155 



thracite, bituminous and semibituminous coals were manu- 

 factured from the fern trees, and conifers and sea weeds of 

 the carboniferous era. 



III. Discovery of Oil in America. — It can not be said 

 that Petroleum is a modern discovery. We have seen that 

 it was known hundreds, and even thousands of years ago. 

 Even in our own country it has been long known. At least 

 as long ago as the French and English war in this country, 

 the Indians knew and collected this substance. The com- 

 mander of Fort Duquesne writes to Gen. Montcalm a curi- 

 ous and interesting letter, describing the midnight assem- 

 blage of a council of Indians on the banks of the creek 

 where this oil was collected. During the ceremonies the 

 scum of oil on the surface of the water was kindled, and 

 while the flames lighted up the dark woods and the still 

 darker faces of the savage warriors, they sent up one of 

 their unearthly shouts till the hills reechoed again. 



Dr. Hildreth of Ohio in 1826, wrote in Silliman's journal 

 the following remarkable words in describing the borings for 

 salt on the Little Muskingum river, Ohio, made in 1819: 

 " They have sunk two wells which are now more than 400 

 feet deep. One of these affords a very strong pure water, 

 but not in great quantity. This other discharges such vast 

 quantities of Petroleum, or as it is vulgarly called u Seneka 

 oil," and besides is subject to such tremendous explosions 

 of gas as to force out all the water, and afford nothing but 

 gas for several days, that they make but little salt. Never- 

 theless the Petroleum affords considerable profit, and is be- 

 ginning to be in demand for lamps in workshops and manu- 

 factories. It affords a clear brisk light when burnt in this 

 way, and will be a valuable article for lighting the street 

 lamps in the future cities of Ohio." 



Here was the discovery of oil actually made, and an oil 

 well of the most approved spouting pattern. And not only 

 so, but here is clearly apprehended and plainly stated the 

 very uses to which after forty years this oil is now found to 



