1880. ] Geology and Paleontology. 139 
namely, the headship in the family group of the oldest male 
ancestor, whose authority is practically represented by the tribe, 
and the non-intermarriage of those thus connected. 
GEOLOGY AND PALAONTOLOGY. 
THE WATER SHEDS OF THE STATE OF New York.—The State 
of New York presents two of the most remarkable water-sheds 
on the North American continent, if not on the face of the globe. 
Though situated so near one another that their extremities may 
be said to almost interlock, they are widely different in their 
physical features and distribution of water supply. One has been 
made the mighty servant of man and is harnessed for his bidding, 
while the other bids defiance, gushing forth its waters at its will, 
sometimes flooding a vast area of territory, and again leaving its 
river-beds to dry in the sun. . 
The most powerful of these is drained by the Oswego river. 
Its area contains no less than seven thousand square miles of ter- 
ritory. It comprises the well-known chain of lakes, some of 
which are of considerable size and importance—the Oneida, 
Cayuga, Seneca, etc., amounting to over four hundred square 
miles of lake surface. Besides being in themselves natural reser- 
voirs, the State has further improved Seneca lake so as to regu- 
late the periodical flow of the water. The average flow of the 
water is thus secured at about 600,000 cubic feet per minute. 
River Point. From this place, down stream, there is a fall of 
water amounting to seventy-five feet. This space is taken up by 
seven dams erected and maintained by the. State. Of these, two 
are situated at Oswego, covering a fall of forty feet. These dams 
accord hydraulic privileges equal to 25,000 horse power. Buta 
moderate outlay is required to keep the flow in the river near the 
average for the year. 75,000 cubic feet of this water supply are 
in actual use in Oswego, where a canal is provided for the recep- 
tion which furnishes fifty runs of first class water and over seven- 
teen of the second class. x 
Two dams are situated at Fulton with 20,000 horse power. At 
this point the water privileges .are easiest available, although 
Oswego has the greater representation of industries. _ oe 
The Oswego River water shed produces clear cold water, which _ 
is perfectly under control of man, no matter what the circum- _ 
Stances or exigences. The river bank forms a line teeming with 
industries, with millions of dollars of money invested. This 
water supply never endangers the lives of citizens or a 
on their property, but on the contrary, affords a roadway for 
inland navigation through the canals which it feeds. bea: 
Not so the other subject of this paper. Situated on the highest _ 
Point in New York, among the Adirondacks, it submits to no 
_ S0vernmental check, but ejects its turbid waters, dashing down 
