212 
GEOLOGY OF THE SECOND DISTRICT. 
them is only one mile, the land but little elevated above the surface of the former, and the 
difference of level only between twenty and thirty feet. 
Thus it appears, that by excavations equal in the aggregate to six and a half miles, and an 
amount of two hundred and forty feet lockage, continuous lines of navigation through, and 
connecting these two rivers, may be formed, equal in extent to two hundred and ten miles; 
and that this would be increased probably to more than three hundred, if we take into conside¬ 
ration the coasts of the lakes. 
Respectfully yours, 
FARRAND N. BENEDICT. 
Valleys. 
Leaving out of view the numerous defiles and long narrow depressions between the ranges 
of hills and mountains, there are but few which are entitled to the appellation of valleys. 
The mountains press and crowd generally so closely upon the shores of the lakes and rivers, 
that only narrow intervals remain between the banks of the latter and the steep sides of the 
former. 
In following up the main branches of the Hudson to their sources, spaces are passed which 
expand into valleys, rarely exceeding two miles in width. The valleys upon the east branch 
are the best known, as this branch passes through the most thickly settled parts of the county. 
Thus from the outlet of Schroon lake, a valley extends to the north part of West-Moriah. 
It is bounded by high abrupt mountains on the west, on the range wdiich terminates at Wills- 
borough; and on the east, by the range between West-Moriah and Lake Champlain. It is 
intercepted on the north by the former range, between West-Moriah and Elizabethtown. It 
is bottomed on drift, the debris of the adjacent mountains ; and high above the present bed 
of this branch of the Hudson, rounded stones, like those which now form its banks, are 
abundant. It is evident that this valley has been, at some former period, the great course 
through which flowed waters of much greater importance than the present stream. 
Valleys apparently more extensive exist on the other branch of the Hudson ; but being 
enveloped mostly in a wilderness, their characters are but indistinctly known. Upon the 
Bouquet is a wide and level plain, which has received the name of “ the Valley.” It might 
be called “ the Beautiful Valley of the Bouquet.” It is truly one of great beauty, when taken 
in connection with the high and alpine range which bounds it upon the west, and which forms 
the main chain of mountains of the northern counties. This valley is about four hundred 
feet above Lake Cham^ilain at Westport, seven miles distant. It is also bottomed upon thick 
beds of clay, gravel and sand. The clay appears to be the same as that upon the lake, and 
I have been told that shells or fossils have been found in it. I am not able to verify this 
statement, but still have some confidence in it. 
