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4 J^r. Beckwith on the Subterranean 



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declivity of a hill, over which the States-ville road pa^scs^ 

 half a mile beyond Second Creek, near GilJehans, eight 

 miles from Salisbury. In order to gratify my curiosity, I 

 obtained some hands from a plantation in the neighbour- 

 hood, to explore it some short distance. Within twelve inch 

 cs from the surface, 1 found a wall pursuing a North-East and 

 South- West course, constructed in the same manner with 

 the others. The stones (No. 3.) lie across the wall, which 

 is about seven inches wide. It possesses all the properties 

 which characterize the others, whether of regularity, colour, 

 and texture of the stones, cement, or any other circuili- 

 stance. This is also embraced by coarse gravel. My time 

 did not permit me to pursue it to any considerable depth or 

 extent. Two miles South of Robleys, on the plantation of 

 Daniel Biles, I found a vein of it crossing the point of a hill, 

 the specimen is marked No 4. On the Charlotte roT^d nine 

 mile S. S* West from Sahsbury, and four S. West from 

 Gillehans, it again makes its appearance on the surface of 

 the ground, ; specimens marked No. 5. About a mile from 

 Town on the East, I have lately discovered a wall of simi- 

 lar construction. It makes its appearance in a gutter, worn 

 by the rains in their descent by the highway, on a gentle 

 declivity, — the specimens are marked No. 6. There are 

 many other places, some on the North side of the main 

 Yadkin, to which I could refer if necessary, where there 

 are evident traces of similar veins; most of them lie very 

 near or upon the surface, and a person tolerably familiar 

 with their appearance, can detect them without difficulty. 

 They all, so far as my observation extends, observe the 

 same general course, viz. N. East and S. West. None of 

 these stones are to be found in any part of the country, ex- 

 cept in or near these veins- 



1 have declined meddling with the discussion, touching 

 the question of the origin or nature of these Dykes ; but if I 

 might be permitted to express an opinion upon the subject, 

 it would be widely different from the one advanced by both 

 these reverend gentlemen. They seem to have no difficulty 

 in arriving at the conclusion that these walls are the result 

 of human skill and industry, and have indulged in a number 

 of curious conjectures as to their probable design. The 

 opinion given by the late Dr. ^^'oodhouse, professor of 

 Chemistry in the Universitv of Pennsvlvania, in his replv 



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