MIAMI COUNTY. | 469 
It will be seen that the character of the surface depends upon the ge- 
ological formation of the region. And so geology determines, in no small 
degree, the occupation of the people of any land, and also the character 
of the people, in so far as character is dependent upon occupation. In 
one region agriculture is indicated as the chief mode of livelihood; in 
another, stock-raising ; in another, mining and manufactures. The full 
development of these natural conditions depends upon still other phy- 
sical conditions—the direction and extent of a country’s drainage, the 
oceans, bays and guifs, which give rise to commerce. 
The character of the surface and soil is such that an average proportion 
of rain-fall is retained in the soil, and there are numerous springs in the 
county which afford an ample supply of water throughout the year. The 
farms are generally supplied with an ample quantity of good water from 
the springs, and water-courses which abound in all sections. This 
county, lying on a lower level than Shelby, has a better supply of water 
from springs. The outcrop of the cliff limestone, whether concealed by 
Drift or not, could be readily traced by the occurrence of fine springs of 
water, and those farms which lie along this outcrop have fine perennial 
springs. As the cliffs lie on a horizon about midway between the high- 
est and lowest parts of the county, it happens that the places are very 
numerous where excellent water is obtained. There are some springs in 
the county whose supply of water is sufficient to be of service in pro- 
pelling machinery for manufacturing purposes, taken in connection 
with the fall, which is available. The principal one of these springs is 
at the town of Milton, where considerable manufacturing is carried on. 
The question has been often asked, Where such a large supply of water 
comes from? The water falls as rain on the surface and is held in the 
porous rock and given out gradually. The idea, which is sometimes en- 
tertained, that there is an underground reservoir, is untenable ; the force 
of the issuing stream is so nearly the same for weeks and months to- 
gether. {nthe case of the fine springs at Milton, there is a large extent 
of surface west and north above the place where the spring issues. There 
is indeed but a very thin soil and little Drift in the immediate vicinity, 
but the surface rises and the bedded rock thickens to the north-west; 
while in the same directions, especially north, the Drift thickens te 
nearly one hundred feet. The upper portion of the Niagara, which is 
found north and north-west, may reach a considerable thickness, perhaps 
a hundred feet, and is composed of a very porous limestone. These 
springs, unlike the greater number which furnish water to the farms 
throughout the county, issue near the base of the Niagara formation, and 
not at the base of the Clinton, ix which most of the cliffs are. When 
