22 Sketch of the Geology of Northern Russia. 
and glitter in the sun like drifts of snow, while the purity of their 
colors, their powdery texture, and furrowed surfaces, channeled and 
waved, as if by the action of the wind, contribute to deceive the ob- 
server, and produce the most perfect resemblance.” Starry crystal- 
lizations of selenite are found in the rocks. Red rock marl forms the 
neighboring district, and alabaster exists in subordinate beds. The 
red marl found along the Volga, produces the finest corn, grass, and 
oaks. The black earth makes the finest corn land, but is less favor- 
able to oaks, being overrun with wormwood, but subdued by culti- 
vation, yields abundant crops. 
On the bank of the Volga, opposite Tetusky, stand the ruins of 
Bolgary, the ancient capital of the Tartars. Remains of minarets, 
baths, arabesque figures, and chain patterns carved in stone, indicate 
its former magnificence ; while coins, inscribed with the names of 
Mongol princes, dug up from the gardens and fields, leave no doubt 
of its origin. These ruins are on a hill, composed of a loose sandy 
rock, covered with a black soil of extraordinary fertility. The ground 
is covered with the yellow flowers of the Scabiosa Tatarica—the 
hop climbs upon the ancient minaret, and the peasant swings his 
sickle among the most luxuriant harvests, where the Tartar Czar 
wielded his sceptre. 
The same sand rock extends north east to Cazan, where a greyish 
yellow limestone appears, distinctly oolitic, full of organic remains ; 
containing also concretions of radiated quartz. A ridge of hills oppo- 
site Cazan, skirts the whole eastern part of the “ High Steppe of 
Pallas,” and the right bank of the Volga. Beds of limestone alter- 
nating with red and white marl, are also seen. 
In the central parts of Russia, a black clay containing green sand 
and pyrites, and full of organic remains, is deposited in patches, and 
occasional large slabs containing ammonites, beautifully iridescent, 
are found lymg on the surface of the ground. 
The central mining district is in general a poor sandy country be- 
longing to the red marl formation. Several extensive iron works 
supply the interior of Russia with that metal. In the gloomy forest 
of Mouram at the depth of sixty feet, below a sandy surface, are 
found beds of ironstone of many varieties, of which the pale yellow 
brown ore is principally worked. In the vicinity are chalybeate and 
sulphureous springs. ‘This district embraces parts of several govern- 
ments beginning with Novogorod and extending west to Calouga. 
sone, legen a 
