Chautauqua Grape Belt. 157 



This is the main reason why the grape belt does not extend far east 



of Silver Creek. Even in the distance of a few miles, from the 



lake to the crest of the hill, where grape raising practically ceases, 



there is much variation in climate, as has already been pointed out. 



Considering the three lielts of soil from the standpoint of their 



adaptability to grape raising, the hillside soils are of least value, 



the climate is least favorable, and the surface configuration of the 



land is least adapted to this industry. The lake clay soils are of 



poorer grade than the gravel soils, but the climate is in favor of 



this belt. The defect of soil texture, which is against most of the 



lake clay soils, can be readily overcome by a very little intelligent 



study of the conditions ; and so there seems to be no reason why 



the vineyards should not extend from the base of the hill to the 



lake. Indeed, the favorable climatic conditions make this industry 



possible even on the hillsides for a considerable elevation above the 



plain. 



Influence of the Gravel Ridges. 



One of the most striking influences of the gravel ridges is upon 

 the roads. For the greater part of the distance, each of the two 

 main gravel strips is occupied by a road which is remarkable for its 

 levelness and for the gravelly material which makes the excellent 

 roadbed. Travelling is therefore extremely easy, and it is very 

 probable that this natural roadway was the site of an Indian trail. 

 Even the position of the towns is often determined by the gravel 

 ridges. Several of the villages and towns, east of Silver Creek, are 

 (including Hamburg) on the gravel ; and west of this town, in New 

 York, every place of any size on the Erie shore (excepting Dunkirk, 

 which is so situated because of its port) is located on the gravel 

 ridges. This is true of Sheridan, Fredonia, Brockton, Portland, 

 Westfield and Ripley. 



Another important influence is upon the water supply. The 

 gravel furnishes a reservoir through which the water percolates 

 along the junction with the clay ; and at the base of the gravel 

 ridges, springs occur where the line of junction nears or reaches 

 the surface. So important is this underground reservoir that not 

 only are the houses on the ridges easily supplied with water, but 

 houses below the beaches are in some cases furnished with water 

 from this source. 



