377 



tion to it, as constituting one of the criteria, by which 

 we are enabled to form correct notions of the changes 

 that have taken place in almost all alluvial regions, 

 and particularly the one under consideration. 



Independently of the many places that have been 

 pointed out, where fossil remains of wood are formed ; 

 it is mentioned by Mr. Bartram and Mr. Stoddard,* 

 as being abundant in several places on the Mississippi 

 river, at, and below low water, and at a great depth 

 below the surface of the lands. These remains may 

 be traced in many places, and to a great distance in the 

 Mississippi valley ; but in no instance, that I know of, 

 are, they to be seen- between the lower deposite or 

 stratum, and the surface of the earth; at least, at any 

 place above New Orleans. 



To what extent towards the mouth of the Missis- 

 sippi river this stratum of fossil wood is to be found, 

 I am unable to say ; but if respectable verbal testi- 

 mony may be relied on, it may be traced to a great 

 distance below New Orleans. But whether this be 

 true or not, it is mentioned that in a canal lately dug 

 by the Baron de Carondolet, between Lake Ponchar- 

 train and the Mississippi, "a substratum of black 

 earth was discovered, mixed with the remains of 

 trees."! 



The existence of a stratum of fossil wood, in this 

 and many other places, below low water, and in situa- 



* See Bartrara's Travels, and Stoddard's Sketches, 

 t Volney's View, page 61. 



49 



