MIAMI COUNTY. 4(i9 



It will he seen that the character of the surface depends upon the ge- 

 ological formation of the region. And so geology determines, in no small 

 degree, the occupation of the people of any land, and" also the character 

 of the people, in so far as character is dependent upon occupation. In 

 one region agriculture is indicated as the chief mode of livelihood ; in 

 another, stock-raising; in another, mining and manufactures. The full 

 development of these natural conditions depends upon still other phy- 

 sical conditions — the direction and extent of a country's drainage, the 

 oceans, hays and gulfs, which give rise to commerce. 



The character of the surface and soil is such that an average proportion 

 of rain-fall is retained in the soil, and there are numerous springs in the 

 county which afford an ample supply of water throughout the year. The 

 farms are generally supplied with an ample -quantity of good water from 

 the springs, and water-courses which abound in all sections. This 

 county, lying on a lower level than Shelby, has a better supply of water 

 from springs. The outcrop of the cliff limestone, whether concealed by 

 Drift or not,-Could be readily traced by the occurrence of fine springs of 

 water, and those farms which lie along this outcrop have fine perennial 

 springs. As the cliffs lie on a horizon about midway between the high- 

 est and lowest parts of the county, it happens that the places are very 

 numerous where excell&nt water is obtained. There are some springs in 

 the county whose supply of water is sufficient to be of service in pro- 

 pelling machinery for manufacturing purposes, taken in connection 

 with the fall, which is available. The principal one of these springs is 

 at the town of Milton, where considerable manufacturing is carried on. 

 The question has been often asked. Where such a large supply of water 

 •comes from ? The water falls as rain on the surface and is held in the 

 porous rock and given out gradually. The idea, which is sometimes en- 

 tertained, that there is an underground reservoir, is untenable ; the force 

 of the issuing stream is so nearly the same for weeks and months to- 

 gether. In the case of the fine springs at Milton, there is a large extent 

 of surface west and north above the place where the spring issues. There 

 is indeed but a very thin soil and little Drift in the immediate vicinity, 

 but the surface rises and the bedded rock thickens to the north-west; 

 while in the same directions, especially north, the Drift thickens to 

 nearly one hundred feet. The upper portion of the Niagara, which is 

 found north and north-west, may reach a considerable thickness, perhaps 

 a hundred feet, and is composed of a very porous limestone. These 

 fiprings, unlike the greater number which furnish water to the farms 

 throughout the county, issue near the base of the Niagara formation, and 

 mot at the base of the Clinton, in which most of the cliffs are. When 



