190 Agricultural Geology of Onondaga County. [April, 



The marl beds are general, but probably quite recent deposits 

 in this county, having the same origin as the tufa; and the pre- 

 vent, to a certain extent, the direct penetration of the surface 

 water into these ancient drift beds. 



The general slope of the country is towards the lake, or towards 

 the north. The streams flowing from the higher rocks cut 

 through their softer strata, and thereby form north and south 

 valleys, in extent proportioned to their size. From these slopes, 

 which are usually gentle, numerous springs issue, which often 

 render the land wet, and hence require a drainage, the main cuts 

 of which must run parallel with the valley. 



Facts ill Meteorology. — It is important in all calculations con- 

 cerning the agricultural capabilities of a country, to ascertain its 

 mean temperature, and the mean annual quantity of water which 

 falls upon its surface. Very few contributions have been made 

 to agricultural science in these departments of meteorology, by 

 the journals of the day. 



In this county the temperature favors vegetation, and yet we 

 meet with extremes even here, which is due to the height of some 

 parts of its surface. 



The mean temperature of Pompey hill, the highest land in the 

 county, for 14 years, is 44°. 09. This place is found, from a 

 series of observations, to be the coldest place in the state, being 

 3°. 52 colder than the average of the state. The thermometer, 

 however, does not sink so low in winter, nor do the autumnal 

 frosts occur so early, as in the state generally. The observed 

 temperature at Pompey for 16 years, was 42°.91. The 44°.09 

 being the calculated temperature, which is due from height and 

 latitude. At Onondaga the observed temperature for 14 years, was 

 47°. 54; making a difference of temperature in two places con- 

 tiguous to each other, of 4°.63. 



Onondaga Hollow is probably favorably situated for represent- 

 ing the average temperature of the lower and more level portions 

 of the county ; while Pompey represents that of the most elevated 

 The observed temperature of Auburn (in Cayuga co.), for 15 

 years, was 46°.86. The temperature of Lewiston (Niagara co.), 



