Belmont County: 227 
Geology and Mineralogy. 
~ On the surface is seen a rich vegetabte mould, made by the 
decay and putrefaction of vegetable substances. Along the Ohio, 
awide intervale of the richest alluvion is found, which produ- 
ces as luxuriant a growth of vegetation as any in the world.— 
‘On the banks of the creeks which pass through this country 
the alluvial soil is not so wide as that on the river, but equally 
tich and productive. On the hills (and there are many of them) 
there are two kinds of soil, the silicious and the argillaceous, 
the first is formed from the decomposition of the rocks whic 
once covered the surface, the latter from the slate which lay 
inder them. Where these rocks ‘are decomposed, and the coun- 
ity is hilly, it will readily be believed that the two kinds of soil 
are frequently blended together. In some places we see the best 
of clay for bricks: whilst in other places, and those in the vicin- 
ity of the former, we find the best of sand to mould them in when 
manufactured. Hard limestone of the very best quality is found 
in detached fragments in the sides of hills, and in strata, in abund- 
ance, along the beds of streams. 
The ruins of the sandstone formation are here seen scattered 
about in fragments, oF decomposed and intimately blended with 
those of other formations. ‘g 
Fossil coal is every where found under the hills, of the very 
best quality, and in sufficient quantity not only for the fue! of the 
Present, but many future generations, and jt is so easily obtained 
‘hat the expense of fuel is a mere trifle. The oxide of iron, or 
iron ore variously combined, is recognized in many places, and 
water combined with muriate of soda, or common salt, is as com- 
Mon. Salines or licks are found in many places, where animals 
» both wild and domesticated, resort in great numbers to drink 
the waters. These are frequently near some little water-course. 
Several sulphur and chalybeate springs are known to exist in this 
— some which throw out considerable quantities of pe- 
Ina country where iron and fossil coal exist, it is no wonder 
‘hat copperas should be found. There are places where cop- 
