146 Geology of Upper Ilinois. 
linois. The prospect from this point is inimitably fine. A long 
stretch of the valley, both up the river and down, is at full com- 
mand. The river here flows over a level rocky floor, and the wa- 
ter is so clear as to enable one to discern the large fish swimming 
quietly along upon its bottom ; while at no great distance, flocks 
of wild geese, in the most unalarmed manner, occupy the bosom 
of the stream. A large island, wooded with an almost tropical 
denseness and luxuriance, is situated in the river nearly opposite 
to the rock, which greatly adds to the beauty of the scene. An- 
other point of interest occurs in the topography of the valley just 
before we reach Rockwell. It is where the Consogin river cuts 
the bluff and enters the meadows. Its present issue is at right 
angles to the course of the valley; anciently, however, it did not 
find its exit so high up the valley, by more than half a mile, but 
on reaching its present mouth, it turned down the Illinois, (still — 
within the high prairie,) and continued nearly to Camp-rock, (X 
on the map.) The wearing away of the bluff, by the waters 
which excavated the Illinois valley, in progress of time, however, 
g a new outlet to the Consogin, in consequence of which, 
a long ridge of prairie stands insulated upon the bottom-lands, 
whose shape and contiguity to the main bluff render it a conspicu- 
ous object. It has been called Chimborazo, and the idea of build- 
ing upon it a town, as well as upon Buffalo-rock, has even been 
entertained by some individuals in this region; but of both these 
situations it may be said, that the inducements to occupy them are 
rather such as are connected with fine views of valley scenery, 
than with the actual facilities and conveniences of life. 'The ca- 
nal passes directly under the south side of Chimborazo, though it 
is said to have been for a time debated, whether the better route 
would not be in the ancient channel of the Consogin. It is, more- 
over, a singular circumstance relating to the Consogin, that on 
entering the valley, it soon loses itself, and does not rise into view 
until it has passed Camp-rock, (X on the map,) when it begins to 
re-appear in a considerable sheet of water, especially as it enters 
the town of Rockwell. It here forms, directly under the bluff; 
a narrow lake, five or six hundred feet in length, by more than 
one hundred in width, which in seasons of the greatest drought 
has a depth of about six feet. I am the more particular in des- 
‘the situation and dimensions of this strip of water, be- 
cause, from its particular location in relation to the Hlinois river 
