12 JOURNAL OF THE 



State Geologist lie dev^oted himself first to these western coun- 

 tieSj whieli had been more or less neglected by Dr. Emmons. 

 He traveled, mainly in the saddle, 1,700 miles over mountain 

 roads and mountains without roads, within less than four* 

 months; and in two seasons (parts of 1866 and 1867) traveled 

 on horseback a distance of more than 4,000 miles. 



It was during this rapid reconnoissance of the mountain region 

 that he became acquainted with many of the problems which 

 the structure and drainage of this region present. The drain- 

 age, especially, interested him, and he recognized what appears 

 to be the true explanation of the origin of its prominent fea- 

 tures, viz., the existence of the Blue Ridge as the original water- 

 divide, from the crest of which, at approximately right angles 

 to its course, flowed the accumulated waters of the larger 

 streams; the subsequent slow and gradual elevation of the 

 Smoky Mountains and the intervening plateau region on the 

 west, through which the rivers eroded their YnWeys, pari passu , 

 as the elevation progressed. The smaller streams tributary to 

 these rivers as a rule have their general course at right angles to 

 the latter, and parallel to the mountain range and to the out- 

 crop of the more or less nearly vertical strata, into the upturned 

 edges of the less durable layers, of which they have carved their 

 channels. During these and subsequent years he collected a 

 large amount of material with a view to writing a special report 

 on the drainage and physical structure and history of this 

 region; but the press of other duties, and later, declining 

 health, prevented its preparation. 



Durins; his entire connection with the survev Professor Kerr 

 spent a considerable portion of his time in field explorations. He 

 traveled a good deal along the lines of railroads, on hand-cars or 

 on foot, leaving the railroad at intervals to examine soils, rocks, 

 mines, &c. At other times he traveled in a buggy or spring 

 wagon, prepared especially for his purpose, or in hilly regions 

 on horseback. In studying the geology of the eastern region of 

 the State, along the water courses, he traveled by boat. 



