240 
GEOLOGY OF THE SECOND DISTRICT. 
but the entire vein, at the depth of only ten feet, will be free from stony matter at this particular 
point. It is difficult to account for these projecting masses, except on the supposition that 
the ore has been forced between the strata, and, in some instances, has broken them off and 
otherwise displaced them. It is, however, a matter of more importance to know, in the 
progress of mining, that in regular veins they will disappear; and that such difficulties are 
more common at the first opening of a vein, or when near the surface, than at great depths. 
Another phenomenon exhibited at one of the smaller openings of the Hall vein, is the folding 
of the strata. The rock is gneiss, and distinctly stratified ; and the ore, together with the rock, 
exhibits the appearance represented in the cut: 
63. 
The apex, point or plane of the folding is removed. It is clear, from an inspection, that the 
ore on each side of the axis belongs to the same vein or mass. The ore in this place occurs 
in alternating layers with the gneiss, but it is only an inconsiderable vein, and probably is not 
of sufficient importance to be opened. 
The Hall vein furnishes a remarkably good ore for bar iron ; forming a metal that is very 
tough, and possessed of a moderate degree of hardness. It may be traced for half a mile 
upon the surface ; and should encouragement be held out for the manufacture of iron in this 
country, this vein will prove one of great importance. It is not so wide as many others, but 
still it can be raised at a profit, in consequence of its superior qualities. In appearance, and 
in its associated minerals, it is like the Penfield ore, about ten miles to the southwest in 
Schroon, a vein which I have already described. It resembles that vein, too, in the quality 
of the iron which it yields. At one time, I entertained the opinion that the two veins are 
connected. 
Everest's Vein. 
Within thirty or forty rods of the Hall vein, is the one under the above name. I am not 
satisfied whether it is the Hall vein prolonged, or one distinct from it. The qualities of the 
ore, and the general phenomena, are not very dissimilar. The dip is west, and the width and 
strike of the vein is about the same in both. The Everest vein exhibits a greater disposition to 
