lozi'a Carboniferous Formations — Sardeson. 301 
a scientific problem is closely related to stiidv of the Carbon- 
iferous formations. 
The formations represented by exposures are each uncon- 
formable to the other ; viz., 
Wisconsin and 
Kansan of the Pleistocene ; and 
Des Moines (in part), 
Saint Louis, and 
Kinderhook of the Carboniferous 
Their stratigraphic relations are nevertheless simple and have 
been in a general way correctly described by White and by 
MacBride. The several formations deserve still some atten- 
tion. 
TJic Kinderhook* limestone or oolite is seen at intervals 
from Humboldt City to Rutland about six miles along the 
West Des Moines river, — a series of outcrops which are 
widely separated from others of the formation in the state. 
They are said to resemble the Kinderhook of Des Moines 
and Marshall counties as to oolitic condition, and of their 
identification there may be no divided opinion. Yet compar- 
ison of the text and the phenomena might instill doubt from 
the very first statement that "for its identification we must 
depend upon lithologic characters chiefly ; organic remains 
being few and poorly preserved" op. cit. On the contrary 
excellent fossils are abundant and conspicuous and this now 
undeniable fact he seems not to have suspected as is indicated 
by the following sentences. "Besides, the organic remains, 
such as they are, are undoubtedly such as characterize 
the Kinderhook strata of Illinois, where these were 
first described. In the University geological collections 
may be seen Loxonema yandellana Hall? Straparollus 
macromphalus Winchcll, S. obtusus Hall. S. planispira Hall? 
Omphalotrochus springvalensis White, Bellerophora sublsevis 
Hall, a small Allorisma and some other undertermined species. 
These specimens arc from the Humboldt beds of oolite, and 
were deposited at the University by Dr. Clark, of Humboldt, 
who collected them," op. cit. Fossils are readily found in 
certain strata at Humboldt along the river's bank from Bick- 
nell's park to the dam and it is evident that Prof. MacBride 
did not suspect them'. In c ertain pockets of rotted stone, the 
• MacBribe, op. cit. p. 123. 
