202 The Tacoivk System. [Oct., 



most important, as well as the clearest lines of division in the pre- 

 sent Silurian system, is at the top of the Hudson river series, which 

 terminates at the Oneida conglomerate. But we are not disposed 

 to discuss the subject further at this time. We however propose 

 to avail ourselves of the present opportunity to repeat, that as it 

 regards the Silurian and Devonian systems, we should prefer ex- 

 tendins the Silurian to the base of the carboniferous. The ob- 

 stacks to this extension of the series are not insurmountable. 

 We do not now see that principles w411 be violated, or well es- 

 tablished rules broken, so far as the New Yerk rocks are con- 

 cerned. 



As to the name which shall be employed to designate this 

 great series, we prefer that which has been adopted quite gene- 

 rally in this country, the New York system, so far as this coun- 

 try is concerned. The advantages arising from the perfection of 

 the series, and the impossibility of mistaking it for any other, 

 provided due care is taken in making comparisons, are quite im- 

 portant. The territory also, or the geographical boundaries aid 

 their study, each section of the state being underlaid with a well- 

 defined part of the system, except that adjacent to the Hudson 

 river and Lake Champlain, where the Taconic system appears, 

 and which supports some of the lower members of the New York 

 system. We are willing however to adopt those names or divi- 

 sions which have upon the whole the highest claim to favor. 



REMARKS ON THE TACONIC SYSTEM. 



[Containing in part the discussion upon this subject, at the meeting of the 

 American Association of Naturalists at New York, September, 1846.] 



Some apology is due perhaps to our agricultural readers, for the 

 introduction of so much matter in which "many have but little in- 

 terest. As a general rule, we intend the interests of agriculture 

 shall have the principal place. We must however, occasionally 

 introduce matter whose bearing upon agriculture is or may ap- 

 pear quite distant, and in which many readers will feel that it is 



