NARRATIVE, M 



To the geologist, the scene is one of interest. The boulders 

 of granite, and other primitive strain, occurring on the surface, 

 remind him of the Original position of these masses, in the sys- 

 tem of nature and indicate revolutions affecting the earth's 

 surface, winch have widely changed both the position and form 

 of these solid materials. When the soil itself is examined, it adds 

 further evidences of such change* We may refer its sand to 

 consolidated itrata of this mineral which have been broken 

 do* n by oceanic action, and distributed in the remarkable ridges 

 and elevations, which now characterise the face of the country. 

 In whatever light the subject is viewed, it seems difficult to re- 

 sist the conclusion, that water has been the cause, under provi- 

 dence, in effecting these changes, and that the highest grounds 

 in this region, have been subjected to the peculiar influence 

 which this element alone exerts in the work of attrition and 

 deposition of strata, solid or diluvial. It might be interesting to 

 inquire, in what manner this agent of change was withdrawn, 

 and whether a current was created toward either of the car- 

 dinal points. It would aid this inquiry to observe, in which di- 

 rection the debris and soils were deposited in the heaviest 

 masses ? How far granite boulders had been carried from their 

 beds? And whether wood, bones, and other organic remains 

 had been subjected to like removals ? We think these accu- 

 mulations are abundantly witnessed in casting the eye down the 

 Mississippi valley, with a measured decrease in the size and 

 weight of the pulverised masses, in proceeding from the head 

 to the mouth of this river. It is thus evident, that the heaviest 

 boulders are found on its upper branches, while they become 

 rare in its central plains, and disappear altogether, long before 

 its entrance into the deltas at its mouth. And this remark may 

 be coupled with the accounts given by travellers of the bleak, 

 and denuded, and sterile character of the northern rock forma- 

 tions. 



But we have no leisure to devote to this investigation, and must 

 proceed with the narrative that is before us. Every step we 



