale and quartz, mixed

Slate, quartz>and sandstone

Slate rock

Slate rock

Soapstone - ..

Strong Salt Watxb.

Soapstone and sandstone

Fine sandstone

Black shale... .'

Bed shale

Saturated with OiLr

Black shale -

Gray sand rock

Lime rock 73

Sulphur Water.

1912 0&

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Vigo Oountt. 83

the correlation of strata of coal when no other means are furnished than the simple record of a bore kept by parties who poess but a limited knowledge of the specific charac* ter of rocks, even when exposed to view at the sur&ce, much less when brought up by the sand pump in the condition of fine sediment

At Seelyville, on the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad, M. Hough, of Terre Haute, superintended the sinking of a coal shaft some years ago for the Indianapolis Rolling Mill Company, and furnished me an accurate section of what it passed through as far down as the bottom of coal L; from thence a bore was made to the additional depth of 125 feet. The following section is taken from Mr. Houghs record. In 1869 I went down this shaft and found the record reliable so far as I could follow it.

Section Op Seelyvillb Shaft,

On section 14, township 12, range 8. Mine now owned by

Arbuckle Budd :

Ft In.

Drift „ 11 00

Quick sand 5 00

Hard pan ; 15 00

Fire clay - 7 06

Sandstone 1 06

Soapstone 12 09

Soapstone 7 07

Slate I 06

Coal M 0 06

Fire clay ,,. ,, 5 08

White sandstone 4 00

Dark sandstone 5 00

White sandstone, 14 06

Soaxwtone slate „ 0 10

Sandstone 4 06

Black slate ., 1 06

Bastard limestone. ., 2 06

84 Geological Report,

Ft. In.

Coal K. ..,, 1 10

Sandstone 4 00

Fire clay ,. 7 00

Coal I , t 01

Slate 0 0&

Black slate „ 2 00

Coal H .., 1 06

Fire clay a , 3

Soapstone 4 06-

Fire clay 6 00

Soapstone ...,...,, 2 09

Black slate 0 07

Soapstone 1 06

Soapstone 7 GO

Sandstone 1 00

Soapstone 1

Sandstone 6 02

Slate 2 06'

Coal F 1 02

Sandstone 7

Fire clay „ 1 03

Gray slate 5 OO

225 11

About a quarter of a mile south of Arbuckle & Budd's mine, on the same section, is the old Perrin shafts 43 feet to the bottom of coal N, which is here 5 to 6 feet thick. The Seeljville shaft starts from a topographical horizon, one hundred feet by railroad levels, above the mouth of the bore, at Terre Haute, and by means of the two sources of study we are enabled to make a complete section of all the strata in the county. By following coal N, from Seelyville, west, it is seen to crop on Lost creek, on Alexander McPherson's place, section 16, township 12, range 8, at an elevation of 42 feet above Terre Haute, which gives a dip of 27 feet in

Vigo County. 85

a horizontal distance of one and a half miles, or about 18 feet to the mile.

It is a singular fact, that all the coal seams along the streams, both in Clay and Vigo counties, nearly conform to the fall and rise of the beds of the creeks. Along the Middle and North Forks of Otter creek, in Clay county, and along the branches of Lost creek, and the main Otter creek, in Vigo county, this fact may be observed. The coal strata also, as a general rule, rise and fall with the topography of the country, and where there is a long stretch of level table land the seams of coal and accompanying strata will be found nearly horizontal. Therefore, it will not do to estimate a uniform dip of 18 feet to the mile, over the 5 miles level territory between McPherson's and Terre Haute. But even at this rate, it would only carry N 38 feet below the surface, and L (62 feet below) to a depth of 100 feet. But, even at this great depth, both N and L would have been removed by the glacial forces which swept down the valley of the Wabash, removed pre-existing strata and left the plain between the hills on the east and west filled with erratic boulders, hard pan, gravel, clay and sand to the depth of 150 feet, as proved by the artesian bores. The hills and table lands on the east side of the Wabash are the counterpart of the hills and table land on the west side of that stream. If my deductions from the above facts are correct, and after taking into consideration the variations in space usually found in different parts of the measures between respective seams of coal, then coal I is probably the first seam of coal penetrated by the bores at Terre Haute. The coals then that lie above seam I have been removed for at least the greater part of the distance between the Wabash river and McPherson's. Five and a half miles west of Terre Haute along the east slope of the hills, coal L is reached by shafts at about 70 feet below the level of the railroad depot at Terre Haute, and the superior seams M and N appear as thin beds in the hills above.

Coal L is the lowest seam of coal worked in the county.

86 Geological Report.

" The colliery at Seelyville was recently sold by Mr. Seely to Arbuckle & Budd. It has a good arrangement for hoisting and delivering coal to the cars. The shaft is only six by twelve feet and the new company design enlarging it, since it has proved to be inadequate to meet the growing demand for the ooah The seam is caking coal, feet thick, and has a three inch shale parting 3 feet below the top. The upper part contains numerous joints or vertical fractures that are filled with thin scales of transparent calc spar ; these joints predispose it to break into cubical pieces. The color is brilliant black. The lower part of the seam contains fewer joints, is of a bright black color and the coal is firm and hard. Though the coal, itself, contains but little sulphur, there is disseminated through the seam bands of iron pyrites (mtrndic of the miners). This mineral if mixed with the coal is highly injurious to the boilers, grate bars and fire boxes of locomotives, but being in bands it. is easily separated.

Arbuckle & Budd'S Coal:

Top. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 48.00 50.00

Gas 46.00 43.50

Water 8.50 8.00

Ash, white 8.50 3.50

Coke - 51.60 63.50

Heat units 8007. 8031.

Specific gravity 1.211 1.250

Weight of 1 cubic foot 75.68 78.12

Coke : puffed, lostreless, amorphous.

The calculated heat units are 8031. One pound of ooal will convert 12.31 pounds of water from OC. into steam at 150 C.

The practical evaporative power of a coal is found to be about one-third less than is indicated by calculation. Then iu practice one pound of the Arbuckle & Budd coal should convert 8 pounds of water from 0° C. into steam at 160® C. These analyses show that this is an excellent coal. It will make a good coke and possesses a high evaporative value. ' The immediate roof of L at this shaft is an argillaceous

Vigo Cotjnty. 87

haletis shown in the vertical section given above. Coal L crops on another branch of Lost creek about one mile south of Seeljville, on W. B. Dickinson's place and it might be reached by shafts over almost the entire eastern half of Lost Creek township and over almost the whole of Nevens township in the northeast corner of the oountj.

On the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad, sections 8 and township 13 range this seam is worked by two entries that penetrate the coal on opposite sides of the railroad and only a few hundred yards apart. The seam lies a little below the level of the railroad tracks is 6 feet thick and has a shale parting similar to what is seen at Seely ville feet below the top. The south mine was first opened and . worked by Daniel Webster, who sold it to a company that have conferred upon it the name of Litchfield Coal Company. The north mine is known as Webster & Brammel Coal Company. The iipearance of the coal in each of these mines is strikingly similar to Arbuekle & Budd's coal, and the analyses also agree very closely.

WEBSTEB A BRMMBL's COA.L :

Top. Bottom.

Fixed carbon 48.00 47.60

Water - 3.00 SIOO.

Ash - purple, 3.00 red, 4.00

Coke 51.00 51.5e

Heat units 8098. 8018,

Specific gravity..., 1.197 1.210

Weight of 1 one cubic foet 74.81 75.62

Ooke 4 puffed, lustress, aiiiorphoa&

The calculated heat units of the top part of this coal being 8098., one pound will convert 12.42 pounds of water from 0. into steam at 150° C. Practical evk|K>rative power; one pound will evaporate .28 pounds of water from O'' C. into steam at 150" C.

For the bottom part of the ooal the calculated heat units are 8013., therefore, one pound will convert 12.3 pounds of water front 0° C. into stam at 150° C. In practice one pound will convert 8.2 pounds of water from 0. into team at 150° a

88 Geological Report.

The place where these mines are located is called Webster Station ; it is only half a mile west of the Clay county line at Lodi and is situated on the main bottom formed along the north branch of Otter creek. At the old entry to coal L at Webster, the seam is about on a level with the railroad track, and the coal is raised on an inclined tresselwork tranlway to the tip house which is built over the railroad at an elevation which admits of the coal being slid down into the cars ; it being one of the principal coaling stations on the Indianapolis & 8U Louis railroad.

Coals M and N, though not seen above L immediately at Webster, make their appearance farther up the strean> on the side of the hill at Lodi and their places are indicated in the following section:

Section Between Lddi And Websteb:

Ft. In,.

Drift, ctay and soil 48 00

Hard bitnminous shale, (N ? ) 2 OO*

Gray argillaceoos shale 8 OO

Good coal in blocks (M) 1 06

Siliceous shale 10 00

Micaceous shale. w. 4 00

AcKillaceous gray shale ; 1 00

Bed of Otter ereek. 82 08

The two seams above L lie very irregular and are ia curved basins. In a space of 2& yards they are seen to dip 3 feet, and on following down Otter creek from Lodi, they make their appearance at various points along the stream and are last seen near Grant's Station, 5 miles south-west at about the same level above the creek. The rate of dip in that direction, by railroad levels, is only 8 feet to the mile. At Grants Station I was informed that a well was bored which penetrated a thick coal 30 to 40 feet below

Daniel Webster lives about a mile northeast of Webster

Vigo County. 89

Btatiou on southwest quarter, section 5, township 13, range 7, and 60 feet by barometric measurement above Otter creek at Lodi. In 1871 he had a well drilled on the west side of his farm nearly north of the mines at Webster. It commence on level table land and passed through the following strata, as reported by Wilson Crossly, who had the work in charge:

BOBE ON DANIEL WEBSTER's FARM.

Ft, In.

Surface soil and clay 3 00

Sand.. 1 00

Plastic potter's clay.. 5 00

Sand 8 00

Hard pan 10 00

Sand 1 06

Hard pan 8 06

Sand 1 00

Hard pan 8 00

Plastic potter's day 7 00

Sandy shale 13 08

Coal L 7 00

The last 7 feet probably includes some of the shale roof. The depth at which the coal is found corresponds very closely to the level of the seam at Websters Station. Coals M and N have been removed by glaciation. East of this well, and on the same farm, Mr. Webster had another well drilled in the following October, by V. Young. This well passed through :

Ft In.

Surface soil and clay 15 06

Sand 8 00

Potter's clay 9 06

Gray shale 4 00

Black shale 13 00

Coal and shale (N?) 3 00

Shale 5 00

Goal and black shale (M) 4 06

This well passed through the two coals that crop on the

90 Geological Report.

bank of North Otter creek at Lodi and if it had been carried to about the same depth as the first; woald have penetrated Coal L.

At Fountain Station, one and a half miles southwest of Webster, Coal M is seen at the waters edge, but N hs been removed by glaeiation. About a quarter of a mile southwest of Fountain, G. W. Mooreland has sunk a shaft to Coal L. This shaft commences on the south bank of North Otter creek.

SEorioiir ON mobelands farm:

Ft. In.

' Sand and clay 22 00

Coal M 1 04

Fire clay -. 3 QQ

Sandstone and sandy shale 4 00

Gray shale... 8 00

Coal L. 6 10

In general appearance this resembles the Webster and Seelyville coals. There is a shale parting at the same distance from the top, and it contains vertical joints filled with calc spar.

mooreulnb's coal:

Fixed carbon 47.50

Gas 43.50

Water 4.50

Ash, reddish brown 4.50

Gcke 52.00

Heat units 7829.

Specific gravity 1.196

Weight of 1 cubic foot. 74.70

Josiah Lambert who lives on a farm, which joins Fountain on the north, had two wells drilled on his place for coal. The first is situated near the centre of section 13, township 13, range 8, and only a few rods from the railroad track; and the second well in the northeast corner.

Vigo County. 91

Section On Josiah Laibebt'S Fabm :

jplrat Bore.

Ft. In.

Yellow sand 5 00

Quicksand 24 00

Shale : 1 00

CoAi. M , 1 06

Fire clay 3 00

Black shale. 3 00

Gray shale.. 7 00

Boapstone, (Argo. shale.) 3 0(

CoAi. L 7 00

The seoond well was situated on the table land aboat 30 feet above the level of the first.

Sketion of Seoond Bore,

Ft. In.

Yellow clay 4 00

Hard pan 24 00

Sandstone 12 00

Soapstone 10 00

Limestone 2 00

Soapstone 12 00

Limestone 5 00

Soapstone 5 00

Black slate 3 00

Coal 7 00

The record of the first bore corresponds so close to what is seen in the shaft, that no room is left to doubt its accuracy. The account of the seoond bore, however, differs from either in all but the coal at the bottom, so that one is left to question its accuracy in every particular. The limestones were not seen here in my surface examinations, though I followed up a ravine, which cuts the table land near by, expressly to look for them. There is, nevertheless, a thin limestone, sometimes over coal N, and if we are to be guided by this fact, the coal reported as 7 feet thick, has its thickness over-estimated, and the 3 feet of black shale

92 Geological Report.

and 7 feet of coal may be parts of coal N and M, which are sometimes separated by only a few inches of shale.

Near Grant's Station, at the old Titcomb mine, (Coal N), coal M is on a level with the iailroad track and, by railroad levels, 56 feet above low water in the Wabash river at Terre Haute. The place of coal L, as shown by the sections at Webster and Fountain, lies not more than 20 feet below M. Now, if we assume that the rate of dip continues from Grant's Station to Terre Haute, 3 miles southwest, at the same rate, 8 feet to the mile, as shown from Lodi to Grant, then the place of coal L at Terre Haute is near the level of the river, and has been removed by denudation, but makes its appearance, at about the level of low water at the foot of the hills on the west side of the stream about miles from Terre Haute. The most southerly point where it is worked on the west side of the river is at the crossing of Sugar creek on section 30, township 12, range 9, at Barrick & Sons' mine. Here, the shaft, which is sunk on the side of the creek, is 30 feet deep and the coal is 4 feet 6 ' inches to 5 feet thick. It lies on a level with the bed of the creek and some trouble has been experienced by the water of the stream finding its way into the mine. Going north from Barrick & Sons' mine I followed coal L by numerous shafts and crops to the extreme northern part of the county. The following is a section of the hill and shaft :

BARRICK son's.

Ft. In.

Drift, clay and soil 20 00

Schistose sandstone.. ,, 10 00

Limestone containing JVo<2im:<u piiTictotw.. 1 00

Siliceous shale and argillaceous shale with ironstone. 30 00

Gray, light colored argo. shale 12 00

Black shale 1 06

Coal L 4 06

Fire clay 10 00

At Mackelroy's shaflb, three-quarters of a mile north of Barrick & Son's, thisseam is reached at 27 feet from the surface. At Edgerton's, three-quarters of a mile north of

Vigo County. 93

Mackelroy's, the shaft is 40 feet to the coal and at McQuilkin's, on section 7, township 12, range 9, the shaft commenced above the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad, and is 80 feet to the coal. The coal in this shaft must be considerably above the level of the bed of Wabash river, and is overlaid by a thick bed of gray argillaceous shale that contains numerous thin bands of nodular ironstones. These ironstones are so numerous in the beds of the small streams, where they have tumbled from the washed banks above that they are gathered up and sold to the Vigo Iron Company to l)e smelted into iron. This shale is seen everywhere above coal L, on the west side of the river, and in connection with a Kd of limestone which lies from ten to twenty feet below the coal, furnishes a ready means for its identity. Some years ago a shaft was sunk to coal L, on the Yandalia railroad, about 3 miles west of Wabash river, on section 24, township 12, range 10, by Bigelow & Co. It was commenced on the side of the hill, immediately beneath the sandstone, and 8 feet above the railroad track.

Section At Bigelow A Oo.S

Ft.

Covered to top of hill.- 50

Sandstone 10

Gray argillaceous shale With ironstone aild fossil shells.. 46

Black shale 2

Coal 6

The gray shale in this shaft, as well as at the shaft on Sugar creek, contains an abundance of coal measure shells : Amculopecten rectilaierariay Bellerophon oarbonariouSy Euomphalus rugosus, etc.

The railroad grade is 57 feet above low water of Wabash river, and the shaft being 54 feet deep, makes the horizon of the coal about 11 feet above the bed of the river. A shaft was also sunk to this seam of coal at St. Mary's depot on the Indiana[>olis & St. Louis railroad. This shaft was 110 feet deep. It took fire in 1869 and was so completely

94 Geological Report.

destroyed that no one has thought of restoring it to work* ing order. I found the hill near St. Mary's by the aneroid to be 90 feet above the bridge at Terre Haute. The place where the shaft was sunk is probably a little higher so that we may conclude that the horizon of the coal is here about the same elevation above the bed of the river as at McQuilkin's shaft. A boring was made for coal some years ago at Sanford on the Indiapapolis & St. Louis rail-* road and just on the border of Illinois. In 1858 Mr. Sanford furnished me with the following record of the strata which it paased through. I have not been able to find the railroad level for this locality but believe it is fully 200 feet above Wabash river i

Sectiok At Sanford.

Ft. Ini

Surface 15 00

Sand 6 00

Sand and clay 4 00

Hard pan 66 00

Brown clay 10 03

Blue clay 8 04

Sand 0 04

Blue clay.. 37 06

Black shale 1 03

Fire clay 4 05

Limestone.. 6 05

Red clay 2 00

Limestone .. 3 00

Soapstone 2 08

Limestone.- 0 09

Red slate 7 06

Hard pan 2 09

Limestone 3 00

Sand and clay 4 00

Limestone 1 09

Red slate 1 06

Sand and blae clay 5 03

Sandstone 3 10

Black slate 8 03

Black hard stone 0 09

Black slate 4 02

Bastard limestone 0 08

Slate 7 05

Vigo County. 95

Tt. In.

Soapstone 6 09

Botten coal 4 07

Sandstone , 0 06

Fire clay 7 02

240 09

It would appear from this record that no workable, ooal was encountered in the 240 feet penetrated by the Sanford bore. In all probability since the drift is 148 feet thick, coal L has been removed by glacial action. About 10 miles north of Sanford, on the Indianapolis, Decatur and Spring-> field railroad, in Vermillion county, Indiana, coal L is reached by a shaft at the depth of 100 feet. The drift being only 94 feet as shown in the following section for* nished by Charles Moore:

Section At Moobes Bobe.

Ft* In.

Snrfacei soil and clay 6 00

Sand and gravel 16 00

Hard pan 48 00

Sand 6 00

Soapstone 8 06

Hard rock (limestone) #... 0 04

Black slate 2 02

Coal*.. „ ,... 4 00

Fireclay 10 00

Soapstone 42 06

Coal and slate.. 2 06

Fireclay.. 1 06

Hard soapstone shale.. 9 06

Hard sandstone rock 7 06

178 00*

The following are the principal localities where coal L crops or is mined in Fayette and Sugar Creek townships :

Barrick Sons', on Sugar creek, in northeast comer section 25, township 12 range 10.

96 Geological Report.

Biglow shafts, near the center of sections 23 and 24, township ]2| range 10

St. Mary's shaft, southeast comer section 1, township 12, range 10.

McElroy's shaft, section 19, township 12, range 9.

John Edgerton's shaft, section 18, township 12, range 9.

William McQuilkin's two shafts, sections 7 and 8, township 12, range 9.

J. S. Schae's shaft, section 8, township 12, range 9.

A. Conner's shaft, section 8, township 12, range 9.

A. Warner's north half, section 32, township 13, range 9.

P. W. Halleran, sonth part, section 29, township 13, range 9, three crops. 8. W. Case, on Coal creek, section 19, township 13, range 9.

B. Fingaa, on Coal creek, section 19, township 13, range 9. J. Hunter, on Coal creek, section 23; township 13, range 10.

J. Hennesy, on Coal creek, section 23, township 13, range 10.

J. Bolton, on branch of Coal creek, section 19, township 13, range 9.

F. Miller, on branch of Coal creek, section 19, township 13, range 9.

P. G. Groves, on Salt creek, section 19, township 13, range 9, one mile north east of Darkey's ffeny,

D. Barbour, on Salt creek, section 8, township 13, range 9.

£. S. Rhyan, section 6, township 13, range 9.

F. Shepherd, section 5, township 13, range 9.

Indeed, coal L is seen at so many localities on the west side of Wabash river, that it may be found by shafts or bores in almost every township and section in the county north of Sugar creek. But there are reasons to believe that it will not be found in the southern part of Sugar Creek township. Coal L is readily recognised by the gray, argillaceous shale with iron-stone bands which everywhere overlie it, and the impure fossilifei'ous limestone which lies below it. This limestone occupies the position of the limestone which overlies coal K.

The following section made on Coal creek, section 19, township 13, range 9, will indicate the character of the strata which accompany this coal in Sugar Creek and Fay* ette townships, taken from the top of the hills to the bed of Coal creek :

VIGO COUNTY. a

Section On Coal Cbeek.

Buff, marly clay, loees, but no loBsils 8 ft 00 in.

Drift, sand and gravel 12 to 20 ft. 00 in.

Hard pan 5 to 10 ft. 00 in.

Gravel, sand and boulders.. 60 to 70 ft. 00 in.

Idmestone ... 1 ft. 00 in.

Buff sohistoee sandstone, sometimes contain*

ing good bands of bailding stone 10? ft 00 in.

Bluish gray argillaceoos shale with bands of

ironstone in flattened spheroidal masses

containing fncoids and small shells 10 to 20 ft 00 in.

Black shale, with thin partings of coal and

impressions of flattened trunks aod

stems of sijUaria, etc 1 ft. 06 in.

Coal L S ft 08 in.

Shale parting 0 ft Of in. [ 4 ft. 08 in.

Coal L.. 1 ft. 00 in- J

Fire clay and shale 10 to 16 ft. 00 in.

Limestone with IVodudm eora, P. jmhdatmj etc, 1 ft. 6 in.

Bluish gray, micaceous sandstone, excellent

building stone, in places often schistose

and sometimes sandy shale with a waved

surface 80 ft. 00 in.

Coal Creek. — —

192 ft 8 in.

The npper part of the seam of ooal is jet blacky glossy contains numerous vertical joints filled with calcite and in every respect resembles the coal at Seelyville, Webster and Fountain. Bands of pyrites are also disseminated through the seam and require attention to keep it out of the coal designed for market.

In the gray argillaceous shale which overlies coal L, two remarkable fncoids are found in great abundance preserved in ironstone nodules. These fossil sea plants were sent to Prof. L. Lesquereux for identification. He found both species new to science and has furnished me with drawings and descriptions which will appear further along. I first saw the large fucoid at Richmond, Indiana, in the cabinets of John F. Miller and Mrs. Mary P. Haines. I believed it to be new and Mr. Miller very kindly made me a present of one bf the best he had. They were purchased of a G. R.— 7

S8 geoijugical report.

collector who gave the locality as Bruillet creek, Vigo oonnty, Ind. The best locality that I found for these interesting fuooids is at Mr, Bhyans mine, on section 6, township 13, range 9, about one mile from Bruillet creek. Here they have been washed out of the shale and lie in the bed and along the shores of a branch of Salt creek.

Though I was prevented from visiting the fossil plant bed at Durkey's ferry, I am satisfied that the shales which <K)ntain them, preserved in ironstone nodules, is the equivalent of the fucoid shales, for I find these shales and coal L on Salt creek and Coal creek, within one and a half miles of the ferry, as well as in the banks of Bruillet creek.

The following section showing the relation of the fossiliferous shales to ooal L, at Durkeys ferry, has been furnished by Prof John Collett:

Section At Durkeys Perry.

Light colored, (clay shale), with many ironstone nodules and flattened concretionary masses containing Pecopieris arboredcenSf P. caUosa, P. spJ NeuroptertB hinuUif N. rarinerviSf eoUinsiif nffmenophyllites apJ, AlethopierU niagarevinM, A, grandijhra A, spJ, Lepidod$ndr<m degam with leaves and cones of Lepidodendra, Ulodendron pundatumf SigUlaria imperfect specimen Calamiiea cannasfrmia with leaves, Oordaites bwoBsifolia, C anguaiifoUaf Pcdeoxylig prenddlit P. eorrugata, AnmUaria tphenopkylloides, Spkenaphyllum achlotheimil, TrigcTiocwrpum divaformU, triloculare T, omaium, and many stems of ferns, and locally in nests, the nodales are covered with minate shells of Leiaia trioariauUa 18 ft 00 in.

Uncteoas soapstone with leaves... 1 ft. to 1 ft 8 in.

Black shaly slate 0 ft to 1 ft 10 in.

Coal L, in bed of river 5 ft 00 in.

100 ft 3 in.

Coal L, on the west side of the river, has about the same chemical composition that it has on the east side, as Bhown by the examples here given.

Vigo County. 99

BABRICK A SONS OOAIi L.

Seam, 4 feet 8 inches thick.

Fixed carbon 48.20

Gas - 44.50

Water 3 00

Aflh, reddish 4.80

Coke 52.60

Heat units.. ., 8000.

Specific Rrayity 1.192

. Weight of 1 cubic foot... 74.50

mcqxjilkin's coal l.

Seam 4 feet 8 inches thick.

Fixed carbon m 47.60

Gas 44.60

Water. 4.50

Ash, white.. 3.50

Coke 51.00

Heat units- 7921.

Specific gravity 1.210

Weight of 1 cubic foot 75.62

P. H. hollomak's coal L.

Seam 4 feet 8 inches thick.

Fixed carbon 42.00

Gas.- 42.00

Water 3.50

Ash, white- 12.50

Coke 54.50

Heat units , 7247.

Specific gravity 1.242

Weight of 1 cubic foot 77.62

P. rhyan's coal L.

Seam 4 feet 8 inches thick.

Fixed carbon 48.60

Gas - 43.50

Water- - 2.00

Ash, flesh 6.00

Coke - 54.50

Heat units 7910.

Specific gravity 1.226

Weight of one cubic foot- 76.62

100 Geological Report.

In the south part of Vigo county along the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad coal L is reached by bores and shafts. At Young's Station 8 miles from Terre Haute, the elevation is 112 feet above the depot or 159 feet above low water of Wabash river at the latter city ; and coal Li is reached at the depth of 100 feet. At Hartford, 4 miles beyond Young's, the elevation is 4 feet less and the depth to the coal is 90 feet. Farmersburg, 16 miles from Terre Haute and just south of the Vigo county line, has an elevation of 135 feet above Wabash river, and coal Lis 130 feet below the surface.

The horizontal section, on next page, made along the line of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad, from depot at Terre Haute, running south for 36 miles to Sullivan, in Sul'ivan county, will serve to show the topography and relative position of coal L with reference to a horizon line starting from low water of Wabash river at Terre Haute.

At Young's, it will be seen that coal L is 59 feet, and at Hartford 68 feet above low water, and since it is found at about the level of low water, on the west side of the river at the latter place, the rise of the strata, going south, will average a little over four feet to the mile. From Hartford to Farmersburg the dip is south at the rate of 3 feet per mile. From thence to the Standard shaft the rate of dip is a little more than 52 feet to the mile. In the next mile and a half to the Pioneer shaft, it rises 40 feet; from there to Shelbum, half a mile, the rise is 28 feet, or 56 feet to the mile, corresponding closely to the angle of dip on the opposite side of the trough, at the Standard shaft. From Sullivan to Carlisle there is a pretty regular dip of 4 feet to the mile. It will also be observed in this section that the rise and fall of the coal seams correspond to the surface topography. At Hartford coal M was probably removed by the drift, as it loes not appear in the shaft.

VIGO OOtJNTY,

O

Qq

O

'cunqiaqg

Co

Ull

a

V)\

s

9T9Tiw0

o

102 Geological Report.

Section Op Shaft At Hartford.

Ft. In,

Soil and drift , 37 00

Solid ray Bandstone 49 00

Gray argillaceous shale with fossil plants. 10 00

Coal L , ; 3 06

The roof shales contain an abundance of well preserved filices and trunks of Sigillaria, Lepidodendron and Galamites. It is a grand sight to go down into this well arranged mine and see the ceiling in the entries, from which the coal has been removed, covered with its diversified fossil flora. Immense trunks of Sigillaria extend across this roof and are flanked by branching ferns that cover all the intervening spaces between the trunks of Sigillaria and Calamites with a rich foliage of glossy, black leaves on a matrix of bluish gray argillaceous shale. Indeed, the fossil flora of this mine excels in variety and perfect preservation of the plants any place that I have ever visited. A trunk of Sigillaria was measured, with the assistance of underground manager Duncan McCullum, and found to be eight and a half feet in diameter.

Mr. McCullum presented me with a number of fine specimens of these fossil plants which he had collected* Among them I recognized Hymenophyllites alatuSj H. pinnatifdtiSf Annularia hngifolia, Neuropteris rarinerviSf N, hirsutay N. loachii, Sphenophyllum schlotheimii, Peoopieris arborescenSf Cyclopteris deganSy AsterophyUites iyoaivSy Sigillaria obovatay 6'. occulta, S. menardif Calamites cuneiformisy C spJ Lepidodendron apJ

While in the south part of the county this seam of coal is only 3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet thick, it cevertheless presents the same general characteristics noted at Seeleyville, Webster and the mines on the west side of Wabash rivtr. It is a double seam and the upper part is glossy black coal with joints containing calc spar.

The mine at Hartford is now owned by J. S. Wyeth.

VIGO COtTKTY. lOS

The tip-honse and machinery are in first rate order. The engine being one of the best in the country for the purpose, and the entire mine is in good order for the delivery of coal into cars. Mr. Wyeth has been experimenting with his coal-slack to test its coking properties. To judge from the samples of the coke which he has made there is but little* doubt of his succeeding to make from this, at present wasted coal debris, a coke that -will meet with a ready sale. The analyses of the upper and lower parts ar here given :

i. 8. wybth's coal.

Top* Bottom.

Fixed carbon 49.00 51.00

Gas 41.00 . 42.00

Water ,.. 2.50 2.50

Ash, white 7,50 4.50

Coke... 56.50 65.50

Heat units - 7721. 7974.

Specfic gravity 1.287 1.216

Weight of 1 cubic foot. - 77.31 76.00

Coal H

Is the next seam following L, in the ascending order. It is found in Arbuckle & Budds shafts at Seelyville but is there too thin to be mined. The shaft on the Perrin property, a half mile south of Seelyville, did not go deep enough to reach it. On the west side of Wabash river it appears as a thin seam in the hills along the Vandalia railroad and on Clear creek, in section 34, township 12, range 10. It ig found of workable thickness on Otter creek and its branches. Here it is sometimes seen only separated from N by a few inches of shale, and in such places the two may be worked together, as at Stewart's, one and a half miles south of Fountain, on section 24, township 13, range 8; also on section 30, township 13, range

104 Geological Report*

Section At Lodi,

In the western edge of Clay county :

tu In*

Surface and driftv. %.. 30 00

Black fthale 1 00

Coal N 1 06

Gray shale. 8 00

Under Clay

Black shale % 2 00

Coal M 2 06

ire clay

Siliceous shale ...; 10 00

3ed of Otter creek. 55 00

The black shale forming the roof of M and K is highly bituminous and so closely resembles cannel coal that it may be easily mistaken for that valuable fueL Some years ago, D. Titcomb sent some samples of the bituminous shale o'rlyingcoaI K, at Grant station; to this office for examin*' ation and it was found to contain in 100 parts :

Water 4

Volatile gas 26

Fixed carbon 38

Ash, fawn fiolor 32

This shale will burn and make a very hot fire but it will not consume to a pulverulent ash; the incombustible residue is a more or less compact stone. It also contains hydrocarbon oils and gas but not in quantity sufficient to be extracted with profits This is mainly because the resi' dual coke will prove valueless.

Coal M has imbedded locally in the overlying shales large limestone concretions that contain numerous fossil shells of which I xecognized Produdua punctatua and P. spinosita* The associated black shale contains Aviculopecten rectilate" rariaf gilt with iron pyrites, and scales and fins of fish. Petrodiis occidentalia and similar fish remains are also found in the shales over coal N.

At Grant's station coal M is seen along the southern shore of Otter creek for several hundred yards, and the crop is just above the bed of the stream. Mr. Henry

VIGO COtTNTY. 105

Brayton is minnig it along the bank by stripping ofi the "superinctimbent fiihale It is considered a very good ooal for domestic parposes. The following is the analysis of

HENRY SRAYTON's OOAL.

Fixed carbon 44.06

Heat units 7692.

Specific gravity 1.216

Weight of one cubic foot 76.00

'Coke: paffed, amorphous, lustreless. One potfnd will -convert 11.6 |>oandB of water fromO G. into steam at H(f 0.

A bore was made to test the existence of lower seams on the north side of the creek, close to and a little below the railroad grade at Grant's Station. It commenced below M nd was carried to the depth of 1 10 feet. Artesian water is flowing* out the top of this well which has a strong chalybeate taste. The following section shows the strata in the bank above <K)al M and what was passed through by the feore:

Section Of Bobe At Grant'S Station.

Ft. la.

Drift 8 00

Hard, black bituminous cannel4ikeiale. 6 to 8 00

Ooal N 22 in.

-Shale parting M. # 2 in. V 3 10

€oal .'. 10 in.)

Under clay and argillaceous shale with large lime

stone concretions 6 08

Black pyritif erous substance, with soft carbonaceous

matter, resembling charcoal 0 04

Coal M 1 01

Under clay.. 1 €0

The bore <;commenced above the base of this coal

and passed through:

Sand and elay 73 00

liaoe of artesian water) .

106 Geoxogtcal Rekwrt.

rt. Im

Argillaceous sbale 12 00

Everywhere seen along tte nortt branch of Otter creek coals M and N hold the same relation to each other a9 exhibited in the above section. N is divided in two parta by a thin parting of shale or elaj is overlaid by hard black bituminous shale, and is separated from M by 6 to 10 feet of gray friable clay, resembling the usual under-clay of coal seams. It has also a roof of hard black bitumiaou& shale with large ooneretionery balls of impure limestone.

Where this well is bored, in the narrow bottom on the north side of the creek, coal L has been removed by the changing currents of the creek or other abrading forces On the south branch of Otter creek, in section 30, township 13, range 7, these two seams come close together, and including the two clay partings, have a total thiokness of 6 feet to & feet 3 inches. After leaving Grant's station and going west to Wabash river, a distance of 6 miles, the country is nearly level and coals N, M and L have been removed by the agency of the glacial drift, and the crop of stratified rocks are not met with until the hills already alluded to are reached on the west side of Wabash river except at Durkey's ferry.

In Riley township, at Somerset, on the Terre Haute & Cincinnati railroad, and half a mile west of Lockport, the Somerset Coal Company sunk a shaft in 1873, to coal M. This shaft commenced 10 feet above the railroad rade, which is here 35 feet above Terre Haute, and the top of the shaft 1 1 4 feet above the bed of Wabash river. The coal is 44 feet below the top of the shaft, or 70 feet above the bed of Wabash river at Terre Haute.

The following section of the strata passed through at Somerset, was obtained from W. J. Jones, a partner of the Company, who assisted in the work of sinking the shaft.

Vigo County. 107

Section At Somebset.

Ft. In.

ISoil Bnd clay.. 17 00

Fireclay 2 ft. 00 in. VN 3 07

Ooal, good „ 1 it. 07 in. j

Fireclay 1 00

White sandstone : 6 00

Black, bituminous shale 1 07

Impure limestone.. , 6 00

Black, bituminous shale 9 00

Ooal 6 04

Four inches next to the roof is inferior pyritiferous ooal, and the lower part of the seam is the best. It has no partings.

Analysis of the lower part of this coal gives in 100 parts:

Fixed. carbon... ., , 51.00

Gas. 43.00

Ash, white.. 1.50

Coke 62.60

Heat units.. 8066.

Specific gravity 1.210

Weight of 1 cubic foot 75.62

Coke: puffed.

This indicates a very good coal. One pound will convert 12.37 pounds of water from 0° C. into steam at 150® C.

The company has a good engine and dump house, and is preparing to mine all the coal that can be sold.

About one mile northeast of Somerset mine, J. S. Foote, of Terre Haute, had a bore made for coal, on section 9, township 11, range 8. He furnished me with samples of the seams penetrated, and their depth and relative positions. The bore commenced on the bo.ttom of Honey creek, and close to the hills.

108 Geologicai Report.

porte's bork on honey creek.

Ft. In.

Surface clay 8 00

Black shale 3 OO

Shale r. 57 00

Limestone 2? 00

Black shale 37 00

Coal M 8 06

Space 39 00

Coal L ?

The man engaged to bore this well was inexperienced, and Mr. Foote was not sure that the thickness of the coals were accurately ascertained. The spaces are about right for this part of the county where N,* M and L are quite close together, but going west the spaces augment rapidly and the upper seams, when present, are not of workable thickness, especially where seen along the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad, as shown by the sections already

A sample of the boring sent to me from seam M in Foote's bore, gave :

Footers Bore.

Fixed carbon ., 60.10

Gas 44.40

Water 3.70

Ash, light brown 1.80

Coke 51.90

Heat units- 8123.

Specific (gravity 1.217

Weight of 1 cubic foot 76.06

Coke : puffed, dull, amorphous.

One pound of this coal will convert 12.45 pounds of water from C. into steam at 150°'C. This gives promise that the seam will prove a valuable one.

Coal M may be found over a large area in Riley township.

Though variable in thickness it is of fair quality for domestic purposes, and at moat places will be found sufficiently thick to justify mining*

Vioo County. (09) / (3 9

Coal N.

This is one of the most unreliable seams in the county, both as regards persistence and thickness of the coal. It is of good workable thickness on the old Perrin property adjoining Seelyville. Here it is reached at the depth of 40 feet and was mined to som£ extent in 1869 but the shaft then in good order is now filled up and the mine abandoned. About one and a half miles a little south of west from Seelyville and near theVandalia railroad, N has been opened on J. McPheiBons land, section 16, township 12, range 8. The coal is mined by running an adit into the ridge which fikirts along the south shore of Lost creek. It is 15 feet below the railroad level and the dip west from Seelyville to this place is at the rate of 18 feet to the mile.

Section At M*Phees0N*6 — Seelyville.

Ft In.

Soil and drift 20 00

Sandfitooe 80 00

Black shale 0 00

Caking coal 2 ft. 00 In."

Bhale Oft 00} in. V 6 04J

€emi-block coal 8 ft. 04 in. J

Analysis Of M'Phebsok'S Goal.

Fixed carbon. 66.50

Gas 87.00

Water. 2.50

Ash, white.. 4.00

Coke 60.50

Heat units- 7959.

Specific gravity 1.289

Weight of 1 cubic foot- 77.43

Coke : slightly pafied, amorphous, brilliant.

Coal ISy the highest coal in the series, is not found of workable thickness in this coanty at any point west of McPhersons and Grant's station, on the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad. It is found in the hills on the west side oi

110 GEODOGICAL REPOirr.

Wabash river and at numeroas places in the south part of the county, but at these localities seldom attains to more than eighteen inches in thickness; still, at the crop it may be worked in farored positions, to supply neighborhood demands, by stripping off the superincumbent shales and earth.

quatebnaby.

This epoch includes the beds of alluvial loess, marl cl&y> gravel, sand, boulders, etc., which lie immediately over the palseozoic rocks in Indiana. In Vigo county, these deposits have been proved by the Terre Haute deep wells, to be at least 150 feet thick. The boulders which lie near the bottom of the glacial drift, are mostly crystalline rocks, that were torn loose from the parent beds, that are in situ, far to the north of the State, and transported thither by the {)Owerful gladers which covered the country in the arctic and temperate regions, foUowiog the close of the coal era. The gravel is a mixture of crystalline and sedimentary rocks. At the hills east of Terre Haute, on land adjoining the farms of Joseph Gilbert and A. B. Pegg, where a branch of Lost creek cuts its way through the ridge, there is a fine exposure of glacial drift. The face of the exposure is almost vertical, and the deposit is 60 feet from the bed of the branch to the top of the bluff. Springs break out from the horizon of the boulder clay in almost all localities where it is exposed. Mr. Pegg and others have taken advantage of the springs that flow from this horizon, to construct fish ponds in favorable localities, by building dams across the valleys. Some years ago a bore was commenced at the foot of the hills on Church run, for coal, but was only carried to the depth of 20 feet. Here artesian water was reached, which flows out at the top. It has a slight chalybeate taste, but otherwise appears to be free from mineral matter.

Loess forms a capping to the drift on the high ridges and is from 20 to 25 feet thick. I was unable to find in it fossil shells of any kind.

Vigo County- 111

Building Stone.

The sandstone above and below eoal L is sometimes found of good thickness and sufficiently firm and durable to be used for making foundations to inexpensive buildings. I know of but one locality in the county where a good durable stone may be obtained. This is €een below the limestone which underlies coal L in the bluffs bordering Ooal ereek Eayette township. It is a bluish-gray fine grained sandstone, that was at one time quarried by Mr. McQuilkins. The layers are generally thin, seldom reaching a foot It riogs under the hammer iind will present a handsome appearance in a building.

There are two or more horizons at which an Impure limestone may be had in this countj; one lies above coal and the other is low coal L. This rock is totally unfit fox building purposes and makes an inferior quick-lime; where exposed to the weather it is decomposed and shows unmistakable signs of decay. Going west, into Clark county Illinois, the limestone over N becomes very thick, 20 to 35 feet; is of a light blue color, and but for its unmistakable <K)al measure fossils, might be taken for the <>avernous beds the sub-carboniferous limestone.

ISRICK AND potters' CLAY.

The clay which immediately underlies the eoal seams is, in most parts of the county, suitable for making coarse jugs milk crocks, roof-tile, drain-tile, etc.

Clay suitable for brick may he had on almost every farm in the county, beiig especially good on the ridges or Aiplanda.

Petroleum.

Three wells that reached petroleum bearing strata have been bored at Terre Haute. The principal supply of oil was probably found in the upper part of the Niagara beds. The second well bored, furnished from two to four barrels of moderately heavy oil in twenty-four liour& It did not flow out at the top, but had to be

112 Geological Report:

pumped. This materially enhanced its cost and owing to the extreme low priee petroleum has commanded in the market for some years the well was abandoned and closed up. The third well bored on the bank o( Wabash river in the edge of the city found but little oil but discharges a vast column of sulphuretted hydrogen water similar in quality to that which flowed from the first well bored iii> the yard of the Terre Haute House.. The analysis of this water was given in the report for 1869. The well on the bank of the river is now owned by J. S. Miller. If properly tubed the water would rise a great many feet above th& general surface. The temperature is 81 It is a saline sulphur water contains a large amount of common salt some glauber and epsom salts, lime, magnesia and iron. There is a copious escape of carburetted hydiogen, carbonic acid and sulphuretted hydrogen. It possessesfine medicinal properties, and is particularly beneficial in diseases of the skia and some forms of rheumatism. Mr. Miller has erected a bathing house close by, where patients may enjoy the luxury of bathing and drinking the water.

IRON PYRITES. (biSITXPHIDS OF IRON.)

This yellow, metallic looking mineral, is fi)und in great abundance at Seelyville, where it occurs in bands oi strata* in coal L. It is readily separated from the coal and may be seen lying around Arbuckle & Budds colliery ia vast heaps and instead of permitting it to go to waste should be turned to profitable account, by the manufacture of sulphur and sulphuric acid. Iron pyrites contains one equivalent of iron and two equivalents of sulphur, its symbol being F, Sa or 8 + S. Its composition in 100 parts is t Iron 46,67, sulphur 53.33.

When iron pyrites is strongly heated it may be made to give up one half of its sulphur and the residue will be the copperas- or green vitriol of commerce. The quantity 6t sulphur actually obtained from this mineral on a large scale does n.ot exceed 13 or 14 per cent. The most important

VIGO COrrNTY. 113

use to which iron pyrites can be put is for the manufacture of sulphuric acid. This acid is in almost unlimited tlemand for many branches of manufacture and occupies the same relation to chemical technology that mineral fuel does to metallurgy or for the generation of steam.

In order to manufacture sulphuric acid from pyrites the mineral is calcined in a peculiariy constructed kiln over which is placed groove<l rollers that serve to crush the ore that it may descend in fine particles over terraces to the bottom of the furnace which is maintained at a bright red heat. The sulphurous acid formed is conveyed into a leaden chamber where the usual arrangements are made to promote its conversion into sulphuric acid. One hundred pounds of pyrites will give about 140 pounds sulphuric acid. As a general rule acid made from pyrites is contaminated with arsenic which renders the commercial article unsuited for many branches of manufacture. I was unable to find a trace of arsenic in the pyrites from iSeelyville mines, and owing to the superior economy of manufacturing sulphuric acid from this mineral rather than from "Cicilian sulphur it is to be hoped that this notice will direct attention to this important industry.

Cicily sulphur of 95 to 97 per cent, is worth thirty- five to thirty-seven dollars per ton by the ship load at New York City 100 pounds of this sulphur will, by good management yield 280 pounds of sulphuric acid of 1.84 specific gravity ; while 100 pounds of pyrites, costing almost nothing at the mines, will yield 140 pounds of acid of the ame strength.

The residue, of per-oxide of iron, is now being utilized in fingkuMl as a fttKiig' tisr puddling furnaces and is said to

B&wer the purpose better than any iron ore yet tried.

♦

IR09 amsL

The bluish gray shales over coal L on the west side of

Wabash river have disseminated through them irregular

layers of clay iron-stone. Where the strata have been laid

bare by the washing away of the soil on the sides of the

R.-

114 Geological Report.

hills this iron-stone drops to the bottom of the ravines, where it is now found in quantities sufficient to justify its being gathered up and carted to the Vigo Blast Furnace, to be mixed with the Missouri specular o>re& and smelted into pigs. Locally the iron-stones are very abundant. The old Indiana Furnace in Vermillion county when in blasts obtained its supply of iron ore from these shales.

Timber.

Vigo county contains the usual variety of trees found in this latitude. Many of the large black walnut and poplar trees have been converted into lumber and vast tracts of timber lands are annually cleared for cultivation but a noble forest yet remains on portions of the uplands*

Antiquities.

There are two mounds of very moderate elevatbn in the southeast coiner of the town of Maxville. Others may have been obliterated in the building of the town, and by the plow in cultivating the surrounding land. These, with the exception of a few that are reported along the Wabash, in Prairie town and Prairie Creek township, are all the mounds that I could hear of in the county. Mr. Pidgeon, in his work on antiquities, mentions some mounds near Fort Harrison Prairie, north of Terre Haate> but these have no doubt been leveled by cultivation.

Agriculture.

This county is justly celebrated for its large tracts of fertile prairie and river-bottom lands The soil belonging to these districts is for the most part a deep, black, sandy loam, rich in organic matter and all other elements essential for plant food. It is particularly well adapted for the growth of Indian corn and grasses, but produces all the cereals in very great perfection. While some of the hill or upland soil is derived from the loess and is of a buff colored, pulverulent nature, rich in lime, the prevailing constituent

Vigo County, 116

is clay. This land as a general rule require9 good drainage but produces well and is especially suited for wheat and clover.

More, than usual attention is paid to the growing of fruit, and there are few farms to be seen without orchards. Some of the largest apple orchards in the State are to be found in the victntty of Terre Haute.

Conclusion.

Before closing this report I desire to express my thanks to the citizens of the county with whom it wa3 my good fortune to become ac<|uainted, while prosecuting the survey, for the aid and courteous treatment so uniformly bestowed. For unusual attention and assistance I am under special obligations to Hon. Harvey D. Scott, Hon. W. K. Edwards, Hon. Joseph Gilbert, C. E. Hosford, A. B. Pegg, Wm. McQnilkins and Wm. Barrick, of Terre Haute; Jonas Seely, of Seelyville ; J. S. Wyeth, Hartford ; and Daniel Webster, of Webster's Station.

Huntington County.

This county is in the form of a rectangle, with the greater diameter lying north and south. It contains about 384 square miles. The physical features of the county are not marked by any prominent hills or elevated points the general surface being slightly elevated table land that will hardly exceed 300 feet above the sur&ce of Lake Erie. It is well watered by Wabash river and its tributaries Little river, Salamonia river. Silver and Clear creeks, and a number of small branches which flow from the north and south into the principal stream. It will be seen by reference to a good map, that Wabash and St. Mary's rivers rise in Mercer and Shelby counties, Ohio, on opposite sides of a narrow water-shed, and flow in the same direction, northwest, until the latter stream reaches a point near Fort Wayne, from whence it turns northeast and joins the Maumee, which flows northeast to lake Erie. St. Joseph river rises in Michigan, flows southwest to Fort Wayne where it also joins the Maumee river. This remarkable hydrographical feature of this part of the State has long attracted the attention of topographers and geographers. A very instructive map and account of this region was published by S. K. Gilbert, in the 1st vol. Geo. Rep. of Ohio. Prof. Gilbert attributes this water phenomena to at least two con centric elevated ridges, one near Defiance, in Ohio, and the other near Fort Wayne these ridges being terminal moraines.

While there is much evidence presented by the course the streams and other physiographical features of the country to sustain this view of the subject, there are yet some striking facta which seem to indicate that both St, Joseph

Huntington County. 117

and St. Mary's rivers were once tributaries of Wabash river. The waters of Little river have their rise in a marsh seven miles southwest of Fort Wayne, and this swamp, in times of freshets, brings it into intimate connection with St Mary's river. The old bed of Little river, where it emerges from the swamp, is as broad us the Wabash in the southeast corner of Huntington county and fully as broad as the St. Joseph at Fort Wayne. That the latter stream and St. Mary's river once formed a part of Little river and constituted the main source of Wabash river may be further inferred from their general parallelism to the courses of the streams that enter the Wabash from the southeast and northeast; Salamonia and Mississinnawa on the one side and Eel and Tippecanoe rivers on the other.

The only well marked evidence which I saw of terminal moraines in this county lies along both banks of Little and Wabash rivers. The large boulders which mark their boundaries are 40 to 50 feet above the beds of the streams. These boulders are very conspicuous above and below the town of Huntington. This county was named in honor of Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Huntington is the county seat and is situated on Little river, two miles above its junction with Wabash river. It is built on the boulder terrace fifty two feet above Wabash river and Erie canal, which is here, by engineers' levels, eleven feet lower thaii Fort Wayne. It is a flourishing town with a population of between 3,000 and 4,000. Mr. Thomas Eoche furnished me with the following list of manufactures and the value of manufac* tured articles for the current year ; also, the amount of produce shipped, all of which speaks very well for the prosperity of the town and the resources of the county :

Taylor & Forgythe, plow handles, employ thirty hands and ship annually to the value of twenty thousand dollars.

C. E. Bryant, staves and headings, employs one hundred hands and do an annual business of seventy-five thousand dollars.

118 Geological Report.

Henry Drover, spokes and bent wood employs twenty hands and ships twenty-four thonsand dollars worth annually.

W. J. Oampbell, cigar manufacturer, works five hands and produces eight thousand dollars worth annually.

Maffett & Roche, foundry, do an annual business of sixteen thousand dollars.

Hassin & Son, shippers of butter and eggs, sell to the amount of forty-two thousand dollars,

Arnold, Thomas & Co., flouring mills, manu&cture twenty thousand dollars worth annually.

Adam Renauer, furniture, employs twelve hands and sells annually fourteen thousand dollars worth of roods.

F. Kapp, furniture, annual sales five thousand dollars.

E. T. Taylor, boot and shoe manu£su$turer, ships to the value of twenty thousand dollars and gives employment to thirteen hands.

Snider & Son work four hands and sell annually six thousand dollars worth of boots and shoes.

I. Mangris, employs six hands, sells boots and shoes to the amount of nine thousand dollars.

W. Fisher works five hands in the boot and shoe business . and does an annual business of seven thousand five hundred dollars.

Thomas Slack & Co., deals in lumber to the amount of fifteen thousand dollars per year.

Annual shipments from Huntington :

237,000 bushels of wheat.

176,000 bushels of corn.

53,000 bushels of fiaxseedi

79,000 bushels of oats.

8,000 bushels of clover and grass seeds.

30,000 hogs.

B. H. Reynolds shipped, on commission, 800,000 wagon spokes and 400,000 feet of hickory and oak lumber.

Warren and Mt. Etna on Salamonia river, in Salamonia and Polk townships, Markle on Wabash river in Rock creek township, and Antioch, in Dallas township, on the

Huntington County. 119

Toledo, Wabash & Western railroad are all towns of considerable importance.

The Toledo, Wabash & Western railroad, follows along the banks of Little river and crosses to the south side of Wabash river a short distance below Huntington, to cut off a considerable bend which the latter stream makes to the north, but re-crosses the river at the western edge of the county and continues along its shores to Attica, in Fountain county.

Geology.

The only rocks exposed, in place in this county, are of paleozoic age and belong to the Niagara epoch. The erratic material composing the glacial drift, rests immediately upon the Niagara, and is succeeded by clay, without organic remains, which may or may not belong to the loess. On this clay we have the recent soil accumulations.

The most eastern out-crop of the Niagara, in the county, is at Markle on the Wabash river. The rock here is quarried from the bed of the river. It has a blue-gray color, irregular fracture, is in four to six-inch layers, and in this part of the county is a favorite building stone. The section exposed in the river bank at Markle, is :

43ECTiON AT MABKLE :

Drift - 6

Buff magnesian limestone, schistose and cherty, and contains a few Niagara fossils ; 10

Blnish gray thin bedded limestone, in bed of Wabash

river '. 3?

The strata have a local dip of 20 southeast. The crop may be followed for two or three miles up and down the stream. The analyns of this stone shows it to be composed of:

Moistnre 75

Carbonic acid and combined water 48.50

Insoluble matter... 2.25

Iron and alumina - - 2.50

120 Geological Report.

Sulphuric acid... 27

99.3T

The beds used for masonry can obIj be qaarried during periods of low water when the current can be turned fron it by inexpensive temporary dams. Another crop of this stone is seen along the Salamonia at Warren and at points above and below. Half a mile east of Warren John Lewis has a lime kiln situated in a shallow ravine oa the crop of the poroud buff magnesian limestone. la quarrying he has gone down only six feet The stone is schistose and false bedded, which gives it the appearance of having a strong dip to the southwest. Analysis of

Limestone from John A. Lewis' quarry :

Carbonic acid and combined water 50.25.

Insoluble matter 1.50*

Iron and alumina 3.20

Lime - 30.80

One mile below Warren, Elisha Christman has a limekiln, and is using the stone from a crop on the bank of Salamonia river. Six to eight feet of stone is seen above the bed of the stream. Similar rock is seen again near the grist mill at Bellmont.

At the bridge over Wabash liver, one and a half miles south of Huntington, there is a crop of Niagara exposed,. sixteen feet above the bed of the river. This stone was. used in the bridge abutments, but already shows signs o€ rapid ded&y by crumbling under the influence of water and frost. The principal part of the bed is an earthy limestone, and presents the appearance of a very good hydraulic stone. Its composition in 100 parts is :

Huntington County. 121

Carbonic acid and combined water 35 10

Insoluble silicates S2.50

Iron and Alumina 190

Oxide of manganese 40

Lime 24 92

Magnesia 4.32

Sulphuric acid 14

It will be seen that this stone differs from the Markle si one in the large amount of insoluble silicates which it contains, 32.50 per cent., the former only having 2.25 per cent. As before stated, it will make a very good hydraulic cement but is totally unsuited for masonry where durability is desired.

The greatest development of the Niagara is seen along the banks of Little river above and below Huntington. The most easterly crop is on John McCarty's land on section 18, township 28, range 10, about three and a half miles from Huntington. From this point east it remains covered by drift and is penetrated at the depth of eightyeight feet by the Fort Wayne welL Lime kilns have been established all along the crop and the burning of lime constitutes one of the chief industries of the county.

Thirty one kilns were in active operation making caustio lime at the time of my visit. Eight of the number are perpetual kilns, the remainder are occasional kilns which require to be completely discharged and cooled before re-filling. The companies are here given in the order of their location on the river, commencing with the one farthest up the stream. The number of. bushels of lime annually burned is also given.

Geological Report.

Name of Ownek ob Firm.

John McCarty ,

A. Bower

Foster Fulton

E. 8. Wheeler

Berry & Booser

Hawley & Bro

A. Beck

Smith & Morton

James Lillie & Co.

M. BaltuB.

Pound & Co

Mollering A Son

Total

Number

of Kilns.

Cords

of Wood

Consumed

1,000

1,200

1,100

1,200

1,800

1,900

12,260

Bushels

of Lime

Produced.

20,000 23,000 50,000 57,000 53,000 59,000 90,000 30,000 100,000 100,000 20,000 15,000

617,000

It will be seen by tbis table that the annual make of lime amounts to about 617000 bushels and the consumption of wood to 12,260 cords ; being an average of nearly 400 cords of wood and 20,000 bushels of lime per kiln, and an average of 50 bushels of lime for each cord of wood consumed.

This lime is held in high estimation and meets with a ready market not only in Indiana, but in Ohio and Illinois, as well. The composition of the stone used at the respective kilns on Little river is given in the following table :

HUimNQTON COUNTY.

JO epixQ

9iqn[0Bai

auni{d[ng

aojx JO apixo acnos

peuiqcaoo pcra piOB oiaoqjVQ

o

o

o

o

s

Cd

s

iH

s

S

s

s

Si

a;

O

s

?

co-

Oft

Co

oo

-1

§3

Co

1H

s s

s

e4

s

o

t

S

s

o

s

S

lO

o

O kO

§

s

1H

Us

rH 04 00

lO

a

5z5 Jz5 525 ;z; 5z5 5z;

&

'C

6 -S

§

Os

e

S

a o

124 Geological Report.

The quality of the burnt lime is mainly due to the constituents of the limestone from which it is made. When the stone is principally composed of carbonate of lime the resulting lime is what is called by the masons fat lime'' or quick setting. But if the stone is a dolomite, composed of equal equivalents of carbonate of lime and cabonate of magnesia, the resulting lime forms a short, thin pulp with water and is termed " poor.'' For ordinary mortar, fat lime is objectionable on account of the rapidity with which it sets and becomes too hard to enter into close combination with the brick. Therefore, a medium quality of lime termed " slow setting," is sought for, since it will yield a mortar that when spread over a large space will give the mason an opportunity to adjust a numb of bricks before it commences to set. 'This property is found in lime where the magnesia does not form too large a per cent.

From the table of analyses, it will be seen that the composition of the limestones in this county varies as regards the amount of insoluble silicates, alumina and magnesia, which they contain, nor is it fully understood why these substances, when present in quick-lime in proportions that are quite variable, give to it hydraulic properties, so that, with our present chemical knowledge of the subject, one is at a loss, in the absence of actual practical tests made of its binding qualities, to decide where the mortar ceases to be air-setting and becomes hydraulic or water-setting.

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, yield good but slow air-setting caustic lime. No. 5 will undoubtedly give a lime that will have hydraulic properties, or set under water.

The limestone, which is considered the best for making quick-lime, is a bu£F, porous stone containing large quantities of casts of Pentamerus oblongvs Amphicoelia costata RhynchoneUa spf, Orthis annulatum, 0. erebescens Chono* phyUum niagarensiSf FavoaUes niagarensis, Halysites oatenu lata, Fenestella spf. These fossils are particularly abundant at McCarty's quarry. Pentamerua oblongua is especially conspicuous and gives the stone the appearance of a breccia.

The stone lies so close to the surface that very little

HtTNTlNGTON COUNTY. 126

stripping is required in order to reach the layers saitable for lime.

The following section will show the depth to which the stone has been worked at the quarries and the amount of earth that has been removed*

BECriON OF M. BAIiTUS' QUARRY:

Ft.

Soil 2

Schistose buff magnesian limestotie 6

Best stone for burning 2

Little river.

Section At Berry Bros/ Quarry :

Ft/

Surface soil 3 to 4

Friable majnesiA limestone 9

Thick bedded limestone* 3

Little riven

Section At Hawley Bros.' Quarry:

Soil and clay.

Buff porous magnesian limestce i 10 to 12 it*

Bed of Little river.

Section At Lillie & Co.'S Quarry:

Ft.

Surface, black mold .' 1

Magnesian limestone 7

The rock at the above quarries lies in waves, 'and is peculiarly characterized by false bedding, which sometimes gives the appearance of a disturbed strata, dipping in various directions at a high angle. There are quarries on the left bank of the river, where the buff magnesian limestone, so famous fir the good lime which it yields, is mix€id with, and sometimes replaced by, a bluish earthy hydraulic limestone, resembling the stone at the bridge over Wabash river. Considerable money has been spent' in trying to make of it a marketable lime, and to introduce it as a building stone, but in both instances it has proved comparatively worthless ; it may, however, by judicious selection, be used for the manufacture of hydraulic cement.

126 Geological Eeport.

Just along the west edge of HuntingtoDy quarries have been opened at several places running north from the river, for flagging and building stone. At the most southern opening, about one hundred yards from the river, we find :

Loose chert 6 feet.

Blue fla|;-Btone, beds in three inch layers 6 feet

The dip at this quarry appears to be 8° in the direction of 40 east of south. The ehert is in large detached masses and mixed with buff magnpsian limestone. North, seventy yards, at another quarry, the buff magnesian limestone is free from chert, but is schistose and false bedded, with an apparent dip of 20 at the south part of the quarry, but going back some ten yards the apparent dp is 37 S. 40 E. Half a mile down the stream, the rocks at the river edge dip about 80'' S. 70° E. At the Drover quarry, owned by Hollering & Co., a large opening has been made by quarrying stone for lime. The rocks are false bedded and appear to dip in every direction from the centre of the quarry.

The surface rocks, where excavations commenced and went to the depth of 20 feet, is buff magnesian, coral bearing limestone. In some parts of the quarry there are masses of Favosiies niagarerms so large as to lead at once to the belief that the entire bed of stone was derived from an ancient coral reef. The great disorder of the strata, mainly due to false bedding or peculiar arrangement of the material constituting the present rocks, has led many to infer that this irregularity was due to earthquake or volcanic action. This is the more deceptive since the apparent elevations have their surfaces capped with enduring beds''of chert or impure flint, and along the local waves in the strata stand in elevated knobs which fancy has construed into volcanic con. Huntington is located on one of these flint ridges and the locality was known to the Indians by the name of " We-pe-cha-an-gan-ge or flint place. The flint of this locality was of great value to the Indians

Huntington County. .127

as the material of which they fashioned their arrow points, spear points and flint knives.

At dam No. 1 across Wabash river, two miles below Huntiogton, the Niagara rock appears along the left bank of the stream and served for one of the abutments of the dam. The beds are thin, cherty and much weathered on exposed edges. The rock forms the bed of the river and presents a vertical face ten and a half feet in hight on the left shore, while in the bottom on the opposite side of tlie river it is entirely replaced by the drift. A few feet below the dam there is a slight anticlinal axis, the dip being S. E. on one side of tbe crown and N. W. on the other.

Col. Milligan's quarry, just below Huntington on the bank of Little river, has been leased by a practical quarryman, Charles Krock, and he is taking out some of the best looking stone for flagging and mason work to be found in the neighborhood. The stripping is quite light, and the section obtained, shows :

Tt. In,

Soil 1 00

Baff, rubble, chert, mostly looee 1 06

Buflf rubble, good 2 06

Flagstone.. 0 02

Flagstone.. 0 06

Bnilding stone. 0 OS

Building stone 0 09

Bed of Little river.

On Wabash river, about one mile northwest of Antioch, Joseph Leidy has opened a quarry to procure stone for the abutments of a new bridge to be built across the river where the road leading north from Antioch crosses it. The stone is quarried at a crop in the 'river bank and furnished the following section :

Ft.

Buff, schistose, magnesia limestone 3

Flint strata 1 to 2

Buff, magnesian limestone, some blue spots and bonds,

principal rock used. 1&

Bed of Wabash rivei.

128 Geological Report.

The beds are very irregular, with an apparent dip of to the southwest. On the opposite side of the river and at Loon creek, 'similar rock is seen. The entire thickness at the crop is twenty feet, and the apparent dip is 20° northeast. This stone was quarried and used in the construction of locks on the canal, but can not be considered a durable stone. Near this old quarry and on section 22, township 28, range 8, there is a strong chalybeate spring. It rises up above the surface of the ground and flows over the side of the gum curbing in a bold stream ; it is strongly charged with iron, and is cool and pleasant to the taste. The wator possesses valuable medicinal pro{)ernie8, is close to the thriving village of Antioch on the Toledo, Wabash & Western railroad, and might be made a place of resort for invalids who require a naild tonic. An additional attraction may also be found in the saline sulphur water, on section 14, township 28, range 8, scarcely a mile distant from the chalybeate spring.

The sulphur water flows from an artesian well bored for coal oil on the bank of Silver creek. No record could be found of this bore, but it is supposed that the water comes from a depth of about 600 feet, and flows out at the top of a wooden pump stock, four or five feet above the surface. Judging by the taste, it is strong in chloride of sodium and other mineral salts, and emits a strong oder of sulphureted hydrogen mixed with marsh gas, carbureted hydrogen. The existence jof the latter gas, in the boggy places along the creek, led to the selection of this locality as one most likely to furnish oil, from the well known-fact that carbureted hydrogen usually accompanies the oil in the famous wells on Oil creek in Pennsylvania. In this case, however, no oil was obtained. Any whece ia tke mamA near the well, if a stick rmr down into the mud and ve etable mMer, carbureted hydrogen will escape, and if touched with a lighted match takes fire and burns. This well is peculiarily interesting, since it lies almost mid-way between Fort Wayne, where a well was bored to the depth of 3,000 feet, and Wabash, where a well went to the depnh

Huntington County. 129

of 2270 feet, neither of which found water that would rise to the surface.

It will be seen from the foregoing remarks, that the only stratified rocks found in the county crop in a few localities along the streams, and that while they are eminently suited for the manufacture of quick -lime it is only in rare instances that layers are found at all suitable for masonry, where durability is considered of prime importance. The Niagara, in this State, is not metalliferous, it does not even furnish notable quantities of iron-ore. Nevertheless, some years ago there was considerable excitement raised about the reported existence of gold in the rocks at the Drover quarry, now owned by Mollering & Co. Specimens of the reported gold ore were taken ix> New York, by Mr. Backus, and they were reported by some one to yield $168.00 to the ton. Stock to the amount of $10,000 was sold and with the money thus raised, the company erected a mill and purchased the necessary machinery for crushing the rock and saving the jprecious metal. Unfortunately for the success of the enterprise, the rock, as any intelligent geologist could have told them at a glance, proved totally barren of precious metals, and all the company could realize after spending much money, was the value of the, to them, useless machinery.

Mr. John Roche pointed out to me 'the exact spot where Mr. Backus obtained his specimens and the mineral which he mistook for gold. It proved to be iron pyrites partly decomposed on the surface and filling isolated cavities in the cherty, magnesian limestone.

OLAOIAIi DSIFT.

The drifb' covers the entire county, and can not be less than 100 to 130 feet thick over a great portion of the tableland. The upper portion is composed of irregular beds of sand, clay and gravel. Boulders and hard plastic day lie G. R.— 9

130 Geological Report.

at the base. The larger boulders, Roches moutonnees/' lie along both shores of Little river and Wabash river at an elevation of 40 to 60 feet above the streams. They are particularly abundant above and below Huntington on the right bank of Little river. Their sur&ces are scratched and grooved but I was unable to find glacial scratches on the stratified rocks where they are exposed to view. This may in part, be due to the fact that no fresh surfisice of the upper layers were seen, and the readiness with which the Kiagara weathers, would soon obliterate all traces of such marks. From the manner in which the boulders lie along the borders of Little river, one is led to the conclusion that the stream has cut its way between two lateral moraines. A very large granite boulder, weighing many tons, lies in the bed of Little river three and a half miles above Huntington, which, from a fancied resemblance in shape to a saddle, has received the name of Saddle Rook. This boulder rests immediately on the Niagara which is here seen in the bed of the river for the last time as you ascend the stream, and is not again found above the surface in an easterly direction before reaching the borders of Ohio. The large beds of sand found in the upper part of the drift are particularly valuable in this part of the State since they furnish the only source from which this essential ingredient of good mortar can be had. There is a very large deposit of sand in the northwest border of Huntington. It is ten or twelve feet thick and the lines of deposition present the characteristic features of what is termed in rock strata " false bedding. The sand from this pit is held in high estimation by the masons and plasterers, and finds a ready market.

Antiquities.

Though the present site of Huntington and the Forks of the Wabash,' as the junction of Little river with that stream was familiarly called by the early settlers of the county, was the fiivorite abode of savages, yet, strange to

Huntington County. 131

OBJ, no traces of the works of the pre-historio moand builder are found in the county, except along Salamonia river, in the southeast corner, opposite Warren, where, on a high eminence in the bend of the latter river, there are two mounds. The first one visited is at Daniel Adsits. It is about twenty-five feet in circumference and six feet high. A slight excavation had been made into the top, but so far as could be learned no relics were found, there is a shallow trench completely encircling it. From the top the view overlooks the Salamonia and its fine fertile bottoms. The other mound is about a quarter of a mile to the northwest, and in a cultivated orchard belonging to John D. Jones, and near his barn. This mound has been nearly destroyed by the plow, and I was unable to learn that it possessed any peculiar features, or contained any relics. Mr. Jones informed me that he had, from time to time, picked up on his farm, stone axes, pipes, flint arrow and spear points, but could give no special account of the existence of other mounds. Though I followed Salamonia river for many miles above Warren, and made repeated inquiries about mounds, I could not learn of any others in the county.

Timber.

This county was originally covered with a fine forest, but clearing the land for farming purposes and the conversion of trees into lumber has greatly reduced its area and stripped it of many of its finest representatives. Among the principal forest trees are white oak, poplar, black walnut, beech, ash, sugar tree, burr oak, red oak, elm and some Cottonwood on wet land. On the road to Silverville, three and a half miles.northwest of Huntington, I measured a white oak tree that proved to be twenty feet and three inches in diameter, four feet from the ground*

Agriculture.

The county may be divided into upland soil and bottomland soil. The former is situated on the level plains which

132 Geological Report.

lie from 80 to 120 feet above the river and creek bottoms* It is of every variety, from stiff yellowish clay to sandy loam and black muck. This land is generally underlaid by a stiff, tenacious clay which retains the surface water and gives rise to extensive marshes. These marshes, until drained by ditches, were filled with aquatic plants, and were impassable to horsemen. I was taken by Mr. John* Boche to his &rm, located on the site of a large swamp, the former home of beavers, and the dams which these industrious animals had constructed across narrow necks of the swamp, in order to confine the water and protect their homes against the dangers of drouth, are still to be seen. When drained this land is unsurpassed by any in the county for corn, wheat, oats and grasses. The loose, porous, buff soil, on the table lands, is a clayey marl and may be ranked as the best character of land for producing large yields of wheat and clover. The river and creek bottoms are everywhere arable lands, and produce fine crops of grain and grass. The immense swamp, which lies along the southeastern border of the county has been, in a great measure ditched and drained by the energy and enterprise of Mr.. John Eoche. The reclaimed soil is a deep black, sandy loam, and though the season had been remarkably wet, I saw as good corn growing on it as could be found on land originally dry.

All the clayey land in the county will be greatly improved by under-draining, and no better investment can be made by fisirmers than one which is to provide tile for a thorough system of under-drains. Where the land has been long in cultivation the under-drains should be ' followed up by an annual application of fertilizers to the soil, such as will return to the land the plant food which has been removed by carting off the crops. Taken altogether the lands of Huntington county take a very high rank for fertility.

Conclxjsiok.

I desire in this {place to return thanks to the citizens of

Huntington 'County.

the oounty for the courtesy uniformly extended to me while making the survey. My obligations are especially due to John Eoche, Thos. Koche Hon. A. H. Shafer, M. D., Eobert Simonton, W. W. Hawley, Maj. J. W. Purviance, Alfred Moore attorney at law, W. McGrew First National Bank, Daniel Hitch, Hon. Mr. Sayler attorney at law, J. R. Slack attorney at law, T. L. Lewis county clerk, S. Emley sheriff, and L. J. Day recorder.

In consequence of the great length of the report for 1875 and the small sum appropriated for the public printing, my observations in Decatur, Hamilton and Madison counties will have to be witheld until the publication of the next report.

Species Of Fossil Marine Plants

From The

Carboniferous Measures.

Columbus 0., 10 April, 1876.

Deab Sib: Please find herewith a short report on the

speoimens of marine plants of the coal measures which 700

have sent to me for examination. To the description of

the species I have added a few remarks on their relation

and their distribution. A number of specimens, partly

referable to the three first species, were communicated by

Mr. J. F. Miller, of Richmond, Indiana. The fifth species

is described from one specimen from the coal measures of

Illinois, found with others of the same kind, by Mr. I. H.

Southwell, of Port Byron, Illinois, to whom the communi*-

cation is credited.

RespectfiiUy Yours,

L. LESQUEREUX. To Pbof. E. T. Cox,

State Geologist of Indiana.

The occurrence of fueoidal remains or of fossil marine plants, in the coal measures, is extremely rare. Indeed it is questionable if any species of this kind has ever been dis* covered in the carboniferous formations of Europe. In uiisoountry one species only has been described, in 1866, (Trans.

Fossil Mabine Plants. 135

Amer. Phil. Soc, vol. xiii, pp. 313-328 pi. vii,) from speoimens found in a thin bed of limestone, occupying the place of the millstone grit, opposite Wurtemberg, on Slippery JElock creek, a branch of the Coneconessing river in Pennsylvania.* The species is related by its characters, to the so called and well known Fv>ooide8 CaudagaUi of the middle and upper Devonian, and therefore does not represent ancient types, like those which are described here, and which recall the oldest forms of marine plants, those of the Silurian, even of the lower divisions of this formation, the Calciferous sandstone of New York,

It may seem of little importance to have plants of this kind described and figured in a geological report, but as geologists have to consider, for the determination of the age of the strata of our earth, the remains of plants and of animals which, preserved in their compounds, may determine by their nature, the position of valuable deposits of minerals, even mere fragments of these organisms become important for their researches. And when fossils are found, which not only represent new types of plants or of animals, but which are remarkable by their presence in a formation where nothing like has ever been found, the discovery is indeed worth recording in the annals of geology, and gives to the report where they are described a wide and general interest.

Description Of Genera And Species.

Genus, Paleophycus. Hall.

Frond expanding from a cylindrical simple axis, enlarging in ascending by repeated forking of the branches,, (dichotomy) ; branches cylindrical or slightly flattened by compression, either simple or anastomosing by divisions bi right angle, obtuse or obtusely pointed, sometimes umbonate (bossed), surface smooth or dotted.

This genus, established by Hall, in Paleontology of New

*It is quoted under the name of PJtytopbyau marginatust in Schimper's Vegetable PaleonMogy, wheie all the fossil plants known to our time, (1875), are described as the only species of marine plants positively known from the coal measures.

136 Geological Keport.

Yorky Vol. I, p 7, is here somewhat modified according to the characters of the species which I refer to it. It is the equivalent; by its name at least of the old genus Fueaides, of Brongniart, which, used as it was originally for the description of marine plants of far different characters, even of Graptolithes, has become too vague and uncertain for classification. Modified as it has been recently by Schimper, it represents merely species of the type of Fiicoides antiquus, Brgt., or Buthotreplm antiquata ? Hall, and also species of Paleophyeua. This last generic name, however, was proposed before this modification, and is worth preserving for the American species of marine plants answering to the character of the genus, and which are of a type widelyrepresented in the old formations of this continent, and rarely recognized in Europe until now.

1. Paleophycus Milleri. Spec. nov. pi. i. Figs. 1-3.

Frond (whole plant) erect, enlarging in ascending by subdivision of its branches, forking in an acute angle of divergence; branches cylindrical or slightly flattened by compression, apparently of a coriaceous substance, when living, gradually increasing in thickness from the base to an obtuse, sometimes umbonate point, irregularly split across or slightly strangled by deep lines in right angle to the axis ; surface punctate with projecting obtuse dots or very small warts in more or less distinct rows, sometimes smooth at the upper surface by abrasion.

The specimens here figured were communicated by Prof. T. Cox, but later I obtained, by the kindness of Mr. J. F. Miller, Superintendent of 1st Division, Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis railroad, a number of others, among them one branch of larger size, more distinctly and repeatedly dichotomous than those of the figures. The branches vary from one-half to two centimeters in thickness ; a cross section of the largest measures two centimeters in the horizontal direction, and one and one-fourth centimeters vertically, it being somewhat flattened. As Been in figure 1., they greatly differ in size, even at their point of separation, the branch

Fossil Marine Plants. 137

of the right side of the specimen having one of its divisions twice as large as the other. The same branch proves that the splitting and strangling of those cylindrical remains is not a noticeable or permanent character as one of the branches only, is cut across in its lower part, while the larger one is entire and smooth. The same might, perhaps, be said of the dotting of the surface, but it is mostly distinct on the declining borders of the branches, while it is generally effaced upon their convex surfiice, more exposed to abrasion. In a few of the divisions, which are flattened, the points are scarcely discernable. Their distribution, in more or less distinct rows, is marked upon fig. 1% doubly enlarged, and their form pointed on one side or concave in the center, as seen in the more enlarged fig. V. The bossing, remarked figure 3, represents abortive branches and can not be considered as a specific character in algse of this generic division. The large specimen commtinicated by Mr. Miller has forking branches, one of them merely umbonate, and its sur&ce is distinctly dotted. The tumescence is remarked in the middle of fig. 2, as well as near the top of fig. 3.

This species is related to P. tubularia, Hall. 'loc. cit., vol. 1, p. 7, pL ii, figs. 1 and 2, and especially to an undescribed fragment figured in the same volume, pi. xxi, fig. 3, the essential difference separating this species from that of the Calciferous sandstone of New York, being the dotted surface, the more regular divisions in an acute angle of divergence, and their curved direction.

2. Paleophycus gbacilis. Spec. nov. pi. figs. 4, 5.

Frond, small, enlarging upwards by multiple dichotomy ; branches cylindrical, forking in a more open angle of divergence, slender, gradually decreasing in' thickness from the base up to an obtuse point, easily split in right angle to the axis, sometimes slightly punctate, generally smooth.

The whole frond, as represented, fig. 4, is a little more than three centimetres long and not quite as broad in its upper part. The thickness of the main stem, as low as it

138 GEOLOGIOAL BEFOBTw

can be seen, is two millimeters decreasing upward to the obtuse point of the branches, scarcely one-half millimeter broad* The branches and stems are exactly cylindrical, apparently fragile, broken in fragments, imbedded in the clay, generally smooth, sometimes slightly irregularly dotted. The surface character of the branches is seen in the enlarged figures 4' 5' 5, This punctation seems to refer this plant to the former as a mere variety; it is, however, ]X)sitively distinct and separated by its harder consistence, indicated by the cylindrical preservation of its branches, by its mode of division in repeated forkings at a more open angle of divergence, by the gradual attenuation of the divisions and by its size. A relation of the same kind exists between two species of marine plants, — Fiicoides antiquus, Brgt. and F. graeilisy Hall, which Goppert considers as mere varieties of the same.* Without taking into account the great difference between the size and form of the branches, as figured by Goppert, it is certainly hazardous to unite in one species, fragments of marine plants of Europe and of the United States, in comparing them from mere figures. It seems, however, evident that Bvihotrephis ardiquataj Hall. loc.. cit., pi. ii, fig. 6, of the Calciferous sandstone, and j5. graoilisy Hall., pi. xxi, fig. 1, of the Trenton limestone, are the same species. Both figures of Goppert, loc. cit., are, however, far different.

3. Paleophycus divabicatus Spec. nov.

Frond, round in outline by the flattening or compression of the branches in the vertical direction all abound the central axi; branches irregularly forking and anastomosing by cross divisions, nearly equal in size in their whole length, obtusely pointed, surface smooth.

This species differs from the first by its narrower, more slender branches, not falcate, rarely forking, but diverging all around the base, joined together by divisions, anastomosing at right angle, and smooth. The general appearance is quite different. It is represented by two specimens in

Goppert. Uebeigang'8 Flora, p. 81, pi. 1, figs. 1 and 2.

Fossil Mabine Plants. 139

the possession of Mr. Miller and these were received too late to be figured or, after the preparation of the plates. The species is, however, easily recognized by the characters indicated above. It is comparable by its form, the direction and mode of anastomosing of the branches, to Phytopsis oeUyioaa, Hall., which, according to Emmons, is a Polyp; but we do not see, in the cross section of the branches ot this species, anything like transverse parietes, or stellate and cruciform cells, as in the New York Pkytopsis, but an homologous, amorphous compound, like that of the former plants, and characters which force me to consider this organism as referable to the same genus, if not as a variety of the first of these species. Indeed I should have considered it in that way, if any part of the specimens which represent it had shown traces of dots upon their surface. The anastomosis of branches in right angle is not a specific character, as seen from Paleophycus tubularia, Hall., which, in one specimen, has the branches simple and dichotomous, while the other indicates a disposition to anastomosis in right angle, by branches and branchlets.

Habitat. All the specimens representing the three species described above, were found imbedded in concretions of carbonate of iron, in a bed of clay over coal L, on the banks of a branch of Salt creek, one mile south of Bruilette creek, Vigo county, where Prof. Cox collected in great abundance, P. Milleri and P. gracilis. The specimens of Mr. Miller are from the same locality, or about ; they represent P. Milleri and P. divaricatus.

Genua Astebophycus, Leaqrx.

Frond or rhizoma, expanded at its base in star-like divisions from a central axis, (broken); divisions oblong or obovate, rounded or emarginate at the outside border; sur&ce wrinkled in the length.

4. Astebophycus Coxii, 8peo. not?., jZ. 2, figs. 1, 2.

The specimen, one-half of which is represented upon the plate, bears five flattened star-like bodies, similar to each other, placed in two rows, three on one side, two on the

140 Geological Report.

other, those of the corners being opposite. The largest of them is twelve centimeters broad between the points of the opposite branches, the smallest only six centimeters, and the divisions, in all, are in five or six, one of them being doubled, as in fig. 2. From the superposition or doubling of one of the branches, it seems as if they had been growing successively by the development of new ones, as far as the vegetable increased in size, or by the reproduction of smaller, nearly cylindrical projections, appearing either upon the original rays, or outside and between them, as seen in figs. and 1*. These younger shoots do not preserve their cylindrical form in growing, but enlarge and enter into the composition of the plants as new divisions. The surface of all the rays, when fully developed, is deeply, irregularly wrinkled in the length. The young branches are slightly and transversally rugose, as in fig. 1. The central part, raised up as a columnar support, or as a cylindrical base of a frond, is broken a little above the point, where it enlarges in its connection to the rays.

As the fracture of the axis is exactly the same upon all the specimens under examination, just above the star-like division, it might suggest the idea that they represent an over turned plant, the axis being a rhizoma penetrating the ground, and the rays showing the lower part of a flowerlike expansion. In that way the organism would be comparable to some species of geasters (star mushrooms), as seenupon the ground with their receptacle open and divided star-like, in five or six rays, afler the detachment of the globule. Two specimens from Kentucky, communicated by Rev. H. Herzer, of Louisville, and representing the same species with somewhat varied forms, contradict this suppo*- sition. The largest one, eighteen centimeters wide, shows an upraised cylindrical axis or base of a frond, broken at the column, like the specimen horn Indiana, dividing around from its sloping base in numerous cylindrical branches, varying in thickness from one to two centimeters. These branches are simple, not divided, depending all from the main axis which they join by the narrowed upper end,

Fossil Marine Plants. 141

enlarging downward to the middle and thns generally spindle shaped. These are the characters of a fucoidal plants whose axis is the broken column of a frond, to which the divisions around serve as a support, the true plant, which may be merely cylindrical in its development, being as yet unknown. In another specimen from the same locality, the subdivisions, passing nearly horizontally from the axis, are in six thick branches, placed star-like around the central axis, as in the specimens which are figured pi. ii. They bear from their under surface numerous cylindrical rootlets, which, traversing the whole thickness of the stone, three centimeters, appear upon the under face of the specimen like small circular protuberances, three to five millimeters thick. This shows that these plants figured in this natural position with their upper surface exposed to view, represent an expansion of the column to which, and underneath, are attached the rootlets, which, penetrating the sand, served to fix the plants more firmly to the bottom. It is probable that careful researches in the strata where these vegetable remains have been found, will cause the discovery of the upper part of the plants or fronds attached to the rhizomes. These, however, may have had long supports, as stipes, if they were not merely simple and of the same cylindrical form and size in their whole length. The base of some species of large algse of the present time have a configuration similar to that of these fossil remains. Marine plants have not true roots ; they are attached to the rocks by mere expansions of the base of the fronds, either divided in various ways, sometimes star-like, or flat and expanding around, taking firm hold of the rocks by adhesion of the lower closely applied surface, or penetrating the and by cylindrical branches like rootlets.

A peculiar fact which may be due, perhaps, to the vegetation of these marine plants, is the exactly similar nature of the rocks wherein the Kentucky and the Indiana specimens are found imbedded. It is a kind of very hard, siliceous qnartzite, of whitish color, giving fire by the hammer's stroke, like silex. It is a well known &ct that though the

142 Geological Report.

algse do not take their food from the rocks to which they adhere they often modify the composition of these rocks by their growth. Their influence, either by their vegetation or their decomposition, is still more marked upon the sand or any soft substances' surrounding them. These modifications are as yet imperfectly recognized by chemistry. In the present case, these algse seem to have covered the sandy bottom in immense numbers, as a single specimen, about sixty square inches, is nearly iiilly coyered by five and one-half of the plants here described.

For the analogy of these remains with others known in a fossil state, there is a point of comparison in some kinds of vegetables figured by Prof. Hall., in the New York Paleontology, vol. 2, pi. x, fig 9'. They are not described, but considered by the author as roots of Buthotrephia. One of them represents a cone with the point turned downward, and wrinkled in the length, expanding and flat in the upper part, like the mouth of a funnel. If this represents the support of a fucoidal plant, the expanded limb should be the base adhering to the bottom, and the cone the axis, either entire and therefore a whole plant, or broken and separated from the frond, as in the remains described above. In that way this organism would have a kind of affinity to this species, and still more to the following.

Habitat. In a sandstone connected with the coal beds of the Cut-off of the Wabash, near New Harmony, Indiana, discovered by Prof. E. T. Cox. The specimens communicated by Rev. H. Herzer, are from Kock Castle, Kentucky. Lower carboniferous.

S.hizome(?) obconical, formed of successive rows or disks, diminishing in size from the base to the point of the cone, regularly cut on the borders, in short, obtuse, inflated lobes, corresponding in their divisions.

5. CoNOSTiCHUS ORNATus, Spec.nov.pl 1, fig. 6.

This peculiar cone shows a series of six successive layers, inereasing in diameter from the upper one toward the base

Fossil Marine Plants. 143

or the broadest part of the body cut around and on the borders in short lobes by deep lines more or less corresponding with those above and below and apparently coming like rays from the center, the upper diisk being divided at the surface by these lines in equal rays, like a star. These layers or superposed disks are irregular in thickness, becoming thicker, and their borders less distinctly lobed at the widest part of the cone, where their measure is about five millimeters, reduced to three millimeters near the point. The top is flat, or rather, slightly convex, without trace of breakage. The lower or broader part is quite flat, marked around by a border three to five millimeters thick, as if the body had been funnel shaped, and its open mouth filled by sand. Aj3 in the former species, this organism .seems to represent the enlarged base of a species of algse, whose frond has been separated from the column ; or, perhaps, as the upper 'disk does not show any trace of breakage, we have here the whole plant as it was, attached to the rocks or fixed to the sand by its enlarged adhering base, and growing up by a succession of superposed disks, diminishing in diameter. There is also a point of comparison for this peculiar vegetable in Hall, loc. cit., pi. x, figs. 9 and 10, and pi. vii, figs. 2 a, 6, c, considered by the author as roots of Buthotrephia. They represent oval or globular bodies, regularly costate around a character which relates them to our plants. They are, however, very difierent, by their shape.

The specimen figured here is one of the smallest which have been found, and the only one communicated to me. It is three and one-half centimeters high, about four centimeters broad in its widest part, and one and one-half centimeters at the narrow end of the cone. I have seen, however, in the cabinet of the State Geological Survey of Illinois, at Springfield, some specimens evidently representing the same species, and which were at least four times as thick as this one. They had been discovered by Mr. I. H. Southwell, of .'Port Byron, Illinois, to whom I owe the communication of the one described above.

144 Geological Bepoet.

It may be suggested that this and the former species mighty perhaps, be referable to sponges rather than to vegetables. This supposition can not be admitted for AderO' phycuSy on acconnt of the tubercular rootlets which are growing from the lower face of the divisions, and marked as they are, upon the specimens, by circular spots. There is also no trace of sponginess in the texture of their remains. If we are right in supposing that the broken part represents the axis of a frond, supported by a star-like rhizoma, we have indeed a relation, if not of forms and characters, at least of growth between Asterophycus and ConostichuB species, and therefore have to consider these last as vegetable organized marine bodies, like the former ones. Moreover, the form of Oonoatichvs omatus is too regular for sponges, and its substance, though transformed into a coarse sandstone, does not show any trace of pores or sma cavities like those which ar£ generally observable upon the fossil sponges.

HabUcU. According to the statement of the discoverer Mr. I. H. Southwell, in a sandstone bed of the coal measures, between coal No. 1 and No. 2, of the Illinois Geological Reports, or the stratum No. 5, in section p. 230, vol. 5, of the same report.

The description of these five species of marine plantsopens a new chapter in the records of the vegetation of the Carboniferous age. The great developments of marine formatiotis in the coal measures of the west where strata of limestone, some of them of great thickness, and intermixed with a profusion of marine animal remains, sometimes immediately overlie the beds of coal, has oflben suggested inquiries concerning the causes of the total absence of marine plants in the same strata. The scarcity of fuooidal remains in the wide expanse of the swamps where the coal had its origin, is easily accounted for, but not the total absence of these plants in the coal measures. Now, only we are beginning to know something about the distribu-* tion and the nature of the marine vegetation during the

GEOL.STATE SURVEY or INDIANA. Flct

OEOL.STATE SURVErOflNDIAMA. Bakll.

Fossil Mabine Plants. 145

carboniferous period. It may be little as yet, but a reason the more valid for carefully recording the first discoveries in that new field of paleontology.

Explanation Of The Plates.

Plate I.

Figures 1 and 3. Pcdeophycua ARUeri. Spec. nov. p.

Figures 1' and 1. Branch of the same, enlarged, showing dots on the surfiMse.

Figures 4 and 5. PcUeophyous graoUia. Spec, nov. p.

Figures 4 , 5', and 6. Fragments of branches of the same. Enlarged.

Figure 6. 0(mosH(Aus omatua. Spec. nov. p. 142.

PLATE n.

Figures 1 and 2. Aaterophyous OoxH. Spea nov.

G.Ie.— 10

Jennings County.

Pbof. E. T. Cox,

State Geologist of Indiana :

Deab Sib: — Agreeable with your letter of instructions, of April 21, 1875, I have closely traced the geological formations of Jennings and Ripley counties, Indiana; observed the character and position of pre-historic mounds; inquired into the agricultural and manu&ctnring interests, and herewith respectfully submit notes on the same.

Yours Truly,

Wm. W. Borden.

New Providence, Ind., Jan. 1, 1876.

Jennings county was organized in 1816, and named in honor of Jonathan Jennings, the first Governor of the State of Indiana. It is bounded on the north by Barthol* omew and Decatur counties, east by Ripley and Jefferson, south by Jefferson and Scott, and on the west mainly by Jackson and Bartholomew counties. The east and west sides of the county are nearly parallel, but the north and south borders are very irregular. This county contains 375 square miles, or 240,376 acres. Enumeration of children for school in 1874, 3,834. The surfiu>e of the county bordering all the streams, is very mndti broken, while rich

JENNINGS COUNTY. i47

alluvial valleys and high table-lands or flats/ form the water-shed between the streams.

This county is traversed by a number of water-courses, those in the northeastern part flowing near the summit ot the Lower Silurian rocks and those on the remaining portion, flowing over the Niagara and Devonian formations. All the streams in the western part of the county, flow from a lower to a higher geological horizon. The principal streams are : Big creek, which washes the county on the southwest, Big and Little Graham, uniting below San Jacinto, the latter rising east of New Marion, in Ripley county, and the former near Versailles, and the North or West Fork of the Muscatatuck, which unites with the South Fork at Old Vernon.

Sand creek, which rises in Decatur county, flows through the western part of this county, and, with its various branches — Rock creek, Nettle creek, Wyalusing, Bear creek, Rat Tail, and other small tributaries, is one of the main feeders of White river. Along Sand creek, as its name indicates, an abundance of good, brown sand is found*

There are yet other streams of some note, as Coflee creek, Six Mile creek. Tea creek. Ice creek, Storm creek and Wolf creek. The small streams and creeks are very crooked, but after their union carry considerable water and become powerfully erosive, cutting deep abrasions in the strata and forming grand and romantic scenery of great geological interest.

The most recent deposits of Jennings county occur in the following order ;

QwUeniary Beds*

Ft. In.

1. AUavimn, re<nt 2 to 20 00

2. Champlain

3. Glacial

Dria::;:::z::::::::::z:::;iz} 2oto 4o oo

Paleozoic Geology.

The rock formations of this county, comprise three members of the Devonian age, and two of the Upper and one of the Lower Silurian. These rocks crop in various parts of

148 Geological Repobt.

this oounty and will hereafter be noticed in detail. Thej occur as follows ;

Devonian Aoe.

Hamiiton Qrovp,

Ft. In.

4. New Albany black shale, Genesee shale,

N. Y 45 00

5. North Vernon dark blue, compact, strati-

fied limestone, (equivalent of the hydraulic cement limestone of Clarke county, Indiana). A durable bridge and foundation stone, with an occasional upper ledge of gray limestone 11 03|

6. Comiferous limestone, containing the char-

acteristic fossil corals, and at Scipio a white limestone, which, when burned, makes a very white lime 18 00

Uffier Silurian Ags.

Niagara PerioiL

7. Niagara gray stratified limestoue; in most

parts a good building stone, which

makes, when burned, a good lime 40 00

S. Clinton epoch a trace.

Loweb Silurian Age.

Trenton Period,

9. Cincinnati epoch 32 00

Oineinnati Epoch,

A dark, compact, stratified limestone in the upper part, with some thin layers containing fossils, with unevenly 'bedded limestone and shale below, containing characteris- 'tio fossils.

The prevailing dip of all the strata in this county, is to the southwest, and the oldest one seen is represented by No. 9 of the Cincinnati epoch. These rocks, which crop in great force to the east of this, as in Bipley and Dearborn counties, have their most westerly outcrop on the south fork of the Muscatatuck, and on Otter creek and on the north fork of the Muscatatuck, as at Zenas, in the northeastern part of the county. The first show of No. 9 is seen at the Quaker mill, south fork, miles south of Butlerville, Campbell township. A section here, on Robert Whinery'sland, creek bluff, shows as follows :

Jennings County. 14

1. Light colored clay soil with sand and an

occasional boulder terminating in ocheronB clay and sometimes a layer of sand above and again below 2 to 4 feet of hard pan. 3 to 20 feet.

2. A very hard siliceons stratified stone, a mass

of corals and shells, comiferons, known here as " mill-stone grit," and used extensively by the early settlers for that purpose 3 to 6 feet.

3. Brown magnesian limestone, (Dolomite) 8 to 12 feet.

4. Light-gray shaly limestone, with white and

gray compact flagstone below, (Niagara

limestone) 30 to 45 feet.

5. Dark-blue stratified limestone 6 to 6 feet.

6. Brown magnesian limestone, shaly and clay

layers below, showing on northside of

creek 6 to 8 feet

7. Clay and shaly layers, blue, with Cincinnati

fossils to the bed of the South Fork 2 to 3 feet

Another section above on the same stream, land of Harvey Wicks, Campbell township, shows a slight eleva>- tion of strata :

1. Light colored clay soil, and deeper shades

below, with chert 4 to 14 feet

2. Mill-stone grit 2 to 3 feet

3. Brown magnesian limestone. Dolomite 2 to 3 feet

4. Shaly limestone, with white and gray lime-

stone below 2 to 3 feet

5. Blue stratified limestone .' 5 to 8 feet

6. Brown stone of the above section... 6 to 8 feet

7. Clay and shaly layers, with blue limestone,

Cincinnati 3 to 6 feet

To the bed of the Muscatatuck.

The country here is broken along the streams, with rocky bla£&, and a scope of fertile bottom land opposite the high lands.

The following section is seen on the North Fork of Muscatatuck, below the mouth of Bush creek, and west of Butlerville, section 17, Campbell township.

1. Light and ocherouB colored clay with sand

and boulders. [S to 15 feet

2. Millstone grit, full of fossils. 3 to 4 feet

150 Geological Kbpobt.

8. Dolomite limeBtone, very sandy, red color... 4 to 6 feet

4. Gray stratified Niagara limestone, in thick

and thin fisffging ledges, seen in ontKrop

along B. G. Heath's spring branch 80 to 45 feet.

5. Dark blue stratified limestone.

6. Not found.

7. A trace of Cincinnati fossils in the bed of North Fork.

There is no show of black shale in this part of the county A section, same as the above, occurs along Pleasant Bun with the addition of a few feet more of magnesian and white limestone on the highest points. The No. 3, dolomite limestone of the above section, which is first noticed on Graham creek below Paris crossing in the southern part of the county, at the horizon of the corniferous limestone beds at Deputy, a short distance south, is in the northeast part of the county a sandstone of a reddish color. The Cincinnati out-crop thickens along the north fork, going towards the head waters of the stream, and showing fifteen to twenty-five feet of the Lower Silurian at Zenas, in Columbia township. Some two miles above Zenas, on the creek I find the following :

1. Ocherous clay soil, with sand and boul-

ders 15 feet

2. A very white stratified, crystaline lime-

stone with a trace of pyrites and white chert below, and showing in all the blufis, Niagara limestone 5 to 8 feet.

3. Thin stratified gray limestone, Niagara 10 to 20 feet

4. Blue and gray limestone, showing crinoid

stems, with clay layers below, and characteristic Cincinnati fossils, shells and corals. 25 to 80 feet

In the geological sections given above I have pointed out the position and extent of crop of strata which belong to the Cincinnati epoch, as een in this county. The show of Lower Silurian is small and marks the boundary of that formation on the southwest but it increases in thickness to the east, as will appear in the geology of Ripley county.

The most southerly out-crop of Lower Silurian rocks in Indiana, as given in my survey of Clarke county, Geological Report, 1873, is on the Ohio river at the mouth of

JSN19ING8 oouimr. ui

Begg's ran, one mile and a half above the month of Fourtei*mile oreek. I shall have to correct that out-crop, for during the past fall, in company with H. C. Duvall and Phil. M. Dailey, of Charlestown, we traced that formation in a deep gorge which opens into Fourteen-mile oreek, as far as Buffalo lick on J. Cole's branch and within one mile of Charlestown. Here the upper part of the Lower Silurian and Clinton show a remarkable amount of false bedding before the Niagara was deposited upon them. The Niagara strata are nearly horizontal or have a slight dip to the southwest after filling up the basin or trough of the underlying Clinton and Cincinnati. The false bedding is very marked where the branch has cut away the top of the cones which occur in a succession of four or five folds that are from two to three hundred yards apart.

Tjpfbb Silitrtah Aob.

Niagara Period,

Clinton epoch, which is the next formation ifi the ascending order, has an outcrop only a few feet thick, overlying the Cincinnati. It contains a large per cent, of silica, lime and magnesia. In some localities, upon weathering, considerable beds of sand remain.

Niagara limestone : This formation is composed of gray and white, stratified, crystalline limestone, with occasional magnesian layers. These stones occur in heavy beds throughout the county, and crop along all the streams of any size. The most southerly crop of Niagara limestone in this State, is at the Falls of the Ohio, where it is sparingly seen at low water. It is 25 to 30 feet thick at Utica, on the Ohio river, and 76 to 80 feet on Fourteen-mile creek, in Clarke county. In Jefferson county, it thins out toward the Ohio river, where it overlaps the Lower Silurian. It passes through Jennings county, and is represented by a thin edge in the eastern part of Ripley county, and in the bordering counties, on the north and west of Jennings. The Niagara limestone has an extended crop along llie eastern border of Jennings, as indicated above, and is easy

152 Geological Beport.

of access for quarrying building stone, curbing and flaggjoig stones. These beds also furnish a good quality of quicklime. The position of the Niagara rocks in the southern part of Jennings county will appear from the foUowing section above the mouth of Coffee creek, on or near Thomas Dayis land, section 36, Marion township :

1. OcheroQB clay soil, with sand- 5 to 25 feet.

2. New Albany black shale, here 6 feet. ...in Ticinity 40 feet

3. Stratified gray and blae limeetone 10 to 13 feet

4. Stratified limestone, fine grained, light

Bhade 15 to 18 feet

5. Stratified limeetonei (Niagara). To the bed of Big creek.

The land here is rolling, with shaly soil on liie upland, and good, fertile, sandy bottoms on Coffee creek. A good outcrop of Niagara rocks, with some magnesian layers, is seen about the mouth of Graham, and on Neals creeks near Old Paris The crop here is several feet in thickness, and many of the layers would make excellent lime and building material. Heavy beds of Niagara limestone show almost the entire length of Big Graham, even to its source in Kipley county ; also along Little Graham from its junction with Big Graham at San Jacinto, to the head waters of the stream east of New Marion, Ripley county. An out-crop of the strata as seen on Big Graham, section 22, Bigger township, and on the land of Y ardivan Hughes, shows :

1. Ocherous clay soil... 5 to 14 feet

2. A very siliceous, brittle strata, filled with

fossil shells and corals — comiferous,

called "Millstone Grit'' 2 to 3 feet

3. Dolomite limestone, very bituminous,

which contains disseminated masses, or nests of carbonate of lime, Iceland spar, showing double refraction, good cabinet specimens.. 12 to 15 feet

4. Gray stratified Niagara limestone to the

bed of Big Graham 12 to 16 feet.

A few sections of the outcroping rocks on the Musatatuck about Vernon will show the thickness of the Niagara formation near the central part of the county. One mile east of

Jennings Ooxtnty. 153

Old Vernon, at the Tunnel mill owned by Wm. H. Sidell, section 10, Vernon township, the following crop occurs :

I. OcherooB day soil, with chert near the

base 10 to 20 feet

3. New Albany black shale 10 feet

3. Blue stratified limestone (North Vernon) 2 to 4 feet '

4. White limestone, stratified 8 to 10 feet

6. Flint ledge.

6. Dolomite limestone, brown color 6 to 8 feet

7. Gray stratified limestone, (Niagara).. 20 feet

8. Blue shale in upper part, 4 feet, shaly,

rough magnesian in lower part..

4 to 6 feet 6 to 12 feet

9. A fine-grained, stratified limestone, with

chert... 6 to 6 feet

10. A fine-grained, stratified limestone,

capped with a better grade of building stone 6 to 8 feet

II. Various thicknesses of fiimts," contain-

ing Othooeratites to the bed of Mus-

catatuck, (Niagara) 10 feet

Less than two miles northeast of the Tunnel n\ill, on the Jeffersonyille, Madison and Indianapolis railroad, at the well-known quarry of Christopher Harman, section 12, Vernon township, the following marked crop occurs on Carney's branch. With the assistance of Mr. C. Harman, I was enabled to make the following section :

1. COay soil 2 to 4 feet

2. New Albany black shale.. 5 feet

8. 8 to 6 inches blue limestone, flagging

(North Vernon) 6 inches.

4. Hard, blue, stratified limestone, (Nerth

Vernon).. .' 22 inches.

6. Hard, blue, stratified limestone flagging

with clay partings, (North Vernon).. 8 to 12 inches.

6. Hard, blue, stratified limestone, (North

Vernon) 22 inches,

7. Hard, blue, stratified limestone, (North

Vernon).. 16 inches.

8. White, stratified limestone, flinty, oor-

niferous 4 to 5 feet

9. White limestone in strata of 8, 16, 20

and 48 inches. It affords some good

stone caps, sills, etc 8 to 9 feet

Qeological Befobt.

10. Bough limestone, doable flint ledge 4 to 6 feet.

11. Dolomite limestone, yellow, ailiciouB in

the upper part.

12. White clay shale 2 to 4 feet.

13. Qray stratified limestonoi blue in bank,

makes good lime 4 feet

14. Gray stratified limestone with cherty

layers 3 to 5 feet,

15. Deep blue, fine grained, compact lime-

stone in strata of 16 to 22 inches 6 feet.

To the bed of Carney's creek and to the

south fork Muscatatuck 20 feet

The above is a characteristic section of the oat-crop of rocks at Vernon, where, on account of the deep gorges cut by many small streams and the short curves of the larger streams, various grades of stone are reached and easily quarried, in fact, nature has in ages past opened a series of queries and laid bare the stone in this vicinity, from top to bottom of the Niagara series.

Following the South Fork into Campbell township southeast of Butleiville, section 36, we have on Joseph Hole's branch.

1. Light colored clay soil with yellow sand

and a trace of black sand, also, ocherous

clay and white and yellow chert 10 to 43 feet.

2. Millstone grit, a mass of siliceous fossils... 3 to 5 feet.

3. Dolomite limestone, bituminous and con-

taining nests of carbonate of lime (Iceland spar), stone, weathers rough 6 to 6 feet.

4. Gray stratified limestone (Niagara), in

layers of 12 to 18 inches, containing good building stone, and when burned makes good lime, and conteiins here crinoid stems, and specimens of fossil orthoceraties 4 to 6 feet

5. Shaly and weathering limestone, projecting

along the blufiis, containing orthoceras.. 10 to 15 feet

6. Flagging limestone (Niagara), ''Flat

Rock " 10 feet

7. Brown and salmon colored magnesian

limestone, Clinton 6 feet.

8. Magnesian limestone 2 to 4 feet

9. Clay shale, containing {Tetradium ISfratwn)

Jennings County. 155

10. Very dark, compact stratified limestone,

bitominoas, in strata of 6, 12, and 18 inches, with some shaly layers, containing Zaphrentis corals 6 to 10 feet

11. Very dark, shaly, bituminoas limestone

the bed of Sonth Fork.

The above section is a fair representation of the crop in this region, as seen along numerous small streams and i& deep gorges leading into the south fork from the east and west. The numerous exposed strata of Niagara limestone along the brakes afford an unlimited amount of excellent crystalline limestone for building purposes or for lime. Wood abounds here, and lime could be produced at small cost and the weathered, thin layers of stone will in time afford an abundance of material for building stone fences, when this, at present, well timbered region shall require it. Numerous small caverns occur in this strata, from which flow never- failing springs ; also, sinks and large weathered vertical holes, some of which are very interesting on account of showing the weathering and decomposition of the rocks. In company with James Hole, Esq., I visited a noted locality of weathered cavities which some have imagined were made by pre-historic })eople. Three of these vertical holes, four to five feet in diameter, which penetrate the limestone strata to the depth of 25 to 30 feet, exhibit the appearance of having been excavated with a large auger.

On the west side of the South Fork, on the land of John C. Lee, north of Butlerville, section 24, Campbell township, the Niagara limestone out-crops in numerous places and presents a series of ledges suitable for building purposes. These crops are within one mile of the O. & M, railway, and afford fine sites for quarries. In Sand creek township, northwest of Oampbell township, east side of Sand creek, section 11, on the land of William Kellar, the following out-crop occurs :

1. Ocherous clay soil with sand and boulders. 3 to 15 feet

2. New Albany black shale in the summit of

the hills 12 feet

156 Geological Report.

8. Blae stratified limeBtone, (N. V.) Btrata 2 to 6 feet

4. Dolomite limestone, not seen.

5. Stratified gray limestone, Niagara, mag-

neeian below 12 to 15 feet

Another section on Sand creek, at Craig's bend, below the Tunnel mill of John S. Calhoun, shows :

1. A light colored siliceous soil, with chert

below 3 to 6 feet

2. Dolomite limestone.

3. Light colored stratified limestone in the

crop, but gray within, in strata of 6 inches

to 2 feet 2 inches 4 to 6 feet

4. Gray shaly limestone with cherty layers,

Niagara 12 to 16 feet

6. Flagging layers of limestone, 4 to 6 inches,

" Flat Rock," to the bed of Sand creek... 20 in.

Dolomite limestone of the above sections out-crop on section 3, a short distance southwest of Brewersville, on the land of Daniel Bacon, and the indications are favorable that it is here a good building material ; indeed, several layers of the above sections will afford durable building stone and good flagging ; also, produce good lime if burned.

Having previously given some sections under the Lower Silurian division of the subject, showing the Niagara outcrop on the north fork of the Muscatatuek, in Columbia township, about Zenas, suffice it to say that the Niagara crop in that section on Wolf creek. Ice creek and other streams furnishes advantageous sites for opening good quarries.

Devokian Age.

JBdmiUon Qrowp,

Corniferous limestone: Having traced this formation from the Falls of the Ohio river through Clarke, Scott and Jefferson counties, the layers have been found very uniform, and maintain the well marked characteristics of the stone being rich in fossil corals of radiate and columnar forms : ZcvphrenJtis giganteay Z. rafinesquii and Favositea goldfvssi, which always abound, the latter affording most excellent cabinet specimens, of large and small size, and in many

Jennings County. 157

instances, bleached as white as snow, so that the delicate columns are distinct and beautiful. While the greater part of this species of coral is composed of very pure white lime yet some specimens show a trace of iron, which gives them a beautiful shading. A coral bed appears at the quarry of Reynolds, Saulpaugh & Co., below Paris crossing, formerly the blu£b of Graham creek, and on the land of James McGrannon.

1. Ocherous clay soil 20 feet. .

2. New Albany black shale... 4 feet.

3. Blae stratified crystalline limestone, in

strata of 2 ft, 2 ft. 6 in., to 3 ft. 1 in.

4. Other layers to "quick ledge" 2feet.

5. Comiferous limestone containing, jPbv-

081 gMfiuH and ZaphrmHs corals 16 to 18 feet.

No. 5 of this section appears west of Paris crossing, at Solomon Deputy's, sec. 30, on Coffee creek ; also on Slate branch, land of Calvin Hudson, where the following section is seen:

1. Light colored clay soil, with sand 8 to 16 feet.

New Albany black shale, with fossils in

the lower layers.. 30 to 45 feet

3. Grey stratified limestone, with foail

crinoid stems.. 2 to 4 feet.

4. Bine stratified limestone, (N. V. lime-

stone) 4 to 6 feet.

5. Comiferous limestone, containing fossil

corals, etc., to the bed of Coffee creek.

The Comiferous limestone also contains a fine display of fossil corals on NeaPs creek, adjoining old Paris, and along the bluffs of Graham creek ; also, in some localities about Old Vernon, on the Muscatatuck. It will appear, from the sections given, that the White limestene " and also the Dolomite limestone come in at various points in the place of Comiferous. This will be seen in the following section on Sand creek, land of James Moffitt :

168 Qeologioal Bepobt.

1. Ocheroos day soil 2 to 12 feet

2. Black shale, (N. A.) found only on the

highest points 1 to 20 feet

3. Dark-blue stratified limestone, (N. Y.) in

the crop 6 to 14 inches 3 to 6 feet

4. Brown, coarse grained limestone, contain-

ing Spiri/er acuminatua, corals 3 to 4 feet

5. Soft white limestone showing Gorniferous

fossils and crystals of pure carbonate of lime, and when burned produces a white

lime 10 to 16 feet

d Magnesian limestone to the bed of Sand

creek - 4 to 6 feet

The stone comprised in No. 6 of the above section is highly prized in this and some other localities for its purity and the facility with which it may be burned into caustic lime. It has a good reputation and is known in the market as Scipio white lime.'' No. 6 of the above section is not suitable in this locality for building purposeA since it is liable to decay when exposed to the weather as may be seen in the piers of the J. M. & I. railroad bridge over Sand creek west of Scipio. It is not expedient or necessary that these layers should be used for exposed work, as the Vernon blue limestone crops on all the hill sides immediately above the white layers.

In Campbell township, the Comiferous limestone loses almost entirely its usual lithological character, as will be seen from the following section at Dudley Andrews', in this township, southeast of Butlerville, and on Campbell creek, a tributary of the South Fork.

1. Clay soil with sand and cherts 7

2. Siliceous fossil bed, millstone grit," con-

taining corals; fossil shells and an occas-

sional trilobite and conocardium (Gornif*

erous) 3 to 6 feet

3. Brown, magnesian limestone, soft, weather

4. Gray and light blue limestone, flagging and

foundation stone, makes good lime,

(Niagara) 10 to 40 feet

5. Magnesian limestone to the bed of South Fork.

No. 2 of the above section,as stated is here very fossiliferous.

Jennings County. 15

Immense qaantites of large and small fossils are foand on the hill sides and along the streams. The bahr stone is composed of small fossil corals and shells which give it a cellular structure from which* it derives the name of "millstone grit/' In composition it is an impure flint or chert, and was used by the early settlers for constructing millstones. These siliceous layers do not appear at North Vernon, as will appear from the following section on Jordan's branch, commencing at Gbllus Kuchner's quarry :

1. Ocheroas clay soil 1 to 12 feet.

2. Hard pan of blue clay and other shades 6 feet.

3. New Albany black shale, with two to three

inches of yellow bog ore at the base 42 feet.

4. Gray crystalline limestone, stratified with

blue layers below, layers of 6, 10 and 18

inches, to 2 to 3 feet 3 inches 6 feet.

The gray ledge of the above section contains a very great abundance of crinoid stems on the surface, with plates of Oarioorinue ornalus and other crinoidea; also, Zaphreniis giganteay OycUhophyUam rugosum, Favosites goldfum and a massive branching coral not yet described, Laoina, pro avia, Spirifer ctGwrninabaSy a Spiriferoides, an Athyrua and Daimania pehine, Hall, orignally described from the Falls of the Ohio. The blue ledges contain PlcUhyceras dufnosum Con, a variety with distin spines, some of the spines are three to four inches in length ; also other fossil shells.

& Gray limestone, with chert " flint ledge '' 6 feet.

6. Soft white limestone, with chert in the

npper 6 inches, contains fossil shells,

splits well, strata 2 feet to 20 inches 5 to 6 feet

7. White limestone striped with gray, " split-

ting ledge," splits in thin layers, makes

good lime 4 to 5 feet.

8. Bine and gray limestone 6 to 8 feet.

9. Dolomite limestone in strata of 2 to 6 feet

with chert in some parts, and sand and

day layers 8 to 10 feet

10. Bongh brown magnesian limestone to the

bed of the Moscatatuck, above Vernon 6 to 12 feet

160 Geological Report.

Below Old Vernon, on the Moscatatuck, we have the following section on the land of Joseph Saddler :

1. Clay soil 4 to 30 feet.

2. Black shale : 8 to 20 feet

3. Chert 5 to 6 inches.

4. Gray and bine stratified limestone in

thick and thin layers, with cherty concretions, flagging stone 4 feet

6. Gray stratified limestone, with crinoid

stems on the surface.. 6 feet

7. White limestone, striped gray, splitting 5 feet

8. Varions shades of limestone 8 feet.

9. Dolomite, sandy, rough brown 10 to 12 feet

10. Dark brown, rough magnesian, with chert

and calc spar 5 to 8 feet

To the Muscatatuck creek.

The following secton was taken at the Hucklebeny quarry beneath the bridge on the Vernon & Paris road.

1. Clay soil 6 to 12 feet

% New Albany black shale.. 2 to 8 feet

3. Blue limestone 4 to 6 feet

4. Flagging* ledge 4 feet

5. White limestone 4 to 6 feet

6. Dolomite limestone.

7. Light blue shaly limestone, disintegrating

in the lower part, in strata of 8 to 14 in. 6 to 6 feet

8. Light brown magnesian limestone 1 to 6 inches.

9. Gray limestone, thick and thin layers,

showing Orthoceratites, Niagara flags,

to the bed of the Muscatatuck.. 5 to 8 feet

The next deposit in the ascending series is the

North Vernon Limestone

So designated from being first extensively quarried at that place and shipped to various points by rail. This stone has acquired some reputation as tlie North Vernon blue limestone.' It lies at the horizon of the hydraulic limestone of Clarke county on the south, and is here a continuation of the same bed, but is a differently constituted rook. In Clarke county the entire beds, which are from 12 to 14 feet in thickness, are used for hydraulic cement, and known to

Jennings County. 161

the trade as Louisville oemeDt. The capping in the Vernon beds is in many places a gray crystalline limestone resem* bling the cap stone of the cement. The strata of gray stone in many places overlying the blue, often contains a great number of crinoid stems; some plates of Carioorinvs omcUuSy and some Comiferous corals.

The most valued layers are : a dark blue, compact, fine grained, stratified limestonCi of good dimensions for bridge piers, flagging, foundation, and indeed for any work that requires durable material. The weight of this stone when dressed is from 180 to 185 lbs. per cubic foot Since my survey of Jefferson county, an excellent quarry of this stone has been opened at Dupont, a locality refered to at that time aa containing good stone. As the various layers are well exposed at this time, being freed from the debris which had covered the outcrop, I will repeat the section more in detail, for the quarry is here of great value. Some account of the railroad quarry was given in the last report (1874).

The quarry at Dupont is located on the land of Fernando Bobertson and has been worked the past season by Henry Wrape & Co., of North Vernon. The arrangement of the strata is shown in the following section :

1. Clay soil 2 to 3 feet

2. New Albany black shale... 6 in. to 1 foot

8. Gray stratified limestone.. 8 feet

4. Dark gray stratified limestone 2 feet

6. Three to four inches of iron ore 4 in.

6. Fine, blue stratified limestone 14} in.

7. Dark blue ledge, flagging 7 in.

8. Fine blue ledge, flagging.. 6 in.

9. Shaly ledge, flagging.. 4 in.

10. Blue ledge, containing white chert con*

cretions 8 in.

11. Bine ledge. 13 in.

12. Blue ledge... 20 in.

13. White limestone, comiferous.. 10 to 12 feet

14. Dolomite limestone 5 to 6 feet

15. Magnesian limestone to the bed of Lewis' creek.

This qnarry has been vigorously worked during the past, season, employing 50 to 75 hands, cutting several thousand. G. E.— 11

162 Geological Report.

yards of dimension stone which have been shipped by rail from this quarry to Cincinnati, to be used in the piers of the Southern Railway bridge over Ohio river at that place. Large quantities of flagging and other grades of stone have also been shipped by rail to various points. The North Vernon blue limestone, as it is commonly designated, covers a considerable area in this county. It is seen in Jefferson on the south, and extends to Graham creek on the east, and is superimposed by the black shale, in the western part of the county, beyond Hardinsburjg. It appears in the northwestern part of the county, at Scipio and Brewersville. The commercial value of the North Vernon limestone can not be truly estimated at present, as its reputation is increasing from year to year. It is most &vorably located along the line of the Ohio & Mississippi railroad, and the Louisville branch of that road, also along the Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis railroad. These roads lead to large and flourishing cities where the demand for stone is constantly increasing.

Herewith I submit the following communication from the well-known and experienced contractors, Reynolds, Saulpaugh & Co., now engaged in the construction of the piers pf Southern Railway bridge over Ohio river at Cincinnati :

Office of Reynolds, Saulpaugh & Co.,

Cincinnati, O., Sept. 20, 1875.

Prof. Wm. W. Bobden,

Assistant Geo, Survey,

New Albany, Indiana:

SiE — Deeming it a matter of professional interest to yourself as well as others, we would respectfully call your attention, as a geologist, to the rock formation at and in the vicinity of Paris Crossing, Indiana.

During the present year we have opened and operated a

Jennings County. 163

quarry on the &rm of James McGannon Esq. near the railroad station above named, and have taken therefrom> to present date, about 8000 cubic yards of dimension stone which we are using in the construction of the substructure of the Cincinnati Southern Railway Company's Ohio river bridge, at Cincinnati, Ohio. The quarry we are working had never been tested prior to our commencing operations, but when stripped and developed, we found it consisted of the following strata:

The first, or top strata being 2 feet thick.

The second strata being 3 feet thick.

The third strata being 26 to 28 feet thick.

Each stratum being very uniform, in thickness, horizontal in position, good even beds, without intervening layers of earth or other material, and all of blue limestone.

There is also a fourth strata underneath these, of blue limestone, two feet thick, of the kind known among quarrymen as "quick ledge.''

We have had large experience in masonry and stone work, especially in the construction of bridge masonry, and we are free to say that this quarry, and those of the vicinity adjoining, are among the very best limestone quarries we have seen west of the AUeghanies, not only for ease and fiicility in operating, but for firmness of texture and durability of material. Indeed, we hazard nothing in saying that, in our judgment, the three strata first mentioned, for ordinary purposes of foundations for buildings and bridges, under all ordinary circumstances, are equal to Missouri granite.

We should be pleased to have you visit and examine these quarries, at your earliest convenient opportunity, deeming them well worthy your official attention.

We have the honor to be,

BespectfuUy Yours, Reynolds, Saulpaugh & Co.

The above firm have employed during the past season from three to four hundred hands, and quarried and cut

164 Geological Repobt.

some eight thoasand yards of stone. This stone is worth on an average when dressed, nine dollars per yard at the quarryi fourteen to fifteen dollars at the bridge, and twenty* two dollars in the piers.

The Kerchner quarry at North Vernon was also worked during the past season by John Droitcour ; employs fifty to seventy-five hands in preparing stone, for the bridge mentioned above. A section at the Kerchner quarry where worked, gives :

1. Ocherous clay soil mixed with

black shale 2 ft. 00 in. to 4 ft 00 in.

2. New Albany black shale 4ft00in. to6ft00in.

8. Dark blue limestone with crin*

Did stems and shells.. 2 ft. 06 in. to 3 ft. 03 in.

4. Dark pray stratified limestone

" flagging ledge ". 10 in.

5. Dark blue stratified limestone 1 ft 10 in.

6. Dark blue stratified limestone,

with fucoid impressions on

the surface 1 ft 2 in.

7. Gherty ledge, ("nigger heads") 6 feet 00 in.

Some sections taken in the Kerchner quarry at the close of the work this season, show as follows. The dip of the ledges in the quarries is to If inches to the southwest in 100 feet :

L Clay soil, yellow 4 ft 00 in. to 6 ft 00 in.

2. Black shale, New Albany, with

fossils, Leiorhifnehw quadror oostoto, ClumtiM lepida, 2WiiaoMu fiuureUa, and LingfJa tpatulata, also nodules of iron pyrites 4 ft XK) in. to 6 ft. 6 in.

3. Dark blue stratified limestone,

and partings in places having imbedded on the stone crinoid stems of great length and roots or bases, upper part of the ledge 10 inches total 2ft03in.to2ft06in.

4. Deep blae stratified limestone

containing nests of white chert adhering to ledge below, which is.. 1 ft 11 in*

Jennings County. 165

On the north side of the hill at the same quarry we find :

1. Light colored clay with ochie-

0U8 shades below 2 ft 00 in. to 4 ft. 00 in. #

2. Black shale withochre below,

thin strata, 2 in SftOOin. to4ft00in.

3. Gray stratified limestone, containing an abundance of eri' noid stems, and plates of Curioerintts omatus, Zaphrentis and an nndescribed species of branching coral ; also fossil Anchoroehrinus 2 ft. 09 in.

4. Partings of clay 0 ft. 02 in. to 0 ft. 03 in.

5. Park blae stratified limestone,

containing nests of white

chert, showB on the edge. 0 ft. 08 in. to 0 ft. 10 in.

6. Dark blue stratified limestone

with a very good upper face 1 ft. 08 in.

Fifty feet west of the above section, in the same oatcrop, the gray limestone is absent.

Clay, black shale and ochre as above, with No. 3 gray limestone : 6 in. wedge shape to 0

4. Partings of clay.

5. Dark blue stratified lineetone,

taking the place of the gray

of No. 3, same horizon.. 2 ft 02 in. to 2 ft. 09 in.

e. Flagging ledge containing chert 0 ft 09 in- to 0 ft 10 in.

The overlapping of strata of different grades of rock show a washing of material from different localitieB and in different directions. Messrs. Hicks and Holmes in Geneva township, section 20, on the J., M. and I. railroad, west of North Vernon, employ 15 to 25 men in quarrying and cutting stone for various purposes. This quarry has the following outcrop :

1. Clay soQ 3ft. 00 in. to 4 ft 00 in.

2. N. Albany black shale, with 3 in.

of bog iron at the base 3 ft. 00 in.

8, Gray stratified limestone with

fossils 2 a 04 in. to 2 ft 09 in.

4. Dark blue stratified limestone

with fossils. 15 in.

5. Blue limestone, two ledges,

(quarry worked) 1 ft 6 in. and 1 ft 7 in.

166 Geological Report.

6. Blue flagging, carbing, etc,, 3

ledges, (quarry worked) each 7 in.

7. Blue limeetone, four ledges,

(qnarry worked) each 10 in.

8. Blae limestone, thin ledges,

(quarry worked) each 9 in.

9. White limestone

10. White limestone, with ckert,

A large quantity of stone is cut into sills, caps steps water-tables ranges etc, and shipped to various points. The Vernon blue limestone shows to the west of this, and outcrops about Queensyille as shown by the following secsection, taken to the east and west of that place.

Section on the Madison & Indianapolis State road, Geneva township, section 18, land of J. B. Smith, County Commissioner:

1. Soil, clay with chert 6 to 8 feet

2. New Alhany black shale... 6 to 8 feet

3. Vernon blue limestone, upper as seen 1 ft 4 in.

Other strata, total ! 4 to 5 feet

5. Grey shaly limestone 6 to 8 feet

6. Pure white stratified limestone; the upper

layers weather well where seen in a culvert on the J. M. I. railroad; the

lower part shaly; in all 10 to 15 feet

To branch.

A section west of Queensville, on the J. M, & I. railroad section 13, Geneva township, land of G. P. Campbell:

1. light-colored clay soil with yellow chert

below, and sand and an occasional

bowlder 6 to 20 feet

2. Two to three hard strata, with fossils 2 ft. 6 in. 8. Black shale

4. Blue stratified limestone, first ledge 1 ft 2. in.

Second ledge 6 in.

Third ledge 1 ft 10 in.

This valuable limestone still continues to the west, and crops about Scipio. A good outcrop, not much worked, is seen on Thomas Wilkerson's land near the village. This.

JENNINGS OOXrSTY. 167

stone also crops along Kock creek at Samuel Aiarshes in

Greneva township, section 29. The strata exposed are :

1. Ochreoos siliceous clay soil and boulders... 4 to 20 feet

2. New Albany black shale 0 to 8 feet

3. Gray stratified limestone 2 to 4 feet

4. North Vernon blue limestone.. 3 to 4 feet

5. White limestone, splits well and makes good

lime 6 to 10 feet

The dip of the rocks on this stream, as on all the streams in this county, is to the southwest. To the west of this the blue limestone is covered by a thick bed of black shale* South of this, in Spencer township, this stone crops, and may be traced in the bed of Six-mile creek from the most southern .exposure on the land of A. L. Swarthout, at Hardinburg, for some three or four miles, but rising in the direction of Queensville, where it is found on the summit of the hills. The blue limestone is in thick strata and quite even bedded at Hardinburg, but lies lower down in the* valleys. The Yellowing section was taken at the railroad quarry, crossing of the Hardinburg and Paris road on Sixmile creek :

1. Light yellow clay soil with sand and bould-

ers 2 to 15 feet

2. New Albany black shale, containing fossils

and pyrites 4 to 15 feet

3. Thin ledge of coarse-grained limestone,

composed of crinoid stems and fossil

shells 2 to 4 in.

4. Vernon blue limestone, 2 to 4 strata exposed

to the bed of the creek, the surface of the stone shows an abundance of facoid markings 4 ft.

South of Hardinburg along Six-mile creek, and also to the west of that place, the blue limestone is again encumbered with the black shale. These limestone beds are continuous from Hardinburg to Paris crossing, and in many places lie under heavy beds of black shale and soil. The great demand during this season for compact and durable limestone for bridge work and other purposes has given a fresh impetus to the quarry business in this section, and many new quarries are being opened. John Droitcour, of North Vernon, has

leg GEOLOGICAL REPORT.

recently opened a qnarry on the land of W. H. Lawrenoe, a ehort distance east of Commiskey Station, on the Louisville branch of the O. & M. railroad. The crop shows ;

1. Clay soil ..- 1 ft. 00 in. to 2 ft 06 in.

2. Blae limeBtone flagging 06 in.

8. Blae limestone 08 in.

4. Blae limestone beds 2 ft. 00 in. to 2 ft 06 in.

5. Blae limestone, 3 to 4 layers of

5 to 10 in 20 in.

6. Blae limestone 2 ft

7. Blae limestone 14 to 15 in.

This quarry has been leased by Mr. Droitcour for a term of years. In this part of Montgomery township bordering on Oraham creek the blue limestone is easy of access. A fine exposure is seen on the bluffs above Jesse Tate's cave section 28 and at several other places on his land ; also, on the land about Lowery cave, section 21 ; also, on the land 'Of J. B. Johnson, west of Commiskey, section 20, and within a half mile of the railroad ; others again one mile north on the railroad at Sherman, and on the land of W. H. Conner, northeast quarter section 17. A section on Conner's branch, which rises a short distance above the railroad, contains :

1. Ochreoos clay, with white chert below. 2 to 10 feet

2. New Albany black shale.. 5 to 10 feet

B. North Vernon blae limestone not worked

which shows 3 and 4 strata. 6 to 18 in.

This stone crops on Coffee creek, a short distance to the west. Following the line of the O. & M. railway to Lovett, section 33, land of John S. Thomas, bordering on Graham creek, the country becomes broken, and on section 3, townsliip 5, range 8 east Lovett township, the blue limestone out-crops at several localities. The various quarries of this stone throughout the county will be able to supply any demand that may be likely to occur. Near Old Vernon is Fowler's quarry, widow Beid's quarry, and east of Vernon on the J, M. & I. railroad is the quarry previously mentioned of Chris. Harman, the |quarry of Aulghe & Durth, the McMannus quarry, worked by James Vansickle. To mention all the quariies would be to give the out-crop on every

Jennings Cx)Unty. 169

branch or hill-side. Adjacent to North Vernon, on the land of T. O. Johnson, the blue limestone crops, and from indications good quarries may be opened on his land. Next in order in the Hamilton group is the

Nbw Albany Black Shale — Equivalent Of The Oen-

E88Ee Shale, N. Y.

These beds are continuous from the base of the knobs below New Albany to the north through Floyd, Clarke, Scott and Jennings counties, excepting where the beds have been cut through by weathering and by streams, thus showing the shale beds to have been continuous at a former period. The heaviest deposits of black shale are in the western part of the above counties where the beds are superimposed by the knob range, or the table lands which occupy the horizon of the knobs, with the thin edges or eastern border resting on the Devonian and Niagara rocks.

The black shale appears in nearly all the sections given above. It is the surface rock in this county and always maintains the same stratigraphical position.

The black shale in Jennings county, is in the main, as in the counties to the south, of a thin, laminated structure, and crumbles upon exposure ; yet, in some localities it can be quarried in thick, compact slabs, and is used for walling wells, and has been utilized in steam boiler famaces, withstanding great heat after the volatile combustible matter has been burned out. Black shale, as the name indicates, is generally of a very dark color when first exposed, and in many places very bituminous. When saturated with moisture it resembles cannel coal ; in some localities it has an ocherous shade, probably due to the oxidation of the pyrites which.it contains. The dark-coloring matter of the shale is of vegetable origin, and is found to contain ten or twelve per cent, of oil. The carbonaceous matter renders it of considerable heating power, but, up to the present time, it has not been much utilized as a fuel. It is perhaps worthy of note, that in New York the spontaneous flow of carbureted hydrogen gas, from a similar shale, has been

170 Geological Report.

extensively employed for lighting buildings. When burning, this shale evolves a heavy smoke having the smell of burning ooal, but unlike the latter, it suffers no perceptible diminution of bulk, the residue being a stone of light appearance with a base of silica and alumina. This residue, if ground and incorporated with fire day/ would probably make a good fire brick. The bituminous nature of the black shale has led many persons to suppose that the out-crop of shale banks are an indication of coal. The occurrence of seams of one to two inches of pure bituminous coal in the shale, in some sections, has had a tendency to strengthen this belief. In some places it contains masses or concretions of very hard, impure limestone. These concretions are often spherical and from a few inches to three to four feet in diameter.

Heavy beds of shale occur along Coffee creek at its function with Big creek, and to the west to the line of Jackson county, cropping to the east and west of Coffee creek in thick beds, as on the land of Solomon Deputy, section 30, Montgomery township, where the crop is from thirty to forty feet, showing thin seams of coal, also thin layers, and nodules of pyrites. Some layers of blue as well as black shale occur in this locality. The water flowing over or from the black shale deposits gelatinous oxide of iron ; well-water from the shale has generally an astringent inky taste. As before stated, the shale beds are very continuous in the western tier of townships in this county — Marion, Spencer and Geneva. In Spencer township it covers the blue limestone from the Muscatatuck on the south and west to Hardinburg. At the latter place, in the bed of Six Mile creek, the base of the shale is again seen with a crop of blue limestone. The fossils usual to the shale are found in this locality; also crinoid stems penetrating' it from a stratum of limestone below. These masses of stems give evidence of an abundance of crinoidea in the limestone series of the Hamilton Group. The imprint of fossil plants, calamites, are frequently seen, and fossil wood of conifera. Mr. J. Swarthout, of Hardinburg, has a good

Jennings County. 171

peoimen of this wood in his possession. From the large amoant of pjrrites found in the shale on a small stream in this region, it has received the name of Silver creek. To the north of this, in Geneva township, heavy shale beds occur, as around Scipio, and to the west and east on Sand creek, in Center, Vernon and some in Bigger township. At the North Vernon quarries, an abundance of Tentacu' lites fiaswreUa appear imbedded in the shale near the lower part of the series. Good specimens of black shale fossils are to be found on T. O. Johnson's land, a short distance northwest of North Vernon at the juncture of the blue limestone with the black shal€f The fossils occurring here are Leiorhynohtia quadricostatuB Chonetes Iqpida, TentcLCU' lUea fiMureUa, and Lingula spatulcUa.

Quateknary Beds.

The Quaternary rests immediately upon the Paleozoic rocks noticed in the preceding pages.

The influence which this period had upon the general appearance of the country is very marked. In this part of the State, where the strata are conformable, glaciation worked great changes by cutting away strata and gave rise to a variety of enjoyable scenery. It is true that the streams, by their erosive force, have lent their aid in cutting down the rock formations to a greater or less depth, and in prbducing valleys and bluffs which give an undulating appearance to the surface of the deep beds of clay, sand and gravel. It has been found, on what is here called " Flats,'' that in sinking wells to the depth of forty to fifty feet no stone is met, yet, perhaps, a short distance on either side, heavy ledges of limestone are struck in shallow wells.

It is the generally accepted opinion that the drift came from the north, and is made up of white, yellow, black and various shades of colored sand derived from the coarser gravel and boulders. The greater part of the drift is made up of mineral matter foreign to the rocks of this State. Small particles of very pure gold are frequently found in the sands. Boulders of stratified rocks are sometimes

172 GEOLOGICAL EEtORT.

founds while granite boulders of various sizes are mefc throughout the countj in many places quite large and abundant.

Boulders are rarely seen upon the '' flats," but upon the inclined slopes where the clays have been washed down ; thus, large boulders are more frequently seen on the borders of large streams. They occur quite frequently on the region bordering the South Fork of the Muscatatuck, and especially on the land of Joseph Hole, in Campbell township, section 35. The largest boulder seen in the county is found here, and measures eight feet in length and five feet in width ind thickness. It is a very dark and hard granite.

The drift throughout the county affords an abundance .of sand which is washed down into the streams. Sand is especially abundant, and some boulders in the northwestern part on Sand creek.

Chahplain Period.

This comprises the ancient stratified siliceous days, which are generally of light and dark yellow shades below, and terminating in a blue clay. The blue glacial clay is often found to contain imbedded trunks, limbs, roots and leaves of trees. This is a very marked feature of the clays about Paris Crossing. Timber has been exhumed from several wells at Paris Crossing that are situated on lands elevated some sixty to seventy feet above the bed of Graham creek. I examined the material taken from a well recently sunk here by Mr. John F. Files, in which the following deposits were passed through :

1. Light colored clay, with deeper shades

below 10 feet

2. Ochre colored clay with flint pebbles, in

creasing in hardness towards the bottom 19 feet.

3. Very hard bed clay and gravel 2 to 3 feet.

4. £lue drift clay, very sandy, with water ;

also, limbs, twigs and roots of trees, continuing to the depth of 7 to 10 feet.

Here the ingress of the vter prevented the deepening of the well, and the wall was commenced upon the driftwood.

Jennings County. 178

After the first round of stone oarbing was plaeed down a limb six inches in diameter was taken from the center of the well. At the time of my visit they were using this wood for fuel and Mr. Files stated that he supposed he had taken as much as a half cord of wood from the well. Specimens of this wood, which has the appearance of being birch, have been forwarded to the State collection. It is ol a dark color but not carbonized, and in many parts very much crushed and twisted, showing that it had been subjected to very great force. The clay lands of the flats,' which form the water sheds between all the streams, are of the Champlain period, and contain vegetable material which was borne down from the higher lands and deposited far above the flood tides of the streams of the present age.

The compact, tenacious character of the clay soil of this rion is not remunerative under the old mode of growing crops, but it may be rendered so by liberal underdraining.

There are deposits of blue clay in the lower parts of these beds often but two or three feet from the surface, well suited to the manu&cture of tiles. Frequently irregular layers of yellow sand are found in the Champlain clays, sometimes these over-lapping one another, and again they appear horizontal.

Alluvial, Ob Beoent.

m

This deposit is seen along all the streams, and composes the low lands or river flats. It is derived from the weathering or disintegration of the rocks, from the washing down of the glacial drift, the undermining of terrace deposits of sand and gravel, and the dark vegetal mold washed down from the hill- sides.

The most productive lands in the county, are those situated in the creek bottoms and along the base of limestone crops. On the limestone slopes, bluegrass finds a congenial fioil; one that is rich in all substances that tend to promote its vigorous growth. In the bottoms the soU is generaUy porous day loam or sandy loam, which affords natural drainage for superabundant water and renders it easy to

174 Geological Report.

cultivate, warm and productive. The up-lands are largely derived from the decomposition of the black shale. The soil is mostly clay, and rather difficult to cultivate profitably, without first being drained.

North of 8cipio> bordering on Wyalusing and Rat Tail creeks, the land is very broken. Bordering on Sand creek section 1, Geneva township, at Thomas Wilkerson's it is more gently undulating.

Antiquities.

Pre-historic stone implements are found throughout the county, such as stone axes, flint arrow-points, spear heads, knives, fleshers, and various stone ornaments, evidently the work of a pre-historic race. These relics are most frequently met with along the larger streams, or on some elevation at the confluence of water courses. The intelligence of this race is farther shown by remains of extensive structures of earth and stone, evincing design and some skill in labor. The remains of the largest work of the mound-builders in this county is to be seen on the blufis elevated 75 to 100 feet above the bed of the creek on the land of John E. Calhoun at a short bend in Sand creek, and a short distance from Brewersville, in Sand Creek township. It is a stone mound 71 feet in diameter, showing at this time, a hight of 3 to 5 feet above the surrounding surface. The exterior walls appear to be made of stones placed on edge, but the central portion did not show any regular arrangement of the stones.

I was informed by Daniel Bacon, who resides in Brewers* ville and saw this mound thirty years ago, that it was at that time twelve to fifteen feet in hight, and that upon opening it bones and charcoal were found beneath a flat stone near the centre. Large quantities of stone have been hauled from it and there is upon the ground a spring-house ' or out door cellar constructed of stone taken from it. It also furnished the stone for the underpinning of two or more houses. The rock in this mound, is principally from the bluffs below, with an occasional boulder.* A

Jennings (X)Unty. 175

neck of land 25 to 30 feet in width interWnes between the rock mound and what is supposed to be a natural mound situated on the bluff some three hundred yards distant. The summit of this mound is fifpy to seventy-five feet above the creek bed. There are indications of two stone walls across the neck about fifty feet apart. A road passes along the narrow neck which unites the peninsula of five to six acres with the mainland. A rich alluvial bottom lies to the southwest of the creek. Numerous blocks of stone five or six feet in hight, which have fallen from the bluff above lie scattered along the neck and are weathered into fiinciful forms.

Other mounds occur west of Butlerville on the North Fork of Muscatatuck creek. A number of pre-historic implements have been donated to the State Cabinet by various liberal persons in the county all of which have been forwarded with the donor's name.

Agbicultitbe.

The agricultural interests of the county are conducted by the County Agricultural Society, which owns nicely located grounds near North Vernon. The following are the present officers: John W. Coryea, President; Jas. B. Smith, Vice-President; Geo. W. Swarthout, Secretary; Joseph Hole, Treasurer; Charles Brenner, Marshal. The Patrons of Husbandry have a number of working granges throughout the county. This county does not contain any very large tract of fertile lands, yet the lands average in fertility with those of many other counties in the State. The " Flats," when properly cared for by drainage, will in time become the most valuable lands in the county, these lands are not subject to denudation by washing, and whatever fertilizers they may receive as plant food, will afford a generous return. The good effect of adding fertilizers has been noticed for a number of years.

The Flats" are in the main composed of cold, tenacious clay soil, and without drainage are rather unremunerative

176 Geological Report.

except for meaMw land ; yet by reason of the droath of 1874, they yielded good corn crops. The past season was too wet, rain continuing almost unabated for forty*two daja.

As a general rule, the rolling lands bordering the numerous streams are more productive than the Flats/' Bordering on Sand creek, North and South Fork of the Muscatatuck and Big and Little Graham, are rich alluvial bottoms yielding bounteous corn crops. In fact, all the small streams of Coffee creek have more or less of such lands along their border.

The principal productions are com, wheat, oats, rye, buck-wheat and hay. The wheat, oats and bay crop was almost an entire fidlure this season, on account of the continuous rains at harvest time.

A considerable area is in pasture, and large numbers of mules, horses and cattle are raised for the Cincinnati and other markets. Large numbers of hogs are also fattened for various markets. The disease known as hog cholera is quite prevalent this season, and the most practical £9irmer& attribute the disease to parasites, which find lodgment in the intestines of the hog, and finally develop themselves into worms, which destroys its health and terminates in death. Wood ashes, salt and sulphur are considered good preventives.

Milk Trade.

Milk was first shipped by rail to Louisville from Clarke county in 1873. During the present year (1876), Elisha Carr has shipped from that place over $3,000.00 worth milk. Paris, in this county, is also beginning to ship con* siderable milk.

Fruit.

The usual varieties of summer and winter apples do well; occasionally, cherries and pears. Peaches are not extensively grown. Wild blackberries are quite a source of income at some points, also wild grapes. Strawberries are successfully grown about Butlerville.

Jennings County. 177

Timber.

Jennings county was formerly covered with a very heavy growth of timber. The timbered lands of this county may be classed under two heads ; first the flats/' which were originally covered with large and tall timber : white oak, beech, gum> soft maple, burr oak, hickory, and some other varieties, with a thick undergrowth in many (sections, interwoven with native grape vines. The undergrowth is the thickest on the wet ''flats," where the beech was almost entirely killed by the heavy frost of May 8, 1833. In some sections, the tops of the white oak timber was killed. The frost of that spring was late and severe, killing all the fruit in this section of the State, except a few late varieties of apples. Second, the rolling land, where the timber is white oak, black oak, beech, sugar, linden, ash, black walnut, white walnut, cherry, poplar, with an undergrowth on rich bottoms of pawpaw, and an occasional large sassafras. On the land of Joseph Hole, Esq., bordering the South Fork, are two sassafras trees, the first measuring four feet in diam* eter four feet from the ground, the other somewhat less. These trees stood near each other. The first tree was cut for saw stocks and shingles ; the top of the last cut, forty feet from the stump, measured three feet in diameter. On the bottom lands along the streams, sycamore, hackberry, elm and buckeye flourish. These forests have, as a general thing, been stripped of the best timber. The white oak has been extensively cut for staves, the upper parts of the trees being left to decay upon the ground. In some sections the native forests remain almost untouched, and from these we can form some conception of their vigorous growth.

There are a number of saw and grist mills throughout the county, which will be mentioned with the towns in which they are located.

Hinebals.

The principal minerals of value in this county are, building stone, limestone for lime, brick and tile clay. The continuous beds of North Vernon blue limestone are G. II.—12

178 Geological Report.

very valuable and extend over a large area of the connty, as already stated. The apount of this stone quarried this season for the Cincinnati Southern railroad bridge, over the Ohio river, besides a great many other shipments which, are constantly being made from the various quarries, has given employment to a large number of hands within the county. The layers of blue limestone will, alone, in the course of time, bring an immense revenue, while immediately below are the white limestone layers which afford good material for white quick-lime. Quick-lime is now manufactured at Scipio by Daniel Miller, and by Christopher Harman east of Old Vernon on the J. M, & I. railroad and at other points. Below the white limestone are the Niagara rocks, which are noted for making good lime, and for building and flagging purposes. Good ocherous lay, suitable for red brick is found convenient to all the large towns. Good bricks are burned at Old Vernon, also at North Vernon. Sand for all ordinary purposes is to be found along all the streams throughout the county.

Gold.

Some particles of gold have been panned from the bed of the south fork of the Muscatatack. This gold color*') was found in combination with the black sand washed down from the glacial drift of the uplands. The excite* ment occasioned by this discovery was very great at the time, and some useless labor was spent in sinking a shaft, as the drift and accompanying gold dust was foreign to the State. It was useless to penetrate limestone strata below in search of it. A small per cent, of gold is mingled with the " drift '' throughout the State.

Manufactures And Important Towns.

Vernon, the county seat, has a very romantic situation on the bluffs of the Muscatatuck, at the junction of the North and South Forks. It is a town of 500 to" 600 inhabitants, and has railroad communication by the J., M. & L railroad. The court house is a very nice brickstructure.

Jennings County. 179

ornamented with white limestone from the surrounding quarries. It was designed by Isaac Hodgson, Esq., of Indianapolis.

The leading industries of the place are : E, Lovett, spokes and hubs ; J. H. Wagner & Co., foundry nd plow shop ; S. Vawter, stave and heading &ctory ; Doll, Eeynolds & Co., woolen and flour mill; Cotton & Reade, wagons, buggies, pumps and rakes ; M. Butler, plow manufactory. Vernon Banner, C. E. Wagner, editor and publisher. One mile east of Vernon is the Tunnel mill, owned by Wm. H. Sidell and Robert Manville. This mill is engaged in the manufacture of various grades of wrapping paper from straw and rags. The brand is the Tunnel Paper Mill, Manville & Sidell, Vernon, Ind. Wheat and com are ground at this mill. The building is a three and a half story stone structure ; the power is obtained by water from the creek above, brought through a tunnel 300 feet in length and 20 feet fall.

North Vernon is situated at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi railroad, the Ijouisville branch, and the crossing of the Madison branch of the J. M. & I. railroad, and is a city of 2,500 inhabitants. The manufacturing interests are 5 Tripton Flour Mill, by Eldro Hicks ; Meyers, furniture and planing mill ; Tripp, Jones &, Brougher, woolen mill ; Frtd. Evans & Co., chair and furniture factory ; Thomas C. Jones, chairs ; Barnard Haily,. wagons; Whitesell & Bro., wagons; also, harness shops and cigar factories.

The various religious denominations are represented by the Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics and Baptists. Good schools are also located here.

Boipio is situated on the J., M. & 1. railroad* Here the Scipio white lime is burned by Daniel Miller.

Queensville is located on the same road between this and North Vernon.

Paris is an old town, situated on the bluff of Graham creek.

Paris Crossing is on the O. & M. railroad, and has a merchant mill owned by Harvey Hartwell.

180 Geological Beport.

Commiskey, Sherman and Liovett are located on the O. & M. railroad south of North Vernon.

Butlerville and Nebraska on the east. Two large saw and lath mills cat a large amount of building material at Butlerville, owned by Thomas Bewley. Woolf & Neale have a mill at Nebraska.

Zenas is situated on the North Fork, Columbia township.

Brewersville, on Sand creek, has a saw mill owned pj John E. Calhoun.

Hardinburg,|on the O. & M. railroad, has a merchant mill.

Oil Akd Gas Wells.

During the coal oil excitement some years ago, a bore was sunk at North Vernon to the depth of 915 feet without finding oil. Two other bores were sunk at the Tunnel Mill east of Old Vernon. In the first at the depth of about 100 feet, gas was struck which ignited and burned 12 hours, when it was extinguished. This bore was abandoned and another sunk ear by to the depth of over 900 feet without any beneficial result.

Oonclubion.

In conclusion, I desire to return my thanks to the citizens of Jennings county for courtesy and favors. Space will admit of naming but few : P. C. McGrannon, Auditor of Jennings county ; Joseph B. Smith, Queensville, Edward Marsh, Six-Miles, Charles J. Corgell, Vernon, County 'Commissioners; T. O. Johnson, John N. Marsh (Editor J3un), Col. H. Tripp, W. C. Norris (Editor PMndealer), T. J. Snodgrass, Gallus Kerchner, North Vernon ; B. F. Russell, M. D., Solomon Deputy, W. Davis, Paris ; W. H. Conner, Sherman ; E. P. Nellis, J. M. Lyle, M. D,, Commiskey; John S. Thomas, Lovett; H. C. Bruner, J. P. Swarthout, Hardinburg ; E. L. Parker, Queensville ; Thos. Wilkerson, James H. Wilkerson, Scipio ; John E. Calhoun, Daniel Bacon, Brewersville ; B. A. Johnson, Zenas ; J. A. <jrinstead, S. Elliott, Nebraska; Mr. Sutton, Joseph Hole, O. D. Shank and Harry Gibson, Butlerville.

Ripley County.

Ripley county was organized in 1818 and named in honor of Gen. E. W. Ripley, an oflScer of the war of 1812, and is boonded on the north by Decatur and Franklin, on the east by Dearborn and Ohio, south by Switzerland and Jefferson, west by Jennings.

This county contains 460 square miles, with a total area, according to assessment, of 279,166 acres.

Enumeration of children for schools, in 1870, was 7,613 ; in 1875, 7,937.

The largest part of the county is level, and large areas, called flats," are met with. The broken or rolling land borders on the streams. The drainage of the county ia poor, excepting along the watercourses, where there is a local drainage, and the streams flow into the Ohio river on the east, and to White river on the southwest.

The principal streams of the county, are Big and Little Graham. The former rises near the summit of the liower Silurian, in the central part of the county, and flows west of New Marion, The latter rises on the flats," a little east of North Marion, and flowing over the Niagara rocks, to the southwest, unites with the main stream in Jennings county, and forms a junction with Big creek below Paris. The next streams of note are Big and Little Otter creeks, being thus designated above their junction, which occurs a short distance east of Butlerville. These streams are the head waters of the South Fork of the Muscatatuck. Big Otter creek rises in the flats," a short distance southwest

182 Geological Beport.

of Napoleon, and flows over the Niagara rocks, and cats the Lower Silurian at its junction with Little Otter, which rises in the 'flats/ southwest of Osgood. The North Fork of the Muscatatuck slightly washes Jackson township on the west. Laughery creek rises a short distance southeast of Napoleon, flows over the Niagara rocks to the north, and soon cuts the !Lower Silurian formation. The flow is then east to its junction with Little Laughery at Ballstown, thence south and southeast, and finally north by east, into the Ohio river below Aurora. North and South Hogan flow from the eastern border of the county. There are numerous small streams, Cedar creek, Castaters branch, Pendleton creek, Ripley, Plum, Raccoon and Tanglewood.

This county is well watered in the eastern part by constant springs and by numerous streams, also in the western division by the streams flowing with the dip of the Niagara formation to southwest. A water supply can be secured in iiny locality at a reasonable depth. The most broken or rolling section of the county is in the eastern or north- -eastern part, bordering on Laughery and the head waters of Hogan. These streams, coming in contact with the clay and shaly layers of the Cincinnati Epoch, which are very friable in some parts, soon cut down the strata to a great depth, which gives rise to a very rolling country with fiurreaching vistas, as in Dearborn county to the east, or as along Laughery, which is comparatively a short stream, with precipitous bluffs of one hundred to two hundred feet, and a broad alluvial valley. Many of the prominent bluffs along the latter stream afford picturesque views.

Judging from the numerous mounds found on the border of this stream it was a favqite resort of a prehistoric race. Laughery creek was named after CoL Archibald Laughery, of Westmorland county, Pennsylvania, who was tomahawked and scalped near the mouth of the creek, and about forty of his men killed, when on their way to join the command of General Clarke, at the Falls of the Ohio. The party went on shore for the puipose of looking some buffalo meat, when they were attacked by the Indians.

Bipley Cx)Unty. 183

General Section Of Ripley County.

Quaternary Beds.

1. Allavium, recent 2 to 25 feet

2. Ohamplain 10")

Paleozoic Geology,

The rock strata of this county comprise two members -of the Upper Silurian and one of the Lower Silurian Age, ZA follows :

Upper Silurian Age.

Niagara \Period

4. Niagara limestone; stratified, gray and

white, a good .building stone, and when

burned produces a goodjlime.. 42 feet.

Clinton epoch a trace.

Lower Silurian Age.

Trenion Period.

Cincinnati epoch 190 feet to

The oldest formation in this county belongs to the Cincinnati epoch,* and is more or less noticeable along most of the streams in the county, attaining on the eastern border an altitude of one to two hundred feet above the

♦Peof. W. W. Boboen :

DSAB Sib :— In your Report on the Geology of Jefferson county you place the line of dlylsion between the Lower and Upper Silnilan rocks, at MadiBon, at the Tetradium beds, altitude 319 feet, and have, Inadvertently, no doubt, credited me with It. Such, howerer, is not my view. In lf73, or earlier, I disoovoned a stratum bearing Hudson fossils, which lies 49 feet above the FavisteUa bed on Michigan load hill, and 351 feet above low water mark in Ohio river. It overlies 32 feet of aon-foasiliferous limestone, the banded limestone of Owens' Report. This stratum I regard as the true boundary between the Lower and Upper Silurian locks at this place. I gave notice to the public of this discovery in an essay on the Geology of the Madison hills, published In the IndkauUs Journal of July 10th, 1874, and which was copied into the Madison Courier within a day or two afterward.

I am, DeargSir, veryfieBpectf uUy yours,

W. T. S. CORNETT. Madison, Indiana, January 27, 1876.

184 Geological Report.

beds of the streams. Commencing in the southwestern part of the coonty there ooours at New Marion, Shelby township the following section on B. D. Bacon's spring branch :

1. Ocheroos clay soil, with sand 6 to 10 feet.

2. Niagara stratified limestone, gray, weath-

ering rongh, and shows brown streaks, from decomposed pyrites; also fossil crinoid stems. Strata 12 to 14 inches... 10 to 12 feet

3. White stratified limestone in strata of 14

to 16 inches, boms readily into lime,

weathers very smooth where exposed... 20 in. to 2 ft.

4. Stratified limestone, unevenly imbedded,

thin layers, gray with brown spots. 4 feet.

5. Thin stratified gray limestone with clay

partings and terminating in 6 in. clay shale below, with an abundance of crinoid stems 1 ft 9 in.

6. Brown and gray stratified limestone, thin

layers at the crop, with crinoid stems, Zaphrentia, Calymene blumeubachii and shells; also plates of Caryoerinus omahu 6 to 10 feet

7. Thin, stratified, unevenly imbedded mag-

nesian limestone, projecting and making

water falls 10 to 12 feet

8. Dark blue shale, containing aulopora

stems, etc., and thin limestone layers,

with Cincinnati fossils 5 to6 feet

9. Dark blue, stratified limestone, with a trace

of spar, three to 5 ledges, 8, 12 and 14 in. 4 to 5 feet

10. Dark; shaly limestone to the bed of Big

Graham 6 to 8 feet

Higher up the stream, Grahamcreek flowsoverJNo. lOof the above section, whioh forms a smooth bottom. No. 9, which superimposes it, appears along the shore, showing a nniform but rapid dip to the south and west No. 2 of the above section forms clifls along Graham, and frequently large detached masses occur, with trees growing upon them. An out-crop on the New Marion and Versailles road, at Graham creek, section 30, range 11, shows :

1. Ocherous clay soil, brown and white chert,

with a trace of sand and numerous

small boulders 6 to lOJfeet

2. Magnesian limestone, rough.. ?

8. White stratified limestone ?

4. Not exposed.

Ripley County. 186

5. Gray stratified limestoiie, crinoid stems,

corals and shells 4 to 5 feet.

6. Brown shale, with crinoid stems and corals 5 feet.

7. Thin, stratified magnesian limestone... 8 to 10 feet

8. limestone. ' 10 to 12 feet.

9. Dark blue stratified limestone, 8 to 14 in... 5 feet.

10. Magnesian limestone to the bed of Big

Graham 6 feet

An abandance of sand for all ordinary purposes is found along the road-side and streams in this locality. A section on Big Graham at the crossing of the Marion and Butlerville road, shows:*

1. light colored clay soil with darker shades

at the bottom, and white chert 8 to 10 feet

2. Magnesian limestone, weathering rough... 10 to 12 feet

3. White limestone, weathering smooth.. 2 to 4 feet

4. A coarse-grained limestone containing

stems and crinoid roots 10 feet

6. Various grades of limestone 12 to 16 feet

6. Thin layers of hard blue limestone and

shales, with Cincinnati fossils 10 feet

7. Dark blue and lighter shades of stratified

limestone in strata of 12 to 14 inches, same as No. 9 of the above sections, contains pockets with calc spar 3 to 6 feet

8. Decomposing mottled magnesian lime-

stone, cropping at low water and in the

bed of the creek, Cincinnati 2 to 4 feet

The dark blue stone of No. 7 and 9 of the above sections stands the weather well and is good for foundations. By reason of the rapid dip of this strata, a short distance below this point the stone disappears beneath the surface. These crops are nearly due east of Butlerville where sections have been obtained on the South Fork. From New Marion to Holton the flats' intervene, and two miles southwest of Holton, on Otter creek, at the crossing of the North Vernon and Versailles road, this section occurs :

1. Light colored clay, with darker shades at

the bottom, sand and boulders in the

ditches.. 10 to 20 feet

2. Graj stratified limestone, Niagara 12 to 20 feet

186 Geological Keport.

8. White stratified limestone, good for limoM. 16 to 26 feet

4. Dark gray, shaly limestone, with clay layers and fossils, Cincinnati, to bed of creek. 8 to 12 feet

An abundance of crystalline Niagara limestone is seen in all this region along the bluffs. Some distance helow thiSj on the land of S. Lane, section 8, above the railroad crossing of Otter creek, the following strata show :

1. Ocherous clay with sand, white and yel-

low chert and boulders. 10 to 20 feet

2. Grey stratified limestone, (Niagara), thick

and thin beds 30 feet

3. White stratified limestone in flagging lay-

ers, 4 to 7 in 12 feet

4. One or more thin strata of coarse-grained

limestone, a mass of fossil crinoid stems

on the surface 6 in. to 12 in

6. Dark and light clay shale, commencing the Cincinnati outcrop, thin layers of stone above 10 to 12 feet

6. Otter creek marble, one or two layers of

mottled or variagated, fine grained limestone, which takes a good polish and is suitable for inside ornamentation 1 ft 8 in.

7. Shaly limestone to the bed of Big Otter

creek 6 to 6 feet

Southwest of Osgood on Otter creek the Cincinnati rocks are seen in the bluffs and on the rolling lands bordering Otter creek and are thirty to forty feet thick, with the Niagara above, but as the country becomes more level in the direction of Napoleon, only the Niagara rocks are seen. This finishes the localities of the Lower Silurian in the western part of the county, and the section given will 8how the thickness of outcrop on the eastern border.

This formation (Cincinnati) shows a greater thickness in the eastern part of the county ; and Laughery creek, which flows through the county from the northwest to the southeast, may be considered the boundary between the Lower Silurian and Niagara rocks; the greater portion of the out-crop east of that stream belongs to the former series.

In Brown township, in the southern part of the county.

Ripley County. 187

about Gross Plains there are extensive '' flats which form the water shed between Raoooon on the norths and Paw's branch, Indian-kentuck and Laughery creek on the south and east. The rocks seen in this section are mostly Cincinnati. The soil is a light-colored, siliceous clay. North of this, on Raccoon creek, the country is very broken, and the out-crop is chiefly Lower Silurian, as seen about the junction of this stream with Laughery a short distance above iari's mill. The crop on -Csesar creek to the east is the same as the. above. Also, on Laughery, above Harts mill, in the vicinity of a large mound on the land of widow Praute, northeast quarter section 2, township 6, range 12, the bluffs here on Laughery show from one hundred and fifVy to two hundred feet of the lower rocks. North of this point the same members continue to Versailles, the county seat. These crops give a broken appearance to the country, with elevated bluffs along the large streams. The bluffs on Laugliery, above and below Versailles, are very abrupt in places, and present a good outcrop of Lower Silurian, with numerous rick fossil localities that are much resorted to by collectors. A section east of Versailles, on the Steinmetz land, shows from the high lands to the bed of the streams :

1. Ocherons, siliceoas clay soil with occa-

sional boulders 8 to 20 feet

2. Dark, granalar magnesian limestone, mas-

sive in some localities. ?

3. Light blae stratified limestone, firm, in

layers of 6, 9, 11, 14 and 20 in., with water markings on the lower face, sometimes cayemous. 5 feet.

4. Blue and light colored clay shales, with

TOradium fibrcUum (coral) 4 to 10 feet.

5. Very hard blue limestone, thin layers,

with shale and Lower Silurian fossils... 100 feet.

6. Strata of blue clay shale, with layers of

very hard blae limestone, containing Bhfnconella eapax, OrtJds miioto, 0. ptioata, 0. lynx, varieties, 0. oeeideTUtUiaj StrcphtymenaaUerruUa; also, Heurotomariaf Murchisonia bieindaf M, heUievaUi, and slabs containing ChasUtes lurbereuJUUa,

188 Geological Report.

7. Three or more layers of Btratlfied lime-

stone, and good slabs with LepUxtiyok

ierioea 3 to 4 feet

8. Blae shale, containing Petraia comieidvm

and Rhyneonella.

9. Two or three Inches of hard yellow shale,

containing an abundance of pentagonal, round and square crinoid stems ; also, Heteroerinui KeterodadyluSf Hetroerinus rafteraaguBy Meek & Worthen, Anadontopria mUUrif Awiphtu gigas, and A. meffitiog ; in the blae shale below are also found OrOiia testticfifuiria, Bbropo/miwk strioto, S. aUemata, and Calymenea tenariaj to the bed of laughery 190 feet.

The strata at this point have a very perceptible dip to the southwest. On the bluff of the creek a short distanoe above the latter locality in company with C. B. Dyer, of Cincinnati Ohio collected a square celled coral, and a species of Chaeietes, Strophomina aUernaJta and 8. stnaia with a number of other characteristic fos8il& Below this point and opposite the mouth of Cedar creek, we collected iMchneocrinus dyer, Orthis teatUdinariay etc. The land is very much elevated three miles north, about the head of Cedar creek, and a section at the DeviPs Elbow, the highest point, shows :

1. Ochreous clay, with white chert and sandy

layers, large boulders of a variety of

colors, and blue clay at the base 12 to 25 feet.

2. A very hard, rough, flinty limestone 7 8 inches.

3. Ocherous layers of various shades, and

sandy beds, partially covered with

debris 9 feet.

4. At the Falls, 2 to 3 strata of bituminous

limestone, 6 to 8 in 1 ft. 8 in.

5. Shaly limestone to foot of the Falls 20 to 25 feet.

6. Lower Silurian to the bed of Laughery

creek 150 to 190 feet

On the Versailles and Moore's Hill road, two and one half miles east of Versailles, on Pleasant Hill, in company with Dr. W. H. H. Hunter, I was shown a good fossil locality for Tetradium fibratuTOj curved in form, and OQpors

Bipley County. 189

near the top of the hill ; also a rare crinoid Hehenoorinua terberculatuaj and some other fossils are found here.

From the above locality east, the flats intervene to North Hogan and between that stream and South Hogan the land is gently rolling; nearing the latter the land becomes very rolling. It is believed that the Murohisonia which occurs in the bed of Cedar creek near the mouthy above Versailles is near the summit of the hills at Moore's Hill; Collected on South Hogan, near the railroad depot, Strophromena rugoaa, 8, incunmSf Ccdymefne senaria, and many other good fossils. A good outcrop of the Cincinnati is met with on North and South Hogan. A section on the Versailles and Osgood pike, at the crossing of a branch of Cedar creek, shows the following crop :

1. Ocherons clay with a trace of sand and

gravel 5 to 12 feet.

2. Show of white limestone containing crin-

oid stems, (Niagara).

3. Yellow shales with dark layers 8 to 12 feet

4. Dark-blae limestone, rough with corals. 6. Dark-blue stratified limestone in layers of

8 to 12 inches, and terminating below in thicker layers with partings of shale, 16 to 18 feet 6. Along the stream, Cincinnati rocks below.

It will be seen from these sections, that the crop here is almost entirely Lower Silurian. East of Osgood the rocks are almost exclusively Cincinnati, and thus continues to the east in the direction of Delaware. On Laoghery, below the mouth of Pendleton, and on the south side, the outcrop is as follows :

1. Ocherous clay soil with a trace of sand

and boulders 20 to 30 feet

2. Covered, (Cincinnati).

3. Blue shaly limestone and clay layers; an

abundance of Cincinnati fossils 25 to 80 feet.

4. Blue clay shale, with fossils Fetraia earn-

ieuhm 3 to 4 feet

5. Thin blue limestone layers with shale con-

taining Strophomena atlemaia, Lepkena

serieeaf parts of Adophaa 20 to 25 feet.

190 Geological Report.

AloDg Plum creek some thick strata of limestone oocor in the Lower Silurian but as seen in the piers of the railway bridge over Castaters branchy the Plum creek stone is not durable ; but the Vernon stone, in the same abutments, shows no sign of disintegration. The land along Castater's branch is broken ; flat land intervenes between it and Laughery on the west, but the country again becomes broken along the latter stream. At Blackmore mills, on Laughery, the following section is seen :

1. Light colored clay, ochre shades below,

with sand and large boulders 25 to 30 feet.

2. Dark blue shaly limestone with Cincinnati

fossils 150 feet.

Orthis Zynx, 0. derUaia, 0. nntzoto, TrUobitea; 10 feet above the bed of Laughery.

The outcrop in this section is exclusively Lower Silurian, as will appear from the following section on the State Road at J. T. DashielPs, section 3 1 , township 9, Delaware township:

1. Clay soil, sand and boulders 5 to 20 feet

2. Stratified gray limestone, weathers white,

in dark blue layers 10 to 15 feet

3. Good layer of Tetradium fibraium and other

fossils 3 to 5 feet.

4. Blue shale, and dark blue shaly limestone

with fossils to Branch 10 to 25 feet

North of this, on the southern exposure, fragmenta of the rare fossil crinoid, lAchenocrinus tviercukUua, was seen. To the north of this, along Ripley creek, heavy beds of sand &om the drift covers the outcrop of rocks and occasionally boulders of large size are met with. In this locality, about the mouth of Ripley creek, and above on Laughery, the drift is heavy, producing clay and sandy shores to the streams. The water courses here, abound in moUusca, which were seen plowing through the sandy beds of the streams. Large numbers were washed out, at the time of our visit, by the recent high water, and were destroyed in large quantities by hogs that range along the streams and feed upon them.

Ripley County. 191

-T"

About Ballstown in Laughery township, on Laughery creek the land is broken as osaal, but; the bluffs are not so abrupt on its head waters as they are lower down the stream. An outcrop on the land of John Wilson, in this stream shows twenty to thirty feet of Lower Silurian rocks. To the west of this the Niagara comes in. Having traced the oldest formation in the county along Laughery to near the head-waters, almost the entire beds to the east of this are composed of Lower Silurian, with some firm and durable strata in the quarries about Milan', as follows :

1. Clay, soil and sand 2 to 10 feet.

2. Dark gray stratified limestone 2 to 4 in.

3. Dark gray stratified limestone 6 to Sin.

4. Dark gray stratified limestone 18 to 20 in.

5. Dark gray stratified limestone 14 to 18 in.

6. Dark gray stratified limestone. 18 to 22 in.

Total 10 feet

East of Milan on Hogan the land is very rolling. A quarry opened on the land of E. Shockly, section 19, township 13, range 8, and one mile northeast of the station (South Milan) on the O. & M. railroad, shows as follows :

1. Clay soil 2 to 6 feet

2. Blue stratified limestone 18 in.

3. Blue stratified limestone 14 in.

4. Bine stratified limestone 12 in.

5. Flagging, blue limestone below.

Adams township, in the northeastern part of the county, is principally flat, with but little outcropping rocks. Along Pipe creek, which rises on the ''flats" at Sunman, and flows north into Whitewater, in Franklin county, a show of Lower Silurian rocks is to be seen, one mile west of Pennsylvaniaburg. A trace of Niagara was found on the most elevated land near Sunman, whidh is five hundred feet above Lawrenceburg, on the Ohio river, and twenty miles distant by the I. C. & L. railroad. The clays are so deep and the land so flat, but little outcrop could be found. In the western part of this - township, two miles south of Batesville, and on the head waters of Laughery creek the

192 Geological Report.

w

land becomes rollings and stone is quarried at outcrop as follows :

1. Light-yellow clay, sand and glacial drift

below 12 to 30 feet

2. Two to three layers, flagging limestone,

Niagara.

3. Thin layers of bine limestone, with Cin-

cinnati fossils.

4. Thicker strata of blue limestone 2 to 5 feet

Extensive quarries of .white limestone, (Niagara) are worked to the west of this, in Decatur county, and especially at Greensburg, and on Flat Bock creek in Shelby county.

I have traced the oldest formations seen in the county, from an exposure in which it is represented by only a few feet of strata, to where it has reached a development of aboat 200 feet, on the eastern and northeastern borders of the county. The sections obtained in these localities show a succession of limestones, shales and clay (matrix of Tdra diumfhratum), the whole capped in some places with dark blue, close-textured, thick-bedded limestone. This section is succeeded by strata belonging to the Upper Silurian age, and the prevailing fossil forms of the preceding age give place to new and well marked types, which serve as guides for the classification of the strata.

Niagaba Epoch.

It will be seen from the sections hereafter given, that the Niagara limestone is in considerable force in the southwestern part of the county, on Graham and in the western part, on Otter creek. A good outcrop is seen along Little Graham, from its junction with the main stream at San Jacinto, in Jennings county, to the head waters of that stream, one mile south of New Marion, on the land of Daniel Holman, section 1. In this locality the stream flows over thin layers of limestone, with the dip of the rocks, which is considerable, to the southwest. These rocks contain some fossil stems, and an abundance of OthoceratUes from 6 inches to feet in length, and 2 to 3 inches in

Ripley County. 193

diameter others of great length but of small diameter. They are very much abraded, and good specimens could not be obtained for the cabinet.

Workable beds of Niagara limestone are found on Tanglewood and the head waters of Big Graham, in Johnson township, section 15, three miles southwest of Versailles, on the land of John Jackson, Sen. At the quarry, at present worked by him, there occurs the following layers of compact, light gray limestone :

1. Loamy soil 0 to 3 feet

2. Five ledges of stratified, light gray lime-

stone, Niagara, 4 to 5 in each 1 ft 6 in

3. Sixth ledge 6 in.

5. Nine ledges, 4 to 5 in. beds, as far as

worked, with some heavier layers below.. 3 ft. 5 in.

This stone is quarried and worked for steps, flags, sills, etc. Mr. Jackson also bums this stone for lime, using wood for fuel, and sells lime at the kiln at 20 cents per bushel. This quarry is three miles south of Osgood, where the same stone is worked, with some thicker layers by Messrs. Ashman & Glasgow, in Center township, section 28, on the O. & M. railway, and shows as follows :

1. light colored clay, and terminating below

with blae clay, sand, gravel and boulders 2 to 6 feet

2. White stratified limestone in layers, as fol-

lows : one ledge, 7 or 8 inches, Flat Bock") bums into good lime; Sledges — one 7 inches, and two ledges 6 inches 26 to 27 in. 8. White stratified limestone... 7 to 8 in.

4. White stratified limestone in.

6. White stratified limestone 6 in.

6. White stratified limestone, with fossil

OrAoeerata, many layers... 4 in.

7. White stratified limestone, with fossil

Or/ioceroia, many layers 7 in.

8. White stratified limestone, with fossil

OrtAooeroto, many layers 5 In.

9. White stratified limestone, with fossil

OrthoceraiOy many layers.. 7iin.

10. Stratified limestone continues as far as

worked.. 6 to 7 feet

G. R.— 13

194 Geological Report.

Ashman & Glasgow employ on an average aboat 25 hands when the weather is suited for out-door work. This stone is easily worked, and is free from chertj concretions or spar, and when dressed has a very white appearance. It is cut into coping, ashlers, curbing, gutter flags, also for cellars and sidewalks. The principal market for this stone is Cincinnati, where large quantities are sold. The Niagara limestone outcrops to the west of this on the head waters of Otter creek and continues to Napoleon, in Jackson township. It is exposed on the head waters of Laughery creek, which rises in the flats" sonth of Napoleon, and flows north.

1. Light colored clay soil, with ochre shades

helowp sand and an occasional boulder.. 4 to 15 feet.

2. Blue and gray mottled limestone, in lay-

ers 14, 10, 8 and 3 inches; it has a rough

surface as at Flat rock, and is in all 15 to 20 feet

3. Light-brown stratified limestone, with cri-

noid stems, and frasments of Trilobites,

CkdrivMfMi hlumenbaehiij also occasional

clay layers 8 to 10 feet

A short distance east of this Laughery creek flows over the summit of the Lower Silurian, but before its junction with the Ohio river, below Aurora, has cut down the Cincinnati rocks to a great depth. The elevation by railroad levels, at South Milan, in Franklin township, on the O. & M. railway, is 507 feet above the Ohio. An abundance of good building limestone, (Niagara), crops about Napoleon, and is easy of access. Quarries could be opened at many localities, which would afiord good stone for foundations, superstructure, flagging or for lime, but there being no demand for stone at this place, and no facilities for transportation, this interest lies dormant. Having traced the Niagara formation for three seasons past, from the Falls of the Ohio, in Clarke county, where it is marked by the chain coral, Halysites catenulata, and at Utica, in the same county, by Caryocrinus ornatus, and many other fossil forms, I find the beds to be very uniform, and charged with char* acteristic fossils throughout its course, OthooeroJta being

Bipley County. 195

especially abundant. The Niagara rooks thin out to a line on the east, where they lap upon the Lower Silurian.

This survey has shown the eastern border of the sub-carboniferous to be in Floyd Clarke and Scott counties; the Devonian in Jefferson and Jennings and lastly, the Niagara in Ripley county, while to the east are heavy beds oi Lower Silurian.

Quatebnaby.

The Quaternary beds in this county rest immediately on the Paleozoic rocks, which are Cincinnati and Niagara. The thickest beds of glacial sand and clay, with boulders, are to be found in the northern part of the county. Numerous hills of yellow sand occur in the northeastern part of Adams township, near the county line bordering on Dearborn and Franklin counties. These sands lie quite evenly bedded, showing dark and lighter shades of color, and are from ten to fifteen feet in thickness, and in some localities covered with thick beds of clay. Good beds of brown sand are seen along the sand ridge on the land of John Schlicht, four to five miles north of Sunman, near the Dearborn county line, section 32, range 13. The drift is of moderate thickness along Plum creek, in this township, composed of sand and boulders. Evidences of glaciation are to be seen over the entire county, and doubtless the Paleozoic rocks will be found marked by the abrading forces then at work. The cutting away of solid rock strata is evident from what is developed by the well at South Milan, on the O. & M. railway. In this locality, heavy beds of very hard limestone are at the surface, (see section at quarry of E. Shockley, above given) . These limestone beds are very continuous about South Milan, and some quarries are opened on the " flats' adjoining the town. The O. & M. Railway Co. had occasion to sink a well at this place for a water supply, and the following is a section of what it passed through :

1. Light colored clay soil.. 10 to 14 feet

2. Yellow clay, with flint gravel and fossil

corals 12 feet*

3. Blue glacial clay. 12 feet.

196 Geological Report.

4. Ck>ar8e yellow sand with recent shells and

water 8 feet

'5. Blue clay, muck, containing roots and

limbs of trees... 8 feet.

Total oL 54 feet.

liVithoat reaching stone as has been shown compact beds

of limestone occur in the immediate vicinity.

Here we have evidence of a deep glacial cutting that was

subsequently filled by deposits of the Champlain period.

There are extensive " flats in this county about the head

waters of Laughery creek and to the west of that stream

and lying between the head waters of Otter creek Graham

and other streams. The " flats " are composed of a light

colored surface clay with a trace of sand and terminating

downwards in clay of various shades of color. An average

section of this deposit was obtained at Henry Dawson's.

He is mining clay for the tile and brick works of R. W,

mith and H. Dawson at Sunman, Adams township.

1. Light colored clay with a trace of iron,

used for brick 3 feet.

2. Light blue to deep blue, used for tiles 4 feet

3. Ocherous shades with blue 2 to 3 feet

4. Blue and yellow, clear blue sand with

water ?

The clays of this period throughout the county have the .same general appearance with a trace of black sand which is to be seen in streaks and in the washings on the roadside. It readily adheres to the magnet when dry. The alluvium found along the streams or hillsides is the result of the weathering of limestones and shales of the Niagara and Cincinnati epochs decayed vegetation and the sand and clays of the glacial drift. This commingling of various strata forms a highly productive soil.

Antiquities.

More than the usual number of pre-historic relics are found in this county, comprising stone axes arrow points ;spear heads, knives, fleshers, and ornaments of various forms. I have discovered in this county, over twenty

Bipley County. 197

moands of various sizes and shapes principally along Laughery creek which flows through the county* and empties into Ohio river, below Aurora. It is not surprising that along so large a stream as this, with elevated bluffis and in close proximity to the Ohio river, pre-historic worksshould be abundant. It is worthy of note, that there is a greater variety of structure in these mounds than in the counties on the south. In company with James W. Pate County Clerk, and others, I visited a large earth mound in Brown township, one mile north of Hart's mill, east bluff of Laughery, northeast quarter, section 2, township 6, range 12, land of widow Praute. This mound is some seventyfive feet in diameter at the base, and, as I was informed, was originally fifteen to twenty feet in hight, but at the time of our visit, measured near twelve feet. The owner of the land had recently attempted to plow it down. This earth mound was opened by some parties a few years since,, and found to contain animal bones, mussel shells, ashes,, coals and glazed pottery. I was informed by Wm. L. Cornell, a very intelligent man who settled here in 1818, but came west from Fayette county, Penn., as early as 1803,. that eighteen rods west of the large mound, there was another mound covered with stones in which human bones were found. Mr. Cornell also informed me that he and his son, some years ago, opened a vault, some forty rods southeast of the large mound mentioned above. This vault was covered with loose stones, resting on a covering of flag-stones, laid with broken joints so as to exclude the soiL Upon removing the covering they found three skeletons lying east and west. The length of these skeletons was respectively five feet, four and a half feet, and three and & half feet. Another mound, one hundred rods from the large mound, also covered with stone, contained human bones. At the time of my visit we opened an earth mound, three-eighths of a mile southwest of the large mound. This mound was sixty feet in diameter, and found to contain nothing but a few arrow points. A short distance west of the latter we opened a flat mound, made by

198 Geological Keport.

setting stones on edge, and forming a hollow space in the center in which we found fragments of human skulls, and other animal bones. This is, perhaps, the most noted cluster of mounds in the countj and all traces of them will soon be lost. The blvtfis of Laughery on which the large mound is located, are very elevated, and afford a commanding view ; the stream in seen wending its way to the south, along the base of the bluffs, which are lined with dense forests, and fertile alluvial lands.

Another earth mound, 66 feet in diameter, is to be seen in this township, section 28, and three quarters of a mile southeast ot Cross Plains, on the land of A. Bowe; numerous flint chips were seen here, and a few flint arrow-points collected. The greater part of the implements found in this county are made of the native chert.

Two miles below Versailles, section 12, land of J. Warman, there is, on an elevated bluff of Laughery creek, an earthwork of quadrilateral form, with the parallel sides slightly deviating from north and south. The earth is thrown up from the center, and the walls are two feet high on the inside, and three feet on the outside ; length of the walls 30 and 40 feet on the outside, and 16 and 20 feet on the inside. The view from here is, as usual, very good, and overlooks another earth mound in the valley below.

East of Osgood, below the mouth of Plum creek, in company with J. M. Roberts, I examined a cijrcular embankment situated on a second bottom of Laughery creek, which measured about 360 feet in circumference. The earth is thrown from within, leaving an elevation in the centre, which is connected with an entrance-way from the north. The grounds around are strewn with flint chips. Some other conical earth mounds are found within a half mile of this. In company with J. T. Dashiel, I examined an earth mound on Laughery above the mouth of Bipley creek. This mound had previously been opened and found to contain bones and charcoal, with large boulders. We also examined an earthwork on the bluffs of Ripley creek, rather

Bipley County. 199

elliptical in shapeand measured near 300 feet in circomferenoe on the center of the embankment which is 12 feet at the base. Here the earth was also thrown from the inside, leaving a raised center which connected with an entranceway from the west. This earthwork was located in a very dense forest swarming with mosquitos, and the ground is thickly covered with ferns, of which I collected the following varieties: Aspidium angudifolivmy A9pidivm{f), Phe gopteres hexagonoptera (f), Adiantum pedatwn {f)y Phegop teris ojfstopieria (f), P. polypodiodes,

In company with Dr. William H. H. Hunter, I visited a rather unique m6und on a high bluff, a short distance southwest of Versailles, and located on the old Hunter fiu!in. This work was composed of stones set on edge, and near the form of a cross ; also, some upright stones rising one above another like steps. An earth mound was seen in the orchard on the second bottom below. An earth mound of considerable dimensions is situated in the cemetery at Versailles. A short distance above this locality at Prospect Spring,' which issues from near the summit of the bluffs, and furnishes a constant flow of cool water, on the land of Mrs. J. H. Smi, mound builders' relics are frequently found, which leads to the inference that this was a fieivorite camping ground.

In company with Wm. M. PuUaim, I examined a mound on the land of Elijah Stark, east of Versailles, situated on the bluffs of Cedar creek. This is an earth mound, 46 &et in diameter, and recently opened by Mr. Pullaim, who at the depth of about four feet, exhumed human skull bones partifklly burned, samples of which I saw. He also found in the mound several inches of ashes, with charcoal. It is impossible at present to give more than a short sketch of a few of the numerous mounds found in this county. Altogether, this is an interesting field for the study of prehistoric works.

The usual fiurm crops of the State are cultivated in this county : com, oats, wheat, grass, potatoes and buck-wheat.

200 Geological Report.

The agriculturists of this county have two distinct grades of firm lands. Firsts on the flats/' so-called a retentive clay soil, with but a few inches of vegetable mold. This land is a cold, compact, tenacious clay, with a little sand in some parts. These lands should be under-drained to render them productive. Second, lands that are made up from the weathering of limestone, drift, clay and sand, and vegetable mold. These lands constitute the most productive in the county. The drainage here is better, and the soil being porous, it is not so much effected by excessive drouth or rains. The bottom lands along Laughery creek are a detritus of the Lower Silurian, and are of remarkable fertility.

Hops are grown in some of the northern townships of the county, but formerly more extensively than at present. G. W. Ferine, in Delaware township, a short distance from Eei Station, O. & M. Eailway, cultivates several acres of hops. Other farmers in this township also cultivate a few acres. Adams township was formerly the most extensive field for hop culture, and a considerable area is still devoted to that object. Hops are planted like corn, but in much wider rows and are stuck wit]} three poles, 14 to 16 feet in length, to the hill. A planting of hops will last for several years. They are cultivated like corn, by plowing and hoeing. The yield per acre is from 200 to 700 pounds, rarely 1000 pounds. The average yield is about 500 pounds per acre. The price varies from ten to fifty cents per pound, baled. I heard of one extra crop raised some years ago that gave 11,000 pounds from nine acres and brought in the market 12 cents per pound. Rolling land with a deep, loose, clay sub-soil is considered the best for the growth of hops. The grub is found troublesome about the roots of plants of long standing.

Buckwheat is also extensively grown in this county, and a large area was sown this season on account of the fidlure of the wheat crop. This grain blooms late and affords a good resort for bees.

Ripley County. 201

Timber.

Sipl7 county had, originally, a very heavy growth of timber. In sections of the northern part, the growth is almost exclusively white oak; in other sections, exclusively beech, while in other localities the two are combined and interspersed with other varieties. The forests on the 'flats'' are remarkable for the abundance and size of the trees and the occasional thick undergrowth, woven together with grape vines which add much to the density of the woods. The cutting of white oak for staves has deprived these forests of their best timber, yet some scopes of wood which have been preserved bear testimony to large and abundant growth of the primitive forests. The timber on the rolling land and along the streams, are poplar, black and white walnut, white oak, black oak, water oak, gtmi, hackberry, ash, water maple, elm, sycamore, etc.

There are a number of saw mills throughout the county. I am indebted to Mr. J. L. Stiles, manufacturer and wholesale dealer in lumber and in heavy timber, at Milan, for the lumber products of the county. There are at present, in the county, twenty saw and twelve grist mills. The approximate amount of lumber cut during the past year, is 2,000,000 feet, or, 100,000 for each mill. J. L. Stiles, with two mills, has cut about 300,000 feet. The depressed market for lumber has resulted in a much less amount cut this year than in 1873, when it was estimated at 5,000,000 feet.

list of saw mills: Daniel Stevenson & Sons Sunman; Jacob "Walters, Sunman; John Gro, Rei; Sage & J3ro., Sei; M. Clark & Bro., Eei ; C. A. Kenlog & Bro., Milan ; J. S. Jorden, Pierceville; O. T. Googins, Pierceville; T. & W. D. Wilson, Osgood; Wm. Sheem, Holton; Mr. Henten, Holton; J. Pearsons & Bro., Versailles; Thompson & Alexander, Milan; Degner & Co., Elrod; B. Heaton, Elrod; Joseph Jackson, Delaware; Mr. Thackery, Ballstown; J. L. Stiles, one heavy and one light steam saw mill.

202 Geological Report.

Conclusion.

In oonclueion thanks are due to the citizens of Ripley county for courtesy and assistance in my work. The following named rendered special aid : Benjamin F. Harrell, Benjamin D. Brown of New Marion, Shelby township ; Lewis Boszt, County Commissioner, Henry Schmolsmire, John Sweazy M. D. Alpheus Hunter Cross Plains, Brown township ; Dr. Wm. H. H, Hunter, James W. Pate, County Clerk, J. B. B.ebuck, Attorney at Law, Wm. M. Pullianii C. C. Bryant, John H, Wernke, Auditor Ripley county, Versailles, Johnson township; R. W. Glasgow, Robert Young, J. B. Foy, J. M. Roberts, Osgood, Center township ; C. B. Johnson, Napoleon ; Dr. Clark, Rev. Wm. H. Burton, J. H. Drake, M. D., J. T. Dashiel, G. W. Perrin, Rei, Delaware township ; D. B. Abbott, M. D., E. Shockly, J. L. Stiles, Milan, Franklin township ; A. Hazeu, Richard W. Smith, Henry Dawson, John Schlicht, Herman Nieman, Dr. Davis, J. Severinghouse, Esq., Adams township.

Orange County.

Pbop. E. T. Cox,

State Geologist.

Deab Sib : — We herewith submit a Beport of a Geological Survey, of Orange county.

Thanking you for valuable aid, and for many courtesies, we are Yours,

M. N. Elrod, M. D.

E. S. McINTIRE, M. D. Orleans, Ind., December 30, 1875.

Desobiption.

Orange county is one of the second tier of counties in the southern part of the State. It is nearly square, and has an area of four hundred square miles. It is bounded on the north by Lawrence, on the west by Martin and Dubois, on the south by Crawford, and on the east by Crawford and Washington counties.

Topographically it may be divided into two divisions, corresponding to the St. Louis and Chester formations. The first district, embracing the northeast part of the county, is comparatively devoid of hills, but much cut up and broken by the sinkholes and basins so peculiar and characteristic of the concretionary limestone regions of Lawrence, Washington and Harrison counties of this State, and parts of Kentucky. These basins are not so

204 Geologioal Report.

deep as to seriously interfere with forming and lend variety to an otherwise monotonous level. Along the banks of Carter's creek, and between Carter's creek church and Lost river, is a range of moderately high blu£b that are, to a certain extent, the counterpart of the St. Louis limestone hills of Sugar crcck, in Lawrence county. The second division, embracing the southern, western and central parts of the county, is hilly and broken* Some of these hills rise to an altitude of three hundred feet above the neighboring valleys. Much of this district is cut up by ranges of high ridges that follow the course of the creeks and rivers, and few gaps of communication are open from one valley to another. The scenery is wild and picturesque. The high, castellated bluffs of sand and the lichen-covered rocks of massive limestone awaken in the beholder feelings of awe at the vast power that has, in past ages, been brought into action in eroding and excavating the deep valleys he sees on every hand. Where once the waves of a mighty ocean beat, there is now but the gentle murmur of some rivulet. Beautiful views of the surrounding country may be had from the hill-tops in the vicinity of Orangeville, Paoli and French Lick, and few other regions of country furnish such cozy and healthful nooks in which to build pleasant homes.

Natural Drainage.

Patoka and Lost rivers, and their tributaries are the principal streams. Their general course is from east to west, while the course of their tributaries is from northeast and southeast to northwest and southwest. The range of high lands and ridges, as may be seen on the map, running from east to west through Jackson, the north part of Greenfield and Southeast townships, form the divide between the headwaters of these two streams. Patoka rises in Stamper Creek township, and drains the southern third of the county, and empties into the Wabash, below the mouth of White river. Its principal tributaries in the county are Cane creek and Young's creek and Golden's

Orange County. 205

creek on the norths and Grimes' creek on the south. Tucker's creek empties into it at the bend above Newton Stewards farm, in Crawford county. Lost river and its branches. Carter's creek, Lick creek, and French Lick creek drain the central and northern parts of the county. It rises .in Washington county, and empties into the East Fork of White river, in the southern part of Martin county. Lick creek is the largest tributary. It and French Lick creek are the tributaries from the south, with the exception of Lost river, above the first sink and Stamper's creek, that have their sources in the St. Louis limestone. All the principal springs of the county break at the top of the lower and middle Chester limestones, and being charged with carbonate of lime, are known as hard waters. None of these streams are of very great economic importance yet several flouring mills are in successful operation on Patoka and Lost rivers. With good dams and machinery that would utilize ' all the power, they might be made much more profitable.

General Geology.

The rocks of Orange county all belong to the great Carboniferous Age or Age of Coal Plants, and to the Subcarboniferous period, except a narrow belt of Carboniferous conglomerate, the base of the true coal measures found on the west side of the county.

The strata dip from east to west, with a slight bearing to the south. The dip is not quite uniform; for miles it appears to be at the rate of fifteen feet to the mile. Exceptions may be seen in the north side of the hiU, west of French Lick springs, where the dip is to the west at the rate of one hundred feet to the mile, and on the bank of Lick creek, on the road from Paoli to Vincennes, where it is to the east, but these are only local irregularities. The oldest rocks are found in the northeast part of the county, hence, in passing from east to west, we advance successively from the lower to the higher or more recent deposits.

206 Geological Report.

The subjoined oonneoted section is made from local tions taken at isolated points on or near the course of Lost river and Lick creek. The numbers in the first column refer to the general divisions, while those in the second refer to the local sub-divisions. References by number in the following pages refer to the general divisions of the first column.

CJONNECTED SECJIION OF ORANGE COUNTy.

Quatemaryy or Age of Man,

Ft. In.

1. Alluviam and soils 10 00

2. Lacasiral and drift 25 00

Carb0Nifeh0U8 Age.

Carboniferotis Period,

3. Ck)nglomerate, or Millstone epoch.

1. Coarse sandstone, locally filled with peb-

bles, heavy bedded or friable 40 00

2. Coal, probably Coal A 1 06

3. Sandstone, or shale.. 60 00

4. Siliceous iron ore 6 00

5. Massive sandstone, irregularly bedded and

at the base filled with leaves and stems of Stigmaria* 20 00

6. Whetstone grit, fine grained, even bedded,

with shaly partings, the lower member highly fossiliferous. Paoli vetuBta, Lepidodendron obovaium, Stemb. X. Vcdiheimianufn Stemb. L. dichotomtmy Stemb. SphenojUeris latifolia Brgt. S, tridaetylu, Brgt jNewopteris SmiMi Lesq. N, Elrodi Lesq. (sp. n.) Stig' mariaf CordaUeSy eto 24 00

7. Shale, with fossils 2 00

8. Coal, with underlying fire-day 1 00

9. Shaly sandstone 3 00

10. Massive sandstone, locally glass sand, where suficientlr firm, grindstone grit 35 00

Obanqe County. 207

Sub-Cabbonifebous Period.

Chester Oroup,

4. Cheeter limestone. No. 3 or upper.

1. Limestone, cherty at the top. Fossils — AihyriB aubtUita, A. Bcyisni, PentremUea pyriformif Arehimedea Wortheni, ZaphrentU apinuloaa, Spirifer (inecUva, and /Votftceti 17 00

5. Chester sandstone. No. 8 or upper.

1. Heavy bedded and massive, locally the true grindstone grit, in some places red and blue shales near the base... 105 00

6. Chester limestone. No. 2 or middle.

1. Massive and heavy bedded. Fossils same

as upper 26 00

7. Chester sandstone. No. 1 or lower.

1. Heavy bedded or shaly, red or blue... 5 00

2. Coal, generally persistent.. 04

3. Sandstone or shale, locally quarry-stone

and flagging. Fossils — SUgmaria, leaves

and stems 30 00

8. Chester limestone. No. 1 or lower.

1. Limestone, massive and heavy bedded, lo-

cally quarry-stone. Fossils — PtmtremiiM pyriformis, TerehrahUa bovideMj Sellerophcn earhonarius, EhynehoneUa wbeuneata, B. mutato, Trilobites, etc ; 50 00

2. Chester chert, non-fossiliferous.. 1 00

3. Limestone, locally lithographic. Fossils —

Spirifer striatust Terehraiula ftovideM, iZAynehoneUa aubcuneakkf Syringopora miuUUUnuafa BroduUi, etc 40 00

St. Louis Group.

9. Chert

1. Highly bryossoic. Fossils— iVoducfttf coro, P. $emi-T€ticukUui, BeUerophon lemSf Dentor Hum jM-ttnartum, Athyria aanbigucL Flatycercks (sp.?) ZaphreniU aptnuOM, Hendpronites crentstrta, Spirifer BlifiaJtus, AUariema, Pinna, LUhottrotUm OanadeMey L. proliferwnf and CSuenamya rhomboidea / 3 00

10. Conretionary limestone.

Locally an even bedded, magnesian firestone, at other points massive and concretionaiy. Fossila much same as chert.. 50 00

208 Geological Report.

11. Limestone, locally cements 3 00

12. Porous limestone 4 00

13. Argillaceous limestone, hydraulic 15 00

14. Cannel coal a trace.

15. Bituminous limestone 10 00

Total : 583 10

Local Geology.

8t. Lome Group.

The St. Louis limestones and cherts are the sur&ce rocks of the northeast part of the oounty and embrace an irregular area of about seventy-four square mileS; within which are included the whole of Northeast, much the larger part of Orleans, the northeast comer of Paoli and the northern part of Stampers Creek townships. The region of county under consideration, is broken by a range of bluffs that set in at the first sink of Lost river and run up Carter's creek to Carter's creek church, and thence south to Lost river. These bluffs vary in hight from forty to fifty feet, and seem to be a continuation of the group of Lower Chester limestone hills shown on the map as occuring in the southeast pari of Orleans township. It is not probable they are the anticlinal of an upheaval but the result of a general system of erosion to which the whole county has been subjected, and as they form the southern limits of the Lacustral clays of Northeast township and determine the course of Carter's creek, it is reasonable to suppose they were in existence prior to the close of the drift period. Besides the bluffs, the surface of the country is broken by peculiar basin-shaped cavities known as sinkholes. These basins vary in depth from a few inches to forty or more feet and from a few yards to five acres in area. The larger ones invariably show broken fragments of chert on the sides Usually this exposure of chert is much the most conspicuous on the northern and eastern parts, while the other sides have the greatest depth of soil and clay.

Orange County, 20

A peculiar feature of the country covered with sinkholes is the absence of springs and brooks or any continuous; system of surface drainage. The excess of rain-fall would ac<}umulate in the basins and form ponds were it not that they nearly all have subterranean channels through which the excess of water is carried off. When these openings become closed, lasting ponds are formed, and this is very liable to be the case, after the surrounding lands are put under cultivation, from the wash that is carried into then from the adjoining slopes. Especially is this the case along: the roadsides and in old fields where the wash is largely mixed with red clay that soon forms an impervious bottom. The remedy is to keep the original underground channel open.

The lithological characters of the St. Louis rocks are* extremely variable, changing within a few yards, so that uo two sections will give exactly the same results. The age and relative position of each strata can only be determined by its fossils, and this is often rendered much more difficult by their absence. It seems, however, that the strata becomes thicker and more uniform both in structure and fossils as we advance to the west.

As it is only the upper members of the St. Louis group that are seen in Orange county, we did not have an opportunity to determine the exact succession of the strata, and their relations in the outcrops in Lawrence and Washington counties. The solving of this question, is rendered more difficult by the clays and sands that cover the older rocks and prevent the study of the strata in any direct line of exposure. But from an examination of the southern part of Lawrence county, in Bono township, we found that the highest and most recent rocks seen north of the lacustral clays and within one mile of the county line, were the Vermicular limestones of Prof. CoUett. The Bedford limestone occupies a still lower geological horizon immediately under the Vermicular, and can be had in vast quantities from the banks of Sugar creek. It is to this region the G. B.— 14

210 Geolo&Ioal Report.

people of the northeast corner of this county should look for good building stone.

The bituminous limestone, No. 15 of the connected secsion is seen on the west bank of Carter's creek, on the fitrm of C. Weires section 32, township 3 north, range 1 east, 4it which place the following section was made :

BEOnON NO 1, cabteb's cbeek.

Coyered space.

Aigillaceoos limestone, hydraulic 12 ft

Cannel coal seam, No. 1 of connected section trace.

Bituminous limestone 10 ft*

Total 22 ft

At this place, and on the farm of J. M. Greenslade, near

idle county line on Lost river, the bituminous limestone is

an even, heavy-bedded stone of a dark bluish or black

color that emits a feted odor when struck with the

hammer. On exposure to the weather it exfoliates and

splits into thin laminae. It outcrops in the deep holes

along the bottom of Carter's creek down to Island churchy

and down Lost river to Trimble's grave yard. The next

stratum in ascending order is a thin seam of impure cannel

coaI, ranging from a mere trace to four inches in thickness*

Along Carter's creek it is constant. Near Island school

house, during high water, it is washed up from the bed of

the creek, and as it burns readily when thrown on a

'blazing fire, many persons have supposed that by digging

iinto the bluff it would be found in paying quantities. As

no workable beds of coal have heretofore been found so

low down in the geological scale as this, time and money

pent prospecting will only result in disappointment.

Above the coal trace next in order comes the argillaceous limestone. No. 13 of the connected section: At its base, on Carter's, it is a compact, thin-bedded, grayish stone,- having a sub-conchoidal fracture that indicates hydraulic properties. On Lost river it is more earthy, and at the Trimble farm has an exposure of over thirty feet. At the farm of IE. Elliott, section 6, township 2 north, range 1 east, it has

Orange County. 211

a thickness of fifteen feet, and in the middle and top portions is very earthy, equal to rotten stone, that may be of local value as a polisher. The subjoined section was made Above the spring at this place :

SECTION NO. 2, CABTEK's CBEEK.

Slope, with fragments of chert, thin bedded stone, No. 11 of the connected sections, fossils, valves of Spiirer and Betda 3 ft

Porous limestone, No. 12 of the connected section 4 ft.

Argillaceous limestone. No. 18 of connected section 15 ft.

Total 22 ft

. No well preserved fossils were seen except in the chert. In the argillaceous strata we found a large cast of Belles rophon. A few pieces of a dark flint stone, filled with the peculiar little fossils so abundant at Spergen hill and other places in the lower beds of the St. Louis group, were found. The porous limestone here seen has much the appearance externally of the' Vermicular of Lawrence county, but is a softer, earthy stone. It will not make good lime. In fact, none of the stone seen in this region will prove of much economic value, unless as a cement rock. The lithological characters of the strata change rapidly in passing down Lost river and Oarters creek, so that at the bluff east of Nebo, while the thin-bedded stone No. 11 still retains its appearanoe, the other members have become much more compact. Opposite the bluff, a stone, the equivalent of the argillaceous, has been quarried for foundations of houses, but is too soft to stand the weather. At the crossing of the Orleans and Livonia road, on Lost river, all the strata have become compact except the porous limestone, at which place we made the following section :

Sbction No. 3, Fobd Of Lost Bivbb.

Slope, containing fragments of chert with fossils,

LUhoatrotioMf Produetii BeUerophon levis, Dentaiium, etc. 16 ft.

Concretionary limestone, No. 10 of the connected section, with numerons fossils, I\-oductu8 cora, Spirifer, plates and spines of Arehceoddaris Wortkeni and crinoid stems 24 ft

212 Geological Report.

Porous limeetone, No. 12 of the connected section 6 ft

Oompact limestone, No. 13 of the connected section... 10 tf.

Total 66 ft

The coDcretionary limestoDe of the above section mighty with equal propriety, be called Bryozoic Denialium or lithographic limestone. If we correctly interpret Prof. Cox'a remarks in " Geological Survey of Indiana, 1870," page 139, this is the equivalent of the lithographic stone of Harrison county. Here it is massive stone of a grayish color, generally breaking with a chonchoidal fracture, and in texture presenting the characters of a lithographic stone. The concretions found in it are in thin, flat plates or nodules. The rounded forms are without fossils, and correspond to the amorphous geodes of Prof. Collett, in his report on the geology of Lawrence county. They are of all forms and shapes, and frequently present a striking resemblance to the head of some animal or a fruit. The laminated form occurs in irregular masses, ranging from a few lines to two or more inches in thickness, and from one to three feet in diameter. They are of a darker and more flinty appearance than other cherts, and are nearly always fossiliferous. This strata is the limestone generally met with beneath the chert and soil at Orleans, and in Orleans, Paoli and Stamper's Creek townships. It is the limestone exposed over a belt of country varying from four to five miles wide, running from Orleans towards Livonia. Good exposures may be seen on Lost river, east of the farm of James A. Frost, in section 2, township 2 north, and range 1 west, and at the railroad cut east of Orleans. Below the third sink of Lost river it becomes more magnesian, is almost destitute of bryozoans, and scarcely ever lithographic. At the fourth sink of Lost river, on the lisurm of B. C. Elrod, the following section was made by Prof. Richard Owen, in his Geological Survey of Indiana, 1859-60, page 143. It is here inserted for comparison, and as exemplifying the changes and differencesin this strata at different points :

Obange County. 213

-%-

SBCnOM NO. 4. AT FOUBTH fllMK OF LOGrT BITES,

General level of snrronnding farms 25 to 30 ft

High water mark 6 ft

Chert in loose masses on river bank 2 to 4 ft.

Crystalline limestone 8 to 10 ft.

Thin shales and detritus.. 10 ft

Soft magneeian limestone 46 ft

Lithostrotion limestone.. 8 to 18 ft

Disappearance of the river 8 to 10 ft

Subterranean level near the gulf, above the sea 430 ft

From the same author we learn that, according to Col. Stansbury and Mr. Williams, the court house at Paoli is £99 feet above the level of the sea, and consequently 169 feet above the sink of Lost river.

Frodueti and Spirifer %triaiu8 Yere noticed in all the 49trata, together with fragments of Archceoddaria Worlheni in the upper crystalline member, and Lithostrotion Chna dense in the chert. Outcrops of a still darker and less fossiliferous stone, of the same horizon as that under consideration, may be seen at the cave spring, at the crossing of the Orleans and Yincennes road, on the dry bed of Lost river, and at the Wesley Chapel gulf. The top member of the concretionary limestone, at many places is very evenly bedded, the lamina ranging in thickness from one inch to two feet. This form of the rock is locally known as firesione, and is in repute for making jambs and hearths, where it will not be subjected to a very high temperature. It splits with wonderful evenness, and may be broken into almost any shape wanted, with the hammer. It outcrops on the farm of Ben. P. Chatham, southeast of Orleans, where the following section was made:

Sbchon No. 5, On Fajuc Of B. P. Chatham.

Slope covered 16.00

Building stone, white and fine grained, No. 8 6.00

Lithographic limestone, No. 8 of connected sections... 18.00

Chert, fossiliferous, No. 9 of connected sections 2.00

Firestone, thin bedded above, No. 10 10.00

Massive limestone, No. 10 12.00

Total 64.00

214 Geological Befobt.

The firestones also outcrop on the road from Orleans to Qrangeville just west of the crossmg of Lost river below Alfred Bruner's farm, and on his farm, also near Orangeville and north of the sand hill near Orleans.

The cherts, No. 9 of the connected section, are the most conspicuous and widely distributed of the rocks of the St. Louis group. Having resisted the eroding action that has worn away the less resisting limestones, they are everywhere strewn over the sur&ce of the ground, and buried in the red clays. Besides the regular beds under consideration vast quantities of smaller specimens are from the concretionary limestone. Lithologically they differ very much in hardness, fracture and color. Those found on the western and southern borders of the St. Louis limestones are characterized by a highly red color, derived from the infiltration and deposit of hydrous peroxide of iron, while those found in the northeast part and along Stamper's creek are stained a brown color by the brown oxide, giving them much the appearance of chalcedony. In hardness they are equally variable ; those that are highly bryozoic are soft and easily broken or split, but usually breaking or crumbling into irregular fragments ; those that are very hard break into square or wedge-shaped pieces. Exposures of these last may be seen on the Orleans and Paoli road. Aside from the valves of a spirifer seen sticking on the surface of stone they are not fossiliferous. Near Cave spring and on the lower dry bed of Lost river where the chert forms the surface rock and has not been disturbed by the forces that have removed the superincumbent limestone, we find it very hard and silicious, of a gray color and abounding in fossils. At these points it is a true buhreioney and has been used as such in making a run of stone in the old Orangeville mill. The distribution of these rooks have been sufficiently indicated above. The bryozoans found in it are frequently most perfect and beautiful, and belong to some one or more species of Polypora, probably F. grdciUs and P. JETam- iUonensis. Specimens of a Pinna are found in it, measuring over five inches in length. No crinoids have been found.

Orange County. 215-

though portions ossicles, of stems are not infreqaent, and one very pretty little star fish was picked np near Orleans. The cherts, when decomposed in consequence of the free admixture of iron, give rise to the red clays (paint). The chert may be seen in place on the farm of B. P. Chatham, at the rise of Stampers creek, near the residence of George YanCleve, and at the Wesley Chapel gulf, where the following section was made :

Section No. 6, At Wesley Chafel Gulf.

Slope, with sandstone capping the hill, massive limestone, with shaly partings and thin beds of

argillaceons stone 60.0(y

Chert, foBsililerons No. 9 of connected section. 8.00*

Concretionary limestone to low water No. 10 30.00

Total 93.00

Chesteb Geoup.

Within this group is embraced the remaining undesoribed' limestones and all the sandstones, except those capping thehills on the west and south part of the county, that form a part of the conglomerate or millstone grit epoch. The eastern boundary has been sufBciently defined in describing the St. Louis. It is difBcult to give that on the west without a map. Suffice it, that a line starting on the north,, five miles east of the northwest corner of the county and running south to French Lick springs, thence in curvilinear course to the south part of the county, west of Valeene, will be nearly correct.

Beginning at the base of the group we have first the lower Chester limestone, No. 8, which, in many respects, is> a peculiar formation, especially as to thickness, when compared with the other strata, ranging from sixty to ninetjr feet, and in its greater uniformity of lithological charactersi and structure. Unlike the other limestones that are so* variable, so far as we have seen, one section, with slights modification, might be made to answer for the whole county. Taken as a whole, it is a massive crystalline stone

216 Geological Befobt.

frequently lithographio, very evenly stratified often vnth the heavier beds at the top.

A portion and sometimes the whole of this limestone has been referred to the St. Louis group. We think we have £Ood and sufficient paleontological reason for putting it in the Chester. The fossils found in it besides those enumer- :ated in the connected section are those that have heretofore been regarded as characteristic of the Chester group, and some of them, especijally Bellerophon carbonarius as confined to the coal measures. None of the fossils of the St. Louis limestone and cherts have been found in it, except those that are known to have a very great vertical range, as the Spirifers and Produeti, LUhostrotion Canadense and X. oliferum. Fossils peculiar to the St. Louis group have been found in great quantities in and below the St. Louis chert, (No 9), but never above it. The absence of these two fossils alone, we take it, is sufficient reason for making the division where we do, between the Chester and St. Louis, In coming to these conclusions we are greatly indebted to Prof. E. T. Cox, State Geologist, to whom was submitted for examination, a tolerably complete suite of fossils, from this horizon.

SBCnON NO. 7y SAND HILL NBAB OBLEANB.

Slope.

Sandstone, base glass sand, Ko. 7 of connected sec* tion 22.00

Heavy bedded limestone, lithographic and crystalline quarry stone; fossils, PAitftpaia, Euomphcdw planorhifarmiSf E, (N. S.?), Bellerophon eairbonariw, Bebda vera, Tlewotomaria (8p.?), TerebrcUula bovidena, BhynehoneUa mukLta, and Athyris whtUitaf No. 8 of connected section.. 36.00

Chester chert No. 8 1.00

limestone in thin strata; fossils, Atkyria ambigua and SyringoporOf No. 8 54.00

;St Louis chert, No, 9 2.00

limestone.

Total 92.00

The top member of the above section is very heavy; some

Orange Oouhty. 217

of the strata measuring over three feet in thickness. Stone has been taken from the quarry here for several years, and has been re-opened recently and some very excellent stone taken out. It was from this quarry that the stone for the foundation of the depot at Orleans was obtained. The experiment of burning lime from the lower member is being made with fair prospect of success.

EECnON NO. 8, LOCUST HILL, STAMPER'S CREEK TOWNSHIP.

Coarse-grained, even-bedded sandstone, No. 47.00

Shales, with bands of ochre, No. 5. 13.00

Compact, crystalline limestone; fossils, ArehimedeSf PetiUremUes pyriformisy P. Oordnni and IvdueU, 2 sp..

No. 6 17.00

Blue shale with ochre, No. 7 of connected section 8.00

Lower Chester limestone, No. 8. 60.00

r

Total 145.00

Section No. 9, At Acre Sinkhole, Stajcper'S Creek.

Heavy bedded quarry sandstone No. 5 10.00

Compact, massive limestone; fossils, Productut oora, P. iemvreUcuUUtUf Spirifer lineaius, Archvmede$ and Pmiro-

mitesy No. 6 25.00

Coarse sandstone, partly covered, No. 7 70.00

Limestone, with nodules of flint; fossils EwumphaiuB

and TerebrcOula bcvidau. No. 8 40.00

Chesterchert 1.00

Heavy bed limestone to S. C. Church, No. 8 45.00

Total 191.00

The lower Chester limestone here is filled with black flint nodules identical with those of the equivalent stone of Lawrence county and the chert of this section though nearly white is of the same character. In fact all the Chester cherts, wherever seen by us, have very much the appearance of a true flint or homstone and with propriety might be called flint rather than chert.

On the top of the hill at this point is a remarkable cavity known as the acre sinkhole." In shape it is almost perfectly round, and about 60 feet deep, with very abrupt sides, quite different from similar basins in the St. Louis formation.

218 Geological Report.

These well shaped openings are not unoommon in the Cihester. They are jreadily distinguished from true sinkholes by the absence of the chert their more regular outline, abrupt sides and the want of any central subterranean opening.

The upper sandstone No. 5, in this township, is a very evenly stratified stone, of buff color, that is readily quarried by a little stripping, in blocks of fair length, and in thickness ranging from ene to three feet. It makes excellent foundations for light buildings, such as barns and other wooden structures. It works easily and will weather well. Quarries have been opened on the Locust hill, on the land of Mrs. Clements and on the land of Henry Poison.

Section No. 10, Aib£Bt'8 Hill, Paoli.

Massive sandstone: fossils, leaves and stems of SHg

maria, No. 5, of connected section 30.00

Blue shales, No. 5 6.00

Crystalline limestone, with IVoductus cora, P. iemireticulatus, PeniremiUs pyriformiMt Arehimedes Spirifer

lineahUy Athyru wbtxIiUa and stems of crinoids No. 6 16.00

Encrinital limestone. No. 6 14.00

Sandstone, No. 7 8.00

Decomposed limestone, local 12.00

Sandstone massive, No. 7 22.00

Oiystalline massive limestone, No. 8 18.00

Lithographic limestone. No. 8 , .. 70.00

Total 196.00

The lower Chester sandstone. No. 7, which at many ])laces is a shale of no value, is in the vicinity of Paoli an evenbedded rock, in some places of sufficient thickness to make a good quarry stone. East of town, Mr. Kibler has opened a quarry in which beds of stone measuring two and three feet thick are exposed. On the lands of Mr. J. C. Albert, section 25, township 2 north, range 1 west, is a quarry of a pretty tea-green stone, from which blocks of almost any required size can be taken. For flagging, these sandstones are very superior. Along the banks of Lick creek the

Orange County. 219

lower Chester limestone has been found to be a good building stone. The rock used in the court house is from this horizon and demonstrates that when carefully selected it is a very excellent stone for foundations of heavy structures. It is probable that the lower strata will be found to contain less crystalline matter and fewer glass seams.

SBCnON NO. 11, AT OASAWAY HILL.'

Blue and red shales, No. 5 27.00

Sandstone flagging, No. 5 16.00

Limestone, with PeniremiUa obeeuSf P. pyrormU, Poter'

ioerinua Biueilif JVodue and AffattiMocrvnm eoniew 80.00

Soft sandstone 1.06

Blue shale 1.06

Tellow ochre .06

Coal .04

Soft sandstone, No. 7 12.00

Lower Chester limestone t 42.00

Chester chert 1.00

Total 121.10

The above section is given to show the place of a thin coal seam that outcrops here and in the hills on the east. It has no fireclay beneath it one of the essentials of a true coal bed. It is not likely that any of these coals will ever pay for opening, as no workable beds have been found below the Chester limestone.

Sbction No. 12, At Oranqbyille.

Massive sandstone, stained with iron ore 45.00

Middle Chester limestone, No. 6 19.00

Shaly sandstone. No. 7 18.00

Ochre, with a trace coal and iron ore 1.00

Lower Chester limestone, with Terebratula homdens

and BynchoneUa wbmjuneaia in lower members.. 95.00

St Louis limestone to low water... 80.00

Total 208.00

In the vicinity of Chambersburgh and Yaleene and the southeastern part of the county the Lower Chester is the prevailing limestone. It is exposed on the hill-sides and

220 Geological Bepoet.

in the valleys of Greenfield Jackson, French Lick, Orangeville and Northwest townships, and is the only limestoae of any economic value in these regions. Throughout ihe remainder of the county it retains the same characters that have been described as belonging to it, in the preceding pages.

At the farm of Mr. Kinley Osborn we were shown an argillaceous stone near the base of this stratum that seems to have hydraulic qualities. The bed is about eight feet thick and should be tested. An analysis could scarcely determine the quality of the cement it would make. Actual manufacture is the best method.

Sbction No. 13, Cm Boad South Of Fbengh Uck.

Conglomerate sandstone, No. 3 of connected section... 45.00 Upper Chter limestone, with band of chert at the top ; fossils, Arehimede9 Wwihen% Athyris Bayitsn, A, wMUitaf Pentremites robuitust P, pyrifor-

mU, Spwifer lineahu and Prcdueti 15.00

Coarse sandstone. No. 5 35.00

Coarse grit, No. 5 20.00

Massiye sandstone, No. 5 40.00

Blue shale, No. 5 12.00

Middle Chester limestone, No. 6 18.00

Sandstone and blue shales to Chester limestone 31.00

Total 216.00

Here we have the upper Chester sandstone well developed, and showing an average thickness. In it is found the true grindstone grits, and valuable building stone. Commercially, next to the whetstone grit, it is the most valuable stratum of stone in the county. In its upper members it generally shows the characters of the coarse grit, but it is only locally Of sufficient firmness to be manufactured. The principal quarries are, Thomas N. Braxton section 25, Jonathan Lane and H. Lashbrook section 26, Wm. Lashbrook section 24, and J. Bledsoe section 13, all in township 1 north, range 2 west. The stone is quarried in large blocks and cut with a saw into slabs of the required thickness ; these, after marking, are broken into smaller pieces

Orange County. 221

and polished. The quarry of Mr, Braxton was formerly worked for grindstones at present only shoe rubbers " and scythe stones are made from it,

Conglomebate Ob Millstone Gbit.

This epoch embraces the remaining: territory not before noticed. It is principally confined to the north and west parts of the county. Where well developed, as in the north part, it is a mass of weather-worn rock, composed of quartzose pebbles cemented together with coarse sand. In the central and southern part it looses its pudding stone appearance, and can only be distinguished from the other sandstones by its position above the upper Chester limestone. Locally it becomes a fine grained, compact grit stone :

SBCnON NO. 14, TAKEN ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE HILL, AT

THos. N. Braxton's whetstone quarry.

Friable sandstone, No. 3. 30.00

Coal, probably Coal A, fire clay not seen 1.00

Coarse sandstone, with Stigmaria leaves and iron ore

near the base 60.00

Whetstone grit, with Lepidodehdra, Galamiieaf SUgmaria

Sphenopieris tridaettfUsj 8. latifdia, Netuvjteris, and

near the base Faoli vetusta, No. 3 21.00

Coal trace.. 00

Coarse sandstone, locally glass sand, No. 3 40.00

Upper Chester limestone, with chert, partly covered 16.00

Sandstone and shales. No. 6 90.00

Middle Chester limestone, No. 6 20.00

Shales and sandstone 40.00

Lower Chester limestone, with a shaly parting near

the top, to level of F. L. Spring 20.00

Total 337.00

The principal quarries that are worked in this vicinity are those of Thomas N. Braxton section township 1 north; sections 32 and 38 township 2 north; Wm. Able section 32 ; George Reily, section 31 ; Lynch & Wolfington, section 29; and £. Pinnick section 30, township 2 north ; J. A. MoorC; section and 8. Wolfington section 4, township 1 north; all in range 2 west.

222 Geological Report.

The ferns and other plants taken out of the lower members of fine grit are very fine. Specimens measuring two and three feet in length are not uncommon. We axe indebted to Mr. John A. Bennett for a beautiful slab for the State collection.

SBCnON AT DISHHAN'S quarry, SECmON 23, TOWHBHIP 3

NORTH, -RAiraE 2 WEST..

Conglomerated sandstone, with pebbles.. 45.00

SiliciouB iron ore 5.00

Massive sandstone, with SHgmaria 20.00

Shaly sandstone.. 4.00

Whetstone grit, with shaly partings; fossils, Neur" opterit, SpheTiopteriSt EymenophyUUeSf Lepidodendni,

Knorria, Cordaites, CaUmiUt and Lepidxi9trobuM,. 20.00

Shale W

Coal 10

Fire clay .06

Massive sandstooe, locally white glass sand, and coarse

grit 38.00

Upper Chester limestone, partly covered. No. 4 3.00

Covered space and sandstone, No. 5 70.00

Middle Chester limestone, No. 6 12.00

Total 218.08

At the quarry of Julius Lewis in the same section as the above the coal is said to be two feet thick.

This coal and the plants found in the grit above it has sometimes been referred to the Chester group. On the authority of M. Lesquereux and Prof. E. T. Oox, to whom was submitted a suite of fossils from these beds we refer it and all the sandstones above the upper Chester limestone of our general section to the millstone grit epoch, which is doubtless correct. This places the whetstone grit of Orange county in the same horizon as the Ouachita oilstone '' of Arkansas, that which seems to be only an altered sandstone, the result of chemical action 'to which the stone under consideration has not been subjected.

The fine grits are everywhere very evenly stratified and may be split with great ease. After splitting to the required thickness the stone is scratched on the surfisice

Orange County. 223

with a piece of soft iron and broken into whetstones. Two different colored stones are quarried, white and buff. The first is known as Hindostan and the second as Orange stone.

The fossils of these beds are generally casts remarkably well preserved, showing the finest markings with great distinctness. The Lepidodendra are remarkable for size. We have a piece that formed part of a tree that was uncovered for twelve feet that measured four feet eleven inches in diameter. Specimens of the leaves are found over twenty inches long. The fossiliferous beds are not worked as the stone will not split. The fossils are scattered through it in every direction and not bedded as in the shales and in the French Lick quarries. The thin shaly partings that come out in large plates are ripple-marked and covered with tracks of crustaceans or some other animals. The dendrites here found are remarkable for size and beauty, and for running through the substance of the solid stone.

Lacustbal Or Alluvium.

The fine impalpable sands and clays of the lacustral epoch are developed in considerable force in Northeast and Stamper's Creek townships, in what is locally known as flat woods.'' It varies in thickness firom five to twenty-* five feet and covers an area of about twenty square miles, overlying the St. Louis limestone. This lake influence is so seen in producing the damp, impervious soils of Patoka river and in the vicinity of French Lick. Wherever gum and persimmon trees are indigenous to the soil, the fine sands of this epoch may be found.

The alluvial is well developed along the creeks and rivers of the northern and central parts of the county. In the valley of Carter's creek and Lost river are evidences of a much greater flow of water at some period than takes place now. In some places where the valley is nearly a quarter of a mile wide the sub-soil is a mass of gravel that has been brought from some place on the east. In the bank of the

224 Geological Bepobt.

river below where the old Maxwell mill stood is a bed of this gravel more than ten feet thick. Doubtless these beds were formed at the close of the laoustral epoch.

Lost Biver And Caves.

The waters of Carter's creek and Lost river increase in volume in their course across the outcrop of the St. Louis limestones until after uniting and forming Lost river, it strikes the eastern exposure of the concretionary limestone in section 4, township 3 north range 1 east, where is formed the first sink; the second is in section 8; the third in section 13, township 3 north, range 1 west, and the fourth in section 11.

During summer and in dry weather, the first sink takes in all the water, leaving the balance of the channel dry from this place to Orangeville. Light rains will cause this sink to overflow, and very heavy continuous rains for twenty-four hours will carry the water over the whole length of the dry bed. The dry bed or channel extends from the second sink to Orangeville, and is the means by which the excess of rainfall that can not find passage under ground is carried off, thus preventing an overflow of the surrounding country. The subterranean channel is not a simple, straight, cavernous opening through which the water rushes, but a complex system of mains and leads, a counterpart of the surface drainage. Nor do these underground channels follow the course of the dry bed as might be supposed from there being frequent openings along its banks that connect with them. In sections 33 and 34, township 3 north, range 1 west, are three openings that we may designate as wet weather rises. Whenever the water is running into the fourth sink in force, it bursts out at the rises, so that we have water running through both the upper and lower parts of the dry bed, and none in the middle channel.

The dry bed is not an open channel, and has not the vegetal and timber growth common to the margins of streams, but is studded with majestic forest trees, and presents a wild and picturesque appearance when filled with

Orange County. 225

the rushing waters after heavy rains which seem to be lost in the depths of the forest.

The underground stream may be reached at the fourth sink, where the cavernous opening is something like eight feet wide and four feet high. The descent is gradual and 590 feet long. The river comes to the sur&ce at Wesley Chapel gulf in section township 3 north, range 1 west, where the superincumbent rocks have fallen in and forced the stream to the sur&ce. The subterranean stream may idso be reached at this point through a cave in the side of the hill. Some years ago a boat was taken in and the <;hannel explored for some distance to a fall, beyond which it was impossible to pass.

A few yards to the northwest, in the same section, is a dry cave of considerable size, that has quite a local reputation for its numerous large and beautiful stalactUea and stalagmitea.

North and near Orangeville is another gulf or rise, where the water runs on the surface for some few yards and again

Orangeville is usually spoken of as the " rise'' of Lost river, yet it is thought, and doubtless correctly, that the true rise of Lost river is on the &rm of Robert Higgins, a mile or more further down the stream, Kains on the head waters of Carter's creek and Lost river do not affect the rise at Orangeville, but rains on Fulton's branch, that sinks in section 16, township 3 north, range 1 west, do, so that the water at Orangeville is rendered muddy and increased in volume. Yet we must think that Fulton's branch alone is insufficient to account for the whole of this rise, and it is probably fed by other underground si reams.

Stamper's creek, in a small way, is a counterpart of Lost river, lacking the dry bed. It is thought that it again rises at the Spring mills and forms the source of French Lick. Saw-dust and other refuse from saw-mills situated on the banks of the creek have been worked out at the . Spring mills.

G. R.— 15

226 Geological Report.

The animal life of the caves and subterranean streams is much the same as that of the Mammoth and Wyandotte caves. In them have been found blind fishes AmblyopsiSf y>€leu8f Potamaeotlus OarolineimSf seeing. Crawfishes r Oambarus peUueiduSj blind> G. Bartonu seeing ; Ckxcidoitea stygia, G Peickardii, Grangonyx vUreus, Euphilosia Elrodii, and Gauloxenvs stygeuSf small crustaceans. Insects Anthomyiaf Anopthalmus tenuis, Platynus marginaius Genothophilua Sloanii and C subteranea.

Mineral Springs.

French Lick and West Baden springs are situated on the west side of the valley of French Lick creek and break out through fissures in the lower Chester limestone. Springs are found scattered along the valley for about one mile. But as yet only those at French Lick and West Baden have been improved. Doubtless their origin is explained on the same principle that the waters of an artesian well become more or less impregnated with salts and gases dissolved by the water, in its passage, under pressure through many different kinds of shale and stone.

The existence of these justly celebrated springs was early known, and are said to have been a place of resort held in high esteem by the aborigines.

They are pleasantly located in a picturesque region of hills, covered with their primitive forests of dense wild wood, affording a most delightfiil place of recreation during the heated term. At both places are excellent hotels, pleasantly situated on elevated grounds, well ventilated with good rooms and supplied with every thing necessary to make guests and invalids comfortable. Attached to the hotels are the usual bowling alleys, croquet grounds, ball rooms, post offices, and in short everything found at a &shionable watering place. At present, French Lick is under the management of Dr. 8. Ryan, and West Baden under that of Messrs. Noah Cook & Co.

For the information of those who may not have the Geological Survey of Indiana, 1870, in which are analyses

Obangb County. 227

of these spi ings, by Pro£ E. T. Cox State Geologist they are here repeated :

. Fbench Lice Springs.

These springs break out in a multitude of places along the branch, each is claimed to possess special curative properties.

qualitative chemical examination at the fountain head revealed that they all contained the same elementary constituents but in varying proportions : Temperature of air, 92° F.; temperature of water, 56°. Numerous bubbles of sulpliureted hydrogen and carbonic acid gas, mixed with oxygen and nitrogen gas, were continually escaping from the water. I sneoeeded in collecting a small quantit/ of this gas, which served for the analysis, the principal constituents being :

Free carbonic acid. Free sulphydric acid. Solphuric acid. Carbonic acid. Hydrochloric acid. Soda. Potash. Lime. Magnesia.

Quantitative analysis of the water of the French Lick Springs, taken from "Pluto's Well," given in parts in 1,000,000 or pounds in 100,000 gallons in the first column, and in grains in an imperial gallon in the second column.

The gaseous contents in one imperial gallon are represented in cubic inches :

Carbonic acid.. 7.837

Sulphydric acid.. 6.717

Oxygen 6.407

Nitrogen ...,.,... 18.604

Total. 38.046

Geological Bepobt.

Total solid matter in one gallon, 381.85 grains.

Parts in 1,000,000, or Grains in one

pounds in 100,000 gallons. gallon.

Silicic acid 9.42 ' .6594

Oxide of iron 1.90 .1330

Lime 675.92 47.3144

Soda , 1140.20 79.8140

Potash 41.72 2.9204

Magnesia 723.26 50.6282

Alumina 48.10 3.3670

Chlorine 1186.96 83.0172

Carbonic acid C. 690.55 48.3385

Sulphuric acid.. 845.56 59.1885

Iodides and Bromides trace trace

Total 5362.58 375.3806

The above constituents are probably combined as follows :

Silicic acid ,

Oxide of iron

Sulphate of lime..

Sulphate of soda.

Sulphate of potash

Sulphate of magnesia.

Sulphate of alumina.

Carbonate of lime

Carbonate of soda...

Carbonate of potash

Carbonate of magnesia...

Parts in 1,000,000, or pounds In 100,000 gallons

Chloride of calcium

Chloride of sodium 2027.04

Chloride of magnesia.. 72.81

Iodides and Bromides trace

Total

Grains in one gallons.

trace

.375.3806

West Baden Spbings.

These springs are about one mile north of French Lick springs. Here also the sulphur water breaks up in a great many places. I made at the fountain head a qualita- .tiveanalysis of the three that were most used and found

Obanqb County. 229

in all the same elementary constituents. Temperature of air, 93 F. ; temperature of water 55°. A whitish slimj deposit is formed on the gum, mostly sulphur with some oxide of iron :

Free gases. Sulphydric. Carbonic acid. Oxygen. Nitrogen. Snlphnric acid. Hydrochloric acid. Carbonic acid. Soda. Potash. Lime. Magnesia.

I could spare only the time to analyze one and selected for the purpose the water from the spring with a stonecurbing as it appeared to be the most frequented :

The gaseous contents in one imperial gallon are represented in cubic inches :

Carbonic acid 6.198

Sulphydric acid 5.931

Oxygen 2.098

Nitrogen.. 6.572

Total 20.794

The mineral constituents are given in parts in one* miUion, or pounds in one hundred thousand gallons in the first column, and grains in one imperial gallon in the seoond:

Parts in 1,000,000, or, Grains in

Pounds in 100,000 Gals. one Gal.

Silicic acid 7.50 .5250

Oxide of iron.. 1.50 .1050

Lime 539.11 37.7377

Soda 765.26 53.5682

Potash 19.37 1.3559

Magnesia 610.76 42.7532

Alumina.. 43.50 3.0450

Chlorine 779.26 54.5482

Carbonic acid 675.21 47.2647

Sulphuric acid 601.30 42.0910

Iodides and bromides trace. trace.

Total 4042.77 282.9939

230 Geological Repobt.

The above constituents are probably, combined as fol* lows :

Partfl in 1,000,000, or, Grains in

Ponnds In 100,000 0ls. one Qml.

SUicic add 7.60 .6250

Oxide of iron 1.60 .1060

Sulphate of lime - 101.70 13.4190

Sulphate of soda 53.28 3.7296

Sulphate of potash 23.48 1.6436

Sulphate of magnesia 619.83 43.3881

Sulphate of alumina 77.28 6.4096

Carbonate of lime, 709.43 49.6601

Carbonate of soda. 19.08 1.3356

Carbonate of potash 10.71 ,7497

Carbonate of magnesia 671.48 47.0036

Chloride of calcium 124.78 8.7346

Chloride of sodium 1337.18 93.6026

Chloride of magnesium 196.54 13.6878

Iodides and bromides trace. trace.

Total 4042.77 282.9939

Otheb Springs.

On the west side of the valley of Frenoh Lick creek, between French Lick and West Baden, are three excellent sulphur water springs, owned by Mr. John C. Albert. Another spring breaks out in the bank of Xiost river, on the fistrm of Nathan Lamden, and also a spring on the &rm of Mr. Robert Higgins, abont one mile south of Orangeville. None of these springs have been improved.

On the lands of Maj. D. S. Hnfibtetter, near Orleans, is a chalybeate spring of considerable local repute, that deserves a careful analysis.

As it takes many days to make a correct analysis of min-. eral water it was too late in the season when we commenced work to have any made for this report. And hence, we did not collect any water this year, as it should be as nearly fresh as possible at the time of making the analysis.

Economic Geology.

So little has been done in the way of prospecting for and opening the coal seams in the western part of the county

Oeange County. 231

that but little can be told of their extent and value. Enough is known to justify us in saying, that two seams of coal are found in the county, the upper one of which is of some economic value ; we refer to coal A " of Pro£ E. T. Cox, in his Indiana classification. This coal is found in all the higher hills along the western part of the county. The locality in which to make search for the coal is immediately above the heavy conglomerate sandstone overlying the whetstone grit. The outcrop of this coal is seen near the top of the hill on the land of Mr. Thos. N. Braxton, section 32, township 2 north, range 2 west.

So far as this coal has been examined, it seems to be a semi-block or dry coal, is too dry and butns too loodely to make a first class smithing coal. At the place named, and in all the higher hills to the west of French Lick, it would be advisable to search for and mine this coal for local use*

On the land of Mr. Chames, section 8, township 1 north, range 2 west, and on the line of survey of the proposed Bockport & Mitchell railroad, near the soui;h line of the <H>unty is found and has been mined, a sub-conglomerate coal which in these places is a true block coal, and thirty inches thick. This coal may be searched for about thirty to forty feet above the upper Chester limestone, and but a feet below the whetstone grit. Farther north, it thins out to such an extent as to be entirely worthless. Besides these two seams which may in many parts pay for developement, there is another Chester coal in this county on which some labor and money has been spent but which can not in any place pay for mining, as it is only from one to four inches thick. It is located just above the lower Chester limestone, and is exposed at many places in the county, the most noticeable is on the land of Mr. Gasaway, one mile north of Paoli. In the central and eastern parts of the county is found a thin seam of cannel coal, in the St. Louis limestone, and it is our duty to advise that no money be expended in prospecting for it, as it can not posisibly prove of any commercial value.

232 Geological Repobt.

Iron Ores.

The hydrated brown oxide of iron found in the conglomerate above the whetstone grit, is of great importance. It is found in all the hills in the western part of the county. In some localities it is comparatively free from silica. An analysis of selected specimens obtained from section 8, township 1 north, range 2 west, have proven to be very rich, containing over fifty per cent, of metalUc iron. This ore has been mined to a considerable extent in Lawrence county, and smelted at the blast furnace at Shoals, making, in combination with the Missouri ores, an excellent neutral iron. This ore is from three to ten feet in thickne&s and will, when the proper &cilities of transportation are completed, justify the erection of blast furnaces at many points along the western boundary of the county.

Whet-Stones And Grind-Stones.

One of the most important minerals of this county is the long celebrated Hiudoston stone, or what is known as the whet-stone grit, being unsurpassed by any in the world as a water stone, even in texture and fine grained. From thiB stone is manufactured ax stones, carpenter stones and " slips.' The principal manufacturers are Thos. N. Braxton, near French Lick, and Louis Chaillaux, who is manufiusturing for Mr. F. £. Dishman, in the northwest corner of the county.

The geological horizon of these quarries is indicated in the general connected section of the county. The following local section is taken at Braxton's quarry, in section 5; township 1 north, range 2 west :

Ft. In.

Stigmaria sandBtone 7 00

Hard sandstone with shaly partings 3 00

Shale 0 06

Whetstone grit 1 06

Shale 0 10

WhetBtone grit 2 10

Shale 0 10

Workable whetstone grit 2 10

Obange County. 233

Shale 0 06

Whetstone grit 2 10

The stone is quarried and broken into proper form and size and finished by steam power.

At Dishman's quarry we have the following section. It is located in section 23 township 3 north, range 2 west :

Ft. In.

Stigmaria sandstone 6 00

Shalj sandstone. 4 00

Whetstone grit with shaly partings. 20 00

Shale 0 04

Coal 0 10

Fire clay 0 06

At this quarry is also steam works, with a capacity to finish about six hundred boxes per year.

Besides these mentioned, there are several more quarries where the finishing it done by horse power.

The demand for these stones increases with &cilities for manufacture, and large invoices are shipped to Sheffield England.

The Hindostan grindstone grit of this county is justly celebrated. It is of uniform texture and keen bite; oi sufficient solidity to adhere together under any rate of speed that may be necessary. Grindstone quarries have been worked in various parts of the county. The geological horizon of the grindstone grit is lower than the whetstone quarries, being in. the Chester group, just above the middle Archimedes limestone.

The most extensive quarry of this stone is worked by Mr. Thos. N. Braxton, on section 25, township 1 north,, range 1 west, from which he is manufacturing shoe rubbers and scythe stones. Owing to their freedom from glazing, there is no better stone for these uses. For the same reason, this stone would make an excellent grindstone to work dry. We indicate the position of this stone in the connected section in No. 5.

234 Geological Kefobt.

Building Stone.

Good limestone and sandstone, suitable for building purposes, is found in great abundance in the county. One member of the lower Chester limestone, furnishes, in many parts of the county, a good, fine grained, and easily worked stone, which is white as alabaster. This is quarried at the sand hill near Orleans; is exposed on the road from Orleans to Paoli, two miles south of the former place, and found on the lands of Benjamin P. Chatham and James A. Frost, section 5, township 2 north, range 1 east.

As mentioned elsewhere in this report, the lower Chester sandstone is sometimes a good quarry stone. It is found to be so in the vicinity of Paoli, at the quarry worked by John C. Albert, on section 25, township 2 north, range 1 west. The stone is of a light, tea color, the upper members making a superior flagging stone, and the lower a good building stone; is easily quarried and readily worked.

Lime.

There are some members of the St. Louis limestone, in the eastern and central portions of the county, that make good lime, but the best of lime, is made from the lower Chester. This was formerly worked extensively on Lost river, near West Baden, in French Lick township, and shipped to the southern market by flat boats. A kiln is now being erected on the hill northwest of Orleans, in which to burn this stone into lime.

Clays.

A fine lacnstral clay abounds in the northeastern part of the county, which has been manu&ctured into stoneware of a very good quality, at Lancaster, on the L. N. A. & railroad. It could be worked to good advantage into roofing or drain tiles. We find Kaolin in the county, but as yet not in quantities to render it of any commercial value* Samples of good Indianite have been picked up on the land

Orange County. 235

of Mr. O. Barnett section 20 township 3 north range 1 west. A three feet stratam of a very fine yellow ochre is exposed on the land of Mr. Freeman, section 7, township 1 north, range 2 west.

Agbicultube.

The topographical features of this county are quite varied, being determined by. the outcrops of the various geological formations within its limits, and we find a corresponding variety in the nature and fertility of the soils. As but few of the hills and ridges reach above the upper Chester limestone, all the essential elements necessary to produce a good soil, are well proportioned. The addition of calcareous matter, derived from the limestones, furnishes the necessary material to render the soil mellow and warm and supply elements which give to the soils of this county more than average fertility and renders them quite superior to the arenaceous lands destitute of lime. The St. Louis limestones, Chester sands, and Lacustral clays are the principal divisions. The calcareous lands are all very fertile, with a subsoil of red clay resulting from the admixture of oxides of iron and associated minerals. In this respect they are very different from the white or colorless clays of the chert region of some of the other States. The Chester sands are, as a rule, warm and mellow, producing heavy growths of timber, corn and the other small grains. The Lacustral lands are heavy, alternating blue and black clays, largely intermixed with fine sand, rendering it close and rather cold for corn and wheat, without better drainage. Yet good crops are produced by planting on the top of the over-turned sod and shallow cultivation, so that the decaying sod may act as an underdrain. These soils are par exodlence the grass lands of the county. On them timothy and red-top grow luxuriantly; clover does not do so well, freezing out in a year or two. Doubtless these heavy soils would be much improved by under-draining They are the same kind of clays as those of Jefferson county, mentioned

236 Geological Report.

by Prof. W. W. Borde in Geological Survey of Indiana, 1874 as BO signally improved by drainage. We think the trial has only to be made to demonstrate its utility.

This county is well adapted to sheep raising, especially in the hilly portions that can not so well be planted with the cereals. All the streams and brooks of the valleys are bordered by bottom lands, which, if put in grass, would furnish an abundance of winter feed, while the hillsides will produce good pasturage for summer use. Water for stock is everywhere abundant. Especially do these remarks apply to the south part of the county. It is not better soil that is wanting, but better culture.

In traveling over the county, we noticed several considerable bodies of land that were badly washed. The remedy for this might be found in setting them with grass. From experiments made by Mr. J. C. Albert, on the hill east of Paoli, blue grass will succeed well on the soil derived from the Chester sandstones. To get a good and quick set, it should be sown on a virgin soil, and it is said that under proper management and pasturage, it will improve for thirty years.

Borne of the finest fruit regions of the State are the chestnut hills of the central, and the sandstone ridges of the western and southern portions of the county. The experiments of Messrs. Fletcher Mavity, Wm. Martin, J. H. Lindsey and others demonstrate this fact. The warm, sandy soils are peculiarly adapted to the growth of peaches, very much improving them in flavor, size and color.

The abundant and luxuriant growth of the summer grape ( Vitia oBBtivalia) on the hillsides and uplands, aud an equally abundant growth of the winter or frost grape {Vitia cordifolia) on the low lands, together with occasional vines of the fox grape {Vitis labrusoa) may be regarded as a certain indication of the adaptability of the soil to the cultivation of improved varieties of grapes. The Catawba and Isabella grapes have been grown with success, and doubtless the Concord, Delaware and other recent varieties will be found equally well adapted to the

OBANbE OOTJNTY. 237

soil and climate. The chert lands north and west of Orleans will be found excellent land on which to grow plans and other fruits that are liable to be attacked by the curculio.

Timbeb.

The varieties of timber found in the county being determined by the soils may be divided into districts corresponding to the geological gr<up into which the rocks are divided, each being characterized by some peculiarity, either of growth or species, yet having many trees in common that seem to be adapted to all the kinds of soil.

In the region of country underlaid by the St. Louis limestones, formerly there was a heavy growth of that monarch of our forests, the yellow poplar {Liriodendron tulipifera). Next in size and exceeding it in commercial value comes the black walnut {Jugla'M nigra). Before these two trees had been so much cut away, it was not uncommon to see logs of the former that measured five feet, and of the latter four feet in diameter. The following are common and of good size : white walnut {Juglans cinerea), sugar maple {Acer sacchaHnum), red maple {A. rubrum) buckeye {.culus glabra), hackberry {GeUis oeoi denialis) slippery or red elm {Ulmus fulva), American or white elm ( 17. ilmricana), nearly always called red elm here, shellbark hickory {Garya olba), mockemut (G. tomen- i08a)y thick shell-bark hickory (G. u2cato), pig-nut (CZobra)f white oak {Quercu8 cUba), red oak (Q. rubra) ]ack oak {Q, imbricaria), burr oak (Q. macrocarpa), black oak {Q, nigra)y chinquapin oak (Q. obtuaaloba) white ash {Fraonnua Americana) and wild cherry (Pruniw serotina). Along the streams are a few sycamores {Platanus oeddentaUa), and water beech {Gai'pin'us Americana). The undergrowth is remarkable for size, so that the woods present a very open appearance even in the wildest places. This growth is made up principally of dog-wood {(hmu8 Florida) , red bud {Cereis Canadensis), crab apple {Pyrus coronaria), sassafras {SasBofrax officincUe). The shrubs are spice bush {Lindera benzoin), wahoo {Euonymue atropurpureus), and

238 GEOLOGICAL feEPORT.

paw*paw {Aaimina triloba.) In the cherty and more rocky parts there is an increase of small timber and shrubs and the undergrowth very dense. Here we find the wiM Pyrus Americanay hawthorns {OratoBgus ooeoinea) (C tomerUosa), black haw {Vibumum prunifolium), and hazel {Corylus AmericanaJ)

The timber found growing in the Chester sands includes yellow poplar, black and white walnut, the oaks, hickories cherry and ash of those enumerated above, and in addition, beach {Fagvs ferruginea), American aspen {Popultis tremu loidea. On the high ridges are fine specimens of chestnut (Caatanea vesoa), and in the open ground persimmon {Diospyroa virginiana). In this region the growth is vigorous, and yellow poplars are very common. The warn sands seem well adapted to the f2;rowth of this tree, and dealers claim that the lumber made from it is superior to that from timber grown in the bottoms. The black oak, in bodies, is confined to the conglomerate formation, where the barrenness of the soil shpws its influence, especially on the young hickories. Yet even here, the yellow poplars and white oaks grow to be giants, but not in so great numbers as in more favorable localities. In the lacustral clays we saw a few specimens of sweet gum {Liquidambar styraeiflua). The beech is very peculiarly adapted to these heavy soils. In Stamper's Creek township, we saw whole groves in which the yellow poplar never grows. Among the rare trees we heard of a single cucumber tree {Magnolia acuminata) f and saw a few winged elms (Ulmus alata),

Antiquities.

There are in Orange county many evidences of its having been at one time thickly populated by pre-historic man. Arrow heads, spear heads, axes and stone ornaments are found in considerable quantities throughout the county. Especially are these abundant in the vicinity of springs and streams. One mile east of Paoli, on the south bank of Lick creek is the remains of the enclosures of a viUaicei with many kitchen mounds within and surrounding it. The

Orange County. 239

endoBure proper is about twelve hundred feet in circumference surrounded by a double earthwork. Within the enclosure -are twelve mounds from one to two and half feet high eight feet in length by about four in widths the longest diameter being from northeast to southwest. Without the walls are a number of similar mounds upon the margin of the stream. These mounds we judge to be only kitchen mounds or the sites on which the wigwams of the inhabitants stood.

On the farm of Floyd McCoy, in Stamper's Creek township, are found a number of small burial mounds, built of a red clay which has been carried from the hills surrounding the bottom on which they are situated. On the land of Major D. S. Huffstetter, surrounding a chalybeate spring, are found numerous arrow heads, likewise at the rise of Stamper's creek.

Geological Report

On

Yanderburg, Owen and Montgomery Counties

jro'sasr aoxtXja'X'r, sc. a..

Prop. E. T. Cox,

State Geologist :

Sir : — Herewith I hand you my reports on the Geology of Vanderburg, Owen and Montgomery, together with results of examinations of the coal fields in the southeastern part of Clay, and the coal measure rocks of Putnam counties. ,

With acknowledgments for courtesies, I am,

Yours, etc.,

JOHN COLLETT. Newport, Vermillion county, Ind., 31st Dec., 1875.

Vanderburg County.

Vanderburg is situated in the southwestern part of the State, being, except one, the extreme southwestern county. Evansville, the seat of justice, and the chief city, is one hundred and eighty miles distant from Indianapolis. It

Vanderburg County. 241

is bounded on the west by Posey, north by Gibson, east by Warrick county, and on the south by the State of Kentucky at low water in the Ohio river, and contains an area of two hundred and forty square miles, or 153,600 acres. The southern boundary is the Ohio — the Belle riviere' of the early French adventurers — the beautiful river of song and story. Always navigable, without interruption from drought or winter's ice at this poini;, it is the great artery of trade and economic life to the bordering region, and bears upon its bosom a fleet of steamers equaling in value and tonnage that of some internal seas. Belted by broad alluvial plains or high bluffs, from which interesting views full of picturesque beauty may be attained, the river and valley has been compared by tourists to that Mecca of travelers, the Khine of Europe, The eastern and northeastern parts of the county have their water-shed by Bluegrass, Locust and Little creek, through Big Pigeon into the Ohio, and the northwestern parts are drained by Big creek and its branches into the Wabash.

The river bottoms which border the Ohio are from two to six miles wide. Composed of a light sandy loam, they are very fertile, and produce profitable crops of corn, wheats potatoes, tobacco and meadow grass. The forests comprise black and white walnut, red, white and burr oak red and white elm, white and black gum, cottonwood, hickory, maple, willow, sycamore, cypress, pecan, etc., with many shrubs and vines. At several points, and sometimes in large areas, the cypress, the catalpa, cane and other subtropical plants survive as relics of the warmer clime which signalized the long past Lacustral age.

That interesting parasite, the mistletoe, was noted as <iommon on the timber of the valleys, modestly hiding in the foliage of its victim during the summer, but in winter waving its ever-green plumes as if in triumph over the decay and death of the latter. It selects the following trees for its food and life, in numbers according to the order of enumeration; black gum and red elm seeming to be best suited for its growth. On 1,000 trees, G. R.— 16

242 Geological Eepobt.

the following table will exhibit about the proportion attacked by this parasite:

L Black gam 500

2. Red elm 420

3. Water birch 20

4. Black walnut 15

5. Honey locast 10

6. Blue ash 10

7. Soft maple 10

8. Hackberry 5

9. Yellow willow 6

10. Shell-bark hickory 2

11. Spanish oak 1

12. White oak ; 1

13. Wild cherry 1

Total 1.000

The other creeks flowing across the county, from northeast to south and southwest, are of no great capacity — generally email brooks, and in summer droughts are sometimes nearly dry, yet they flow through vslleys from one to three miles wide, and largely greater than the probable erosive or possible usitude of the present streams and existing watershed, and demanding more powerful agencies for their excavation, than those existing at this day. This point will be further considered under the head of Glacial drift. Their "bottoms'' are level, flat, and characteristically argillaceous, or hard and compact, and demand underground drainage for successful and profitable growth of the cereals. They are better adapted to meadow grass, and good crops of hay, etc., are grown upon them. The timber indicates the nature of the soil, and comprises white, burr, water and jack oaks, gum, elm, maple and sycamore, etc.,' with beech, sugar tree, poplar and walnut on sandy loams. These " flat bottoms/' with a soft or muddy bed in the streams and brooks, are almost universal in regions where the blufis and table lands are composed of thin, fine, impalpable sands of the Lacustral age, and the streams contrast unfavorably with the brooks, dashing and flashing over their rocky or pebbly bedS; a short distance to the north.

Vanderburg County. 243

From the creek and river valleys we pass, sometimes by gentle ascents, along the tributaries, but often by abrupt bluffs, to the table lands. The latter, in the central and northern parts, attain an elevation of from 150 to 360 feet, and average a hight of 225 feet above low water in the Ohio river; and being formed, to a rule, from lacustral, fine sands or loam, the soil is compact, and to a degree impervious to air and moisture unless drained or well intermixed with vegetable matter. The flat areas are wet and predisposed to prairies or "openings,*' but the slightly uneven sur&ces are clothed with a thick growth of timber* Of this,.post-oak, persimmon and sweet gum are characteristic if not peculiar. White, red and Spanish oaks, black gum, maple, white and black hickory are common. The rolling uplands, containing a generous admixture of red calcareous material, imparted by fluviatile action, is richeV, and has a corresponding growth of sugar trees, poplars black walnut and ash added to the former list. Both varieties of upland, when properly cultivated, produce fair to good crops of corn, wheat, oats and meadow grass* The hills and high ridges, by the modifying influence of their elevation, are exempt from the destroying effects of sudden changes of temperature, and admirably adapted to the growth of tender fruits and vines. Advantage has been taken of this situation by progressive farmers and gardeners, and the many extensive and profitable orchards and vineyards of this county are regarded sure sources of income by their prosperous owner& These areas, entirely elevated above the malaria of the valleys, are remarkably free from fevers attributed to that cause. Good cisterns for filtering and containing rain- water for &mily use, would furnish an ample supply of purer water than can be obtained from wells or springs in this soil, and would prob* ably, in a considerable degree, avert inflammatory diseases.

Dr. D. D. Owen describes this Lacustral loam as a silicocalcareous earth, of pale reddish gray or ashen flesh tint. Says that, when in part composed of decomposed material

244 Geological Report.

of coal measure rocks, it gives rise to some of the best tobacco land. He gives the following analysis :

Combined moisture 1.35

Soluble organic matter 30

Insoluble silicates 73.30

Carbonic acid 10.00

Lime 6.80

Magnesia 3.78

Alumina and per oxide of iron 2.80

Chlorine.. '. 12

Loss and alkalies 1.55

An analysis of water leached through this material is found to contain an excess of magnesia and observation shows that it has a deleterious effect on the health of those who habitually employ it for domestic and drinking purposes. During the prevalence of cholera, Owen observes, that those who habitually used this kind of water were apt to be more frequently and seriously attacked. In such localities, at times of drought, erysipelas and typhoid fevers are 'liable to prevail. Magnesia and its metallic combinations, rendered deliquescent by exposure to atmosphere, are not acute poisons, perhaps, in the small quantity which exists, but long continued use produces a chronic irritation which may tend to incite disease. Hence the use of pure, filtered rain water is earnestly urged.

Recent Geology.

AUumum.

The river bottoms" or alluvial flats bordering the creeks and rivers, are due to causes now in action, and are composed of fine and coarse sand, gravel and smooth stones torn from older deposits and rounded by rolling over the rough bed by water in motion; clay and much vegetable matter, leaves, sticks and trunks of trees are often found buried at great depths, even more than 100 feet below the bottom of the present streams, and at the same time fluviatile sandbars and gravel beds are found from 100 to 200 feet above

Vandebbueg Oouny. 245-

the high water line indicatiDg the extreme range of our rivers and the time necessary to erode and remove or sort and modify such an immense amount of material. This deposit is always found above or thrown against the banks or excavated edges of the older deposits and never beneath.

Lacustbal Epoch.

The Loess or Lacustral beds succeed in age and are represented by an ash gray or brownish baff loam composed principally of a siliceous material in a finely powdered condition, with a small amount of clay, and rarely containing shells of tropical or sub-tropical animals. A list of some of the typical shells is given in our report on Sullivan county, 1870. From the black muddy sediment deposited in the deepest water and in pre-existing canyon-like valleys, have been found teeth and bones of the MegdUmyx Oastoroides and American elephant, and some other large animals not yet determined. The great Post Glacial lake covered a lare area of the interior of the continent, including southwestern Indiana and regions adjoining to the south and west, marking its extreme high water line at between 700 and 800 feet above the level of the ocean> thence gradually decreasing in size and level to mere ponds and lagoons not over 300 feet above tide-water. Facts heretofore observed seem to indicate that some relics of the flora and fauna of that age have survived in sheltered spots- — in the last lagoons — to this day, as the cypress, persimmon, pecan, smooth honey locust, catalpa, thorny sumac and' cane, with the paroquet, cotton-mouth and grass snake and red-mouthed salamander, which are all of tropic or subtropic life.

The Lacustral deposits consist of:

Bedish yellow loam, sandy 5 to 15 ft.

Gray and buff Bilicious loam 10 to 50 ft.

Black quicksand — muck with much vegetable

matter in pre-lacustral valleys and channels... 0 to 50 ft.

116 ft.

246 Geologioal Repobt.

In the last deposit, or in a oherty gravel lying on it have been found in this and adjoining coanties the bones of monster tropic animals, often of South American type, as the Megalonyx and other great Sloths, the mammoth or JBlephas Amerioaitus, the great beaver GasteroidA Ohioensis, etc., part of which are described by Leidy in a memoir of the extinct Sloth tribe of North America, in Smithsonian contributions.

The remains just referred to are few and fragmentary and have been regarded as rather indirect and circumstantial. It is therefore gratifying that the present year should give &cts which may be relied on to determine the climate and time " about the close of the Lacustral period. In sinking a coal shaft at Henderson, Kentucky, at a oonsiderable depth, abed of animal and vegetable remains was passed, including many mussel shells. During the past months, in sinking the Avondale shaft at Evansville, a similar bed containing an immense quantity of fresh water shells was passed through. A small lot of the mussels were secured and submitted to competent authorities, who, on comparing them with authentic specimens from type localities in the extreme Southern States of the Union, separately and then jointly united in the following determination :

No. 1 is cloaely allied to, if not a typical specimen of Uiim dktmu, Lea, from Trinity river, Texas and sparsely northward.

No. 2 is between Unio linoecuraiiy Lea, of Trinity river, Texas, and U. pUoattUf Lesueur, of Ohio valley.

No. 3 is a good specimen of Unio oxper Lea, of Alabama river, a species nearly allied, TJnw cuperrimtu, Lea, of lower Wabash and Ohio rivers.

No. 4, TJnw obliqwUf Lamarck, common in Ohio river and near tributaries.

No. 5, Unto purpvratus, Lamarck, of Gulf State streams, occasionally found in Tennessee and Arkansas. A single specimen was taken by F. Stein, C. £., about two years ago in Ohio river near Mt Vernon.

Dr. O. M. Leyette and Mr. John W. ByrklU

Vanderbueg County. 247

No. 6, Jh/pcmoOoma unciaU, Haldeman, Tenneasee and sparsely in Ohio valley.

No. 7, lVypano8tofna eanalieulatum Say, common in Wabash river.

No. 8, Trypanosioma aiveara, Conrad, var. torquatwm Lea, of Alabama river.

No. 9, Lioplax eyctostomaiiformisi Lea, var. anUorta, 8hutt, Alabama river.

No. 10, Melaniho ponderoea, Say, common in Wabash river.

These shells, wholly extinct, or barely existing as survivors from our ancient sub-tropic climate, reveal in their story a hitherto unknown chapter of past events, indicating a change of climate nearly equivalent to 10° of latitude, and which, according to Mr. Hopkins' paper before the British Scientific Association, must have taken place within from 20,000 to 70,000 years.

That our climate is still becoming colder is shown by the &ct that in shell heaps" of the pre-historic races and on ancient river beaches, the following shells are not rare: Unio foliatusy Hild., once common in lower Wabash, is almost extinct, but common in Cumberland river at Nashville, Unio varicosuSf Lea, once abundant in lower Wabash is now rare, MargarUana confragosa, Say, is sparingly iaken in lower Wabash but common in Green river, Kentucky, and South.

Glacial Period.

There was no true glacial drift; seen in the county ; no boulders, or even pebbles and stones, except those which dhowed by their smoothness and absence of the marks of the glacial mill, evidence of the rolling transportation of river currents. The absence of a deposit of such magnitude, in the northern half of the State, was marked and emphatic, and proved not only that the glacier did not extend so far south, but also that its terminal foot rested on land, and not a body of berg-bearing water, for, had it terminated at or in a body of water casting off icebergs, boulders of large size would have been scattered along the path of its water dis- <sharge.

248 Geological Bepobt.

In the absence of the ordinary drift still the glacial age is not silent. A primary set of ancient valleys from 100 o 150 feet above the river having a coarse from north 18 to 24:° west traverse the county. These are not continuous nowj but are often cut across or partially silted up by a second more recent system of valleys passing from northeast to south and southwest. Now in either of these sets of valley thoroughfares after a rain may be seen in the ditcheS; fine, white quartzose and black sand or moffneUiej from the Laurentian rocks of Canada. The roost obdurate material of the glacial drift is here ground to powder, but easily recognized by its specific gravity and magnetic quality, and seems unmistakably to point to the glacial period foi; the origin of these valleys, the first being called into existence at the beginning of that phenomenon, before the Wabash valley had been excavated by the great flood of ice water which subsequently passed that way. The secondaries probably date to the time when the ice water, which sought sluice-way during the summer months, by what is now known as White and Patoka valleys, after excavating the great basin of South Patoka, described in the geology of Pike county, flowed, at difierent points, over the ragged rocky rim of that basin, to the south and west, leaving Snake Knob and Dittany Hill in Warrick county, and Mt. McGregor, Kennedy Knob, etc., in Gibson county, as monumental trophies of its prowess and power.

During this period, each summer's sun would drive back the northern sea of ice, melting away its winter's growth, and send floods of ice water down the sharply inclined surface of the country to the south, the winter's advance often obstructing and filling up older channels, causing the waters to vary much in course and volume. This flood was magnified by the great precipitation of moisture incident to the cold, foggy, arctic climate that prevailed. To this flood is referred the excavation of Pigeon, Black creek and other valleys, so much wider than can possibly be attributed to the present streams and water-sheds. At this time

Vanderburg Oounty. 249

facts show that the northern lake regions were at an elevation of not lesa than 800 or 900 feet above the ocean greater than at present, plunging this flood of water with violence down the rapid southern incline. As a consequence these ancient glacial sluice-ways are not only wider than necessary for the present streams but as further attestation of their extent it has been recently found by artesian bores that they were also deeper than now; thus the Wabash valley at Terre Haute and at Lafayette is found to have been excavated to a depth of sixty feet below the present bottom of that river. White river fifly-two feet> and Eel river and Walnut fork of same, respectively, ninety-five and one hundred and twenty-three feet. Dr. Newberry has reported a similar state of affairs as to the Ohio river at Louisville, and all the streams flowing into that river through the State of Ohio.*

On Dittany hill, in Warrick, near the northeast corner of the county, my attention was called to a remarkable excavation locally known as the Buffalo wallow,'' and the /'Mineral diggins." Dittany hill is an elevated ridge over a mile long from north northeast to south southwest,, with two spurs nearly parallel extending to northwestr The top of the ridge and spurs is one ro4 to five or ten rods wide, nearly level and is capped with Merom sandstone persistently underlaid with the hard, clinky, double limestone, from six to ten feet thick, which marks the top of the coal measures. The hill and spurs is a grand land mark, towering up like peaks, from one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet above the valley plains surrounding in every direction, which have been denuded to that extent, leaving this monumental remnant to tell the story of its former greatness and present degradation. The excavation was often visited and mentioned with knowing emphasis by mineral diviners, to whom such a mystery was vantage ground. A strange sight it was. An excavation had been

concise statement of the drcumstftnces attending the Glacial and Lacustial periods is given in my report on Lawrence and Gibson counties, Indiana GelogicalBeport, 1873, and Brown county ft. 1874.

260 Geological Report.

made, removing for a space of three hundred feet the top of one of the spurs to a depth of thirty feet. The cut was made clean and was fresh as if of recent date. A careful examination detected no evidence of the storied " lead or silver, nor even iron, clay or coal. Nothing unnatural was visible which could incite the blindest of the unwary to dig. Natural causes were therefore sought, and it was soon noticed that the excavated matter was all '"wasted" in one direction — to the south. In studying this debris it was found that the heavy cubes of sandstone and limestone had first been thrown or violently rolled to the side of the spur and the talus made up according to the specific gravity of the material, the lightest clay and shale being the farthest removed. It was evident that a violent current of water, flowing across the top of this hill before the surrounding valleys were formed, or afterwards, when the Lacustral waters covered the ridge, was the force which made the diggins.'' A similar excavation is seen on the same spur less than half a mile to the west; while two complementary gaps opposite the two first mentioned, are found in the parallel spur to the north; showing that two currents of water swept across these spurs from the north west, all washing the excavated imaterial southward. Time did not admit of extended examination, but the fiicts observed indicate that this cut occurred after the glacial erosion had completed the denudation of the surrounding low lands; and rather at a time during the Lake period, when the Ltacustral waters covered the top of the hill, and some sudden access of water in great volume, released from adjacent lake or lagoon, swept eroding currents across this sunken island in its bosom.

General Geology.

The rocky formations of this county consist of two membera The lower one, the regular coal measures, has been explored by outcrop, or shafts and bores, to a depth of about 1,000 feet, exhibiting the seams of coal, shale

Vanderburg County. 251

fiandstone with thin limestones in mach the same order mentioned in previous reports.

Covering the coal measures, in fact so allied as to seem to be their continuation, are two limestones, sometimes brought together, at others separated by small spaces, and generally accompanied by one or more rash coals, in which, although <x)al measure fossils predominate, a considerable number are iound characteristically of Permian type. Some of these have never been found in the regular coal measures, as the broad-winged Myalina and Meekella, and allow the inference that these limestones may be synchronous with th*e sooalled "Permo-carboniferous" formation, of Kansas and Nebraska, here thinned to less than sixty feet. Still above these carboniferous beds is a sandrock, to which the name of Merom sandstone'' is given, in report on Sullivan county, (Ind. Reports, 1870). In each of my succeeding reports, I have retained this stone in the carboniferous, although suggesting that reasons existed which allowed their reference to a higher position and later age. The &cts which seem to allow this suggestion, will be briefly stated hereinafter, and although not conclusive, are given as a furtherance towards the goal which we all seek — the truth. These beds range in thickness from ten to seventy feet.

Coknscted Section Of Thb Bocks, Etc., Yandbbbxtbo 0Ox7Nty.

Ft. Ft. In.

1. Buff, brown, red and mottled slabs 2 to 0 00

2. Merom sandstone, soft, shaly , apper div. 20 to 25 00

3. Merom sandstone, massive, in quarry

bed 10 to 30 00

4. Dark gray or bufi shales and flaggy

sandstones with clay iron stone... 10 to 20 00

3. Bbown Imfubb Ck)AL, 3d rash coal li to 00 00

4. Flaggy on thick-bedded sandstone, rip-

ple-marked 9 to 4 00

5. Hard, clinky, gray limestone, at bottom

irregular and sometimes flinty, passing to the west to a calcareous shale... 2 to 6 00 7. Argillaceous shale and shaly sandstone.' 34 to 0 00 7. Black slate with fish spines and fossils... to 0 00

262 Geological Report.

8. Sbcond Rash Coal 0 to 0 03

9. Fireclay 1 to 0 00

10. Gray shale.- 6 to 0 00

IL Limestone, yellow ferruginous 3 to 12 00

11}. Gray shale 98 to 0 00

12. FiBST Rash Coal, and hlack slate 0 to 0 08

13. Fireclay. 1 to 2 06

14. Soft, flaggy, blue, buff and gray sand-

stone, with much gray shale and beds

of clay ironstone and nodules 6Q to 121 00

15. Yellow and gray sandstone, often giving

good quarry beds 15 to 29 00

1. Gray and buff alluvium, arenaceous or sbaley, or flaggy sandstone, with ironstone nodules and shaly concretions.. 29 to 8 00

17. Black slate or clod, with fossils. 1 00

18. Coal N, choice, gassy, caking.. 2 OS

19. Fire clay, at bottom shaly, with iron

balls 6 08

20. Buff or gray limestone with Oketetes 8 to 5 00

21. Gray or white shale, with nodules of

iron itone and bands of sandstone 30 to 40 00

22. Siliceous shale, passing to massive sand-

rock to south and west; alluvial rock?

of Lesquereux and Owen 60 to 71 00

23. Black slate and clod, with many alluvial

and vegetable fossils 2 to 1 08

24. Ingleside Coal M: Laminated coal, 1

ft. 4 in.; parting, 2 in. to 0; solid cubic

coal, 2 ft 8 in 4 00

25. Fireclay 4 00

26. Fire clay, with pyrite balls 3 08

27. Siliceous shale 11 09

28. Argillaceous sandstone 5 00

29. Gray shale and soapstone 64 05

30. Soapstone, with plant remains 0 03

31. Coal L: Impure cannel coal, 1 ft. 6 in.;

Pyritous argillite, 1 ft 4 in.; slaty cannel, 1 ft. 2 in. ; free burning coal, 1 ft. 3 in 5 03

32. Fire clay.. 2 06

(Extralimital.)

34. Siliceous shales and coarse massive fer-

rugenous sandstone 90 to 120 00

35. Best limestone and black slate 2 to 8 00

Vanderburg County. 253

86. CoAii K, caking, pyritoas 0 to 1 06

37. Laminated fire clay 2 to 1 04

38. Siliceous and black aluminous shales,

with rich bands and pockets of nodular iron ore 10 to 30 00

39. Conglomerate sandrock 110 to 180 00

40. CoajlA 3 to 0 00

41. Dark or black shale, with iron ore.. 30 to 5 00

42. Chester sandstone and sub-carbonifer-

ous limestone.

Hesozoic Time.

Cretaceous beds exist in parts of Kentucky and Tennessee and their mode of deposit authorized the expectation

of meeting outliers in this county. No such beds were seen

in place although beds of plastic clay sometimes reported

in deep wells and generally referred to the decomposition

of the hornstones of the snb-carboniferous limestones may

possibly result from the trituration of cretaceous material

wholly eroded by the violent currents of glacial water ; for

such beds, friable and easily removed by such a sheet of

water, is reported, by Prof. White, to have once existed

over large areas in Iowa, but now entirely removed ; a few

characteristic fossils alone remaining to prove the existence

of the mother rock. It can scarcely be doubted that relics

of the cretaceous period may yet be found here.

Tbiassio Period?

At the horizon usually occupied by rocks of this period SafiTord reports an hiatus in Tennessee, all the intervening beds being absent, and more recent deposits are met in a line along which the older formations are suddenly and deeply beveled oflf/' If ever deposited, shaved oflF by aqueous currents. There is no positive evidence that such beds ever existed in this State, but a few facts will be briefly given which suggest the question as to whether the upper beds of sandstone and shale heretofore comprised in the coal measures may not possibly be referred to this period.

254 Geological Report.

The sanddtODe and shales, Kos. 1 to 4 of the neral section— the Merom aanddon of former reports — are the strata to which reference is made, and it is done for the purpose of turning investigation toward this point, rather than to ask attention to the few facts here mentioned.

This sandstone is well developed in Vanderburg and adjoining counties, capping the tops of the highest hills in the northeastern, and forming the surface rock in all the uneroded parts of the central and western regions. Judging from observations made in this county alone, it is regular in sequence, uninterruptedly covenng the coal measures. But this bed extends for a considerable distance along the Wabash valley, and is well exhibited in Pike, Gibson and Sullivan counties, Indiana, and has been traced northward through several counties in Illinois. Although nearly continuous throughout this area, at several stations it is greatly thinned, sometimes, but rarely, passing into or covered with gray, blue, purple, pink and red shales. Always above the coals, it does not maintain such horizontality in reference to itself, as a deposit of such persistence should show. As to the coals, it is regular only in irregularity. Although always superior to all coals, at several stations it is deposited on escarped or eroded surfaces of the coal measures as low as seam M, the three higher seams with accompanying shales, slate and stone having been removed. It is therefore unconformable to the coal measure deposits, and this &ct, when found, as in this case, to extend over wide areas, is generally considered an important point in fixing the demarkation between formations.

Next, the rock is unlike the regular sandstoniB of the coal measures. As a rule, soft, often so incoherent as to be easily cut with pick or shovel, and in such cases readily disintegrating into coarse, angular sand, yet it generally carries a massive or heavy bed, sometimes compact enough for coarse masonry. It is always ferriferous, and at many stations the iron is in irregular veins, rather than seams. Examples similar to the following description, extracted from report on Sullivan county, may be seen very

VANDEaBUEG county. 255

often in Knox Oibson, Pike and Yanderburg counties. '' The ' Merom sandstone ' is here at its northern terminus, well developed. Deep, narrow gorges, with precipitous or overhanging sides, give a romantic boldness to the scenery, and afford good exposures for observation. It may be characterized as a very coarse grained sandstone, varying in color from brown to yellowish red, with occasional strata of snowy whiteness, irregularly laminated.'

False and diagonal bedding and coarseness of materials, show that il was deposited by strong currents of water, subject to frequent change of direction and to cross currents. Portions are compact quarry rock, which, however, on exposure, generally tend to disintegrate. The coloring matter is derived from small partings and veins of iron, which, *being harder than their sandy matrix, fret the sides and over-banging arches of the gorges with an irregular tracery of network in relief. To this may be added that fossils are rare or entirely absent, and confined, as far as my observation extends, to Acrogensy {Calamites). With this description may be compared the western higher sandstones, as given in last edition of Danas Manuel of Geology, page 404. Again, the surest demarkation between formations, is the occurrence of siliceous beds, especially carrying a conglomeratic or pudding stone character. Such beds do not often occur in a regular formation, but are known to indicate a vigorous change of conditions, as exemplified, not only by stratigraphic novelties, but as well by partial disappearance of the older flora and fauna, and the introduction, in some degree, of new ones. At the base of this sandrock, we have heretofore had frequent occasion to mention a conglomerate or pudding stone underlying the Merom sandstone, in Gibson, Knox and Sullivan counties; the pebbles partly from coal measure rocks, and fossils in part from the older sub-carboniferous Devonian and Silurian formations. But especially significant, with these are found rounded pellets or pebbles of coal, in which the square or rhomboidal crystals are rounded by attrition, and seeming to indicate that they are fragments eroded by

'256 Geological Report.

currents, subsequent in age to their deposit, placed here hj fluviatile and wave action. The same &cts are noted in Edgar and Vermillion counties, Illinois, where the conglomerate beds are well developed and remarkable. In Illinois Oeological Report, IV, pages 247, 248, a bed of this stone is described, and its irregularity properly attributed to "the heavy erosion which the beds, (coal measures), in that region evidently suffered, before the deposition of the sandstone/' This erosion is found exhibited at that place on a grand scale, and the author cited " observed that a portion of the upper coal measures including shales, argillaceous limestones, and two coal beds, were carried away to a depth of sixty feet, and in the depression thus made, a sandstone, Merom sandstone '), which belongs at the top of the series, was laid down so as to fill and overlie it." The same authority, page 249, mentions the accompanying conglomerate, which has since been traced sporadically, for 150 miles to the southeast, and looking at it from a coal-measure standpoint, remarks, as others have done before and since in that line of vision, 'that he is unable to conceive of any circumstances which could have produced just such a bed of rock."

Adjoining this locality, section 25, township 19, range 13, Vermillion county, Ills., Dr. J. C. Winslow, of Danville, Ills., discovered a bed of fossils which is named in his honor "Winslow's Bluff." They occur in a bed of black, brown, gray, red and pink shales backed with sandstone, filling a depression denuded by forces acting at the close of the coal age, which had carried away the regular deposits, including probably three seams of coal. They consisted of separate vertebrae, teeth and other elements of several skeletons, amounting to about 93 bones and fragments, and were submitted by the writer to that distinguished comparative anatomist, Prof. E. D. Cope. After a careful tudy. Prof. Cope found that they comprised two new genera and species of Reptilia, and two of fishes. In a paper read by him and published in proceedings of Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, September 28 1875,

Vanderbueg County. 257

page 404, the Professor says that ''A remarkable peculiarity of the vertebrse of the series is the longitudinal axial perforation of the centrum. They present the character observed in Archegosaurus and other SUgocephalua Batrachia ; but which also exists, according to Gunther, in the living Rhyn* chocephalou8 lizard — the Sphenodon of New Zealand. The bones of the limbs and scapular arches are so decidedly reptilian, and bo unlike those of any Batrachia with which we are yet acquainted, that I am disposed to refer them to the former class. And as there are several points in which the fossils resemble the order JRhynchooephalia, I refer them provisionally to that neighborhood. They constitute the first definite indicaiion of the existence of animals of that type in the Western hemisphere. Associated with these Saurians were found teeth of two species of fishes, which are important in evidence of the position of the beds in which they occur. One of these is a new species of Ceratodus, Agass., and the other a Diplodus. The former genus is characteristic of the Triassic period in Europe, one species having been found in the Oolite. It still lives in North Australia. In both these respects the Rhynchocephalian lizards present a remarkable coincidence. They also belong U) the horizon of the Trias in Europe, and the only living species is found in New Zealand. Thus it would seem that a fragment of this fituna, so ancient in the Northern hemisphere, and so remarkably preserved in the Southern, has been brought to light in (the Wabash valley of) Illinois " He names the new MeptUiay Oricodus hderolitus, and Clepsydrops CoUettii, the fishes Ceratodus boMatus and Diplodus VinsUydiy and adds that while the first are so distindly of Triassic type, that the last has not before been found above the carboniferous, and waits further material before venturing a decision whether they belong to Triassic or Permian time.

The foregoing facts are given without recapitalation

They strongly hint, although still meagre, at a solution

of the query as to age and time with which this subject is

headed, and it may be hoped that they will stimulate

G. E.— 17

258 Geological Report.

research, which alone can definitely answer the question, Oria89io or Carboniferous ?

Paleozoic Age.

Carboniferous Period,

The beds Nos. 3 to 14 of the general section including two or three thin seams of rash coal, and two strata of limestone, each from two to eight feet thick, occupy the hill-tops in the northeastern parts, and thence dipping to the southwest, are found at or near the level of the streams in that part of the county. These beds are a notable horizon. Besides the advantage of the stone, which is burned for the lime, they form an unmistakable directrix from which to measure down to the probable level of the lower workable coals. The limestones Nos. 5 and 11, at their northeastern outcrop, are hard and clinky, and are frequently brought close together or found in contact. Going westward, they first become more plainly calcareous, are separated by a parting which widens at some points to a space of nearly fifty feet, and allows the introduction of a rash coal, becoming persistent to the west, but only represented by fire clays in the eastern parts; Persistent in the eastern parts, they become somewhat inconstant in the western, and pass into calcareous shales. In all adjoining regions, these limestones contain a multitude of fossils in great variety, which have given rise to bitter personal quarrels and disputes between eminent scientists. Some of these fossils, as MeekeUa, Synlrielasma, a Myalina, Bellerophon crassus, Pleurotomaria turbiniformis etc., are closely allied to Permian forms of Europe. These fossils, with many others are not found, in my knowledge, below the upper coal measures included by the numbers (5 to 14) under consideration. So many new fossils from this horizon have been described as of " the coal measures,' that deciding from such determination, the rocks, notwithstanding the introduction, in part, of a new fauna, are coal measures. As a

heso fossils have not been found west of the Wabash river, but are aban* daut in equivalent beds in'llinois, adjoining to the west.

Vanderbueg County. 259

<x)inpromise, equivalent beds in Kansas and Nebraska have been termed by eminent geologists Permo carboniferous/ a designation which seems properly applied.

In this county these limestones, although often crowded or almost wholly composed of fossils as AthyriSy Spirifer UneaiuSj and Lophophyllum proUferum, do not offer good cabinet specimens. The coals, Nos. 3, 8, 12, are generally absent and never persistent over considerable areas. Impure and thin, they are consequently of no great economic importance. The thin fire clays, Nos. 9, 13, are of even more value, for generally unctuous and plastic, they afford as a rule a clay which, purified by exposure to atmospheric agencies, will work well for crocks, coarse pottery and terra- cotta ware.

No. 14, a soft, flaggy, blue, buff and gray sandstone, interchanging with gray shale, carrying iron stones, is found in the upper part of Ingleside shaft, in the bed and bluffs of Pigeon creek, and thence northeast of Evansville in the hills and banks of all the brooks and creeks. At several stations on Pigeon, a local stratum is quarried for rough masonry. Such beds are not persistent, soon passing into shale with wedge-shaped terminals.

The yellow and gray sandstone, No. 15, is found well down in the Evansville shafts, and is exposed only in the east and southeastern parts of the county. It has been quarried to some extent in the vicinity of Newburg, in Warrick county, and is well exposed in all the hills from five to seven miles northeast of Evansville. An extensive bed has been opened on the land of 8. Stevens, northwest quarter of section 7, township 6, range 9, affording stone of excellent quality, which deserves the attention of builders for foundations and hammered masonry. Blocks of good size may be obtained, and it is easily dressed when fresh from the quarry. Between this stone and the first workable coal, N, occurs gray and buff shales, passing into flaggy sandstones, carrying at several stations, nodules and thin ishelly concretions of ironstone, but of no economic importance.

260 Geological Report.

The black shale or clod, No. 17, is pretty constant, and differs from the slate usually found covering coals by the predominance of aluminous matter, rendering it soft. It . usually carries a considerable number of fossils, most of which are pyritized, as Produdus eora P. oostatuSy Athyris mbtilUa, MacrocheUua, several species, Bellerophon, two species, etc., etc.

Coal N, No. 19 of the general section, is a choice gassy coal, of excellent quality; for analysis, I refer to the chemist's report of Millersburg coal as a type specimen. From appearances it is believed that this is equal to the best western coal for gas and coking, and although the seam will average but little over two feet, yet the purity and richness in volatile matter will justify removing the fire clay for potteries, and thus secure this valuable coal. It is passed in the Ingleside shaft, and was formerly worked by a shaft not now in use, on Steven's land, northwest quarter section 7, township 6, range 9. This coal will be found near the sur&ce or in the hills in the southeastern parts, as it is just caught in the top of the bluff at Newburg, passes near the surface at Chandler's shaft, and below the the water level a short distance north of Millersburg, It is also pierced by Priest's bore at West Franklin in the extreme southwest corner of the county, and by the Kentucky shafts at Henderson — in fact at every point at which this horizon has been explored. These facts indicate a uniform persistence throughout this region of Coal N, a seam that is characteristically inconstant and unreliable in all the basin to the north and east. It is locally known as the " Little Newburg coal." Below the fire clay of N is found a buff or gray limestone, No. 20. This is not exposed in the county, but is met in all the shafts in regular position, and outcrops at Newburg, and thence north along the county line in Warrick county. It contains a few specimens of Productvs and Spirifer, but is remarkable for the wonderful size of LophophyUum proliferum, (some of the ups were seen from three-fourths to one and one-fourth inches in

Vanderburg County. 261

diameter,) and a great profiision of the coral ChoBtetea mUe . poraeeua. Next sucoeeds a gray or white shale carrying bands and nodules of iron ore of good quality, but not in flu£Soient quantity to be of any great value.

The siliceous shale and sandstone passing into massive sand rock along Green river and generally to the north and west, is a marked horizon at stations where exposed, forming quarry beds of economic importance, and bold river bluJB. In this county it is entirely below the surface and is seen only in shafts.

The black, slaty clod, No. 23, is generally persistent throughout this region, and carries a large number of beautiful and well preserved fossils. Oenerally pyritized, they form desirable cabinet specimens, viz: Prodtustua coroy P. longispinua, P. jmnctatuSy BeUerophon carbonariua, B. Moniforiianua, B. perearinatua, MaorooheUua iruMlia, M. fuaiformia, M. (sp?) PUurotomaria carboncdriua, P. apfuerU' icUtty P. GraymUenaia, Orthooeraa Huahenaia, NautUua decorcUua, Aviculopecten rectilaieraria, A. (sp?) Leda beUcLatriaia Nucula injUxta with crinoid stems. These are only a partial list of its marine life. Comb-like spines of fishes and dermal plates, named Petrodua ocoidentalia, are not uncommon; white bones and coprolites are frequent though crushed and fragmentary.

The Ingleside coal M, locally knoMm as Main Newburg' No. 24 of the general section, is the chief mineral resource of this region. This seam has been pierced, by shaft or bore, at a great many different points in this county and in regions immediately adjoining. At every station, with the single exception of the Crescent City Park bore, it has shown a thickness of not less than four feet. It is a strong coking coal, burns to a gray or red ash and is an excellent fuel for steam or grate use, and commands, as it deserves, a ready market. It drives the wheels of commerce, pulls mighty railway trains, and gives energy to the thousand arms and fingers of iron which manufiuture, with the strength of a million giants, the wealth of this &vored city and county. From absence

262 Geological Beport.

of faults or barren places indicated by bores conducted up to this time we may infer that it underruns southern and eastern parts at least two-thirds of the area of the county with a possibility if not a probability that it may be found in the remainder. A coal of such continuity is unusual not ofben met in our coal field, and colnbining so many good with but few bad qualities, it may be looked upon as a grand source of wealth for ages, and assures for this region an enviable prosperity and progress for the future.

This coal has long been worked at Ingleside shaft, in Evanfiville, and at Newburg, Henderson and Green river of Kentucky. A new shaft has been put down at Chandler station, on the Boonville road ; all of which find the seam regular in thickness, and differing but little in quality, may be seen in the chemist's report of analysis. Another shaft is in' progress at Avondale. These mines are more fully reported in local details. It is believed that in the near future, this grand body of coal will be more extensively mined; that far-seeing capitalists will erect the necessary machinery for crushing and washing, to remove the small amount of sulphur contained, and by coking in Belgian furnaces,' furnish a coke which is so much needed for smelting iron and the precious metals, in the west. The usual fire clay, below coal M, Nos. 25 and 26, in its upper member, is plastic, and in the future demand for fire-proof buildings, will be extensively used in terra cotta. Usually, it will be necessary to remove the diffused particles of pyrites by aeration. Strata of limestone are not reported in the sections to which access was had above N and immediately above M, as was found to be the case in Gibson county, but in the new shaft at Henderson, and in the bore at Ingleside, beds are found confirming the unexpected phenomenon of massive limestones in the coal measures, so unwillingly admitted in my report on Gibson and Knox counties. The space represented by Nos. 27, 28 and 29, has been pierced on ly by the lower shaft, in Inglefflde mine. It is h ighly argillaceous, hardly rising above

Vanderburg County. 263

the p:rac[e of clay shale; even the tough blue sandstone readily yields to air and moisture. This was to be expected as similar material, in eight cases out of ten, characterize the horizon between coals M and L, in the counties I have visited in Indiana. Similar outcrops were seen at the same horizon, along Green river, especially at and near Cromwell Landing. A thid bed of soapstone, (indurated clay), is ordinarily found, succeeding which is rich in leaves and stems of carboniferous plants, and is known as the fern bed." Sometimes the soapstone is replaced by gray shale, full of kidney iron stones, enclosing plants and fruits.

Coal L, No. 31 of section, offers the characteristic physical form and qualities usually presented throughout the Indiana coal field. It is a laminated semi-caking or free burning coal, rich in carbon, and yielding a gray or. white ash, with little or no cinder. It is the most persistent coal oi the Wabash basin in thickness, regularity and good qualities. In this vicinity it has been pierced by three bores, showing an average thickness of only about two feet, which may be regarded as the probable thickness of the seam along the southern and western part of the county. This will hardly justify mining at present. The seam, from indications in Pike and Gibson, will be found well developed in the northeastern half of the county, and, when facilities for transportation promised by proposed iilways exist, will add materially to the available wealth. It is admirably suited for rolling mill, locomotive and stove use. Below coal L a hard ferruginous, laminated sandstone, passing into siliceous shales, has been pierced by bores, and occurs at adjoining regions in outcrops, filling a space of from 90 to 120 feet, at the base of which the limestone superimposing coal K is found ; sometimes flinty, but on the Kentucky side of the river carrying the usual fossils as ProdVfCtus costatuSf P. longispinvs, LophophyUum proliferum, SpiHfer cameratiis, 8. lintatusy Athyris siibtilUaj GhoneUs mesoloba, C. 6p, f , and Orinoid stems.

Coal K is not seen in the county. In bores along the Ohio river it never develops a thickness of two feet and

264 Geological Report.

is generally thinner or barren. Typically it is a strong caking coal containing some sulphur and boms to red or brown ash. K is magnificently exhibited in the adjoining parts of Pike county, and we may reasonably expect that it undernms, with workable thickness, about one-third of the northeastern part of the county, gradually, but regularly, thinning and scattering toward and at the deep centre of the coal basin to the west. A short distance below the horizon of K, beds of black shale occur, which are often in bores, reported as coal. No thick or workable seams may be expected at this depth. The space usually presenting the block coals is here barren, as it is generally in the southern part of the State. It seems probable that at the central extreme depths of the basin the vegetable material, which Mf preserved pure would suffice for a coal seam, was largely intermixed with clay and argillaceous matter, and thus difiused and scattered, is represented by a black shale, and the ironstone. No. 38. The conglomerate sandrock. No. 39, forms the bottom rock or bed of the Coal measures. It is a course, red sandstone, heavy bedded or massive, containing, often, a few red and white quartz pebbles, conglomerated, but the latter are generally absent in the Indiana coal field. This sandrock is only pierced by the Crescent City Park bore in this county, and in neighboring wells, but is typically exhibited in adjoining regions to the northeast and south.

The sub-conglomerate coal A, is only known by report. It's existence in this region is, to say the least, problematical, and certainly of no economic importance. The deepest bores report beds of limestone and sandstone, which are referred to the Chester beds of the subcarboniferous period. These bores were put down during the oil excitement, and are not very reliable for minor details, but their steady concurrence, as to the underlying limestone, is regarded reliable. The foregoing gives a connected view of the sur&ce phenomenon and rocky structure of the county. Details will be added for local information.

Vanderburg County. 265

Local Details.

Near Evansville the surface rocks are the soft blue buff and gray sandstODes passing into argillaceous shales, No. 14 of general section. In this bed the Ingleside shaft in the west suburb of Evansville was bnn, piercing in its depth the lower rash coal and shales, and N, M and L in succession. Thanks are returned to Mr. John Ingle for the following items :

Section In Ingleside Shaft. (Formerly Bodiam.)

Fractional Section 26, Township 16 Range 11.

Ft. In.

1. Clay and alluvial sand , 29 00

2. Clay and shale 61 00

S. Slaty coal and fire-clay 3 00

4. Sandrock 4 06

5. Siliceous clay shales 12 09

6. Shale and iron stones 6 08

Fire-clay 10

7. Ferriferous sandstone 7 09

8. Fire clay with sand and iron 12 03

9. Sandstone (ferriferous) 12 01

10. Shale 1 00

11. Sandstone 7 05

12. Coal N ("Little Newburg") 2 11

13. Fire-clay with iron balls 5 08

14. Limestone - 5 (X)

15. Fire-clay parting 2 06

16. limestone 4 06

17. Gray shale black at bottom , 83 10

18. Coal M., " Main Newburg" 4 02

19. Fire-clay - 4 00

20. Fire-clay with pyrite 3 08

21. Siliceous shale 11 09

22. AgrillaceouB sandstone 5 00

23. Gray shale (Soapstone).. 64 05

24. Soapstone (fern bed) 03

25. Coax L: Impure cannel, 1 ft. 6 in.; pyritous

argillite, 1 ft. 4 in.; slaty cannel, 1 ft. 2 in.; semicoking coal, 1 ft. 3 in 5 03

26. Fire-clay 2 06

362 08

266 Geological Bepobt.

The foregoing is the pioneer exploration of this vicinity and corresponds generally with out-crops seen nearer the margin of the basin excepting only the unusual depression of the rash coal (No. 3 from top). In fact in sections previously published and those which have heretofore came to my view, the occurrence of this coal at so low a level is not noted. The " Ingleside Mining Co.," John Ingle & Co., proprietors, have an establishment which, for intelligent direction and sufficiency of equipments, is rarely excelled. The shafl is arranged for double cages, ascending and descending at the same time, with third compartment for air," thus securing good ventilation. The fixtures are driven by a steam engine of 90 horse power. The screens and dumps are ample and well arranged, with facilities for delivering coal on rail, river, or wagon for city use. These fixtures have an output capacity of 2,400,000 bushels per annum, or 200,000 per month. Largest output for one month, October 1875, was 91,000 bushels of lump; the least output was in June, 24,000 bushels.

Total output for 1876 :

Lump coal 720,000 bushels.

Nut and screenings 80,000 bushels.

800,000 bushels.

Making an average of 66,600 bushels per month. Average price 6i cents per bushel aboard car or boat.

Their principal market is for mills, factories and house use in the city, and for steamers on the Ohio river. Considerable shipments are also made by the Evansville & Chicago, and St. Louis & Southeastern railways. The mine, although situated immediately on the bank of the Ohio and to a small extent driven to the edge of it, is almost entirely free from water. There is none in the " workings," and the surface seep is hoisted in a half hour run, daily. In the black shale which forms the roof, are some fine fossils, including ProdiLCtikSy three species, BeUerophony two species, Aviculopecten, two species, Pleurotomariay two species, MaorocheUuBy two species, and

Vanderbubq County. 267

a OonicUite, which I saw in the cabinet of Dr. Stinson. In the gray argillite a few feet above this coal in the Henulariay closely allied or identical with the one found in the snbcarboniferous beds. The coal in the mine and accom* panying rocks are as follows :

Ingleside Mi£.

Argillaceoas limestone, pyritouB 1 ft. 4 in.

Black slate (shale) 1 ft. 4 in.

Laminated coal 1 ft 3 in.

Parting 2 in.

Solid caking coal 2 ft. 11 in. 4 ft. 2 in.

6 ft 10 in.

This coal ranges from three feet eight inches to four feet four inches and averages nearly four feet at this mine as also, at Newburg, Henderson, (Jreen river, etc. As before hinted, it is remarkably uniform in thickness and persistence; in fact, the single bore at the Crescent City artesian springs is the only exception, so &r developed. In other regions of our basin, the coals are not so regular. Large barren areas intervene, or the seams narrow and are unworkable. One uninterrupted seam is equal in avails to several unreliable coals, and gives more certain returns. We may, therefore, feel confident that this single seam will assure great prosperity to this region, for the quality is good and the supply, practically, unlimited.

When coals become scarce, as in England, the upper two feet seam, (N), may and will be worked. Within Ingleside mine, a test bore was put down, under directions of Mr. William Adams, to whom I am indebted for the section. At the bottom, it was supposed from the borings that a five foot coal existed. A shaft was sunk, which developed the fact that part of the seam was impure or slaty, with only fifteen inches of good coal — not sufficent to justify working* The quality was good, as may be seen from analysis of coal L, in chemist's report. The specimen was obtained from Mr. Ingle. The dip of lower coals, L, M and N, from

268 Geological Report.

Newburg via Evansville, along the oenter of the trough which gives direction to the lower Ohio valley, is eighteen feet nine inches per mile with many irregularities or rolls. Dip to soath, from the northern line of the coonty, is aboat twenty feet per mile decreasing to eight or ten feet, until it passes the central synclinal, where the dip is reversed, ascending to the south.

A short distance east of the Ingleside mine, is the location of the proposed railway bridge, as a link in the nation's commerce, so necessary to the prosperity of Indiana and Kentucky. Test bores were put down under direction of Mr. W. Adams, who kindly furnished the following exhibit, which proves that good stony foundations are at hand, thus reducing the cost nearly one-half, as compared with the St. Louis bridge, etc.:

Section At Inteb-State B. B. Bridge.

(l2n>IANA SHOaB).

Ft. In.

Clay 8 00

Sand 44 00

Blue clay 1 00

Marl, (BheUbed?) 7 06

Shale 14 06

Total 76 06

(kehtugkt shokb).

Ft. In. Sand and loam 67 06

Carbonaceous matter 06

Marl, (shells?) 7 06

Shale 16 00

Total 90 06

The "Crescent City Park' and pleasure grounds arc situated on the east bank of Pigeon creek, southeast quarter of section 24, township 6, range 11. The grounds are well arranged, beautifully ornamented, and easily accessible by street railway. Hon. Wm. Heilman is proprietor. One of the most interesting attractions is a flowing artesian well, which furnishes a saline, sulphurous water of well attested medical properties. The bore, four and a quarter inches in

Vanderburg County. 269

diameter, was commenced Deoember 1868 for oil. . In the upper part, a strong flow of burning gas, (carbureted hydrogen), escaped. This was continued until salt water was struck, at less than three hundred feet, which overpowered and drove back the gas.

Section In Gbescent City Abtesian Well.

Ft. In. Soapstone 31 00

Gray sandstone 2 06

Soapstone and shale 37 06

Very hard gray sandstone.. 1 00

Slaty coal 1 06

Shale 6 00

Gray .- 44 06

Soft shale 11 00

Soft gray sandstone.. 18 00

Hard dark sandstone... 5 00

Gray flint? 2 00

Dark gray sandstone 62 00

Salt water.

Hard black shale, (Goal?) 73 00

Gray sandstone 65 00

Flint. 6 00

Hard gray shale 5 00

Hard argillaceous sandstone.. 34 00

Gray shales, (Soapstone) 56 00

Coax. (L?) 1 06

Gray shale and sandstone 134 00

Dark sandstone, with salt water flowing seven gallons per minute, 3® Baume 5 00

Hard pure sandstone conglomerate 50 00

Coal and slate 0 06

Soapstone 10 00

Coal (A?) and slate 1 06

Fire clay 06

682 00 Surface. 17 00

Total 709 00

This bore seems to show irregularities in the rocky strata and differs from all others put down to a oorrespouding depth, at the several points explored in this region. It is possible that during the '' oil fever less attention was

270 Geological Repobt.

paid to what was then esteemed a jpinor matter as coelj etc., then we can now wish. However this may be, the section is given for future comparison.

At Avondale, a northern suburb of the city, a bore was put down in April, 1875, with the following results, kindly furnished by H. E. Reed, Esq. :

Section In Avokdale Bore.

rt. In.

Barface - 9 06

Blue clay 30 06

Gray sand 2 06

Blue mud, (quicksand) 22 03

Gravel, sand and shells. 6 00

Fire-clay and sand 2S 03

Gravel and sand 1 00

Sandstone 2 00

Fire-clay 2 09

Sandstone - 11 00

Fire-clay .- - 7 09

Sandgtone 7 00

Fire-clay, with pebbles 2 08

Siliceous clay 1 00

SaDdstone, with iron balls 72 00

Concretion 1 10

Sandstone 36 10

Rock slate 6 00

Black slate 2 10

Coal 4 00

256 09

A company was formed which at once commenced sinking a shaft with engine and fixtures of the most approved power and plan. The enterprise was being prosecuted, at the time of my visits with energy and skilly and had passed the quicksand overcoming obstacles which required patience, foresight and nerve. Just below the quicksand a wonderful bed of fresh water shells was founds including ten species of muscles Paludinum Mdania, etc. a large majority of which now have their habitat in the States that border upon the Gulf of Mexico, and prove conclusively that at an early day, soon aflter or at the close of the lacustral period, a climate prevailed in southern Indiana similar to that enjoyed by our Southern brethren. This

Vanderbubg County. 271

subject has been herein more fully discussed under head of "Kecent Geology." It has since been announced in the newspapers that the company struck the main coal, four feet thick, on the 10th of March, 1876, at a depth of 260 feet.

An account of strata met in the new shaft at Henderson, Ky., ten miles south of Evansville, reported by H. E. Yingst, foreman, and taken with the assistance of G. M. Alves, Esq., John Reichert and George W. Fallen, the latter two, of the company who originated and prosecuted the People's Mine " enterprise :

SEcrrioN IN "people's mine" shaft, (hsndbbson, ky.)

Ft. In

Yellow clay and sand.. 10 00

Black peaty soil. 4 00

Blueclay 3 00

Yellow clay and quicksand 10 00

Clay and sand, with boulders 1 to 6 inches in diameter, and a great variety of sub-tropical fresh

water mussels and univalves. 10 00

Porous limestone.. 1 00

Fire clay parting 03

Blue limestone 2 06

Slate and coal 10

"Solid limestone, weathering yellow, fossils 2 06

Fire clay.. 06

Soft soapstone 4 10

Black slate 02

Soapstone, with limestone boulders 1 06

Shaly sandstone 6 02

Bhaly sandstone. 30 00

Oray shale 18 00

Black slate 4 00

Coal parting 0 to 0 04

Hard stony fire clay 3 00

Siliceous shale, with ironstoncB 27 00

Black slate with fossil shells, and Stigmaria, Lepido'

deridra and Oordaitea, 1 08

Ck)AL--worked 4 00

Fire clay 3 00

Hard fine blue limestone to bottom of shaft 3 00

172 03

272 Geological Report.

The top of "People's mine shaft is twenty-one feet above high water and sixty-five above low water in the Ohio. According to surveys made by Mr. Alves, and results in the f?hort entries of this mine, the dip is reversed, and strata rise to south and southwest at the rate of from twenty to a hundred and ten feet per mile. The last may be only a local roll. It is possible that Holloway's bore, put down four miles east of Henderson, to a depth of one thousand and twenty-four feet, pierced successively the coal measures, the upper beds, including St. Louis, of the subcarboniferous, and rested in the sandstone member of tha knobstone groups. A six foot coal, reported one hundred and fifty feet above the bottom, is a black slate, sometimes occurring at that horizon.

Going northwest from Evansville, the rocks pierced at the beginning of Ingleside shaft, are found partly exposed in the bed of Pigeon, and in the sides of the bold bluff which bounds the alluvial valley on the north. The crest of the bluff* shows the double limestone, which usually, in counties to the north and west, separated by a space of from ten to forty-four feet, are here brought in contact, by absence of the material generally intervening. They also mark the horizon of the first and second rash coals, here also barren. Above them is the third or local rash coal, and the Merom sandstone. The following exposure was noted at Babytown hill and Phil Koch's quarry:

SECrriON AT BABYTOWN.

Ft. In.

Soil 10 00

Merom sandstone, (soft) 45 00

Coal, 3d rash, local 1 05

Siliceous shale .-. 3 00

Laminated, sandstone ripple marked; some good

quarry stone 19 00

Blue limestone -, 2 00

Conglomerate, siliceous and ferriferous — place of

flint 2 00

Yellow ferruginous limestone 7 00

Siliceous shale to brook 35 00

Total 114 06

Vanderburg County. 27*

Some stone for rough masonry and flags has been quarried on Phil. Koch, Senr's land. The coal is of limited area, but is reported to burn well. The same seam of coal has been worked to a limited extent on land of Phil. Koch, Sen., southwest quarter section 14, township 6, range 1, and D. S. Lytle, same section.

The limestone in foregoing section, and on land of W. H. Law, southeast quarter section 23, township 6, range 4, contains large and small crinoid stems, Spirifer linecUus, Spiri" fer KerduckensiSy Athyris subtUUa, Terebratula bovidena, Productvs longispirms, RhynchoneUa oaageimSy Lophophyllum proliferumy Hemipronites crassuSy Campophyllum torquiunty f etc., in fact, is composed almost wholly of marine animal remains, generally so compressed and broken as to be undistinguishable.

From the top of Babytown hill, nearly 200 feet above low water in the river, a splendid view is enjoyed of the city and its teeming life, and the beautiful river bearing on its bosom graceful, life-like steamers, ladened with the commerce of the Valley States. In the village, on land of J. F. Schaefter, northwest quarter of section 23, township 6, range 11, a spring flows from the base of a decomposing mass of limestone, somewhat acidulous, and holding iron and sulphur in solution. It has been used medicinally with success, and will doubtless have good efiectsin febrile cases.

On Andrew Kochs land, southwest quarter section 14, township 6, range 11, the massive bed of the Merom rock is well exposed, exhibiting one of its typical features. The rock is 20 to 40 feet thick, and is composed of sharp, angular grains of sand, with small partings or veins of soft, hematite, and a few trunks and stems of plants. The sand is but slightly agglutinated, or disintegrating from ancient exposure, is soft and incoherent, and may be removed with a shovel, scarcely requiring the aid of a pick or blast. On exposure the iron is removed by rain and dew or by washing. The sand is white, clean, excellent for plastering, eta, and may be used for the manu&cture of glass. All these G. R.— 18

274 Geological Report.

strata dip 60 feet per mile to west northwest. Absence of the third rash coal in a well on the same land, proves its area extremely limited.

BABYTOWN WELL. (A. Koch's land.)

Ft. In.

Soil 10 00

Soft, incoherent sandstone 2 00

Soft Merom sandstone, masslYe bed 43 00

Siliceous shale, no coal 16 00

Adjoining on land of Charles Bodenberg, southwest quarter section 15 township range 11 miles west of Evansville, a large amount of stone has been quarried and burned making a strong, dark lime.

Section At Rodenburgs Quarry.

Ft. In.

Clay and loess 40 00

Merom rock and siliceons shale 20 00

Blue clinky limestone.. 2 04

Conglomerate, with argillaceous and flinty material,

fossils 3 00

Gray limestone, weathering yellow, hrecciated, with

crushed fossils 6 00

Parting of fossils 0 to 0 02

Gray laminated limestone 4 00

Siliceous shale, ironstone nodules and plates of sandstone 25 00

101 06

This bed of stone is probably at or about the horizon of the top of the Ingleside shaft. The strata dip rapidly to the west; consequently springs are not found on the eastern but burst out on the western exposures or hill sides. Continuing southwest on the land of J. W. 6. Stinson the rocks affoi'd the following :

Vanderburg County. 276

SECTION AT STINSONS SPRING. (four miles wbbt of evaksville.) Southwest quarter section 28 township 6, range 11.

Ft. In.

Loees and soil 3 00

Merom rock Ufeetto 6 00

Siliceous shale with nodules 13 00

Upper hard blae limestone 3 02

Parting slate and fire clay, place of second rash coal 04 Yellow limestone with crinoid stems, Spirifer UnecUm

Naiica, etc II feet to 3 09

Shales and sandstones to brook 22 00

Strata locally dip west 60 feet per mile. The Merom sandstone is ferruginous and very coarse, indicating a shore or estuary deposit transported by strong currents or thrown up by breakers. In short spaces the bds are nearly horizontal or sinking with regular dip, but frequent masses ot false or diagonal bedding with a slope of 10 to 35, faced diVectly to the west, showing that the deep ocean, whose waves gave direction to this deposit, was in that course.

At Michael Gluck's lime kiln, southwest quarter section 32, township 6, range 11, stone has long been burned, making a good strong lime for local demand. The following out-crop was noted :

F. In.

Loess, soil 20 00

Bed sand, loess. 4 00

Soft Merom sandstone 26 00

Shaly sandstone 12 00

Blue limestone... 3 feet to 1 00

Calcareous argillite with plates of chert of 2 inches to 8 inches, and containing Spirtfer lineaiuSf Keniuekerms, BelUrophony AihyriSf ProductuSf and

crinoid stems and arms ; 3 00

Gray and buff limestone crowded with a crushed

mass of above fossils : 8 00

m

Gray shille in brook 2 00

276 Geological Report.

Another outcrop of this flinty (hornstone) limerock, waa seen further on in the West Franklin road which has been a noted curiosity with geologists who have made this region &mous by their labors. At this pointy although not -well exposed, it would seem fi*om*the sloping outcrops, that the whole thickness of this limestone had passed into clinky hornstone (flint). At southeast quarter section 6, township 7, range 11, the Merom sandstone is seen along the top of the hill, indicating a thickness of twenty to thirty feet.

On the slope of the hill, near the residence of F. Finney, are three sink holes, such as are so common in the region of the subcarboniferous limestone, from ten to thirty feet ' in diameter. Their size indicates an unusual development of limestone of this locality. These are the only sinks seen in our coal measures. A large spring discharges the water collected by them. At the southwest corner of the county, about a nile east of West Franklin, the blufi& expose a bold precipitous face to the river. The limestones here parted by a slight layer of slate and thin plates of the second rash coal, are elevated with the Merom sandstone by a local anticlinal ridge, with strike from northeast to southwest, and dipping slightly to the east, but rapidly, for a short distance, in the normal western direction. Much stone was formerly burned here, and at the village below, for shipment to the southern market, but this lime contained so much color and foreign ingredients that it could not succesfuUy compete with the purer article from subcarboniferous. At this bluffs, Mr. Geo. M. Priest (to whom I am indebted for section in bore, and other fevors), in November, 1859, put down a test well, which, with the outcrops gives a good exhibit of strata, viz :

Vanderburq County. 277

pbibst's bluff section. West half section 19 township 7, range 11.

Ft. In.

Covered 22 00

Yellow ferriferous Merom rock 16 00

PyritouB clay shale, with plates of sandstone 19 00

Black carbonaceous slate 1 ft to 0 00

Blue limestone 1 ft. to 4 00

Parting, 2d rash coal 06

Buff clinky limestone 5 06

Blue and black shale, Ist rash coal 1 ft. to 0 00

Siliceous shales with iron nodules. 27 00

Bore — high-water mark.

Siliceous shale, with good iron ore in bands and

nodulea 36 06

Siliceous shales, with nodules 30 00

Hard concretions 2 00

Sandstone 44 03

Laminated sandstone and shale .. 13 00

Blue shales 27 00

Very dark shales 3 06

Coal, (N?) 3 06

Fire clay 1 06

Total 264 03

By this it is seen that a coal of workable thickness exists at a depth of 167 feet below high water mark. Just across the line in Posey county the rash coals are better exhibited although of no great importance. They are at no locality in the State of workable extent. Near this pointy and below the tops of the hills 130 feet above the valley afford a magnificent view embracing a large extent of river and bottom fields and have been employed as look-outs/' or residences, by the Mound Builders and other pre-historic races.

Going north along the county line, the Merom sandstone was noted at several localities, generally in Posey county, rising to the northeast and dipping to west southwest* Much diagonal or false bedding was observed with wave faces to west. At Andrew Eeck's quarry, northwest

278 Geological Report.

quarter section 36, township 7, range 12, half a mile west of the county line, the loiassive member of the Merom sandstone is well exposed, and yields an excellent quarry stone, n large blocks, one of the best quarries in the vicinity. In the lower strata Catamites and worn trunks of coal plants were seen. Below the quarry is a band of black, shale with locally a thin seam of coal from six to ten inchesthick.

The same sandstone outcrops on the &rms of Charlea Keck, Lewis Hauschild and George Roseman, sections 30 and 31, township 6, range 11; soft and incoherent at the top, but presenting massive ledges ten to twenty feet thick, in the ravines. A short distance east of this locality the sandrock ascends to the summit of the hills, and the double limestone and rash coals are exposed in the valleys.. Massive beds of sandstone are seen along the southern bluffs of Big creek, some of which have been quarried for rough masonry. At Wm. Fauquher's, and vicinity, section 6, township 6, range 11, the Merom sandstone caps thetops of the hills and a band of black carbonaceous shale,, twelve to eighteen inches thick, is seen in the ravines,, representatives of the second rash coal of general section, the limestones apparently being absent, or having passed into a calcareous shale. A thin coal was formerly worked, for blacksmiths' use, on the Dow farm, northwest quarter section 1, township 6, range 12.

On the dividing ridge between east and west branches of Big creek, on the farm of Henry Schift, miles southwest &om St. Wendell, the Merom sandstone has not been eroded, and crowns an almost knob-like elevation. The lower strata is soft, micaceous and readily yields to the action of the atmosphere and running water, the middle or massive member, more compact, often stands out 10 to 16 feet, overhanging the brook which rushes past its base,, forming ''rock houses'' like those so oflen seen in the conglomerate hills. These have been used for shelter in storms by Indians, as well as wild animals. St. Wendell is a. German village (section 7, toMrnship 5, range 11), and

VANDfeRBUBG COUNTY. 279

presents many characteristics of the &tberlandy novel to Americans. The industry thrift and prosperity of the citizens is proverbial. Well appointed &rms; good gardens and comfortable or luxorioos houses filled with means for social comfort enables them to enjoy life somewhat independent of the outside world. Coal has been stripped to a very small extent at several openings near the village bnt it is impure thin, and will not justify expensive work. On the farm of John Tenbarge, west half section 6, township 5, range 11, the second rash coal is found 11 inches thick, of fiiif quality. At George Selfert's, southwest quarter section 7, township 6, range 11, several loads have been mined; for quality, see chemist's report.

Section At Helfekt'S — St. Wendell.

Ft. In.

Slope, Merom sandstone 70 00

Calcareous shale (limestone) 1 06

Black sheetj shale 2 00

Coal, second rash.. 1 06

Laminated fire clay, in hook 1 00

In the black slate covering this coal was seen dermal tubercles and spines of Petrodus oeeidentalisy Nucula inflaiay. Gardiamorpha Misaourierms, etc. The fish specimens above are probably termed "comb-like teeth of sharks'' in former reports.

The northwest part of the county, near the residence of Hon. Leroy Calvert, is a prime agricultural region ; perhaps, considering all the surroundings, the best in the country* The table land is a broad, gently undulating or nearly level plateau, and offers the characteristics of a prairie opening. The soil produces good crops of grass, wheat, and a feir yield of corn in its natural condition ; but many farms have been enriched by under-draining, which assures good crops in spite of unpropitious seasons by fortifying plant life against flood or drought. In this vicinity the valley of Big creek proper is from two to three miles wide, and several of

'280 Geological Report.

its branches have valley plains from one to two miles wide, ith only brooks or wet weather streams flowing throagh them in no way commensurate with the erosion necessary to excavate such water-ways all pointing back to the time when temporary sluice-ways discharging floods of ice- water from the northern and northeastern glaciers swept across here to the Wabash by way of Big creek, now an insignificant stream. The rocks are deeply covered, and the only outcrop noted is a quarry, of Metom sandstone on the farm of John Klaser, northwest quarter section 23, township 4, range 11. Well improved jarms, comfortable houses and a thrifty people characterire this vicinity.

Returning south t(. wards the city, many vineyards and profitable orchards were noted in the broken and hilly region which borders the ravines. On the &rm of Mr. George Grafl, northeast quarter, section 22, township 5, range 11, much ill-advised search has been made for silver, and an expensive shaft; put down through the solid Merom rock. It is unnecessary to say that there is not the least probability of finding such ore in this county. The following shows the outcrops :

Section At George Graffs.

Ft. In.

Covered and variegated shale 30 00

Soft Merom sandstone 8 00

laminated Merom sandstone 20 00

Massive Merom sandstone 12 00

Shale and sandstone 3 00

Bine sandstone and shale 7 00

Black slate : 08

Goal, rash 1 02

Siliceous shale 4 00

The character of the under bed indicates the irregular and unreliable nature of the coal noted in the above section. Although appearing at the horizon of the second rash coal, it is probably a local deposit of no great extent.

Vanderburg County. 281

On John Eohler's land, sontheast quarter, section 3, township 6, range 11, coal was formerly worked at a good deal of expense. The fixtures are not in use, and gone to decay. A specimen of the coal for analysis was not obtained. The following section is nearly correct, viz:

SECTION AT KOHLKR's OLD MINE.

Ft. In.

Soil and loess 10 00

Merom rock 25 00

Gray shale 4 00

Coal, rash 1 06

Laminated fireclay 2 00

Before the opening of Ingleside shaft, the coal mined here was hauled in wagons to partially supply a light local demand in the city. It is not probable that this coal will pay for working. In Big creek region and along the cou&ty line, judging from outcrops seen in Posey county, the space between the first and second rash coals is widened up to from 10 to 40 feet, in some cases to a still greater extent, and the limestone superimposing them, passes into calcareous shales or fossiliferous argilites. No closely connecCed section was taken showing this feature in the county.

North of Evansville, near the crossing of the Princeton pike over Pidgeon, a sandstone in regular layers is quarried. It is &ir stone for foundations and underground work, and easily shaped by reason of its planes of stratification. The following section reaches from the bed of the creek up to and including the double Permo-carboniferous limestone which is seen as boulders or residual red clays along the crest of the hill, but becoming persistent where not exposed to the air :

282 Geological Report.

Meohaniobville — Pigbon Section.

Southwest quarter section 8, township 6, range 10.

Ft. In. Clay soil 26 00

Yellow clay 8 00

Blue shale— decomposing shale.. 8 00.

Place of Permo-carhonif0rous doable limestone 5 00

Covered slope, (shale) 40 00

Gray shale 10 00

Banded sandstone, passing into shale 1 06

Gray shale 15 00

Sandstone passing with wedgenshape terminals into

shale 11 00

Silicioos shale with iron stone nodules 15 00

114 06 Mechanicsville is a thrifty suburb, elevated 150 feet above the city, and 520 feet above tide-water. The pure air and sunshine is apparent in the ruddy faces and elastic forms of its citizens.

From the top of the hill a wide view is spread out, embracing the city and its spires and factories, the rich, broad valley alive with railway trains, and the river quivering beneath the tread of stately steamers. Across the river in Kentucky, hills twelve to fifteen miles away pierce the blue sky with cones and peaks, apparently 80 to 100 feet higher than this spot, guarding the southern wall of the Ohio valley. A short distance east of the north end of the long narrow village, on northwest quarter section 5, township 6, range 10, the double limestone persistently outcrops in the shallow ravines, and is worked at two quarries. The product is used for curbing and stoning the streets of Evansville. This stratum rises to the northeast at about fifteen feet per mile, and is seen a surface rock two miles northeast of Mechanicsville, and at Andrew Palmer's on the pike. Near Anton 8chmitt's, northwest quarter section 20> township 5, range 10, it shows a face of seven or eight feet and in cavities beneath its disturbed edges, rattlesnakes*

Kllol. Hombrook telU of a fight between two larg Herpents, one a rattlesnake, the ottftr a blackanake, witaessed by himself on thU farm. It was a fight to the death. The reptiles rearing up nearly erect, maneuvered their heads with swiftwinged motion for advantage, and fiUed the air with sickening smeU. The rattler

Vandbrburg County. 283

and other serpents gather every season from an are of miles to hibernate. One of the former was said to have been ornamented with 26 rattles.

At the residence of J. W. Knowles Esq. disturbed fragments of Merom sandstone are seen at and on the sur&ce and the limestone 5 to 9 feet thick on the sides of the hilL His well gives the following :

Section In Kn0Wle8* Well.

Ft. In.

Soil and red clay 12 00

Merom sandstone 14 00

Soapstone and shale 9 00

Siliceous shale 2 00

Limestone. 2 00

Add limestone in outcrop 8 00

At the southwest corner of Knowles' farm southwest quarter section 17 township range 10 the massive Merom sandstone over-hangs the brook which flows by its base, forming a rock house, which was a favorite resort of Indians seeking protection from storms. Mr. Knowles' fruit trees are a surer source of income than field crops. He carefully cultivates or preserves some of the native fruits, as persimmon, pecan, etc. At the neighboring residence of Mr. G. Potts, an interesting and well arranged cabinet of fossils, relics, etc., was visited, some of which were of much scientific interest.

Inglefield is situated at the southern edge of the high dividing ridge of table-land, from which the water-shed is to the northwest to the Wabash, and south to the Ohio. It is well up to the summit level of the county, A cut by the railroad, south of the village, exposed strata full of interest. First shales with bands and boulders of siliceous iron stone are seen dipping to the southwat. As they pass from view, their upper surfiice roughly distorted and water

gave the first blow, bat in colling back for another stroke, exposed his flank. The blacksnake, seeing his opportunity, like lightning, seized his adversary by the back of the neck, and throwing him with thumping sound upon the ground, wound his ooO around, bon-constiictor like, and crushed and choked him dead

284 Geological Beport.

worn, the massive member of the Merom rock saperimposes the shales resting on their eroded sarface, but Qnoonformably as if of more recent date, perhaps establishing a line between older and more recent geological formations, between the Triassic? and Permo-carboniferons periods.

The Merom rock is itself very irrular, with much false bedding and alternately compact or of friable textare.

No fossils were seen. A bore put down by W. Adams, for the proprietors of Browning's mill of this village, discovered the following extraordinary strata, indicating a prevalence of limestone on this anti-clinal similar to the calcareous beds found in deep bores reported in geology of Gibson county, viz :

IKGLEFIELD BOKE SECTION. , Ft. In.

Surface clay 10 00

Bed Merom sandstone. 36 00

Carbonaceous parting, coal 04

Hard flinty limestone 4 00

Clay parting, second rash coal 1 08

Flinty gray limestone 6 00

Light gray sandstone 20 00

Soft white limestone 8 00

Soapstone, first rash coal 16 03

Shale 20 00

. Gray flinty limestone. - 3 02

Soapstone... 26 00

White limestone 30 00

Gray shale 20 00

Fire clay 10 00

Fire clay 4 00

Gray shale : 10 00

Soapstone 28 00

Sandstone 3 00

Black slate 2 00

Sandstone.. 17 00

276 05

Vanderburg County. 286

Two and a half miles northeast of Inglefield near McCutohen school house section 2, township range 10| and section 34 township 4, range 10, an interesting cluster of pre-historic earthworks ezist which will be more fully noted under the head of antiquities. The double limestone is found in wells etc. on the table-land in this vicinity from 20 to 40 feet below the sur&oe. It is seen along hillsides on the Thomas McCutchen farm northwest quarter section 26, township 4, range 10, where stone has been burned for lime, and where another winter resort for snakes has been discovered and destroyed.

The top of a bald peak on the McCutchen farm, northwest quarter section 26, commands one of the finest outlooks in the State, embracing the hills and knobs beyond Newburg, 18 miles to the south. Dittany hill, 6 miles to the northeast, the range of wall-like hills along the west line of Pike county, as McGregor's hill, etc., and Kennedy knob, 16 miles to the north, in Gibson county. At each of the last two stations, and at Snake knob, sections were taken and given in reports on Pike and Gibson counties, which are by this survey and by stratifications here noted, connected with the survey of Vanderburg ; for the double limestone which caps the top of each of these hills is seen ascending to the northeast, and as it approaches the intervening valley of Pidgeon, passes out above the sur&ce two and a quarter miles east southeast of Eberfield, in Warrick county. At Dittany hill, in Warrick county, interesting phenomena are observable, some accounts of which are given under the head of .recent geology.

Passing down Pidgeon creek, the rocks were concealed by float materials. At Millersburg, in Warrick county, coal of superior quality (for analysis see chemist's report), was worked during the short life of the canal, and is still used for local fuel. This coal is apparently our nearest approach to Pittsburg coal. The following section was taken near Mischke's mill :

286 Geotxxjical Report.

Section At Millebsburg.

(Wabbick Cuntt).

Ft. In.

Slope and argillaceous shale 12 00

Pyritous ai;B;illite 1 00

Black clod fossils I 00

CoAi. N:

Laminated good coal 1 04

Choice cuhic coal 1 06

Bash pyritous coal 06

Argillite, with pockets of impure coal 5 00

Gray shale - 2 00

Blue limestone, very hard and ferraginoos. 5 00

Total 29 04

In the black clod over coal N, were noticed some beautiful pyritized specimens of Myalina, Avicudopectenf ProduduBy ChoTietea, MacrocheUuSy Mhynohondla, Spirifer and Naviilvsy with Neuropieris, Pecopteris Alethopteris, OordaiteSy Sigillaria, etc. In the limestone a few crashed specimens of Spirifer, ProduotiM, Athyria, with crinoid stems were observed. In the village, a number of ancient mounds were visited.

At Chandler statioui on the Boonville railwayi a new shaft had just been put in successful operation by the proprietors, Pattison & Williams. The fixtures are firstclass, driven by an engine of forty horse power. They were mining 50 to 60 tons a day, and as soon as the entries, which were in progress, could be finished, the capacity would be equal to an output of 200 tons a day. The company carefully select and reject the pyrite and other impurities, desiring to sell only a good article, and furnish a good coal for steam and grate use; for analysis see chemist's report. I am indebted to Mr. H. E. Williams, superintendent, for the following sections, and other favors.

Vanderburg County. 287

Ohandler Shaft.

(Wabbick Ooxjnty.)

Pt. In.

Clay Boil- 16 00

CoalN. MiUersburg and "Little Newburg" 2 00

J'ire clay 2 06

Blue dark limestone with Spirtfer eameratua, 8, linear

tU8f AthyrtBj ChoneUi and crinoid stems 9 05

Soapstone, (indurated shale) 4 00

Hard sandstone 3 00

Light soapstone. 08

Siliceous shale 11 10

Sandstone 5 03

Gray shale 10 06

Dark soapstone.. 2 01

Gray shale with plates of sandrock 34 00

Black slate 1 00

3laty clod, with large boulders 08

Ck>AL M.

Fair coal 1 04

Pyrite parting... 0 to 02

Good coal 1 04

Laminated coaS 1 04

Fire clay.. 4 00

Siliceous shale, iron nodules.. 6 00

116 00

This is an excellent strong coal. Care should be used to Teject the band of pyrite, when the product will command a ready market.

The following section was taken at Newburg near the flouiheast corner of the county. Most of the strata are seen in out-crops. Thanks are returned Mr. Love proprietor, for a report of strata in shaft. The small seam, N, is 80 feet above low watr in the Ohio, 30 feet above high water .and 10 feet above the top of the shaft.

Section At Newbubg Shaft.

Ft. In.

Massive yellow sandstone 18 00

Gray shale... 16 00

Black slate and fire day 2 00

288 Geological Report.

CoalN. "Little Newburg" 1 04

Fire clay 5 00

(top of shaft.)

Graj and buff limestone 8 00

Gray sbale witb plates of sandstone 88 00

Hard slate, pyritous fossils 1 00

Coal M.

Fair coal 1 10

Pyritous parting 02

Good coal 2 00

Fireclay 2 00

Siliceous shale, pyrite pebbles 3 00

148 04

The limestone under coal N is rich in the coral, Chcetdes, and contains a few specimens of LophophyUum of exaggerated size in some individuals the diameter of the calices would range from three- fourths to an inch and a quarter. According to the Cypress creek bore, a short distance east of the shaft, coal L is 123 feet below M, K 60 feet below L, and the conglomerate ? sandstone 112 feet below K.

On the land of Silas Stevens, northwest quarter section

7, township 6, range 9, seven miles northeast from Evans-

ville, a shaft was put down to coal N and formerly operated.

The coal, too thin to be worked in competition with the

thicker seams, was reported to be of superior quality — a

rich, fat caking coal, full of gas. The shaft was abandoned

and could not be entered without help. The following is

the reported section, and neighboring outcrops confirm the

report :

SECTION AT Steven's shaft.

Ft. In.

Overed soil v 8 00

Choice yellow sandstone 22 00

Siliceous shale with iron shells. 10 00

(Top of shaft.)

Gray and buff, siliceous and also shales, with thin

shells and plates of iron stone.. 19 00

Black slaty clod 1 00

Coal N.. 2 03

Fire clay in brook 2 06

Vanderbubg County. 289

This coal is very like the Millerebarg ooal ; for analysis see that coal. In the brook, shelly or conoretionary iron ore in fragments was abundant, eqnivalent to similar otttorops seen at Millersbnrg and 130 feet below the top at Dittany hill, marking the horizon of ooal N. The yellow sandstone in section has here been worked. The stone is a superior article of sandstone, regularly bedded, and may be readily and cheaply split or broken to dimensions.'' Natural exposures show that it is durable and valuable.

£00Nomig G£Ology.

Evansville, the county seat, is one of the principal cities of the State, and commercially, takes the first rank. It is situated on the north bank of the Ohio river, in latitude 38° 8' north, and longitude l(f 30' west from Washington. The altitude of the Ohio at low water is 320 feet above the ocean. The elevation of Main street is 60 feet above low water, and consequently, the average altitude of the city above tide- water is 370 feet.

As early as 1812, a few settlers gathered about the wilderness site of the city, and in 1820, there were only 100 inhabitants. About 1830 it took new life, when the rich Wabash valley, then just settled, sent down its wonderful productions to glut the New Orleans market. In 1840, the population was 2,121; in 1850, 3,236; in 1860, it had reached 11,468; in 1870,28,716; and now, 1876, is feiirly estimated at 42,000. Such figures signalize not only the growth of the city, but also, wealth, for investments, increasing with population, have consequently averaged more than 100 per centum advance in each decade. This growth is due to a variety of causes which will be briefly hinted at. The citizens, with a heritage of pioneer spirit, have bravely overcome natural drawbacks — averted the malarious exhalations natural to their alluvial situation, by a magnificent system of sewerage, in health worth twice its cost, have rejected the impure and unhealthy surfacewater, and secured pure water by first-class works, have conquered nature by dredging flint gravel from the bed of G. R— 19

290 Geological Report,

the river, and making first class streets and pikes radiating to every point of the compass have encouraged and sustained the manu&cture, at home, of every native prodaction, and finally urged by their &vorabIe situation on the Ohio, below interrupting rapids and ice, and near the outlet of the Wabash, Green and Tennessee rivers, combining a navigation of more than 2,000 miles, have, by their skiU and energy, seized upon the boating transportation, and made commerce king/ By facilities for trade, a large area of southwestern Indiana, southern Illinois, western Kentucky and some portions of nine other States to the south and west, are rendered tributary to her trade ; prospering and receiving benefits in return.

The latest (1874) statistical compilations* available, although not as full as desirable, gives an illustration of manufactures and vigorous commerce, amounting in the .4aggregate to over $50,000,000 per annum :

Manufacture And Trade Op Bvansville.

Agricultural Implements and Seeds $500,000

Ale, Bottled 71,000

Architectural Castings 40,000

Auction and OommlBBion 608,723

Beer and Malt Liquors 690,000

Books and Stationery 135,000

Boots and Shoes. 1,500,000

Bottled Sauces, Tahle Notions, etc 8,000

Brass Manufactures 125,000

Brooms " 15,000

<Building Improvements 3,000,000

Carpets, Oil Cloths, etc 200,000

Carriages.- 130,000

China and Queensware 500,000

Clothing : 1,260,000

'Coach Trimmings and Horse Goods 100,000

Coal— Its Local Trade 173,846

Confectionery 400,000

Cooperage, Staves, Shingles, etc 150,000

Cotton Fahrics, manufactured 150,000

Boberts' " EvansTiUe, her Gommeice,*' etc., 654 pages. Octayo.

Vanderburg County. 291

Dry Goods and Notions -.$5,100,000

Drugs and Chemicals 1,100,000

Engines, Boilers and Milchinery 1,091,000

Enameled Grates and Mantels. 10,000

Edge Tools and Cutlery 40,000

Furniture and Chairs 826,000

Grain and Flour 5,076,000

Groceries 6,000,000

Galvanized Iron Cornice 60,000

Hair Goods , 16,000

Hardware, Jobbing - 600,000

Hats, Caps, Furs and Straw Goods 600,000

Hogs and Provisions.- 600,000

Hosiery 13,000

Ice 140,000

Iron, Merchant and Heavy hardware 860,000

Iron Pumps 3,500

Iron Railing and Jail Work- 16,000

Iron Safes and Bedsteads 11,600

Jewelry, Watches, Silverware, etc 200,000

Leather, Hides and Oil 500,000

Lightning Rods 6,000

Liquors and Wines - 3,600,000

Marble and Building Stone - 136,000

Millinery 40,000

Music and Musical Instruments- 100,000

Paper, Blank Books, Binding, etc.- 260,000

Paper Wrapping 6,000

Plows 146,000

Produce—Wool, Feathers, etc- 300,000

Realty Sales 2,307,662

Saddlery and Saddlery Hardware 600,000

Salt, Lime, Cement and Plaster 200,000

Sewing Machines 170,000

Ship Chandlery, Boat Stores, etc 160,000

Soap and Candles 60,000

Steam, Gas and Water Fixtures 46,000

Stoves and Hollow-ware 640,000

Sugar Cane Machinery - 30,000

Terra Cotta and Stoneware 30,000

Tin, Copper and Sheet-Iron Ware 600,©00

Tobacco and Cigars.. 3,545,000

Toys, Fancy Goods and Fire Work 50,000

Wagons, Wheels, Hubs, etc 76,000

Wall Paper, Window Shades, etc 100,000

Wood, Lumber, etc 3,000,000

r

292 Geological Report.

Woolen Fabrics, manafactored $126,000

MiBoellaneoas Retail Trade Estimate 3,000,000

Various Manafactares not specially detailed 2,226000

Total $52477,130

BaDkiDg facilities are already at hand equal to thi& business. The churches are numerous chaste and substantial. Her public schools are equal to the best ; her street railways are extensive; her hotels and opera house scarcely equaled by any city of the same size and with over 300 extensive and prosperous manufacturing establishments her growth has only begun. The present is but an indication of the grand future when Evansville shall be queen of the lower Ohio. The total bonded debt of this city is reported at $1,600,000, for which she has property and public improvements worth double their cost, but fairly valued at $2,800,000.

In addition to all these, a great need invites the citizens to new enterprise. A railway bridge, crossing the Ohio, is a necessity long felt that will almost double the present prosperity of the people, and must be at once built here or at some wiser rival city.

Coal.

The mineral resources of the county are apparent from the foregoing geological sections — little more need be added. It may be repeated that the main coal seam, M, is of great and almost uninterrupted persistence throughout the county wherever sought. Barren places may be found, but from present indications such a case will be exceptional to the general rule — i. e., a four foot seam of strong, workable coal underruns nearly the whole area of the county. In other regions faults and "barrens" are large and expensive elements in the cost of coal. Nature has generously, and with full hand, taken off this tax and assures cheap fuel. Coal is the source of England's pre-eminence, and X){ Belgium's wealth ; it is the food of steam, the great slave of humanity. Here the offering is unlimited, cheaply accessible, and quality good, elements of prosperity granted to few of the great

Vanderburg County. 293

mana&cturicg cities of the worlds and which earnestly invite skilled laborers to this harvest. In addition to the 300 prosperous and profitable manufacturing enterprises already established in the city, it may be suggested that a plant' for grinding, toorking and coking the nut and other coals is desirable Coke is urgently demanded by many trades. In fact, the future prosperity of every manufisictory, directly or indirectly, depends on cheap coke, and no greater benefaction can be conferred on our region, than a successful demonstration of that quality in our coals. Coke is also wanted in unlimited quantities in the mineral regions of the West. A thousand carloads per month are carried by our doors to the gold and silver works of Eldorado. The precious metals should pay tribute to our black diamonds, and acknowledge the superior value of the latter.

Coal N is thin, not averaging much over two feet, but superior as a grate or coking coal, rich in volatile matter, and contains but little sulphur. It is found desirable for family use, by tidy housekeepers, and, with extended -deodorizing surfaces, may and will be used for gas. Tests made when the Millersburg coal was accessible by canalj were &vorable.

Stone.

The sandstones of this county are mentioned at several localities. It is generally found in masses or layers of suitable thickness for work. It is well adapted for foundations, etc., and extensive quarries may be profitably opened in the hills, six to seven miles northeast of the city. The Merom sandstone, as a rule, is not a good stone, as it readily disintegrates. The upper limestones have been used for curbing, and will be needed for rip-raps and flood guards. The beautiful' cream-colored stone fronts and trimmings, which add so much to the architectural appearance of the public buildings, stores, churches and private residences, are £rom the thick beds of St. Louis limestone, of the sub-carboniferous group, found abundantly in adjoining regions in this State and Kentucky. This stone is cut by saw, works well under the chisel, and is tough and durable. It is here

294 Geolooigal Bepobt.

a cheap building material. Clay for bricks is found abundantly throughout the county; the quality is good. Modified clays are found in several of the valley lands and are of superior quality for crocks and jars. The under days of the coals will furnish an article suitable for terra ootta work and stoneware, which will rival the coals in value.

Hetals.

Iron ores are found throughout the coal measures. Nodular ore of good quality occurs just above and below the horizon of coal N. In the present state of affairs, it will not pay to work. The largest deposit seen, was at Priest's bluff, in southwestern comer of the county, where several car loads are exposed at low water. Very minute scales of gold and nuggets of copper are sometimes found, imported with the modified detritus of the glacial drift. It is scarcely necessary to say, that there is no probability and scarcely any possibility that ores of copper, lead or silver exist in this county, certainly not in economic quantities.

Sa17D.

Sand is abundant on the bars of the creeks and river. It is easily and cheaply " elevated " from the bottom of the latter, by steam. From the decomposition of the Merom rock, a sharp angular sand is obtained, desirable for strong masonry, plastering, etc., which may be economically used for making glass.

Boad Hatebials.

There are no gravel beds in the county like those so common in the drift regions in the central and northern parts of the State, but in the bed of the Ohio river and generally below low water, are extensive deposits of ferruginous 'chert, broken in " nut " fragments, torn from the chert beds of the sub-carboniferous higher up the river and carried and rolled here by floods. This is one of the best stones known for metalUng pikes and streets. The surfeoe, when compressed by use, is soon re-cemented by the iron it

Vanderbubg County. 295

contains, making a compact, smooth surface, nearly impervious to air and moisture, and slightly elastic. It is extensively used in the city, and conjointly by the city and county authorities. Free pikes radiate in every direction leading to and from Evansville. These are the best public works in the county, for, civilization, social refinement and intelligence dwell only on good roads, avoiding inaccessible or impassable regions. This is proven by the concentration of homes and population along highways even to the neglect of many fertile regions.

Water.

Mention has already been made of some deleterious' minerals liable to be found after seasons of drought in wells on the lacustral clays and sands, creating a predisposition to inflammatory diseases. Citizens can not.be too earnestly urged to secure pure water for culinary as well as drinking purposes, and for their stock. Assurances have been given that a filtering cistern, holding and collecting rain water, will often save its cost in a single year, at the expense of the doctors and pill venders.

Health.

The health of Evansville, since a general system of drainage and sewerage was adopted, is good, and compares fiivorably with other large cities. The low lands, river bottoms, etc., are liable to malarial diseases. Experience shows that the cause of such disease while readily circulating in, is heavier and floats only in the lower stratum of air, and is most active at night; consequently, the evil effects of malaria, even in the low lands, may in a measure be avoided by arranging sleeping rooms at an elevation of ten to twenty feet from the ground.

Timbeb.

The forests of this county have been noted in the general description. They afibrd one of the great sources of income. Ornamental woods, as walnut, oak, maple, beach, ash, etc.,

2/96 Geological Report.

are oommon, and several of the most prosperoaa manu&c- taring establishments are engaged converting this home material into usefal and ornamental furniture. Other kinds of timber are used for building purposes, the manu&cture of wagons, carriageSi plows, implements and machines. The sales, direct and indirect, credited to the forests amount annually to over $4,000,000.

Agriculture,

Although overshadowed by the grand achievements of commerce and manufactures, the farmer finds agriculture an honorable and profitable avocation. The skilled husbandman is sure of fair crops, and located at a central distributing point, he is certain of satisfactory prices. Market gardening on land well underdrained is highly profitable, and never equal to the home demand. The progressive farmers in the flat areas, are making their uplands equal to river bottoms by tiling.

Fruit.

The natural advantages in soil, warm climate and command of an unfilled market are neglected — perhaps for the reason that other pursuits are more quickly remunerative. The bluff" soil of this region is the American equivalent to the Loess of the Bhine which produces the generous wines of France, and with the same care will as richly reward. The climate is in the neutral zone, between uncomfortable warmth and cold, not subject to the extreme changes which renders the business hazardous in more exposed regions. Hence, the tender fruits, as peach, apricot and grape may be grown to perfection along with the sturdier apple and quince. The market is unfilled — east, west, north and south — and with daily means of access. Under the control of those who know how to use them, these advantages ought to make Vanderburg county a pomological paradise."

Some attention has been given to the subject, and a few very profitable orchards and vineyards were observed. Wines from the latter were rich in bouquet and spirit. Trees and vines should be mulched with sawdust, etc., to

Vanderburg County. 297

protect the roots from the hot sun of summer and to retain moisture. Numerous native fruits invite attention. Walnuts and hickory nuts command a ready market and the pecan flourishes and may be easily and profitably cultivated. Wild grapes plums, etc., crown the hill tops or cluster in the valleys, but the luscious persimmon, Oods fruity is the plentiest and best. The last presents two varieties — the late and the early — which contains generally but one seed, and is large, sweet and palatable. It is believed that selection by cultivation would produce persimmons rivaling the date. Before drying, the fruit should be slightly scalded in an alkaline solution.

Transportation.

The system of commercial intercourse is almost complete. The Evansville & Chicago railway furnishes direct connection with the north, northeast and northwest, 500 to 800 miles away; Evansville & Nashville railway connects with the extreme gulf States, 300 to 400 miles to the south ; the Evansville & St. Louis points directly to the grand treasures of the west, and the Boonville and Newburg roads are intended to open a close connection with the east. These . railways, with their mighty traffic, would seem sufficient, but to these must be added a fleet of steamers, which walk the waters like a thing of life," 64 in number, with 18 barges, having a total tonnage of 14,240 tons, owned by citizens of the county, and subsidiary to its interests. These, with as many others from neighboring cities, explore our great system of river navigation, 10,000 miles in extent, exchanging the manufactures and goods of Evansville for the crude products of their neighbors.

Antiquities.

Several earthworks exist in this county — isolated or clustered mounds and pits, which require for their excavation the persistent labor of a people with a combined purpose under intelligent direction. In their location, embracing healthy and picturesque stations, convenient to

298 Qboloqioal Report.

water generally to river transportation fertile lands and a wide outlook to the east; ctiaracteristics so constant as to indicate a design and indistinctly to reveal the religion government and habits of a mysterious, unknown race. Of these remains the savages knew nothing. Their nomadic life and restless habits forbid such works.

Several isolated mounds were noted on the blufis, 130 to 170 feet above the Ohio, at the southwest corner of the county, near West Franklin. Implements of stone and pottery found here, were of artistic execution. A oelt, (hand axe), of flint was polished like the Danish celts, (unusual in America, if not unique), also a granitic hand axe with beveled edges. A cluster of mounds of great interest was observed near McCutchen school house, two and a half miles northeast of Inglefield, twelve miles from Evansville, on northeast quarter of section 2 and 3, township 6, range 10, and south half of section 34, township 4, range 10, about twenty-five in number. They were scattered over fifty or more acres, and covered with forest and bush. Fifteen were counted, measuring from 2 to 6 feet in hight, and 20 to 60 feet in diameter. On the adjoining Hillyard farm are two pits or excavations, now partially filled. One of them was 60 feet in diameter, and, at first settlement, 20 feet deep, now only ten feet deep. The secoud was 15 feet in diameter and four feet deep, apparently for underground homes, or for water. A constant spring — rare in this vicinity — seems to have invited the mound builders to this elevated and commanding point, which is a promontory of the dividing ridge which separates the watershed of the Wabash from that of the Ohio. The outlook embraces the wide flat valley of Blue Grass creek, and the distant mound-capped knobs in the horizon. The excavations probably existed first as sink holes through the underlying: limestone, and afterward were shaped for human use. An exanination can alone definitely settle this question. One of the mounds has been opened. It contained, near the base, ashes, shells, bones and pottery, indicating a mound of habitation. Many relics, well wrought in stone, are reported to have been found in this vicinity.

Vandeebueg Cxjuiity. 299

The extreme northeastern comer of the county was a fiivorite resort of the pre-historic races. Mr. Jno. B. Locke has collected some interesting stone relics on his &rm, northeast quarter section 24, township 4; range 10 found on a knoll in a small mound, including a sandstone pipe or calumet, in shape of " bear's head/' ears erect, mouth distinct and claws folded as if hibernating ; also, a medicine'' tube of Alabama talc, three and one-half inches long, three-fourths of an inch in diameter at the mouthpiece," nearly two inches at the opposite end, with a constriction above the middle, the bottom edge was serrate; also, flattened discs of sandstone. On visiting the locality, a bed of whitish clay was seen at the western extremity of a ridge 600 feet long by 200 irom north to south. In |front of this to east was an area, the surface level and apparently paved with plastic day 500 by 200 feet, probably a " Chungke play-ground," with council chamber, where the relics were obtained. On this " play-ground " a set of six " Chungke " stones wtere found from three to four inches in diameter, two inches thick, with a concavity in each side like the quoit or discus of the Olympian games. Surrounding or at the edges, spear and arrow points and flint chips " have been noticed. This '' Chungke" ground is now a field in cultivation. At an early day it was covered with a growth of trees, none over 400 years of age — youngsters compared with the surrounding forests — indicating that this area had been used within 1000 years. At an arrow factory on T. B. McOutcheon's land adjoining, flint chips" in quantity are reported, also flint splinters" two to three inches long and perfect as if cut with a knife, instead of by cleavage.

Some interesting mounds were noticed in and adjoining the village of Millersburg. They were composed in part of sand.

At the extreme southeastern comer of the county, extending across the line into Warrick, is one of the most interesting earth workp seen. AngelPs mound, on &rm of Ham. Angell, southeast quarter section 31, township 6, range 9, is a wonder. A symmetrical cone rising up from the level plain to

300 Geologioal Kepobt.

a hight of 60 feet and only 300 feet in diameter. It is almost too grand to be attributed to the puQj arm of man. Many smaller mounds, but larger than the general average, are located on the Gen. Lane &rm, adjoining the Angell on the east. In this neighborhood are found vases, jars, jugs, implement handles, images of duck and owl heads, human fitces and hands, spindle whorls, pipes and buttons, made in pottery ; also buttons of cannel coal, and axes, hoes, spades, pestles, grinders, celts, arrow and spear points of stone. Graves of savage Indians are discovered throughout the county, sometimes intruders upon the mounds, but shallow and carelessly made.

Osmariea or bone vaults have been discovered a few miles west of Evansville. They are isolated or ofben intrusive on the mounds. They contain the bones of all a nations dead for a certain length of time, generally seven years, collected from temporary places of deposit at the mid-summer season of cheerless fasting and mourning, cleaned, bleached and deposited in walled vaults covered with flat stones and earth. Older than the Indian period, and later than the mound builders, they belong to an intermediate literal or riparian race, who retained some of the religion and art of their dispossessed predecessors, but their coarse, crude implements and pottery show that they were far lower in the scale of progress than the latter. They are closely allied to the Natches and Choctaws of DeSotos expedition.

Thanks are returned to the citizens generally for information and assistance. Acknowledgements for special £ivory are due to the following gentlemen: Col. Philip Hornbrook, John Ingle, Ingle Bros., Dr. Stinson, Capt. H. £. Leed, Hon. J. D. Biggs, Hon. H. C. Gooding, Sebastian Henrichs, Joseph Hennel, Wm. Fauquher, James W. Knowles, H. E. Williams, of Yanderburg and Warrick ; to John Beichert, G. M. Alves, of Henderson, and to the President and Directors of the E. & C. and £; T. H. & C. railroad companies.

Owen County.

Owen county contains 396 square miles, and is bounded north by Putnam, east by Morgaq and Monroe, south by Green, and west by Clay county. Spencer, on the west bank of White river, is the county seat, and is 53 miles southwest from Indianapolis. White river is the chief water course. It enters the county from the northeast, near the middle of the east line, where also it forms the division between the counties of Morgan and Monroe, thence it flows southwest with many windings that result in a valley line nearly direct. The bluff walls of this valley are as a rule precipitous, built up with massive strata of stone from 80 to 110 feet. Raccoon, Mills and McCormack creeks flow through narrow rocky chasms into the river from the south, and Indian, Limestone, Mill, Rattlesnake and Fish creeks flow into it on the west side, generally with course directly from the north, the first taking their direction from the general dip of. the rocky formations, while the second set of streams owe their origin to causes which will be noted under the head of Glacial drift. Eel river takes rise near Alaska, in the extreme northeastern part of the county, flows west with no deep cuts through a broad level plain largely built up with recent fluviatile or lacustral sediment to Cataract. Here, plunging down the successive &lls, it has hewn a passway through a very narrow channel, surmounted by steep or perpendicular sides. This river flows across or around three sides of the county, in more than a great semicircle. Its affluents are Jordan, Six-mile and Fish creeks.

302 Geological Report.

Many springs break out in great volume on the east side of the valleys, conveyed by impervious strata which, dipping generally to the west, account for their position. The water is pure, cold and sparkling, and invites the attention of dairymen and butter makers. It is apparent that this region is well watered, and that the supply is more reliable than in the drift areas. The surface features are agreeably diversified. Rich alluvial bottoms from one-fourth to one-half of a mile wide are found on either side of White river ; the small creeks have valleys of no great extent. Nar Alaska and Quincy, in the northeastern parts, a rolling or gently undulating area slopes off to the broad, level valley plain of Eel river to the west ad north, a fine body of land, producing fair crops of corn and wheat, and an excellent growth of grass.

A similar area about Patricksburg and the extreme west line of the county, slopes gently to the west, and comprises some choice black lands, which produce excellent crops of corn, wheat, oats and grass.

From the northwestern corner of the county to the southeastern, a broad belt of from six to ten miles wide, embraces a hilly, almost mountainous region, in which high hills and deep valleys alternate in close succession. It presents many extensive views full of wild and picturesque beauty. From a point on the divide some distance northeast of Patricksburg, an illusion having an important bearing on the past geologic history of the county, was noticed. Thence the sur&ce of the elevated areajs and ridge tops sloped gently to every point of the compass. The deep ravines were hidden by the wall-like ridges with their mantles of tree and bush, leaving no hint of the profound valleys 180 to 250 feet deep, which largely occupy this area.

From that standpoint was revealed the ancient rocky surface of the county as it came from the hand of nature, modeled in the bosom of the ocean, a great plain sloping gently to the west, northwest and southwest, before the currents of ice water, in the glacial age, demanding egress

Owen County. 303

to the south had eroded their deep valleys. The scene was not less remarkable for the extensive view enjoyed. Sheriff Moffett, who was familiar with thp whole region, pointed out the highlands near Gosport in the northeast part of the county, CantwelPs hill near Santa Fe, Spanglers hill at Cataract, the elevated plateau near Atkinsonville, the ridge east of White river, southeast from Spencer and two knobs like clouds in the blue distance, one just south of Freedom, the other 18 miles away in Greene county.

Although level areas in this belt are not of great extent several large farms were observed, which, under wise direction, were yielding good returns. The hilly region is better adapted to special pursuits than to general farming. When plowed, the loose soil is inclined to run " with every shower, and so managed, will, in time, strip off the soil and expose the underlying rocks. This course is destructive. On the other hand, if the attention of the citizens was turned to wool growing and dairying, the soil would not deteriorate, but, according to the Spanish axiom, 'The sheep treads with a golden hoof the soil," it may be indefinitely improved. In part of this region, farmers complain thatblue-grass and timothy fail, and that clover injures the soil by increasing its liability to run." It is suggefitedgthat orchard grass is a sufficient substitute for the first, and Chilian clover (true Alfalfa) will furnish a substitute for the latter and a perennial forage plant. The red soils of this districtare rich in calcareous matter and very fertile in their original (natural) condition. This is proven by the magnificent forests which once prevailed — nearly gone. Some giants of this royal race were observed and measured. Poplars from 5 to seven feet, white oaks from 4 to 6 feet in diameter, with trunks carrying their size well from 50 to 80. teet in length ; walnut and other valuable trees of good size were seen, and sassafras trees, generally known as a shrub or bush,*having the wonderful diameter of over 3 feet. Such indications should not be neglected. They are a hopeful indication that the old fertility may be

304 Geologioal Report.

restored by shading the ground from the hot sun by pasturage grasses.

RECENT GKOIiOGY.

Becollecting the fact, mentioned in the foreging general description, that the original surface presentation of this county, as it emerged from the mother carboniferous ocean, was a great plain, sloping gently to the west, with two slight ridges guarding to the north and south, the depression or gulf-like basin, 3 or four miles wide, about and west of Patricksburg, in which the block coals were prepared and deposited, the question naturally occurs, to what causes may the well developed system of hills and valleys be attributed. There is no evidence of volcanic energy; little or none of earthquake action, 'except the slow, gentle oscillations, by which the crust of the earth is continuously raised or depressed over large areas, continentally. Close observation will at once discover agencies, in the long past, of adequate power. The elements are nature's great agents — water, air and heat : ice her great plow, water her graver, and air and heat her moulder. With them and time, she has accomplished the denudation and erosion of mountain, plain and valley. We have but little knowledge of the long period which followed the emergence of this region, till the Glacial age. We know that it was long enough for the Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary seas, in the great valley of the continent, to the west, to develop and sustain their wondrous life under a tropic clime. This was followed by a period of intense cold, which has left many records of existence, graven with a pen of ice, "on the rocks forever."

The Glacial Epoch.

This epoch on our continent is divided into two periods —the first, in which a deep massive river of solid ice flowed up the St. Lawrence valley, plowed out the beds of Lake Ontario and Erie, resting its ice foot along a ridge still seen in northern Ohio and northeastern Lidiana, and discharging

Owen County. 305

a flood of ice-water, melted by the warmth of each recurring sammers sun, by sluice-ways (present river valleys) into the Ohio and Wabash rivers. Last summer I had the pleasure of studying some of the most interesting phenomena of this period, under the £uidance of Dr. Newberry, the accomplished chief of the Ohio geological survey. At Putin-Bay and £alley's islands, vast surfaces are planed off smooth as a floor, others grooved and striated, each mark indexing the course and initial point of the mighty ice machine, aud recording a mysterious chapter of the book of nature. The general course of this flood was along the axis of these two lakes, and an average of the observations made was, that its direction was south 80° west. Of this period we have only fragmentary evidence in this State, a single nugget of magnetite from the Adirondacks, a few flat, oval pebbles apparently from the Medina sandstone, some welldefined sluice-ways in Ohio and Indiana; but we may add that many of the actual streams — more of the old river beds and valleys of the State have the general direction of the first flow. In this county, an ancient river flowing west has crossed the top of the conglomerate ridge a mile west of Cataraet, scalping clean the surface material, it has left exposed as a clean floor the quartzite under coal A. Going west, we find fragments of this hard stone with identifying fossils, and extensive beds of sand, as if the high-water line of a stream on the high lands north of Jordan. The latter and Six-mile creeks have great valley plains within their high bluffs, far beyond the usitude of the actual streams even many times wider than the valley of White river below Spencer, and the bed of Six-mile, as shown by bores, was excavated to a depth of from 50 to 80 feet below its own and the level of the chief water courses surrounding. It is suggested that these phenomena may be referred to the first glacial period.

Of the second glacial period, the evidence is apparent ta

the careless observer. The records are easily read. It was

subsequent to the St. Lawrence flow, for on the Bay islands,

the southern shore of Lake Erie and where else observed

G. R.— 20

506 Geological Report.

its striae over-ride and its debris obliterate the marks and channels of the latter. It come from the extreme north, loaded with Arctic granites. Crossing Lake Superior, it took up iron ore, copper, greenstone and pudding stones from Keweenaw Point and the Manitouline islands. Divided by the peninsula of Michigan, the larger stream flowed solidly up lake Michigan, hewing out its bed, and thence pushed by congelation in the rear or drawn by the ice vacuum in front, poured its rigid current over the northern iialf of Indiana and Illinois. Probably of extreme thickfiess at the north, the ice sheet did not have a hight of over '200 to 400 feet in central Indiana, as measured by the Glaciometer* in Brown county. For a probably short time iihe ice sheet extended over nearly the entire area of the xK)unty. Glacial striae, cut in conglomerate, were seen in the barn-yard of John Haxton, Esq., in southeast quarter section 20, township 9, range 5, the strise having a confused direction of south 18° east to south 46° east. This southern limit is extreme. But little glacial debris was seen south of -Atkinsonville and Santa Fe. It is probable that the foot of the ice flow for a long time lodged, and was heaped up against the ridge running east and west through Spaagler's 3iill just south of Cataract, where the wintry accumulation *was melted and discharged down Mill, Rattlesnake, Fish -und Lick creek valleys. The ice- water of summer, in flood like torrents, following the direct path marked by the ice, 'flowed directly south to and sometimes across the present valley of White river. Confirming the conclusion, an interesting set of north-south " passes were observed, cutting at right angles, and checkering the ridges between those more ancient sluice-ways of the ice age, Jordan and ISix-mile valleys, and leading thence to the head waters of Fish and Lick creeks. Very minute quartz pebbles and H)ther comminuted relics of the imported rocks were seen on head waters of these streams, on Rattlesnake creek, and *on the ridge near Atkinsonville, showing conclusively that these valleys were ice-water sluice-ways, and that their

.Ind.Bep.,1874, lol. 82.

Owen County. 307

origin is due to the violent floods which swept from the foot of the glaciers. To-day a cut of less than 70 feet would carry the water of Eel river, above the falls, through the the pass east of Spanglers hill, into Kattlesnake, its old channel Near the month of that creek and in the town of Spencer, fragments of quartzite under clay of coal A were observed, which had undoubtedly been torn from the dividing ridge near Cataract, and carried thence by the ice waters via Kattlesnake creek. At the same time, White river, following the course of the soft Chester sandstone, at an elevation of 130 feet above its present channel, flowed up McCormack creek, through the " Flat woods,' and down Raccoon to the wide channel below. Glacial pebbles sustaining this view were noticed along the banks of the latter stream, as also some fossils peculiar to the knobstone beds of Brown county, which seem to indicate that Beanblossom had once crossed from near Ellettsvilleto the " Flat woods," and found discharge also by Raccoon creek.

That the valleys of Eel, below the cataracts, and ot White river, below the mouth of McCormack creek, are recent, much more recent than that above, is obvious. They are at once contracted to from one-fourth to one-twentieth their former width, that is, the width of the ancient channel higher up stream. The question at once arises, how was bhe new channel obtained? During the evident long period that the foot of the glacier rested against cataract ridge and the highlands in the north part of Monroe county, the continuous retreating and advancing process of the ice scooped out a deep, wide basin in White river, east of Gosport, and north and east of Cataract, just as the basins of the lakes were excavated, &r below the river and outlet. As the ice by climatic change withdrew to the north, these basins became sluggish streams, or filled by the excessive precipitation common in cold regions, temporary lakes. Now this region is underlaid with limestone, stratified and checkered' with partings. Rainwater is its solvent. The water would find these partings, and seek discharge by the line of dip of the rocks.

308 Geological Report.

At first a single drop T/ould find its way to be followed by others each enlarging the orifice, until underground brooks were established, wide caverns were opened, and when these became too wide to support the overlying rocks, the roof would fall in and expose the hitherto lost river." The same process is at work to under-cut the lower &11 at Cataract. Wells dug in the valley plain, between Quincy and Cataract, in the old river bed leading to the 'flat woods,' and in the wide bottoms above Gosport, indicate beds, of laminated sand and muck of lacustral character.

The foregoing presumption, referring the deeply excavated valleys of Fish, Lick and Rattlesnake creeks, and the "flat woods" channel of White river to the agency of glacial ice water, is reasonable and founded upon the facts incidentally mentioned, but fully confirmed by the trail of small white, quartz pebbles, black sand (magnetite), and gold dust found along these streams. Objects which here, can only be attributed to the imported rocks of the

Alluvium.

The alluvial bottoms bordering: the streams are due to causes now in action. As rocks are pulverized by action of the atmosphere, by the frost or heat of the sun, or by the abrasion, pounding and rolling of the brooks and streams, the fine residuum is seized by currents and thrown down, by the still water on their flood plains. Combining all the minerals utilized by plants, they are very fertile, rivaling the stories of Egypt in the perfection and abundance of their products. Common crops are grown to advantage — the yield of corn is simply enormous.

Paleozoic Geology.

The rocky formations of Owen county belong wholly to the Carboniferous age, and comprise that part of the coal measures beginning at Coal K, reaching down to the bottom of that group, and through the upper part of the Sub-carboniferous to the top of the Knobstone beds. The highest* geologically of these strata are found at*

Owen County. 309

the western line of the county, near Coal City; the lowest in the bed of White river above Gosport, the whole tabulated from isolated outcrops, gives the following exhibit :

General Section Of Owen County. .

Carbonifxbous Age, Cabbonifeboi78 Pbbiod.

Coal Measure Qroup.

Ft.

1. Surface drift and soiL 0

2. Brown ferrnginous Bandstone 12

8. Black sheety slate and sandstone

4, Coal K 1

Fire clay

6. Gray shale and slaty limestone... 12

7. Coal J, (part blotk) 1

8. Laminated under clay 2

9. Clay shale and shaly sandstone 18

10. Coal I, block 2

11. Laminated nnder-clay 2

12. Siliceous shale, locally rich in nodular

iron ore, passing into sandstone 14

13. Coal B, part splinty cannel i

14. Fire clay 2

16. Clay shaleor sandstone.. 8

16. Coarse soft sandstone, glass stone 15

IT.Massive conglomerate, grit stones 60

18. Black aluminous, pyritous shale, locally

with bands and nodules of clay ironstones .. 0

19. Black shale 2

20.'Coa1j a, caking, impure 0

21. Fire clay.. 4

Dark pyritous shale, with ironstone

nodules passing into sandstone 40 to 10 00

SUB-CABBONIFEROnS PEBIOD

Cheer Qroup,

Kaskaskia limestone 15

24. Dark silicions shale 10

25. Chester sandstone, laminated, fermgi-

ouB, with locally white quarry and

grit beds 60 to 80 00

Ft.

In.

to 110

to

fjn

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

Ft.

In.

to 22

to 5

310 Geological Report.

St, Louu Qr<mp.

26. St. Lonis limestone, laminated, concre-

tionary, or in heavy strata.. 90 to 70 00

27. " IFAite guarry atone," Warsaw ? 2 to 30 00

27a. Gray limestone interchanpng with

sandstone... 12 to 6 OO

Eeohik Orofup,

28. Keokuk beds— hard gray or bnff lime-

stone— with intercalations of indurated clay, containing geodes 50 to 46 00

29. Blue shale and aluminoos limestone

{BuHingUmbedf) 10 to 5 00

KnobtUme Qroup,

30. Coarse fermginons sandstone 6 to 10 00

31. Gray shale and argillaceous sandstone,

disintegrating.. 40 to 25.00

Total exposure of rocks 682;00

Description Of The General Section. Goal Mzasube Pebiod.

Coal MeasiBres.

The coal measures including the conglomerate sandstone, occupy a large area in the western and southern part of the county. The conglomerate is well developed on each side of Eel riverain the northwest part of the county, (although the floor and the foot bluffs of the river are of subcarboniierous limestone) it trends east to Fender hill south of Cataract then bending west and south, it is the surface rock on the west Ji)luff of Rattlesnake, crosses White river near Freedom, and is found covering the hills and elevated areas in the . southeastern part of the county, ley are designated by Nos. 1 to 22 inclusive, in the section. Outliers, of small extent, (their companion beds eroded during the glacial period), are found east of the line above indicated, and considerable exposures of the Chester beds, espeoially the Kaskaskia limestone, are found in the deeply cut valleys to the west of this line.

Coal K, number 4 of the section, is generally absent.

OWEN COUNTY. Sm

two oatcrops only being noted, one north of Coal Citj near the county line, the other southeast of the same place on the farm of White, section 14, township 9, range 6. The seam is irregular and unreliable, varying from a few inches ta* two feet. The coal is fat, sulphurous, coking, and bumswith much cinder to a red ash. In the black, sheety slateroof were noted fish remains, as bones, coprolites,and spineB* and plated scales of Petrodv occiderUcUis, The over* lying limestone is argillaceous and bituminous, consequently not of much economic importance; it contains Spirifer cameratus, Spiri/er lineatuSy Aihyria 8iJ>tilUa, Produdtts coatatua, P. semiretictdcUua, P. longiapinus, P. cora and LophophyUum proliferum. Coals J and I, Nos. 7 and 10 of section, are of a laminated or splinty structure, characteristic of our block coal, with, at localities in the western parts, one or more partings of &t resinous, splinty cannel. They occupy an area of about 45- square miles in townships 9 and 10, in ranges 5 and This area was a great depression in the bed of the carboniferous ocean, walled by a shore or bluff line of conglomerate sandstone to the north and south, a bay or gulph opening into the grand carboniferous sea to the west. In this quiet bay or lagoon, protected from wind and wave by bold promontories to the north and south, was macerated and pulpified (a process necessary to manufacture block and cannel coals), the vegetable material which now constitutes J and I ; block coals, from their nature are not persistent over large areas, but here they are fortunately more regular than in the most favored fields.

When the surface is uneven or hilly, a very considerable amount of these coals has been removed by denudation and erosion.

The underclays of J and I, as far as seen, are laminated or shaly, indicating a subaqueous deposit, rather than the soil which produced the plants to form the coal.

Coal J, although laminated, contains so much volatile matter, as splinty cannel, etc., that in the mere local market it is neglected, and but few opportunities of investigation

312 Geological Report.

afforded. The apper coals north soath and west of Coal City are referred to this seam.

Coal I is generally developed around Patricksburg and thence west south and southwest, to within two miles of that corner of the county. It is a splendid block coal, burning with little smoke or cinder like hickory wood, to a white ash. It varies from three to nearly seven feet in thickness, and although at a few localities it contains partiugs of splinty cannel, it is eminently a free burning block <iOSLly generally free from sulphur and other impurities, and believed to be well suited for the blast furnace, in the natural state. It is an excellent fuel for steam, rolling mill, glass factory, household and locomotive use.

Coal B, No. 13 of section, lies from 12 to 20 feet below coal I, and is seen in outcrops all around the northern, eastern and southern rim of the latter. It is also found at intermediate valley stations where coal I has been eroded and washed away. B is typically a &t, gassy coal, but generally comprises one or more divisions of resinous, splinty cannel, almost as rich and pure as Albertite. The best developed view of this sm is at the Arney and the Needy mines, section 9, township 9, range 5. At other points, north and northeast of Patricksburg, this coal, although thin, is remarkably pure, pure enough for gas making, and at a few stationer presents a rare article of cannel coal.

No. 16, the upper coarse, soft member of the conglomerate, is incoherent or readily disintegrates, becoming a mass of coarse sand. On exposure, the iron it contains is dissolved and carried away by rainwater, leaving the leached residue clean and white, suitable for glass making. A fine deposit was noticed southeast of Patricksburg, on the Yandalia road.

Cx)Nglomerate Sandstone.

The massive Conglomerate, No. 17 of section, develops a broad band from three to six miles, reaching across the county from northwest to southeast corners. Although eroded and cut through by the streams, so as to expose the underlying limestones, etc., in many of the creek valleys, it

Owen County. 313

18 the general surfaoe rock, the valleys excepted, in all the region north and west of Cataract, in the space between Kattlesnake and Fish creek, and in a strip from two to three miles wide along the southern boundary of the connty. This stone is either heavy-bedded or massive, splits readily, dresses well for hammered masonry, hardens on exposure, is fire and water-proof, and is a superior and desirable material for abutments, foundation and fire-proof edifices. Generally ferruginous and consequently buff or brown in color, at several stations, as at the Moffet farm at the head of Six-mile, at Evans', south of Atkinsonville, and at King's 'Buzzard Gulch,'' section 6, township 10, range 4, good white stone, and superior grits were observed. With facilities for transportation, this stone would be demanded for masonry, and perhaps to an equal amount in value for grindstones and grits.

Coal A, number 20 of section, is a rough, caking coal. It generally contains pyrite, burning with much offensive smoke and yellow fiame to a red ash full of clinkers. Besides it is very irregular and inconstant, no where attaining a thickness of over two feet the rare pockets, the average for the whole area would not probably exceed five inches. The returns gathered in mining A will not likely exceed twenty cents on the dollar expended.

The dark or black aluminous shales Nos. 18 and 22 are pretty constant companions to coal A, in fact, more certainly persistent than the coal itself. At several points they carry considerable bands and beds of clay ironstone, but are more notable for the amount of pyrites generally contained. This decomposes on exposure to air, undermining the superimposed conglomerate, and forming cavities and 'rock houses."

The life of the carboniferous age was peculiar. A curious vegetation prevailed, so exuberant as to amass vast beds which stored the sunlight and heat of the past for to-day's use. A majority of these remains are referred to in the books as land plants : FerfiSj LepidodendronSy SiffiUariay Stigmariaj

314 Geological Report.

Oalamite8f etc. Many algse are seen as Chondrites, (Javier pitea, and a tender vermiform fucoid not sufficiently preserved for determination. The animal life is wholly marine, ranging in habitat from the shore zone of 50 to 100 feet down to the shell fishes etc., whose home was in the vast depths of the mighty sea. Air breathers are rare or entirely absent no evidence of such were seen in this county.

Sub-Carboniferous Period.

Chester Group,

The Kaskaskia limestone No. 23 of section, is the apper member of the Chester group. It heralds a great change in the conditions, life and results of the earth's existence. Here a line is drawn by the fossils, sharp and distinct. In this bed and below, a peculiar marine life, animal and v- table, flourished in profusion, with but few evidences of any dry land. Most of this life perishes and becomes extinct A few survivors, a meagre minority, live over in the coal measure epoch. They were replaced with new forms. A new life was introduced antieipating the needs of to-day.

The Kaskaskia only exhibits a thickness of from five to twenty-two feet, is a marked horizon, easily recognized, drawing the exact line above which coal may be found and below which it is not found in workable deposits, hence its significance and economic importance as a geologic index.

This stratum is found well developed high up in the sides of the hill at Jacksons bluff, near Areola, section 33, township 9, range 4, is just caught in the tops of the hills about Freedom, whence its eastern outcrop bends west on the top of the conglomerate spur near Middletown and Steubenville, when it turns sharply east to Fenders hill near Vandalia, thence north and west to Cataract and the northwest corner of the county. In this rock are found Pentremites Oodonii, P. pyriformiSy P. obesus, stems of crinoids, probably Zeacrinus and Aetinocrirvusj fronds of Archimedes, Zaphrentis spinviosaf, Spirifer striatus, S. Keniuckensis, Athyris ambigua, Productus punctatus, P. semireticulaius,

Owen County. 315

Seizia veraf, BhynohoneUa Oadgensis, Pinna (/), Hemipro nites crenistriay and teeth of fishes. Generally these fossils are fragmentary or in poor preservation but distinct enough for identification. The stone breaks irregularly containing some argillaceous matter, weathers brown or bufi, and is only tolerably durable, though hard to work. It is used for rough foundations and for burning. It yields a dark, strong, " cold lime. When highly ferruginous it decomposes, forming extensive beds of red and yellow ochre, as at Stiltz &rm, north of Middletown, and at Sloo's, seotion 19, township 9, range 5.

The Chester sandstone, No. 26, succeeds below. It is from 60 to 80 feet thick, generally ferruginous and closely, laminated ; at several stations it afibrds good quarry stone, easily wrought. The fossils are rare, comprising a few plants, as Lepidodrendouy SigiUaria, Chrdaites and Fuooidea:

St. Louis Limestone.

The St. Louis limestone. No. 26 of section, lies immediately below the Chester sandstone and outcrops in a broad belt from two to four miles wide, with axis extending from Quincy, southeast by Mill creek and McCormack break, to the eastern boundary of the (K>unty. It is typically a thin, heavy bedded limestone, often concretionary or argillaceous, sometimes dark colored from disseminated iron, with partings of indurated clay containing a small amount of magnesia. The upper division at sieveral stations is in thin laminae, and afibrds paving stones as at Fletcher's quarry, near the mouth of Rattlesnake and Mill's quarry on Mill creek, or where the layers are thicker, excellent rubble stone as at Schweitzer's quarry, near Spencer. In the same beds is found a fair lithographic stone, which can be furnished by the car load, and has been used by lithographers for " transfers " with good results. Large quantities may be obtained at the last mentioned locality, as at many other stations. Just outside, or last of the axial line of this bed is the " White quarry stone," division No. 27 of the St. Louis limestones, sometimes known as the Warsaw limestone.

316 Geological Report.

It is amajBS of crushed shells and other animal remains deposited in a trough or depression in the floor of the ancient ooean from a half to one and a half miles wide, which maj be traced in south and southeasterly directions almost continuously, by Ellettsville, Bloomington, Bedford to Salem, in Washington county, and perhaps further. At favorable exposures, the Keokuk beds are seen depressed beneath this trough, rising above, (notwithstanding the dip), at the west as well as eastern margin, thus forming a depression in which the light shells, etc., would be drifted by slight currents. Here are entombed the remains of billions of individuals to the acre. The animals are small, some microscopic. The stone is compact, fine grained and pure, in proportion to the degree of comminution to which these remains were subjected. The quarry stone is a white or gray neutral tint, may be quarried in blocks of any sie demanded, saws well, is tough under the chisel, capable of resisting great weight, resists the action of the elements well and, in fact, combines all the points of a superior building stone. It has been used in many of the public edifices of our western cities, and is everywhere favorably known. This division (quarry stone) is irregular, varying from 2 to 30 feet in thicknesSi and sometimes thins out to a mere parting. The animal life of the St. Louis limestone was wholly marine, and consisted generally of animals that occupied the zone of cool or temperate pure water, from about 600 to several thousand fet in depth. The characteristic fossil is LUhostrotion, but three specimens L, CanadeTiae were seen; L. Proliferum was common, sometimes in open clusters, the calyces were generally solitary and of extraordinary size. Some specimens from 5 to 9 inches in length, and from one half inch to one and a quarter inches in diameter, also, Productus punctatuSf P. cora Athyris ambigua, Spirifer striatus, 8. Keokukf 8,Lddiif fronds of Archimedes Otoenenay Aulopora gigasy Pentremites conoideuBy and fragments of P. Woodmaniy stems of crinoids but no heads. Spines of ArchceocidariSy RhynchoneUa sifh-ouneaiay

Owen County. 317

JRetzia vera, R (SpJ). Terebratvia hastaUiy HemipronUes crenisiria, Platyoeras acutirostris, BeUerophon, Straparollua, Conulariay and Botalia Baileyi. Teeth of the great sharks SdoduBy CoMioduSj DeUodus and Cladodus were rarely seen. A good fossil bed was noted at stone-cut near Cave-Spring station, on the New Albany & Chicago railway.

Keokuk Groups.

The Keokuk beds, No. 28, succeed next in age and inferior position. They are first seen near high-water line at the foot of the hill at the pork-house near Spencer; above town they descend to low water, passing under the quarry depression of the St. Louis limestone, from thence they continually ascend to the northeast, passing well up on the hillside as Gosport and out at the surface in the northeast corner of the county. They consist of heavy bedded, dark or gray colored, hard, rough limestone, with intercolated beds of clay, often filled with geodes or partings of chert. The geodes are characteristic and an interesting feature. Rough and uncouth outwardly, they are filled with nature'sjbrightest, purest gems, and freshly broken, sparkle with the imprisoned light of past ages.

This limestone is used for foundations, steps, curbing, rip-raps and walls exposed to rapid currents of water. It is sometimes burned for lime, but is generally too ferruginous. A farm wall of this stone was neat, effective and permanent. Life was abundant. Crinoid stems crowd the rocks, and although heads of these animals were rare, it was evident that they filled the sea with their singular forms. Close investigation will yet discover good crinoid beds. Stems and broken fragments were seen of Adino crinus and Goniasteroidoerim, spines of Arcliaooeidaria, plates of Mdonitea with PerUremUea Wortheniiy Flatyceraa fissurella, Spirjfer Keokuk, <Spirifer stricUus, S. cuspidatuSy 8. negleotuSj 8. lineatua, 8, jaeibdolinecUua, Metzia Vemeuihna, JRhynchoneUa suboimecUa TerebraJtala trinwdea, BeUerophon siA-lcevia, DerdcUium primevunif Hemipronites

518 Geological Report.

creniatria, Zaphrentis Dalyii, Archimides Owenana, and Aulopora gigas.

In the blue argillaceous stone below No. 29 which may possibly represent the Burlington beds, were noticed in the railroad cut at Gosport, Spirifer pknusfy 8. striatusy Produc- tU8 semi-reticulatuSj Chenetea planumbonum, AfAculopeoten ampluSy SemipronUea creniatria and Fucoidea,

The life of this period is still marine. No sign of aerial life or dry land was seen. The animals required tolerably pure water, and a depth of from about 500 to 3000 feet. At adjoining stations are found Spiriferay Athyria and Producti, of a type heralding the approaching age of coal.

The Knobstone Group.

This bed, No. 30 of section, is seen below the New Albany railroad, and thence ascends to near the top of the hills in the northeast corner of the county, and gives character and shape to some of the sharp, mound-like knobs in that region. The impure water and muddy bottom of the sea at this period was not favorable for the life of waterbreathing animals, nor for the preservation of their remains. No sign of life was seen, except a vermiform fucoid, which was common.

The upper division generally affords quarry sandstone of fair quality, but here none was seen of economic importance. The shales contain much pyrites, which, decomposing on exposure, give cause for chalybeate and sulphur springs.

Local Details.

The rooks of Owen county have a general dip, varied locally, of from 30 to 60 feet to the mile, and averaging in the sub-carboniferous about 33 feet per mile, in a direction west southwest. This explains the continuous disappearance of strata going west, and the occupancy of the sur&oe by rocks of a higher position geologically, and more recent age, but actually at a lower level. The outcrops, in view from the west side to the northeast corner of the county,

Owen County. 319

are equivalent to a bore or shaft put down, in the valley west of Patricksburg to a depth of nearly 700 feet*

The occurrence of Knob sandstone and shales near

, Alaska in the northeast corner of the county, is already

mentioned- Here the ridges and tops of the hills are capped

with limestone of the Keokuk group, which is soon carried

by the dip to the bluffs and beds of the ravines and brooks.

Quincy is situated in an extensive valley known as the flat woods," which dates back to the glacial age, and extends firom Cataract in a northeasterly direction to Morgan county, and beyond. Here the ice foot rested for a long time against high ridges of limestone to the south, and melting, sent their waters to the south and west by Rattlesnake and Jordan. The pounding, washing, grinding process, resulted in an excavation much lower than the then outlet, and as the ice retired north, ths excavation for a time became one of our ancient lake Wells to the number of 8 or ten in the village, at a depth of 25 or 30 feet, pierce a black, mucky soil, containing brush, trees, leaves, grass, etc. This unctuous clay is characteristically lacustral. It is underlaid with quicksand, and fine glacial gravel. The valley plain produces fair crops of corn and wheat, but is better suited for meadow grasses, of which good returns are received. The soil of the surrounding ridges is a rich yellow limestone clay, admirably adapted for the growth of wheat, clover and blue grass. It was originally clothed with a grand forest of sugar, poplar and walnut trees. One 'Of the wells in th village gave the following exhibit :

Section In Quincy Well.

Ft. In.

Black soil .'. 1 08

White an gray clay, with crawfish pipes, with little

sand— no pebbles 10 00

Blae clay, with pebbles 3 00

Black mucky clay, with brush aud plant remains 3 00

Hard pan and fine pebbles 3 00

Coarse gravel and boulders, (depth unknown) 3 00

320 Geological Report.

The trunks found in the above were of trees 4 to 5 inches in diameter, generally crushed or broken to pieces. The insertion of the branches was opposite and alternate, like fir or ash and the rings of growth were compretsed and fine as if subject to a cold climate.

Stone cut/ on L. N. A. and C. R. B., a mile north of Cave Spring station, exposes an outlier of the lower division of the St. Louis, rich in characteristic fossils, and worthy the attention of students. The bottom of the cut contained Keokuk fossils.

The soil in this vicinity, formed from decomposition of limestone, is rich and productive. It was covered with a magnificent growth of walnut, poplar, oak, beech and sugar trees. Some giant specimens still survive. A poplar was measured 20 feet and 8 inches in circumference, with trunk 66 feet long. The farmers are prosperous and thrifty, as indicated by good houses and barns, and well appointed farms. Much attention is given to grazing and the cultivation of blue grass. " Sink holes " abound, showing the cavernous nature of the rock below. These funnels collect the rainfall which is carried by underground streams to a favorable outlet.

Cave Spring, on the farm of Jesse Rogers, near old Middletown, is an example. The spring flows from an open cavern 30 x 40 and 6 feet high, and plunges down a narrow chasm worn in the rock, some 40 feet. It was formerly utilized, driving three buhrs and a carding machine. The water discharge, with a head of three feet, is from 36 to 200 cubic inches, and although now unused, has an estimated capacity, with a turbine wheel, of at least 40 horses for eight months of each year. The temperature of the external air, July 23d, was 92° Fah.; of the cave 71% in the gulch below the fall the air was oppressively chilly.

Owen County. 321

SECrriON AT CAVE SPRING.

Ft. In.

1. Keokuk limestone crowded with crinoid stems... 20 00

2. A rgillaceous limestone ( Burli ngton ?) with sature partings at fossil beds. 22 00

3. Hard blue limestone in beds of 1 to 2 feet, with

fossils, outlet of spring 7 00

4. Argillaceous sandstone, geodes and thin plates

of limestone 11 00

5. Knob sandstone, etc 25 00

Partings between strata were covered with fossils. Some of extra size, as Hemipronites crenistria, from 3 to 4f inches long; Productus coatatus with spines two inches long ; also nearly all the characteristic fossils of the group. Eroded spirifers exhibited well their internal structure and spiral appendages. Suture joints — deviPs toe-nails" — were distinct, and showed well their origin from beds of fossils. The cave is miles east of the station on the railway.

Miller's cave, a mile and a half northeast from the latter, on section 33, township 12, range 2, is surrounded by wild, canyon-like scenery, romantic and interesting. The spring here has a fall of 40 feet, and by a turbine drives a boulder " oorncracker' mill. The cavern is 40 feet wide and 4 J to 5 feet high for 100 yards, where there is a long room 7 feet wide and 16 feet high ; beyond, the water is deep and the roof descends to within a foot or two of the water. It ha& been traced, as Mr. Chas. Dow states, more than half a mile to its source in two sinks," one in Morgan, the other in Owen county.' In wet weather the cavern is sometimes filled to its utmost capacity, and the water in the pool is then 25 feet deep. The exposures give the following stratigraphic exhibit ;

G. R.— 21

322 Geological Report.

SEcrrioN AT miller's cave.

Ft. In.

Keokak limestone 20 OO

Argillaceous limestone, crinoid stems 18 00

Indurated clay, with geodes and long crinoid

Sandstone parting 1 OO

Red limestone with Spirifer striatuB 2 00

Laminated calcareous argillite, with Spirifer Produda

and emepronttes 6 00

Argillaceous limestone, with geodes 8 00

Knobstone shales and sandstone 10 00

On the dividing ridges between and around the sources of these caves, " sinks" from ten to thirty feet deep are very abundant, at some localities averaging one to an acre.

Gosport is a thriving town of considerable commercial importance. It is surrounded by wide alluvial bottoms and fertile uplands, and has the advantage of two railways. The hill, over 100 feet high, on which the town is located, commands a wide view east, southeast and southwest, across and along White river and Bean Blossom valleys. Here White river makes a short bend to the south. A bed of fluviatile sand in the north and west parts of town from 10 to 20 feet in depth, marks the flood plain or high water line of the ancient White river, then flowing 120 feet higher than now. The fair grounds south of town are well situated, and are ornamented with a number of look-out" mounds 100, 200, 300 and 400 feet in diameter, and 10, 25, 30 and 10 feet high. Their well defined symmetry is striking, no evidence of artificial origin seen except that several quoits and "chungke" rollers were found here. The high conical mound within the enclosure affords a fine view of horse-races, etc., at fairs.

The wells in the west part of town pierce sand and red clay, to a white limestone, which becomes shaly or fissile on exposure, in the following order :

Owen County. 323

Section In Gosport Wells.

Ft. Ft.

Fluviatile sand w JO to 20

Bed calcareous clay 20 to 10

White fissile limestone 25 to 6

Thearea covered with sand comprises about 500 acres, shaded by the foliage of trees, etc., it acts like a sponge absorbing and holding the rainfall, the wells are never filling, especially when so protected by vegetation. The top of the ridges and hills west of town are capped with compact gray and white St. Louis limestone, which, when burned, makes a good strong lime; beneath is seen blue Keokuk stone and geodes. The following section, from the top of the hill in town to White river, is full of interest.

Section At Gospoet.

Ft. Ft.

Slope, sand and red clay 20 to 10 00

White or gray St. Louis limestone 8 00

Green or yellow mudstone, with Spirifera

ajid HemipronUes. 4 00

Brown Keokuk limestone full of crinoid

stems, geodes and fragments of crin-

idea. 20 06

Clay mudstone 1 to 4 06

Gray laminated Keokuk limestone, with geodes small eontaining calcite, small fossils and many crinoid stems'' .4 00

Blue argillite (calcareous)* with mudstone partings containing large Zaphrentes, Gonchifers and BrachiopodsJ 15 to 18 00

Knob sandstone 5 to 12 00

Knobstone shale 30 to 23 00

104 00

The Knobstone group passes from sight under the Keokuk beds at the foot ; the latter pass under the St. Louis at the top of the bill and the last disappears beneath a covering of Chester sandstone from two to three miles west of Gosport. The blue argillite at the base of the Keokuk beds is possibly Burlington. It is peppered with minute

324 Geological Report.

geodes and contains large, broad winged Spirifers, Avicu lopecten amplits, Hemipronites crenistriay JPtoducius semireticulatuf P. Cora etc. Every marked strata on the hillside signalizes a change in the conditions of the sea, destructive of life, as the partings and beds are universally covered with fossils so perfect that they must have lived and died on the spot. This is often characteristic of the Keokuk beds in this vicinity. The Keokuk limestone is crowded with crinoid stems, but a single head in tolerable preservation was seen, {OonicLstercndoerinus), Dip of strata 30 feet per mile to southwest.

A stone fence on the farm of Dr. Smith, one and a half miles north of town, is a novelty in this region. It presents a handsome appearance, cost $2.25 per lineal rod, '' is pig tight, horse high, bull strong," and good for 1000 years.

Mr. Fred 6oss, a pioneer of 1817, says that on a small hillock or mound, a few hundred yards east of the railway crossing, north of Gosport, a roving band of Shawnee Indians had buried a dead child of the tribe. Shortly after the settlement of Gosport, when the same band was in this region, their chief, " Big Fire," died. They brought his body in a canoe ten miles by river, thehce it was carried, by four elders of the tribe, on a bier made of two poles interlaced with bark, to the grave, where it was painted, dressed in his best blanket and beaded moccasins and buried along with his ornaments and war weapons. The grave was tliree feet deep, lined with rough boards and bark. Over it was planted an oak post, five feet high, eight inches square, tapering to a point at the top, which was painted red. The monument was oflen visited and long revered by the band. It has disappeared withiu a few years.

Alter the departure of the Indians some medical students, who have since become distinguished citizens of our State, determined to resurrect the great Shawnee. Meeting at the mound they proceeded to partially open the grave, when suddenly the report of fire arms and the " war-whoop,' given by some festive friends, precipitated an inglorious

J

Owen County. 326

departure. Neither darkness swamp or river retarded their race, until protected by the Buskirk homestead. They told their story of peril to the great delight of their young friends.

Gosport was founded in 1817. Abram Alexander and Ephraim Goss were proprietors, and with their families were the first settlers in a wilderness surrounded by savages; their nearest neighbor was John Dunn nearly 10 miles away at Spencer. Among the notables seen in town was Capi. D. V. Buskirk, a representative citizen of our great young State. The captain volunteered for the union during the late rebellion, bore gallantly the march, the battle strife and the the keen tortures, of Salisbury prison pens. He is six feet ten inches high, weighs 360 pounds, is active, amiable and kind. He is said to be the largest man in the State — his neighbors emphatically declare that he is the bigges hearted man in the world.

Passing south the railway soon enters and cuts across the great belt of White quarry limestone" here enlarged to a width of about two miles ; and of which Mill creek is the axis. This bed is a treasure. There are millions in it.' Immediately on the railway line, easy of access, a stone of the best quality promises to enterprise and labor surer and better returns than Eldorado.

The " white limestone " comes soft from the quarry, work easy and tough, may be quarried in blocks of great size, and combines nearly every good quality of a perfect building material. Some variety is presented passing from soft to l:iard. The medium compact stone is the best, as it will better bear a burden, and resist atmospheric wear ; and at the same time closer in texture, it does not stain as the soft, porous stone will in a smoky atmosphere. The following Hst comprises a part of the actual or prospective quarries on Mill creek, at Mundy's station, and extending well towards Spencer. They are prepared to fill orders to any amount for rough and sawed building stone, also caps, sills, columns oishlars, flagging, monument bases, etc., etc.

326 GEOLOGICAL BEPOfiT.

Bockwdl & Co. for the Eagle Stone works,' have opened a maasive bed of fine stone just north of Mill creek, and with a short siding, are well prepared to load cars directly from the quarry bed. The stone is compact, well grained and good; and is formed wholly of moderately comminuted shells, Bryozoans etc. The stratum is fiftei feet thick. Blocks may be obtained of the full thickness of the quarry and thirty or more feet long. They have fiudlities for shipping from three to five car loads per day.

Adjoining on the south, Smith Johnson has a good deep quarry of similar stone ; some beds of light color. Less than one-quarter of a mile northeast, the quarry bed thins out and is replaced with argillaceous limerock, underlaid with Keokuk stone.

The Gosport Stone and Lime Company' have a valuable lease covering the southern bluff of Mill creek south half south half, section 3, township 10, range 3. . The stone is compact and excellent for chisel work. The quarry was opened in 1874, and a great number of car-loads was shipped for the hdjsioi the $250,000 court house at Yincennes. Their switch siding is convenient for loading with the quarry derrick. Higher up the creek is a choice bed of soft white limestone, where at least 5,000 car-loads of stone, quarried by erosion, lies naked. These blocks and masses have been exposed to the elements during the ies since the glacial drift, and thus tested are durable without doubt.

Waiter Ring, on southeast quarter of section 33, and southwest quarter of section 34, township 11, range 3, has opened a bed of a peculiar variety of this stone. The bed is 18 feet thick, the lower member compact and closegrained, while the middle and upper strata are sofb and chalky white. A chisel, driven by an ordinary mallet, cuts from one-half to three-fourths of an inch at each blow. It is easy of approach by rail along the creek valley, with plenty of sand for sawing and polishing.

M. Hays, on southeast quarter of section 3, and northwest quarter of section 10, town 10, range 3, has an immense

Owen County. 327

bed of compact stone, of a ruddy or delicate chocolate tint. Exposed by erosion, it is now protected by a slight covering of loose dirt, and to the east presents a mural &ce, which still retains in bold mouldings the ancient river marks, not obliterated by ages of aerial exposure. This ability to resist disintegration and wear, is conclusive, and is a sufficient indication. With a switch along the face of the bluff,, this stone can be quarried with very little expense in unlimited quantities. It is especially recommended for rough building stone in which cheapness is a ruling element. The " White River Lime and Stone Company Simpson & Archer, proprietors, of Spencer, have a well appointed qiarry on southeast quarter, northwest quarter, section 10, to.wnship 10, range 3, at Mundy's Station. They are prepared to fill wholesale or retail orders in sawed or dimension stone, monumental bases, spirals, lime, etc. Their quarry face gave the following exhibit :

Section In White Rtveb Co.8 Quarry.

Ft. In.

Soil 1 06

Laminated stone, for burning 10 00

Gray rubble and bridge stone 4 02

Upper sawing band, for bases, etc 3 09

White sawing stone 16 03

Total quarry bed 34 08

The upper stratum has been burnt for lime with profit. It yields a snow white lime, slakes slow, does not set tooquick, and works cool. All refuse of the quarry may|be burned, so that no waste of stone or labor is necessary. The quarry bed may be broken with wedges to any shape desired, and so true that little or no dressing is requiredfor foundations. As large blocks can be furnished as may be transported by rail ; and, in fact, larger for columns can be had 4x6 feet, 20 or more feet long. Slabs were seen on the yard with face x 6 feet and 6 inches thick,Vsawed true and correctly. It works tough under hammer and chisel, and is desired for capitals, mouldings and ornamental

328 Geological Report.

work. SpeoimeDS may be aefin at the Court House, Pennsylvania street hotel, etc., at Indianapolis, and many of the finest buildings in the west. The stone weighs 150 pounds per cubic foot; capacity of derrick, 150 feet, or one car load. The works are driven by a steam engine of 40-horses with power of pushing eight gangs of from one to ten sara, th a dimension capacity of 15 x 42 face, and 2 to 8 inches in thickness ; daily cut of saws, 24 inches, or 2 inches per Jiour. Sales amount to $1000 per month-— expense for labor, $450, leaving for wear, tear, interest and profit, $550 per month. They began in 1870 with a capital of $500 ; have since exhausted one-fifth of an acre, and sold products amounting to over $40,000. Their switch receives stoae from the mill and quarry derrick, and delivers coal at the furnace door. To supply the mill a well was put down in the valley, which proved that this narrow chasm, unconnected with any extensive water-shed, had in glacial times been eroded as low as the present bed of White river.

Along the Indianapolis & Yincennes railroad track, immediately south, Messrs. Ellis, Judge W. M. Franklin, B. M. Beem and B. Schweitzer have each quarries varying but little in quality, but each having some special point in its favor. They are all well situated, and have first-class facilities for mining and shipping excellent stone. The bill|at Beems and generally the highest ridge is capped with Chester sandstone.

Spencer, the county seat, is pleasantly situated upon a slight terrace, overlooking the alluvial bottoms of White river. It is noted for its solid prosperity, fine 5hool house, orderly children, and the universal love and cultivation of flowers. The citizens are justly proud of their neat, substantial and even elegant graded school building. The edifice will bear favorable comparison with any in our cities, andjalthough crowded with children of all ages, its walls did not show one mark of defacement. The teachers certainly deserve much creditr— the children more. Superintendents throughout the State could well strive to copy the model here offered. The grounds are tastefiilly adorned

Owen County. 329

with shrubs, flowers, etc, planted and cultivated by willing boys and girls, who are joint owners.

The hills north, west and south of town are built up with St. Louis limestone, generally argillaceous, and capped with Chester sandstone. The pork-house, a mile west of town, is a large stone building, with the best modern fixtures for the preparation and cure of meat. The establishment was neat, clean, and in model condition. A bold bluff to the south gives the following :

Section At Spencer Pork-House.

Ft.

Chester sandstone 20 to

Slope on ridge.. ',

Soil, stripped

Babble stone, laminated argillaceoas lime* stone, part lithographic

Siliceous fine stone, passiiig into cherty limestone

Fossil limestone

Siliceons mud stone

White limestone, used for homing 4 to

Concretionary limestone, with fi.ints and sandstone - 18 to 7 00

Covered Keokuk beds to river 31 00

Ft.

In.

156 00

Bernhardt Schweitzer's stone and lime quarry is on adjoining land northwest quarter section 29, township 10, range 3. The quarry stone is an argillaceous limestone, in layers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 inches thick. A film of clay allows the rock to come up freely presenting smooth faces; the layers are usually persistant; but with sledges are easily broken in square or oblong blocks of dimensions suited for the purpose intended. With skill the fracture is nearly at right angles to the plane of stratification. Fixtures are adequate to the loading of 6 to 12 cars a day. Shipments in 1873 were 600 car loads at $10.00; in 1874, 400 car loads at |8.00 per load. This material known to the trade as Schweitzer's Mubbk stoney' is used for foundations, water tables, etc., at Indianapolis, Yincennes, etc., being

330 Geological Report.

roady for use withoat expense of dressing, it commands .&vor and a ready market.

Lithographic stone is present in the same quarry, in layers from 2 to 4 inches thick. For certain work it answers a good purpose, but the demand is limited, about $400 worth have been sold for this use. In the quarry are found a few fossils common at the junction of the St. Louia with the Chester, viz : Prodiuua cora, Zaphrerdis spintUasci, Athyina snb-quadrata, Hemiproniies orenistria, Bellerophon laeviSy etc. On the same tract is a bed of gray limestone, which Mr. S. burns, 6 to 10 feet thick. He uses a perpetual kiln/' 35 feet high, 12 feet in diameter, with capacity for one car load per day, or 1800 bushels per week. The stone burns readily and even, slacks complete, works cool, and without specks or blister.' The lime business is profitable, and the excellent material in the county ought to be marketed with good returns. Mr. S. has experimented with hydraulic cement, mixing refuse lime with argillaceous material abundantly at hand. Results offer him encouragement. In the same hill, is an outcrop of refractory siliceous stone closely laminated, known as Fire stone,'' it resists the action of heat, and is sought for lining furnaces, fire-places, etc.

On the farm of J. W. Archer, southeast quarter section 18, township 10, range 3, northwest of town, is a bed of creamy white St. Louis limestone, somewhat laminated, but would doubtless prove an excellent material for doorsteps and other uses subject to wear. A polished specimen showed a close grained, compact texture. It would probably burn to a very white lime. On this farm and along the ridge west of town are seen outcrops of Chester sandstone, while the deep valleys are built up with St. Louis limestone.

On the blufi north of town and in the road half a mile above the narrows, slabs were seen covered with long, slender, solitary calyces of Lithostrotion proliferumy etc. Black sand at this locality, seen in the wet weather washes, is a foot mark of the glacial age, black magnetite, imported from the extreme north, and which, by reason of nearly

Owen County. 33]

equal specific gravity, is so constantly associated with gold dust broiight hither in the boulders, etc., on the glaciers.

four miles soath of Spencer, and east of the river, the

valley suddenly widens from a half to about two miles.

within are two interesting island mounds, around and

between which, in former ages, the river has evidently had

channel, while from the east, sand and gravel more than 100

feet upon the hills, indicate a former discharge of water

from that direction by a wide valley, which now guards a

little brook. This is an interesting specimen of erosive

action. A detached mass of stone on the west of the mound

is known as Big Kock. Thirty years ago it was the

location of a floating grist mill, which when anchored, was

driven by the passing current of the river.

At McCormack and Bocky creek, a few miles above Spencer, on the east side of White river, are well developed and extensive beds of "White quarry limestone.' The latter locality has been well tested* by Prindle & Hays, who exhibited some specimens highly polished and of marked beauty from a "marble'' ledge at the top. This stone is fine and close-grained, of a creamy white color, and compares favorably with any in the State. Their quarry, northeast quarter, northwest quarter, section 22, township 10, range 3, gives the following structure :

SECTION AT PRINDLE & HAY's QUARRY.

|Ft. In. Slope.

White foundation stone- 6 00

White marble" atone '. 4 00

Choice white, extra good 6 01

White sawing stone ; 4 06

Qood gray sawing stone 3 10

Base, sometimes coarse and daddy, for dimension

work.. v.. 4 .07

This stone is believed to be fully equal to that at the quarries on the opposite side of the river as there it is composed wholly of the remains of marine animals, broken

832 Geological Report.

crashed and ground to dast — the coral dust of the sea, and re-cemented by n3tQre. In proportion to the deppree of comminution the stone is fine, close-grained and white. When the shells are broken and only partly crushed, the stone is apt to be colored and porous. Soft and tough from the quarry, it hardens in the air, and bleaches to an agreeable neutral tint. The rounded face of the bluff, corrugated by water-lines of ages, show its enduring . quality. There are more than 1000 car loads stripped by nature, inviting attention, which could be split and loaded with little expense if a track-way was laid across the river and up the creek valley. A short distance above the mouth the stone is thickened up to 32 feet. It soon thins again, and within a mile is lost and replaced with argillaceous, concretionary limestone, in heavy strata. Plant remains are seen in the "quarry beds.' Occasionally a cone or leaf of Lepidodrendron is uncovered and wakes from its stony trance to tell a single word of the dry land which overlooked the silent, sub-carboniferous sea.

In northeast quarter, section 23, township 10, range 3, the creek passes through a gorge only 100 feet wide, and impinging against the northern bank, affords the following exposure :

Section At High Bluffs, Mccx)Rmack Creek.

Ft. In. Heavy bedded buff limestone with L. proU

erwn, Syringapora and Sponges 25 00

Laminated argillaceons stone 20 00

Hydraulic stone, concretionary, argillaceous 27 00

Massive limestone 9 00

Blue shale 4 00

Banded concretionary limestone 14 00

Flaggy limestone, in bed of creek 10 to 2 00

101 00

Springs seeping from crevices in the rock, or springing from the summit, cool the air and reach the bottom in a cloud of spray, the wild, romantic scenery, reverberating roar of tailing water cool air breathed by the cavemoii3

Owen County. 333

rocks, renders the valley a favorite picnic ground while disciples of Walton are greeted by their finny friends. Still ascending the creek a wild, rattling roar, intensified by quick, sharp echoes, shakes the air, confasing the mind by its overwhelming ubiquity. The falls would be insignificant in a wider valley, but in this narrow canyon it is fall of never tiring interest. The following section is exposed :

SECTION AT FALLS AT m'cORMACK CREEK.

Ft. In.

Hard thick bedded limestone, to slope 8 00

Cherty argillaceous limestone, with LUhostroiion 6 00

A rgillaceouB limestone with chert balls 14 00

Hydraulic clay stone.. 7 00

On slabs worn by the hurried current, were noticed solitary specimens of LUhoatrotion proliferum, generally one-quarter to one-third of an inch in diameter and 2 to 4 ' inches long, two specimens were seen 8 to 11 inches long and three-quarters to one and a quarter in diameter. They were giants of their race.

Above the mouth of McCormack creek, the bottoms of White river are from one to two miles wide with bluflFs, rounded or gently sloping to the plain, but a short distance below the mouth of the "narrows," the bluffs 150 to 180 feet high, suddenly approach with precipitous or overhanging faces and reduce the valley to a mere gorge, indicating a recent cut not yet widened and rounded by water and time. Terraces are discovered on either side of the upper river, 140 to 150 feet above its present bed, fiuviatile drifb. Where did this water flow before the chasm at the narrows was opened? Proceeding up McCormack creek, the mystery is solved. Beyond the falls, a broad valley from one to two miles wide, 130 feet above the present channel of White river is found, walled with rounded or sloping ancient bluffs, and passing near the west line of the county, returns by Raccoon creek to the wide river valley blow Freedom. No intervening ridge exists having a summit

334 GEOLOGICAL REPOfiT.

level of more than 140 feet above the river. Along this ancient river bed imported glacial gravel was seen,and on Raccoon some fossils peculiar to Brown county, indicating that for a time Bean Blossom had discharge hy a depre sion said to exist in the rim of the basin directly from Ellettsville through this trough known as the '' Flat woods." The soil of this valley-flat is a yellow loam, evidently made by a sluggish stream or lake. The underground quicksand and black silt seems to be lacustral. Mr. W. J. Walden gives a statement of material found in a well on his farm southeast quarter of section 26, township 10 range 3, showing the nature of the Flat woods subsoil.

. SECTION IN **rLAT WOODS."

Ft. In.

Black mucky soil 8 00

Sand and fine gravel 6 00

Jelly-like, blue, sticky quicksand, with logs, sticks,

leaves, etc., no bottom found with iron rod 8 00

Going south down this valley, on a bluff hill 250 feet above White river and 120 feet higher than this basin rough boulders and beds of Chester sandstone in place were seen. Southwest quarter of section 12, township 9, range 3, near this, a silver mine was attempted by clearing out an old sink, (used as a cache by the Indians), and blasting down into the St. Louis limestone; it is jocularly known as 'Schweitzers folly.'' No silver or other valuable metal can be found here.

Paving stones apparently of &ir quality were noticed at Mill's quarry on Wyatt creek, and on Little Raccoon, west of White Hall. They are siliceous, seemingly abundant, and will prove valuable.

Section On Raccoon.

PAVING STOKES. Ft. In.

Slope.

Dark cherty limestone 22 00

Fire-proof paving stones, flags 18 00

Argillaceous L. S. to brook 35 00

Owen County. 335

White Hall is a quiet village nestled in a valley. St. Liouis limestone is seen in the deepest ravines the sides oi the hills are built up with Chester sandstone, and the knobs are capped with conglomerate. In the valley basin northwest of town, in the neighborhood of J. Rone and W. Coffey, are many "sink-holes," some of which are known as " breathers," giving discharge to water and currants of cold air ; others are called " drinkers," receiving the rain-fall. On Coffey's farm, section 22, township 9, range 3, several of the latter were seen, and rippling brooks could be heard in their dark course in the cavernous earth. Small specimens of kaolin clay have been found near to the west of Coffey's ; also choice specimens of oolitic limestone.

At Green's mill, on Big Kaccoon, the stream has cut a deep, narrow channel. The cliff opposite is beautifully clothed with evergreen hemlocks and cedars. The following section was observed :

SECTION OP green's MILL.

Pt. In.

Chester sandstone, with diagonal false bedding 47 00

Slaty pudding stone 4 00

Fossil lithographic stone 16 00

Flaggy firestone, (siliceous) 10 00

Some interesting stone cooking vessels were found hid in a cavity of this bluff, including a pot having a capacity of three gallons, and a skillet for baking tortillas, (hoe-cakes). Some time and money has been unwisely spent here in search of silver ; it was found to be a very " barren ideality." The precious metals cannot be found here. A mile and a half northwest from Green's mill, a small brook, tributary to Raccoon, has undercut a ledge of stone, forming a natural bridge, reported to be 22 feet long, 18 feet high and 10 feet wide. The elevated region for miles north towards Spencer, exhibits a good soil, and most favorable location for fruit Several profitable orchards were noticed. W. Y. Mills has ' an orchard in successful bearing which comprises 500 trees of choice varieties.

386 Geological Report,

At Areola coal A has been opened one foot thick — it ifi not worth working. The Kaskaskia limestone is seen in the creek north of the village. R. H. Gentry found near here buried in the ground edges up, five new sharp stone axes, grooved for handles laid away for future use and buried, perhaps, to retain the tough elasticity of the stone.

At "Jackson's Bluff/' land of J. and D. Prewet, the Kaskaskia limestone was formerly burned for shipment by boats on White river. In a thin outcrop of coal A specimens of choice cannel coal were found, it is thin, and of little economic value. The limestone is well developed and contains well preserved characteristic fossils.

SECTION AT dyer's HILL. (Southeast quarter, section 33, township, range 4.)

Ft. In.

CoDglomerate sandstone 25 00

Coal and shale 04

Kaskaskia limestone 19 00

Shale and Cheater limestone 55 00

Section At Jackson'S Bluff.

(Southwest quarter section 33, township 9, range 4.)

Ft. In.

Slope 40 to 20 00

Laminated conglomerate 8 00

Coal parting 04

Massive conglomerate 12 00

Shale and cannel coal 1 08

Kaskaskia lioiestoae 18 00

Shale and Chester sandstone 70 00

130 00

Mt. Pisgah is a prominent outlook commanding the great valleys which radiate from it. Houses across the valley on the conglomerate hills to the south shrink to mere specks in the distance.

Interesting to the geologist is the trip hj rail from ' Spencer by Freedom to Schweitzer's shaft two miles beyond

Owen County. 337

the line, in Greene county. The railroad track at Spencer pork-house rests on the upper strata of the Keokuk group, which thence south is no more seen. The hill is built up 97 feet with St. Louis formation, and Chester sandstone is just caught in the top of the hill. Going down the river, the road is down grade ; we actually descend, but geologically, rapidly ascend to higher rocks. The dip to southwest carries the St, Louis under the track half a mile below the crossing of Rattlesnake, and the Chester beds from the blutf, presenting some good quarry sandstone, with the Kaskaskia limestone at the summit.

SECTION AT FBEEBOM. (Ritter's Hill, southeast quarter section 20 township 9, range 4.)

Ft. In.

Sorface soil etc 10 ft to 30 00

Soft coDglomerate 25 00

Massive conglomerate.. 30 00

Place of coal A... 1 00

Kaskaskia limestone 22 00

Chester ferruginous sandstone 60 00

Chester sandstone, massive in river 19 00

186 00

A short distance west and south of town, conglomerate sandstone forms the tops of the hills, and several quarries were noted of superior white sandrock and grit stone* That on Mrs. Devore's land, northeast quarter, section 17, township 9, range 4, was visited. The upper beds of the Chester group rapidly dip to southwest, soon approach the railroad level, giving a slight outcrop of coal A, rise again for a short distance and finally disappear a mile and a half helow Farmers Station, where the bluffs are all conglomerate. Here coal A, has been worked by adit and shaft, one to two feet thick, and comparatively good. Thus, descending grade all the trip, one has geologically risen from the Keokuk through St. Louis and Chester beds to near the -top of the Conglomerate, more than 300 feet.

Good quarry beds of conglomerate sandstone are found G. E.— 22

338 Geological Report.

here (Greene coanty) oonvenient to the railroad. Coal A in the vicinity of Freedom is irregular, non-persistent and deceitful. Money and time spent in its exploration 11 meet little or no returns.

The Chester group superimposes the St Louis limestone in . the areas which we have been just describing, and is found in regions immediately to the west of the latter* The sandstone member does not often afford stone of superior quality, but at a few locations it has been utilized for foundations, etc. The upper member of the Chester, the Kaskaskia limestone, fixes the top of the sub-carboniferous, and is easily recognized. Its outcrops have already been described, and are marked by the K'k. L. on the accompanying map.

Rattlesnake valley is a narrow cut from north to south,. 100 to 250 feet deep. The bed of the valley is in the St- Louis limestone containing but few fossils, generally argillaceous, and at the bridge leading west from Spencer, presenting some beds of clay-stone well suited for mixing with lime in the manufacture of cement. Here alse some large specimens of drifl quartzose fire-clay were noted which undoubtedly had been torn from the top of Jones* hill, near Cataract and brought hither by ice. The eastern bluff of the valley is as a rule capped with Chester sandstone, the western by the conglomerate sandrock and the horizon of coal A, as at Fender's hill, Criss' hill, etc. One outlier of conglomerate and coal A occurs on Cantwell's hill, near Santa Fe. All these strata dip to the west, consequently permanent springs of great volume flow out from the eastern blufi.

The upper valley contains terraces of glacial drift, pebbles and blue clay, and just east of Spangler's hill, near Cataract, is a low gap by which the glacial current with Eel river once found doorway to Rattlesnake ; a cut of 60 or 70 feet, 80 rods long, would return the former stream to its old channel.

Owen County. 339

SECTION AT SPANQLEB's HILL.

Ft. In.

Soil and drift 20 00

Conglomerate sandstone. 25 00

Coal A, parting and iron ore 2 00

Bituminous shale 15 00

Kaskaskia Umestone, with characteristic fossils 14 00

Chester sandstone, shaly .' 55 00

Gray shale 15 00

Argillaceous limestone of St. Louis group to top of

falls - 20 00

166 00

The dip of the rocks west from this point to Jordan is locally 120 feet to the mile the Kaskaskia limestone being seen on Dr. Jones' land, northwest quarter section 2, township 11, range 4, in the bottom of a very deep ravine.

Cataract village takes name from the double falls of Eel and derives support from the milh etc. here situate. It was once the milling and mercantile center for a large area of country, before the day of railways. The river, within a distance of three-fourths of a mile, by two plunges, falls 81 feet, passing through a deep, narrow channel cut in St. Louis limestone.

The &Ils are owned by- Burton, Shoemaker & Ck)., of Indianapolis, with several hundred acres of adjacent timber land. The upper falls are reinfoiced by a low dam. The water is carried by a box race to a wrought iron flume, 26 feet perpendicular length, and of 42 inches diameter, driving two central discharge wheels 30 inches in diameter, with force of IS-horse power. The force is sufficient to drive two buhrs and their machinery for an average of nine months. For three months the stream averages fifly times, and for five months ten times more water than is used.

At the time of my visit the river was full, and the scene one of interest and grandeur. From a floor of limestone, the river, with rapid plunges and bounds, descends 25 feet, and then at a single leap thunders in a stream of white foam and spray to the abyss ; a beautiful rainbow spangles the spray which rises from the boiling cauldron. The best

340 Geological Report.

view is from an unpleasant stand-point among the machinery under the mill. The descent from the top of the lower &lls is 45 feet. Less than a mile below the river, flowing with sluggish current, is suddenly seized with new life and impulses. Hurrying along a short rapid it makes clean the splendid leap of 30 feet, breaking in masses of foam and clouds of spray, and passes off in a dark stream flecked with frothy islands of floating silver. Below the second falls is a large amphitheater, with precipitous or overhanging sides of limestone, which is filled with sharp 'echoes and continual roar of the ever resounding cataract. Niches and recesses in the walls were festooned with droop- >ing shrubs and plants, even behind the airy sheet of water ferns and trailing creepers are modestly nestled away, con- i;wasting their emerald hues with the foam and spray, each "frond and leaf tipped with a sparkling drop of crystal purity.

The cataracts of Eel are the gi'andest falls in. this region of the west. They are favorably known to pic-nic parties tourists, and in combination with the deep canyon-like -valley at the narrows, the gap above the falls, the wide view from Spanglers Hill, comprise scenes of romantic beauty and wildness, full of enjoyment and interest, and *worth the attention of pleasure Seekers.

Sixty feet below the second fall, a strong stream of water gushes out of the northern wall of the amphitheater. It 'indicates the mode by which nature has cut a way through and under the beds of limestone and formed within a recent period the present channel of the river. In the course of time this underflow will undermine this fall, or remove it further back.

Just below the upper falls is an overhanging cliff 50 feet high. The crest is fringed with shrubs and flowering plants. Two children playing here, the boy of 12 years, .straining to gather flowers, fell over; the little sister, seeking her lost brother, slipped and likewise made the terrible ifall to the rocky floor. Insensible when found, they soon srecovered, owing their lives to the bushes and shrubs which

Owen County. 341

slightly retarded their descent. This is known as the "Child's Leap/* A pet deer, attempting to cross above the upper &lls, was caught bythe current at high-water it made the fearful plunge, and rising from the boiling basin swam out.

In winter the cataracts put on their festal robes. The trickling springs flute and corrugate the sides of the chasm with mouldings columns and pilasters of ice. The trailing bushes and limbs of trees are coated by the ever rising spray, and every terminal twig is gemmed with lustrous crystals, which, in the sunshine, blaze with a thousand tiny rainbows. This vicinity may be visited from Cloverdale or Gosport, on the Louisville and Chicago Railway, respectively 8 and 10 miles distant.

The sharp dip of strata south and west from Cataract,, gives within a space of two miles, a very extensive geological view and of some interest, although but few fossils are found in good condition.

Section Neab Cataract.

(Connected.)

Ft. Ft. In,

Conglomerate sandstone 20 to 60 00

Coal A 00 2 00

Aluminous shale 20 to 10 OO

Easkaskia limestone 10 to 20 00

Chester sandstone. 60 to 90 00

St. Louis limestone 85 00

Keokuk group ? 11 00

281 00

A very narrow ridge southwest of Fenders hill, separates Eel valley from the head of Jordan, between which and Six Mile creek by Jordan village, low gaps already mentioned present an available approach to the block coal from Indianapolis, worthy the attention of engineers.

The outlines of the conglomerate sandstone are mentioned in the description of the general section. It occupies a belt two to three miles wide, from north to south across

342 Geological Report.

the coanty near or a little west of the meridian, between ranges three and four, but with formations boldly extended westwardly at the northwest and southwest corners. From a number of sections taken, two will be given, to show the general structure of this deposit :

SECrriON AT EVANS

(Northeast quarter, section 28, township 11, range 4.)

Ft. In-

Soil and surface 16 00

Yellow sandstone 8 00

Blue shale with ironstone 10 00

Black slate. Coal B 08

Fire-clay 2 00

Coarse sandrock 28 00

MassiTe conglomerate, white and yellow — good grit 30 00

Soft white sandstone 3 06

Blue pyritous shale.. 12 00

Carhonate of iron, band and kidneys 08

Black clod 1 10

Coal A, bright 1 08

Blue shale with iron ore 12 00

Kaskaskia limestone in creek 11 00

137 04

In this sandrock many beautiful specimens of Lepido* drendron, SigiUariay Stigmaria and CalamUes, have been found by Mr. Evans. Several small outcrops of Coal A were reported in the neighborhood, among others at Williams bank, southwest quarter section 28, township 11, range 4.

At Matthew King's, southeast quarter, section 6, town* ship 10, range 4, the top of the conglomerate is eroded. The following section is seen in a romantic amphitheater with overhanging sides :

Owen County. 343

SECTION AT "buzzard GULCH."

Ft. In.

Soil 20 00

White conglomerate gritstone 15 00

MasBiye white stone— grindstone grit 8 00

Heavy bedded conglomerate 12 ' 00

Coal A 1 00

Fissile sandstone 15 00

Blae pyritons shale with excellent nodular iron ore 20 00

Kaskaskia limestone 20 00

Some giant oaks were seen and measured on the Evans and Kings &rms; the latter was carefully laid down to grass from which good returns were received.

The outcrops of coal A, near Cataract, Needmore, Jordanvillage, Atkinsonville and Yandalia, are marked on the map accompanying this report. The coal is generally sulphurous and impure, and of no great value, although a few openings give a fair to good coal, a further list is not necessary. The workings only show a thickness of 12 to 18 inches. At an outcrop on the farm of John and Rolla "Wright, on the west half of section 23, township 10, range the Kaskaskia limestone is well developed with characteristic fossils, including PerUremitea Oodoni, plates of Oyaihocrinu8f etc., and if the limestone is persistent in level, it superimposes coal A. The connection of the strata oould not well be seen.

Middletown is situated in the midst of a level or gently rolling plateau. The soil is more than ordinary and produces good crops of wheat, corn and grass. Some forests of excellent timber were noticed. A large amount of lumber, staves, headings, etc., is prepared and shipped. The warm loamy soil is well adapted for the growth of fruit. The orchards were thrifty, prolific, and rarely fail. Notwithstanding the universal &lure throughout our country, of tender fruits, some peach trees were in bearing. Jacob Xiong has 2000 Concord vines in model order, with an <>rchard of fine apple and peach trees. The vines wer/

844 Geological Report.

hanging full of grapes in fact an arbor was shaded as much by the rich clusters overhead, as by the leaves. Tlie vines are only four years old, but the crop of 1874 was seven tons. Besides marketing wagon loads, he manu&otared 400 gallons of wine, which was of good body and finely flavored with fruity bouquet.

The surface rock about the village is the lower member of the conglomerate sandstone, with cuts in ravines to the limestone member of the Chester group. Coal A is developed at several openings, yielding some good fat coal, and at two localities an excellent band of cannel of small thickness. A single outcrop of coal B is reported on section 14, township 9, range 6. These coals have been tested for local use, but are thin and will not pay for expensive work. Two miles northwest of town are the favorably known banks of L. C. & F. Arney and Joseph Needy, respectively, in the northwest and southwest quarter of section 9, township 9, range 6. These banks have been worked for about 26 years for local use, yielding nearly a million bushels. The following section was taken at Arney's :

SECTION AT arney's BANK.

Ft. In,

Slope 74 00

Gray shale and Boapstone 7 00

Pyritous band 2 OO

Coall, block 3 00

Indurated clay 1 00

Gray shale, with Kidney ore II OO

Coal B:

Laminated rough.. 06

Laminated good 06

6plinty cannel 04

Choice caking 1 06

Rough coal- 02 3 02

lOI 02

Arney and Needy's coal is of excellent quality compares &yorabIy with the best coking coal in the country and bums with a brilliant sheet of white flame to a white ash without clinker. Coke from this bank was formerly used at Seward's

Owen County. 345

foundry at Bloominn and was found equal if not superior to that of Pittsburg ; softenini; instead of hardening the metal. It is superior for blacksmith's use and sought for burning in grates on account of the brilliant illumination of the flame. Where known it is reported as selling for four cents a bushel more than block or other western coal for household purposes.

The area of coal B at this locality is limited, and generally found on elevated knolls and ridges, the base of which is of conglomerate. Openings have been made in sections 21, 17 and 8, but were not in work.

On the well-improved grazing farm of John Hazton, southeast quarter section 29, township 9, range 5, an assortment of the best blooded cattle and hogs was seen. He reports the following bore :

. 'SECTION IN HAXTON's BOBE.

Ft. In.

Clay soil ; 9 00

Coal 04

Conglomerate sandstone, with glacial striae.. 32 00

Chester limestone 18 00

Sandstone. 3 00

On HubbelPs and Dillon's &rm at Mt. Qood, chalybeate springs were noted, charged with iron from the pyritous shales at the base of the coal measures. Near the latter, on land of J. K. Wells', southwest quarter, section 16, township 9, range 5, occurs an outcrop of typical pebbly conglomerate, which has been locally used for ''millstone grit."

Bed and yellow ochre is found in a bed said to be six feet thick on the.Sloo land, northwest quarter of southeast quarter of section 20, township 9, range 6. Three openings have been made. Its origin is probably due to the decomposition of ferruginous shales, and the deposit of iron and clay therefrom. The paint is of good quality, but on full experiment a demand for the article could not be found.

At Isaac Needy's, southeast quarter of section 17, township 9, range 5, the following section is reported :

346 Geological Report.

SECTION AT NEEDY's WELL.

Ft. In.

Clay and soil 12 00

Coal I 2 00

Stony clay 3 00

Siliceous ehale... 14 00

Coal B, choice 4 09

Plastic fireclay 4 00

Many other outcrops of coal I and B were reported in this vicinity and the localities visited. Generally they were

not in work, and the thickness of the seams could not be

measured. The following connected section, taken on sections 17 and 20, township 9, range 5, gives a general view of the stratification :

NEEDY — HUBBELL SECfTION.

Ft. In.

Soil 20 00

Coal I , 2 06

Shaly sandstone 17 00

CoalB 3 to 4 09

Conglomerate 75 00

Coal A.. 1 08

Sandstone 43 00

Chester bedS) Easkaskia limestone 17 00

I am indebted to the kindness of Niblock, Zimmerman Co. for a record of the following bores, viz :

Bores On Warker Farm.

(Southeast quarter, section 24, township 9, range 6.)

Fikst Hole.

F. In.

Surface clay 7 00

Gray sandstone 2 06

Blue sandy shale... 3 08

Black shale 1 04

Blue sandstone ' 4 06

Siliceous shale 3 00

Coal 1 00

Owen County. 347

Clay 5 04

Blue shale 6 00

Iron ore 06

Sandy shale 13 11

Blae shale... 4 03

Coal and shale 3 00

Fire clay.. 1 06

BECOlSm HOLE.

Ft. In.

Surface clay 4 00

Slaty fire clay ; 4 08

Gray siliceous shale 26 04

White sandstone.. 4 06

Gray siliceous shale 21 02

Ft. In.

Surface clay 5 06

Yellow sandstone 14 00

Blue sandstone.. 1 00

Gray shale... - 2 04

Gray sandstone.. - 40 02

White sandstone 1 00

Fottbth Hole.

Ft. In.

Surface clay 4 00

Gray siliceous shale 23 06

Blue shale : 3 00

Coal (B?) 3 04

Fire clay 3 02

Iron ore 07

White shale — Iron stone 1 00

White sandstone, with iron balls 8 11

Gray sandstone 14 06

Blue siliceous shale 20 03

Conglomerate sandstone 23 00

304 00

Also by the same parties the following bores :

348 Geological Report.

SECrriON IN BORES ON WINTER'S FARM. (Northeast quarter, eection 28, township 9, range 6.)

Fibst Holb.

Ft. In.

Surface clay 4 06

Sandstone 5 02

Coal , - 04

Fire clay 6 00

Blue siliceous shale 19 05

Coal 2 10

Fire clay 4 03

Siliceous shale 45 04

Beoonb Hols.

Surface clay 17 06

Hardpan ?. 10 06

Sandstone 1 00

Rotten coal 06

Fireclay 7 06

Blue siliceous shale 8 08

Blue shale 3 00

Fireclay 2 00

Third Hols.

Ft In.

Surface clay 3 06

Blue shale 21 01

Coal 3 06

Fire clay 06

love's farm.

Southeast quarter, section 23, township 9, range 6.

Surface clay 30 06

Hard pan 12 00

White sandstone... 4 08

Fire clay 2 00

Thanks are dae to A. Grim and B. E. Winnett for the record of the following tabulated bores in south half of

Owen County, 349

section 11 and the north half of section 14 township 9, range 6. Each locality is broaght to the datum line of the railroad grade by addition to or subtraction from the first apace ; that is, the amount that the surface at any bore is below grade is added to the first column of spaces, or, if above grade, is taken from the same. The bores are located on plat of said land attached to the map of Owen county.

The lx)res given above and heretofore vary greatly, and show that important irregularities exist, which forbid the sinking of shafts without first proving the territory. The tabulated bores terminated as a rule in or at the limestone member of the Chester group, and show that the ground was fully proven.

West of Lick creek the land becomes nearly level, sloping gradually to the "bottoms" of Eel river. The soil is alluvial, and produces good crops of cereals and grasses. The forests were once unequaled, and the surviving timber is of extra size and value.

Stockton is in the midst of this productive land, and is a thrifly village. Coal is mined only tor local use, and none of the banks were in work. Several openings and outcrops of coals I and B are carefully noted on the map, all ranging from two to three and a half feet, and averaging about three feet.

Jesse Beagan works a strip bank with three openings on northeast section 13, township 9, range 6. This coal has a good reputation for steam and grate use, but is rather plinty for blacksmith use.

Section At Seagans Bank.

Ft. In.

Clay and gray shale 5 00

Soft, black shale 04

Coal B :

8emi block coal 09

Lustrous cubic coal 03

Block coal 1 06 3 06

Semi block coal 1 00

Stony clay 2 00

Geological Report.

Summary

Of Borts on 90uth half section 11 and norih half aeetion 14 tounuhip 9,

range 6, (Owen eotmfy.)

§

Space

from.

datum.

iBt

Goal.

Space.

2d Goal.

Space.

3d Goat.

Spaoe.

4tb Coal.

Space to bottom of Bore.

Ft. In.

rt. In.

rt. In.

Ft. In.

Ft. In.

Ft. In.

Ft. In.

In. Ft.

Ft. In.

Ft. la.

U 00

U5oe

Eroded

96 Os

131 m

104 Os

Is

Eroded

103 M

Eroded

102 Os

101 Ob

?6

Owen County,

TABLE No. i.

Loeatinut etc., of Bores on south half section 11, and north half section 14,

township 9, range 6. (Ovfen county.)

f

Goarae from Shaft.

DlsUnce from Shaft

Abore datnm.

Below datum.

Actual

Ko.

Subtracted In ITo. 1.

Added in Mo. 1.

depth fh>m Surface.

8., 11° E.

8., 6i°E. N., 87J° E. a, 45° E. N., 2° E. 8., 65° W. N.,20° W. N.,59° E. N.,69° E. S., 59°- E. 8.. 16° fi. N.,80° E. North. N.,63° W. 8., 10° E. 8., 79° E. North. West. 8., 62° E. 8., 54° K 8., 36° E. N.,35° W. N.,3o° W.

N,!:r)° W.

N.,80° W. .8., C0° E.

Feet.

Grade.

Ft. In.

t

Grade. Grade. Grade. Grade.

Grade.

352 Geological Report.

Denmark is on a valley plain, surrounded by magnificent forests. The vicinity is settled by Dutchmen and Dunkards whose industry and thrift are well known. The alluvial soil deeply covers the rocks, allowing but few exposures of coals I and J, which are located on the map. The seams are from three to three and a half feet thick; composed of block coal, with layers of splinty cannel of great purity and value. The last melts to a pasty mass in combustion, leaves but little ash, and is nearly as pure as Albertite. The Burger, Croft, Goshorn and Bowe banks, have long been worked, and deservedly bear a good reputation. J. B. Merrell, an experienced blacksmith, says the Croft coal is far preferable to that from Pittsburg for smiths use.

George Croft works his strip bank on northwest quarter section 23, township 10, range 6. It is an excellent coal. The following section occurs :

SECTION AT croft's MINE.

tX. In.

Clay and drift 6 00

Gray shale Boapstone ! 3 00

Coal I?.

Semi-caking coal 0 06

Choice block 2 00

Pasty cannel, "Albertite" 0 08 3 02

CUy 2 00

It may be seen that going west from Patricksbui the coals become less dry, contain more, volatile matter, and although superior as fuel, are less suited, without coking, to bear the burden of a blast furnace. In quality they are very similar to coal B.

Patricksburg is an unique village. The inhabitants are generally skilled mechanics, industrious, progressive, able and willing to supply local demands, and compete in outside markets. It is on the axis of the great eastern protrusion of the coal measures. The conglomerate is depressed below the surface sufficiently to allow coal B to under-run the vicinage and coal I to be found in all the hills and ridges.

Owen County. 363

The latter is grandly developed showing a thickness of from three and a half to over six feet of pure choice block coal, equal to the best in this or any State. No district can boast such a combination of thick seams, and at the same time so many varieties, comprising choice block, choice caking and extra cannel coal. A mere list of the mines, outcrops and openings marked upon the map would occupy too . much space, consequently we must refer to it and merely mention a few representative banks which happened to be in work :

SEOnON AT PATBICEBBUBG.

(GoBiMCted.) Ft.

Solly day... 60

Gray shale 10

Coal I, block 4

Gn shale, iron balku -

Indarated clay 20

Coal B, caking 1

Fire clay..

Gray sHioeons shale and sandBtone..

Massive conglomerate.. 20

Coal A, caking or cannel 0

Shale or sandrock.. 6

Kaskaskia limestonoi Chester..

Ft.

In.

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

124 06

On Wm. S. Norris' land, southeast quarter, section 21 township 10, range 6, coal I is found five feet thick in well. Coal B is worked in the brook. A considerable amount of good iron ore, pure and in large concretions, is found in the shale over B, in quantity to justify mining :

SECrnON AT NOBBIS\

7t. Ft. In.

Soil 4 to 10 00

Gray shale 4 00

Coall, block 8 to 5 00

Shale and iron ore dO 00

Coal B 2 02

G. R.— 23

364 Geological Report.

SECTION AT Fletcher's bane.

(Northeast quarter section 10, township 10, range 5.)

Ft. Ft. In,

Soil, clay 30 to 6 00

Gray shale 5 to 8 OO

Goal I, block.

Semi-block coal 1 08

Choice block coal 3 04

Splinty cannel 07 5 07

Shaly Clay.. 6 Oa

SECTION AT ROYER'S MINE. (Northwest quarter, section 11, township 10, range 5.)

Ft. Ft. In-

Soil, clay.. 30 to 6 00

Gray shale 4 to 10 00

Coal I, block.

Semi-block coal 1 08

Choice block 3 06

Splinty cannel 10 6 00

Shaly clay 4 00

These banks are adjoining the village on the northeast. Some good caking coal was seen on the Chambers &rm, southwest quarter of section 3, township 10, range 5, which is excellent for smiths use, and is so free from sulphur thai it bears stocking well. It is thin and worked by stripping. A singular horseback, which divides the coal into two seams, was noticed at southeast corner of the southwest quarter, section 3, township 10, range 5. It was composed of gray fire clay, and contained worn Stigmaria and rootlets of coal plants.

Near the residence of J. Frantz, southwest corner of section 1, township 10, range 6, from a well 4 feet square, a ton of superior iron ore was obtained in passing the shale bed, five feet thick, which overlies coal li. Many wells have met the same bed of ore, and it is believed the

Owen County. 355.

quantity and quality would justify examination and prob* ably mining.

The Overholzer bank is worked by stripping, the coal is' irregular in thickness, but at the mine presented a &ce of six feet one inch. It is good block, with partings of &t caking coal. In the vicinity of Overholzer's and thence north coal I is generally eroded, but coal B may be found just below the ore bed.

SECTION AT BRAMHEBS. (Southeast quarter, northwest quarter, section 1, township 10, rangeS)

Ft. In.

Slope 30 00

Coal I, impure 1 08

Gray shale — covered 27 00

Coal B, caking.. 1 06

Shale and conglomerate 58 00

Coal A 1 Oa

118 08

Another outcrop on the northwest quarter, northwest* quarter of same section gives the following:

Section At Bbammebs Cannel Goal Bank.

Ft. In.

Slope 40 00

Bln and gray shale 4 00*

Quartzose sandstone 1 02.

Choice cannel coal 08

Resinous coal 1 to 2 00

Blae and gray bituminous shale 8 00'

Massive sandrock — conglomerate 12 00>

Brammer's cannel coal, although thin, is the best I have ever seen. See analysis. Similar coal is found at other outcrops in the neighborhood.

Special thanks must be returned to sheriff Ham. Moffett, for the numbers of the lands throughout the coal regions, by which outcrops, etc., are located on the map, and for guidance to points which otherwise could not have been

366 Geological Report,

visited. It is believed that every opening and outcrop in the county was visited, and as many are marked on the nap as was possible upon so limited a scale.

ARCH.aJOLOGY.

Religious mounds and mounds of habitation, structures peculiar to our most ancient predecessors, were not found in 4he county, yet trophies in stone similar to those known to 'be of that age are not uncommon, viz : a copper needle an iron ore plumb bob, stone axes, chisels, spear and arrow points, striped slate ornaments, tubes and gorgets. Stall there are many mounds which, from their structure and '<x>ntents, are referred to the intermediate riparian race, who : succeeded the Mound Builders, and who yielded in turn to the .savages. They were probably closely allied to the Southern Indians, visited by De Soto, and of whom the 'Natches' ivere representatives.

The residence of J. A. Coffey is on a bluff west of and 40 -feet above Spencer. A hillock obstructed the view, and in leveling which, it was found to be a sepulchural mound, 60 feet in diameter and 19 feet high. In the center was <x)elected a promiscuous mass of human bones, soft from the decay of ages, amounting to 150 bushels, or three cords, and estimated to represent 150 persons — mass 6 feet high :and 15 in diameter, in a sharp, conical heap. This was -covered, 1st, with a two-feet layer of white sand, carried .nearly a mile from the nearest bar in the river, a part of which had sifted down among the bones put away dry and lean at some stated occasion ; 2d, the soft shroud of sand was enclosed in a sheet of clay 18 inches thick, red as if burned', and still above, the mound was built up with common loam. I]i this upper deposit was found two intrusive graves of the late savages, in which the bones were but little decayed. With the latter were flint arrow points and <K)arsely polished stones.

A quarter of a mile south of Freedom, Dr. A. J. Minnich opened a mound four feet high and thirty feet in diameter. Within was a vault which required at least two or

Owen County. 367'

three wagon loads of stone for its constraction. Some of this material was in slabs 4 feet square and had been carried from the bluff 300 yards distant. The vault contained about thirty skeletons the bones promiscuously mixed and evidently disjointed before their deposit. The bones were soft and porous and crumbled to dust on exposure. They were shrouded in soft river sand aud plastered over with red (burned) clay.

Less than a mile north of Freedom a mound was partly removed to grade the railway. It contained more than lOO skeletons. The vault was made by placing flat stones over the head lapping toward the center, to prevent removal by animals, and then covering with loam.

On the McBride farm, adjoining the last, is a mound 12 feet high and 150 feet in* diameter, with two smaller ones attached at the southwest. On top of the large mound was a circle of stone vaults 6 feet long, 2 wide and deep, covering the whole top, each grave containing two or more skeletons, with heads toward the center and bodies radiating out like the spokes of a wheel. The bones indicated personsfrom four feet ten inches to five feet and a half high. No ornaments or utensils were found in the vaults. Another charnel vault had contained a low heap of bones, and the flat stones which covered it were placed the inverse of shingle work, commencing at the top and finishing at the bottom, consequently it was with difficulty opened.

Mr. J. W. Archer saw an interesting funeral in California, at which the bodies were first consumed by fire, and over the ashes a very respectable mound was built in commemoration. Did space allow, a description would give clue to the origin of some of our more common mounds.

Economic Geology.

The characteristic soil in different parts of the county has been already noted. It is known that any soil will deteriorate unless managed with care, and supported by rest andl fertilization. Continued cropping is exhaustive to the best

368 Geological Report.

but on thin soils is death. We oan not too earnestly suggest that in the hilly regions the groands could be profitably seeded to orchard and similar grasses, and that sach course would restore and maintain the soil. Cool springs in great volume invite attention to cheese and batter making.

Timber.

Mention has been made of choice forests in difierent parts. These comprise all the best varieties found in the €tate. The growth is exceptional. Specimens of oak were measured, at several stations, 4, 5 and 6 feet in diameter, with trunks straight as an arrow, without limbs or fiiult, 50 to 80 feet long. Some poplar trees were still larger, all of perfect growth, without shake or knot. Sach -timber is valuable and should be used only by skilfal workmen for mechanical objects.

Clay.

Bricks are made throughout the county. Clay for this purpose is common and abundant. The under-clays of the coals furnishes good material for fire brick, pottery and rra-cotta ware. Some modified clays were seen on Six Mile, eta, which were superior for potters use.

" Kaolin.'

Specimens of porcelain clay {SilieaJte of Aluminai) were onnd on Jordan, Rattlesnake and the head waters of Raccoon icreeks. Explorations have been made by Messrs. Allison who report the discovery of a bed several feet thick.

At a subsequent visit, a shaft had been put down twelve feet, ten of which contained nuggets, pockets and masses of Kaolin in a matrix of fine, pure' plastic yellow clay, and a bore found that the bed was equally developed fifteen feet below, making a total depth of twenty-five feet, of which About 20 per cent, was Kaolin. From the irregular and diagonal bedding it owes its origin to fluviatile action, and indicates a large and pure deposit in the vicinity; it is iut the horizon below the base of the Conglomerate at which

Owen County. 359

ach clays are found in Parke and Lawrence and may be expected in Greene Monroe, Martin, Pike and Dabois ooonties. The opening was made on the land of Henry Bitter, northwest quarter, section 7, township 9, range 3. Another promising outcrop, as yet undeveloped, occurs .seven miles west of Spencer, on the land of Richard Keene, northeast and southeast quarter, section 27, township 11, range 4. The specimens selected are of excellent quality, as pure as the best, and promise a grand enlargement of our home industries. Prof. Cox has suggested the name Indianaite for this valuable mineral.

Stone.

From the preceding report it will be readily seen that stone is abundant, of good quality, and in great variety, comprising sawing limestone, compact limestone, stone for burning, lithographic and rubble stone, grit, glass and polishing stone, with clays suitable for the manu&cture of hydraulic cement. The rocky strata are a vast treasure with 'minions in UJ Enterprise and labor will transmute the vety hills into current gold.

Coal.

The coals of this county are fully equal to the best, and -are in great variety. The block coals are suited to the use of the blast furnace. Coal B is, at certain stations, almost pure, burning with great flame and but little ash. If found free from disseminated sulphur, etc., it would seem that the splinty cannel, B, is worthy the attention of gas makers.

Medicinal Springs.

Chalybeate water has well attested curative properties. The springs mentioned in local details merit and will command the attention of invalids.

860 Geological Report.

Paint.

The paint beds near Middletown, on section 20 township 9, range and near Commissioner Statz's &rm, are extensive and of good quality. The ochre needs washing, when it will compete in the markets. A sufficient demand can hardly be found for car loads of paint.

Fruit.

The high hills and divides are admirably suited for fi-ait growing. Immunity is thus secured against the effects of sudden changes in temperature*. No more inviting field can be found, nor is it a matter of hazard. The missionary experiments of Long, at Arney, and Criss, near Vandalia, are demonstrative, proving that the calling is sure, profitable and pleasant.

In conclusion, thanks are returned to the citizens of Owen county for kind co-operation and assistance. Every aid was tendered and freely given. Special acknowledgements are due to Ham. Moffet, J. W. Archer, J. C. Simpson, Hon. W. M. Franklin, J. N. Allison, J. N. Merrill, Samuel Ray, J. A. Coffey, A. J. Tipton, Jacob Long, Jno. Haxton, J. L. Stoots, Wm. Winters, C. Acuff, Hon. J. G Robinson, Hon. W. E. Dittemore, B. H. Gentry, J. S. Meek, H. Richards, O. E. Foster, W. Coffey, Calvin Fletcher, R. H. Gouty, Henry Dyer, Dr. Minnich, S. F. Evans, Dr. J. M. Jones, T. D. Stillwell, James Beaman, Hon. W. A. Montgomery, T. C. Bailey, L. M. Hays, Fred. Goss, D. Buskirk, Jesse Rogers and Dr. McDonald.

For additional facts on this point, see reports of Knox, Gibson and Lawrence counties, 1874.

Montgomery County.

0*02X2! OOIiTiinTT,

Montgomery county is bounded north by Tippecanoe east by Clinton Boone and 'Hendricks south by Putnam and Parke, and west by Parke and Fountain, and contains 504 square miles or 322,560 acres. Crawfordsville, the seat of Justice, is situate near the geographic center and is 48 miles northwest from Indianapolis. The principal villages are Pleasant Hill, Linden, Darlington, Shannondale, Valley City, Lynnsburg, Whitesville, Ladoga, Ashby, Parkersburg, Waveland, Alamo, Yountsville and Waynetown.

The drainage takes direction from the dip of the underlying rocks, generally a little west of southwest. The main stream is Eock river or Sugar creek, which enters south of the northeast corner and traversing the central areas, passes out six miles north of the southwest corner of the county. Its affluents from the north are Lye and Black creeks ; from the south. Walnut, Offield and Indian creeks. The southern and southeastern parts are drained by Big and Little Kaccoon creeks, and at the northwest by Coal creek, which flows directly into the Wabash. These streams, with their numerous tributaries, are fed by springs that flow out of the the great sponge-like mass of clay and gravel at its junction with the rocky frame work of the earth. They are, therefore, reliable streams, and furnish an abundance of water for agricultural and mechanical needs.

362 Geological Report.

The sur&ce of the country is pleasantly diversifiedy combining in the highest degree the useful with the agree* able. The western part near the principal streams, is hilly and broken ; in the north and center it is gently unduljting and at the east and southeast flat and level. The latter regions were originally clothed with a heavy growth of fine forest trees. In the norths extensive prairies prevailed, surrounded by glades, ''openings'* and groves of timber. The soil is everywhere fertile, and produces remunerative crops of corn, wheat, oats, grass, fruit, etc. It is especially adapted to the growth of blue grass the " gold finder " of Indiana. The health of the region is proverbial.

The following table of altitudes, deduced from uncompensated barometric observations with Stansberry and Williams' tables for a basis, are only approximate, but indicate such an elevation as insures exemption from some of the worst forms of malaria.

Table Op Altitudes.

(Above the Ocean).

Feet.

Crawfordsville 749

Linden 763

Bmde, seven miles north of Crawfordsville 799

Darlington 752

Mace — Frederick 788

Valley aty— New Kobs - 838

Ladoga - „ 820

Ashby 887

Waveland 694

Bodine*B Mill— Sugar Creek 698

Alamo 839

Glacial moraines— near Alamo 870

Waynetown m 785

Indianapolis 698

Lafayette 538

Montqomeby County. 363

Geology.

(Beoent Geology.)

The surface deposits are due to three separate epochs of the Quaternary period and are classified as follows :

Quatbrnaby Period.

Ft. Ft.

Alluvium 0 to 20

Pluviatile drift and terraces 0 to 80

Lacustral beds 0 to 50

Glacial drift 10 to 120

During the long period in which the Triassic Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary seas successively came into existence, lived their age, and prepared the way for the life and time to follow in regions to the south and west of the Mississsippi, it is probable that this part of central Indiana was elevated and continually rising above the level of the ocean, presenting the bare, rocky structure of the earth to the elements, for we find no evidence of these ages in plaeey except the erosive phenomena, and the deep cut river channels, now filled with the debris of later times.

The Glacial Epoch.

The Olacial epoch succeeds this hiatus, leveling down former inequalities, filling up old valleys, and covering the hitherto bare surface with deep beds of clay, gravel, sand and boulders. In a practical view, this is one of the most interesting studies of the geologist. The surface deposits and resulting soil determine the value and kind of productions of a country, and give life and mental character to its inhabitants. A clay must be devoted to the grasses and grazing, the addition of siliceous material makes a loam capable of a wider productive range, but combining and properly mingling with these the alkalies and usual minerals, gives A still greater breadth of production, and that competency which insures comfort and leisure for mutual improvement.

To the phenomena of the glacial epoch we are indebted

364 Geoloqioal Refobt.

to a great degree for results that make this region desirable for man. A period of intense cold prevailed. A mighty river of solid ice with its sources away off toward the pole, its southern foot terminating at about 39 !(/ north latitude, many hundred miles in width, slowly crept to the south. Its surface was covered with a large amount of angular fragments of rocks from overhanging clifis at the north, and with gravel, sand, etc. Such material absorbing warmth from the short Arctic summer, would gradually sink in their matrix, or falling through numerous crevasses and water-ways, would reach the bed rock over which the glacier was advancing, the softer material would be ground in this giant mill to powdered clay and sand while the more obdurate rocks would be rounded, polished and striated and survive as gravel and boulders which we find so plentiful in this region. The imported rocks are generally crystalline, with a reasonable percentage from the Silurian and Devonian beds, which, in combination with the native shales, lime and sandstone, thoroughly comminuted and mingled, constituted a perfect soil, because it comprises in available form the constituent materials of all the paleozoic strata.

The boulder drift may be described as a vast bed of gray clay or hard-pan, sand, gravel and boulders mixed " pell mell " or obscurely and irregularly stratified with slight partings of sand and gravel, at wide intervals, impervious to air and holding water with tenacity, it acts as a great sponge, grasping the rain-falls to feed the numerous springs which flow from its base, and maintains such an equilibrium of moisture as averts drought, and insures the perfect growth of blue grass and other plants that do not penetrate the ground to a great depth.

The earliest glacial flow in America was from the northeast (N. 80° E.), which passed up the St. Lawrence valley, hewing out the basins of lakes Ontario and Erie, and finding discharge by sluice-ways into the Ohio, Wabash and Mississippi. In the region of the lakes named, the records of this period are well preserved and easily interpreted.

Montgomery County. 36S

Judged by the results the work was long continued, and of great energy. Hitherto any facts indicating the extension of this flow to Indiana, have escaped attention. But a flow of such magnitude can not be supposed to have spent its force and material at the western end of lake Erie and suddenly ceased. Even then it was exhibited in great force. The natural conclusion would be that the evidence of its existence would be partially or wholly obliterated by the later flow from the north, passing directly across the vacated track of the former. Some &cts have come under observation in the last year, which, although obscure, seem to throw light on a subject hitherto unsolved.

A system of canyon- like valleys were discovered, in Owen and Clay counties, having the direction of the first flow, which can not be explained by any circumstances connected with the second cross-flow, and which, fix>m the great depth of the erosion and subsequent building up with silt, dates its origin to an earlier period in the Glacial epoch. In Putnam county, and other parts of the State, are many valleys, once of great depth, although now pro- . foundly built up, or entirely obstructed, have the direction of the axial line of the eastern lakes S. 80 W. In this county it will be observed that the trend of the ancient valleys, now occupied by the present streams, but generally more or less obliterated or obstructed, also have an east- west course varying slightly to the south. Thus the prairie depressioif near Linden connects directly in the northwest comer of the county with Coal creek, which is continued for some distance in this primal course. Lye creek enters near the extreme northeastern corner of the county, and after flowing in a westerly direction for six miles, suddenly turns to 43outh, the ancient valley is plainly continued through Lye creek and Black creek swamps and Black creek valley. The obstructing agent, a vast bed of modified -clay and water -washed sands are at once detected at the head of Black creek, between Linden and Crawfordsville. The discharge of water thus denied, the flow from the east would first be confined, and after reaching the maximum

366 Geological Report.

capacity of the basin be compelled to find a new line of exit to the south by Sugar creek. The obstructing dam of modified materials is the termination of a north-south ridge, and its modified nature demands the sifling and sorting process of flowing water. A lake, now known as Lye, and Black-creek swamps succeeded, originally six miles long and from one to three miles wide. The deepest wells in the basin do not find the bottom of the Laoustral silt, quick-sand and muck; and, although now drained and brought under cultivation, within the past fifly years it was covered with water. In opening ditches, drains, etc., many canoe paddles, spears and fishing implements have been found, proving that in modern times it was a constant body of water and a favorite resort for the Indian fisherman. The present channel of Lye creek, from the point where the southern bend commences, to its mouth, is by a deep, narrow vall, with steep, precipitous blufis, which facts indicate the recent origin of this out-let.

The fiicts observed in relation to Sugar creek are of interest, and point more 'd.efinitely to the early Glacial epoch for a solution of the phenomena observed. This stream east of Crawfordsville has a general trend of south 70 to 80 west. A few miles west of the city, and a short distance north of Yountsville, it is suddenly deflected directly to the south and southwest. Above this point, the valley bottoms are from one to two miles wide with well rounded blufis supported b]( great beds of gravel and modified drifl, which have been subjected to the sorting action of swift currents of water. Below Yountsville the valley is compressed, rarely exceeding a few hundred yards in width. Its precipitous or overhanging blufis are often bare and raked clifis of stone, indicating conclusively the recent origin of the chasm through which the stream flows, and the short period during which the bluffs have been exposed to the modifying influences of the elements, for a long exposure is nature's cure for wounds, by disintei;- gration, wearing away exposed surfaces, removing asperities,

MONTGOMEBY COUN'iT. 367

reducing precipices to gentle slopes and covering their sides with fine sand and clays wrested from superior strata. These facts without doubt demanded another and older outlet for Sugar creek, and if the primal direction of the stream was due to the action or results of the first ice flow, it ought to be found continuing in the original course west from Crawfordsville. Beneath that city, and in an area of several hundred acres west and southwest of it, are beds of coarse gravel and sand, having a thickness of 40 to 90 feet, of drifl origin, but sorted and re-deposited by fluviatile action. The stream to whose currents its origin was due, at one time must have had its low water level as high as a terrace on which Crawfordsville is situated. This was accepted as a hint toward a solution. Starting with this level registered as a datum line on the barometer, it was lound that allowing a range of less than 40 feet, between high and low water in the ancient river, at least two outlets existed, one leading more directly to Coal creek, the other trending gently southwest to Sugar Mill creek. The latter is a broad well defined valley, now somewhat of a swampy nature, and as far as pierced by wells, say 30 to 40 feet, built up with mucky silt and quick-sand, with beds of fine gravel. It seemed evident that the ancient river not only could but actually did find egress by this way. This presumption is further sustained by the fact that deep wells and bores in search of coal have discovered a great system of deeply eroded river channels in the great level plateau in the south part of Fountain county, now entirely filled up with silt and glacial drift, and which are on the produced line in which a river of the early glacial period, would be compelled to seek the Wabash and western drainage. To these deductions we may add that a few fragmentary rocks which seem to be like the Medina sandstone of Ontario, and two nuggets of nearly a pound each, of course octahedral Champlain iron ore, were found near the present mouth of Coal creek, in the bed of " Old Sugar creek, if our theory is correct. These &cts, separately, are of little value. Combined, they hint at the solution of an obscure

368 Geological Bepobt.

chapter of nature's history, and are briefly thrown together to invite full investigation, rather than a complete solution of the enigma.

From the nature of the case, as well as from the foregoing &cts, the early glacial epoch was a system complete in itself, with a cold Arctic source, a regular and exact course of flow, and with sufficient channels for the discharge of ice water at its southern and western foot, continuing through ages, in the latter period of its existence, until climatic or atmospheric reasons, its propelling force had declined, it was met at the western end of lake Erie by the northern flow, fuU of energy and power, and whidi, sweeping down along the axial lines of lakes Huron, Michigan, and the Mississippi river, overpowered the former.

To the second ice-flow we are indebted for nearly all the rocks, sands, gravel, clays, etc., of the boulder drift As it gradually approached, crossing the track of the first, the advance water discharge would probably tear up and remove, in a greater ov less degree, the sur&oe deposits, osing the valley channels already prepared ; but at length, when the glacier itself, in solid mass, supported by a great cushion of plastic material crossed this region, advancing with an alternating motion, proportioned as the long arctic winters exceeded its short summers. Under such circumstances the first result would be to fill up and bridge over all former chasms and valleys, and interesting exhibits of this process were discovered in excavating the roadbed of 'the Louisville and Chicago railway in Putnam county. The surfisice rocks on the northern side were found planed off and striated, but preserving a square edge with no scars or marks on that side of the chasm ; the southern side always scarred with a worn and rounded cap, as if for a time the ioe had grounded against the latter and then rose over it. The case just mentioned pretty fully explains the phenomena presented here. The ice sheet, with clay, gravel and boulders in great volume, invadilig the ancient valley, for a 4ime exhausted its energy in filling up and bridging the

Mont(K>Mery County. 369

depressions until by an inclined plane it oould ascend the high lands to the south. A dyke of such material with continued accretions of ice was. built up until the water-way was entirely obliterated, and a vast lake covered all the central parts of the county. A new outlet was sought and found when the water reached the maximum capacity of the basin, across the easily eroded conglomerate saudstone at the southeastern corner of the county. On the extreme highlands just south of Alamo the surface is marked by a succession of small knolls and basins disconnected, yet indicating obscurely parallel ridges, which are believed to be terminal mud moraines ; the spaces between, of 80 to 190 yards, recording the annual advance and recession of the ice foot.

During some part of this period it seems that a branch glacier was deflected to the east by the highlands seven or eight miles north of Crawfordsville, near Mt PJeasant Chapel, passing between this point and Bomney, thence southeast by Darlington towards Fredericksburg, leaving a trail or dyke of immense boulders along its track, filling up some of the depressions and floating over others, by this time partly filled with water.

The resulting Lake existed a very considerable period — long enough to hew out by its waste water the present rock- walled chasm, through which Sugar creek now flows in the southwestern part of the county. During this time all the old river beds were more or less filled up with glacial clay or gravel and lacustral muck and silt, through which the stream had afterwards to renew its valley, removeing the finer material and depositing gravel and boulders in vast beds as terraces. Beds of the latter are common about Crawfordsville but rare below Yountsville. The lacustral silt, a black, mucky mass, containing trunks and branches of trees, is seen below the terrace gravels, or is pierced in deep wells at and near the city. As the main lake was reduced by drainage, smaller isolated lakelets survived, as Black and Lye creek swamps. East of Sugar creek and south of Crawfordsville was an extensive body of G. R.— 24

370 Geological Report.

water, covering nearly 100 square miles, the silt and shore line which is so plainly lacustral and marked that its existence could not have terminated more than a few thousand years ago. The phenomena of this basin has long been noticed and studied by Col. James H. Harney, to whom I am indebted for much information, etc., and in whose honor as the discoverer I have given it the name of Andent Lake Harney.

The boulder drift deeply covers the eastern, northern and northwestern parts of the county, bearing internal evidence of its origin, as polished, striated and rounded pebbles and rocks imported from the Laurentian beds north of lake Superior. When long concentrated by currents of water some notable deposits of gold dust and magnetite occur, associated OQ account of their approscimate specific gravity, on the bars and riflBes of the water courses.

; Glacial Stri-E.

At two localities, direct, positive evidences of the ice flow recorded by the glacier itself, were observed. Near the residence and on the farm of Jesse Winters, a band of hard, compact, oolitic limestone occurs, which, exposed by denudation at points nearly a mile distant, showed that over that area, and probably a much larger one, the glacier had, in its motion, leveled the surface, planing and polishing the solid rocks. The well marked striie in a right line indicate the direction of this local flow to south 8° east

On the north bauk of Coal creek, three miles west of Waynetown, the massive conglomerate forms the low banks of the stream, and is quarried for building purposes ; the surface exposed for about half a mile on the Brant &rm has been leveled and planed by the same agency, cutting across the lines of deposition. The direction of the striae is more nearly in accordance with the great glacial movement down the valley of the Wabash and its tributaries, and is to south 18° east, with an apparently greater easting at other localities.

Montgomery County. 371

Lacustbal And Fluviatile Drift.

The central, western and southern parts, as indicated from &cts already mentioned, are as a rule covered with modified Glacial, Lacustral or Fluviatile drift, with true boulder clay at intervals. As might be expected &om the mode of its origin and deposition, it contains a large amount of calcareous material from the underlying shales and local limestones. Water draining through this soil and gravel is highly charged with minerals. The great springs which flow out at the foot of the terrace gravel beds, deposit masses of calcareous tufa (honey comb limestone). A film precipitated each day soon covers exposed objects, and a neverending variety of leaves, grasses, twigs, and mosses are preserved as casts. In proportion to the quantity of lime thus added the soil is enriched. The surfisice gently undulating is carpeted with shrubs and blue grass. The oak and elm forests which prevail on the cold tenaceous clays are replaced with a thrifty growth Of ash, beach, walnut, poplar, sassafras and sugar trees of superior size. In autumn, when the frost just touches the ripening foliage of the latter, as if by magic, they are at once arrayed in festive robes of glory. The forest becomes a giant parterre, brilliant with a thousand vivid tints of purple, gold and crimson, relieved by a setting of russet and azure, while the emerald carpet is flecked and strewn with drifting leaves ripened to the deepest hues of orange, brown and vermillion. We may well suppose that the citizens of this county rejoice in this thanksgiving scene painted by Gods own hand ; and absorbing transfigured inspiration, her theologians and orators have spoken words that have deeply molded human character; that her poets in alt and bass have sung songs that have touched responr sive chords wherever the English language is spoken.

General Qe0L0Q7.

The rocky exposures of this county belong to the Carboniferous age, and comprise the lower or conglomerate

372 Geological Eeport.

member of the coal measures and the whole of the Sub-carboniferous period. Bores and wells of a 100 feet in depth have pierced the black slate or upper member of the Devonian age. Brought together in connected section from isolated and widely separated outcrops they give the following stratigraphic exhibit :

Connected Section, Montgomery County.

qUATEIUrABT PERIOD.

Ft Ft. In.

h Alluvium 0 to 20 00

2. Fluviatile drift and tenaoee 0 to 80 00

8. Lacustral beds... 0 to 60 00

4. Glacial drift 10 to 120 00

Cabbonif£Bous Age. Cabbonifsbotjs Pxriod.

Coal Meaturt Group,

t. CoDglomerate sand rookyheavy bedded

or massive - - 10 to 80 00

Shaly sandstone ?rith much false bedding, contaiDing trunks, branches and prints of coal plants 2 to 8 00

7. Coix A, rash and impure, changing to

a black slate from 4 to 20 feet thick. 8 in to 0 00

5, Shaly sandstone and pyritous shales 7 ft. to 4 00

Sub-Oabbonifsbous Pebiod.

Cheater Qroup.

Chester limestone. 4 to 20 00

10. Chester sandstone and shale 40 to 10 00

St, Lquia Qroup,

11. St. Louis limestone.. M 12 to 0 00

12. Yellow ferriferous sandstone 15 to 2 00

Keokuk Qroup,

13. Keokuk sandstone... 20 to 10 00

14. Shales, with dykes and irregular pock-

ets of limestone, rich in fossils. 20 to 40 00

Kncbatone Qroup,

15. Knobstone shales and sandstone, with-

out fossils 30 to 20 00

Montgomery County. 37S

DEVONIAN AGE. SamiUon Oroup* ' 16. Black slate in wells and bores 110 00

574 00

The oldest strata out-crop at the extreme northeastern corner of the county, and are deposited with much regularity, dipping gently to the southwest. Following the line of dip along the valley of Sugar creek, the latter and higher beds are met successively, capped by the conglomerate member of the coal measures, near the county line, in the extreme southwestern corner. Hence, commencing at the lowest geological beds, we constantly ascend to superior and more recent strata, although, by actual levels, we are descending along the great inclined f)Iane which gently slopes west to the Mississippi, the axis of the great valley of the continent. Reference is made to the general section by the marginal numbers.

Devonian Age. Black Slate.

The rocks of this age were not seen in place. They outcrop in localities immediately adjoining to the north anci east, where their characteristics are well exhibited. Many fragments of the Black slate, No. 16, were seen in the drift near Darlington, and it is pierced in wells. A bore put down at Stover's mill, northeast quarter, section 29, township 19, range 4, found the black slate rich in bitumen, and almost carbonaceous, with a thickness at neigboring localities of one hundred and ten feet. This bed is distinctly and regularly laminated, is of dark, almost black color, when fresh from the quarry, but upon exposure, weathers to a brown or light gray. With partings and traces of asphalt, is associated much pyrite in sharp or obtuse crystals, known as " fools' gold." In adjoining regions this bed contains many minute marine fossils, as lAngula, Dia dnaj Leiorhynoua etc., with bones and teeth of monster fishes, especially sharks.

374 Geological Keport.

" Sub-Carboniferotjs Period.

Knobstoks Shales.

The Knobstone beds No. 16 are determined from stratigraphic reasons alone. They consist of thinly laminated shales and shaly sandstones seen in the bluffs of Sugar creek where it enters the county. They are of little or no economic importance although crystals and pockets of pyrites have often given illusory hopes of gold to the unskilled. No fossils were seen ; . the nature of the deposit indicates a shore line with inflowin|: streams, discharging impure water, which, with a muddy bottom, was not suited to the life of marine animals, or the preservation of their remains after death.

Keokuk Gbottp.

"With the exception of the very small territory already described, and the portions hereafter to be noted, the rocks of the Keokuk group occupy the central area, extending in a broad belt from north to south across the county, covered in places by out-liers of the later rocks, which have, as a rule, been removed by glacial or fluviatile action. These beds are generally deeply covered with drift, and consequently exposures are only seen in the beds and bluffs of the water courses. They consist of dark and gray shales and soft sandstones containing pyrite and clays. The lamination is regular and generally thin, th intervals of quiet being marked by homogeneous or massive beds. Such periods of stable quietude seem to have been regularly broken. Dykes of limestone, probably deposited upon or thrown against the sides of bluffs which must have existed in the bottom of an ocean of great depth, traverse the soiler beds from northwest to south, southeast, parallel with the strike of the rim to the northeast. These limestone dykes and pockets, although of no great extent, are extremely significant. As a rule they are followed, for a space of one-fourth to half a mile, or more, with a rapid accumulation of sea silt with disturbed talse bedding, the faces of which indicate

Montgomery County. 375

a great open ocean to the southwest, followed by periods of tranquility and new disturbances.

These phenomena, taken as a whole, seem to indicate a gradual upheaval of the shore line, parallel with what is termed the Cincinnati dome, continued at irregular intervals, which resulted in a continued silting up of the areas under consideration. A full connected view of the facts can only be obtained by following Sugar creek in detail ; and such a trip will convince the watchful student that the apparent irregularities of the dip are unreal, and may, in a great measure, be explained by reference to slight oscillation and consequent silt beddings. The sedimentary clays and shales near, but not immediately above the limestone pockets, are rich in fossils. At favorite localities the bottom of the sea was crowded with life. Armies of Crinoids with strong stems 1 to 20 feet long, yet pliant with life and safely anchored to the solid bottom, lived in great communities in the deep dark waters. Their heads, a wonder of artistic beauty and ingenious mechanism, were supported and surrounded by strong arms divided into fringed fingers, which, elastic with vitality, served at once for defense, and at the same time, with prehensile instinct, grasped and sorted the food which sustained their strange and complicated being. Other animals of artistic structure and wondrous symmetry prevailed ; minute coral insects, gasteropods intimately connected as food or otherwise with the reigning crinbids ; brachiopods reached out their spiral arms loaded with tentacles; curled ophiurians twisted their snaky fingers about ihe crinoid bases, and star fishes lent their subdued rays to enliven the gloom of that watery night.

The beds comprise several families, many genera and species, and billions of individuals. For their determination fiome of the prominent American and European paleontologists have devoted years of time and much treasure.

The authorities of New York, Ohio and Illinois and different scientific associations, have, in the kindest spirit, expended large sums of money in the discovery and study

376 Geological Report.

of this chapter of the globe's ancient history and have published more than one hundred costly figures and a thousand pages of letter-press, in illustrating and illuminating this remarkably interesting and rich field of research. Coming with the taste of the " tree of knowledge' on their lips, they have boldly demanded of nature an explanation of her laws and rules, and stripping bare one of her mysteries, have opened a new book for the information of man.

Fossils from the orinoid beds of Crawfordsville now enrich the cabinets of most of the colleges and geological associations of the scientific world. Every year discovers new forms and reveals new secrets.

The f6llowinglist, made out with the assistance of that veteran student and scientist. Prof. E. O. Hovey, and the most extensive worker, L. H. Cory, kindly revised as Uy arrangement and detail by Prof. A. H.Worthen of the Illinois and Prof. R. P. Whitfield of the New York survey, is given as a full if not complete enumeration of the fossils. It may be observed that there are many species and several genera as yet inedited, a duty which Indiana owes to science, and which it is hoped she will shortly fulfill by full *paleontological reports sufficiently illustrated.

List Of Fossils

Pound In The Keokuk Group At Cbawpordsvillb,

Indiana.

Genus Cahlebpites, Sternberg.

Oaulerpittts, (Sp?) resembles marginatus '.Lesquerenx.

Genus Ohrondrites, Sternberg. Chrondrites Colletti Lesquerenx.

Lycopodiacea.

Genus Stiqmaria ? Brongniart.

Stigmaria Hightoweri Krout

Montgomery County. 377

Animalia.

Eadiata.

C(Elentebata.

Genus Auloposa, Goldfofis.

Aulopora gigas Bominger.

Genus Stbinoofosa, GoldfuBS. SyiingoporSy (Sp.?)...

Genus Zaphbentis, Rafinesque. Zapbrentis Dalii .Edwards and Haime.

Gtenus Amplezus, Sowerby. Ampleziia fragilis. White and St John.

CRINOIDEA. PLATiCRlNlDjS.

Genus Plattcbinus, Miller. Platyorlnns hemisplierioiiB Meek and Worthen.

— Yandelli Owen and Shumard.

— (inedited.)

Genus DiCHocBDnrs, Monster. DiohoorinuB expanaus. Meek and Worthen.

— fioiiB Lyon and Casseday.

Genus Actikocrinus, Miller.

AotinoorinuB Humboldti Troost.

Genus ALLOPBosAUiOcsiNUS, Lyon and Casseday. AlloprosallooritiTiB oonious Troost.

Genus Batocbinus, Casseday. BatoorinuB Agasaizi Troost.

— oalyoiiluB Hall.

— Coreyi.. m ..4 Lyon and Caeseday.

Genus EBETMOcaiNXTSy Lyon and Casseday. Eretmooriuua magniflcuB L. and C.

Genus Aoabicocbinus. Troost.

Agariooorinns tuberosus Troost

AmerioaniiB, Rominger (=tuberosii8 Troost)

Genus Ctathocbiitus, Miller.

Oyathoorinua poterium ; Meek and Worthen.

inapiratas L. and 0.

378 Geological Report.

GenuB Babycrinus, Wachsmuth. BaryoriniiB heronleiu - M. and W.

— Hoveyi Hall

— arboreiiB M. and W.

— multibrachiatus. L. and C.

— magnifloiiB M. and W.

Genus Potebiocsinub, Miller. PoteriocrinuB IndianenalB L. and C.

— Coreyi - M. and W-

— Hoveyi ...,M. and W.

Genus Scaphiocbinub, Hall. BcaphlooriniiB eequalla HalL

— decadaotyliiB... L. and C

— deproBBUB - M.and W.

— unicuB - Hall.

— Coreyi... ..M. and W.

— (sp. ined.)

Genus Zbacrinus, TrooBt

Zeaorinna eoneiimiiB... Meek and Worthea*

— (sp. inedt)

Genus Stnbathocrintjs, Phillips.

SynbathoorinuB Swallovi - HalL

— robiiBtOB ? - .Shomard.

Genus Gokiasteboidocbinus, L. C. Gilbbbtbocbinits, PhUlips. GoniaBteroidoorinuB tuberoBUB and G.

— (sp. inedt)

Genus Fobbesbocbinus, DeEay and LeHon. ForbeaeocrinuB Meeki HalL

— Wortheni HalL

— Saffordi HalL

? ramulOBUB L. and C

Genus OMYCHocBmus, Ljon and Gasseday. OnyohoorinuB exBOulptua L. and C.

Genus Taxocbinub?, Lyon and Casseday. P TazocrinuB ramuloBUB... L. and C.

(Family uncertain.)

Genus Gatillocbinus, Troost. OatillocrinuB Bradleyi M. and W.

Genus Calceocbikub, Hall.

OaloeoorlnuB Bradleyi M. and W,

— nodoBUB Hall

Montgomery County. 379

BLASTOIDEA, Genus Pentbemitxs, Say.

Pentremites Wortheni Hall.

— oonoideiiB P Hall.

Genus Granatocbintjs, (Troost,) Hall.

Granatocrinus granulosus P

Echlnoidba.

Genus Lbpidesthes, Meek and Worthen.

Iiepidesthes Coreyi .. '. M. and W.

Genus ABCHociDABiSy McCoy. Aroheeocidaris (sp. inedt.)

Genus Melonitjes, Owen and Shumard. Melonites (sp. inedt.) -

Asteroidea.

Genus Ontchasteb, Meek and Worthen. Onyohaster fleziliB M. and W,

Genus Pbotasteb, Forbes. Protaster gregariua M. and W.

EDRIOASTERIBM Genus Agelacbinitbs, Vanuxem.

Agelaorinites squamosus M. and W.

Mollusca Mullxjscoidba.

BRTOZOA. Genus Abchimsdes, Le Sueur. ArohimedeB Owenana.

Genus Fenestblla Miller. Fenestella (sp. inedt.)

Genus Tbematopoba, Hall. Trematopora (2 sp. inedt.)

Genus Stbbptobhynchx7S, King. StreptorhynoliuB orenistria Hemipronites orenislnria* Phillips

*In a letter In reply to questions asked Prof. R. P. Whitfield, the distingnished Paleontologist, at Albany, New York, says : " The genus Hbmipborites, Pander, as typified by Orthis hemiproniia and 0. cuiapedm is as yet unknown in America, and Is distinct from Stbxptobhthohtts, King, as recognized in S, crenistria"

380 Geological Report.

Gbmus Ohonbtbs, Fischer. Chonetes planumbona M, and W.

— (sp. inedt)

Genus Pboductus, Sowerby. Produotos magniiB M. and W.

— (tenuioostos) oora D'Orbienj.

— piinotatUB M Sowerby.

— yittatus HalL

— alternatus Norwood and Pratten.

— Bemi-reticiilatuB Martin.

Genus Sfibifeb, Sowerby. Spirifer striatus... Miller.

— Keokuk - Hall.

— flEtstigatus M. and W.

— 8ub-orbiciilari8 Hall.

— sub-euspidatUB HalL

— (sp. inedt.)

Genus Athyeis, McCoy. Athyris Boyissi „ L'Eveille.

— P sub-lamellosa* Hall.

Genus Rbtzia, Eing.

Betsia Vernetiilanuin HalL

Genus Rhynchonblla, Fischer.

Bhyncbonella aub-ouneata HalL

Genus Tsbebbatula, Llhwyd.

Terebratxila hastata Sowerby.

MOLLUSCA VEEA. LAMELLIBnANCRIATA.

Genus Aviculopkcten, McCoy.

Avioxilopeoten Indianensis M. and W.

— (n. 8.) Whitfield.

Genus Myalina, De Koninck. Mayalina Keokuk M. and W.

Genus Pinna, Linnaeus. Pinna sub-apatulata M. andW.

Genus Lithofhaoa, Lamarck. laithophaga lingualis Phillips.

Genus Allorisma, King. AUorisma (sp. ined.).

Montgomery County. 381

Gasteropoda.

QenuB Plattge&ab, Conrad.

Platyoeras flsBtirella Hall.

inftLndibulum: M. and W.

— nnoum M. and W,

— equilatera Hall.

Genus Euomfhalus, Sowerby, or Strapabollxtb Montfort :XSuomphalii8 (sp. inedt)

Genus Lozonema, Phillips. Iioxonema (interior cast, inedt)

Genus DENTALiUHy Linnus. Dentalium primarium Hall.

Genus Chiton, Linnaeus. Chiton (sp.?)

Ctenus Bellbbophon, Montfort 3ellerophon (sp.?)

Pteropoda.

Genus Conulabia, Miller. Conuiaria sub-oarbonaria..., M. and W.

— GrawfordflvillenaiB - B. Owen.

Cephalopoda.

Giufl Orthooxbas, BreyniuB. OTthooeras (sp. inedt)

Genus Nautilus, Linnsus. JfautHuB Ooxi - M. and W.

Genus GoMiATiTES, DeHaan. Ooniatites (sp. inedt.)

Articulata.

Crustacea.

Genus Phillifsia, Portlock. ThiUipBia (Griffithides) bufo M. and W.

— seminifera P Morrison.

— Portlookii P M. and W.

The principal fossil localities are at Corey's Bluff on the northwest bank of Sugar creek, a mile north of Crawfordsville, from which a majority of these fossils were obtained, at and near Troatman's mill, at and near the mouth of Lye creek, at Mrs. Dice's on Walnut creek, at and near the month of Offield and Indian creeks and on Black creek,

382 Geological Report.

all within a radius of seven miles of the city ; and the best localities are within three miles.

ST. LOmS GROUP.

The St. Louis beds succeed in order of superiority. In the southern part of the State they present a heavy laminated or massivelimestone, sometimes concretionary and full of fossils, from 100 to 200 feet thick, with slight beds of sandstone. Going north, the limestones become thinner and are more er less replaced with arenaceous material. Here the group is greatly reduced or entirely absent, and the usual fossils are extremely rare. A few weathered specimens of Lithostrotion Canadense are reported with Pen-- tremUes conoideus, P. Woodmani, Zaphrentu BpimdaOy Metzia VerneuUanum, Bhynchondla rmUataj i2. evhouruata, JEhiomphabis sp,f Waldheimia spJ Spirifer incrassaiuBf Produetua fwnctatua, P. {ienuicostus) cora, with dissevered, plates and stems of crinoids and sharks teeth.' The above fossils were found at three different localities ; one at the county line southwest of Parkersburg, at Oldshoes quarry west of Waveland, and at Coal creek quarry a mile west of Waynetown.

At places, if not generally, the rocks of the St. Louis group are absent or replaced by a sandstone without fossils and from the scanty evidence at hand, we may almost conclude that the conditions necessary : clear, pure, cold water was episodal, subject to interruptions by and perhaps a recurrence of circumstances again suited to Keokuk life.

Chester Group.

The rocks of the Chester group exhibited a thickness of about 50 feet to the north, in Warren county, and of nearly 100 feet in the southern part of the State. Here they are greatly narrowed, ranging from 4 to 50 feet thick. They consist of non-persistent bands, dykes and pockets of gray argillaceous limestone, underlaid by a gray or yellow sandstone, well laminated, and gray and dark siliceous shales. The whole series is generally arenaceous and furnishes good

Montgomery County. 383

quarry stone at several localities northwest and west of Crawfordsville.

The line on the map indicating the eastern line of the Chester beds includes the most easterly outliers and at the same time large areas in which such rocks have been eroded; exposing the underlying St. Louis and Keokuk strata.

The most abundant fossils are survivors from the Keokuk bedS; which afterward give character and culminate in the coal measure epoch, as Productus punctaius (vittatus), P. aemireticulatua, P. {tenuicosttis) coral Hemipronitea crenistria, JS. cr<X88U8f, Spirifer striatus, 8. UneatuB Athyris ambiguay A. subtilitay Terebratula bovidens, JRetzia vera, Rhynohondla Osagensisf Pinna Sp,f, AUorisma Sp.f, Aviculopeoten (n. Orthis r&tupinxtta, DeniaUum primariumy Pentremites pyriformisy P. obeiusfy Zaphrentia apimUosay Syringopora and Archimidea Owenana.

The rocks of this bed both lime and sandstone are quar-

. ried, and at several localities furnish excellent material

for foundations cellar walls, piers and other hammered

masonry. The limestone has been burned yielding a

strong hot" lime.

Carboniferous Period. Coal Mbabube8.

The coal measure rocks comprise a narrow belt along the western boundary ; just touching the northwest corner, the area is much widened to the south of Alamo and along the bluffs of Sugar creek, and again reduced by denudation in Raccoon valley.

Coal A is here a thin, inconstant, impure seam of no value. For analysis see chemists report. The coal varies in thickncBS from a mere trace to three or four inches ; is generally absent, or at other localities diffused by maceration through from six to twenty-one feet of black argillaceous shale.

At this horizon several poorly preserved trunks of Lepidodendray Stigmaria and CcUamites were observed with

384 Geological Report.

broad striated leaves of Oardaites boraanfoUaf with the fruits or nuts Trigonocarpum olivceformiSy T. omatum, T. ianr cuspidaium, and the berry like nuclei of Trigonooarpum and Cardiooarpumy some of which are probably new to science

Muxstove Grit.

The conglomerate sandrock superimposes the horizon of coal Ay and is the highest, geologically, and most recent rooky bed in the county. It is a coarse, reddish brown sandstone, generally ferruginous, and at very rare localities containing white and red quartz pebbles. It is heavily laminated or massive, and exhibits a thickness from naught to 80 feet. It presents a valuable stone for heavy masonry, comes soft from the quarry but hardens on exposure te the air, and in the best beds is fire and water-proof.

To the foregoing description of the general section, details will now be added for local information.

Local Details.

Crawfordsville, the county seat, is located on a high bluff on the south side of Sugar creek, and because of its elevated position and natural drainage, effected by the underlying beds of sand and gravel, it is noted as a healthy city. The streets are wide, carefully graded and graveled, and shaded with native trees which render salubrity to the air as well as beauty to the city. The residences are neat and tasteful, and wear an air of thrift and comfort. Several manufacturing establishments, under judicious management, are prosperous and profitable. The city is also the commercial centre of the county.

The clayey nature of the soil rendered good roads both an economic and social necessity, resulting in the construction of nine first class gravel roads radiating from the common centre to the following places :

Montgomery County. 385

Gbayel Boads.

To Alamo - 8 miles.

To Waynetown 12 miles*

To Pleasant HUl 6 miles*

To Concord, northeast 5 miles.

To Darlington 6 miles.

To Fredricksburg 6 miles.

To Parkersbnrg , 3 miles.

To Waveland 6 miles.

To HilVs Factory 3 miles.

To Ladoga and Ashby 4 miles.

59 miles.

This makes a total of 59 miles of gravel roads in the county which has cost an average of f 1500 a mile or $88,600 for the whole, which were consti ucted by private corporations; under the gravel road laws of 1872. Many of these roads were found to be in excellent condition, and so remain the year round, especially that portion which is constructed of hard glacial pebbles with only enough sand to* fill the interstices. It has been found here that small pebbles make the best road, and that a hard clay bottom requires much less gravel than other soils. In the absence* of gravel beds, sand has been used for metalling some of the roads on a tough clay soil, under the impression that in time it would pack'' and become solid.

The beneficial influence of these roads is great and can be fairly appreciated by those only who remember the sloughs,, morasses and " corduroy'' in and on which the public were tortured in their travels thirty years ago. They open new sources of income and economy to the people, appreciate the adjacent property, and give vigorous impulse to social enjoyment and mental improvement.

Wabash College.

At an early date in the settlement of the west, when the

pioneer had just entered the wild forests, still occupied by

wilder savages, a band of young missionaries, hopeful for

the future of this region, and foreseeing its moral and

G. R.— 25

386 Geological Repobt.

educational needs, determined to found a school for collegiate education. Like knights of chivalry or standard bearers of a forlorn hope they laid their plans, staked off the grounds, and kneeling on the snow that frosty November morning, consecrated themselves to the enterjprise, and it to the God of Heaven. The vow then taken, with the enthusiasm of young manhood, has been fulfilled with signal devotion and untiring energy. Its founders taught and worked on a salary of six hundred dollars a year, but with the spirit of martyrs they returned one half to the treasury <xf the college, gave one hundred dollars to other charities, and reserved only the meager sum of two hundred dollars on which to feed and clothe themselves and &milies. In determination and self-denial there were giants in those days.'

With kindred feelings for Alma Mater, it is pardonable to make special meption of the writer's preceptor in geology, Prof. £. O. Hovey, as a christian gentleman, a hero in the educational cause, to whose prayerful &ith and ,steadfiu3t courage, which, like Sheridan's, could pluck victory from fiery disaster, this college owes its success if not its existence.

Wabash College was founded in November, 1832, and has been sustained entirely by private munificence. She has sent forth nearly 300 graduates, given high educational advantages to about 2,000 young men and her annual catalogue contains firom 200 to 250 names. Her sons have gathered honors both in peaceful pursuits and in war. The last words to me of one of her bravest, Maj. David Shelby, who died for his country, in blessing his Abna Maier were : I thank God I was reared in the land of the Yankee School Master.''

The coUeee edifices are situated on a beautiful campus of thirty acres covered with native forest trees. They consist of a chapel hall containing recitation, society, lecture, cabinet and library rooms ; a dormitory with accommodations for 4ne hundred young men; an academic hall for the

Montgomeey County. 387

preparatory department an<) the military department, gymnasium and school of Technology.

" The course of study is full and thoroughly pursued, so that Wabash Collie has acquired high reputation and richly deserves, as it has, the confidence of the public/'

In a great measure this county owes it mental, mohd ;and pecuniary advancement to the unseen and hardly realized influences of the college which has, with full hand, thus blessed and rewarded its friends.

The terrace blutl, upon which Crawfordsville is situated, is composed of fluvatile gravel and sand, washed and sorted from the glacial drift and lacustral sands and silt, underlaid by some hummock-like masses of undisturbed bowlder drift. These terrace beds contain a large admixture of the pyritous argillites from the Keokuk and Knobstone shales, which, on exposure, are decomposed, and becoming soluble, give origin to a number of chalybeate springs, locally known as sulphur springs, some of medicative repute. At freshly denuded beds, copperas, (sulphate of iron), may always be detected as a frost-like efBorescence. The ancient valley and river was probably in the extreme southern part of town, and, being obstructed in the direction of its discharge, formed a basin that was puddled and made capable of holding a vast body of water at a very early period ; afterwards this basin was filled with pervious sand and gravel, still leaving a large capacity for water. Washes and ravines cutting the rim of the basin, drain off this water and afford discharge to the magnificent springs in Whitlock's hollow, which was the original attraction that caused this point to be settled by agents of the General Land Office. A few years since the rim of the basin was tapped by the wash in the bluff, between Washington and Vernon streets, giving outlet to a rushing, roaring torrent of water. Wells on the College Hill have pierced this terrrece bed to a depth of nearly 100 feet, without reaching the bed rock, and show that the ancient valley was excavated to an equal or greater depth than the present channel of Sugar creek.

388 Geological Report.

At the deep gorge in thje north part of town the following strata were observed :

Section At Crawfokdsville.

Ft. In.

Flaviatile and modified drift. 18 00

Dark clay with boulders 8 00

Buff lacustral sandy clay, with fine pebbles and

pockets of sand 9 00

Blue clay with striated and planished boulders,

with pockets of clay and sand to Sugar creek 42 00

The crinoid locality owes much of its notoriety to Prof. E. O. Hovej who has published articles describing the bed and its contents. Especial mention is due to O. W. Corej who justly claims the discovery of some of the best localities and who, with Mr. E. H. Corey by their persistent explorations, have done so much for science. In honor of the former, his name is given to the bluff, southwest quarter, section 29, township 19, range 4, now owned by Pro£. Bassett, where the best finds are met :

SECTION AT Corey's bluff.

One and a half miles north of town, just below railroad bridge-

Ft. In.

Soft gray sandstone with crinoid stems and Iodueti 10 00

Shaly sandstone, without fossils 10 00

Ferruginous parting, PentremiteB 0 06

Soft gray sandstone 5 06

Blue argillaceous sandstone 3 00

Blue siliceous clay shale, in places filled with crin-

oids and many other fossils, crinoid bed 4 06

Gray ferriferous sandstone 2 00

Blue shaly soapstone filled with fragmentary fosdils,

interrupted by an inclined dyke of limestone 25 00

A majority of all the animal remains found in the list heretofore given, page 376, are found at this station, therefore a special list is unnecessary.

Similar fossil beds are found in the bed of Walnut creek,, northeast quarter, section 11, township 18, range 4; at the

Montgomery County. 389

mouth of Black creek, southeast quarter, section 34, townrship 19, range 5; on a brook southeast from Troutman's mill, near the center of north half section 3, township 18, range 5 ; at the mouth of Offield creek, south half, section 16, township 18, range 6, and at the mouth of Indian creek, southeast quarter, section 2, township 17, range 6.

At each of these stations thin beds or dykes of limestone, generally steeply inclined, cross the creek valleys irregular as to thickness, but parallel with the line of strike of the rocks. The fece or dip of such beds is toward the center of the basin, but an exception was seen where two such beds formed an anticlinal, capping the top of a former sub-marine bluff. These limestones contain remains of* many shell-fish, disconnected crinoid joints, etc., but rarely or never crinoid heads or star fishes. It is probable that the stems were here anchored and remained, but at some tida current, the heads being lighter, were swept away and buried with the sands and clays of the same specific gravity

The different families of crinoids, with their companion parasites or dependents, seem to have lived somewhat in communities, although at roughly deposited stations, many species irregularly mingled are found.

From a condensed list of the specimens in the unrivaled collection of the college cabinet, and some private parties, the following gives an approximate estimate of the numercisl ratio.

Actinocrinus Indianensis. 6

Actinocrinus Humboldti 1

Agaricocrlnos tuberosus 4

AUoprosaAocrinas conicas 2

Batocrinus Agassizi 11

— calycnlns 2

— Coreyi... 1

Baryculus herciileas. 2

— Hoveyi 2

— Lyoni 2

— stellatus.. 2

— magnificns 6

890 Geological Repobt.

Cyathociiniis poterium 2

CatiUocrinus Bradleyi 1

OalceocrintiB Bradleyi 1

DichocrinoB ficus 5

— 'expansos 2

Eretmocrinas magniflcus 3

Forbeseocrinus Meeki 19

— Wortheni 1

— Saffordi 2

Goniasteroidocrinus tuberoeos 3

Onychocrinus exsculptns 12

Poteriocrinas Coreyi 2

— Hoveyi 1

— Indianensis.. 2

Platycrinos hemispheiicus 25

— robustus 1

— unicus 9

— Coreyi 1

SynbathocrinuB Swallovi 1

— robustus? 1

Taxocrinus ramulosus 14

ZeacrinuB concinnus 1

Just above the mouth of Walnut creek a thick bed of dark shaly clay, homogenous and regularly laminated,

seems to have been the result of quiet waters. No fossils

were seen. Still ascending Walnut, on the farm ot W. H.

Durham, an interesting lot of fncoides and other fossils were seen.

Section At Durhams'.

Ft. In.

Soil and gravel... 30 00

Soft shaly sandstone 15 00

Blue shaly soapstone 6 00

Blue pyritouB sandstone, with Alg<Bf Brodwti, SpinfarcLy

ChoTietes, Zaphrente9, etc., geodized.. 3 00

Blue shale, with vermiform fucoides. 7 00

Montgomery County. 391

The Zaphrentes were BtmncFfly irrpeiilar in shape, straDgulated, and all the geodized fossils were largely magnified in the process of silioifioation. On the sarae land, near the abandoned saw mill and frctory, is a perpendicular or overhanging rock known as Mt. Pisgah. Several well preserved fossils were seen, including SpiriferSy Chonetea, Producta PhilUpsia, Gonulariay and a single specimen of lAthoatrotion proliferum.

At the " Devil's Backbone/' a short distance above the confluence of Walnut with Sugar creek, the former closely approaches and is separated from the latter by a narrow foot-path. It is a fiivorite pic-nic ground. The local dip is to the northwest about 20 feet per mile.

SECTION AT devil's BACKBONE. (Northeast quarter, section 29, township 19, range 4.)

Ft. In.-

C]ay and gravel 8 00

Gray shaly sandstone.. 4 00

Blue BiliceouB shale, with fucoides 4 06

Pyritous shale, place of upper crinoid bed 2 '06

Blue shale with plates of sandstone, to creek 10 00

A short distance above, is the old seat known as Stover? mill northeast quarter section 29, township 19, range 4. Here was formerly a deer lick, much frequented by wild animals. Many bones and horns of deer, buffalo, elk, etc, have been found, washed out by the creek which flows near by. The " lick*' water comes from the base of a pyritous shale, and owes its saline-tonic qualities to the decomposi* tion, by exposure, of the pyrite which sets free soluble iron and sulphur, the latter combining with the clay to form alum, sulphate of alumina.

About forty years ago. Major I. C. Elston put down a bore here for salt water to a depth of 76 feet. On reaching the black slate forty feet below the surface, it was found to be somewhat bituminous, and at the same time supposed to be coal, although full 140 feet below the horizon of the

392 Geological Report.

lowest seam A, and 210 feet below any workable ooal. la 1867 another test bore was made which fully settled the question. No coal was or can be found at this level.

SECTION AT stover's MILL.

Ft. In-

Olav and loam 18 00

Terrace and drift 22 00

<3iT&y sandstone and shale '. 24 00

Buff shale 14 00

Blue pyritous shale 14 , 00

Sandstone, shale and thin limestone in bore 70 00

Black slate in bore 10 00

172 00

At the iron bridge one mile west of Crawfordsville the top of the high blufi is built up with regularly laminated 'leds; but the limestone plates and pockets near the water level are irregular, dipping in every direction, indicating gather the result of a destructive storm wave than regular sedimentary deposits. This presumption is confirmed by the crushed, broken and disjointed condition of the crinoid :stems and other fossils. The following section is seen :

SECTION at iron BRIDGE.

Ft. In.

Covered soil and drift 11 00

Soft sandstone, with iVodflcew cora, and P. enUretiGn-

latus 8 00

Gray shale and shaly sandstone 19 00

Blue and gray heavy bedded sandstone, with plates

of limestone 11 00

Blue shale, with Farheaeocrinw, Iiaty<Tin'Mf'Sp%r%f6r

striaiua, FroduUif etc,„ 4 06

Red or blue ferruginous limestone, with crinoid

stems, IVoduetus puneiatw, FlatyeeraSf and Chanetea

planumbona 1 06

Blue soapstone, to low water in creek, with crinoid

plates and stems, Jvdudif Spirifera and AihyrU

Jl short distance above the bridge on the south side of

Montgomery County. 393

the oreek; is seen the ancient erosion of the ice age crossing the present channel and valley of the creek with strise corresponding in direction with those seen at the Horse shoe, (Durham's farm), on Walnut branchy viz : south 22° west ; both places are now filled with a mass of boulders capped with lacustral silt. Tlie violent washing process that sorted these huge boulders, ground and pulverized some of the crystalline rocks, and considerable quantities, more than fifty dollars worth, of gold dust and magnetite have been panned " out by amateur collectors, on the ford bar. The lacustral silts at this place, below the foot of Washington street, and where the Green Spring gravel road crosses Dry branch, contain many trunks of large trees, vines, etc., indicating the warm subtropic climate that prevailed during this period. Fragmentary remains of tropical animals are preserved in the same beds, and teeth and bones of the MephxM Americanus (American Elephant) are not uncommon.

At Eemly's llufp, one and a half miles west of town, a perpendicular bluff of drifl guards the south bank of the creek. It affords an interesting exhibit of the agencies at, work during the Quaternary period. In the upper fluviatile drift was found some well preserved bones of the lately extinct monster, the Mastodon. At Remly's ford, on the north side of the creek, was seen an interesting fossil bed, though they were generally fragmentary. Planished rocks covered with striae, that were uncovered by the floods of 1875, were seen on the south bank of Sugar creek, a half mile above the railroad bridge at Troutman station. Mammilary knobs and protuberances finely striated record the direction of the flow to south east, almost perpendicular to the present river valley.

Above and below Troutman station, many springs, of volume, sufficient to turn a mill, burst out from the side of the bluff. They demand for their origin a vast sponge of gravel and sand capable of absorbing and retaining for a time the rainfall, all contained in a vast trough or basin. We have already seen that the agencies, working in cross

394 Geologioal Befort.

direction at different periods of the glacial epoch| would necessarily produce the results here apparent. The water is heavily charged with lime in solution which is precipitated on exposure to the air. Extensive beds of calcareous tu& are formed, in which are preserved casts of leaves, mosses, grasses twigs etc., in a Aim of lime thickened by constant accretions.

Tufaceous deposits have in some measure, been adopted for chronological purposes, in discussions on the aniiqaty of man, and animals. By assuming a certain number of centuries as necessary for the formation of one inch of tufa and the acute use of multipliers, the age of man can be extended back indefinitely. Learned and labored arguments, founded on such uncertain assumptions, have been given to the world, hence definite facts throwing light upon the subject are of deep importance. Mann's (Wiiiton's) mill erected at the early settlement of this countv, was fed by the limewater spring just north of Troutman's milk The machinery " was driven by an overshot wheel ten feet in diameter; its use was discontinued in 1885. In 1847 I saw the wheel imbedded in tufa up to the axle; now, 1875 the whole wheel is covered by this material. Supposing the accretion to have been continuous, irrespective of drought or floods, there has been a bed of tufii deposited on and about this water wheel, ten feet thick in a period of less than forty years, or three inches a year. A stalactite, formed against the exposed rocks by a wet weather seep, may be seen at the " stone cut a short distance south of Bedford, Lawrence county, Indiana, on the line of the Louisville and Chicago railway. This deposit had attained a thickness of four inches in a period of twenty two years, requiring nearly six years to the inch,

Abram Troutman's mill utilizes the whole water of Sugar creek because of the solid limestone floor on which the dam is placed. It has three run of buhrs, two of which are driven, without fail, during the year. A short distance above, the blufl is composed of sofl aluminous shale, which, a few hundred yards to the northeast, passes into a quany

Montgomeby Oounit. 396

bed of sandstone. At the mill occurs a limestone reef nearly horizontal for a small space, composed almost wholly of crinoid stems and other relics of animal life.

Section At Troutmans Mill.

Pt. In.

Drift and terrace slope.

Gray sandstone 20 00

Shaly sandetone 25 00

Padding stone limerock 10 00

Blue shale 4 00

Crinoidal limestone, mass of animal remains.. 7 00

Blue soapstone in creek.. 4 00

The above limestone contains, with a vast amount of stems and joints of orinoids, a great number of shells, as Prodixtvs, Spirifer, PUUyceraSy Hendpranitea and Qumetee, the animals that seem to always congregate or to have been gathered at localities where the crinoid stems were anchored to the rocky bottom. This occurrence is too often repeated to be the result of accident. Doubtless their companionship was of mutual benefit, or possibly the limited area of stony bottom compelled the life of the sea to lead a congregational existance. Within a short distance, this limestone thins and passes to a soft argillaceous shale or mud stone, and reappears highly inclined, after an interval of shaly beds, half a mile wide. . This discontinuance and recurrence of inclined bands is so often repeated as to form a law for these Keokuk beds, as was fully mentioned under the head of general geology.

At Cascade bridge, four miles southwest from town, a small brook leaps from an overhanging cliff twenty feet high and falls in a veil of Joam. The water holds lime in solution, which precipitated, preserves in its stony film casts of leaves and moss. A tiny rainbow sometimes dances on the cloud of spray, and many a happy pair, after pio-nic visits here, have carried away bright images of that boVs promise on their hearts, forever.

396 Geological Report.

SECTION AT CASCADE BRIDGE. (Southeast quarter, section 3, township 18, range 5.)

Ft- In.

Surface loam with limerock 10 00

Yellow ferriferous sandstone 2 00

Soft shaly sandstone 25 00

Brown or reddish limestone in plates and bands,

crowded with fragmentary fossils 5 00

Blue soapstone, filled with crinoid plates and joints,

" button mold" wash... 8 00

Blue soapstone, faced with calcareous tufa. 20 00

Yountsville is the centre of a rich agricultural region. From the first settlement of the county it was a notable wool carding and milling locality. Spring creek was then the source of power, driving a saw mill, two grist mills and a woolen factory. Thirty five years ago Daniel Yount commenced the manufacture of woolen goods, and has since, by utilizing the whole water of Sugar creek, built up an extensive business favorably known over a wide extent of country. He employs three sets of carding machines, fbor spinning jacks, twenty looms and a full set of finishing machinery. Average product, $75,000 per annum ; daring the war a single yearns work amounted to f 170,000.

An irregular pocket of limestone was seen at Snyder's mill in the village. A conglomeration* of well preserved fossils crowded upon and within each other, among which were observed Spirifer atriatuSf Productus semireticulaius, P. punetattiB, P. (tenuicoatus) cora, Chonetes planutnbona, Heniipronitea crenistria, Phillipsia bufo, etc.

This bed dips rapidly to the southwest, passing to a siliceous firestone, the partings marked with casts of Chondrites and other fucoides, and like the limestone before noted, constant only in inconstancy.

Bald hill, a mile north of Yountsville, is a picturesque spot, by barometer 110 feet higher than Crawfordsvilleand 190 feet above Sugar creek, which washes its base. A fine view is enjoyed up and down the valley of the creek and its

Montgomery County. 397

tributaries. Four miles away the steeples of Center church, the City school house and Wabash college are plainly seen in relief against the blue sky. The top of the hill and adjoining knolls are covered with well assorted fiiuviatile sand and fine gravel ; plainly indicating the high water line of the ancient river which flowed by here to the west before its course was obstructed by the glacial flow and ice dam from the north.

At Hemlock blufi, less than half a mile below the village, there is a good exposure of strata, giving one of the best sections in the county.

Section At Hemlock Bluff.

Ft. In.

Sandy loam with hemlocks 33 00

SiliceoQB limestone, with iSrera and iVoducto... 4 00

Bine carbonaceous shale 4 06

Ked ferruginous limestone, with SpirifeTat JFVoducto,

plates of crinoids, PefntremUe conoideuSf Nautilus

Oxci f, and Trilobites n. 2 06

Concretionary sandstone 6 00

Blue and gray shale, with plates of sandstone, the

partings marked with vermiform facoides 75 00

4 125 00

Continuing to descend with the stream the limestone just noted, near the top of the bluff and 80 feet above the creek, at the mouth ol OflBeld creek approaches low water and is seen as two pockets, the first is 60 feet wide and 5 feet thick in the middle with wedge shaped terminals to northeast and southwest; the second, 150 feet wide and 16 feet thick, similarly wedged out. Both are crowded with a conglomerated mass of crinoid stems ; enough remains to have constituted millions of individuals. The stems were disjointed, and in many cases crushed as if a burial ground, on which their decendents lived, flourished and perished when some tidal wave swept away their plumed heads and feathery armatures, leaving the heavier stems with the Produda, pirifera PlatyceraSy etc., who clung to the superior race or nestled at their bases. The latter

398 Geological Report.

shells, with bryozoans were bnt slightly injured or well preserved.

Clark's mill is driven by the whole power of Sugar creek. The dam is built upon a solid rock bottom, and is completely effective. It comprises a saw and grist mill the latter with two run of buhrs.

From Clark's to Bodine's mill a blue siliceous shale and sandstone forms the bluff of the valley and apparently dips to the southwest, in localities, at the rate of 30 to 40 feet to the mile ; but this dip is local and unreal and is rather the result of false bedding built up against eroded banks and irregularities in the bottom of the subcarboniferous ocean. The siliceous shales are probably equivalent to the St. liOuis beds, judging from stratigraphic reasons alone, as not a fossil was found in place except the vermiform impressions attributed to fucoides which are seen continually from the bottom of the Knobstone throughout the whole subcarboniferous period and in the coal measures. The muddy bottom of this ocean and the impure nature of the water were not suited for animal life or the preservation of the remains as fossils.

Commencing at the top of the Hemlock bluff a mere layer and increasing to the southwest to a thickness of 20 to 40 feet at the " Shades of Death," is a soft, yellow, heavy bedded sandstone, which, for reasons similar to those just stated, and from close resemblance to the same beds in Orange, Lawrence, Owen, Putnam and Warren counties, are referred to the Chester group. This stone is well and regularly laminated, except where the strata are tilted against and over humps and ridges in the floor of the sea. It is generally argillaceous, weathers buff or gray, and contains many nodules or hollow balls of ironstone. A great many bluffs on this division of the creek guard the narrow valley with precipitous sides oovered with clustered wreaths of beautiful evergreens.

Half a mile above Bodine's Mill the west bank presents a nearly perpendicular face, along which pebbles came leaping and bounding as it from an ambuscade of boys.

Montgomery County. 399

SECTION AT BODINE's MILL.

Pt. In. Yellow ferriferonB sandstone, Conglomerate 30 00

Gray and buff laminated sandstone stained with

iron, Chester and St. Louis.. 75 00

Silico-argillaceous shale, Keokuk ,... 25 00

130 00

On the Boo firm, half a mile north of the mill pieces of float coal are washed out by the brook and on the Ammerman farm adjoining a small pocket of coal was opened indicating the level of coal A. Descending with the stream, steep rugged hills inclose the narrow valley forming wild and romantic scenery.

Half a mile above the mouth of Indian creek are the Shades of Death.' Clifty a small brook after turning upon itself Sugar and Indian creeks at all points of the compass, flows into the latter forming a labyrinth of promontories precipices and look-outs. The valley of the insignificant brook will not average over 100 feet in width, but is cut down into the soft, shaly sandstone to a depth of 140 feet. The sharp, narrow promontory is approached by a narrow causeway and ingress or egress is limited to a few favorable spots. On Indian creek the rocks are regularly laminated, but along the smaller brook the dip is quaquaversal. At the mouth of Clifby the upper rocks are heavy bedded or massive and ferruginous, weathering yellow or brown. The hard, ferruginous partings and concretions disintegrate more slowly than their rocky matrix and stand out in relief like magnified swallows and hornets nests, and are occupied in the nesting season by swarms of birds. The sides and slopes of these sharp hills and promontories are covered with a thick growth of evergreen hemlocks and cedars, and the tiptop hights with pines which lift their plumed foliage 200 feet above the brook, averting the sun's rays and filling the deep chasm with a gloom typical of the " valley of the shades."

Just below the mouth of Indian creek, the heavy bedded

400 Geological Report.

sandstone comes down to the waters edge. A massive layer projects twelve feet, overhanging the deep channel 10 feet below. The sidej retain the erosive moldings which record the ancient stand points of the stream. A symmetrically rounded buttress is a prominent feature and is known as the "pulpit rostrum,"

Canine & Deer on southeast quarter, section 2, township 17, range 9, secure the power of Sugar creek by a tight dam fitted to the solid rock bottom, to drive their saw and grist mill and woolen factory. The latter is supplied with the best new machinery and does a sale and custom business amounting to $20,000 per annum.

SECTION AT CANINE AND DEER's MILL.

Ft. In.

Soil and gravel 16 00

Coarse, heavy bedded, Conglomerate sandstone 15 00

Black, shaly soapstone, (place of coal A ? ) 3 00

Ferruginous Chester sandstone, honey combed with pockets and recesses in which swallows, martins

and pewees nest 8 00

Concretionary sandstone, with ironstone nodules 45 00

The Silver Cascade and Buzzard Eookery are a mile and a quarter below the mill, or five miles north of Waveland. Little Banty, flowing from the south, approaches in a flume-like passway cut 50 feet deep in heavy sandstone, and thence rushes in a filmy sheet 45 feet down an almost perpendicular bank of dark shale, like an endless ribbon with warp of silver and woof of sparkling crystals. The cascade is nestled away in an amphitheater, 200 eet in diameter, crowded with shrubs, ferns and tenderest |wild plants, here untrodden and unseen. Travelling ferns* creep over and cling to the ragged masses of tufa, which guard the narrow entrance from tlie eye of the careless observer. More than a hundred feet above, tall oaks and pines,

*Canl>U)9oru8 rkizophyllua. Link, erroneously designated by the writQc as Lypodium, in lud. Geo. Rep. 1874, p, 2J6.

Montgomery County. 401

enoiroling the rim, swing their branches together across the cove and chasm.

The scene is worthy a visit by the stereoscopist for a view, equalling, in spring and winter, the wildest beauty of the mountains. At the rookery " all the buzzards living within 10 or 15 miles, meet each summer evening for information, converse and mutual assistance. The fitct is mentioned as an evidence ot the social instinct of this bird.

From this locality west, the conglomerate sandstone caps all the elevated region outside of the valleys and forms the surface rock. A few unimportant outcrops of coal A were visited. They are insignificant pockets, in no place exceeding a few inches in thickness. It is hopeless to expect this or any other seam of coal to present a workable thickness in a region, so near as the rim of the basin, where coals, as a rule, are always thin and barren.

A list of the carboniferous fruits found on Col. Budds &rm, four miles northwest of Waveland, is already given in the description of the general section. At and near Scott's mills a very ungeologioal confusion of coal measure and subcarbonilerous strata is seen on the west side of the creek. As the station is extra-limital, discussion is unnecessary.

Alamo is the most elevated point visited in the western part of the county. The citizens bear evidence of the salubrity of their vicinage in their stalwart frames and energy of character. From this place the drainage is to every point of the compass, by Sugar, Mill and Coal creeks and their tributaries. South of the village, obscurely parallel lines of low knolls, extending in nearly an eastwest course, were observed, with depressions and shallow crevices intervening with spaces of from 80 to 150 yards. They are referred to the. glacial age, and seem to indicate the time when the retiring ice foot rested against the elevated spot; each winters expansion pushed up the little line of mounds before the ice, which, melting in the summer, would leave depressions in the muddy surface. In the decadence of the glacier, the recession of summer always exceeded the winter thrust, hence it is possible that these G. R— 26

402 Geological Report.

insignificant knolls may record, by the inteivening spaces, the rate, at which the glacier foot was annually withdrawn.

Adjoining the village to the north and east, were noticed some conical cavities of large size which were, probably, the remains of waterways, entirely filled up at the same period, with the exceptions now mentioned. These phenomena are worthy of more time and study than could be spared in a hurried examination.

In passing north from Alamo to Wesley, a remarkable set of valleys exist, evidently once the channel of a large i tream, but now drained by small brooks. Some of these extend from the waters of Sugar creek across the divide, and connect with the branchesof Mill and Coal creeks, while a great number suddenly terminate, obstructed or filled with boulder clay, covered with hard*pan silt. Barometric observations discovered two such outlets, which, the citizens inform me, were uninterrupted, and the highest elevation in which was not greater than the top of the terrace gravel on which Crawfordsville is buUt. Wells put wn at several stations in these ancient valleys, pierced beds of sand, fine gravel and mucky clays, proving that formerly they were the channel of a rapid flowing river, now largely filled up. These valleys were formerly or are now morasses one known as Wild Cat swamp is said to be an almost impassable quagmire. Another contains a lakelet of about 30 acres, known as Fruits cranberry pond, in which wild cranberry vines still grow and yield good crops. The proprietor, Mr. George Fruits, was one of the pioneers in this region ; he is now one hundred and nine years of age, and still retains his strength and faculties in a wonderful degree.

Waynetown is a thriving village situated on the south bank of Coal creek on the I,, B. & W. railway. It is surrounded by a wide area of gently undulating land of loamy isoil, rich in calcareous matter and remarkably fertile, producing extra crops of corn, wheat, oats and grasses. Clover makes unrivaled growth. The extraordinary condition of the soil is due to fluviatile currents, which, in former ages,

MoiarrGOMERY county. 403

had passage over this region, sorting and modifying the boulder drift and enriching the residual material with calcareous detritus eroded from the limestone outcropping to the east and northeast.

The forests of stately poplar, walnut, oak, sugar tree, beech, etc, which once covered this region have generally given way tb the agriculturist, but some fine groves survive to tell of their former greatness.

Going west from the village down Coal creek, the following strata are seen in outcrop within a distance of two miles; the lower rocks successively dipping and passitag from sight beneath the higher and more recent beds .

OONNBOTBD SECTIOlil AT WAYNETOWN.

Wi. In.

Soil and drift. : 10 to 60 00

Conglomerate sandrock 25 00

Place of coal A— shade. 8 00

Chester shale. 12 00

8t Louis limestone in bed of creek, near town.* 8 00

Siliceous shale 7 00

106 00

The above limestone contains a few characteristic St. Louis fossils, as PentremUes oanoideuaj P. Woodmani Spirifer striatiL8j Bhynchonella mutata, Zaphrentis apiniUoaa, Aulopora gigas ?, Eaomphalus kemSf a OontUaria with disjointed stems and plates of Crinoids and a few sharks teeth.

The Conglomerate sandrock is well developed just beyond the county line. On the farm of C. Brant, two miles west of the village and a half mile south of the railway track, a bed has been opened which presents an excellent white, gray and buff sandstone, fire and weathev proof, and worthy the attention of builders, for piers, foundations and strong hammered masonry. This bed ought to 'command a switch from the railway, as it would be advantageous in reconstructing the road, and probably add largely to its freight

A

404 Geological Report.

trade. The top of this (Brant) quarry stone for a quarter of a mile along the creek has been planed to a level sur&ce by glacial action, and presents one of *the best examples or this grand phenomena, of the ice age, that may be seen in the State. The planished surface is marked with delicate strise, recording the direction of the flow.

The northern part of the county is notably a prairie regiondeeply covered with boulder drift ; no rocky outcrops are visible. The prairies are level or gently rolling and are skirted by forests and dotted with island groves. In a state of nature the great plains, covered with rank waving grass and wreathed with vernal flowers of every hue, was a scene of grandure and beauty. Now the scene is changed and invested with higher practical interest. The whole expanse has been brought under cultivation or laid down in grass. With a soil that under forty years close cropping still exhibits no lack of fertility, the cereal productions rival those of the most favored localities. The soil is especially adapted to the growth of grasses and grazing, and the farmer of the future will give greater attention to this, the most profitable branch of agriculture. The. neat towns and cross-road villages in the prairie region, indicate the thrift and prosperity of the inhabitants.

Linden, on the Louisville & Chicago railway, already puts on city airs in the completeness of its shops and resi* deuces. It is surrounded by beautiful, broad prairies, in which great corn and wheat fields, and meadows and grass lands, dotted with white cottages and stately mansions may be seen in every direction. In the western suburb is a chalybeate spring. The drainage water, in passing through beds containing pyrites, takes up the iron in solution, which on exposure to the air is deposited as fiocculent sediment of brown and red ochre. The village is almost directly on the great trail or dyke of boulders which may be traced a long distance to the northwest, and is a constant feature in a southeasterly direction. On knolls and ridges the ground is covered with rounded masses, one to four feet in diameter,, of blaok or red crystalline rocks, imported on the glacial

Montgomery County. 406

raft, from the extreme north. At depressions and valleys, the boulders are less numerous, although the trail is 11 plainly discerned, hinting the possibility that such depressions contained sufficient water to float the ice which dragged slowly and with much resistance over the higher knolls.

The phenomena observed in relation to Lye and Black creek swamps, are mentioned under the head of recent geology. It has been determined by a line of levels, that a cut of only eight feet would return the drainage of these swamps to their ancient channel, via Black creek. Wells put down in these swamps pierce the following lacustral beds without finding bottom :

SECTION IN fiYE CRBBK SWAMP.

Ft. In.

Pest and muck 3 00

Yellow clay 2 00

Quick sand— flirt 10 00

Darlington is one of the most considerable villages in the county. It is located upon a gently rolling bluff on the south side of Sugar creek, and on the line of the Logansport and Southwestern railway. The citizens are intelligent, energetic, and noted as firm friends of education and progress.

The higher divides between the streams are composed of unmodified glacial drift. Such clays are cold, tenaceous, and require underdraining for profitable growth of the cereals, but are well adapted to meadows. The terrace plains along the streams and creek bottoms are very fertile. Large forests of valuable oak timber survive, which are prepared for market by the mills that abound on Sugar creek. They are an important source of income. The boulder trail, already mentioned, passes just west of the village. It is an interesting feature in the surface deposits of this region. Fragments of Devonian black slate are frequently met in drift, and in a well sunk on Dittemore's farm, it was reported found in place. On Asa Dittemore's

406 Geological Repobt.

land, northeast qnartflr, section 7, township 19, range 3, a tbin Keokuk limestone was quarried for the piers of the Darlington bridge. The following strata were observed:

Section Near Darlington Bridge.

Ft. In.

Soil and drift- 26 00

limestone hard) ferruginous. 0 08

25 Os

Lye oreek flows into Sugar creek a few miles below town. The bed of the stream is upon blue and gray shales and sandstones of the Keokuk age, in which a few interesting fossils have been found. Ascending Lye creek a short distance, the eastern bluff contains a thick band of laminated yellow and red limestone, which is quarried for foundations.. The following strata were noted :

Section Near Mouth Of Lye Creek.

Ft. In.

Sonface loam 1 6 00

Yellowish red'limestone, contaloing Frodudua coroy P. punetoitM, P. mwrioatw Spirifer ttriatuy 8. Tindt.) crinoid stems and plates, disjointed, and fish

teeth 9 00

Blue and green siliceous shale with ZaphreiUiA — , Xoxonema, and iompAo/iM 8 00

Ascending Lye creek, on Isaac Riches land, southwest quarter, section 1, township 19, range 4, is an outcrop of quarry limestone four to eight feet thick. Beneath it, some twelve feet, are a number of those pockets or dykes (here of sandstone) which were considered characeristic of the Keokuk beds, and as indicating the mode of their deposit. These dyke bands are from four to eight feet thick with strike from northwest to southeast, but only 30 to 60 feet wide, and are evidently the result of tidal waves sweeping up the shelving bottom of the ocean whose shore Una was to the northeast and here, breaking on the bottom.

Montgomery County. 40T

Section On Lyr Ttrkek.

(Bich'aFarm.)

Ft. In. Soil, etc 1 5 00

Crinoidal Itmestone, ferroginoas, laminated 8 00

Gray shaly sandstone 12 00

Dyke pockets of sandstone in blue shale, 0 feet to 8 00

Bine aluminous shale 4 00

Just above, the creek parses over a floor of limestoneinclined so as to partially lam the stream. Many crystalline rocks and boulders are seen in the channel at thi point, and on the land of Mrs. J. Naylor, Mr. Edwin Cadwallader has collected several dollars worth of gold in flat scales, each pan showing " color.' The shales iu the low bank of the creek are crowded with fossils in nests, showing well preserved Produdv, 3 sp., Spirifer striaiuSy valves of Hemipromites crcnistria three inches long, with ChondrUea, Caulerpitea, and vermiform fucoides*.

On the farm of Jesse Winters, same section, the bed of Lye creek is strewn with a wonderful number of giant boulders ; great, black, horneblendic monsters are heaped up with white granitic masses of crystalline rocks, which give in epitome the story of the glacial age, and explain the great thickness of the ice mass that could tear such rocks from their quarry-beds in the distant Arctic regions md transport them over a thousand miles to this spot, and the irresistable power which ground, planed and polished such obdurate materials, like mere trifles in the hands of a giant; for many of the boulders are from five to eleven feet in diameter. Still more explicit is the story told by the deeply covered native rocks. Wherever exposed by stripping, it is found that all the surface rocks over an area of miles, was plowed down, leveled and polished by the ice. Fine striae, plain and delicate, as if the work of yesterday, point out accurately the direction, south 8® east of the flow. Letters and words could not speak more intelligently. It is the finger of God recording on the

408 Geoloqical Bepobt.

rocks forever the wondrous story of nature's re-constructive and reparative agencies used in preparing a barren world of rocks for occupancy by animated nature.

The Keokuk limestone on this farm is oolitic, or oomposed of myriads of minute concretions like the roe of fishes and so compact as to perfectly preserve the evidence of the glacial phenomena. By the kindness of Mr. Winters and his son Jonathan we were enabled to see these phenomena at widely separated stations and under fiivorable circumstances.

SECTION AT winter's FARM. (Oolitic limestone bed.)

Ft. In.

Soil and fluviatile drift 6 00

Olacial drift, with polished boulders and gravel 10 00

White Oolitic limestone, with many crinoid stems and plates, and Athyrit RayimfHemiproniUs crenistria, Joduetus pundatuSf P, eora, Spirtfer 8triatu9f S. Wheelerif, Plaiyerinut Saffordi and Synbathoerinu8

robu9iu8 06

Blue ferruginoas limestone with same fossils and

Syringapora, 06

Siliceoas limestone, red I 06

Irregular yellow sandstone 4 08 .

Blue shale 2 00

The boulder trail already mentioned is a very prominent feature in the topography of this neighborhood ; in some places the great rounded masses are thickly strewn, so as to almost cover the ground, in a band from a quarter to a half mile wide, and in many places show such uniformity in ,appearance as to suppose a common origin from the same quarry bed. At several stations wells have been put down in the trail, generally finding, at a depth of 10 to 20 feet below the surface, a bed of silted quicksand. This is especially the case at depressions in the surface, and seems to indicate that at such places the ice was floating as bergs in the water at the time the boulders were cast off.

According to the bores put down at Stover's mill, before jmentioned, the Devonian black slate ought to be found

Montgombey County, 409

near the bed of the streams in this part of the oonnty. In John Hewlet's well, on southeast quarter, section 8, township 19, range several fragments of this rook were found and examined. The level clay lands between Lye and Sagar creeks were originally covered with a heavy growth of oak timber. The soil is compact and tenaceous, and may be greatly benefited by underdraining.

The valley of Walnut creek is wide and contains a large area of rich and highly productive land. It is a valley of rosiou and owes its origin to the excessive precipitation which occurred about the close of the glacial epoch, when all our creeks were rivers. A tell-tale monument, of this time and the concurring phenomena, exists in the shape of a sharp conical mound, two miles west of Shannondale. It is situate on the Sutton farm, northwest quarter, section 34, township 19, range 3, in the midst of the broad valley plain of an insignificant brook, and is 90 by 100 feet in diameter and 40 feet high. It is symmetrical in shape and sharply conical. The boulders on the summit and sides, show that it once was part of the great glacial drift, which at one time covered the surrounding region, as deep or deeper than the mound is high, but since eroded, save this mass.

Beckville is situate on the flat, level summit of the glacial drift. The soil of this region is black and often mucky ; the drainage is by the south branch of Walnut into Sugar creek. The village is on ground 95 feet higher than Crawfordsville.

Valley City, or New Bioss, is a bright, gay village on the I., B. & W. railway, at the crossing of the proposed Anderson & Lebanon railroad, already graded. The eastern side of the county is generally level or slightly undnlatory ; the surface slopes gently, without bluff, to Walnut and Saccoon creeks. It was originally clothed with a magnificent growth of forest trees, including black walnut, poplar and oak of from three to six feet in diameter. Since the completion of the railway the timber from single acres has been sold at from 30 to 70 dollars. The most valuable trees are gone; some white and burr oaks survive, with much sugar,

410 Geological Report.

beach, elm, linden, syoamore, oottonwood and willow. The soil is due to flnviatile action, and is generally enriched by a large admixture of lime from the underlying rocks, long since torn and ground up by water courses. It is- fertile, and produces good crops of grain. The grasses delight in this soil and grow with unrivalled vigor.

At a cut on Squire Jessee's farm, exposed by the* recent floods, the thread-like roots of blue grass were observed fringing the bank and which had penetrated the warm soil to a depth of two and even three feet. A short distance north of the village, on the land of J. B. Jessee, southwest quarter, section 36, township 18, range 3, the Keokuk limestones are exposed in the bed of Raccoon creek, and are quarried for foundations, etc. It is compact, almost wholly of crinoid shells, conglomerated together in wonderful profusion and confusion, with Spirifer triatu8y in nests, and Producta, Hemipronifea and Flatyceras, Notwithstanding the immense number of crinoid stems, amounting to billions of individual crinoids in a single acre, the heads of the animals and the tiny light fingers and tentacles were almost wholly removed ; but a singh head of PlatycnnM Saffardij was found.

On Ihe some farm, half a mile below, a lower bed of argillaceous limestone, about two feet thick, is quarried for building purposes. It contains the same fossils found in the upper bed, but in better preservation, indicating that the animals had lived and died oil the spot, and had not been subject to the wear and tear of transporting agencies. A valuable bed of excellent gravel was here seen. It is a treasure for road making, and insures to the vicinity the social refinement, civilizing influences and prosperity, consequent upon good roads. Descending with the creek to the southwest, on the farm of Isaac Baker, northeast quarter, section 3, township 17, range 3, the upper crinoidal limestone was the low blufi of the creek. The stone is a mass of diointed stems of crinoids slightly cemented together in a confused mass, from 6 to 9 feet thick. This innumerable boat gives a hint of the vigorous life that thronged the

MONTGOMEBY COUITrY. 41 J

anoient sub-carboniferoos ooean below .whose waves these

irooks were formed. In the adjoining bed of the stream a

l>lii argillaoeous limestone is quarried containing fine

epeoimens of Spirifer striatus, Hemipronites erenUtria, Pro

d'ucius ptmotatU8y P. oora, P. semiretioiUatua, P. caatue,.

Flaiyceras equilatera, and Aulopora gigas. A short distance

"below, at the old mill dam, beds of shale and argillaceous

sandstone replace and cover the foregoing limestones. All

tlie rocks just mentioned and seen exposed in a space of twa

miles and a half along Raccoon, brought together ia vertical

section, give the following stratigraphic exhibit:

Section At Valley City.

Ft. Pt. In.

Soil 20 to 10 00

Aigillaceous sandstone 0 to 3 00

Crinoidal limestone 3 to 9 00

Bine argillaceous limestone 2 to 4 CO

Bine shale, in creek 10 OO

The crinoid limestone is composed wholly of animal remains, and the possible presence of the phosphate of lime would suggest the use of this stone, after burning, for manure. The amount of phosphorus may be only a small per centage, but it is found that even homeopathic doses of this mineral have a powerful sanitary effect upon the soils.

Ladoga is one of the most prosperous villages in the county — the buildings are in good repair and well painted,, and the gardens and grounds neat and tastefully adorned with shrubs and flowers, indicative of an orderly, intelligent and happy community. Several superior stone and other business houses indicate a well sustained trade, while churches and subtantial school houses prove that the mental and moral training is not neglected. It also contains saw, grist and planing mills, shops for the manufacture and repair of wagons, carriages, agricultural implements, etc. The large woolen mills of Harney, Thomas & Co., are propelled by a steam engine of 80 horse power, vdth surplus steam

/

412 Geological Report.

for dying and scouring. The machinery consLifi of two sets of wool carders two spinning jacks and fifteen looms ith the complementary apparatus for making flannels, jeans, cassimeres, blankets, broadcloths, etc. Their £ibric8 are honestly made and justly bear a good reputatioiL Their annual product is $30,000 to $40000.

The country is still ahead of the town. The farma are well arranged and on every hill and knoll are seen white cottages or stately mansions which rival in comfortable appointments, our city residences. All these are but an index of the sure returns awarded to the industrioos husbandman by the rich surroundings. The soil is a deep calcareous loam and produces, with certainty, good crops of wheat and corn but is especially suited to the growth of the grasses. The native blue grass is a mine of safe reliance ; in a few years it forms a dense sward, and in product, equals the most favored region. This country was originally covered with a splendid growth of large walnat poplar, ash, beach and sugar trees. The forests have been utilized or destroyed, giving place to productive fields and pastures. Some of these giants of the forest survive, crowned with the frost and glow of nearly a thousand years; and right royal do they appear in their massive strength and prominence that has so long defied time and storm; many groves of sugar, beach poplar etc., are preserved, and, at the time of my fall visit, no scene in fairy -land could exceed the brilliunt beauty of their foliage, the leaves, ripened by the mellow warmth of autumn, had been just touched by ft'ost, and blushing, wreathed the sober haes of nature in a quivering vail of colors borrowed from the rainbow. The scene was of enchanting interest, and the sight would fully pay the cost of a visit by European tourists who, in their own land, may not enjoy such specimens of nature's painting.

A short distance east of town is the first rocky outcrop exposed between that place and the old mill dam near Valley City. At the railroad bridge the following exposure is noticed.

Montgomery County. 413

Section At Railroad Bridge, Ladoga.

Ft. In.

Soil and drift 8 00

Oray shaly sandstone. 18 00

Hlue argillaceous sandstone in heavy beds. . 4 00

the wagon road bridge, about ten rods west of the last mentioned locality, a strange and sudden change occurs in the stratification, indicating the versatile and. inconstant nature of the ancient sea that deposited these rocks, and wbich, eonsidering the regular lamination of the surrounding strata, may not be intelligently explained without calling in requisition a strong tidal wave oi great velocity sweeping up against shore line shallows, or driving up an estuary or bay with current and force sufficient to carry coarse sand and pebbles. Intercalated with the ordinary rocks is a bed or- dyke of pebbly conglomerate, eighteen inches thick, but which wedges to sharp edges within a width of thirty feet, crossing the valley from north to south with the strike of the rocks.

Conglomerate Section At Ladoga.

Ft. In.

SoUand drift 6 00

Gray shaly sandstone 12 00

Pebhly conglomerate 0 to 1 06

Bine pyritous sandstone, with facoides, in creek 4 00

Similar beds ot shaly sandstone were seen on the farm of Daniel Graybill, northeast quarter, section 27, township 17, range 4, five miles southwest of town. No fossils were seen except the common vermiform fucoid. The blue shales contain much pyrites, which on exposure decomposes and incrasts projecting rocks with an efflorescence of copperas (sulphate of iron). The same mineral, mixed with earth ami gravel, produces chalylieate sulphur springs..

414 Geological Report.

The site of the former Indian village, north hal nonn- *east quarter, section 34, township 17, range 4, known as Cornstalk town/' was visited. In 1828 a remnant, some '20 fiunilies, of the great Miami nation dwelt here and cultivated in corn and pumpkins a field of 14 acres. On old nnaps the great war trail, from Vincennes to Thomtown and the Mississinewa, passed through this spot. Chief Oomstalk was a brave, fiiithful friend of the whites and was rrespected and obeyed by his tribe. The kindest relations existed between the races. The white children -were frequent and welcome visitors, enjoying the hospitality, sports and chase of the Indians, and were held in sach kind remembrance that after an absence of 30 years they were at once recognized and hailed as brothers by their old friends in their new western home.

A dividing ridge from 100 to 160 feet higher tiian Ladoga, separates the water shed of Raccoon from that of Indian creek. The ridge is well marked, with often a sadden depression on either side. At several places men* tioned by Hkl. J. H. Harney, the northern and eastern slope exhibits a shore line containing wave-washed sand and gravel. To the north and west, eccifpying an area of 40 or 50 square miles in the centre of the soulhern part of the county, is the level basin inclosed by the shore line ridge. The sur&ce shows a black mucky soil, resembling that of the grand prairie of the western part of the State. It is level or very gently undulating, so that, in the first settlement of the county, it was, in parts, known as the Black Swamp.,' Going northwest, toward the centre of the basin, several other shore lines of sand are reported, marking where the retiring water line was, for a period, stationary. The wells are shallow but penetrate beds of quicksand, fine gravel and mucky silt, containing trunks and branches of trees, all more or less laminated and so plainly the result of deposits from still or curreatlesB water, that its lacustral origin seems obvious. Acknowledgements re due to Col. Harney, for muoh informatioii .and for facts in relation to these phenomena who first

Montgomery County. 416

oalled attention to and has investigated the subject with care. The containing ridge at the south, near Raccoon, is a sharp and narrow reef of limestone, which, during the later ]>eriod of the drift, was sufficient to retain and deflect the rain fall of this basin by Indian creek to Sugar creek and the west.

Parkersbui, near the south line of the county, being thout facilities for transportation, is a still and quiet village. The highest hills and ridges are capped with lime and sandstones of the Chester group. Near the water level in the brooks and creeks are plates and bands of some thickness containing a few characteristic fossils of the St. LfOuis limestone, while in the bed of the streams Keokak rooks generally prevail. The limestones of each group are largely thickened up, compared with those in the northern part of the county, giving room to " sink-holes/' so con* stant a feature in the southern part of the State, where these rocks are so grandly developed. They in turn, reoeiv and concentrate the rain*fall, giving rise to pure springs. An example is seen in the centre of the village, which supplies the citizens with pure, cold water.

The southern part of this and adjoining parts of Putnam county are specially adapted to the growth of blue grass. It is settled by an energetic class of Kentuckians, who have devote<l large areas to the growth of this favorite grass. They delight to call their Indiana home New Kentuck," and fondly hope to assure old associations by forming a new county wiuh the familiar name of Bourbon, so full of pleasant memories.

The southwest part of the county is a broad valley plain, with gently undulating or rolling surfiice, drained by Big and Little Raccoon and their numerous tributaries. In the course of the long period in which these creeks have been engaged in excavating their thoroughfiires in this water-shed, they have naturally traversed and modified nearly the whole sur&ce deposits of this plateau ; consequently the soil a strong calcareous loam, is equal if not superior to any in

416 Geological Report.

the most &vored spots in the county, and rewards the ikrmer with full crops and sure returns. Waveland on the Logansport Crawfordsville and Southwestern railway, near 'the crossing of the proposed Lebanon, Anderson and St. Louis railway, is the timding centre of this district, and as might be expected, fully reflects the wealth and prosperity of its tributary district, in return. The village, with citizens strongly imbued with puritanic rectitude, has exerted a conservative moral influence, by example as well as precept, on the surrounding community. Oood schools, good churches and general intelligence are characteristic. The Waveland Institute has given thorough academic instruction to many of our best college graduates. Temperance is absolute ; for the title of town lots is guarded by wholesome covenants forbidding the traffic in intoxicants, under the penalty of forfeiture. Two miles southwest from the village is a thin outcrop of Chester and St. Louis rocks on the Mclntire and Milligan iarms. These beds are quarried by stripping, to supply the local demand for cellar walls, foundations, etc.

Section Near Waveland.

(Connected.)

Ft. In.

Soil and glacial drift 25 00

Eroded fragments of conglomerate and . quartzose

fire-clay 4 00

Laminated limestone, with ZaphrentU gpinuioBa, Io-

ductus eorOf P. punetaiua, Spirifar slriatuty S, lineatuSf

Pleurolomaria, Syringop&rckf crinoid stems and

branches of ferns 3 00

Blue, hard limestone, with BeUerophon Icevis Retnaveraf

Pentremiies eonoideusy and & Ttidi&ty medi 2 00

Blue shale 4 06

Sandntone at Jarvis' 2 06

Shale 7 00

The new radiate in the foregoing section was kindly presented to thp writer by Mr. Z. M. Hall, druggist. It is

Montgomery County. 417

nniqae and though not sufficiently cleaned for determination appears to be related to the genus MdoniteSf but more closely allied to Oligoporua or Lepidesthes, and is probabl] generically and specifically new. The state of preservation is unusual for even the small spines or tentacles which cover the interambulacreal plates are well preserved.

Passing down Little Raccoon, the cherty limestone quarried at Milligan's is seen in the bank and bed of the stream. It is remarkable for frequent variations in its quality and physical constitution (hanging first to siliceous limestone, then to sandstone and finally passing into heavy-bedded limestone, with intercalations of chert, as at Oldshoe's quarry.

SEOriON AT BOBEBT OLDSHOES QUABBT.

Ft. In.

Soil and drift 6 00

Bhie and gray Cheater limestone in laminse, with PaUremikB pjftyvrmU, Ioduehu conP, ptmetahUf Spirifer ttriaiw, Zaphreniis 'pmti/(wa, Bryosoans well preserved and many £rtn()ora a/tontiato 10 00

Soft buff calcareous sandstone passing into limestone.. 9 00

Heavy bedded, cherty, white and gray St. Inis

limestone, with SetMta vera Waidheimia, Ehynehon*

eUamtUatay Euomphalus IcbuU, etc 5 00

Bampled, blue, clinky limestone with Syrinffopcra in reeia 8 00

At the county line on the farm of Capt. Jacob Oldshoe is seen the junction of the conglomerate sandstone with the subcarboniferous rocks. The following outcrop was observed :

G. R.— 27

418 Geological Report.

Section At Captain Oldshoes'.

Southwest qaarter, section 82, township 17, range 6.

rt. In.

oil W 00

Gray, white, yellow and striped conglomerate 25 00

Irregular, false bedded conglomerate 5 00

Place of coal A w

{Aluminous shale with pockets of Kaolin (Indi-

anite) 0 to I 06

Good hematite 0 to 2 00

Aluminous shale 3 to 0 00

Laminated Umestone with partings of clay 15 00

Siliceous clay 2 00

Heavy bedded gray and white- limestone with

Laminated limestone in plates, to the brook 2 06

veral beds of good iron ore (hematite) were visited on this &rm and specimens secured for analysis. The Kaolin on chemical test, proved equal to the best and although the bed seen is not considerable, further search for this valuable porcelain clay is invited by this presentation, as it is found in extensive deposits, at this horizon, in other parts of the State.

Aechologt.

The general absence of earth-works in a productive region like this county is significant. It indicates that the social instincts of the Mound Builders located their permanent towns and villages only on streams susceptible of navigation by canoes, etc., and allows the presumption that in this remote period the shute at the canyon-like Narrows of Sugar creek " was an obstacle too dangerous for this quiet and peaceful race to brave. One mound of doubtful origin was seen in the valley, in the west part of aveland, and a cluster of low mounds was mentioned by J. M. Rice, Esq., on the north bluff of Sugar creek where it finally leaves the county. These, if true mounds, are only exceptions to the'general rule — no mounds. Yet the

Montgomeby County. 419

evidenoe of the presence and possession of this ron by our earliest predecessois is full if not complete. In about every part of the county implements and ornaments' wrought in stone are found, cut in good style by the most skillful artisans of the Mound Builders age/' In the cabinets of Rev. F. M. Symmes and Dr. T. D. Brown were seen grooved stone axes with handle guards in relief, flint arrow and spear points and knives, gorgets, shuttles, pendants (plumb-bobs), spinerets, pipes, pestles, chisels, it wis, five duck totems'' and one seal or Manatus " totem."

EOOKOMIC GJSOIiOOY.

Lacustral and fluviatile drifts so largely prevaU, that they give character to the soil of this district. These loams, enriched by admixture of local limestones, vary in constitu* ents, and furnish soils well adapted to all the needs of a prosperous agricultural community, and which fully compensates for lack of mineral wealth. There are small areas of waste land that only require tile draining to render them immensely productive. Wheat is the principal cereal cultivated, but &ir crops of corn and oats are produced, and the growth of forage plants may beequaled, but rarely excelled. After long years of cropping the original fertility, of the oil may be restored in a few years by setting in clover. The apple, pear and quince are successfully grown and yield winter firuits in abundance. The small fruits, native and to the manor bom," are of superior quality and easy culture.

School.

Education has commanded the thoughtful consideration of some of the best minds of the county. Free schools are maintained in every neighborhood. All the towns and many of the villages have high schools and academies of good repute, affording &cilities for a high grade of education, and Wabash College, with its extensive library unrivalled geological and mineralogical cabinet, complete philoscyphical and chemical apparatus, years of experience

420 Gejological Report.

and large endowment fund presents opportanity for a thorough collegiate course.

Ma1Tt7Factures.

As yet the manu&cturing industries are in their in&acy but a salubrious climate, cheap, food, cheap homes, aooessible coals and a ready market invite the attention of artisans.

Water Power.

The streams are fed by perpetual springs, and a tkir supply of water may be relied upon, even in seasons or drought, with full supply for more than half the year. At least one half of this valuable power remains unused.

Medicinal Springs.

Springs of great volume are not unfrequent. The chaly* beate springs within the corporate limits of Crftwfordsville have long been in use by the citizens, and their enrative properties are well attested. They act as a laxative, febrifhge and tonic invigorator. Analysis by Dr. Thad. Stevens, of Indianapolis, found the following minerals in a. pint of water :

VandeaveU Mineral Spring.

Gnins.

Carbonate of potassa.. 0.018

Carbonate of soda 0.021

Carbonate of masmesia 0.478

Carbonate of iron 0.077

Carbonate of lime 1.22&

Chloride of sodium 0.088

Sulphate of soda.. 0.025

Sulphate of magnesia 0.915

Silicic acid- 0.009

Carbonic acid and oxygen gases are held in solution which render the water agreeable to the taste.

Montgomery Cx>Unty, 421

Gravel For Roads.

Man is a social being, and the full enjoyment of these instincts demand facilities for intercommunication. There can be no full realization of civilization and Christianity without good highways, passable at all seasons of the year. The bond of union that sustained the Boman empire and civilized its subjects was its system of good roads that centered at the capital from every land. This county is supplied with vast beds of gravel, sorted by fluviatile action from the glacial drift, and is the best material known for road making. It should be utilized.

Limestone suitable for foundations and walls is found at irregular intervals ; the quantity is limited and the quality inferior. The conglomerate sandstone, massive and heavy bedded, is grandly exhibited along the western side of the county. This stone comes soft from the quarry, but hardens on exposure; may be readily split or broken as desired by the workmen, and is fire and weather-proof. Blocks of any magnitude within the possibility of transportation may be obtained. Some of the beds south fof Alamo and west of Waynetown contain good grits suitable for grindstones. A stone offering so many valuable qualities should be developed.

Olay.

Clay for bricks may be obtained in every neighborhood in the county. Other clays suitable for common'crocks and jugs have been worked with satis&ctory results, and examination has discovered deposits suitable for the manu&cture of drain tile.

Transportation .

This county is £ftvored with a pretty complete system of railways, which, crossing at Crawfordsville radiate norths south, east, west, northeast and southwest. At least four other connecting lines are proposed, with some prospect for

422 Geological Repost,

their oompletion one of which will plaoe the city of Crawfordsville in direct communication with the coal fields of Foontain county, and give a decided impetus to manufiioturing enterprise.

Thaksis.

Thanks are returned to the citizens generallj for kindassistance and co-operation in the survey. Acknowledgements are due to the following persons for hospitality and special &vors : The President and Professors of Wabash Collie, Hon. H. S. Lane, Col. 8. C. Wilson, Hon. P. Kennedy, B. E. Krout, Mr. T. D. Brown, F, M. 8ymme8 Dr. and Mrs. E. O. Hovey, Prof. Bassett, Col. Jas. H. Harney, Henry Campbell, Mrs. J. P. Campbell, O. W. Corey, Prof. J. M. Naylor, J. M. Rice, Esq., Jesse Winters, Dr. J. Naylor, Jonathan Winters, H. Darnell, Miss Troutman, Gen. M. D. Manson, L. H. Corey, James Heatoa and others.

Geology

Of Thb

imM PAR! OF CLiI CODNIl

By instruction, my examinations in this county arelimited to that part lying contiguous to and adjoining Owen, embracing township 11, range 6, the fractional town* ships 9, 10 and 12, range 6, and township 12, range comprising 138 square miles, or 87,920 acres.

Eel river enters this region near the northeast comer, and after passing in a southerly course for about 12 miles, bends west in a great circle through the centre of the county, returning to cross in the southern extremity of thedistrict under consideration. Birch creek crosses the extreme northwest comer, flowing to the southwest. These streamsare increased by a multitude of smaller creeks and brooks affording <ample drainage and stockwater. The generali features of the whole county have been given in Prof. Cox's First Annual Report, 1869, to which reference is made. The present report will consequently be restricted to developments made since that time.

Glacial Epoch.

The entire area of this county is covered to a depth of from 10 to 100 feet with original or modified glacial drift. Some of the most remarkable phenomena of that time are here exposed to view or developed by bores made in search of coal.

424 Geological Befobt.

The general erosion of the rooky strata is apparent, shaving off a broad area from north to south through the centre and western parts of the oounty and from the east hj Jordan and Six-mile creeks. A bore put down in the valley of the latter by Mr. Markle . commencing at the horizon of coal and near the actual low water of that stream, proves that in the earliest, days of the Olacial drift, its valley was subject to a vast current of water from the cast, cutting it down to a depth which can only be explained by assuming a corresponding or greater depth for valleys to 490uth and west, now filled up to a general Uniform level viz :

SECTION AT MABKLE's BOBE.

(Southeast quarter, section 33, township 11, range 5.)

Ft. In.

Erosion in actual valley 64 00

Development in bore - 70 00

134 00

A similar bore put down by Jno. R. Langford (to whom we are indebted for the following record) on southwest quarter section 35 township 10 range 7, was commenced on the bank of, and within ten feet of low yrater in Eel river, and gave the following unexpected result :

SECTION AT LAKGFOBD's BOBE.

Ft. In.

Loam M 9 00

Juicksand ' 4 00

Coarse graveL 8 00

Quicksand , 32 06

Black clay (silt) 1 00

White quicksand 6 06

White sandstone (float).. 3 00

Gray quicksand 6 00

Float coal 06

fihaly shingle 14 03

Green sand 6 00

Float coal 02

Ck>aise quartz pebbles 2 07

Olay County. 425

Bores on SploDge creek, near the centre of the reservoir 43howed qaicksand and gravel as fSsir as tested one to a depth of 45, another of 117 feet. Of coarse, these are only " old river channels/' of limited width, and certainly having a 43till greater unknown depth, as not one test was made to the bed rock. The origin of this erosion, taken by itself, is inferential, but its reference to the ice period is reasonable and well supported by general facts. It is with pleasure that we can now justify such inferences with positive and direct special evidence — the rocky records inscribed by the glacial graver on tablets of living stone, and conclusive in themselves.

Glacial Stbi.

In the southeastern part of Bowling Oreen, and a quarter of a mile east of town, a spur of conglomerate sandstone obstructing the direct flow of the glacier, it was compelled to pass around or rise over this rocky dam. In the latter case it barely mounted the ledge 90 feet high, removing the upper member of that, bed, planishing and striating the massive division. Inequalities in the hardness of the stone show by the talus behind each ferruginousconcretion the direction of the flow ; the striae give the exact course ; the rounded slope tells of the pit)pelling power behind, which could drive the ice up hill against the slope, and finally the level planished sur&ce at the summit sharply ground down indicates the thickness and the immense weight of the glacial mass ; as full and complete and easily interpreted a record as we oould hope after the lapse of many hundred thousand years.

The course of the marks, taken with a surveyor's compass, by Mr. Homer Hicks, is as follows : On southeast quarter of northeast quarter, section 19, township 11, range 5, the large and well defined strise point south 26° 31' east ; the smaller ones south 30° 35' east; on the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, of same section, south 30° 40 ast ; on northwest quarter of southwest quarter, of section

35, township 11, range 6, well defined marks were south 26° 30 east, and those less distinct south 29°

S(y east. At J. T. Carithers farm, northeast quarter of

426 Gex)Logioal Report.

southeast quarter of section 6, township 11, range 5, is a small exposure with a flow up an ascending grade stn very distinct south 26 SCV east ; on John Bockey's land, east half, section 1, township 11, range 6, are four exposures at one station; combined, they show an area of about 30 by 100 feet, planed to a level almost as smooth as if the work of man. The hard, ferruginous sand-rock retains the strise in perfect preservation, fully as well as at the fmions exposures on Kellys and Put-In- Bay islands, so highly appreciated and so often visited by geologists. The course is south 36 20 east. At the precipitous bluff of the river less than half a mile east, the conglomerate strata expose & thickness of 28 feet, with mouldings and water lines, fixing the ancient level of the river at its several stated points. On Geo. Rhode's farm, three miles south ,souihwest from Bowling Green, is a good exposure extending over an area of 9 by 27 feet on the sandrock bluff; 20 feet, above Eel river, and just in trout of his residence. Here, again, the flow was on an ascending grade of one in fifty; the sur&ce well planed and the striae distinct. The course, as reported by James Ferguson, is south 32° 10' east. The foregoing facts are given especially for the benefit of " doubters " who so constantly ask positive evidence ; the localities may be easily reached, and a visit will repay any one taking the least interest in science and the reconstructive agencies of the earth.

liACUSTRAL EPOCH.

The loess is seen in the western part of the district, especially in the valley of Birch creek, reaching nearly to Brazil, and constituting the soil of the prairie region. It is characterized, in addition to the common trees, by the growth found peculiar to this soil, viz : sweet gum, persimmon, birch, etc. The quicksands and silt reported in the mud bores may probably be referred to this age.

Paleozoic Geology.

ThQ rocky exposures of this district comprise part of one

Clay County. 427 .

group of the sub*carboniferou8, and the lower coal measures reaching up to the roof rocks of L and including two seams of block coal. These exposures, brought together from widely separated stations, have been tabulated in a connected section :

General Section, South-Eastern Part Of Clay

County.

Carboniferous Age. Carboniferous Period.

OOAIi KBASURE OROUP.

No. Character of Strata. Ft Ft. In.

1. Surface soil and drift 10 to 100 00

2. Shaly soapstone 2 to 10 00

3. Coal L 5 to 8 00

4. Plastic fire clay 3 to 5 00

5. Gray shale 1 to 3 OO

6. Red sandstone passing into cherty

argillite.. 1 10 to . 16 00

7. Bituminous limestone passing to cal-

careous argillite i 6 to 4 00

8. Black sheety slate 3 to 4 08

9. Coal K - 1 to 4 00

10. Fireclay 5 to 4 00

11. Gray shale and soft sandstone 20 to 28 00

12. Blueshale- 0 to 7 00

13. Coal J 3 to 3 08

14. Indurated clay. 3 to 6 00

16. Gray shale and soft sandstone 12 to 10 00

16. Dark (hlack) shale 15 to 6 00

17. Coal I .' 3 to 4 00

18. Stony fire clay 20 to 6 00

19. Gray shale, with iron ore space, very

variable 90 to 12 00

20. CoalB 1 to 3 00

21. Soft conglomerate a 10 to 20 00

22. Massive conglomerate 90 to 40 00

23. Dark aluminous shale, with iron ore 2 to 10 00

24. Coal A 0 to 2 04

26. Fireclay.. 1 to 4 00

26. Dark p3rritoa8 shale, with iron ore

passing into sandstone 4 to 20 00

428 Geological Repobt.

Sub-Cabbonifeboub Period.

Che8Teb Group.

27. Easkia limestone 1(X to 22 00

28. Chester sandstone and gray siliceoas

shales.. i 27 00

378 08

Beginning at the foot of the column with the strata which occupy the lowest geological position but the highest relative level we find a thin showing of the Sub-carboniferous period. The Chester is the highest group of that age and here are only presented the upper members of that group. The Chester sandstone and shales. No. 28 of seotion, offers nothing valuable or of particular interest. The sandstone is soft and worthless and gray shales predominate. The only fossils observed were a few worn and broken trunks of Lepidodendra and Stigmaria, with some indistinct fucoides. The upper limestone member of the Chester group, No. 27, is seen at a few points on Six-mile creek, and is well developed on Jordan from source to mouth. A good exposure occurs in the bed of that stream in the southwest quarter, section 17, township 11, range 5, carrying characteristic fossils, as BeUerophon Produetus semireticulatus, P. cora Spirifer atriatua S. lineatusy Pentremites' Godord, and P. obeausy with stems of Orinoidea, Pentremites and fronds oArohimedea. This stone has burned, yielding a dark, cold lime, which will be most valuable for limeing land. Ceal A, No. 24. is t]}e only seam seen east of Eel river and north of Six-mile creek. A few outcrops were observed in the extreme southeastern corner of the district, and on the western bluff of Eel, north of Bowling Green. This seam is alwaya irregular and inconstant, varying in thickness from naught to two feet, four inches, and at one point, southeast quarter of section 19, township 11, range 6, it is reported in a bore at three feet, eight inches. Time and money spent in development of this coal, as a rule, will result in disappointment and financial disaster.

Ola.Y County. 429

The Conglomerate sandrock marking the rim and base of the ooal measures is well developed. Two spurs or promontories are projected into this district, one at the north, another shorter and narrower at the south, bordering on three sides the deep, gulf-like basin of coals which extend six or eight miles east into Owen county. To the protecting influence of such promontories, and the quiet nature of the inclosed sea, we may probably attribute the origin of these block coals, which, according to Dr. Newberry, requires a long maceration and pretty complete pulpifioation of the vegetable matter composing the seam, before deposit. The Conglomerate furnishes the best of fire and weather-proof stone for foundations, piers and hammered masonry. The qoick decomposition of the pyritous shale at its base, accounts for the formation of the rock houses here seen, and which is the horizon where silicate of alumina, Indianite,'' may be sought and found in the neighboring counties. Coal B, No. 20 in section, is seen at only a few points and is generally thin and unimportant when there are so many think seams near by.

A few miles within the basin, deep bores seem to indicate that the Conglomerate does not retain its typical exterior character, but passes to thin sandstone siliceous shales and mudstones, and that the lower coals, A and B, are absent or barren. The coals I and J are grandly developed in nearly all the western part of this district. They occupy a horizon, generally barren in the coal measures, and seem to

be interpolated between the regular coal seams as an addition, to illustrate the fully crammed down, running over measure,' with which nature ha& distinguished and blessed a part of the Indiana coal field, and especially Clay county. These seapis usually occur at regular horizons, but, deposited in basins and troughs, their continuity is uncertain ; many of the smaller basins being only a few hundred acres, while others are persistant for miles; hence the importance of fully proving '' lands before a shaft is put down. In the northern half of the district, I is distinctively and J usually block, burning dry, and well suited in a raw state for

430 Geological Befobt.

smelting iron ore. Pare and remarkably free from sulphur phosphorus etc., the pig metal is adapted to and is now largely used in the manufacture of Bessemer steel, the crowning triumph of our age. Some partings of spUnty cannel exist in a few localities, and this feature seems to be in enlarged extent in the south part of the area. In such cases the coals are decidedly superior for rolling mill, locomotive and household use.

Coal K is just caught in the highest knolls near Centre Point and Ashboro, and is "well developed at Clay City, Middlebury, and thence west ; it is caking coal, contains some pyrites and burns with much flame to a red ash with clinkers.

Coal L was only found, in grand developement, at Middlebury. It underlies that village and shows a thickness of five to seven feet. It is semi-caking, or free burning, and is a good coal. Modified beds of the under-clay of L are found near Middlebury, which are probably as good as any, if nof the best in the State. Some specimens of superior ware manufactured from this clay may be seen in the State Cabinet. It is suited for crocks, jars, tiles and terra-cotta work.

Local Details.

Bowling Green, the county seat, is situated upon an eminence which rises nearly 100 feet above Eel river, and commands a pleasant and extensive view along and across the valley of that stream. A slight bed of sandy loam covers the scarred, planished and worn bed of conglomerate which under-runs the hill, and affords interesting examples of glacial phenomena, already referred to. South of town, Mr. James Black, in a bore on southeast quarter, section 19, township 11, range 5, reports coal A of unuhal thickness.

SECTION IN black's WELL.

Ft. In.

Hard sandrock 6 00

Soft sandatone and blue shale 12 00

Coal A 3 08

Clay County. 431

A short distance south is a bluff exposure of the conglomerate sandrock softer than usual — some beds have been quarried but the stone is Tather soft.

Good quarries are found north of town. At the Booth &rm on sections 12 and 13, the following exposure was seen:

SECTION AT booth's.

Ft. In.

Sandy clay 12 00

Sandstone and gray shale 8 00

Oeal B, slaty — caking 06

Qnartzose clay with stigmluia 3 06

Shaly sandstone 8 00

Massive conglomerate 12 00

Soft ferraginoas conglomerate 18 00

Black shale in river 2 00

On Albin Buell's farm, southwest quarter section 17 township 1 range a short distance above the mouth of the creek is a good exposure of the strata, between coal A iindthe Chester beds :

Section On Josiun.

Ft.

Coal A and slate 2 to

Fire clay or blue shale

DiagQUflkl bedded sandstone

Blue shale, with iron ore

Fyritous blue shale

Sandstone and shale ;.

Ocherons iron ore

Kaskaskia limestone in bed of Jordan

Ft.

In

64_

_04

On John Culiin's farm southeast quarter section 18, township 11, range 5, a similar section is exposed; the -roof slateof A, is largely composed of plant remains, including Lq>idodendra, BtgiUaria, Cordaiies and CalamUeB,

A well on the top of the hill gives the following indica- 'tions of glacial erosion and fill :

432 Geological Report.

Section In Cullin'S Well.

Ft. In.

Soil 1 06

Yellow clay, '. 12 00

Black peat 10

Hard pan, glacial drift, sticks and float coal 22 OQ

Ss 04

Banks have been opened and worked for local use on each of these farms, and also by Henry Newport, on the north* east quarter, section 19 township 11, itinge 6. The Conglomerate rises from Jordan as it does from Six-mile valley, forming an anticlinal ridge between the streams and which may be traced west by an upthrust of strata along the northern boundary of Sullivan county and across the Wabash river.

At Jno. Wood's bank, southwest quarter, section 21, township 11, range 5, coal A has been long worked for local use. The following outcrop is seen .

SECTION AT wood's BANK.

Ft. la.

Slope and conglomerate 76 00

Massive conglomerate... 4 06

Bluepyritons shale 4 06

Goal - 2 04

This is a brilliant, cakeing coal, and bears a good reputation. A similar outcrop of A is reported on Rice's land, northeast quarter, section 29, township 11, range 5, two feet thick.

The surface about Poland is covered with a good drifk and fluviatile soil. The brooks cut down to the level of coal A, here irregular and thin. No openings were in work.

The valley of "Eel river is generally very wide, afibrding extensive fields which produce extra crops of com. The bottoms" north from Bowling Green to the northern boundary of the county are extensive, and owing to the generous admixture of sand from the circumjacent Conglomerate, of remarkable fertility.

OLAY oomrnr. 4Sli

On the west side of the river is the eztensiye and well appointed farm of Hon. M. B. Singo. Large herds of oattle and hogs are fed and fattened from the corn lands, but an additional increase of equal or greats amount is derived from a source often neglected ; the upland portion of his fiurm is seeded to grass and devoted to grazing oows. The dairy under the direction of his intelligent and accomplished lady, is a model for our State, The following section was taken at the northern boundary of the firm, sectipn 20, township 12, range 5, near Oarpenter's mills.

BBOnON AT bingo's FABIC,

Ft. In.

Siurface day and drift 20 00

Laminated and flaggy conglomerate, partly covered 27 00

PyriftooB shale 8 00

BUok sheety shale , , 1 04

Coal A 2 in. to 1 06

Stony fire-clay or blue shale. 8 00

Chester sandstone and shale, to bed of river.. 22 00

The fiu*m comprises 700 acres of pasture, 260 of com land, 60 for wheat and grass, with large reserves of timber, and was in excellent condition*

Going west from Eel river, the strata dip at the rate of from 60 to 100 feet per mile for a space of about two miles. The sandrock disappears below superior strata; coal B first appears as a mere parting or thin seam, but is soon succeeded by coals I and J.

Bennet Payne's bank, southeast quarter, section 14, township 12, range 6, has been worked more than 14 years, producing good block coal. On the same section, an association of miners under the name of the Limited Liability Ooal Company, is working the same seam by a slope upon ihe land af Mr. Archie Love. The following section occurs :

G. E.— 28

4S4 Geological Beport.

Section On Abchie Lovers Farm.

Ft. In.

Surface floil 2 00

Hardpan— ladal 9 00

Blue slate 9 00

Coal J ? 3 10

Plastic clay 1 OS

Black shale- 1 08

Goal 1 ft. to 0 08

Gray shall sandstone.. 10 00

The coal of this vein is free from sulphur, easily mined in large blocks and bears a good reputation , giving satisfaction to their customers at the Indianapolis Glass TVorks the Tcrre Haute Nail Works, and Vigo blast furnaoe. The capacity of their fixtures is rated at 200 tons per day.

Section In L. L. C. 00.8 Mine.

Ft. Ib.

Semi-block— smiths coaL 0 06

Block coal— good.. 2 Oft

Bone 1 in. to 0 02

Block coal 02

Soft clay— " bearing in" 02

The roof coal is in great demand bv blacksmiths. The soft underclay affords unusual &cilities for cutting under.'' The mine connects by a tramway with the Knightsville south branch switch of the T. H. & I. railroad.

Asherviile is at the southern termination of the switch just mentioned. Adjoining the village is the shaft of D. N. Bamett southwest quarter, section 16, township 12, range 6. It is 80 feet deep, and the fixtures, with a capacity for 150 tons a day, are first-class. The mine was not in work, but the product seen at the dump indicates a choice bed of block coal. The seam carries a thickness of three and a half to three feet nine inches.

Hoosierville is situated at the present southern terminus

Clay County. 435

of the Brazil soath branch switch of the T, H. & I. railroad. The sorroiindiDg territory had been well tested by bores, which give much light on the mode of deposit of the block ooals, which are found to be in basins the coal rising from the central depressions to a hight of 20 feet at the eastern rim and sometimes to an equal, but generally to one-third or to one-half less at the western rim and thinning to a very narrow depth. A 'thread'' or parting of coal connects the different pools, however &r apart. In one bank, Mr. Thompson, superintendent, tells me of a cone or hill 250 yards in diameter and 20 feet high, surrounded by coal 4 feet thick, which mounted on the sides of the cone, but thins to three feet at the top. Some of these basins are 200 to 300 yards in diameter, while others are measured by the mile. Adjoining the village are three shafts. Woodruff & Fletcher, northwest quarter, section 20, township 12, range 6, work coal J at a depth of 66 feet from the sur&oe. The coal is from to 4, averaginfr 4 feet thick, and gives the following:

SECTION AT WOOBBmrF 4 FLETOHERB ICINE.

Ft. In. Goal J.

Upper block 2 04

Splinty cannel 06

Lower block 1 02

The lower seam I, averaging feet, is not worked, the product of the upper, meeting a better demand. It is shipped to C'.iicago, where it is a favorite, the demand often exceeding the supply. The machinery, driven by steam, is well planned and in good order.

Woodruff and Cottons shaft on John Borland's land, southeast quarter, southeast quarter, section 18, township 12, range 6, is fully equipped and works coal I.

436 GEOLOGICAL IttiPOBT.

SBCrriON IN WOODBUFF JLHD OOTTON'd SHAFT.

Ft. In.

Glacial drift 6 00

Sandstone - 3 00

Gray sandstone 24 00

Black Ahale ;. IS 00

Coal J — average - 4 00

Gray shale and sandstone 1 00

Coal I— average 2 06

Under-clay 3 OO

This land has been tested hj nine bores, and thegr fepoct a close agreement witii the forgoing.

Johnny McChrea's shaft, on the same quarter section, is fifty-one feet deep, having both ooali of workable tiiioknees. He is nowiusing 3, but proposes soon to work tiiie lower coal I.

The product of these shafts is Avorably known as '' Flint blMk coal.'' TUeii daily ti&t>acity is :

Woodruff & Fletcher 200 tons.

Woodruff <Sc Cotton - 200 tonr

JicGrea - - 60 tons.

450 tons.

The Oakhill slope, Ward & Perry proprieters, is situarted on southwest quarter, section 19, township 12, range 6. They work the upper block coal J, which outcrops in an 4uljoining ravine. Their territory was proven by 24 bores, showing an average of 3 feet 4 inches in thickness. The following strata are seen in the slope and adioining hill :

Section At Oak Hill.

Ft. In.

Soil— clay m 8 00

Coal K, caking I 08

Fire clay 1 04

Sandstone and shale 28 00

Coal J, block 3 ft to

Upper hlock. 3 00

ilinty "Cannel 10

Soft bearing in bed 4 01

Gray and blue ahale 28 (X)

Coal I, block 2ft. to S 97

Blue BilioeooB shale 70 00

144 08

This and other bores indicate a deep, mnddy bottom under the block coals certainly widening the space or blotting out coal B, and probably as well the conglomerate and coal A, as before hinted. The Oak Hill machinery and fixtures are well devisedi in first class condition, and have a capacity of two hundred tons per day ; 25 men were a work, pjioducing 60 tons a day.

Going sooth from Hoosieraville, nearly all the lands have been tested, with, generally, favorable results, and show a long, wide lake of coal, having a general thickness of about three feet, varying from two to four feet. From want of transportation, no shafts have been sunk, and these are necessary for investigation.

Centre Point is a thriving village, that has contested for the county seat. It is the centre of a high, gently rolling plateau of well timbered lands and productive fields. Steadman's bank, southwest quarter, section 3, township 11, range 6, has been worked by slope for several years, supplying the village, mill, and localities east and south, especially Bowling Green.

Section At Stedmak Slops.

¥t. In.

Coal k 04

Fire day- 1 00

Coal J.

Best cakeing coal 0 06

Block coal- 2 06

Sjlinty canneU 0 07 3 07

438 Geologioal Report.

Immediately north of the village Kennedy's shaft, sontheast quarter, section 4, township 11, range 6, was begun at the level of coal J and pnt down to I.

SECfTioN AT Kennedy's shaft.

FU In.

Coal J in outcrop 3 01

Shaly clay 3 00

8haly sandstone 19 00

Coal I, block.

Roof coal, caking. 0 06

Block coal, choice 2 06

Splinty canneL 0 03

Cubic Albertite - 0 08

Soft, bearing in coal... 0 03 3 II

Clay in sump.. 3 00

Seam J furnishes a good grate and steam fuel I is a strong block coal, free from sulphur, and burns to a white ash without clinker.

Northeast of town, ooal was formerly stripped on the lands of Sharp, Carter, Hicks, and Nagle, sections 27, 28, 34 and 36. The openings were not in work, but the outcrops confirmed the report of good workable seams at these points. The surrounding territory has been carefulty tested. The underlying seams are generally workable, but a few barren spots intervene.

William Butt has mined by stripping for several years, on east half, southeast quarter, section 32, township 12, ranges. Seam J here furnishes excellent block, free from sulphur, containing a thin layer of brilliant, resinous coal. The tract was tested for Ormsby & Go. by 14 bores, all of which, except two, developed seams J and I of workable thickness.

Ft. In.

For the 12 bores, the average thickness of J.. 3 03

Average space between 18 00

Average thickness of 1 3 05

The northeast quarter, section 4, township 11, range

Olay Cx)Unty. 489

belonging to the same owner, was tested by three bores of which a copy was furnished and is here tabulated :

8i>aoe.

Ck>alJ.

Space.

Goal I.

No.

Ft. In.

Ft. In.

Ft. In.

Ft. In.

On L. C. & R. L. Kennedy's land southwest quarter section 34 township 12, range 6, a deep bore shows one of 4;he irregularities of the field.

Section In Kbnnedts Bobe.

Ft In.

Soil and glacial drift 12 00

Coal K, soft. 2 00

Potter's clay 4 00

White sandstone.. 3 00

Gray shale 8 00

£hale and sandstone 9 00

Blue shale.. 10 00

Shale and sandstone 12 00

Bhale and sandstone 16 00

Blue shale 06

€oal I 1 00

Shale and slate 22 00

100 00

A similar section, kindly furnished by Col. Blood, shows the limestone occurring over coal in a bore on section 4, township 12, range 6.

SECTION AT COL. BLOOD's BOBE.

Ft. In.

Surface 22 00

Blue shale 6 00

Hard blue limestone 2 00

Place of K

Shale and sandstone 46 00

Soft coalJ..'. 1 08

day and siliceous shale 11 04i

CJoal I 2 00

Clay and shale w. ;... 10 00

Ocal B? i .i a 1 00

Gray sandy shale 14 06

4M QEOUOQTCkl. SEPOBT.

Eut of iojM, Dr (MlfiUaaB bom pieraes the oong ate sandrock.

SEonoK AT gilfiluln's bobs.

ft.

Shaly sandstone 20 00

Blae shale, place of coal I 15 00

Gray shale 10 00

Coal B .-- 2 06

Plastic clay 2 00

Hard rock — conglomerate 25 00

Black gray shale 10 00

Coal A 05

On A. Gibbon's firm Bontheast quarter seetion 6, township 11 j range 6, ooal K has long been worked by stripping ; it oakes and is in demand for smiths use, being so perfectly free from sulphur that it does not deoompose on exposure to the air. Annexed is tiie average of 12 test bores, as reported by flie proprietors :

SECIIOH AT gibbon's, IK OUIV-OBOP AKD BOBET..

Ft. In.

'Surface clay 20 00

Sandstone 2 00

BitominoQS limestone 1 08

Black slate, pyrite balls 06

Coal K— choice caking. 1 04

Fire-clay and shale 6 00

Blue shale 11 00

Okay and shale 7 00

Shaly sandstone.. , 8 00

Gray shale - liO 00

OoAX. I 3 08

laminated fire-clay , 2 00

84 n

ObAT Q&fmr. 44

Aonthnreft of OeBtoe Pejfit many test Iborai bav bn Bttde, and the rosult repotrted, wblah sbows 1;bat ooiiU J and I are pNOBQt and generally have a good; warJaU thickness of two feet six ineheSi to two leet eight inob In oonsequenoe of this showing, a shaft was sunk and fixtares made ready for woi by J. W. Morrison on J. W. MoaaV) land, northeast qaart, sectiion 8, township 11 range 6:

SSOnON IN MOBBISON-MOSS SHAFT.

Ft In.

Coal J, block $ 06

day and silioeons shale ., 80 OO

Coal I, block : 3 Ol

The shaft and fixtures were completed ready for work, when the financial panic of 1873 compelled a suspension of so many enterprises. The same cause prevented the completion of a switch that is graded to near this place.

BECnOK OF COAL IK MOSS'S SHAFT.

Ft. In.

Ooall.

8emiblook 10

Choice block 2 00

Bone , , 02

Block coal.. 11

At Ashboro there are no facilities for transportation.

Stripped banks alone are worked for tbe local demand* Openings, not in active work are reported on the following tracts:

MxKeen and Minshalli sowibeast quarter, eofcion 17, towpdiip 11 range 6, ooal J.

Q. Uoss, northwest quarter, section 16, township 11, range 6, coal J,

Phil. Fencel, northeast quarter, section 16, township 11, range coal J.

J. Ferguson, northwest quarteri section 21, township 11, range coal K.

442 Geological Befobt.

On these landS; seam J has a thickness ranging froni two to nearly four feet, averaginsr three feet six inches. Wbesrever tested, the entire area is underlaid by seam I, with an average thickness of over three feet.

Section In Geo. Moss'S Bore.

(East of Ashboro, southwest quarter northwest qoarter, section 16

township 11, range 6.)

Ft. In.

Surface soil 6 00

Blue shale 10 00

Goal J, block 3 00

Shaly clay and sandstone 9 00

Soapstoneand shale 15 06

Dark shale 12 00

Coal I, block - S 06

Shaly clay 1 00

James Ferguson's medicinal chalybeate spring was noticed in the first annual report, 1869. It retains its healing properties. The survey is indebted to Mr. Ferguson for many important items of scientific interest, especially for the discovery and careful study of the glacial markings in the vicinity of Bowling Green. Outcrops within a short distance west on Ferguson and Grimes' farms are added.

Section On Febqtjson — Gbimes' Fabmb.

Ft. In.

Clay soil 12 00

Red ferruginous sandrock 16 00

Pyritous shale 4 00

Bitmninons limestone 4 00

Black slate - 1 to 4 06

Coal K, caking 1 08

Fire clay 4 00

Gray and blue shale in bore 28 00

€k>al J .1 to 3 06

77 08 '

' I

Clay County. 443

Paasing from Ashboro to Belle Air the Conglomerate is fbnnd in the blnfis or bed of Eel river. At Grge Rhodes' section 34 township 11, range 6, it is well developed in quarry beds, where the upper enr&ce is shaved off by the great ice flow of the Glacial Age, and to which phenomenon the deep, wide, valley of Six-mile creek owes its origin. Along the latter stream, and west of the Rhodes &rm, coal A, in a thin seam, is seen at or near low water. Going south a deep alluvium covers the rocks. Coal is only worked for household use during the winter, and the seams were not visible. The specimens seen, indicated coal J as the surfiice seam, at Cole and Goshorn's, section 10, Kilmer's, section 16, and Kearn's, section 17, township 10, range 6.

Peter Barrick's strip bank was not fully determined. The coal is somewhat blocky, but the companion strata resemble those of B.

Section At Babbick'B Seam.

Ft. IXL

Block coal 2 to 1 02

Bright cubic coal 1 00

Splinty cannel 0 08

The overlying shales are filled with small ironstone nodules which enclose leaves, stems and fruits of Carboniferous plants, viz : Neuropteris rarinervis, N. hirmUa, Odonr iopterisy HymenophylliteSy Cordaites borassifoliay Sphenophyl' lum Sofdotheimi, AsterophyUites equiaetiformia, terminal spikes and leaves of Lqpidodendron, striated stems of ferns and the fruits Cdrdioearpum and Trigonocarpwn.

Coal City is situated on the southwest quarter, section 11, township 9, range 6, adjoining the line between Clay and Owen counties. Twentysix bores are given, tabulated in report on Owen county. They were put down by the Bessemer Company, under direction of Pro£ Wilbur; their shaft is incomplete. The Coal City shaft, in the western suburb, is by the side of the graded bed of the Cincinnati

apd TerrQ Haute railroad, and ready fer wgrk. The folkyw ipg seotion was obtained from tboee engaged in the enter prifle.

SEOTIOK nr GOAL CITT SHAFT.

Ft. In.

Surface clay 12 00

Glacial hardpan 20 00

Soft, yellow Bandstone 30 00

Gray shale and thin coal 10 00

Gray pyritonB shale.. 10 00

Gray pyritoos shale, with plant remains 4 00

Plueand dark shale.. 10 00

CJoal 1 2 ft 11 in. to 3 00

(Bore in same.)

Fire clay 1 06

Gray siliceeos shale 30 09

White sandstone and shale 18 00

Massive Conglomerate 43 05

192 11

The shaft was pnt down under the direction of Mr. Jno. C. Northall, a mining engineer of skill and ezperienoe, and to whom I am indebted for the information that the

coal at the bottom of the shaft was very pure bl9ck9 three feet eight inches thick. This shaft and the table of bores on sections 11, 14 and 24, township 9, range 6, a short distance southeast of the village and given in the report on Owen county, affords a pretty full view of the coal in this vicinity, to which may be added the out-crop of ooal B ? at Wagstaffs southeast quarter, section 16 township 9, range 6.

Less than a mile north of Coal City, on land belonging to the heirs of A. Harsiein, is an outcrop of bituminous me8tone, containing Spirifer eameraJbWy 8. KnecUus jfi,thyri8 subtilUa, Prodiictus cora, P. junctatus P. hnginu8, Choneies mesohba and Bryozoam. The fossils limestone and slaty ooal indicate the horizon of seam E. Belpw is another sesn having the position, though not the usual qualities of L The foUowiAg shows the cpnpeoted pntcrpp :

CLAY tX)UNTY. 445

SEOmOK AT HABSTEINS.

Ft In.

BttaminouB limestone i. 8 00

Place of coal

8haly sandstone 22 00

Coal I?

Tjaminated coal 1 00

Splinty cannel 10

Bright resinons 08 2 06

re day and shale... 2 00

Three bores were put down, for the Pittsburg company, on the east half of the northeast qoarter of section 3, town- 43h 6, adjoining, with the following results :

SECTION IN clow's BOBES. ▼Ajr HOBR 7AB1L

Et. In.

Block coal 8 09

Bore No, f

Snrfoce.soil, etc 15 00

Soap stone. 5 09

Blue shale 15 06

Block ooalJ? 2 07

Shalyooal 8 04

Shaly sandstone - 17 00

Sort Not S,

Sorface, soil, etc - 12 00

'ardpan 16 00

Red clay 5 00

Dark slaty shale. 3 06

Coal J? 1 06

Shaly sandstone 7 00

446 Gsologioal Report.

The first bore was at the centre of the north half, the third at the centre of the south half and the second in the middle of the above tract of land.

Going west from the tract jast mentioned, the sarfiuse is deeply covered with flnviatile loams. A single ontcrop -vras noticed on the bank of White Oak creek, without opportunity of seeing and determining the coal. John Storm works a thin irregular seam, by stripping, on southeast quarter, section 6, township 9, range 6. It is a choice resinous caking coal, very pure and free from sulphur, and bums with much flame to a white ash, without slag or cinder. It is an excellent blacksmith fuel and woald probably answer for gas making. The strata here rise to the south and east, toward the promontory of conglomerate, seen projected into the basin at the southeast corner of this county, and dip rapidly to the west and north toward the coal measure trough which is so boldly extended in the direction of Patricksburg, Owen county.

SECTION AT storm's BANK.

Ft. In.

Soil 8 00

White and yellow micaceous shall sandstone 6 00

Pyritous gray siliceous shale 2 10

Coal J ? 2 ft to 4 06

Fire clay.. 3 00

Middlebury is located upon sandy knoll which overlooks and is surrounded on all sides by a vast alluvial plain. The town, by actual level, is 126 above the feeder dam on Eel river, 195 feet above the bottom of the canal, and 238 feet above low water in the Wabash river at Terre Haute.

The limited elevated area on which the town is situated is an outlier of the middle coal measures which once covered a large surrounding region, reaching west across the valley of Eel river, north ten miles to Centre Point, and east four miles to the county line, which, save this knoll, was almost

Clay (X)Unty. 447

wboUy eroded in the past by ice and river action. Coal L is found near the surface in a monster seam 8 to 11 feet thick. Coal K. is worked in the ravines and low lands and is 2 to 4 feet thick. The following general section gives a connected view of the coals and the surface deposits :

Section At Middlebuby.

(Connected.)

Ft. In.

Fluviatile sand 16 00

Lacnstral sand— Loefls 10 00

LacQStral silt— qoickaand 12 00

Coal Ji 6 to 11 feet thick.

Laminated coal 0 06

Choice thick caking band 1 02

Soft clay parting 04

Cable caking 8 to 4 00

Laminated coal 1 00 8 00

White fire clay.- 3 06

Cherty, arKHlaceoas sandstone, passing to calcareous argillite .- 8 06

Bine or gray soapstone - 3 00

Bine calcareous argillite passing to bituminous lime*

stone. 7 to 8 00

Yellow soapstone or shale 7 to 2 00

Black slate with prints of shells and plants, and fish

remains, partly impure cannel coal.. 4. 00

Coal K caking 2 to 8 06

Fire clay 4 00

Shale, sandstone and slate 42 00

Block coal I? 8 02

121 08

Coal K, adjacent to town, is worked by W. R. Kress, northwest quarter, section 6, township 9, range 6, and is one and a half to two feet thick; by Ambrose Phipps, southwest quarter, southwest quarter, section 30, township 10, range 6, four feet thick ; and is pierced by a bore made by J. R Langford at his steam mill, where it is thin. The coal is a strong, fat, caking coal, but contains some sulphur and burns with considerable yellow flame to a red ash, with clinkers and cinder. The overlying slate contains boulders

448 OECttiOOrOAL le&POBT.

and large concretionary beds of pjnitom ironsioue, whieh, with the superimposed argillaoeoos limestone is an almost coDstaDt characteristic of this seam. This slate boms readily with much flame, leaving a large quantity of white clayey ash, and has been termed cannel coal. At A. Phipps' bank this shale contains some interesting fixails as NatUUuM dec(Mratu8f Avioulopeoten reotikUeraria, OrthoeeroM BushefMMy Petrodus ocddentalia teeth and spines, and oop- Tolites and bones of fishes. The limestone over the slaty roof of K is generally barren, bnt on the land of M. Grray, section 3, township 9, range 6, contains ProdnotMB puno iatuSf P. ooray P. oostaiua, P. longiapinu%y Spirifer cameni' iu8, 8, {spj) HemiproniUa oroMtM, Ghonetea mesolobaj C. Smithif Leda bellastricUa, Phillipsia Sangamonensisf, with coarse Bryoamans and crinoid joints. The space hete, between coals E and L, ranges from 18 to 24 ieet, and the average of five measurements is 21 feet. Seam L is worked in the outskirts of Middlebury by Elias Cooprider, northwest quarter, section 31, township 17, raikge 6, by stripping, and is eight fbet si± inches to deven feet thick ; by E. Horton and Jacob Harris, on the southwest quarter of same section by adit, with a thickness of six to seven feet ; and by John Cooprider, on the northeast quarter of section 31, where it is seven to eight ftet thick. Coal L tiere presents the usual characteristics of the same, so constant throughout the State. It is a laminated, semi-caking or free burning coal, which, in combustion, produces a whitish flame and white or gray ash, with little or no clinker. It is an excel* lent coal, well suited for stationary boiler, locomotive, rolling mill, stove and grate use, but is not a good smith fuel. The upper and lower divisions, when sulphurous, should be rejected.

One mile northeast of Middlebury on the firm of Mr. Everhardt, is an excellent, if not one of the beet deposits of potters clay in the State. It probably results from the under clay of coal L, naturally washed and modified by fluviatile or laoustral agencies and here redeposited. The bed is several feet thick and contains bands two or three

Clay County. 449

rfeet thick, of nearly pare white color, suitable for nse without washing or other preparation. It in worked nnd burned by Lawrence Schmere, producing crocks, jars, mugs, pitchers, flues, water pipes and drain tiles, of superior excellence and artistic design. The ware is generally of a creamy hite color; but by the addition of other materials, gray and yellow ware is made. The quantity of clay seems to be tinlimited, and the quality is such as to earnestly invite the tittention of potters.

Clay City, (Markland post office), is situated at the present ierminus of the Cincinnati and Terre Haute railroad, but arrangements are very nearly completed for the extension of iihe road to the neighboring beds of coal and rich minerals. The embryo dty is surrounded by broad alluvial plains which were originally clothed with valuable forests of oak, poplar, hickory, etc.; part of these trees have been manufactured into lumber, staves, etc., and shipped, but extensive forests of choice timber still remain. Reduced to cultivation, this land produces good crops of corn, wheat and oats. While the sur&ce is thus rich and productive, a greater treasure lies buried fifly to eighty feet below, consisting of the fine coals, worked by the Markland Coal Co., and pierced by nearly 100 bores.

Markland shaft is located on the farm of Henry Cooprider, and is connected by switch with the Cincinnati and Terre Haute railroad. The shaft is eighty-two feet irom the surfisice to the coal, making a total depth of eighty-five feet six inches. It is sixteen by eight feet wide, separated into three divisions, two for hoisting coal and the central one for the pump and return air course. The inside workings are fully opened and ready to do a large business. The engine and boiler house is detached and totally disconnected from the shaft buildings and dump, so that in case of fire, the latter and the lives of the miners may not be endangered. The fixtures put up under the direction of Mr. John C. Northall, to whose courtesy thanks are due for information, are first-class in every respect, and have a capacity for delivering 100 tons per day. The surrounding G. R.— 29

450 Geological Rkport.

traot has been fally ''proved'' by the bores and Mr. N. report that in thickness of ooal and rularity of strata, it is the most uniform that he has ever drilled in this varying but little from the accompanying section in shaft.

Section In Mabkland Shaft.

Ft In.

Surface soiL 5

Gray sandrock - 5 00

Soft coal L7 2 00

Hard fire clay 6 06

Black slate 8 06

Hard slate.. 9 06

Fire clay...: 7 06

Black shale. 11 00

Gray shale.. U 06

White sandrock 8 06

Black shale 14 00

Block coal I?. 8 06

On a hill on the same tract of land a hole w drilled with the following result :

SECTION IN BOBE NEAB MABKIiAND.

Ft In.

Sorfaoe soil 4 00

Soapstone ., 15 00*

Blue shale.. 8 06*

Impure cannel slate 5 00*

Bituminous coal K ? 4 06-

Soapstone... 5 10

Silicioos shale... 15 OO

Blue shale. 7 00

Shale and sandstone 4 00

Blue shale 8 00

Coal— block 8 02

Fire clay. 1 06

The following sub-section shows the mode of occurrence the coal in the mine by sub- divisions:

Clay County. 461

SECTION IN MABKLAKB lilNE.

Ft. In. Coal I?

Choice block coal 1 08

GliBtening " Albertite" 04

Splinty cannel 04

Semi-block 1 02

This seam is typically a block ooal bnt has partings and divisions which contain mach volatile matter ; it is, therefore a superior fuel for locomotive and other steam engines, rolling mills, and for household use. Just above the worked coal a thick bed of gray and blue shale contains immense numbers of the stems of ferns, with many finely striated leaves of CordaikM barcfoUa, C. angudifclia. Neuropteria hirmxta, JV. rarinenna, Peoopem, 3 species, Sphenophyllum, SoMotheimi, AsterophyUUea equMdi'/armiB, AdofUopteriy sp? and a Cardioearpum.

Niblook, Zimmerman & Alexander, of Brazil, at a heavy expense, have fully proved an extensive area about two miles east of Clay City, comprising nearly 1,000 acres, and have liberally furnished their records of the following bores:

SECTION IN BOBES ON CBOFTB FABM. South half, of northeast quarter, section 83, townshiif 10 range

Fira Bare.

rt. In.

Surface clay 15 00

Hardpan 8 00

Bine shale 7 09

Coal 08

Fire clay 3 03

Blue shale 25 00

Blue slate 2 06

Coal 2 10

Fire clay 6 06

Blue shale 8 03

Blue slate 1 OO

Coal - 1 00

Fire clay (not passed)

462 Geological Report.

OnWa FarmSwmd Bore

Ft. In.

Surface day 14 06

Hard-pan. 9 00

Yellow shale 9 00

Blae shale — 3 00

Blue slate 1 03

Coal - 1 10

Gray shale 13 03

Coal J - 2 04

Fire clay, shaly 8 Oq

Blue and black shale 10 09

Onf8 Fbrmr-TkM Bore.

Ft In.

Surface clay - 14 00

Hard pan and clay,.* 41 00

Plue slaty shale - - 9 02

Fire clay.....,. 4 06

Blue and gray shale 13 06

Orcf9 Farmr— Fourth Bore.

Ft. In.

Sur£Eu4;lay and drift 29 06

Gray shale 9 00

Coal 0 08

Silioeous clay 4 06

Coal 02

Gray shaly fire clay.. 25 05

Black slate 06

Coal J 3 03

Shaly fire clay 6 06

Blue and black shale 16 09

Coal I 4 00

CroffB Fum— Fifth Bore.

day and drift... 34 10

Coal.. 07

Siliceous fire clay 4 08

Clay County. 463

Gray sandstone.. 18 09

Blue slate 1 OO

Coal J.. 8 04

8haly clay and sandstone... 7 04

Bine and black shale 19 06

Coal I , 8 06

The deep bore on Shidlers &rm north half of northwest quarter, seotion 33, township 10, range 6, after finding the horizon of the ooals barren, probably passed through the Conglomerate, thinned to less than thirty feet of white sandstone and pierced the dark aluminous shales at the top of the sub-carboniferous :

Section Ik Shidlebs Bo&E.

Ft. In.

day, hard pan, sand, etc 55 00

Dark bine shale 89 06

Ghray shale and fire clay, 10 .02

Qray sandstone 5 07

Hard white sandrock conglomerate?.. 21 00

Shaly sandstone 7 02

Limestone 08

Dark aluminous shale 11 06

Dark slate 06

Slaty coai 07

Dark shales with iron balls 3 00

Gray, bine and black shales. 35 09

Shaly day 2 04

194 04

Section In B0Be8 On The Jett Fabm.

IThe property of Niblock, Zimmerman & Co, north half of southeast quarter, section 33, township 10, range 6.

IHnt bore in an M river bed*

Ft In.

Surface clay 16 00

Hard pan— silt? 31 00

Blue clay.. 5 00

Harp pan 16 00

Quicksand, not passed 2 00

464 Geoloqioal Bpobt.

Jta Farmr-Skixmd Ban.

Surface clay and hardpasu 22 OO

fiottencoalL.? 2 OO

Fire clay and eandBtone. 4 02

Coal K 06

Fire clay and white sandstone. 16 08

Blue shale - 11 lO

Coal 3 02

Bhaley fire clay 7 06

Blue and black shale 18 OL

Coal I 3 01

JeU Farmr-Tkird Bort,

Surface clay and hardpan. 44 06

Sandstone 9 oS

Coal J- 3 06

Stony fire clay 6 06

Blue and black shale 10 06

Coal 1 3 00

Fire clay.. 1 00

Jett FaTmr—Fourth Bore.

(In an ancient river bed.)

Surface clay j. 14 00

Hardpan— silt 18 00

Quicksand 11 06

Yellow clay and gravel 9 03

White clay.. ' 2 02

Float sandrock.. 1 06

Quicksand 8 04

Hardpan — silt. 4 07

Clay and sand, not passed.. 2 07

Jett Farm—Fifih Bare.

Surface clay 14 06

Hardpan 14 00

Yellow clay 11 06

Quicksand 3 06

Hardpan.. 6 00

Soft clay and sand 32 06

Clay County. 465

Coal 06

Fire clay OS

JeU Farm— Sixth Bare,

Surface clay 7 00

Hardpan 61 00

White sandstone 5 00

Blue and black shale 68 02

Dark siliceous shale 15 00

Stony fire clay 5 09

Jeti Farm — Seventh Bore*

Surface clay 18 06

"Sandstone and siliceous shale.. 7 09

Coal J 3 la

Fire clay 4 06

Dark shale 14 04

Coal 1 2 09

Bores On The Hoody Fabm.

.South half, northwest quarter, section 88, township 10, range 6.

Moody Farm — Fint Bore

Ft. In.

Surface clay 6 00

Hardpan 8 00

Sand 13 00

Hardpan 22 06

Gray shale 9 00

Coal J 1 09

Fireclay .,.. 4 08

Sandstone and gray shale 17 06

Coal I 2 10

IBlaok slate and fire clay 08

456 Qeol0Giga.L Report.

Moody Arm— 6lBeofui Bore.

Ft In.

Snrface claj 13 00

Hardpan. 3 00

Qoicksand 1 06

Hardpan - 8 06

Sand— quick - 4 06

Hardpan 14 04

White clay 2 08

White sandstone and shale 10 06-

Rotten coal— place of J 1 06'

Fire clay 6 11

Gray sandstone 6 01

Rotten coal— in place of 1 0 09

Fireclay 1 06

Gray sandstone and shale 10 09

Dark-blue shale— in place of B 42 03 ,

Gray shale 3 06

Dark-bine shale 2 00

Hard white sandstone '. - 1 02

128 05

BORES OK GARLITT's FARM.

Southwest quarter, southwest quarter, section 33, ' township 10

range

OarliUU farm—FirU B&re.

Ft. In.

Sure clay 16 06

Gray shale 15 08

Blue shale 2 03

Coel J ? 2 OL

Fire clay ,. 3 01

Sandstone and gray shale 11 06-

Blue shale 3 06-

Coal I?. 3 01

Fire clay and shaly sandstone 11 05*

Blue shale, place of £?.. 14 01

Fire-clay, sandstone and shale. 3 10

Ola.Y County. 457

QarUUt JbrmSeeond Bore,

Snrfoce clay 14 00

Hardpan... 23 08

Blue Bbale 4 00

Coal J? 1 00

Fire-clay ., 10 04

Bine shale 5 06

Hard gray shale 12 06

Gray limestone - 1 02

Hard gray sandstone 16 04

BORES ON BUZZABD's FABM.

Southeast quarter, south west qaarter, section 83, township 10, range

BvMard9 Fbrm Fint Bare,

Ft. In.

Surface clay 24 00

Drift gravel 3 00

Hardpan. 6 10

Gray shale.. 8 02

Fire-clay 11 06

Gray shale,.. 8 06

Bine shale, with plates of sandstone 6 09

Coal 1 ? 2 06

Fire-clay.. 06

Buaaue Farm, Second Bore,

Ft. In,

Surface clay 6 06

Hardpan 50 06

Quicksand... 9 06

Hardpan.. 8 00

Blue clay 7 00

Gravel— drift 2 06

Sandstone 5 00

Tlie foregoing bores eighteen in number, are given in detail that tbey may be preserved for the benefit of Clay oounty in general. They are all on section 33, township 10, range No. 6, and give an exhaustive exhibit of the

458 GEOLOaiCAL REJPOBT.

coals, rocks, etc., on that section of land ; and at the time partially maps out an ancient river channel, now completely filled up, (for the variations in the present SQrfaoe will not exceed twenty feet,) which flowed from the northwest through the level plain east of Middlebury and tiienoe towards Worthington. It is obvious that at such staticfns the coals and rocks have been removed by erosion. This old channel has been so often pierced on this tract, and at many other places, that its existence, with well defined outlines, cannot be doubted ; and it is to be regretted that a complete record of all such wells was not available, for by this means the limits of this destructive excavation* could have been mapped, and thereby much loss and disappointment to subsequent explorers prevent(cl.

Saline is a new village which has come into existence since the commencement of the Cincinnati & Terre Haute railroad. It is surrounded by a good agricultural ron, including large areas of river bottoms, which produce great crops of corn. The adjacent forests contain a quantity of valuable timber, which is being rapidly prepared for market, as railroad ties, lumber and staves. Post oaks prevail on the Loess loams, and are rated as superior fi>r ties, because of their solidity and endurance.

The Knickerbocker Coal Company " has control of the west half, of the southwest quarter, of section 30, township 11, range 6, west, adjoining and immediately southeast of the village. This tract of land is nearly level ; the inequalities will not exceed eight feet. By levels and bores it is found that the coal dips from the northeast corner of the 80 acres to the shaft (bore No. 10), nine feet, or at the rate of 27 feet per mile. Here the dip is suddenly reversed, and the coal rises 11 feet at the southwest comer of the land. The worked seam is persistent and uniform, and remarkably free from interruptions. In driving the entries 1,200 yards, only two small horse-backs were found, and these less than a yard in width.

Clay County.

The oompanj pat down a aeries of 11 bores, whioh sufficiently proved the coals on their land, and give a typical exhibit of the underground structure of this vicinitv.

It will be observed that an ancient river bed, now completely filled up and levels crossed this territory in an excavation from 22 to 47 feet 6 inches deep and had, at two stations, completely removed the sandstones and shales that ordinarily cover the coal. The shaft was put down at bore No. 10. The record of all the tests is condensed in the following table. The position of the bores is indicated by corresponding numbers on the detached map of said west half of the southwest quarter, of section 30, township 1 0, range 6, of Clay county, on the margin of the map of Owen county, for this Seventh Annual Report of the State Geologist.

B0BE8 BY KNICKEBBOCKEB GOAL 00. Section 30, Saline, Clay coonty, Indiana.

Number Of Bobe.

13,00

S.08

U

Surface clay

Sandfltone, gray shale,

Dark hard shale

Block coal I?

V!iie clay, shale and S. S.

Totals

The Knickerbocker Coal Company have equipped their shaft with a steam engine of 45 horse power and complete modern fixtures ; the capacity of the machinery is for the

460 Geological Report.

delivery of 250 tons a day, bat lacking demand, the dntj is from fifty to eighty tons a day. The ooal is lamellar with lustrous divisions separated by partings of vegetable charcoal y burns to a white ash and is a choice coal for locomotive, rolling mill and household use. Wherever pat upon the market, it has been adopted as a substitute for wood, by those who desire a bright, cheery fire, like that of old fashioned hickory wood, as it is admirably suited for burning in open grates.

Bores put down on the Jamison farm, adjoining Saline at the north and west, develop the existence of a greater number of seams :

Section In Jakisons Bore.

Section 25, township 11, range 7.

Jamison's First Bore.

Ft. In.

Surface 14 00

Hardpan 8 00

Clay and gravel '. 11 00

Soft sandy shale 15 00

Blue shale 12 00

CoalJ— block 2 10

Fire clay - 1 06

SiliceoaB shale 13 00

Coal 1 10

Fire clay 2 00

Siliceous shale 13 00

Coal B— caking 2 06

Blue sandrock 2 0&

Jcamsons Second Bore.

Ft. In.

Surface clay 15 00

Sand and gravel 25 00

Blue clay 18 00

Shale 3 00

Coal J— block 2 11

Clay County. 461

eifliceouB shale $ 11 07

Splinty coal 1 08

Fire clay- 1 06

Gray shale 10 06

Caking coal 1 06

Sandrock 06

The mineral wealth, and the superiority of the vast beds of block coal in Clay county , has been fully set forth in Prof. Oozs former reports* Any further statement would be a mere repetition, and unnecessary. He has shown that it may be used in a raw state for the smelting of iron ores in the blast furnace, and that the resulting pig metal is ell adapted for conversion into steeL The latter &ct is of signal importance. The world has passed through the educational ages of stone, bronze, iron, gold and silver, and has reached the highest plane of civilization — the age of steel. The higher man demands implements, tools, engines, 'Ships, bridges, rails, and carriages of the most perfect form and materials ; and, as if in answer to the call of humanity, a coal is found here in vast beds, that is naturally adapted to the preparation of the fine grades of pi metal, such as are requiied for the manu&cture of steel by the pneumatic process. That distinguished mining economist and faithful laborer in science, Col. J. W. Foster, late President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, after a minute, patient and thorough examination of this field, in a series of letters to the New York Tribune, bears unqualified testimony to the inestimable value of this coal, and with the prophetic spirit that foresaw the wonderful future of the Lake Superior mineral region, predicts for this part of Indiana a prosperity commensurate with its advantage of being the centre of the most extensive block coal field now known.

Acknowledgements are due to all the citizens of the county for information and kindness. My heartiest thank

462 Geological Repobt.

for hospitality ana special favors are retamed to the following named persons : Niblock, Zimmerman & Alexander, Col. H. B. Blood, Col. H. L. Ashley, T. G. Clark, George Grimes, Messrs. Kennedy, J. T. Carithers, Dr. Oilfillan, Hon. and Mrs. M. B. Ringo, Messrs. Cornell & Liove, Alex. Brighton, J. H. Dillon, Black & Thompson, Maj. W. W. Carter, James Ferguson, Henry Grim, G. W. Wiltac, John C. Northall, M. E., Mr. Quackenbush, H. Jamison, and the Presidents of the Terre Haute and Indianapolis, of the Evaneville, Terre Haute and Chicago, and the Evansville and Crawfordsville railroads.

Geological Rec0Nn0I8San0E

Of Thx

S7 JTOECKT ooTiTiinayy,

Examinations in Putnam county were limited by insiniotions to the coal measure rocks lying in the extreme western part ; but no mention will be made of the underlying subcarboniferous beds which form the general surface rocks, and are exposed in a majority of the valleys and ravines in the district under consideration. The area in which these rocks occur in Putnam county is bounded on the west by the west line, on the south by the south line of the county, as far east as the western bluff of Doe creek, thence northeast along said bluff to Jno. R Sackett's sandstone quarry, two miles west of Cloverdale, thence nearly north and northwest by Cemetery Hill, at Greencastle, and Morton, to the northwest corner of the county. The foregoing boundary includes the most extreme eastern outliers of the Conglomerate sandstone and coal A. Throughout this area, the streams, brooks and branches have cut down to the underlying limestone; and over one-fifth of it have wholly eroded and moved the coal measure rocks, as in the wide valleys of Big and Little Raccoon, Walnut fork, Deer creek, El river and their tributaries. The surface is generally rolling or hilly, the soil, although not of the best.

464 Geological Bepobt.

produces corn, wheat, oats, and the grasses and some extensive belts of oak poplar and beech timber, were noticed.

CX)NNECr£D SECTION OF THE COAL MEASURE BOCKa.

Ft< Ft. In-

L Soil and drift 90 to 20 00

2. Groy shale with iron nodules.. 11 00

3. Coal B (on outcrop) 3 to 1 OO

4. Fireclay 2 OO

6. Gray shale and sandstone - 20 to 10 OO

6. Conglomerate.. 10 to 80 00

7. Aluminous shale 10 to 4 00

8. Coal A 0 to 2 00

9. Fireclay 5 to 1 00

10. Gray aluminous shale with small

seams and partings of coal to the

Chester heds.. 20 to 10 00

141 00

De8Cbipti0K Of Oonkeotbd Seotiok.

The glaoial phenomena in this county are obvious and interesting. Along the eastern side of the district under consideration, the soft Chester sandstone, 20 to 90 feet thick, are exposed. When the great ice flow came down from the north, this stone, more easily worn than the Conglomerate, was largely eroded, while the latter, presenting an obdurate and unflinching wall against the ice, caused deep wide valleys and valley plains to be formed, which extend from north to south, through the county, and east of Cloverdale, and conducted the masses of ice and water south to White river and Eel river near Cataract, giving origin to the Lacustral valley near Quincy, in Owen county. Many outlying hills and solitary knobs survive, measuring the amount of denudation, and showing the stratification of the companion rocks, now removed. From the tops of some of the hills, near and west of Cloverdale, extensive views may be enjoyed, reaching over the wide valley plains to the <X)mmanding hills at Cataract. On W. B. Williams' 6irm, northwest quarter, section 28, township 13, range 4, two

Putnam County. 466

-tniles south of Patuamville the Conglomerate sandstones :etill show the scars and strise* of the glacier tracks while the limestones north of Greencastle are still more plainly -marked.

These few remarks must suffice for a mere reoonnoisance. The county as a whole, presents some of the most interesting evidences of the glacial age including besides the rock triations already mentioned, beds of lacustral and glacial 'drift, and the erosion, to a depth of over 120 feet below the present channel, of the ancient bed of Big Walnut and Oroy's creeks.

A single outcrop was seen near the top of one of the highest eminences in the county, on Aaron Bales' land, northwest quarter of section 34, township 13, range 4, that appeared referable to seam B, No. 3 of section. It was opened by a drift 200 or 300 feet long. The mine was not in work, and the supports had &llen in so that measurements could not be made ; the coal was reported to be three &et thick at the best pocket, with- an average of less than two feet. It contains some sulphur, and is not desirable for smiths use, but burns well in grates. There is no probability of finding this seam in this county sufficiently developed to pay for working. The Conglomerate sandstone, No. 6 of section, in heavy beds or massive ledges is well developed in this district, forming the surface rock and the steep bold bluffs of the valleys. It is a coarse red or yellow ferruginous sandrock, excellent for walls, foundations and other hammered masonry, and at several stations good grits and glass sands occur ; but the abundance of other superior building stone overshadows its ordinary good fire and weather-proof qualities.

The aluminous shales at the base of the Conglomerate, No. 7 and 9 of section, is a pretty constant feature, and generally takes the place of coal A. When the latter is disseminated, thick beds of black slaty shale are found. Kidney ores of iron and bands of pyrites are generally presit in this stratum.

Coune of 8tri south, 10° west.

G. R.— 30

466 Geological Report.

The subconglomerate coal A, No. 8 of sectioD, occurs at intervalB all over the district. At a few localities it attains a thickneaSy in small pockets, of two to three feet, bat they are limited in extent to a few yards or rods ; as a role the seam is barren, or only one or two inches thick, and will probably not exceed an average of four inches. Irregular and inconstant, at the same time the coal is generally sulphurous and inferior. Money spent in mining at this horijsen will not earn an average return of more than ten cents on the dollar. One of the most interesting features of this region is the frequent beds of subcarboniferous lime and 8S|)dstone exposed in all the ravines and valleys ; their consideration belongs to a full survey of the county, and may be described in a future report.

Local Details.

In the vicinity of Cloverdale considerable research for coal and other minerals has been made. Six miles south* west of town, on the land of H. T. Weathers, northeast quarter of section 12, township 12, range 5, a very considerable outcrop of rich band and kidney iron ore was seen in a wild, deep, gorge-like ravine. In 1860 Mr. W. mined some 80 tons and sold it to the Watson furnace at Knightsville; it was found to be an excellent ore to mix as a flux with Missouri ore. It was delivered at Hamrick's station, on the Terre Haute and Indianapolis railroad, at five dollars a ton, which just paid expenses, and the project was, of course, abandoned. The following section is exposed:

Section At Weathers Iron Bank.

Ft. In. Soil and clay : 10 00

Shalv sandstone 12 00

Reported coal (B?) 08

Massive conglomerate 14 00

White soft conglomerate 8 00

Gray laminated conglomerate 9 00

Pyritous shale, with band and nodules of iron ore... 11 00

Coal A 2 ft to 1 00

Gray shale to Chester beds 4 00

J

Putnam County. 467

Coal A in thin outorops is reported on Wrightsons and Turman's land, adjoining this section on the east. The ander-ciay of a coal was noticed near a school house on Jos. Herbert's land, northeast quarter of section 17, township 12, range 4. It is of good, if not superior quality, and is worthy of the attention of potters.

At Silas Riley's, northeast quarter of section 8, township 12, range 4, at the bottom of a ravine, just north of his residence, is a bed of siliceous shale, which encloses a great number of comical and eccentric concretions, presenting almost every imaginable shape. Northwest and west of Cloverdale outcrops of coal are reported as follows :

Goals Neab Cloyerdale.

Ft. In.

Chamberlain, aoathweat quarter, section 26, township 13, range 4, A 1 00

A. Bales, northwest quarter, section 34, township 13, range 4. B 2 00

Secrest & Co, southwest quarter, section 7, township 12, range 4, A.

T. Hanna, northeast quarter, section 3, township 12,

range 4, A 04

W. B. Williams, northwest quarter, section 28, township 13, range 4, A 3 ft. to 09

A. Lye, section 36, township 13, range 5, A.. 06

At nearly all these poiuts, coal A is overlaid by massive Conglomerate 20 to 75 feet thick, and accompanied by considerable beds of iron ore. At W. B. Williams, seam A is irregular as usual, varying from two inches to small pockets three feet thick. Frum seven or eight openings on the Williams farm, it has been dug and before the completion of the railroad, was even hauled in wagons to Indianapolis for blacksmiths.

Putnamville is noted for having extensive banks of superior stone. It is siliceous, compact, and furnishes choice paving, step and other building stone. Sills and door steps from this quarry have been in constant use at the main entrance of the Terre Haute House for thirty years, without appreciable wear. This is one of the most valuable quarries in the State. West of town, coal A, two feet thick, was mined for local use on the Sellars farm.

468 Geological Befobt.

A mile soath of GreeDcastle, Cemeteiy Hill is capped with deoompoeed Conglomerate. The following section was taken:

8E0Ti0N Near Gbeengabtle.

Ft. In. Disturbed Conglomerate, with LepiMmdarim . and

Siiffaiwnai. 20 00

Laminated sandstone.. 8 00

Thin coal 06

fihaly sandstone 12 00

Pyritoos shale, with ironstones 8 00

Black slate and coal A? 3 00

Chester shales and sandstone, with coal plants and

large pronged facoides. 3t 00

Sab-carboniferous limestone in brook 10 00

On the &rm of Andrew Black, five miles west of town, rthe high hills are built up with Conglomerate, some of which furnish good, white, grit, stones.

Section At Alexandeb Blacks.

Ft In. Ferruginous Conglomerate, with " pipe'' and " pot"

iron ore 10 00

Heavy sandrock, with diagonal bedding 15 00

Massive Conglomerate .' 35 00

Aluminous shale— " rock houses" 5 00

Black Blate 2 00

Coal A 1 00

Fire-clay 2 00

.Sub-carboniferous, to Walnut creek 95 00

165 00

Tbe hills in the vicinity of Reel's mills are capped with Conglomerate, exposing sub-oarboniferous shales and limestones in the creek valley. In the extreme northwestern part of the county, the coal measure rocks are generally eroded by Raccoon creek, but outliers of Conglomerate sandstone are reported near Morton, with some beautifully preserved fern leaves and trunks, which mark the horizon of coal A.

In conclusion, sincere thanks are returned to that earnest scientist Prof. Tingley, Dr. Layman, W. B. Williams and .J. B. Sackett for information and assistance.

Observations

ON THa

Depth And Temperature

or foxa or

THE LAKES OF NORTHERN mDIMA.

a- iLc. XjBjvsttbj.

Indianapolis, JLndiana, December 31, 1875.

Prop. E. T. Cox, State Geologist :

Dear Sir : In compliance with your instructions of Ist of August, 1875, Caleb Cooke and myself proceeded to the north part of the State with the necessary apparatus, and seined, dredged and took soundings and temperature of the following named lakes: Lake Manitou, in Fulton county ; Pine, Stone and Clear lakes in LaPorte county ; Syracuse or Njne-mile, Eagle and Centre lakes in Kosciusko county ; Bixell, Latta and Reservoir lakes in Noble county ; Twin lakes in Lagrange county, and Crooked and James lakes in Steuben county. On all of which, together with notes on the aquatic molluscan fauna of that region, a detailed report is herewith respectfully submitted.

Yours truly,

G. M. Levbttb.

470 Geological Refost.

Report.

Between two and three hundred lakes, varying from a few acres to ten square miles in areay lie within the boundaries, of the State, north of Wabash river. Some of them are ]and*Iocked, having no visible outlets, or sources of supply, except the rainfall drained into them from the low, narrow, sandy shores and short valleys of the immediately adjoining country. Others are fed by springs and small streams, and have outlets connecting them with the rivers of that well watered region. A few contribute their surplus waters to Lake Michigan through St. Joseph river, others join Maumee through St. Mary's, some flow into Eel river, a number into Tippecanoe and Iriquois, while others help swell the sluggish current of the Kankakee.

These lakes are, without exception, mere basins or depressions in the glacial clay. No stratified rocks have been found in the bottom or on the shores in a single instance, but, on the contrary, the numerous deep bores which have been made in that region, from time to time, prove that from eighty to two hundred feet of glacial drift overlies the stratified rocks throughout the entire lake region of northem Indiana.

Wet, boggy marshes and small lakes which have become ry and arable within the memory of white men ; extensive deposits of peat, from five to fifty feet in depth ; blind lakes or bodies of water which are covered with a few feet of peaty soil, some of which sustain a growth of forest trees ; the annually receding shores of many of the smaller lakes, and the perceptible yearly accumulation of marl '' or fresh water lime in the shallow portions of many of them, all lead to the inference that at no very distant period in the pasti the lake area of this region was two or three times its present extent; and further, that if the agencies now at work continue to accumulate material on their shores and beds, not many centuries will elapse before these now

Hydrographio Survey. 471

numerous and interesting gems of the landscape will be known only to the students of ancient geography.

Within the past few years a growing interest has clustered about these foot-prints of the glacial flood. The character and origin of the " marl or chalk and other deposits on the bottoms and ancient beaches of these lakes have become matters of deep interest and searching inquiry ; they have been dredged and seined with a hope of finding something " new to science/' some reptile, fish or shell heretofore unnamed and undescribed ; their oozy beds filtered and the residuum examined with patient care for some new form of microscopic life, and though no directly economic results are apparent to the toiling husbandman as he watches with suspicious distrust the enthusiastic collector, quietly bottling very " creeping thing'' revealed by net or dredge ; yet each discovery swells the sum of human knowledge, and ere many decades have been added to the past, this class of information will be in demand by the descendants of those who now regard the naturalist with more of scorn than admiration.

The recent successful cultivation of food fishes, in various parts of the world, has prompted inquiries respecting the permanent supply, depth, temperature and other conditions of ome of the more important inland bodies of water, with a view of determining to what extent this comparatively new industry is adaptable to them. The wide spread and growing interest on the subjects named, led to the desire for it complete hydrographic survey of the State ; but the limited means at the disposal of the State Geologist prevented more than initiatory steps in that direction during the past summer.

Mr. Caleb Cooke, one of the Curators of Peabody Museum, Salem, Mass., a gentleman of extended and varied experience in collecting and preserving natural history specimens for museum use, as well as for scientific study was engaged to superintend the dredging and seineing. In addition to his wide experience, Mr. Cooke possessed a 4X>mplete equipment for the prosecution of such work, and

472 Geological Eepoet.

being associated in the same Institution with Prof. F. W. Putnam, an arrangement was efiected by which all theichthyological material collected would be examined hy Prof. Putnam, free of cost to the Geological Survey, and full suites of all the species collected, properly labeled, and returned to the State Museum at Indianapolis, and all new species figured and described for publication in this or a subsequent report.

Mr. Cooke's liberal supply of long, deep seines were almost useless here, as the statutes of our State forbid the use of any seine longer than fifteen feet. Due regard for the law prevented the enrichment of our State Museum with many rare and interesting specimens of fish, obtainable only beyond the available limits of a seine of standard legal length, however, with the aid of one assistant, the short nets were used to good advantage in narrow streams, small ponds, and in the shallow water near the shores of the lakes, and several thousands of the smaller fishes were taken, preserved in alcohol and sent to Prof. Putnam for identification.

Mr. Cooke used what is known as the Naturalist's dredge," consisting of a rectangular iron frame, eighteen inches long by five wide, with the inner edges perforated for the attachment of a stout hempen bag or net with very small meshes; the outer edges of the iron frame were flanged so as to act as a scraper when dragged on the bot tom. This dredge is attached to a half-inch rope and lowered into the water from a boat, and by the aid of an assistant, an expert oarsman to propel the boat, the dredge is dragged over the bottom ; as the bag soon fills with ooze, mud, sand, gravel, or whatever constitutes the bottom of the lake, it is as oiten drawn up into the boat, the contents emptied into a sieve for examination and for the selection of specimens for preservation. Samples of the bottom of each lake dredged, were sent to the State Labratory for examination and report.

The writer was specially charged with the duty of ascertaining the depth and temperature of the lakes visited,.

Htdroorafhio Survey. 478

observations on the mollascan fauna, and the character of the lake beds and their shores.

The sounding apparatus used consisted of a conical two* pound iron weight attached to a stout hemp cord, the cord having been carefully measured and knotted with register tabs at intervals of five feet. The thermometer used for taking the temperature of the water was purchased of Mr. James Green, of New York city, and is a self-registering, deep sea thermometer of the Miller- Casella pattern, originally constructed under the direction of the officers of the British Hydrographic Bureau. It consists of a glass tube in the form of the letter u , the left limb terminating in a large cylindrical bulb, which is encased in an outer and larger bulb of glass, partly filled with alcohol, whidh protects the inner bulb from the pressure of the water at great depths. The bend and both limbs contain mercury to about half their length; the left bulb is entirely filled with a mixture of creosote and water, which rests directly on the mercury ; the bulb on the right limb is about one-fourth full of the same fluid, the upper three-fourths being empty, or rather containing the vapor of the liquid.

A steel index, about three-tenths of an inch long and small enough to move freely within the tube, rests on either end of the column of mercury ; a hair is attached to and coiled about each of these indices, and acts as a spring to hold it at any point to which the rising column of mercury may ascend.

Before using the thermometer the steel indices are drawn down by a magnet until they rest on the ends of the U shaped column of mercury ; the left end of the tube is graduated to Fahr. degrees from the top downward to mark a decreasing temperature ; the right limb is graduated from the bottom upward to mark increasing heat; when the liquid expands in the left bulb, the column of mercury is driven down in the left and up in the right limb toward the partly filled bulb, carrying the inclex upward with it to the point of highest temperature then experienced, leaving the index in the left tube at the point from whence the

474 Obologigal Bepobt.

oolamn of mercarj b;an to recede. When the liquid in the left tube is oootracted by loes of heat, the mercury falls in the right limb leaving the index at the highest point attained by the warmer temperatore and rises in the left limb carrying the index on that side, to the minimum reached by the falling temperatnre ; thus it is seen that when the indices are drawn down on the mercury in both limbs and the thermometer sunk to the l)ottom of ocean lake or well, and, afler a few minutes, drawn op, the position of the indices record the limit to which the mercury has been forced by the extreme of heat or cold to which the instrument has been subjected.

To guard against breakage by violent contact with rocks or other objects, the thermometer is enclosed in a cylindrical copper case, perforated at top and bottom to allow the free passage of water over the surfiice of the instrument.

Milier-Casella thermometers with encased bulb are in use in the United States Coast Survey and the Hydrographic Bureau of Great Britain for all deep sea temperature soundings, and give such universal satis&ction that all old forms of temperature registering instruments have been laid aside. Thermometers of this pattern have been subjected to a pressure of 6,800 pounds to the square inch, at a depth of two and a half miles in the ocean, and not only returned to the surface unimpaired, but gave no reason for doubting the accuracy of the recorded temperature.

On the arrival of Mr. Cooke from the east, we made all necessary provisions for successfhlly conducting the work, and proceeded to

Lake Manitou In Fulton County.

This lake lies one mile southeast of Rochester, the county eat, and is about five miles long by one or one and a half miles wide, is irregular outline, the west shore jutting into the lake giving it somewhat of a crescent shape. Two ma11 islands break the monotony of its surfisice, one of which is inhabit Wild rice, Zizania aguatioOj and

Hydbogbaphig Survey. 476

water lilies, Nymphoui odorata and Nuphar culvena, grow in the shallow water near the shores and around the islands. Mill creek, a tributary of Tippecanoe river, enters the lake at the southwest comer and flows out at the north end, where a dam has been constructed, raising the surface level of the lake about nine feet ; the water is conducted through a race-way along the bluff, one and a half miles, to the town of Rochester, where it has a &11 of twelve feet, and affords sufficient power to run a flouring mill. The shores of Manitou lake are of gravel and glacial clay, with a few inches of well washed sand overlying the clay. In this, as in all other lakes visited in northern Indiana, the bed of the lake is of tenacious, compact clay varying in color from white, through yellow to dark blue. From these puddled depressions, the water cannot escape, except by evaporation. A generous, annual growth and decay of aquatic plants in the shallow parts of the lake has covered the bottom, in places, with a black, slimy ooze; this annual deposit will eventually raise the bottom above the water level and gradually contract the lake area until only a sluggish rivulet, meandering through a flat, fertile meadow, will mark the site of the present broad and beautiful lake.

At the time white men first visited this section of country it was inhabited by the Pottawattamie Indians, and from that tribe came the name of the lake and the legend which gave rise to it. They believed this body of water to be the home of Manitou or Bad Spirit;'' that during heavy storms and certain nights in the dark of the moon, he might be seen disturbing and tossing the water, and, in defiance of repeated warnings, a number of dauntless "braves" of the tribe, who ventured to the shore of the lake afler nightfall, were never heard of afterward. So firm was their faith in this musty and absurd tradition, they would not venture upon the lake in canoes, or eat fish taken from it.

Bass and pickerel are abundant in lake Manitou, and afford fine sport for those who have the patience to while away their time watching a cork dance idly on the windrippled water.

476 Geological Bepobt.

With the assistance of Robert Jewell, Esq., who lives on the west shore of the lake, and keeps for the use of sportsmen a full equipment of boats, spears, jacks, lines, and everything pertaining to fishing and gunning, we proceeded to sound and dredge the lake, and collect specimens for the State Museum.

On the west side of the lake, near the north end, soundings were made and temperature taken as follows:

let. Bottom at 20 feet, temperature 62 F.

2d. " 30 " " ./. , 58° "

3d. " 80 " "

Returning as near as possible to the 4th station, serial temperatures were taken at intervals of five feet :

Temperature of the air at 9 P. M 50° F.

" the water at depth of 5 feet "

" '' " 15 " "

" " " 30 " 68° "

From this point we moved to the south of the principal island, passing through shallow water where the prolific growth of water grass and wild rice {Zizania aquatica) rendered it difficult to row the boat ; reaching deeper water at the south end, near where Mill creek flows into the lake, temperature soundings were taken with the following results:

let. Bottom at 20 ft., temperature 58}° F.

2d. " 32 " 53°

3d. " 15 " 63° "

6th. " 24 " 54° "

6th. " 26 " 54° "

7th. . 22 " 60° "

Sth. " 18 " 61° "

9th. " 25 " 54°

/

HYDBOGBAPmC SURVEY. 477

At the last station No 11, serial temperatures were taken at five foot intervals, as follows :

Temperature of the air at 8 A. M.. 66® F.

" the water at depth of 5 feet 65®

The above tests for temperatore were repeated at 10, 20, 30 and 42 feet with confirmatory results. The sur&ce temperature of the shallow water in the mouth of the creek was 66 F. Moving east from this point, the temperature of the bottom was taken, at intervals of about one hundred yards, with the following results :

Ist Bottom at 18 ft, temperatare 64® F.

2d. " 20 " 60®

8d. " 17 " 61® "

4th. " 17 " 61i®

5th. " 25 " 541®"

6th. 21 " 60® "

7th. " IS " 62® "

8th. " 14 " 63® "

9th. " 25 " 54}®"

10th. " 28 " 54® "

11th. " 28 53t® "

12th. " 31 " 53® "

13th. " 28 " 53}®"

14th. " 25 " 54}®"

Beyond which we run into shallow water with surfiice temperature at 68°r

Meanwhile Mr. Cooke, with the assistance of Mr. Jewelli Jr., had dredged the lake bottom at several points and bottled samples of the ooze, and collected, in great numbers, several species of the small fishes.

The moUusca observed in this and other lakes will be treated on at the end of this report.

478 Geological Repobt.

Next in order, of the lakes visited were those of LaPorte county. Within two miles of the town of LaPorte are seven lakes all of which are land-locked, having no visible source of supply or drainage. A few of the number locally called Muckshaw/' are rapidly filling with the roots and decaying tops of an enormous growth of lilies, arrowheads and aquatic grasses; all are being encroached on and through the agency of vegetal growth, will, in timCj become swampy marshes — wet, peaty meadows — dry, arable land.

Pine Lake, Lapokte County.

This lake lies about a mile northwest of LaPorte and one of a chain of adjacent lakes recently connected by ditches through the natural ridges or embankments which separated them. This body of water is about one mile long, in a north-south direction and nearly three-quarters of a mile in width. On the east and west sides, the hills are from thirty to forty feet in hight, and composed almost entirely of sand. The bed of this lake, with its substratum of stiff, blue clay, is no exception to the rule, although the superimposed deposit of sand on the shores is of greater depth than at any other lake in this region.

With the aid of one assistant, Mr. Cooke was very Isuccessful in securing representative specimens of the fishes, turtles and reptiles of this and neighboring lakes.

Temperature soundings were taken over Pine lake, beginning on the east side, near the garden landing of Mr. Allen, about five hundred feet from the shore, and moving north ; depth and temperature, at intervals of about three hundred feet, as follows :

1st. Bottom at 41 feet, temperature 59° F.

3d. " 20 " " 63° "

4th. " 17 " " 64i° ''

5th. '' 12 " " 67° "

6th. " 10 " " 67° "

8th. " 38 " 60° "

9th. " 40 " 61° "

Hydrographic Survey. 479

11th. " 80 " " "

12th. " 25 " " 64* "

13th. " 40 " " 61* "

14th. " 12 " " "

Returning to 9th station, serial temperature soundings wei'e taken at intervals of five feet, as follows .

Temperature of the air at 9 A.M.. 62* F.

" surface water 68* "

" water at depth of 5 feet 66* "

Proved the above at 16, 30 and 40 feet. Moved toward southwest corner of the lake, taking depth and temperature as follows :

let. Bottom at 50 ft., temperature 56* F.

2d. " 40 " 61* "

4ih. " 42 " 60* "

6th. " 30 " 62* "

7th. " 52 " 55* "

Took serial temperatures at the last station, as follows :

Temperatare of the air at 11 A. M 70* F.

" " surface water.. 68* "

" water at depth of 5 feet ... 68* "

" " " 52 " 55* "

The above temperature record was proved at 20, 30, 40 and 52 feet.

480 Geological Repobt.

Cleab Lake Lapobte County.

This lake lies north of and adjoining the town and is one mile across in either direction. It has uniformly low sandy shores and sustains a scattered growth of vegetation in the shallow portions. The water owes its turbid, dirty green color to the great quantity of suspended organic matter, confervffi, and perhaps minute animal organisms.

This being the first lake in the group to freeze over on the approach of winter, as stated by the citizens, it also proved upon investigation to be the shallowest. As no congelation can occur on the surface of a body of water until the whole mass has been reduced to the greatest density of fresh water, which contracts uniformly with the falling temperature to C, it follows that the shallower a lake, the less protracted the term of low temperature required to reduce it to the freezing point.

The higher temperature attained in summer by the waters of these land-locked lakes is solely due to direct radiation of the suns rays, and, as on the approach of winter the obliquity of the rays, their partial obscuration by prevailing clouds and the reduced length of the days, all aid in modifying the daily supply of heat, which is rapidly carried off by cold winds, the surface water is contracted by reduced temperature and displaces the warmer water below, which is thus brought to the surface to impart its heat to the colder air. This motion or convection of the particles is kept up until the whole vertical depth of water is brought to its greatest normal density, and at the moment of freezing it expands sufficient to keep it from sinking, after which convection ceases and the ice is thickened by radiation of heat through the congealed surface, into colder air above.

Since storing ice for summer shipment to southern markets has attracted attention in LaPorte, Clear lake has been observed to be the first of the group to freeze over and afford ice of proper thickness for storing. Just west of the otre of this lake, for a space of two or three acres, the water is only a few inches deep ; this may have been

Hydrographio Survey. 481

a small hill in the original bed of the lake but the fishermen insist that it has formed there within a few years ; that being true and no currents in the lake the cause of the accumulation is not clearly understood.

A carefiil search with the sounding line for half a daj failed to find any water more than nine and a half feet deep Forty-two soundings were made, showing from four to nine and a half feet of water, and the temperature ranged from 66 at the sur&ce to 66° at the bottom, in deepest parts.

Notwithstanding the high temperature of this shallow basin of turbid water, it is more resorted to for line fishing from boats than any other lake in the vicinity.

STONE lAKEf LAPOBTE OOITNTY.

This lake, the last one visited in this vicinity, lies about two miles northwest of town, is about three-quarters of a mile in length, and nearly as wide. It is nearly surrounded by sandy hills from twenty to forty feet high, and is one of the most beautiful sheets of water in the county ; the south shore affording sites for four or five suburban residences. Why it should be called tStone' lake is quite incomprehensible, as no rock of any description is visible in or near it ; not a single pebble was seen in the clean, well- washed sand which constitutes the bottom, the shores and the adjacent hills. The water is very free from suspended matter, and so clear that shells can be distinctly seen resting in their oozy bed, under twenty feet of water.

All the eastern half of the lake is shallow, varying in depth from six to ten feet; over a great part of which aquatic grasses are growing luxuriantly, reaching, in many places, to the surface of the water. In the western half of the lake, near the high, bold shore, the water is deeper, reaching forty-two feet at the deepest point found by the sounding line.

Beginning near the eastern margin and moving westward, bottom soundings with temperature, were taken, as follows : G. E.— 31

'482 -Geological Report.

Ist Bottom at 8 feet, temperatare.. F.

6th. " 28 " " ee? "

'6th. " 32 " " "

7th. " 36 " " 66 "

8th. " 30 " " "

10th. " 41 " " -.. "

13th. " 33 " 66° "

14th " 40 " " 55° "

16th. " 38 " " &e?

17th. " 86 " 66J° "

Returning to station No 15| serial temperatures were 'taken at intervals of five feet:

Temperature of the air at 2 p. m F.

" " surface water "

water at depth of 6 feet.

The above records were repeated with the same results at *20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 40 and 42 feet. Between 28 and 30 feet the thermometer fell 10 and was lowered to about that point several times, but no intermediate temperature was recorded. This &11 of 10 in temperature after passing a depth of 28 feet, was observed at other points in the lake £rom one to two hundred yards from station 15, where 4;he above serial recoi;id was made.

Htdroqraphic Survey. 483

Mr. Cooke and assistant made a trip to Kingsbary in the southern part of LaPorte county, and seined with good suo- XBS in a small stream tributary to Kankakee river.

While in La Porte, we received special aid and attention :from John Sutherland, Dr. T. Higday, H. C. Noe, W. H. Weller, and Messrs, Axtell and Bridges of the Teegarden House.

Centbe Lake, Kosciusko C50Unty.

Centre lake lies north of and adjoining the town of War- -saw, and is about one mile long by half a mile across. It is ed by a small tributary of Tippecanoe river, which flows out of the west side of the lake and joins the river after a tortuous course of two or three miles. The low shores and bottom are sandy ; 'lilies and water grasses have secured a &m root-hold in all the shallow parts.

Through the kindness of Judge J. H. C&rpenter and Dr. P. More, boats were procured, and in the face of a cold, high wind and approaching storm we proceeded to take soundings and temperatures in different parts of the lake. From the west side toward the middle, thence northward, the following observations were recorded :

leL Bottom at 36 feet, temperatuse F.

" 601°

" 66P

2d.

3d.

4th.

6th.

6th.

7th.

8th.

u

9th.

10th.

u

n K10

66}

" 61°

The high wind caused the boat to drift rapidly to the outh, which rendered it quite impossible to fix the stations at regular intervals or equal distances apart ; however, the following serial temperatures were taken at intervals of five

feet vertically, as nearly as practicable, in the deepest water found :

484 Geological Report.

Temperature of air at 4 P. 56'' F.

" water at depth of 6 feet 68 "

" " 16 " eff" "

" " 30 " 55*®

The second trial at 26 feet gave but the wind had, at that time increased to such a gale that further work wa impracticable.

Eaole Lake, Kosouibko Ooxtnty.

Is one and a quarter miles south of Warsaw, is two mile long from north to south and three-quarters of a mile wide. The vast accumulation of peat on the sloping shores indicate a water-level, in past time, several feet higher than at present. A heavy growth of marsh grass, on the eastern margin and at the south end, is gradually invading the water area by a slow accumulation of peaty matter, and although this was the deepest body of water visited, the time can not be very remote when its bed will be raised to the level of the adjoining arable meadows.

A small stream, having its source in the higher lands to the south, flows through this lake, and in its course, through Centre lake and thence to Tippecanoe river.

About the year 1860, some citizens of Warsaw introduced White fish {Coregonua alhus) into Eagle lake from Lake Michigan ; they are occasionally caught here, but have never become abundant. Lake herrings {ATgyro%(miit6 siscOy Jordan), closely allied to white fish, abound in all the lakes tributary to Tippecanoe river. They leave the deep water of the lakes in November, and pass into the small streams to spawn, at which time great numbers can be taken with a short seine or dip-net. They bear salting, and are much esteemed by the citizensin the vicinity of streams where they occur.

Hydroqraphio Survey. 485

After the storm of the preceding day had passed though still too cold and windy for pleasant or reliable work; we nsited Eagle lake, equipped for taking soundings and recording the temperature of the water. Starting from the the north end of the lake and moving southward, the following records were made :

Ist Bottom at 36 feet, temperature 50° F.

2d. " 37 " "

3d. " 60 " "