CHAP. V. 



ISIINERALS, FOSSILS, OF THE UNITED STATED- 



The mineralogy of the United States, and of 

 North America, has been very little attended to. 

 We are scarcely acquainted with the mineral pro- 

 ductions which are found on the surface ; and as to 

 the internal structure and composition of the soil, 

 •we know nothing, except in some districts where 

 the external appearance of valuable minerals has 

 tempted the industrious to explore the bow^els of the 

 earth. The success which has generally attended 

 their experiments, and the daily discoveries which 

 are made by the few persons in the United States, 

 who have a taste for the study of mineralogy, war- 

 rants the belief, that a rich harvest awaits the ama- 

 teur who will patiently and carefully examine our 

 country. 



The ignorance of the people of Europe with respect 

 to the number of minerals we possess, is evinced 

 by the expression of Mr. Pinkerton,* who must be 

 supposed to be well acquainted with the state of the 



Sec his QeogcgjpJjy. 



