REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AXD STATE GEOLOGIST 1900 rl37 



The head or intake of this channel is close to the steep bank 

 of the south branch of the Cattaraugus creek. The water part- 

 ing is a swamp, and the channel bottom is about J mile wide, 

 the railroad crossing it by a low filling. The channel leads north- 

 west a half mile to the railroad, then curves around sharply to 

 the southwest and opens iuto a valley tributary to the east branch 

 of the Conewango. 



Water levels — plateaus and terraces. Sufficient exploration of 

 the upper Cattaraugus valley will probably reveal delta deposits 

 or other evidences of standing water a:t levels correlating with 

 the Machias and Persia outlets. The writer has so far been able 

 to examine only the water levels in the neighborhood of Gowanda, 

 where they are very conspicuous. These terraces and plateaus 

 will now be described, after which their relations will be 

 considered. 



1 The highest plane of water action seen in the region forms 

 a broken plateau southeast of the village, which is conspicuous 

 from some points. The altitude ^ (only a small part of the 

 measurements being by aneroid) is about 1012 feet. 



2 Studley plateau is a high level south of the village and above 

 the house of Mr Studley, the latter standing on the next lower 

 level. The altitude is 1032 feet. 



3 Broadway level forms a strong terrace south of the village, 

 on which is situated the street of this name. It forms the level 

 stretch on which stand the house of Mr Studley and the gai 

 well derrick. Its altitude is 972 feet. 



4 Asylum plateau. This water-leveled plateau and delta plain 

 hold the buildings of the state insane asylum, west of Collins 

 and northwest of Gowanda. The very tall water tank, which is 

 conspicuous for miles around, stands on the highest of several 

 minor terraces, the altitude being 883 feet. The north edge of 

 the plateau, at Shoos four corners, is 873 feet. A lower, broad 



^ Unless otherwise stated, the altitudes were all determined by instru- 

 mental leveling, with the assistance of Mr Law, the datum being the ele- 

 vations of the Buffalo and Southwestern railroad. By this datum Gowanda 

 station is 773 feet, Collins 861, and Lawton 818. 



