• FOSSIL OYSTER SHELLS. 477 



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Santee river they are of a circular form, and of a 

 diameter of seven or eight inches. They are thick 

 and heavy ; unlike any shells which are found on cur 

 sea-shores. 



On this subject many conjectures have been made, 

 but none actually conclusive, as to the time or man- 

 ner in which they were thrown along such an extent 

 of country. When first dug up, they are hard, and 

 in the inner parts present an enamelled appearance ; 

 but the effect of external air soon dissolves and de- 

 composes them irfto a limy powder. Some of them 

 were found when digging the Santee canal, and being 

 opened, contained petrified oysters. And such quan- 

 tities of them are in the vicinity of Nelson's ferry, 

 as by a strong tincture to mark their connexion with 

 the waters of the Eutaw springs; celebrated as the 

 place, near which one of the best fought engagements 

 took place,, which adorns thehistory of the American 

 3*e volution.* ^ 



- Drayton's View of South Carolina^ 



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