426 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



limestone and then it may be designated as shale gas. The latter 

 accumulations are quite likely to be found in pockets or distinct 

 and unconnected areas that appear to be capriciously distributed. 



Reservoir rocks follow geologic horizons closely. Salt water 

 is found in such strata at certain points. Contiguous wells gen- 

 erally show approximate or exact equality of rock pressure and 

 in them salt water rises to approximately the same level. The 

 salt water is seen to be under artesian pressure. 



Shale gas follows geologic horizons only in a general way. 

 That the several bodies of gas or oil in a shale rock are not 

 directly connected is evident from the fact that adjacent wells 

 differ widely in the matter of their rock pressure. If salt water 

 is found in them it occurs in small quantities only. 



The discovery of the Findlay gas and oil seemed at first sight to 

 turn almost the entire country into territory in which such pro- 

 duction might reasonably enough be expected. The farther dis- 

 covery of the dolomitic character of the really productive portion 

 of the Trenton limestone seemed on the other hand to sharply 

 restrict such possibilities. The last discoveries here to be de- 

 scribed, do away to a considerable extent with the dolomitic limi- 

 tations, and do something toward restoring the promise that the 

 discovery in northwestern Ohio seemed at first to establish. 



Section 1 

 Oswego county 



Among the earlier explorations for the petroliferous series in 

 this county are those which have been made during the last 25 

 years and notably within the last five years at Fulton. Search 

 was also begun in 1888 in Sandy Creek, and in Pulaski soon after- 

 ward. 



The experience that has been gained at these different points 

 will be briefly described in the order named and reference will 

 afterward be made to other localities in the county that have 

 carried forward exploration by the drill in the search for the 

 same source of wealth. 



Geologic scale of Oswego county. The lowest rock that takes 

 part in forming the surface of the county is the Trenton lime- 

 stone, but its part in this office is very small. It is confined to 



