Geology^ ^c, of the Connecticut. 39 



ral be imputed to oxid of chrome — sometimes to the pres- 

 ence of serpentine, colored however, probably by the 

 same oxid. 



This rock has been extensively quarried in two places, 

 one in Milford, 7 miles from New-Haven, and the other 

 only 2|^ miles from the city. From these are obtained a 

 marble which vies for elegance with any in the world. In- 

 deed, in the extensive collection of marbles and porphy- 

 ries in Col, Gibbs' cabinet in Yale College, we appeal to 

 those who have seen them, whether any specimens exceed, 

 or even equal in beauty and richness the Verd Antique from 

 Milford. The varied clouding and shading of the gray, 

 or blue ground of this marble with white, black, green, or- 

 ange and gold yellow, indeed, with varieties of almost 

 every color of the prism, give it an elegance that can be 

 realized only by those who examine it. The working of 

 this marble is difficult and expensive, and it is earnestly 

 hoped that the patrician part of our community will 

 not, by resorting to Europe for marbles, which, to say the 

 least, are no more elegant than this, compel the proprie- 

 tors of these quarries to abandon the undertaking. Spe- 

 cimens of this marble may be seen in most of the dwel- 

 lings of the wealthy citizens of New-Haven; and many of 

 the monuments in the grave yard of that city, are of the 

 Verd Antique. Several chimney pieces of it may be seen 

 in the Capitol at Washington. 



Most of these facts in relation to this rock, I derive frora 

 the published accounts of it by Professor Silliman. (See 

 Cleaveland's Mineralogy under Gran. Limestone, Marble, 

 and Verd Antique, 2d Edit. Also, Journal Sci. vol. 2, p. 

 165.) A minute account of this interesting formation is 

 still wanting; and Mr. Silliman has promised it. (See 

 Jour. Sci. vol. 2, p. 166.) 



12. Old Red Sandstone.' Werner. Cleaveland. 



It is agreed I believe among Geologists who have ex- 

 amined this region, that an extensive deposite of this rock 

 exists along the Connecticut. (See Cleaveland's Mineralo- 

 gy, 2d Edit. p. 759. Eaton's Index 2d Edit. p. 207. Tour 

 between Hartford and Quebec, p. 21, andMaclure's Geol- 

 ogy of the United States.) It is probably the oldest se- 

 condary rock in this region, and generally lies beneath all 



