ALLUVIAL DIVISION. 
13 
It is a circumstance of no small practical importance, and one that serves to show the adapta¬ 
tion of means to ends, that peat is rarely seen in warm climates, while it abounds in cold and 
wet regions. The reason is obvious ; in warm climates the organic alluvions are too nearly 
decomposed to form peat, and the organic matter is removed, either by insects or by putre¬ 
faction. Peat is so common in every part of the First Geological District, that it may almost 
be considered superfluous to mention localities. There are undoubtedly many deposits of 
this useful material that were not examined, but the following table indicates many of the more 
important deposits of peat and marl. These materials are of great prospective value to the 
community, to afford nutritive and stimulant manures for the soil, and fuel and lime in those 
parts of the State where coal and wood are dear, and where limestone does not occur. 
The collection of vast stores of these and other materials in such situations as will be most 
useful, and their accumulation in times past when the surface of the earth was occupied by 
other animals than man, shows an adaptation of means to ends by the Great Creator of the 
Universe, for the supply of man whenever he may need them for use. 
