jets of g» issue from small fisstrres in the rock, and when ignited, pre- 
sent a beautiful appearance. In Manchester, on the east side of Canan- 
daigua lake, this gas escapes in much the largest quantities, and in the 
greatest number of places, and its occurrence is manifested more or less 
for considerable distance along the same range. Several years since, a 
practical imposter persuaded the owner of the land at this place that the 
escaj^e of this gas indicated silver beneath the surface, from some de- 
composition or chemical change, of which this gas was liberated. The small 
particles and nodular aggregations of pyrites found in the rock, was also 
considered a proof of its existence. A boring was first commenced, 
which was followed by an excavation to the depth of more than fifty 
feet, when the work was abandoned. The earth around the openings 
where the gas issues, is of a dark colour, and no vegetable will grow 
near them, owing to the large quantity of pyrites, whose decomposition 
producing copperas, blackens the soil, and destroys vegetation. 
t)q)th of Lakes. At present, we will merely state the depth of those 
Jakes known, the various opinions regarding them being very erroneous, 
as we were often informed that some of these lakes were fathomless. 
Lake Ontario is stated to be 492 feet deep: from soundings made in 
Seneca lake, the greatest depth ascertained was 530 feet, and of Cayu- 
ga lake 400. Crooked lake has not been examined in the deepest part, 
the soundings made gave a depth of about 200 feet, and 270 feet is said 
to have been reached in one part. The surface of this lake is 280 feet 
above that of Seneca lake. 
Cayuga and Seneca lakes are situated in the midst of soft shales, 
and from being the principal channel of the great northern current, have 
their beds worn much deeper than the other north and south lakes* 
During the past season, I have been assisted by Mr. E. N. Hosford 
and Mr. E. S. Carr; and I have much pleasure in bearing testimony 
to the faithful manner in which both these gentlemen have discharged 
the duties assigned them. -. 
Our obligations are due to the inhabitants generall)^, and in particular 
to Judge De Molt and Halsey, and Mr. Is^exsen, of Seneca, to Dr. 
Deane and Mr. Johnson, of Ontario, and to Capt. Dakin, of the steam- 
boat Richard Stevens, Dr. Sartwell, of Yates, Mr. SufTern, of Che- 
mung, Mr, Leland and Mr. Pratt, of Steuben, and Mr. Duacan, of 
Wayne, 
