264 
[Assembly 
were not derived from the alluvial is certain; that they were derived 
from the shales in which the borings were made, there is not one fact 
to prove. 
The proof of saline waters, existing in alluvial materials, being es- 
tablished, and to the depth of 160 feet, as in the Syracuse well, we 
have now to show that such depressions did exist in this ancient area; 
for though the fact of the existence of alluvial at such depth is proof 
sufficient to those well acquainted with the subject, yet we know it is 
not to those to whom geology is yet a novelty. This proof exists, for 
we believe that there is no fact, to which a key is not to be found. 
Laifk Sodom. 
This lake was examined by Dr. Wright, Dr. Beck, and myself. It 
is small, singular in all respects, and merits a better name. It is about 
one and a half miles east, of Manlius centre, and a few rods south of 
the canal, the waters of which are about five feet above those of the lake. 
The lake is excavated in the second deposit, and in the red shale. Its 
sides and bottom are covered with lake marl. The trees that have fal- 
len into it are whitened by it. The shore on all sides shelving to a 
depth of 20 feet at the distance of a few yards. The water is remarka- 
bly transparent, and of the greenish tint common to such waters. In 
proceeding up the outlet from the canal, which is narrow, and about a 
half a mile in length, you enter the main body of water, and by remov- 
ing a short distance either side, so as to lose sight of the outlet, the lake 
then assumes the form of a circular pool as regular as if scooped by the 
hand of man. It has the appearance of having been caused by a whirl- 
pool of great magnitude. 
This lake was sounded in many places. The outlet gave from 25 to 
80 feet of depth; and the pool, where the circle commenced, beginning 
near the outlet, gave from thence to the centre, from 104 to 168 feet in 
depth. . The bottom was of blackish coloured marl, the lead sinking a 
foot or more into it. The water, near the bottom, we found to be 
highly charged with sulphuretted hydrogen, but contained no saline mat- 
ter that was perceptible to the taste. There is another lake rather 
smaller which we did not visit which is connected with Sodom lake by 
a small outlet which is only visible when opposite to it. Sodom 'lake 
is 44 feet above the level of Onondaga lake. Its depth to the marl, at 
its bottom 168 feet; leaves 124 feet. What the thickness of marl is, can- 
not be conjectured; but this depth proves the existence of a deep depres- 
