Geology, &fc. of the Connecticut. 5 



quantity and the granite decreasing. In painting what is 

 denominated the South Hampton granite, I have compre- 

 hended most of the Chesterfield and Goshen granite,* which 

 has become celebrated on account of the interesting minerals 

 found in it — although the mica slate in those towns occupies 

 probably as much of the surface as the granite. The pur- 

 ple colour, or that which represents the granite, has not been 

 extended so far as to embrace all the beds of this rock in 

 this region; but only so far as the granite predominates. 

 Where the mica slate is most abundant, I have put down 

 this rock as covering the whole surface, although it might 

 contain many beds of granite. 



The inclination of the mica slate strata, or dip below the 

 horizon, and consequently of the granite beds, varies from 

 20° to 90°: and thus frequent opportunities are afforded for 

 observing the former rock pass under and over the latter. 

 The width of the beds varies from the fraction of an inch 

 to 100 rods: nay, perhaps to a mile or two. So that in 

 the narrow beds, a single glance of the eye will present their 

 roof and floor. In these thin beds there is rarely any fis- 

 sure ; but in those several hundred yards in width, are fre- 

 quently observed regular and irregular divisions, as will be 

 more particularly noticed hereafter. 



These distinctly characterized granite beds are not con-' 

 fined to the region of the South Hampton granite. A few 

 miles north, indeed, they disappear ; but they may be 

 traced southerly into Litchfield county, where they exist 

 abundantly, and are sometimes found in hornblende, slate, 

 and gneiss. A good example of the former may be seen in 

 Granville, about half way between the churches in the east 

 and west parishes ; where the layers of hornblende slate are 

 nearly perpendicular. Instances of their existing in gneiss 

 may be seen in abundance on the east side of Connecticut 

 river, in Pelham, Monson, Chatham, Haddam, &;c. Indeed, 

 we think the geologist who traverses New-England primi- 

 tive rocks will often be led to enquire, whether all our gran- 



^ * « "We hare visited these localities more than once, and have no hesitation 

 in saying that more distinct and well marked beds do not exist in this part 

 of the United States or Europe ; and what renders the fact more interes- 

 ting is, the distinctly stratified structure of some of them." — K.Amer. Rev, 

 .Vo. 29— p. 233. 



