14 Hall on the Strata and Organic Remains 
there is evidence of a higher degree of vitality over the west- 
ern portion than in the eastern. The number of species and 
individuals greatly predominated over those of New York, par- 
ticularly towards the close of the period. 
When we come to the second period, which includes the 
great calcareous deposits, we find that organization was more 
fully developed in that portion now the State of New York, 
than at any other known point to the west or south-west. As 
proof of this, we need only point to the beautiful series of 
fossils from the Niagara Group, and the lower part of the 
Helderberg limestones, few of which are known beyond this — 
State. 35 
In the third division, which includes all the rocks of the 
system above the limestones of the Helderberg, we find 
even a greater difference between New York and the south : 
and west. 
In this series we have more forms than in all the rocks | 
below, while the individuals of many species can only be ~ 
enumerated by myriads. The sea emphatically teemed with — 
life; and if vitality gives pleasure, then the sea was filled - 
with happy existences, which flourished in full vigor, and in : 
the greatest perfection. 
- Look, however, at the great portion of that ancient ocean bed z 
occupied by Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, - 
and over the far west beyond the Mississippi. From the pe- — 
riod of the final deposition of the Helderberg limestones to the — 
commencement of the carboniferous era, this vast expanse was "T. 
comparative solitude. Instead of the busy multitude throng: e 
ing every part of the sea farther east, this was cold, dark, and 
deep ; presenting no beautiful corals, nor the still more beauti: 
ful and singular Crinoideans, and with but few of the shells of — 
the eastern waters, it more resembled a primeval sea, where 3 
vitality had but just assumed its place among the laws of na- _ 
We here learn that our most fossiliferous strata may, at one - 
extreme, be destitute of these characters, or that these forms 
