OF MARYLAND. 43 



possess numerous flocks of sheep, that find in these mountahi 

 pastures plants that impart a peculiar savouiiness to their flesh, 

 the mountain- mutto7i being equally in high repute. The deer, 

 although disappearing fast, is still an iiihabitaut of these moun- 

 tains, and togetlier with the hare, the wild turkey and phea- 

 sant, that here abound, furnish ample and profitable occupa- 

 tion to the huntsman. Notwithstanding all that is narrated of 

 panthers and bears, it is believed tiiat they seldom make tlieir 

 appearance, the most dangerous foe likely to be encountered 

 being the rattle-snake, (Croialus horridus,) or other venomous 

 reptiles of the same kind. The clear and cool streams that 

 water the glades, finally, furnisli a delicious trout (Sal/no 

 fario,) whilst the more considerable branches supply a species 

 of large eel which is much esteemed. 



Having thus furnished an account of the great outlines in 

 the physical geography of the state, it will be necessary now 

 to indicate its prominent geological features, from its western 

 limits to the sea-board. 



The most important feature in the geology of Allegany 

 county is derived from the occurrence within its limits of two 

 extensive coal measures, embracing considerable deposites of 

 iron-ore. The first, believed to be the larger of the two, but 

 the more remote, occupies the basin of the Youghagany, lying 

 between the Briery mountains and the Winding ridge at the 

 north- west corner of the state. The largest bed of coal in this 

 district, which has been so far oidy partially examined, is said 

 to measure twenty feet in thickness, and to be of excellent 

 quahty. Smaller beds associated with argillaceous iron-ore 

 were found much mixed with shale containing iron pyrites. 

 On the western slope of Winding ridge there occurs an exten- 

 sive deposile of clay, embracing nodules of argillaceous iron- 

 ore, resting upon sandstone and covered by a stratum of 

 calcareous marl. This deposite also contains nodules of a 

 mineral substance, consisting of lime, clay and oxide of iron, 

 answering very nearly the description of the substance that 

 yields the Parker's cement of English writers. The other 

 accompanying strata are principally slates and shales, with 

 subordinate beds of limestone. And the only useful mineral 

 as yet known to exist in this portion of the state, besides those 

 just mentioned, is oxide of manganese, occurring of good 

 quality on Bear creek, and very ferruginous on Keyser's ridge. 



