26 GEOLOGICAL REPORT. 



frequently they are neatly rounded in outline, and present 

 gradually ascending slopes. Near the Gasconade and its 

 branches, their sides are often rough and precipitous. The 

 6 Ozark Mountains ' (hills would be more proper) traverse the 

 southern tier of townships and constitute the dividing ridge 

 between the waters of the Missouri and White river. The 

 bearing of this ridge is nearly east and west. The ascent from 

 the north is rather moderate, but the southern slope presents 

 usually steep declivities down to the valleys. The soils of the 

 uplands are of course greatly modified by the character of the 

 subjacent strata. Throughout much the largest portion of the 

 county, the soils are of excellent quality, and produce well, 

 while the land is just sufficiently undulating to secure proper 

 drainage. In places where the arenaceous and cherty beds of 

 the Magnesian Limestone series reach the surface, the soil is 

 thin and light, and sometimes entirely unfit for cultivation from 

 the large proportion of chert it contains. The soils of the val- 

 leys of every part of the county are remarkable for their rich- 

 ness and fertility." 



"In Green county, the heavy timber in the bottoms of the 

 Pomme de Terre and the Sac, of James' Fork of White river, 

 of Clear creek, and the Finley, clearly indicate the richness of 

 the alluvial soil in those beautiful valleys. The soil is also good 

 in a part of the country between Stephen's mill and Ray's post 

 office, in sections 17 and 18 of T. 30, R. 24, and in the larger 

 part of Grand prairie, Leaper's prairie and Buck's prairie, in 

 Ts. 26 and 27, Rs. 25 and 26. 



"In Lawrence county, in Sections 26, 27, 28 and 36, of T. 26, 

 R. 26, in the valleys of Spring, Crane, Center, and Honey 

 creeks, and in Sarcoxie and Ozark prairies, the soil is excellent. 



"In Newton county, the valleys of nearly all the streams are 

 rich and well timbered ; that of Indian creek is beautiful and 

 rich, as are also the valleys of Hickory, Shoal and Buffalo 

 creeks. 



"In Jasper, the bottoms of Silver creek, and Carver's of Spring 

 river, are rich and well timbered. Round, Dimond and Spring 

 river prairies are rich. 



