402 PHILOSOPHY OF STORMS. 



rocks, which have been laid bare to a considerable extent, 

 and which were before invisible, rising tier above tier, and 

 receding from below upwards. A great quantity of earth 

 and stones were washed into the plane below, together with 

 a part of the trees, and shrubs, and carried to the distance 

 of ten, twenty, and in some instances thirty, rods. A much 

 larger mass lies immediately at the bottom. The trees have 

 been since chiefly removed. There are two or three other 

 similar excavations not far distant. They may be seen at 

 the distance of fifteen or twenty miles, on the high grounds 

 eastward. 



South of this ridge, at the distance of one or two miles, is 

 another of less elevation, presenting on the eastern declivity 

 similar ravages, in two or more places. These I did not 

 examine particularly. 



Generally, it may be stated that, within the limits of this 

 township there are nine or ten similar excavations on the 

 sides of the mountains, and sharp ridges, which were occa- 

 sioned by this storm ; that in each instance there exists no 

 reason to believe that the water was accumulated from the 

 neighboring grounds ; that the ravages commenced sud- 

 denly, and are large and deep at their commencement ; that 

 the dead leaves and brush lying immediately above, and at 

 the sides, do not appear to bear any marks of a change of 

 position, nor to have been in any manner disturbed from the 

 flowing of water; and that the configuration of the ground 

 is in each instance such, as to forbid the supposition, that 

 the water might have accumulated from the adjoining 

 ground. Did a cloud highly surcharged with water, rest 

 upon each of these places, till its contents were emptied? 

 Did water-spouts discharge themselves here ? 



