CHAMPLAIN DIVISION. 
399 
graceful curves were seen in the thin layer of slate between the strata. The heads were 
generally so much enveloped in the solid limestone, that they could not be procured, without 
much labor, so as to expose their characters fully. 
The Hudson at Glen’s falls pours over successive terraces of the different strata, and rushes 
through the wide and deep chasms between the immense blocks of the limestone. These 
chasms were once the joints of the rock as it is supposed, but they have been worn by the 
erosive and solvent power of the water to their present size. The Hudson, from Glen’s falls 
to Baker’s falls, flows in a narrow valley or chasm in which, most of the distance, the rocks 
rise in precipices from the water to a height of thirty to one hundred feet. 
The following statements were made to Prof. Emmons in 1838, in reference to the marble 
quarries at Glen’s falls in that year (Vide Third Annual Geological Report, 1839). 
“ The marble is extensively manufactured by two enterprising companies ; it is therefore 
favorably known to the public, and has acquired a high reputation. For this reason it would 
be superfluous for me to give a particular account of its qualities. I take the liberty, how¬ 
ever, to subjoin a letter which I have recently received from the agent of the Glen’s-Falls 
Company, in relation to the position of the marble in the quarry, and also of the quantity 
which has been manufactured, etc. 
“ ‘ The Hudson river, at Glen’s falls, has worn a passage through the limerock to a vast 
depth, rising in some places seventy feet from its surface. The strata measure from one inch 
to ten feet. A short distance from the river, on the Saratoga side, lying on limestone, is found 
black slate. Succeeding this are found strata of marble ; slabs have been sawed and used for 
fireplaces. It is sound, and of good color. Succeeding this on both sides of the river, are 
found fifty strata of limestone, composed in part of organic remains. Next in succession are 
found strata of grey marble, two and a half feet thick ; it receives a fine polish, but the color 
is not admired. A stratum of darker color follows this, which is six inches thick, though 
valuable only for step-stones. Then follows the black marble, which for brilliancy of polish 
and beauty of color, perhaps, has no rival. The whole stratum is ten and a half feet thick. 
Veins of organic remains run at irregular distances from each other through the strata ; these 
veins are from two to four inches thick, running ten and sometimes twenty feet, and breaking 
off abruptly. Where these veins do occur, though they are not numerous, they rather mar 
the beauty of the marble. Who first discovered this marble, is not known, and it is of little 
consequence to inquire. Numerous attempts were made to work it, but without profit, until 
the present company received it. 
“ ‘ The following exhibits the amount of stone which the Glen’s-Falls Company have pre¬ 
pared and sent to market during the last four years. The company run sixteen gang of saws, 
which are equal to about one hundred and sixty single saws. 
In 1835,... 2,157 feet, or 32,000 pounds. 
1836, . 19,800 “ 278,500 “ 
1837, . 23,400 “ 333,900 “ 
1838, . 25,000 “ 352,500 pounds.’ 
