97 



each side, are, in general, from twenty to twenty-five 

 feet above low water. The second, which are at a 

 greater or less distance from the rivers, are from thir- 

 ty to fifty feet above the first, and sometimes more. 



tions. But as no one has hitherto attempted it, that I know of, it 

 is impossible for me to point out the number of plains with their 

 extent and limits, that may be contained within this vast district. 

 This much, however, I may venture to assert, from my own obser- 

 vations, and from verbal testimony. 



The highest level of our alluvial district is that part, I believe, 

 which joins upon the granite ridge, or range of primitive formation. 

 At right angles from this range, or in a south east direction, it ex- 

 tends to the distance of between twenty-five and thirty miles, 

 nearly on the same level. From thence, on very good authority, 

 there is a sensible difference in the height of the general level of 

 the soil above the ocean. This extends to a similar distance, 

 whence there is an obvious but gradual descent to the ocean. And, 

 moreover, what seems worthy of further notice is, that the second 

 range of plains or levels, seems to be, by far, the most abundant in 

 fossil organick remains. Whether so or not, it is a subject by no 

 means unworthy of a more particular attention. 



Since writing the above, I find the following interesting facts 

 mentioned by Mr. Bartram in his travels through East and West 

 Florida : 



4< In our progress from the sea coast, we rise gradually, by se- 

 veral steps or ascents, in the following manner. First, from the 

 sea coast, fifty miles back, is a level plain, generally, of a loose 

 sandy soil, producing spacious high forests," &c. 



Secondly, * 4 We now rise a bank of considerable height, which 

 runs nearly parallel to the sea coast, through Carolina and Geor- 

 gia : the ascent is gradual by several flights of steps, for eight or 

 ten miles, the perpendicular height whereof, above the level of the 



