Economical Geology of Massachusetts. 377 



contain : also accurate analyses of the crops grown on soils with different manures; 

 and investigations as to the manner in which calcareous matter acts upon vegeta- 

 ble and animal substances : as also experiments directed by an able and experienced 

 chemist, on the best mode of bringing into use the vast deposites of geine and ve- 

 getable fibre which our state contains. And since we have chemists of this char- 

 acter among us. why should not the services of at least one of them be secured for 

 this object.'' The geological surveyor might often collect substances for analysis ; 

 but if obliged to go as thoroughly into the chemistry of the subject as is necessary 

 to valuable results, he cannot within any reasonable time accomplish the more ap- 

 propriate objects of his appointment. In at least one state of the Union, where 

 geological surveys are in progress, one gentleman is appointed, whose time and at- 

 tention are exclusively devoted to ihe chemical examination of the soils, ores, &c., 

 collected. And I would fondly believe, that Massachusetts will not rest satisfied, 

 till this work is done at least as thoroughly as in any other state. I believe there 

 is abundant labor for an experienced chemist upon our soils alone : but many other 

 substances, found in the state, ought to be analysed, that their real value may be 

 known. 



Among the secondary considerations relative to the soils of 

 Massachusetts, yet unsupplied in the report for want of time, we 

 presume, are descriptions of the subsoils, (or bottoms on which the 

 cultivable lands immediately rest,) the topographical situations of 

 the soils in respect to a supply of water from springs, lakes and 

 rivers, and accurate tables of the rain-guage and thermometer du- 

 ring the warm season ; all of which points are entitled to attention 

 among the elements for determining the agricultural capabilities 

 of a country. 



Since the publication of Prof H.'s first report, the prospect of 

 discovering workable beds of anthracite coal in the region of 

 greywacke where it was predicted to exist, has become strongly 

 heightened. The Mansfield coal company have sunk a shaft to 

 the depth of 84 feet, from which a drift is worked horizontally to 

 a short distance into a bed of coal about ten feet thick. Its spe- 

 cific gravity is 1.79. It consists of carbon 96. alumina, iron, &c. 

 4. The railroad from Boston to Providence passes within 80 rods 

 of this mine. 



No attempts have of late been made to re- work the coal at Wor- 

 cester, which is situated in an older class of rocks. Its specific 

 gravity is 2.12. It contains water 3. carbon 75. earths and ox- 

 ides 20. 



Small and irregular veins of a very superior bituminous coal 

 are fouad in the sandstone of the Agawam River in West Spring- 

 field. It is in fragments mingled along with calcareous spar and 

 pieces of the sandstone rock, from which circumstance Prof. H. 



Vol. XXXVI, No. 2.— April-July, 1839. 48 



