[23] 



110 



At present the waters are contracted into the narrow channel of Aquia 

 creek, about 15 feet wide. 



One of the quarries on this island is known by the name of Stewart's 

 quarry, but now owned by Mr. Symington, of Baltimore. To liie north 

 and south of it are two others, belonging to the United States. 



The columns of the east portico of the Capitol, each of a single piece 

 weighing 18 tons, were obtained at these United States quarries. 



The principal ledge hitherto worked here has a covering of only two or 

 three feet of earth, and lies nearly horizontal, in a vast bed from six to 

 eight or 10 feet in thickness, without the slightest apparent seam. For 

 this reason, though the bed is so near the surface, it has been quarried at 

 great expense, at least by the method hitherto employed, which is to 

 groove it behind and on one side two feet wide, (or suflicient to receive a 

 man,) in a vertical direction, even to its base, and then " loft" it off in a 

 horizontal direction by the introduction of wedges at the bottom of the 

 bed in the direction of the stratiticaiion. 



I'his Lsland freestone is of light color, almost 7.'hite when dry ; and is 

 equal, if not superior, in texture and color, to any of the sandstones in 

 this neigborhood. That on Symington's tract (see specimen JSo. 27) is 

 rather of a finer grain than in either of the United States quarries; (see 

 specimen 28.) 



Part of the rock employed on the inside of the Post Office was procured 

 on this island. 



Numerous other quarries are f)und in this vicinity, many of them well 

 opened and wrought to a considerable extent. JNone are, however, imme- 

 diately on the bank of Aquia creek. Some lie to the east of the swamp, 

 in the ridge which lies between Aquia creek and the Potomac river, and 

 distant from the latter stream from three to seven miles. These were not 

 visited, as there were no means of crossing the swamp. Others have 

 been opened in many places along the banks of Rocky run. 



The stream empties into Austin's run, which bounds the island and 

 swamp on the southwest. That nearest to Aquia creek is distant Ironi 

 half a mile \^ three quarters of a mile, and is situated on the south side 

 of Rocky run, close to the road which leads from the island to Captain 

 Towson's. This quarry affords a tolerable freestone, (see specimen INo. 

 29,) but it has spots and streaks in it, and is of rather a coarser texture 

 and not so uniform in color as the Island quarry. 



About one mile further on the same road, and distant about a mile 

 and a half from Aquiacreek, on the north side of Rocky run, is Towson'.s 

 Beech quarry, which has been wrought to a considerable extent, and has, 

 as most of the quarries here, a fine face on it, all having been worked on 

 the old-fashioned plan of " grooving" and " lofting," as heretofore de- 

 scribed. The rock at this locality is of a very fair quality ; little inferior 

 to Symington's Island quarry, (see specimen JNo. 30,) and well situated 

 as regards drainage and covering for quarrying. Occasional clay and fer- 

 rucrinous spots are visible ; but a large supply could probably be obtained 

 here, by proper selection, free from any very unsightly flaws or blemishes. 



Half a mile further on, or two miles from Aquia creek, on the south 

 side of Rocky run, is Robinson's quarry, the property of Mr. Galehorn. 



It will be observed, by specimen numbered 31, that the texture of the 

 rock at this place is rather finer, and the color more of a buff, than at the 

 previously described quarry. 



