2 Bulletin of Laboratories of Denison University [ voi. xi. 
ent from what would be expected. An examination of the re- 
gion, with a view to learning the reason of this diversity, re- 
sulted in some interesting discoveries. 
It must be stated, however, that the work of deciphering 
the earth-written records has not been fully carried out. Many 
details are yet to be studied before an accurate map of the an- 
cient drainage can be constructed, or a full explanation given 
of the causes which led to the establishment of the present 
water-courses. This work I had hoped to do before offering a 
paper on the subject; but circumstances have made it necessary 
that I should present an account of the part that has already 
been accomplished, and indicate the lines along which further 
investigations are required. 
It will aid the reader in following the argument, to state 
at once that the Ohio, as an independent river, had no exist- 
ence prior to the glacial epoch. Its present course, in so far as 
it now needs to be considered, was occupied entirely by a suc- 
cession of unconnected creeks and ravines. There was a col at 
the eastern limit of Maysville, separating the waters of Cabin 
creek and Limestone creek. The former flowed north and 
east, and either joined Kinniconnick creek or followed Brush 
creek valley into Paint creek. The waters of Limestone fol- 
lowed their present direction to the mouth of the Little Miami, 
thence through the broad valley north of Cincinnati (see (A) on the 
accompanying map), and entered the present Mill creek valley 
somewhere in the vicinity of Carthage (B). The drainage to 
the east and north of this section has not yet been worked out. 
There was a col between Little Miami and Licking, near 
the eastern line of Cincinnati, at the point (C); two very short 
ravines headed here and discharged, one toward either side. 
Another col, (D), existed at the lower end of Cincinnati. Be- 
tween these last two cols, (C) and (D), the Licking flowed di- 
rectly across the Ohio Valley, into Mill creek valley. Receiv- 
ing old Limestone creek at (B), as above stated the Licking then 
passed on northward and entered the valley of the Great Miami 
at the city of Harnilton, 
