INTRODUCTION. 



TiiF, publication of (lif Final Reports on the Geology of the State of New-York made 

 known, in a very satisfactory manner, the true oriler and sequence among the strata, from 

 the older crystalline, or azoic rocks, to the Carboniferous system. The subdivisions then 

 proposed had been wrouglit out with much care, and though in their main features based 

 upon lithological characters, had nevertheless been studied in reference to their fossil 

 organic contents, and eacli group was illustrated by a few typical species. Still it remained 

 to ascertain more conclusively whether the divisions proposed were, in all cases, important 

 and distinct groups, characterized by an assemblage of fossils sufficiently numerous and 

 constant to be reliable over wide areas, and under considerable lithological variations. 

 With this view, the study of the palaeozoic features of each group has been pursued with 

 attention ; and though the entire series is yet incompletely made out, there is still enough 

 known to prove more conclusively the propriety of retaining tlic subdivisions heretofore 

 established. 



In proposing the groups at that time adopted, and imiting the whole series of strata as a, 

 single system, it was not for want of means of distinguishing tlie limits of the more impor- 

 tant subdivisions. The entire succession was regarded as forming a series intimately linked 

 together by the nature of its organic contents, and showing no very important changes, 

 till we arrive at the base of the Old Red Sandstone. It is true, we found no difficulty in 

 recognizing, in a general manner, the subdivisions of the Silurian system, and also, in the 

 higher part of the series, a large number of fossil species identical with Devonian forms. 

 Still, if we are to admit among species of Silinian date, those forms from our Hamilton 

 group, so analogous, and in several cases identical, witli tiiose of (lie Ludlow rocks of 

 England, it becomes impossible to recognize, as distinct from these, any Devonian rocks. 

 Indeed we find the species liere alluded to, so mingled with others of Devonian character, 

 that we are forced to admit the whole as belonging to the latter sj-stem. Tracing the suc- 

 cession downwards, also, from this latter point, we find, in tlie organic contents, no evidence 

 of a change of sufficient importance to indicate the commencement of another great division 

 of the system, till we pass below all those rocks (the Corniferous and Onondaga limestones) 

 charged with Favosites, CyathophyUi, and other forms, of which many appear to be 



