146 Geology of Upper Illinois. 



linois. The prospect from this point is inimitably fine. A long 

 stretch of the valley, both up the river and down, is at full com- 

 mand. The river here flows over a level rocky fl'oor, and the wa- 

 ter is so clear as to enable one to discern the large fish swimming 

 quietly along upon its bottom ; while at no great distance, flocks 

 of wild geese, in the most unalarmed manner, occupy the bosom 

 of the stream. A large island, wooded with an almost tropical 

 denseness and luxuriance, is situated in the river nearly opposite 

 to the rock, which greatly adds to the beauty of the scene. An- 

 other point of interest occurs in the topography of the valley just 

 before we reach Rockwell. It is where the Consogin river cuts 

 the bluff" and enters the meadows. Its present i^ue is at right 

 angles to the course of the valley ; anciently, however, it did not 

 find its exit so high up the valley, by more than half a mile, but 

 on reaching its present mouth, it turned down the Illinois, (still 

 within the high prairie,) and continued nearly to Camp-rock, (X 

 on the map.) The wearing away of the bluff", by the waters 

 which excavated the Illinois valley, in progress of time, however, 

 furnished a new outlet to the Consogin, in consequence of which, 

 a long ridge of prairie stands insulated upon the bottom-lands, 

 whose shape and contiguity to the main bluff render it a conspicu- 

 ous object. It has been called Chimborazo, and the idea of build- 

 ing upon it a town, as well as upon Buff"alo-rock, has even been 

 entertained by some individuals in this region ; but of both these 

 situations it may be said, that the inducements to occupy them are 

 rather such as are connected with fine views of valley scenery, 

 than with the actual facilities and conveniences of life. The ca- 

 nal passes directly under the south side of Chimborazo, though it 

 is said to have been for a time debated, whether the better route 

 would not be in the ancient channel of the Consogin. It is, more- 

 over, a singular circumstance relating to, the Consogin, that on 

 entering the valley, it soon loses itself, and does not rise into view 

 until it has passed Camp-rock, (X on the map,) when it begins to 

 re-appear in a considerable sheet of water, especially as it enters 

 the town of Rockwell. It here forms, directly under the bluff", 

 a narrow lake, five or six hundred feet in length, by more than 

 one hundred in width, which in seasons of the greatest drought 

 has a depth of about six feet. I am the more particular in des- 

 cribing the situation and dimensions of this strip of water, be- 

 cause, from its particular location in relation to the Illinois river 



