R. W, Wells on Prairies. 331 



yields to no other in the variety, or the value of its natural 

 productions. We owe it to ourselves and to the world, to 

 search them out with diligence and without delay. 

 Somers, (JV. Y.) Oct. 1818. 



Art. II. On the Origin of Prairies. 



St. Louis, {Missouri Ter.) March 3, 1819. 



Sir, 



J. HE prohahle cause of the origin and continuance of prai- 

 ries has been the subject of much speculation among the 

 learned and curious. The inquiry is interesting ; and many 

 theories have arisen ; but although plausible and ingenious, 

 they are, in my opinion, unfounded in fact. 



I should be glad to see the following remarks, which were 

 called forth more particularly by the speculations of Caleb 

 Atwater, Esq. (See No. 2. p. 116. of this work) appear in 

 your valuable Journal of Science ; and they are, for that pur- 

 pose, at your service. 



With high respect, I am. Sir, your's, 



R. W. WELLS. 

 Benjamin Silliman, Esq. 



Mr. Atwater, after describing the prairies and barrens, says, 

 that according to the common opinion, they " were occa- 

 sioned entirely by the burning of the woods," but, " erro- 

 neous information first propagated such an opinion, and blind 

 credulity has extended it down to us." Mr. A. goes or< to 

 affirm that, " wherever prairies and barrens are found, 

 there, for a long space of time, water once stood, but was 

 gradually drained off." The writer of this having often visited 

 and observed with attention the nature and appearance of the 

 prairies on the Alleghany mountains, in the states of Ohio, In- 

 diana, and Illinois, and having long been employed by the 

 United States as a surveyor in the prairie country of the 



