No. 275. 
217 
the surface of the ground is easily agitated by passing over it. One of 
the largest collections of this substance which has fallen under my obser- 
vation is in Champlain in the county of Clinton. The peat marsh, or 
fly, to which I refer, is in the west part of the tow^n, and is about two 
or two and a half miles in length, and from a half to three-fourths of a 
mile wide. Over the whole extent of this fly a pole may be thrust 
down from 12 to 30 feet, and probably in many places to twice 30 
feet. It is of course nearly inexhaustible. Others, of nearly equal 
extent, occur in the county, and many which are less extensive. One 
fact, which applies to all the peat marshes of this neighborhood is, that 
they are situated far above the present level of the lake, and that 
those marshes w^hich are on, or near the same level as the lake, do 
not contain peat, and those are quite numerous. This statement, if it 
should be found true, without exception, seems to indicate that the low- 
er marshes have not been reclaimed from the deep long enough for this 
substance to form, and it goes to support the opinion I have elsewhere 
advanced, that this region has been subject to repeated osscillations since 
the commencement of the present order of things. 
Another important growth of peat is found in Warrensburgh, War- 
ren county, on the farm of Mr. Richards. In extent it occupies about 
60 acres. It is upwards of 60 feet deep, as has been proved by sound- 
ing; hence the fly is not so extensive in superficial area as many others. 
It still contains a vast amount of peat. It is of an excellent quality 
and easy of access. The value of a marsh of peat may be estimated 
by determining the worth of a cubic yard, or a load, or any given 
quantity, and calculating the amount of peat which is contained in the 
area. The quantity of peat in a square rod of surface, and worked to 
the depth of 30 feet, would furnish 284 loads, which may be consider- 
ed as worth 50 cents per load, or if we estimate it at only half this 
amount we perceive that §0 or 60 acres of it is almost invaluable when 
favorably situated. Even a small bog in the centre of a farm might be 
employed to increase its value one-half, as it would furnish an abundance 
of manure for an indefinite period. Many smaller deposits of this sub- 
stance I found in the towns of Schroon, Chester, Warrensburgh, Johns- 
burgh, Queensbury, Lake-Pleasant and Wells, varying in extent from 
one to five acres. 
There are four purposes to which peat may be applied: 
1st. As a manure. To secure or obtain an important result some- 
thing more is necessary than simply to spread it upon the soil. It 
[Assem. No. 275.] 28 
