ee ee. 
eS : we ** ss 
rs OR. Wi Wells on Prairies. « . ~~ 8h ia” 
yields to no other in the variety, or the value of its das 
_ productions. We owe itato “Ourselves and to the priori to . 
- search them out with diligence and without delay. — m= 
Somers, (NV. Y.) Oct. 1818. es 
' ‘ Brae 
Art. II. On the Origin of Prairies. - on 
E 
* 
St. Louis, (Missouri Ter.) March 3, 1819. 
Sir, 
Tie probable cause of the origin and continuance of prai- 
ries has been the subject of much speculation among the 
learned and curious. The inquiry is interesting; and many 
theories have arisen; but although plausible and ingenious, 
they are, in my opinion, unfounded in fact. 
Ishould be glad to see the following remarks, which were 
called forth more particularly by the speculations of Cale 
Atwater, Esq. (See No. 2. p. 116. of this work) appear in 
your valuable Journal of Science; and they are, for that pur- 
pose, at your service. 
With high respect, I am, Sir, your’s 
: R. W. . 
Benjamin Silliman, Esq. <p 
Mr. Atwater, after describing the prairies and barrens, says, 
that according to the common opinion, they “were occa- 
sioned entirely by the burning of the woods,” but, “ erro- 
neous information first propagated such an opinion, and blind 
credulity has extended it down to us.” Mr. A. goes on to 
aflirm that, “wherever prairies and barrens are found, . 
there, for a long space of time, water once stood, bat se 
gradually drained off.” The writer of this having often visited 
and observed with attention the nature aud appearance of the 
Prairies on the Alleghany mountains, in the states of Ohio, ee 
diana, and Illinois, and having long been employed by the 
United States as a surveyor in the prairie country of the 
