THE DRIFTLESS REGION. OF WISCONSIN 827 
Stratified beds.—In the valleys up to about one hundred feet 
above the river, the loess usually overlies stratified beds. The 
upper surface of the main body of the beds is not as highas given, 
but beds of similar character, of no great thickness, persist for 
a short but indefinite distance up the hillside. The thickest 
section I have seen shows about fifteen feet without exposing the 
base. In composition, sand forms by far the most abundant 
element, especially in the thickest places. Clay is present how- 
ever, in some places interstratified with sand, and stones not 
exceeding a few pounds weight are plentifully included, all of 
local origin. The transition to the overlying loess is abrupt. 
Peculiar stratum.—In one valley there is exposed a bed which, 
though of small size (four feet thick, and but a few rods inextent), 
possesses considerable interest from the fact that it contains peb- 
bles of extra-local origin (granite, etc.). It intervenes between 
the stratified beds and the loess and is sharply distinguished from 
both. It is entirely unstratified, but presents a somewhat mot- 
tled appearance due to the imperfect mingling of the component 
elements, sand, clay, etc. It also contains stones of local origin 
not exceeding a few pounds weight. Its position both strati- 
graphically and topographically is such that it cannot be referred 
wrested from its place as glaciers are accustomed to wrest a portion of their burden 
the suspicion of an origin by creep or slide or wash, or at least of some origin other 
than glacial, is invited. 
But in view of the recent article by Mr. Frederick W. Sardeson in the December 
number of the American Geologist, in which the occurrence of glaciation in the drift- 
less area is confidently announced on the basis of much more limited studies than 
those of Mr. Squier, and upon formations much more open to doubt than those near 
Tomah and Trempealeau, since they are described as wholly composed of sandstone, 
chert and earthy matter all referable to the residuary class, while the crowns of the 
ridges which closely overlook the valley on both sides are limestone, it is obvious that 
it might be unjust to Mr. Squier to urge longer search for the desired critical data 
before publication. It is even possible that this urgency in the past and the delay in 
the publication of his observations may not be free from the appearance of injustice. 
But fortunately the good judgment of geologists does not, in the better habit of today, 
rest much upon technical priority, but almost wholly upon the care and the complete- 
ness of the investigation. It has seemed only fair to Mr. Squier, however, to state 
thus fully the extent of his studies and the occasion of the delay in their published 
appearance. 
T. C. CHAMBERLIN. 
