No. 200.] 
86S 
blue clay but always terminate at its surface. We find the clay stones 
surrounding the same fibre at different depths, and can often trace the 
connection of several. Sometimes there are merely rings of calca- 
reous matter, the internal part still being clay. Those formed directly 
around the fibre are usually perforated, but others are often attached on 
every side, which are entirely solid. It appears as if the water was 
conducted downwards by this fibre, and the solid material deposit- 
ed on every side, forming a ring. But when the accumulations are 
large, or when the stratum below is impervious, the calcareous matter is 
forced out on every side, and produces the fantastic forms which we so 
often find. 
This deposit of clay is found on the Niagara river, and extending 
nearly a mile from its mouth. At this place, the gray clay above at- 
tains a much greater thickness than at any other place. 
Sands, 
No extensive deposits of siliceous sand occur in this county. In 
many places along the lake shore it appears in small quantities. Sand 
of suflSicient purity for mortar is found in many places. 
Water and Springs. 
The county is well watered throughout, both by springs and streams. 
Along the foot of the mountain ridge, numerous springs of fresh water 
gush out from fissures in the limestone, or at the junction of the slate 
and limestone below. Water is readily obtained in almost any situa- 
tion by penetrating a few feet below the surface. North of the moun- 
tain ridge, it is sometimes necessary to penetrate a few feet into the 
marl or sandstone, before a sufficient supply is obtained. 
The streams in the north part of the county have generally worn a 
channel several feet into the rock, and the water which finds its way 
through the soil to the surface of the rock is drained off by these out- 
lets. Many of the streams, to judge from the gorges and channels in 
the rocks, must have been much larger at some former period. 
Springs of hydro-sulphuretted water "sulphur springs" are of fre- 
quent occurrence in many parts of the county, but few of them have any 
celebrity. Some contain sulphate of magnesia in solution, in sufficient 
quantities to affect the taste very sensibly. A spring of this character 
occurs in the bituminous limestone on the bank of the Niagara river, two 
miles below the falls. Preparations have been commenced at this place 
for the accommodation of visiters. Several similar springs occur in the 
