*[01 II,] STRATIFICATION OF ORANGE SAND — MATERIALS. T 



stratification line, for any considerable distance. Not only does 

 the material of which it is composed undergo entire changes 

 within very limited areas, but the stratification lines themselves 

 often exhibit the most fanciful irregularities, often coming square 

 up against one another, and frequently exhibiting successive parallel 

 lines of deposition forming a large angle with the lines of contact 

 adjoining strata. 



Fig.'s 1, 2, and 3, PL II representing profiles occurring in R. R. cuts 

 in Lafayette and Pike counties, will illustrate this irregularity both 

 with reference to stratifications and material ; nor is it to be 

 supposed, that instances of this kind are exceptional : they abound 

 wherever the formation prevails in force. Even where horizontal 

 lines of deposition can be traced for some distance, they are usually 

 themselves wavy on a small scale. No one can fail to be struck 

 by the similarity of the stratigraphical character of the Orange 

 Sand, with that which may be studied to advantage on the banks 

 of the Mississippi river at low stages of water, in the alluvial deposits. 

 And there can be little doubt that the Orange Sand has been 

 deposited in a similar manner, by flowing water ; especially when 

 the evidence afforded by the character of the material {rounded 

 grains of sand and pebbles ; see below) is taken into account ; the 

 grains of which, in all cases which have come under my observation, 

 are more or less rounded, and without sharp angles or edges; 

 which explains the common observation, that these sands are a 

 very poor material for scouring purposes. 



10. Character of Materials. — As the name indicates, the preva- 

 lent material composing this formation, are siliceous sands. They are 

 usually colored, more or less, with hydrated peroxide of iron, or 

 orange-yellow ochre. The color thus imparted is sometimes 

 very deep and glaring ; as on the Pontotoc Ridge, in eastern 

 Itawamba county, and many other localities ; more frequently, it is 

 a dull rust color. In the southern Pine region (as in Smith, 

 Marion, and Pike counties), it is often of a delicate rose hue ; 

 bright yellow tints are frequently found, and deposits of white sand are 

 not uncommon. An endless variety of tints intermediate between 

 the above, of course exist ; and locally, crimson, purple, and almost 

 blue tints, fancifully co-ordinated, may be observed. 



11. Whenever the amount of iron contained in these sands is 

 somewhat considerable, they exhibit a tendency to conglomerate ; 



