332 THE INNER OR UPPER BARRIER 



The Barriers which probably restrained the Waters, in some 

 parts of North America, after the Jlncient Ocean had re- 

 tired. 



If we examine the face of the country, we shall pro- 

 bably discover the remains of the old dams or barriers 

 by which the waters were restrained, for a considerable 

 time after the ocean had subsided. 



I. THE INNER OR UPPER BARRIER. 



One of these seems to have circumscribed to a certain 

 degree the waters of the original lake Ontario. It is re- 

 ported to be distinguishable on a mountainous ridge be- 

 yond the river St. Lawrence, in Upper Canada, and si- 

 tuated northeast of Kingston. Passing thence into the 

 state of New-York, it may be traced as it divides the 

 streams which empty into the present lake from those 

 which discharge into the river St. Lawrence. It thus 

 separates the Black Iliver from the Oswegatche. Passing 

 along, it parts the head waters of the Hudson from the 

 La Grasse, the Racket and St. Regis, which run in the op- 

 posite direction, or northward. This elevation or mound 

 appears to have been continued to the north end of lake 

 George, and to have formed the mountainous ridge on 

 the east side of that lake. It apparently travelled along, 

 crossing the Hudson above Hadley Falls; and passing to 

 the southward of Sacondago, crossed the Mohawk at the 

 Little Falls. 



There can be no reasonable doubt that a more correct 

 and minute survey will delineate the continuation of this 

 mound, or of its ruins, toward the eastern sources of the 

 Susquehannah, and particularly the branch called Char- 



