TABULAR VIEW. 
17 
CHAPTER HI. 
Tabular view of the rocks and groups described in the Geological Reports of New- 
York; their extent , and agreement with those of Europe. 
Geographical or local names having been employed in the annual reports for designating 
the different sedimentary deposits, the extension of this idea led to the adoption of the term 
New-York System, including all those masses so well developed in the State, defined below 
by a well known line of demarcation, and terminating above with an equally well ascertained 
limit, viz. The Old Red Sandstone. In all this series, there are no limits by which subdivi¬ 
sions could be indicated, of sufficient importance to entitle them to the name of systems. 
The term thus becomes purely geographical, leading to no theoretical considerations what¬ 
ever, being no favorite of individuals, but a consequence of the superior development of the 
strata included in that System, as brought forth by the geological survey of the State. The 
names which designate formations of the same age in other countries, are found inapplicable 
to our rocks ; and by adopting the term New-York System, all ambiguity respecting its signi¬ 
fication is avoided. 
Below is a tabular view of the systems and groups adopted by general consent for the rocks 
of the State, and followed in all the Reports with no important variations. The names have, 
with few exceptions, been derived from well known places, where the rock is best developed, 
indicating in all cases an important point for the investigation of observers. In most in¬ 
stances where names had been previously applied, and concerning which there was no 
ambiguity, they have been retained. 
I. PRIMARY OR HYPOGENE SYSTEM. 
Including granite, gneiss, hornblende rocks, etc. 
II. TACONIC SYSTEM. 
Represented by the Taconic range of mountains in the eastern part of New-York. 
Geol. 4th Dist. 3 
