212 GEOLOGY OF THE SECOND DISTRICT. 



them is only one mile, the land but little elevated above the surface of the former, and the 

 difference of level only between twenty and thirty leet. 



Thus it appears, that by excavations equal in the aggregate to six and a half miles, and an 

 amount of two hundred and forty feet lockage, continuous lines of navigation through, and 

 connecting these two rivers, may bo formed, equal in extent to two hundred and ten miles ; 

 and that this would be increased probably to more than three hundred, if we take into conside- 

 ration the coasts of the lakes. 



Respectfully yours, 



FARRAND N. BENEDICT. 



Valleys. 



Leaving out of view the numerous defiles and long narrow depressions between the ranges 

 of hills and mountains, there are but few which are entitled to the appellation of valleys. 

 The mountains press and crowd generally so closely upon tlie shores of the lakes and rivers, 

 that only narrow intervals remain between the banks of the latter and the steep sides of the 

 former. 



In following up the main branches of the Hudson to tlieir sources, spaces are passed which 

 expand into valleys, rarely exceeding two miles in width. The valleys upon the east branch 

 are the best known, as this branch passes through the most thickly settled parts of the county. 

 Thus from the outlet of Schroon lake, a valley extends to the north part of West-Moriah. 

 It is bounded by high abrupt mountains on the west, on the range which terminates at Wills- 

 borough ; and on the east, by the range between West-Moriah and Lake Champlain. It is 

 intercepted on the north by the former range, between West-Moriah and Elizabethtown. It 

 is bottomed on drift, the debris of the adjacent mountains ; and high above the present bed 

 of this branch of the Hudson, rounded stones, like those which now form its banks, are 

 abundant. It is evident that this valley has been, at some former period, the great course 

 through which flowed waters of much greater importance than the present stream. 



Valleys apparently more extensive exist on the other branch of the Hudson ; but being 

 enveloped mostly in a wilderness, their characters are but indistinctly known. Upon the 

 Bouquet is a wide and level plain, which has received the name of " the Valley." It might 

 be called " the Beautiful Valley of the Bouquet." It is truly one of great beauty, when taken 

 in connection with the high and alpine range which bounds it upon the west, and which forms 

 the main chain of mountains of the northern counties. This valley is about four hundred 

 feet above Lake Champlain at Westport, seven miles distant. It is also bottomed upon thick 

 beds of clay, gravel and sand. The clay appears to be the same as that upon the lake, and 

 I have been told that shells or fossils have been found in it. I am not able to verify this 

 statement, but still have some confidence in it. 



