FROM CARLISLE TO THE OHIO 253 



opinion, from plant-mould accumulated and changed), 

 and this again covered with such deep layers of other 

 mineral species ; and how many more years would still 

 be requisite for a stream to sink its channel, below this 

 coal-stratum, 60-80 ft. deeper? The singularity of 

 this coal-bed is an item of great convenience to the 

 inhabitants. The coals dug out are merely poured into 

 a trench furrowed in the steep wall of the mountain, 

 and thence rolled down to the edge of the river, where 

 they are immediately taken in by the boats lying ready. 

 The vein of these coals is 10-12-18 ft. wide, and ex- 

 tends throughout the length of the mountain. The 

 coals are clean, light, and glistening, not so glassy as 

 those of Wyoming, but more combustible and without 

 any disagreeable smell. A part of the fuel for the 

 garrison having been taken from this mountain, the 

 vein has been worked a considerable distance ; but for 

 convenience fresh spots are continually being trenched. 

 Moreover, the coals are the property of the land- 

 owners, who, for the trifling payment of a penny the 

 bushel, allow any one to fetch them away. The great 

 supply will be uncommonly advantageous in the future 

 settlement of this region, contributing as it will to the 

 more general cultivation of the land, less wood having 

 to be reserved. Also the use of the minerals here will 

 be facilitated, and these coals will even form a con- 

 siderable article for export. But coal is found not only 

 here but in almost every hill on both sides the Ohio 

 throughout the western country, and most of the 

 mountain valleys contain coal-beds. 



But with other minerals also are these remote regions 

 richly and variously supplied. Iron and lead are found 

 at many places near the Ohio and its tributaries. Lead 



