434 
GEOLOGY OF THE FOURTH DISTRICT. 
ridges, may be considered as nearly a level; and in traversing it at any part in an east or west 
direction, there is neither ascent nor descent of any consequence, nor any irregularity of the 
surface, other than where the streams have worn down their present channels. This is espe¬ 
cially the character of all that part of the country north of the Erie canal, from which to 
Lake Ontario there is a gradual and almost imperceptible descent ; the country presenting an 
uniform level face, with the exception of the ridge, on the summit of which passes the Ridge 
road. The Erie canal is in this county at an elevation of 275 feet above the level of Lake 
Ontario, and its distance from the lake is between eight and ten miles. 
The level country continues south of the canal for about two miles, when we meet a sud¬ 
den rise, upon ascending which, we arrive upon the limestone range. This rise bears the 
name of Maple ridge at Shelby, two miles south of Medina; and following the course of the 
canal, it is seen at Millsville ; then going east it passes about two miles south of Albion, 
preserving the same distance for two and a half miles, when it gradually inclines northward, and 
crosses the Transit line at a road one and a quarter miles from the canal. Hence it continues 
east, and soon reaches Jefferson lake, of which it forms the southern shore. From this small 
lake it turns rapidly to the south, and reaches Clarendon centre ; beyond which it continues still 
south for about two miles, and then turning to the east again, passes into the county of Monroe. 
This ridge, or terrace, has a pretty uniform elevation of about fifty feet. 
From Maple ridge southwardly, the country has a very gentle rise for about two miles, 
when we arrive at another distinct, but more moderate step, which is about thirty feet in height. 
South of Shelby, this rise bears the name of Windfall ridge, and in other parts of the county 
is known as Limestone ridge. Its course is east and west, parallel with Maple ridge, from 
which it preserves a distance of about two miles, and can be followed from the western part 
of the town of Shelby, passing by Barre centre eastward to the Transit line. After ascend¬ 
ing this terrace we are on the summit of the limestone range, and on the highest ground in 
the county. The country now continues quite level for about two miles to the south, and 
then descends gradually to the Tonawanda marshes, which in this county are only ninety 
feet above the level of the Erie canal. 
Lake Shore, Streams, etc. 
The shore of Lake Ontario forms nearly an uniform straight line from east to west, and 
presents a bank of moderate height, in general protected by a beach. 
During the summers of 1836 and 1837, the lake encroached on the land. On the east side 
of the Oak-orchard creek, three or four rods were removed, together with a fine beach of two 
or three rods in width ; so that at present the waves dash against and undermine the bank, 
which is constantly falling into the lake. In the course of the summer of 1837, the bank, 
for a limited extent, and to the width of 30 feet, was swept away by the waters of the lake. 
At Torry’s harbor, we noticed several small mounds, considered to be of Indian origin ; and 
similar ones are said to be numerous in the town of Shelby, a short distance south of the 
canal. 
