PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS IN NEW YORK 



455 



ii) actual operation in the world today. Both are assumptions, 

 pure and simple, supported, however, by more or less facts that 

 require some explanation. 



The presence of granite, an igneous rock, just below the gas 

 rock, has no significance whatever as showing the probability 

 of any unusual source of heat. The temperature of the igneous 

 rock must have fallen to the normal temperature of the crust 

 before the sandstone was deposited on it, for the sandstone is 

 a marine formation and its 50 feet of thickness require a con- 

 siderable term of years for its accumulation on the seashore. 

 There is nothing whatever to indicate that a rock of igneous 

 origin, after it has taken its place in the regular series of surface 

 rocks, is any warmer than an aqueous rock. In fact, we know 

 that there is no difference whatever in this respect. 



The gas from the Potsdam sandstone warrants two conclus- 

 ions that we can not afford to miss, viz, first, the formation of 

 the petroliferous series dates back to Cambrian time; second, it 

 is entirely disconnected with any unusual or abnormal source of 

 heat that could leave a record in the rocks. 



A second well was drilled in Parish because of the strong per- 

 suasion of the driller that oil must be near. The driller offered 

 to make a new test if the people would raise |600. The amount 

 was forthcoming and a second location was made on the Wilcox 

 farm, six miles e. n. e. of well no. 1, near the line of Antwerp 

 township. This well was carried to 2080 feet. The gas was 

 even feebler than in no. 1. Salt water is now flowing from the 

 well, probably derived from some horizon above the plug. The 

 citizens interested in no. 2 formed a sort of association and leased 

 a large amount of land. This association still holds about 3000 

 acres. The drilling in Parish cost the people about $1200. 



g Central Sqttare. This village is in the town of Hastings. 

 It is situated to the south and west of Parish. A deep well was 

 sunk here at the time when the fever of drilling was spreading 

 through the county. Frequent references have been made to it 

 by drillers who were cognizant with all the facts pertaining to 

 it, but Mr J. T. Kilham, who had charge of the work, gives the 

 following record: 



Drive pipe 18 ft 



Medina sandstone (and Oswego). 862 



