44 DRIFTED SOILS. 



Little need be nid of the northern highlands in regard to structure. The country being 



either mountainous or hilly, almost the whole surface is properly drained, or else is easily 



drained where, from local causes, watei ma] be retained in the Buhsoil. The valleys are 



narrow, the lolls abrupt, and there is no necesaitj "t searching the peculiar siructurc of 

 the rock to open a passage tor stagnant water. The spontaneous growth of grass is the 

 most interesting fact ; the country being best adapted to pasturage, or the keeping of stock 

 for wool, batter and cheese. 



This district is, however, broken bj the steepest and highest precipices in New-York, 

 or indeed in all the Atlantic or Middle Stales. The Adirondack pass is a giant precipice. 

 It is feebly represented at the head of this chapter, for it is only a feeble representation 

 which the pencil can give. To be conceived, it must he seen. Many minor precipices 

 break up the country at the sources of the Hudson, and thus diminish its value as an 

 agricultural district. 



