6 Geological and Miscellaneous notice of the 



This want of wood, however, is not an irremediable evil, since by 

 securing the surface from the ravages of the flames, w^ood springs up 

 and grows rapidly. The marshes which are very extensive about 

 us, are overflowed only in times of high water, and then not entirely. 

 They are in many places, covered with bog, to considerable depths 

 below the surface, which has been found suitable for fuel. Below 

 the bog, layers of plastic clay and sand make their appearance, which 

 are underlaid by light quicksands. The marshes are supplied with 

 water by an abundance of cold, clear springs, which flow through 

 them into the neighboring rivers — a circumstance to which we must 

 attribute the absence of stagnation and putrid exhalations, and in 

 consequence of which we find, as far as health is concerned, no in- 

 convenience in being almost entirely surrounded by marshes, for we 

 are subject to no diseases attributable to our particular location. 



Luxuriant grass, often very excellent, grows upon the marshes, 

 which supply us with grazing and hay. Wild rice, (Zizania clo- 

 verlasa,) is very plentiful, especially along and near the shores of 

 Fox river. It is said to be as palatable and nutritious as cultivated 

 rice. It is gathered in great quantities by the natives, and, at times, 

 forms their principal subsistence ; it is very often used by the border- 

 settlers, and supports an innumerable quantity of wild ducks, some 

 geese, and other water fowl. 



The waters in our lakes and rivers, are frequently so pure that we 

 can see to a surprising depth with distinctness. They abound with 

 several kinds of fish, which are often very large and excellent. 

 There are two or three small lakes in this vicinity, without outlets, 

 well supplied with very fine fish ; they are so situated, however, that 

 in times of extremely high water their margins would probably over- 

 flow. 



Several species of shells are found in the rivers and lakes ; they 

 are many of them interesting. Both univalves and bivalves are 

 found. 



An extensive bed of clay has been found, situated on the bank of 

 the Wisconsin river, which is intersected by strata of sand, forming, 

 by mixture, a suitable combination for brick of a superior quality. 

 A gentleman of experience, and well qualified to judge upon the 

 subject, assures me that this bed is an excellent potters' clay. 



