Geology^ S^c. of the Connecticut, 83 



however, intended to put down the alluvion in all such cases, 

 but have colored the spot according to the subjacent rock. 

 And on this ground I anfi sensible that there are a number 

 of small parts of the alluvion that ought, in strictness, to 

 have been colored as old red sandstone ; as in East-Hamp- 

 ton and Deerfield ; but being so small they were neglec 

 ted. 



16. Geest. Jameion. 



Deluvian Detritus. Buckland. 



"By geest," says Jameson, "is understood the alluvial 

 matter which is spread over the surface both of the hilly 

 and low country and appears to have been formed the last 

 time the waters of the ocean stood over the surface of the 

 earth. And it is probable that Professor Buckland refers 

 to the same deposition by the above synonym. By deluvi- 

 an detritus, he means "fragments of neighboring and dis- 

 tant rocks, and with bones not mineralized — generally in 

 valleys." Whatever objections may lie against these defi- 

 nitions, every geologist knows that much deposition exists 

 on the globe which no one refers to what is commonly un- 

 derstood by alluvion, and which could result from no pro- 

 cesses nature is now carrying on. This is scattered over 

 the most mountainous tracts, and in all cases of consider- 

 able extent, occupies at least three quarters of the surface. 

 It is usually denominated soil, comprehending, however, 

 the bowlder stones and organic remains that soil contains. 

 As a general fact, this geest, in primitive regions, consists 

 of comminuted particles and rolled stones of primitive 

 rocks. In secondary tracts it consists of secondary detritus, 

 though more frequently mixed with portions of rocks of a 

 primitive character. 



Along the Connecticut in the primitive region, large 

 bowlders in great numbers are not commonly found remov- 

 ed many miles from the spot where they originated. Strag- 

 glers of this description may indeed be found almost every 

 where ; and among all the rocks none seems to be more 

 scattered than granite : though perhaps the numerous beds 

 and veins of this rock found almost every where may ac- 



