54 
GEOLOGY OF THE FOURTH DISTRICT. 
appearance, which is caused by the sand of different colors and specific gravities being strewed 
unequally over the surface. The whole perfectly represents a modern sea beach washed by 
the advancing and retiring waves, where the sand of different colors is arranged in clouds and 
undulating stripes by the force of the water and the different degrees of resistance. 
The analogy is here so perfect that it cannot for a moment be mistaken. The surface of 
the stone represented in Plate II. exhibits this character in a good degree, though not in so 
great perfection as many others. This one was chosen as showing the occurrence of frag¬ 
ments of sandstone with the shells, and also a slightly varying direction in the current. An 
infinite variety of beautiful appearances are produced by the combination of all these different 
influences; and one can scarcely resist the desire to transport a large portion of the quarry 
to his own cabinet, every fresh specimen disclosing beauties, and effects, not before noticed. 
A drawing can give but a faint idea of these exhibitions, but the large slabs in the State Col¬ 
lection convey a more satisfactory impression, while a visit to the quarry is indeed enchanting. 
Wave Lines. 
As if all the other circumstances noticed were not sufficient to convince one of the condition 
of the ocean and its shores at the period of the deposition of this grey sandstone, the advancing 
waves have left their impression upon this ancient beach, which has now become a solid rock. 
The surfaces of nearly all the strata in the quarries near Lockport are marked by numerous 
slight ridges, often in parallel curves, and again varying and interrupted. If upon the upper 
side of the stratum, they are crossed from within the curve outwards, there is a slight de¬ 
scent : the under side of the layers in like manner present the cast or reverse of this. These 
lines are always curved, and usually limited at either extremity by another series meeting the 
ends of the former, and extending their curve beyond. The lines appear upon successive 
strata frequently accompanying the Lingula, and likewise often upon layers where these shells 
do not occur. 
it 
