376 



In this instance, so familiar to every person, it is 

 well known that every object which is opposed to the 

 winds, so as to obstruct its current, causes it to be ele- 

 vated ; so that in passing over the obstruction, to min- 

 gle again in the general current, this arch is formed, 

 proportioned, as in all cases, to the velocity of the 

 wind, the height of the opposing object, arid the angle 

 which it forms with the horizon. 



Through, and beneath this arch, the snow, being 

 specifically much heavier than air, is deposited and 

 forms a drift. As soon as this drift or bank has risen 

 sufficiently high to oppose the winds, a perpendicular 

 front is soon formed, against which the wind is for- 

 cibly hurried, and being elevated into the air is swept 

 over the drift, depositing beneath the arch, or in the 

 eddy, and on the top of the drift, the snow that is ele- 

 vated by it. In this way the drift is raised in front, 

 and gradually descending to the level of the surround- 

 ing mass. 



Waiving for the present, any further remarks on this 

 particular part of the subject, which, though interest- 

 ing in itself, may be considered a kind of digression, 

 I shall proceed to an examination of the second fact. 



Among the proofs of the operations of currents, that 

 have overran this continent, and probably every other, 

 the existence of fossil organick remains, at a great depth 

 in the earth, and particularly of wood, has already been 

 frequently mentioned in this work. It becomes neces- 

 sary, however, in the present instance to bring it again 

 into view, and in a particular manner to invite atten- 



