64 Miscellaneous Geological Topics 



which have existed at various depths between the surface of the earth 

 and the sand below. 



TERTILlTy OF THE CANE DISTRICT ; INFLUENCE ON WATER. 



Notwithstanding the unevenness of this district of country, as be- 

 fore observed, it is the most fertile of all the regions of the South, 

 and for this it is indebted chiefly to the cane. Previous to the ap- 

 pearance of this vegetable, the soil which was very fine and easily 

 acted upon by rain, continued to descend, carryings leaves, wood and 

 the molluscous testacea in its course, which, in process of time, pro- 

 duced this stratum of clay, so remarkable for its fineness and loose- 

 ness. Thus it was that every facility was afforded to the solution of 

 this stratum in water, so as to afford on its arrival a speedy and luxu- 

 riant growth to the cane. It was then that the surface of the earth 

 was for the first time, in this region, enabled to enjoy repose. It was 

 then, that the deposit of wood and leaves, was confined to the very 

 spot which first received them. And it was then, on account of the 

 fallen leaves and timber, that the rain water was caused to experience 

 insurmountable difficulties in obtaining a passage on the surface of 

 the earth. It was, therefore, driven below ; here it met with less 

 difficulty, readily pursuing the course of the cane roots, which had 

 already penetrated the earth in every possible direction. It was 

 here that the water, assisted by the roots of trees, which enabled it 

 to descend lower, found a ready outlet. Thus a way of escape was 

 provided: but it was done at the expense of the stratum of clay; 

 as the water passed on, it carried with it much of the earth, which 

 lay immediately beneath and about the roots of the cane and trees. 

 This removal, of the earth produced a corresponding subsidence of 

 the superincumbent trees and cane, and of the earth, which filled up 

 the interstices of the net work. When the roots again seized upon 

 the earth below, they obtained a temporary and uncertain hold ; but 

 the water, again accumulating on a declivity, has, in some instances, 

 burst forth, carrying downwards, for a considerable extent, both the 

 cane and the soil ; the breach is, however, soon repaired ; the sur- 

 rounding cane roofs run in and quickly penetrate the earth in every 

 possible manner, and render the fortification doubly strong. Thus 

 the land was imperceptibly sinking and forming frightful hollows and 

 mangled ridges, with their sides fluted and grooved to such a degree 

 tbat the cultivation, in many places, is rendered almost impracticable. 

 Yes, this secret and unsuspected removal of the earth was going on 



