A 591209

ARTES
LIBRARY
037
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN |
PLURIBUS UNIM
TUEBOR
QUAERIS PENINSULAM AMOENAM
CIRCUMSPICC
RUSSELL
LIBRARY
THE GIFT OF
Dr. C. Rominger
QE
CE LIBRARY
129
A 35
1860
Presented to

B. Graves
day the
Legialistine of Mines
Oxford, Miss.
72.17.1869.

FIG. 1.
Dwyers
Ferry
Pascagoula t
Grand Gulf Group
Vicksburg
Jackson
Prairies Quilmun
Siliceous Claiborne Group
Group
Group
Calcareous Claiborne Group
Marion
t
Northern Lignilic Group
Flatwoods
Prairie
Oxford
Plate I.
Walnut

Carrollville Peak

Ripley Group
Rotten Limestone Group
Tombigbee Sand Group
Eutaw Group
Carboniferous
FIG. 1.-General Profile of the Formations of Mississippi, from Pascagoula, to Dwyer's Ferry, Quitman, Marion and Oxford, thence to the Alabama Line, near Walnut Peak P. O., Tishamingo Co.
1
{
(NOTE.-The great apparent thickness of the Northern Lignitic Group, as exhibited in this section, is owing to the change of direction of the line
of projection, which in part runs parallel to the strike of the strata of this group. The dotted space represents the Orange Sand.)
1
Diagram showing lines of General Profile, Fig. 1.
CHICKASAW COUNTY.
FIG. 2.
1
MONROE COUNTY.
Pontotoc
Ridge

Dexter
Kilgore Houlka
Chuck atonche
Aberdeen
Tombigbc.e
Athens
Buttahatchie
Benela
Flatwoods
Sparta
Carradine
Prairies
S
Lignitio
12
Rotten Limestone
-
17
•
#
11
to
"
Tombigbee
Sand
Eutaw Group
FIG. 2.-Profile of the surface and stratification of the Cretaceous Formation, from Benela to Sparta, Aberdeen, Athens, Buttahatchie, and State Line.
REPORT
ON THE
GEOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE
OF THE
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
BY
EUG. W. HILGARD, PH. D.,
STATE GEOLOGIST.
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATURE.
E. BARKSDALE, STATE PRINTER.
JACKSON MISSISSIPPI,
1860.
PREFACE.
THE Report on the Geology and Agriculture of Mississippi
herewith presented to the public, and more especially, to the people
of Mississippi, is intended to embrace the observations and results
heretofore obtained in connection with the Geological and Agri-
cultural Survey of the State, so far as they are complete in them-
selves, or calculated to impart useful information, either practical
or scientific, as to the natural character and resources of the State.
There exists a great diversity of opinion, both among professional
men and the public generally, as to what ought to be the character
and extent of the investigations connected with State Surveys of
this kind; nor can this be surprising in view of the fact, that the
execution of such works under the auspices of State governments,
has only been inaugurated at quite a recent date, since the rapid
progress of industrial pursuits by the aid of science, has rendered
the claim of those depending more immediately upon the natural
resources of the land, to similar assistance, too clear and pressing
to be longer disregarded. At first, these Surveys contemplated
mainly the development of the mineral resources of the countries
to be examined; but the obvious importance of a simultaneous
observation of the prospects offered to other pursuits, has gradually
so expanded the sphere of investigation, that its limits, as well as
the principal and primary subjects of investigation are now
generally determined chiefly by the pecuniary means provided for
the purpose, in connection with the natural conditions and first
necessities of the regions to be explored.
161675
iv
PREFACE.
It follows as a necessary consequence, that the objects of these
Surveys, as well as the manner of their execution, will differ, more
or less, in each State; and that the method of investigation
pursued in one may be altogther unsuited to the conditions obtain-
ing in another.
The Survey of Mississippi, according to the act creating it, was
to be of the most comprehensive character-nothing less, in fact,
than a complete Natural History Survey, embracing scientific as
well as practical detail-similarly with that of New York. The
limited means provided by law, however, have rendered it unadvis-
able to attempt to prosecute simultaneously such a multitude of
subjects, since the development of the most practically important
results would thus be unduly delayed; and for some years past,
the more immediate objects of a Geological and Agricultural
Survey have been chiefly kept in view, the other departments of
natural science receiving such consideration only as their intimate
connection with the chief objects necessarily required. In the
present Report, therefore, the geological and agricultural features
of the State of Mississippi, as far as observed, and the investiga-
tions made in relation to them, are chiefly considered.
As to the method pursued in the investigations themselves, and
the direction of the latter, the Report will speak for itself. The
main object in a practical point of view being, in Mississippi, the
promotion of the interests of Agriculture and of kindred pursuits,
(in the absence of metallic minerals to any useful extent) and the
agricultural features being so closely dependent upon the geologi-
cal, as to render the subdivisions based upon the latter almost
equivalent to those which represent the former; since, moreover,
the materials of the geological formations are important, not only
as imparting their character to the soils, but also as furnishing
natural manures of the highest value; the study of the geological
phenomena is obviously the first step towards a full understanding
of the agricultural resources, both present and future; which
cannot be intelligently discussed without continual reference to the
former. This study being absolutely essential, we must bring to
bear on it all the means that science affords, even though these
should, at first sight, seem to have no bearing on the practical
questions to be decided-an objection not unfrequently urged
against the detailed study of fossil shells, for instance. Yet this
PREFACE.
架
​apparently unprofitable knowledge of the shells found in the
several strata, is hardly less essential in the study of the geology
of Mississippi, than the knowledge of the several letters of the
alphabet is to him who would learn to read. And thus it is with
many other subjects of scientific research mentioned in the present
volume, which to those not accustomed to studies of this kind
might seem of no interest whatsoever.
As regards the study of the agricultural features proper, both
the methods I have pursued, and the objects I have kept in view,
are more specially, and more fittingly, explained in the General
Part of the Agricultural Report, than could be done in this place ÷
and will be found amply exemplified in the Special Part, page 254, ff.
If the method to be pursued in investigations of this kind, is
subject to differences of opinion (sufficiently great to have caused
the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at one-
of its late sessions, to appoint a committee composed of some of
the first men of science to examine the question), such is no less
the case with reference to the manner of presenting the results to
the public. It would seem that this point also must be considered
as being, in a great measure, subject to variation according to the
necessities of each case; and such being my conviction, it has been
my aim throughout to answer, as far as I could, the questions bear-
ing upon the subjects in hand, which experience had taught me were
afloat, and being agitated, among the people, whether of a single
neighborhood or district, or of the whole State; in such connection,
and, as much as possible, in such language as I knew would make
it understood at the points for which it was intended, even though
the expressions employed might not in all cases be deducible from
any authentic philological source. I am aware that in so doing,
I have laid myself open to some criticism in a literary point of
view; but I hope that the practical consideration just referred to
may serve, in some measure, as an extenuation of the fault.
It is more especially with reference to the introduction of the
somewhat lengthy chapter treating of the general principles of
Rational Agriculture, that I feel it necessary to enter the plea of
special fitness, since on general grounds, it might not be considered
as being in its place in a special Report. It was originally sug-
gested by my personal experience, among the agricultural popula-
tion of the State, of the desire for information of this character;
vi
PREFACE.
and the probability that without it, the results of the Agricultural
Survey could not readily be made available to a very large part
of those for whose special benefit the work is intended. Yet I
might not have thought myself justified in making this feature so
prominent, even to the exclusion of a certain amount of special
information, but that it appeared to meet the particular approval
of the gentlemen constituting the legislative committee, to whose
examination the manuscript was submitted-thus confirming the
impression dirived from my own observation, regarding the pro-
priety of introducing it, as explanatory of the nature and object
of such investigations, and of the results elicited. With this
special object in view, I have attempted to present, to the agricul-
tural reader, as briefly and concisely as possible, and with the least
use of technical terms compatible with that conciseness, the well-
established principles of Rational Agriculture, with special refer-
ence to such matters as have a particular bearing upon the
conditions existing in this State. The treatise, therefore does not
in any manner pretend to completeness, but simply touches in an
explanatory manner, such subjects as appeared to me of immediate
importance in connection with the results of the Survey; and I
have endeavored by copious references throughout the special part,
to establish that connection, and to enable the reader unacquainted
with the subject; to see, and act intelligently with reference to the
reasons why a certain course is recommended in certain cases.
It is with reference to the latter point particularly, that I have
deviated from the course usually pursued in Reports communicating
analyses of soils; it being mostly left to the agriculturist to
interpret, as best he may, the columns of names and figures which
he recieves from the hands of the chemist. That under such cir-
cumstances, little benefit should result from these analyses, is not
wonderful. The chemist, not knowing the circumstances under
which the soil he has analyzed, occurs in nature, cannot, if he
would, advise intelligently as to the import of his results; yet, to
draw the conclusions contained in the abstract result communicated
by him to the agriculturist, almost always transcends the knowledge
of the latter; for it presupposes in most cases, an acquaintance
with chemistry and the kindred sciences not to be expected, unless
of professional men. The agricultural chemist, therefore, ought
not only to make the analyses, but also to interpret them to the
PREFACE.
vii
agriculturist; but he cannot, in general, do so intelligently from
the results obtained in his laboratory alone, from a few specimens
desultorily collected by others, without reference to any rule, or
system of investigation; which can be consistently carried out
only upon the scale of a public work, by State aid.
While this, however, may justly be claimed at the hands of the
scientific investigator, it is asking nothing short of an impossibility,
when it is expected of him that he should communicate the scien-
tific detail of his researches, in language intelligible to those not
previously acquainted with the fundamentals of the science. It
might as well be asked that he should teach a person to read,
without giving him the trouble of learning the letters of the
alphabet.
It is very commonly and cheaply charged upon professional men
generally, and upon those cultivating the exact sciences in partic-
ular, that they have a perverse disposition to wrap up everything
known in an unintelligible, technical jargon, or "big words", as
they are currently termed. It is expected of them that they should
develop new ideas (such as always result from the special study of
any subject), but that they should use no new terms in expressing
or communicating them; which is simply impossible. No one can
expect to be taught, without learning; let him catch the idea, and
it will matter little to him whether the word expressing the same
be Greek, Latin, or Chinese; English terms, already possessing
definite meaning, cannot be used to express new ideas. If he
cannot take the time, or trouble, to learn the idea, he ought not to
complain if he cannot understand the term.
༣
In a practical point of view, it being undeniable that the fre-
quent recurrence of technical terms not familiar to the general
reader, will often deter the latter from attempting to read even
that which he can understand, I have thought it best to separate,
as much as possible, the purely scientific part from the purely
practical, so as to enable each one to select at once what is suited
to his taste and purpose. I have for this reason, separated the
geological part from that descriptive of the agricultural features,
connecting the two, however, by copious references, and even
repeating in brief, at times, in the latter part, important points in
the geology of the country, already given in the former part, and
more fully discussed there. In the geological part itself, I have
viii
PREFACE.
given under separate heads ("Useful Materials") the chief practi-
cal results embraced in the previous description of geological
detail, which it would be impossible to render fully intelligible to
readers not conversant with the science, without writing, at the
same time, a Compend of Geology. The latter course has been
to some extent pursued in many State Reports, and among others,
in the two Reports published previous to the present one, in this
State. I have so much the more felt justified in omitting this
feature, and substituting for it a Compend of Agriculture, before
noticed.
But it may be thought by some that under the circumstances,
the geological, scientific detail might, for practical purposes, as
well have been omitted altogether. But it is inadmissible, at the
present day, to appear before the public with mere assertions, with-
out presenting, as vouchers for the accuracy of the observations,
the record of the latter; and the fact that that record cannot be
made intelligible to all at the first glance, can form no legitimate
objection to the propriety of giving those who can understand it
the opportunity of judging and controlling, the correctness of the
conclusions. The very separation of the practical from the scien-
tific detail, has necessarily imparted to the latter an aspect even
more abstruse than usual; but the unprofessional reader may skip
what seems unintelligible to him, with the understanding that he
loses nothing that could be explained, unless he were to go to the
trouble of making himself acquainted with the rudiments at least
of the science, which it is not the province of a State Report to
teach. A great deal, however, of what might not be intelligible
to the general reader, by itself, will become so to those desiring
further information on the subject in hand, by looking up the
paragraphs referred to in the text-to facilitate which, the
paragraphs occurring on every page are given at the top, on the
inner corner. The whole being written with a view to these
references, to avoid incessant repetition, it will be quite essential
to the casual reader to make use of them.
The discusssion of the agricultural features of a region involves,
necessarily, two distinct classes of data, viz: Ist. The general
description of the surface configuration, vegetation, soil, etc. 2nd,
The discussion of the peculiarities of the several soils, if the
observations made are such as to render such discussion useful.
PEFACE.
ik.
While the former class of observations has been made, and is
recorded here, with reference to the greater portion of the State,
the latter is as yet very incomplete, in consequence of the chemical
work of the Survey having unavoidably remained far behind the
field work. Copious specimens of soils, marls, etc., from the
regions examined are, however, in the collection of the Survey,
and will be subjected to analysis, or such other examination as
they may require, so soon as the limited means of the Survey-
consisting, thus far, of my single-handed labor, with the occasional
aid of kind friends-will permit; and the same is intended to be
done with reference to the districts not yet sufficiently examined,
as mentioned in the Special Report. The publication of prelimi-
nary Reports necessarily containing a great deal of crude and
undigested matter, is not a pleasant necessity to the scientific
investigator; but I shall consider the objects of the present Report
to be amply attained, if the observations, results and suggestions
it contains, shall succeed in awakening our agricultural population
more generally to the importance and necessity of agricultural
improvement, and of a rational system of Agriculture. It rests
with them, in great degree, to render the Agricultural Survey
that which it should be. It is upon them that the scientific inves
tigator is dependent, in most cases, for knowledge of the faults
and virtues of a soil, the cause and remedies of which he is to
ascertain; it is they who must test in practice the correctness of
his conclusions; and it is only by co-operation of this kind between
the practical agriculturist and the scientific investigator, that the
benefits of the aid of science to Agriculture, are capable of reali-
zation. Agricultural science is young; it cannot as yet answer at
once all questions which may arise in regard to the mutual relations
of soils and crops; but its fundamentals are well established, and
it is upon investigations like these that its progress must be based.
It is obvious, moreover, that the knowledge thus obtained of the
peculiarities of the State, is a most essential step towards the
establishment of Agricultural Schools of a character truly prac-
tical, in which the young men of the State shall be taught, not
only general principles, and what ought to be their mode of pro-
cedure in certain suppositious cases: but also what are, in fuct and
practice, the cases they will have to deal with in their own State,
illustrated by actual specimens, having received a thorough exam-
ination.
X
PREFACE.
In mentioning the vegetation of the several regions, I have
throughout made use of the popular names, as far as such exist ;
when, however, characteristic plants requiring mention possessed no
English name, I have given the systematical botanical term, which
conveys the meaning to some persons at least. I must observe,
however, that in reference to the popular names of the Oaks, there
exists a great confusion in our State; those generally adopted in
the United States, and which have already passed into systematic
botany and text-books, having partially, in Mississippi, been trans-
ferred to different species. Thus the Quercus falcata, everywhere
else called Spanish Oak, is generally designated as "Red Oak" in
Mississippi; the true Red Oak (Q. rubra) of the Middle States, is
either not distinguished here from the Black Oak (Q. tinctoria),
or is by many thought to be a "kind" (variety) of the Q. falcata
(the "Red" Oak of the Mississippians, or Spanish Oak proper.)
On the other hand, the name of "Spanish Oak" is popularly
applied, in Mississippi, to the Q. cocinea, the Scarlet Oak of other
States. To use the other nomenclature by itself, would involve,
either throwing the student of botany into inextricable confusion
as to the trees of the State, or else a misunderstanding on the part
of the agricultural population, which would be the more serious,
as these several Oaks indicate very essential differences of soil.
To avoid these inconveniences, I have throughout, in the text, used
the names as adopted in botanical text books, but have introduced
after them, in parenthesis, quotations, and italic type, the corres-
ponding names as usually used in Mississippi. Thus, Spanish
("Red") Oak implies the Quercus falcata, commonly termed "Red
Oak in Mississippi. The "Poplar" (Liriodendron tulipifera-
Tulip-tree of the text-books), also, I have placed in quotations,
because the name properly belongs to the Lombardy Poplar and
Cottonwood (Populus) tribe of trees.
77
To those familiar with the sciences, it is proper to state, that the
methods I have pursued in the quantitative analyses of soils, etc.,
are essentially those described by Dr. R. Peter, in the third volume
of the Kentucky Geological Report, which yield results very uni-
formly satisfactorywith a great variety of materials. The time
during which the soils were digested with acid of uniform strength,
was in most cases, as uniformly as possible, five days. Want
of time and proper arrangements have hitherto compelled me to
PREFACE.
xi
omit the separate determination of sand, and the extraction of the
soil with carbonic acid water (both intended to be performed
hereafter). I have substituted for the determination of moisture
contained in the air-dried soil (varying greatly within brief periods),
that of the moisture absorbed by the same at a fixed temperature
if possible, in an atmospere at the point of saturation, with aque-
ous vapor; which renders the determinations directly comparable,
and seems to offer a very important element in the determination
of the treatment of soils. Not having had a space of a perfectly
uniform temperature at my command, the temperatures at which
the saturation took place, have varied somewhat, as will be seen
by reference to the analyses; but it is my intention to determine,
at the earliest possible moment, the law of variation in this respect,
so as to render the results strictly comparable. I hope that the
imperfections of the work in a scientific as well as in many other
points of view, may meet with lenient judgment at the hands of
those at least, who have experienced the difficulties besetting an
observer who has to rely almost entirely upon his single-handed
labor, in the numerous departments of science involved in a work of
this kind.
It may be noticed by those possessing the Report of my imme-
diate predecessor (L. Harper), that many facts and localities
mentioned there, are referred to and described in the present one
also. As stated at first, it has been my aim to communicate as
completely as possible, all reliable observations and results here-
tofore obtained in connection with the Survey; and wherever I
have availed myself of the observations, either of my predecessors,
or of other scientific observers, I have given due credit. With
reference to Harper's Report, therefore, I have simply to say, that
nine-tenths of all the data given there in relation to the north-
western portion of the State, are extracts, sometimes literal, from
my field notes, made in the capacity of Assistant in 1856; the
observations then made being here presented in the light in which
they appear to me, and with the conclusions to which, in my
judgment, they legitimately lead. Owing to the want of his field
notes, as well as those of his predecessors, I have been compelled
to rely chiefly upon my own recollection with reference to the
observations jointly made in the southern portion of the State, in
1855, so far as I have not since re-examined the region personally.
xii
PREFACE.
I have to regret that the inadequacy of the appropriation made
for printing the present Report, has compelled me to curtail its
contents in several important particulars, and among others has
necessitated the omission of the tables of elevations, as ascertained
by the railroad surveys; which are, therefore, reserved for a future
Report; and has likewise rendered necessary a partial reduction
of the size of the type. Notwithstanding these curtailments (as
far as compatible with the objects of the Report), the cost of pub-
lication has, under the circumstances, seriously exceeded the
amount provided.
Of the accurate observations contained in Prof. Wailes' First
Report (which has become somewhat scarce), I have availed myself,
so far as they come within the purpose of the present Report;
giving due credit therefor.
To Dr. William Spillman, of Columbus, Mississippi, I am
indebted for the catalogue of fossils given in the Appendix, as
well as for other favors.
To Leo Lesquereux, Esq., of Columbus, Ohio, I am indebted for
determinations of fossil plants from the Lignitic strata of North
Mississippi.
My most especial acknowledgments are due to Prof. W. D.
Moore, of the University of Mississippi, for voluntary assistance
not merely occasional, but of the most comprehensive kind and in
part, of the most toilsome character; he having for months together
devoted all his leisure time, even at nights when necessary, and
oftentimes at great inconvenience to himself, to the furtherance
especially of those portions of the work which otherwise, in the
multifarious duties devolving upon me, could hardly have been
touched as yet. I owe to his patient labor the systematic arrange-
ment and labeling of the Survey collections at Oxford. Without
his assistance in the determination and comparison of fossils, the
geological features of the State would even now, in a great
measure, have been but imperfectly determined, unless many other
practically important investigations had been omitted instead; and
the compilation of the catalogues of fossils is almost entirely the
fruit of his labor. Of fieldwork I owe to him the re-examination
and more accurate tracing out of the deposits of hydraulic lime-
stone in Tishomingo, the result of which is given in the Appendix.
And finally, he has rendered me most essential aid in the arrange-
PEFACE.
xiii
ment and revision of the manuscript; and in seeing through the
press its latter portion, at considerable inconvenience to himself.
I cannot close this, already somewhat lengthy preface, without
expressing my obligations to the numerous gentlemen throughout
the State, by whose kindness and intelligent assistance my labors
in the field have been essentially lightened, and the work of the
Survey materially promoted.
EUG. W. HILGARD.
OXFORD, August, 1860.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PREFACE....
P..3
ORANGE SAND: characterizes the surface of the State; wanting in four
divisions only, p. 5; thickness of, ancient hills in, 6; stratification
irregular, character of materials, 7; rocky knolls and ferruginous
sandstone ledges in, 8; singular tubes in, 9; ferruginous sand rock not
iron ore; singular rock in process of formation at present, 10; white
sands of, their localities, 11; pebble beds of; two distinct regions of
their occurrence; their extent and direction, 11, 12; material of the
pebbles, their size and form, 12, 13; usual mode of occurrence, 14
singular rock of, clay deposits of, 14, 15; general character of these,
metamorphosis of materials in the Orange Sand, 15; diagram illustrat-
ing it, 16; fossils of the Orage Sand, Devonian, Silurian, Carboniferous,
17, 18; contains only the fossils of other formations, 17; singular
hornstone breccia in, 18; remarkable decaying pebbles of, 19; Creta-
ceous fossils in, 19; Tertiary fossils in, 20; silicified wood in, 20, 21;
diagram illustrating contact of Orange Sand strata with those of other
formations, 23; effect of contact of Orange Sand with Lignitic Clays,
silicified wood in, abundance of Soluble Silica, 24; singular silicious
mass in, 25; pebble beds coincident in their position with the course
of the great rivers at present existing, 26; relations of the Orange Sand
to the Northern Drift, 27, 28; stratification of Sands on the Sea-Coast,
diagram illustrating, Tuomey quoted, 29; useful materials of the Orange
Sand-sands, gravel, gems, 30; building stones, sandstone, 31; locali-
ties of, 32, 33; pipe-clay; localities of, 34, 35, 36; uses of this clay, 37,
38; cream colored clays, 38; potter's clay, 39, 40, 41; important bed
of red clay valuable for paint, 41, 42; mode of its formation, 42; yel-
low and red ochre, 43; iron ore, materials for glass, 43, 44; waters of
the Orange Sand-quality, quantity, availability, 44, 45, 46.
CARBONIFEROUS: Territory occupied by, small; outcrops few; order of
Strata not easily determined, dip, outcrops correspond to Keokuk and
Warsaw Limestones of Iowa Report, 47; materials of, p. 48; localities
of, Red Sulphur Springs, hydraulic limestone, 48; singular decaying
hornstone; Tuomey quoted; calcareous shale and fossils; whitish chert
and fossils; limestone and fossils of Cypress Pond, 50, 51; Section of
Carboniferous at McDouglas' Mills: localities continued, 52; useful
materials of-hydraulic limestone, 63; analysis and localities of, 54,
55; mode of manufacture, value of, 55, 56; limestone for quicklime,
analysis of, 56; building stones, grindstones and flagstones, 57; mate-
rials for glass, 58; mineral waters, springs, etc., 60.
xvi
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CRETACEOUS: extent of territory occupied by, dip of strata Dr. Spillman's,
estimate, 60; three stages of-properly given: Eutaw Group, 1; Tom-
bigbee Sand Group, 2; Rotten Limestone Group, 3; Ripley Group, 4;
general characteristics and fossils of each, 61, 62.
EUTAW GROUP: specially considered, means of distinguishing it from over-
lying Orange Sand, its clays characteristically developed in Tishomingo
county, diagram illustrating its stratification, 63; localities of, fossil
trees in, 64; fossil resin in, 65;` additional localities, 66; Section
showing relation of Rotten Limestone and Eutaw, lignite and pebbles
in, Tuomey quoted 67; Section of Cretaceous in Lowndes County,
great number of shark's teeth, 68.
TOMBIGBEE SAND GROUP specially considered, 68; micaceous sand preva-
lent material, localities of, 69; Section M. & C. R. R., additional local-
ities and fossils, 70; Section on M. & C. R. R., additional localities and
fossils, 71; Section on Big Brown's Creek, Tishomingo county, and
description of the strata, 72; Section on the Tombigbee, in Monroe
Co., and description of strata, 73; Section on the same, in Lowndes
Co.; Dr. Spillman's collection of fossils; E. Q. Thornton, Esq., quoted ;
Prof. Tuomey quoted, 74; fossils of this group compared with similar
strata in Alabam, 75.
ROTTEN LIMESTONE GROUP; general character, material of, dip of,
paleontological distinction from the Tombigbee Sand Group, 76; local-
ities and fossils, 77; additional localities, depth of wells, 78, 79; locali-
ties continued, 80; absence of springs and sipe wells, fossils of this
group, 81, 82.
RIPLEY GROUP: surface of the territory hilly; two materials compose,
essentially, its strata-crystalline limestone and bluish micaceous
marls, p. 83; springs of, peculiar vegetation of, history of the discovery
and exploration of, study and determination of the fossils, Hilgard,
Conrad, Harper, Spillman, 84; localities of, 85; Section of strata in
Wilhite's Well, and at Kindrick's Mill, Tippah, 86; Section at Rip-
ley, 87; Section at Owl Creek Bluff, 88; Section of an isolated Cre-
taceous hill, Tippah Co., 89; localities, limestone ledges, caves, 90;
localities continued, 91; fossils of the group, Moore, Prof. W. D. 92 ;
catalogue of, 92, 93, 94; catalogue of species common to Upper and
Lower Cretaceous, by Conrad and Gabb; useful materials of the Cre-
taceous, 95: Marls wanting in Eutaw Group; micaceous sands of
Tombigbee Group, good fertilizers, 95; analysis of sand from Waverly
Bluff, marls of the Rotten Limestone Group; analysis of Houston
marl; iron pyrites in this marl makes it necessary to be cautious in its
use; the rotten limestone itself a marl; a calcareous stimulant manure,
Marls of the Ripley Group, 97; their distinguishing feature green sand;
these marls generally underlie the limestone in the region of their
occurrence; analysis of Wilhite's marl; localities of this marl, 98;
analysis of marl from O. Davis' Well near Ripley; superior to Wil-
hite's, 99; gray calcareous sand; gray calcareous clay; limestone not
found in Eutaw, or Tombigbee Sand Group; hardest varieties usually
purest; other modes of practically determining its purity; foreign
material (generally clayey) in the Rotten Limestone impairs its value
for making quicklime; localities of the purest, 100; analysis of Oka-
lona Rotten Limestone, 101; limestone in the Ripley Group abundant ;
foreign material generally sand; purer varieties usually along the
western edge of the territory, 102; localities, analysis of Daggett's
Limestone, 103; building stones; none in the Eutaw Group; Rotten
Limestone too soft; limestones of Ripley Group better; waters of the
Cretaceous Formation; abundant in the Eutaw and Tombigbee Sand
Group, 104; little in the Rotten Limestone; abundant in the Ripley
Group, 105, 106.
1
:
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
xvii
THE TERTIARY FORMATIONS: occupy the greater portion of the State;
dip; present three facies, namely: lignitiferous clays with remains of
vegetables, silicious sandstones and claystones with marine fossils; and
limestones and calcareous marls with marine fossils; estuary deposits
of marine fossils sometimes found in the lignitic beds; lignitic beds
usually separate the marine deposits, 107; general section of the Ter-
tiary strata, 108; doubt as to position of "Lignitic of N. Mississippi":
study of its fossil plants by L. Lesquereux; comparison of Venericar-
dia planicosta from various geological horizons, by Prof. W. D. Moore,
109.
I. NORTHERN LIGNITIC Specially considered; its territory generally hilly;
deeply overlaid by Orange Sand; clay of, in the Flatwoods, p. 110;
claystones stratified; lignite beds and material associated with them;
Section of the Lignitic Strata, at Reeve's, N. Tippah; localities of N.
Lignitic, 112; Section at a Bluff on Ocklimita Creek, W. Tippah;
Section at Hurley's Schoolhouse, W. Tippah, 113; localities and Sec-
tion of Lignitic Strata, in Tippah Co., 114; Section at Price's Old Mill,
Yockeney; fossil leaves in, 115; diagram illustrating false stratifica-
tion in Lignitic at Ragland's Bluff, 116; lignitic beds; localities con-
tinued, 117; Section on Sowashee Creek, 118; Section at Spear's Cut,
Lauderdale Co.; localities continued, 119; fetid clays-efflorescent;
fossil leaves and lignite, 120; other localities; shells of Claiborne age?,
121; Shongalo marine formation intercalated between lignitic clays;
Section at Kirkwood's Ferry, Attala Co., 122; other localities of the
Shongalo deposit, 123.
II. THE ČLAIBORNE GROUP. A. The Silicious Claiborne specially treated;
strata impart no peculiar feature to the surface; localities and fossils, p.
123, 124; Section on the Chickasawhay, at Enterprize; fossils in this
bluff; beds intervening between Silicious and Calcareous Claiborne,
125; B. The Calcareous Claiborne Strata; characterised by the pre-
dominance of lime; fossils poorly preserved, except oysters, 126;
Section on Falling Creek; beds between the Claiborne and Jackson
Groups; Zeuglodon bones; fossil leaves and fruit, 127, 128.
III. THE JACKSON GROUP; "black," and "bald" prairies common; Zeu-
glodon, Eschara, remains of fish, Grypha (allied to convexa) common
fossils; upper division matrix of Zeuglodon-lower, shells, figured
and described by Conrad, in Waile's Report; highest strata at Canton,
128; localities, 129; Section in railroad cut near Calhoun Station; large
skeleton of Zeuglodon found here, 130; Section at Moody's Branch
and McNutt Hills, 131; fossils found at these places, and comparison
of them with Vicksburg fossils, by W. D. Moore, 132, 133; other
localities continued; Zeuglodon and other fossils, 134; Section near
Red Bluff Station, Wayne Co., 135; beds between Jackson and Vicks-
burg Group, 135-in this Section, determination of their fossils, list of
them, comparison of this fauna with those of Vicksburg and Jackson
Strata by Prof. W. D. Moore; lignitic beds at Vicksburg; depth
according to Prof. W. D. Moore, 136; Section in Mr. John Parker's
Well, Rankin Co., 137; Selenite, 139.
IV. THE VICKSBURG GROUP; first studied by Conrad; only marine stage
containing crystalline limestones; material of the gronp; relation to
Grand Gulf Group, pp. 138, 139; Section from Yost's lime kiln to
Butt's, Summit, Rankin Co., 140; localities of this group; Section of
the Bluff at Vicksburg, 741; fossils of the Vicksburg, catalogue of the
same, 142, 143, 144; Section above Byram Station, Rankin County;
outcrops at Brandon, 145; other localities; outcrops on Paulding and
Williamsburg road, observed by Prof. W. D. Moore, 146, 147.
B
xviii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
THE TERTIARY FORMATIONS—
V. THE GRAND GULF GROUP; comparatively unimportant in spite of its
extent; poor in useful materials; plays a small part in the surface
conformation; whole formation marked by the presence of gypsum,
common salt and, generally, of magnesian salts, 147, 148; localities;
Section of the Bluff at Grand Gulf, Claiborne Co., 148; sandstone,
lignite, silicified wood, clays, 149; Section at Loftus' Heights, Wilkin-
son Co.; Wailes, Prof., on Grand Gulf Group, 150; other localities,
151; peculiar cleavage of sandstones, 152; fossil trunks and roots
(stumps standing with the roots imbedded in the soil), of dicotyledon-
ous plants; Conifers and Palms; Section exhibiting the strata contain-
ing them, at Mr. Sam. Power's, near Winchester, Wayne Co., 153;
Section of Bluff at Dwyer's Ferry, Jackson Co.; Newer Tertiary (?) of
the Coast; partly marine, partly fresh-water; consist of black, fetid,
massy clays, containing recent shells and plants; localities, 154;
Section at Saucier's, on Wolf River, Harrison Co.; buried Cypress
forest; successive generation superimposed upon one another, 155;
useful materials of Tertiary; lignite, its uses, impurities, mode of
ascertaining them, 156; determination of the amount of ash in lignite
from five localities; presence of iron pyrite injurious, 157; mode of
distinguishing pyrites from other metals, 158; practical value of lig-
nite; increasing necessity for using it as fuel, 159; mode of working
lignite beds; localities, 160; analysis of Lignite Ash from Hughes
branch; other localities, 161; localities continued, 161 to 164; mineral
fertilizers of the Tertiary, 164; analysis of Shongalo Greensand;
potash and soluble silica chiefly make it valuable, 165; calcareous
marls of the Tertiary; of two varieties, viz: white marls, and green-
sand marls, 166; analysis of the Vicksburg Marl; experiments with,
by Mr. Marshall, 167; Section of marl strata at Byram Station
(Cook's Ferry); analysis of marl from Byram Station, 168; many
joint clay marls; laminated yellow marl stone of McNutt Hill, 169;
analysis of marl from Moody's Branch, Jackson; amonnt of lime in
marls of N. Hinds and Madison Co's., 170; additional localities of
marl, 171; analysis of Dr. J. Quin's marl, Rankin Co.; other localities,
172; localities continued, 173, 174; analysis of greensand marl from
Garland's Creek; localities continued, 175; additional localities; blue
marls preferable to white; gypseous marls, 176; calcareous marls of
the Fresh Water Tertiary, 177; analysis of clay marl from Judge
Hiram Cassiday's, Franklin Co.; large amount of potash in this marl,
178; Section of "Barnes' White Bluff," Marion Co., 179; analysis
of Barnes' marl and remarks regarding it, 180; marls sometimes of
local value only; Section at Burnett's Bluff, Marion Co.; analysis of
green loam this locality, 181; gypsum, limestones, 182; limestones of
Vicksburg Group; analysis of Vicksburg limestone, 183; other locali-
ties, 184; analysis of limestone from Yost's Rankin county; best
method of preserving lime, 185; other localities; building stones,
186, 187; waters of the Tertiary; of the Lignitic Groups, 187; abuse
of mineral waters: ingredients common to the waters of the Lignitic,
188; waters of the S. Lignitic generally considered, 189; practicability
of Artesian Wells below Vicksburg; waters of the Calcareous Marine
Tertiary, 190; record of the bored well at the State Penitentiary, 191;
record of wells bored by Rev. J. R. Lambuth, 192; Artesian Wells
in E. Mississippi, 193.
QUARTERNARY; divisible into five stages; Orange Sand previously treated
of; BLUFF FORMATION; so named by Prof Swallow; district occupied
by, and materials of, 194-5; fossils of, collected by Prof. Wailes-stud-
ied by Conrad Leidy, 195; useful materials and waters of, 196; “YEE-
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
xix
QUARTERNARY—
*
LOW LOAM"; constitutes a large portion of Mississippi Soils; posterior
to the Orange Sand and Bluff formations-anterior to the Alluvium;
anterior to the great denudation-posterior to the present river chan-
nels, 197; further discussion of its stratigraphical relations, 198;
Flatwoods soils—brick clay in, 199, 200; HoмMOCK OF SECOND BOT-
TOM, 200-1; ALLUVIAL, 201.
PART IL
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
PRINCIPLES OF RATIONAL AGRICULTURE: definition and limitations
of the term soil, p. 202; natural vegetation a guide to the quality of
land; may, however, lead to error; not only the species of plants but
their size and form must be considered; cases illustrating these points,
203; subsoils; proper mode of collecting and examining soils,
204; record of depth, at which taken always accompanies the analy-
sis; value of analysis of soils asserted; virgin soils usually investiga-
ted; origin of soils, 205; origin of soils; causes operating to
produce them, action of water, of temperature, of chemical agents;
fallowing, 206.
PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY: necessity and value of
technical terms; ingredients of soils; sixteen or seventeen elements
claim the attention of agriculturists; named, p. 206-7; important
combinations considered; Silicon, Sulphur, Phosphorus, Potassium
and Sodium treated of, p. 208; Calcium; action of lime in soils, p.
209; calcareous soils; growth of; Magnesium, p. 210; Aluminum;
clays; Iron, p. 211; "Soapstone"; retentive power of clays; Alum,
p. 212; Iron; oxide of; in soils; injurious effects of; modes of
remedying them, p. 214; bog ore or "Black Pebble"; importance of
drainage; chaly beate springs, p. 215; formation of rock by waters
charged with iron; nourishment of plants; constituents of plants;
rotation of crops, p. 216; rotation of crops a systematic method of
exhausting soils; order of rotation settled by experience; analyses of
soils, crops and manures of practical value, p. 217; analyses of south-
ern soils; discrepancies in results; physical constitution of soils;
soil must be "open", "porous", p. 218; light or sandy soils; heavy
clay soils; crack in drouth; retain moisture tenaciously, and so, in
wet seasons, prevent tillage; prevent access of air, p. 219; heavy soils
require deep and frequent tillage; heavy siliceous soils; defects of
them; acid soils; contain crenic, and apocrenic acids in a soluble
condition, p. 220; drainage-its value and effects; drainage of clay
soils prevents injury from wet; warms the soil, p. 221; prevents
soluble or liquid manures from being wasted or lost; prevents washing
of the soil; improves the health of the districts in which it is practised;
reader referred to Maj. H. F. French on Farm Drainage”, p. 222;
conditions of productiveness in soils-1. Good Physical Constitution—
2. Good Chemical Constitution; when defective in either artificial
correctives must be applied; general name of these manures; manures
of two kinds, mechanical and chemical; the latter may be divided
XX
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY—
into stimulant, and nutritive manures; examples of the benefit derived
from mechanical manures, p. 222-3; washing may sometimes be
turned to good account; chemical manures specially considered;
"humus"; its mode of action; its properties, p. 224; clays to some
extent a substitute for humus; green cropping-rationale of; ammon-
iacal manures; ammonia required for the nutrition of plants, p. 225;
also a stimulant; relation of leaves to ammonia; Peruvian Guano,
226; when is manure most profitable? Columbian Guano; Super-
phosphate of Lime; effects of its use, 227; Chilian Saltpetre ;
Common Salt; Gypsum; Quicklime and Carbonate of Lime, 228;
action of lime, its beneficial effects detailed, 228-230; difference be-
tween lime and marls, different condition of ingredients in soils and
marls, 231; effect of marls transient, why, cases, 231; classification
of marls; I. CRETACEOUS MARLS include, Greensand Marls, Clay
Marls, Greenish Sands. II. MARINE TERTIARY MARLS. III. CLAY
MARLS OF THE UPPER FRESH WATER TERTIARY. IV. FRESH WATER
MABLS LATER THAN TE!TIARY, 231–233; marling, directions as to,
overdrainage, Mr. Ruffin's Treatise referred to and recommended,
234; effects of marling on health, gypseous marls, stable manure, its
great value, composting, 235-236, comparative value of fresh and
rotten manure discussed, method of culture, robbing the soil, 238;
imminence of exhaustion, exhaustive culture irrational, 239; culture
of too much land, restoration of exhausted soils, rotation of crops, 240;
is only a systematic mode of exhausting the oil, order of rotation in
southern crops not yet determined, rotation valuable in manured lands,
241; rule for preserving the fertility of a soil-return to it so fur as
practicable everything taken from it; cotton one of the least exhausting
of crops, value of cotton seed as a manure, 242; best method of ap-
plying it, its mode of operation, 243; improvidence of using cotton
seed as food, manufacture of cotton seed oil improvident, unless the
cake and hull be returned to the soil, selling cotton seed is really
selling manure, 244; waste of cotton seed in the Mississippi Bottom,
245; Subsoiling consists essentially of two processes, deep plowing
tempers extremes of wet and drouth, but turning up the subsoil to
the surface is not always desirable, under what circumstances it is
desirable shown, cases illustrating the principles laid down, 245, 6, 7, 8 ;
Tullian or Lois Weedon system denounced, drainage, 249; dung-
producing system of culture shown to be fallacious, 250, 1; what
becomes of the lost fertility of soils ? how can a maximum of fertility
be perpetually maintained? 251, 2.
SPECIAL PART--AGRICULTURAL FEATURES OF THE STATE OF
MISSISSIPPI; THE NORTH-EASTERN PRAIRIE REGION: its limits,
not implied that the whole district is prairie in its character, is char-
acterized and determined by the cretaceous strata, 254; Tishomingo
and Itawamba, lands of Big Bear, and Yellow Creeks, 255; character-
istic growth, 256; soils of E. Monroe and the valley of the Tombigbee ;
peculiar growth, 257; hommock of the Tombigbee, its vegetation,
"white lime country " of Tishomingo and Itawamba, 258; "Mahog-
any Soils",
"Beeswax Hommock", Black Prairie Soil, soils near
Farmington, 259; Corinth, Planville, Hatchie, Tuscumbia and Rich-
mond, their soils and vegetation, 260; the prairie region proper, soils
and peculiar growth, 261; Monroe prairie soil, Monroe prairie under-
subsoil, 262; analysis of latter; relations of soil and subsoil, of these
prairies, defects and remedies of, 263; advantage of deep plowing and
drainage; bald prairies require vegetable matter; prairie uplands of
Kemper and Noxubee, 264; their crops and natural growth; lands of
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
xxi
SPECIAL PART-AGRICULTURAL FEATURES OF THE STATE OF
MISSISSIPPI; N. E. PRAIRIE REGION-
$
E. Tippah, 265; lands between the forks of the Hatchie; between the
heads of Hatchie and Tallahatchie; S. Tippah and the Pontotoc Ridge,
266; "the Buncombes", "Red Sands", "Mullatto Soils", 267;
analysis of Mulatto Soil", "Beeswax Hommocks" and "Bald
Prairie Soils" of the Pontotoc Ridge, 268; brokenness of the surface
only drawback to the Pontotoc Ridge lands; Waters of the N. E.
Prairie Region, 269; analysis of water of "Gum Spring",
"" Box
Spring", of a mineral spring near Fulton, and of clay from a mineral
well on Bull Mountain, 270; waters of the Rotten Limestone Region,
deepest near the western border of the territory; localities of well,
271; bored and Artesian wells of Monroe and Lownds, 272.
THE FLATWOODS REGION: geographical position and surface conformation,
p. 273-4; two varieties of soil in this region, viz: light, sandy, and
heavy, clayey; growth, 274-5; analysis of light, and heavy flatwoods
soil, 276–7; culture of light flatwoods soil, requires clay and vegeta-
ble matter, 277-8; cultivation of heavy flatwoods soil, requires lime
vegetable matter, sand and drainage, 770-280; the white oak flat-
woods; peculiarities of soil and growth, 280; hills of the flatwoods
region; localities; peculiarities of soil and growth, 281-2; bottom
soils of the Flatwoods; vegetation; springs and wells, 283; bored
wells N. and W. of Houston; localities and depths; waters S. and S.
E of Houston; wells and springs in the hills of the Flatwoods, 284,
5; mineral waters characterize the wells generally; abuse of these
waters, 286, 7.
THE YELLOW LOAM REGION: boundaries of the district, its soils defined
generally, peculiar vegetation, p. 288; all degrees of transition between
the extremes of soils specified; relative value shown by the forest
growth, form and size of trees of material account in judging, specific
directions given, 289, 290; table lands of Marshall and N. W. Tippah,
peculiarities of soil and timber; analysis of soil and subsoil of Mar-
shal: county Table Lands, 291, 2; consideration of the analyses with
reference to the improvement of these soils, 292; table lands of N.
W. Tippah; waste from washing; importance of " circling", 293;
necessity of accurate levelling, easy method of making a level; deep
plowing an additional preventive of "washes " 294, 5; country S. of
Wolf River and W. of Tippah Creek, 295; Lafayette county, 296;
lands of Yallabusha county, 297; lands of Carroll and N. E. Yazoo,
298; land of N. Attala; uplands bordering the Poukta; fertility of
the "Red Hills ", 299; lands of S. Attala, N. E. Leake, N. Madison
and Calhoun, 300; their vegetation; upland soils of Winston, 301–2;
lands E. of the Nanna Wauya; face of the country; growth, 302;
ridge soils of Kemper; soils near Daleville; culture of the vine;
peculiarities of these soils best studied on the ridges of the Tallahoma
W. of Garlandsville, 303-4; height and beauty of these ridges;
bottom soils of the Yellow Loam Region, 305; often sandy; often cut
through lignitic strata and become clayey, 306; soils of the Talla-
hatchie Bottom, of the Yockeney--Patala, of the Loosha Scoona, of
the Big Black, 306, 7; hommock soils of the last; peculiarity of soil
on Dr. Vaiden's land near Shongalo, 308; the solis of Pearl River
Bottom; vegetation; soils of the Ycckanookana, 309; waters of the
Yellow Loam Region; bored and Artesian wells; water would prob-
ably be obtained at Oxford and Holly Springs at 7 or 800 feet, 310;
mineral waters of this region classified, viz: alkaline chalybeates,
saline chalybeates, and alum waters, 311, 312.
THE NORTHERN RIVER COUNTIES: p. 312.
xxii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
THE SOUTHERN RIVER COUNTIES: extent of territory; surface con-
formation determined by deposits of calcareous silt known by the
name of the Bluff Formation; the silt overlaid by from 3 to 10 feet of
brown loam; depth of silt from 25 to 30 feet on an average, p. 313;
peculiarities of roads in this region, 314; hills and streams of the
formation, 315; soils of the uplands in this region reducible to two
classes, viz: those derived from the brown clayey loam, and those
derived from the light calcareous loam silt, 316; growth characteris-
tic of each; analyses of upland soils, 317, 318; remarks upon these
analyses, 319; diagram illustrating denudation in the Bluff Formation,
320; subsoil more fertile than the fresh surface soil; requires fallow-
ing and stimulating; material for the latter to be found, in the calcareous
silt, close at hand and easily transported, 321; brown loam easily
distinguished from the silt; subsoil and silt both lacking in vegetable
matter; great injury done by washing, 322; lands intervening be-
tween Cane Hills and Pine Hills; soils of the Homochitto Hills, of
the Hamburg Hills; the Cucumber tree the prominent botanical
feature of the latter, 323; limited district occupied by this tree;
peculiar soils near Rocky Springs, lacking in clay and vegetable matter,
324; Grape Culture in the Cane Hills, 325; bottom soils of the
Southern River Counties; vallies of the streams peculiar, growth, 326;
hommocks; bottom lands between the hills and the Mississippi River;
springs, wells and mineral waters. 327; calcareous and magnesian ;
cisterns generally resorted to, 328; E. of the Cane Hills the water
usually in greater quantity and of better quality; notice of a remarka-
ble spring, 320.
THE CENTRAL PRAIRIE REGION: prairies not the prevalent feature of
the surface; " Gypseous Prairies", "Hog wallow Prairies", "She'l
Prairies"; origin of these names, 330; the ridge lands of the region
bear the character of the Yellow Loam, or Long-leaf Pine Region;
Warren and Yazoo, Hinds and Madison; the Zeuglodon-desirable-
ness of securing an entire skeleton, 331; loam uplands of Madison
and N. Hinds the best in the State; an improvident culture rapidly
destroying them; analysis of Yellow Loam subsoil from Hinds coun-
ty; remarkable results of deep plowing in this soil, 332; marls
advantageous; need of drainage; corrective of tendency in this soil
to shrink and crack; short-leaf pine ridges, 333; fertility of these
ridges; prairies in Hinds county; oysters and crystals of Gypsum
abundant on them; "salty" spots in fields-their causes and remedy,
334; Pearl River Soils; Rankin and Scott, 335; character and growth
of their soils; Gypsum Prairies; why so called, 336; analysis of
soil, and underclay of gypseous prairie, 337; means of improving
these soils; patches of "black prairie soil" sometimes found in the
gypseous prairies; do gypseous clay soils rust Cotton ?, 338; Rankin
N. of the Peelahatchie; soils of S. Scott; effect of the bluish or
yellowish matrix of the Zeuglodon bones upon crops, 339; soils of
Smith and Jasper; oak lands between Leaf River and its western
confluents, 340; analysis of Leaf River Prairie Soil; Hog Wallow
Prairies; extent and character, 340-1; other characteristics of this
region; analysis of Hog Wallow Prairie Soil, 342; deductions from
this analysis; E. Jasper; Paulding Ridge, 343; Clarke and Wayne;
bottom soils; Chickasawhay bottom; peculiar growth; prairies of the
Jackson Group, 344; continued, 345; waters of the Central Prairie
Region, poorly supplied; generally mineral and too strong for daily
use, 346; wells in Jackson; Mrs. Nichols', Capt. Mizell's, 346;
Mississippi Springs and Cooper's Wells, 347.
&
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
xxiii
THE LONG-LEAF PINE REGION: extensive district occupied by; promi-
nent forest tree-Long-leaf Pine; concomitant trees; frequency,
shape and size of these trees mark variations of soil, 348; general
character of the bottoms; herbaceous vegetation and undergrowth of
the region, 349, 350; soils of the region westward of E. Marion ; on
the head waters of the W. Amite; analyses of Pine Upland Soil and
Subsoil, 350-1; deductiens from these analyses, 352; soils E. of
Holmesville; culture in the Long-leaf Pine Region proper confined to
bottoms and hommocks; vegetation of these; lands of Simpson
county, 353; lands on the Bowie; between Westville and Monticello,
354; Pearl River flat below Monticello; between Silver and Green's
Creek; between Columbia and Monticello, below Columbia; Burnett's
Bluff, 355; first bottom of Pearl River; Okatoma bottom; ridges
dividing Okatoma and Okahay; analysis of Pine Hill Soil, 356; an-
alysis of Pine Hill Under-Subsoil; deductions from these analyses,
357; Okahay bottoms; Jones and Perry, S. Wayne; hommock of
the Chickasawhay; 358; same continued; improvement of the Long-
leaf Pine Region, require nutritive manures primarily; Pine Straw
most available, 359; analysis of Pine Straw; practical inferences;
mode of applying Pine Straw, 360; value of this substance as a
manure; pasturage in the Pine Woods, 361; ruin of this pasture
impending; waters of this region; localities of fine springs, 362;
mineral waters; analyses of mineral waters, 363; additional locali-
ties and analyses of mineral waters, 364.
THE SEA-COAST COUNTIES: change of vegetation as the coast is ap-
proached; plants, 365; bottom soils of the Pascagoula; defects,
growth and improvement, 366; soil of ridge between the Pascagoula
and Black Creeks; shallow ponds; their peculiar vegetation 367;
soils of Black Creek Bottom, Red Creek Bottom and the dividing
ridge between them, 368; soils and vegetation of the Pascagoula
bottom, 369; of Big Bluff Creek; the Pine Meadows, 370-1;
analysis of Pine Meadow soil; practical inferences therefrom, 372 ;
Shell Hommocks; only two species of shells in them, how formed
vegetation, 373; the marshes, mode of occurrence; difference between
the marshes of the smaller and larger streams; two kinds, viz: the
Cutting Rush, and Round Rush Marshes, 374; change from one te
the other; how effected; composition and reclamation of marsh soils,
375; analysis of soil from a Cutting Rush Marsh; of Marsh Muck,
376; analysis of soil from the marsh of Pearl River; discussion of
the analysis, 377; other localities of similar soil; clay and lime needed,
378; sources from which they may be obtained; change of soil in
approaching Ocean Springs, 379; improvement of the Sand Hom-
mocks; origin of the Shell Hommock Soil, 380; means of improving
the Sand Hommocks, 381; outcrops of clay; subterranean Cypress
forest, 382; Sea-island Cotton Plantations; soils on the road from
Pearlington, N., 383-4; waters of the Coast; frequently mineral, 385;
usually saline chalybeates; coast islands; growth and soils, 386;
tides of the coast; importance of the G. and Ship Island R. R. to the
interior, 387.
APPENDICES A. B. and C.
xxiv
NOTE.
In the absence of Dr. Hilgard I am compelled to state, by way
of appology, to him and to the readers of the Report, that lack of
space has obliged me to substitute for an exhaustive index, alphabeti-
cally arranged, a Table of Contents: I have labored to make this
as minute and full as possible, and hope that the careful reader by its
aid will be able to turn rapidly and readily, to whatever he may
desire to find in the text. The few errata deemed of sufficient
importance to correct, are here subjoined:
On p.
แ
39
3—“ Marine Animal" should be opposite "Ripley Group
and the three lines just below brought up accordingly.
"240-immediately preceding T482, for "Retoration " read-
Restoration.
"301-in the heading, for " Alterations ", read-Alternations.
"304-in the sixth line of ¶650, for "properly" substitute
popularly.
Two blanks involving the number of acres embraced in the Sea-
Island Cotton Plantations, and the amount of cotton per acro
produced on these, I have been unable to fill, the only information
relative to these subjects, in the U. S. Census, being the return of
70 bales from Hancock County.
W. D. MOORE.
JACKSON, Sept. 14, 1860.
PART I.
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
་
1. Configuration of the Surface.-There are, probably, few States
in the Union, concerning the aspect of whose surface erroneous
impressions are more generally prevalent, than is the case with
Mississippi. The reputed character of a comparatively small
portion of its territory-the Mississippi Bottom—is very commonly
referred to the greater portion, or to the whole of the State, among
whose features, swamps, marshes and mosquitoes are thought to
hold a prominent place. It may not be superfluous, therefore, to
premise, that outside of the Mississippi Bottom, sand hills, with
Pine, Black Jack and Post Oak, are a very conspicuous feature in
the landscape; the surface being generally hilly, though nowhere
mountainous. Few of the ridges probably rise as high as 400 feet
above the drainage of the country, the usual elevations of the
hills above the minor watercourses being from 30 to 120 feet; and
none probably are above 800 feet in absolute elevation.
All the inequalities of surface at present existing in Mississippi, arc
due to denudation-formed by the action of water. There are no
hills or chains of upheaval properly speaking; for, although many
are composed chiefly of strata possessing a sensible dip, they
are elevated above the rest of the country only because these
have to a great extent been washed away, without being, at the
present time, replaced by other deposits.
2. The dips are mostly very slight, so as to be rarely perceptible
in one and the same locality, and often difficult to demonstrate
R-1
2
[T3
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
without actual surface levelings. The dips of the cretaceous strata
has been best proven, and its amount approximately ascertained, by
the artesian bores which have been numerously made in the region
they underlie. In Lowndes and Noxubee counties, according
to data collected by Dr. William Spillman, the dip is from
25 to 30 feet per mile, towards the S. W. Further N. the direc-
tion of the dip changes to the westward, and near the Tennessee
line is nearly due W.; while in middle Alabama, according to
Tuomey, the dip is nearly due S. In other words, the strata
incline away from the great upheavals of the Alleghany range, the
cretaceous belt skirting what may be considered the last spurs
radiating from the mountains. [See Paragraph 78.] The strata
of the Tertiary also possess a slight dip, as is shown by the rise of the
water obtained in boring wells, in the southern portion of the
State; and by the gradual sinking below the waters edge, as we
advance southward, of the strata exhibited in the banks of the
streams which, like Chickasawhay and Pearl Rivers, follow in
general a southward course. The dip of the tertiary therefore
coincides, in the main, with that of the cretaceous formation.
3. In view of these facts, we should expect to find the highest
elevations in the north-eastern portion of the State. With respect
to the average level of the country, this undoubtedly holds true, as
is shown by the course of the larger rivers; but the rule is very
much modified, as regards the highest relative elevations, above
the general level of the drainage. For after we recede 70 to 90
miles from the sea-coast, the average level ascends but slowly, and
we find relative elevations at least, equal to those in the N. E.
portion of the State; and thence northward, no inference as to
the hilliness, or the relative elevations of a region, can be drawn
a priori from its position, either in longitude or latitude. In the
latter direction, there is perhaps a little more regularity than
exists in the former; the highest relative, as well as absolute,
elevations being, on the whole, E. of a line drawn N. and S.,
through the center of the State. A notable exception to this rule,
however, occurs in the extreme S. W., where the Mississippi river
is skirted by ridges, some of which are elevated probably more
than 400 feet above its level. Some of the highest ridges in the
heads of Pearl River, in Newton,
State are said to exist on the
Neshoba, and E. Attala-a region with which I am not personally
T4]
GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE.
3
acquainted; while the highest ridges in N. Mississippi of which
I have any knowledge exist in the waters of the Hatchie, in E.
Tippah, and in the hilly region dividing the waters of the Hatchie,
Tallahatchie and Tombigbee. A table of such determinations of
elevation as I have been able to obtain, will be found in the
Appendix, at the end of the present volume.
4. Geological Structure.-The general geological features of the
State are simple, and will be readily understood, in connection
with the foregoing remarks, by reference to the geological map ;
the subjoined table of the formations occurring in the State, their
several stages, principal materials, and character of fossils; and
the general section, Fig. I, Table 1, in which, for the sake of a
fairer representation than could otherwise be given, a curved line
of projection (as indicated on the little map subjoined) has been
adopted.
TABLE OF THE FORMATIONS OF MISSISSIPPI.

Quaternary.
NAME OF
FORMATION.
Cretaceous.
Tertiary.
NAME OF GROUP.
ALLUVIUM
PRINCIPAL MATERIALS.
Soils, sand-bars, etc.,
FOSSILS FOUND.
Living plants and animals.
SECOND BOTTOM
YELLOW LOAM
BLUFF FORMATION
ORANGE SAND
COAST PLIOCENE?
GRAND GULF GROUP
VICKSBURG GROUP
LIGNITIC
JACKSON GROUP
LIGNITIC
"Hommocks,"
Brown and yellow brick-clays,
Calcareous silt,
Sands, pebbles, clays,
Black fetid clsys,
?
?
Terrestrial, part extinct.
Those of underlying formations.
Living marine shells, living trees.
Light colored clays; white sandstones, Plants partly extinct? Lignite.
Marls and limestones,
Marine animals,
Plants Lignite.
Marine ani mals.
Black clays,
Marls and soft limestones,
Black clays,
CLAIBORNE GROUP
{
Marls and limestones,
Siliceous sandstones,
Black and grey clays; yellow sands,
Plants partly extinct; Lignite.
Plants, Lig nite.
Marine animals.
Marine animals.
NORTHERN LIGNITIC
RIPLEY GROUP
ROTTEN LIMESTONE
TOMBIGBEE SAND
EUTAW GROUP
Marls and limestones, sandy,
Soft chalky limestones, clayey,
Greenish micaceous sands,
Dark colored clays, sand,
Marine animals.
Marine animals.
Marine animals.
Plants, extinct; Lignite.
Carboniferous.
LIMESTONE
SANDSTONE
BLACK SLATE
Fetid, crystalline limestone,
ciliceous sandstone and chert,
Hydraulic limestone,
Marine animals.
Marine animals.
?
It will be perceived that four only of the principal geological
periods are represented, viz : the Carboniferous, Cretaceous, Tertiary
and Quaternary. In each of these, several stages, or minor sub--
divisions require to be distinguished. But before entering upon
a special discription of these, it is necessary to premise, that with.
4
[15
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
the exception of the territory occupied by the alluvium of the
Mississippi Bottom, and by the Bluff formation of the Southern
River Counties, the formations laid down on the map do not, as a
general thing, occupy the surface to any considerable extent, nor
even do they in most cases, immediately underlie the arable stratum
of their region of occurrence. The latter, in most of the better
class of upland soils, is formed by a yellow or brown loam, of an
age more modern than the Bluff formation (which it frequently
overlies), and from two to ten feet in thickness. But the forma
tion which gives character to the surface conformation of the
State-whose presence is the rule, and whose absence the exception
requiring special mention; which forms the main body of most
ridges, and to a very great extent, their surface also is that
which has been very appropriately designated by Prof. Safford.
the State Geologist of Tennessec, as the ORANGE SAND formation,
5. It may appear surprising at first sight. in view of these facts
that this important formation should not have been laid down, or
even mentioned, on the geological map; but the very universality
of its occurrence has made this a matter of necessity, unless the
other formations were to be concealed by it on the map, in the
same manner in which they are in nature: so much so, that this
very formation is among the most serious obstacles in the examination
of the more ancient formations of Mississippi, and that a proper
understanding of its peculiarities is the first necessity in the study
of the geology of the State. And since even a description of the
other formations involves, of necessity, a continual reference to
these peculiarities, it may be best to give the special description of
the Orange Sand formation, out of its proper order in the geologi-
cal series, as a key and introduction to the geological structure of
Mississippi.
$
THE ORANGE SAND FORMATION.
6. As has been stated above, the Orange Sand formation
characterizes the greater part of the surface of the State of
Mississippi. It is entirely wanting only in the alluvial bottom of
the Mississippi River; and it occurs to a limited extent only in the
following districts: 1st, In the territory of the Bluff formation,
skirting the Mississippi River southward of Vicksburg, to the
Louisiana line. Above Natchez, the Orange Sand formation
usually runs out at a distance of 8 or 12 miles from the Mississippi
River, where it appears underlying the calcareous silt of the Bluff
formation, sometimes only a few inches in thickness, but increasing
rapidly as we advance inland; below Natchez, however, we find it
forming a high Bluff of considerable extent (the White Cliffs) on
the Mississippi River itself; and at Fort Adams, on Loftus' Heights,
it appears in a stratum about 90 feet in thickness, overlaid by a
stratum 73 feet thick, of the materials of the Bluff formation. It
probably appears on many intermediate points also.-2d, In the
territory occupied by the Jackson Group of the eocene tertiary.
It is absent from the prairies of this district, (whether of the
gypseous or caleareous character), but usually forms the ridges
skirting them; it is wanting also, in the "Hog-Wallow- Prairie"
district of the same region, in N. E. Smith and N. W. Jasper
counties, but nevertheless forms all the ridges bordering on the
same.-3d, It is wanting in a large portion of the territory occu
pied by the Rotten Limestone Group of the cretaceous formation,
viz: on the prairies, and the gently undulating oak uplands
skirting them. And finally, it is absent, or but feebly represented,
4th, In the "Flatwoods" region, and particularly, in the "Flatwoods"
proper. In remaining portion of the State, the ground is either
occupied by the members of the Orange Sand formation, or else,
when the more ancient strata form ridges by themselves, it is only
in limited patches. Very frequently, the older deposits form the
beds of the streams, where they crop out in bluffs; constituting also
the lower portion of the hills, which are capped with Orange
6
[17, 8, 9
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Sand strata—overlaid very generally, by the Yellow Loam deposit
previously referred to, which is one of the newest formations of
Mississippi.
7. The thickness of the Orange Sand formation is extremely varia-
ble. As originally deposited, its strata appear to have been dependent,
as to their thickness, on the degree of denudation which the strata
of the more ancient formations had previously undergone; but at
present, the extensive denudations which have taken place in the
Orange Sand formation itself have added a complicating element ;
so that a most extraordinary capriciousness in this respect, charac-
terizes these deposits. The greatest thickness observed with
certainty, to my knowledge, was in a well dug at the University of
Mississippi, to a depth somewhat more than two hundred feet; and
a section of about the same thickness occurs, according to Prof.
Wailes, at the White Cliffs, in Adams county. One hundred feet
is no unusual thickness; but most commonly it varies between 40
and 60 feet. Even on different portions of one and the same acre
of ground, great variations frequently occur. Thus, in the town
of Brandon, wells N. of the R. R. cut reach water at 45 feet,
passing through Orange Sand strata all the way; while S. of the
cut, the gray clay of the Upper Lignitic formation is struck after
passing through a few feet only of sand.
8. The existence of hills of more ancient formations within those
of the Orange Sand, as exemplified in diagram No. 2, (¶39,) is
shown in numerous profiles, all over the State; nor does the exter-
nal shape of these ancient hills leave any doubt as to their having
been, themselves, originally formed by denudation, and afterwards
covered over by the Orange Sand deposits. In such cases, the
lines of deposition of the Orange Sand usually exhibit, near
to the line of contact, slight inflections, conformable to the
curvature of the interior mass; but the general horizontality of the
stratification lines is not thereby disturbed. Nor do I know any
instance of the departure from horizontality, in the Orange Sand
strata, which could be referred to an upheaval, either local or
general. The water obtained within these deposits, never exhibits
any tendency to rise.
9. It is not to be inferred, however, that the stratification of this
formation is remarkable for regularity. On the contrary, it is.
often extremely difficult to trace out one and the same stratum, or
L
S
d.
60
0.0.
STRATIFICATION OF THE ORANGE SAND FORMATION.
FIG. 1.
G
FIG. 2.
H
Plate II.


FIGS. 1 and 2.-Sections from cuts on the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad, near Summit, Pike Co.
FIG. 3.

FIG. 3.—Section from a cut on the Mississippi Central Railroad, at Oxford, Lafayette Co.
S Stratified Sand.
C Pipeclay.
H Brownish Hardpan.
G Small Gravel.
P Pebbles.
•
¶01 11,]
STRATIFICATION OF ORANGE SAND-MATERIALS.
7
stratification line, for any considerable distance. Not only does
the material of which it is composed undergo entire changes
within very limited areas, but the stratification lines themselves
often exhibit the most fanciful irregularities, often coming square
up against one another, and frequently exhibiting successive parallel
lines of deposition forming a large angle with the lines of contact
adjoining strata.
Fig.'s 1, 2, and 3, Pl. II representing profiles occurring in R. R. cuts
in Lafayette and Pike counties, will illustrate this irregularity both
with reference to stratifications and material; nor is it to be
supposed, that instances of this kind are exceptional; they abound
wherever the formation prevails in force. Even where horizontal
lines of deposition can be traced for some distance, they are usually
themselves wavy on a small scale. No one can fail to be struck
by the similarity of the stratigraphical character of the Orange
Sand, with that which may be studied to advantage on the banks
of the Mississippi river at low stages of water, in the alluvial deposits.
And there can be little doubt that the Orange Sand has been
deposited in a similar manner, by flowing water; especially when
the evidence afforded by the character of the material (rounded
grains of sand and pebbles; see below) is taken into account; the
grains of which, in all cases which have come under my observation,
are more or less rounded, and without sharp angles or edges;
which explains the common observation, that these sands are a
very poor material for scouring purposes.
10. Character of Materials.-As the name indicates, the preva
lent material composing this formation, are siliceous sands. They are
usually colored, more or less, with hydrated peroxide of iron, or
orange-yellow ochre. The color thus imparted is sometimes
very deep and glaring; as on the Pontotoc Ridge, in eastern
Itawamba county, and many other localities; more frequently, it is
a dull rust color. In the southern Pine region (as in Smith,
Marion, and Pike counties), it is often of a delicate rose hue;
bright yellow tints are frequently found, and deposits of white sand are
not uncommon. An endless variety of tints intermediate between
the above, of course exist; and locally, crimson, purple, and almost
blue tints, fancifully co-ordinated, may be observed.
11. Whenever the amount of iron contained in these sands is
somewhat considerable, they exhibit a tendency to conglomerate;
8
[11
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
and thus ferruginous sandstones are formed, of all degrees, from a
fricable mass to a solid rock of considerable hardness, and well
suited to building purposes, when stones of the proper dimensions
can be obtained. The several varieties of this rock play a promi-
nent part in the topography of the State, and some of them claim
our attention on account of their practical usefulness. I do not
know of any instance in which a notable stratum of this ferrugi-
nous sandstone is found much below the present surface of the
locality of occurrence. These ledges (of a few inches at most)
are sometimes found at some depth, where a seam of denser mate-
rial (e. g. clay) has arrested the further progress of a ferruginous
solution, which otherwise would have imparted only a slight
general cohesion to the whole mass of the sand. But commonly,
the several varieties of this sandstone are found on or near the
surface, capping the summits of hills and ridges; and in truth, it
is difficult to find an Orange Sand ridge of any importance where
little slaty fragments, at least, of this rock, are not scattered about
on the summit. Wherever an unusually elevated knoll is seen on
these ridges, it is certain to be found capped with a deposit of this
rock, partly remaining in place, on the summit, partly strewn adown
the hillside. And even as we find these rocky knolls perched, as
it were, on top of the ridges, so in level, or gently undulating
tracts, elevated but little above the drainage of the country, we
often see short ridges, or isolated hillocks of a truncated-cone
shape, rising abruptly out of the plain, to the height of 70 to 150
feet and usually crowned with a clump of pines-a tree not seen for
miles around perhaps, in the level country, and whose roots can
with difficulty gain a foothold in the shallow soil, and crevices of
the level ledge of dark colored sandstone which forms the summit.
Cases in point are of frequent occurrence in North Mississippi; the
counties of Tippah, Marshall, Lafayette, Carroll and Yallabusha
furnish abundant examples; especially the gently undulating,
fertile yellow-loam region of the latter county, where a number of
these isolated pillars, now forming prominent landmarks in the
plain, are left standing to show, apparently, the original surface
level of the country, after the subsidence of the flood which spread
over the older formations, the immense masses of sand which now
cover the greater portion of the State. And it is to these rocky
caps, no doubt, that these elevations owe their escape from the
T12]
FERRUGINOUS SANDSTONE.
9
denuding action which has removed the rest of the stratum.
12. It is comparatively but rarely the case, however, that solid
ledges of any considerable thickness are found on these summits.
Solid ledges of 4 feet are not common, and but two cases are known
to me in which their thickness amounts to ten or more feet. Most
usually they consist of connected masses of fantastical shape,
such as concretionary bodies are wont to assume; the interstices
are filled with loose, or loosely cemented, sand. The latter, as
might be supposed, is washed out in course of time, where the
stratum is exposed to the weather; and when the remaining harder
portions are broken asunder, it does not require a strong imagina-
tion to recognize in them the remnants of works of art; and
nothing can convey a better idea of the prevalent forms, and
character of the material, than the popular likening of such spots
with the "ruins of a forge," or more properly, those of an iron
foundry. There are angular plates, of several square feet, of plane
surface, straight edges (the latter often provided with a regular
rim,) and of uniform thickness; smaller plates, of a similar character,
joined together at various angles, like fragments of boxes; others
channeled, and variously curved, so as to form gutters and very
frequently, tubes of considerable length and diameter, and
remarkable regularity of shape. In some localities (as for instance,
in S. E. Tippah, near the heads of Hatchie,) complete assortments
of tubes may be seen strewn about on the hilltops-sometimes five
feet in length, and of various bores from inch to four inches.
The rough sandy surface, and even the color of these concretionary
forms, renders them strikingly similar to newly made castings;
in districts where such forms are common, springs are not unfre-
quently provided with spouts and gutters from these natural
warehouses. Sometimes these tubes may be found in place,
ensconced in a mass of rock, so as to allow of blowing or even
seeing through the latter. When thus in place, I have generally
found them pointing in a N. E. and S. W. direction. Similar tubes
and concretions of various shapes and sizes, are in many localities
found isolated, in the interior of loose sandy strata; the hollows
being, as in the case of those found on the hilltops, filled with
loose ferruginous sand, or sometimes with yellow ochre. Round
and oblong concretions of this kind, of small size, are very common
in the neighborhood of Oxford; portions of them have been used
as drinking cups.
•
and
10
[T12, 14, 15
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
13. This ferruginous sandrock is very commonly designated as
"iron ore" among the people. It contains, however, much less
iron than the aspect and weight of the material generally lead us
to expect; average specimens yield from 60 to 80 per cent. of
white 'sand. Iron ore of good quality, in the form of brown
hematite, is occasionally found, partly in the form of small
variously shaped nodules, statactitic in the interior (as in the S.
W. corner of Tippah county), partly in thin sheets of pure fibrous
ore, interstratified with sand, (as in Tishomingo county, and other
localities near the Alabama line). I have nowhere, however, found
it in quantities sufficient to justify the erection of a furnace, and
where its occurrence in large masses has been reported, a dense
variety of the ferruginons sandstone has commonly been mistaken
for workable ore.
14. It is an interesting fact, that the formation of similar sand-
stones is still in progress, in numerous localities. In depressions,
or in the heads of hollows, where forest leaves or other vegetable
matter decays in contact with the ferruginous sand, the
iron is dissolved as proto-carbonate, giving rise to chalybeate
waters, which at times may be obscrved in almost every
rill of Orange Sand formation. Such waters in percolating
through the sand, deposit in it their iron; especially where they meet
an impervious seam, of clay or other material. Thus the whole mass
gradually indurates, and hard ledges are formed within it, producing
precisely such shapes as we now find in the deposits on the hilltops.
The cementation of the sand of the latter into ferruginous sand-
stone, also took place, most probably, long after the deposition of
the stratum; and here too we find the ledges underlaid, generally,
by an impervious layer of clay or clayey sand. As a general thing,
the sands of the formation are less ferruginous, and ferruginous
sandstone is less common, in the southern portion of the State,
than in the northern; the sand also is generally finer, and more
frequently micaceous. This is more especially true of the central
belt, N. and S.; while as we approach the channels of the Mississippi
and Tombigbee Rivers, this difference is less perceptible, and the
materials quite coarse, down to a low latitude.
15. It has been mentioned, that white sands are occasionally
found in the Orange Sand strata. Similarly, white, siliceous
sandstone occasionally occupies the place of the ferruginous sand-
¶16, 17]
SILICEOUS SANDSTONE-PEBBLE BEDS.
11
stone above described. This feature is, however, of comparatively
rare occurrence, and confined to small areas, or patches. Usually,
this siliceous sandstone, also, caps the hills; it is sometimes,
however, found below the hilltops, and overlaid by Orange Sand
with ferruginous sandstone. Sometimes (as at Rockyford, Pontotoc
county,) it is rather soft and even friable, exhibiting the peculiar
stratification of the Orange Sand; but most generally it is
remarkable for its extreme hardness, which renders it very difficult
to work. It was a block of this character, derived from a limited
deposit in N. W. Tippah county, which was quarried for the
purpose of furnishing a stone for the Washington Monument; but
the stone-masons at Vicksburg, to whom it was submitted, to be
put into shape, found it so intractable, that a block of the Vicks-
burg limestone, from a quarry on the Yazoo River, was sub-
stituted instead. Deposits of a similar character occur in N.
Attala county; at Burkettsville, and on the ridges N. and N. E. of
the place; also in Holmes county, between Durant and Rockport
stations, where it is frequently exhibited in cuts on the Mississippi
Central Railroad, usually underlaid, at no great depth, by the
impervious gray clays of the Lignitic.
16. Its mode of formation is well illustrated by a very small deposit occuring
five miles S. W. of Oxford, which consists of unconnected blocks, buried in
whitish sand, and. of rounded, menilithic forms, precisely such as are formed by
the wet sand when water is poured upon a mass of dry sand. It appears as if
a solution of silex had flowed over the sand in the locality mentioned, imbuing
only portions of it, which afterwards solidified into rock. Similar shapes are
commonly observed on the under surface, or edges, of continuous deposits.
Other instances of silicification occurring in the Orange Sand, as well as the
description of an apparently fossiliferous variety of this rock, will be given below.
17. Pebble Beds.-The material next in frequency of occurrence
to the various kinds of sand above mentioned, is pebbles or shingle,
either cemented into puddingstone or, more frequently, loose and
commingled with sand or clay. The stratigraphical position of
the main pebble stratum appears to be, most generally, below the
heavy strata of Orange Sand proper; it is not unfrequently,
however, underlaid by similar sand deposits, and minor deposits
especially of small pebbles, occur occasionally in the upper strata
of the Orange Sand formation. There are within the State, two
distinct regions of occurrence, in which this material appears in
force. One of these extends along the eastern edge of the
12
[T18, 19
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
alluvium of the Mississippi River, occupying, in N. Mississippi, parts
of the counties of De Soto, Panola, Yallobusha, Carroll, Holmes,
and Yazoo, gradually diminishing as the territory of the fossiliferous
eocene is approached, and giving out almost entirely in the greater
portion of Warren county. Then, below Vicksburg, it extends
inland in a S. E. direction, and is found in numerous cuts on the
New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad, down to the
Louisiana line. It appears in greatest force W. of the dividing
ridge, and is but thinly represented on Pearl River; on the waters
of the Bogue Chitto, however, it advances eastward, appears at
Holmesville, and to a limited extent, in Marion county, on Pearl
River. Westward of the dividing ridge, it is frequently met with
until we reach the territory of the Bluff formation, where it is
generally covered by the materials of the latter; as it is elsewhere
by the yellow surface loam.
18. The other region of occurrence of the pebble bed, begins at
the N., on the Tennessee River, in E. Tishomingo, and extends
along the waters of Big Bear Creek, to the eastern heads
of the Tombigbee, reaching the latter stream by way of Hurricane
and Bull Mountain Creeks, in Itawamba county. It then extends
southward on the eastern side of the Tombigbee, and is continued
into Alabama, meeting the great pebble beds of the Warrior,
which bear the city of Tuscaloosa. It appears that the pebble
beds, as well as the Orange Sand in great force, are found well
developed in the northern counties of Alabama. Great masses of
pebbles are being moved southward, from these beds, by the
Warrior and Tombigbee Rivers, whose navigation they tend to
obstruct; the materials of the more ancient beds, however, as well
as of those now being formed by the rivers, become finer as we
advance southward, and ultimately mingle, imperceptibly, with the
sands of the Coast. (Tuomey.)
Whether or not the two great belts of pebble deposits are connected with one
another, somewhere in W. Tennessee, I have not learned; but from the
direction of their respective outlines, where they leave Mississippi, such a
junction seems highly probable. Between the two belts mentioned, pebbles are
either absent from the Orange Sand formation, or appear only casually, and of
inferior size-as small gravel. Some of the latter, however, as well as,
occasionally, a few larger pebbles, properly belong to the yellow surface loam, and
usually differ, lithologically, from those of the Orange Sand.
19. As for the material of the pebbles themselves, it is almost exclusively
2.
120, 21]
PEBBLE BEDS OF ORANGE Sand.
13
siliceous; hard aluminous sandstone, or siliceous claystone, is occasionally found,
but by far the prevalent material is the several kinds of amorphous quartz-Chert,
Hornstone, and Jasper, with numerous varieties of the rarer rocks of the same
class-Agate, Chalcedony, Cornelian, Sardonyx, Lydian Stone, etc., of which
very beautiful specimens have been obtained in the State. Gray and yellowish
Siliceous Sandstone is very common; and pebbles of Rock Crystal, as well as of
white, crystalline quartz rock or Quartzite, are common in some localities, and
occasionally found throughout the pebble deposit. Porphyry, and trappean
rocks, are of rare occurrence, though not entirely absent. There is a marked
difference of character, however, between the pebbles of the eastern, and of the
western pebble region. In the former (at least in the valley of the upper Tom-
bigbee,) Chert and Hornstene, with siliceous and aluminous sandstone, and some
quartzite, are almost exclusively present; while in the western belt, along the
Mississippi, a great variety of rocks, as above mentioned, is generally found. In
both regions, however, fossils of the ancient, palæozoic formations are of frequent
occurrence in the pebbles themselves. (See below ¶ 29 & ff.)
20. The size and form of these pebbles, as may be supposed, are extremely
variable, from small gravel to the coarsest shingle, and from the perfect egg
shape, ellipsoid and dise, to irregular fragments with rounded angles only. The
quartzite, rock crystal, lydite, jasper and trappean pebbles are almost always
much worn and of regular shapes, and usually small, while those of the fossili-
ferous chert, hornstone and sandstone are often large, very irregular, and
comparatively little worm. I have found a Cyathophyllum forming a pebble
by itself, in which projecting radii were still extant, though somewhat rounded;
and on the blocks of crinoidal columns, the characteristic figures may sometimes
be seen almost unharmed.
21. The average size of the pebbles might be stated as being between that of
a pigeons and a large hens, or turkeys egg. But the maximum size found is very
considerable, and somewhat puzzling to account for, on the supposition of
transportation by water alone. Besides, angular blocks of considerable
size, have been known to occur, one of which, a white, perfectly rough block of
quartzite weighing about 150 pounds, (found in N. Lafayette county, in a hickory
valley on S. 24, T. 7, R. 3, W., by A. H. Pegues, Esq.,) is now in the collection
at Oxford. Rounded blocks of ferruginous quartz, a hundred pounds and more
in weight, have been found on the bluffs bordering on the lower Yazoo, (Harper.)
I myself have found, in Tippah county, T. 5, R. 1, E., (where pebbles are not
otherwise prevalent,) perfectly rounded pebbles of white quartzite, weighing up
to twelve pounds, at least; and similar pebbles, even of larger size, are said to be
common in that region.
In Claiborne county, at Rocky Springs, I found a rounded block of yellowish
siliceous sandstone of great hardness, weighing 64 pounds, and containing two
links of a calamite; the rock differs decidedly from any sandstone known to me
in Mississippi. Scratches have not, however, in any instance been found on
their surface.
14
[¶22, 23, 24
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
22. Usually, the pebbles occur in loose beds, commingled with
sand, clay, or clayey sand; and in its western belt, along the
Mississippi River, it is only very locally that they are at times
found cemented, to a certain extent, by a ferruginous sandy cement,
where an impervious vein traverses the stratum. In eastern
Tishomingo county, however, they are very commonly cemented
into a pretty firm conglomerate or puddingstone, by a cement of
brown hematite, with very little sand. This conglomerate forms
some high hills and ridges, and precipitous cliffs, on the territory
of the Carboniferous formation in the county mentioned; and it is
occasionally seen, through eastern Itawamba, and Monroe counties,
as far south as Buttahatchie Creek. A more detailed account of
the peculiar features of the Orange Sand formation in eastern
Tishomingo, will be given below. (¶ 30 & ff.)
23. A singular rock belonging to this formation, and much resembling a true
puddingstone, is found in a few localities in W. Tippah and E. Lafayette
counties, on the territory of the Lignitic Tertiary. (e. g. S. 1, T. 5, R. 2, E.
Tippah county; S. 33, T. 9, R. 1, W., Lafayette county.) It consists of a
ferruginous and somewhat sandy cement, in which are imbedded numerous
rounded concretions of a pisolithic structure, formed of concentric layers of a
siliceous material, more or less ferruginous, and in some almost white; the
largest being about 3/4 inch in diameter.
24. Clay Deposits.-Clay has been repeatedly mentioned as
occurring within the Orange Sand formation; and although this
material does not usually form heavy deposits, and cannot therefore
vie with the others mentioned as to quantity, the great frequency of
its occurrence, as well as its practical usefulness in numerous
cases, renders it second in importance to none. The clay deposits
of the Orange Sand are most common in (though by no means
confined to) its lower stages; they rarely extend over large areas,
save that at times, their layers, often incontinuous, intervening
between adjacent strata of sand, may be traced, under favorable
circumstances, with little change of either quality or quantity, for
a mile or two. As a general thing, the larger masses of clays
appear in basin-shaped, lenticular, or nodular masses, when occur-
ring independently of other formations; the only notable exception
to this rule, known to me, are the white and red clays of the
carboniferous territory, in Tishomingo, which form strata extend-
ing over considerable areas, and of unusual thickness.
T25, 26]
CLAY OF THE ORANGE SAND.
15
25. Very commonly, however, clay deposits occur near to the
contacts of the Orange Sand with underlying clayey formations;
and then the shape of the mass conforms, more or less, to the
surface of the latter; though stratified horizontally. In these
cases, the Orange Sand clay is oftentimes but little different from
that of the more ancient formation from which it has obviously
been derived, though redeposited in evident stratigraphical and
lithological connection with the Orange Sand.
26. The general character of the clays properly belonging to
this formation, is that of meagre pipeclays of great plasticity,
requiring but little seasoning before they are worked; wherein
they differ essentially from the fat, intractable clays of some of the
underlying formations. Like all other materials of the Orange
Sand, they are remarkably poor in lime and magnesia. As to
their color, it is a singular fact that but few of them are strongly
ferruginous. Grayish yellow, cream-color, white, and purple, are
the usual tints; the latter rarely occurs throughout large masses,
but very frequently in layers and stripes within masses of other
colors; and its various shades, contrasted with the other hues
mentioned and an occasional bright yellow, crimson, or blue stripe
or dot, give rise to very unique and beautiful colorings. The red
ochre tint of the red clay deposit found in Tishomingo, is rather
unusual. A great variety of colors is sometimes met with in the
small nodular masses which frequently occur in the southern part
of the State, mostly associated with gravel deposits, and themselves
apparently representing pebbles-since the stratification lines
which they often exhibit, appear to be entirely independent of those
of the Orange Sand deposits.
The clay which composes these nodules cannot, however, be identified with
that of any of the older formations of the State, unless indeed, we imagine them
to have been deprived of their carbonaceous coloring matter, and their protoxide
of iron transformed into peroxide--a kind of metamorphosis which, as will be seen,
appears to be common, with some others, in the Orange Sand formation. It is
indeed, but very rarely that we find in this formation, under ordinary circum
stances, anything that allows of farther oxidation by atmospheric influences. I
know but one instance in which a very dark colored clay, containing a large
amount of oxidizable matter occurs within the Orange Sand proper, though at a
great depth below the surface; and even in this case, the oxidation has penetrated
several inches into the mass, which is very dense.
16
[127
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
27. The instance in question occurs in the deep cut on the Memphis and
Charleston Railroad, about 4 miles east of Pocahontas Station, in Tennessee,
but deserves description here on account of its importance in a geological point of
view.
[No. 1.]

Z
s s s. Loose yellow sand.
777. Indurate ledges (ferruginous sandstone.)
C.
Mass of black clay
The cut in question (Diagram No. 1.) is ninety feet deep, through a ridge
dividing the Tuscumbia river from one of its eastern confluents. The main
body of the ridge consists of yellow and orange colored sands (with occasional
layers of pipeclay) in which, fortunately for the permanence of the excavation,
there are several successive indurate ledges, (777,) ferruginized, which serve as
shelves to support the caving sand. On the western half of the cut, there lies
imbedded in the sand, and surrounded by it as far as visible, a basin shaped
mass of black, tenacious, fetid clay, (c,) with scarcely a trace of stratification,
At the center of the basin, about 15 feet of this mass are visible above the road-
bed; its total thickness, as indicated by the visible part of the outline, would be
about twenty feet, with a maximum length of 75 yards. The clay contains,
diffused throughout the mass, minute crystals of iron pyrites and a few very
indistinct, carbonized remains of plants, apparently grasses, and perhaps,
willows. On the outside and upper surface of the mass, however, there is a shell
as it were, of cream colored clay, one to four inches in thickness; evidently the
same as the rest, and passing into it by a shaded band of transition. The same
cream color is assumed by the black clay when it is burnt, and in the present
case it is evidently the result of oxidation from the outside. [Similar cream
colored clays are very common elsewhere in the Orange Sand formation.] The
stratification lines of the surrounding sands, which elsewhere exhibit the usual
wavy appearance, show a decided inflection downwards, and the layers thin out
as they approach the mass, so as to conform, to a considerable extent, to its
external shape.
Special descriptions of some of the more notable deposits of
clays in the Orange Sands will be found under the head of the
Useful Materials of this formation.
T29, 30]
AGE OF THE ORANGE SAND.
17
FOSSILS OF THE ORANGE SAND FORMATION; ITS GEOLOGICAL AGE.
Extensive and minute examination, which I have bestowed on the
various stages and facies of the Orange Sand formation of Mississippi
have failed to satisfy me that it contains any fossils whatsoever
characteristic of itself. It usually contains the fossils, as well as the
materials, more or less modified, of the underlying* formations; and
although silicified wood is of very common occurrence in the
Orange Sand strata generally, the circumstance of its occurrence
with any degree of frequency being either confined to the territory
of the lignitic formations, or to water-worn fragments, seems to
indicate that this fossil, also, is derived from more ancient deposits
and owes its presence within the Orange Sand to the destruction of
the former by denudation. It is true that the coarse sands which
compose the main mass of the formation, are a material unfavora-
ble to the preservation of fossils; but the fine sands, as well as
the impalpable clays which so frequently occur, could not but have
preserved traces at least of the proper fossils of the Orange Sand
period, had any such existed. The black clay deposit on the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad, previously described, is the
only instance in which, to my knowledge, there is strong evidence
of fossils (leaves) being found within the Orange Sand in their
original place. The shape of this mass renders it difficult to believe
it anything else than a deposit formed in loco; but we shall see that
even thus, it might be supposed to belong to the underlying lignitic
tertiary, and not properly to the Orange Sand.
29. Devonian and Silurian fossils in the Orange Sand.-Corals
are the most commonly occurring among the pebbles of the
western belt (¶ 17); e. g. Lithostrothion basaltiforme, Calamopora,
Astræa, Millepora, Catenipora, Chatetes, Cyathophyllum, Petraia.
Next to these, stems of Cyathocrinus and other Crinoidea are
most abundant. I have also found an Atrypa, and a fragment of a
Trilobite.
30. Carboniferous fossils in the Orange Sand.-The pebble beds
on the territory of the carboniferous formation, in Tishomingo
county, consist chieflyof chert, hornstone and sandstone, containing
fossils identical with those of the underlying carboniferous strata
--Cyathophyllum, Fenestella, Gorgonia, Pentremites, Productus,
*Not always of those underlying in the same locality; but commonly, at
least, at no great distance.
R-2
18
[931, 32
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Spirifer, Terebratula--and the pebble strata themselves are fre-
quently underlaid by a somewhat cellular breccia of angular frag-
ments of the same materials, which intervene between the pebble
strata and the unchanged carboniferous rocks.
This breccia, which is usually cemented by a ferruginous material, sometimes
contains abundance of fossils; though the hornstone in mass is poor in these,
and they are generally very poorly preserved; oftentimes, indeed, it appears
as though the stratum had only been thoroughly shattered by some cause without
removing the fragments much from their natural position, so that those
belonging together have been re-cemented in loco; the ferruginous cement, at
the same time, has penetrated the hornstone to the depth of 1-10 to 1-8 of au
inch, so as to imbue completely the smaller fragments. This hornstone is ex-
ceedingly brittle, so as to fly to pieces readily whenever the surface even of a
large block is broken by the hammer. From semi-transparent, flinty varieties,
this rock sometimes passes through all gradations into an opaque and soft stone,
and finally into white, pulverulent silex, which forms a stratum of about 10
feet thickness in the neighborhood of Eastport, Tishomingo county. The soft
mass is at times traversed by harder layers, or bands of hornstone; both in the
latter and in the pulverulent mass, carboniferous fossils are found, though
sparingly.
31. On S. 16, T. 2 R. 10 E., near Scruggs' Bridge, in the same county, I observed
in a well, overlying the carboniferous limestone, ledges of this hornstone, two to
six inches in thickness, alternating with layers of about the same thickness,
composed of both pebbles and angular fragments of hornstone, imbedded in a
pale bluish clay.
It is difficult indeed, under these circumstances, to determine definitely to
which formation the breccia and brittle hornstone strata properly belong. While
in some respects they closely resemble the rocks of the siliceous stage of the
Carboniferous, the intimate connection of a part of the hornstone at least, with
the pebble strata, seems equally obvious; and the cement of the breccia at least
is most probably of Orange Sand age. Here, as elsewhere, the pebbles are totally
destitute of calcareous materials, which the Orange Sand appears to have in all
cases metamorphosed, or rather pseudomorphosed, by means of siliceous or
ferruginous solutions; but we find frequently in the pebbles, an oolitic structure
which belongs to the carboniferous limestones of the region; the material being,
however, entirely siliceous. Might not the same solution which effected this
pseudomorphosis, have been instrumental in forming the brittle hornstone and
breccia?
32. I ought to mention in this connection, the singular change, resembling
decay, which purely siliceous pebbles of various kinds sometimes appear to have
undergone in particular regions. The most striking example I have seen occurs
in Simpson county, near Cokesville or Cokes School House, N. E. 1-4 T 10 R 17
W. Wells here are of great depth-100 feet-and a few feet beneath the surface,
there appear beds of (generally small) pebbles mixed with yellow sand. The
933]
DECAYED PEBBLES-CRETACEOUS FOSSILS.
19
pebble bed is of inconsiderable thickness, beneath it lie beds of yellow and pink
sands, down to the water level.
The pebbles thrown out of wells and gravel pits in this region contain a great
variety of rocks in the fresh state; among these, hornstone of various tints, agate,
chalcedony, lydite with white veins, rock crystal, and hard standstone ; in the
former three, impressions of paleozoic fossils, and chalcedonized corals, are
common; also oolitic pebbles of the same materials. Mixed with these fresh
pebbles there are others consisting in the main of a white or yellowish, light,
porous, siliceous mass, whose particles appear crystalline under the microscope;
which adheres to the tongue, is often readily broken by hand, yet bears most
unequivocally the several characteristics of the rocks constituting the fresh
pebbles, (except the rock crystal). The structure of the agates, with their
crinoidal columns, the chalcedonized corals, the oolitic pebbles are there; so are
the veined lydite and hornstone, with the substance of the vein usually unchanged;
so that we sometimes find vein skeletons of such pebbles, from which the soft
silica has been removed by water. Nor are the two extreme conditions alone
found; every degree of transition from fresh agate to the amorphous mass, may
be traced; some pebbles are changed outside, but fresh in the interior ; in others,
an incipient dullness of the surface announces the commencement of the process.
Whatsoever may be the nature of the latter, it is evident that one of its results
must have been the formation of a siliceous solution, which percolated down-
wards. It appears therefore that in these pebbles, we see the product of the
beginning of the process of which the silicified wood marks the end.
I have not ascertained what is the particular stratigraphical relation of these
decayed pebbles to those in a fresh condition. The only peculiarity of the
country which might have some bearing on these phenomana, is the great pervi-
ousness of the soil, in consequence of which, most of the hollows are without
a water channel, and semi-cylindric in shape.-I have observed similar pebbles in
other localities, though not often with equal frequency.
33. Cretaceous Fossils in the Orange Sand.-I have found well
defined cretaceous fossils in three distinct localities; in all of these
they occur in ferruginous sandrock on the summits of high ridges;
the calcareous material of which the corresponding cretaceous
strata consist, has been changed into a ferruginous sandstone not
differing, apparently, from that ordinarily found, but in all cases
of a conglomeratic character, and full of rosettes and irregular
galls of yellow ochre and brown hematite.
One of the localities mentioned is near Harris' Cut, on the Memphis and Charles-
ton Railroad, S. 3, T. 3, R. 9, E., Tishomingo county. (T 27.) Fossils are quite
numerous, but badly preserved. Those identified are the following:
Cucullaea capaх, Сон.
Gervillia ensiformis, CoN.
Dosinia densata, CON?
Cardium Tippanum, Con!
.20
[¶34, 35
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
· Cardium sp., (allied to the former, and also found near Ripley.)
Trigonia n. sp. (probably identical with a species from Chunenugga Ridge
in the collection of the Alabama Survey).
¨Inoceramus sp.
Another locality is in the Hatchie hills, S. 20, T. 5, R. 5 E., S. E. Tippah
county. Fossils few; those recognized are :
Ammonites placenta !
Trigonia thoracica !
A third locality is at Mr. Sidal's, S. 18, T. R. 5 E., Tippah county. Fossils
few and indistinct; Trigonia! and a Cardità? were recognized.
It will be observed by a glance at the map, that all these localities lie to the
eastward of the present region of occurrence of the group of fossils represented
by the above, viz: the Ripley Group, or Upper Cretaceous.
34. Tertiary Fossils in the Orange Sand.-As yet I have not
found any of the fossils of the marine tertiary in the strata of this
formation. There cannot. however, be any doubt that a great
part, if not all the silicified wood so commonly found in the Orange
Sand strata, is derived from the several lignitic stages of the tertiary.
Trunks of this wood may be found im' edded partly in the lignitic
strata, partly in the adjacent Orange Sand. The most common
place of occurrence of silicified wood, is at the planes of contact
»of the strata of the two formations, where we find not only entire
trunks, but also layers consisting entirely of comminuted fragments.
Within the lignitic strata themselves, the wood is commonly lignitized,
except sometimes where these strata themselves are composed of
sand. That portion of it which is buried in the lignite strata, is
generally tinged black, in part at least, with carbon*; while that
which projects into, or is found exclusively in the Orange Sand, is
white or gray throughout, unless the trunk be a very large one.
35. The vegetable structure of the wood is generally very well preserved, and
microscopic examination will, no doubt, enable us to determine the species
(which are very numerous), and also to determine definitely whether or not the
species found in the Orange Sand are peculiar, or identical with those of the
underlying formations. Meanwhile, the only botanical evidence on the subject
is this, that while no tree Palms have as yet been found in either the Lignitic,
or Orange Sand strata of North Mississippi, they, as well as the remains o
Endogens generally, are common in both the Upper Lignitic and the Orange
Sand strata of South Mississippi. The remains of dicotyledonous trees, and
especially of Cupuliferæ,† are common to both districts; coniferous wood,
*Cross sections of such partiall. blackened wood, possessing a round, jet black nucleus, have been
claimed as being "Persimmon wood."
+Most of the woods found are popularly referred to Hickories, Oaks and Beeches, to the wood of
which the majority of specimens bear a strong resemblance.
937, 38]
SILICIFIED WOOD.
21
however, I have observed with frequency chiefly in the southern division,
both in the Orange Sand and the underlying lignitic strata.
36. It has been stated before, that silicified wood occurs with greatest frequency
near the planes of contact between the two formations, and is, therefore, most.
readily accessible in those districts, where the Lignitic formations form the base,
and the Orange Sand the upper portion of the hills. I may add, that its
frequency of occurrence in the Orange Sand is also dependent upon that of
similar organic remains in the underlying lignitic strata. It is, therefore, most
abundant where beds of lignite, and clays filled with lignitized trunks and leaves,
are most common near the surface-i. e. in W. Tippah, E. Marshall, Lafayette,
Calhoun, E. Yallobusha, Choctaw, Ocktibbeha, Winston and Neshoba counties.
Whether or not the same is the case in Holmes and Yazoo counties, where lignite
beds prevail, I have not learned; to the southward of these, however, in Hinds,
and Claiborne, southward of the lignite beds on the Big Black, silicified wood is:
very common. It is found more or less, however, in most districts where the
Orange Sand prevails in force, and down even to the Sea Coast (Prof. Wailes
collected specimens in Hancock county, and another, picked up on the beach at
West Pascagoula, has been presented by Mrs. McRae). It is very uncommon,
however, on the territory occupied by the cretaceous formation; except near the
western border, and on the territory of the Lower Cretaceous or Eutaw Group--the
latter being also, a lignitic formation, though containing vegetable remains with far
less frequency than does the lignitic tertiary. The only specimen found in
Tishomingo county, where the Orange Sand is otherwise well developed, was
picked up by myself, near Mr. Peden's Mill, on heads of Mackay's Creek, S. 9, T
5, R. 10, E., where outcrops of the lignitic cretaceous are abundant. Near Fulton,
Itawamba county, silicified wood is also found. These, however, are the only
localities in which I have met with this fossil E. of the Tombigbee, notwith-
standing that, in Itawamba and Monroe counties, the Orange Sand formation is
very largely developed, and one would look for its characteristic fossils there
if anywhere.
37. It is true that although silicified wood occurs most frequently near to
the surface of the lignitic formations, it is, nevertheless, sometimes found at a
considerable elevation above the latter, on the Orange Sand ridges. If we seek
for a reconciliation of this fact with the supposition of its derivation from the
lignitic strata, we must ask the same question with reference to the cretaceous.
fossils mentioned above, which were found on hilltops, more than a hundred
feet above any cretaceous strata at present existing; and that too at a con-
siderable distance from the region of occurrence of corresponding strata, now
found to be composed of hard limestones and heavy clay marls. The same
agency which was capable of performing this task of elevation and transporta-
tion, would have found little difficulty in doing likewise with semi-lignitize di
wood, of a much less specific gravity.
38. But we have more tangible proofs of the disposition of the Orange Sandi
to appropriate to itself the characteristics of other formations, in the insensib les
transitions which we frequently find between the materials of the Orange Sand
22
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
[T39
[No. 2.]
and those of underlying or adjacent forma-
tions; which plainly prove that the current
which first denuded the more ancient forma-
tions and then deposited the Orange Sand,
sometimes re-deposited the materials first
removed, without effecting any great change
in their lithological character, or removing
them to any great distance from their original
place.
I have stated above (25), that where the
Orange Sand is in contact with clayey strata
of underlying formations, clays closely resem-
bling those of the latter are often found
unequivocally connected, by stratification,
with the Orange Sand deposits.
This is so
commonly true, that in North Mississippi,
where I have most closely observed the
formation, the occurrence of these bluish
clays is taken as a sign of the approach to the
surface of the "black dirt," warning the well-
digger not to proceed any further, for fear of
spoiling the quality of his water by contact
with the fetid bituminous clays of the Ligni-
tic. Similarly, in Tishomingo county, it is
often impossible to determine within many
feet, the line between the greenish sands of the
lower Middle Cretaceous, and the overlying
Orange Sand; and in several cuts on the
Memphis and Charleston R. R., it is clearly
shown that cretaceous sands, unchanged save
in their stratification, have been redeposited
on the previously denuded surface of older
strata; retaining in part at least, their lime,
and also their characteristic fossils.
39. Diagram No. 2, representing a cut on
Harris' contract, S. 3 T. 3 R. 9 E., will serve
to exhibit these phenomena, which are repeat-
ed in many other cuts in the same region.
It will be observed that the undisturbed
cretaceous material (a dark-colored, very
compact sandy clay), which has evidently
been subject to denudation, is overlaid by
variegated sand (similar to that which, further
W., forms the undisturbed strata of the
Cretaceous), the stratification of which con-
ravine between the hills bb; brown sandy loam lined with
a a, black sandy clay, horizontally stratified. bb, variegated sand with nodules containing cretaceous fossils.

fragments of ferruginous sandstone.
ancient
940, 41] EFFECTS OF DENUDATION-CHEMICAL CHANGES.
23.
forms, in some measure, to the surface of the denuded mass. This sand is slightly
calcareous, and contains cretaceous fossils, which are best preserved in the
mass of the concretionary nodules appearing in the upper portions of the deposit
-indurated by a cement partly ferruginous, partly calcareous. The ancient
valley, the outline of which is marked by detrital fragments of slaty ferruginous
sandstone, adds interest to this section. Immediately back of this cut rises
a high Orange Sand ridge, on the summit of which cretaceous fossils are found
in the ferruginous sand rock (¶11). In the case before us, as in numerous other
instances seen in Tishomingo county, it becomes optional with the observer
to which of the two adjacent formations he chooses to consider the material in
question as belonging.
40. It is perhaps in an analogous manner, that the anomalous basin-shaped
mass of black clay in the Orange Sand cut near Pocahontas (¶27) may meet its
explanation. If originally existing in sands belonging to the lignitic tertiary
(on whose territory we see similar phenomena), it might have resisted denuda-
tion by virtue of its extreme tenacity, while the adjacent sands might have
been partially removed, and their place filled with Orange Sand deposits.
41. Chemical ffects on other formations.-We have thus far
noticed the changes which the materials of the more ancient
formations undergo when removed by the denuding action which
characterizes the Orange Sand period. But the chemical changes
effected on the upper layers of these formations, even when remain-
ing in place, are not less conspicuous at times. The effects produced
are referrible, in general, to one or more of three agents, viz:
Lixiviation and Oxidation, by the joint action of carbonic acid,
oxygen and water; the action of siliceous solutions; and that of
ferruginous solutions.
•
Instances of all of these effects within the Orange Sand formation have
already been mentioned. The effects of oxidation may sometimes be noticed at
the planes of contact of the Orange Sand with the black lignitic strata, which
have been bleached on their surface; but more usually this influence has been
accompanied or succeeded by one of the others, and most frequently, by the
ferruginizing action which has already been cited as one of the prominent
features, especially of the upper stages of the formation. Thus in N. Tippah
county, and also occasionally in the more southerly portion of the northern
Lignitic region, we find the uppermost layers of the latter formation (there
composed chiefly of gray or black clays) transformed into red shales of consider-
able hardness—an excellent material for the preservation of organic remains, and
in some instances very rich in fossil leaves. One of these localities (Hurley's
Schoolhouse, at the heads of Ocklimita Creek (170), has furnished the best
collection of fossil leaves which I have as yet obtained from the Northern
Lignitic formation. Other instances of the occurrence of similar shales, will be
found mentioned under the head of the latter formation.
24
[¶42, 43, 44
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
42. A much more common effect of the contact of the Orange
Sand with the Lignitic clays, is the appearance, on the line of
contact, of variously shaped nodules of aluminous brown iron ore,
of various degrees of purity not only in different localities, but
within one and the same nodule. These nodules are so common in
the eastern portion of the Northern Lignitic, from Tippah and E.
Marshall to Lauderdale county, that they become the habitual
surface indication of that formation, and are, therefore, very
frequently found associated with silicified wood. Their usual
shape is that of a flattened ellipsoid, and their size ranges from
that of a marble to a diameter of 23, and even three feet in one
direction; when of large size, they are ordinarily very much
flattened as well as lengthened. Being generally imbedded in clay,
their outside is usually quite smooth; internally, they consist of
concentric layers of different degrees of purity, which sometimes
inclose a core of pure brown hematite, but more commonly a maze
of cellular cavities, often resembling a honeycomb, either empty or
filled with yellow ochre more or less pure. In the "Hills of the
Flatwoods Region" (see Agricultural Report) they may frequently
be seen on the hillsides, mingled with the common ferruginous
sandstone (from the hilltops), from which, however, they are readily
distinguished by their peculiar structure, and the fineness of their
material. They serve as a very convenient mark of the level at
which the impervious clays occur, and to which, therefore, the
wells on the ridges will ordinarily require to be sunk.
43. Sometimes, though on the whole but rarely, we find brown hematite
taking the place of silex in the petrification of wood; and fragments of wood
thus ferruginized (of the same origin, no doubt, as the silicified wood) are
occasionally imbedded in the ferruginous sandstone of the hilltops. The
vegetable structure is in these cases but poorly preserved, so as to render it
difficult, if not impossible, to identify the species.
+
44. The frequent occurrence of silicified wood, under the circumstances before
discussed, as well as the hard siliceous sandstones previously mentioned (¶ 15),
show that a liberal supply of soluble silex, has, in times past, been active in
many portions of the formation. That the hard and flinty trunks now found
were once in a soft or gelatinous condition, may be inferred from the fact that
few large trunks have remained entire, or if so, are solid inside. Usually, we
find them split up in billets, and when a round trunk occurs, a cross section
generally shows numerous crevices running out radially from a hollow centre-
such as would result from contraction in drying. The silicified mass itself
exhibits all the several varieties of amorphous quartz, from semi-transparent
¶45, 46]
SILICIFICATION-QUARTZ CRYSTALS.
25
chalcedony (the usual material of silicified palm wood), through white hornstone
to a soft fibrous mass resembling asbestos, which furnishes elegant objects for,
the microscope with the least possible trouble-the cells being thus separated,
though perfectly preserved. The asbestiform varieties are most frequent in S.
Hinds county, near the Mississippi Springs; soft grayish hornstone is the
common material elsewhere.
45. Not unfrequently, cavities occurring inside of silicified trunks, are found
studded with small, but very perfect crystals of smoky quartz. Some beautiful
specimens of this kind, from a large trunk, and with crystals of unusual size (%
to ½ inch in length) found on Lime Kiln Creek, have lately been presented by
the Rev. Mr. E. Fontaine, of Battle Springs, Hinds county.
In this case, the external form of the trunk, as well as the outlines of its
woody structure, are still distinctly recognizable on portions of the specimen,
though crystallization has destroyed the detail. Crystals precisely similar to
those just mentioned, but attached to a siliceous mass without any apparent
structure, were found in S. Ocktibbeha county, a few miles S. of Whitefield, on
S. 21, T. 17, R. 12 E., near Mr. Dodson's place; and the unusual character of,
the specimens induced me to prcceed to the spot for a special examination. The
deposit is found on a low ridge, and has been traced for a mile and a half in a S.
W. and S. direction, while (being confined to this single ridge) its width is
inconsiderable-not more, perhaps, than twenty yards. It is a stratum 12 to 18
inches thick (lying 2 to 3 feet below the nearly level surface), of a white siliceous
rock, both the upper and lower surface of which is studded with crystals of
smoky quartz, ¼ to ½ inch in length. The solid portions of the rock so closely
resemble silicified wood, that an isolated fragment would be unhesitatingly
referred to such origin; it forms, however, as has been said, a level stratum of
some extent, and there is very little curvature of the layers to be traced, even
in large blocks. In the interior of the mass, there are many irregular
drusy cavities, lined with numerous successive bands of siliceous mass and also
studded with radiating crystals; some of the solid portions themselves, in fact,
are mére conglomerates of crystals, of a bluish tint. Their form is the hexagonal
prism, in which both sets of planes are very evenly developed, while usually
the terminal rhombohedrons are very unequally developed, so that one of them is
often entirely suppressed.
The sand overlying this deposit bears all the characters of the Orange Sand
formation; underlying it, however, there are sharp sands containing large scales of
mica, such as are but rarely seen among the Orange Sand materials, and greatly
resembling those accompanying the lignitic strata of the region. The nature of
the deposit itself, however, can leave little doubt that it is nothing more than a
bed of lignite which has undergone a process similar to that which has effected
the silicification of the uncompressed trunks commonly occurring. Fragments
of silicified wood are very common in the same neighborhood; and lignite
beds are abundant in the adjoining portions of Ocktibbeha and Winston.
46. I ought to mention, in connection with the subject of silicification, the
peculiar structure exhibited at times by certain cherty varieties of the hard
26
[947
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
siliceous sandstone, which has been mentioned as taking the place, occasionally,
of the ferruginous sandstone. Where thin ledges (6 to 8 inches) of this rock
occur, the surfaces exposed to the weather sometimes show a great number of
rounded holes, like gimlet-holes, penetrating the rock at right angles to the strati-
fication line; which is also the direction in which it most readily cleaves. On
breaking such blocks we find in the interior of the mass numerous crevices,
which I cannot describe better than as resembling those left in burnt brick, when
straw or chaff has been used in their manufacture. These crevices are almost
always lined with some ferruginous matter, and whenever they reach the surface,
the action of the atmosphere soon widens and rounds them. In some instances
too I have met with blocks in which these crevices were singularly contorted, in
such a manner as would result if green grass leaves were kneaded up with plastic
clay, and then burnt out. Whether or not these crevices represent organic
remains, it is difficult to decide; at times it may be thought that the entire form
of a blade of grass has been traced, but when followed up, instead of terminating,
it may open out into a wide, irregular space, lined also with ferruginous matter,
and from which, perhaps, similar, but utterly irregular fisures radiate in several
directions. It is hardly less difficult to construe them into fucoids.
47. The characteristics of the Orange Sand formation in Mis-
sissippi, as given above, leave little doubt as to the circumstances
under which it has been formed. The character of the surface upon
which it rests, its own irregular stratification, and the dependence,
to a great extent, of the nature of its materials upon that of the
underlying formations, proves beyond question that its deposition,
preceded and accompanied by extensive denudations, has taken
place in flowing water, the effect of whose waves, eddies and
countercurrents is plainly recognizable in numerous profiles. Nor
can there be any doubt that the general direction of the current
was from north to south, although locally changed or directed by
the pre-existing inequalities of the surface.
The arrangement of the pebble-beds into belts (running, in
Mississippi, approximately N. and S.) proves that currents of
greater velocity, capable of transporting these coarse materials,
existed there, coincident in the main with the channels of the great
rivers at present existing-the Mississippi and Tombigbee; the
connection of the latter channel with the former, having, it appears,
been subsequently closed by the induration into puddingstones, and
consequent resistance to denudation, of the pebble-beds of N. E.
Mississippi and N. W. Alabama, thus throwing northward the
T48, 49]
DEPOSITION OF THE ORANGE SAND.
27
waters of the Hatchie, Tuscumbia, Big Bear, and other southern
tributaries of the Tennessee River in Alabama. The Western
Highland Rim of Tenneesee (see map accompanying the Geological
Reconnoissance of Tennessee, by M. Safford, 1856) appears to
have prevented the irruption of this current, to any great extent,
into the Tennessee Valley and the Central Basin of Tennessee;
the pebble beds as well as (in N. W. Alabama) heavy deposits of
Orange Sand extend along the western and southern border of the
Carboniferous region, between the Tombigbee and Warrior rivers,
and eastwards to the Coosa; meeting, perhaps, still further east,
the deposits brought down on the E. side of the Alleghanies, on .
which the cities of Baltimore, Washington, Richmond and Peters-
burg, Va., and Columbia, S. C., are situated.*
48. While the pebbles were deposited chiefly in these channels, where the
velocity was great, the intervening space, cut up into numerous minor channels
by denudation, retained the smaller gravel and sand, and also, where some
protecting ridge afforded a chance for quiet subsidence, received deposits of
clayey materials, which naturally would be as limited as was the area of the
"slack water" itself. It is easy to understand how under such circumstances,
when the currents which caused the first, denudations began to slacken, the
materials of older formations might be removed and then re-deposited with
little change, at no great distance from their original place, and subsequently
covered over with fresh masses brought from a distance. At the end of the
period, the violent currents having subsided, the pebble deposits themselves
were in many cases covered over by sands similar to those which, in other
regions, compose the entire formation. Still later, the processes of oxidation,
lixiviation, silicification and ferrugination (all of which are probably still in
progress) commenced, and subsequently still (apparently even later than the
deposition of the Bluff formation), great denudations again ensued, partly
contemporaneous with, partly subsequent to, the deposition of the yellow
surface loam—one of the latest formations, apparently, preceding our present era.
49. However different may be the geological detail of the Orange Sand
formation from that of the Northern Drift deposits, the evident anology of their
lithological composition and general history would lead us to suppose the
two formations to be genetically related. In both cases, immense volumes of
water destitute, or nearly so, of organic life, rushed southward, bearing with
*See Second Report on the Geology of Alabama, by M. Tuomey, ed. J. W. Mallet. A few months
prior to the death of the lamented Tuomey, during a visit at Tuscaloosa, I compared notes with him
on the subject of this formation, the extensive and c aracteristic development of which in Mississippi
and N. W. Alabama, was unknown to him at the time of writing the portion of his Report relating to
the same. As far as com arable, the observations, and c nclusios arriv. d at by each of us inde-
pendently, t llied perfectly, except with reference to the occurrence of Mast don bones IN the
formation, as mentioned by him (p. 147 of the IId Report). He a mitted, however. that the bones in
question might well be referable to the Bluff formation, the existence of which on the Lower Tom-
bigbee, he had but shortly before as ertained. is suggestion regarding the nature a d origin of the
waters which deposited the Ora ge Sand formation, (Ibid p. 146,) appear to be confirmed by all the
additional observations subsequently made by myself.
28
T50, 51
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
them the fragments and detritus of the older formations. Both formations
immediately underlie the Bluff or Loess formation.``
Whether or not the Orange Sand deposits contain any materials necessarily
derived from a high northern latitude, still remains to be determined, for thus
far, the materials for comparison are imperfect on both sides. By far the greater
mass of the pebbles occurring in Mississippi appear to be referable to sources
lying S. of the Ohio river, on either side of the Mississippi, while the rocks most
common in the drift of Illinois-granite, mica-schist and metamorphic sand-
stone, are either very rare or (like granite) entirely wanting. It will be inter-
esting to inquire, whether or not the rocks composing the pebble-beds further
north, in Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas and Missouri, are derived from local-
ities correspondingly remote in that direction. It must be remembered,
however, that the present outcrops of these formations may not nearly represent
the localities of the broken-down strata which furnished the rocks, especially when
the dips are slight, as is generally the case in the southern portion of the more
immediate valley of the Mississippi.
50. While therefore the materials composing the Orange Sand formation may
be far from identical with those found in the Northern Drift, we may neverthe-
less suppose the two formations to have been nearly or quite contemporaneous,
and caused by the same flood ofice-water, which in its course denuded the older
strata, carrying their materials southward from their original place. Whether
the large angular boulders, of which a few have been found in Mississippi, can
be supposed to owe their transportation to some erratic ice-floe of unusual
thickness, may be an open question, at least until the region intervening
between the characteristic Orange Sand and Northern Drift (in Missouri for
instance) shall have received a detailed examination.
Even at the present time, however, in severe winters, ice-floes are seen in the
Mississippi River below Vicksburg, and there seems to be no valid objection to
the supposition that the same might have happened during the drift period,
even if the climate should have been warmer; since the enormous thickness of
arctic ice-floes would readily carry them a few degrees further south than could
be expected of the winter ice of the Mississippi River.
51. The relations mentioned by Tuomey (Second Report on the Geology of
Alabama, p. 146) as existing between the shore of the tertiary sea and the
region of occurrence of the southern drift on the Atlantic slope, are not so
clearly recognizable in Mississippi and Alabama-owing perhaps to the slight
development of the later marine tertiary, and the proximity to the great outlets
of the continental waters. Not only do the deposits of the latter hide, to a
great extent, those immediately preceding the drift period, but the latter may
have been partially removed and destroyed by the denudations accompanying
that epoch. Elevated ridges of deposits unequivocally belonging to the Orange
Sand formation extend to within a few miles of the Gulf Coast in several
instances; although more frequently, these ridges are subterranean at the present
time, the valleys between them being filled with sands exhibiting the lines of
¶52]
SEA-COAST SANDS.
29
desposition usually observed in the sea beach formations; which now from the
surface, so that the presence of the Orange Sand ridges is often demonstrated
only by the phenomena observed in wells.
[No. 3.]

Stratification of sands in the Sea-Coast Counties.
The stratification exem plified in the section is exhibited not only in profiles
of the sands overlying the impervious black clays on the "wet meadow" plains
adjoining the coast, but also further inland, in the valleys; in that of the
Pascagoula, for instance, as high up as Buckatunna Creek, Wayne county.—
These valleys therefore originally formed inlets or fiords, which in the gradual
upheaval of the continent were transformed into rivers, while the gradually
retiring surf of the beach left behind everywhere the traces of its action, in the
peculiar stratification of the sand.
52. I cannot see the validity of the objection urged by Tuomey himself
(Second Report, p. 146 and 147) against his supposition, that the accumulation
of the southern drift in belts parallel to the shores of the tertiary sea was caused
by the checking of the velocity of the drift currents as they entered the sea. The
very fact of currents conveying great volumes of ice-cold fresh water, coming
from the land, would naturally cause all living creatures to retire seaward as
early as convenient, and since the deposits themselves were formed by those
currents in their rear, there appears to be nothing surprising in the fact that
they do not contain any marine fossils. In a shallow sea, whose water would be
very perceptibly freshened by such an enormous influx, even the influence of the
differences of specific gravity might be reduced to a very small item by the
balancing influence of differences of temperature, acting in the opposite direc-
tion; thus rendering unnecessary the assumption of a temporary redepression
of the land as suggested by Tuomey. That the gradual upheaving process was
continued up to a late date, and that currents more slow and deliberate than
those which deposited the drift, covered the country for some time after the
latter period, seems to be proved by the two superincumbent formations, the
Bluff (327), and the Yellow Loam (332); since both the latter formations have
availed themselves, in their deposition, of valleys previously excavated into the
Orange Sand itself.
30
[T53, 54, 55
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
USEFUL MATERIALS OF THE ORANGE SAND FORMATION.
53. These consist of Sands, Gravel, Building Stones and Clays of
various kinds.
SANDS.--In regard to these little need be added to what has
been said in the general description of the formation. (See ¶ 10
T
ff.) They almost always contain more or less clay, which usually
ёо
is what imparts to them their various colors; even when the color
is white. In most cases (except those of ochreous tints, when the
single grains are often covered with a hard crust of iron rust),
washing will readily separate the mass into white quartzose sand
and clay of a corresponding color; and hence the sand washed
out of this formation by the streams, is generally white, and thus
far well adapted to the purposes of the mason and plasterer;
although, whenever the sand of other formations is accessible, it
is commonly preferred to that of the Orange Sand formation, on
account of the rounded shape and smoothness of the grains, which
characterizes the latter, and is less favorable to the cohesion of the
mortar in which it is used.
*
The sand deposits of the Orange Sand formation cannot usually
be relied on much for continuity, their stratification, as has been
stated, being extremely whimsical.
54. GRAVEL OR SHINGLE.--Its regions of occurrence have been
sufficiently defined for practical purposes, in a previous paragraph
(178 ff.) In a State where stones are scarce, a liberal sup-
ply of gravel for the improvement of streets and roads is likely to
be appreciated. The deposits of the eastern border of the State
do not as a general thing furnish gravel of equal purity with the
beds bordering on the Mississippi, and are more frequently cemen-
ted so as to form loose puddingstones; which are rarely of suffi-
cient coherence to serve for building purposes, while yet too hard
to be broken up for gravel.
55. Gems of some value and of great beauty may sometimes be
picked up among the pebbles of agate, cornelian, chalcedony, sard
and jasper, which are most abundant in the S. W. portion of the
State; commonly, however, the larger agates are cellular, with
sharp incurrent and excurrent angles, so as to greatly reduce
their available mass. They may often be recognized, among the
mass of pebbles, by this irregularity of external form. The
¶56]
BUILDING STONES.
31
cornelians are usually of a 'flattened shape; while the several
varieties of jasper show less disposition to assume any particular
form, though oblong, rounded forms are perhaps the most common.
Several forms of silicified corals, most frequently Astraea and
Favosites (alias "petrified honeycomb"), which are not uncommon
in the pebble beds, also form handsome gems when polished.-
According to Prof. Wailes, the gravel bars in the Mississippi
River, between Vicksburg and the Louisiana line, afford a fine
opportunity for collecting these stones.
Pebbles of limpid quartz or rock crystal are common in Wilkin-
son county, and are found more or less throughout the pebble-beds
of the Mississippi valley. They are rarely above the size of a
pigeons egg, and usually much worn and well rounded.
56. BUILDING STONES.-AS has been mentioned, two kinds of
rock occur in this formation. The most common is the dark brown
ferruginous sandstone, often called "black rock," which caps the
ridges of the Orange Sand formation-mostly in irregular and
fanciful shapes, from which a gutter, or a spout for a spring may
occasionally be selected; but sometimes also in solid ledges, of
sufficient thickness to be valuable for building purposes.
·
This rock resists exposure to the weather very well; only the
slaty varieties sometimes crumble in the course of time, while on
massy blocks, no other effect is produced than that of whitening
the sand-grains which project over the surface. It is not susceptible
of polish, but well adapted to rough masonry; and stands well
under water. It does not, however, resist fire well; the slaty
varieties fly to pieces when heated; the massy rock, when heated
slowly, can be made to stand, and in the "Pine Hills" is often used
in fireplaces; ultimately, however, it also scales off and pulverizes.
It resists sufficiently well when used in chimneys, where it is not
exposed to a high temperature; and in Tippah, Tishomingo and
Itawamba counties in particular, it has been extensively used for
this purpose.
As may be supposed from its mode of occurrence, its deposits
are usually quite limited in extent, occupying only the high knolls
and ridges; so that the supplying of a single plantation with
chimneys may often require the exploitation of several deposits.
And as moreover, it is not at all difficult to discover these deposits,
which form the prominent objects in the landscape where they do
32
[¶57, 58
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
occur, I shall not attempt to specify many localities, but will only
mention a few which are remarkable for being capable of furnishing
large blocks of good quality, or regions in which the rock is
unusually abundant.
57. On Tippah Creek, S. 7 T. 4 R. 2 E., Tippah county, near
the crossing of the Hickory Flat and Salem road. Solid ledges
10 to 12 feet in thickness, and of considerable extent.-On the heads
of Hatchie, Tallahatchie and Tombigbee, in T. 6 R. 4 E., Tippah
county, on and near the Ripley and Fulton roads. In the sandy
Pine Hills bordering on the E. Hatchie generally, the ferruginous
sandstone is very abundant.-So also, on the high ridges in S. E.
Itawamba, especially S. of Bull Mountain.-In S. E. Marshall and
S. E. Lafayette counties-A heavy solid ledge occurs, on a level
hilltop, a few miles W. of Water Valley, Yallabusha county:-
Another, of considerable thickness and extent, on SS 29 and 30
T. 12 R. 2 W., Calhoun county, near Mr. Collins' place. The
hills on the Otuckalofa, in N. Calhoun and N. E. Yallabusha,
generally abound in this rock, so also do the high ridges of E.
Carroll, N. Attala, and some portions of W. Choctaw.
Usually the rock is hard and requires to be worked with the hammer and
chisel; in some instances, however, we find it sufficiently soft to be cut into
shape with an axe without dulling the same. Several small deposits of this
kind exist near the heads of Potlockney and Otuckalofa Creeks; one on S. 16 T.
10 R. 2 W., Lafayette county. The cement here is somewhat aluminous, and
small particles of white clay, which cause white streaks on a cut surface, are
imbedded with the sand grains. The rock stands the weather well, and chimneys
have been built of it. It is of a pale brown color inside, but where lichens have
grown on the outside, it is red, sometimes to the depth of 1/4 of an inch.
58. The white siliceous sandstone of the Orange Sand formation
(15) sometimes occurs in deposits sufficiently large to render it of
importance. The chief localities of occurrence with which I am
acqainted, are the following:
In Tippah county, on S. 35 and 36, T. 4, R. 1 E., there is a
considerable deposit, where large blocks can be obtained (¶ 15);
the rock is a very hard-a translucent chert rather than a sand-
stone, and from its resemblance to the Arkansas whetstone, it has
been attempted to use it for the same purpose, which it answers
tolerably well. A similar deposit, covering a few acres, exists on
S. 19, T. 5, R. 2 E., near Mr. Milton Smith's; and another, quite
small, on S. 1, T. 5, R. 1 E. Isolated blocks of it are frequently
959, 60]
SILICEOUS SANDSTONE--CLAYS.
33
seen all over W. Tippah, and the adjoining portions of Marshall,
Lafayette and Pontotoc. Near Rocky Ford, in the latter county,
there is a large, continuous deposit of this rock, which strews the
hillsides in large slabs, and blocks of considerable size-sometimes
10 feet in diameter. It is somewhat variable in its character-
mostly hard, but workable; sometimes quite soft. It is found, N.
of the Tallahatchie, between Catalfa and Tallaquamanola Creeks,
for about 2 miles from the river; and southward of the same,
around Rocky Ford, for about mile. Large quantities of fine
building stone could be readily obtained here, by simply prying
the blocks out of the soil.
Powell's place, 5 miles from
Good sized blocks for foun-
59. A. small deposit occurs at Mr.
Oxford, on the Water Valley road.
dations can be obtained here. Another locality, both of white and
“black” sandstone exists, according to L. Harper, on S. 28, T. 8, R.
7 W., Panola county; and according to the same, a ledge of this
rock, 4 feet in thickness and of great hardness, occurs in a hill on
the Yockeney River, on S. 26, T. 10, R. 8 W. In Yallabusha
county the white sandstone occurs in considerable force, at, and near
Mr. Pearson's place, on SS. 3 and 4, T. 25, R. 6 E. Some of the rock
here, also, is of excessive hardness, so as to be suitable only for
rough masonry. Near Grenada this rock is found capping a hill.
It is also found, in limited deposits, at several points in N. Calhoun;
e. g. near Concord P. O.; and in considerable abundance, on S. 4,
T. 25, R. 8 E.
L
N. Holmes and N. Attala are, probably, the region where the
deposits of this rock are most abundant; on the ridges N. and N.
E. of Burkettsville, they prevail more generally than the brown
sandstone itself; here also, it is often excessively hard. Near
Rockport, and between that place and Durant Station, the white
cherty sandstone is frequently exhibited in the R. R. cuts; as in
many other places, it occurs here in disjointed, irregularly shaped
blocks, rather than in solid strata, and imbedded in the sand of the
Orange Sand Group.
I do not know of any deposits of this rock, S. of Attala county.
60. CLAYS.-Numerous varieties of useful clays occur in the
Orange Sand formation; among these the following deserve
espécial mention :
White Pipeclay.-It is widely distributed in the formation, but
R-3
34
[T61, 62
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
does not often occur in large masses; usually in nodules or "galls,”
from the size of a pea to that of a fist, and sometimes larger.
These galls are most commonly found in strongly ferruginous
"hardpan" (a semi-indurate mixture of fine sand and clay) but
indistinctly stratified; and thus forms striking objects on the other-
wise uniform, deeply colored surface. They occur chiefly in the
eastern portion of the State, from the Tennessee line down to
Hancock county-thus on the Pontotoc Ridge; on the sandy ridges
of Noxubee and Kemper, W. of the Flatwoods; in N. W. Wayne
county, on the ridges bordering on the Chickasawhay (in the latter
region, it occurs in nodules of some size imbedded in white sand;
the clay is very pure and is used as chalk and for whitewashing);
and in Hancock county, where the Orange Sand hills border on
the plains of the Sea-Coast. In all the localities mentioned, however,
the quantity is too small to render the material of much practical
importance.
61. A large deposit of white pipeclay of great purity, however,
occurs in Tishomingo county, chiefly on the southern portion of the
territory of the carboniferous formation, following very nearly its
western outline. It there forms a regular stratum of considerable
extent, which in one locality at least was found to be more than 30 feet
in thickness. The bed attains its best development, so far as the
quality of the material is concerned, in the northern portion of T.
5 and in T. 4, R. 11 E., where it is about 30 feet underground in
the uplands, though at times appearing in limited outcrops on banks
of the streams. North-eastward and south-westward from the
region mentioned, the bed also occurs, but changed in character-
at least near the surface-to a white gritty hardpan, or clays of
various colors and much less purity. It forms the lowest visible
portion of the Orange Sand formation, and is almost invariably
overlaid by strata of pebbles or puddingstone, which in their turn
are sometimes overlaid by the common orange-colored sand.
62. The most southerly exposure of these beds, known to me,
occurs on a small branch of McDouglas' mill creek, on SS. 4 and
9, T. 6, R. 10 E., near Mr. Pannel's place. For more than a mile
along this branch, there are exposures in which about 20 feet of a
whitish mass, varying from a fine clayey sand to a white plastic
clay, appears overlaid by thick beds (20-40 feet) of ferruginous
pebble conglomerate; the latter in its turn, being overlaid by the
T63, 64]
WHITE PIPE CLAY.
35
common ferruginous sand and brown sandstone, on the hilltops.
Similar outcrops appear in the neighborhood of Mr. Aleck
Peden's place, on SS. 3+ and 27, T. 5, R. 10 E., N. E. of Pannel's,
Here also, a white stratum of which only a few feet are exhibited,
is overlaid by pebble conglomerate, and this by the common Orange
Sand. The white mass varies from pure plastic clay, to fine grained
aluminous sandstone; its upper layers are sometimes composed of
a singular conglomeratic mass, consisting of small, white quartz
pebbles imbedded in pure white pipeclay. In both localities,
copious springs of pure water are shed by the impervious clay
strata; at Mr. Peden's there is a fine, bold chalybeate spring, which
seems, however, to derive its mineral ingredients (sulphates of iron
and magnesia, and common salt) from the adjacent carboniferous
strata rather than from those of the Orange Sand. In either of
the localities mentioned, materials suitable for fine pottery, or
queensware, might be obtained.
63. Thence northward, the stratum is not often found outcrop-
ping, but, as has been stated, 20 to 30 feet below the surface of the
uplands; the country being but slightly undulating. At Mr.
Clingscale's S. 8, T. 5, R. 11 E., the clay stratum) was struck at
the depth of about 30 feet, beneath sand and pebbles; it was dug
into, without being passed through, for nearly 30 feet more, no
water being obtained from below, but dripping in above from the base
of the pervious strata. The whiteness and plasticity of the material
seemed to increase with the depth. The best portions of what was
dug out of the well in question, had already been removed at the
time of my visit, having been used for various economical purposes,
as "chalk," whitewash, and "Lily-white." The specimens examined
were, therefore, rather below the average quality, and on long
exposure to the air, their surface shows some yellowish spots. I
found, nevertheless, that in baking at a high heat they yielded a
biscuit of greater whiteness than their natural color when fresh ;
and that fine splinters, exposed for ten minutes to the highest heat
of the mouth blowpipe, retained its shape perfectly while reduced
to a semi-transparent frit. A quantitative analysis of the clay
from Clingscale's well gave the following result:
36
[964, 65
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
WHITE PIPECLAY FROM CLINGSCALE'S.
Insoluble Matter.
Lime...
Magnesia..
Peroxide of Iron.
Alumina...
Water.
90.877
0.140
trace
0.126
2.214
6.930
99.864
This analysis (which was made solely for the purpose of ascertain-
ing the ingredients foreign to the clay proper) proves the singular
fact that this clay, though occurring in a formation characterized
by the large amount of iron it commonly bears, contains a
remarkably small amount of that substance; which, together with
the minute proportions of lime and magnesia, explains its
infusibility.
On S. 7, adjoining Clingscale's, at Mr. Hutchins' place, there is
an outcrop of cream-colored clay, which also becomes whiter in
baking, and is very refractory.
64. At Mr. Lovress' place, S. 17, T. 4, R. 11 E., strata of white
conglomerate, similar to that at Aleck Peden's, were struck in a
well at 28 feet; minor layers of beautiful white clay were encoun-
tered above this. An outcrop of pure white clay occurs on
Peniwinkle Creek, on S. 8, just N. of Mr. Lovress'; the soil of the
bottom shows plainly the admixture of this material by its whitish
tint. ·
·
On S. 18, at New Warrenton, the white clay has also been found.
Thence in a N. W. direction, the white materials appear in cuts
on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, near Iuka, and at Mr.
Nall's, S. 22, T. 3, R. 10 E.; overlaid, in all cases, by pebbles or
pebble conglomerate. In the localities mentioned, however, the
quality is inferior so far as visible (a few feet only), being rather a
fine clayey sand than a clay, and traversed occasionally by red
streaks. It is possible that at some depth, the quality might
improve, as in other cases. In the railroad cuts, the white material
was said to contain at times large lumps of dark red clay, the
latter being even found independently, in the valley of Clear Creek,
underlying the pebbles.
65. In none of the localities heretofore mentioned, the geological position of
the white strata, and their connection with the Orange Sand, could be decisively,
established. At Mr. Aker's grist-mill, on S. 24, T. 3, R. 10 E., the following
T66, 67]
QUEESWARE-FIREBRICK.
37
section occurs, which shows the unquestionable equivalents of the white c'ay
underlaid by materials possessing all the characteristics of the Orange Sand
formation:
(Section 1.).
SECTION AT AKER'S GRIST-MILL, TISHOMINGO COUNTY.

FEET.
INCHES.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
0
0 0
0
0
0
0
0
Pebble conglomerate forming the hills
6
оо
0
10 Loose white sands
0 0
14 Pebbles imbedded in clay
8 Reddish-white siliceous clay with streaks, indurate above 3
8
6 Gravel conglomerate; ferruginous
0
0 0
0
0
0 0 o 6 Large pebbles imbedded in clay
1
2
0 0 0
There can be no doubt, therefore, that these white strata, like the pebbles, are
only a peculiar local facies of the Orange Sand.
66. Practical uses of these beds. The two most important
practical purposes which the materials occurring in the deposits just
described, will serve, are, the manufacture of fine queensware, and
that of fire-proof brick.
*
As for the former, the plasticity of the material leaves nothing
to be desired; and since the amount of siliceous matter varies
greatly in different layers, there could be no difficulty about giving
to the mass the precise degree of meagreness which may be found
most advantageous, by mixing the several successive layers.
67. The same may be said with reference to the manufacture of
fire-brick (to which these materials are admirably adapted); which
would probably, at the present time, be the most feasible and
profitable manner in which the beds could be made available. The
* Not porcelain. Kaolin or porcelain earth contains, besides the white clay,
a certain amount of undecomposed felspar, which imparts to it its property of
being semi-fused at the temperature of the porcelain kiln. The same property
might be imparted to the white clay in question, by the artificial admixture of
ground felspar; but it could not thus compete with the natural kaolin of
Alabama.
en
5
4
NO.
38
[468
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
manufacture of fire-brick differs from that of ordinary brick only
in this, that it requires more care, both in working the clay and in
moulding the brick. Beyond their fire-proof quality, it is
demanded of fire-brick that their shape shall be perfect, their mass
uniform, and without flaws in the interior; also, that they shall be
liable to the least possible shrinkage in a high heat.
The latter quality is imparted to them by a considerable admix-
ture of either sand, or ground fire-brick, to the fire-proof clay,
which itself ought to be thoroughly seasoned beforehand, and then
well worked up with such additions of the above materials as may
be required. In judging of the amount of sand or ground brick
to be added, it is to be observed as a rule to add as much as may
be consistent with the proper firmness of the burnt brick, and with
convenient moulding. The latter process ought to be performed as
in the manufacture of pressed brick, whenever a first class article is
aimed at; for it is only thus that internal and external flaws are
entirely avoided. In some localities materials may probably be
found which require no further admixture-the strongly siliceous
varieties of the clay; but whenever sand or burnt clay is added to
the mass, care should be had that it be free from iron, which would
seriously impair the fire-proof qualities of the clay. None but
white sand ought to be used.-For the rest, they may be burnt in
kilns, like common brick.
Similar white clays are mentioned by Prof. Wailes as occurring
at White Cliffs, Adams county, and near Woodville, Wilkinson
county. Of the extent of these deposits, I am not informed.
68. Cream colored, or yellowish, and gray pipeclays, which assume
a faint reddish or pink tint in burning, are perhaps the most
common in the Orange Sand formation, especially in the northern
part of the State, where it overlies the lignitic strata.
Most of the clays of the latter formation assume similar tints when burnt
though as a general thing they are less refractory-in consequence, probably,
of their containing larger amounts of lime and magnesia. The latter substances
are copiously contained in the waters issuing from the strata of the formation,
last mentioned, while their quantity is extremely minute in those emanating
from the Orange Sand strata; which are themselves as remarkable for the
almost entire absence of these ingredients, as for the universal prevalence of iron.
It would seem that the processes of oxidation and lixiviation which have
characterized the Orange Sand, would readily account for the transformation of
the dark colored, carbonaceous and magnesian clays of the lignitic strata, into
769]
POTTER'S CLAY.
39
may
such pipeclays as we now so commonly find in the Orange Sand; and it
be frequently noticed, where clays occur in the latter formation immediately.
adjacent to similar ones belonging to the former (¶25, 28), that while their upper
portion is of a cream color, the lower are bluish and not completely oxidized.
Instances of this kind may be frequently observed in S. Lafayette, on the
Yockeney-Patapha River, in Calhoun, and N. Yallabusha.
It is in this position, viz: on the contact between the Orange
Sand, and the Lignitic clay formations, that the best clays for com-
mon potter's ware are usually found. The undisturbed clays of the
latter formations generally require, not only the admixture of sand
but also much more seasoning than those which have already been
worked up, as it were, by their re-deposition within the strata of
the Orange Sand.
69. Good potter's clay is most frequently found, therefore, in
the flatwoods region and the hilly country to the westward of the
same, i. e., in W. Tippah, E. Marshall, W. Pontotoc, E. and S.
Lafayette, E. Yallabusha, Calhoun, W. Chickasaw, and probably
in E. Choctaw and Winston. So far as I know, however, two
potteries only, up to the present time, are availing themselves of
these deposits; one being at Holly Springs, the other (Mr. Brush's)
in N. Tippah county, on S. 17, T. 2, R. 3. E. In both factories,
stone-ware of excellent quality is produced.-A third, according to
L. Harper, exists at Hartford, Calhoun county; what is the nature of
the clay used there, I am not informed. A clay very similar
to that employed at Mr. Brush's pottery, but rather superior to it
both in color and plasticity, occurs on S. 7, T. 25, R. 7 E., Yalla-
busha county; it has been used for tobacco pipes by the whites and
Indians both, and also in some cases for white-(or rather gray-)
washing houses. It might require the admixture of some sand.
A deposit of cream-colored clay, sufficiently refractory for fire-
brick, occurs about two miles N. of Oxford, Lafayette county, in
a cut on the Mississippi Central R. R. I have for some time used
this clay for small crucibles, which resist both a high temperature,
and the action of fluxes, remarkably well. A similar deposit
occurs on the Yockeney-Patapha River, near the bridge on the
Oxford and Water Valley road.
On the territory of the Lower (lignitic clay) Cretaceous, also,
good potter's clay is found in several localities, especially in S. E.
Itawamba, where it has given rise to a pottery (B. Dorsey's) on S.
40
[970
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
#
32, T. 10 R. 10, E. On the territories of the calcareous (Upper and
Middle) stages of the cretaceous, as well as of the tertiary formation,
clays suitable for pottery are very rare or entirely absent. The
calcareous clay marls often greatly resemble potter's clay, butmay
be distinguished by their effervescence with vinegar. They are
too fusible to serve any purpose of this kind in their natural condi-
tion, and they do not appear to have entered to any great extent
into the materials of the Orange Sand; which, moreover, is but
feebly developed in their region of occurrence.
70. On the territory of the Southern Lignitic Tertiary, or Grand
Gulf Group, strata of plastic clay also intervene with frequency
between the Orange Sand and the undisturbed clays of the lower
formation, while considerable deposits of pipeclay entirely within
the Orange Sand are on the whole less common than in N. Mississippi.
Their layers and nodules (or "pebbles") of pink and purple clay
are of very common occurrence in Wilkinson, Amite, Franklin,
Pike, Lawrence, Covington, Marion and Perry, and occur more or
less over the whole territory of the Southern Lignitic; but I am
not acquainted with any extensive continuous deposits of this
character; they are usually met with in wells just before water is
struck, and when penetrated, the lignitic clays are commonly
reached at no great distance.
The pale pink varieties often become of a lighter tint when burnt,
and are very refractory; such is the case, for instance, with the
variegated (pink and white) clay occurring at Mr. Wesley Gray's
mill on Bouie Creek, near Mt. Carmel, Covington county, which
would make good fire-brick. The darker colored varieties, how-
ever, become´red when heated, and do not resist a high tempera-
ture. The intensity of their color is a good indication as to their
fusibility.
At Mr. Bell's, S. 16, T. 7, R. 11 W., Harrison county, on the
Bayou Bernard, there is an outcrop of white and cream-colored
pipeclay, which is highly refractory and apparently meagre enough
to be worked into fire-brick without any further addition; the
Bayou would afford a ready means of conveying it to market.
Any admixture of the red and yellow materials occurring at the
same place, ought to be avoided.
The gra, potter's clays of this southern region will be mentioned
in connection with the southern Lignitic formation.
971]
RED AND YELLOW OCHRE.
41
Numerous specimens of clays from localities not specially men-
tioned here are in the collection of the Survey awaiting examina-
tion as to their practical value, and will be reported on hereafter.
Potter's clays are mentioned by Harper as occurring in several
localities along the Mississippi bluff; but no specialities concerning
their kind and geological position are given by him.
71. Not unfrequently, there are found within the Orange Sand
formation clays so highly colored as to become of more importance,
as pigments or paints, than for any other purpose. In numerous
localities, these colored clays have been used for painting houses or
fences, in the same manner that the white clay of Tishomingo has.
been employed as a whitewash.
It has been mentioned (T64) that on the Memphis & Charleston
Railroad, near Iuka, masses of red clay were found imbedded in
the white mass; and that red veins are frequently visible in
other localities. A remarkable deposit of clay impregnated with.
peroxide of iron so strongly as to make it valuable as an ochre or
paint, occurs further north, on S. 30, T. 2, R. 11 E., near Mr.
Biggs' place. The stratum crops out, with a visible thickness of
15 feet, forming the bank of a small stream: it is overlaid like the
white pipeclay, by strata of ferruginous pebble conglomerate. The
color of the mass is a dull red, resembling that of Burnt Siena
earth, with somewhat more of a reddish hue; it contains occasional
small veins or lenticular masses of perfectly white clay, resembling
the rest except in color. It is but indistinctly stratified, and cleaves-
into irregular, massy fragments, the cleavage-planes often being
almost black; it is peculiarly smooth or "greasy" to the touch, and
when handled assumes a polished appearance. It writes readily
on wood or paper, making a brownish red mark, and might easily
be cut into pencils. When moistened it exhales a strong clay odor,
and on being kneaded forins a plastic mass, which no doubt might
be worked on the lathe after due seasoning. On being crushed it
forms, with either oil or water, a paste so perfectly uniform and
smooth, that the eye is unable to detect any coarse particles on æ
white surface painted with it, even when nothing more than a
wooden pestle has been used in the process of mixing. It is there-
fore a most eligible material for the manufacture of paint, since it
requires so little mechanical preparation. The color, as has been
stated, very nearly resembles that of Burnt Siena earth (a reddish.
42
[T72
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
brown, very extensively employed), and may be rendered undis-
tinguishable from the latter by a very slight admixture of lamp
black.-Burning does not change the hue of the paint, but alters
the dull red of the raw material to a brick red, which would also,
of course, be the color of vessels made of it. The mass does not fuse
readily, but is quite refractory; a very high temperature deepens
its color and finally blackens it, with the appearance of incipient
fusion.
72. As for the manner in which this deposit was formed, the white spots
mentioned, between which and the red mass there is a zone of gradual transition,
seem to prove that the whole was originally white, and was subsequently
impregnated with a ferruginous solution. Unlike the other white clay
deposits mentioned, this material, notwithstanding its compactness, is found on
close examination to contain numerous minute pores, which in the white portions
are distinctly marked by the ferruginous lining of their walls, though equally
existing, and open, in both the white and the red portions of the bed. Under
the lens they appear distinctly angular, and the space has evidently at some time
been occupied by crystals of the form of a square, or possibly rhombic, prism
or plate―(probably the former; the length of the major axis being about 0.02,
that of the minor 0.01 of an inch), the substance of which has in most cases
almost entirely disappeared; although in a few instances I have found those in
the white portions incrusted inside with (yellow) hydrated peroxide of iron;
while that in the red mass is evidently anhydrous.
Whatsoever may have been the original substance of these crystals, it is
manifest that the red color did not spread from them as centers (as might be
supposed had they been iron pyrites), inasmuch as the latter is entirely indepen-
dent of them in its outlines. Their substance was evidently removed by a
dixiviating process before the coloring solution infiltrated the clay.—In the lignitic
formations, we find clays in which minute crystals of iron pyrites are thus
disseminated throughout the mass, and the circumstance that all the pores in the
white mass possess an inner coating of iron rust, seems to confirm the supposi-
tion that their origin is to be sought in crystals of pyrites, the form of which may
have been either that of distorted cubes, or more probably, of the rhombic
prisms of magnetic pyrites.*
*I may mention in connection with the metamorphis of iron pyrites, just
quoted, another singularly complicated case, occurring at McDouglas' mill,
Tishomingo county (187). In a loose bed of hornstone pebbles, overlying the
lower cretaceous clay, and itself overlaid by Orange Sand, we find some pebbles,
studded with little druses of brown iron ore, a few of which still exhibit the forms
of a regular octahedron. Similar pebbles, studded with (mostly tetrahedral) crys-
tals of pyrites, occur at Turner's mill (T83); and there can be little doubt that
here, the common transformation of pyrites into brown iron ore has occurred.
But in the interstices between the pebbles, we find loose masses, also of brown
173, 74¹]
OCHRES-IRON ORE.
43
I have not personally ascertained the extent of this deposit, but
it probably extends both northward and southward from the
locality mentioned; and is said to crop out near Mr. McMackin's,
6 miles S. of Eastport.
73. About 3 miles S. W. of Westville, Simpson county, near
Mr. Wright's, there occurs a deposit of pipeclay tinged yellow
with hydrated peroxide of iron-a color which is rather uncommon
elsewhere. It has been successfully used in the neighborhood as
yellow paint; the tint is not, however, sufficiently intense and uni-
form to render the deposit of any more than local importance.
Yellow ochre is of common occurrence in the Orange Sand for-
mation throughout the State, but no case has come under my per-
sonal observation in which its quantity and quality both would
justify its exploitation on the large scale. A considerable deposit,
the material of which has already been put to use in times past,
exists, according to Prof. Wailes, at White Cliffs, Adams county.
Usually, it occurs in small veins or lenticular masses, and very
commonly fills the cavities of the concretionary nodules so fre-
quently found. I have often heard of "beds" of yellow ochre, in
different portions of the State, but have thus far either found them
to consist of yellow sand, or, that the existence of a small vein or
nodule had been taken as an earnest of a larger deposit close at
hand. It is quite likely, however, that such beds may still be
found, as the formation is certainly rich enough in the ingredients
required.
Red ochre, also, is found very extensively, but usually in small
quantities. Like the yellow ochre, it has been locally used as a
paint in numerous places, and its tints are sometimes extremely
beautiful, such as crimson, scarlet and purple. With the exception,
however, of the ochreous clay deposit in Tishomingo, above
described, I have not thus far found any deposit of coloring matter
of this kind, of more than local importance.
74¹. Iron ore.-Aluminous brown iron ore, and brown hematite,
as has been mentioned (T13), are very extensively diffused through-
out the Orange Sand formation, more especially in the northern
iron ore, but their surface studded with brilliant crystalline surfaces of the form
and aggregation of Iron Spar, or carbonate of iron. The process which has
taken place here, seems to offer some analogy to that just noticed in connection
with the red clay (¶71).
44
[9742, 75
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
portion of the State. But although in case of need, if cut off
from other States, Mississippi might manufacture her own iron, the
desultory mode of occurrence, and uncertain continuity of the
deposits, thus far found, of tl e purer kinds of ore. would not justify
their exploitation, so long as advantages so greatly superior are
offered in adjoining States, where inexhaustible beds of iron ore
and coal often occur in one and the same mine.
The purest ore I have seen from this formation (a fibrous hema-
tite) is found in Mr. Null's neighborhood, N. of luka, Tishomingo
county. It occurs there in sheets and layers to 2 inches thick,
imbedded in yellow sand, and has been commonly mistaken for
copper ore. Average specimens yielded 55 per cent. of iron.
742. Materials for glass.-White sand has been mentioned as of
frequent occurrence in the Orange Sand formation. It is rarely,
however, free from clayey particles, and altho' applicable to the
purpose, such sand would not, as a general thing, be eligible for
making white glass, unless previously freed from them by wash-
ing; as is often done naturally by the streams traversing the sandy
regions, and more especially, by Pearl River and its tributaries,
whose drifts of white sand often vie in purity with those of St.
Genevieve in Missouri, whence the Pittsburg glass works receive a
large part of their supply.
75. WATERS OF THE ORANGE SAND FORMATION.-It has been
stated already that the waters percolating through the Orange
Sand formation, at the present time, are remarkable for the small
amount of the salts of lime and magnesia which they contain, and
may therefore be uniformly characterized as freestone waters.
Silica, and iron in the shape of proto-carbonate, are the ingredients
which at times appear in quantities sufficiently large to render the
water mineral. The former is rarely altogether absent; the latter
is sometimes contained in large quantities, but is very inconstant;
in wet seasons it often is more abundant than in dry ones, and at
times, chalybeate waters may be seen oozing out of every little
rill. Then again, springs which originally were chalybeate, cease
to be so after the land on which they are situated is cleared; and
others lose their mineral properties so soon as they are cleared of
leaves and other decaying vegetable matter. In fine, they are
obviously dependant to a great extent, for their mineral properties,
on the accidental condition of the surface, and therefore unrelia-
976, 17]
WATERS OF THE ORANGE SAND
45
ble. It must be recollected, however, that although a spring may
run out of the Orange Sand materials, it may have its origin in
different strata; such, in fact, is the case with most of the mineral
springs of the State, and not unfrequently the freestone water of
the Orange Sand is rendered mineral by merely running over the
surface of another stratum.
76. While, however, the quality of the water obtained from the
Orange Sand, whether in wells or springs, is generally excellent,
its quantity and availability leave much to be desired. This is
owing to the perviousness of the greater portion of the mass of
the formation, and the want of continuity, or irregularity of the
impervious strata which it does contain. Where the Orange Sand
prevails in force, wells often require to be sunk to great depths,
and very frequently through the entire thickness of the formation,
to where it rests on older and less pervious strata, which shed the
Yet sometimes, in the middle of such a district, a few
wells in a particular locality may yield water at a moderate depth,
by striking, accidentally, some lenticular mass of clay of inconsid-
erable extent, and no less perhaps, of inconsiderable thickness; so
that after a while an incautious cleaning out, the falling of a
a bucket, or a slight shock of an earthquake, would break
through it and allow the water to sink. A further deepening may
reach another impervious ledge, which itself may give way in time;
and thus wells are frequently kept deepening until either the un-
derlying impervious formation is reached, or the depth becomes
inconvenient, as has been the case at the University of Mississippi.
At Oxford, close by, water is reached at moderate depths; and in
searching for the cause, we shall find outcropping in the ravines
adown the hillsides, several successive ledges of cream colored
pipeclay, which we look for in vain in the R. R. cut, midway be-
tween the town and the University. In the Orange Sand, there-
fore, wells of 80 to 100 feet and more, are of common occur-
rence.
1
77. It is thus that in the more elevated ridge lands of S. Simp-
son, and S. Smith counties, for instance, the regular, rounded hol-
lows and valleys are often without even a channel for flowing
water; some bunches of leaves floated up against trees or bushes,
give the only evidence that at times, in heavy rains, all the water
is not absorbed by the sand. Yet even the next day after a rain,
46
[T77
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
the thirsty traveller may follow these hollows downward for miles,
without seeing even a puddle, or a drop of water, until at last,
when the level of the water-shedding stratum is reached, not
single springs, but entire creeks of beautifully clear water are
found flowing out at the foot of the hills.
In the agricultural portion of the present Report, the condition of the several
districts with reference to waters and wells will be more specially mentioned;
and in connection with these, also, those regions in which the Orange Sand is so
strongly developed as to conceal entirely the other formations, will be more
particularly noticed.
7
t
:
THE CARBONIFEROUS FORMATION.
78. The territory on which this formation appears, in Mississippi,
is so small (as will be perceived by a glance at the map) that its
geological relations can hardly be satisfactorily studied within the
limits of the State; its outcrops are comparatively few, and of
small extent, in consequence of its being thickly overlaid, in most
places, by masses of pebbles, and other materials of the Orange
Sand formation (T18). It is the more difficult to ascertain the order
of superposition of the several strata, because in different localities,
they appear partly horizontal, partly at various inclinations to the
horizon, in opposite directions. Thus in its extreme southern
portion (at Grisholm's Factory or Bay Spring) the heavy ledges of
siliceous sandstone show a slight southward dip; at the Cypress
Pond, on SS. 25 and 17, T. 5, R. 11 E., the dip of the sandstone,
overlaid by limestone, is decidedly to the northward; and again,
at Eastport, we find a black calcareous slate, like that which, in
Alabama and Tennessee, is at the base of the Carboniferous system,
at the high points of the surface, without any appreciable dip, and
overlaid by cherty strata which elsewhere seem to be overlaid by
limestone, and are, probably, equivalent to the siliceous sandstone
of Bay Spring. It would seem, therefore, as if some of the folds
of the strata, caused by the upheavals in Tennessee and Alabama,
extended, at this point, into Mississippi.
79. The fossils thus far collected, according to a general exam-
ination, kindly given them by Prof. W. D. Moore, of the University,
distinctly place the greater portion of the outcrops within the
limits of the Warsaw and Keokuk Limestones of the Iowa Report,
as will be seen from those mentioned below; but thus far,
observations are insufficient to allow of separating those belonging
to each of these groups. There are probably, also, a number of
undescribed species; and it seems likely that lower, and perhaps
even higher groups of the subcarboniferous series may hereafter
be found to be represented.
48
[480, 81¹, 812
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
80. The chief materials of the formation have already been
mentioned as consisting of limestone (of different degrees of purity),
chert or hornstone, and siliceous sandstone. The several degrees
of transition of these rocks into one another are also represented,
besides which, we find underlying the sandstone in several localities,
a black clay shale charged with iron pyrites-the representative,
perhaps, of the hydraulic slate of Eastport.
}
811 Localities of the Carboniferous Formation.-At Red Sulphur Springs, in
T. 1, R. 10 E. (in Tennessee), a spring of strong sulphur water comes up from
beneath a ledge of gray, non-fossiliferous, slaty hydraulic limestone of a
perfectly uniform, dense, texture; which characterizes the northern portion of the
formation. It is here as elsewhere overlaid by a stratified hornstone formation,
whose lower portion is very hard and solid, and fossiliferous (Fenestella, Pro-
ductus); but further up it becomes very brittle and almost void of fossils, and is
interstratified with layers of pebbles imbedded in clay, which have been described
before (T31). Very nearly the same condition of things obtains all along Yellow
Creek, so far as its course lies through the territory of this formation; on the
lower portion of its course, however (from the crossing of the Red Sulphur
Springs and Eastport road, to its mouth), we find on the left bank, the gray
slaty limestone overlaid by a variety of aluminous sandstones, which in their
highest portion became merely a soft, gray, sandy shale, void of fossils. Judging
from some apparent transitions, these sandstones (of which there are some 15 to
20 feet) are the equivalents of the hornstone. We see, however, on the right
bank (e. g. at Billing's mill) the slaty limestone itself appearing at the same
level at which, on the opposite side, we find the sandy rocks. The former here
gives rise to bald rocky hilltops, on which little else than the Prickly Pear and
Stone-crop can find sufficient nourishment; and similar hilltops (which are of
some importance as furnishing an excellent hydraulic limestone) are said to occur
with frequency in the hills bordering on the Tennessee River, in the State of
Mississippi. At Eastport, it is seen on the slopes of the ridge towards the river;
in the bed of Big Bear Creek, and in that of a small creek which empties into
the latter, close to the town. Here, as elsewhere, it is totally destitute of fossils;
it cleaves readily into lenticular plates, with it a rough surface, and contains not
unfrequently, hard, flat, siliceous nodules, of a few inches diameter, in which
we generally see a few golden yellow crystals of iron pyrites. Analyses of this
rock, as well as of that occuring on hilltops near Billings' Mill, will be found
below (T92-93).
!
Impure gray limestones, at times deserving rather the name of calcareous
chert, crop out frequently in the bed of Yellow Creek, from its mouth upwards.
Near Scruggs' bridge, on S. 16, T. 2, R. 10 E., there is an extensive outcrop of
rock resembling in every respect, that of Eastport.
812 The siliceous deposits which overlie this rock in the neighborhood of
Eastport, have already been, in part, described (31). The large masses of
182]
HORNSTONE BRECCIA.
49
detritus derived from the pebble strata, which here cover the hillsides, render it
difficult to observe fully the series of the Carboniferous. The lowest stratum
which I have observed overlying the calcareous slate, is the singular deposit of
pulverulent silex (¶30) traversed by bands of hornstone in all stages of decay.
This deposit, in which I have seen but a few fragments of carboniferous fossils
(columns of Pentremites) has been struck in a well at Eastport, and crops out
in a valley one mile S. of Eastport. [The occurrence of bluffs of this material,
under circumstances similar to those under which it is found in Mississippi, near
Gravelly Spring P. O., Lauderdale county, Alabama (nearly due E. of
Eastport), is mentioned by Prof. Tuomey (Second Report on the Geology of
Alabama, p. 9)]. The hills enclosing this valley are high and steep; their upper
portion is formed by ferruginous pebble conglomerate or puddingstone, in which
fragments of geodes of crystallized quartz are sometimes found; the lower by the
ferruginous hornstone breccia described before (130). Underlying it, with
a visible thickness of about 8--10 feet, appears the white silica deposit. The
greater portion of it is pulverulent, and feels gritty (like starch) between the
fingers; it is traversed, however (not always horizontally), by layers of hornstone
2--6 inches in thickness, which are not solid, but appear as though shattered
into fragments; were the ferruginous cement present, it would form a breccia
like that which overlies. In these layers, all grades of transition from solid
hornstone into pulverulent, starchy silica, may be traced with ease.
It seems difficult to account for the condition of these hornstone layers, except
by the contraction, in drying, of a gelatinous mass. The adjoining fragments
usually fit each other, though not always exactly, and the same is the case in the
overlying breccia, which seems to represent the solid hornstone ledges occurring
at other points. W. of Eastport, we find this breccia apparently alternating
with layers of hornstone, of which, also, it sometimes contains large lenticular
masses. Near to the planes of contact of the breccia and the pebble conglome-
rate of the Orange Sand (T30), the ferruginous cement is usually, not brown,
but brick red.
On the waters of Little Bear Creek, in the southern portion of T. 3, R. 11 E.,
we find (e. g. at Mr. Common's gin-house) the hornstone breccia overlying
directly an impure, sandy limestone, which here contains great numbers of
Productus costatus Sow., and a Spirifer (allied to S. bimesialis HALL).
82. At the point where the M. and C. R. R. crosses Big Bear Creek, limestone
more thickly laminated, and purer than the gray slate at Eastport, crops out
on the banks.
S. of the R. R., on SS. 10, 2 and 1, T. 4. R. 11 E., along the old District Road, we
find outcrops where a soft calcareous shale, characterized by immense numbers
of a Chonetes (allied to C. sarcinulata), but containing also Terebratulæ, Produc-
tus costatus, stems of Pentremites, Stylopora Prouti, and Zaphrentis spinulifera,
overlies a sandy limestone containing abundance of Pentremites conoideus, HALL,
Spirifer pseudolineatus, HALL, Terebratula, a very large elongated Productus,
Cyathophyllum, and columns of Archimedes. This limestone stratum, which is of
inconsiderable thickness (about 10 feet), is underlaid in several localities by sand-
R-4
50
[T83, 84, 85
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
stone, which above is calcareous, lower down, siliceous, and destitute of fossils
83. On S. 22, same T. and R., at Mr. Turner's mill, there occur in the bed of.
Big Crippled Deer Creek, outcrops of whitish chert containing abundance of
fossils, among which Fenestella, Gorgonia, Cyathophyllum (Zaphrentis ?), Pro-
ductus, Terebratulæ and stems of Pentremites are conspicuous; it contains also
small druses of iron pyrites, altogether tetrahedral in form, which does not vi-
triolesce, but is undergoing transformation into brown iron ore (T¶72) and
contains between 2 and 3-10,000 of silver. A short distance northward, on S.
15, we find the hornstone, which crops out in gullies, gradually changing into
siliceous sandstone destitute of fossils, and resembling that of Bay Spring.
Close by, at a level somewhat higher, we find outcrops of a limestone ledge,
and above this still, on the hillsides, we see angular fragments of hornstone-
from which, although none of the latter was seen decidedly in situ, it would
appear that the limestone is here both over- and underlaid by hornstone.
84. No limestone seems to crop out on, or E. of the main channel of Bear
Creek, where its course lies through TT. 5, 6 and 7, RR. 10 and 11 E., in S.
E. Tishomingo county; but outcrops of siliceous sandstone, of various degrees
of hardness, and destitute of recognizable fossils, are of common occurrence.
In traveling through the hilly and rocky region intervening in Alabama, between
Rock Creek and Cedar Creek, E. of Big Bear, in TT. 4 and 5, R. 12 E., I have
seen the limestone and sandstone alternating repeatedly, in such a manner as to
indicate a northward dip. At one point, a stratum of limestone only 15 feet in
thickness, is over-and underlaid by non-fossiliferous, siliceous sandstone. At
Mann's mill, near the mouth of Cedar Creek, the S. bluff of the creek consists
of laminated siliceous sandstone, so hard as to strike fire readily; the layers
being from ½ to 1½ inches thick. A short distance above, there are several
small caves, about 3 yards wide by 1% high, running down obliquely into the
sandstone; about 15 feet below the surface they terminate in pools of clear cold
water, which is said to rise and fall with that of the creek-although to the
observer they appear to be rather above the level of the latter.
85. Further above still, near Walnut Peak P.O. (Mr. Suddard's) there is on
the left side of the creek a large slough, known as the "Cypress Pond," which,
running around in horseshoe shape, incloses between itself and the main channel
of the creek, the greater part of S. 17, T. 5, R. 11 E. On the tract thus inclosed
the Orange Sand alone prevails; but on the landward bluff, which is from 30 to
40 feet high, there are outcrops both of limestone and sandstone. At the N.
extremity of the semi-circle, the sandstone (which here is soft, yellowish, and
effervesces with acids) appears at the foot of the bluff, while higher up we have
a solid, black or gray crystalline limestone of considerable purity, which occupies
the upper portion of the bluff for some distance southward of the point men-
tioned. The sandstone, however, gradually rises and takes the place of the
limestone, until at the S. end of the bluff, as well as at Mr. Suddard's house,
nothing but the soft, laminated, effervescent sandstone, destitute of fossils, is
to be seen.
י
86. Several branches empty into the "Pond," and among these, one, at the
N. end, has excavated for itself a deep, almost square, and for some distance
987]
CYPRESS POND-MCDOUGLAS' MILL.
51
subterranean channel in the limestone, so as to appear and disappear repeatedly.
In exploring one of these channels (which is 18-24 inches wide by about 3 feet
high) for about 20 yards, I found the rock to be solid on all sides, the roof being
curiously worn into cornice work, as though by the dripping of water from
above; but there are no stalactites. The fetid bituminous odor of the limestone
pervades the air of these caves, as well as the water itself, which is, in consequence,
undrinkable, and very hard besides.
The upper strata of the limestone are of a light gray tint, crystalline, and
abound in fossils, especially columns of Pentremites, which appear prominently
on the weathered surfaces. Lower down, however, the rock assumes a black
tint, is almost destitute of fossils, and contains numerous small oolithic grains
of a somewhat ferruginous material. Both kinds of limestone, whose cleavage
is here generally massy, are very fetid. An analysis of the rock of the upper
(purer) stratum is given below (¶95).
87. Northward of this point, also, in the same T., limestone sometimes appears
on the hillsides. To the southward of it, however, I know of only one locality
at which limestone is found viz: McDouglas' mill on the waters of Mackay's
Creek, S. 5, T. 6, R. 10 E. At this point we obtain, on the bluff of the mill
creek, the following section :
(Sec. 2.)
SECTION ON MCDOUGLAS' MILL CREEK.

FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
20 Orange Sand forming hilltops.
to
40 Loose cherty pebbles, or ferruginous puddingstone.
10 Gray laminated clay, of the Eutaw Group (cretaceous).
NO.
CO
• 10
स
1
• •
I
alled gadg
30
1
9
....
Gray crystalline limestone, in ledges 1 to 8 inches thick,
containing Ptylopora Prouti, Sprifer (allied to Sp.
bimesialis), Pentremites (symmetricus ?) Fenestella,
Terebratula, etc.; also spires of Archimedes.
w

Yellowish or reddish, hard, siliceous sandstone, in laminae
12-12 inch thick, with indistinct fossils-apparently 2
heads and columns of a very large Pentremites.
Black, semi-indurate clay shale, charged with iron pyrites.
Bed of creek.
1
The fossils of the limestone, No. 3 (which is in places quite soft) are often
52
[T88, 89
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
prominently exposed on weathered surfaces, and sometimes washed out of the
mass altogether. The indistinct fossils of the sandstone, No. 2, stand out
prominently on its cleavage planes. Whether or not the shale stratum (No. 1)
is fossiliferous, I could not ascertain.
88. The outcrop at McDouglas' mill constitutes an isolated outlier of only a
few acres, between which and the outcrops at Peden's, Gardner's, and Bay
Spring, we find (see below) only the strata of the Orange Sand and Eutaw
Group.
Between Suddard's Ford (Walnut Peak) and Scott's mill on Big Bear Creek
S. 12, T. 5, R. 11 E., high bluffs of siliceous sandstone frequently occur on that
stream, forming some of the little rock scenery to be found in the State. It
occurs usually in ledges, from a few inches to 3 feet in thickness, is less flinty
than that at Mann's and McDouglas' mill, and well suited for grindstones and
flagstones. Outcrops of this sandstone are common, also, in the country border-
ing on Big Bear Creek, in the S. portion of T. 5, and in T. 6, RR. 10 and 11 E.
Near Mr. Gardner's, on S. 36, T. 5, R. 11 E., there is a narrow valley excavated
altogether into the sandstone, whose ledges form vertical walls 20-25 feet high
on both sides, the talus at their base being strewn with huge blocks which have
fallen from above. The ledges, whose thickness varies from 1g of an inch to
3 feet and more, seem to lie horizontally; the rock is usually hard enough to be
suitable for grindstones and flagstones, though in some points it may be crumbled
between the fingers. On the cleaved surface we often see, besides the ripple
marks, curved tracings as of Cololithes or Serpulæ ; but no distinct fossils
occur.
89. At Mr. Alex. Peden's place, S. 34, T. 5, R. 10 E., the same sandstone ap-
pears, overlaid here both by ferruginous pebble conglomerate, and the strata of
the white pipeclay deposit (T62 ff.).
At Bay Spring, we find outcropping on Mackay's Creek, for about 2 miles
above, and 1½ mile below the factory, the hard siliceous sandstone of the
Carboniferous. At the latter place itself, heavy, solid ledges of hard sandstone
form the banks, both of the main creek and of a tributary which empties into it
at that point; they show a dip of 2 to 3 deg. southward. The same indistinct
impressious on the surface of the slabs, mentioned at Gardner's, are seen here.
This is the most westerly outcrop of the Carboniferous formation in Mississippi.
All along Rock Creek (of Mississippi) and its branches, E. of Bay Spring, the
sandstone crops out-more or less variable in its hardness and the thickness of
its layers, yet still essentially the same. At Mr. Jourdans, S. 30, T. 6, R. 11
E., and at Mr. Smith's mill, on S. 32-both localities on Rock Creek-the sand-
stone is underlaid by a black clay shale precisely similar to strat. No. 1 at Mc-
Douglas' mill (¶87, Sec. 2); into which, at Smith's mill, the sandstone shows a
transition, by the appearance of clay "galls," and the gradual softening, and
darkening of the tint, of its lower layers.-The last outcrop of the carboniferous
sandstone on Rock Creek occurs a few miles above its mouth; it also crops out,
though it does not form high bluffs, on Big Bear Creek, in TT. 6 and 7, RR. 10
T90, 91, 92]
HYDRAULIC LIMESTONE.
53
and 11 E., and in the hilly country intervening between the two creeks——where,
however, even deep wells frequently terminate in the gray laminated clay of the
Eutaw group.
USEFUL MATERIALS OF THE CARBONIFEROUS FORMATION.
90. These consist of Limestones, both common and hydraulic,
Sandstones, and materials for Glass. Bituminous coal is not to
be looked for, since the strata appearing in Mississippi cor-
respond to those underlying the Coal Measures in Alabama and
elsewhere; so that by mining in them, we should recede from,
instead of approaching to, the level at which the coal is always
found. According to the geological map of Alabama, the rocks of
the Coal Measures of the Warrior coal field approach nearest to
(within 7 or 8 miles of) the Mississippi line, in Marion county, Ala.;
but I am not aware whether the coal itself extends so far.
91. HYDRAULIC LIMESTONE. The dark-colored (black or gray)
slaty rock, which occurs near Eastport, and which may be looked
for, more or less, all over that part of the region colored black on
the map, which lies N. of the line between TT. 2 & 3, possesses
strongly hydraulic properties; i. e. it does not slake after burning,
like common limestone, but if pulverized and then wetted, will
harden under water, like Portland or Roman Cement. This prop-
erty is imparted to the limestone by the clayey impurities which it
contains, and in imitation of this natural mixture, hydraulic
cement is now sometimes prepared, either by treating in the same
manner as the rock naturally occurring, an intimate mixture of
clay and lime, artificially prepared, or by mixing with quicklime
certain substances naturally occurring (such as the puzzolana of
Italy) in a finely ground condition. These artificial cements,
however, are rarely equal to those prepared from good natural
hydraulic limestone.
The principal localities of occurrence of this rock thus far ob-
served, have been mentioned above (¶81).
92. The rock which forms the bald hilltops on the right bank of
Yellow Creek, at Billing's mill, S. —, T. 1, R. 10 E., (and which
may probably be found in many similar positions in the hilly coun-
try lying between the Red Sulphur Springs and Eastport road,
and the Tennessee River), I have found to be of very superior
quality; the cement made of it sets almost as rapidly as plaster of
54
[193
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Paris, and becomes very hard. An analysis of a portion of the
specimens showing these properties, which readily cleaves into
thin lenticular plates, is black on the fresh fracture and gray or
whitish on the weathered surfaces, gave the following result:
HYDRAULIC LIMESTONE FROM BILLING'S MILL.
Insoluble Matter...
Potash.
Lime..
Magnesia..
Peroxide of Iron.
Alumina
Phosphoric Acid.
Carbonic Acid..
•
Organic Matter, Water, and Loss.
•
54.201
0.473
23.247
0.788
0.903
1.064
trace
15.572
3.752
100.000
From the aspect of the outcrop, the quality of this rock does
not seem to vary for 18 or 20 feet at least. No rock is seen in
the bed of Yellow Creek at the point in question; but farther
below, near its mouth, impure cherty limestone, in layers from one
to several inches in thickness, appears near the water level. It is
doubtful whether this rock would answer the purpose of hydraulic
limestone, whose best quality always seems to be announced, in
this region, by its splitting easily into thin plates. It is quite
likely, however, that rock of equal quality with that on the hill-
tops near Billing's mill, might be found at a lower level also, and
nearer the creek.
The rock which near Scruggs' bridge, on SS. 16 and 9, T. 2, R.
10 E., crops out in several bluffs on Yellow Creek, with a thick-
ness of some 30 feet, coincides most closely with that occurring at
Eastport, and no doubt possesses a similar composition, and prop-
erties (see below). Many similar bluffs exist, no doubt, between
Scruggs' bridge and Billing's mill.
93. At Eastport the rock is found, as has been stated (T81), in
the bed of the creek which empties into Big Bear just S. of the
town; in the bed of the latter stream itself; and on the slope,
towards the Tennessee River, of the hill on which the Female
Academy is situated. An analysis of a specimen from the latter
locality, little different in aspect from that at Billing's mill, gave
the following result:
T94]
HYDRAULIC LIMESTONE.
HYDRAULIC LIMESTONE FROM EASTPORT.
Insoluble Matter.
Potash....
Lime
Magnesia
Peroxide of Iron
Alumina
Carbonic Acid, Water, and Loss..
35.281
0.348
32.603
0.630
1.581
1.914
27.643
100.000
55
For want of a sufficient quantity of material, I have been una-
ble to make reliable experiments on the comparative rapidity of
"setting" of the cement burnt from this rock; it seems, however,
to solidify somewhat less rapidly than that from Billing's mill.
94. While these analyses, as well as the experiments made, leave
no doubt as to the adaptedness of these rocks to the manufacture
of excellent hydraulic cements, it must be recollected, that for
each variety of hydraulic limestone there exists a certain degree
of burning, after receiving which, it hardens best, or most rapidly.
If on the other hand, the burning exceeds, or falls short of, that
particular degree, the hydraulic properties will be the more im-
paired, the farther the burning given varies from the proper degree.
The latter can only be determined by experiments on the large
scale, in kilns properly constructed; the general rule being, that
hydraulic limestones require much less burning, than those yielding
quicklime. On account of the inequality of temperature which
always prevails in the common lime-kilns, where the process is in-
terrupted in order to draw the charge, these are altogether unsuit-
ed to the burning of hydraulic cement; and since, moreover, the
manufacture of the latter involves, of necessity, the establishment
of a mill (for grinding the calcined rock), and therefore, pre-sup-
poses the existence of a constant demand to be supplied by contin-
uous manufacture, the "perpetual” kilns, in which the burning goes
on without interruption, are alone adapted to this purpose.
In view of the lively demand for hydraulic cements which exists
in this State; of the high tax imposed on the consumers of this
article by the long transportation which it has to undergo at pres-
ent, and of the convenient accessibility of these deposits by way of
the Tennessee River, while distant only 7 or 8 miles, at their
nearest points, from the M. & C. R. R. (to which access might also
be had, at high stages of water, on Big Bear Creek) there is rea-
56
[T95
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
son to hope that they will not long remain unused. It is quite
likely that due S. of Eastport, and on Big Bear Creek, they may
be found to approach the R. R. much nearer than is the case on
Yellow Creek. The limestone I have seen on Little Bear Creek,
however, at Mr. Commons' (T81), as well as that cropping out on
Big Bear Creek near the crossing of the R. R., though impure, is
of a different character, and probably better adapted to burning
lime for agricultural purposes, than for the manufacture of
hydraulic cement.
95. LIMESTONES, for quicklime.-Most of the limestones mentioned
above (T82 to 87) are suited to the manufacture of quicklime; the
localities, however, where the limestone occurs in the greatest
abundance and purity, are at the Cypress Pond (Walnut Peak P.
O., ¶85,86), and at McDouglas' mill on Mackay's Creek waters
(T87). At the former place, as before observed, two varieties of
limestone occur; one, the uppermost stratum, being gray, and
rich in fossils, the lower, black and almost without shells. Both
rocks indiscriminately have been used in the preparation of quick-
lime, the product being of excellent quality, and perfectly white.
The upper stratum containing the shells is, nevertheless, the purer,
and ought to be preferred when the lime is to be employed in
plastering and whitewashing. An analysis of this upper, purer
rock, yielded the following result:
GRAY LIMESTONE FROM THE CYPRESS POND.
Insoluble Matter..
Lime....
Magnesia
Peroxide of Iron and Alumina..
•
Carbonic Acid..
Carbonaceous Matter.
1.680
53.495
0.817
0.580
42.035
1.340
99.947
1 cwt. of the limestone will therefore yield 56
lbs. of strong
lime, containing not quite 3 lbs. of foreign matter. This limestone
is, therefore, the purest found in the State, and will yield lime
equally as good as the majority of the imported article.
The limestone at McDouglas' mill is somewhat variable in its
different ledges; several of these are equally pure, if not purer,
than that of the Cypress Pond. This is especially the case with
those on whose fractured surfaces we see numerous smooth faces of
996]
BUILDING STONES-GRINDSTONES
57
a glossy lustre, which are formed by the broken heads of a fossil,
of about the size and shape of an acorn of the Red Oak (Pentre-
mites) consisting of pure crystallized carbonate of lime or calca-
reous spar. The lime burnt from these ledges would be pure
enough for any purpose.
There is no lack of fuel in the regions where these rocks occur;
and abundance of fireclay to serve for the construction of the
inner lining of the permanant "perpetual" kilns.
96. BUILDING STONES, GRINDSTONES AND FLAGSTONES.-The
sandstone which has been mentioned as cropping out on Big Bear
Creek, where its course lies through Mississippi, as also in the
southern portion of the territory of the Carboniferous generally,
is a very durable rock in almost all cases where it can be obtained
in blocks of suitable size. It is only some of the slaty and calca-
reous varieties, like those mentioned as occurring at the Cypress
Pond (185), which are subject to a considerable degree, to weath-
ering. Large uniform blocks can be obtained below Scott's mill
on Big Bear Creek, for several miles (188); at Gardner's (T88),
at Bay Spring (189), and at several points on Rock Creek.
;
The locality first mentioned, viz: the long bluff extending, chief-
ly on the E. side of Big Bear Creek, for several miles below Scott's
mill, is of interest in another point of view. The rock occurring
here is a sharp sandstone, of the proper degree of hardness for
grindstones, and of great uniformity throughout; moreover, the
ledges cleave with facility and with very straight and smooth sur-
face, into slabs of various thicknesses, from an inch to several feet
so that all the labor needed to transform them into grindstones,
would consist in cutting them round; while the thinner ledges
might serve for whetstones. Bear Creek, in times of high water,
would afford a most convenient means of shipment, but for the dis·
agreement existing between the States of Mississippi and Alabama
as to its navigability-Alabama having declared it a navigable
stream, whereas in Mississippi, numerous mill-dams have been built
across it.
The rock near Gardner's, which is of a similar quality, but less
uniform, might also furnish grindstones. That at Bay Spring is
too hard for the purpose.
Flagstones of large size, and of various thicknesses, can, of
course, be also obtained at these localities.
58
T97, 98
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
97. MATERIALS FOR GLASS.-The deposit of white pulverulent
silica, which has been mentioned (T30,812), is of very superior
quality for this purpose, and being in a fine state of division, it
would be preferable to the sand commonly used, for rapidity of
fusion. The largest beads which could be fused before the blow-
pipe, of a mixture of this material with soda, were perfectly color-
less in either flame. There are portions of it which are tinged with
iron, but by far the larger part is of great purity, and might be
mined with easc, like coal, by means of horizontal galleries.
The outcrop examined by me is in a small valley opening on that
of Big Bear Creek, about 1 mile S. of Eastport (T812). The
same stratum has been struck in wells at the latter place, and he
deposit is probably co-extensive, in Mississippi, with the hornstone
breccia itself, which overlies it, and occupies all of T. 2, R. 11 E.,
the N. part of T. 3, and N. E. ½ of T. 2, R. 10 E.-The inhabi-
tants designate both the white pipeclay and the silica as "chalk ;"
the latter may, however, be readily distinguished from the former
by its not affording any permanent white streak on wood; it "does
not write." It is important to observe this difference, for the white
pipeclay would be utterly useless in glass-making.
Occurring, as this material does, close to the banks of the Ten-
nessee river, easily mined, and preferable as it undoubtedly would
be to the coarse sand so often employed in glass-making, and which
itself is shipped to considerable distances, it would seem that the
exportation to the Pittsburg glass works, at least, via Tennessee
and Ohio rivers, could be made a profitable business. For the
manufacture of the soluble glass, or silicate of soda, now coming
into use so extensively, a more desirable material could scarcely be
procured.
98. WATERS OF THE CARBONIFEROUS FORMATION.--Most of those
occurring on its territory are derived from the overlying pebble for-
mation, and are remarkably pure-as also, of course, are those
flowing from the siliceous sandstone. The chalybeate occurring
at Peden's (¶62), is probably derived from the laminated clays of
the Eutaw group.
The Red Sulphur Spring in Tennessee (T. 1, R. 10 E.) is the
only prominent example I know, of a mineral water which is cer-
tainly derived from the rocks of this formation. It would seem
that any spring or well reaching the black shale underlying the
T98]
WATERS OF THE CARBONIFEROUS FORMATION.
59
sandstone at McDouglas' mill (T87, No. 1 of Sec. 2) and Jourdan's,
would of necessity possess mineral properties. The small amount
of sulphates and of magnesia, which the mineral waters at Iuka
contain, seem to indicate that they are derived neither from this
stratum, nor from those of the lower cretaceous; while the Orange
Sand alone would not be likely to impart sulphuretted hydrogen
to them.
1
THE CRETACEOUS FORMATION.
99¹. The territory occupied in Mississippi by the several stages
of the cretaceous formation may be briefly defined as comprising
(with the exception of a few townships in E. Tishomingo, occupied
by the carboniferous rocks) all that portion of the State lying east
of the following approximate line: From the point where Muddy
Creek crosses the Tennessee line, via Ruckersville to Ripley.
Tippah county; thence S. W. nearly to the line between ranges 2
and 3 E.; thence undulating nearly due S. to Houston, Chickasaw
county; thence S. S. E., with a slight curve towards S. W., to
Scooba, Kemper county, and to the Alabama line. On the map
this line is laid down more in detail, the cretaceous formation being
represented by the several shades of green.
992. The general dip of the strata is between W. and S. W., at
the rate of from 20 to 30 feet per mile. In the absence of surface
levelings in the direction of the dip; in consequence, also, of the
limited extent of the outcrops in the same direction, and the
variability of the strata themselves (both as to character and
thickness), accurate determinations of the dip are extremely difficult.
A number of observations in bored wells in Lowndes county,
collected and discussed by Dr. William Spillman, of Columbus,
Mississippi, gave the dip in that region between 25 and 30 feet S.
W., which is also the amount currently assumed by the well,
borers in Monroe, Chickasaw and Lowndes. In the counties of
Pontotoc, Itawamba, Tishomingo and Tippah, however, the bored
wells are so few, and the hilliness of the country renders estimates
of comparative surface levels so uncertain; the strata moreover are
so variable, that I have been unable to obtain satisfactory data with
reference to dip. It appears on the whole, however, to be rather
less than that observed in the more southerly portion, and more
nearly due W.; probably, over the whole of the cretaceous belt, at
right angles to its W. and S. boundary line, since in Alabama,
where the latter runs nearly due E.,), it is mentioned by Tuomey as
T100]
GROUPS OF THE CRETACEOUS.
61
being due S.; in Tennessee, according to Safford's map, the outlines
bear N. N. E. In general, therefore, the dip of the cretaceous
strata may be briefly defined as diverging from the upheaval of the
Cumberland Range, around whose western and southern spurs it
forms a crescent shaped belt extending from Tennessee, through
Mississippi and Alabama, to the Ocmulgee River; its average width
being, however, much less than that given in Hitchcocks' and Lyell's
maps, and not often exceeding fifty miles.
100. In the cretaceous strata of Mississippi, at least three well
defined groups or stages may be distinguished, the middle one of
which exhibits two distinct facies, themselves deserving, perhaps,
the dignity of separate stages. In preference to designating these
stages as the Upper. Middle, and Lower Cretaceous, which might
give rise to misapprehensions in reference to their relations to the
strata of other regions, I shall apply to them specific names, already
recognized and understood to some extent. These groups I shall
briefly characterize in general, before passing on to their special
description, without, however, for the present. attempting to
parallelize them to those of more distant regions; to do which
intelligently, the study I have thus far been able to bestow on them,
is hardly adequate.
I. Lowest. EUTAW GROUP.*-Bluish black, or reddish, laminated
clays, often lignitic, alternating with, and usually overlaid by, non-
effervescent sands, mostly, (though not always) poor in mica, and of
a gray or yellow tint. Contains beds of lignite, very rarely other
fossils. Those found (by Tuomey, in Alabama-none in Mississippi)
are silicified, and the sand when indurate, shows a siliceous cement.
II. TOMBIGBEE SAND GROUP.-Sharp, strongly micaceous sands,
of greenish hue, laminated when indurate, and cemented by
carbonate of lime. Very unequally developed in different localities,
and apparently subordinate to the Rotten Limestone, into which it
shows many lithological transitions, and many of whose fossils it
shares. It is remarkable for the large number of species and
individuals of Inoceramus which it contains, and also for the
occurence in it of the gigantic Ammonites Mississippiensis, SPILLM.
•
*I adopt this name in view of these beds having been first examined in detail,
and recognized as being of cretaceous age, by Tuomey, near Eutaw, Alabama,
where they are characteristically developed.
62
[T101
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
III. ROTTEN LIMESTONE GROUP.-Soft, chalky, white limestones
of great uniformity and thickness, passing into heavy calcareous,
massy clays, or light colored clay marls. Fossils numerically
abundant, but species few. Characteristic are: Placuna scabra;
Janira quinquecostata; Gryphæa convexa, mutabilis, Pitcheri; Ostrea
falcata; Rudistae; Mosasaurus.-Underlies the prairies.
IV. RIPLEY GROUP, CON.-Hard, crystalline, white limestones
(generally somewhat sandy and often glauconitic), underlaid by
black or blue micaceous marls, whose fossils are in an admirable
state of preservation. Prominent among the latter are Cardium
Tippanum and Spillmani, Cucullæa capax and Tippana, Gervillia
ensiformis, Siliquaria biplicata, Dosinia densata, Crassatella Rip-
leyana, Baculites Spillmani and Tippaensis, Scaphites Iris—also
Scaphites Conradi, Ammonites placenta, a large Atletha? with sharp
revolving costae, and others. The fossils of the hard limestone
differ in some respects from those of the marl. These strata form
the Pontotoc Ridge in Mississippi, and Chunnenugga Ridge in S.
E. Alabama; according to late researches by Conrad, they also
exist at Eufaula, Ala.
I. THE EUTAW GROUP.
("LOWER CRETACEOUS" OF TUOMEY.)
101. The territory indicated on the map (by the olive green tint)
as being occupied by this formation, offers no strikingly charactistic
features. By far the larger portion of its surface is thickly covered
with the strata of the Orange Sand, from which the upper, sandy
members of this group are often distinguished with great difficulty
-it being some times, in fact, optional with the observer, as to
which view of their age he may choose to take (T38-39). It is
even so, at times, with the laminated clays found in the region,
which characterize the lower portion of the cretaceous deposits as
well as those of the Orange Sand. Usually, the fat, compact,
bluish laminæ of the cretaceous clay (popularly called " Soap-
stone"), are sufficiently distinct in their aspect and touch from the
more sandy, and commonly micaceous, clay deposits of the Orange
Sand; and in almost all cases there is one available mark of
distinction: the ferruginous selvedges and stratification lines of the
cretaceous clay, are yellow (hydrated peroxide) while those of the
Orange sand are almost uniformly red (anhydrous peroxide.) These
7
T102]
OUTCROPS OF THE EUTAW GROUP.
63
clays form the water-shedding strata of the region; they are,
therefore, frequently struck in wells, and numerous springs running
off from their surface, have their basins dug into them by the
inhabitants.
clay with reference
Spring (Grisholm's
102. In Tishomingo county the cretaceous clay is most character-
istically developed near the eastern edge of the region, and in many
localities overlies the carboniferous rocks, on which we occasionally
find its outliers for 8 to 10 miles eastward. The section at Mc-
Douglas' mill (187) shows the position of this
to the carboniferous formation; near Bay
Factory) and in several localities N., E. and S. of the same, it
overlies the carboniferous sandstone. Its laminae, in these locali-
ties, are usually separated by thin layers of sand, or, more rarely,
of mica. The sandy ingredient increases as we advance westward
(therefore towards higher strata) and northward from the line
between TT. 4 and 3; and near to the line of the Tombigbee Sand
Group, we more commonly find yellowish or gray sands with but
here and there a lamina, streak or lenticular mass of dark colored
clay. Diagram No. 4 is a specimen of the stratification usually
exhibited in these cases, from an outcrop on the heads of Little
Browns Creek, Tishomingo county.

བ་་
Stratification of the Eutaw Group.
a, greenish-yellow sand.
b, blue and gray laminated clay.
These yellow and gray sands, which eventually become micaceous
and calcareous, form the transition into the fossiliferous Tombigbee
Sand; still, sands precisely similar are found interstratified with
the characteristic Eutaw clays, so that the line between the two
groups is necessarily somewhat arbitrary.
64
[¶103, 104
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
103. The point furthest N. at which clays distinctly bearing the character of
this group have been found, is in wells near Honey's Mill on Yellow Creek, about
S. 18, T. 3, R. 10 E.; further N. the Orange Sand strata either conceal the older
formations, or the non-fossiliferous, yellowish sands are of so indefinite a char-
acter, that I have been unable to determine their age and position. Southward
of this locality we find (besides those mentioned) characteristic outcrops of
laminated clay at Mr. Hubbards, S. 27, T. 3, R. 10 E.; at Cartersville; at
Peden's Mill, S. 9, T. 5, R. 10 E., Lindsay's Mill, S.-1, T. 6, R. 9 E., and Gurley's
Bridge, S. 14, T. 6, R. 9 E., above Grisholm's Factory-all on Mackay's Creek;
at Hutchins' place, S. 7, T. 5, R. 11 E. On the waters of Little Brown's Creek,
on S. 9, T. 5, R. 9 E., and at Taylor's Mill, S. 10, T. 5, R. 9 E. Also, 1 mile
E. of Marietta, Itawamba county.
•
At other points in Tishomingo, nearer to the line of the Tombigbee Sand,
we find bluffs of non-calcareous, yellowish sands with only occasional bands of
dark colored clay-thus at Haygood's place, S. 8, T. 5, R. 10 E.; at Tims' place
S. 3, T. 5, R.´9 E., and at Moore's, S. 30, T. 6, R. 9 E. A few miles further W.,
on Big Brown's Creek, we strike the calcareous Tombigbee Sand. Yet even on
the territory enclosed on all sides by clay outcrops, deep wells sometimes strike
nothing but sand, similar to that at Tims' place, and bluffs show the same material.
The blue or black laminated clays are found, as has been stated, in many
localities in the southern portion of the carboniferous territory of Mississippi.
It is very commonly struck in wells in TT. 5 and 6, RR. 10 and 11 E., at a depth
of 20 to 30 feet.
104. Outcrops of laminated clays alternating with sand occur with frequency
on Mackay's Creek, from Bay Spring down to its mouth, in Itawamba county.
One of these, on a "caved" hillside, at Warren's mill, of which a section is
given below, is of unusual interest on account of the fossil remains of trees
which it contains, in the shape of lignitized trunks, obscure impressions of leaves,
and lumps of fossil resin. The lignitized trunks being copiously incrusted with
iron pyrites, induced a company of Georgians to commence mining operations on
this spot, by driving a gallery into the lower, lignitic stratum; the work,
however, was soon abandoned.
!
T104]
EUTAW GROUP IN ITAWAMBA,
(Sec. 3.)
SECTION AT WARREN'S MILL, ITAWAMBA COUNTY.
FEET
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
65

NO.
1
40 Wooded hillside-Orange Sand on top.
7
4
Yellowish sand resembling that commonly overlying the
laminated clays; possibly in secondary place.
6
4
Sand similar to the above, filled with compressed lignitized
trunks, often covered with pyrites.
10
5
0-
-0
Lignite & nodules of brown hematite, in ferruginous matrix 4
5 Dark colored, greenish, sandy clay, with an irregular, 3
twisted or nodular stratification.
2-2 Yellowish-green sands, micaceous.
6
2
Thin layers of sandy, green, bluish, red or gray clay,
interstratified with greenish sand. Lignitized trunks 1
with pyrites imbedded in the mass.
The lignite found here is very much decomposed, so as to afford little hope of
identifying the species of the trees. Not uncommonly there are found among
the lignite rounded masses of fossil resin of a grayish yellow tint, with bands
more or less translucent, resembling agate. It is very brittle, and when rubbed.
emits a faint aromatic odor. The latter, as well as the aspect of the material,
strongly reminds one of hardened sweet gum or Styrax liquida. A portion of
a disc-shaped mass of this substance, which originally was about four inches in
diameter by 1½ in thickness, was presented by Mr. J. C. Reinhart.
The characteristic fat laminated clay does not occur in this section; it appears,
however, in the bed of the creek, lower down, and in bluffs on Big Brown's
Creek, E. of Marietta. Thence southward, however, we find exhibited in
many localities on the Tombigbee River, down nearly to the Monroe line, strata
of the same character as those just described, viz: consisting of alternating
layers of sand and clay of variable thickness, from 0.1 of an inch to 2 inches,
and more. Such are the outcrops on the Tombigbee, near Fulton, from which
numerous mineral springs flow, and also those at Van Buren; at the latter
place, there intervenes between the upper sandy portion and the more clayey
beds below a thin ledge (1 to 2 inches) of fine grained, brownish alum.nous
sandstone.
R-5
•
66
[T105, 106
GEOLOGICAL RÉPORT.
105. I have not observed any outcrops in N. E. Itawamba except those men-
tioned on Mackay's Creek Orange Sand strata occupy the surface altogether.
Gray or black laminated clays, however, with occasional hard ledges, and iron
pyrites, are struck in the wells at depths varying from 30 to 60 feet, all over the
region. On Bull Mountain Creek, however, there are numerous outcrops of the
möst characteristic kind, and on the dividing ridge between that creek and thé
Tombigbee, S. E. of Van Buren, the bluish-gray laminated clay is common both
in outcrops and in wells.
While in S. E. Itawamba the formation is pretty well and characteristically
developed, E. Monroe is almost entirely covered with Orange Sand strata of
great thickness, in which the lignitic clay strata of the Eutaw Group appear only
in rare and small patches, while wells generally terminate in clays of the
Orange Sand character. The only outcrops I am acquainted with in Monroe
county, E. of the Tombigbee, lie between Weaver's Creek and the Little Sipsie.
Outcrops of black, fetid, lignitic clay appear on hillsides, and even on a few
hilltops, on SS. 23, 24, and 19, T.. 12, R. 17 W., and are very generally struck in
wells in the region mentioned. In one of these, dug about 1 mile W. of the
Sipsie, in the last tier of sections of T. 12, a bed of lignite and iron pyrites was
struck, rendering the water offensive-as is mostly the case where these clays
come in contact with it.
Along the channel of the Tombigbee, however, we can trace the Eutaw Group
in occasional outcrops, into Lowndes county, and thence, through the bored
wells, into Alabama.
106. At Coulter's Ferry, on Old Town Creek (near its confluence
ce with the
Tombigbee), S. 34, T. 10, R. 7 E., Monroe county, there is a bluff about 120
feet high (from the water level), consisting of grayish-yellow, stratified, non-
effervescent sand, which has "caved off" in terraces down to the waters edge.
It is sharp, contains very little mica, but a great many black particles (tourmaline?),
and is occasionally cemented a little, by a ferruginous cement. Not unfrequent-
ly, small lenticular masses and thin layers of gray laminated clay cccur in this
sand, which often impart to the latter a laminated structure discordant with the
stratification lines. On the whole of this fine exposure, however, not a trace
of fossil remains of any kind is to be seen.
Passing on westward from the ferry, for a mile, to Mr. Lisby's, S. 33, we
find the continuation of the ridge which forms the Coulter's Ferry bluff, capped
with the Rotten Limestone of the prairies; and in the ravines of a branch
tributary to Old Town Creek, we obtain the following section :
:
60171
9107]
301
EUTAW GROUP
80
67
MINITA (Sec 4.) (⠀ IN JAN 13 1Ɔ MOLTʊkba
SECTION AT LISBY'S, SHOWING THE RELATIVE POSITION OF THE
ROTTEN LIMESTONE AND EUTAW GROUP.

FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
10
30
to
40
f
'
Rotten Limestone hilltops, with Exogyra costata, Janira
5-costata, Radiolites, etc. The lower ledges sandy and 3
micaceous.
Coulter's Ferry sands; non-effervescent.
In the lower
portion of the bed, large round concretions (3 to 4 feet in
diameter) of calcareous, non-fossiliferous sandstone,
usually very hard, sometimes soft,
3 Dark colored, bluish, laminated clay.
The laminated clay appears at the same level at which, a short distance off,
we see only sands; showing that on the large scale as well as on the small,
these deposits may be incontinuous, lenticular masses.
These outcrops are precisely analogous to those described by Tuoméy (First
Report, p. 118 ff.) as occurring at Finchs Ferry, near Eutaw ; save in this,
that here as elsewhere in Mississippi, these sands are non-fossiliferous.
A mile above Cotton Gin Port, at the ford, we find the Coulter's Ferry sands
outcropping in the bed of the river. At the place itself, on the river bank, the
laminated clay crops out two feet thick, overlaid by yellowish sand, beijo:T
107. Thence down to Aberdeen, and so far as I know, from Aberdeen toui
Barton, on the Tombigbee, the Tombigbee Sand Group occupies the river bluffsy:
The sands and clays of the Eutaw Group are, however, struck in the boredit
wells at Aberdeen, and (at depths corresponding pretty accurately to a dipofu
25 feet W per mile) in those at Pikeville and Buena Vista, Chickasaw county.
In some of the Aberdeen wells, a bed of white pebbles 8′ feet in thickness has i
been found overlying a black, fetid, lignitic mass, at the depth of 217 to 220o
feet; pebbles are mentioned by Tuomey as forming part of these strata in i
Alabama, also. The lenticular or wedge-shaped laminæ of the clay are some-
times exceedingly troublesome in boring, as their smoothness imparts to them
an uncontrollable tendency to slip sideways.
At Barton bluff, we find the following section:
68 ..
[108
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
(Sec. 5.)
SECTION OF CRETACEOUS STRATA AT BARTON, LOWNDES CO.

1
FRET.
INCHES.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Calcareous sand, micaceous, with oysters, Inoceramus,
15 Janira quinquecostata, Placuna scabra, etc.
6Indurate ledge, with Inocerami.
Calcareous sand, as above.
Indurate ledge, a calcareous conglomerate of sand and
16 shark's teeth and jaws, partly water-worn. Also, black 3
concretionary pebbles.
Calcareous sand, as above.
3
2
Gray and reddish laminated clay, interstratified with
greenish sand.
The prodigious number of shark's teeth and fragments of shark's jaws found
in the lower indurate ledge (belonging to the Tombigbee Sand Group) is a
remarkable feature of this outcrop. The lowest stratum is lithologically undis-
tinguishable from the same at Warren's mill (104, Sec. 3), but contains only
obscure traces of lignitic matter.
1
I am not aware that the Eutaw Group is exhibited in any outcrop S. of this,
in Mississippi. At Columbus, it is struck after passing through about 100 feet
of sands more or less micaceous and calcareous; the borings show the material
to consist of layers of bluish or gray, and reddish clay, interstratified with sand.
II. THE TOMBIGBEE SAND GROUP.
108. The surface of the territory occupied by this group (indi-
cated on the map by the dark green tint) is generally characterized
by sandy hills, capped with the Orange Sand strata. We there-
fore perceive quite a sudden change in passing we: tward from it to
the territory of the Rotten Limestone, with gently undulating
4
51
6
NO.
T109]
TOMBIGBEE SAND GROUP.
69
surface and heavy soils; while towards the territory of the
Eutaw Group little difference is noticable, beyond that in the well
waters.
The prevalent and characteristic material of this Group, as has
been stated, is a fine-grained micaceous sand, more or less calca-
reous, usually of a greenish tint, but not unfrequently gray, bluish,
black, yellowish and sometimes even orange red. Clays and non-
calcareous (as also at times non-micaceous) sands are also found,
although generally they are only subordinate to the characteristic
greenish sand, which is the exclusive material in the southerly
region of development, in S. Monroe, and Lowndes. In N. Tisho-
mingo, there is a considerable variety of materials, among which
bluish black clayey sands or sandy clays, and sands variegated
with blue and yellow (frequently non-effervescent, but always
strongly micaceous) are prominent. In S. Tishomingo, however,
on the waters of Big Brown's Creek, the materials are undistin
guishable from those prevailing in Lowndes county, like which
they contain indurate ledges at short intervals.
Near to the edge of the Rotten Limestone, however, and partio-
ularly where they immediately underlie the latter, these sands are
mostly loose and water-bearing, and light colored. In Itawamba,
outcrops of their strata are scarce, their presence being recognized
chiefly in wells; from Aberdeen down to several miles below
Columbus, however, it forms the main mass of the river bluffs.
The greenish tint is imparted to these sands not by greensand grains, as is the
case in the marls of the Ripley Group, but is caused by a greenish incrustation
covering thinly a portion of the quartz grains. Whether or not this incrusta-
tion is of a glauconitic nature, I have thus far been unable to determine.
109. Beginning at the north, in T. 1, R. 9 E., Tishomingo county, we occa-
sionally find in the (dug) wells a black, fetid, micaceous, non-effervescent clayey!
sand, while natural outcrops scarcely occur; the same is the case in T. 2, R.
9 E., and the adjoining portions of T. 2, R. 8 E.-a hilly, sandy region, thinly
settled, except along the water courses; the surface of which is covered with
Orange Sand strata, beneath which, at depths varying from 4 to 20 feet, the
cretaceous strata are struck. It is in this region particularly that the denuda-
tion which the latter have experienced, previous to the deposition of the present
surface materials, becomes very apparent, from the fact that the dark colored :
sands are struck at the same average depth on the hilltops as on the hillsides.
This condition of things is abundantly illustrated in the R. Rcuts of the region,
a section of one of which, on Harris' contract, S. 3, T. 3, R. 9 E., has been ·
given in connection with the Orange Sand formation (739, Diagram No. 2).
·
70
[T110
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
LOUP
The black, micaceous sandy clay forming the subterranean hills, is generally
found everlaid by micaceous sands variegated with blue and yellow spots, which
are sometimes stratified inconformably, as shown in the figure, and then pass.
imperceptibly into the overlying Orange Sand; at others they are obviously in
their original place, conformably stratified, with an occasional ledge of dark
colored clay, as illustrated in the section given below, from a hillside cut on
Bell's contract, S. 33, T. 2, R. 9 En

V
(Sec. 6.)

SECTION AT BELL'S CONTRACT, M. & C. R. R., TISHOMINGO CO.
·
t
FEET.
INCHES.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
*ON-
fi'w Blue sand, with yellow streaks, horizontally stratified
20
containing large nodules composed of many ferrugin- 4
ous layers, with a nucleus of gray sandstone in the
ecentre; often containing cretaceous fossils.
25
A
بتي
10 Black, sandy, micaceous clay,
3
Bluish and whitish sand with yellow streaks, with several
ledges of ferruginous sandstone.. Also ferruginous 2
modules similar to the above. Stratification horizontal.
Black sandy micaceous clay. Bottom of cut.
1
The nodules mentioned above, and also occurring in the variegated sand of
Diag. No. 2, are sometimes several feet in length by 12 to 18 inches diameter. The
sandstone nucleus, which itself is generally filled with loose sand, is often quite
insignificant compared with the numerous rinds of ferruginous cement which
inglese it. The fossils it contains are poorly preserved; fragments of a Callianassa,
an Avicule ? and Gervillia were recognized among them. The black micaceous
mass is poor in fossils also; those occurring are generally pyritized nuclei, among
them Venilla Conradi, and a Siliquaria. The laborers in the cuts were sometimes
severely affected by the fetid exhalations of the "black dirt," while working in
ityfuldt, ashperbe, da
110, Sands similar to those overlying the black strata here, are found in wells
and loutcrops on Yellow Creek waters, in T. 3, R. 8 and R. 9 E. On S. 29, T. 3;
R.-95lja silver mine was said to have been discovered, not many years ago, in?
these sands, where they form the bed of a creek. It appears that the proprietor of
thodand, wishing to sell out, tried to enhance its value by shooting granulated
silver, from cooins, into the bank. The trick did not "take" well, however, and he
Logother country shortly after. Frauds of a similar character have been “'
epeatedly practiced by strolling miners; in E. Tishomingo; usually, however,
}
287.1
T1111
1
TOMBIGBEE SAND. IN TISHOMINGO.
71
based upon the presence of iron pyrites. It was in the same formation, but
mainly in the black micaceous sand, that several Georgia miners sunk a shaft
near Mr. Odum's, S. E. of Jacinto, S. 29, T. 4, R. 9 E.; after finding a great deal
of iron pyrites, at 60 feet they struck yellow sand (belonging, perhaps, to the
Eutaw Group), and abandoned the "mine."
The following section, from a cut on Polk's contract, Mobile & Ohio R. R.
(about S: 36, T. 2, R. 7 E., near the crossing of the Farmington and Danville
road) furnishes an example of the variety of materials sometimes found in the
strata of this group:
(Sec. 7.)
SECTION FROM POLK'S CONTRACT, ON MOBILE & OHIO R. R.,
TISHOMINGO COUNTY.

LOT
•
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
3 White, stiff calcareous clay, with Exogyra, and Gryphæa
to
NO.
4
4 mutabilis.
8 Orange colored sand, with tubular concretions, resembling
to
3
12 Orange Sand. No fossils found.
3 Blue, clayey, micaceous sand, with Venilla, Cucullæa, etc.
2
3 Bright green, fossiliferous sand. Bottom of cut.
1
The materials underlying No. 4, (the equivalent of the Rotten Limestone),
are non-effervescent. The stratification in the cut is very irregular, from the
great variations in the thickness of the strata. Numerous beautifully preserved
nuclei (interior casts) of bivalve shells have been found in excavating this cut,
but very few have come into my possession. Among those seen, Venilla
Conradi, Crassatella, Trigonia, Cardium and Cucullaea were conspicuous.
Sharks teeth, those of Mosasaurus, and an impression of a fish, have been
found here, but in which stratum I was unable to ascertain.
111. At Jacinto, highly micaceous, black clayey sand is struck in most wells
at depths varying from 10 to 15 feet, its thickness being 7 to 8 feet; then light
colored sands with freestone water. In the public well, however, a ledge of
indurate, limy sandstone was struck at 40 feet. The same phenomena obtain
with little changes, all over T. 3, RR. 8 and 9 E.; N. E., and westward of Jacinto,
the hilly surface is occupied by Orange Sand of greater or less thickness.
The same dark colored micaceous material, more or less calcareous, and
with obscure casts, occurs on the M. & O. R. R., on King's Creek, S. 26, T. 4
72
[T112
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
R. 7 E., and in dug wells on S. 33, T. 4, R. 9 E., on the heads of Little Brown's
Creek. Further S., however, as well in the middle of the belt, on Big Brown's
Creek, the character of the material changes more and more to that of the
common greenish micaceous sand, which further S. alone characterizes the
group. It is thus at Boyer's mill (about S.*27, T. 5, R. 7 E.), where the
material could hardly be distinguished from that of the Columbus bluff; and at
Hare's mill on Big Brown's Creek, S. 10, T. 5, R. 8 E., where we obtain the
following section :
(Sec. 8.)
SECTION AT HARE'S MILL, BIG BROWN'S CREEK, TISHOMINGO CO.

()
()
FEET
INCHES.
14
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Grayish-yellow, micaceous, loose, non-effervescent
sand; fossils in the middle 5 feet.
NO.
ON
4
1
Greenish sandstone, with Exogyra and Inoce-
3
ramus.
15
Greenish, micaceous, coherent, effervescent sand,
with Inoceramus, Placuna scabra, &c.
2
1
1
Greenish sandstone, with Exogyra and Inoce-
1
ramus.
Ledge No. 1 of this section forms the bed of the creek here, and for some
distance around the same appears in the branches. On S. 30, T. 4, R. 9 E.,
about 4 miles N. E. of the locality just mentioned, on a very high ridge, we find
a ledge 18 inches thick, of black micaceous clay, containing cretaceous fossils,
underlaid by the non-effervescent sands of stratum No. 4 of the above section,
overlaid by 6 feet of reddish sandy clay, and blue sand.—The sand in question
forms the main mass of the ridge, and the section recalls to mind that given
above from Bell's contract (T109, Sec. 6).
Sections similar to that at Hare's mill, frequently occur on the waters of Big
Brown's Creek, down to the Itawamba line, both in wells and on the bluffs of
streams, which very commonly flow on the indurate ledges of greenish
calcareous sand. On S. 8, T. 6, R. 8 E., a section of about 60 feet occurs on a
washed hillside, where large blocks of the greenish micaceous sandstone are seen.
112. On Okalilly Creek near Carrollville, S. 22, T. 6, R. 6 E., there is a bluff
30 feet high, the lowest 20 of which exhibit the cretaceous strata, to-wit: 6
feet of blue and yellowish, non-effervescent, micaceous sand, forming the bed of
the creek, overlaid by about 14 feet of whitish calcareous strata stocked with
[113]
TOMBIGBEE SAND-ITAWAMBA-MONROE.
73
oysters and other fossils of the Rotten Limestone; the material in the lower
portion being rather sandy, but passing over by degrees into the Rotten Lime-
stone above-none of which is seen E. of Carrollville.
113. The formations in N. W. Itawamba, I have but partially examined, and
am not therefore certain of the line given there. The Rotten Limestone appears
some distance E. of Guntown Station on the M. & O. R. R., and seems to
touch 20 Mile Creek; at Guntown, nothing but the limestone is seen in either
cuts or wells. E. of Richmond, on the Fulton road, on the waters of the Bogue
Eucaby, and eastward of the same, strongly micaceous sands appear in the wells,
which at first have limy water, but the less so as we approach the Tombigbee.
Near Borland P. O. (Squire Connel's, S. 18, T. 11, R. 8 E.), bluish micaceous
sand, sometimes cemented into a soft sandstone, is found in wells and beds of
creeks. A few miles westward, however, the heavy "beeswax hommock” soils
of the Rotten Limestone appear on the higher ridges, and shortly after, the latter
itself is struck in wells and outcrops. At Coulter's Ferry (T106, Sec. 4), the
Tombigbee Sands are sparingly represented by a few feet of micaceous material
underlying the Rotten Limestone; and between this and Aberdeen, micaceous
sand is struck in wells on the W. bank of the river, after passing through the
Rotten Limestone.
Near Aberdeen, we find the stratum finely developed in a bluff on the Tom-
bigbee river, on Dr. Tindall's land:
(Sec. 9.)
SECTION ON THE TOMBIGBEE, AT DR. TINDALL'S, NEAR
ABERDEEN, MONROE COUNTY.

FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
15 Orange Sand-Hilltop.
12
25
Non-effervescent vareigated sand, corresponding to
No. 4, at Hare's mill and Bell's contract, Tisho-
mingo.
Greenish micaceous sand, becoming the more calcareous,
the further downwards; with Exogyra, Placuna
scabra, Ammon. Delawarensis (?), Baculites, Inoce-
ramus. Fossils badly preserved.
ON
3
2
7
to
8
Non-effervescent, variegated sand, with tubular, anas-
tomosing, ferruginous concretions, resembling cane
roots; and small ledges of soft, non-effervescent
sandstone, to waters edge.
1
At the Aberdeen Ferry, the micaceous sand crops out on both banks, up to 8
74
[114
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
feet above low water. About 3 miles W. of Aberdeen, there is a change from
the leyel prairie country further W., to sandy hills, with some pine.
་
114. On the road from Aberdeen to Columbus on the W. side of the
Tombigbee, there is a change from the sands to the Rotten Limestone and back
again, as indicated on the map; the aspect of the country varying accordingly..
The section at Barton has been given above (107, Sec. 5); a section similar to
it in most respects, is mentioned by E. Q. Thornton, Esq., of the Alabama
Survey, as occurring near Colbert's Ferry, below Barton. At Plymouth Bluff,
we find one of the best and most characteristic exposures of the Tombigbee Sand
Group, of which a detailed section is given below. It was early visited and its
fossils collected and studied, by Dr. William Spillman, of Columbus, who
possesses a fine collection of its fossils; a number of these have been studied
and named by Tuomey, and are mentioned in the catalogue appended to the
second Report on the Geology of Alabama (T258 ff); most of the fossils.
marked "Columbus," "Lowndes county" and "Miss." are found at Plymouth
Bluff.
A catalogue of the fossils from this interesting locality, kindly furnished me
by Dr. Spillman, is given in another place.
(No. 10.)
SECTION ON THE TOMBIGBEE, AT PLYMOUTH BLUFF,
LOWNDES COUNTY.

*
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
NO.
**
*
3-4 Soil and disintegrated calcareous mass.
10
12
Sandy calcareous clay, bluish, with Ostrea plumosa
and Inoceramus barabeni ?--equivalent of Rotten
Limestone.
9
1-2 Hard calcareous sandstone.
18
12
Greenish micaceous sand, with great numbers of
Exogyra costata; also Placuna scabra.
7
*
()
1-2 Calcareous sandstone, with " cane root" concretions. 6
30
Greenish micaceous sand, slightly calcareous, poor in
fossils.
LO
5
()
3
1-3 | Seam of hard calcareous concretions, with Exogyra.
12 Greenish micaceous sand, as above.
1½ | Hard calcareous sandstone with Inoceramus.
10 Greenish micaceous sand. Bed of river.
T1151
[15]
COLUMBUS BLUFF-FOSSILS.
75
The greenish micaceous sands form the main body of the hills on which the
town of Columbus stands, and of those of this region generally; the Orange
Sand strata proper being rarely more than 10 to 15 feet in thickness on the
ridges, and often entirely absent. Frequently, however, the oxidizing action of
the atmosphere has tansformed the upper strata of the greenish sands. into.
reddish or yellow, which, however, may generally be distinguished by their
sharpness, and the casts of fossils they contain, though sometimes very sparingly
and poorly preserved. Casts of Baculites are perhaps those most commonly
oecurring, but the tubular anastomising concretions mentioned in the section at
Dr. Tindall's bluff (q113, Sec. 9), are still more common, and are frequently met,
with on the road from Columbus to Aberdeen. The bluff at Columbus, the
highest portions of which are between 150 and 160 feet above low water level,
consists entirely of these micaceous sands, more or less fossiliferous, of various
shades of color, and with some indurate ledges. Sand precisely similar forms
the bluff at Waverley; an analysis of the same is given below (†140).
لے
1
t
}
L
· 115. FOSSILS OF THE TOMBIGBEE SAND GROUP.-The list of fossils in Dr.
Spillman's collection, given below, will furnish a better view of the fauna of this
group, than I could, have derived from my own observations. So far as I ám
able to judge from the limited amount of attention I have thus far been able to
bestow on the paleontology of the cretaceous formation, Dr. Spillman's collec-
tion represents correctly the fauna of the peculiar and prevalent facies of the
green micaceous sands, from Lowndes county to Big Brown's Creek in Tisho-
mingo. The subordinate facies of the black sands, however, which we find in
N. Tishomingo, presents some differences of character, which may be observed
for instance, in the rare occurrence of Cephalopods, and of the prevalent' :
characteristic fossil of the cretaceous-Ecogyra costatu; while on the other
hand, the bivalve genera Venilla, Cardium, Isocardia?, Crassatella!, Solen,
Gervillia!, and others, which are wanting at Plymouth Bluff, are prevalent.
There seems to exist a close stratigraphical and lithological connection, however,
between these black micaceous clays and the unquestionable Tombigbee Sands;
otherwise the former might be suspected as representing the fauna of the Eu-
taw Group. Perhaps an opportunity might occur in Alabama of comparing.
the fauna of the Eutaw beds, with that of the black sands of Tishomingo. As
it stands, the latter appears to offer more analogy to the fossils of the Ripley
Group, than to those of the Rotten Limestone; to which otherwise, the fauna
of the Tombigbee sands bear a close relation.
"
As regards the occurrence of the Tombigbee Sand Group in Alabama, the
sections on the Alabama River given by Mr. Thornton (Second Report, Appen-
dix 2, A) seem to demonstrate its existence there, although these strata do not
appear to have been identified by Tuomey with those of Plymouth Bluff.
•
[For the catalogue of Dr. Spillman's collection of fossils from the strata of
this group, which was not completed in time for insertion into the text, see
Appendix No. I.]
i
76
[T116.
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
III. THE ROTTEN LIMESTONE GROUP.
116. The general character of this formation in Mississippi va-
ries little from that given by Tuomey and others to the same strata
in Alabama. The surface of its territory is generally level or but
slightly undulating; when high ridges do occur, their main mass is
the limestone itself, on which the Orange Sand formation is want-
ing, or present only to an inconsiderable thickness, or in patches;
the surface formation being mostly stiff clays, which underlie the
prairies. Hence a great dearth of naturally available water dur-
ing the dry season, characterizes the region in an economical point
of view. The material of the formation itself is of great unifor-
mity-a soft, chalky rock, of a white or pale bluish tint, with very
little sand; consisting of variable proportions of fat, tenacious
clay, and white carbonate of lime in crystals extremely minute, and
with some shells of infusoria. The stratum is of great thickness
and uniformity of character on its southwestern border, borings of
700 to 1000 feet being no uncommon occurrence in S. Chickasaw,
E. Octibbeha, Noxubee and N. E. Kemper. In consequence of its
dip, the stratum here thins out northeastward further N., eastward;
but besides, there is a general thinning out to the northward, so
that in S. E. Tippah, the maximum thickness is only about 350 feet,
at Blackland, in Tishomingo county, 150, and on the Tennessee
line, from 70 to 100 fect-perhaps much less. At the same time,
in this northern portion of its territory, its materials lose their
uniformity, consisting at times of white or bluish, tenacious, calca-
reous clay-called by the inhabitants, from its massy cleavage,
"joint clay”—alternating with strata of the common "Rotten
Limestone," and sometimes-though rarely-with layers more or
less sandy.
Its lowest portions, where it adjoins the Tombigbee sand strata, are generally
white clayey sands-as at the outcrop on Okalilly Creek (T112), and stratum
No. 10 at Plymouth Bluff, (T114, Sec. 10). Among its fossils, those rarely
wanting in any of its outcrops, are Exogyra costata, Gryphaea mutabilis, con-
vexa, incurva, Pitcheri, Placuna scabra, Janira quinquecostata. The occur-
rence of the Gryphaeae, of Ostrea falcata, of Radiolites, Ichthyosarculites, and
Belemnitella mucronata, which appear to be wanting in the Tombigbee sands,
form prominent and convenient palaeontological marks of distinction from the
latter group; [the Gryphaeae do, however, occur in the Ripley group also.] The
species of the genus Inoceramus (numerous in both) also afford convenient
landmarks, altho' I have not thus far determined them specifically.
7117, 118]
ROTTEN LIMESTONE-LOCALITIES.
77
117. Where the Rotten Limestone appears on the surface, or is covered by
pervious strata, it appears white or yellowish-white, and generally preserves
the same tint to some depth, varying with the perviousness of the mass, from
2 to 18 feet. Below this there is often a very marked change of color into
bluish gray, which when wet looks quite dark and is therefore very commonly
distinguished as "blue rock" from the "white prairie rock" on or near the sur-
face. The rock is the same, however, both in composition and fossils, the dif-
ference of color being caused merely by the oxidation of a trace of carbonaceous
matter, or protoxide of iron, or at times both. This circumstance causes
great difficulty in the study of the strata, where the records of well-borings
have to be relied on for information, since both the Rotten Limestone and the
dark colored clayey sands of the Tombigbee Sand Group are often indiscriminately
styled "blue" or "black rock" or "dirt," by the well-borers and inhabitants,
rendering their accounts extremely perplexing and apparently incompatible
with any regular stratification. Fortunately, notwithstanding the general le-
velness of the surface, outcrops are quite common in the Rotten Limestone re-
gion; the channels of the creeks are often cut into the rock itself, and from its
resistance to denudation, it has not formed so many rounded subterranean hills,
but comes to the surface where a stratum ends, through the surface materials
forming "bald prairies" and "bald hilltops”—in which the limestone is too
the surface to allow of the growth of trees or other deep rooted plants, and
not unfrequently forms white areas many acres in extent, strewn with fossils
(especially oysters) washed out of the mass, and only here and there a patch of
Verbena, or Cassia (C. obtusifolia, occidentalis, marilandica).
118. Localities of the Rotten Limestone group.-At Breuton's contract on the
Memphis & Charleston R. R., near Chawalla Station, a cut exhibits about 17
feet of yellowish white calcareous clay, overlying a blue, micaceous, compact,
clayey, slightly effervescent sand; near the surface of the latter, the calcareous
clay contains abundance of Ostrea falcata; above, some Exogyrae and Gry-
phaeae are found, but chiefly Inoccrami, Mytilus, Tellina, &c. This whitish,
calcareous, "joint" clay occurs in numerous cuts between Chawalla and Cor-
inth, and also E. of the latter place; the cretaceous strata being from 3 to 20
feet beneath the surface over the whole region, while N. of Corinth, in Ten-
nessee, bald prairies strewn with shells are said to exist. At Farmington, the
"blue rock" is passed through, into loose water-bearing sand, at 40 to 50 feet;
at Corinth, at 70; while at Mr. Tate's, S. 7, T. 1, R. 7 E., in Tennessee, N. of
Chawalla, a bore of 356 feet did not strike any loose sand, but seemed to con-
tinue in the unchanged "blue rock." Due S. of this, also, near Bone Yard and
Kossuth, and on the E. half of R. 6 E. down to T. 5 generally, wells are very
deep, and outcrops very scarce; I have been unable to ascertain how much of
the "blue rock" belongs to the Rotten Limestone, and how much, if any, to the
Tombigbee Sand Group, which the dark micaceous material seen at Breuton's
contract resembles exceedingly. On Parmeechee Creek, S. 33, T. 2, R. 6 E.,
there is an outcrop of very micaceous, sandy marl, the shells of which (very
imperfectly preserved) seem to place it within the Ripley group; between
.
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
119, 120
:
90 (2
!
which and the Rotten Limestone there appears to be a zone of transition, char-
acterized, among others, by the frequent occurrence of hard ledges of conglo
merated shells, and of Baculites gigas, while having some shells in common
with both groups. Outcrops of this character on the upper. Hatchie and од
Old Town Creek, will be described under the head of the Ripley group
(T134.)
Near (W. and N. W. of) Danville, Tishomingo county, bald prairies are said
to occur The occurrence of the white "joint clay" at Polk's cut has been
mentioned (110, Sec. 7.)..
119. At Boone's cut, S. 16, T. 5, R. 7 E., on the Mobile & Ohio R. R. (about
3 miles N. W. of Boyer's mill-111) a section of about 60 feet is obtained in
the cuts and branches. In the cuts, the white, calcareous "joint clay," teeming
with Gryphaea mutabilis, is underlaid by "blue rock," but there is no stratifica-
tion line between; the "joint clay" conforms to the surface of the hills, and
every stage of transition from the one to the other may be traced, showing that
the difference in aspect is owing to atmospheric influences. Still further down-
ward, the "blue rock" passes over into a blue, micaceous, non-effervescent sand
similar to that on Okalilly (T112). Such, probably, on a larger scale, is the
succession of strata in the deep wells mentioned in R. 6 E.-A few miles W. of
Boone's cut, bald prairie hilltops appear, with abundance of shells.
*
At Mr. William Yates', S. 11, T. 6, R. 6 E., bald prairie spots are common,
and clusters of Gryphaeae cemented by calcareous sand (similar to that of the
upper stratum on Okalilly—¶112) were taken out of his well..
Both the localities just mentioned are on the eastern edge of the Rotten
Limestone region. Due W. of it, near Blackland, the characteristic rock appears
abundantly in the beds of the creeks, and thence constantly on the road to Car-
rollville; good exposures occur on Twenty mile Creek.
120., Due E. of Blackland there rises a high ridge, on the summit and in the
ravines of which, the marl of the Ripley group appears, with its characteristic
fossils.
In T. 6, R. 5. E., Tippah county, the dividing ridge between the waters of.
the Hatchie and Tallahatchie, and those of the Tombigbee, also forms the line.
between the Rotten, Limestone and the Ripley Group; the former, or its equiv-
alents, crop out with frequency on the creeks of the S. E. slope, especially on
the main Tishomingo, and on Yoonaby Creek. On the hills in which these
creeks head, there are numerous "bald prairie spots," on which Exogyra and
Gryphaeae are lying about.
A bluff on Tishomingo Creek, near Mr. J. H. Kennedy's, S. 14, T. 6, R. 5
E.; affords a remarkably fine opportunity for study; similar exposures are,
found on the creek for several miles.-The bluff is about 60 feet high; a blu-
ish, soft, somewhat sandy marl, the uppermost 8 feet of which consist of a ma-
terial rather more clayey than the rest, of a yellowish tint, and very similar to
the Rotten Limestone of the hilltops. Among its fossils, which are numerous.
and well preserved, are Exoyyra costata, Gryphaea mutabilis and convexa, (incur
va?), Ostrea falcată, O. cretacea?, Anomia argentea?, Placuna scabra,
፣፣ :
$121, 122] ROTTEN LIMESTONE-PONTOTOC-CHICKASAW.
79
Belemnitella mucronata, Baculites gigas; numerous small Inocerami.-Not far
from (N. W. of) this locality there is a well (Nelson's) 330 feet deep. Wells
decrease in depth pretty regularly from here eastward to Carrollville, owing,
however, not only to the dip of the strata, but also to the descent from the
ridges on which these wells are situated. Lower down, Tishomingo Creek
shows outcrops of the common Rotten Limestone, while the same material seen
at the bluff near Kennedy's, crops out on the Yoonaby, on S. 10, T. 7, R. 5 E.
The occurrence of the Rotten Limestone at Guntown Station, M. & C. R. R.,
has been mentioned.
121. It would be tedious to enumerate the numerous localities at which the
rock crops out on the territory laid down on the map, since each one is little
more than a repetition of the other. N. of Old Town Creek, Pontotoc county,
prairie occurs only locally, in limited patches; S. of the stream mentioned we
find the "Chickasaw Old Fields," called so probably from their resembling a
clearing; they are nothing more than small prairies, in which the Rotten Lime-
stone lies very near the surface, so as to be at times touched by the plow, while
the rain-water also cuts its channels into it. Their soil is black, or whitish
where the rock itself forms a large quotum of it, and very fertile; but that
which results from its intermixture with the yellow soil of the adjoining, gently
undulating uplands-"mahogany soil"-is preferred as being safer. Still further
S, on the Coonewar, Chiwapa and Tallabinela, the regular prairies set in, with
their 6 to 10 foot stratum of yellow clay overlying the Rotten Limestone; while
the beds of the creeks usually cut into the latter.. In Pontotoc county, the
western line of the Rotten Limestone region is generally pretty distinctly
marked by the steep slope of the Pontotoc Ridge, on whose summit the strata
of the Ripley group appear. Thus, on the road from Tardyville to Ellistown,
a mile W. of the latter place; on the Relland and Camargo road, immediately
W. of the crossing of the E. fork of Tallabinela Creek; on the Okalona and
Coffeeville road, at the crossing of Chuckatonche Creek. W. of the points men-
tioned, the country becomes hilly, dark tinted Orange Sand sets in, and bald
hilltops on which the material is sandy, with fossils of the Ripley group, are
seèn:
122. The Pontotoc Ridge terminates, or at least, loses its peculiar character
between the Houlka and Chuckatonche, N. E. of Houston. At Houston, and
E. and S. E. of the same, the cretaceous material struck in the wells is litholo-
gically intermediate between the micaceous Owl Creek (Ripley Group) marl and
the Rotten Limestone, and its fossils likewise indicate an intermediate position;
for while the leading shells of both groups appear to be wanting, it does contain
some of the fossils of each. At Houston, immediately on the edge of the Flat-
woods, this stratum (as ascertained in wells) is about 100 feet in thickness, -
being underlaid by water-bearing sand. At Sparta, S. E. of Houston, the same
stratum is struck in shallow wells, and cisterns, but in deep wells no water is
found at any depth less than 300, and S. of Sparta, 1000 feet is no uncómmen
depth. Sparta is probably on the eastern edge of the transition stratum in
question, for eastward of the place (around which, as at Houston, the country
#
80
[123, 124
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
is but slightly undulatir g) there is a gradual ascent; we first strike several
small Orange Sand ridges, then ascend a high one, on which Clear Spring P. O.,
(Dr. Kilgore's) is situated, and which divides the waters of the Houlka and
Chuckatonche from those of the Tibby.-The general section of the cretaceous
formation in this latitude (Fig. 2 of Tab. I.) will convey a better idea of the
general structure of the country, than could be given in words. It was neces-
sary, of course, to exaggerate the dips and elevations in this profile; hence the
prairies, which to the eye seem level, here appear as a slope.
123. The western slope of Kilgore's ridge is thickly covered with Orange
Sand, so that wells 70 to 80 feet deep are dug in the same, yielding freestone
water. But as we approach the eastern slope, we observe on the hillsides a
terrace gradually ascending, on top of which the Orange Sand appears thinner
and finally disappears on the crest, on which, as well as on the eastern slope
itself, to its foot, large patches of bald prairie, strewn with Exogyra and Gry-
phaeae, Ostrea falcata and Placuna scabra, are of constant occurrence; they
are frequently destitute of any soil whatsoever, appearing at a distance like
fields of snow. This ridge preserves its S. E. and N. W. course, terminating
at the S., where the Chuckatonche and Tibby meet; northwestward from Kil-
gore's, it may be traced up to Houston, skirting on the W. a gently undulating
tract of oak uplands. Cretaceous outcrops are abundant on its crest and eastern
slope up to where Reed Creek breaks through it, in the N. E. corner of T.
15, R. 3 E.; beyond, few are to be seen-the ridge becomes lower, and termi-
nates in the Flatwoods N. W. of Houston.-On the eastern summit of this
ridge, a well has been bored by Mr. William T. Dexter, S. 16, T. 15, R. 4 Erg
in which at about 500 feet he passed through the Rotten Limestone into ledges
of hard rock alternating with water-bearing beds of loose micaceous sand with
shells-probably of the Tombigbee Sand group. Similar beds continued up to
650 feet, several streams of water being struck, but without raising the water
higher than 150 feet from the surface. When last heard of, the well remained
at the above depth, but will, it is to be hoped, be further pursued, since accord-
ing to the wells at Aberdeen, water would probably rise to within available dis-
tance of the surface, whenever the beds corresponding to those which supply
the Aberdeen wells should be reached, at 800 to 850 feet. This well is of some
interest, as from its location on the highest point of the outcropping stratum, it
is likely to afford reliable data in relation to its total thickness.
121. The prairies on the eastern slope of this ridge form part of the western
branch of the prairie belt which, beginning in S. E. Pontotoc, as above men-
tioned, extends its main body, (with scolloped edges, and an average width of
about five miles) to the southward, between the Chuckatonche and Tombigbee-
between whose waters it forms a dividing plateau-to Tibby Creek. The sur-
face of the prairie has a gradual ascent towards the east, as may be perceived in
the high hills and bluffs which skirt the Tombigbee on the W. side, and whose,
highest points, generally speaking, are nearly on a level with the surface of the
prairie. The western branch, (or rather perhaps succession of patches), which
leaves the main body below Okalona, after crossing the Chuckatcnche and
1
125, 126] WATERS OF ROTTEN LIMESTONE-FOSSILS.
81
Houlka, rejoins the main body on the Oka Tibby, below Palo Alto, on the May-
hew Prairie. South of the latter creek, the prairies, are distributed rather irregu-
larly over the surface of the cretaceous territory, yet on the whole retain their
character of dividing plateaux, between the Noxutee and Tombigbee, and the
several confluents of these streams. They are largly interspersed with gently
undulating uplands, whose soil is generally greatly inferior in native fertility to
the prairie, and of a totally different character. It is on the outskirts, in
these wooded portions, and on the streams, not in the prairie proper, that
the Rotten Limestone most frequently crops out, forming "bald prairie spots."
In all the larger bodies of prairie, the rock is covered with a stratum of heavy,
pale yellow clay containing small round ferruginous concretions; on whose
surface, by the addition of vegetable matter, the black prairie soil is formed, to
the depth of 12 to 18 inches. The thickness of this clay stratum varies greatly
-from 2 to 10, on the average about 5 to 7 feet.
125. That under these circumstances, both springs and sipe-wells
cannot, as a general thing, exist in the prairies, may be readily
imagined. The streams, while flooded during the rainy season
and in fact, at every heavy rain, are dry during the greater portion
of the year, unless indeed, like the Houlka, Tibby and Noxubee,
their supply derives from beyond the prairie region. Hence the
vast importance which the boring of deep, and partly artesian,
wells has acquired in this region. Where these have not been
obtained, cisterns are in general use, which are excavated into the
Rotten Limestone, without any cement being required to make
them hold water; for the rock is sufficiently impervious for all
practical purposes.
126. FOSSILS OF THE ROTTEN LIMESTONE.-The larger streams,
as may be supposed, have mostly excavated their channels into the
Rotten Limestone, which appears at every turn, in localities too
numerous to be mentioned, not only on the immediate banks, but
frequently also on bluffs at some distance from the channels, whose
summits are on a level with the prairie. The Noxubee River at
Macon flows in a deep channel in the Rotten Limestone; the Houlka,
Chucka tonche, Tibby, Scooba, and others, exhibit the same phe-
nomena with frequency, and one outcrop is very nearly a copy of
every other.
The shells most commonly found have been mentioned above (¶116), besides
which, Gryphaea vomer, Ostrex plumosa, O. cretacea, Ánomia argentea, Plicatula
urticosa, a Lima (resembling Ctenoides acutilineata CON.) and two species of
Pecten, flat, and finely ruled; together with shark's teeth, are among the more
common.
R-6
82
[127
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
In Noxubee and Kemper, however, there is one stratum peculiarly rich in
fossils, and containing them chiefly as nuclei much harder than the mass of the
rock and therefore in the best condition to be washed out, unharmed, by rains
and streams. The mass of this stratum is rather more clayey, and softer, than
is usually the case as may be perceived at an extensive exposure on a hillside
E. of Wahalak Creek, where a stratum of gray calcareous clay, about 15 feet
thick, is over and underlaid by the common Rotten Limestone. This clay
stratum contains a fauna rather different from that usually found in the latter,
approaching somewhat, in character, to those of the gray clay overlying the
limestone of the Ripley Group(¶137); and the same as collected by L. Harper
and myself, in 1855, on the bald prairies S. W. of Macon. It is characterized by
the comparative scarcity of the usual oysters, (except Ostrea falcata which is
very abundant), the absence of Janira 5-costata and the presence of numerous
univalves. Natica petrosa, Natica sp., Pyrula trochiformis, P. Richardsoni,
and several other species of Pyrula and Fusus, Pterocera sp., several Rostella-
riae, Voluta cancellaria, Cerithium nodosum, Scalaria Sillimanni, Actaeon
(Bullopsis ?) 2 sp. This great prevalence of univalves is very unusual, as is
that of the bivalves whose nuclei are abundant here, viz: Crassatella, 2 sp..
Cucullaea vulgaris, C. ungula, Nucula 2 sp., Cardium sp., Lucina sp, Solen,
Tellina, Astarte? sp., Clavagellideae, Hamulus Onyx ; and others. Besides the
shells already mentioned, Placuna scabra, Plicatula urticosa?, Anomia sp.,
Ostrea pleumosa, cretacea?, and two other small undetermined sp.; Gryphaea
convexx, Pitcheri, Exogyra costata, Ichtyosarculites cornutus, I. loricatus, I.
quadrangularis, Nautilus Dekayi, Hamites torquatus, Turbinolia sp., teeth
and vertebræ of Mosasaurus, teeth of Otodus appendiculatus, Corax appendicula-
tus and Carcharias, were found here.
·
1
The abundance and variety of fossils occurring in this locality, and no less
the great prevalence of univalves, are very unusual in the Rotten Limestone of
Mississippi. Unfortunately, with the exception of the oysters, little more than
the interior cast of the fossils is usually preserved in this stratum, rendering
identification difficult. In Alabama, according to Tuomey, this group of fossils
is rather more commonly found. In the collection of the Alabama Survey at
Tuscaloosa, there are several nuclei from the Rotten Limestone, of a Cardium
closely resembling, if not identical with, Cardium Spillmani, CoN. It is
observable at first sight, that the facies of the fauna of this stratum approaches
very closely to that of the uppermost clay stratum of the Ripley Group (133,
137); although a close examination may demonstrate the species to be represen-
tative only, and not identical.
127. The Radiolites (R. Aimesii and undulatus), though a very striking
palæontological feature, are by no means common, and being a conspicuous
fossil, those specimens which had been washed out of the rock on the bald
prairies, early found their way to cabinets and private mantels-which is the
only source from which I have as yet obtained them. The Ichtyosarculites,.
likewise, are rare.
128]
RIPLEY GROUP.
83
Very perfect impressions of fish have been found in several localities, mostly
in digging cisterns; as at Camargo, Palo Alto, and Okalona. I have never been
so fortunate as to obtain even a fragment of one.
- Irregular, rounded nodules of iron pýrites, of a radiated structure, called
"Saiphur Balls," are common throughout the Rotten Limestone, and sometimes
cause considerable difficulty in boring wells, on account of their hardness, and
tendency to divert the auger from the vertical.
IV. THE RIPLEY GROUP.
128. The surface of the territory cccupied by this, the upper-
most stage of the Cretaceous in Mississippi, is generally hilly, and
to a great extent, thickly covered with the strata of the Orange
Sand, which have filled up the gaps occasioned by fracture or de-
nudation in the ridges formed by the upheaved strata of the group.
Small prairie spots are met with in many localities, but usually on
or around isolated hilltops or ridges, where some soft calcareous
stratum has approached the surface. On these "bald prairie hill-
tops," we often find in abundance the Exogyra costata and Gry-
phaea mutabilis (G. convixa is less common), but associated with
them are always nuki, at least, of fossils characteristic of this
group.
There are two materials especially, which in their various modi-
fications, compose the strata of this group, viz: hard crystalline
limestone, more or less sandy and glauconitic, which forms the
highest strata; and bluish micaceous marls, more or less sandy,
and often interstratified with subordinate ledges of sandy limestone,
which latter become less and less frequent as we descend in the
series towards the strata forming a paleontological as well as
lithological transition into the Rotten Limestone.
1
In the uppermost, hard varieties of the limestone, the substance of the shell
of fossils is generally replaced by crystallized, transparent calcareous spar,
which often forms specimens of great beauty and perfection. Lower down, we
often find hard nuclei, while the substance of the shell is soft and friable crys-
talline matter, or at times, is altogether wanting, so as to leave the nucleus
either loose, or fixed at some point, standing free within the hollow space, In
the marls, on the contrary, the preservation of the substance of the shells is
very perfect, since it has not been replaced by any extraneous matter, but sim-
ply rendered friable by the decay of the animal glue. It generally exhibits,
therefore, not only the finest details of structure, both external and internal,
but even the iridescence of the mother-of-pearl is often beautifully preserved,
so that the observer at first finds it difficult to convince himself that the beds
84
[T129, 130
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
before him have not, at a comparatively recent period, formed the sea-beach.*
129. In entering upon the territory of this formation from the
west side (on which, in S. Tippah, Pontotoc, and N. Chickasaw, it
is bordered by the flatwoods), there is a very striking change in the
aspect of the country, which suddenly becomes hilly and broken,
the hillsides coming down steeply into the valleys, and exhibiting
outcrops of hard limestone, while the surface is covered with deep-
tinted Orange Sand.
Springs become abundant, and the growth of vigorous Black
and Spanish ("Red") Oak and Hickory, intermixed with lime-loving
trees like the Poplar (Liriodendron), Walnut, Butternut, Linn,
Umbrella Tree (Magnolia auriculata) and Locust on the hills, and
of the Sycamore, Honey Locust, Wild Plum and Red Bud in the
valleys, indicates the change of soil., In some portions of Ponto-
toc county, there is a pretty regular rise as we advance eastward
from the flatwoods, the limestone strata, which at first were at the
foot, gradually ascending to the top of the hills of the Pontotoc
Ridge, until a sudden descent brings us down to the level territory-
of the Rotten Limestone, at the E. foot of the ridge. Such is the
case on the road from Rocky Ford via Tardyville to Ellistown,
and on the Tocapola and Camargo road via Redland. The out-
cropping ledges of rock there form the crest of the ridge, which
runs parallel to the strike of the stratum.
130. The geological structure is not, however, always as simple as in the case
just mentioned. Commonly, the rock strata fall far short of reaching the east-
ern summit of the ridge; and the hills, lower, and less distinctly co-ordinated
*See also T. A. Conrad "On a group of cretaceous fossil shells, found in Tip-
pah county, Miss., with descriptions of fifty-six new species." Jour. Acad. Nat.
Sc. Phila., n. s., Vol. 3, ¶323, ff.-Some of the fossils of the crystalline lime-
stone were observed by L. Harper at Ripley, in 1855, but were by him accounted
tertiary. Others were collected previously by Prof Wailes, on the bald hilltops
of Pontotoc. In spring 1856, I explored the territory, and collected the fossils
of the Ripley Group from the town of Pontotoc to the Tennessee line, and in
autumn of the same year, its southern portion, from Pontotoc to Houston.
Upon my information regarding these localities, Dr. William Spillman, of
Columbus (whose splendid collection of fossils from the lower stages of the
Cretaceous has already been mentioned), visited the Owl Creek locality in
November 1856, and brought back a fine collection of its fossils; which he
subsequently submitted to Mr. Conrad for description, there being then no
prospect of anything being done with the collections of the Geological Survey.
Great credit is due to Dr. S. for the energy and enthusiasm with which he has
for years persued, during all his leisure hours, the study of the cretaceous
formation of Mississippi. With the exception of a single locality (Kindrick's
mill, visited by me in spring 1858), all the observations recorded here concern-
ing this formation, are derived from ny field notes of spring and autumn 1856.
T131]
LOCALITIES OF RIPLEY GROUP.
85
into a ridge, are formed by the marl strata underlying the rock, capped usually
by the Orange Sand. Such is the case in Tippah, in middle Pontotoc, and in
Chickasaw county, N. E. of Houston. The Pontotoc Ridge is therefore, in fact,
rather a belt of ridgy land, which is in several instances (Chiwapa, Chuckatonche)
traversed by streams, though more commonly, it forms a “divide," between the
waters of the Tombigbee and Hatchie on one side, and those of the Tallahatchie,
Loosha-Scoona and Yallabusha on the other.
Interstratified with the blue marls, and in some instances repla.
cing them entirely, we find strata consisting of sandy limestone of
various degrees of induration within its own mass, so that the
action of water wears it into fanciful, often perforated forms,
which have obtained for it from the inhabitants the names of "bored
limestone" and "horse-bone limestone." It abounds in fossils,
which are, however, generally preserved as nuclei ouly.
131. Localities of the Ripley Group.-The most northerly outcrop which
I know to exist, occurs near Jonesboro, on S. 11, T. 2, R. 4 E., Tippah county.
Here we find outcropping on the sides of a small valley, a ledge 12 to 15 inches
thick, of hard crystalline limestone, somewhat sandy, with grains of greensand
interspersed. Its weathered surface is covered with projecting fragments of
shells, chiefly of a large Turritella (allied to T. Bauga D'ORB., and different from
T. Tippina CoN. of Owl Creek), of Gryphaea v mer, a large Venericardia with
flat radial costæ, and claws of a Callianassa. This rock is so hard that it has
been used for millstones; a fine chalybeate spring issues from beneath the ledge.
A soft ferruginous variety of it, into which it shows occasional transitions, is
said to crop out on Muddy Creek. due W. of the locality mentioned, while half
a mile E. of it, the soft shell marl was found in wells.
At Mr. Wilhites, S. 27, T. 2, R. 4 E., a well was dug on a hill, at the foot of
which the blue Owl Creek marl, with numerous fossils, crops out. The section
thus obtained is as follows:
86
[T131
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
(Sec. 11.).
SECTION OF STRATA IN WILHITE'S WELL, TIPPAH COUNTY.

FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
18 Clay and Orange Sand,
'ON
ON
10
t t
18 Dark colored micaceous marl with Owl Creek fossils. 4
+ +
0
0
3 Bored limestone with shells: Turritella and Baculites.
3 | Gravel and sand, with lumps of hard blue limestone.
3
2
33
Coarse siliceous sind, loosely cemented by lime, with
disintegrated shells.
1
The Turritella in No. 3, is the same as that in the limestone near Jonesboro'.
At Ruckersville, the effervescent shell marl is found in the wells.
At Kindrick's old mill, on Muddy Creek, S. 9, T. 3, R. 4 E., we obtain the
following section:
(No. 12.)
SECTION AT KINDRICK'S MILL, TIPPAH COUNTY.

FEET.
INCHES
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
25
1
CO
Yellow Sand, ill stratified. Orange Sand; or
lignitic?
Turritella limestone, with Gryphaea vomer, Ostrea
crenulata? Callianassa, Baculites, Otodus appen-
diculatus.
4
CO
2
Coarse glauconitic sand with disintegrated shells.
No. 3 of Sec. 13.
2
t
20
†
Dark micaceous marl with Owl Creek fossils,
among which Scaphites Conradi, Baculites Tip-
paensis, Crassatella Ripleyana, Nucula percrassa
Dosinia densata, Ctenoides acutilineata, Meretrix
Tippana, Legumen ellipticus, Siliquaria bipli-
cata; numerous univalves.
1
Stratum No. 3 contains, besides the large Turritella already mentioned, a
smaller species with two acute revolving costæ, found also at Ripley, and on
King's Creek.
NO.
132]
RIPLEY-OWL CREEK.
87
From this S. to Ripley, the Owl Creek marl is frequently found outcropping
in the branches tributary to the Hatchie, and in most wells. At Braddock's, S.
21, T. 3, R. 4 E., on Walnut Creek, the marl crops out without the overlying
limestone; its thickness, as ascertained in wells, close at hand, is 18 feet--it
is underlaid by yellow, water-bearing sand.
132. In the neighborhood of Ripley, there are numerous outcrops; the
wells, also, have rendered the formation more accessible to study than is the
case elsewhere. The general features of the outcrops may best be studied at
an exposure in the S. portion of the town, at a bluff on the S. side of Tippah
Creek, where we obtain the following section:
(Sec. 13.)
SECTION ON TIPPAH CREEK AT RIPLEY, TIPPAH COUNTY.

FEET.
INCHES
1-1
1-1-
25
1-1
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Concretionary ("bored”)Lim estone, with hard and
soft ledges alternating; containing (sparingly)
Exogyra costata, and numerous other, imper-
fectly preserved shells, mostly nuclei ; through-
out, in great abundance, a Ceriopora, which in
the lowest, hardest ledges is associated with
Turritellae and Gryphaea vomer.
NO.
4
11
3
+
3
Coarse glauconitic sand with disintegrated shells.
Seam of yellow, non-fossiliferous sand,
Micaceous marl (Owl Creek) with Buculites,
Legumen and Siliquaria.
3
2
1
+ +
Stratum No. 4 of this section is extremely variable, being frequently represen-
ted by a soft yellowish-white, calcareous sand, often associated with a soft yellow
limestone, teeming with corals (Ceriopora) and containing casts of shells with
loose nuclei (¶128). It may be studied to advantage in several outcrops E. of
Ripley, among others, at the bluff above the crossing of Owl Creek on the Ripley
and Jacinto road. In several of these, as well as in others S. of Ripley on the
Pontotoc road, it may be seen overlaid by a black micaceous material, more or
less clayey, and containing a few poorly preserved shells.
The locality on Owl Creek, 3 miles N. E. of Ripley, on S. 7, T. 4, R. 4, (first
visited by me in May 1856) where Dr. Spillman's fossils were obtained, forms
part of the bluff mentioned above, which contains on the west side of Owl
Creek for several miles; at the point mentioned it affords the following
section :
88
[133
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
(Sec. 14.)
SECTION OF OWL CREEK BLUFF, NEAR RIPLEY.

|-1
25
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Concretionary limestone, with Exogyra
costata,
Ceriopora and Turritella. Same as No. 4 of 2
preceding section, and No. 3 of Sec. 12.
1
+
20
Dark, bluish, micaceous marl, more or less clayey
in its different portions, containing numerous fossils, 1
whose shells retain their natural iridescence.
The uppermost 2 feet of the lower stratum, is particularly rich in bivalves,
mainly Nucula percrassa, Crassatella Ripleyana, Meretrix Tippana and Dosinia
densata, which frequently occur with both valves still in juxtaposition. Lower
down Baculites are very abundant; they sometimes form beds 6 to 8 inches in
thickne s and several yards in length, which when broken up, exhibit a dazzling
play of intense rain-bow tints.
Most of the fossils mentioned in the catalogue given below (excepting those
marked with an asterisk) occur in this locality and are in the collection of the
Survey; many of them being thus far undetermined. Outcrops corresponding
to different portions of the sections just given, occur W. of Ripley for 2½ miles,
when (on S. 28, T. 4, R. 3 E.), the soft yellow limestone disappears under the
gray clays of the Lignitic, which also overlie it in the northern portion of the
town of Ripley. The entire thickness of the calcareous strata overlying the
water' earing sands, as ascertained in wells, is about 60 feet.
133. In S. Tippah, the same strata crop out on all the tributaries of the
Tallahatchie, E of the line given on the map. One outcrop of the blue marl, at
Col. Berry's, S. 4, T. 6, R. 4 E, is peculiarly rich in univalves, comprising many
species not found on Owl Creek. The most common are Turritella Tippana
and Athletr leiolerm; a large, beautifully sculptured species of Pyrula, and
Tudicla perlatı also occur.
On S. 23, T. 5, R. 4 E., at a church near Mr. Stubbs' place, there is an isola-
ted cretaceous hill, surrounded on all sides by deep Orange Sand wells. At
this spot, in a ravine, the following section obtains :
NO.
134]
SOUTH TIPPAH-PONTOTOC.
(Sec. 15.)
89
SECTION OF AN ISOLATED CRETACEOUS HILL NEAR THE
MEETING-HOUSE ON S. 23, T. 5, R. E., TIPPAH COUNTY.

20
FEET.
INOHES
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Yellowish-gray, calcareous clay, with veins of lime,
and containing Exogyra costata.
20
2
12
"Bored Limestone," with Ammonites placenta,
Cucullaea capax, C. Maconensis, Trigonia.
4
10 | Coarse glauconitic sand, with disintegrated shells. | 3
Black laminated clay, with veins of the above sand. 2
Soft ferruginous limestone, similar to that found
E. of Ripley.
1
Here, as in Pontotoc and Chickasaw, gray calcareous clay takes the place of
the black micaceous sand which usually overlies the limestone in Tippah (¶123)
134. While in Pontotoc county, as has been mentioned, the rocks of the Ripley
Group reach the western border of the Rotten Limestone, the same is not the
case in Tippah, except in the extreme S. E., on the Pontotoc line. Two fossili-
ferous outcrops only are known to me, on the E. fork of Hatchie; and it is
doubtful whether these do not assimilate more closely to the Rotten Limestone
than to the Ripley Group. In N. Tippah, the calcareous strata occupy only a
a narrow belt (3 to 4 miles), W. of the line between ranges 4 and 5, E., while on
the W. fork, and main Hatchie below the junction, a black, fetid lignitic clay,
interstratified with gray and greenish sand, forms the bluffs; and also the base
of the hills, which are very high and thickly capped with Orange Sund, and
largely timbered with pine, which is wanting on the territory of the calcareous
strata.-Outcrops of this black clay, interstratified with sand, and greatly
resembling, at times, the materials of the Eutaw Group, appear on the main
Hatchie in S. 5, T. 2, R. 5 E., and in other localities lower down; on S 31, T.
2, R. 5 E., neir Walker's mill; on a branch of Hatchie on S. 16, T.,5, R. 5 E.,
and other points in this region, where it is very generally struck in wells.
These prove, however, that its surface also has suffered great denudation before
the deposition of the Orange Sand, for frequently, wells 70 to 80 feet deep do
not reach the black clay, when on adjoining farms, at the same level, it is near
the surface.
Near a bridge on E. Hatchie, in N. E. 4, T. 3, R. 5 E., there is an outcrop
exhibiting a black, very micaceous, sandy clay, non-effervescent, and with indis-
10
5
NO.
90
[1135, 136
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
tinct impressions of fossils. Nevertheless, Turritella Tippana was recognized,
also a Nucula, Venericardia, Cytherea ? and Tellina ?-Near Kellum's mill, on
E. Hatchie, on a creek, S. 25, T. 3, R. 5 E., there is a bluff in which about 20
feet of cretaceous strata are exposed, the upper portion being blue micaceous
marl, containing the Owl Creek fossils, the lower more sandy and containing
concretions rich in fossils of a character somewhat different; among them
Baculites gigas, and a beautiful Pterocera with winged thorns of enormous
length as compared with the lody of the shell. This lower stratum greatly
resembles, n character, that found outcropping on Parmeechee (¶118). E. of
this locality, in the Dry Creek region. near Jumpertown, shell marls are found in
wells, whose palæontogical character I have not ascertained; they crop out on
the summit of the ridges W. of Blackland (see T120) and resemble the Owl
Creek marl, but are very poor in fossils. They appear to form the transition
from the Ripley Group to the Rotten Limestone. The same is probably true of
an outcrop on the head of Old Town Creek, at the E. foot of the Pontotoc
Ridge, on S. 16, T. 8, R. 4 E.
135. The ridges S. of Wilhite's Creek, in Tippah, in the S. portion of T. 6,
R. 4. E., known as "The Buncombes," may be considered as the N. end of the
Pontotoc Ridge proper.
The general geological character of this ridge has
already been described; from the Tippah line to its termination N. E. of
Houston, its hillsides and ravines exhibit numerous outcrops, both of “bored
limestone" and of blue marl, generally interstratified with irregular limestone
ledges, and containing the leading fossils of the Owl Creek marl, with many
local variations and additions. While in some localities the uppermost limestone
retains the great hardness of the Turritella limestone of Tippah (as on
Labatubby, S. 36, T. 8 R. 2, where it appears in a solid ledge about 30 feet in
thickness, and Mr. Daggett's, S. 32, T. 10, R. 36-both on the edge of the
Flatwoods), at others it appears as a yellowish white, sandy, soft calcareous
mass, which very frequently forms the bald prairie hilltops of the Ridge.
Characteristic outcrops of this material may be seen at the mouth, and in
numerous spots along the bluff of King's Creek, and of Okonaty hatchie; as also
near Redland, overlying the bored limestone, into which it shows frequent
transitions, by partial induration within its mass.
136. Where soft strata intervene between beds of rock comparatively solid,
the soft stratum is sometimes washed away, so as to form caves, etc. Thus, on
S. 25, T. 7, R. 2 E., a branch of King's Creek flows out of a cave between two
beds of sandy limestone, and is spanned, 15 yards from the mouth of the cave,
by a natural bridge 18 feet long, and about 5 above the level of the branch; it is
14 feet wide at one end, 5 at the other, and the ledge 2 to 2% feet thick. The
cave at its mouth is about 9 feet wide by 6 high, but rapidly contracts, so as to
become little more than a channel for the water; then again it expands into a
long chamber of about the dimensions at the mouth, whose roof is covered with
short stalactites. Subsequently it contracts again, forks, and cannot be followed
up for more than about 120 yards, winding about, but generally in a S.S. W.
direction. About 70 yards S. E. from the mouth of the cave, there are several
•
T137, 138]
PONTOTOC RIDGE.
91
sink-holes, which lead down into the subterranean channel probably of the same
stratum.*
Similarly, on S. 36, T. 6, R. 4 E., near Parson Montgomery's place, there is a
natural tunnel, about 25 yards long by 4 to 5 feet high and 3 to 7 yards wide;
under a ridge. Several small caves and sink-holes exist in the neighborhood.
Near the tunnel there is a fine outcrop of blue marl interstratified with indurate
ledges; among the fossils found here is Trigonia thoracica; an Ostrea resembling
O. falcata in shape, but 6 inches long; Ammonites placenta, and nuclei of a
very large Cucullaea (C. Maconensis, CON ?).
137. Phenomena similar to these, and those already mentioned as occurring
in Tippah county, on the territory of this formation, characterize, more or less,
the whole of the Pontotoc Ridge, save where (as for instance, in a large portion
of T. 9, R. 3 E., and also of T. 11, R. 4 E.) the Orange Sand overlies so thickly
as to allow of traces only of the cretaceous formation being observed, in the deep
hollows, and in springs with limy water at the foot of the ridges-there being
also, freestone wells 40 to 50 feet deep. The bored limestone which crops out on
the hillsides E. of Redland, in S. Pontotoc, and that seen E. of Houlka P. O.,
in N. Chickasaw (e. g. on SS. 4 and 35, T. 12, R. 3 E.) is undistinguishable in
all respects from that of S. Tippah. The face of the country, timber, etc., is also
strikingly similar, the chief differences being caused by the more frequent
recurrence of bald hilltops, exhibiting the white calcareous sand mentioned
above (¶135), and of ridges characterized by an excessively heavy soil bearing
the Black Jack Oak, and popularly termed "beeswax hommocks." These
hilltops are usually caused by the gray calcareous clay which, as has been
stated, frequently overlies the limestone (as well as, of course, its representative,
the whitish calcareous sand) in Pontotoc and Chickasaw; and on them we
generally find strewn about, numerous dark colored, hard, smooth nuclei of
shells of the Ripley group, together with white concretions of carbonate of
lime. The position of the gray clay stratum (also found near Stubbs'; ¶133,
No. 5 of Sec. 15) may be observed e. g. at an outcrop about a mile S. of the
town of Pontotoc, on the Houston road, where a stratum of about 3 feet of this
clay, teeming with black nuclei, overlies an outcrop of the "horsebone limestone"
filled with Exogyra costata and Gryphaea mutabilis. The same material is seen
on S. 34, T. 12, R. 3 E., Chickasaw county; it is here overlaid by a thin sheet of
soft gray laminated limestone, and is poor in fossils.
138. Ammonites placenta, about a foot in diameter, together with a Cassidulus (?)
is very common in some portions of the Ridge, where hard limestone crops out;
as on the heads of Okonaty hatchie, and of King's Creek. On the S. bluff of the
latter stratum, there are fine localities for fossils; as
Herring, Esq., S. 17, T. 8. R. 2 E., and a few miles above, on S. 29, T. 7, R. 3 E.
In both these localities, most of the fossils of the Owl Creek marl are found,
imbedded in a loose, peroxidized glauconitic limestone; the claws of Callianassa,
at the place of John
*Close to this spot was the residence of the king of the Chickasaws, whence
it is known as "The Kings Place.”
92
139
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
a Pectunculus, several Rostellariae, and numerous minute univalves being
superadded-many in a very fine state of preservation. The bald hilltops of
Chickasaw, as well as, for instance, an outcrop of gray sandy marl on Cherry
Creek, near the P. O. of that name, furnish abundance of two small species of
Hemiaster (about 3/4 of an inch in diameter), which I have not thus far observed
in Tippah county, in whose marls and limestone Radiata are very rare. They
occur, however, associated with Baculites Tippaensis, Crassatella Tippana, and
other unquestionable Owl Ceek fossils.
139. FOSSILS OF THE RIPLEY GROUP. I give below a list of
the fossils thus far collected by myself from the strata of the
Ripley Group in Tippah, Pontotoc and Chickasaw, naming,
generically, as far as the limited time at disposal allowed of their
determination, those which could not be identified with species.
heretofore described. (See T128; note.)
I have to regret that at the time of preparing this list, in which I have been
kindly aided by Prof. W. D. Moore, the latest pub:ication of Mr. Conrad on this
subject (Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila., Vol. IV, n. s., pp. 275-291) had not come
to my hands; for which reason, a part only of the new species there described
by him (which have since been identified by Prof. Moore) will be found in this
catalogue, although no doubt, several more of the undetermined species are
described in the paper referred to. I shall, therefore, mention separately the
species named by Mr. Conrad, found in Tippah county by Dr. Spillm.n, but
not thus far identified with specimens in the collection of the Survey.-
Species marked with an asterisk (*) have thus far been found only in the
uppermost crystalline limestone.
I subjoin also the interesting comparative list of the fossils of Tippah, New
Jersey and Eufaula, Alabama, (prepared by Mr. Conrad, assisted by Mr. Wm.
M. Gabb), given in the place above referred to; to which I would add that in
1856, I identified at least 2% of a collection, made by Tuomey, of fossils from
the crystalline limestones and blue marls of Chunnenugga Ridge, Macon county,
Alabama, with species previously found by myself on the territory of the Ripley
Group in Mississippi. It thus appears that the beautiful and singular fauna
represented by this group, is much more widely diffused than was at first sup-
posed, and is well connected by transitions with other stages of the Cretaceous.
The unusually large proportion of univalves as compared with bivalves, no less
than many of the forms of both classes of Mollusca, are strongly suggestive of
the approach of the Tertiary epoch, to whose strata as developed in Mississippi,
those of the Ripley Group bear an extraordinary lithological resemblance. The
very perfect state of preservation of the fossils, also, is somewhat startling at
first sight, and instinctively recalls to mind the beds of the Tertiary.
CEPHALOPODA.
Ammonites placenta, MORT.
Ammonites syrtalis, MORT. ?
Scaphites Conradi, MORT.
Scaphites Iris, CON
T139]
Turrilites spiniferu, Cox.
Nautilus Dekayi.
Baculites gigas, Con.
Baculites Spillmani. Cox.
Teredo sp.
Teredina sp.
Phol's, 2 sp.
FOSSILS OF RIPLEY GROUP,
Phila 'mmya unteradiata, CON.
Philal mya sp., allied to Ph.
M JNST.
Pholadomya sp., allied to Ph.
ana, D'ORB.
Pholadomya Tippuna, Cox.
Anatina? sp.
Trigonia thoracica, Mori.
Baculites Tippaensis, Cox.
Baculites, 3 sp. undet.
Nautilus circulus, Tuom.
BIVALVES.
Cibota lintea, CoN.
Cucullaea vulgaris, MORT.
Cucullaea ungula, MORT.?
Cucullaea Tippana, CON.
eleganta, Cucullaea capax, CON.
Cucullaea Maconensis, CON.
Marroti- Arca sp., allied to A. angusto, LAM.
* Arca sp.
Trigonia sp., allied to thoracica,
ler.
* Axinaea sp., 2 ins. long.
Axinaea 2 sp.
Nucula percrassa, Con.
smal-Nucula peraequalis, CON.
Nucula cuneifornis, Cox.
*Trigonia sp., very large; Chunuenug-Pulvinites argentea, ON.
Triyonia sp.
ga Ridge.
Legumen ellipticus, CoN.
Legumen depressus, Con.
Siliquaria biplicata, Cox.
Periploma applicata, Cox.
Gervillia ensiformis, CON.
Dreissena Tippana, CON.
Inoceramus argenteus, CoŃ.
98
Tellina, 2 sp.
Inoceramus costellatus, CON.
Inoceramus sp., allied to S. Goldfus-
sianus.
Inoceramus sp.-a very large hinge.
Psammobia? nucleus, 6 in's. long by 4 Inoceramus sp.
high.
Papyridea bella, Cox.
Meretrix Tippana, Cox.
Dosinia densata, CON.
Dosinia depressa, Cox.
* Venericardia, 2 sp.
*Cyprina ? sp.
Isocardia sp., allied to I. cretacea.
Venilla Conradi, MORT.
Cardium Tippanum, Cox.
Pecten striatopunctatus ROEM. ?
Pecten simplicius, CON.
Ctenoides acutilineata, CON.
Placunanomia sp.
Anomia sellaeformis, Cox.
Ostrea peculiaris, CON.
Ostrea confragosa, Con.
Ostrea denticulifera, CON.
Ostrea crenulata, TUOM.
Ostrea n. sp., shape of O. falcata, 6 in's.
long.
Gryphaea mutabilis, MORT,
Gryphaea convexa ?
Sow. Gryphaea vomer.
Exogyra costata.
Cardium Spillmani, Cox.
Cardium Eufaulense, CoN.
Cardium Tippanum var ?
Cardium sp., all. to C. Hillanum,
Crassatella Ripleyana, CON.
Crassatella pteropsis. Cox.
UNIVALVES.
*Dentalium sp. (smooth.)
Solidulus linteus, CON.
Dentalium sp., deeply 6 ribbed.
Crassatella lintea, CON.
Exogyra interrupta.
*Natica alveata, CON.
Natica rectilabrum.
*Natica sp.
Natica 2 sp.
Nerita sp., May be N. densata Cox., but
Purp-
is smaller than the figure.
lish dots on the surface perfectly
preserved !
Bullopsis cretacea, Cox.
Globiconcha sp.
Turbincpis Hilgardi, Cox.
Cytherina Tippana, CON.
Conus (?) canalis, CON. (Conrad's fig-
ure of this shell resembles very
closely imperfect specimens of
Athleta leioderma, CON.)
Ancilla cretacensis, Con.
94
T139
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Cerithium sp., allied to C. Dupinianum, Chemnitzia distans.
D'ORB.
Cerithium sp.
Turbo? sp.
Rapa supraplicata, CON.
Turritella Tirpana CON.; numerous
varieties.
Turritella vertebroides, MORT.
Turritella trilira, Con.
Turritella oltilis, CON.
Chemnitzia Melanopsis.
Chemnitzia Spillmani.
Ficus octoliratus, CON.
Ficus novemĺiratus, CON.
Turris Ripleyana, CON.
Fusus Tppanus, Con.
Fusus lellaliratus, Con.
*Fusus sp.
Fusus sp.
Turritella sp., with two acute revolving Strepsidura Ripleyana,
cos.ae.
CON.
Pynfusus subdensatus, CoN.
Turritello sp., allied to T Bauga, D'ORB.; Pyrula, 6 sp.
shell of the "Turritella Limestone" Tudicla perlata, CoN.
(T131, ff.)
Turritella sp, very small, smooth.
Volutilithes Eufuvlensis, CON. ?
*Voluta.
Athleta leioderma, CON.
Rostellaria sp., allied to R. Reussit,
GLIN.
*Rostellaria allied to R. velata, CoN.,
about half as large.
Rostellaria sp.
Athleta?-A beautiful fusiform shell, Strombus densatus, CON.
4½ in's. long, with numerous acute Aporrhais decemlirata, Con.
revolving costae. Also found on Pterocera sp., with long winged thorns
Chunnenugga Ridge, by Tuomey. (¶134).
Drillia novemcostata, CON.
Harpago Tippanus, Con.
Pugnellus densatus, CON.
Trichotropis concellaria, CoN.
Purpuroidea Ripleyana, Cox.
Chemnitzia interrupta, CON.
Chemnitzia interrupta var. ?
Chemnitzia laqueata, CON.
RADIATA.
Hemiaster, 2 sp.
*Cassidulus (non DESOR) subquadratus,
*Cassidulus? (Echinanthus ?) sp. [Con.
ANNELIDE.
*Cassidulus CON. (non DESOR), shape of
Foujasia apicalis.
1
Serpula 2 sp.
CORALS.
* Ceriopora sp.
Numerous undetermined nuclei of univalves and bivalves.
Tippah Fossils described by Conrad, but not identified in the Survey collection :
Actaeon modicellus.
Natica crenata.
Anchura abrupta.
Thylacus cretaceus.
Turbonilla corona,
Plicatula tetrica.
Mysia parilis.
Dosinia obliqzata.
Sanguinolaria cretacea.
Morea cancellaria.
Pholadomya post-sulcata.
Pholadomya papyria.
Pholadomya occidentalis MORT.
Pecten argillensis.
Pecten Mississippiensis.
139, 140]
FOSSILS OF RIPLEY GROUP.
Species common to the Upper and Lower Cretaceous.
(CONRAD & GABB, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. Vol. IV n s., p. 275).
Pholadomya occidentalis, MORT.,
Dosinia excavata (Cytherea), IB.,
Fragilia elegantula (Cardium), Roem.,
F protext, Con.
Carlium Spillmani, CoN.,
Trigonia thoracica, Mort,
Pycnolonta vesicularis (Gryphaea), LAM.,
Gervillia ensiformis, CoN.,
•
Exogyra cost itu, SAY,
Pinna bicarinata, MATH.,
P. laqueata, Con.,
Tippah,
<<
New Jersey.
Texas.
66
แ
66
Eufaula,
(C
Axinxen (Pectunculus) australis, MORT.,
Meretrix Tippna, Cox,
Ctenoides pelagica (Lima), MORT.,
Crassitella vadosa, MORT.,
C. lintea, CoN.,
Barbatia uniopsis, Con.,
Pecten Burlingtonensis? GABB,
Anomia argentaria, MORT.,
Turritella vertebroides, Mort.,
Ficus octoliratus, CON.,
Turbinopsis Hilgardi, CoN.,
Nautilus Dekayi, MORT.,
Baculites carinatus, MORT.,
B. Spillmani, Con.,
Solenoceros annulifer,
(4
Eufaula,
CC
(6
C
SC
"L
"
"L
(t
แ
(C
|
Hamites annulifer, MORT.,
Vermetus (Hamulus) onyx, MORT.,
แ
แ
i
66
LL
5
USEFUL MATERIALS OF THE CRETACEOUS FORMATION.
95
140. These consist essentially of Marls or mineral fertilizers,
Limestones, and Building Stones. It is probable also that among
the materials embraced in the two former classes, some will be
found to possess hydraulic properties.
MARLS. No material deserving the name of marl, occurs within
the Eutaw Group.
Tomb gbee Sand.-The micaceous sands of this group in some
localities are sufficiently calcareous to render its u-e as a fertilizer
profitable, especially as lime is generally very deficient in the soils
which it underlies. In Tishomingo county, the materials occurring
at Boyer's mill (T111) and on lower Big Brown's Creek generally,
deserve attention and trial; none of them will, however, bear much
transportation, nor should they be applied to soils already very
sandy. The greenish calcareous sand of Dr. Tindall's bluff, near
Aberdeen (113), has been used with advantage by that gentleman.
Similar deposits occur in many localities along the Tombigbee at
and below Aberdeen; at Barton (T107); and at Plymouth Bluff
(114).
96
[T141
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Of these materials, the only specimen I have as yet analyzed,
was taken from the bluff at Waverley, Lowndes county, just under
Col. Young's warehouse.—A greenish gray, micaceous, soft, sandy
mass, with few fossils, forming steep bluffs.
SAND FROM WAVERLEY BLUFF.
Micaceous Sand..
Potash...
Soda...
*
Lime..
Magnesia..
Peroxide of Iron, and Alumina.
Phosphoric Acid..
Sulphuric Acid.
Carbonic Acid..
Water.
88.702
.0.204
0.190
. 1.351
.0.723
..5.598
.0.328
.0.013
...0.472
.2.308
99.884
The small amount of nutritive ingredients contained in this mass,
would not pay for the cost of hauling out, on the large scale, unless
it were very conveniently at hand, and the sand were needed as a
mechanical manure. The amount of phosphoric acid shown by this
analysis is nevertheless as large as is usually found in the marls of
Mississippi.
The sand of the Columbus bluff is poorer, probably, than that of
Waverley; but in many points (e. g at Plymouth Bluff) the materials
are sufficiently rich in lime to deserve the earnest attention of
agriculturists. The region has not as yet been examined specially
enough in this point of view.
141. Mails of the Rotten Limestone Group.-I regret having
been unable, as yet, to bestow more special attention on the white
and gray clay marls of Tishomingo and adjoining portions of
Pontotoc and Itawamba. Those of Breuton's contract (T118),
Parmeechce (118), Tishomingo and Yoonaby Creeks, and others
of N. E. Pontotoc, appear to assimilate more nearly in their
character to the Houston marl than to the Rotten Limestone
proper. An analysis of the latter will be given below; that of
the marl dug from cisterns at Houston, Chickasaw county-a
bluish gray mass, quite hard when dry, but somewhat plastic when
wet-gave the following result:
{
142, 143] MARLS OF THE ROTTEN LIMESTONE.
HOUSTON MARL.
Insoluble Matter (micaceous clay).
Potash.
Soda..
Lime
Magnesia...
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina
Iron Pyrites...
Carbonic Acid.
•
Organic Matter and Water.
•
.35.750
0.681
0.197
..20.558
1.366
0.305
4.190
9.475
.* 1.743
16.760
8.774
99.799
97
The iron pyrites contained in this marl (which is otherwise ad-
mirably adapted to light soils), renders necessary some caution in
its application. It should be allowed to lie exposed to the atmos-
phere as long as possible (several months at least), in order to effect
the decomposition of the minute crystals of pyrites, which results
in the formation of gypsum-enhancing the value of the material
as a fertilizer, in several respects.-Outcrops of the Houston marl
(which extends eastward to Kilgore's Ridge, and probably south-
ward to the Tibby) are scarce, but it is generally not far under-
ground in the district of its occurrence, as is known in each neigh-
borhood where wells have been dug.--A determination in the yel-
lowish-white, micaceous clay marl from Breuton's contract (ncar
Chawalla) on the M. & C. R. R., of the Carbonic Acid, considered
as belonging to carbonate of lime, yielded a result corresponding
to 21.0 per cent. of the latter substance, or to 11.8 per ct. of pure
lime.
142. As for the Rotten Limestone-itself, strictly speaking, a
marl, in most cases-it is unnecessary to mention its outcrops, since
no one who has his eyes open can fail to find them where they exist.
It is to be considered chiefly as a calcareous, stimulant manure;
yet, as the analysis shows, it carries with it some nutritive ingredi-
ents, which account for its favorable effects even on the whitish,
highly calcareous bald prairie soil. In regard to the many import-
ant uses which this calcareous material may subserve, the reader is
referred to what is said under the head of Lime and Marls, in the
General Part of the Agricultural Report.
143. Marls of the Ripley Group. Their distinguishing feature
is the visible grains of greensand, or glauconite, which they con-
tain, and to which they owe a higher percentage of potash, and
(with silica), in a more available condition, than seems to be the
case with the clay marls of the Rotten Limestone. This, and the
carbonate of lime contained in them, constitutes their chief value;
and since the former can be judged of by the eye, and the latter
by the strength of its effervescence ("boiling") with strong vinegar,
R-7
$8
[144
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
or muriatic acid ("spirits of salt"), it is not difficult for the planter
to obtain an approximate idea of the value as fertilizers, of most
of these marls; especially as, in the majority of cases, the greater
or less abundance of shells is itself somewhat indicative of the
amount of lime in the mass. When fresh and moist, its tint is usu
ally bluish-gray, with white specks (being fragments of shells) and
glistening scales of mica ("isinglass"); and when cut, if the mass
contains any notable amount of greensand, dark green, or almost
black streaks will be visible on the surface, which may be traced
back to rounded grains, from the size of a grain of rifle-powder to
that of a gumbo seed, with a smooth surface, and generally of a
flattened shape. Sometimes, however, the grains are so small as
to be perceived only by the aid of a magnifier, or by the general
tint of the mass.
In searching for these marls in the region of occurrence indi-
cated on the map (by the bright green ti.it). it should be recollected
that, as has been stated, they generally undrelie the limestone; and
that if they have been struck in wells on the ridges, they are
likely to be found at the same level, at no great depth, on the hill-
sides.
144. The marl at Wilhite's (T131) showed the following compo-
Bition :
WILHITE'S MARL.
Insoluble Sand and Clay.
Potash...
Soda...
Lime
Magnesia..
Brown Oxide of Manganese..
Peroxide of Iron....
Alumina...
Phosphoric Acid.
Carbonic Acid, Water and Loss.
"
.73.410
·
0.702
(detn. lost)
•
6.315
Q
0.886
0.050
•
•
7.055
5.888
0.046
•
5.640
100.000
This marl, while containing a large amount of potash, contains
at the same time so much inert matter, that it will not bear trans-
portation to any great distance, inasmuch as a "dressing" will
require a quantity greater in proportion as the active ingredients
are less. No overdressing with a marl like this will be likely to
happen.
This is the only marl of this character which I have thus far
analyzed, but judging from appearance, it represents very nearly
the marls of the following localities: in Tippah, Kindrick's mill
(1131, Sec. 12), Ruckersville; Braddock's (131); Owl Creek
(132); lowest stratum at Tippah Creek bluff, at Ripley (T132,
Sec. 13); Edick's place, S. of Ripley; blue marls on Ripley and
Molino road; at Col. Berry's (133), and at Lewis L. Nabors',
T145]
+
RIPLEY MARL.
99
S. 22, T. 4, R. 5 E. Some of the marls mentioned are prob-
ably more cal areous than the one analyzed, as appears to be more
generally the case in Pontotoc county; as for instance, at Parson
Montgomery's (T13); at Mr Wages', on one of the heads of
Okonatyhatchie, S. 18. T. 7, R. 4 E; at the old mill on Cherry
Creek, near the post-office of that name; on the hill S. of the
crossing of Brown's Creek, on the Ellistown and Pontotoc road,
and on the E. slope of the ridge on the same road, in T. 8, R. 4
E., (e. g. on S. 2); on the branches near the mill on S. 36, T. 9,
R. 4 E, E. of Pontotoc, and probably on many of the heads of
the Chiwapa, S. of Pontotoc; at the Baptist church on S. 28, T.
14. R. 3 E, Chickasaw county; etc. While the specimens from
these localities appear to contain about the same amount of green-
sand as the marl from Wilhite's, their stronger effervescence with
acids and greater coherence shows them to be richer in lime. Yet
as a general thing, these blue marls are not so limy that an over-
dressing of any moderately clayey soil need be feared with any
quantity less than 4-to 600 bushels per acre.
115. In Tippah county, at Ripley, and W. of the same, there
occurs another kind of marl, generally richer in greensand grains
than that just described, and containing few shells not disintegra-
ted. The stratum is seen in the outcrops of Kindrick's mill (T131,
Sec. 12, stratum No. 2), and on Tippah Creek at Ripley (T132,
Sec. 13, stratum No. 3); it is also found in wells at the latter
place, and is well developed in the outcrops just W. of town, and
particularly at Mr. Wernor's place, S. 22, T. 4, R. 3 E., where it
is very remarkable for the large amount of greensand it contains.
An analysis of rather a poor specimen of this marl, from Mr. O.
Davis' well, at Ripley, gave the following result :
MARL FROM 0. DAVIS' WELL, RIPLEY.
Insoluble Matter (chiefly coarse Sand).
Potash..
Sola
Lime...
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide oi Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron....
Alumina...
Phosphoric Acid.....
Carbonic Acid, Water and Loss...
•
•
.62.441
0.730
0.272
7.952
1.560
0.160
11.849
5.865
0.266
9.905
100.000
On an average, this kind of marl is undoubtedly superior to
Wilhite's, containing as it does, more potash, lime and phosphoric
acid. It has already been used with fine effect in the neighborhood
of Ripley.--A material very similar to this, is found at the church
near Stubbs' (T133, Sec. 15, stratum No. 3), but its quantity is
Dor M
100
[T146, 147, 1471.
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
insufficient for practical purposes. Otherwise, I have not found it
at any great distance from Ripley, except to the westward.
*
146. The white or gray calcareous sand mentioned (T135), may
in many cases serve as a marl, when it is not too sandy-it would
generally, no doubt, improve greatly the "beeswax hommocks."
That found at Tocshish church, and near Redland (T135), is scarcely
more sandy than the limestone it overlies. But its character in
this respect is so variable, that each one must be left to judge for
himself in his particular locality.
The gray calcareous clay which frequently overlies the limestone
and calcareous sand in Pontotoc and Chickasaw, (¶137), I have not
yet examined as to its fertilizing qualities; but judging from the
rich growth of timber where it mingles with the sandy ridge soils,
it possesses other useful ingredients besides the lime, to render it a
serviceable manure. Outcrops of this material are mentioned in
the passage just quoted.
147. LIMESTONE.--None is found within the territory either of
the Eutaw, or of the Tombigbee Sand Group. The most calca-
reous rocks of the latter only deserve the name of calcareous
sandstones.
Rotten Limestone Group.-In numerous localities, the rock of
this group is well suited to the manufacture of lime of good quality,
and is so used quite extensively in the prairie region. Notwith-
standing its uniformity of aspect, however, there is considerable
variation in this rock as regards its suitability for lime-burning.
These variations often occur without any striking indication of a
change by the stratification, color, or otherwise; and a few direc-
tions concerning the selection of this rock for lime-burning, will
not, therefore, come amiss.
The hardest varieties in one and the same bed are usually the
purest (unless they be sandy), and should be selected in preference
to the soft.
Those which are chalky, and exhibit the least gloss on cut sur-
faces are preferable to those showing a smooth shining cut.
The
Another good distinctive mark is the degree of plasticity which
the rock attains when crushed and kneaded up with water.
less it works like clay, and the more like prepared chalk; and the
less, in moistening, the clay odor is perceived, the purer is the
rock-also, the more vividly it effervesces ("boils") with (one and
the same) strong vinegar, muriatic, or sulphuric acid.
1471 The difficulty in the manufacture of lime from the Rotten Limestone, is
not so much caused by the amount of foreign (usually clayey) matter it contains,
as by the extremely fine state of division in which the carbonate of lime and
clay are mixed together, which renders the rock liable to overburning, unless
great care is had in the management of the fire. Experience must determine
in each locality the proper amount of burning to be given; it ought to be less
in all cases than would be employed in burning pure, hard limestone, and the
heat ought to be equalized as much as possible. It is not easy to regulate these
circumstances in an ordinary kiln, in which the whole process is interrupted in
Maou
T148, 149]
CRETACEOUS LIMESTONE.
101
order to draw the burnt lime. The kilns used ought to be of the "perpetual”
kind, where the process is carried on without interruption and, once properly
adjusted, goes on evenly, turning out a product always of the same quality.
Such, moreover, consume much less fuel than the common ones—an item of
importance in the prairies. There can be no doubt that if the kilns were im-
proved, lime of good quality could be made in numerous localities where it is
now deemed impracticable, after a trial with the ordinary kiln. In burning
lime for agricultural purposes, especially, any other than a perpetual kiln ren-
ders the article too expensive.
+
148. The material of the Rotten Limestone Group in Tisho-
mingo county, is generally too impure for lime-burning; the purest
rock found occurs, probably, on the heads of Twenty Mile Creek,
W. and S. of Blackland, and on lower Tishomingo Creek, near
the Ripley and Carrollville road. The materials found further N.
are generally too clayey for quicklime, but some of them will, no
doubt, answer for hydraulic cement. Lime has, it is true, been
made in several localities on the cretaceous territory in Tisho-
mingo county, but it was from the shells of oysters, (Exogyra cos-
tata, Gryphaea convexa and mutabilis), which yield a very strong
lime. The supply of these, however, is too small to be of more
than very local importance.
I am not aware that any rock sufficiently pure for lime-burning,
exists in Itawamba county-none, at least, E. of Old Town Creek.
W. of the same, on the prairies and "Chickasaw Old Fields" of
Pontotoc, the rock is very similar to that of Monroe.
149. Good lime is made at Camargo, where a ledge of hard
rock yields white lime for plastering, while the underlying softer
strata furnish common mortar. At Okalona, also, lime is made
an analysis of the rock, taken from a cistern here, gave the follow-
ing result:
OKALONA ROTTEN LIMESTONE.
Insoluble Matter.
Potash
•
Soda.
Lime.
Magnesia...
Peroxide of Iron.
Alumina
Carbonic Acid.
Water.
10.903
0.248
0.320
45.791
0 877
1.421
1.957
35.725
2.840
100.082
One cwt. of this rock will therefore yield about 61 lbs. of burnt
lime, containing about 15 lbs. of impurities which, while causing
it to slake with less energy, must impart to it some hydraulic prop-
erties.
It would seem advisable, therefore, not to slake and mix into mortar very
large quantities of this lime, at any one time, and to use it, when made, as
rapidly as possible. In this manner the hydraulic properties, which would
102
[T150, 151, 152
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
impair the quality of the mortar if prepared in large quantities beforehand, may
on the contrary be turned to advantage.
150. Ripley Group.-In numerous localities, the limestones over-
lying the blue marls of this group, are well suited to lime-burning.
Here, however, the hardness of the rock is not always a safe
criterion as to its purity, since that is not unfrequently owing
rather to the presence of a large amount of sand firmly cemented
by lime, than to the solidity of the calcarcous mass itself. While
in the Rotten Limestone, as we have seen, the impurities of the
rock are in an impalpable condition, finely diffused throughout the
mass, the impurities of the rocks of the Ripley Group are generally
present in shape of visible and tangible sand-grains, and can
therefore be detected and judged of with less difficulty. There is,
also, less danger of overburning, than in the case of the Rotten
Limestone; and its relative purity may be ascertained conveniently
by dissolving a fragment of the rock in vinegar or muriatic acid,
which will leave the sand behind.
It has been found that in the neighborhood of Ripley the seft
varieties of the limestone yield a better lime, than the hard
"Turritella Limestone" (owing probably, to the large amount of
sand which the latter contains, and which contributes largely to
its hardness); notwithstanding that its color is purer than that of
the soft rock.
151. In general, the purer varieties of this rock may be looked
for chiefly along the western edge of the territory of the Ripley
Group, where it verlies the Owl Creek marl. The ledges inter-
stratified with the marl, are rarely sufficiently pure to be suitable
for quicklime, although in many cases they would yield a product
well adapted for agricultural purposes. These marlstones are much
richer in the nutritive ingredients of plants, than any of the rocks
of the Rotten Limestone Group, and burning renders these ingre
dients more soluble, and highly effectual. For this reason, the
product of burning these impure marlstones, is generally preferable
even to the purest lime, for use in agriculture. It is generally not
difficult to distinguish the varieties to be preferred in this point of
view they either possess a general greenish tint, or else rounded
grains of a dark green color (greensand proper, or glauconite) may
be seen dotting the freshly broken surfaces. A large--perhaps
the greater portion of the "bored" or "horsebone limestone" belongs
to this class, although not unfrequently, ledges of sufficient purity
for quicklime occur in the same.
152. The limestone occurring near Jonesboro', on S. 11, T. 2,
R. 4 E.. (T13) contains many greensand grains, but will doubtless
answer for quicklime. That at Kindrick's mill (131) is best
suited, probably, for agricultural purposes. At both the localities
mentioned, however, the quantity is small. The rock may proba-
bly be found outcropping in numerous ravines descending to Muddy
Creek; as near to the W. line of the formation in Tippah generally.
153]
LIMESTONE OF RIPLEY GROUP.
103
The outcrops E. of Ripley furnish, probably, the best material for
quicklime in that neighborhood; that which contains numerous
st ms of corals seems to be best. Most of the bored limestone
occurring there is rich in greensand. On the road from Ripley to
New Albany, the coralline limestone crops out in numerous
localities; the same is the case on the Ripley and Molino road, and
also no doubt, in the country intervening between the two roads.
The locality near Stubbs' (133) will no doubt furnish good
material both for quicklime and for agricultural purposes. In the
"Buncombes", limestone frequently crops out on the hillsides; that
at Parson Montgomery's (T136, is known to make good lime, and
so probably will that at the King's Place (T1.6). On S. 29, T. 7,
R. 4 E., on the Tardyville and Ellistown road, good limestone
appears on the surface; as it does in many localities in the hills S.
of King's Creek. The bluff on Labatubby, S. 36, T. 8, R. 2 E.,
affords a fine chance for an establishment on a large scale, so far
as the quality and quantity is concerned, and the same may be said
with reference to the outcrops on the edge of the Flatwoods at Mr.
Stephen Daggett's, on SS. 3 and 30, TT. 9 and 10, R. 3 E.
153. An analysis of an average specimen of Daggett's limestone,
such as is used by him in burning lime for sale, gave the following
result:
DAGGETT'S LIMESTONE.
Insoluble Matter (chiefly sand)
Potash..
Soda....
Lime..
Magnesia...
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron, and Alumina.
Sulphuric Acid.
•
Carbonic Acid....
Water.
.8.374
..0.359
..0 089
48.815
.0.751
0.173
2.412
0077
..38.485
.0 832
100.367
One cwt. of this rock will yield somewhat over 60 lbs. of burnt
lime containing about 11 lbs. of impurities; which, however, for
want of intermixture with the lime, do not impart hydraulic
properties to the latter, since it slakes with energy. This lime
answers every architectural purpose except whitewashing. It is
due, no doubt, to the large amount of potash which the lime made
from this limestone contains, that effects unusually favorable were
observed to follow its application to soils, in the neighborhood of
Pontotoc. Yet this rock contains but few visible grains of green-
sand.In this respect, it is greatly surpassed by the rock of an
outerop i mile S. of Pontotoc. on the Houston road, which never-
theless, by carefal burning, could also be made to serve for quick-
lime. The "horsebone limestone" near Redland, and southward to
the end of the formation, is generally of a similar character.
104
LT154, 155
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
154. BUILDING STONES.-The Eutaw Group furnishes none; all
the rocks found on its territory belong to the Orange Sand Group,
which see (157). Very nearly the same holds true of the Tombigbee
Sand Group; the soft micaceous sandstones occasionally found are
of little value and easily destroyed by frost.
The Rotten Limestone is generally too soft to resist the action of
the atmosphere; in sheltered situations, it sometimes stands well,
and is easily cut into shape. At Palo Alto, and at other localities,
fireplaces, and the sheltered portions of chimneys, have been built of
it. It will not resist many alternations of wet and dry above
ground, without scaling off; although different localities differ
greatly in this respect.
The limestones of the Ripley Group, where they are solid and
uniform in their mass, resist the action of the atmosphere remarka-
bly well, and are suited to every common purpose in building.
There are few localities, however, in which large solid blocks can
be obtained; the best I know of occur on the Labatubby, and at
Daggett's (see above, under Limestone). Usually the solid ledges
are thin (seldom exceeding 15 inches, and frequently broken up into
blocks which require only the peck and crow-bar to quarry them.
Little reliance is to be placed in the continuity of a stratum with
the same character of inaterial; a solid ledge on one ridge may
be a bed of loose calcareous sand on the next.-For localities
where rock is found, sce under the head of Limestone.
155. WATERS OF THE CRETACEOUS FORMATION.--Specialities
concerning the depths and character of wells in the various districts
of the cretaceous territory, will be found under the head of "The
Northeastern Prairie Region," in the agricultural portion of the
present Report. A few general remarks, however, must find their
place here.
Water-bearing strata are abundant in both the Eutaw and the
Tombigbee Sand Group, but especially in the tormer, which fur-
nishes the source of by far the greater number of artesian wells in
the State, in Lowndes and Monroe counties. It is between the
solid, blue and reddish clays of this group, in the intervening gray
sands, that the head of water which enables the latter to run out
at the mouth of the bores, is collected. While, however, there is
considerable consistency in the depths of the wells, in the direction
of the dip, there is much less regularity observed in the direction
of the strike; the strata evidently running out sometimes on the
large scale, as they commonly do on the small. Almost all the
waters of artesian and bored wells are more or less limy, and few
if any are free from iron in some form; sulphuretted hydrogen, too,
is usually present. The springs flowing from the strata of the
Eutaw Group in Tishomingo and Itawamba, are all more or less
chalybeate and usually magnesian, but contain mostly chlorides and
carbonates, and very little lime; and the same is the case with
those bored, and especially artesian wells, which touch little or
OF
·
156, 157, 158] BORED AND ARTESIAN WELLS.
105
none of the calcareous Tombigbee Sand or Rotten Limestone. It
is likely, therefore, that in most cases, the lime is imparted to these
waters by standing in, or passing through, the calcareous strata
which overlie the water-bearing formation.
156. In the bored wells in which the water is stationary, the
iron is usually contained as proto-carbonate, which is soon precep-
itated by the air, forming a dark brown scum or sediment on the
bucket. In some of the artesian wells, however (as in the case of
Gen. R. Davis', at Aberdeen), there is proto-sulphate of iron, pro-
ducing a yellowish brown sediment of basic persulphate. Perhaps
the iron is in most cases contained originally as proto-sulphate,
derived from the "sulphur balls" occurring in the dark-colored
clays, and is thereafter transformed into carbonate, and partially
precipitated, by the contact with the carbonate of lime. Some
waters derived from the Eutaw Group contain a large amount of
silica; as for instance, that of Dr. Rabb's well at Columbus, which
incrusts tumblers immersed in it with a firmly adhering, brown
film. When the surface thus coated is heated with hydrochloric
acid, the iron is removed and a whitish film remains, which is
soluble in potash and insoluble in salt of phosphorus.
The elevated portion of the strata which furnish the water of
the Columbus and Aberdeen wells, is doubtless to be sought in the
high ridges bordering on the Buttahatchie and Looxapalila;
although these show on their surface, and sometimes at great depths,
nothing more than Orange Sand strata.
Few wells are sunk in the Tombigbee Sands alone; they have
very limy water.
157. On the territory of the Rotten Limestone, little water is to
be found, unless in surface tanks, or by passing through the whole
stratum, into the Tombigbee Sand, or Eutaw Group. Locally,
however, small water-bearing strata have occasionally been struck
within the Rotten Limestone. Thus at Okalona, at 75 feet, water
excessively limy and with little rise, and insufficient in quantity,
was obtained. At Houston and Sparta the same thing happens
(T122), the water at the latter place being in some cases a perfect
ley of gypsum and Epsom salt. For a supply of water in the
prairie region, therefore, the alternative generally lies between deep
bored wells and cisterns; unless indeed, as on Kilgore's Ridge,
there should be a mass of Orange Sand of sufficient thickness,
overlying the rock.
158. On the territory of the Ripley Group, there is little diffi-
culty about water. In the first place, springs are abundant. Orange
Sand very commonly forms the higher portions of the ridges, while
the cretaceous marls underlic as an impervious statum; finally,
good water (though somewhat limy) may frequently be struck in
the strata of the Ripley Group themselves. Such is the case in
Tippah, where the calcareous s: rata of the Ripley Group are passed
through at 40 to 70 feet, into water-bearing sand. So also, the
106
[T158
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
sandy strata intervening between the ledges of limestone, in Pon-
totoc and Chickasaw, are frequently water-bearing, so that in the
meridian of the town of Pontotoc, water is generally obtained
between ledges of limestone at depths between 70 and 130 feet;
the water rising 20 to 40 feet from the bottom of the well. The
water of these wells, also. is frequently sulphureous and chalybeate,
and springs of the same character are abundant in numerous local-
ities on the territory of the Ripley Group.
THE TERTIARY FORMATIONS.
159. By far the greater portion of the State of Mississippi is
occupied by deposits of the tertiary age, if we leave out of con-
sideration the strata of the Orange Sand, which undeniably forms
the greater portion of the actual surface.
The position of the Tertiary strata appears to be more or less in
conformity with that of the cretaceous beds. It certainly is so in
the southern portion of the State, where their dip is distinctly
southward. Whether or not the same is true in reference to the
strata occupying the northern portion of the State, I have thus far
been unable to determine, in consequence both of the rare accessi-
bility of the strata, and of their character. If, however, any
westerly dip exists in the tertiary strata of N. Mississippi (as is
the case in the cretaceous strata) it is certainly much less than that
of the latter.
The tertiary of Mississippi exhibits, essentially, three different
facies, viz: That of lignitiferous clavs and sands, varying in color
from black to brown, blue, green, yellow, gray and almost white,
with remains of vegetables; that of siliceous sandstones and
claystones with marine fossils; and that of limestones and
calcareous marls, with marine fossils.
160. The several marine stages are in most cases separated by
intervening strata of dark colored, often lignitic clays, as above
mentioned; moreover, both the base and the top of the older
tertiary are formed by strata of this character, of considerable
thickness. Small estuary deposits of mariu fossils are occasionally
found in the Lignitic strata; and vice versa, small masses of
lignitic deposits sometimes occur in the calcareous tertiary. as they
do in the upper cretaceous formation. Chemically, the Lignitio
strata are characterized (with very rare exceptions) by the absence
of the carbonate of lime, and the presence, per contra, of sulphate
of lime or gypsum in its various forms, usually accompanied by
sulphate of magnesia or Epsom salt, and com non salt; while these
ingredients are almost entirely absent from the marine Tertiary.*
161. The following general section of the Tertiary of Mississippi will serve
to show its prominent traits, as far as ascertained up to the present time. The
approximate thickness given may be taken as minima, which are often greatly
exceeded.
*I shall not include, for the present, in the general remarks on the tertiary of
Mississippi, the imperfectly known strata of the Sea-Coast, which may be
Pliocene or Post-pliocene, and will be treated of at the conclusion of the
description of the more ancient Tertiary.
108
[T161
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
GENERAL SECTION OF THE TERTIARY STRATA OF MISSISSIPPI.

FEET
150
NAME, CHARACTER AND FOSSILS.
GRAND GULF STAGE, OR SOUTHERN LIGNITIC.-White or gray
sandstones, usually soft; black, blue, green and gray clays and
sands, with small Lignite beds, tree palms, exogenous trees,
Arundinaceae.
VICKSBURG STAGE.-1. Crystalline limestones and blue marls,
with Ostrea Vicksburgensis, O. gigantea, Cardium diversum, Arca
80 | Mississippiensis, Navicula Miss., N. lima, Crassatella Miss., Den-
talium Miss., Panopaea oblongata, Fulgoraria Miss., Cypraea lintea,
Madrepora Miss., Pecten Poulsoni, ORBITOIDES MANTELLI.
2. Ferruginous rock of Red Bluff, with Plagiostoma dumosum?,
Fulgoraria Miss., Mitra Miss., Busycon spiniger, Conus sauridens,
Rostellaria velata, Cassidaria lintea, Madrepora (all. to M. Miss.),
12 Dentalium thalloides, Trochita trochiformis, Natica Vicksb., Flabel-
lum Wailesii, Osteodes n. sp., Venericardia planicosta, V. rotunda,
Cypricardia sp., and many peculiar species.
20 LIGNITIC CLAY AND LIGNITE, at Vicksburg, and N. of Brandon.
80
JACKSON STAGE.-White (often indurate) and blue marls, with
Venericardia planicosta, Rostellaria velata, Cardium Nicolleti, Cor-
bula bicarinata, Leda multilineata, Cypraea fenestralis, Conus tor-
t'lis, Gastridium vetustum, Mitra Millingtoni, M. dumosa, Voluta
dumosa, Morio Petersoni, Umbrella planulata, Osteodes irroratus,
Flalellum Wailesii, Trochita alta, ZEUGLODON MACROSPONDYLUS.
| LIGNITIC CLAY AND LIGNITE, at Jackson, Garlandsville, Coonupy Cr.
CLAIBORNE STAGE.-A. Calcareous.-White (sometimes indurate)
and blue marls, with Ostrea sellaeformis, O. divaricata, O. panda,
Venericardia planicosta, V. rotunda, Rostellaria velata, Monoceros
pyruloides, M. fusiformis, Orbis rotella, Natica gibbosa, Anolax
gigantea, Oliva Alabamensis, Marginella larvata.
b. LIGNITIC CLAYS AND SANDS of N. Clarke county?
B. Siliceous Claiborne.-S. Neshoba, N. Newton, S. Lauderdale,
N. Clarke; sandstones and claystones with Venericardia planicosta,
V. rotunda, Monoceros, Pyrula, Voluta petrosa, Corbula gibbosa.
LIGNITIC OF N. LAUDERDALE !, Neshoba. Dark brown and yel-
425 low clays and sands with Lignite-sometimes obscure casts of shells.
? LIGNITIC OF N. MISSISSIPPI :
a. Gray clays and sands of Tippah, sometimes transformed into
red shale, with Quercus n. sp., Carya n. sp., Populus rhomboidea,
Populus n. sp., Morus?, Ficus lanceolata, HEER?, Laurus n. sp.,
Persea n. sp., Cornus sericea?, Olea Americana!, Rhamnus n. sp.,
Terminalia 2 n. sp., Magnolia rotundifolia Lesqx.!, M. acuminata
MICHX.!, Dryandroides?, Rhus.
b. Gray clays of Lafayette and Calhoun, with Sabal, Cinnamo-
mum, Quercus, Ficus?, Smilax ?
c. Gray clays and sands of Winston, with Cycas, Smilax?
d. Small estuarian deposits of sandstone with marine shells.
Tippah: Venericardia planicosta, Cardium Nicolleti, Trochus, Ostrea.
Shongalo Ostrea divaricata, Solarium, Voluta petrosa, Veneri-
cardia rotunda, Turritella vetusta, LEA?, Cardium Nicolleti, Nautilus
zigzag.
NO
10
9
CO
8
| 7
1
6
5
4
3
คว
2
I
162, 163]
AGE OF NORTHERN LIGNITIC.
109
162. The only doubt as to the stratigraphical position of the members of this
series, exits with reference to the strata designated as the Lignitic of North
Mississippi. The conformation of the surface, the scarcity of fossil remains, and
the variability of the strata, both as to thickness and lithological character, render
a direct determination of the stratigraphical relations between this group and
the calcareous tertiary, extremely difficult. While there can be no doubt
whatsoever, as to the position of stratum No. 1, the equivalence of No. 1* to the
same still remains to be proven by a comparison of the respective floras, for
which, thus far, the materials are incomplete. For the determinations of genera
and species of plants given in the table, I am indebted to the kindness of Leo
Lesquereux, Esq., of Columbus, Ohio. Thus far, however, only the fossils of
locality a (Red Shale) have been specially studied by him, and it remains
doubtful how far the floras of the respective districts may be related. Although
not susceptible, at present, of strict, direct stratigraphical proof, the probable
equivalence of the lignitic beds underlying the siliceous strata of the Claiborne
age, in Lauderdale, and of those overlying the Upper Cretaceous in N. Mississippi
certainly impresses itself strongly upon the mind of the observer in the field.
An uninterrupted belt of lignitic strata, often outcropping, and always reached
in wells, extends along the W. border of the cretaceous territory [where it
gives rise to the Flatwoods (T164),] from the Tennessee line to the northern
border of the marine tertiary. The strata show no observable dip in this
direction, until we reach the region last mentioned, where they disappear under
the marine siliceous claystones and sandstones on the E. half of the territory,
and under the calcareous marls on the W. On the whole of this line, there is
no more change of lithological character, than may be observed in almost any
single locality; even to the minute particulars, the same phenomena which we
saw in Tippah, Marshall, Pontotoc, Lafayette and Calhoun, may be observed in
Choctaw, Winston, Kemper and Lauderdale.
163. Several of the plants from the red shale (locality a) determined by Mr.
Lesquereux, are considered peculiar to the Miocene of Europe; the rest appear
to be analogous at least, and would therefore place the strata containing them
above the marine tertiary of the State-assumed to be of eocene age, and cer-
tainly not referrible to any newer stage, since it does not contain a single fossil
identical with living species.-On the other hand, we find in N. Tippah, on the
border of the cretaceous formation, a limited stratum of siliceous sandstone,
undistinguishable, lithologically, from that found on the territory of the Siliceous
Claiborne stage, underlaid and overlaid by gray Lignitic clays, similar in all res-
pects to that of the rest of Tippah, and connected with the latter by numerous
outcrops, although the stratum is not strictly traceable. The rock mentioned
contains Venericurdia planicosta!, Cardium Nicolleti?, and other fossils, appa-
rently peculiar; whence it appears that this estuary deposit, at least, is of
eocene age-and with it, we should naturally presume, the rest of the lignitic
clays of Tippah and Pontotoc, whose highest strata frequently exhibit a ledge of
rock of a similar character, in which ill preserved remnants of marine fossils are
occasionally, though rarely, found, together with grains of greensand (¶166).
Near Shongalo, Carroll county, also, there occurs a deposit of marine origin,
with fossils corresponding to the Claiborne stage, which is certainly underlaid,
and probably also overlaid by lignitic clays, the territory of which surrounds it
on all sides (see map). The imperfect state of preservation of most of the fos-
sils of the estuary deposit of Tippah, just mentioned, render its identification
with any particular stage of the eocene somewhat difficult.—It appears, how-
ever, from extensive comparisons made by Prof. W. D. Moore, of the number of
ribs found in Venericardia planicosta from different geological horizons, that the
average number of ribs in that fossil decreases in proportion as we descend in
the series; as exhibited in the following table :
110
[T164, 165
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
(Paris..
Lower Vicksburg? stage.
Claiborne stage.
Jackson s age.
..
Siliceous Claiborne (lower).
..
36)
34 to 35
31 to 34
26 to 30 (Conrad)
.25 to 26
The latter numbers (viz : 25 to 26) are also those of the fossil occurring in
the estuary deposit of Tippah; affording an additional presumption in favor of
the lower eocene age of the bed in question.
Leaving open the question of the age of these Lignitic strata, until settled,
perhaps, by a comparison of the floras, I shall comprehend under the head of
the "Northern Lignitic", as a whole, all the beds found on the territory N. of
the line of the marine Tertiary, and W. of the Cretaceous.
I. THE NORTHERN LIGNITIC GROUP.
164. The territory occupied by this group-marked on the map
by the lighter shade of brown--is generally hilly, with the excep
tion of the level belt immediately bordering on the cretaceous for-
mation--the "Post Oak Flatwoods," which will be more specially
described in the Agricultural Report. In these, the material of
the Lignitic formation itself (generally in a disintegrated condi-
tion), forms the surface; on the rest of the territory, the Orange
Sand generally overlies the latter thickly, having been, as usual,
deposited on a deeply denuded surface, whose hills and valleys
cause great irregularity in the occurrence of outcrops, as well as
uncertainty, in many cases, as to the very existence of the lignitie
formation, unless accidentally demonstrated by deep borings.
Nevertheless, there are extensive regions in which these strata
appear at and above the level of the drainage, forming the base of
the hills, and the beds of the streams; and being, very generally,
the water-shedding stratum.
165. In the Flatwoods, and the hills immediately adjoining them to the
westward, the materia of the formation is usually a hard, gray or whitish clay,
sometimes laminated, but more usually of a massy cleavage, with a tendency to
conchoidal or nodular forms, which are conspicuous in most of the outcrops
found on whitened hillsides in the Flatwoods. This clay shows but little ten-
dency to disintegrate by the atmospheric agencies alone; it does not "slake"
readily, so long as it retains its original structure, and hence, it is very generally
worn into genuine pebbles by the streams. When however, it has once been
broken up and worked into a plastic mass by mechanical means (as for in-
stance by denudation and re-deposition, or in roads), it resumes this condition
with extraordinary facility. Such is the nature of the surface material of the
Flatwoods, obviously derived from the (originally hard and intractable) clays of
the underlying strata, which it covers to a depth of from two to ten feet, form-
ing, to a great extent, both the soil and subsoil. These surface clays possess a
cleavage strictly massy, the cleavage planes being generally of a reddish tint;
a rain falling on this mass, instantly converts it into the toughest mud. This
toughness is rarely impaired through the presence of sand; the uncombined
siliceous matter contained in the mass is usually in a state of fine division, and
is to a great extent perhaps derived from subsequent infiltration with siliceous
solutions, which evidently have been active within the mass after its deposition.
For not only do we often find the clay itself indurated into a claystone of con-
siderable hardness, through the intervention of a siliceous cement, but we fre-
166, 167, 168]
NORTHERN LIGNITIC-CLAYSTONES.
111
quently meet, within the mass, irregular veins and lenticular sheets of a very
hard, gray or brown siliceous rock (at times almost a pure hornstone, at others
consisting in part of clay), whose drusy, nodular surface plainly shows its origin.
166. Stratified claystones (6 to 18 inches in thickness) are of common
occurrence at or near the top of the Lignitic strata of Tippah and Pontotoc, at
no great distance from the border of the cretaceous formation. These clay-
stones sometimes differ from the clay itself in little else than their greater
hardness, but usually they are somewhat sand, and contain numerous black
grains-in some instances, grains of greensand. Through these claystones,
every degree of lithological trans.tion from the pure, almost white clay, to the
fossiliferous san Istone of N. Tippah (¶168) may be traced, and careful exami-
nation will sometimes detect in them unequivocal remnants of marine fossils.
Such is the case with the (glauconitic) claystone overlying the lignitic clays at
Mr. Brougher's place, S. 7, T. 5, R. 2 E., Tippah county, and at an outcrop a
mile W. of Pontotoc. At the latter place a Tarbinolia! and part of the nucleus
ol a Natica? was found, with other impressions too indistinct to be recognized;
at the former. the exterior cast of a small, deeply ribbed Venericardia ? or Arca?
I have not met with any of these claystones on the territory of the Northern
Lignitic S. of the outcrop mentioned, near the town of Pontotoc. Thence S.
to the Succarnoche River, I have seen only the whitish "Flatwoods Clay;"
where the latter is massy or nodular, it rarely contains unequivocal signs of
vegetable fossils. Westward of the Flatwoods proper, however, the clays are
commonly laminated, less uniform in their character, and interstratified more or
less with sand. Such usually are the clays associated with the lignite beds,
and containing impressions of leaves; nevertheless, the genuine "Flatwoods
Clav" character frequently re-appears, locally, over the whole region.
167. The greatest deyersity of material generally obtains in connection with
the Lignite beds. They are usually overlaid, and sometimes underlaid also, by
yellow sands, or sandy clays, or numerous alternating layers of these materials,
often strongly lignitic themselves, and correspondingly dark colored. On the
other hand, pure, refractory, blue or green clay, of a massy cleavage, and void
of sand, is sometimes found associated with the lignite beds, and especially as
forming the subjacent stratum.
A special description of the lignite beds will be found under the head of the
Useful Materials of this group (T252, ff.). Within the light colored, laminated
clays of this formation, are not unusually found rounded masses, from the size
of a mans head to that of several bushels, of a black substance so much resem-
bling ston--coal, as to render it undistinguishable, at times, even to a practised
eye.
It is a kind of bitumen, similar to that found sometimes in the Rotten
Limestone; in the fire it is semi-fused like Cannel coal, swells and burns with
a brilliant, smoky flame, producing a light, spongy coke, which burns with
difficulty, leaving but very little, white ash. A more eligible material for the
manufacture of illuminating gas could scarcely be procured; but thus far, no
continuous deposit of this substance has been discovered. Among the locali-
ties where it has been found, I may mention: Mr. Brougher's place, S. 7, T. 5,
R. 2 E., Tippah county; Dr. John Thompson's, S. 8, T. 12, Ŕ. 2 E., Calhoun
county; Mr. Madison Carr's, S. 6, T. 11, R. 5 W., Yallabusha county; between
Sun Creek and Trim Cane Creek, in Mr. Dillon's neighborhood, Ocktibbeha
county.
168. Localities of the Northern Lignitic Group.-Near Mr. David Reeve's,
S. 36, T. 1, R. 3 E., N. Tippah county, we obtain, along the bed of a branch, the
following section :
112
[7169
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
(Sec. 16.)
SECTION OF THE LIGNITIC STRATA, AT D. REEVE'S, N. TIPPAH.
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Orange Sand-Hilltops.
1? Red Shale, non-fossiliferous.
4?
Gray laminated clay, washing into pebbles-non-
fossiliferous.
3
Clay-sandstone, spotted blue and yellow, with green-
2 sand dots. Venericardia planicosta, Cardium Nicol-
leti?, Trochus, Ostrea, etc.
1
Gray laminated clays--not visible at the outcrop, but
struck in wells in the neighborhood, after passing
through the rocks; below the clay, white, water-bearing
sand.
2
The precise thickness of Nos. 3 and 4 could not be ascertained, from the
overlying detritus. No. 4 is precisely similar to the fossiliferous shale at
Hurley's schoolhouse (T170, Sec. 17, No. 2), but like the underlying clay, of
which it is probably a metamorphosis (T41), is without fossils. The same rock,
as No. 2 of the preceding section, occurs on a ridge on the E. side of Muddy Creek,
on SS. 16 and 17, T. 2, R. 4 E. Here a ledge quite similar to that at Revees'
but with only here and there an imperfect fossil, appears on the summit of the
ridge, jutting out in an abrupt hillock at its northern end, whence it dips south-
ward and crops out on the hillside for a mile, disappearing about 30 feet below
the summit of the ridge, which consists of Orange Sand. A lower ridge, inter-
vening between the one just mentioned, and Muddy Creek, shows bald hilltops
consisting of a tough gray clay soil, underlaid by gray laminated clay.
169. In the country on the heads of Muddy Creek, Wolf River and Tippalı
Creek, in TT. 2 and 3, RR. 2 and 3 E., outcrops of the gray nodular "Flat-
woods Clay" are very common on the hillsides, which often appear quite similar,
at first sight, to the "bald prairie spots" of the Rotten Limestone country. Several
outcrops of this kind occur on the Ripley and Salem roads, and they are com-
mon in the bluffs of streams. On S. 29, T. 3, R. 3 E., (Squire Street's) there is a
bed of lignite-which, however, I had no opportunity of observing personally.
In townships 4, 5 and 6, ranges 1 and 2 E. (S. W. Tippah), we generally find
the clays laminated rather than nodular, frequently interstratified with sand, and
rarely destitute of vegetable remains--which, however, as a general thing, are
poorly preserved. Characteristic outcrops of this kind occur on Ocklimita Creek.
Thus on S. 33, T. 5, R. 1 E., near Hickory Flat, there is a bluff about 70 feet
high, which consists of alternating strata, from 1/4 inch to 2 feet in thickness, of
gray and brown clay, sand, and sandy clay; the whole overlaid by a few feet of
Orange Sand. The strata here show a slight westward dip; in a small outcrop
on S. 35, the dip is 15 deg. W. b S.-which is probably, however, owing to a
local fault.-Higher up on the Ocklimita, above the crossing of the Hickory Flat
and Ripley road (about S. 8, T. 5, R. 3 E.) the bluffs exhibit the following section:
5
сл
NO.

FEET.
INCHES
¶170]
NORTHERN LIGNITIC IN TIPPAH.
(Sec. 17.)
SECTION AT À BLUFF ON OCKLIMITA CREEK, W. TIPPAH.
CHARACTER OF STRATA,
192
15
Orange and Yellow Sand, with ferruginous
to
4
20
sandstone and large pieces of silicified wood.
2
Small fragments of silicified wood, imbedded in
to
6
a soft mass consisting of sand and comminuted
3
silicified wood.
Large white quartzite pebbles, with sand.
2
Gray clayey sand, with traces of fossil leaves.
1
Large fragments of silicified wood, the centre of which is black, lie in the bed
of the creek; whether derived from stratum No. 1, or from the sand above,
does not appear.
170. About 2 miles E. of this locality, at Hurley's schoolhouse, on a ridge, we
obtain the following section:
(No. 18.)
SECTION AT HURLEY'S SCHOOLHOUSE, W. TIPPAH.
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Orange Sand hilltops, with the common ferruginous
15 sandstone, and a few fragments of the white siliceous
rock with fissures resembling grass leaves.
3
Fine grained red shale, hard, with impressions of
leaves an the cleavage planes-Salisburin, Populus
rhomboidea, Morus, Ficus, Laurus, Olea Américana,
Cornus sericea, Rhamnus, Terminalia, Magnolia
rotundifolia, LESQX., M. accuminata, MICHX., Rhus,
Quercus, Carya.
Blue clay, similar to e of Diag. No. 5; forming
the body of the ridge.
3
According to O. Davis, Esq, of Ripley, red leaf-bearing shales, probably of
a similar character, occur on S. 8, T. 2, R. 2 E., about 5 miles S. E. of Spring
Hill, Tippah county; fragments of a similar rock I have ol served myself, N. of
Tippah "reek, in T. 4, R. 1 E. H. A. Gwyn, Esq., of Saulsbury, Tenn.,
NO.
NO.
113


R-8
114
[T171, 172
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
}
possesses fine specimens of leaves occurring in a red, micaceous, schistose sand-
stone, near Gov. Matthews' place, in N. E. Marshall county. Of the
precise position of the rock in these localities, I am not informed. All of
them are probably metamorphoses of different materials of the Lignitic forma-
tion, by means of ferruginous solutions derived from the Orange Sand.
171. The following section, from a bluff in T. 6, R. 1 E., on the Corners-
ville and Hickory Flat road, as well as that mentioned as occurring near the
latter place on Ocklimita Creek, will give a fair idea of the character of the
outcrops observed in S. W. Tippah and S. E. Marshall.
(Sec. 19.)
SECTION OF LIGNITE STRATA, FROM AN OUTCROP IN T. 6, R. 1 E.,
TIPPAH COUNTY.

1
FEET.
INCHES
CO
3
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Gray sandy clay with conchoidal cleavage, non-
fossiliferous.
NO.
ON
**
Black laminated clay with impressions of leaves,
and a seam of lignite at the base.
2
00
Blue massy clay, non-fossiliferous, same as No.
1 of Sec. 18, and lowest stratum of Diag. No. 5.

This section also represents faithfully numerous outcrops in S. Lafayette, and
N. Calhoun counties-some sections, however, exhibit nothing but sharp,
yellow sand, with faint impressions of leaves. The region in which the above
section occurs, is remarkable for the number and large size of the ferruginous
nodules occurring on the surface of the formation (T42); silicified trunks, also
being very common in the same position, and remarkable for the perfect preser-
vation of their vegetable structure.
172. At Rocky Ford, Pontotoc county, the S. bank of the Tallahatchie River
contains an exposure of about 12 feet of black, very micaceous, sandy, laminated
clay, passing in spots into a soft micaceous sandstone. In the upper portion of
this mass (which is overlaid by Orange Sand capped with white siliceous sand-
stone-T58) there are large, flattened ferruginous nodules.
The outcrops in ranges 1 E. and 1 W., in Pontotoc and Lafayette, are merely
repetitions of those just mentioned, while R. 2 E. is occupied chiefly by the
Flatwoods. W. Marshall, and N. and W. Lafayette, exhibit chiefly the Orange
Sand strata, though here and there a deep well reaches the "black dirt,"
yielding fetid water. In S. Lafayette, however, on the waters of the Yockeney-
Patafa, the lignite formation is well developed; as also in Calhoun and E.
Yallabusha. The following section occurring on the Yockeney River, S. T.
9, R. 3 W., will serve to characterize the strata of that region :
9173]
LIGNITIC OF LAFAYETTE.
(Sec. 20.)
115.
SECTION AT PRICE'S OLD MILL, ON THE YOCKENEY RIVER. `·

8 8
FEET.
INCHES
12
to
16
CHARACTER´OF STRATA.
Orange Sand--hilltops.
Sandy transition layer, with ferruginous nodules.
Whitish clay of nodular cleavage ("Flatwoods
Clay") without leaves; passing into
Dark colored, bluish clay, thickly laminated, with
obscure remnants of leaves.
Dark colored, fetid, lignitic clay, with seams of
1 3 lignite.
8
to
10
Black clay, somewhat sandy, with traces of
leaves.
NO.
5
cr

3
N
| Lignite-thickness not ascertained-bed of river. | 1
Lower down, on Dr. John Taylor's land, S. 30, T. 9, R. 3 W., the lignite
crops out, 2 to 3 feet thick, a little above the bed of the river, which is formed
by a tenacious blue clay-probably No. 1 of Sec's 18 and 19.
173. Higher up, also, on the heads of the Yockeney, lignite is found. A bed
said to be 8 feet thick occurs at Mr. Vineyard's, S. 1, T.10, R. 1 W.; it is found:
in wells in T. 9, R. 2 W., and also on branches of Potlockney Creek, in-T. 10,
R. 2 W., where I have had an opportunity of examining it. It crops out in
bluffs and gullies on Hughes' branch, on S. 8, T. 10, R. 2 W., overlaid by some
30 feet (as far as visible) of sharp yellow sand with ferruginous veins. The
sand, which is evidently a member of the lignite group, occurs in many bluffs
in the neighborhood, and sometimes contains impressions of leaves. In a branch
near Mr. S. Ragland's, on S. 9, T. 10, R. 2 W., there is an outcrop of great
interest, of which Diagram No. 5 will convey an idea.
The stratum of greenish-yellow sand at a contains impressions of leaves,
chiefly of a Cinnamomum not unlike the Sassafras. c is a bed of yellowish
white clay of irregular, or thickly laminated cleavage, containing numerous
leaves of a Sabal, also a variety of other, chiefly dicotyledonous plants, among
which a Quercus and Ficus?, which seem to be identical with species found in
the red shale of Tippah. In the yellow sand at d, immediately overlying the
clay stratum, there occur large billets of silicified wood, the interior of which
is black. The bed of the branch on the N. half of the bluff, is formed by blue
clay e, of massy cleavage, similar to No. 1 of Sec.'s 18 and 19, which appears to
underlie horizontally. The N. dip of the strata of the outcrop seems, therefore,
to be owing to a fault or landslide. The yellow fossiliferous sand found in other
localities in the vicinity, is high above the level of the leaf bearing clay stratum
of this diagram.
In the sands just mentioned, there frequently occur ferruginous, rust-colored
stripes, which at first sight appear to be stratification lines, since they very
commonly run parallel to the latter. Sometimes, however, these stripes exhibit
fanciful undulations and contortions, and would lead the observer to suppose
118
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
[174, 175

лов
(No. 5.)
Section of Lignitic strata at Ragland's Branch.
that the stratification is exceedingly irregular,
but for the fact that they may at times be found
crossing the true stratification lines. The
dotted lines in the accompanying diagram exhibit
these stripes. b is two masses of gray sandy
clay vertically laminated, imbedded in regularly
stratified sand.
In the same township (T. 10, R. 2 W.) lignite
has been struck in numerous wells (¶263).
174. Outcrops similar to those exhibi-
ted in S. W. Tippah and S. Lafayette
(see sections 19 and 20) are of constant
occurrence in N. Calhoun.
These strata are, of course, frequently struck
in wells, and are known under various names,
as black or blue "dirt" or "mud"; leaves referred
by the people to various living trees, also “palm
leaves" (Sabal), and even "acorns" and
hickory-nuts" have been often reported as
having been found. The wells at and noar
Sarepta, especially, have furnished many ex-
amples of this kind; no specimens of which,
unfortunately, have been preserved. In a well
on S. 28, T. 11, R. 1 W. (Mr. Hunter's), there
was found, besides the leaf bearing stratum, a
trunk of a tree, round, but lignitized.
175. I have not personally examined the
portion of Calhoun county lying S. of Loosha-
Scoona River, but according to all accounts, its
geological phenomena do not differ essentially
from those just described N. of the Scoona.
According to L. Harper, the lignite stratum
which crops out near the town of Pittsboro, has
there in some wells been found to be 30 feet
in thickness.-The most westerly range of
townships in Chickasaw_county, is occupied
almost entirely by the Flatwoods, with their
characteristic materials, described above.
•
The E. portion of Choctaw county is in most
respects a copy of Calhoun and S. E. Lafayette,
though on the whole the Orange Sand ridges,
underlaid by the lignitic strata, are lower, and
the soil more fertile, pine being usually absent;
here also, the line of the lignitic strata is
generally marked on the hillsides, by ferruginous
nodules. Outcrops of dark colored, laminated
clays occur near Bellefontaine; also one of a hed
of lignite; the same strata are struck in wells,
and in one of these, a round lignitized trunk
was found. S.licified wood is abundant in the
overlying Orange Sind strata. On the higher
ridges, such as that on which Greensboro' is
situated. wells 40 to 60 feet deep still remain
within the Orange Sind; but S. of Greensbo10',
on the Bankston road, and at the latter place
itself, the Lignitic strat. of the same facies as
those seen in N. Calhoun, are near the surface
and crop out in the branches, although I have not
•
¶176, 177, 178]
LIGNITIC OF CHOCTAW-WINSTON.
117
ascertained the occurrence of lignite proper in that immediate neighborhood.
Beds of lignite occur, however, eastward of Bankston, in several localities (¶265),
forming generally the water-shedding stratum. While the lignite at Mr.
Bridges' is solid and shows woody structure, being evidently derived from
forest trees, that in Mr. Wood's neighborhood seems to be composed of indefi-
nitely shaped fragments of wood, roots and leaves, chiefly endogenous-the
deposit perhaps of a bog or swamp, intermingled with clay, and crumbling to
pieces in drying. In both places, the lignite stratum is overlaid by gray clayey
sand with bits of leaves, similar to that observed on Ocklimita Creek, (No. 1 of
Sec. 17, 169). Silicified wood is very cominon in the Orange Sands of the
region. To the eastward, in Ocktibbeha county, the flatwoods are said to present
precisely the same features as further N.
176. The mineral waters at Black's Wells, Chocktaw cou ty are derived from
divers dark colored clays and sands overlying a lignite satum, which was
struck and passed through-4 feet thick-in deepening a well which at first
yielded a strong sulphur water; the latter suddenly disappeared, during a
thunderstorm, leaving freestone water behind. In spite of 1e,eated borings all
around the well, the sulphureous vein has not as yet been recovered.
The whole of Winston county, as well as N. Neshoba, appears to be under-
laid by a stratum--or perhaps several-of lignite, of very variable thickness;
from 2 to 12, on an average, 4 to 5 feet. In N. W. Winston, this stratum is
found in wells, overlaid by sand and leaf-bearing clays of irregular cleavage,
similar to that found on Ragland's branch (¶173).—A good locality for obtaining
specimens of the fossil flora, is at Mr. Wm. R. Coleman's mill, near New Pros-
pect P. O., on S. 35, T. 17, R.40 E., where the bluff of the pond consists of
yellowish, somewhat sandy clay of irregular cleavage, in which the leaves occur
as impressions of a deep brown tint. Here the leaves of a Cycas !, a Smilax?
and other plants are abundant (Locality c. of General Section).
177. On the heads of the Noxubee River, in N. E. Winston, lignite is also
abundant; it is found in wells, crops out in the branches, and on hillsides—
which wou'd seem to make pro: able the existence of several successive strata
of this material. A few years ago a bed of lignite which cropped out on both
slopes of a ridge, about 5 miles E. N. E. of New Prespect, took fire from the
burning of the woods, and kept burning for twelve months, during which time,
the "burning hill" was quite an attraction for the curious.
At Louisville, shallow wells are obtained in the Orange Sand before reaching
the lignite strata; the deeper wells, however, pass through gray and black clays
and beds of lignitic 2 to 10 feet thick; lignitized trunks retaining their rounded
shape, have also been found in the region. Fine impressions of leaves are fre-
quently found in these wells; in one dug at the residence of G. G. Si e lecor,
Esq., of Louisville, a stratum of grayish-red, fine-grained 10ck, 8 feet thick,
was found at 28 feet, most of the overlying material being gray clayey sand
of a laminated structure. The rock resembles closely the ferruginous shale
of Hurley's Schoolhouse (T170) and contains beautiful impressious of exogen-
ous leaves.
178. In S. E. Winston, S. W Noxubee, and N. W. Kemper, high ridges of
Orange Sand conceal entirely the Lignitic formation, until we reach the s ope
which descends into the Flatwoods, where lignitic clays are met with half-way
up the hillside, with ferruginous nodules, etc., but no lignite. The character
of the Flatwoods, however, is the same as ever. Similarly we see the lignitic
clays outcropping on the E. slope of the DeKalb ridge, and according to L. Harper,
a bed of lignite 3 to 4 feet thick crops out a few miles N. W. of De Kalb; but on
that ridge itself nothing but Orange Sand is to be seen for some distance S. of
Dekalb. On the waters of Patickfaw Creek, however, dark colored clays appear
on the hillsides, with ferruginous nodules. Near Blackwater P. Ó., a soft
yellow sandstone containing white shells, was said to have been struck at 40
feet, in a well; the ledge was a few feet in thickness, below it "black mud
Work
118
[7179
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
§
•
appeared and at 60 feet water was obtained in sand. Lignite is said to be found
in the neighborhood in several places. At Daleville, lignitic clays are near the
surface, and appear. more or less, all the way to Marion, Lauderdale county,
where we reach the northern edge of the marine Tertiary, as given on the map.
On Sowashee Creek, 2½ miles N. of Marion, we find on a hillside the following
section:
(Sec. 21.)
SECTION ON SOWASHEE CREEK, LAUDERDALE COUNTY.

@ 0 0
FEET.
INCHES
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Orange Sand-hilltop-with a log of silicified
wood.
1
20
20
Greenish-yellow sand, sharp, somewat lami-
nated; gradually passing into the upper strata.
6 Layer of ferruginous nodules.
Gray laminated clay, alternating with sand.
§ | 1| 6| Earthy lignite.
8
Gray laminated clay alternating with sand.
1
Silicified wood is very common all over N. Lauderdale.
179. The fossiliferous sandstone containing Venericardia planicosta, Monoceros,
and other fossils of the Claiborne Group, is found on or near the summit of the
ridge at Marion; while wells dug on the ridge penetrate into lignitic clays and
lignite beds.
In a deep cut on the N. E. & S. W. Alabama R. R., E. of
Marion, on Mr. Spear's contract, the Lignitic formation underlying the fossilife
rous sandstone, exhibits the following section :
4
сл
5
NO.
6
T180
LIGNITIC OF LAUDERDALE-NESHOBA.
(Sec. 22.)
SECTION AT SPEAR'S CUT, LAUDERDALE COUNTY.
to
0 ооо
crco FEET.
INCHES
3
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Loam and Orange Sand, with ferruginous
nodules below.
5
3
•
Yellow, sandy, laminated clay.
NO.
9
8
•
1.1
8
3
to
4
9
18
§
| 1
10
Massy, yellow and whitish sand, with ferrugin-
ous dots.
Blue clayey sand, on exposure becoming
covered with persulphate of iron. Upper portion
yellow, in thin layers, with a fluted exposure.
Massy, gray, sandy and micaceous clay, lignitic
above, and sometimes containing casts of a
Venericardia?
10 Solid Lignite.
Gray laminated clayey sand, with specks of
lignite, fragments of branches, etc. In its upper
portion becomes strongly lignitic.
| Lignite.
Bluish clayey sand, alternating with layers of
"Flatwoods Clay." In this bed there occur at
times large nodules of gray, radially crystallized
calcareous spar. No fossils.
7
6
LA
4
~
In a well bored at Marion Station, 2 miles W. of Marion, on the M. and O. R.
R., strata similar to these were penetrated for 425 feet, when a ledge of hard
sandstone 18 inches thick was struck, then 1 foot of bluish sand, then 1 inch of
hard rock, then bluish clayey sand with comminuted shells-a sandy marl—
and thereafter at 450 feet a bed of shells--chiefly oysters, judging by the
fragments-in loose siliceous sand, about 5 feet thick; then blue clayey sand to
475 feet, when a very micaceous sand was bored up, to 480 feet. The material
before me is insufficient to determine whether or not these shells are tertiary;
but it is likely that they should be so, since the cretaceous formation (which
might have been reached here) in this latitude, and far above, shows no trace of
similar materials.
180. Of the geology of Neshoba county, I possess but few data-derived, in
part, from a hasty trip in autumn 1855, the field notes of which, with others,
have disappeared. The Orange Sand formation is said to be very largely
developed N. of Pearl River, forming some of the highest ridges in the State. I
have reliable information, however, of the existence of lignite beds and "black
dirt" in the N. part of this county; while in the S. portion, we find a yellow or
white, soft sandstone, sometimes showing transitions into claystone, in which
fossils of the Claiborne stage appear (¶1902 ). Its resemblance to the fossilife-
rous rocks both of S. Lauderdale, and Tippah, is very striking.
119


120
[9181, 182
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Of Leake county I know nothing as yet, save that in its N. W. corner, near
Thomastown (as in a large portion, at least, of Attala county), fetid gray clays,
yielding saline anl purgative waters, o'ten impregnated with sulphuretted
hydrogen, are found in wells at no grз it depth (30 to 50 feet). The same is true
of the adjoining portions of Madison county, where, although outcrops are very
scarce, I have hid the opportunity of examining the material freshly dug from
wells-as at Mr. R A. McMillans, S 33, T. 13, R. 5 E, where at 28 feet,
beneath the Orange Sind, fetid laminated clays of various dark tints, with vesti-
ges of leves, and small crystals of gypsum-interstratifiel, more or less, with
dark-colored sinds, were struck, and water obtained in a stratum of black
sand at 47 feet. The material is absolutely identical with that observed at
Vaiden, in the deep cut (T183), and the same is found only a few feet beneath
the surface, in many points in N. Holmes, e. g., at Rockport.
181 Further E, we find in several cuts on the N. O., J. and G. N. R. R. (e. g.
on S 29, T. 12, R. 5 E), dark colored, fetid clays, charged with iron pyrites,
and containing numerous small layers and veins of glossy lignite. Where these
alays are exposel to the atmosphere, they speedily become covered with a white
efflorescence, which sometimes also appears in fields, on the surface soil,—a
mixture chiefly of copperas, alum, and gypsum.--The same strata are struck in
wells, and give rise, probably, to the mineral waters of the "Artesian Springs."
No regular beds of true lignite, so far as known, have been struck in this region,
but such beds are found in Yazoo (according to L. Harper), W. Holmes, Carroll,
Yallabushi and Panola, an'l probably also in DeSoto county. Of the Lignitic
formation, as it exists in the country bordering on the Mississippi bottom, I
cannot speak from personal observation. According to information obtained from
intelligent inhabitants, and observations quoted in various places in L. Harper's
Report, the character of the lignitic strata of that region coincides closely with
that observed further E, and it would seem that through the counties of Marshall,
Lafayette, Yallabusha, Carroll and Madison, an immediate connection of the
Lignitic of the interior with that of the Mississippi bluff, can be traced. In a
single locality (S. 27, T. 9, R. 4 W., Yazoo county), an outcrop mentioned by
L. Harper (Report. p. 168) offers a phenomenon not observed elsewhere, viz: a
stratum of lignite underlaid by pebbles; on the strength of which, he considers
the whole of the Northern Lignitic as being geologically connected with the
Orange Sund-to which, for the rest, it shows no more special relation than to
any of the other formations of the State. He does not describe the character of
the pebbles, nor does it appear that special care was taken to ascertain beyond a
doubt, the important fact that the pebbles were in their original place, and that a
case like that figured by him on p. 50 (copied from my field notes) was out of
question. Siliceous pebbles, however, occur in the fossiliferous sandstones of
§. Neshoba; so that, even if the facts as alleged by L Harper should be
substantially correct, they would prove nothing against the probable supposition
of the equivalence of the lignite stratum of the Mississippi bluff to those of E.
Mississippi. They may, nevertheless prove to be an independent formation.-
Oak and hickory leaves, and acorns associated with fragments of lignite, are
said to have been found in wells in W. Panola, Carroll and W. Holmes; the
aame has been the case in N. Marshall and in DeSoto, in several localities.
Generally, however, the Orange Sand, represented largely by the pebble beds,
appears to be the prevalent formation even to great depths, in this region.
182 The character of the formation in E. Yallabusha has already been men-
tioned (¶174) as being similar to that of N. Calhoun. In the central portion
(N. and S) of the county, lignite does not seem to occur; gray or white clays,
laminated, and more or less sandy and micaceous-often resembling, at first
sight, the Rotten Limestone, and not unfrequently claimed as such by the inhab
itants-and gray sand, form the usual material of the outcrops, which are by no
means abundant. W. of Water Valley, in Mr. Madison Carr's neighborhood,
white laminated clay appears on hillsides falling off towards Otuckalofa Creek ;
:
‚¶163]
LIGNITIC OF YALLABUSHA-CARROLL.
. 121
in bluffs on the banks of the latter stream, gray sand appears. The wells at
Coffeeville have freestone water, but a short distance W. of town, wells strike
"black dirt" and poor water. Traveling S. we next meet an outcrop on the S.
bluff of Okachicama Creek, the steep hillside being altogether denuded of surface
material, and exhibiting some 30 feet of laminated clay, which is gray while wet,
but when dry almost white. Like the clay of the Flatwoods, when once disin-
tegrated, it readily forms a highly tenacious mud, which has given some un-
pleasant notoriety to this hillside, among the waggoners. This clay is found for
about a mile each way from the crossing, on the banks of the creek; but wells
dug on the ridge prove it to be only a very narrow band, since it is struck no
more a few hundred yards S. of the creek, at 50 feet. Very shallow wells
prove the impervious clay to be not far from the surface on Perry's Creek, on
the S. side of which it crops out, not far above the crossing of the Coffeeville
and Grenada road. Near Grenada, according to L. Harper, dark, laminated,
micaceous clay crops out on S. 13, T. 22, R. 4 E, giving rise to an alum spring.
183. Little else than Orange Sand is to be seen in N. Carroll, along the line of
the M. C. R. R. A few miles N. of Middleton, however, we hear of “blue dirt”
in the wells, and it appears in these, as well as in a few outcrops, between
Middleton and Shongalo. Near the latter place, at Vaiden Station, we find in a
R. R. cut, associated with gray and brown clays more or less lignitic and
gypseous, a mass composed of sharp, coarse siliceous sand and grains of glaucon-
ite, cemented by hydrated peroxide of iron, with more or less clay, and contain-
ing numerous impressions of shells, apparently of the Claiborne Group.
The position of the strata in this interesting locality cannot, ut fortunately,
be very clearly observed, in consequence of the southward ascent of the grade
of the R. R. from the two small cuts containing the ferruginous greensand,
towards the deep one in which the gray ignito-gypseous clays appear, so as to
leave unexposed the line of contact between the two materials. There can,
however, be little doubt that the fossiliferous deposit is both over-and underlaid
by clays like those exposed in the deep cut at Vaiden; for while, in the latter,
they occur at a level considerably above the fossiliferous strata, and are without
any perceptible dip, wells and cisterns dug at the stat on find, at a level far
below the latter, nothing but clays precisely similar to those in the deep cut-of
brown and gray tints, with rosettes and laminæ of gypsum, frequently incrusted
with a yellow ferruginous mineral (Yellow Iron Ore, 224). In the middle
cut, the coarse, glauconitic, dark orange-colored, ferruginous sandstone forms a
pretty uniform stratum about 3 feet thick; it is in this that the fossils are most
abundant. These are preserved as impressions and nuclei only, among which,
thus far, the following have been recognized :
Nautilus zigzag !
Ostrea divaricata, LEA!
Venericardia rotunda, Lea !
Cardium Nicolletï, CON. ?
Avicula.
Voluta petrosa, CON. !
Dentalium.
Turritella vetusta, LEA ?
Terebra venusta, LEA ?
Solarium.
Underlying this rock, and in the cut adjoining northward, alternating with it,
there occurs a stiff amorphous clay, with sarp sand and some greensand grains,
also of a deep orange tint, and exhibiting traces of fossils. These materials also
contain, both in these cuts and in some further N., variously shaped ferruginous
concretions, whose shell is of limonite character, and filled usually with fine
yellow ochre.
The peculiar deep tint of the heavy subsoil in several localities in this neigh-
borhood, (contrasting strongly with the unusually pale tint of the post-tertiary
surface loam commaly seen in S. Carroll), renders it evident that the red clay
above mentioned, has contributed to form the same. No other outcrops, how-
ever, seem to occur in the immediate neighborhood; but cuts exhibiting similar
materials occur on the R. R., between Vaiden and Rockport.
122
[T184, 185, 186
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
184. In the bed of Peechyhaly Creek, S. of Shongalo, on S. 2 ?, T. 16, R. 5 E.,
there occurs, associated with blue clayey sand, a soft sandstone, mottled blue
and yellow, very closely resembling that of S. Neshoba and Lauderdale; no
fossils were, however, discovered in it. Large billets of silicified wood have
been found in the neighboring streams by Wm. Batey, Esq., in whose well on
S. 35, T. 17, R. 5 E., laminated clay like that in the deep cut at Vaiden, with
rosettes of gypsum, was struck at 28 feet, continuing, with little change of
character, to 44 feet; a level fully as low, probably somewhat lower, than that of
the ledge of rock in Peechyhaly Creek, in the edge of the bottom of Big Black
River. Crossing the latter at Kirkwood's Ferry, about S. 11, T. 16, R. 5 E.,
we find on the S. side a steep bluff about 70 feet high, on which the following
section is exhibited :
(Sec. 23.)
SECTION OF TERTIARY STRATA AT KIRKWOOD'S FERRY,
ATTALA COUNTY.

FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
1 White siliceous sandstone, non-fossiliferous.
NO.
3 | Yellow sand, grains rounded, no fossils—Orange Sand. | 6
2
Dark orange-colored, glauconitic sandstone--fossils as
at Vaiden.
5
វ

30
Ferruginous sand, somewhat glauconitic, with few
3
fossils.
14 Gray laminated clay.
20 Yellow sand, without fossils.
2
1
The white siliceous sandstone, No. 7, which is very abundant on the ridges
of N. Attala (T59), strews the hillside.
拳
​185. The facts just stated, in connection with this section, can leave no doubt
as to the fact, that the lignito-gypseous strata both overlie and underlie this
marine ferruginous deposit, which is quite extensively developed in N. Attala,
and acquires some practical importance through the large amount of greensand
it contains; which not only renders some of its materials suitable as manures,
but is also scattered through the heavy "red hills" soil of that portion of the
county, rendering them both fertile and durable. In numerous steep gullies on
the Shongalo and Kosciusko road, as well as on the bluffs of Zilfa, and both
forks of Poukta Creek, the several materials observed on the bluff at Kirkwood's
Ferry, crop out; and the fertilizing powers of the very sand deposits of these
creeks (in which, of course, the greensand is concentrated), are already known
and appreciated among the agriculturists of the region.
186. I have not traced out this formation in E. Åttala county, but have looked
closely for traces of it in Winston. The deep characteristic tint of its materials,
which is unmistakeable in the "Red Hills" of Attala and Holmes, again meets
7187, 188]
GREENSAND DEPOSITS-ATTALA-HOLMES.
123
the eye in the subsoil of the "Noxubee Hills" in N. E. Winston, and, as an
intermediate point, at Mr. Coleman's (¶176). The peculiarly sharp, unpleas-
antly gritty sand which the red clay of this formation contains, seems to be
recognizable at several points in the Noxubee Hills; as at Mr. Davis' mill on
the Noxubee River, where on a hillside we find, overlying the white laminated
clays of the Lignitic, a singular conglomerate, consisting of pebbles of the latter
clay, sometimes several feet in diameter imbedded in a dark orange colored,
gritty clay, resembling greatly that of the Shongalo strata. The conglomerate
as such, I suppose to belong to the Orange Sand Formation, under the head of
which, but for their intimate connection with the fossiliferous strata of N.
Attala, these phenomena would more properly have been noticed. The pro-
clivity of the Orange Sand to appropriate the materials of other formations, I
have already sufficiently exemplified. At the outcrop on Sowashee Creek, as
well as in other intermediate localities, a similar state of things obtains. It
would therefore seem, that the marine deposit of which we find an outlier at
Vaiden, and the main body in N. Attala, originally covered a much greater area,
but has been greatly denuded during the Orange Sand period.
187. I have not found any indications of this formation much S. of the S.
prong of Poukta Creek. At Kosciusko, the lignito-gypseous clays alone are
struck in the wells (in one lately dug on Dr. C. B. Galloway's place, 5 ms. from
the town, a bed of several inches of white fibrous gypsum has penetrated), and
the surface material is of a pale hue. Nor do we find any trace of marine fossils
S. of the Poukta, until we reach, at Canton, the calcareous strata of the Jackson
Group. Whether or not any connection is traceable through S. E. Attala, and
the adjoining portions of Winston and Leake, into the fossiliferous sandstones of
S. Neshoba (T1902 ), still remains to be determined.
I have been reliably informed that "red hills" similar to those of N. Attala,
exist in N. E. Holmes. Moreover, I owe to C. G. Armistead, Esq., of Yallo-
busha, information concerning the existence of a ferruginous rock containing
marine fossils, on the waters of Wolf Creek, S. W. Choctaw county, which
will probably prove to be identical with the Shongalo rock.
In the wells bored in S. Madison, by the Rev. Mr. Lambuth (T322), the fos-
siliferous marine strata of the Jackson Group were passed through at about 90
feet, after which, "blue dirt," with selenite, several ledges of sandstone, and a
lignite bed of 40 feet thickness, were struck, but no more marine strata were
reached at a depth of 415 feet. At Jackson, however, at the Penitentiary well,
after passing through 32 feet of surface material and fossiliferous strata of the
Jackson age, Lignitic clays were, penetrated for 418 feet, after which, a bed of
shells 20 feet thick, extremely rich in greensand, was passed through into water
bearing sand. The friable shells brought up by the auger are too much com-
minuted to allow of determination.-Whether this bed is a continuation of the
Shongalo deposit, or an independent basin or estuary: there can be little doubt
that it, also, is of the Claiborne age.
II. THE CLAIBORNE GROUP.
A. THE SILICEOUS CLAIBORNE STRATA.
188. The character of the rocks of this group has already been
mentioned in connection with the Northern Lignitic Group, of
which, in analogy to the deposits of N. Attala, it seems to form,
as it were, a subordinate member. Its fossiliferous, aluminous (but
rarely siliceous) sandstones, and claystones, do not impart any
peculiar feature to the surface of the country, which bears as a
general thing, the character of the Orange Sand Group.
·
124
189. 190¹
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Thus far, it is only in S. Lauderdale and N. Clarke, that I have examined the
rocks of this group somewhat specially. At Marion, as before stated, we find a
stratum only a few teet thick, of rather coarse sandstone, of variable degrees of
hardness within its mass, and containing silicified fossils of the (lower) Claiborne
age, overlying immediately the Lignitic strata, as seen in Spears' cut (179).
Some portions of this rock are of excessive hardness, from others, the silicified
shells can be picked by hand, and in weathering, the shells are left projecting
above the surface, as in the Turritella Limestone of Tippah.. In view of the
impossibility of obtaining fragments of any considerable size, of uniform hard-
ness, the supposed adaptability of this rock to the manufacture of buhrstones
is somewhat utopian. The softer varieties disintegrate very readily, and more
especially under the influence of fire. It appears that many of the ridges in the
neighborhood of Marion were once capped with ledges of this rock, as some are
even now; for on some of these, especially W. of the town (as for instance, on
S. 33, T. 7, R. 17, and ridges connecting therewith) we find imbedded in the
soil and subsoil great numbers of silicified shells, which seem to have been
gradually washed down from above. They are generally in a poor state of
preservation, with the sole exception, perhaps, of Venericardia planicosta, of
which I have obtained large, well preserved specimens at the locality mentioned;
of the univalves (Voluta, Monoceros, Pyrula) only the columella is commonly
preserved, and decay has often brought out prominently the lines of growth,
where the rest of the sheil is extant. When freshly dug from the soil, these
shells are often quite soft and friable, but harden by exposure. The so l is, of
course, largely composed of the coarse sand which forms the body of the rock.
189. The rock is not on the whole very common in S. Lauderdale; it is com-
monly found on the hilltops and crests of ridges, in limited deposits, the greater
portion having, probably, been unable to resist the denuding agencies of the
Orange Sund.
The rock found at Marion, like that of Tippah, contains occasionally "galls"
of gray, fine-grained claystone. On a hillside near the 10 mile post on the
Marion and Quitman road, we find a solid ledge of this whitish claystone, about
6 in's thick, forming the top ledge of an outcrop of sandstone, some of which is
very coarse, slightly glauconitic, and the sand-grains consisting apparently of
chalcedony. Other portions of the rock resemble very much the spotted rock
at Reeve's, Tippah county (¶168), and all are slightly fossiliterous.
Southward of the point mentioned, these rocks are very common on the
ridges-mostly, however, poor in fossils; consisting of ledges 6 in's. to 2 feet
thick, each of which is slightly different from the others. Such is the case on
the S. bluff of Dry Creek, where 18 feet of the rock appear, and here may be
seen underlaid by a gray sand, similar to some seen at Spear's cut. S of the
N. half of T. 4, R. 16 E, however, no more of the rock is to be seen; Orange
Sand hills with Long-leaf Pine cover the face of the country, and deep wells
reach nothing but yellow and red sand.
1901 Westward of the line of travel just described, we find a good opportunity
for the study of this formation, on Chunkey Creek; in the cuts of the M. & Ố.
R. R.; and on the banks of the Chickasawhay, at Enterprise.
I regret being unable, in consequence of the disappearance of the field notes
relating to it, to give in detail the highly interesting section occurring in a R. R.
cut on S. 33, T. 5, R. 15, Lauderdale county, about 5 ms. N. E. of Enterprise.
Here the white clay stone mentioned above is largely developed; as in the other
cases, it forms the highest stratum, is sometimes seen in solid ledges several
feet in thickness, and is remarkable, when dry, for its extraordinary lightness.
Though not rich in shells, it contains fine casts of a Led, and of Cardium
Nicolleti ?-In its upper portions, this bed passes into yellowish sandstone re-
sembling that of S. Neshoba, and sometimes into a hard cherty rock, which
forms huge, rounded nodules.
Below it, at the N. end of the exposure, lies a green clay almost destitute of
()
1902, 1911
CLAIBORNE STRATA IN NORTH CLARKE,
125
fossils; in this was found the supposed ovarium of a Pyrula (L. Harper's Rep.,
p. 149). Further S., however, we find intervening between this clay and the
chert or claystone, with a rapidly increasing thickness and strong dip south-
ward, a stratum of coarse greenish sand, whose grains consist mainly of
chalcedony, and some greensand grains (see above). At this point, the stratum
contains no fossils; it may be traced, however, thence to Enterprise, where we
find it in the banks of the Chickasaw hay River, partly cemented by lime and
teeming with fossils-chiefly Ostrea divaricata, Cardium Nicolleti, Venericardia
rotunda, l'ecten Lyelli, and Scutella-and strongly glauconitic. The greenish
clay found underlying it at the R. R. cut, is also present-as shown in the
following section :
(Sec. 24.)
SECTION OF TERTIARY STRATA ON THE CHICKASAWHAY, AT
ENTERPRISE, CLARKE COUNTY.
FEEL.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
10 Orange Sand.
Course glauconitic sand, frequently indurated by a
6 calcareous cement, with Ostrea divaricata, vomer,
Cardium Nicolleti, Venericardia rotunda, Pecten.
10
Coarse ferruginous sand, glauconitic, with indistinct
fossils.
Green clay, apparently non-fossiliferous. Bed of river.
1
Bed No. 3 of this section is also seen in a branch W. of Enterprise, filled with
Mortonia, and a similar one appears in Chunkey Creek, above Chur.keyville.
1902 I have mentioned above (187) the yellow aluminous sandstone of S.
Neshobi. It is very poor in fossils at its northern edge, but becomes richer as
we advance southward. The following shells occur in specimens derived from a
locality near the S. line of Neshoba, on the Philadelphia and Enterprise road.
Venericardia planicosta,
Veneriçardia rotunda, Lea.
Voluta petrosa, Con.
Corbula gibbosɑ, Lea ?
À Turritella--shell smooth, and remarkable for the small angle formed by
the sides of its spire.
The rock is sometimes of a uniform yellow tint, but more generally spotted
with blue. and contains galls of indurate clay, like the sandstone of N. Tippah
(¶162 ff.. 168).
It occurs likewise in N. Newton, but I have no personal knowledge of its
character there. There are several cuts of the Southern R. R. in this county,
which from the accounts of the engineers must be highly interesting and instruc-
tive, and contain fossilifer us rocks; I have not as yet had an opportunity of
examining them.
191. Beds intervening between the siliceous and the calcarcons Claiborne strata.
-I have not as yet been able to trace along the Chickasawhay river, the precise
relation of the strata seen at Enterprise (the first in which carbonate of lime
2
3
NO.

126
[192, 193, 194
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
appears) to those which appear at Quitman. Little chance for observation occurs
on the Enterprise and Quitman road, until within about 5 miles of the latter
place, where we find outcropping in bluffs and on hillsides, strata resembling
those of the Lignitic further N., consisting of alternating layers of gray and yellow
sand, and gray and brown clay. Whether or not this stratum underlies the
Quitman marls, intervening between them and the Enterprise strata, I have
been unable thus far to determine with certainty; the outcrop occurring on
the banks of the Chickasawhay near Quitman (see below) seems, however, to
render this supposition probable.
B. THE CALCAREOUS CLAIBORNE STRATA.
192. The area underlaid by this division of the tertiary is smaller,
apparently, than that occupied by any of the other groups. I am
not certain of its western limits, having examined it personally
only in Clarke county, on the Chickasawhay and its tributaries.
In the county just named, it does not give rise to any very striking
peculiarities in the surface conformation. Though outcropping on
the banks of streams, and in the valleys, imparting to these a more
fertile soil and a forest growth indicative of the lime contained in
the former, it does not, so far as I know, form any prairies--a fea-
ture of constant occurrence on the territory of the Jackson Group.
Not being in possession of any paleontological evidence concern-
ing the counties of Scott and Newton, but learning that prairies
do exist there, on which the bones of the Zeuglodon occur, I have
upon analogy supposed the tertiary strata of these counties to
belong to the Jackson Group, and have laid them down as such
on the map, for the present.
193. The materials of this division consist, so far as I have seen,
of blue, and white marls, the latter always sandy and often
indurate.
In both, all fossils except the oysters are very poorly preserved, so as to ren-
der their recognition always difficult, often impossible. Its beds differ remar-
kably, in this respect, from those of Alabama, so noted for the fine preservation
of their fossils. The most northerly, and most westerly outcrop of the marl
of this division, which I have seen, occurs under a bridge on Suanlovey Creek,
W. S. W. of Enterprise. It forms the bed, and a foot or two of the bank, of the
creek, for about 200 yards; is of a bluish tint, speckled with white from the
detritus of shells, and sometimes contains indurate slabs. The oysters alone
are well preserved-Ostrea divaricata, O. sellæformis--the other shells are bro-
ken and mostly comminuted. PectenLyelli ?, a Turritella, and a Dentalium
were recognized.
194. At Quitman, this marl is found in wells, and crops out near a sulphur
spring (Smith's Spring) S. of town-scarcely distinguishable from that on
Suanlovey. Ostrea divaricata, Pecten Lyelli, and Corbula gibbosa, LEA, are the
only fossils which I have been able to recognize distinctly. The same marl
occurs in the branches in the neighborhood of Quitman, and also, according to
reliable information, on the waters of the Buckatunna in S. E. Clarke.
On the banks of the Chickasawhay, W. of Quitman, we find a section exhib-
iting, beneath the surface materials, a stratum about one foot thick, of gray.
very fat and tenacious, laminated clay, and beneath this, to the waters edge, a
bluish-gray, non-effervescent, and non-fossiliferous clayey sand, with yellow
dots, which wash out readily, so as to produce a cellular surface.-If the marl
1195, 196, 197]
QUITMAN-FALLING CREEK.
127
at Smith's Spring immediately overlies the gray laminated clay of this section,
the difference of level would give it about 10 to 12 feet thickness.
195. S. of Quitman, we find the same marl cropping out on a branch 2 miles
from town. Then, at the crossing of Falling Creek, 4% ms. in the same direc-
tion, we obtain the following section:
(Sec. 25.)
SECTION ON FALLING CREEK, S. OF QUITMAN, CLARKE CO.


ofan af f
-
FEET.
INCHES
4-
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
6 Gray calcareous sandstone.
Blue marl, with Ostrea diviaricata, O. sellae-
formis, and another large, round oyster, undet.
NO.
4
CO
3
2
Yellowish-gray calcareous sandstone (indurate
2
marl).
t t
t t
White sandy marl, almost void of fossils.
1
The oysters mentioned in No. 3 of this section, are the only fossils seen here—
occurring more or less, in all the materials exhibited.
I have not observed any outcrops S. of this, although the appearance of the
Poplar (Liriodendron), Wild Plum, and Crab Apple in the gullies, still indicates
the presence of the calcareous strata.
196. Beds intervening between the Claiborne and Jackson Groups.—Where the
Quitman and Winchester road crosses Coonupy Creek, on S. 5, T. 1, R. 16 E.,
the blue marl of the Claiborne strata does not appear in the bluffs, but a siena-
brown clay, stratified in layers 1 to 8 inches in thickness, with sand intervening.
It is well exhibited at the point mentioned, in a mill race, and I was informed
that in digging it, a great abundance of fine impressions of leaves were found-
chiefly dicotyledonous, it appears, but among them also a palm (Sabal?) leaf. I
was also informed, that on the banks of the Chickasawhay, due W. of the place,
the same clay is found underlaid by marl-containing numerous indurate ledges,
and large round oysters-the same, no doubt, as those occurring at Falling
Creek.-Immediately S. of this locality, on the verge of the bottom of Coonupy
Creek, we find prairie hilltops, and on the hillsides, outcrops of white marl con-
taining fossils of the Jackson Group, underlaid by brownish clayey sand.
According to level, the thickness of this lignitic, leaf-bearing stratum cannot
greatly exceed 30 feet.
ས
197. At Garlandsville, Jasper county, on S. 8, T. 4, R. 11 E., we find on
Suanlovey Creek, an outcrop of lignite of good quality, of which about 2 feet
are exhibited above the bed of the stream; it is overlaid by about 2 feet of a
lignitic clay, or earthy lignite. Higher up on the hills just S. of the outcrop
mentioned (at Dr. Loughridge's), we find the bald prairie with Zeuglodon bones,
oysters, and other fossils of the Jackson Group. I have had no means of ascer-
taining its thickness at this point.
Near Jackson, on Moody's branch, we find beneath the shell-bearing sand, first
blue sandy clay with ferruginous concretions, and beneath, earthy lignite under-
:
128
[T198, 199, 200
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
laid by gray laminated clays and sands (¶204). The great thickness of this
lignitic stratum, as ascertained in the well bored at the Penitentiary, has already
been referred to (187). In the town of Jackson it is commonly struck in dug
wells, and various kinds of leaves, as well as acorns, have been found in them.
It is evident that the stratum thins out to the eastward, and at Claiborne, and
Bettis' Hill, Alabama, according to Lyell (Sill. Am. J., Vol. IV, 2d s., p. 189) and
Tuomey, it is entirely wanting, the Claiborne strata being immediately overlaid
by the Zeuglodon or Jackson bed, and this by the Orbitoides Limestone, of the
Vicksburg Group.
·
III. THE JACKSON GROUP.
198. The territory of this group, although to a considerable
extent occupied, like the rest, by Orange Sand ridges, is strongly
characterized in many regions by the occurrence of the black
prairie soil on its surface, and also, of bald prairies--both very
similar to those of the Rotten Limestone region, though of much
less extent. It shares this character to an inconsiderable extent
only, with the strata of the Vicksburg Group. The material to
which this prairie soil owes its origin, posse ses considerable ana-
logy to the Rotten Limestone itself--at times, it is a soft yellowish
limestone or indurate marl, containing a good deal of clay; at
others, it is in reality, nothing more than a soft, gray or yellowish,
calcareous clay. The rock and clay mentioned are ordinarily the
matrix of the huge Zeuglodon bones, which are therefore to be
sought chiefly in the prairies, and have not, to my knowledge, as
yet been found at any great distance from them, in Mississippi.--
These bones, an oyster somewhat resembling Gryphaea convexa of
the Cretaceous, the vertebrae and teeth of fish, and a branching
coral (Eschara sp.) are the common fossils of the tertiary prairies
of S. Mississippi.
Other bivalves and univalves, as also echinoderms, may sometimes be found
in a tolerably well preserved condition, in the more sandy varieties of this material;
but as a general thing, imperfect casts only of these occur in the prairie rock,
and usually it requires considerable care to detect their presence at all:
199. About 70 feet of rocks of this character form the upper division of the
Jackson stage. The lower portion is formed by from 10 to 20 feet of sandy
strata, commonly of a bluish tint, and containing greensand grains.
It is this lower bed, cropping out on the banks of Pearl River, at Jackson,
which has furnished the fossils described by Conrad, and figured in Prof. Wailes'
Report; and whose state of preservation approaches very closely to that of the
well-known Claiborne fossils, in Alabama. I have not thus far found any vestiges
of the Zeuglodon in this lower division, but I have identified most of its
characteristic fossils in the upper strata, at various times and localities.
•
200. Whilst the stratigrap ical relations of this group to that next above it
(the Vicksburg Group) may be traced with considerabl regularity of (southward)
dip, along the channels of the two rivers which cross both belts (the Chickasawhay,
and Pearl River), there appears to be some irregularity in the form of the
strun on its northern portion. According to the levelings of the N O., J.
and G. N. R. R., the city of Jackson is situated 45 feet higher than Canton,
Malison county, which is d stant 25 miles due N. from the former place; by the
levelings of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad Survey, however, the difference is
only 25 feet
At Canton, we find the highest strata, apparently, of the Jackson
Group--the gray calcareous clay matrix of the Zeuglodon, occupying the surface,
7201, 202, 203]
LOCALITIES OF JACKSON GROUP.
129
though at a moderate depth (20 to 30 feet) the lignito-gypseous material is
struck, yielding undrinkable water. The same strata are seen all the way
between Canton and Jackson, and crop out very characteristically half a mile
N. of the State House. Yet we find lignitic strata cropping out on Moody's
branch, a mile N. E. of the State House, and that at a hypsometrical level
obviously higher, than that at which, a mile below, we find the beds of blue
fossiliferous sand cropping out on Pearl River and in the bed of Dry Creek.
Making due allowance for the undulations of the surface at both stations (Canton
and Jackson), the surface of the lignitic strata, so far from exhibiting a southward
dip, is still slightly higher at Jackson than at Canton. It seems difficult to
account for this condition of things unless by supposing a local upheaval of the
underlying formation to have taken place before the deposition of the lowest of
the Jackson stage. I am not aware whether or not similar irregularities exist
in other meridians; it is certainly not the case on that of the Chickasawhay
River, where the same strata sink regularly below the water level, as we advance
southward.
201. Localities of the Jackson Group.—I am not personally acquainted with
the extreme western portion of the formation, in Yazoo and S. W. Madison.
According to L. Harper, the marine eocene strata first appear a short distance
S. of Satartia, Yazoo county, where the material is of a clayey character, and
contains, among other fossils mentioned by him, Venericardia planicosta and
Gastridium vetustum (“Eburna”)-sufficient to distinguish it from the Vicksburg
marls, further S. I have also been informed, that bones of the Zeuglodon have been
repeatedly found in the neighborhood of Satartia; and vertebræ of the same have
been kindly forwarded to the collection of the Geological Survey, by W. S
McKee, Esq., residing near Satartia, Yazoo county. Harper further mentions
the occurrence of compact limestone containing Venericardia planicosta, on the
bluff near the Warren county line, and of a bed of marl (fossils not mentioned)
on S. 1, T. 18, R. 5 E., Warren (Yazoo ?) county; I have seen no specimens of
these materials.
202. About 3 miles N. of Canton, the most northerly indications of a calca-
reous formation are met with, in the shape of soft white concretions of carbonate
of lime, appearing in a rather stiff yellow loam, at the bottom of gullies. These
indications increase as we advance southward, and in some small R. R. cuts N.
of Canton, we find profiles in which the common yellow surface loam is under-
laid, at the depth of about 3 feet, by a heavier loam containing calcareous
concretions, of about the same thickness. This in its turn, is underlaid by a
stiff, bluish white clay of massy cleavage ("joint clay"), with white, calcareous
concretions and veins, but containing no fossils. There are not, between these
several materials, distinct stratification lines; there is rather a gradual transition
from one to the other, the upper being probably derived, in the main, from the
blue clay below, but changed by oxidation, the admixture of sand and the
partial removal by lixiviation of the lime, which has accumulated in the lower
portion of the mass.
203. The country between Canton and Calhoun Station, on the N. O., J. &
G. N. R. R., is so level as to afford little opportunity of examining the formation.
The peculiar greenish hue, however, which the yellow surface loam assumes in
the deeper washes, sufficiently indicates the proximity to the surface, of the
calcareous clays, which are also struck in cisterns-shallow wells yielding either
undrinkable water or none at all. S. of Calhoun Station, the strata of the
calcareous tertiary are well exposed; affording the following section in the
"Montgomery cut:"

R-9
}
130
[T204
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
(Sec. 26.)
SECTION IN A R. R. CUT NEAR CALHOUN STATION.
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
5 Yellow loam, concretions of lime in its lower portions.
ON
NO.
C
15
to
20
† † †
8
to
10
Stiff, greenish yellow, calcareous clay, of massy cleavage,
containing calcareous concretions. In its lower portions
almost blue, cleaving into large, smooth, irregular
fragments.
Grayish white clay marl, resembling Rotten Lime-
stone, stratified in layers (of massy cleavage within
themselves) 2 to 3 inches in thickness. Contains numèr-
ous fragments and impressions of shells, mostly indis-
tinct, some oysters, and bones of Zeuglodon.
N
1
In No. 1, a very large skeleton of Zeuglodon, (remnants of which are still
abundant in the pile thrown out of the cut), was found, but unfortunately, its
portions were scattered all over the country. Here also, the stratification lines
are not very distinct, and the thickness of the Zeuglodon stratum, especially,
varies greatly. At Rev. J. R. Lambuth's, about 2 miles E. of the cut, this
stratum, struck in a cistern, was found only 18 inches in thickness.-It is
chiefly stratum No. 2 of this section, which causes the troublesome caving
of the sides of this cut.
204. The banks of Pearl River, and the hills bordering the bottom, do not ex-
hibit any outcrops in this region, nor are these very common until within a few
miles (N.) of Jackson, where strata closely resembling the matrix of the Zeuglo-
don at the cut (Sec. 26), appear in washes on the roadside; containing large
numbers of the oyster before mentioned, but only traces of other fossils. The
same material is found outcropping near the Lunatic Asylum, about ½ mile N.
of the State House.
The following general section, deduced from observations at Moody's branch
and in the McNutt Hills, 1 to 2 miles N. E. of Jackson, will best illustrate the
condition of things in this neighborhood.
CO
3

[¶205`·
M'NUTT HILLS-JACKSON.
(Sec. 27.)
131
SECTION OF JACKSON STRATA, AT MOODY'S BRANCH AND
MCNUTT HILLS.
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
30
to
45
Yellowish-white marl, more or less sandy, some-
times indurate and forming a soft rock; gives rise to
"bald prairies” in the McNutt Hills. Contains bones
of Zeuglodon, vertebrae and teeth of fish, Echinus!;
Scutella, Hemiaster?, and casts of univalves and
bivalves of the Jackson Group.
tt t
† † †
6
to
† † †
10
Yellowish white, clayey marl, with few fossils-
Pecten nuperus, Pinna, Ostrea.
6
8
Coarse yellow sand, somewhat clayey, with "Jack-
son fossils" in a fine state of preservation.
51
4
•
2 Blue sand, with Jackson fossils, mostly detritus.
Blue sandy clay, fetid, somewhat micaceous; its
10 upper portion filled with oddly shaped, ferrugino-
siliceous concretions. No fossils.
1| Earthy Lignite.
10
Gray laminated clay, interstratified with sand, with
traces of stems and leaves.
3
2
No. 6 of this section may correspond to the gray calcareous clay seen N. of
Jackson. It seems, however, that in No. 7 also, sandy and clayey materials.
alternate more or less.
205. On Pearl River, just above and at the bridge, strata No. 4 and 5 appear
in the bed of the river, the whole being, apparently, of a bluish tint, and its fossils.
well preserved. The bluff at the bridge, and the hillsides below the State House,
exhibit the yellow surface loam, adn sometimes pebble beds, underlaid
by greenish yellow, massy clay or loam, which lower down becomes bluish-
white, and in all respects similar to stratum No. 2 of Sec. 26 (Montgomery cut),
containing soft calcareous veins and concretions. Beneath these, 15 to 25 feet
below the hilltops, we find yellow calcareous sand with numerous corals and
imperfect casts of shells, and the same concretions as in the clay above. Beneath
this stratum, which is 12 to 18 feet thick, there appears, in the bed of the river,
the blue sandy marl with Jackson fossils-strata Nos. 4 and 5 of the preceding
section. The same strata, the matrix of the "Jackson shells," also crop out om
Dry Creek, S. of Jackson, where, as well as at Moody's Branch, I have obtained
fine collections of fossils. They are also seen on the opposite bank of Pearl
River, to the left of the road embankment, and in the bed of the river below.
Jackson for several miles.
NO.


132
T206
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
>
206. The following is a list, prepared by Prof. W. D. Moore, of the fossils
found in strata Nos. 4 and 5 at Moody's Branch and Dry Creek. With a few
differences in the relative prevalence of species, the character of the fauna at both
localities is essentially the same. Four species not found on Dry Creek are
represented at Moody's Branch, while 15 species not occurring at the latter place
were found on Dry Creek. It will be perceived that 8 of the species mentioned
below (marked with an asterisk*), are also found at Vicksburg, thus rendering
the between the two faunas less wide and abrupt, than the lists heretofore
gap
published would make it appear.
FOSSILS OF THE LOWER SHELL-BED, AT JACKSON.
NOTE.-Fossils common to the Jackson and Vicksburg Stage, are marked with
an asterisk*. All the species not otherwise murked have been numed and described
by CONRAD.
FISH.
The teeth of several species of sharks occur in the strata of the Jackson
Group; all those mentioned in the catalogue of the Vicksburg fossils (¶220)
seem to be represented. Prominent among them, both for frequency and size,
are teeth of Carcharodon angustidens, of which specimens 4 in's in length have been
found near Jackson.
Vencricardia planicostu.
* Venericardia rotunda, Les.
* Cytherea sobrina
*Cytherea imitabilis.
*Mactra funerata.
Cardium Nicolleti.
Astarte parilis.
Crassatella flexura.
Corbula densata.
Corbula bicarinata.
Corbula, 2 n. sp.
Egeria, 3 n. sp.
Tellina, sp.
*Psammobia lintea.
BIVALVES.
Lucina ?
Corbis, n. sp.
Solen.
Panopaea n. sp. (all. to P. oblongata).
Nucula, 3 n. sp.
Leda multilineatu.
Leda, n. sp.
*Navicula lima.
Navicula asperu.
Glossus filosus.
Avicula, n. sp.
Pinna.
Pecten nuperum.
Pecten, 2 sp.
Teredo Mississippiensis.
Psammobia, sp.
Lucina, 2 sp.
*Dentalium Mississippiense.
Capulus Americanus.
Trochita trochiformis
Trochita, n. sp.
Umbrella planulata.
*Natica Vicksburgensis.
Natica permunda.
Natica, n. sp.
Pyrula sp., (fenestrated).
Strepsidura dumosa.
·Clavelithes humerosus.
Clavelithes varicosus.
Clavelithes Mississippiensis.
Fusus sp.
*Turbinella Wilsoni.
Caricella polita.
Mitra dumosa.
Mitra Millingtoni.
UNIVALVES.
Voluta dumosa.
Voluta symmetrica.
Rostellaria velata.
Rostellaria extentu.
Morio Petersoni.
Conus tortilis.
Marginella 2 n. sp.
Cypraea fenestralis.
Cypraea pinguis.
*Cypraea lintea.
*Cypraea sphaeroides.
Ancillaria.
Gastridium vetustum.
Turritella alvertu.
Turbo sp.
Architectonica acuta.
Architectonica bellastriata.
Phorus reclusus.
¶207. 208] JACKSON GROUP IN RANKIN-SCOTT—SMITH.
Scutella Lyelli ?
RADIATA.
Clype ister sp., Drs.
Heminster sp., Dɛ
CORALS.
Endopachys alutum, Lox-v.
Osteodes irroratus.
Flabellum Wailit.
Eschera 2 sp.
Ceriopora 5 sp.
133
207. Of the geology of N. Hinds, northward of Brownsville, and of the
adjoin ng portion of Madison, I have thus far no personal knowledge; Zeuglodon
bones have, however, been found in that region; and also in the bank of Pearl
River, 5 miles S. of Jackson.
The formation of N. Rankin (N. of the Peelahatchie), as well as those of
Scott county, still remain to be examined; prairies and Zeuglodon bones, however,
which are currently reported as existing in that region, are sufficiently indicative
of its character. Outcrops of shell marl are menti ned as occurring on Coffee-
bogue Creek, by Prof. Wailes, and near Hillsboro', by L. Harper; the characteris-
tic shells are not mentioned.-Since the geological map of the State went to
press, I have been informed by J. A. Crooker, Esq, Asst. Engineer on the
Southern R. R., that a marl-bed was passed through in a road-cut on S. E. 4
S. 31, T. 6, R. 12 E., Newton county, showing that in that region, the
calcareous Tertiary extends further N. than it appears on the map. From the
description given, this marl seems to belong to the Jackson Group. Fine
specimens of marl, containing disintegrated shells of the Jackson Group, have
been found by Rev, E. B. Sims, on his plantation, near Morton, Scott county.
On the prairies of S. Scott and N. Smith, the Zeuglodon bones, as well as
oysters, are very abundant, and are nowhere more easily freed from the matrix,
which is generally a very tenacious, greenish-yellow, or bluish, calcareous clay,
of irregular cleavage, containing traces only of shells, except when preserved in
flat ferruginous concretions occasionally occurring in the same. Such is the
case, for instance, in the outcrops near Mrs. Nichols', S. 15, T. 3, R. 9 E.,
Smith county, where this clay forms the subsoil; it contains here, not only the
carbonate, but also sulphate of lime, in crystals. Zeuglodon bones have been
plowed up, and washed out in gullies, repeatedly. The bones here are very
little changed by petrification, and very light as compared with those found in
Clarke county, so that complete skeletons could, when found, be extricated and
transported with less trouble than in any other locality I have seen. Very
nearly the same condition of things obtains further N., in the prairies near, and
southward of, Homewood, Scott county.
208. Of the Jackson shell-bed I have thus far seen nothing in this region
both here and in N. Jasper, the clayey Zeuglodon beds alone seem to crop out,
forming very heavy soils, partly black prairie", partly "hog-wallow prairie".
The latter soil is seen on all the dividing ridges in N. W. Jasper, while the black
prairie soil, with the calcareous strata themselves, appears only on the slopes
towards the streams, and in the bottoms of the latter. Thus, in passing from
Mrs. Nichols' place (see above) to Garlandsville, we find on the whole route no
signs of a calcarcous formation, save in the bottom of the West Tallahala-a
black, calcareous prairie soil; and within a short distance of Garlandsville, the
prairies on the Suanlovey. Here again we see the yellow, more or less cal-
careous, clay subsoil, gradually passing into a messy, bluish clay with calcareous
concretions; and underlying this, the grayish-white, more or less clayey matrix
of the Zeuglolon bones; he latter, accompanied as usual by a large orster,
corals, etc, are abun lant on the S. side of Saanlovey Creek, on the N. half of
S. 14, T 4, R. 11 E (Dr Loughridge's land), where it forms bild or
"shell
prairies", as they are termed here, in contra-distinction to the "Post Oak" or
"hog-wallow" prairies. At the foot of the low ridge which bears these prairies,
we find the blue, calcareous, non-fossiliferous clay, often mentioned, which
134
[209, 210, 211
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
seems to be in many cases the result of disintegration, rather than a stratum
occuping a distinct position in the Tertiary-properly, perhaps, in its present
condition, a member of the Orange Sand Group. Lower down, on S. 8, we find
black prairie soil in the bottom of the creek. I have not heard of the occur-
rence of any calcareous strata N. of Garlandsville. The road from Garlands-
ville to Paulding runs on a sandy ridge, on both sides of which belts of black
prairie, on which the Zeuglodon is found; extend along the streams. In the
"lime country" S. of Paulding, however—(about Claiborne P. O.,( no Zeuglodon
bones are reported to have been seen.
209. In Clarke and Wayne, the Jackson Group, although its territory is
diminished in width, is well and characteristically developed, and affords good
opportunities for observation.
E,
From the hillside on Coonupy Creek, where it first appears on the Quitman
and Winchester road (¶196), we trace the whitish marl of this group south-
ward, through outcrops and prairies, to the neighborhood of Dr. Ogburn's, S. 21,
T. 1, R. 16 È, Clarke county. Here we find on the bluff of the Chickasawhay
River, about 30 feet of calcareous, fossiliferous materials, underlaid by gray and
reddish laminated clays-the same, no doubt, as those cropping out on
Coopupy Creek The upper portion of the marl stratum resembles greatly
stratum No. 6 of the section at Moody's branch, and contains, among other fossils,
Morio Petersoni, Le la multilineata, Rostellaria velata, Mactra funerata, Cytherea
imitabilis, Turritella alveata. My last visit to this point having happened
during high water, I was unable to determine whether Nos. 4 and 5 of the
Jackson profile (Sec. 26) are represented here; specimens of the underlying
clay, however, were collected by me in 1855.—They are unequivocally present,
however, in an outcrop about a mile S. of Dr. Ogburn's, at the bridge across
Garland's Creek.
210. There are about 7 feet of the tertiary strata visible above the bed of the
stream, which itself flows on a material closely resembling that on Pearl River,
·at Jackson—a blue sandy marl, with numerous shells, and greensand grains.
This material extends, unchanged, up to about 5 feet above the bed; then,
there overlies a mass consisting of shells and numerous, large grains of green-
sand—an analysis of which will be found in another place (292). Both beds
contain, in well preserved condition, the shells of the Jackson Group, among
which even a superficial search detected twenty-two species of the leading
Jackson shells.
Between Garland's Creek and Suck Creek, 1 mile S. of the former, we
again find prairies, and at the crossing of the latter stream, we find its bed
entirely excavated into bluish white marl containing but little sand, and
essentially the prevalent fossils of stratum No. 7 of the McNutt Hills (Sec. 27),
viz: corals, oysters, Pecten nuperus, Scutella, and vertebræ of fish.
211. At and near Gen. W. B. Trotter's plantation, S. 3, T. 10, R. 7 W., the
Jackson strata are finely exhibited. The country between this locality and
Suck Creek, is also chiefly of a prairie character, and so is the greater portion of
the plantation itself. The black prairie soil is under.aid by a stratum, of variable
thickness, of yellow, and lower down, greenish yellow underclay, more or less
calcareous, without fossils. Beneath this we find on the hillsides, about ten feet
of a soft, whitish, calcareous mass, apparently without fossils; beneath this
again, there is a ledge more or less indurate in its different portions, not well
exhibited, but about 4 to 7 feet in thickness. In this ledge, which is touched
by the plow, Zeuglodon bones and oysters abound, together with teeth of
Carcharodon, large vertebrae of fish, and nuclei of bivalves and univalves.
Among the latter, found associated with the vertebrae of Zeuglodon, is Cypraea
fenestral is !—and Conus tortilis !—also, a very large (4 to 5 inches long)
Pyrula, not seen elsewhere
A few feet below the level of this stratum, is the top ledge of the profile given
by L. Harper (Report, p. 144), occurring in a gully about 18 feet deep, in which
9212, 213]
TROTTER'S PLANTATION-RED BLUFF.
135
several ledges, 6 to 12 inches thick, of whitish rock, resembling the Zeuglodon
matrix above, alternate with sandy glauconitic marls, similar in general to the
lower stratum at Garland's Creek, save in that the fossils are very poorly pre-
served. The same strata appear on the banks of the Chickasawhay River, not
far hence, containing vertebræ of Zeuglodon, Ostrea, Pecten nuperus, Scutella-
generally much broken.
212. On the highest points in the plantation, we observe fragments of a fine-
grained ferruginous rock containing a few white fossils, not represented in the
Jackson Group. In passing thence towards Red Bluff Station, on the M. & O.
P. R., we remain on a level with this hilltop, and at several points, high pre-
cipitous bluff's come in close to the river. At a point about a mile from the Stn.,
a bluff about 70 feet high, coming down in terraces to the waters edge, affords
the following profile :
(Sec. 28.)
SECTION OF TERTIARY NEAR RED BLUFF STATION, WAYNE CO.

FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
****
* * * *
* * * *
tt t
tt t
† † †
t + t
****
12 First terrace-surface materials only visible.
4 Greenish, non-effervescent clay.
Irregular masses of fine-grained ferruginous rock,
4 imbedded in a brownish or greenish clayey mass; both
with well preserved fossils.
3
2
Bluish calcareous clay, with indistinct fossils. It is
least calcareous, and most clayey, above; near the
52 | waters edge, approaches in character to the blue marl 52
in Trotter's field. A fragment of a Clypeaster, vertebræ
of a shark, Pleurotoma sp.
Descending to the water level, we see, several hundred yards above, ledges
of whitish limestone dipping under this stratum and disappearing at the waters
edge. These ledges contain the same fossils as those seen on the banks of the
river near Trotter's plantation; and this is the last characteristic outcrop of the
Jackson Group with which I am acquainted; for whether or not the material
of stratum No. 1 of the preceding section properly belongs to this group, the
fossils thus far found have not enabled me to determine. It still continues to
be seen in the river bluffs for some distance, as we advance southward, but it
gradually sinks and brings the fossiliferous stratum No. 2 close to the
waters edge.
213. Beds intervening between the Jackson and Vicksburg Group.-The fos-
siliferous bed No. 2 of the preceding section seems to stand intermediate, by
position as well as by its fossils, between these two groups, though on the whole,
it seems in its fauna to approach more nearly the Vicksburg, than the Jackson
Group; but while it has some fossils in common with each and both of the other
groups, it is no less remarkable for the predominance of peculiar species-a trait
NO.
136
T214
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
FS
}
which distinguishes as widely the several stages of the Southwestern Eocene of
the United States, as even the primary divisions of the entire Tertiary of the old
continent.
The perfect state of preservation in which we find the fossils of this Red Bluff
Group, the easy accessibility of its strata, and withal the narrow limits to which,
thus far, I have found it to be confined-the bluffs of the Chickasawhay from
Trotter's plantation (where the ferruginous rock, peculiar to this group, first
appears on the hilltops-see T212) to Red Bluff Station, or a little below-
impart a special interest to this deposit. At low water, the sloping bed of the
Chickasawhay River may in spots be found strewn with perfect shells of this
group, washed down from above by the rains out of their easily disintegrated
clay matrix. I give below a list (for the compilation of which I am indebted to
Prof. W. D. Moore, Univ. of Miss.) of the fossils thus far collected from this
stratum, determined so far as they are identical with species described by Conrad
and Lea, the rest being determined generically only. The species in common with
Vicksburg are marked with an asterisk*, those in common with Jackson, by a
diggert.
Venericardia planicosta †.
Venericardia rotunda, LEA.*
Cypricardia.
Pecten nuperus.
Plagiostoma
Ostrea, 2 n.? sp.
Pectunculus.
Astarte (allied to A. recurva, Lea.
Gardium diversum, CON.*
Corbula.
Leda.
Cytherea.
Dentalium thalloides, CoN. ?
Natica Vicksburgensis, CoN.*
Natica sigaretina, Con.*
Capulus.
Capulus.
Pileolus.
Trochita trochiformis, CoN.
Mitra Mississippiensis, CON ?*
Cypraea sphaeroides, CoN.
Clavelithes humerosus, CoN ?†
Clavelithes.
Pyrula 2 n. sp.
Busycon spiniger, CON.*
Fusus (1) (allied to F. Mississipp.
CON.*)
Fusus.
Turbinella perexilis, CoN.*
Turbinella protracta, CoN.*
Murex, 3 sp.
Triton.
Rostellaria velata, Con.†
Buccinum Mississipp. Cox.*?
Buccinum.
Cassis.
Cassidaria lintea, Con.*
Fulgoraria Mississipp. Con.*
Caricella.
Conus saurilens, CON. * ?
Bulla 2 n. sp.
Solarium.
Flabellum Wailesii, Con. †?
Osteodes, CON. ! (not O. irroratus).
Madrepora (allied to M. Mississippi.
CON.*, but distinct.}
Serpula.
Southward of the locality mentioned the green clay (No. 3 of Sec. 28.) appears
in greater thickness; it is this, no doubt, from which the heavy soil on top of
the terrace, or "hommock" (which closely resembles the "hog-bed" soil of Jasper,
and is so termed by the inhabitants) is derived-intervening, here as elsewhere,
between the prairies of the Jackson and Vicksburg Group. Crystals of selenite,
also, have been obtained from the banks of the river, and from wells, in this
neighborhood.
214. Lignitic Beds.-At Vicksburg and at Brandon, lignitic clays and sands
underlie the lowest visible strata of the Vicksburg Group. Whether or not
similar beds are traceable on Pearl River and Chickasawhay, I have not ascer-
tained. At Vicksburg, about 25 to 30 feet of black lignitic clays and sands, and
lower down, of lignite, underlie the calcareous marine strata. The lignite was
supposed to extend to a considerable depth, but according to an observation made
by Prof. W. D. Moore, at extreme low water, its thickness does not exceed 3 feet,
it being underlaid by a soft whitish limestone, of which he obtained a small
1215]
LOWER LIGNITIC AT VICKSBURG NORTH RANKIN.
137
specimen at the waters edge. It resembles the indurate marl of the McNutt
Hills; the only fossil which is distinguishable on the specimen obtained (now in
the cabinet of Oakland College) is a cast of Cardium, not sufficiently distinct to
allow of observing the differences distinguishing the Cardium diversum of
Vicksburg age from C. Nicolleti of Jackson and Claiborne.
215. The position of the Brandon bed is given in Sec. 30 (T218; stratum No.
1). Its relation to the Jackson beds cannot, however, be observed there. N.
of Brandon, at Mr. John Parker's place, S. 19, T. 6, R. 4 E., there is an
alternation of calcareous and gypseous strata, represented in the following
profile obtained in a well by that gentleman :
(Sec. 29.)
SECTION OF TERTIARY IN MR. JOHN PARKER'S WELL, RANKIN
COUNTY.
*** *
****
* * * *
****
8
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
Yellow, massy ("joint") clay, in its lower portions
with white calcareous concretions.
4
to
Gray massy clay, with smooth cleavage planes,
and rosettes and lenticular masses of Selenite.
3
6
с
2 White calcareous stratum, with numerous concretions.
4
()
26
Gray massy clay, with numerous well preserved
shells.
2
† † t
† † †
† † †
40
t t t
tt t
Blue marl, less clayey than the above, and with
shells partially disintegrated.
Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain specimens of the shells contained in
strata Nos. 1 and 2; there can be little doubt, however, that they are of the
Jackson age.
The gray gypseous clay No. 3 crops out near the mouth of a
creek into the Peelahatchie, S. 7, T. 6, R. 4 E.; it there contains both selenite
and small masses of lignite. It seems to be this clay chiefly, from which the soil
of the "gypseous prairies" of N. Rankin and Hinds is derived, while the
calcareous strata (No. 4, and part of 5) form small prairies or "prairie hilltops"
on the intervening hills. Strata 3, 4 and 5 occur at Clinton, and in a R. R. cut
S. of Jackson; specimens of selenite occurring in gray clay, have been collected
by Prof. Wailes, 7 miles N. W. of Jackson, and are mentioned as occurring
abundantly at Ball Prairie, 6 miles W. of Jackson.
NO.
10
5


138
[¶216, 217, 218
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
216. I have also obtained crystals of selenite from Scott county, where, from
all accounts, the gypseous prairies are well developed. In Smith county also,
N. of Raleigh, at L. E. Crook's place on the Okahay, there is a body of gypseous
and black prairie intermingled, precisely as we find it at John Parker's. It
might appear at first sight that these gypseous strata could be referred to the
Grand Gulf Group, and such was my first impression. But it is difficult to
reconcile this supposition with their geographical and hypsometrical distribution,
besides which, their lithological character is entirely different from the blue or
brown laminated clays of the lignito-gypseous strata which unequivocally overlie
the Vicksburg strata, and form "salty spots" in the soil, but nowhere so far as
I have seen, anything resembling the gypseous prairie. On the other hand the
clay found in the outcrop on the Peelahatchie is undistinguishable from specimens
of the calcareo-gypseous matrix of the Zeuglodon in Mrs. Nichols' field. In
Wayne county, too, on the Chickasawhay, heavy, greenish or bluish clays
intervene between the Jackson and Vicksburg strata, and everywhere we find
intervening between the black prairie territory of the two groups, either the
gypseous, or "hogbed prairie" soils.
The absence, thus far, of deep wells or borings on the territory occupied by
the Vicksburg Group and by these doubtful clays, has prevented me from
obtaining satisfactory evidence on this question. If, as I suppose, the material of
the gypseous prairies is derived from an irregular stratum intervening between
the Jackson and Vicksburg Group, it is nevertheless true that in some localities
the soils derived from the strata overlying the latter, approach very closely, both
in space and quality, to those derived from the lower stratum in question.
IV. THE VICKSBURG GROUP.
217. This interesting group, the highest of the marine eocene
formation of Mississippi, and the only one which reaches the banks
of the Mississippi River (at Vicksburg, where it was first studied
by Conrad) occupies a narrow belt of nearly uniform width, south-
ward of the territory of the Jackson Group, extending accross the
whole of the State, to the Alabama line, and thence to the
Tombigbee River, where it forms the well-known bluff at St.
Stephens. It is the only one of the marine stages of the eocene,
which exhibits crystalline limestones; associated, however, with
blue and white marls more or less indurate at times, as is the case
with the other groups.
The marls, which have a tendency to be sandy rather than clayey, are
the prevalent materials of the formation, and the chief repositories of the beautiful
fossils of the group; they usually alternate with ledges of blue (or by oxidation
yellowish) limestone, more or less sandy and glauconitic, and not unfrequently.
contain within their mass, indurate, rounded nodules, often very rich in fossils.
218. It would be difficult, however, to give a description of these calcareous
strata without referring at the same time, to the lignito-gypseous* strata which
generally accompany, usually overlie it, and might be considered as strictly
belonging to the Grand Gulf Group, but for their being found in one locality at
least, overlaid by a string of limestone nodules containing the characteristic
fossil of the Vicksburg Group-the Orbitoides Mantelli. Through this, so close
a connection is apparently established between the two groups just mentioned,
as to afford a strong presumption in favor of the eocene age of the Grand Gulf
Group itself. This circumstance, together with the occurrence of tree palms in
*i. e., clays or sands containing more or less gypsum and lignitic matters.
1
¶218]
VICKSBURG GROUP.
139
latitudes where none exist at present, is the only clue we have thus far to the
age of the latter group. I shall therefore give, first in order, the sections occur-
ring near Brandon, Rankin county, in which these relations are illustrated. The
outcrops from which this general section is compiled, embrace between them a
space of nearly seven miles E. and W. along the line of the Southern R. R., from
the junction of the old and new track near Brandon, to Batt's Summit, S. 3, T.
5, R. 3 E. The thickness of the strata, as given in the third column from the
left, is the result of actual measurement; the total thickness, as given in the first
column, is deduced from the R. R. levelings.
!
140
1219
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
(Sec. 30.)
SECTION OF TERTIARY, FROM YOST'S LIME-KILN TO BATT'S
SUMMIT, RANKIN COUNTY.
FEET
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
E.
Yellow surface loam.
8
A. P. Miller's Field. R. R. cuts near Brandon Depot,
| CALCAREOUS (VICKSBURG) STRATA, 70 FT. |
(West of)
Yost's Lime Kiln.
East of)
Lignito-GypsEOUS STRATA, 45 FEET.
Ray's Summit
(Burke's Cut).
Batt's Summit (Dent's
Cut).
NO
}
13
12
Greenish yellow clay, with calcareous concretions, and
lumps of Orbitoides Limestone.
Yellow or deep orange-colored clay, with massy cleavage ;|
7 contains crystals of gypsum.
carbonaceous matter.
12
Portions of it black with 11
Cream-colored or white, tallowy mineral, with crystals of
gypsum.
10

Yellow and blue clay interstratified; blue lower down, and
8 massy. Contains crystals and flakes of gypsum, efflorescence 9
of salts on the surface.
Lignito-gypseous, clay and earthy Lignite, in cut at Brandon. 8
Grayish-blue clays, massy or laminated, with crystals,
sheets and rosettes of gypsum, and crusts of Yellow Iron 7
Ore (1224) on cleavage planes.
Gray gypseous clays.
6

Yellowish calcareous sands with Ostrea Vicksburgensis,
Pecten Poulsoni, and casts; in its upper portion, rounded,
30? dark-colored concretions ("nigger-heads") with well 5
preserved Vicksburg fossils-Arca Mississippiensis, Cardium
diversum, etc.

White marls, more or less indurate at times, alternating
with hard ledges abounding in Pecten Poulsoni and Orbi-
toides Mantelli, which impart to the rock a laminated
structure.
4
6
10
Ledges of solid blue limestone. Pecten Poulsoni, Orbi-
toides, Fulgoraria Miss, Panopaea oblongata.
3
CO
White marls, more or less indurate, with hard ledges
Pecten Poulsoni, Orbitoides Mantelli, Schizaster.
2
7
Gray and yellowish laminated clays, interstratified with
sand; non-effervescent, non-fossiliferous. Lowest visible.
1
219. On the ridges S. of Richland Creek, near Brandon, and on the high
dividing ridges between the waters of Pearl and Strong Rivers in S. Rankin
generally, as well as in S. Hinds (e. g., between Auburn and Raymond), we find
the white friable sandstones of the Grand Gulf Group, underlaid by, and
220]
GYPSEOUS PRAIRIES--VICKSBURG BLUFF.
141
alternating with, lignito-gypseous clays entirely similar to those found in the
outcrops on the Southern R. R., east of Brandon. Sandstone similar to this, as
well as to the Fort Adams' rock (¶236), is found overlying the calcareous
Vicksburg strata near Raleigh, Smith county, and thus generally along the
southern line of the Vicksburg Group. But nowhere, except at Batt's Summit,
have I found the lignito-gypseous strata overlaid by the marine fossiliferous
limestone of that group. On the other hand, the former-or rather the gray
gypseous clays resulting from their disintegration, sometimes occupy the surface
of the territory, forming "prairies" (whose gray soil and exclusive Black Jack
and Post Oak growth along their borders, readily distinguish them from the
"black prairies" formed by the calcareous materials of the marine formations);
and "salty spots" where efflorescences of various salts (chiefly sulphates of lime,
magnesia, potash and sometimes iron, and chloride of sodium) appear on the
surface, often injuring vegetation greatly. It would seem, however, that in
some localities either the lower portions of the Vicksburg, or the upper of the
Jackson beds, are interstratified with heavy, gray clays, gypseous or lignito-
gypseous, to which the greater portion of the gypseous prairies owe their
origin (see (215, ff.)
220. Localities of the Vicksburg Group.--The general features of the Vicksburg
bluff, which have already been mentioned, are exhibited in the following section.
I regret that want of space precludes me from giving the detailed section, in
which no less than 24 distinct strata, recognizable at most points, are exhibited.
(Sec. 31.)
SECTION OF THE BLUFF AT VICKSBURG, WARREN COUNTY.
•
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
NO.
10
to Calcareous silt with snails--Bluff Formation.
7
20
10
5
to
Bluish and yellowish hardpan, often pebbles-Orange
Sand.
6
t + t
20
60
Alternating strata, 1 to 6 feet thick, of limestone and
to marl, containg the Vicksburg fossils, and some bands of
65 non-effervescent, gray sand and clay.
Black lignitic clay, and gray sand, with Ostrea
Corbula alta, Natica Mississippiensis,
5 | gigantea,
4
Cytherea sobrina, Madrepora Miss.
25
Gray or black, lignitic clays or sands, with iron
pyrites; exuding salts and sulphuretted hydrogen.
3
3
| | 3
3
Solid, lustrous lignite, with whitish cleavage planes.
White limestone, of the Jackson Group ?
2
or
5
***
}


142
[T220
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Within the bed or series of beds, here marked as No. 5, the thickness of the
several ledges varies greatly, so that detailed sections taken at different points of
the bluff, exhibit notable variations in this respect. There are, however, several
horizons which may be recognized almost everywhere, if the land slides which
have taken place at many points, be left out of consideration. Thus, about 25 to
28 feet above bed No. 4 (containing the large oysters), we find a succession of
4 to 5 narrow bands (each 8 to 15 inches thick) of marl and laminated clay.
which may be identified at all points, and acquire some importance from the
circumstance that immediately beneath them, for the next 10 to 12 feet, the
purest and hardest limestone (from whose strata most of the building stones
and flagstones used at Vicksburg have been quarried) is found. The specimen
of limestone analyzed (¶305) was taken from a point about 5 feet below the
clay seams in question; while the marl (278) is derived from the 4 foot
stratum immediately overlying the clay bands. Another stratum which, from
the abundance and character of its shells, may be recognized easily, lies about
16 feet above the clay bands-a reddish, sandy marl, about 3 feet thick. Its
shells are white, well preserved and easily washed out by the rains; among
them, Ostrea Vicksburgensis, Arca Mississippiensis, Cardium diversum, Den-
talium Miss., and numerous species of Pleurotoma, are conspicuous. Immediate-
ly beneath it lies a 3 foot bed of semi-indurate marl with large nodular masses
of limestone, which can also be identified at most points; and the whole
character of the strata from this bed upwards to the Orange Sand, shows a closc
correspondence with No. 6 of the Brandon section (Sec. 30, ¶218).
The various clayey strata and bands of the exposure (from which to the marl
there are many insensible transitions) give rise to patches of "prairie soil" OF
the Vicksburg hills.-At some of the higher points where deep washes have
exposed the formation, we find at the base of the Orange Sand or its representa-
tives, blue sandy clays greatly resembling some of those of the Grand Gulf
Group.
FOSSILS OF THE VICKSBURG GROUP.
(Mostly occurring at the Vicksburg bluff).
Carcharodon angustidens, AG.
FISH.
Saurocephalus lanciformis, HARL.
Carcharodon megalodon, Ac.? (may Otolithes.
belong only to the Jackson Group.) Ichtyodorulites, scales and other remain-
Galeocerdo latidens, AG.
of fish. (WAILES).
Teeth of several other species of
Squalideae.
CRUSTACEA.
In the limestone of Vicksburg Marshall' and Stewart's quarries, and Brandon
neighborhood, the plates, claws, etc., of a short-tailed crab are quite abundant.
MOLLUSCA.
[T. A. CONRAD in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. of Phila., 2d series, Vol. I: Traus,-
Ac. Oct. 1847.]
Panopaea oblongata.
Pholas triquetra.
Amphidesma Mississippiensis.
Psammobia papyria.
Psammobia lintea.
Tellina pectorosa.
Tellina serica.
BIVALVES.
Tellina Vicksburgensis.
Donax funerata.
Cytherea astartiformis.
Cytherea imitabilis.
Cytherea semi-punctata.
Cytherea Miss.
Cytherea sobrina.
T220]
Cytherea perbrevis.
Mactra Miss.
Mactra funerata.
Crassatella Miss.
Cardium eversum.
Cardium globosum.
Cardium diversum.
Cardium Vicksburgense.
Corbula intastriata.
Corbula engonata.
Corbula alta.
Corbis staminea.
Lucina Miss.
Lucina perlevis.
Loripes? turgida.
Loripes? eburnea.
Kellia oblonga.
VICKSBURG FOSSILS.
Chama Miss.
Pectunculus arctatus.
Leda serica.
Nucula Vicksburgensis.
Arca Miss.
Navicula lima.
Navicula Miss.
Navicula protracta.
Avicula argentea.
Modiola Miss.
Pinna argentea,
143
Pinna n. sp., nearly a foot long; Mar-
shall's quarry.
Lima staminea.
Pecten Poulsoni.
Pecten calvatus, MORT.
Ostrea Vicksburgensis.
Ostrea gigantea.
UNIVALVES.
Dentalium Miss.
Fissurella Miss.
Trochita trochiformis.
Bulla cassiplica.
Architectonica trilirata.
Phorus humilis.
Sigaretus Miss.
Natica Miss.
Natica Vicksburgensis.
Narica Miss.
Actaeon Andersoni.
Ringicula Miss.
Cypraea sphaeroides.
Cypraea Tintea.
Conus sauridens.
Oliva Miss.
Cancellaria Miss.
Cancellaria funerata.
Scalaria trigintanaria.
Turritella Miss.
Terebra divisurum.
Terebra tantula.
Buccinum Miss.
Cassidaria lintea.
Cassis caelatura.
Cassis Miss.
Oniscia harpula.
Fulgoraria Miss.
Mitra conquisita.
Mitra Miss.
Mitra cellulifera.
Chenopus liratus.
Mitra staminea.
Mitra Vicksburgensis.
Caricella dlemissa.
Turbinella Wilsoni.
Turbinella protracta.
Turbinella perexilis.
Scobinella caelata.
Triton crassidens.
Triton abbreviatus.
Triton subalveatus
Triton Miss.
Murex Miss.
Melongena crassicornuta.
Typhis curvirostris.
Busycon spiniger.
Fulgur nodulatum.
Clavella Vicksburgensis.
Fusus Miss.
Husus Vicksburgensis.
Ficus Miss.
Pleurotoma porcellana.
Pleurotoma Miss.
Pleurotoma servata.
Pleurotoma congesta.
Pleurotoma cristata.
Pleurotoma tantula.
Pleurotoma tenella.
Pleurotoma cochlearis.
Pleurotoma eboroides.
Pleurotoma abundans.
Pleurotoma rotaedens.
Pleurotoma decliva.
Scutella Lyelli.
Mortoni a Rogersi ?
;
RADIATA.
Schizaster, n. sp.
Salenia? n. sp.
144
[T221, 222, 223
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
CORALS.
Madrepora Miss., Con.
Madrepora Vicksburgensis, Cox.
Turbinolia caulifera, CON
Lunulites Vicksburgensis, Con.
Lunulites sp.
Orbitoides Mantelli.
221. Further than at Vicksburg itself, I have not as yet examined the forma-
tions of Warren county, and can state only what I have heard.-N. E. of
Vicksburg, on the Yazoo bluff, as well as in ravines (which are deeply cut into
the Bluff formation), the Vicksburg strata frequently appear up to Haynes'
Bluff on the Yazoo, according to Prof. Wailes. I am not aware, however, that
they appear anywhere S. of Vicksburg, nor on the line of the Southern R. R.,
west of Big Black River. Outcrops exist on the latter stream, above the rail-
road crossing, in Hinds county; of these, however, I have no personal
knowledge. A specimen of very sandy, greenish marl, containing Vicksburg
fossils, was collected by Prof. Wailes near Amsterdam, on the Big Black. At
Brownsville, the Vicksburg strata crop out in the town, where a spring issues
from beneath a ledge of blue limestone containing Arca Mississippiensis,
Orbitoides, Pecten Poulsoni, and others; it is overlaid by calcareous glauconitic
sand with Pecten Poulsoni, Ostrea Vicksburgensis, and casts, the whole obvious-
ly corresponding to adjacent portions of beds Nos. 5 and 6 of the Brandon
profile.
222. The blue limestone crops out on Baker's Creek a few miles below
Bolton's Depot; at Steward's quarry, 3 miles W. of Clinton, where specimens
of Panopaca oblongata, Clypeaster, and Serpula, were procured by Prof. Wailes;
also a specimen of sandy marl containing Arca Mississippiensis and Conus
sauridens. It is found moreover at Marshall's quarry near Mississippi Springs,
where impressions of Crassatella Mississippiensis, Cardium diversum, Panopaca
oblongata, Pinna argentea, Turritella Mississippiensis, a large Phorus, and
Schizaster, as well as a small lenticular mass of fossil resin were collected by
the same.
Two specimens of a very large Pinna, not seen elsewhere, have been
found by Mr. Marshall.
It is also found about nine miles S. of Jackson, on Pearl River; and about 3
miles S. of Byram Station, near the R. R., where it occurs in disjointed, cavern-
ous blocks rather than in a solid stratum.
223. The banks of Pearl River at and above Byram Station, as well as the
bed of the creek close by, exhibit fine outcrops of bluish marls with finely
preserved shells, for obtaining which this is a very eligible locality. A section of
this outcrop, and an analysis of one of the marls occurring there, will be found
further on (¶280).
About half a mile further up, instead of the uniform strata of marl seen in
the bluff at Byram, we obtain the following section-corresponding, no doubt,
to strata somewhat lower than those at Byram.
1224, 2251 VICKSBURG GROUP AT BYRAM-BRANDON.
(Sec. 32.)
145
SECTION OF VICKSBURG STRATA, ABOVE BYRAM STATION,
RANKIN COUNTY.

FEET
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
1
Gray calcareous sandstone, very hard.
1
† † †
2% Blue marl with shells, and small grains of glauconite.
2
to
3
Gray, or variegated blue and yellow, sandy lime-
stone, with numerous shells, of slaty cleavage.
Sandy marl with shells and large grains of glauconite.
NO
6
t
2%
to
3
Clayey marl, bluish, with fewer shells than upper layer
2
Gray or variegated, sandy limestone.
I
LAD
5
3
ลง
Blue marl--waters edge.
Shells of the Vicksburg Group, but more especially Orbitoides Mantelli and
Pecten Poulsoni, occur in all these strata.
224. At Mr. German Berry's, S. 11, T. 4, R. 2 E., (Monterey P. O.), Rankin
county, we find a blue, sandy glauconitic marl containing Orbitoides, Area.
Mississippiensis, Pecten Poulsoni, Cytherea imitabilis, etc., cropping out on the
banks of Richland Creek. It is overlaid by brown, laminated, gypseous clays,
which form the main body of the hills.
The chief outcrops near Brandon have already been noticed in the general
profile, so that a few generalities only require to be added. The town of Bran-
don itself is situated on a high ridge composed partly of Orange Sand, partly of
the lignitic strata, which are struck in wells in the S. part of the town, furnishing
water strongly impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen, gypsum, and, usually,
magnesian salts; in some instances, sulphate of alumina. Crystals, rosettes and
laminæ of gypsum, are very abundant in the lignitic strata of the Brandon
neighborhood; in connection with the gypsum, either incrusting it, or intimately
mixed with crystals of the same, there occurs a mineral of a sulphur-yellow
color, apparently amorphous, but minutely crystalline under the microscope,
which consists essentially of hydrated persulphate of iron and sulphate of
potash; probably the Misy, or Yellow Iron Ore. The same occurs at Shongalo
(183).
In Mr. Ware's well, S. of town, at a depth of 38 feet, Orbitoides limestone
was struck, after passing through the lignito-gypseous strata; and it appears on
three sides at the foot of the ridge. Thus, due S. of the town, on S. 34, T. 5, R.
3 E., on Richland Creek; near Dr. Parker's, S. 27, where it appears in ledges
2 to 3 feet thick, but not, apparently, continuous for any great distance. The
character of the outcrops in A. P. Miller's field, N. W. o Brandon-SS. 17 and
20, T. 5, R. 3 E., has been given in the general section (218); the strata
comprehended in No. 2 form hills or low ridges, with a general bearing E. N. E.
to W. S. W., and which, according to elevation, are capped with the limestone
strata Nos. 3 and 4. An analysis of the rock from No. 3, taken at Yost's lime-
kiln, is given below.
225. Similar hills capped with limestone or whitish marl appear, further on
in a N. E. direction, at Mr. Jos. Jayne's plantation, and at Rev. D. A. Campbell's
płace, S. 2, T. 5, R. 3 E. At the latter locality we find, included between twe
B-10
145
(¶226, 227, 228, 229
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Jedges of limestone (the uppermost of which is rather cavernous), a lenticular
mas of calcareous spar, 18 inches to 2 feet in th ckness, possessing a drusy
surface, and composed of miny layers which, when struck, cleave into acicular
prisms of irregular form, disposed as usual at right angles to the surfaces or
nuelsion which the layers have been formed. A few stalactites which we find
imbedded in the upper surface show this mass to have been formed in what was
originally a small cave, by means of calcareous solutions infiltrated from above.
-Beyond the usul os-ils, a Soutella?-is very common here; it is always
converted into brown calcareous spar.
226. At Dr. I. M. Quin's, 4 miles S. E. of Brandon, we find limestone under-
hid by whitish mërls, a profile of which, as well as analysis of the latter, will
be found below (¶285). I have not explored personally the country on the
Brandon and Raleigh road, but according to reliable information, outcrops similar
to those at Dr. Qu'n's and a country resembling that N. and E. of Brandon,
continue on to Polkville and beyond, where, on the waters of the Okahay, the
calcareous as well as the gypseous prairie are well developed ; e g. in the neigh-
borhood, and N. of, Mr. L¨ E. Crook's place, S. 14, T. 3, R. 7 E.
227. Due N. of Raleigh, at Mr. Austin's mill, S. 18, T. 3, R. 8 E., we find,
in the bed of a creek, blue marl with wel preserved Vicksburg fossils; the
material being, however, very changeable, and sometimes containing large
indurate lumps. On the ridges E. of Raleigh, in descending to Shongalo Creek,
we find at a level considerably above the marl at Austin's mill, outcrops of
Orbitoides limestone; on the summits of these ridges, we find the Orange Sand
underlaid by white friable sandstone of the Grand Gulf Group, and in wells on
the ridge (as at Mr. Craft's) lignito-gypseous strata are struck. Between Shon-
galo and Bowland's Creek, on the Garlandsville road, the lignito-gypseous strata,
as well as the sandstone, are wanting, while at the level at which these are
found on the ridges near Raleigh, the Ort itoides limestone appears-forming
ridges with flat backs, on which round knolls of Orange Sand are perched,
while on the hillsides, we find prairie soil.-After crossing Bowland's Creek,
on the Garlandsville road, no more my strata appear unt we reach the
Nichols neighborhood, where the Zeuglodon Lenes are found (1267).
}
▼
228. I have not personally explored the territory of the Vicksburg Group in
8. Jasper; it is described, however, as being entirely similar to that in Smith
county, even as, still further S. E., I have found it in Wayne. Observations
made by Prof. W. D. Moore, on the Paulding and Williamsburg road, show, fine
outcrops of the strata of this group to exist near Judge McCollum's, at a point
about 3 miles S. W. of Paulding, where there appear on the hillsides, strata
characterized by great numbers of the Schizaster, occurring with Pecten Poulsoni ş
and at a lower level, the Vicksburg bed containing Ostrea gigante 1, crops out.
As in the territory of the Jackson Group, N. of this, the appearance of outcrops
is very much dependent upon accidental vircumstances, since the ridges consist
of Orange Sand, and it is only in the deeper channels that the cocene strata are
exposed at all.
229. In Wayne county, W. of the Chickasawhay River, in T. 9, R. 7 W., the
ridges are also to a great extent composed of Orange Sand; yet we frequently
find strata of sandy marls with Orbitoides and Pecten Poulsoni, cropping out on
the hillsides, and sometimes on the hilltops also.
On the Chickasawhay, between Rel Bluff and the latitude of Waynesboro',
both marls and limestones crop out with frequency; the same is the case on the
creeks on the E. side, as on Cakchey's Mill-creek, and Limestone Creek
especially near the mouth of the latter, at the foot of the hill on which Dr. E. A.
Miller lives-the most southerly outcrop of the calcareous Eocene on the
Chickasawhay. The sections exhibited here in the river banks and cuts of the
R. R, correspond so closely to those between Yost's Lime-kiln and Brandon
Depot (1218), that the specimens can hardly be distinguished from each other
when placed side by side; the only difference being the great abundance of
4230, 231]
WAYNE COUNTY.-GRAND GULF GROUP.
147
Orbitoides in the soft white-marl intervening between the strata of rock. The
ledges of hard limestone (Nos. 3 and 4, Sec. 33) are not so wel defined-the
rock being softer and whitish; as it appears on the hillside, where the plow
touches it. The sandy strata (No. 6) are the same in every respect. Near the
top of the hill, Dr. Miller found in his well a stratum of blue shell mail 3 or 4
feet in thickness, underlaid by a stratum 3 or 4 feet thick, of green laminated
clay.--The aggregate thickness of the calcareous Vicksburg strata, as observed
here, also corresponds very nearly to that deduced at Brandon from the R. R.
levelings.
According to information given me by Dr. Miller, the same strata appear on
the Buckatunna, E. and S. E. of his place. Between the two streams, there
extends a belt of calcareous prairie-or rather, a succession of prairie spots on
the ridges, where the limestone frequently crops out--characterized always by
Orbitoides and Peten Poulsoni, and not unfrequently, by a very large Salenia?
--Between this prairie belt and those extending eastward from Trotter's Plan-
tation and Ogburn's (¶209), there intervenes a belt of “hogbed soil”—-formed
perhaps, from the clayey strata interposed between the Jackson and Vicksburg
Groups.
V. THE GRAND GULF GROUP.
230. Notwithstanding the large extent of territory represented
on the map as occupied by this formation, it is of less importance
to the district of its occurrence, than most of the formations here-
tofore mentioned, are to theirs. Not only is it comparatively poor
in useful materials, but on the whole, it takes but a limited and
unimportant part in the surface conformation of the region, which
is chiefly due to the deposits of the Orange Sand age. Its greatest
development takes place on the waters of Pearl River, and on the
tributaries of the Mississippi; while on the waters of Leaf, Chick-
asawhay, and Pascagoula Rivers, it often requires a diligent search
to detect it at all under the heavy covering of the Orange Sand.
231. Its materials are, cssentially, clays and sandstones, the latter
generally rather aluminous and soft, and of white, gray and
yellowish-gray tints: the sand being very sharp.. Beds of loose
Fand are unusual; but the clays are oftentimes quite meagre, though
the sand contained in them (as is the case in the sandstones) is
a-nally quite fine.
Beds of pure, highly tenacious clay are quite abundant, however, and there
is on the whole, little tendency to lamination; so that, while in the Northern
Lignitic formation, massy clays are the exception, they are the rule in the Grand
Gult stage. It is owing to this circumstance, no doubt, that the fossil remains
of plants, which are far less common in this than in the lower stages of the
Lignitic, are so rarely well preserved. The colors of these clays, also, are
generally much lighter than those we see in the Northern Lignitic, being rarely
other than gray, grayish white, blue and green-the latter colors often reaching
✩ high degree of intensity; though on their surface, they often appear yellow from
oxidation.
❤
N. W. of a line drawn from Fort Adams, Wilkinson county, to Raleigh,
Smith county, sandstones are quite abundant in this formation-rather the
prevalent material. S E. of that line, however, I know of none, the several
kinds of clay forming the exclusive material.
So far as I know, the whole formation from Grand Gulf and Raymond to
Dwyer's Ferry on the Pascagoula River, is clauacterized by the presence, more

148
[¶232, 233
GEOLOGICAL REPORT:
3
or less, of gypsum und common salt, and generally also of magnesian salts. This
is the case even with many of the solid sandstones, which on exposure to the
weather become covered with efflorescences of salts; and it is to this peculiarity,
no doubt, that their want of durability is to a great extent to be attributed.
Moreover, these sandstones frequently contain small concretions of iron pyrites,
which vitriolesce when the rock is exposed, and thus rend even large blocks.
The carbonate of lime is a rare ingredient, and the deposits containing it are
always quite limited. Even in these, I have never detected even a trace of
marine fossils..
232. Localities of the Grand Gulf Group-No outcrop, perhaps, is more
characteristic, and represents within a small space so many peculiarities of the
formation, as that from which it has taken its name-that torming the Bluff at
Grand Gulf, on the Mississippi River, where it is overlaid by the calcareous silt
of the Bluff formation. The following is a detailed section obtained by myself,
on the spot:
#
(Sec. 33.)
SECTION OF THE BLUFF AT GRAND GULF, CLAIBORNE COUNTY.
C
111
FEET |
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
NO
60
•
to
70
Calcareous silt of the Bluff formation, forming the
billtops.
12
14
15
"Grand Gulf Sandstone," in ledges 10 inches to
2 feet in thickness; stratification often discordaut 11
and curved.
Gray sandy material, sometimes soft sandstone,
with an argillaceous cement; alternating with
harder ledges, 6 to 10 inches thick, of friable,
whitish sandstone
2% Solid whitish sandstone, of good quality.
| 2½ |Greenish-gray clay, with white veins of carb. of lime.
| Soft white sandstone.
| 10:
8
7
1
½ Grayish-yellow pipeclay.
1
| Dark gray, brittle sandstone.
LO
5
d
3
| Gray, semi-indurate, clayey sand.
4
17
Gray and yellowish sands and clays, semi-indurate,
interstratified.
3
3 | Semi-indurate, gray sand.
2 | Greenish gray clay, with veins of carbonate of lime.
1
233. The character of the minor ledges of this section is very changeable, so
that, fifty yards from the precise point where these data were taken, the aspect
of the lower portion of the profile especially, may vary greatly. It is only the
upper ledge (No. 11) which possesses the peculiar structure which characterizes
the "Grand Gulf Sandstone" proper, viz: Grains of pellucid quartz, constituting
rather a coarse sand, imbedded in an opaque, white, enamel-like mass of silex,
1

: 234, 25¹, 2352, 236] GRAND GULE SANDSTONE.
149
It is not of common occur-
which forms quite half of the bulk of the rock.
rence, except near the latitude of Grand Gulf. It appears in a ledge about 15
inches thick, on hillsides at a branch about 2 miles S. W. of Port Gibson,
under!aid by massy blue clay; an outcrop N. of Port Gibson, on Mr. J. C.
Humphreys' land, does not exhibit the peculiar structure of the "Grand Gulf
rock."
At Rocky Spring, in a profile of 30 feet, we find only 2 or 3 feet of the
peculiar rock, and then rather in lenticular masses than in continuous strata,
the rest being soft sandstones, clays, etc., which form the usual material of the
numerous outcrops in Claiborne and S. Flinds; and to describe which would be
endless repetition, the only rule being, that near to the edge of the calcareous
(Vicksburg) strata, the materials generally resemble more nearly those of the
lignito-gypseous formation near Brandon (¶218 ff.) There are, however, in
several localities, strata of considerable thickness, of solid sandstone, hard
enough to answer for architectural purposes; thus at the Grindstone Ford,
where the Raymond and Port Gibson road crosses the Bayou Pierre, a solid
stratum at least 15 feet in thickness, crops out on the bluff, and similar ledges
occur near the Mississippi Springs; the rock being, however, ordinary siliceous
sandstone. Between Terry and Crystal Springs, ledges of white sandstone are
exhibited in several cuts-generally soft, and alternating with materials still
softer; the true "Grand Gulf rock" is found there also, however. It is said to
be very abundant in the heads of the Bayou Pierre in Copiah county generally.
234 Silicified wood is very abundant in S, Hinds and E. Claiborne, as well as
in Copiah; trunks of trees with roots still visible, are said to occur S. of Rocky
Spring. It is in this region, on the Bayou Pierre, that silicified palm wood is
often found; numerous specimens of it have been picked up near Rocky Spring.
It also occurs, however, in Hinds county; a very fine specimen, found near
Spring Ridge P. O., his lately been presented by Dr. W. Thompson; and in
Mrs. Oakley's collection, at Jackson, there are specimens found by Governor
Matthews in the bank of Pearl River, close to the town.
+
Beds of lignite appear to occur in several localities, near Big Black River, W.
and N. W. of Rocky Spring. One 2 feet thick is mentioned by Prof. Wailes, as
being inclosed between two ledges of sandstone, and impressions of aquatic
plants are mentioned as occurring in it. Another is said to have been struck in
a well on S. 11, T. 4, R. 3 W., Hinds county, at thirty-five feet; and another
still is mentioned as existing on Pearl River at Partin's Ferry, Hinds county.
2351 In Jefferson county the materials of the formation appear to be generally
soft (or at least brittle) sandstones, and clays. The strata underlying the town
of Fayette, which crop out a short distance from the place, on the Port Gibson
road, seem to correspond to strata No's 3, 4 & 5 of the Grand Gulf profile; the
fine grained, dark gray, brittle sandstone, on the exposed surfaces of which
efflorescences of salts occasionally appear, is sometimes quite cellular; wells
dug in this formation yield fetid, undrinkable water. In the ridges S. of
Fayette, towards Hamburg, we find chiefly gray clays, which sometimes appear
even on the summits of the ridges, but usually crop out on the hillsides and in
gullies. In several spots they contain veins and concretions of carbonate of
lime, but no fossils.
2352´ In Franklin county, near Hamburg, we find only blue clays in the beds
of the streams, but urther S. & S. W., on the Homochitto and Wells' Creek,
sandstone is found in abundance-associated, however, with clayey strata, to
the mud formed by the disintegration of which, the ridge between the Homo-
chitto and Wells' Creek owes its sonorous name of "Devils Backbone." In
some localities in this region, ledges of considerable thickness and uniformity
occur; the rock from Dixon's Quarry, S. 40, T. 6, R. 2 E., which is of fine
quality, is scarcely to be distinguished from that of Grindstone Ford, mentioned
above; it is almost perfectly white.
236. According to Prof. Wailes, the ledges forming the Devils Backbone are
traceable in S. W. course, with little interruption, to Loftus' Heights, near Fort
150
[237
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
·
•
Adams, on the Mississippi River, where for several miles down the river, out-
crops of soft sandy materials interstratified with ledges of rough variegated
sin Istone, are to be seen; but here, as elsewhere, notwithstanding the good
opportunity afforded for examination, I have been unable to detect even a trace
of fossils.-The Block-house Hill, at Fort Adams, allords the following section :
(Sec. 34.)
SECTION AT LOFTUS HEIGHTS, FORT ADAMS, WILKINSON CO.
| FENT

CHARACTER OF STRATA.
73 Yellowish-gray calcareous silt of Bluff Formation.
I. NO
|
170
87 | Orange Sand.—Yellow, orange and white sands.
Argillaceous sandstone, yellowish-gray in its mass,
variegated with ferruginous spots and veins, and of
different degrees of hardness, so as to weather into
rough, jaggeð surfaces. Traceable to waters edge.
·
The sandstone of stratum No. 1, besides being of unequal hardness within its
mass, is interstratified. at from 6 to 15 feet, with softer, sandy strata, which
o.ten wash away so as to cause the ledges of rock to tum' le down.
Sundstone of better quality occurs in N. E. Wilkinson. on the waters of
Buffalo River, and on Homochitto. Near Mealville sandstone crops out in
several localities on the Homochitto, interstratified with gray clay, and with all
degrees of transition from clay to san Istone, as well as, in one anl the same
block, from the Fort Adams rock to that of Grindstone Ford. Such is the case
at a bluff on Judge Cassely's land, S. 32, T. 6, R. 5 E., where about 20 feet of
these, materials are exhibited; about a mile lower down, according to Judga
Cissedy, a deposit of lignite underlies these strat, in the bed of the river.
On a hilltop about 6 m le due S of the outcrop mentioned, there occurs a
singular deposit of orange-colored cilcareous clay, a special discription of which
is given further on (4296). A few miles W. of this point, there is a quarry of
rock very smr to that of Dixon's quarry and Grin Istone Ford, and S. of it
we fi ud, for several miles, gray clays appearing on the hillsides.
•
237. With th development of the formation in Aurto county, I am not
aquainte l. In W. Pike county, I have seen it only at the N. end of Magee's
cut on the N, O, J & G. N. RR., S of Bogue Chitto Station, where a stratum of
gray lam nitel clay interstratifiel with sin 1. appears, 15 fect thick at first, but
disappearing with a southward dip. At Holmesville, wells of a gre ter depth
thin 20 to 25 feet, str.k. b'us or black fetid clays, in which lignit zed trunks,
and other vegetable remains are said to be found. In E. P.ke county, "blue
dre" is frequently struck in wells-thus at 5 to 10 fest on S. 24. T. 3, R. 11 E.
(Mr. Cɔn »rly's). Further E we find a deep blue, meagre clay cropping out on
the banks of Pearl River, at Pope's Ferry, below Columbia, Marion county. The
!
T238, 239, 240, 241] MARTON-LAWRENCE-CCIIAE-SIMPSON. 151
same material is said to be frequently exhibited on Pearl River helow the Ferry;
the only one I have examined is Burnett's Bluff, near Spring Cottage P. O.,
Marion county (about S 18, T. 1, R. 17 WV.), a section of which is given further
on (¶302). It consists essentially of green and blue clays, of various degrees of
ineagreness, of which about 32 feet are exhibited, overlaid, on the hills, by about
50 feet of gravelly Orange Sind strit. The same materials crop out on the
creeks inlind; an analysis of one of them is given in the place above referred to.
238. Between Columbia and Monticello, outcrops similar to those just re'erred
to, occur with frequency, and high bluffs of the sime appear about 10 miles
above Columbia, near Mr. Ben Barnes', whose interest in the use of the materials
of these bluffs as fertilizers has given them some note in the State. A spécial
profile of one of them is given in another place (¶299); its chief interest is
derived from the fact that one of the strita is strongly impregnated with car-
bonate of lime, which occurs in layers and veins, and at one point seemed to
contin chelonian bones--but the most diligent search could not detect any other
fossil remains-An analys's of this materal is given further on (4300).
On the banks of Pearl River at Monticello, we find a few leet of the clays in
question-the lowest stratum visible being heavy blue clay, gradually becoming
more sandy further upwards, and finally passing into yellowish and gray
laminate clays. Fraginents of lignitized wood, with iron pyrites, occur in this
blutf. In the latter, strong mineral waters are obtained. Westward of Monti-
cello, a ledge of gray ish-yellow calcareous sindstone about two feet in thickness,
is seen in be ls of the creeks, overlying th se clays; an in its turn overlaid by
similar materials, which further inland, form numerous bald, gray clay hilltops.
The same occurs in the ridges opposite Monticello, in E. Lawrence, where strata of
lignite are said to be found, and on the Monticello and Westville road, we find
the gray clay interstratified with small sandstone ledges at two or three
different levels.
239. On the portion of Pearl River embraced in Simpson an' Copiah, both
gray or blue clays, and sandstone ledges, appear in several localities, both on the
river banks and on the confluents. Thus on S 27, T. 9, R. 21 W., on Pearl
River, where gray and reddish gray clay occurs inters ratified with sandstone
ledges, some of which exhibit a dip of about 45 deg. `S. E.-owing no doubt, to
a local fault, since dips in various incompatible directions are repeatedly met
with in Simpson county.--Higher up, at Rockport, a jagged ledge of sandstone
resembling the Fort Adams rock, runs out into the river from Loth sides, for 20
to 50 feet on each, so as to narrow the channel considerably-the surface of the
ledge being about 3 feet above low water, and overla d as well as underlaid by
gray el y, which also appear in streams on the Copah side.
240. On Strong River, so far as it passes through Smpson county, there are
numerous outcrops of the clays, and clayey sands of the Grand Gull Group.
One occurs at the bridge on the Westville and Brandon 10ad--another, and the
best exposure in the region, ison S. 10, T. 6, R. 20 W., near Banks' bridge, and in
Mr. Barber's field. Near the bridge, strata of whitish materials, varying from
soft sand and clay, to sandstone, crops out, with a dip varying from 15 to 20
deg. W.; taking this dip into account, about 110 feet are exposed vertically,
although the outcrop is now here higher than 40 feet. The materials here con-
tain abundant vestiges of leaves, but so poorly preserved as to be generally
irrecognizable; the only form made out with certainty, was a fragment of a
fan-shaped palm-leaf: Hall a mile W. of this spot, in Mr. Barber's field, the
strata are horizontal, lignite and very fetid, their surface being covered with
a yellow efflorescence of salts.
•
241. The materials of the formation in S. Rankin are prevaler tly sandy,
generally white "rotten" sandstones, but yet frequently interstiat fied with
lignitic, and generally very fetid and saline, clays. Outcrops of this kind are
very common on the waters of Steen's Creek, where the saltiness of the clays
gives rise to numerous cattle-licks; in some instances, the cattle have eaten
152
[1242, 243, 244
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
-
caves into the hillsides; and I have found a crust of white salt, 4 inch thick,
formed by evaporation on a ledge of clay in the bed of Steen's Creek. Very
nearly the same phenomena obtain on Campbell's Creek waters; a good outcrop
occurs at Tucker's mill, S. 14, T. 3, R. 3 E.
In one well near Cato (Cox's), a solid ledge of gypsum 10 to 12 inches thick,
imbedded in gray clay, was passed through; most wells have saline and gyp-
Beous water.
242. It has been stated that most of the sandstones of this group, when
exposed to the weather, show a tendency to cleave at right angles to the plane
of stratification; hence such blocks frequently appear in the shape of short
angular prisms, often of great regularity. This peculiarity, which may be
observed in almost any outcrop from Grand Gulf eastward, has in several
instances led to the belief that these forms were the result of human agency,
and this has more especially been the case with a hard cherty ledge of sandstone
which crops out on the banks of a branch some distance E. of Cato, at Mr. J.
Morrison's (about S. 13, T. 3, R. 2 E.) This ledge underlies the entire hill at
the foot of which it crops out, as has been demonstrated in digging wells; at
❤ne point, however, its surface has been exposed to a considerable extent,
forming a "platform" or "pavement," known even beyond the limits of the
County of Rankin. At this point, the bed shows the usual regular prismatic
cleavage; its upper surface is very level and smooth, its lower jagged and
nodular, precisely as would be the case had the indurating (siliceous) solution
attained its natural quiet level in a basin of sand. The fragments of rock fit
each other closely on the uneven and obviously cleaved surface, in a manner
which no amount of human labor could possibly effect, unless on polished
surfaces; besides, a stroke of the hammer produces similar forms on a smaller
acale in any one of the supposed flagstones. It is quite likely that the spot
may at some time have been a resort for the aborigines; since relics of human
art are said to have been found in its surroundings, and tracings on the surface
of the rock; but th: ledge itself is clearly the work of nature.
243. In E. Simpson, and S. Smith, the Orange Sand covers the surface so
thickly that it is only occasionally we find any of the materials of the Grand
Gulf Group. At Jaynesville, fetid black clays were struck in a well 30 feet
deep, dug by Mr. Magee in a bottom; generally, the Orange Sand is not
passed through. The sandstone occurring near Raleigh, and the gypseous clays
found in a well, have already been mentioned (¶227); the strata found are a
mere repetition of those on Steen's Creek. On Leaf River, at Kees' bridge, S.
8, T. 1, R. 8 E., we find a stratum of deep blue clay, covered with saline
efflorescences. In one well, near at hand, on S. 2, same T. & R., the clay was
bored into for 30 feet, some lignite being struck in it. White sandstone, also.
is said to be found in S. W. Smith county.
I have not, as yet, examined the counties of Covington, Jones and Perry; so
far as I have heard, Orange Sand alone prevails there; it is likely, however, that
in the deeper channels, the materials of the Grand Gulf Group may be
exhibited.
244 On the Chickasawhay and Pascagoula River, I have found these materials
outcropping in four localities. The most northerly is at Col. Sam. Powe's, 2
miles S. of Winchester, Wayne county; a locality of the highest interest in the
study of this formation, on account of the well preserved lignitized trunks of
trees found there; not only in situ in the bank, but absolutely on the spot on
which they grew, with their stumps standing and roots imbedded in the ancient
soil, on the surface of which we find the vestiges of numerous successive layers
●f leaves, separated by thin sheets of whitish sandy clay-the results of the
autumnal fall of leaves, and winter overflows. The whole of this remarkable
deposit is covered by about twenty feet of Orange Sand strata, as exhibited in
the following section :
T245, 246]
FOSSIL PALMS AT POWE'S-AVERA'S BLUFF.
153
(Sec. 35.)
SECTION OF FOSSILIFEROUS STRATA AT SAM. POWE'S, NEAR
WINCHESTER, WAYNE COUNTY.

•
FEET.
INCHES
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
18
Yellow sand, with pebbles in its lower portions
Orange Sand.
0
18
White sand with nodules of pipeclay.
1
Black clay with leaves.
3.
10
5
Grayish white sand, with vestiges of leaves on.
stratification lines.
Bluish sandy clay, with roots and trunks of
Cupuliferae, Coniferae and Palmae.
4
3
2
The trunks are prostrate, many of them washed out of their matrix by the
river, and resemble common old logs." They retain their roundness, are quite
light and porous when dry, but absorb water like a sponge, allowing of its being
squeezed out. Two cuts of a common saw will readily sever a trunk 12 inches
in diameter. Most of them are dicotyledons, a smaller portion Conifers; and
next to these, tree palms, one trunk of which was about 8 inches in diameter,
its fibres pulling out of the soft lignitic mass, like those of a corn-stalk out of its
pith. I also found, and followed up, a scaly palm root for about 4 feet. The
dicotyledonous woods found resembled mostly those of oaks and beeches.
+
:
245. Descending the Chickasawhay, we next find a long outer p of compact,
bright blue clay, in a bluff at Mr. W. P. Avera's place, SS. 25 and 36, T. 5,
R. 6 W., Greene county. About 15 feet of this material are visible above water,
overlaid by the same amount of yellow sand, in which silicified wood is common.
Chalybeate and saline waters flow from the stratum in several places, and
according to Mr. A., brilliant metallic lumps-of iron pyrites-are found in the
mass. At Venson Williams', 7 miles below Averas', we also find blue clayey
sand in the bed of the river.
Gray clay is seen outcropping on the hillside at Judge Fairley's Ferry, not far
from Cross Roads P. O, Jackson county; and similar clays appear in the hills
E. of the P. O., where they contribute essentially to the formation of the soil.
246. At Dwyer's Ferry on the Pascagoula River, S. 11, T. 5, R. 7 W., we find
the following section, on the river bluff:
сл
5
NO.


154
[T217, 248
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
(Sec. '36)
SECTION OF BLUFF AT DWYER'S FERRY, JACKSON COUNTY.

4
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
2 | Yellowish, indurate clay-- Flatwoods Clay."
Gray sand with yellow dots, containing particles of
lignite, and crystals of gypsum.
NO.
7
Gray sandy clay with lignitic layers, traces of leaves,
and crystals of gypsum.
3
4 | Blue massy clay, with crystals of gypsum.
2

12
Stratified, gray clayey sands, cleaving into layers
1 to 6 inches thick.
This is the last outcrop observed in this direction, bearing the character of the
Grand Gulf Group.
NEWER TERTIARY? OF THE COAST.
247. It has been mentioned, when speaking of the Orange Sand
Group, that its characteristic strata extend, in several points. 10
within a few miles of the Gulf Coast. It overlies there a forma-
tion partly marine, partly fresh-water, consisting chiefly of gray or
black, fetid, ill stratified, massy clay, which forms the impervious
stratum to which the "Pine Meadows" of the coast region owe
their peculiar features (see "Sea Coast Counties"), and extends
seaward into the Mississippi Sound, where it constitutes the “blue
clay bottom" of the deeper channels, beyond the sands of tho
beach. It is reached at moderate depths along the whole coast,
and renders the water of wells undrinkable, whenever it comes in
contact with the "black mud." Notwithstanding that at Pa-s
Christian, for instance, the stratum is reached at 7 feet, it is but
rarely so exposed as to afford good opportunities for observation,
and the brief space of time which I have spent on the coast, has
not allowed me to search for them, systematically. I shall simply
give, therefore, the data I have thus far succeeded in obtaining,
without attempting to fix the precise epoch which these strata may
represent.
248. On the Bayou Bernard, near Mr. Bell's, on S. 15, T: 7, R. 11 W., there
is an outcrop some 300 yards long, of about 8 feet of dark, bluish-black clay,
which is very tenacious, fetid, and irregularly stratified. In this there occurs a
lenticular mass, about 10 yards long and 2 to 2% feet thick, of white shells
imbedded in clay similar to that which surrounds it. These shells are very
much decayed; we can nevertheless recognize the common living oyster, Õ.
Virginica, which forms their in in mass; adhering to the oysters, we find
occas onal y the common Bulanus (Barnale, of the Coast, together with Mytilus
hamatus, which at present, also, is generally found clinging o the oyster. No
signs of other fossils were found in the clay surrounding the shelly mass.
T249, 250]
COAST PLIOCENE ?—SAUCIER bluff.
155
Wells in the neighborhood strike this clay at the depth of a few feet; the water
being altogether undrinkable.
21) According to inform ition given me by Mr. H. Taylor, of Pass Christian,
shells appear imbedded in both banks of Wolf River, about 20 miles (by water)
above the Pass. This locality I have not visifed.
Lower down. at Mr J. Saucier's, S. 20, T. 7. R. 12 W., on Wolf River, there
is a bluff about 30 feet high, affording the following section:
(Sec. 37.)
SECTION OF NEWER TERTIARY? AT SAUCIER'S, ON WOLF RIVER,
HARRISON COUNTY.
•
20
FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATÁ.
Gray and yellow sand, stratified, more or less clayey,
especially below.
l
2
to Yellowish gray, massy clay.
3
7
8
Matrix of dark gray or black clayey sand, or muck,
inclosing trunks, stumps, roots and knees of Cypress,
with bark and wood preserved. Also a few pine
burrs
2
The whole of stratum No. 1 cannot le better described than as the soil of y
cypress swamp, with its muck, fallen trunks, knees, stumps, etc. Of these
there are evidently several generations, separated by inore clayey layers of inuck.
The fibrous hark of the cypress is perfectly preserved; the wood is yellowish
and soft, but by no means lignitized (cutting very neally like that of the Tupelo
tree', and its structure and shape perfect.
A few hundred yards below this spot, we find a similar deposit, in which,
instead of the cypress, the wood, burrs and decayed leaves, apparently of the
Short-leaf Pine, prevail. It is said that similar outcrops occur further up on
Wolf River. Moreover, Col. J. J. McCaughan, of Rosalie, as well as Mr. H.
Tavlor, above mentioned, state that similar deposits have been found in numerous
wells along the coast; ani that about 3 miles E. of the Pass the black clay, with
cypress knees, crops out on the sca-s ore. It is possible that some of the
stumps and roots observed on the sea-beach, and attributed to the living trees of
the beach, belong to this deposi¹, especially if, as is stated, many of th 'm should
turn out to belong to the Cypress, which at present is not found within many
miles of the coast of Mississippi, however abundant on that of Louisiana. In
several bluffs of Wolf River and Bayou Delisle, we see layers of dark colored
sand, possessing a lignitic odor, which seem to indicate, whenever they
occur. the proximity of the black clay formation.
850. At West Pascagoula, in the well at Mrs. McRae's residence, the following
section was obtained : Ten or fifteen feet of sand, then about ten feet of blue
clay with yellow streaks, then ten feet of sky-blue clay; then a bed of gray,
calcareons, water-be ring sand, containing abundance of shells. Of these, the
few I saw were identical with species now living on the Coast, and their state of
preservation scarcely other than that of the shells imbedded in the sea-Leich
NO.
ON
1

156
[T251, 252, 253
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
:
sand for a few years. The water struck rose to within 15 feet of the surface:
it is a saline, sulphureous chalybeate, too strong for ordinary use; it is very
similar, on the whole, to that of Ocean Springs. The level of the water is probably
by several feet above that of the Sound.
251. Near Pearlington, heavy gray clay crops out in washes on the roadside.
Thence up to Habolochitto, similar strata appear near the surface in several points.
At the latter point, however, in a well dug by Col. Kimball, 40 feet deep, after
passing though some 25. feet of sand and gravel, a deposit of marine shells was
struck, in a gray sandy material. I did not see any of the shells found in the
well, which was dug 17 years before; but Col. Kimball says they were quite
friable.--Thence northward, nothing but Orange Sand is seen, until we reach
the neighborhood of Burnett's Bluff, before mentioned (¶237; 302).
USEFUL MATERIALS OF THE TERTIARY FORMATIONS.
252. Useful materials of the Northern Lignic. These consist
chiefly of Lignite or Brown Coal, and clayey materials of various
kinds, some suitable for firebrick and pottery; others for the
manufacture of alum, and doubtless, with proper precautions, for
manure also.
The extensive Lignite beds of this formation have not as yet
received that special attention and study which their great ultimate
importance deserves. Although in general inferior, as a fuci, to
bituminous, or stone coal, the better qualities of lignite can be, and
are made to subserve, most of the purposes to which the former is
applicable, the most important exception being, that on account of
their softness and tendency to cleave when carbonized, the lignites
cannot be successfully converted into coke.
In its heating effect, as well as in other respects, lignite stands intermediate
between wood and bituminous coal; being in fact nothing more than an
imperfectly formed coal, and showing transitions into true coal as distinctly on
one side as it does into wood on the other. Examples of both these transitions
occur among the lignites of Mississippi; hence there exists in this material, as
may be supposed, a great diversity of aspect as well as of quality, which it is
of the highest importance to take into consideration properly, in its exploitation.
As a good practical rule (not, however, without exceptions) we may say that
the nearer a lignite approaches, in its general aspect and character, to bituminous
coals, the higher will be its effective value. Thus far, the eye of any moderately
attentive observer will enable him to estimate the quality of the material. There
are besides, two other chief points requiring attention, viz: the amount of ash
yielded in burning, and the extent to which iron pyrites, or bisulphuret of iron,
is present; the less there is of both of these, the better.
253. It is but rarely the case, that the whole of a bed of lignite of any consid-
erable thickness, is of uniform quality. Even small fragments often exhibit
great diversities within their mass, and hence experiments on a small scale, on
mere specimens, may be far from yielding results applicable to the whole bed,
unless selected with especial care. The mass of lignites is almost always lamina
ted, i. e., it shows a tendency to cleave into plates of greater or less thickness,
and frequently of different kinds of coal-some being of a dull, earthy aspect,
others brilliant like true coal. This tendency is often such, as to cause blocks
which were quite solid when wet, to exfoliate anl crumble into small flat pieces,
which cannot generally be used as fuel. It is necessary, therefore, in most cases,
to allow the material (which is generally very wet as taken from the mine) to dry
slowly, in stacks or piles protected from the immediate rays of the sun.
¶254, 255)
LIGNITE- DETERMINATION OF ASH-PYRITES.
157
254. It is in the cracks and fissures corresponding to this horizontal cleav-
age that we may generally observe best whether or not any unusual amount
of ash or pyrites is present. We often find the beds subdivided into several
stages, by bands of clay or sand, and the same is often the case with the minor
sub-divisions, or the plates into which, when rapidly dried, lignite will generally
cleave. Of course the amount of ash may thus be increased to such an extent
as to render the material, such as it would be when obtained on the large scale,
unfit to serve as fuel. It is not always, however, that the admixture of an
excess of mineral matter can be perceived by the eye; it may rise to 50 per
cent. and more, and the substance still retain the aspect of lignite; though gen-
erally, in such cases, it is less firm, and gradually passes, through many grada-
tions, into soft lignitic shale, or lignitic clay. These can, of course, be readily
distinguished from true lignite by trial in the fire, where lignite, available as
fuel, ought not to leave more than 30 per cent of ashes at most-not sufficient
to allow of the form of the fragments being preserved after combustion. Few
lignites used on the large scale, contain less than 2 per cent. of ash; from five
to twelve per cent. is, perhaps, the most usual amount. I have thus far exam-
ined but few specimens of Mississippi lignite in this respect; the determinations
prove it to be very variable, here as elsewhere:
1. Compact, massy lignite, from Mr. Moses Bridges, S. 33, T. 18, R. 10 È.,
Chioctaw county. Black, fracture conchoidal, lustrous. Ash greenish yellow,
light.
2. Lignite from Hughes Branch, S. 8, T. 10, R. 2 W., Lafayette county.
Brownish black; fracture earthy, cleavage slaty. Ash grayish white.
3. Same as above, from a locality a few hundred yards distant. Ash gray-
ish white.
4. Lignite from Mr. Vineyards, S. 10, T. 10, R 1 W., Lafayette county.
Grayish black, fracture earthy, with some shining layers of pitch-coal; cleavage
slaty. Ashes faint reddish yellow.
5. Lignite from Spears' Cut on the N. E. & S. W. Alabama R. R., east of
Marion, Lauderdale county. Black, shining; fracture conchoidal, cleavage
laminated. Smells strongly of sulphur in burning; ashes reddish brown,
heavy.
From
AMOUNTS OF ASHES IN LIGNITE.
Ash.
1. Moses Bridges, Choctaw county (¶265), ....4.38 per cent.
2. Hughes' Branch, Lafayette county-(¶263),—1..22.29
''
46
(4
({
3.
4. Mr. Vineyards,
66
({
II..16.22
(T263). .24.20
(C
(
CL
5. Spear's Cut, Lauderdale county.... (¶179), .
• •
.17.28
255. As to iron pyrites, its presence, to any great extent, is a serious draw-
back in several respects. it causes the coal, when exposed to the atmosphere,
to exfoliate and crumble, on account of the transformation of the pyrites into
copperas; in burning it causes it to exhale offensive sulphureous fumes (sulphu-
rous acid), at the same time attacking the grate or furnace to a much greater
extent than would be the case with a coal free from this substance; finally, it
increases largely the weight of the material and of the ash.-Generally it is not
difficult to recognize the presence of this material. It often appears in flattened
lumps resembling cast metal, of colors varying from golden yellow to the pale
tint of Britannia ware, on the cleavage planes of the coal; or diffused through
its iuass, in small rounded particles, or angular crystals, of the tints above men-
tioned. Sometimes, the mass of the coal may be comparatively free from pyrites,
even though the latter may be present in plates or layers in some particular
portion of the stratum, easily separated from the rest; at others, the mass may
be full of minute particles of the mineral, invisible to the eye. In any case, it
is easy to determine the point by burning a sample of the lignite, when not
only the stinging sulphureous odor of the smoke, but also the red tint of the ash,
158
[T256, 257, 258
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
→
may be taken as indicative of the extent to which the sulphureous mineral exists
in the mass. In burning the sulphur is driven off, while iron remains behind
in that condition (peroxide) in which it exists in red ochre or in Venitian Red.
If the ash is white, yellowish-white, greenish, or gray (as is the case in most of
the lignites of Mississippi which I have tested in this respect), or only slightly
reddish, it may be taken as a proof that there is not enough of the mineral to
injure the quality of the fuel, either as to solidity or for other purpos、s to which
it is applicable.
66
256. I ought to mention, in connection with this subject, a simple method by
which Lion Pyrites, or sulphuret of iron, can always be distinguished from any
of the metallic ores for which it is so fiequently mistaken. A most all the tales,
of mines or minerals discovered in this State, have started from the discovery
of lumps of this mineral, which most frequently occurs within the lignitic
formations of North Mississippi, Loth tertiary and cretaceous. The trial usu-
ally given it by persons in the country, is melting it down in an iron spoon in
a blacksmith's forge-adding to it as 'fluxes," not unfrequently, sulstances
which, like blue and white vitriol, sugar of lead, etc., themselves contain other
metals; these, uniting with the sulphuret of iron, form metallic looking lumps
when melted down in the high heat of a forge. Even the pyrites by itself,
however, when melted in this way, will produce a regulus, which is variously
claimed as being zinc, brass, tin, silver, etc., according to the fancy of the discov-
erer. The high heat used in this process, or the addition of fluxes of any kind,
or both, serve only as hindrances in arriving at any definite result; but by
attending strictly to the following direction.s, a certain, and in this State, an
unvarying result will be obtained with all the deceptive yellow, metallic-look-
ing ores found in our formations:
257. Let the mineral be powdered, under a hammer or in a mortar, as fine as
may le-at least as fire as rifle powder, but finer whenever possible. Then let
a small quantity of this powder-not more than three or four thimblefuls-be
spread thinly on a clean iron shovel, and heat the shovel to redness—but by no
means higher, in an open fire, without bel ows or fan. The mineral will turn black,
and then inflame and buin with a blue, sulphur flame, the odor of whose fumes
will be readily recognized. Let the flame burn off quietly, without raising the
fire; when it has nearly or entirely gone-after the lapse of twenty minutes or
half an hour-stir the powder about on the shovel with a stick; crush it if it
has baked together (which it will do if the heat has been too high at first), for
which purpose the shovel may at any time be removed icm, the fire, without
in any manner endangering the result. The powder having been again spread
on the shovel after stirring, oast it for a while as before, until every trace of
flame is gone. The stirring and roasting may then be repeated, and the heat
raised to a full red-though this generally will not le nccessary; for i, after the
second roasting, the shovel be removed from the fire, the powder will at first
appear black, but on coeling will turn red-the shade varying a little according
to the purity of the mineral and the heat employed, lut always between that of
a hard-Luim brick and Vénitian Red; if the mineral has not been finely pow-
dered, the tint may be made planer by crushing the grains with a hammer; and
if the casting has been imperfect, the interior port on of such grains may still
be black or biown; lut if roasted again, will also turn red.
The red powder is simply red ochie; it contains no metal but iron, which, in
the natural mineral, was combined with sulphur.
258. There is another, Lut somewhat slower process, by which pyrites may
readily be recognised by any one. Powder the mineral as lefore, put the low-
der on a plat, moisten it all over with water, and keep it moist for a few
days, in a moderately warm place-say on the mantel. The powder will very
scon taste of copperas, which may also be seen on the sides of the plate; and a
piece of tan-baik (Black Cak or Black Jack is Lest) will rapidly tuin blue and
black, when laid on the powder well wetted.
$259, 260, 261] TESTING LIGNITE-LOCALITIES OF OCCURRENCE. 159
Even large pieces of the pyrites generally will, in course of time, undergo the
same change will burst open and generally crumble into a powder consisting
chiefly of copperas. This change takes place rapidly when the mineral is car-
ried in the pocket, the cloth of which it will soon corrode.
་
259. I have stated above, that good lignites are applicable to
most of the purposes subserved by bituminous coal, except (in most
cases at least) coking (T252). It cannot, however, any more than
the latter, be used in the place of wood charcoal, unless previously
carbonized. It has been usual, in this State, in neighborhoods
where lignite was discovered, to test its usefulness by trying it in
the forge, instead of charcoal, and as might be expected, the results
have been unfavorable. But the fault was with the experimenters,
for the best bituminous coal is well known to be entirely unsuited
to the blacksmith's use, unless when mixed, in small quantities with
charcoal. Thus applied, good lignite will be found to answer the
same purpose; it cannot, however, be expected to perform what
even bituminous coal will not. But for boiler fires, grates, stoves,
furnaces, etc., good lignite is found to be little inferior to stone
coal; compact varieties resembling the latter, are very well suited
also to the manufacture of illuminating gas, and yield a coke suit-
able to all purposes where it is not subject to much pressure, or
long transportation.
260. It requires indeed, but very little foresight to appreciate the importance
of these deposits for the industrial development of the State, It is true that
thus far, taking it as a whole, firewood has been abundant, and will be for some
time to come, so long at least as manufacturers shall employ, as they do at pres-
ent, but a very small part of the productive capital of the State. Should this
condition of things change, however (towards which there is now a decided
tendency), the call for fuel less costly in its transportation—the distance of
which, in the case of wood, will rapidly increase-would soon put these beds of
brown coal into requisition. But even as it is, fuel is already becoming expen-
zive in some districts, by the increasing distance from the forest, and Western
coal, so largely used in the navigation of the Mississippi river, is being bought
at enormous rates in our towns, in order to be enabled to replace the open fire-
place by iron grates, or coal stoves. There is no reason, save prejudice, why
the native lignites should not be used in the same way. It is needless, how-
ever, to expatiate on the importance to any State, of possessing inexhaustible
beds of a fuel little inferior to bituminous coal. Common sense, as well as the
sad experience of older States, teaches plainly how little reliance can be placed
on a permanent supply of timber and fire-wool in any well settled district,
under the destructive and improvident management of this portion of the
nation'il wealth, under which our forests dwindle at an alarming rate, so as even
to affect seriously the climates and meteorological phenomena. The increasing
floods, not only of the smiller streams, but of the mighty Mississippi itself, tell
as plain a tale as statistical data would in ke it, of the destructive sway of the
axe. The forests of Mississippi are fist sharing the fate of their brethren in the
older States, and the years may be counted after the lapse of which she must
draw for her fuel on the coil-fields of other States, unless she should think it
a wiser policy to avail herself of her own.
201, Localities of Lignite Beds.—I shall now give in brief a list
of the localities where, thus far, lignite beds of practical importance
have been observed by myself or others; with such observations ast
may tend to give some light to the miner, on their quality and
availability.
160
11262, 263
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
In regard to the manner of working these deposits, I ought to say in general,
that the roof of the mines will usually require to be supported, more or less,
by wood-work; being rarely formed of materials sufficiently rigid to support
themselves when spanning any considerable excavation; in beds of notable
thickness and solidity, it will be found advantageous to allow a part of the lig-
nite stratum to remain above, so as to impart additional firmness to the roof—
which, with the aid of pillars left standing on the sides, as practiced in coal
mining, will often enable us to dispense with a considerable part of the wood-
work. In some cases, the outcropping bed may be worked like a quarry, but
more generally, galleries and chambers will be necessary-driven either from
the hillside or from a shaft. Attention must be given to the ventilation of
these mines, for both the explosive "fire-damp," as well as, more frequently,
the "choke-damp, (which is very commonly perceived at the bottom of wells
sunk in the lignitic formation), are to be looked for in them.
262. In Tippah county, lignite is found on S. 29, T. 3, R. 3 E.,
at Squire Street's. The bed occurs in a ravine, between two steep
hillcides; its thickness and quality, I have had no opportunity of
observing. It was said to burn well in the fire-place and forge.
According to Prof. Wailes, a deposit of lignite exists on Snow
Creek, S. 7, T. 4, R. 1 E., Tippah county, about 7 miles S. of Salem.
According to L. Harper, lignite exists in Marshall and Lafayette
counties, on the Tallahatchie River. I have not, however, myself
observed, or seen any specimens from that region, save black lignitic
clays, with small seams of lignite. These are abundant in the
Cornersville region, and is quite likely that lignite beds may exist
there also. Lignite beds probably occur in R. 1 E., TT. 9 and 10,
S. W. Pontotoc, as they do in the adjoining portions of Lafayette,
but I have no definite knowledge of outcrops anywhere in Pontotoc
county.
263. Lignite appears, more or less, all along the Yokeney-Patafa
River, and on many of its tributaries, in Lafayette county.
According to information given to L. Harper by Mr. W. J.
Vineyard, lignite crops out at the spring of Union (Baptist) Church,
S. 1, T. 10, R. 1 W. The bed is said to be 8 feet in thickness.
The bulk of the specimen in the Survey collection is grayish black,
of a dull fracture, not very hard, easily crushed, and whitish on
the cleavage planes; it contains thin layers, however, of black,
shining "pitch-coal." Burns with a bright flame, and leaves 24.2
per cent. of ash, of a faint reddish-yellow tint.--The amount of ash
is large, and if the whole mass were of the same character (which
is not likely) it would not bear transportation to a great distance.
It is the same bed probably, which is met with in numerous
localities in townships 1, Ranges 1 and 2 W., Lafayette county,
its thickness varying from 5 to 12 feet; there seem to be, however,
several minor beds above it, which were observed by Mr. Ward,
S. 22, T. 10, R. 2 W.--one 5 inches, another a foot in thickness.
The main bed crops out in branches in Mr. Ward's neighborhood;
at Mr. Kirkwood's, S. 26 ?, a stratum 8 feet thick was struck in a
well at 50 feet; at Mr. Greager's, on S. 14, the thickness of the
bed was greater by several feet. It crops out, with a visible
+
I
¶264, 265] LIGNITES OF LAFAYETTE-YALLABUSHA-CALHOun. 161
thickness of at least three feet, in ravines and in the bed of Hughes'
Branch, on the edge of Potlockney bottom, on S. 8, near Mr. S.
Ragland's. Its fracture is dull and earthy, structure laminated, but
the mass quite solid; it burns easily, with a bright flame.
An air-dried specimen yielded 16.22 per cent. of grayish-white ash ; one dried
at the boiling point of water, 22.29 per cent. A partial analysis of this ash gave
the following result:
ASH OF LIGNITE FROM HUGHES BRANCH.
Insoluble Matter (Sand and Silex).
Potash..
Soda..
Lime..
Magnesia.
•
Oxide of Iron, and Alumina..
.59.24
.trace
.2.52
.8.83
..0.73
..25.79
Chlorine, Carbonic and Sulphuric Acids, and Loss...2,89
100.00
The lignite at this point could be easily worked.
Lower down, a bed of good lignite (thickness not ascertained) crops out in the
bed of the Yockeney River at Price's old mill, S. ——, T. 9, R. 3 W., (see Sec. 20,
T172). Still lower down, on Mr. Isaac Taylor's and Z. P. Dew's land, S. 9,
T. 10, R. 3 W., on a branch of the Yockeney River; thickness and position not
known.
Also, on Dr. J. Taylor's land, S. 30, T. 9, R. 3 W., in the banks of the
Yockeney River; a stratum 2 or 3 feet in thickness, underlaid by blue clay,
which forms the bed of the river, and overlaid by blue sand.
264. In E. Yallabusha, lignite is said to occur in numerous
localities, none of which I have as yet examined. A fine bed is
spoken of as existing on Robt. Thompson's place, 10 miles E. S. E.
of Coffeeville; and another is mentioned by Prof. Wailes, at Mc-
Elroy's mill on Turkey Creek. In N. Calhoun, lignite is very
generally struck in wells, at depths from 20 to 40 feet, but I have
seen no specimens of it. Beds of variable thickness have been
struck in wells, near Sarepta-at Mr. Stacks', S. 19, T. 11, R. 1
W.; at Mr. Hunter's S. 28, T. 11, R. 1 W., and very generally in
the country between Cowpen and Lucknuck Creeks; in Mr. Ray's
neighborhood, T. 12, R. 2 W; it also crops out in the banks of the
Loosha Scoona River, just below Old Town.
At Pittsboro', according to L. Harper, lignite is found in wells at thirty feet,
and sometimes as much as thirty feet in thickness; and a stratum of lignite at
least six feet in thickness, is said by him to crop out about a mile N. W. of town,
which, from his description, would appear to be similar in quality to that at
Moses Bridges', Choctaw county.
265. In S. Calhoun generally, lignite appears to be quite abund-
ant, according to accounts I have received from inhabitants. The
same appears to be the case in N. E. Choctaw, where the formation
resembles closely that on the Potlockney and Yockeney; a bed of
lignite has been observed in the neighborhood of Bellefontaine.
At Bankston, dark lignitic clay, with a vein of lignite, crops out on
a bluff half a mile S. W. of the place; it seems likely that by bor-
R-11
162
[¶266, 267
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
ing, heavier beds of the same might be struck, since they are very
common further east. Thus, at Moses Bridges' place, S. 33, T. 18,
R. 10 E, a stratum of fine compact lignite crops out in the bed of
a branch, the thickness exhibited being about 4 feet. The material
is thickly laminated, does not crumble in drying; its fracture, on
which some woody structure is still perceptible, is of a fine, glossy
black, and will barely make a streak on paper. It inflames less
easily than the coals of Lafayette county, burns with a bright
flame, and leaves only 4.38 per cent. of light, greenish-yellow ash.
This lignite will serve well most purposes of stone coal; even
coking.
At Mr. Henry Wood's, on S. 2, T. 17, R. 10 E, there is an out-
crop of a stratum of inferior lignite, about 3 feet thick, composed,
it appears, chiefly of small aquatic plants; it therefore crumbles in
drying, and seems also to contain a large amount of ash.
At Black's Wells, S. 23, T. 17, R. 10 E., Choctaw county, a
stratum of lignite of better quality than that at Wood's, and 4
feet in thickness, was struck in a well at about 45 feet.
266. N. Winston abounds in lignite. It is found in a stratum 4
feet in thickness, in wells near New Prospect P. O., and E. of the
same on the headwaters of Noxubee. where it crops out abund-
antly in gullies, and is struck in wells N. of Webster. I have had
no opportunity of observing these beds personally, but from the
description given, the lignite appears to be of excellent quality.
Between Sun Creek and Trim Cane Creek, in Mr. Dillon's neigh-
borhood; on Mr. R. L. Johnson's plantation, on the Houston and
Starkville road, and in S. E. Ocktibbeha, W. of the Flatwoods,
generally, lignite beds seem to exist. Near Louisville, Winston
county, lignite has been struck in numerous wells, at depths between
20 and 40 feet; it also crops out at a spring in the neighborhood.
The thickness of the stratum varies from 2 to 10 feet. In some
portions of this bed the woody structure is pretty well preserved,
in others, almost entirely obliterated.
In the eastern counties of the lignite formation, the latter is
popularly termed "black dirt." while the accompanying clays are
usually denominated "blue dirt." If this designation is to be
relied on, lignite must be abundant in S. W. Winston and N.
Neshoba, which regions I have not personally examined. Prof.
Wailes, however, mentions a lignite bed on S. 30, T. 11, R. 12 E.,
Neshoba county.
267. In Kemper county, a lignite bed at least 4 feet thick is
mentioned by L. Harper as occurring a few miles N. W. of DeKalb.
Whether the "black mud" found in wells at Daleville, Lauder-
dale county, is liguite or black clay, I have been unable to deter-
minc. True lignite, however, is found at Marion, in wells, and the
section at Spear's Cut (T179) renders it obvious that a number of
successive strata of lignite exist in the formation of that region.
Those exhibited in the cut are too thin to be worked profitably. Since, how-
¶268, 269, 270]
LIGNITES OF HOLMES-PANOLA.
163
ever, it is likely that workable deposits will still be found in this region, I have
bestowed some attention on the quality, and determined the amount of ash
contained in a specimen from Spear's Cut. When dry it resembles stone coal
rather than the lignites of Lafayette, burns with a brighter flame, and with a
strong odor of sulphur; the ash, reddish brown, amounts to 17.28 per cent. It
contains therefore a certain amount of iron pyrites, which is finely diffused
through the mass, but does not cause it to crumble.
268. I have not heard of the occurrence of lignite in Attala, or'
Leake; in Madison county, however, though not outcropping, lig
nite beds of great thickness have been struck in wells bored by
order of the Rev. J. R. Lambuth, both at Canton and at his resi-
dence, S. 2, T. 7, R. 2 E., near Calhoun Station. At a depth of
375 feet a ledge of rock was penetrated, beneath which, for 46 feet,
the auger brought up lignite, with only an occasional band of clay
(1322).
In Holmes county, and generally along the bluff, from Yazoo to Tunica, lignite
beds seem to appear with frequency; with these, however, I am acquainted
only from hearsay. A bed of lignite, 14 feet thick, inclosed between strata of
green clay, is mentioned by L. Harper as occurring on S. 27, T. 9, R. 4 W.,
Yazoo county, and he states that outcrops of the same occur frequently on the
bluff in Holmes county. In the latter county, there are several deposits which
have been currently spoken of as being of fine quality. One, according to Prof.
Wailes, is on S. 7, T. 14, R. 1E., near Tchula Lake; another "on Funnigus ha
Creek, to the east of the crossing of the old road near Coconover's old stand."
Other deposits in the same region have been mentioned to me; the stratum
probably underlying an extensive area.
269. I have received specimens of iron pyrites, evidently derived from a
lignite bed, from Carroll county, but have been unable to ascertain the locality,
or particulars.-I am not aware, thus far, of the existence of any lignite beds in
W. Yallabusha, although such probably exist on the Yockeney River.
In Panola county, lignite seems to be quite abundant, in the fork
of the Tallahatchie and Yockeney Patafa Rivers, its beds being of
great thickness and fine quality. L. Harper mentions beds of 15
to 16 feet thickness, and of a glossy conchoidal fracture, as occur-
ring on SS. 8 and 10 (and no doubt on S. 9 also!) T. 10, R. & W.,
and according to information given me by inhabitants, the quality
of the lignite as a fuel has already been satisfactorily tested.
These beds, occurring as they do, close to the line of the Missis-
sippi and Tennessee R. R., in easy communication with the city of
Memphis, afford a fine opportunity for exploitation, if the accounts
given of them be correct.
Lignitic clays are mentioned by L. Harper as occurring on Cold Water River,
but no beds of Lignite seem to exist there.
270. Lignite beds of the later Stages of the Lignitic. The only
available bed of lignite I have observed in the lignitic beds interven-
ing between the Claiborne and Jackson Group, is that on Suanlovey
Creek at Garlandsville, mentioned above (197). It is of good qual-
ity; about 2 fect of it are visible above the bed of the creek, and
it may be of considerable thickness.-The lignitic material occur-
ring at Moody's Branch (T204, Sec. 29, stratum No. 2) is too earthy
to be available. I have found chunks of good lignite at a sandy
bluff on Pearl River, about one mile (by land) above Jackson; but
164
[T271, 272, 273, 274
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
thus far have been unable to ascertain the dimensions of the
bed in place. Between the Jackson and Vicksburg beds, the
only deposit I know is that at Vicksburg (T220). The
thickness of the bed, according to Prof. Moore's observations,
does not exceed three feet; yet, from its favorable location on the
banks of the Mississippi River, it might be made available, if it
should prove of good and uniform quality. Of this, not having
examined the sed, I am unable to judge. On the whole, lignite
is not to be looked for in extensive deposits, on the territory
embraced by the marine calcareous formations, indicated on the
map, by the several shades of blue.
271. Upper or Southern Lignitic.-Lignite deposits are much
less common on the territory of this formation, than on that of
North Mississippi.
I have had no opportunity of examining outcrops or even specimens of lignite
from these strata. The localities mentioned in ¶234, in Hinds and Claiborne ;
a bed occurring near Judge Cassedy's, Franklin county (¶296 and ff.) and
another in W. Lawrence, whose precise location I have been unable to ascer-
tain-are the only instances I know of the occurrence of lignite on the territory
of the Grand Gulf Group.
272. Of the useful Clays of the Lignitic formations, I have
already spoken, as far as may at present be necessary or useful, in
connection with those of the Orange Sand. The variety and
abundance of these materials is very great, and they will no doubt
be appreciated hereafter.
273. It may be proper to mention in this place, some local occurrences of use-
ful deposits of the indurate clay or siliceous claystone, which sometimes, as has
been mentioned (165), is found associated with, or rather subordinate to, the
Flatwoods Clay. Generally, this rock forms small, irregular, lenticular masses,
or veins, and is often very hard. It seems that in S. E. Tippah, large masses of
this rock have been found, in a locality which I have not ascertained precisely,
by a relative of S. R. Spight, Esq., of Ripley, The rock somewhat resembles,
in color and appearance, lithographic stone, for which it was at first mistaken;
it will not, of course, serve the purpose, since it is not attacked by acids. It
assumes a good polish, however, and as it is somewhat variegated, it might sub-
serve ornamental purposes, if found in sufficient quantity.
A similar rock, but a good deal softer, so as to absorb water greedily, has been
found in Choctaw county, on S. 23, T. 18, R. 10 E., by Mr. A. J. Worsham. It
attracted attention by the adaptedness of its powder for polishing metals with-
out scratching, even when it had only been scraped off with a knife, without fur-
ther pulverization. The rock would be admirably adapted to hones, but for its
absorbent power, which renders it necessary to saturate the whole slab with
water or oil before using. Varieties of this rock not possessing this fault, may
perhaps be found in the region. It occurs in small slabs or plates, strewed on
the hillsides, where its stratum is, according to description, overlaid by about
twenty feet of sand.
MINERAL FERTILIZERS OF THE TERTIARY FORMATIONS.
274. Ferruginous Greensand of the Claiborne Group-Shongalo
Greensand. The highly ferruginous sand occurring in the rail-
road cut at Vaiden Station, near Shongalo, Carroll county, and
1275.276]
SHONGALO GREENSAND.
165
also in cuts between that place and Rockport, contains a con-
siderable percentage of greensand grains, sufficient to render it
highly efficacious as a manure.
In the two small cuts N. of the deep one exhibiting gray and brown clay
(¶183 ff.), several different materials are exhibited; partly coarse sand, forming
a soft sandstone, containing impressions of sea-shells, partly clay-all deeply
tinged with iron. The greensand grains are apparent throughout the mass, but
most so in the sandy portion, and may be readily observed, especially when the
mass is crushed and washed with water.
The grains are generally about the size of small bird-shot, but
flattened, and of a dark green, in part also of a yellowish-green
tint. The value of the mass as a manure is precisely in proportion
to the amount of these green grains which it may contain.
An analysis of the soft sandstone in the most southerly of the small cuts
gave the following result :
SHONGALO GREENSAND.
Coarse sand, and insoluble Silica.
Soluble (in NaO, CO² ) Silica..
Potash.
Soda.
Lime..
Magnesia.
•
• •
•
•
Peroxide of Iron, with little Alumina.
Phosphoric Acid...
Carbonic Acid.
Water....
•
.36.707
.18.298
1.604
0.045
0.166
1.630
34.377
•
trace.
0.129
7.012
99.948
275. Potush and soluble silica are the ingredients which render this material
of value as a manure, and as such, it would probably be suited more especially
to small grain-oats and wheat, and to corn. It will be found beneficial,
however, to almost any crop, and the only precaution which it might be necessary
to observe in its use, would be to avoid applying it to land badly drained, where
the large amount of iron which this material contains might prove injurious in
wet seasons; and for the same reason, it is not well suited to being composted
with farmyard manure, but ought to be spread on the land either by itself, or
mixed with other mineral manures only. The quantity to be used will vary
greatly with the amount of greensand grains present. In the mass analyzed,
they constitute about one-third by bulk, and of such, dressings of 70 to 100
bushels per acre would no doubt produce an effect lasting for several years;
while mass still richer, such as occurs occasionally, might even be used in the
drill. No overdressing need be feared, so long as the soil to which it is applied
is well drained. The admixture of some lime, or calcareous marl, would serve
to heighten the effect greatly, and would be likely to prevent, to a considerable
extent, injury which might otherwise happen in ill drained land.
The material may be found, no doubt, in other hills in the neighborhood of
Shongalo; when near the surface, it may be recognized by the dark orange, or
rust color which it imparts to the surface material, while the common surface
loam of the country is of rather a pale yellow tint. The same may be said of N.
E. Holmes, where, between Vaiden and Rockport Station, the ferruginous
greensand appears in the cuts of the railroad.
276. The same material exists in N. Attala, not only in the
"Red Hills" themselves, whose soil appears to be formed, to a large
166
[¶277, 278
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
extent, of the clayey materials of these strata, but also in the high
hills bordering the Big Black on the south, where it crops out both
on hillsides, as at Kirkwood's Ferry, and in the bluffs of streams-
always containing more or less of the greensand grains (and
impressions of sea-shells--both of which serve to distinguish this
material from the common red sand and brown sandstone of the
hilltops), which are sometimes washed out and accumulated by the
streams in their sand-bars. forming a very eligible manure-as may
be observed on Zilfa and Poukta Creeks.
I have not, as yet, specially examined the deposits of Attala, nor am I aware
how far they extend westward of Shonga o---as they probably do; they may
generally be looked for wherever the "red hill" soil prevails. N. E. of Shon-
galo, in S. W. Choctaw, these greensand deposits seem to exist likewise; since
it is said that brown sandstone with sea-shells occurs there, and these, so far as
I have seen, are always associated with greensand. The purple tint on the map,
in this region, indicates the probable extent of territory in which these deposits
may be looked for; it is quite likely that they may extend through E. Attala
into S. W. Winston, N. E. Leake, and Neshoba.
277. Calcarrous marls of the Tertiary.-These may be looked
for, more or less, in the whole of the territory. covered on the
map by the various shades of blue.
Among the great variety of materials of this kind, forming all degrees of
transitions imaginable, from the one to the other, we may nevertheless distinguish
two chief classes, in an agricultural point of view; to-wit:
1st. The white marls, which consist mainly of carbonate of lime mixed,
mostly with clay, but often also with sand, and containing but small quantities of
other nutritive ingredients of plants; 2d. the greensand marls, in which the
carbonate of lime is accompanied by more or less greensand grains, and more
usually by sand than by clay. The former are to be regarded rather more in
the light of stimulants, the latter, as true, nutritive manures. [See Agricultural
Report, General Part.] Both classes of marls appear in each of the three prin-
cipal stages of the marine calcareous Tertiary, and it would seem that one and the
same stratum is sometimes developed in one character, at others, in the other; or
portions of one and the same stratum, in one and the same locality, may contain
these different marls in its several layers. It may be said in general, neverthe-
less, that greensand marls are more abundant in the Jackson Group, than in
either of the others. On account of the great general similarity of these
materials in the several stages, I shall not, however, attempt to describe those
of each separately.
278. Of the character of the marls of the Jackson Group in its territory
between the Bluff and Big Black River, I have no knowledge thus far, not having
visited the localities or seen any specimens. It seems likely, however, from
what I have heard of the character of the country, that they are similar to those
of Madison and N. Hinds.
At Vicksburg (1220) we find strata of bluish or greenish green-
sand marl between the ledges of limestone which are quarried in
the N. part of the city; and sometimes, we find the same stratum
composed of soft marl in one locality, and of limestone in another.
The uppermost shell stratum, which appears in the washed gullies near the
summit of the hill S. of the creek, is very sandy, though overlaid by a heavy
yellow loam of a "prairie" character; lower down, however, as in the gully by
the roadside close to the bridge, the blue marl appears rather clayey, its shells
being somewhat less numerous than in the upper stratum. An analysis of a
specimen from this spot, which seemed to be about an average of the Vicksburg
marl, gave the following result:
¶279, 280]
MARLS OF WARREN.
VICKSBURG MARL
Coarse Sand..
Clay and fine Sand
3 700
17.267
Potash.
0.758
Soda..
0.283
Lime.
37.543
Magnesia..
2083
•
Peroxide of Iron, and Alumina.
Phosphoric Acid.
Carbonic Acid (and Loss)..
Water...
4.722
•
D
0.135
30.838
2.657
100.000
167
The 34 per cent. of Potash which this analysis shows, are present chiefly in
the shape of greensand grains. It contains, also, a variable amount of iron
pyrites in minute crystals, for which reason it would be advisable to expose the
marl to the action of the air for some time before plowing it under, whereby a
certain amount of Sulphuric Acid will be added to the above ingredients.
Judging by its aspect and fossils, this marl represents correctly that of numerous
other localities, and will be found a highly efficacious manure for almost any
soil. Its low percentage of inert ingredients renders it suitable for transporta
tion, inasmuch as but a small dressing will be required of this, in comparison
with other marls, in order to secure a fine effect. On light sandy soils, especially
when poor in vegetable matter, 250 to 300 bushels of this marl per acre are as
much, probably, as could be used without fear of overdressing. Being, to &
considerable extent, however, a true manure and not a mere stimulant, much
smaller dressings will be found beneficial.
279. Most of the marls found in the ravines of the Walnut Hills
in Warren county, are probably similar to that of Vicksburg; as
a general thing, it appears that those occurring highest up are more
sandy than those from the lower portion of the stratum, and hence,
heavier dressings of these would be required. The shell marl
cropping out at Amsterdam, on the Big Black River; that overlying
the ledge of rock from beneath which, at Brownsville, Hinds
county, the spring issues; the marl found on Jackson's Creek, S.
11, T. 5, R. 4 W., that at Stewart's quarry, and the upper strata at
Marshall's quarry, are examples. It is probable that in all these
localities, a richer marl could be found at a lower level, in deep
ravines or on the banks of the creeks; and exposures of these
materials may be looked for, more or less, on the whole territory
colored bluish-gray on the map. Their great efficiency in the im-
provement of the soils of this region, has been shown by an experi-
ment made by Mr. Marshall, who has dressed a portion of his land
with a mixture of the (rather inferior) marl occurring between the
ledges of stone at his quarry, and offall from his lime-kiln.
The blue limestone at Vicksburg would also, when burnt, form
a valuable manure (T205).
280. A marl greatly resembling that at Vicksburg, and contain-
ing still less inert matter than the former, though not quite so rich
in greensand grains, occurs in the banks of Pearl River, at Byram
Station, on the N. O., J. & G. N. R. R.; and I know of no locality
སྒྱུ
168
[T280-
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
better suited to the shipment of these mineral fertilizers, of which
several varieties occur here. The following section will illustrate
the condition of things at and below the ferry landing, on the
W. bank:
(Sec. 38.)
SECTION OF MARL STRATA AT BYRAM STATION (COOK'S FERRY)..
+ t
+
FEET
6
CHARACTER OF STRATA.

Calcareous glauconitic sand, bluish, with numerous
shells (Vicksburg age).
1½ Gray calcareous clay with detritus of shells.
Bluish marl, with Orbitoides, Navicula lima, Cras-
satella Mississippiensis, Madrepora Miss., Lunulites,
Dental. Miss., Arca Miss.
NO


T2
1
The following analysis gives the composition of the marl forming the stratum
in the bed of the creek emptying into Pearl River at this point, and also exposed,
more or less, in the river bank itself. It is bluish when wet, but grayish white
when dry; quite soft and easily dug, without hard nodules, and containing a
large amount both of entire shells, and of their detritus.
MARL FROM BYRAM STATION.
Insoluble Matter (chiefly sand).
* •
Potash..
12.308
0.611
Soda..
0.179
Lime.
43.932
Magnesia
1.658
·
Peroxide of Iron, and Alumina.
2.696
Iron pyrites.
1.266
Phosphoric Acid..
0.224
Carbonic Acid, and Loss.
34.720
Water and Organic Matter..
2.396
100.000
The amount of Potash in this marl, it will be perceived, is somewhat less than
in that from Vicksburg, to which on the whole, it bears a great general resem-
blance. It contains, however, a large amount of Phosphoric Acid and of Lime;
the Iron pyrites will render necessary its exposure to the atmosphere before
plowing under.
The middle stratum (No. 2) is of greatly inferior value, although heretofore,
it has been taken in preference to the others. No. 3, the uppermost, blue sandy
material is similar to the uppermost marl at Vicksburg and Brownsville, and
although containing greensand grains also, its large percentage of inert matter
would render unprofitable its transportation to any distance; although, near at
hand, it might be used with advantage on account of its easy accessibility. It is.
this stratum which forms the overhanging bank just below the ferry landing.
Stratum No. 1, which at the mouth of the creek is visible only at low water,
is found at a higher level some distance above, near the bend, and is there 9 to
12 feet thick.
The profile occurring about half a mile above the ferry, has been
1281, 2821
MARLS OF HINDS AND MADISON.
169
given above (T-23.) Most of the marl is of a quality similar to
that of stratum No. 1 at the ferry; some portions (as for instance,
No. 3) are more sandy, and contain very large and numerous grains
of greensand.
The marl could not of course be profitably obtained here unless in quarrying
the rock; but other bluffs containing no rock are said to occur above, and may
be looked for all the way between Byram and Jackson, on the river banks. I
have not as yet specially examined that portion of the river. No marl is found,
however, more than three miles below Byram.
The great abundance and fine quality of the Byram marl,
together with its easy accessibility both by water and rail, render
these beds of much more than local importance.
281. We now turn to the marls of N. Hinds, and Madison,
which differ considerably, both in their aspect and chemical com-
position, from those just described.
The materials mentioned above (¶202 and ff.) as occurring in the cuts near
Canton and Calhoun Station, represent pretty correctly all those I have seen N.
of Jackson. They are generally very clayey—so much so, that they are com-
monly styled "soapstone" by the people. In many instances, these clays would
hardly be distinguished by the eye alone, from the fat, blue or yellowish, lamina-
ted clays, or "blue dirt," of the Lignitic formation, further N.; yet generally,
whitish specks, either of carbonate or sulphate of lime, or both, can be detected
in them, and where they touch the surface loam, its peculiar greenish, waxen tint
betrays the limy nature of the material. Besides, a drop of strong vinegar, or
muriatic acid, will always cause more or less effervescence or "boiling," the
greater or less violence of which serves to indicate, in some degree, the amount
of lime present.
The massy ("joint") clays with only occasional calcareous veins,
which generally are nearest the surface and contain no fossils (in
cuts N. of Canton, and No. 2 of Sec. 26, T203), would rarely be
applicable to any useful purpose in agriculture. Not so, however,
with those which, though otherwise often greatly resembling the
others, possess a laminated structure or cleavage ("come off in
flakes"), and contain fossils; such as, for instance, No. 1 of Sec.
26, near Calhoun Station, in which the large bones were found;
and the material occurring in the washes by the roadside, between
Hanging Moss Creek and Jackson, in which numerous oysters
occur.
The material is exceedingly variable; at times it is a hard gray clay, difficult
to cut with the knife when dry, but exceedingly tenacious when wet; when
this is the case, oysters are the only shells to be found in it, and it could serve
for agricultural purposes only in exceptional cases, though by no means difficult
to pulverize. On the contrary, if a piece be exposed to the sun while wet, it
speedily shrinks and cracks in all directions, and is soon reduced to a pile of
small crumbs, which the next rain melts down into a plastic mass; and if this
happen to take place on a slant, a strong rain brings down torrents of mud. It
is in this manner that many of the R. R. cuts between Canton and Jackson give
continual trouble, and are rapidly widening (203).
282. From these stiff calcareous clays, containing from twelve to
20 per cent. of carbonate of lime, there is every degree of transi-
tión into the yellowish marlstone of the McNutt Hills, with 60 to
80 per cent. of the carbonate; the intermediate stages being soft,
170
[T283
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
yellowish marls, somewhat chalky to the touch, without any visible
grains of greensand, and with casts only of small shells, which are
generally of a rust color, and form a very convenient criterion of
the quality of the marl; for the more of these rust-colored casts of
shells it contains, the smaller, generally speaking, appears to be
its percentage of inert matter, and the better, of course, its adap-
tation to agricultural purposes-all of which may be studied to
advantage in the oft-named cuts S. of Calhoun Station, and in most
of the cisterns dug between Canton and Jackson.
The only complete analysis I have as yet made of any marl of this character,
refers to a specimen from the outcrop at Moody's Branch, at the foot of the
McNutt Hills, N. E. of Jackson (¶204, Sec. 27); taken from stratum No. 6 of
the section quoted. It is yellowish-white, rather loose and porous, contains
little sand and but a few fossils-part of which, however, at this locality, retain
their shells.
MARL FROM MOODY'S BRANCH, JACKSON.
Insoluble Matter (white clay and fine silica)
•
Potash.
Soda.
Lime...
Magnesia.
•
Peroxide of Iron, and Alumina.
Phosphoric Acid..
Carbonic Acid, and Loss.
Water....
37400
0445
0.208
.28.821
1.407
.5.133
0.256
.23.084
.3.246
100.000
The amount of Potash in this marl, it will be perceived, is much smaller than
in the greensand marls previously noticed; but it contains a large amount,
comparatively, of Phosphoric Acid, and as it is, is a very eligible fertilizer,
though not so much a nutritive manure as those before mentioned.
283. I have determined, indirectly, the amount of lime contained in two other
specimens, fair representatives of the marls of Madison and N. Hinds. One is
a yellowish, calcareous clay, splitting in "flakes," quite hard to cut when dry,
containing some large oysters, but no small shells, and occasional crystals of
gypsum; forms a plastic paste when wetted. Taken from a gully in the road-
side, 3 miles N. of Jackson. It effervesces weakly with acid, and the determi-
nation gave:
Carbonate of Lime..
(or, pure Lime....
•
·
17.471 per cent.
..9.804)
Another specimen, taken from a bluff in Mr. Langley's field, near Jackson.
Light yellow, cleaving rather irregularly; feels chalky, and exhibits rusty casts
of small shells; determination gave:
Carbonate of Lime.
(or, pure Lime.
62.780 per cent.
35.230)
This marl is probably quite similar in composition to that of Moody's Branch
(see above), but is richer in lime. Similar marls may be looked for all over N.
Hinds and S. Madison, and may very generally be selected to suit the soils,
according to their lightness or heaviness. As they do not seem to contain iron
pyrites, their exposure to the atmosphere previous to plowing under, will only
be necessary in so far as it favors their pulverization.
The lower blue strata at Jackson--(Nos. 4 and 5, Sec. 27, T204)
T284, 285]
MARLS OF JACKSON-RANKIN.
171
which contain the perfect shells, and are exposed under the bridge
on Pearl River, and on Dry Creek near its mouth, are generally
so sandy, and comparatively poor in lime, that their use for
agricultural purposes would generally be too expensive, unless
they were very near at hand, and it were desired, at the same time,
to remedy extreme heaviness of the soil by the admixture of sand.
The character of this bed, however, is itself somewhat variable, so
that for instance, at its outcrop on the bank of the River near the
end of the road embankment, in Rankin, it is so much less sandy,
and richer in lime and greensand, as to form an eligible manure,
similar in its aspect to the marl of Vicksburg. I have not, however,
as yet analyzed it.
284. With the marls of N. Rankin, and Scott, I am not person-
ally acquainted, except through a specimen furnished by Rev. E. B.
Sims, from a locality near Morton, which resembles that but just
mentioned; and so probably does the marl on Coffeebogue Creek,
mentioned by Prof. Wailes. The marl struck in R. R. cuts on the
upper Potoc-Chitto, in Newton county, has been mentioned above
(1207). Marls similar to those of Madison and N. Hinds are
probably, however, the most prevalent; at least, we find them of
precisely the same character on the headwaters of Leaf and Strong
Rivers, in S. Scott and N. E. Smith-so much so, that all that has
been said regarding the yellow and white marls of Madison and
N. Hinds, will apply equally to those of the region just mentioned.
The yellow calcareous clay in which the large (Zeuglodon) bones occur, in
Mrs. Nichols' field, and neighborhood (207), is identical in almost every
particular with that occurring on the roadside 3 miles N. of Jackson, which
was found to contain 17 per cent. of carbonate of lime, and some gypsum;
materials similar to the marl from Langley's field (see above) occur there also,
and may be distinguished by the same criterion from the clays comparatively
poor in lime. It is probable that greensand marls resembling the lower beds at
Jackson, likewise occur. They should be sought for in the lowest situations
(beds of creeks, etc.), underlying the yellow clay marls.
285. The marls occurring near Brandon (belonging to the
Vicksburg Group-T218, 224, ff.) resemble somewhat, at first sight,
the yellow clay marls just described. But while they coincide with
them in the absence of greensand grains, and consequent poverty
in Potash, they differ essentially in this, that the amount of inert
matter they contain is either very small, or when present consists
of sand instead of clay; besides which, gypsum is entirely absent
from them.
The yellowish-white marls of the neighborhood of Brandon contain much
less sand than from their grittiness to the touch, one would be led to suppose;
the latter circumstance being the effect of the crystalline nature of the calcare-
ous particles. Thus, the rough, yellowish-white, often somewhat indurate marl
occurring at the bluffs in Dr. I. M. Quin's field, 4 miles S. of Brandon, shows
the following composition:
A
172
[T286
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
DR. I. M. QUIN'S MARL, RANKIN COUNTY.
Insoluble Matter (sand and fine silica).
.13.074
Potash...
.0.265
Soda.
.0.031
Lime..
46.222
Magnesia.
.0.614
Brown Oxide of Manganese..
0.067
Peroxide of Iron, and Alumina.
2.722
Phosphoric Acid...
Sulphuric Acid..
Carbonic Acid.
Water...
.trace
.0.058
.34.754
•
.2.050
99.857
A determination of the ingredients insoluble in very dilute muriatic acid,
contained in the yellowish-white, soft marl intervening between two limestone
ledges in the "rock cut" of the old R. R. track at Yost's Lime-kiln, gave only
6 per cent. of insoluble matter, 2 of which were sharp black sand, the rest a
ferruginous, clayey material. The remaining 94 per cent. may be considered
nearly pure carbonate of lime, corresponding to 52.75 per cent. of pure lime.-
The marl used by Mr. A. P. Miller, is of this character.
These marls are therefore to be considered essentially as stimulants, whose
continued application, unaided by other, true manures, would in the end exhaust
the soil. On account of the small amount of inert matter contained in them,
they are equally well suited to sandy and clayey soils; it being recollected,
however, that their great purity renders necessary some caution in their appli-
cation to light soils, in order to avoid overdressing. Thus, on the sandy ridge
soils S. of Brandon, it might hardly be safe to use more than 200 bushels per
acre.
286. Besides these pure, white marls, which are to be looked for
wherever, in that neighborhood, ledges of limestone occur (between
the latter), another material may be obtained, in abundance, above
(i. e. always at a higher level than) the limestone, viz: a yellow
calcareous sand, containing but few entire shells, but many obscure
casts of others; which is seen in the cuts immediately W. and E.
of Brandon Depot.
This material is very variable; the firmer, the more lime it generally contains.
On account of the large percentage of inert sand contained in it, it would not
pay for transportation to any distance; but where it is at hand, it would be a
fine material for the improvement of the heavy, cold soils which occur in patches
in that neighborhood-e. g. at Mr. Jos. Jayne's. For the improvement of hill
lands, where transportation is costly, the pure white marls are, of course, to be
preferred; so also, for composting, de-odorizing, etc.
Outcrops of limestone occur on Richland Creek in several
localities (see below, under Limestones), and they are probably
accompanied by marl. The only marl outcrop on Richland Creek
which I have as yet examined, is at Mr. German Berry's, S. 11, T.
4, R. 2 E., (Monterey P. O.). The blue calcareous sand, contain-
ing entire shells, is very similar to the uppermost marls at Vicks
burg, at Brownsville, etc., which see. Of the gypseous marls of the
prairies of N. Rankin I shall speak in another place, in connection
with the soil of these prairies (see Agricultural Report).
¶287, 288, 289]
MARLS OF SMITH-JASPER-CLARKE.
173.
287. With the character of the marls in the Polkville region, I
am not acquainted; but from what I have heard, they are similar
in general to those near Brandon.
N. of Raleigh, Smith county, at Mr. Austin's mill (1227), we
find marls corresponding in every respect to those at and above
Byram, which see (1280); though on the whole, perhaps, they are
a little more sandy; in some places they contain a good many
greensand grains. The marl into which the pit for the water
wheel is dug, is rather inferior to that which is found a few hundred
yards lower down, outcropping on Shongalo Creek. Outcrops of
a similar character are said to exist on the Okahay, and on Leaf
River; the same marl could no doubt be found under the ledges
of limestone which come to the surface on the lower slopes of the
ridges falling off towards Shongalo and Bowlands Creek, and may
be looked for on Hatchushe and West Tallahala Creeks, E. of
Raleigh, and S. of the "Hog-wallow prairie" region, in which only
the clay marls of the Jackson Group (see above, ¶202 and ff.; 282)
are to be looked for.
288. The latter occur, very characteristically, near Garlandsville,
and generally on the black prairies, or "shell prairie," on both
sides of the Paulding ridge. On the bald prairies S. of Suanlovey
Creek, near Garlandsville, we find all the several varieties of the
white or yellowish clay marls occurring near Jackson and in the
McNutt Hills -heavy calcareous clays with but a small percentage
of lime, and some gypsum; and soft, easily crushed marls, with
ferruginous casts of shells, resembling those of Moody's Branch and
Langley's field (see above, T282, 283), and probably of a similar
composition also. The great sandiness of the ridge soils of this
region would render these clay marls particularly suitable to their
improvement.
Of the marls of S. Jasper, I know nothing personally; they are said to resem-
ble partly those of the Brandon neighborhood, partly the sandy varieties of the
Vicksburg marl-as do those of the same formation in Wayne county. The
country being hilly, they appear only in the deep ravines, and beds of water
courses.
289. In Clarke and Wayne counties, we have a great variety of
mineral fertilizers.
Beginning at the north, we find in the banks of the Chickasaw-
hay River at Enterprise, strata of shell-bearing, calcareous sand,
containing a large amount of greensand grains.
The stratum (Nos. 2 and 3 of Sec. 24, 1901) as exhibited in the town of
Enterprise, is so rich in greensand grains, that notwithstanding its sandiness,
this material would be an eligible manure wherever it is conveniently accessible
and does not require to be hauled to any great distance. It is very likely, how-
ever, that the river bluff below the town, where a large exposure of stratum No.
3 may be looked for, will be found to contain materials of greater purity, which,
for their action as true manures and not mere stimulants, would be of especial
value. Portions of this bed greatly resemble that near Shongalo (¶274 and ff.)
and it is quite likely that the two deposits are connected, in which case, similar
materials might be looked for in N. Newton, Leake, and E. Attala. Sim-
174
[T290, 291, 292
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
ilar beds probably exist on the headwaters of Buckatunna, in N. E. Clarke county.
290. In the S. W. corner of T. +, R. 17 W., we find, on Suan-
lovey Creek, at a bridge, a bed of bluish marl resembling that of
Byram. The thickness of this marl stratum I have not ascertained
-it probably crops out on the creek below this spot also; and the
same marl is found near Quitman; and east of the same, on the
waters of the Buckatunna.
At Quitman, it does not appear in the bluffs of the river, where only a bluish-
black, clayey sand is to be seen; it occurs at a higher level, in the wells at
Quitman, and at Smith's Sulphur Spring, south of the town, where it very
closely resembles the Byram marl, save in that it does not contain (excepting
oysters) any well-preserved shells. It is further seen in branches for several
miles south of Quitman, where it also appears in the banks of the Chickasawhay
River. Thus far the marl closely resembles the blue marls of the Vicksburg
strata, containing a considerable amount of greensand grains.
Further south, at the crossing of Falling Creek, four and a half
miles from Quitman, we find it associated with white, sandy marls
without greensand grains, resembling in general those of the Bran-
don neigborhood (T218, Sec. 30). Of the marls occurring at this
point, the blue (No. 3 of the section) is of course preferable as a
manure. On this creek, and on the Chickasawhay River above
the mouth of the same, marl may be looked for. On Coonupy
Creek, however, and on the Chickasawhay near its mouth, we find
brown clays containing no shells, and of no value as a manure.
291. Southward of Coonupy Creek, we once more come to the
territory of the yellowish-white clay marls of the Jackson Group.
Here, however, I have not met with so much of the stiff clays seen
elsewhere; the marl is more generally of the character of that
from Langley's field, like which it contains many ferruginous or
rusty casts of shells-as may be seen on many of the prairie hill-
sides.
The marl in the banks of the Chickasawhay at Dr. Ogburn's, S. 21, T. 1, R.
16 E., is scarcely to be distinguished from that of stratum No. 6, at Moody's
branch (Sec. 29, ¶204), an analysis of which is given above (282). At Dr.
Ogburn's, the marl is so near to the surface of the ground that it can readily
be reached in pits dug in the field itself; and its effects on the productiveness of
the soil are much praised by Dr. O. The stratum as exhibited on the river
banks, underlaid by brown and red clays, is about thirty feet in thickness.
292. South of Dr. Ogburn's, on Garlands Creek, we find exhib-
ited two strata of greensand marl, corresponding, apparently, to
the blue marl at Jackson, like which, they are overlaid by white
marls.
The strata occurring in this locality have been mentioned above (¶210);
the upper stratum consists of greensand grains imbedded in gray calcareous
clay, together with many entire shells. An average specimen of this marl (air-
dried) lost 11.944 per cent. of water by ignition, and was composed as follows:
¶292, 293]
MARLS OF CLARKE.
GREENSAND MARL FROM GARLAND'S CREEK.
Insoluble Matter (Silica and Sand)…..
Soluble (in NaO CO2 ) Silica.
Potash..
..21.657
..24.224
1.717
Soda..
Lime....
Magnesia..
Brown Oxide of Magnesia.
Peroxide of Iron...
Alumina.....
Phosphoric Acid.
•
Sulphuric Acid....
Carbonic Acid..
0.465
..14.785
2.476
0.403
.13.020
7.751
0.327
0.566
12.492
99.556
175
This marl is quite remarkable for its completeness as a mineral manure in
all respects, containing as it does, large amounts of every essential ingredient
(excepting chlorin, which may, however, be present also); being so constituted
as to be equally well adapted to light and heavy soils, and without any danger
of over-dressing. It is, thus far, the most complete mineral fertilizer I have
found in the State.
It constitutes about two feet of the bluff at the bridge, being the highest
stratum visible below the soil; the lowest five feet consist of a sandy material,
also rich in greensand, yet not as much so as the upper stratum. Both proba-
bly crop out on the Chickasawhay near or above the mouth of Garland's Creek,
and it is possible that the upper stratum may there be found of greater thick-
It would pay well for transportion even to a distance.
ness.
I have received, through the hands of Gov. Pettus, a specimen of marl nearly
resembling that of the upper stratum at Garland's Creek, found near De Soto
Station, Clarke county, on the M. & O. R. R.
292. In the upland prairies between Garland's Creek and Suck
Creek, we again find materials somewhat similar to those of the
McNutt Hills near Jackson (T204); Suck Creek itself has excava
ted its channel in a solid bed of bluish-white marl, which contains
only fine sand and bears no small resemblance, at first sight, to the
freshly dug "Rotten Limestone" of the prairies of Monroe, etc.
I have not as yet analyzed this marl--it contains small grains of
greensand, and while it is certainly very rich in lime, it may con-
tain notable amounts of other useful ingredients.
Similar materials o cur all along on the road to Gen. Trotter's
plantation. At the latter place, there is quite a variety of marly
materials, but on the whole they are poor in greensand grains and
consequently in potash'; consisting chiefly of lime and sand.
The marl in the deep gullies, and the lower portion of the bluff on the Chick-
asawhay River, is most sandy, bluish, and greatly resembles the material seen
on Suck Creek; while higher up on the hillsides, we find outcropping ledges of
soft, yellowish-white limestone (precisely similar to that of the McNutt Hills),
alternating with soft strata wh ch appear to be the less sandy and richer in lime
and clay the higher up they occur; none of them, however, containing any
notable amount of greensand.
293. For several miles above and below the plantation, these and
similar marls crop out on the Chickasawhay River. The further
southward, however, the more clayey and compact they seem to
176
[T294, 2954
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
become, the upper strata gradually descending to the water level
and finally disappearing beneath it, until, at the bluffs above Red
Bluff Station, a material altogether different takes their place, as
is shown in the profile (Sec. 28, ¶212.)
Here we have 50 to 60 feet of a bluish clay marl, almost uniform above and
below, and containing chiefly minute, imperfect shells; no ledges of rock appear
within it, and traces only of greensand grains. Judging from its effervesence
with acids, this marl is limey enough to serve as a strong stimulant dressing,
especially on light soils; it is not so well suited, however, to the heavy "hog-
wallow soil" which occupies the top of the bluff.
294. Lower down the river, the heavy green clay which appears
at the top of the profile (Sec. 28, T212) descends lower, and itself
forms the bluff; it is unfit to serve any purpose in agriculture, and
and shows neither shells, nor effervesence (" boiling") with acids.
Gradually, however, it also descends to the water, and overlying
it appear the white marls of the Vicksburg Group, so closely
resembling those occurring near Brandon, that it is difficult to dis-
tinguish specimens of the two, one from the rock cut on the South-
ern R. R. at Yost's Lime-kiln, Rankin county (285), and the other
from the bluff of the Chickasawhay at Dr. E. A. Miller's, near
Waynesboro', Wayne county; their chemical nature also being, no
doubt, essentially the same.
At the latter place also, the yellowish-white marl generally occurs between
ledges of limestone; nor are even the calcareous sands wanting, which we see
in the cuts near Brandon Depot (T218). The latter also appear with frequency
on hilltops on the west side of the Chickasawhay, in T. 9, R. 7 W.; and in the
streams-as for instance, on Yellow Creek-blue marls resembling those at and
above Byram, appear, inclosed as usual, between ledges of rock. Specimens of
similar marls have been furnished me from Mr. Waldron's place on the Chick-
asawhay, near Waynesboro'.
As a manure proper, the blue marls, which generally contain
greensand grains, are preferable, of course, to the white, which
furnish only lime to the soil. The variety of materials occurring
in this region is so great, however, as to deserve a more special
examination than, thus far, I have been able to bestow on them;
especially in view of the equally great variety of soils, itself owing
more or less, no doubt, to the variability of the materials in ques-
tion.
2951 No marls are found on the Chickasawhay, so far as I am aware, much
below Dr. E. A. Miller's, near Waynesboro', Wayne county. I have not myself
visited the waters of the Buckatunna, but from what information I have obtained,
the beds corresponding to those on the Chickasawhay from Quitman in Clarke
county, to Waynesboro' in Wayne, appear again on the Buckatunna, in a direc-
tion south of east, as indicated on the map, and in the intervening tract of coun-
try, the marl, together with the limestones associated with it, is found in the
ravines and water-courses, and also, where there is prairie, on the hills and hill-
sides. A growth of Crab-Apple, Wild Plum, Poplar, Red-Bud, etc., in the
hollows, will generally indicate the presence of some of these calcareous mate-
rials, near to the surface.
The clayey, gypseous marls of some parts of Hinds, Rankin and
Scott, which are intimately connected, in most cases, with the bald
prairies of that region, will be mentioned in connection with the
¶2952, 296, 297] MARLS OF THE GRAND GULf group.
177
latter, under the head of the Central Prairie Region, as well as
below (3032).
2952. Calcareous Marls of the Fresh-Water Tertiary of South
Mississippi, or Southern Lignitic.-Calcareous marls, void of shells,
and very clayey, occur in limited patches on the territory of the
Grand Gulf Group. These deposits are local phenomena-the
strata containing them either run out beyond a limited space, or
more generally, the material changes its character - loses its calca-
reous constituent, and becomes a simple gray clay. It is not pos-
sible therefore to trace out such deposits from place to place, as we
have done in describing the marls of the marine Tertiary; they
turn up occasionally, any where on the territory of the Grand Gulf
Group.
At Grand Gulf, as the section shows, (Section 33, ¶232), we have calca-
reous clays at two different levels, in strata Nos. 1 and 8; the latter especially,
in some portions of the bed, would no doubt make an effectual manure. But
it is not to be traced at other points of the outcrop, and the same is the case
with No. 1, which is visible as such only at the lower end of the bluff. The
material might form a good dressing for light soils, buts its quality would not
entitle it to more than local importance. The amount of lime contained in the
mass may be judged of by the eye, since it forms whitish specks in a green
mass.
296. The only other deposit of this character and of any impor-
tance, which I know of, W. of Pearl River, is a bed of brown clay
marl occurring at Judge Hiram Cassedy's, S. 1 T. 6, R. 3 E., on
the hills bordering on the S., the S. fork of the Homochitto, in
Franklin county.
It forms a "prairie" spot on a hilltop, about an acre in extent, and consists of
a stratum some 8 feet in thickness, of a stiff, dark orange-colored clay, inter-
spersed with specks of white, limy concretions, which are largest and most
abundant in the lower portion (the lowest 3 feet) of the deposit, where they
occur of the size of a hen's egg, and sometimes larger. The whole of the clayey
mass, hower, effervesces with acids. The spot bears the usual evidence of a
calcareous soil in its vegetation, which consists chiefly of Crab-Apple and a
species of Red Haw (or Hawthorn), and on its outskirts, where the soil is not
excessively heavy, Wild Plum and Honey Locust also; while the other timber
is thin and much stunted. The whole was probably once covered with dark
colored prairie soil, which is now found only in patches; and it is stated that
when the country was first settled, the spot was entirely overgrown with
strawberry bushes.
297. The specimen analyzed represents about the average (exclusive of the
large lumps of lime) of the lowest four feet. It is a hard, reddish-brown clay,
with numerous white specks and veins.
R-12
178
[¶298, 299
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
CLAY MARL FROM JUDGE HIRAM CASSEDY'S, FRANKLIN CO.
The airdried substance lost 6.818 per cent. of moisture at 212 deg. F., dried at
which temperature it consisted of :
Insoluble Matter
Potash..
49.475
•
1.242
Soda..
0.152
Lime..
.13.190
Magnesia...
1.829
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
0.266
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina....
Sulphuric Acid.
Phosphoric Acid.
Carbonic Acid.
Water..
•
5.538
.12.587
0.033 /
0.132
9.555
•
5.876
99.871
The most remarkable feature exhibited in this analysis, is the large amount
of Potash contained in the substance, in the absence of any visible trace of
greensand grains. It is highly probable, however, that in consequence of the
long continued action of lime on the mass, a large part of this potash, as well as
of the other ingredients present, is in an available condition, and that this
material will prove a valuable fertilizer, more especially as most of the soils in
the neighborhood of its place of occurrence, are very light, and in the case of
the bottom soils, extremely so. The large amount of clay contained in the
material itself, as compared with its percentage of lime, obviates any danger of
overdressing; except in rendering the soil too heavy where it is not naturally
very light, by using a very great excess.
The most calcareous portions of the mass ought, of course, to be selected, as
they will pay best for transportation. Experiments on the efficacy of the
material must decide how far the 22% per cent. of carbonate of lime and 1¼ of
potash will pay for the transportation of the inert clay.
298. It is very likely that similar deposits occur in other portions
of the Homochitto Hills. All bald hilltops having a clay soil do
not, however, necessarily indicate the presence of similar materials;
I have observed many, both in the Homochitto Hills, in those S. of
Fayette, and in other localities between the Mississippi and the
waters of Leaf River, in which a heavy gray potters clay, which
does not effervesce, forms the soil and supports a stunted forest
growth, and generally some long grass. It is only when the Crab
Apple, Red Haw and Honey Locust are present in such spots, that
the existence of calcareous marls is indicated. Such indications
are found in the hills three to five miles south of Fayette, where
the trees mentioned, accompanied by the Wild Plum and Poplar,
may be observed in several points on the ridge; and have found
calcareous veins in an outcrop of gray clay in the roads on a hill-
side about three miles south of Fayette.
For use on the small scale, in the improvement of gardens, where the expense
need not be considered, the clay marl at Judge Cassedy's might, no doubt, be
greatly improved by a gentle calcination, which would render most of the ingre-
dients available to a much greater extent than is the case in the raw material.
In composting manure, it will be found valuable in either case.
299. I have no personal knowledge of the existence of any
T300]
BARNES' MARL.
179
similar materials between the localities just mentioned, and Pearl
River. On the latter, as stated before, blue, green and white clays
usually form the material of the strata of the Grand Gulf Group,
which appear to be very generally rich in Potash, Soda and Mag-
nesia, and often in Gypsum; but it is only in one point that I know
them to contain a notable amount of carbonate of lime; viz: near
Mr. Ben Barnes' place, SS. 2 and 35, TT. 4 and 5, R. 12 E., Marion
county.
A high ridge here comes up to the river, and has been washed off into a steep
bluff about 110 feet high from the water's edge. It continues along the river
for four or five miles below, sometimes coming up close to the bank, but gener-
ally at a distance of 200 to 300 yards from the latter, on the west side; its
upper portion being formed by deposits of gravel and sand of the Orange Sand
Group, the lower, by the gray or variously colored clays and loams of the Grand
Gulf Group.
The following is the profile afforded by the strata at the "White
Bluff," on the sections above given :
(Sec. 39.)
SECTION OF “BARNES WHITE BLUFF," MARION COUNTY.

FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
0
20
25
to Yellow and red sand, and pebbles. (Orange Sand).
30
8
C
Gray or yellowish, fine sand, somewhat clayey, and
40 indurate, washing into perpendicular, rounded masses.
In some portions quite cellular, the cavities rusty.
3 | Reddish-gray, clayey sand.
Yellowish-gray clay, almost white when dry, with
6 veins, specks and nodules of carbonate of lime-
'Marl."
20
Sandy clay variegated with pale red and gray-same
as No. 6.
2 | White indurate sand, fine-grained.
7
6
CO
LO
5
6
3
Solid gray clay, with massy cleavage, very fat;
6 contains rounded masses, several inches thick, of light 2
green clay, with white laminæ.
| 1| Blue sandy clay, as at Pope's Ferry, and Monticello.
300. Of the several materials occurring at this outcrop, stratum No. 5 is the
one which at once suggests itself as suitable for use as a fertilizer-more espe-
NO.
180
[1301, 302:
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
cially on the very sandy soils of the region, which are pre-eminently poor in
lime. An analysis of an average specimen from stratum No. 6, dried at the
boiling point, gave the following result :
BARNES MARL.
Insoluble Matter (clay and silex).
Potash.
•
Soda.
Lime.
Magnesia..
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron.
Alumina.
• •
Phosphoric Acid..
Sulphuric Acid.
Carbonic Acid..
Water.
• •
•
•
•
.77.438
0.709
0.101
4.800
1.248
0.316
•
2.989.
6.449
0.111
trace
•
3.372
2.554
•
100.197
The large amount of inert matter contained in this material, would prevent
its transportation to any considerable distance, on account of the considerable
quantity required for an effective dressing. But to the sandy lands of the
neighborhood, its application will, no doubt, prove both beneficial and profitable.
It crumbles readily on exposure, in a pile, to the atmosphere, but contains no
pyrites to render any lengthy exposure necessary. No fears need be entertained
of overdressing, unless the application be carried to such an excess as to render
the soil too clayey-which is not likely to happen.
301. Here, as elsewhere in this formation, the calcareous character of the
stratum does not appear to be contiuned to any great distance. About half a
mile below the bluff, we find at the water's edge a gray clay similar to that of
stratum No. 5 of the section, but instead of containing the lime in minute
specks and streaks, the latter occurs in solid veins or plates to ½ inch thick,
while the mass of the clay contains none and is not, therefore, suitable as a
fertilizer. Lower down still, at the "Red Bluff," on S. 12, T. 4, R. 12 E.
(which is considerably higher than the "White Bluff," the Orango Sand strata
superimposed upon those of the Grand Gulf Group beiug 140 to 150 feet in
thickness), we find no trace of calcareous veins in the gray clays into which
the creek has cut its channel in the lower portion of its course.
It is stated, however, by Mr. Barnes, that singularly favorable effects were
produced, in experiments made by him on a small scale, by the use, as a fertil-
izer, of a grayish, sandy material obtained at the "Red Bluff," and resembling,
in its aspect, that of stratum No. 7 of the "White Bluff." I have not myself
seen this material in place; specimens handed me by Mr. Barnes do not effer-
vesce with acid, but a qualitative analysis showed it to contain an unusual
amount of Potash, for the presence of which I cannot account satisfactorily,
since there is no trace of greensand in the mass. Future examinations must
decide this point. It is to be regretted, that Mr. Barnes' experiments with
these fertilizers were not made on a larger scale; but the analysis shows good
reason to expect the favorable results reported by him.
It seems very likely, that other deposits of calcareous marls may
be found in this region, and in the Lenoir Settlement, lower down.
302. It is stated that bald hilltops, overgrown with Red Haw.
Crab Apple, Locust, etc., exist in east Lawrence county, but I have
had no opportunity of verifying the fact.
.....
9302]
BURNETT'S BLUFF.
181
There can be no doubt that locally, a good many of the materials
of this formation might be employed in the improvement of soils,
even where they cannot properly be considered as marls in the
usual acceptation of the term provided only, they be convenient
to the tract where they are to be used. The soils of S. E. Missis-
sippi show very generally extremes of heaviness and lightness; and
whenever the increased facilities of communication shall be such
as to render practicable the more costly methods of improvement
in the soils of particular localities, the materials of this formation
will be called in requisition in preference to others which would not
serve the double purpose of a chemical and mechanical manure. [See
Agr. Rept., Gen. Pt.] As an example of a material which, though
not suitable for transportation to a distance, would form an emi-
nently useful addition to any soil to which it could be conveniently
applied, I subjoin the analysis of a green loam forming part of an
outcrop, a section of which is given below.
(Sec. 40.)
SECTION AT BURNETT'S BLUFF, MARION COUNTY.

FEET.
CHARACTER OF STRATA.
4 Orange Sand with pebbles; hilltops about 50 feet more.
7 Gray massy clay, very fat.
4 Greenish-gray, clayey sand.
15 Bluish-gray, fat, massy clay.
|
5 Loose green loam, without coarse sand.
1
The air-dried material of the lowest stratum (No. 1) lost, on ignition, 4.967
per cent. of moisture, and gave the following result :
GREEN LOAM FROM BURNETT'S BLUFF, MARION COUNTY.
Insoluble Matter (clay and silex).
Potash
Soda...
Lime..
Magnesia..
Brown Oxide of Manganese
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina....
Phosphoric Acid.
Sulphuric Acid.
.83.691
0.827
0.268
0.793
1.053
0.223
4.394
8.347
0.148
0.022
99.761
NO.
5
4
3
182
[1303¹, 303, 304
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
This loam (which was instinctively, from its aspect, considered "rich" by the
inhabitants), would from its physical, no less than its chemical constitution,
form an acceptable addition to any soil; while the upper strata, which seem to
differ from it mainly in the amount of clay which they contain, could be profit-
ably employed, where convenient, for the improvement of very light soils. And
under similar circumstances, no doubt such materials as those at Monticello,
Pope's Ferry, Avera's, etc. (¶ 237, 238, 245) would be equally useful.
303¹. At Dwyer's Ferry, S. 11, T. 5, R. 7 W., Jackson county,
materials occur which no doubt could be used with great advantage
on the poor soils of that region (T246, Sec. 39). They contain
large amounts of gypsum, and probably other fertilizing substan-
ces—I have not, however, had time to give them a special examin-
ation.
The fertilizers occurring in the formations near the sea-coast, are mentioned in
the special description of that region, as well as above (¶¶248,249).
3032. GYPSUM, or Plaster of Paris.-The occurrence of this sub-
stance on the territory of the several lignitic stages of the Tertiary,
as well as that on the Jackson and Vicksburg Groups, has been
repeatedly mentioned. It is usually found in crystalline plates,
rosettes, or lenticular masses, 1-20 of an inch to 2 inches in thick-
ness; but I have not thus far seen it in independent deposits
sufficiently large to warrant exploitation of the plaster as such;
although it is very likely that such deposits do exist, and if so,
they would be of high value in agriculture. In most cases, the
mineral is intermixed in small crystals or thin sheets, with clayey
materials, so as to be available only in connection with these;
forming gypseous marls, whose agricultural value is only thus far
inferior to that of pure plaster, as they will not bear transporta-
tion so well. Some of them, however, undoubtedly contain other
valuable ingredients besides gypsum, and it is possible that not a
few of the lignito-gypseous materials found in S. Carroll, Attala,
Leake, Holmes and N. Madison (180, 183, 187), as well as in
Hinds, Rankin and Scott, will prove valuable fertilizers.
I have not, however, thus far given as much attention to their investigation as
to that of the more generally important "calcareous" marls, and greensands; an
analysis of one of them will be found in the Agricultural Report, under the
head of the "Central Prairie Region," whose gypseous prairies owe their exist-
ence to the gypseous clay marls. Other data concerning their occurrence are
given in ¶¶ 215 to 219, 231, 233, 241, 246. The largest masses of pure gypsum
on selenite, of whose occurrence I am aware, have been found in wells near Cato,
Rankin county (¶241-a ledge from ten to twelve inches thick); in the railroad
cut near Clinton (crystalline masses one to two inches thick and of a square-foot
surface); on the gypseous prairies of W. Hinds (Wailes); in Dr. Galloway's
well, near Kosciusko (187), and on the Pelahatchie near Mr. J. Parker's (125).
304. LIMESTONES OF THE MARINE TERTIARY.-Limestones suitable
for lime-burning, as well as for building purposes, are chiefly found
on the territory of the Vicksburg Group. The limestones, or
rather, indurate marls occasionally found within the two other
groups, are generally too soft for building purposes, and not nearly
as pure as the hard blue limestones of the Vicksburg Group.
The only locality known to me on the territory of the Claiborne Group, wheré
9305]
VICKSBURG LIMESTONE.
183
any solid limestone occurs, is that on Falling Creek, 4½ miles S. of Quitman,
Clarke county; so far as I have seen it, however (T195, Sec. 26), it is very
sandy, and would make lime suitable only for mortar, and for agricultural
purposes. It may be found of greater purity at other localities on that stream.
Nor are the marls of this group of sufficient purity to serve as materials for
lime-burning.
The same is true of the limestones of the Jackson Group. The indurate
marl of the McNutt Hills does not resist the weather, and would make very
inferior lime for all except agricultura purposes; and the same holds true of
the limestones occurring on the Chickasawhay near Trotter's Plantation, Clarke
county. It is probable, however, that not a few of these materials will be found,
when properly burnt, to possess hydraulic properties—a point I have not as yet
investigated, but which, from the frequency with which cisterns are used on the
territory of this group, possesses a special interest. Marls like those at Moody's
Branch (204), Langley's field, and many of those of Madison, N. Smith, N.
Jasper, and S. Clarke, approach very nearly in their composition, to hydraulic
limestones; and the same is true of the marl of Vicksburg, and those resemb-
ling it.
305. Some of the limestones of the Vicksburg Group are of
considerable purity; thus, that at Yost's lime-kiln, Rankin connty,
contains only about five per cent. of impurities (see below) which
are the less injurious to the quality of the product, as they consist
of sand rather than clay. The limestone ledges always occur
interstratified (alternating) with marl strata, the thickness of both
varying from 1 to 6 feet; the limestone ledges are generally the
thickest, ordinarily 2 or 4 feet. The limestone at Vicksburg,
(220) whose quality as a building stone and flagstone has been
sufficiently tested,* is less pure than that found in Hinds and
Rankin; yet it will, if not overburnt, yield a lime suitable for all
ordinary purposes, except, perhaps, whitewashing. A partial
analysis of the rock as obtained from the quarry in the northern
part of the town of Vicksburg, gave the following result :
VICKSBURG LIMESTONE.
Carbonate of Lime.
Sharp Sand..
Other Impurities.
..87.808
..0.207
11.985
100.000
1 cwt. of limestone will, according to this analysis, yield about 61 pounds of
burnt lime, containing between 11 and 12 lbs. of impurities. Among the latter,
*The durability of the rock is greatly increased, if care be taken to place it
in its natural position, so as to place the stratification lines horizontally and not
vertically; in other words, if the slabs be placed "flat" and not "on edge." In
many of the stone walls and paving stones of Vicksburg, it will be noted that
wherever the rock has been placed on edge, it has split up and crumbled off
("exfoliated") to a much greater extent, than is the case where it was placed on
the broad side. In old walls especially, the rocks placed on edge might be
distinguished at a distance, by their forming recesses, as it were, below the
surface of the others.-The greater permeability of the rock to water in the
direction of its cleavage, than at right angles to the latter, explains this
phenomenon.
184
[T306, 307, 308
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
however, the eye, and still better the lens, detects a considerable amount of
greensand grains, which will render the product especially valuable for agricul¹-
tural purposes.
306. Whether or not the limestone occurring at Old Fort St. Peters, above
Vicksburg, on the Yazoo, resembles the Vicksburg rock in this respect, I am not
informed. It appears that in this locality, the ledges are heavier than at
Vicksburg, so that blocks of considerable size can be obtained.-The clay seams
mentioned as overlying the best of the rock at Vicksburg (T220), seem to
accompany the same pretty generally, and may serve as a convenient landmark
in opening quarries. It would seem that lime might be manufactured to great
advantage at several points in the Walnut Hills, on the Yazoo River, where
timber is so abundant; and so near to the great highway of the West, at all whose
ports are annually landed immense quantities of lime, transported at enormous
expense from Portland, Maine, to be distributed and consumed in the valley of“
the Mississippi.
I am not aware that any limestone appears on the Big Black, in Warren or
Hinds counties; it would seem that such must be the case at some point E. and
N. E. of Vicksburg, although it might be covered at present by the surface
materials.
307. The rock occurring in the town of Brownsville (1221) is
rather impure, but would yield lime suitable for mortar, and
agricultural purposes.
Of the limestone occurring on Baker's Creek, below Bolton's
Depot, I have not seen any specimen, nor am I aware of the thickness
or character of the strata, which are, no doubt, a continuation of
those at Steward's quarry, 3 miles W. of Clinton, and could prob-
ably be found at corresponding depths in other localities. The
rock at Steward's quarry is purer than that at Vicksburg, and
well suited for building purposes, as well as for lime burning, being
very similar to that of Yost's Lime-kiln. The same is true of most
of the rock at Marshall's Quarry; that occurring near the former
residence of Mr. Long; and 3 miles S. of Byram, on the R. R.
At the latter place, it does not, however, form solid ledges, but
strata of disjointed, cavernous blocks; which circumstance, while-
rendering it less valuable as a building stone, in no way impairs
its quality for lime-burning. The stratum can no doubt be found
in many other localities, and with the exception of N. E. Tishomin-
go, I know of no region in the State so well supplied with this
useful material, and so accessible on all sides, as that lying S. of
the Southern R. R., between Brandon and Bolton, and indicated
on the map by the pale bluish gray.
308. At Byram Station itself, as shown in the profile (T280), no
limestone occurs, but only soft marls. But within a mile above,
the ledges of rock represented in Sec. 32 (T223), cropping out on
the banks of the river, offer a fine opportunity of obtaining, not
only good limestone, but also very durable building stones, at the
same time with the first quality of marls:
The smooth, water-worn surfaces of the rock in ledges Nos. 2, 4 and 6,
plainly show that it is not likely to give way under atmospheric influences alone.
Considering in general, the great resistance of these limestones to decay, which
may be seen abundantly illustrated at their outcrops, it is much to be regretted
that the soft, easily decaying sandstone of S. Hinds should have altogether
superseded it in the erection of public buildings at Jackson.
4309, 310]
LIMESTONE OF RANKIN.
185
309. From Byram, the limestone may be traced in occasioual
outcrops to the neighborhood of Braudon, where it appears at
numerous localities, generally capping the hills (as on A. P. Miller's,
Jos. Jayne's and Rev. D. A. Campbell's land,) forming a belt run-
ning N. E. and S. W.
There are here also, however, several ledges of hard limestone, separated
from each other by strata of white marl (¶218). The heaviest stratum, which
appears at the same level in several localities in the neighborhood, occurs at
Yost's lime-kiln. This stratum is composed of two ledges, separated only by
a thin sheet of soft material; the upper ledge, about two feet in thickness,
consists of disjointed blocks, very jagged and rough, and its cavities filled with
red clay from the surface. The lower ledge is solid, and 2% to 3 feet thick;
it is blue internally, but yellowish on the outside, there being, however, no
essential difference between the portions so colored. An analysis of a specimen
of this rock, taken from the lower ledge, gave the following result:
LIMESTONE FROM YOST'S LIME-KILN, RANKIN COUNTY.
Insoluble Matter (chiefly fine Sand....
Lime...
Magnesia..
Peroxide of Iron, and Alumina
Phosphoric Acid..
Carbonic Acid.
Water...
•
.
•
2.029
52.474
.0.667
2.125
.0.075
.41.529
1.100
99.924
One cwt. of this limestone will therefore yield about 57 pounds of lime, of
which about 4½ lbs. are impurities.
310. The lime made from this rock, when properly burnt, slakes well, and is
suitable for all purposes. It has, nevertheless, been thought to be greatly inferior
to the imported-to make the mortar less firm, and not to admit of as large an
admixture of sand. There is not, in the nature of the material, any reason
why this should be so; but I have perceived abundant cause for these effects,
in the manner in which the burnt product is often managed. It has been
allowed, after burning, to lie on the ground in piles, in open sheds, and has thus
been sold in small quantities, after having lain for weeks and even months.
Under such circumstances, the purest and strongest lime will rapidly become
useless, for it is thus afforded an opportunity of returning to the same condition
from which it was originally changed by burning, and in consequence, it loses
its property of hardening when used as mortar. When burnt lime is thus
allowed to become airslaked, it increases considerably both in weight (more than
one third) and volume; so that the purchaser not only buys a worthless article,
but also pays for it higher by giving the same price which he would have paid
for the freshly burnt product.
Burnt lime, in order to preserve its fitness for use in mortar, must be kept
from contact with the air as much as possible. It ought therefore to be barrelled
or boxed immediately, if destined for sale or transportation; and not as apples
er oranges are, simply in order to keep them together, but tightly, like flour, etc.
When, however, a kiln of lime has been burnt for use on the spot, and it be
inconvenient to use it at once, it may be kept with perfect security and without
danger of deterioration, by slaking it in the same manner as though it were to
be converted into mortar at once, but afterwards letting it off from the slaking-
pan into a pit in the ground. After a time the lime settles, leaving the super-
fluous water on top, which as far as practicable may be drawn off; after which,
the pasty lime is covered over with sand to the depth of several inches.-Pure

186
[T311, 312, 113¹, 3132
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
2
lime even improves by being thus kept for a time; but the process is not advis-
able with very impure lime, such as that made of the Rotten Limestone (T149).
311. Most of the hard limestone occurring in the Brandon
neighborhood is of the same character as that of which the analysis
is given above.
to
Besides being found on the belt mentioned above (¶309), it occurs also due
S. of Brandon, near Dr. Parker's, in a little branch on S. 27, T. 5, R. 3 E.; the
ledge is not, however, as thick as the one at Yost's kiln, and belongs to a lower
level. At a lower level still, on Richland Creek, S. 34, T. 5, R. 3 E., there is an
outcrop similar to the one mentioned. These strata do not, however, appear
be always continuous, so that the rock is not necessarily found in one hill at the
same level at which it occurs in the one opposite. Limestone precisely similar
to that at Yost's kiln, was found in Mr. Ware's well, E. of Brandon, at about
40 feet; and again, we find it overlying the marl at Dr. Quin's (see above, ¶285).
Dr. Q. has used the rock for lime-burning, and finds it to produce an excellent
article.
312. The same limestone occurs, no doubt, further on in a S. E.
direction, about Polkville. It is found again in the neighborhood
of Raleigh, and crops out on the slopes of the ridges, towards
Shongalo Creek, N. E. of Raleigh; the ledges so far as I have
seen, are of less thickness than in Rankin, and on the whole, less
pure the marl character prevailing over that of the limestone.
On the ridge between Shongalo and Bowland's Creek, the rock
also crops out, giving rise to terraces on the hills; that which
I have seen there, is very rich in greensand grains, and would
probably answer better for agricultural, than for architectural
purposes.
313¹. I am not aware whether or not any hard limestone occurs
on the territory of the Vicksburg Group in S. Jasper, but it is
very likely that such is the case, for we see it in Wayne county, if
not as abundantly, or generally speaking, of equal purity with
that of Rankin and Hinds, nevertheless affording abundant oppor-
tunity for the manufacture of quicklime, of good quality. Here as
elsewhere, the hard blue or gray limestone is to be preferred to
any of the softer and yellowish materials; nevertheless, the pure
white marls (294) might, if necessary, be used for the purpose.
Blue limestone is found on the Chickasawhay River, at, and för
some distance above, Dr. E. A. Miller's place, near Waynesboro';
on Limestone Creek, both at its mouth and further up; on Yellow
Creek, in ledges of inconsiderable thickness, interstratified with
blue marl; on Cakchey's mill Creek, and others. It is also found
on the Buckatunna, S. E. of the localities mentioned. The soft
yellowish limestone underlying the prairies and forming bald hill-
tops, in this region, is generally better suited to agricultural, than
to architectural purposes.
3132. BUILDING STONES.-With the exception of the limited
deposits of variegated aluminous sandstone occurring at Reeve's,
and on Muddy Creek, in Tippah (T168), no hard rocks but those
belonging to the Orange Sand (¶11, 56) occur in quantities useful
for building purposes, on the territory of the Northern Lignitic
formation.
1314]
THE
BUILDING STONES-WATERS OF THE TERTIARY.
187
The localities thus far observed of the sandstones and claystones
of the Siliceous Claiborne stage, have been mentioned above (T188,
1902).
These rocks are generally very durable, where they are not too
soft from the first.
The limestones of the calcareous Tertiary, some of which are of
excellent quality as building stones, have been spoken of above
(T304 to 414).
The gray and white sandstones of the Grand Gulf Group, whose
chief localities of occurrence have already been given, (232 to 236;
242), would, so far as their obvious physical properties, their fre
quency of occurrence, and their mass is concerned, form a very
eligible and highly valuable building material, but for the draw-
backs already referred to (T231), viz: their want of durability
when exposed above ground.
In numerous instances their gradual softening has been owing, no doubt, to
the amount of salts they contain, which in some regions (Campbell's Creek,
Steen's Creek, Rankin county, 241), continually effloresce on their surface,
and finally reduce them to powder. In others, however (and particularly at
the Capitol at Jackson), the chief cause of their decay has been the presence of
small concretions of iron pyrites, whose oxidation or vitriolescence causes partly
rusty spots, which, though softer than the rest of the mass, serve mainly to
mar the appearance of the surface; partly, by the swelling consequent upon this
process, breaks out fragments, and rends open large sized blocks; thus serious-
ly endangering the security of buildings. The acrid, inky taste of the spots
where this process is going on, will readily show to any palate the presence of
copperas.
Two simple practical rules to be observed in the use of this rock, result from
the above considerations. Firstly, the use of any rock or portions of rock,
where the brilliant, golden-yellow particles or lumps of the iron pyrites may be
observed, or where on surfaces naturally exposed, the rust spots indicate its
presence, ought to be strictly avoided. Secondly, the rock when used ought to
be protected against the action of air and moisture, by a good coating of linseed
oil, soluble glass, varnish or the like; and the same means may be employed
to arrest the process of decay where it has already commenced.-It also
follows, that when the rock is used in works little exposed to the action of the
atmosphere, and changes from wet to dry (as in foundations, etc.), there is less
danger of a change in its mass.
314. WATERS OF THE TERTIARY FORMATIONS.-a. Waters of the
Lignitic Groups.-It is but rarely that waters derived essentially
from the strata of any of the lignitic stages of the Tertiary,
possess that degree of purity which would characterize them as "free-
stone waters." Those derived from the materials of the Grand
Gulf Group are almost without exception, mineral waters proper;
i. e. sufficiently strong to be recognized at once by the taste, and in
the majority of cases, unfit for constant and daily use. In a less
degree in general, this is the case also with those derived from the
Lower or Northern Lignitic Group, and from the minor lignitic
stages of the Tertiary generally. It is, ordinarily, only where
yellow sands enter largely into the composition of the strata of the
Northern Lignitic Group (as is the case most frequently where
188
3315. 316
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
lignite beds occur) that we find in them springs or wells whose
water is but so slightly contaminated with the salts which charac-
terize all more or less. as not to interfere with the ordinary uses of
well and spring water.
315. It cannot, therefore, be surprising, in view of the extensive
territory occupied, more or less, by these formatious, that mineral
springs and wells should be reported from all quarters of the State;
their inconvenient abundance being such, that in extensive regions
a draught of pure water can be obtained only from cisterns and
streams, and that the former are of necessity used, notwithstanding
the abundance of water to be found in wells. Were it not for the
superincumbent beds of the Orange Sand formation, whose very
general distribution over the surface has so often been noticed, and
which afford the purest of water, even though often at inconvenient
deptl:s, the State of Mississippi would find itself in great st: aits as
regards the quality of its waters.
For however acceptable may be the presence of mineral waters here and
there, yet their universal prevalence, to the exclusion of pure water, is scarcely
less undesirable on the land than it is to the mariner at sea, when he finds him-
self deprived of all but the ocean brine wherewith to slake his thirst. We might
as well attempt to substitute the drugstore for the provision market; and it is
not a little singular, that such a vast number of persons, who religiously eschew
to the last extremity the help of a physician, through distrust of medicines,
should not only willingly, but eagerly, be dosing themselves, day after day, with
natural solutions of the very substances which, if coming from the drugstore,
they would not admit within their gates. It would, probably, be difficult to
find, on either continent, any region where the abuse of mineral waters is
carried to a greater extreme, than is the case in some portions of the State of
Mississippi--on the ground, very generally, that these waters are supposed to be
'Natures own remedy;" though on precisely the same principle, it would be
competent to the house-wife to use poison hemlock instead of celery, or the
natural white arsenic in the place of salt.
316. I shall give specially, in the Agricultural Report, the numerous localities
at which mineral waters occur, and the analyses I have made; a few general
remarks on their character ought, however, to find their place here.
Sulphuretted hydrogen, and a certain amount of Carbonic Acid,
are very generally present. An ingredient common to all the
waters of the lignitic formation which I have examined, is common
salt or Chloride of Sodium, Glaubers salt; or Sulphate of Soda, is
also very common. Potash, in the form of Carbonate or Sulphate,
is rarely wanting. But the universally prevalent characteristic of
these waters, to which they most frequently owe their injurious
effects on health by causeless and constant use, is Magnesia in some
form-the Sulphate or Chloride, or both. Next to this, the salts of
Lime-commonly the Sulphate, but often the Chloride; with more
or less of the Bicarbonates of both Lime and Magnesia, form the
usual ingredients. A trace of Iron is always present; in numerous
instances, strong chalybeates are formed, both by the Bicarbonate,
and by the Sulphate of that metal. Sulphate of Alumina, though
not a usual ingredient, is often present, and in several cases forms
4317, 318] WATERS OF THE LIGNITIC FORMATION.
189
strong alum waters, mostly saturated, at the same time, with
gypsum.
These waters occur especially, wherever the Selenite is found accompanied by
crusts of Yellow Iron Ore; which is more commonly the case near to the line
of the marine fossiliferous strata, than at the more distant points. Very fre-
quently, the waters of the lignitic formations contain organic matter, which
imparts to them dark tints, and a variety of tastes, which are more particularly
unpleasant in the presence of sulphuretted hydrogen. I have occasionally seen
waters, whose color and smell could readily have caused them to be mistaken
for the drainings of a manure-pile; and I have repeatedly heard waters of a
similar character extolled by enthusiastic persons as particularly "healthy," on
that very account.
317. It is not unfrequently the case, that mineral waters, especially
chalybeates derived from the Orange Sand formation (and con-
taining their iron as bicarbonate) are partially impregnated with
the constituents of the lignitic waters, by contact with the strata,
or intermixture of the waters themselves (175). Mineral waters
thus produced are among the best of the State.
In the absence of deep borings in the Northern Lignitic formation, I have been
unable to settle definitely the question whether there is any constant dip of the
strata, sufficient to afford a useful rise of water in deep wells. While it is highly
probable that such is the case on the whole of the formation, it has been proved
with certainty only near to, or on the territory of the marine Tertiary, in
Madison and Hinds counties, where wells, although begun in the latter strata,
yet obtain their rising waters from the Lignitic formation. Special data with
reference to bores of this kind, will be found below (319, ff.)
318. In the Southern Lignitic, or Grand Gulf Group, also, data
bearing on the question of the general dip are scarce. Several
instances have been mentioned (239, 240) where the strata showed
a strong dip for a short distance, but then again became horizontal,
which is the position in which, apparently at least, they are usually
seen. The fact that there is a general correspondence of the
materials of this formation in an E. and W., or S. E. and N. W.
direction, while there is a much greater variation at right angles
to such lines, would seem to make a gencral dip south-westward
probable.
I know only one instance, however, in which a notable rise was obtained in a
well dug in this formation, viz: at Mr. P. H. Hale's, S. 2, T. 3, R. 2 E., Rankin
county, where at 86 feet, dug chiefly in soft, whitish sandstone, a stream of
water was struck, rising 36 feet; the water impregnated, as usual (though not
apparently, to an injurious extent), with different salts. This single instance
might possibly be owing to one of the faults of stratification above referred to;
yet in view of the fact that there are very few cases in which the strata of this
formation have been penetrated to a similar depth, the hope of success in the
boring of artesian wells is sufficiently justified to induce experiments. It is
particularly so when it is remembered, that the water, such as it occurs in the
water-bearing strata themselves, is often of good quality, and only becomes con-
taminated with salts by standing in the wells. Hence, the continuous stream of
an artesian fountain might be expected to be comparatively pure, even when the
water of stagnant wells would be undrinkable.
To the Southern River Counties, which in the absence of the
Orange Sand, can obtain no drinkable water in shallow wells (that
of the Bluff formation being too limy, and that of the Grand Gulf
190
[¶319, 320, 321
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
strata too magnesian and salty), this consideration is of especial
importance, and well worth a trial; more especially as the boring
is generally very easy.
It is difficult, thus far, to say, to what depth boring might require to be
carried; but a few hundred feet would suffice to show what might be expected
within the Grand Gulf strata. So soon as, in passing through these (at Port
Gibson, for instance, at a depth from 500 to 800 feet) the upper, sandy strata of
the marine Tertiary (of the Vicksburg Group) should be reached, water would
be obtained almost beyond a doubt; it would probably be somewhat limy, but
much less so than that of the Bluff formation, and infinitely preferable to the
magnesian waters in ordinary wells, of the Grand Gulf Group. It might be
necessary, in order to prevent the strata of the latter from contaminating the
water, to tube them out. The practicability of artesian wells further S., should
no rise of water be obtained in the strata of the Grand Gulf Group, will be simply
a question of depth; in this case, the first chances at Natchez, for instance, would
lie between 1200 and 2000 feet; while at greater depths, the probability of
obtaining artesian water would be a very strong one. But if, as is most likely,
water having a considerable rise should be found within the Grand Gulf strata,
the depth required might fall considerably short even of a thousand feet.
..
319. c. Waters of the calcareous marine Tertiary.-All these are,
of course, more or less- impregnated with carbonate of lime; yet
not generally to such a degree as to seriously impair their fitness
for the ordinary household uses, nor even as strongly as those of
the Rotten Limestone of the Cretaceous formation. On the
territory of the Vicksburg Group, there is generally little difficulty
in regard to water; the region is hilly and much interspersed with
Orange Sand ridges, yielding pure water above the tertiary rocks;
the latter themselves contain many water-bearing strata, especially
in their upper portion; and the same is true of the lignitic stages
intervening between the several calcareous ones. The waters
derived from the latter are, in general, much purer than those
originating from either of the two principal Lignitic groups..
320. Within the Jackson Group, water-bearing strata are
generally scarce, though not entirely absent. In commencing a
bore on the territory of the Jackson Group, we must ordinarily
expect to pass through their whole thickness before reaching water.
Since, however, the dip of these strata is quite considerable, we
may expect the water of deep wells to possess a corresponding
rise; and from such experin ents as have been made, there can be
little doubt that artesian wells are practicable on a considerable part,
at least, of the territory of these formations; and especially on its
eastern portion, at very moderate depths.
321. The boring of the well at the Penitentiary at Jackson,
possesses great interest, not only for the adjoining country, but for
the whole of South Mississipp; since it will give us definite infor-
mation in regard to the general structure of the formations upon
which the success of artesian boring will depend. I subjoin the
record of the strata thus far penetrated in the Jackson well.
T321]
ARTESIAN WELLS IN HINDS-MADISON.
191
The data, down to No. 8 inclusive, were furnished by Mr. J. Murray,* after
whose death the work remained stationary until, very lately, it has been recom-
menced in a more effectual manner, by the aid of a steam engine, under the
direction of Mr. W. B. Blake, who so successfully conducted the boring of the
celebrated Louisville artesian well. Strata 9 to 13 are given according to Mr.
Blake's accurate record; the greatest depth reached being, by his measurement,
460 feet. In consequence of the failure of the supply of water for the machinery
at the Penitentiary, from the ponds heretofore used, the boring of the well has
been discontinued at present (July, 1860), in order to allow of its water being
used. It has since been reapeatedly drawn upon at the rate of 14,000 gallons
per day, without a sensible diminution of the supply-saving about $18 per
day (after deducting the cost of pumping), otherwise spent in hauling water. At
present the water carries with it some fine sand, which renders it turbid, and
is allowed to subside in a tank, before being fed to the boilers.
This is owing,
no doubt, to the spasmodic action of the pump, and would soon subside in a reg-
ular flow. The water is now being used for all ordinary purposes; it is some-
what mineral, the prevalent ingredient being Bi-carbonate of Soda, with some
other salts-contained to the extent of about 20 to 25 grains per gallon.
1
Record of the Bored Well at the State Penitentiary.
1. Surface materials and clay marl
2. Blue sandy shell marl
3. Day sand, with streaks of whitish or gray clay, containing im-
pressions of leaves
4. Wet quicksand, caving very badly
(Here water rose to within 70 feet of the surface.)
5. Black clays, mostly laminated, interstratified with layers of sand.
Fragments of impressions of leaves, and, at 400 feet, a catkin
of a willow?, were bored up
6. Greensand, with shells, and streaks of gray and red clay
7. Water-bearing sand, caving badly
(Here water rose to within 50 feet of the surface.)
8. Greensand, with shells; same as above
9. Ledge of gray, fossiliferous limestone
10. Blue clay, with calcareous nodules, and some layers of green-
sand marl
11. Shell marl, with layers of black clay
20 feet
11 "
80
(6
70
re
268
པ་
30"
20
?
1
86
12
10
፡፡
12. Quicksand, with a great deal of mica
13. White, indurate clay, with iron pyrites. Not yet passed.
g.
any
5. "
?
The material of bed No. 6 of this profile is richer in greensand than I have
seen in the State; it consists of little else than glauconite and broken shells,
and would be of the highest value as a manure, could its outcrop be found. I
suppose it to be a continuation of the Shongalo bed; and if so, there is reason
to expect, that materials similar to it will be found in other and more accessible
portions of that bed.
This profile shows the materials of the formation to be so variable, that water-
bearing beds may be expected every where at intervals. The water, from which
the fetid black clay had been "tubed out," showed no remarkable smell or taste.
It will be perceived, that a difference in depth of 368 feet, from the top of the
first water-bearing stratum (No. 4)to the second (No. 7) caused a rise of twenty
feet; and if the rise increase hereafter at the same ratio, and a water-bearing
*I must observe that the aggregate depth given by Mr. Murray (500 feet)
greatly exceeds that since given by Mr. Blake, according to whose measurement,
the entire depth, at the time he took the work in charge, did not exceed 425 feet..
Not knowing where the error may be, I give this part of the record as I received it,
192
T322, 323, 324
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
stratum be struck at the proper depth, the water will rise to the surface at a
depth 920 feet below the present, or at a total depth of 1400 to 1500 feet.
322. The wells attempted, both at Canton, and at his residence,
by Rev. J. R. Lambuth, of Madison, have already been mentioned;
and from all appearance their failure has been owing purely to
mechanical difficulties and accidents in boring, which the persons
in charge did not know how to deal with.
Three wells were attempted, successively, at Mr. Lambuth's residence, S. 2,
T. 7, R. 2 E., two of which failed in consequence of caving, the last by the
breaking of the auger. In all the phenomena were the same, as represented in
the following record, in accordance with Mr. Lambuth's recollection:
Record of wells bored by Rev. J. R. Lambuth, at his residence.
1. Surface materials, and bluish and yellowish clay marls (202, ff.)
2. Blue clay marl, poor in shells
3. Blue sandy shell marl, with well preserved shells
4. Dark colored, mostly bluish, laminated clays, interstratified
with layers of sand
5. Hard, gray sandstone
6. Yellow, water-bearing sand
[Here water rose to within 75 feet of the surface.]
7. Dark-colored, sandy clay, with crystals of gypsum
8. Hard, gray sandstone
9. Lignite, interstratified with layers of clay; above.it, a stream
of water rising to within 45 feet of the surface (as far as
penetrated)
40 feet
40
6 to 10 rr
185 to 190 66
1 inch
10 to 15 feet
80 to 85 ८८
1 inch
40 feet
Whole depth reached, about
415 feet
Strata Nos. 1. 2 and 3 correspond, no doubt, to those of the McNutt Hills
(T204, Sec. 29, Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7,) and Nos. 2 and 3, with Nos. 1 and 2 of the
Jackson well. A comparison of the lower strata, however, shows no strict cor-
respondence, save in the general nature of the materials. It is observable also,
that in Mr. Lambuth's well, the rise of the water is much more rapid, since a
difference of only 100 feet in depth caused the water to rise 30 feet higher. This
difference is probably caused by the different nature of the surface at the foun-
tain head.
:
323. In another well bored by Mr. Lambuth, at Canton, the phenomena were
almost precisely the same, down to the first ledge of rock, on penetrating which,
water rose to within 25 feet of the surface. Beneath the ledge, however, quick-
sands kept filling in so fast that it became necessary to tube, in doing which the
tube was so twisted and crushed as to render the task hopeless.
It is not a little singular, that at a point ten miles further north, and near the
edge of the formation generally dipping S. or S. W., the latter should be found
of the same thickness and character-at a point which, according to the railroad
levelings, must be between 80 and 100 feet higher than the town of Canton;
while again, at Jackson, we find them at about the same absolute level as at
Lambuth's, but rapidly dipping southward thence (200).
324. I know of no attempt at boring in this formation, between Jackson
and N. Smith county. Here, the boring of a well was attempted under the
auspices of Mr. A. P. Duke, of Montrose, on S. 34, T. 4, R. 10 È.
No record having been kept, the data, as recollected by Mr. Duke, were some-
what indefinite, yet sufficient for all practical purposes. Mr. D. states that at
the place mentioned, on a hillside, the clay marl ("prairie") was struck at twelve
feet, and continued with occasional changes from hard to soft and vice versa, to
about 100 feet. Then the material grew harder, yet so that it could be slowly

T325]
ARTESIAN WELLS IN EAST MISSISSIPPI.
193
bored; its thickness was not recollected. After passing through, a
" white
shell rock" was struck, interstratified probably with sand, for water was obtain-
ed in it which rose to within eight or ten feet of the surface. At about 175 feet,
they struck a dark brown sand, which gradually grew lighter and finally white;
then a coarse white sand. At this point, some of the material above began to
cave, and they tried to pump the well, but after working twelve days in vain, it
was abandoned. Once, however, the depth of 197 feet was reached. The water
when first obtained, was clear and without any unpleasant taste and smell; but
by standing in the bore, it has now acquired the taste of the “blue dirt.”
It is evident that here, nothing but tubing was wanting for, the success of the
artesian bore. At the level at which it stood, the water could even then have
been made to run out into the valley; and had an additional stream, been struck
after tubing out the quicksand, the water would doubtless have overflowed.
Another attempt was made by Mr. Foley, about five miles S. E. of Garlands-
ville; but he broke his auger at a moderate depth and abandoned the work :
what his results were I could not learn.
325. These experiments prove conclusively, that deep bored
wells, and artesian or flowing wells, arc quite as likely to succeed
in the prairie region of the Tertiary, as they are on the waters of
the Tombigbee; and the importance of this fact will be appre-
ciated by those who are acquainted with the difficulty found
heretofore in obtaining an adequate supply of drinkable water, in
the region in question. For the tracts known as the "hog waliow"
or "post oak prairie," in N. W. Jasper, N. E. Smith, and some
parts of Scott and Newton, this circumstance is of the most vital
importance, since they are utterly destitute of water during the
greater part of the year. The nature of the strata does not admit
of the existence of springs, and water cannot be obtained in dug
wells at any reasonable depth. Not only the uplands of this region
have been neglected, to a great extent, on account of this very
difficulty, but even the profusely fertile bottoms of West Tallahala
and Leaf River waters have experienced the same fate.
The probable practicability of deep bored wells extends, of
course, not only to the region of the calcareous Tertiary, but for
some distance, at least, N. and S. of the same, and very probably
to that of the Siliceous Claiborne Group (see map).
R-13
!
;
THE QUATERNARY FORMATIONS.
326. The quaternary, or post-tertiary formations of Mississippi,
seem to subdivide very naturally into five successive stages or
periods, viz: Lowest, immediately overlying the latest Tertiary,
the Orange Sand formation, corresponding, probably, to the drift of
the Northern States. Next above, the Bluff formation of the Mis-
sissippi River; a calcareous silt deposit containing, in Mississippi,
chiefly or only terrestrial fossils. Succeeding this, we find the
Yellow Loam deposits, which form the basis, as it were, of the agri-
cultural wealth of the upland portion of the State. Still more
modern are the Second Bottom or Hommock deposits, which, while
they show a very obvious relation to the water-courses as at pres-
ent existing, still must have required a state of things different
from the present, to produce them; and latest of all are the Allu-
vial deposits, whose formation is referable to causes still in action,
including all the soils, first-bottom deposits, sand drifts, etc., now
in progress of formation.
I. THE ORANGE SAND FORMATION
Has been treated of at the beginning of this volume, out of its
proper geological order, for reasons there explained (¶5, ff.)
II. THE BLUFF FORMATION.
327. The deposits of this formation, whose characters seem to be
identical, in almost all respects, with those of the beds so named
by Prof. Swallow, in Missouri, occupy a narrow belt, along the
borders of the Mississippi Bottom in N. Mississippi, and along the
river itself in the southern portion of the State. In the whole of
this territory, so far as I am aware, it exhibits a remarkable uni-
formity of character; consisting of a fine silt, almost too siliceous
to be called a loam, of a grayish or yellowish buff tint; which effer-
vesces throughout its mass in consequence of a certain percentage
of the carbonates of lime and magnesia, and contains, besides,
irregularly shaped, often tubular, concretions, from the size of sand-
grains to the weight of several pounds, consisting of the carbonates
just mentioned, with some of the silt intermixed. The whole mass
is lightly cemented by these salts, so far as to impart to it a cer-
tain degree of firmness, which it loses when once broken up. Al-
though profiles of as much as seventy feet are sometimes seen,
consisting altogether of this material, it is in most cases extremely
difficult to find any definite marks of stratification, which I have
T328, 329, 330¹]
BLUFF FORMATION-FOSSILS.
195
observed only in a few places where the terraced form of slowly
denuded hillsides showed the existence of a certain horizontal.
structure.
Wherever these beds occur associated with the Orange Sand stath, they
overlie the latter; being in their turn as uniformly overlaid by the yellow or
brown surface loam, which in the rest of the State, reposes directly upon the
Orange Sand (¶332). The thickness of the Bluff formation is very variable,
its materials having, apparently, filled up the valleys, resulting from denudation
in the older formations-the Tertiary, and Orange Sand. Its fossils, so far as:
known, are exclusively terrestrial.
328. In the Southern River Counties, below Vicksburg, the deposits of this
formation are found on a belt ten to fifteen miles in width, running parallel, in
general, to the Mississippi River; the surface is very much broken by deep and
steep valleys and ravines, which always result from the denudation of these
deposits. Intimately connected as these are with the agricultural features of
this region, I shall refer the reader, for further details on the subject, to the
description of the Southern River Counties, in the Agricultural portion of this
Report. As to its region of occurrence north of Vicksburg, along the Missis--
sippi Bottom, I cannot speak from personal knowledge. It appears from scat-
tered observations recorded in Harper's Report, that the silt of the Bluff forma-
tion appears in patches or limited belts, along the border of the hills, from
Satartia on the Yazoo to the Tennessee Line; not extending back into the inte-
rior, for more than a few miles at most. The character of the deposit is described
as being in all respects the same as that exhibited in the Southern River Coun-
ties, save in that it is overlaid here by a yellow loam containing calcareous
concretions; which is not the case below Vicksburg, where the loam (see anal-
ysis under Southern River Counties, Agr. Rept.) contains no more lime than is
necessary to constitute a good soil. Possibly this calcareous loam may be a dis-
tinct facies of the Bluff formation itself, or the link of connection between it
and the common brown surface loam, which is elsewhere wanting.
329. FOSSILS OF THE BLUFF FORMATION-These, as' has been mentioned,
are altogether terrestrial, so far as ascertained. I have given but little atten--
tion to their study as yet; but the shells have been collected by Prof. Wailes,
and studied by him; they, as well as the mammals, having received the atten--
tion of Conrad and Leidy, in part through specimens furnished by Prof. Wailes..
The snails occur singly, imbedded in loose silt, or not unfrequently, in the
calcareous concretions above mentioned; at times they appear in bands or strings,
disposed, however, without any apparent regard to stratification. Their sub-
stance, although softer and more friable than in the living individuals, sometimes
preserves the stripes or markings of the surface very distinctly.
The bones, as well as the ivory of the Mastodon's tusks, are mostly soft and
friable, having lost the greater part, or all of their organic substance; so that on
drying they crumble or exfoliate, unless previously imbued with a solution of
glue. It seems that these bones have in most cases been much scattered, so
that they are generally found singly. Considerable portions of the skeleton
have, however, been found together in spots where ponds would seem to have
existed, as though the animal had perished there; and in such cases the bones
are frequently in contact with considerable masses of black, fatty earth, which
may reasonably be supposed to have resulted from the decomposition of the
viscera, and other perishable animal matter. (Wailes).
3301 The snails all seem to belong to living species, though, according to
Prof. Wailes, some of them are not at present living in the region where they
occur in a fossil state. Among the specimens obtained, Prof. W. mentions the
following (First Rept., p. 283):

196
[T3302, 381
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
Helix albolabris.
CL
alternata.
((
concava.
(2
elevata.
"L
fraterna.
Helix perspectiva.
" profunda.
" thyroides.
"L
tridentata.
To which I may add Helix monodon, and a large Achatina, found in Wilkin-
son county.
The following list of the mammals found in a solid blue clay, said to belong
to this formation, was furnished to Prof. Wailes by Dr. Leidy:
Felis atrox, LEIDY.
Ursus Americanus, foss.
Ursus amplidens, LEIDY.
Megalonyx Jeffersonii, HARLAN.
Megalonyx dissimilis, LEIDY.
}
Mylodon Harlani, Owen.
Ereptodon priscus, LEIDY.
Tapirus Americanus, foss.
Tapirus Haysii, LEIDY.
Equus Americanus, LEIDY.
Bootherium cavifrons, LEIDY.
Cervus Virginianus, foss.
Bison latifrons, LEIDY.
Elephas primigenius.,
Mastodon giganteus.
Of these, the last named is by far the most common. The following localities
are mentioned by Prof. Wailes: Bayou Sara; Pinkneyville, Wilkinson county;
various localities in Adams county; near the former town of Greenville, Jef-
ferson county; in Warren county, in the deep cut of the railroad at Vicksburg,
and in the vicinity of Big Black River, near the east line of the county. In a
ravine on Pine Ridge, Adams county, in TT. 7. and 8, R. 3 W., about six miles
north of Natchez, these remains are very abundant. They are found about
twenty feet below the surface, and the bones of other animals are here found
associated with them; e. g. the Megalonyx, Tapirus Americanus, the fossil horse,
and ox. (Wailes.),
330. USEFUL MATERIALS, AND WATERS OF THE BLUFF FORMA-
TION.-The calcareous silt of this formation is often a marl properly
speaking, when it contains a large amount of white specks of car-
bonate of lime. Usually, its percentage of lime is too small to
pay for its transportation to any distance, forming simply a cal-
careous soil or subsoil; but on account of its general and conven-
ient accessibility, and its highly beneficial effects on the brown
loam soil, it may often be mixed with the latter to great advantage.
An analysis of this material, and other specialities concerning the
same, will be found in the Agricultural Report.
Small, local deposits of a soft limestone or tufa are sometimes formed by the
highly calcareous waters of this formation. The rock is generally of a yellow-
ish tint, very porous, and occurs in irregular masses, in which shapes resembling
icicles, or stalactites, are frequently seen. Sticks, leaves, etc., may sometimes
be found imbedded in it, while the cavities are usually filled with soil. These
deposits may be looked for in the heads of hollows, or in the beds of branches,
wherever the water drips, in the Cane Hill region; but their extent, as before
observed, is too limited to render them of any great practical importance; they
lie on the surface and do not extend into the mass of the formation. The
impure lime which might be burnt from this material, would be applicable
'mainly to agricultural purposes.-The largest deposit of this kind which I have
seen, occurs on Mr. J. C. Humphrey's land, near Port Gibson.
3312: Owing to the great uniformity of the material of this form-
ation, springs are very scarce on the territory occupied by it,
except where it is underlaid at the proper elevation by impervious
clay or sandstone strata of the Grand Gulf Group. The water
issuing from the calcareous silt is very "hard," of a flattish taste,
1332, 333]
YELLOW LOAM.
197
and contains the bicarbonates of lime and magnesia to such an
extent, as to be disagreeably perceptible even in the streams of the
region. For this reason, cisterns, or wells deep enough to pene-
trate the Grand Gulf strata, are very generally preferred to the
natural waters. It is questionable, however, whether even these
are not preferable, as far as health is concerned, to many of the
strongly saline and magnesian waters sometimes found in deep
wells, which contain the sulphates and chlorides, instead of the
carbonates, of the above earths (T316).
III. THE YELLOW LOAM DEPOSITS.
332. The yellow, brown, or reddish loams, which have been
repeatedly mentioned as forming the surface, and therefore,
essentially, the soils of the greater portion of the State of Mississippi,
constitute, to all appearance, an independent aqueous deposit,
posterior to the Orange Sand and Bluff formation, and anterior to
the alluvial formations of the present epoch. The great thickness
which this loam stratum attains in some regions, its distinct
definition, as well as its comparative independence, as to its char-
acter, of the formations immediately underlying, preclude its being
claimed as a mere surface disintegration of the older formations.
The nature of its materials, and the entire absence of stratification
lines distinguish it sufficiently from the Orange Sand, where it
immediately overlies the latter; while the absence of any large
amount of lime (except where it is in immediate contact with
strongly calcareous formations), the presence of a considerable
amount of hydrated peroxide of Iron, as well as the want of proper
fossils, as distinctly separate it from the Bluff formation of the
Mississippi River.
I have stated that it is to some extent independent as to its character, of the
underlying formations; i. e. it is not so uniformly dependent upon them as to
allow of its being considered (as has been attempted) as a mere surface disinteg-
ration, in loco, in the absence of a more general distributive agency, than those
which we find at work at the present time. Yet nevertheless, there is a very
obvious general correspondence of variation in character, between the older for-
mations and the surface loam, more especially so where the stratum of the
latter is thin; a circumstance which cannot fail to force itself upon the atten-
tion of every one in the study of the soils of the State. In view of the intimate
connection existing between the latter and the loam stratum, I shall leave the
special description of its variations in different districts, for the Agricultural
portion of the present Report, where these will necessarily be mentioned; and
will only give in this place some generalities concerning its geological relations.
333. From the appearance of the loam stratum even on high ridges and
elevated uplands, it is obvious that its deposition took place, in part at least,
anterior to the great denudations which have produced the present surface
configuration; nevertheless, its increasing thickness as we approach the imme-
diate valley of the Mississippi, shows, as in the case of the Bluff formation, that
this great channel was already in existence. On the Tombigbee, and on the
lower Tallahatchie, Yallabusha, and Big Black, a similar increase in the thick-
ness of the loam stratum may be observed. But on the smaller watercourse,
this is the case only to a very limited extent, showing that although at the time
198
¶334, 335, 336
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
:
of the deposition of this loam, the larger channels were already more or less im-
pressed upon the surface, and high ridges existed which remained above the level
of the water which deposited the loam the minor denudations which have
caused the present undulating surface, had as yet exerted but little influence.
The lines of contact between the Orange Sand and loam, where the latter is
decidedly in situ, are generally much less undulating, than are those between the
Orange Sand and the older formations.
334. Under the present configuration of the surface, however, we find precisely
the same stratigraphical relations to exist between the Orange Sand and
the loam stratum, as those which we see between the latter and the calca-
reous silt of the Bluff formation, as exemplified in Diagram No. 6 (see "Southern
River Counties"); that is to say, the loam has to a great extent been removed
from the level hilltops or plateaux where it was originally deposited, to the
hillsides and valleys, leaving the higher portions of the ridges more thinly
covered or altogether bare. The same agencies which are at work at present,
carrying away the arable soils from our uplands, will explain the hillside posi-
tion in which, in the more hilly uplands of Mississippi, this loam is prevalently
found at the present time; while, whenever extensive level or slightly undula-
ting tracts exist, it may be seen to rest conformably upon the Orange Sand
strata.
335. Its prevalent character in what I have termed the Yellow Loam Region
of the State, is that of a mellow clay or loam, without any definite structure
or cleavage, variously tinged with iron; containing from 10 to 25 per cent.,
usually, of siliceous sand, the rest being clay mixed with finely divided silex,
and forming, therefore, rather loose, mellow soils, and good brick-clays. It almost
invariably contains some irregular whitish veins of sand, especially in its lower
portions, where it overlies the Orange Sand; and sometimes, but not most
frequently, passes into the materials of the latter by degrees of transition,
through a sandy "hardpan," which in some localities attains a considerable
thickness (10 to 15 feet) and may correspond to the "altered drift" of Prof.
Swallow (Report of the Geological Survey of Missouri, p. 76). Where, how-
ever, the loam overlies clayey strata, it becomes heavier as we proceed down-
wards; and if they be rich in lime, this ingredient is also found in increased
quantity in its lower layers. In the latter case, the fair yellow or brown color of
the loam almost invariably acquires a greenish hue, even where full exposure to
the atmosphere places a reduction of the peroxide to the protoxide out of
question. Such is very generally the case in the prairie regions of the State,
whose loam stratum (overlying the Rotten Limestone in the cretaceous, and
sometimes the clay marls of the tertiary region), I believe to be essentially
contemporaneous with that of the hills, since, so far as comparable, its geological
<characters are very similar.
336. That forming the surface stratum in the "Northeastern Prairie Region,"
is certainly not cretaceous (as has been, with some doubt, suggested by Tuomey);
for it contains none of the fossils of that formation, except where it is in
immediate contact with the rock; and no proper fossils whatsoever, (except in
the alluvium immediately bordering on the streams*); while on the edge of the
prairies, the greenish-yellow underclay of the prairie soil is often distinctly seen
overlying the Orange Sand, and passing insensibly into the common loam. It
is but very indistinctly stratified, and very nearly the same in appearance, from
the top to the bottom of the stratum, which is sometimes 10 to 15 feet in
thickness (on the prairies of Monroe), viz: a heavy, massy clay, containing but
little sand (and that coarse), and a large number of smooth, hard, round
concretions of Brown Iron Ore, from the size of sand-grains to that of buckshot,
*The "prairie fossils" mentioned in L. Harper's Report (p. 109, ff.) were, to
my personal knowledge, collected in the neighborhood of streams in the prairie
region.
T337, 338, 339, 340] FLATWOODS SOILS-BRICK CLAYS.
199
usually to the extent of 2 to 3 per cent. These concretions are of a concentric
structure, consisting of thin, variously colored layers of hydrated peroxide of iron;
they are sometimes hollow and filled with a soft, olive-green ferruginous mass
(phosphate ?). Similar concretions occur in the yellow loam subsoils of the
hills, wherever a calcareous formation underlies; as in the case on the Pontotoc
Ridge, and especially in the Tippah (and Chickasaw) "Buncombes," where these
concretions are so numerous and acquire so large a size (e. g. that of a fist, with
a weight of several pounds) as to be somewhat of an obstruction in tillage.
Most of the "Red Lands" of the Pontotoc Ridge (129) contain these concre-
tions, of about the same size and frequency of occurrence, as the prairie soils.
337. The great resistence which, on account of their clayey character, the
soil and subsoil of the prairies oppose to washing or denudation, readily accounts
for the levelness of the prairie region, which, immediately after the deposition of
the loam, it probably shared with the immediately adjoining country, with
whose hilltops it is now generally on a level. The subsequent denudations,
which wore deep gullies and valleys into the surface occupied by light, sandy
materials, would leave the heavy surface deposits of the prairie (derived mainly
from the clay marls of the underlying formation) comparatively untouched.
The heavy soil of the Flatwoods (T164,165) may, in part, have been formed
in a manner similar to the prairie soil. It appears as though in the case of the
Flatwoods as well as the prairies, the impervious material, which yielded but
slightly to denudation, had prevented the deposition, or favored the subsequent
removal, of the Orange Sand, so that in both cases, the materials of the more
ancient formations themselves essentially have formed the soil. The formation
of the Flatwoods soil out of the heavy gray clays of the Lignitic, is constantly
in progress, wherever the latter is near enough to the surface to be reached by
the action of the atmosphere; but strata 10 to 20 feet in thickness could hardly
have been thus produced.
The light Flatwoods soil (see Agricultural Report), however, is evidently of a
later formation than the red loam, by which it is frequently underlaid; and
both this fact, and its peculiar character, seem to place it within the period of
the formation of the Second Bottoms (see below, T340).
338. While on a large part of the territory of the calcareous formations, the
smooth, round pebbles of brown iron ore characterize the loam, we often find,
elsewhere, a part of the iron contained in the loam, secreted in the form of Bog
Ore (commonly called "black pebble"), whose concretions possess no definite
form, nor, indeed, are always distinctly separable from the surrounding loam;
into which, from the dark-brown nucleus, there are many shades of transition.
Where these black pebbles appear on the uplands, in the absence of any obvious
defect of drainage, they are generally considered a sign of an inferior soil (as in
some portions of Rankin, and in S. W. Winston counties;) but the best soils of
the Yellow Loam character will secrete their iron in this manner, and become
white in their mass, when the drainage is insufficient; and hence, bog iron ore,
though most common in the soils and subsoils of the bottoms and second
bottoms, occasionally occurs even in the best upland soils.
339. The loam of the hillsides, which has been removed from its original
position on the ridges, differs in no essential particular from the original material,
except where either denudation has progressed so far as to penetrate into the
Orange Sand, or else, where the washings of high Orange Sand ridges, not
originally covered with loam, mixed with the latter when washed down the
hillsides. The soils thus produced are, of course, lighter than those derived from
the loam alone, and resemble the Hommock or Second Bottom soils, the main
mass of which, formed at a period subsequent to the deposition of the loam,
seems to constitute the formation immediately preceding our present era.
340. USES OF THE YELLOW LOAM. Its most important office,
unquestionably, is that of forming the best upland soils and subsoils
200
(9341, 342
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
of the State; but in this point of view, it will be discussed in the
agricultural portion of the Report (see especially "Yellow Loam
Region"). It subserves, however, another purpose, which to a
State so poor in building stones, is of no small importance; viz:
that of brick-making, to which purpose it is in general admirably
adapted.

$
Yet while few States, perhaps, possess so great an abundance of good brick-
elays as does Mississippi, in few probably is the average quality of the article
manufactured a poorer one. The claim generally conceded to brick, of having
their material seasoned and tempered in a moderate degree at least, before
moulding, is most flagrantly disregarded by many brick-makers in Mississippi;
the consequence being that oftentimes, among ten bricks in a kiln, we will
scarcely find more than one or two that will bear being taken up by one corner,
without breaking by their own weight. Yet in consideration of the fact, that
the clay as dug from the pit, after receiving a dash of water, is almost instantly
transferred to the clay-mill, where it experiences a merely nominal kneading;
and that, when we break a newly made brick as it comes from the mould, we
shall frequently find it to consist of a conglomerate of dry lumps and slush:
too much cannot be said in commendation of the brick-clays which, under simi-
lar treatment, will still yield brick of moderately good quality. Yet not unfre-
quently, the inroads of the weather, and more especially, of frost, render the
duration of buildings constructed of such brick, a matter of calculation; and all
know that the duration of brick pavements is most unwarrantably brief, in most
of our towns. Were brick used here as largely as it is in some commonwealths,
and were buildings of such enormous dimensions as we often see them else-
where, constructed of this material, experience would soon teach the necessity
of greater care in its manufacture, than is bestowed at present. I have seen
but very few cases indeed, in which the complaints made against the quality of
brick in this State, have been owing to defects in the brick-clay itself.
341. It would be important for brick-makers to remember, that the mechani-
eal working of the clay or loam, which is to effect its thorough mixture with the
water, may be replaced to a very great extent, by previous exposure for some
time (especially during winter) to the action of the atmosphere-in a locality
where it will not get too dry; and that clay thus disintegrated or "seasoned,"
works much easier, and yields a much better quality of brick, than that which
comes fresh from the pit. A great advantage is also gained by allowing the clay
to remain in a pit, wetted with as much water as it may require for working, as
long as possible--even a few hours time would be a great improvement on the
present method of simply mixing it with a hoe, for a minute or two, preliminary
to its transfer to the clay mill. And since neither the previous digging, nor the
pitting of the clay, involves any extra expenditure of any consequence, these
simple expedients surely ought to be generally adopted. The desiderata for com-
mon brick are, on the whole, very nearly the same as those for fire-brick
(¶67).


IV. THE SECOND BOTTOM, OR "HOMMOCK" DEPOSITS.
342. Many of the first bottoms (now annually overflowed by the
streams), and in many cases, the channels themselves, of the rivers
of Mississippi, are bordered by level tracts of land, sometimes
several miles in width, which are now rarely reached by the over-
flows, and whose vegetation is intermediate, as it were, between
that of the uplands and of the bottom. The materials composing
their soil and subsoil give evidence, in the alternation of sandy
T343, 344]
SECOND BOTTOM-ALLUVIUM.
201
and clayey bands, of their formation in flowing water; yet it is
evident that the streams in their present condition could not have
formed them. They seem to be a parallel, in many respects, to the
"Bottom Prairie" of Missouri (Rep. of the Geol. Surv. of Mis-
souri, p. 66, ff.)
Sometimes (as on the Tombigbee) they slope down gradually into the first
bottom; but more commonly (Big Black, Pearl, Pascagoula Rivers) they fall off
with rather a sudden descent of 3 to 4 feet, and sometimes more. Their soil
is most generally lighter than that of the first bottom of the same stream, and
much poorer in vegetable matter. On Yockanookana and Big Black they are
usually whitish, as also on upper Pearl River; on Yallabusha, lower Pearl, and
on the Tombigbee River, the soil is commonly formed of a yellow loam, some-
what lighter than that of the bordering hills, and of a paler hue; but in
general, there is a very obvious correspondence between the material of the body
of the hills, and that of the second bottom deposits; showing that at the time of
their formation, the denudations were cutting deeply into the surface. Not
unfrequently, we find the level surface of these "hommocks" interrupted by
hillocks or ridges of more ancient formations—especially of the Orange Sand-
which, being composed of materials opposing considerable resistance to denu-
dation, were surrounded and partially covered over by the newer deposits.
Examples of this kind are of common occurrence in the level region E. of the
Tombigbee, in Monroe and Lowndes (¶535), where pebbly hillocks of the Orange
Sand age, and others belonging to the Tombigbee Sand Group of the Cretaceous,
appear like islands in the plain.
343. Since the Second Bottoms, like the Yellow Loam, are of necessity
mentioned in connection with the soils, in the Agricultural portion of the Report,
I shall not enter here upon more special descriptions of these deposits, which
appear to have been the first result of the more active denudations which suc-
ceeded to the deposition of the loam, and scooped out the bulk of the valleys of
the minor streams also, in their present place; though none of these ever, at
the present time, fill the whole of the space which, as the nature of the deposit
proves, they once must have occupied. How much of the Mississippi Bottom
deposits may be referrible to the same period, I am unable to say, not having, as
yet, had any opportunity of personal observation. It seems that near the sea-
shore the period here referred to is represented by the sands forming the " Pine
Meadows" and part of the "Sand Hommocks;" a specimen of whose stratifica-
tion is given in Diag. No. 3 (T51), which see.
V. THE ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS.
344. These include all the soils, first-bottom deposits, sand-bars,
etc., now in progress of formation, or attributable to causes now in
action, and will of necessity be treated of at length and in detail,
in the Agricultural portion of the present Report; they need not,
therefore, find any lengthy discussion here. Their useful materials
are our arable soils, greatly surpassing in value and importance the
richest mineral deposits of the older formations; and the doctrine
which, in treating of these latest formations, corresponds to that
of the mining and smelting of the rocks and ores of the former;
which teaches us how to utilize in a rational and economical
manner, the resources of the important deposits in question, is that
which shall next occupy our attention: SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURE.
}
PART II.
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
:
1. GENERAL PART; PRINCIPLES OF RATIONAL
AGRICULTURE.
A. SOILS.
an
345. What is a soil ?-It might appear superfluous, in speaking to
agricultural public, to give any explanation or definition of the term "soil."
Yet the word, is sometimes used in a manner somewhat indefinite, as though it
necessarily implied a certain physical condition or "texture" of the material.
I have been frequently told of the occurrence of "soils" twenty feet or more
below the surface; and more frequently still, it is said that there is
no soil"
in some thickly wooded, or grassy region, simply because the surface stratum may
not happen to be suitable for cultivation.-Properly speaking, in its most general
acceptation, the term soil implies the surface stratum of earthy material, as far
as the roots of plants reach; no matter whether it be sand, or potters clay, or,
as in most cases, a mixture of the two.
346. Now, since the roots of the different kinds of plants penetrate to very
various depths, and since, moreover, in most cases a rapid change in the character
of material takes place, as we proceed from the surface downward; it is evident
that according to the above definition of the term soil, it may imply a great
many different average materials, according to the plant to whose soil we refer ;
even in one and the same spot. When we speak of the soil with reference to
Bermuda Grass, we do not necessarily include anything more than a surface
layer 2 to 3 inches in depth; whereas, in alluding to most forest trees, we
necessarily take into consideration a layer of several feet, from the surface
downwards. Nay, in the latter case it may happen that the "soil" thus spoken
of is quite independent, in its character, of that which in cultivation would form
the arable soil of our field; which may be entirely above the stratum in which
the roots of the trees are fixed.
¶337¹, 3472, 349] JUDGING OF LAND BY ITS VEGETATION.
203
3471 Judging of land by its natural vegetation.-The distinction just
mentioned, so far from being of merely theoretical value, is of the highest
practical importance. Agriculturists are accustomed to judge of the quality of
lands by the natural vegetation which they find upon it; and they rarely direct
their attention to anything but the forest trees. Yet these are, for the most
part, indicative rather of what, in the agricultural sense, is termed the subsoil,
than of that of the surface stratum usually turned by the plow, in the shallow
tillage prevailing at present-which may be of a totally different character.
As a general thing, the forest growth, when considered not only with regard
to the kind (species), but also to the form and size of the trees, is a very safe
guide in judging of the quality of land; and the systematic study of the subject,
in connection with analyses of soils, promises results of the highest practical
importance, which it is intended to communicate more fully in a future Report.
But this criterion may not unfrequently lead to grave mistakes, unless a proper
examination of the character of the soil and subsoil be made, at the same time.
Of cases of this kind, it may be well to give a few examples.
3472 The Black Jack Oak, when forming large, well-shaped trees, with
regular, and especially, tall trunks, and closed tops, is justly considered a sign of
no inferior soil. As a species, the Black Jack occupies some of the poorest, as
well as the richest soils of the State. We see it in the prairies of Monroe, in
the rich, mellow Table-lands of Marshall, on the best yellow loam uplands of
Yallabusha, Holmes, and Madison; while on the other hand, the hopeless infertility
of the sandy "Black Jack ridges" of the hilly counties is familiar. In each of
these localities, the tree' has its characteristic features peculiar to the soil, and
easily recognizable by an attentive observer. In the Long-leaf Pine Region of
the South, e. g., in the counties of Pike, Smith, and Simpson, land has frequently
been bought on the faith of some large Black Jack Oaks scattered among the
Pine; yet the land, on cultivation, yielded no better results than adjoining
tracts on which no Black Jack was to be seen. And in truth, there was no
perceptible difference between the character of the soils, such as the shallow
tillage exhibited them. Yet, on examination, I found the tree to have given a
correct indication; for at the depth of 8 to 12 inches (to which the plow had
never penetrated), the white ashy soil is underlaid by a good yellow loam, which
when turned up, proves to be quite fertile. It was, of course, from this
stratum, that the tree had derived its nourishment; having little or nothing to
do with the surface soil. Had the purchaser noted this fact, or paid more
attention to the character of the smaller plants, the roots of which do not
extend beyond the arable soil, he could not have been thus misled.
348. Another case in point occurs in the Southern River Counties, in the
hilly, fertile loam lands bordering on the Mississippi River. Here the "Poplar”
or Tulip Tree (Liridendron tulipifera) is quite common among the hills, and
knowing the habits of this tree, we should at once conclude the soil of these
hills to be very calcareous. Yet it is found that most of these very soils are
much improved by the application of lime; analysis, moreover, does not allot
to them any unusual percentage of that substance.-A little attention, however,
will show the tree to be consistent in its indication nevertheless. The main mass
of these hills, as has been elsewhere stated (327), consists of the highly calca-
reous silt or loam of the Bluff formation; in most cases, however, the latter is
overlaid, and the soil is formed, by a brown loam, of a different character and
more modern age. It generally caps the hills, and also forms their talus, while
on the brow of the hills, where the level breaks off, the calcareous loam of the
bluff formation is generally near to, and sometimes at, the surface; the same is
the case, of course, in washes and gullies on the hillsides. Now, these are
precisely the spots on which the "Poplar" is most frequently seen, viz: on the
hillsides rather than on the level area on top, which is chiefly cultivated. And
when the "Poplar" is found on the hilltops, as is frequently the case where the
ridges are high and narrow, examination will generally show that the brown
20+
[T349, 350. 351, 352
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
靠
​loam stratum is nearly or entirely wanting, while the roots of the trees bury
themselves in the calcareous silt. The latter then forms the arable soil, to
which an application of lime would be perfectly useless. (See "Southern
River Counties.")
349. These examples may suffice to show that while in the forest trees, we
possess trustworthy guides to a knowledge of the character of the material in
which their roots are buried, it is quite essential to convince ourselves at the
same time, by inspection, that it is the arable soil itself, and not merely the sub-
soil, which is thus characterized; and we should especially make sure that the
smaller plants, viz: the shrubs and perennials, corroborate the evidence of the
trees. Annuals are less reliable in their indications, because their development
is to a greater extent influenced by the accidental circumstances of the seasons.
350. SUBSOILS.-If the term soil, as to its practical import, is dependent on
the kind of vegetable under consideration, the same is true, no less, with
reference to the subsoil, which is necessarily dependent on the first. In the
common parlance of the agriculturist, however, who considers them chiefly
with reference to the plants he cultivates, and his means of tillage, they assume
a definite meaning in that he designates as soil, whatsoever he usually turns over
with his plow, and as subsoil what lies beneath. It is evident that inasmuch as,
in this country, the depth of tillage varies, on the same kind of land, from 3 to
12 inches, that to use the term in that sense, would be to deal with an idea
absolutely shapeless and intangible, unless referred to the practice of some par-
ticular individual.
In collecting specimens of soil for chemical analysis, which is to serve as the
basis of a rational treatment of the soils in question, it is evidently of the last.
importance that these circumstances should be taken into consideration, and that
a rational and uniform rule be adhered to in reference to the distinction between
the soil and subsoil.
351. Examination of soils. In the large majority of cases we find, in ex-
amining soils in their natural place, that a sensible change in the character of the
material occurs at a moderate depth, say from three to twelve inches-about the
same as the usual range of the plow. If, therefore, as a rule, in speaking of
virgin soils, we designate as soil, the surface layer down to the point where a
perceptible change takes place, and as subsoil, what lies beneath, we shall in most
cases find these subdivisions to co-incide with what, in a proper system of
tillage, becomes the soil and subsoil in the sense of the agriculturist.
66
In the soils of the Prairies, Flatwoods," Sea-coast Marshes, as well as in
those of many of our larger bottoms, frequently no perceptible change of
material occurs at a less depth than from 18 to 30 inches, and sometimes more.
In such cases the subsoil proper is oftentimes of little importance to the agricul-
turist; it will be sufficient for him to be made acquainted with the properties of
his soil proper, and with the fact that it is the same as far as his plow reaches;
or in other words, that his subsoil (in the agricultural sense) is the same as his soil.
In such cases, as a rule, I have taken a specimen from the surface to the depth of
twelve inches; and mostly also a specimen of the subsoil proper, at whatever
depth it may occur. The latter specimen is not necessarily intended to be
analyzed; an examination of its physical properties may be important with
reference to drainage, resistance of the land to drouth, etc.
352. On the other hand, when the surface layer is of no greater thickness
than a few inches, it would be useless to examine that layer by itself, inasmuch
as no one would be likely to restrict himself to such shallow culture; the tillage
would necessarily mingle with it a few inches at least of the subsoil.
Presuming that culture to a depth less than six inches, can hardly lay claim
to being rational, I have adopted as a rule, to take no specimen of soil shallower
than the above; save, perhaps, in some particular instances in which a great and
important difference between the two layers renders a knowledge of their pecu-
liarities specially desirable. In all these cases, specimens of the subsoils have
!
¶353, 354, 355¹] ANALYSES-ORIGIN OF SOILS.
•
1
•
205
the sur-
been likewise collected for analysis, viz: from the point where the change takes
place (below six inches) to the depth of fifteen to eighteen inches from
In all cases the depths at which the soils and
face, according to circumstances.
subsoils have been taken, will be found recorded with the analysis; every one
will therefore be able to judge as to which of the two layers analyzed corres-
ponds to the soils and subsoils which his particular practice may have produced.
353. Soil Analyses.-It has often been stated, and urged even by high author-
ity against the utility of analyses of soils, that a specimen of a few pounds
cannot be made to represent correctly the character of the soil of a whole
region, or even of a single field. This difficulty may indeed become a serious
one, where the soil has been long in cultivation, so that fundamental differences
may have been superinduced in adjoining fields; and also where the geological
formations are very various, the face of the country much broken, and the under-
lying rocks contribute immediately and continually, to the formation of the
soil; though even in the latter case, attentive study will generally succeed in
reducing the mass of soils to a few principal types (and their intermixtures),
recognizable by their physical characters, or position. In Mississippi, most soils
are dependent upon continuous deposits extending over considerable areas,
within which they are, to a great extent, of a uniform character; or at least,
vary uniformly.
1
A
It is often by no means easy to take correctly specimens of soil intended to
represent a district of some extent; it is necessary, in the first instance, to
study closely all the general characters, and upon thit study, to base the selec-
tion of representative specimens. And I am convinced that by conscientious
observance of this method, it is practicable in this State at least, to study the
essential features of all the soils entitled to such consideration by the extent of
their occurrence, from a limited number of specimens; and without an approach
to anything as extravagant as the analysis of "the soil of every field," as has
been thought necessary.
354. The period during which the soils of Mississippi have been subject to
cultivation, has been too short, and the system of cultivation too uniform and
simple, to interpose any serious difficulty on the grounds above alluded to.
Moreover, the simple history of almost every field, from the time of its clearing
to the present, is still fresh in the memory of its occupant; so that, knowing
the original character and constitution of the soil, from the investigation of
adjoining tracts still uncultivated, we shall not generally be at a loss to conjec-
ture the changes it will have experienced by cultivation. For this reason I
have thought it best to restrict myself, for the present, to the investigation of
virgin soils—unless in exceptional cases, where some important general truth
might be expected to be gleaned from the study of cultivated soils; as for
instance, with reference to soils which, through cultivation, have acquired the
habit of rusting cotton.
The uncultivated lands in this State are still so extensive, that a knowledge
of their soils, their intrinsic value and ultimate fitness for cultivation, is of itself
an object of great magnitude, even if we abstract from the information simulta-
neously acquired, as to the character and wants of the land already under
cultivation.
3551. Origin of Soils.-It is but rarely the case, that the materials of which
the strata of the more ancient formations are composed, are fit to serve as soils
to the plants of the present age. Even those in which we find the proofs of
their once having sustained a vigorous vegetation, whose relics they contain,
have mostly undergone essential physical and chemical changes, which render
them unfit to resume their former office, until they have undergone a process
of
disintegration, under the influence of the atmospheric agencies.
Thus, the soils that bore the luxuriant vegetation which has passed down to
our epoch in the shape of bituminous coal, have in the course of ages been
converted into shales and claystones, often of considerable hardness, which we
206
[T3552, 356, 357, 358
AGRICULTURAL REPORT:
J
find associated with the coal beds; we often discover in them, in a compressed
condition, the roots, with parts of the trunks, leaves, etc., of the plants which
have furnished the materials for the overlying coal. In the same manner we
often find in the Lignitic formations of our own State, dark colored, sandy clays,
filled with the vestiges of an ancient vegetation, the roots and parts of the trunks
of which are still in their original position. Two beautiful instances of this kind,
occurring in this State, have been mentioned in the Geological Report (244;
249). But in both these cases, the materials surrounding the fossil roots would
be totally unsuited, in their present condition, to the growth of analagous plants,
at present existing. Even though they may still contain the same elements of
fertility which enabled them to produce the forests we now find buried, their
physical condition has been greatly altered; they have become dense, compact
and semi-indurate. Nor are the chemical changes they have undergone of less
moment.
3552 The action of the atmosphere would gradually restore these ancient
soils to their original condition. It is to the same agency, slowly but surely dis-
integrating even the hardest rocks, that we owe the formation of our soils, at the
present time; if, therefore, we would understand the nature of soils, we must
make ourselves acquainted with the mode of action of the causes just alluded
to, among which the following claim our chief attention, viz: 1. The mechanical
action of water, by attrition and transportation of materials, or what is techni-
cally termed denudation. 2. The effects produced by changes of temperature,
such as frost, and changes from wet to dry and vice versa; with the effects of
both of which, in pulverizing soils, agriculturists are familiar. 3. The chemical
action of the constituents of the atmosphere (excepting nitrogen, which is inert),
viz: water, carbonic acid, oxygen, and ammonia.
356. Most rocks are composed of several minerals, some of which are more
readily decomposed by the action of the atmosphere than others; moreover,
small particles of one and the same mineral disintegrate sooner than large ones.
Usually, therefore, rocks are softened, and their particles made susceptible of
being carried off by the rains, long before the chemical decomposition of the
several minerals has been completed. It follows as a consequence, that in soils
thus formed we have to distinguish two different portions, viz: that which con--
sists of minerals undecomposed, or in process of decomposition; and that which
is formed by the decomposition of the several minerals.
357. Fallowing.-The process of decomposition does not, of course, cease
after the particles of the rock have been carried away from their original places.
On the contrary, its progress generally becomes more rapid, in consequence of
the comminution caused by the transportation; it is constantly active in our
soils, and its effects are most strikingly perceived when land is fallowed, i. e
exposed to the action of the atmosphere for one or several seasons, without crop-
ping. In the fresh, undecomposed portion of the soil, the mineral ingredients
which plants require are contained in a condition in which they are not immedi-
ately available for absorption into the vegetable economy-locked up as it were.
In the natural course of things, the action of the atmosphere very gradually
uncloses these hidden treasures; but we can very much accelerate the progress
of decomposition by the use of the so-called stimulant manures, of which I shall
speak hereafter; and the beneficial effects of thorough tillage are also due, to no
small extent, to the increased accessibility of the soil, to the decomposing action
of the atmosphere.
PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY.
358. Important, and almost indispensable as it is, that any one who would
avail himself, to its full extent, of the aid which science can give to the practical
agriculturist, should be acquainted with the rudiments at least of chemistry, it
would divert me too far from the purpose of the present Report, should I give,
1359, 360]
INGREDIENTS OF SOILS AND PLANTS.
207
under the above head, any thing more than the merest outline of the doc
trine of Agricultural Chemistry. In the final Report, it might be proper to treat
of the subject more at length; for the present, I shall confine myself to what is
absolutely necessary for the useful understanding of the matter contained in the
présent pages.
359. Scientific and Technical Terms.-It may be justly expected that in
writing for the benefit of the mass of the people, the use of technical terms
should be avoided as much as possible. On the other hand, it is vain to expect,
in entering upon any new field of knowledge whatsoever, to escape the necessity
of learning some new words or expressions. This is unavoidable, and in the
very nature of things; for whenever we direct our special attention to any object,
we find it to consist of distinct parts, which a merely general, cursory glance
failed to detect. These parts are so many new conceptions or ideas, and new
ideas, as a matter of course, require new words for their expression.
This is quite as true of the arts and crafts of every day, as of the exact sciences.
The language which the sailor uses in describing his vessel, is not more intelli-
gible to the uninitiated "landsman," than a chemical formula would be to the
sailor himself; the printer, the tailor, the shoemaker, the blacksmith-all have
their peculiar terms of trade. If the majority of men, while perfectly at ease
with reference to what the tailor styles his "goose," stand appalled at the "big
words" of chemical or geological terminology, it is not because the former term
is more expressive of its object than the latter, but simply because tailors are
more numerous than chemists, and their calling more ancient.
In this respect, agriculturists enjoy an advantage over all other occupations;
their technical terms are known and understood by an overwhelming majority
of mankind, not only because they themselves form so numerous a class, but
also because the products of their labor are ti e prime necessities of life, which
all feel deeply interested in, and with which, as well as with the means employed
to produce them, all are consequently conversant.
360. INGREDIENTS OF SOILS ELEMENTS.-Anciently, no separate ingredients
were distinguished in soils; "earth" was regarded as a simple, an element, which
might, to be sure, be slightly modified here and there, yet was essentially the
same everywhere. Later researches have gradually resolved soils, rocks and
what proceeds from them, into a number of substances, which as yet have
resisted all efforts at à further decomposition. These substances, most of which,
as well as their combinations, are unknown to common life, have received new
names, so far as this was necessary; we call them elements, supposing that they
are incapable of being resolved into any simpler constituents.
Chemists are, at the present time, acquainted with sixty-four elements; but
among this multitude, only sixteen or seventeen claim the attention of the
agriculturist, as being ingredients of his soils as well as of the products which
he draws therefrom. They are the following:
Non-metallic substances.
Oxygen.
Hydrogen.
Nitrogen.
Carbon.
Silicon.
Sulphur.
Chlorine.
Fluorine.
Phosphorus.
Metallic bases of the
Earths and Alkalies.
Potassium.
Sodium.
Calcium.
Magnesium.
Aluminium.
Heavy Metals. Manganese.
Iron.
To the first class of this list may be added Iodine, and to the last, Copper;
since these substances are found to be very generally present, though in very
minute quantities.
208
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366


361 Important Combinations. These elements, in their combinations
amongst themselves, and especially with OXYGEN, compose the vast majority
of all material objects that surround us. The human frame ordinarily contains
every one of them; and so do most plants (if we except Fluorine and
Aluminium). The first four, in combination, form the great bulk of vegetables,
such as wood, starch, albumen, etc. Oxygen and Hydrogen form WATER;
Oxygen and Carbon, CARBONIC ACm (the gas contained in soda-water); Hydrogen
and Nitrogen, AMMONIA (Spirits of hartshorn). AIR is a mixture of four-fifths
(by bulk) of Nitrogen and one-fifth of Oxygen; it always contains, at the same
time, variable amounts of Aqueous Vapor, and minute quantities of Carbonic
Acid (one three-thousandth) and Ammonia (between one and two millionths).
Small and insignificant as the amounts of the two latter ingredients present
in air may appear, they perform most important parts in vegetable economy.
All the carbon which plants contain is obtained by them from the atmosphere in
the shape of carbonic acid, which they decompose, retaining the carbon and
returning the oxygen to the atmosphere. In the same manner, a large portion
of the nitrogen contained in plants, is derived from the ammonia present in the
air; while their fixed mineral ingredients, which remain behind in the shape
of ashes when vegetables are burnt, are derived from the soil.
+
362. The combinations of other elements with oxygen (which are produced
by burning the same), are called Oxides; a large part of these, generally
possessing a sour taste, are called Acids. Thus we have Oxide of Iron, of
Manganese; Sulphuric, Phosphoric, Carbonic acid, etc. Combinations of Oxides
and Acids are called Salts.
The combinations of the other elements, most important to the agriculturist
are the following:
363. SILICON with oxygen, forming Silica-flint, quartz, rock crystal, the
hard grains of almost all sands; in the latter form, and in combination with
Alumina, it forms the great bulk of most soils. Moreover, it enters largely into
the composition of all grasses, of pine straw, and a great number of other plants.
It is but seldom that soils are deficient in silica as such; but it often happens
that it is not present in an available, or soluble, condition; a defect promptly
remedied by the application of lime.
364. SULPHUR-with ogygen, forming Sulphuric acid (in its pure state called
oil of vitriol); this in combination with Lime, forms Gypsum, or plaster of
Paris; with Magnesia, Epsom Salt; with protoxide of Iron, Copperas, etc.
365. PHOSPHORUS (well-known as the inflaming ingredient of common friction
matches) with oxygen forms Phosphoric acid. The latter, in combination with
Lime, forms the earthy part of bones, or bone-ash, which is, essentially,
phosphate, with a little carbonate, of lime. Phosphoric acid is, moreover, con-
tained in all seeds, to a considerable amount; hence, its absence from the soil
is fatal to the formation of seed of any kind. The stem and leaves of plants
require it also, but in much smaller quantities.
366. POTASSIUM and SODIUM, form with oxygen, repectively, Potash (the
potential caustic of druggists) and Soda; the former, in combination with car-
bonic acid, is the chief ingredient of pearlash, saleratus, etc.; while the combi-
nations of soda with the same acid, are what are familiarly know to our house-
keepers as soda, or salsoda. Moreover, sodium in combination with chlorine,
forms common salt.--Potash is as universally required by all plants (excepting
sea-weeds) as phosphoric acid, and is therefore one of the most important and
indispensable ingredients of a good soil; so much so, that the amounts of potash
and phosphoric acid contained in a soil, may usually, in practice, be taken as a
direct index of its fertility. All other ingredients necessary for the growth of
plants are more easily and more cheaply supplied, than these two. Whenever
they are wanting, or are present in very minute quantities only, we may consid-
er, for all practical purposes, that the soil has to be made before it will produce
anything.
4367, 368, 369]
LIME IN SOILS.
209
Almost all plants require for their full development, more or less Soda, also,
But while the absence of available potash from a soil is one of the most common
causes of infertility, a sufficient amount of soda is rarely wanting.
367. CALCIUM with oxygen, forms Lime; the latter, in combination with
carbonic acid, constitutes marble, and the prevalent as well as the all-important
ingredient of limestones, most of which are a mixture of carbonate of lime with
earthy matters-sand, clay, etc. Most limestones contain magnesia, also, and a
great many contain small amounts of potash, soda and phosphoric acid. In the
process of burning lime, the carbonic acid of the carbonate of lime is expelled
by heat; in the hardening of common mortar, the lime partially resumes it
carbonic acid from the air. Hydraulic cement is burnt out of limestones con-
taining certain proportions of other earthy matters, or out of an artificial
mixture of pure limestone and clay.
Of phosphate of lime (being the chief ingredient of bones) and sulphate of
time (being gypsum or plaster of Paris) I have spoken above (T364, 365).
368. Action of Lime in Soils.-Most plants require for their growth notable
quantities of lime, which must, therefore, be present in the soil. Few soils are
infertile for want of lime; the increase of fertility observed after liming, is-
mostly due, not so much to the direct action of the lime itself on plants, as to its
chemical action in rendering available to vegetation other ingredients, especially
potash and silica, when contained in the soil in a "locked up" condition (357),
in the undecomposed part of the minerals.* Lime, especially when applied
freshly burnt, greatly accelerates the decomposition both of minerals and of
vegetable matter. Hence we see that by means of liming, we can in a brief
period of time, produce the same effects on the soil, which the unassisted action
of the atmosphere, or fullowing, would have required centuries to effect.
369. But in so doing, we exhaust the soil very rapidly; what we gain in the
fullness of crops, we lose in the duration of our land; hence the well-known
adage, that "Lime enriches the father, but impoverishes the son." When land
which has been limed moderately, ceases to produce fallowing will have little
effect on it for several years, because all the nutritive matter which was easily
accessible, has been already developed by the powerful action of the lime. Yet,
after fallowing for a number of years, such land may again become productive,
in consequence of the decomposing action of the atmosphere having at last
penetrated to that portion of the soil which even the lime had not reached, and
thus made available a new supply of nourishing ingredients. Usually, however,
after a moderate dressing of lime has ceased to be effective, another and stronger
dressing is put on; and thus the process of exhaustion may be continued, until
the soil becomes really and utterly exhausted-stripped completely, of all, or of
some, of the ingredients required by the plants. Henceforth, the crops will
depend entirely upon the application of manures-true manures (of which stable-
manure, or still better, night-soil, is the type), not mere stimulants, like lime,
ammoniacal salts, common salt, Chilian saltpetre, etc.
The use of lime on land to the extent above referred to, is scarcely better policy
than that of the drunkard, who, in order to sustain the excitement he desires,
finds it necessary to take deeper potations each succeeding day, until at last the
energies of life are completely exhausted, and the foundation gives way, before
*While there can be no doubt that the greater part of the favorable effects of
liming is due to the indirect action above referred to, experiments made upon
the growth of plants in lime water seem to show that lime also exercises a kind
of direct stimulation on the vegetable functions, which in the experiments
mentioned, was manifested in the more vigorous development and deeper green
of the seedlings vegetating in lime water, as compared with those placed in pure
water. It may be doubted, however, whether the effects are in any manner
comparable to those exercised by "stimulants" upon the animal economy.
R-14
210
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶370, 3711, 3712, 372, 373
the expiration of one-half the time during which, with prudent management,
it would have held out.
Under the head of Manures, this subject will be more fully considered, in
connection with the use of the marls of our State.
370. Calcareous Soils.-Limy (or calcareous) soils, 2. e., soils in which lime,
in combination with carbonic acid, forms a prominent ingredient, occur much
less frequently than is commonly supposed. The soils of the prairies, which are
notoriously limy, have given rise to the supposition that all soils resembling
them in their physical characters, and particularly in point of "heaviness" and
the property of forming an exceedingly tenacious mud, are limy also. Spots
where some tenacious clay, of whatever color, comes to the surface, forming
redoubtable obstacles to vehicles in the rainy season, are popularly styled
"prairie spots," throughout the State.
3711 Many purchases and settlements have been made on the strength of
this apparent similarity of the soil to that of the prairies; and when it is after-
wards found that the soil in question will produce little or nothing, it is very
commonly ascribed to an excess of lime supposed to be contained in it. Such is
commonly the case in the "Flatwoods" region, which skirts the Prairie region on
the west, from Tippah Creek, in the county of the same name, through Pontotoc,
Chickasaw, Ocktibbeha, part of Winston, and Noxubee, to Kemper and the
Alabama line. The same supposition is entertained with reference to the "hog-
bed" or "hog-wallow prairie" soil, occurring in Smith, Jasper and some of the
adjoining counties. In both these cases, the direct contrary is proved by the
analyses of the respective soils, which are given further on; not only is there no
excess of lime in either, but especially with reference to the Flatwoods soils, even
a deficiency to such an extent, that the application of lime, as a manure, to these
soils, is at once indicated.
3712 The heaviness and "stickiness" of the prairie soil has nothing what-
soever to do with the lime contained therein; on the contrary, an excess of lime
rather tends to diminish the tenacity of clays, as may be observed on the "bald
prairie" hilltops, as compared with the level prairie with yellow clay subsoil. In
the light, almost pulverulent silt which forms the main mass of the hills of the
Southern River Counties-(Vicksburg, Grand Gulf, Petit Gulf Hills, etc.)—
we have a soil containing much more lime than even the black prairie soils of
Smith and Jasper; yet that soil never forms, at the worst seasons, anything
that would be called "mud" in the prairie region.
372. The true distinguishing features of limy ("calcareous") soils, which.
never fail to characterize them plainly enough, may be found in the peculiar
growth, large and small, which they bear. Chemical reagents cannot more
surely announce the presence, in the soil, of a large supply of lime, than does the
prevalence of the Crab App e, the Wild Plum, the Cottonwood, the Sycamore, the
"Poplar," and some others --And we may confidently hope that a diligent
comparison of a sufficient number of soil-analyses with the natural growth of
the soils, will enable us to judge, in a similar manner, as to the presence or
prevalence of other ingredients; so that we may analyze the soils, as it were, by
the eye alone.
373. The next element in our list is MAGNESIUM, the combination of which
with oxygen is Magnesia. Epsom salt, the combination of magnesia with sul-
phuric acid, is familiarly known; besides this, the combination of magnesium
with chlorine is practically important, as being the cause of the greater pungency
of sea-salt, and a common-too common-constituent of spring and well waters,
in some regions of the State. Magnesia is scarcely ever wanting in soils, and
is remarkably abundant in a large part of those of our State, which are derived
from the materials of the several lignitic stages (Geological Report, p. 110, 147,
ff.). It may be said that the latter are almost as certainly characterized by
magnesia, as the marine strata of Jackson, Vicksburg, etc., are by lime.
Probably the majority of mineral springs in this State are characterized by
magnesian salts (¶155; 316).
¶374, 375, 376] CLAYS DIFFERENT KINDS-COLORS.
·
211
374. The next succeeding element-ALUMINIUM (which, in its metallic state,
has but lately been introduced into the arts, and is distinguished by its extra-
ordinary lightness) is the most abundant ingredient of the earth's crust, next to
oxygen and silicon. Its combination with oxygen, Alumina, when still further
combined with Silica, forms the main mass of all Clays, and of a great number
of rocks, by the decomposition of which, clays are formed.
375. Clays.-There are innumerable varieties of clays, which have received
numerous names, both popular and scientific. The differences arise partly from
the various proportions in which silica and alumina may combine, partly, and
most frequently, from the admixture of foreign (¿. e. not chemically combined)
substances. The purest of all clays is Kaolin or porcelain earth; next to this,
the white pipe-clay, such as those found chiefly in Tishomingo, but also in other
counties of this State, in the deposits of the Orange Sand formation (60, ff.).
In some of these pipeclays, there is a strong mechanical admixture of finely
divided silica; in some instances this ingredient gradually becomes so prominent
that the material loses its title to the name of clay, and becomes a soft, fine-
grained, white, siliceous rock, the transition being so gradual, that it is difficult
to say where the pipeclay ceases and the rock begins (762, 66).
A similar uncertainty very frequently attaches to the more common mixtures
of clay and sand, known as brick-clays, loams, silts, etc., including the majority
of soils; there is no definite line of distinction, so that it is often optional with
the individual, whether some material he describes shall be called a clayey sand
or a sandy clay.
376. The different colors of clays are generally owing to either or both of the
two last named elements of the list, viz: Mangunese and Iron, and to Carbon, or
finely divided particles of coaly substance.
Iron (in its two combinations with oxygen, called the protoxide and peroxide)
and Carbon are by far the most commonly occurring coloring matters. Peroxide
of iron imparts yellow, orange and red tints (the two former tints pass into
red whenever the substance is heated to redness); protoxide of iron, blue and
green. The two last mentioned colors pass over into those of the peroxide,
whenever the material they color is exposed to the action of the air; hence it
is that in the southern portion of the State, where blue and green clays are so
very common (in the upper Tertiary, or Grand Gulf Group, ¶230, ff.), we
frequently see nothing but yellow or orange surfaces on the exposures, the blue
or green portion being found at the depth of several inches at times. The same
frequently happens with reference to the blue marls, both of the cretaceous and
tertiary formations; they have escaped notice in many cases, simply on account
of the surface having undergone the change just referred to, which rendered them
similar in aspect to the soil or subsoil.
Clays colored by Manganese alone, are of rare occurrence; according to the
amounts of oxygen comb ned with the element, it imparts delicate pink, brown
or black tints. But it frequently modifies the tints produced by iron, and is
rarely wanting where the other occurs.
Clays colored by Carbon alone, which imparts to them a black, gray or some-
times bluish tinge, become white by burning. Such is the case with many clays
from the Lignitic formations, which, although very dark at first, on burning
yield ware almost equal in whiteness to that made of the Tishomingo pipeclays.
Of course it often happens, that several or all of these coloring matters are
present in one and the same specimen, thus producing an endless variety of
tints-from the purest white through all shades of gray to almost jet black;
from the light and delicate rose tints of the Orange Sand clays frequently found
in South Mississippi, to the deep red of the ferruginous clay occurring in Tisho-
mingo county, which has been designated as "Terra sigillata," and comes prop-
erly under the head of coloring materials (¶71). Clays of all shades of blue
are frequently found associated with our lignite beds in North Mississippi, and
are very common in the upper (fresh water) Tertiary of South Mississippi; so
also are those of the several shades of green (¶231, 237, 243, etc).
X
212
[1377, 378, 370
3
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
→
Color, therefore, has nothing to do with characterizing any substance as a clay.
I have been thus particular in stating this point, because of the difficulty I have
so often encountered in arriving at a definite conclusion concerning some materi-
al described to me, the party whom I questioned insisting that it was not clay,
merely on account of some unusual tint it happened to possess.
377. "Soapstone."It is very usual in this State to hear designated as "soap-
stone" any clay which, being free from coarse particles, is smooth to the touch,
like soap or true soapstone, and which does not readily form a plastic paste with
water. The bluish laminated clays of the Eutaw Group of the cretaceous.
formation (101, ff.), as well as similar clays occurring in the Tertiary (165,
231), are invariably so designated in the counties in which they occur.
True Soapstone, such as is used for the interior lining of stoves, for hearth-
plates and ovens, does not occur within the State; the formations to which it
belongs are entirely wanting, and all the "soapstone" commonly so called in
Mississippi, belongs to the class of clays above described. When worked up
with water, they gradually form a very tenacious mass, which, however, usu-
ally contains too little sand to be suited to the purposes of the potter, in its
natural state.
378. Retentive Powers of Clays.-One of the most important properties of clays,
which they impart, in greater or less degree, to all soils, is their capacity of
retaining in their mass a certain amount of the ingredients necessary for the
growth of plants, even when these are in a condition in which, ordinarily, they
are soluble in water. When solutions of potash, lime, phosphoric acid, etc., are
filtered through a layer of soil of sufficient thickness, the whole of these ingre-
dients is retained by the soil, so that the water which drains from it con-
tains no more of them. This retentive power, which varies very much in
different soils, is of the very highest importance, as it prevents the waste of
valuable ingredients by the action of the rain water which continually filters
an drains through the soil Hence it is that in the waters which drain from
soils pre-eminently rich in soluble ingredients, traces only of these substan-
ces can be discovered, unless indeed, the soil should happen to be suturated
with some of them, so as to be unable to retain an additional supply; as a
sponge will not receive, or retain, more than a certain amount of water.
The point of saturation differs for different substances ind one an the same soil;
and it is remarkable that in regard to the retentive power, there is a marked
distinction in favor of those substances most generally needed by the plants in
large quantities. Thus potash and phosphoric acid are most pertinaciously
retained, while soda, magnesia and soluble vegetable acids are often carried off
in large proportions by the drain waters. Light and sandy soils are the least
retentive of these substances, as well as of moisture; while clayey soils, and
those containing much vegetable matter, are the most retentive of both.
Clays are retentive, not only of solids and liquids, however, but also of gases,
--and particularly so of ammonia; hence they condense the latter from the atmos-
phere, thus furnishing it to the roots of plants. In this, as in other respects,
clays act analogously to humus, concerning which, see below under the head of
* manures (425).
This
379. “Alum.”-Next to the combination of Alumina with silica, which is
the basis of clays, its combination with sulphuric acid deserves mention.
does not often occur in substance, but is not an unfrequent ingredient of the
mineral springs issuing from the lignitic clays; which are commonly distin-
guished as "Alum springs." The name, though not strictly correct (inasmuch
as true alum contains sulphate of potash beside that of alumina), well expresses
the sweet sh astringent taste possessed by such waters. In this State, they
always issue from the lignitic strata of the tertiary formation, and are most
abundant in those which are immediately contiguous to the marine, fossiliferous
Tertiary. The strongest alum water in the State of which I have any personal
knowledge, is that of Baugh's well, at Brandon, Rankin county; one very
-
1380, 381. 387, 383¹. 3832) IRON IN SOILS,
2189
similar to this occurs in a well dug on the plantation of Mr. Holland, S. 35,
T. 6, R. 3 E., near Brandon.-The water of the Artesian Springs in Madison,
is of the same character; and another alum spring, which has acquired some
reputation in the neighboring counties, is situated about two miles south-west
of Grenada. In the neighborhood of such springs, a mixture of alum with
other salts is frequently seen, as a white covering ("efflorescence") on the sur-
face of the clays (T181).
380. Of the part taken by IRON and MANGANESE, the two last elements of our
list, in c loring clays and soils, I have already spoken. Manganese, though
almost universally present in soils, is generally so in very minute quantities, so -
as to es ape the eye, and leave its presence to be demonstrated by chemical
reagents. Ocasionally, in this State, Oxide of Manganese may be observed
forming curiously ramified designs (dendrites), resembling mosses or diminutive -
trees, on the cleaved surfaces of gray and white sandstones and limestones.
These figures are frequently mistaken for fossil plants; but they have no con-
nection with such, being simply strings of crystals, formed somewhat in the
manner of the figures on frozen windows.
381. IRON is one of the most widely diffused substances with which we are
acquainted. It would be difficult indeed, in common life, to pick up anything
whatsoever that should not contain a trace at least of iron-unless, perhaps, it
had been purposely purified. The ashes of almost all vegetables contain it; so
do all soils, clays, and sands; so do all kinds of glass. Even the metals, copper,
tin, zinc, lead, and silver, such as they are known to common life, contain cer-
tain amounts of it; often very minute, but still discoverable by chemical means.
382. Oxide of iron in combination with water (hydrated peroxide of iron), or
iron rust, is the compound most commonly occurring. It is found almost pure,
as yellow ochre (which is usually, however, a mixture of oxide and of clay); it
imparts the yellow or orange tints to clays, sands, soils and subsoils; to the
"red lands" of Pontotoc, Chickasaw and other counties; to the yellow loam
lands of the two ranges of counties bordering the Mississippi bottom, which
form the rich agricultural regions of Lafayette, Yallabusha, Carroll, Holmes,
Madison, Hinds and other counties. It forms the cement which binds together-
the grains of sand in our red, brown or "black" sandstone, found more or less
all over the State (T11, ff.); sometimes the cement so far predominates over the
sand, that the material would be valuable as iron ore, but for its being too much
scattered to allow of profitable smelting (1741). Nodules of brown iron ore,
of various degrees of purity, are the unfailing surface indication of the gray
clays of the Lignitic formation of North Mississippi (¶42).
3831. Iron in Soils.-The presence of a large surplus of the peroxide of iron
(or irón rust) in soils (which may generally be pretty correctly judged of by the
intensity of the color), does not apper to exert any very characteristic influence
on vege.ation. save such as may be owing to its powerful attraction for mois-
ture and ammonia (which it shares with clays), and the influence of its color
on the absorption of heat from the sun's rays. A small amount of iron seems
to be indispensable to the vigorous growth of most cultivated plants, for on soils
artificially formed without the addition of iron, these vegetables languished and
drcoped, and the subsequent addition to the soil of a small amount of iron,
seemed to produce effects similar to that which the preparations of iron
used as tonics in medical practice, produce on the human system, viz: a
general invigoration of the vegetative energies. But such a soil had to be artifi-
cially formed, as above stated; for in nature it might be difficult to find any soil
not contain ng a supply of iron sufficiently large for the use of plants.
▸
3832. While an excess of iron in the shape of the compound heretofore
mentioned (viz: the hydrated peroxide of iron) may be present without any
injury to vegetation, the same is not true with reference to the other combination
of iron with oxygen (containing less of the latter element than the peroxide, or
iron rust): the protoxide. And since this difference has an important bearing ons
214
[T384, 385, 386
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
the subject of draining of swamp lands, as well as plowing, I shall here dwell
upon it for a few moments.
I have before observed (¶376), that the blue and green tints of clays, etc., are
generally caused by some combination of the protoxide of iron, and also that,
when such clays are exposed to the action of the air for some time, the green
or blue tint changes to gray, ye low or orange, in consequence of the conversion
of the protoxide into common rust. We have a familiar example of this change,
in the well-known process of copperas-dying; the fresh, green copperas contains
the protoxide in combination with sulphuric acid; when it turns yellow, the
protoxide passes into peroxide; it loses the copperas taste, and becomes insoluble
in water. This process, if kept in mind, will explain many phenomena import-
ant to the agriculturist.
384. Few persons residing in regions where the soil or subsoil is yellow, can
have failed to notice, that the yellow mud, when kept wet for a length of time
(especially in the warm season)-as for instance, in a deep mudhole-will
assume a blue tint in its lower portions; the wagoner wisely avoids the spots
where the wheels of some predecessor have brought up mud of this hue, because
it is a sure sign of a "bad place." We have here the opposite of the process
which takes place in copperas dying; the iron yellow has been transformed into
blue, by the influence of fermenting vegetable matter, in points where the air had
little or no access. It will also be observed, that plants will not grow well where
the soil retains this hue-they wither or become rusty. Water flowing from
such spots, will deposit iron rust, like copperas water itself. Now, every one
knows how deleterious copperas water is to plants; and the same is true of the
water which collects on such spots; the protoxide of iron which it contains,
however, is dissolved in corbonic, and vegetable acids, instead of sulphuric acid;
the former being the product of the decay or fermentation of vegetable matter,
and present in all soils.
385. Wherever water remains stagnant on or in soils for any length of time,
th's process takes place, and where this happens, plants—at least those we culti-
vate—will not thrive. And although the corrosive action of the solution of iron
thus formed is but rarely the only cause which, in such spots, acts injuriously
to plants, its formation is an unfailing symptom of a want of proper drainage.
It frequently happens in level branch bottoms, that the whole of the soil has
a bluish tint; such soils invariably rust cotton, and are often considered natur-
ally unproductive. The remedy, however, is simple enough: correct the drain-
age of the land, and then turn up the soil as deep as may be practicable, acc ›rd-
ing to circumstances; but instead of planting it at once, fallow it for a season or
two. The bluish tint will be found to disappear rapidly under the influence of
the air (which transforms the protoxide into peroxide) and when it is gone, the
land will often times be found to be more productive even than adjoining tracts
in which, originally, no such tint was perceptible. Those who clear and cul-
tivate bottom land, will scarcely fail to recollect having met with instances of
this kind in their experience. The beds of sloughs, which in after years gener-
ally become the most fertile portions of t e fields, will not produce as fieely at
first; but they will become productive more rapidly in proportion as the soil is
loosened and aerated more frequently; they require fallowing at the very outset.
386. It is commonly observed, that even in lands where the subsoil is very
deeply tinged with iron, the surface soil is almost always of a lighter tint; hence
the conspicuous "red washes" so frequently formed in fields, where the surface
soil has been washed away. This difference in color is owing, in some degree,
to the presence, in the surface soil, of dark colored vegetable matter, which cov-
ers the iron tint; but very generally we also find a sma.ler absolute amount of
iron in the surface soil than in the subsoil; as will be seen by the table of analy-
ses, in the Claiborne County Soil, Pine Hill Soil, and Soil from Summit, as com-
pared with their subsoils. It seems, there ore, that this process, which we
observe to be going on in all badly drained soils, with a considerable degree of
--
1387, 388, 389] BLACK PEBBLE-CHALYBEATE SPRINGS.
215
energy, takes place at times, more or less, in most or all soils, when, in long wet
seasons, they are temporarily in an undrained condition. Nevertheless, we
find an exception to the rule above referred to, in the case of the soil and subsoil
of the Marshall County Table lands (see table No. 2) in which the surface soil
is richer in iron than the subsoil; a proof of the perfect natural thorough-drain-
age of some of these soils.
·
387. Bog Ore, or "Black Pebble."-When light and open soils possessing a
porous subsoil, underlaid, in its turn, by denser strata, are placed under
conditions like those referred to above, an effect is produced which is very
familiar in some regions of this State, and of which examples on a small scale
may be found in most neighborhoods. Soils of the character just mentioned,
being but very slightly retentive of soluble matters of any kind, will allow any
solution of iron formed in it to sink, until it reaches a denser stratum, where it
is retained and gradually forms bog ore or "black gravel," while the surface soil,
being deprived of its coloring elements (iron, as well as vegetable matter),
becomes light gray or almost white, in strong contrast to adjoining bodies of well
drained, yellow loam land. It is probable that this process of lixivation extracts
from the soil other and more valuable ingredients (e. g. phosphoric acid), besides
the iron and vegetable matter, and it is, perhaps, for this reason, that these white
or "crawfishy" soils are, with few exceptions, less productive than those from
which they were formel by the combined action of vegetable matter and stagnant
water. The difference is plainly exhibited, in most cases, by their natural
vegetation, which, though otherwise widely distinct in different localities,
possesses one element of almost constant occurrence, to-wit: stunted Huckle-
berry bushes. The Flatwoods of N. E. Mississippi, and the bottoms of South
Mississippi, often exhibit examples of this kind on the large scale. Some soils
of this character are, nevertheless, very productive when properly drained and
supplied with vegetable matter; and in many cases which have come to my
knowledge, the application of lime to them has proved extremely beneficial.
As yet, however, no analyses of this class of soils, from which their character-
istics could be deduced, have been made.
*
388. From the foregoing considerations, it will be apparent how great is the
importance of thorough drainage in lands strongly charged with peroxide of
iron, or iron rust, as are a large portion of the best uplands of the State. Not
only are the solutions of iron, so readily formed in such soils when undraine 1,
a positive poison to plants, but, while the partial withdrawal of iron alone
would be no disadvantage to the soil, the process upon which its solution depends,
drafts largely upon that important ingredient of the soil, its humus or vegetable
ma'ter; as well as, probably, upon several other important elements, and
among these, especially upon the Phosphoric acid. The "black pebble" or bog
ore, which owes its formation to this process, is well known to be particularly
rich in the latter substance-for which reason, though unfit for the manufacture
of malleable iron, it is preferred for such metal as is to serve for fine castings.
389. Chalybeate Springs.-A phenomenon dependent upon the same cause,
intrinsically of much less importance, but which has frequently attracted
attention and excited curiosity in this State, is found in the diminution or dis-
appearance of the mineral ingredients of chaly beate springs, so soon as the spots
on which they were situated were "improved," or the springs themselves
cleaned out. The ferruginous sands of the Orange Sand formation (10) give
rise to a great number of chalybeate springs (¶75), many of which have no other
origin than this: that the decaying vegetable matter collected in depressions of the
surface, heads of hollows, etc., or even in the basin of the spring, effects the
transformation above referred to, i. e. of the insoluble iron rust into soluble
carbonate of the protoxide, which passes into the spring water, rendering it
chalybeate. It follows as a matter of course, that so soon as the vegetable
matter which causes this transformation is removed, the water must lose its
mineral ingredients. This, however, can only happen to superficial springs,
216
[T390, 391, 392, 398
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.

and never occurs with the springs derived from the lignitic eocene, or the lower
Cretaceous formation.
390. Formation of Rock-There is another effect, due to the same cause
which is frequently observed in the territory of the Orange Sand formation; I
mean the gradual induration, or transformation into rock, of strata of sand (11)
or sandy loam, which have been quite soft within the memory of the inhabitants.
When water charged with the carbonate of iron, formed as above mentioned,
percolates through strata of sand or gravel, it may come in contact with so much
air, contained in the pores of the mass, that its protoxide is reconverted into the
yellow peroxide, which adheres to the grains of sand and gradually cements
them together into a rock. This takes place more especially, when the iron
solution reaches a seam or layer of clay, which prevents it from sinking deeper;
a sheet of terruginous sandstone is then formed on top of the clay. This process
may be seen in progress by an attentive observer in almost any region where the
Orange Sand prevails, and from the fact that almost all the ledges of ferruginous.
sandstone found in this formation, are underlaid by a stratum of clay, we may
justly conclude that most, if not all this rock has been formed, originally, in a
similar manner (11).
391. NOURISHMENT OF PLANTS.-Before entering upon the consideration of the
subject of manures, their several kinds and mode of action, it may be well to
recapitulate briefly the general, well-established principles of vegetable physiolo-
gy, without a knowledge of which, it would be impossible to appreciate correct-
ly the bearing of the analyses given below, and to apply to practice in each
separate case, the results they contain.
I
·
392. Constituents of Plants.--Most plants, and all, or nearly all, of those
which are the subject of the farmer's care, require the same ingredients to be
supplied to them from the soil and the atmosphere, viz: those which have been
briefly characterized in the preceding pages, with the sole exception of Alumina
(T374), which is not often contained in the ashes of plants (provided they have
been thoroughly cleansed of dust, etc., before burning). Fluorine, also, is a
very subordinate ingredient, and frequently wanting.-From among the rest,
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen, or rather their combinations, may be,
and are for the most part, derived from the air, as has been stated (361);
while the rest of the ingredients required (which are contained in the ashes)
are derived from, and must therefore be present in the soil, to support a healthy
development of vegetable growth. And experience further proves, that if only
a single one of these ingredients be absent or insufficient in quantity, the presence
of all the rest will be unavailing to render the soil productive. To a limited
extent, some of these ingredients may be replaced by others of similar chemical
character, e. g. Potash and Soda by each other and by Lime and Magnesia; Iron
by Manganese, etc. Such replacements, however, always cause differences in
the mode of development of the plant, and in the quality of the crop. Cultiva-
ted plants in particular possess a wider range in this respect, than do those
retaining their natural state; and the consequent adaptability of the vegetables
constituting our crops, to a great variety of soils, is a feature of the highest im-
portance to the agriculturist.
{
393. Rotation.-While, therefore, all plants require nearly the same ingre-
dients so far as their kind is concerned, each one requires its own peculiar
proportion of each of them-varying, in most cases, between narrow limits only.
Hence it is that, when a soil has been apparently exhausted by the frequent
repetition of one and the same crop, it may still be quite productive of another,
which finds remaining in the soil a sufficient quantity of available nourishment
in the proper relative proportions required for its growth. During the season
in which the soil has been occupied by the latter crop, the action of the atmos-
phere may have set free and rendered available, a fresh supply of nourishment
heretofore "locked up" in the undecomposed minerals of the soil (¶356), and
in the proportions suitable for the first crop; which may now again succeed. This
:
1394, 395, 95, 397]
ROTATION—ANALYSIS OF SOILS.
217
is the rationale of the good effect of the Rotation of Crops.-But rotation alone,
as these considerations show, is not in reality an improvement of the soil; on
the contrary, it is but a system itic method of exhausting it to the best advantage.
Eventually, it will cease to be effective; and thereafter, crops will be dependent
altogether upon Manures-"No manure, no crops."
394. Order of Rotation-Analyses.-Experience has, in a great many of the
crops long known, demonstrated the proper order of succession for certain kinds
of soil. The same will not, however, always hold good in reference to other
soils, of a dissimilar, or unusual constitution; and from a disregard, or want of
knowledge of this fact, many disappointments, and a great diversity of opinions
on this subject has arisen. In many cases of this kind, comparative analyses
of the soils as well as of the crops in question, have plainly shown, not only the
cause of the anomaly observed, but also the remedy, by indicating the proper
order to be followed.
With respect to crops of modern date, CHEMICAL ANALYSIS has done the same
thing, or can do it where it is not already done. The crops most important to
the Southern States, are still in want of a thorough examination in this respect;
to give which I consider, not only as one of the legitimate, but also, as one of
the most important objects of the Agricultural Survey.
395. ANALYSES OF SOILS, CROPS AND MANURES.-Analysis teaches us, what
are the kinds and respective quantities of the ingredients contained in crops, soils
and manures. It teaches us, therefore, which of the latter two will be best
calculated to promote the successful culture of the former; a knowledge to
obtain which by mere experimenting, would require a disproportionate amount
of time and labor. It has already been stated, that the absence of a single one
of the ingredients necessary for the growth of a plant, renders unavailing the
presence of all the rest. Unless we are taught, by analysis, which is the
ingredient-or ingredients-of which there is a deficiency, we shall be compelled,
in order to be safe, to add all of them, at great and unnecessary expense; for
it will be of no practical advantage to have added an additional supply of those
of which there was no lack.
396. Analyses of Soils.-The importance of reliable analyses of crops, soils
and manures, is, therefore, obvious enough. Yet the mere presence of any
useful ingredient in a soil, or manure, as demonstrated by analysis, does not yet
assure us that it is present in an available condition, so as to be ready for
absorption by the plant; for the agents which the chemist uses in the laboratory,
are much more powerful than those placed at the command of vegetables by
nature. In the course of a few hours or days, we can abstract from the soil all
those ingredients which, in the ordinary course of fallowing pursued by nature,
it would have required centuries to bring into action (T368); thus far, there-
fore, mere ultimate analyses are not a direct indication of the producing powers
of the soil.
397. This consideration becomes of most serious moment, where the rocks
from which the soils are originally derived are in close proximity, so that a large
amount of undecomposed material may be supposed to be very unevenly diffused
throughout the soil. It will be less so, when the minerals constituting the several
soils have been transported to a great distance and ecome thoroughly inter-
mingled and comminuted; as is mostly the case in Mississippi.
Yet still, the determination of the available portion of mineral nutriment
contained in the several soils, is of great importance, and it is intended that it
shall be made in every case of soil-analysis, so far as the means we possess of
imitating the operations of nature in this instance, will allow; want of suitable
arrangements alone having prevented their being made as yet, with reference to
the analyses thus far executed. Yet even without these determinations, the
soil-analyses afford us a safe basis for our operations. For since, in all the soils
of Mississippi, the component minerals (except quartz) are in a very finely
comminuted condition, we know that when ultimate analysis shows the
218
[T398, 399, 400
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
**
nutritive elements to be present in notable quantities, they can be "brought
out," or rendered available to plants, by stimulant manures; and that the soil
can be improved by fallowing.
On the other had, when analysis shows one or several ingredients to be
scarce or absent, we know that those ingredients require to be added; while
the rest, if abundantly contained, may be developed by stimulants, and need not
be supplied from without, for the present. And if analysis, finally, shows a soil
to be absolutely poor from the outset, in all, or most nutritive ingredients: wë
shall thereby know that fallowing and stimulants will be of little use, and that
we must use stable manure, or its equivalents.
A glance at the table of analyses (No. 2) will show that so far as the analysis
of Mississippi soils has progressed, there is a very close and obvious corres-
pondence of their fertility as ascertained by experiment, with the respective
amounts of the most important ingredients they contain, as shown by the
analyses-which are comparable amongst themselves, inasmuch as the soils
were treated, as nearly as possible, in precisely the same manner (see preface).
398. The analysis of crops, i. e, the determination of the kind and quantity
of the mineral ingredients which they withdraw from the soil, is at 1 ast equally
important with that of soils themselves. It informs us directly what and how
much the soil has lost in cultivation, and thus enables us to select judiciously the
most economical mode of replacing the drain; provided, of course, that the
composition of the fertilizers at our command be also known to us. It is not
enough, however, in these investigations, to examine single specimens of each
crop, for, as has been stated (T392), there are several ingredients which can, to
some extent, replace each other, and it is of the highest interest to determine
the extent of these variations, the circumstances under which they occur, and
the influence they exercise on the quality and quantity of the crops. And in
order to render the results positive and comparable, it is further to be desired
that in these analyses, as in those of soils, the same, well-devised methods should
invariably be employed.
399. Analyses of Southern Crops —The analyses which, thus far, we possess
of the different parts of the cotton plant, are so utterly discrepant amongst
themselves, as given by different observers, that it is hard to form from them
any definite idea concerning the character of the plant--which is either suscepti-
ble of variations in an extraordinary degree, or has been sadly misrepresented
in results obtained by some analists, without the extreme care requisite to
insure correctness in this difficult department of analytical chemistry.--Of corn
also, the analyses are thus far few, and widely discrepant; in this case, however,
the extraordinary adaptability of the plant to a great variety of soils and climates
would seem to render a wide range in chemical composition more likely, than it
is with reference to cotton. The other crops usually raised in the South, have
received still less attention.
400. PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION OF SOILS; MEANS OF MODIFYING IT.— -The
productiveness of soils is not, however, dependent alone upon the presence and
available condition of the substances which form the nourishment of plants. It
is also necessary that the soil should have the proper physical constitution, viz :
that it should be neither too "heavy” nor too “light;" and that under all circum-
stances, it be properly drained. In either of the two first mentioned cases,
crops growing on it will be liable to injury by drouth, and in the case of a "heavy"
soil, by excessive wet also; while a certain intermediate character of the soil
renders the crops comparatively safe with reference to either of these influences.
I need hardly mention, that the former fault ("heaviness") is usually caused by
an excessive admixture of clay with the soil, while its opposite (" lightness") is
due to an excess, either of sand, or of some other substance which breaks up
the continuty of the clayey portion, such as undecayed vegetable matter, “black
pebble" or bog ore, or the undecomposed detritus of rocks.
It is a matter of the highest importance, that the soil be sufficiently porous
[¶401, 402¹, 4022]
LIGHT AND HEAVY SOILS.
219
or "open" to admit the air freely, in order that the carbonic acid, ammonia and
moisture which it contains, should have access to the roots of the plant; yet
again not so freely as to allow the frequent and rapid changes of moisture,
temperature, etc., to affect the roots of plants. All these changes are so tempered
by a soil of the proper physical constitution, that only a long continuance of the
same condition of the atmosphere will sensibly affect vegetation.
401. Light or Sandy Soils.-The clayey portion of soils is highly attractive and
tenaciously retentive of moisture, [rivaling in this respect some of our most
powerful chemical agents (1378)], and of the nutritive ingredients of plants,
when in a soluble condition. Vegetable matter, such as is usually present in
soils, possesses similar properties; while sand is but very slightly endowed with
this quality, even when very fine. This peculiarity is well pronounced in the
determinations of the absorbent power of soils, which will be found accompa-
nying the analyses. Compare, in this respect, the amount of moisture absorbed
by the sandy soil of the Chickasaw Flatwoods (No. 165, ¶572), and that of
the Pine Hills soil (No 206)* (both soils almost destitute of vegetable matter
also), with the heavy clay soil of the Pontotoc Flatwoods (No. 230, ¶571) on the
one hand, and with the sandy Marsh soil from Pascagoula (No. 215)† on the
other. The last named soil is a very sandy one, but it contains nearly 20 per
cent. of vegetable matter; the former (No. 230) is almost void both of sand and
vegetable matter. Both the latter possess a strong attraction for moisture,
as shown by the respec.ive percentages of hygroscopic moisture (9% and 15½
per cent); while both the former will readily surrender to a dry atmosphere all
the moisture they may contain (2 and 21% per cent.), beyond a mere pittance,
inadequate to the support of vegetable life.
4021 Heavy Clay Soils --Such is the main disadvantage of soils of excessive
lightness. When, on the other hand, there is a great excess of clay in the soil,
disadvantages not less serious will arise. In the case of drouth, such a soil
will shrink and crack open, thus not only exposing parts of the roots of plants
to the dry atmosphere, but even mechanically injuring them.
But perhaps the greatest evil to which such soils are liable in this case, is the
circumstance of their substance becoming so dense, that no access of air to the
roots can take place, thus excluding from them both the ammonia and the car-
bonic acid of the air, so necessary to the nourishment of all plants; while at
the same time, the stony hardness which the material sometimes acquires,
forbids the further development and expansion of the delicate rootlets which
the plant sends forth in all directions, in search of nourishment. Thus, of
course, the whole organism is paralyzed in its action, languishes and finally dies.—
And all these phenomena will take p.ace equally, whether the soils be in them-
selves fertile or not; save that a strong, healthy plant, grown in a productive
soil, will naturally resist longer than another, grown in a medium or poor soil.
Thus, for instance, the physical constitution of some of the Monroe prairie
soils is scarcely less objectionable than that of the heavy soil of the Flatwoods;
yet the respective average crops are much oftener made in the rich prairie soil
than in the second rate (so far as its chemical constitution is concerned) soil of
the Flatwoods, because the vitality and capacity of resistance of plants grown
in the prairie region is much greater than in the other case.
4022 In case of excessive wet. such soils are no less troublesome. The great
difficulty encountered in tilling them during seasons of either wet or drouth, is
too well understood to require discussion; yet it is precisely in such soils that
tillage would be most necessary in such seasons. For if, as has been observed
above, excessive dryness of the soil closes it effectually against the access of air
(except in the cracks, where there is too much of it), such is no less the case
whenever they are saturated with water. Light and "warm" soils, even when
*See "Long-leaf Pine Region."
+See "Sea Coast Counties."
t
་
i
2211
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
[T403, 404, 405, 406, 407
wet, still permit some access of air to the roots; but when a heavy soil remains
wet for a length of time, the complete exclusion of the air from its lower portion
too often becomes evident from the appearance of the fatal blue tint, due to the
reduction of the peroxide of iron to the protoxide (see above, q384, ff.); in
consequence of which, rust and blight soon perform their work.
403. Cultivation of Heavy Soils.--It is manifest, from the above considera-
tions, that in heavy clay soils, deep and frequent tillage is pre-eminently
desirable as tending to temper all of the disadvantages referred to, by
approaching their physical condition to those of lighter soils. But not only
does the work of plowing naturally require more power in heavy soils, but the
number of working days throughout the year is necessarily smaller. The
profitable cultivation of such soils, therefore, requires a large laboring force, and
"intense culture" on an area comparatively small; for with shallow and
insufficent tillage, the frequent failure of crops on heavy soils becomes ruinous;
and in no case is the folly of cultivating too much land (480) more strikingly
exhibited, than when we have to deal with heavy soil.
404. Heavy Siliceous Soils.-In some instances, "stiff" soils are formed, even
in the absence of any considerable quotum of clay, when a very large amount of
finely divided siliceous matter is present, which when wet, packs very closely,
and renders the soil difficult to work; when dry, it is sometimes almost powdery,
at others, when drouth follows a very wet season, it will form a very hard
surface crust. Such soils are not very common in the State, though sometimes
quite prevalent in bottoms, in the southern portion, and characterized by the
prevalence of the Dwarf Palmetto, among a stunted growth of bottom oaks.
They are complained of as being "cold," "stiff" and "working like putty ""
clogging the plow very much, even when moderately moist.
These soils, notwithstanding their "heaviness," are but very slightly retentive
of either moisture or manure, and suffer severely from drouth; and also from
long prevailing wet weather, in consequence of the impossibility of tilling them
while wet. Thorough drainage is, therefore, a very important step in their
reclamation, and next to it, the addition of coarse sand and vegetable matter is
indicated, in order to relieve the compactness of the material, and to increase its
retentive power. Many of the white soils mentioned (387) belor g to this class.
405. A great many different classifications of soils have been introduced by
different writers, suited, more or less, to the soils of particular districts described
by them, and based on differences partly of chemical, partly of physical consti-
tution. But so innumerable are the modifications, and so insensible the
transitions which occur, that special classifications, thus far, are necessarily
very arbitrary, and useful chiefly with reference to particular regions. I shall
not, for the present, refer to more than one other general class of soils frequently
mentioned by agricultural writers, viz; that of "acid soils," although, its
distinctive feature being really of a chemical nature, it properly belongs under
a different head.
406. Acid Soils.-This class has often been defined as being characterized by
an excessive amount of vegetable matter; but this criterion will not hold good;
the peculiarly acid soils of the Gallberry Flats of the Coast, for example, are
poor in vegetable matter as well as in everything else, except sand. Their
peculiarity is to be sought rather in the peculiar condition of the vegetable
matter they contain, which consists partially or wholly of soluble Crenic,
Apocrenic, or similar acids (such as color the water of marshes, etc.; ¶440, ff.),
instead of insoluble humus--in consequence of the decay having taken place
in the presence of a large amount of water, and with but little access of air;
or sometimes, as in the Pine Barrens, in a soil very poor in "basic" constituents
(potash, soda, lime, magnesia). The mode of formation of these soils, their
peculiarities, and the remedies of their faults, will be found more fully discussed
in another place (T539, ff).
407. DRAINAGE.-This has been mentioned above as being one of the essentials.
T408, 409, 404, 411]
EFFECTS OF DRAINAGE,
221
of a proper physical constitution, with all kinds of soil. Yet its importance
is very much underrated, thus far, by the agriculturists of our State, and even
where its intrinsic value is acknowledged, it is very commonly considered as
being "too expensive an improvement" for the present condition of things.
This may be a sound objection in the case of the squatter, who intends only
to skim off the cream of the soil, and then move westward for more; but it can
hardly be considered rational even now, with those who mean, in general, to cast
their lot with the community where they reside, and to enjoy the general
improvements, and the comforts and blessings of civilization, towards which
every individual member of a commonwealth contributes his share of money,
labor and trouble-which share he is compelled to contribute over again, each
time that he shifts his citizenship to the westward.-There are few chapters in
statistics which offer a more curious comment upon human nature, than would
an estimate of the three items above mentioned, annually spent in the South-
west in "
moving," on the plea that the improvement of the old lands will not
pay;" or the money lost in poor crops for want of a little deeper tillage, or
drainage, which might have rendered them bountiful. Certainly, of all last
expedients in agriculture, that of submitting to poor crops will “pay " least.
*
408. Effects of Drainage.-The advantages of drainage are not confined to
land which is absolutely wet, in the ordinary acceptation of the term; though
in these it is the most needful, and the first step towards rendering them any-
thing more than a lottery, from which the agriculturist draws at least as many
blanks as prizes. Its beneficial effects will be experienced in all those soils, in
which water can remain stagnant, at any time at a less depth than three or four
feet beneath the surface.
The necessity of access of air to the soil and roots of plants has already been
dwelt upon (¶361, 402). Now it is evident that such access cannot take place,
and the roots will not penetrate, where the soil is saturated with water. Like
shallow tillage, want of drainage compels the roots of plants to remain near the
surface of the ground, where they are not only greatly exposed to all the vicis-
situdes of the weather, but are also compelled to seek their nourishment within
very narrow limits And in this we find the explanation of the fact, which at
at first appears to many to involve a contradiction in terms, viz: that while
drainage is obviously a safeguard against excessive wet, it is so likewise against
drouth. It loosens and aerates the soil and subsoil, in such a manner that the
roots of plants are enabled to penetrate deeper; to strata which are rarely or
never sufficiently affected by drouth to allow of injury to vegetation.
409. But it is not moisture alone which the plant seeks and finds in the lower
strata, it also receives from them an additional supply of nourishment, which
would otherwise have remained inactive--because the roots as well as the fallowing
action of the atmosphere (¶357) would not have penetrated there. Hence drain-
age subserves, in a great degree, the purposes of subsoiling. It even exercises
the mechanical action of tillage in this, that the more frequent alternations of wet
and dry, which are thus effected in the soil and subsoil, serve to break up and
pulverize them in the same manner that we see even the hardest clays speedily
cracking and falling to crumbs, when exposed to the weather.
410. Drainage of Clay Soils -The observation just referred to will explain
the fact, at first disbelieved by many, that even heavy clay soils can be success-
fully underdrained, and that their tillage is rendered much easier in consequence
of the operation. The water which in their ordinary condition, remins in
them and renders them tough and plastic, is afforded an opportun ty of escaping
through the drains; in consequence, the whole mass of the subsoil shrinks
and splits, so as to be traversed by numerous fine fissures, which allow the water
to percolate with ease. It is manifest that this must greatly facilitate the deep
tillage (403) so necessary in such soils.
411. Drainage Warms Soils.—The broad statement, however, that draining
prevents injury from wet, hardly does justice to the many positive advantages
222
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [ 412, 413*, 413,414
4
it affords in this respect, even outside of unusually wet seasons. In the ordi-
nary condition of soils, about one half of the rain water only reaches the water-
courses; the rest is returned to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil.
This evaporation consumes an enormous amount of heat, which the solar rays
must spend simply to get rid of the surplus water, before they can begin to warm
the soil for purposes of vegetation. When, however, this surplus water is
carried off by drains, the soil is at once prepared to be warmed, by the first
sunshine it may receive. It is very obvious then, why drainage renders soils
so much "earlier," "warmer," and "safer."
412. Advantages of Drainage in Manured Lands.-There is still another point,
which is of considerable importance whenever, in unretentive soils liquid
manures, or such as contain a good deal of easily soluble ingredients, are em-
ployed. It is obvious that the higher is the column of soil through which the
solution filters, the more effectually will the nutritive ingredients be withdrawn
from the latter (¶378, ff.); if the soil is very shallow, the solution which has
passed through it will still retain a large portion of its ingredients which are
then gradually absorbed by the subsoil. If the latter be hard, or drenched
with water, the roots of plants will not penetrate it, and thus a large portion of
the manure will be lost, when it would all have been deposited within reach of
the roots in a deep soil, such as always results from drainage.
Such are the chief advantages which drainage secures within the soil, in its
relations to the crops; and their importance, as will appear from the foregoing
considerations, is such as to render intelligible in some measure, the enormous
increase of productiveness which is so often observed after thorough-drainage.
4131 Drainage Prevents Washing.-Among the external effects of this im-
provement, the most important perhaps is its tendency to prevent the washing
away of the soil, as well as of manures, by the great diminution of the surface
waters which it causes.-The injury produced by the latter does not consist
alone in the absolute removal, in mass, of the arable stratum, but also in this,
that the finest particles of the soil, upon which the fallow exercises its most
energetic action (¶357), are thus carried off by preference, forming the fertile
bottom soils, greatly at the expense of the uplands. This fine portion of the
soil is, of course, retained, when the water, instead of running off from the
surface, is filtered through the soil to the drain, from which it issues perfectly
clear.
4132 The improvement in the general health of districts where drainage, and
particularly underdraining, has become general, is not among the least noticeable
advantages which have followed its introduction in numerous cases.
It could hardly be proper, in this place, to enter into the detail, or to discuss
the merits, of the several methods of drainage. I regret that want of space
precludes me from appending at the end of this volume, some special considera-
tions of this part of the subject, in accordance with a desire for information
which I have frequently heard expressed. For a most thorough, lucid, and
pleasantly written treatise, embracing the theory as well as the practice of
Drainage, I refer the reader to the work of Maj. H. F. French, lately published.*
414. CONDITIONS OF PRODUCTIVENESS OF SOILS.-We have defined above two
classes of conditions required to be fulfilled in order to render a soil productive,
to-wit: firstly, the proper chemical constitution, or the presence of the mineral
ingredients required by plants, in an available condition; secondly, the proper
physical constitution, i. e. not being either too light or too heavy, but of that
medium character which the planter terms "warm"-an exact definition of
which it would be difficult to give, but which, fortunately, we can abundantly
illustrate by examples from our favored State. The bottom soils of North and
Central Mississippi; the table-lands of North Marshall and Tippah; the
* Farm Drainage," by Henry F. French; New York, Saxton, Barker & Co.,
1860.
T415, 461, 417, 418, 419] MECHANICAL MANURES.
223
Pontotoc Ridge lands, including the "Buncombes" of Tippah; the yellow loam
lands of the two ranges of counties bordering upon the Mississippi bottom;
most of the lands of that mighty bottom itself; those of the Southern River
Counties, and finally, the hommocks of the Sea-coast, furnish examples familiar
to all. The extremes of heavy and light, or clayey and sandy soils, are on the
whole much more prevalent in the eastern, than in the western half of the State.
415. When soils are defective in regard to either of the two classes of condi-
tions just mentioned, we must correct them by artificial means.
These may
consist either in the operations of draining, tillage, subsoiling and the like, which
we have already discussed; or in the application to the land of substances
corrective of the defect in question; which may, in a very general sense, be
comprehended under the term of MANURES.
B. MANURES.
End
· 416, Classification of Manures.--Of these, we have two different classes:
Mechanical manures, or such as correct the physical constitution (lightness or
heaviness) of the soil; and Chemical manures, or such as are intended to cor-
rect the chemical constitution of soils. Of the latter again, we must distinguish
two kinds, essentially different both in their nature, and their intrinsic value,
viz: Stimulant manures, or such as merely render available the nutritive ele-
ments previously contained in the soil, and aid in their rapid transfer to vegetable
organism; and manures proper or Nutritive manures, which add to the soil one
or all of the ingredients required by the plant for absorption into its fabric.
417. Important and well defined as these distinctions are theoretically, it is,
nevertheless, but rarely the case, that in practice we apply materials exclusively
with a view to one only of these three effects. On the contrary, it ought to be
our aim to combine all three together, whenever we can. But it is none the less
important to know and distinctly understand, which of the ends is chiefly served
when we use the several materials offered to us in practice, and more than
this, of which of them our land is most in need. These are the questions which
it belongs to an Agricultural Survey to answer.
-
1. MECHANICAL MANURES.
418. With reference to the first class, the mechanical manures, little need be
said, inasmuch as it will but rarely "pay" to haul mere arid sand, to improve
clay land, or sterile clay to improve sandy land. It is not unrequently the
case, however, that by a little management, we can make nature perform the
work for us, by so regulating the drainage, that it will tend to intermingle the
opposite extremes of soil. Such is the case with large tracts of bottom land,
which may be much improved in their physical conditions by properly diffusing
over their surface the washings of the bordering hills. Heavy, cold bottom
soils, like those of parts of Pontotoc, Chickasaw, Calhoun, Choctaw, Ocktibbeha
and Kemper, are very much improved by intermixture with the sand from the
hills; provided only, that these sands be not allowed to accumulate in one spot
or channel, but be to some extent evenly distributed over the surface, by occa-
sionally changing and distributing the channels of deposition; after which, tillage
will complete the mixing.
419. Striking examples of the benefit accruing from this source, may be
observed in the small strips of tertiary prairie, occurring in Scott, Smith, Jas-
per and Wayne counties (198, ff.), and bordered by sandy hills, which in
themselves are by no means fertile. Here, the prairie soil, as usual, is very
heavy and "sobby, and though in favorable seasons it will yield heavy crops,
unfavorable circumstances will easily cause a total failure. This evil, however,
is found to be corrected and a safe crop insured, wherever the washings from
the hillsides have intermingled, in a moderate proportion, with the heavy prairie

224
[T420, 421, 422, 423
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
soil. The hills wash very freely, and this circumstance is now complained of
by the planters; whereas it might be a real blessing, if, instead of allowing the
sand to accumulate, and cover over altogether some of the best lands, they would
take the trouble of diverting the water a little from its usual channel, slanting to
the right and left, which would spread it evenly over a large surface. In truth,
in locations as favorable as these for such a purpose, it might be remunerative for
planters to aid nature with a cart or two, during the time when their field hands
are almost unoccupied.
2. CHEMICAL MANURES.
420. VEGETABLE MATTER, AND "HUMUS."-Thus far, in speaking of the
nourishment of plants, I have alluded only to the fixed mineral ingredients,
which they derive from the soil, and to those which, being derived from the
atmosphere, return to it in a gaseous condition when vegetables are burnt;
while the vegetable matter, contained in most soils, and usually considered not
only as a sign, but even as the cause, of fertility, has only been casually men-
tioned. As it is indispensable, that we should understand the true value and
mode of action of this portion of the soil, if we would use manures correctly,
I shall premise what may be necessary in this respect, before speaking of manureş
specially.
421. Experiments have shown conclusively, that the carbon which plants
contain, and which forms the basis, as it were, if their vegetable substance, is
derived from the air, and not from the soil. It has been shown, that plants
can grow in soils absolutely void of vegetable matter, provided only that these
soils contain the mineral in gredients required by the plant, in a soluble state, or
at least, in such a condition, that they shall be accessible to the vegetable or-
ganism (¶357)*
422. The latter condition, however, we do not often find fulfilled in soils in
their natural condition. It has been stated above, that only a part of the sum
total of nutritive ingredients present in the soil, is usually in an available
condition, the greater part being "locked up" in the undecomposed or partially
decomposed minerals, and but very gradually set at liberty by the action of the
atmosphere.
This very action is due chiefly to the carbonic acid contained in air, and will
of course be the more powerful and rapid, the more carbonic acid is present,
Now, carbonic acid is continually formed in the process of decay of vegetable
matter, such as is constantly in progress in soils containing the same; in such
soils, therefore, the nutritive mineral ingredients are being made available more
rapidly than would be the case, were no vegetable matter present in them; and
were the decomposing process left to be perform d by the carbonic acid of the
air alone. In this respect, vegetable matter must, therefore, be classed among
the stimulant manures, as above defined (416).
423. Properties of "Humus."—There are, however, other highly important
offices in vegetat le economy, performed by this class of constituents, and more
particularly by the (somewhat indefinite) substanice, now familiarly known as
Humus, or vegetable mold. One of these--its retentiveness of moisture--has
already been mentioned; it serves as a corrective, in this respect, or light, sandy
soils; while on the other hand, it renders heavy clay soils less compact and stiff.
Yet there is still another virtue possessed by humus, more important than
either of the two just referred to; it is its power of absorb.ng ammonia trum
the atmosphere, thus fixing in the soil this important stimulant as well as nutritive
*I have generally, in the text, used the word "available" in preference to
"soluble," because the former involves no unproved theory concerning the pecu-
liar condition of the portion of the soil in question; which is certainly not
soluble in the ordinary acceptation of the term (1378).
7424, 425, 426, 427] HUMUS-AMMONIACAL MANURES.
225
ingredient, ready to be delivered to the roots of plants, whenever called for.
424. When we consider the great importance to vegetable economy, of the
properties of humus just referred to, it cannot be surprising that its presence
should, as a general rule, exercise an influence so decidedly favorable on the
productiveness of soils. Yet it is incontestably true, that humus alone, with-
out mineral matter, will not support vegetable growth; while on the other hand,
examples of very fertile land almost destitute of humus are common, and par-
ticularly so in our own State. The fertile "red lands" of Pontotoc and
Chickasaw, for instance, and some of the best yellow loam lands of Holmes,
Madison and Hinds, are so poor in vegetable matter, as to render its amount
almost inappreciable; and yet these lands are justly considered as being among
the best upland soils in the State. It is nevertheless true, that a perfectly
healthy development of cereals or any useful cultivated plant, is rarely attained
in soils destitute of humus.
425. Clay a Substitute for Humus.-It will be observed, however, that only
soils containing a considerable amount of clay, can be permanently fertile in the
absence of vegetable matter. We must conclude, then, that clays must, to
some extent, possess the same properties as humus; and such, in fact, experi-
ment proves to be the case. It has been stated above, that clays are powerfully
retentive of moisture; and in like manner we find, that clays will absorb
ammonia from the atmosphere-not to the same extent as humus, it is true,
but still sufficiently for the purposes of vegetation (378). The presence of
humus or vegetable matter, therefore, is more essential to sandy soils than to
those of the opposite character; to both, however, it is highly beneficial; for it
must be borne in mind that while clay may replace humus so far as its reten-
tive and absorbent powers are concerned, it does not exercise the stimulant
action resulting from the decay of vegetable matter (¶422).
426. Green Cropping.—It must be recollected, that inasmuch as all vegetable
matters ordinarily at the disposal of the agriculturist, contains fixed mineral
ingredients (i. e., ashes), their application to the soil is useful not only with ref-
erence to the formation of humus, but also as introducing into the soil import-
ant nutritive elements. If the vegetable substance thus used has not been
obtained on the same soil, we shall thus add to the stock of fertility; but when,
as in the case of turning down green crops, the material used has itself been
raised on the soil, then in reality we add nothing to the latter except the vege-
table matter itself, which in its decomposition forms humus, and has been
derived from the air. At the same time we thus return to the soil in a more
available condition, the mineral ingredients which the crop obtained from it. In
both these causes united, we have the rationale of the good effects which follow
the procedure in question. We must remember, however, that this is merely a
stimulative process; and that it can be practiced only at the expense of dimin-
ishing the duration of fertility—being eminently exhaustive.
427. AMMONIACAL MANURES.-It may be proper to introduce in this place,
some considerations on the subject of ammoniacal manures, such as now occur
in commerce under various denominations, such as
"ammoniated guano,"
"ammoniated marl," etc.; together with the impure sulphate of ammonia,
which is now manufactured on the large scale, for agricultural purposes, from
the offal of the manufacture of coal gas. For the present, I shall speak of the
effects of ammoniacal salts alone, independent of any substances with which
they may have been mixed. Ammonia (T361) is necessary to the nutrition, prop-
erly speaking, of plants. It is absorbed into the vegetable organism both
through the roots and leaves, and serves for the formation of the nitrogenized
substances contained in plants, such as gluten, vegetable albumer, casein, etc.
Whether plants are capable of assimilating directly the nitrogen of the atmos-
phere for this purpose, is still an open question; although it appears most likely
that they cannot, and are dependent upon ammonia alone for their supply of
nitrogen.
R-15
226
[T428, 429, 430
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
428. Stimulant Action of Ammonia.—Beyond this, however, ammonia pos-
sesses in an eminent degree, the property of stimulating soils, or, in other
words, of rendering available to plants in a short space of time, a large supply of
mineral nourishment. Not only is it powerfully active in the process of decom-
position of rocks, in a manner analogous to carbonic acid; but it (or rather its
salts-combinations with acids; T361)-also possesses the property of dissolv-
ing a number of substances insoluble in either pure water or carbonic acid,
thus rendering them immediately available to plants.
Ammoniacal salts, when applied by themselves, are therefore highly exhaust-
ive of the soil, though, for the time being, they may enable it to produce heavy
crops. On the other hand, when applied at the same time with other, true
manures, ammoniacal salts are to be highly recommended, as rendering the
manure most rapidly effective.
429. Leaf-Producing Powers of Ammonia.-Experience seems to prove, that
as a general thing, the presence of an abundant supply of ammonia in the soil
is pre-eminently favorable to the development of the leafy portion of plants,
and is, therefore, particularly beneficial and important during the period prior
to bloom and fructification, in which the development of the leaf and stalk takes
place. An abundant supply of ammoniacal manure in the early stages of veg-
etation, is calculated to insure a good and vigorous "stand;" while on the other
hand, an over-supply at a later period, may retard blooming and fructification,
and cause the plant to "run to weed." It is highly probable that the tendency
of cotton to " run to weed" in newly cleared bottom land very rich in vegetable
mould, is due to this cause in part at least (T447). It is well known that
the most decidedly favorable effect is produced by this class of manures, on
those crops whose surface of leaf is comparatively small-such as wheat, and the
cereals generally; while their effect is less noticeable with plants naturally very
leafy, which possess a large surface for the absorption, from the atmosphere, of
the ammonia they require. In coincidence with this rule, we observe that the
same land which causes cotton to "run to weed," will produce the most abund-
ant crops of corn.-It appears likewise, that an abundant supply of ammonia is
not favorable to the development of bulbs and tubers, such as the turnip, for
instance; and it will be observed that the sweet potato, likewise, prefers sandy
soils, poor in vegetable matter and ammonia. In rich, black bottom soils, espe-
cially when they are heavy, a great deal of leaf is formed, but the patotoes are
small and wiry.
430. Peruvian Guano.--I may as well mention here, Peruvian Guano, con-
cerning which there has been a good deal of discussion among agriculturists,
as to whether it is to be regarded as a mere stimulant, or as a true manure.
Some of these differences of opinion have undoubtedly been owing to variations
in the material employed; for the greater part, however, they are probably
attributable to different conditions of the land to which it was applied.
It must be remembered that whenever the soil contains a sufficient quantity
(in an available condition) of any nutritive ingredient, for the wants of the
present crop, that crop cannot in any way be benefitted by the further addition
"of the same ingredient. The surplus will simply remain idle, until, perhaps,
called for by the succeeding crop.
Peruvian Guano contans chiefly ammoniacal salts, and the phosphates of lime
and magnesia; also small quantities of soda and potash, sulphuric acid, etc.
As it is not generally employed in very large quantities, the amount of the latter
ingredients which it brings into the soil, will not generally exercise a very per-
ceptible influence, if a soil is in tolerable condition, for the reasons above given ;
its chief action will be stimulant, due to the ammoniacal salts, which cause a
rapid assimulation of nutritive ingredients by the plant, while the rest of the
ingredients will remain comparatively inert. Should the soil, however, have
been in want of phosphates, the guano will serve still another purpose, and the
difference between the land thus manured and that which has received nothing,
¶431, 432, 433, 434] GUANOS-
GUANOS-SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME.
227
will be still greater than in the first case. If lime, magnesia, etc., were also
wanting, the effects of the guano will be still more perceptible.
431. When is Manure Most Profitable?—As a matter of course, the application
of any kind of manure to land pays best, when all the ingredients contained in
the latter are immediately required by the soil. We do not want to expend
money and labor in introducing into the soil, substances which, though useful
in the end, will remain inert for years to come; for so long as this is the case,
we lose the interest on the capital which they represent. If our soil requires
stimulation merely, i. e., the rendering available of nutriment it contains, while
it is not deficient in any particular ingredient, then guano is too expensive to be
used for the purpose; for we utilize only the ammonia it contains, while we pay
for phosphoric acid, lime, magnesia, etc., besides.
It is obvious, therefore, that in the case of two adjoining fields, originally
possessing the same soil, the application of guano may be profitable in one,
while almost ineffectual in the other-according to the culture each one has
received, and the length of time it may have been in cultivation. And what is
true of guano, is equally so with reference to all other partial manures—¿. e.,
such as do not contain in the proper quantities all the ingredients required by
plants, but only one or a few of these. Hence the great practical importance of
the analysis of soils, as well as of the manures intended to improve them.
432. Columbian Guano.-There is at present imported from South America,
under the appellation of "Columbian Guano,” a substance very different from
the Peruvian article; which consists chiefly of phosphate and carbonate of lime,
but contains no ammonia or only traces of it. It may be used in the same cases
as ground bones, or superphosphate of lime; it is not, however, as energetic in
its action as the latter, being much less soluble. It has been attempted, and
apparently with considerable success, to remedy this slowness of action by inter-
mixture of the finely ground mineral with stimulants, such as Peruvian Guano
or ammoniacal salts.—Of the effects of a similar mixture (sold in commerce,
at present, under the title of "Kettlewells Manipulated Guano" there have been
very favorable reports.
433. Superphosphate of Lime.—Of late years, the substance now generally
known as Superphosphate of Lime has attracted the constantly increasing atten-
tion of agriculturists. The material sold by this title is, essentially, a mixture
in various proportions, of gypsum or sulphate of lime with the true phosphate;
which is usually obtained by the action of sulphuric acid or oil of vitriol, on
bones, or, latterly, on the article just described under the appellation of Colum-
bian Guano.
The important part which phosphoric acid plays in the vegetable economy,
has already been dwelt upon (1365); it cannot, therefore, be surprising that its
addition to the soil should in most cases prove highly beneficial. The energetic
action of the commercial article just referred to is not, however, attributable
alone of the few nutritive ingredients which it furnishes directly; this circum-
stance alone could not render it so generally beneficial. It is, over and beyond
this, a powerful stimulant. A discussion of the mode of action of gypsum as
such, will be found below (T436, ff.); that of the superphosphate of lime is
quite analogous, for not only does it greedily absorb, and fix in the soil, the
ammonia of the air, but its powerful acid (phosphoric) undoubtedly exercises
an energetic action on the undecomposed portions of the soil, the nutritive
ingredients of which it liberates and renders available to vegetation.
434. Its exclusive use is, therefore, necessarily exhaustive, in the end, of those
ingredients which it does not furnish, and among these especially of potash,
which must, therefore, in time be supplied to the soil from other sources, e. g.,
from ashes, greensand, etc. A mixture of the commercial superphosphate of
lime, with natural greensand, and ammoniacal salts obtained from gas-works, is
probably the nearest approach to a universal fertilizer, of any artificial com-
pound brought into commerce, and might in most cases successfully replace
228
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [1435, 436, 437, 438, 439
stable manure. Among artificial mixtures intended as universal manures, the
one known as "Mapes Nitrogenized Superphosphate of Lime" has acquired
some reputation; and new compositions of a similar character are daily coming
forward.
The superphosphate of lime, as also bone-dust, is a specific manure for the
maintenance of pastures, inasmuch as the largest part of the ingredients with-
drawn from them by the stock is thus replaced. It is also specially recom-
mended as a top-dressing for the turnip crop.
435. Chilian Saltpetre; Common Salt.-Among the stimulants which may
sometimes be used with advantage, both by themselves and in addition to stable
manure or to the compost pile, we may mention Common Salt, and Chilian
Saltpetre or nitrate of soda. There are, probably, but few cases in which the
action of either of these substances can be attributed to the ingredients they sup-
ply directly; they act as solvents and decomposing agents, somewhat in the
manner of ammoniacal salts, and the farmer ought to understand distinctly, that
large crops resulting from the use of these substances, have been produced
entirely at the expense of his soil. Both salts, being but slightly absorbed by
the soil, are soon removed from it, to a great extent, by the drain waters (¶378).
436. Plaster of Paris, or Gypsum, which is brought into commerce for agri-
cultural purposes, under the title of "Land Plaster," occupies a prominent place
among stimulant manures. Its constituents-Lime and Sulphuric Acid—are
themselves important nutritive ingredients, as before stated. Yet its supplying
these ingredients to the soil is but rarely the main cause of its favorable effect
upon crops. While exposed to the atmosphere in a moist soil, it undergoes a
chemical change, caused by the ammonia and carbonic acid contained in the
atmosphere, both of which it attracts and fixes in the soil, the result of the pro-
cess being the formation of carbonate of lime and sulphate of ammonia. Both
these substances are powerful stimulants, as has been explained above; and it
is they, and not the sulphate of lime originally applied to the soil, which often
produce the decided effects noticed after the application of this substance. Com-
bining as it does, the action of two important and powerful agents, one of which
is obtained gratis, as it were, from the atmosphere, it is used with great advan-
tage on clay or loam soils, not naturally strong, which have been temporarily
exhausted by severe cropping; serving very effectually the same purpose as
fallowing, besides enriching the soil by the ingredients it supplies. It is known,
however, to be ineffectual, and sometimes injurious, on acid soils (1406)—for
reasons not perfectly understood. It is a special manure for clover, peas and
leguminous plants generally.
437. QUICKLIME AND CARBONATE OF LIME.—I have repeatedly mentioned the
mode of action of lime (¶368, ff.); I now resume the subject in connection with
some general remarks on the use of the calcareous marls of the State. I pre-
mise that in this respect, the only difference between the action of burnt and
unburt lime (the latter being the carbonate, or combination of the former with
carbonic acid), consists in the greater rapidity and energy of action in case of
the former as compared with the latter. Hence, a small amount of burnt
lime (provided it has not been allowed to become air-slaked (¶310), will, when
properly diffused through the soil, exercise the same effect as a much larger
quantity of unburnt, or air-slaked lime.-The process of air-slaking consists
in a resumption of water and carbonic acid from the air by the lime; and is
therefore the reverse of burning, in which process the same acid is expelled.
438. Action of Lime.—I have already sufficiently alluded to the action of
lime as a stimulant of the soil, by rendering available to plants ingredients
heretofore inaccessible to them. Its office as an indispensable article of food to
vegetables has also been mentioned (¶368, ff.). There are, however, several
other important purposes it may be made to serve, according to the necessities
of the soil; the chief among which are the following:
439. Firstly: It will correct the acidity of soils, which is usually the conse-
T440, 441, 442, 443]
ACTION OF LIME.
229
quence of the decay of vegetable matter under water, or at least in very wet
localities, where moisture remains stagnant and the access of air is limited
(1406). It will be observed that the blackest of soils, when derived from a high,
or at least, a dry locality, will not sensibly color water filtered through it; the
decayed vegetable matter, or humus, they contain, is evidently not soluble, to
any sensible degree, in water. Such is the case, for instance, with prairie soils,
and all good bottom soils. On the other hand, the brown tint imparted to stag-
nant water in which vegetable matter decays, is familiar to every one.
440. The most striking example of this kind on the large scale, occurs in the
south-eastern counties of our State, especially those bordering on the Gulf of
Mexico. In the level and sandy pine lands of that region, from which the waters
drain slowly, percolating through the porous soil filled with the fine, fibrous
roots of a flora most peculiar and characteristic, the conditions above referred to
are amply fulfilled; hence the waters of the creeks and branches, though so trans-
parent as to cause to the uninitiated, unpleasant mistakes of judg'nent in regard
to depth, and allowing the angler every opportunity of watching the motions of
his game, are frequently so deeply tinged with brown, that a cupful of it on the
breakfast table might well deceive the eye, though not the taste, as to its precise
character. Almost all the grasses growing in that region are of the tribes popu.
larly known as sour grasses—not so much so, however, but that cattle will thrive
and do finely on the pasturage they afford. I have not learned whether any
peculiarity of taste is observable in the milk and butter raised in the region;
but the flavor imparted to these products by the pasturage in the sea-coast
marshes, will hardly escape the notice of any one. The soil of these marshes,
too, is very sour, or acid, and their water deeply tinged with soluble vegetable
matters.
441. The analyses of the soils of these regions (which will be found under the
head of the "Sea-coast Counties") show that in proportion to other ingredients,
lime is particularly and unusually deficient in them. There can be no doubt
that the soils of the marshes, so far as they can be drained, and are not too
sandy or salty, can be effectually reclaimed and made subservient to agricultural
purposes, by drainage and the application of lime; and it is highly probable, that
the sowing broadcast of a small amount of burnt lime on the Pine Meadow
pastures, would make the sour grasses disappear, and give place to others better
suited to be the food of cattle generally. Ashes, likewise, produce similar effects
and may be used with advantage where they can be cheaply obtained. Lime
forms with most of the soluble vegetable acid contained in these brown waters,
insoluble compounds, and completely neutralizes its acidity.
442. It effects, moreover, another important change. It is found that soils.
very rich in humus, while they absorb and retain with avidity most of the
nutritive ingredients of plants (T423), are incapable of retaining to any consid-
erable extent, Silica, whenever it is in that soluble condition in which it is
available to plants. Hence we find that in many soils very rich in vegetable
matter, the cereals, which require a great deal of silica, bring forth weakly stems,
incapable of supporting the weight of the ear. This defect is promptly correct-
ed by the application of lime, which at once gives the to soil the power of abstract-
ing from a solution every trace of soluble silica. From a number of instances
which have come under my observation, it would appear that the "running to
weed" of cotton in thrifty bottom soils, can be corrected to a considerable extent
by the same means (429).
443. Another important property of lime is to promote and quicken the decay
of vegetable matter, and by its presence, to insure its conversion into true,
healthful humus (¶406, 439). Hence the intensely black color possessed by
true prairie soils. In fact, an unusually dark tint in any soil, no matter whether
sandy or clayey, light or heavy, is a pretty certain indication of the presence of
a large amount of lime; and consequently, the planter may take it for granted
in such cases, that the further application of pure lime to his soil (but not that
!
230
[T444, 445
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
of calcareous marls, containing other useful ingredients) would be quite super-
fluous and useless. It must be remembered, however, that the reverse is not
necessarily true, viz: that the light color of a soil is a sign of the absence of
lime; it is so only when at the same time, a copious supply of vegetable matter
is present in the soil.
In addition to the qualities just named, it has been observed that calcareous
soils are less subject, as a general, thing to injury by excess of wet, or drouth,
than land otherwise similarly constituted, but poor in lime. This may be
referable, to some extent, to the favorable influence of lime on the production of
humus, which, as mentioned before, is a safeguard against both these causes of
injury.
There are, however, over and above the points mentioned, a great many
special cases in which the application of lime to soils may serve as a correction,
or to fit it for special purposes of different kinds. Taking all this into consid-
eration, the importance to an agricultural State, of an abundant supply even of
pure lime in an available from, becomes obvious enough.
444. Difference between Lime and Marls.—With reference to the large majority
of the marls of this State, the case assumes yet another aspect, and that of the
highest importance. They are not merely mixtures of carbonate of lime with
clay (silicate of alumina), but they contain, besides, considerable amounts of
most or all the other ingredients required by plants, and foremost among these,
of Potash; also Soda, Magnesia, Phosphoric and Sulphuric Acids. When,
therefore, we apply these marls to land, we not only stimulate the latter, but we
add to its capital stock of fertility; and in a great many cases, we can thus fully
replace all the drain of nutritive matter which the increased activity of vegeta-
tion may withdraw. We can thus, in fact, sustain the fertility of our soil
without resorting to any other means than marling, and from time to time,
plowing down a green crop. For, knowing the composition of the crop
we have raised, and hence being able to calculate precisely how much of the
mineral nutriment of vegetables has been withdrawn from our field; knowing
also, the composition of the marl we may have at our command: we can return
to the soil all it has lost; and if we do so conscientiously, the soil will improve
in the course of time, instead of deteriorating, as is commonly the case. It is
not to be understood, by this, that this replacement will be made perfectly by
adding simply the amounts of marl which would be calculated, from the analysis
made, as corresponding to the loss sustained by the land in cropping; for only
a portion of the ingredients obtained in analysis can be considered in an availa-
ble condition, and we must therefore add a large excess over the calculated
amount. Yet we are thus enabled to proportion our dressings, in a great degree,
both to the quantity and quality of the ingredients withdrawn on one side, and
to be furnished on the other.
445. Different Condition of Ingredients in Soils and Marls.-In comparing
the analyses of some of the rich soils analyzed with those of the marls, it will
be seen that the former contain more potash, for instance, than some of the latter,
which are nevertheless recommended as fertilizers. The question may then be
asked, why, if it be profitable to apply these marls, it would not be equally so
to employ those soils in a similar manner?
The reason is, that in most soils the greater part of the nutritive ingredients
are in a condition in which they are not immediately available to plants, and
only become so by the long continued action of the atmosphere, or of stimulants;
whereas the marls usually contain their potash, for instance, in the state of
greensand grains, which very readily give it up to the roots of plants.
Or, in
the case of clay marls in which greensand is not demonstrably present, the case
is still the same as when we apply a strong dressing of lime to soils rich in
potash, etc. We thus render available a considerable amount of nutritive
ingredients, in the course of a few years (368, ff.), by the powerful action of
lime on the undecomposed minerals of the soil. If such is the effect of lime
¶446, 447, 448, 449]
EFFECTS OF MARLS.
231
during the brief period in which we can observe its action, it is clear that in the
case of marls, where lime has been in action from times immemorial, the greater
part of the nutritive ingredients must be at once in an available condition. And
hence it is, that the comparatively small amount of potash and other useful
ingredients which, besides the lime, a dressing of marl introduces into our soil,
exercises such a powerful effect; for the greater part of them is at once ready
to serve as food for the vegetable economy, as in the case of stable manure.
446. Limited Duration of the Effects of Marling.—This consideration leads
us to understand also, the cause of a phenomenon which has caused many
discussions, and fruitless attempts at explanation, so long as marls were consid-
ered as owing their efficacy merely to the lime they contain. It was found that
the period during which the effects of a dressing of marl continued, was much
more limited than the slight waste of lime from the soil would justify; analysis,
moreover, proved an abundant supply of lime still to be present in the soil;
and nevertheless it appeared to have lost its efficacy.
A higher degree of accuracy in chemical analysis, which we have since
attained, has enabled us to detect in marls formerly regarded as purely limy,
others of the nutritive elements of plants, the presence of which had before
been overlooked. Their quantities, it is true, are sometimes extremely minute;
but not more so than are the respective amounts of the ingredients withdrawn
from our fields by crops, when divided out over the whole surface and mass of
the soil; or those which, when furnished to the soil in the form of stable manure,
are well known to be eminently effective, because they are in a soluble condition.
If a dressing of 200 bushels per acre, of marl containing 40 per cent of lime,
and 4 of a per cent. of potash, and the same amount of phosphoric acid, ceases
to be effective, (and therefore requires to be repeated) in the course of ten years,
as might be the case in practice; it is very plain that its want of efficacy cannot
be attributed to the slight diminution of the lime introduced, by the small
amount which our crops (cotton or corn) have withdrawn. Not so, however,
with respect to potash and phosphoric acid; for in case of heavy cropping, the
amount of these substances contained in the crops would form a large percentage
of the whole quantity introduced in the marl, quite sufficient to explain the in-
efficacy of the latter beyond the period stated.
447. Cases in point have been very commonly observed in the "Northeastern
Prairie Region" of our State. Some of the prairie soils in cultivation contain
from 5 to 15 per cent. of carbonate of lime; consequently they are not deficient
in that substance. Yet it is found, that a dressing of the bald prairie marl, or
Rotten Limestone, sensibly increases their productive capacity for several years
thereafter-obviously not on account of the increase of the (already very large)
supply of lime in the soil. The analysis (T149) teaches us that the Rotten
Limestone contains, not only Carbonate of Lime, but also, one quarter of a per
cent. (0.248) of Potash, besides other important ingredients; which circumstance
explains, very simply, the cause of the phenomenon observed.
448. CLASSIFICATION OF MARLS.-Geologically, the calcareous marls of Missis-
sippi occupy, in the main, four different positions, viz :
I. Cretaceous marls, of the northeastern portion of the State, including the
greater portion of the counties of Tippah, Tishomingo, Pontotoc, Itawamba,
Chickasaw, Monroe, Ocktibbeha, Lowndes, Noxubee and Kemper (T140 to 146).
There is a great number of varieties of these marls, but they may on the whole
be distinguished into three classes, namely :
449. a. Greensand marls of the upper cretaceous formation or Ripley Group,
(128, ff.), occurring in Tippah, Pontotoc and N. Chickasaw, between the prairies
proper and the Post Oak Flatwoods (¶143 to 146). They are generally of a sandy
character, sometimes largely mixed with scales of mica (popularly termed
isinglass), and of a bluish or greenish-gray tint. The earthy and loose varieties,
which are easily worked with the spade or mattock, contain from 10 to 20, on
an average, 15 per cent. of carbonate of lime, and form one half to one per cent.
232
[1450, 451, 452, 453
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
Such are
of potash, owing to grains of greensand scattered through the mass.
the marls at Ruckersville, at Braddock's, at Ripley, and at Col. M. Berry's; also.
on Dry Creek, and on the E. fork of the Hatchie, in Tippah; those cropping out.
on the banks of King's Creek, Okonaty hatchie, and on the western slope of the
Pontotoc Ridge generally, down to its termination in Chickasaw county, between
the heads of the Houlka and Chuckatonche (T144). Near their western limit,
skirting the Flatwoods, they are often associated with (usually overlaid by)
ledges of sandy limestone, which at times appears compact and solid, and then
furnishes good lime for building purposes (151); at others, being unequally
impregnated with lime in its different portions, assumes the character of "bored"
or "horsebone" limestone. Like the marls, this limestone is often very rich in
greensand grains (153). It is a soft variety of this limestone, frequently
associated with a heavy, gray, clay marl, which forms the bald hilltops on the
Pontotoc Ridge.
•
450. c. Clay marls of the Rotten Limestone character and age, (¶141);
passing into the Rotten Limestone by insensible gradations, and containing from
20 to 85 per cent. of carbonate of lime. Their admixture consists prevalently
of clay, instead of sand, as in those before described.
On an average they are poorer in potash than the greensand marls, although
the Houston marl still contains near 34 of a per cent (141); while the
Okalona Rotten Limestone contains only one quarter of a. per cent. (T149).
The marls of Tishomingo and western Itawamba (at Richmond, and on Old
Town Creek); and that of Chiwapa, Coonewa and Tallabinela Creeks, in eastern,
Pontotoc, belong to this class.
451. c. Greenish sands, very micaceous, of the lower Rotten Limestone (or
Tombigbee Sand) age (¶140), occurring in Monroe and Lowndes counties, on
the Tombigbee and some of its western tributaries. Thus at Aberdeen (113),
Barton (107), Waverley, Plymouth Bluff, and Columbus (T114).—Of these
materials, only one specimen has as yet been analyzed, viz: that from Waverley
Bluff, which gives only between two and three per cent. of carbonate of lime,
and a very small amount of potash (T140); so that its use as a manure would
hardly pay for the hauling. The material occurring at Plymouth and Barton
Bluffs, however, is evidently richer in lime, and may prove valuable.
452. II. Marine tertiary marls, occupying a belt extending across the State in a
W. N. W. direction, from the Mississippi, at Vicksburg, to the Alabama line;
represented, on the map, by the several shades of blue, and bluish-gray. These
marls are scarcely less various in their character than those of the cretaceous
formation, to which they bear a great general resemblance. The tertiary
greensand marls are on the whole distinguishable at once by the want of mica,
from those of a similar general aspect derived from the northeastern or cretaceous
marl region; while the white tertiary marls, corresponding in aspect to the
Rotten Limestone, are distinguished by their granular or crystalline texture,
and their yellowish (instead of bluish) tint when freshly dug.
They are on an average richer in lime and potash than those of the first class,
containing from 50 to 95 per cent. of carbonate of lime, from 34 to 134 (as far as
known) per cent. of potash, from 1 to 3 per cent. of magnesia, and 14 to ½ per ·
cent. of phosphoric acid.
453. Greensand marls occur more or less in all of the three stages of the
marine Tertiary (see Geological Report, T277).
Almost always, however, they are accompanied by the white marls, and cannot
therefore be as distinctly circumscribed in their limits as in the case of the ·
cretaceous formation. They are generally rather sandy, as compared with the
white marls; some of which, as those of Madison and N. Hinds counties, are ·
very clayey, with but a slight admixture of sand; in other cases (as near ·
Brandon, ¶285; in S. Jasper, and N. Wayne, ¶294), are almost entirely
composed of granular carbonate of lime, often passing imperceptibly into hard
limestone; and at other times, as imperceptibly into greensand marls, e. g. at
¶454, 455, ti 6, 457, 458] TERTIARY AND POST-TERTIARY MARLS. 233
Vicksburg (¶220, 278), Byram Station (280), Falling Creek (T218, 290), and
numerous other localities.
454. As in the case of the cretaceous marls, the green and blue marls of the
Tertiary are, as a general thing, richer in potash and poorer in lime, than the
white marls. The former are therefore to be considered rather more in the
light of true manures, the latter, rather as stimulants. None of them, however,
are entirely void of potash; the white marls of Rankin and Hinds counties
average from two-tenths to five-tenths of a per cent. while the greensand marls
usually range between 34 and 134 per cent. of the same substance.* (For
analyses of these marls, see Geological Report, ¶278, 280, 282, 283, 285, 202).
As for the yellowish-white or gray clay marls of Madison and N. Hinds, such as.
are common on the road from Jackson to Canton (281), no complete analyses
showing their character and quality have as yet been made (for partial analyses
see ¶283). There is no doubt, however, that if judiciously selected, they will
be of great service on the yellow loam lands of the counties mentioned.
455. III. Clay Marls of the upper, fresh-(or brackish-) water Tertiary, or Grand
Gulf Group (T230, ff.) of South Mississippi. They are found interspersed in
patches, sometimes of very limited extent, in the beds of gray, green and blue
clays which occur, alternating with sandstone ledges, in the whole region S. of
that which furnishes the marls described under No. 2; or south of a scolloped
line extending from Grand Gulf, via Clinton, Brandon and Raleigh to Winches-
ter, in Wayne county, and thence into Alabama (see map, and ¶296 to 302).
The materials of this formation appear to be very generally rich both in
Magnesia and Potash (¶231), although the eye cannot detect in them any
grains of greensand. The analyses thus far made (T296, 300, 302) show from
one to two per cent. of Magnesia, seven-tenths to one-fourth per cent. of Potash;
and from 1% to 22 per cent. of Carbonate of Lime; not, however, any large-
amount of Phosphoric and Sulphuric acids. Their most usual character is that
of heavy, gray or bluish clays, which, when rich in lime, contain irregular veins,
nests or layers of white calcareous concretions, which when wet, are sometimes-
quite soft and friable; but so far as my observations reach, contain traces only
of fossils-no distinct shells, as do the marls of the other formations.
There occur also, in this formation, materials not sufficiently calcareous te
claim the name of marls proper, yet still likely to prove useful as fertilizers
when conveniently situated. Concerning these, as well as the localities of
occurrence of the clay marls mentioned, see Geological Report. ¶295, 203.
456. The deposits of disintegrated shells imbedded in black clay, sometimes
found on the streams of the Coast (¶248, 249), have not as yet been saticfacto
rily examined. Particulars concerning them will be found in the place above-
referred to, as well as under the head of the Sea-Coast Counties.
457. IV. Fresh water marls, of more modern age than the Tertiary.
Among these may be classed the calcareous silt or loam which forms the main
body of the hills of the Southern River Counties; and under the latter head will
be found an analysis, as well as a full discussion of the merits of this material.
Limited deposits of a character not unlike the above, are sometimes found in
the sites of lakes in the Mississippi bottom, as described by Prof. Wailes (First
Report, p. 231), under the head of "Lake Marl." Being unacquainted with the-
mode and extent of occurrence, as well as with the composition of this material,.
I have nothing to add to what is said in the passage referred to.
458. MARLING.-As to the mode of applying the marls just described, little-
need be added to the general rules already given (see also under the head of
Agricultural Chemistry, what is said concerning the use of lime, ¶368, ff.).
*It may be necessary in this connection to call attention to the fact that the
analyses of New Jersey greensand, which show it to contain ten per cent. of
potash (as is frequently quoted), refer, not to the whole, average mass of materi-
als which is used in practice, but to the picked, pure grains of greensand proper
(glauconite).
234
[T459, 460¹, 4602
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
They ought to be scattered broadcast, as a general improvement of the land, not
in the drill; and whenever practicable, they ought be to used in conjunction with
vegetable matter.
The very precept of broadcast scattering, necessarily involves the condition,
that the material should be in a certain state of comminution; not in blocks or
lumps, such as it may form immediately after digging from the pit. In most
cases, exposure to a few rains with dry spells intervening, will cause the
material to crumble sufficiently for all purposes. It is only the white marls of
the Tertiary, which sometimes resist this treatment, and require to be pounded-
which is rarely, however, an operation of any difficulty. Generally, the marl
may be hauled to the field as it comes from the pit; being thrown from the
carts in small piles, it will be in a favorable condition to be acted on by the
weather, especially in winter; it may then be scattered, and turned under by
the first plowing, in spring.
459. With most of the bluish marls, this preliminary exposure becomes a
matter of great importance, and often of necessity, on account of their fre-
quently containing small amounts of iron pyrites. This mineral, by the action
of the atmosphere, is transformed into green vitriol or copperas (¶258), and as
such, would, for the time being, prove highly noxious to plants-causing “dead
spots" wherever a crystal or lump of the mineral thus decays. In the presence
of a plentiful supply of lime (with due access of air), however, the copperas
would be rapidly transformed into gypsum or plaster, and inert peroxide of iron;
thus adding a useful ingredient to the components of the marl. This renders
the previous exposure or weathering of the marls, doubly important.
over-
4601 As to the quantity of marl to be used, so much depends on circum-
stances, that it is difficult to give any general rules in regard to it. On heavy
clay lands, and such as contain a large supply of vegetable matter,
dressing" will not readily come to pass. Dressings of 300 bushels per acre, of
marls containing 40 per cent. of carbonate of lime (and proportionally less of
those containing a higher percentage) are quoted by Mr. Ruffin, in his "Essay
on Calcareous Manures," as being unobjectionable on soils moderately heavy,
while on very heavy land, dressings of 500 to 600 bushels was no overdose.
Within these limits, a little more or less, the duration of the effect of marling
will be approximately proportionate to the quantity employed. That is to say,
if the perceptible effect of a dressing of 300 bushels will last fifteen years, that
of one hundred will last about five. This, of course, is only very approxi-
mately true; in the example just quoted, for instance, the effect of the 100
bushels would not be quite as prominent at any time, as that of the 300, and
would, therefore, be likely to last longer in proportion.-Every individual must
judge for himself, whether it is more profitable for him to apply a heavy dressing
at once, or lighter dressings in more rapid succession.
4602 Overdressing with Marl.—On sandy lands, poor in vegetable_matter,
overdressing happens more easily, and must be guarded against. If at all
practicable, the marls ought to be composted, or at least applied conjointly with,
vegetable matter of some kind; most conveniently, in many cases, by being
turned under with green crops.
The effects on a corn crop, of overdressing with calcareous marls, is described
by Mr. Ruffin to consist in the paling, yellowing and final drying up, of the
young plant, during the months of May and June; a phenomenon very similar,
apparently, to what we see in the "salty spots" of Hinds and Rankin counties.
Stable manure, or decaying vegetable matter, is stated by him to be an
effectual remedy; even as, if applied from the outset, it is a certain preventive.*
*As it would not come within the province of the present Report, to give this
subject a discussion as special as might be desirable and proper in the Final
Report, I would refer those who intend to practice marling on a large scale, to
the work of Mr. Ruffin, above quoted, which contains a vast amount of useful
practical rules and information on this subject.
¶461, 462, 463, 464] MARLING—STABLE MANURE.
235
461. Effects of Marling on Health-Disinfecting Action.-Over and above
the favorable effects of liming or marling on the productiveness of soils, another
important result is often experienced in districts where marling has been
practiced on the large scale, viz: the improvement of the general health of the
region, especially where the soils were acid and ill drained. This effect on the
large scale may be understood in some measure, when we recollect the disin-
fecting and deodorizing powers possessed by burnt lime--frequently used for that
purpose in sewers, cesspools, hospitals, etc. The effect in this respect, of marls,
or carbonate of lime, is, of course, less energetic than that of burnt lime, but it
exists none the less, and the general use of our marls for these purposes, would
not be among the least benefits conferred by them on the population.
With these materials at hand, there is little excuse for pestiferous privies, and
offensive offal or manure. If the addition of lime or marl cannot in all cases
obviate offensive odors, it can at least deprive them of their most noxious
components; while in the case of manure piles, the value of the material is
greatly enhanced by the addition of calcareous materials (see below).
462. Gypseous Marls.-This class of marls, which contains the sulphate of
lime instead of the carbonate, or sometimes both, is of frequent occurrence in
some parts of the southern marl region, and is found, more or less, from the
northern line of that region to within a few miles of the sea-coast. Notwith-
standing this large range of occurrence, however, the amount of available
gypseous marls found in the State is much smaller than that of the "calcareous"
class. Not only are its deposits more limited, but the beds frequently consist
of heavy, gray clays, with only here and there a large lump of gypsum; so that
it would be equally impracticable to make use of the gypsum without, as with
the accompanying matrix of inert clay. Specialities concerning some of these
marls will be found in the places referred to in ¶3032, as well as in the
Special Part, under the head of the "Central Prairie Region.”
In general, the same rules which apply to the use of gypsum, as a manure,
will hold true in the case of gypseous marls; unless indeed, analysis should
show them to contain other ingredients which could essentially modify their
action.
463. STABLE MANURE-COMPOSTING.-All the manures heretofore dis-
cussed, are more or less partial in their action; supplying only one, or a few, of
the necessary constituents of a good soil, or stimulating it into a temporary
increase of productiveness. The manure of manures, which by itself alone
supplies all the ingredients necessary to insure permanent and active fertility, is
that derived from the excrements, both solid and fluid, of animals, which, in its
usual mixture with straw or other materials which may have been used as
litter, is known as stable, barnyard, or farmyard manure; and the same holds
good, in a still higher degree, of night-soil and the preparations derived from it,
such as poudrette.
464. The pre-eminence of stable manure in this respect cannot be surprising,
when we consider its origin, in connection with the principles laid down in the
preceding pages. The solid excrements carry with them the greater portion of
the mineral matters contained in the food of the animal; and such parts of
these as have been temporarily retained by the animal system, at last pass off
likewise in the urine, in the regular course of the change of substance, which is
constantly taking place in the animal economy. All the food consumed by
animals, is derived, directly or indirectly, from plants; in the excrements of
animals, therefore, we must find the indestructible matter which, having been
originally derived from the soil, will renew its fertility when returned to it;
particularly when connected, as in this case, with abundance of ammoniacal salts
(formed by the decay of animal matter), and vegetable matter which has passed
through the body without essential change. The mineral ingredients of stable
manure, as a general thing, are in an easily soluble, highly available condition,
and all the facilities required for their rapid transfer to the vegetable organism,
236
[1465, 466, 467, 468
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
are afforded by the ammoniacal salts and the carbonic acid formed in the decay
of the animal and vegetable matter which this material contains.
465. Preservation of Stable Manure.-In collecting and preserving stable
manure, for agricultural purposes, it is of the last importance to keep in mind
the circumstances last mentioned. The important mineral ingredients being in
a soluble condition, it is obvious that the fluid drainings from the stable may
contain the most valuable portion of the manure; and unless proper care be
taken to prevent their wasting, the effective value of the manure pile will be
greatly lessened. Again, if we allow the decay of the animal and vegetable
("organic") matter to proceed, without taking care to retain the volatile products
of this process (among which, carbonate of ammonia is the most prominent),
we shall also suffer a serious loss.
There is a number of ways and means by which the loss of these ingredients
can be prevented, or at least, greatly reduced. In the stable itself, an abundance-
of litter, and a solid, compact floor, which will not allow water to percolate; so
long at least as the manure is not allowed to accumulate too much, but is
regularly removed, from time to time, to the manure pile. If no good absorbent
litter can be obtained, the fluid drainings from the stable ought to be so directed
as to be received by the manure pile.
466. Litter acts not only as a mechanical absorbent, like a sponge, but in its
decay it forms humus, which, as we have seen, is powerfully retentive both of“
ammonia and of the nutritive mineral ingredients. Its decay, however, is not
usually as rapid as that of the animal matter, which furnishes the greater portion
of the ammonia; and hence, unless something more rapidly active is supplied
to the manure pile, we run the risk of losing a great portion of the ammonia
formed. The retention of these volatile ingredients, as well as of those soluble
in water, is one of the chief objects of composting. By this process, we at the
same time, attempt to increase the supply of nutritive ingredients, and to favor
decomposition.
If we recall to mind what has been said above (¶378, 425) concerning the
retentive power of humus, and of clays, a number of materials useful for these
purposes will at once suggest themselves to the thinking agriculturist; who
will have to select among such as may be at his command, those most suitable
to the attainment of his object, always keeping in view the employment of such
a material as will serve several purposes at one and the same time.
467. Marsh, swamp, or pond muck, and also decayed wood, are materials
very commonly accessible in all parts of the State. These supply, not only
humus, but also valuable mineral ingredients.
In the regions in which lignite beds prevail (T252, ff.), materials useful for
composting may frequently be found in the dark colored lignitic clays, which
crumble and pulverize very readily under the influence of the atmosphere; and
also, in the lignites themselves. Besides the organic matter, these clays often
contain notable amounts of potash and other useful substances. In the Pine
regions of the south, pine-hollow muck, which is even now used as a manure
by itself, will be found useful; and in the same regions, the green and blue clays
of the upper Tertiary, which are often rich in potash, lime and magnesia (¶455),
can frequently be used to advantage. Each one must judge for himself, however,
as to which material suits best his particular case. It must be recollected, that
the addition of clays, and the like, materially increases the weight, and, there-
fore, the expense of hauling, of stable manure; for which reason the excessive
admixture of any inert clay, merely for the sake of preventing waste from the
pile, must be avoided In this respect, muck is much less objectionable.
468. Use of Marls in Composting.--Few substances can be better suited to
the purposes of composting, than the calcareous, and no less the gypseous marls,
before described; and for this purpose, the clayey (in contradistinction to the
sandy) varieties of both ought to be selected by preference.
The mode of action of gypsum in fixing the ammonia of the atmosphere, has
469, 470, 471, 472] SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME—ASHES.
237
already been referred to (436); and its effects, when used as a composting
material, are equally favorable. In many cases where the direct application of
gypsum to land is too expensive in proportion to the effects produced, it may be
made to pay exceedingly well, when used as a composting material—not only
(not in excessive quantity) with stable manure, but also with cottonseed, that
peculiarly southern fertilizer. It has been observed by agriculturists, that
decayed or "rotted" cottonseed is much inferior in value as a manure, to the
same material when applied in the fresh state. The odor evolved by cottonseed
when decaying, leaves little doubt as to the cause of this deterioration: a great
deal of ammonia escapes into the air, leaving behind only the mineral ingredients
with some humus. These, in the absence of ammonia, act much more slowly,
and do not, therefore, produce so obvious an effect upon one and the same crop,
as the fresh seed would have done while decaying in close contact with the
living plant. By a proper intermixture of the seed with some plaster, when
piled up for preservation as a manure, the ammonia may be retained, and the
effective value of the material essentially increased.
469. With respect to the use of lime or its carbonate in composting stable
manure, it is true that on chemical grounds its use has been discouraged, on
account of its property of so decomposing the salts of ammonia, as to allow the
latter substance to escape into the atmosphere. While this is strictly true of an
excess of lime, which effectually expels all the ammonia not combined with
humus, later experiments have shown that a certain moderate amount of lime
added to stable manure, favors the retention of these volatile ingredients, while
at the same time it hastens essentially the decomposition of vegetable matter.
But in the case of our calcareous marls, the favorable action is exercised not
only by the marl on the stable manure, but also vice versa, by the decaying
manure on the alkaline ingredients of the marl, which are rendered more soluble,
and, therefore, more rapidly available to plants, by the combined action of
carbonic acid and ammonia. Thus these fertilizers mutually improve each other,
and a collateral advantage is gained by the deodorizing effects of the calcareous
material. The simultaneous addition of vegetable matters already decayed,
such as swamp or marsh muck, is particularly advantageous in this case, as it
will more effectually prevent the escape of ammonia; even if in some parts of
the pile so much lime should have been accidently accumulated as to expel the
ammoniacal gas.
470. Superphospate of Lime, wherever it can be had cheaply, is a highly
valuable addition to the manure pile, being most effectually retentive of ammonia;
it may thus be made to subserve another purpose, besides supplying its
important nutritive ingredients to the soil (433). It ought not, however, to be
used conjointly with lime or calcareous marls, which would re-convert it into
bone-ash, from which it was originally manufactured. The chief advantage pos-
sessed by the superphospate over ground bones, is its greater solubility; which
is lost when it is brought in contact with lime, either pure or as carbonate.
There is not, however, any objection to using it conjointly with gypsum or
plaster, or marls containing the same.
471. Ashes.-Among the offal frequently available to American agriculturists,
and which may be profitably used as an addition to the manure pile, ashes of
all kinds, both leached and unleached, occupy a prominent place in point of
usefulness. In leached ashes, lime, magnesia and phosphoric acid, together with
a small amount of potash and soda still remaining, are the important ingredients;
in the unleached material, a large amount of potash, and some soda, with chlorine
and sulphuric acid, are superadded to the above. The ashes of different woods
are of different value in this respect as well as in regard to soap-manufacture.
The ash of the Post Oak, for instance, is very poor in potash, while that of the
Black Jack Oak is selected for the purpose of soap-making, as is that of the pine
Burrs. The agricultural value of these ashes is quite as variable.
472. Fresh and Rotted Manure.--The question is frequently asked, whether
238
[¶473, 474, 475, 476¹
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
fresh or rotted manure be the most efficaceous, and whether it be more profita-
ble to allow it to complete its fermentation in the pile, or to transfer it to the soil
as rapidly as possible?
In this general form the question is unanswerable, inasmuch as according to
circumstances, either the one or the other alternative may be advisable.
473. If our arrangements are such as not to permit the escape of any useful
ingredients from the manure pile; if we prevent the loss of either fluid drainings
or ammoniacal gases, by some of the means just described; then, as a general
thing, it is well to allow the decomposition to advance considerably, since we
can control the process better in the manure pile than in the field, where drouth.
excessive wet, or exposure on the surface of the ground, may stop the progress of
decomposition entirely, thus preventing the ingredients from becoming rapidly
available as vegetable nourishment. The manure pile ought to be kept moist,
but not excessively wet; it ought, therefore, if possible, to be sheltered partially
at least, from both the sun and the rain; and similarly, when manure has once
been hauled to the field, it ought to be put underground as soon as practicable.
474. In the fermentation of manure, a great deal both of its weight and bulk is
lost; it becomes more concentrated as it were, i. e., its percentage amount of
mineral ingredients increases. If, therefore, we were to buy manure, it would
generally be preferable to buy the rotted rather than the fresh. When we make
it ourselves, the distance to which it must be hauled often requires to be taken
into consideration, and we may find it profitable to let decomposition advance
further than we should otherwise have chosen to do, in order to diminish its
weight and bulk and the consequent expense of hauling. So also, the kind of
crop for which it is intended, and the season of the year at which it is to be
applied, requires consideration. If intended for crops requiring, or able to bear,
the powerful stimulus of fermenting manure (as for instance, corn or pumpkins)
the immediate effect will not be as great, if we allow the fermentation to be
completed; and the manure should, therefore, be used, if possible, in an early
stage of decomposition. Such manure, however, unless used with great care and
judgment, will often "burn up" cotton, as does cottonseed when applied in large
quantities, immediately to the roots of the young plant; which ought, therefore,
to receive by preference, such manure in which the violence of fermentation has
subsided.
C. METHOD OF CULTURE.
475. In the preceding pages, the ways and means by which, in particular
cases, land may be rendered capable of producing profitable crops, have been
discussed, with particular reference to the resources of this State. It remains.
before passing to the special description, to say a few words in regard to the
general plan of culture on which all special operations ought to be based—
modified more or less by local circumstances, yet still the same, essentially, all
the world over.
t
476¹ ROBBING THE SOIL.--Experience has shown, that we cannot, under any
circumstances, or under any system of rotation whatsoever, continue to raise
useful crops on any land for a length of time, unless we return to it in the shape
of manure, a part at least of the ingredients which the crops have abstracted
from it. This is a truth so anciently, and apparently so well known, that it would
seem superfluous to re-iterate it. Yet in my travels through the State, I have
found many, and otherwise very intelligent persons, in whom the extraordinary
fertility of their soil had induced the conviction, that some soils, at least, were
inexhaustible; and that by diligent search (usually by moving westward) they
might find a place on which they and their children might live without ever
troubling themselves about manure. I have met many who, when informed of
the general object of the Agricultural Survey, expected that such an examination.
of their soils should reveal to them a talisman, or some mystic formula, by which.
¶4762, 477, 478, 479] EXHAUSTIVE CULTIVATION.
239
without trouble, they might regenerate their soil and raise a bale of cotton per
acre, as of old. And when they discovered that instead, it would be necessary
to haul to their fields and scatter over them, a marl occurring in a bluff outside of
their fence, or to apply to them manures thus far carelessly thrown aside: would
turn up their noses in contempt of such old-fashioned, commonplace advice, and
perhaps remark that whenever their cultivated land gave out there was plenty
more to be had; and as for manuring, it was too troublesome and would never pay.
4762 While I am far from attributing sentiments like these to the majority, or
even to any large part of the planters of Mississippi, I have not so rarely met
with opinions like the above, but that I might hope to do some good by assuring
and if possible, convincing persons holding them, that to entertain the hope of any
soil remaining productive forever, or even for any considerable length of time,
without manure, is utterly futile; that we cannot anywhere in physical nature
produce a useful effect without a corresponding waste of power and material,
which must at some time be recruited or replaced, it the effect is to continue;
and that, if their land happens to be of such a quality that it can do without
manure in their lifetime, their children surely will have to resort to that expedient,
and will be taxed the more severely by the task of renovating the soil, the more
recklessly it has been drafted upon by the parents. And be it remembered, that
the burden thus imposed upon posterity (and not a far distant one either) is quite
out of proportion with the temporary advantage the present generation may
derive from it; that in practicing a system of robbing the soil, we wantonly keep
them from the enjoyment of what does not afford us any corresponding advantage,
and what would have been theirs, had we not shirked the burden, and declined
bearing our just share of the sentence imposed upon all mankind-that they
shall eat their bread in the sweat of their face.
477. Imminence of Exhaustion.-It is not necessary, however, in all, or even
in the majority of cases, to take this high moral stand-point, respecting the
necessity of economizing the powers of the soil. So far from this, even the
present generation is rife with complaints about the exhaustion of soils—in a
region which, thirty years ago, had but just received the first scratch of the
plow-share! In some parts of the State, the deserted homesteads and fields of
Broom-sedge, lone groves of Peach and China trees by the roadside, amid a
young growth of forest trees, might well remind the traveler of the descriptions
given of the aspect of Europe after the Thirty Years War. And true enough,
here, too, there has been melancholy waste of precious resources; the soil has
been effectually stripped of all that was readily accessible; its hidden treasures,
which a little judicious management would readily have coaxed out of it, have
been allowed to run to waste. Even now, the rich prairies, the garden-spots of
Mississippi, are giving out under the operation of the same pernicious system;
lands which, six years ago, could not have been bought at thirty dollars per acre,
are now offered at ten. It is a peculiarity of the calcareous prairie soil, that it
gives out all at once, with little warning; and whenever it does give out, it is
among the most difficult to renovate.
478. I do not mean to say, that the early settlers could or should, under the
circumstances which surrounded them, have pursued a different course, and
commenced, at once, a regular system of agriculture. But for the roving dispo-
sition of these hardy pioneers of civilization, who will not stay to take any
trouble with a "tired" soil, the "Far West" would still be a wilderness. But
what was justifiable in them, is no longer so with their successors.
As mem-
bers of a christian commonwealth, it is their right to use, but not to abuse, the
inheritance which is theirs, and to hand it down to their children as a blessing,
not as a barren, inert incubus, wherewith to drudge through life, as a penalty for
their fathers' wastefulness.
479. Exhaustive Culture Irrational.-When we see a capitalist expending
every year, not only the interest on his money, but a part of the capital also, we
can calculate with certainty how long it will be before that man becomes a beg-
240
[T480, 481, 482, 483
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
gar; and all unite in blaming him as foolish and improvident. Now, the cap-
ital of the agriculturist is the fertility of his soil, of which he ought to use the
interest, but without seriously diminishing the principal. The power possessed
by the nutritive ingredients of the soil, of assimilating from the atmosphere,
under the influence of vegetable life, the constituents which form the main bulk
ofagricultural products (361), is like the interest-bearing power, so to speak, of
invested capital. And the simile holds good even so far that, if we add or
return to the soil, yearly, what we have drawn from it in the shape of crops, the
amount of available, interest-bearing capital increases.
For what we return in manure, is in an available condition; and besides this,
the action of the atmosphere continually renders available an additional supply
from the undecomposed minerals of the soil. Land thus treated, therefore, con-
tinually improves by culture, and will always yield full crops.
Obedience to the maxim just quoted is the conditio sine qua non of sustaining
the fertility of a soil in the literal sense, i. e., of rendering it equally and evenly
productive for all time to come.
480. Cultivating too much Land.-There is another very general rule which
applies everywhere, and is sinned against, very generally, throughout the West,
viz: that it is more profitable to keep a small tract of land in a high state of
cultivation and productiveness, even by the aid of artificial manures, than to
raise indifferent crops on a large area; even though the aggregate amount of the
crops should be the same in both cases.
The truth of this maxim is so easily demonstrated, that the departure from
it in practice, which is so very common, can be explained only on the basis of
the difficulties which lie in way of the introduction of any change of habit,
however salutary.
481. The labor of culture is the same for equal areas of land, whether rich or
poor; and the cost of production of a bale of cotton on land which produces
only half a bale per acre, is nearly or quite twice as great as in the case of land
which produces a bale on the same area; the profits, of course, being proportion-
ally diminished. If therefore, we can double the production of "half-bale-land"
by the employment of half of the force which was needed to cultivate the
unimproved land, in the improvement of the soil (by deep plowing, preparing
and hauling manure, etc.); we shall certainly lose nothing, even if we abstract
from the improvement of the staple, and consequent higher market value of the
product, when raised on a more generous soil. In the overwhelming majority of
cases, however, it will be found in practice that far less than one-half of the force
of a plantation, will be sufficient to bring about, and sustain, the improvement in
question, in the case assumed above; and the same holds true, more or less, in all
analogous cases; the result being that in planting lands in a high state of cultiva-
tion, we can produce more, and a better quality of crops, than we possibly can by
the employment of the same force on poor or indifferent soils, no matter how large
their area. The inferiority of the quality of crops raised on poor lands, is not
often taken into consideration, even by those who watch most anxiously the
smallest fluctuation in the average prices of cotton; when the same amount of
anxiety and attention, if bestowed on the cultivation of the staple, might have
increased its intrinsic value per pound, not by eighths, but by as many entire cents.
RETORATION OF EXHAUSTED SOILS AND MAINTENANCE OF FERTILITY.
482. We shall now inquire how far the various methods at present employed
of improving land, fulfil the conditions previously referred to.
1. ROTATION OF CROPS.
483. What is the rationale of the efficacy of rotation of crops, has been pre-
viously stated (¶393, ff.). One and the same plant repeatedly grown on the
7484¹, 4842, 485, 486, 487, 488] ROTATION OF CROPS.
241
same soil, will so diminish the available quantity some ingredients, that for the
same plant there is not, henceforth, an adequate supply of these; while yet there
may be enough left of these same ingredients to supply a crop of another plant,
which requires them in smaller quantities and different proportions. The same
may happen with the second crop; while still, a third one, different in its
nature, may succeed well. Finally the atmospheric influences may, during
the several years that the soil has been occupied by different crops, have restored
productiveness for the first crop of the series; which series may thus be repeated
many times over.
4841 But not ad infinitum. The time during which any system of rotation
can be successful, by itself alone, depends altogether upon the native resources
of the soil; the best will at length become exhausted. The great advantage of a
judicious system of rotation, however, consists in this: that while we do
exhaust the soil, we do so to the best advantage, extracting from it all that is
really nutritive; whereas, if we exhaust it by continual repetition of one and
the same crop, the land becomes sterile while still containing a large, perhaps
the greatest part of its nutritive ingredients, but in proportions unsuitable to
any useful crop. Rotation may, therefore, double, triple, quintuple the duration
of land, as compared with that which uniform cropping allows to it. The
latter method is really, therefore, a wanton spoiling of the soil, and a sin against
our children, if not ourselves.
4842 There is still another effect exercised by some crops, such as clover
for instance, viz: that their deep roots draw up, as it were, the nutrive ingredi-
ents of the subsoil, so that when the clover is afterwards turned under by the
plow, a real addition is made to the fertility of the surface soil. This process,
therefore, is somewhat of the same effect as subsoiling, or turning up the sub-
soil; with this difference, however, that the ingredients yielded to the soil by
the clover are in an available condition, while the subsoil, when turned up itself,
requires the action of the atmosphere, or of stimulants, before it will produce.
485. At the North, where farming rather than planting is the system of
agriculture, à great variety of successive crops is open to the farmer, and rota-
tion may be made very perfect. In the South, on the contrary, the one great
object is, or has been, to raise the one staple, COTTON. Of late years, the dis-
advantage of importing all our provisions from other States having become too
manifest, corn has been planted more plentifully. Beyond these, field-peas,
oats and sweet potatoes, with some wheat, completes the list of crops which it
is usual to plant on the large scale in Mississippi. Nor do we often find on the
large scale any other regular rotation than between corn and cotton; to which
wheat and oats are now coming to be more and more frequently added.
486. Order of Rotation.—As for the most proper order of succession of these
several crops (¶394), the analyses we possess of the two principal ones are still too
few and defective to allow of settling the question definitely a priori. It is my
intention to investigate this point particularly in the course of the Agricultural
Survey; not only with reference to the (now) principal crops, but also all others
which are of any serious importance to Mississippi agriculture, and which have
not thus far been satisfactorily investigated.
487. Rotation in Manurel Lmls-It is not, of course, in unmanured lands
only that rotation is profitable in practice. It helps us, also, to use up, as it
were, the whole of our manure. It would be a mere matter of accident, if any
manure we apply should happen to be completely consumed by one crop. The
quantity we have applied may not be capable of supplying more than one crop
of one and the same kin·l with its proper food; but it may be abundantly able
to cause several other different kinds of crops to thrive, before it is all consumed.
488. Rotation not Intrinsically Desirable.-Important and beneficial as rota-
tion is in practice, it is, nevertheless, an unpleasant necessity in a planting
commonwealth, whose interest it is to produce year after year on the same land,
the same staple products. We ought, therefore, to use all the means in our
R-16
242
[¶489, 490, 491, 492
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
"
power to obviate its necessity; and here again we must work by the rule
already pointed out: return to the soil every year, what has been taken from it
by the crops.
489. To ascertain this item precisely, we must have analyses as a basis for
our calculation. But, meanwhile, a great deal may be done by simply taking
care not to withdraw from the soil, by cropping, anything more than what is
strictly necessary. Let no part of the crop that is not very profitably convertible
into currency, be lost to the land on which it was raised!
Every plant, generally speaking, is its own best manure; nor will it, when
properly applied, serve as profitably for any other as for itself, i. e., its own
species.
490. EXHAUSTION CAUSED BY COTTON CROPPING.-Cotton as a crop, when
nothing but the lint is actually exported, is one of the least exhausting.crops
known. The amount of mineral ingredients in a four hundred pound bale of
cotton, is no more than is contained in seven to eight bushels of corn; less by
twenty to twenty-five bushels than it is usual to raise on land which will bring
a bale of cotton per acre.
But the matter assumes a different aspect, if we fail to return to the soil the
seed and the stalk. In this case, according to the analyses we possess of these
parts of the cotton plant, and their proportion by weight to the lint, the amount
of mineral ingredients withdrawn from the soil, is fully twice as great as that
which is contained in a corresponding crop of corn. Twelve hundred and
seventy-five pounds of seed cotton (assumed as yielding a four hundred pound
bale of ginned cotton) contain about forty-two pounds of mineral ingredients;
of these, four pounds only belong to the lint, and represent, therefore, the neces-
sary exhaustion of the soil, while thirty-eight pounds belong to the seed. A
crop of thirty-five bushels of corn (shelled) contains only twenty-five pounds of
mineral ingredients, so that in the cottonseed alone, we have mineral ingredients
sufficient for one and a half crops of corn.
491. If, therefore, a soil equally well adapted to corn and cotton, will continue
to produce remunerative crops of corn for thirty years without rotation or
manure (as many prairie and bottom lands have been known to do), then its
productiveness for cotton might reasonably, under the same circumstances, be
expected to continue for more than a century; provided always, that the stalk
and seed be returned to the soil. If, on the contrary, these are allowed to go to
waste, as is very commonly the case at the present time, the duration of the
land will be reduced to the same figure, or less, than in the case of corn.
This comparison is not strictly correct, inasmuch as the ingredients withdrawn
by corn exist in the latter in different proportions from those we find in cotton
lint. If, however, we take into account, severally, the most important ingredi-
ents of both, the comparison is thereby only rendered more striking.
492. Manuring with Cottonseed.-In view of the facts just quoted, if it be
wantonness to exhaust our soil by incessant cotton-cropping, what shall we say
of allowing to go to waste, annually, hundreds of thousands of bushels of
COTTONSEED—that part of the cotton crop which contains by far the greater
portion of all the mineral ingredients withdrawn from the soil?-It is true that
in returning the seed, we do not return what the lint has withdrawn; thus far,
therefore, the replacement is imperfect. But we cannot have lint without seed;
if we obtain the seed, the lint is very likely to be there also. Suppose that, in
planting corn, we were aiming merely at obtaining the sucks, whereas the
stalk and ear were returned to the soil; is it not palpable that the loss to the
soil would be quite insignificant as compared with that which it sustains from a
full crop of ears? And such, precisely, is the case with cotton. Now, consid-
ering the small amount of exhaustion which is necessarily consequent upon
a cotton crop; is it justifiable that lands like those of Madison and Holmes, and
the prairies themselves, should already be on the verge of exhaustion? Is not
this simple consideration enough to condemn the system of culture which has
T493, 44, 495, 496] MANURING WITH COTTONSEED.
243
brought about these lamentable consequences, and to cause its abandonment?
493. So long as cotton is our staple (and "Cotton is King"), we cannot afford
to lose a bushel of the seed. Nay more, we cannot properly afford to apply it
as a mànure, on the large scale, to anything but our cotton crop. If applied to
our corn, the interest realized will ultimately fall far short of that which would
have been received, had it been applied, in a proper manner, to the cotton-field.
494 Manner of Applying Cottonseed.-It is commonly stated, that cottonseed
is a better manure for corn than for cotton. It is unlikely in the last degree,
that cotton should form an exception to a rule so well established for other
erops; but it is not at all unlikely that the present manner of applying the cotton,
seed manure, may be such as to produce the above result. The young cotton
plant is much less hardy than corn, and the contact with its roots of hot, fer-
menting cottonseed, seems to act similarly to an overdose of stable manure in
other cases.
On the other hand, it is well known that if the fermentation or
decay of cottonseed is allowed to progress very far, or to terminate before the
seed is used as a manure, the energy of its action is very sensibly lessened.
495. Probably the best means of avoiding both inconveniences, would be to
allow the decay of the cottonseed to take place in the soil itself, on the spot
where it is intended to exercise its action; introducing it some weeks or even
months previous to the planting of the cotton, so as to allow the violence of the
fermentation to subside, while the volatile products of the decomposition (which
are to a great extent lost when the seed ferments in the pile), are completely
retained by the soil. Let the seed be scattered in a furrow drawn in the mid-
dle of the future bed, and then covered over deep enough to prevent its ever
coming in immediate contact with the rootstock of the young plant. The tap
root and its fibres will then reach and assimilate the nourishment contained in
the seed, at the period when the plant is not only able to bear without injury
the powerful stimulus, but is most particularly in need of it; while no injury
can result to the young seedlings from having "too much of a good thing" thrust
upon them, before they are able to bear it. Planters who have made use of the
cottonseed in this, or a similar manner, have borne high testimony to its pecu-
liarly favorable effect on its parent stock, especially when the same policy is
regularly continued on the same field.
496. How does Cottonseed Act?-If we examine or sift the soil of a field
where cottonseed has been applied as a manure, perhaps 6 or 8 months before,
we shall find the majority of the seeds entire, protected by the hull, with a
black, shrunk kernel inside, which still retains the greater portion of the nutri.
tive mineral ingredients of the seed. The conclusion is inevitable, that the
action of cottonseed on any crop, during the first year, is due chiefly to the
stimulant action of the carbonic acid and ammonia generated in its fermentation,
and not to the direct supply of the requisite mineral ingredients. Now, since
the ammonia and carbonic acid evolved from decaying cottonseed do not in any
manner differ from the same substances as derived from other sources, there is
no reason why in this case, the cottonseed manure should act more favorably
on its parent crop, than on any other. Being essentially, during the first year,
a mere stimulant, it will of course act most favorably on such crops as are
particularly in need of stimulants-of which corn is one, since it will grow on
a dunghill, which cotton will not. But in the second, and succeeding years,
when the mineral ingredients of the seed have returned to the soil in an available
condition, the principle that every plant is its own best manure, will undoubted-
ly be found justified in all cases.
It has been with respect to the cottonseed manure question, as with all
others in practical agriculture; the unsystematic experiments of one, or of a
few years, cannot decide them with any degree of certainty. It is to the results
of a settled policy continued for many years, that we must look for the final
settlement of questions like these; and unless, in such experiments, we are
guided by the principles of scientific research, and bring to bear on the subject
241
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [1497, 498, 499, 500
such lights as science may afford: generations upon generations may experiment,
as they have done in Europe-under great disadvantages; and with no other
result than the final and disastrous failure of every one of the empirical systems
successively devised, upon insufficient and partial data.
497. Feeding Cottonseed.-We cannot afford to feed cottonseed to our cattle,
unless we keep them at home and collect the manure, to be scrupulously
returned to the soil from which it is originally derived. For, not only does
the land lose, with the cottonseed, twice the amount of mineral ingredients
which a corresponding crop of corn would have withdrawn; but even in stable
manure, the differences in the composition of the food from it is derived, are
continued, and hence the manure of corn-fed cattle is best for corn; that of
those eating cottonseed, for cotton. If we apply them to different purposes,
we shall have used them to less advantage to ourselves.
498. Cottonseed- Oil Manufacture.-We cannot afford to sell our cottonseed,
for a triflé, to the oil-manufacturer, unless we take back at least the oil-cake,
and if possible the hull also. For in a bale of cotton, even the latter, according
to determinations I have lately made, carries with it twice the amount of
mineral matter that the lint does; while in the cake we have a highly concen-
trated cotton-manure, containing 8½ per cent. of the mineral ingredients required
for the growth of cotton, and also in a more favorable condition for use as a
manure, than is the case with the raw cottonseed. When the latter is used,
not only does the hull (which is slow of decay) interfere greatly with the action
of the more powerful, and more rapidly decaying kernel, but the oil contained
in the latter renders its decay sensibly slower than is the case with the oil-cake
meal, in which but a small amount remains. Persons who have used the latter,
compare its action, so far as its energy is concerned, to that of guano; while the
effect of the cake-meal is much more lasting, and the latter can be obtained at
one-third of the cost of guano-about $20 per tön.
499. How can the Manufacture of Cottonseed- Oil be afforded ?-Nothing of
any consequence is lost to the land in the oil, which is not in the agricultural
sense at least, the "fat of the land," as seems to be supposed by many planters;
for it contains only a trifling amount of mineral matter; and a similar amount
of sawdust would be of equal or better effect than the oil. It seems on the
contrary, that planters could profitably afford to let the oil-manufacturer have
their seed gratuitously, on condition that the cake be returned; inasmuch as, in
the latter condition, their cottonseed will not only be more valuable as a manure,
but also in a more convenient form for feed, if desired as such. The cake may
be kept, without deterioration, in a dry place, for a great length of time; and
as a feed for milch cows it seems to possess the special advantage of imparting
much less of the peculiar flavor to milk and butter, than is the case when raw
cottonseed is fed. It would seem as though all these advantages could be
realized in a manner profitable to all parties, by the establishment of cottonseed-
oil manufactories in all large cotton-growing neighborhoods, or at least in every
county; thus avoiding the expenses of long transportation.
500. Selling Manure.-European agriculturists consider that any one who
even sells the manure made on his land, instead of returning it to the soil, is last
ruining his estate.
Even thus, cottonseed is the manure which nature furnishes to the cotton
planter, without the necessity of passing it through the system of a troublesome
herd of stock, as is the case in Europe. But for the rest, the same principle
applies to both, and the cotton planter ought no more to lose, or sell for a trifle,
his cottonseed, than the European agriculturist should throw away his stable-
Were the cottonseed-oil manufacture (which has been expanding so
rapidly of late) to be the means of withdrawing from the cotton-fields their
legitimate return of the mineral ingredients of the seed, its introduction might,
I think, be justly qualified as an unmitigated calamity to the South, and to
every individual planter. For, the income accruing to the country from this
manure.
1501, 502, 503]
COTTONSEED OIL MANUFACTURE.
245
manufacture, is grossly disproportionate to the injury, which the withdrawal of
the life-essence of cotton-planting would inflict upon the prosperity of the whole.
501. Cottonseed in the Mississippi Bottom.--It is a common practice with
planters in the Mississippi bottom, with whom cottonseed is a drug, to haul it
into the bayous, where a part of it is eaten by their hogs, the rest is carried off
to the Father of Waters, and by him to the Ocean, the great ultimate receptacle
of the wasted fertility of the continents, which pours into it from millions of
sewers in the great cities. All such is lost to mankind, at least until the bottom
of the Ocean shall be upheaved and transformed into cultivated fields.-Were
the planters who adhere to the above practice, aware how dear their cottonseed-
fed pork costs them, or will have cost their children, and how bitterly posterity
at least will rue the loss of what has been sent to the bottom of the Gulf, they
would surely prefer that the wagons which now carry the seed to the bayous,
should be garrisoned by a hand or two, to scatter abroad the seed while passing
through the field! For though, of all others, the planter of the Mississippi
bottom appears to be most firmly convinced of the inexhaustibility of his soil;
yet, if the present system be continued, even the present generation will here
and there awake to the unpleasant fact, that like all other earthly things, the
fertility even of the Mississippi bottom is finite.
It is said that the soils of the Bottom are so thrifty "anghow," that an addition-
al dressing of cottonseed would cause the cotton to run to weed. But while
this might be a tenable objection against using it in the drill or furrow, it
certainly cannot be held against merely scattering it on the surface of the ground
(several months previous to planting, if necessary), in the proportion in which
it was taken from it. Yet this would fully insure to the soil the ultimate
advantages of a restitution of its nutritive elements.
502. Of late, some of the planters of the Bottom, instead of making the
summary disposition of their cottonseed, above alluded to, have preferred selling
it to the cottonseed-oil manufactories. While it may be gravely doubted, that
the small increase of profits thus accruing to them is in any manner commen-
surate with the disadvantage of the undiminished drain on their lands, it is at
least so far commendable, as it prevents these valuable materials from being lost
to mankind, and affords the upland planters a convenient opportunity of trans-
ferring to their lands, a part of the surplus fertility of the Mississippi bottom-
an exchange of commodities to which they at least ought not to object, and of
which they should avail themselves freely.
The cotton stalk and leaf are even now pretty generally returned to the soil,
inasmuch as their removal would be more troublesome than the inconvenience
they cause in tillage. Be it remembered, that each stalk so retained is the
equivalent of another prospective stalk; as each and every seed returned, is
representative of another prospective seed; with its necessary appendage, the lint.
What is true of cotton, its seed and stalk, holds good also, of course, with
reference to other crops. Of all, whatsoever is not otherwise used, ought to be
conscientiously returned to the soil; thus, both the necessity of rotation, and
the exhaustion of the soil generally, may be reduced to their minimum.
2. SUBSOILING.
503. This term comprehends two operations essentially different in their
nature and effects. In one sense, it means merely the breaking up of the
subsoil, without necessarily bringing it to the surface to any great extent; in
another, it signifies the turning up, on the surface, of the subsoil itself, or mixing
it with the surface soil. It is chiefly in the latter sense that I mean to discuss
subsoiling here, for in the former, it is advisable almost every where—objection-
able only in a few special cases. For in simply breaking up the harder stratum
beneath the soil, we secure some of the advantages of deep plowing, whether
the subsoil be poor or rich. Deep plowing, like thorough drainage, tempers the
246
[T504, 505, 506, 507
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
injurious effects of extremes both of wet and drouth; facilitates the penetration of
the soil by the roots, affording them, at the same time, a wider range wherein to
seek their nourishment. In this general point of view, little more need be
observed in regard to this operation, than that it should not be practiced,
where there is danger of breaking through the retentive strata into loose sands,
which would allow manures to sink (¶401)
But whether or not it may be useful in any particular case to turn up the
subsoil, is dependent entirely upon local circumstances, and cannot be decided
without a close examination, and frequently not without analyses of the soil and
subsoil.
504. When the soil itself is so deep that the plow cannot conveniently go
beyond the soil stratum, then in fact, subsoiling means nothing else than deep
plowing; while, whenever it goes beyond, turning up the subsoil, it is subsoil-
ing, properly speaking (T350,ff.). We must recollect in this case, as in that of man-
ures proper, that when we mix the subsoil with the soil, two different kinds of
effects will be produced. In the first place, the subsoil may act as a mechanical
manure, by improving the physical condition of the soil; by rendering it lighter, if
heavy, or heavier, if too light (¶418). The latter case is very common, viz : that a
heavy subsoil clay underlies a very light soil, and that the latter is very much
improved by intermixture with the former, though it may not be richer in
nutritive ingredients.--The former case--a light subsoil underlying a heavy
soil--is much less common, and in this State, almost entirely confined to bottom,
pond, and some Marsh soils.
505. Secondly, the subsoil may act as a chemical manure (¶416), by adding
to the stock of nutritive ingredients within reach of the roots of plants, when-
ever it is richer in these than the surface soil; either naturally, or in conse-
quence of the exhaustion of the latter by cropping.
To determine whether in any particular case, subsoiling may be advisable or
not, is oftentimes a question very difficult of decision, unless by actual
experiment, or more briefly, by analysis. Yet even the latter is not always a
safe guide, unless accompanied by observation on the spot, the of circumstances
under which the soil and subsoil occur.
506. Treatment of Subsoiled Lands.—It is essential to recollect, that, how-
ever nearly analyses may show the two materials to be alike in ultimate
composition, the subsoil will almost invariably differ from the soil in two
respects, viz: 1st. In containing less vegetable matter than the latter. 2d. In
containing its nutritive ingredients in a less available condition, on account of
being so little accessible to atmospheric action, and also, to that of decaying
vegetable matter (¶357, 422).
It is owing to these causes, that during the first season, subsoiling often seems
to produce none, or even an unfavorable effect. For so long as the nutritive
matter contained is in an inactive condition, it follows that for the time
being, it must exercise the same effect as though we had mixed with the surface
soil a subsoil of inferior fertility, which would naturally deteriorate it.
The remedy, therefore, is simple enough. After subsoiling, we must try to
supply as rapidly as possible the deficiency of vegetable matter, either by plow-
ing in green crops, or by manuring with muck, saw-dust and the like; and we
must, if possible, stimulate it by the use of lime, plaster of Paris, or ammoni-
acal manures, as the case may require. Moreover, here, as almost every where,
stable manure is in its right place. But wherever there is no stringent necessity
for ocupying the subsoiled land with heavy crops the first year, it is best to
allow them a season of rest or fallowing, with light crops, such as wheat or
rye; after which, the stimulants will be found less necessary.
507. Whenever no serious change of the physical condition (as to lightness or
heaviness) is to be anticipated in consequence of the intermixture of soil and
subsoil, the question is reduced simply to the inquiry whether or not the subsoil
is equally fertile, or more, or less 80, than the soil. In this case, analysis will
T508, 509, 510]
SUBSOILING.
247
give a categorical answer. If the subsoil, while similar in its physical condition
to the soil, is similar to it in composition also, with only the differences produced
by their relative position (506): then subsoiling will, in matter of fact, mean
little else than deep plowing. If the subsoil is poorer than the surface soil, then
it will manifestly be inadvisable to dilute the latter, as it were, by the admixture
of inert matter without a corresponding addition of nutritive ingredients. If on
the other hand, the subsoil is richer in the latter than the surface soil, subsoiling
is, as manifestly, indicated as advantageous.
As instances in which the physical condition of soils will be very little changed
by subsoiling, I may mention, most of the soils of the main Pontotoc Ridge;
the Marshall county Table lands; and the majority of the yellow loam lands of
Yallabusha, Holmes and Madison counties; also, to a great extent, the prairies.
In these cases, therefore, simple comparative analyses of the soils and subsoils
will decide as to the usefulness or injuriousness of subsoiling, in the sense of
turning up the subsoil.
508. When, as in a large number, perhaps the majority of cases, an essential
change in the physical character of the soil may be produced by subsoiling, the
question whether it be profitable or not, becomes a much more difficult one, and
cannot be answered in a general manner. For while on the one hand, we may
derive from it double advantages, if it should happen both to correct the physical
condition of our soil, and to add to its stock of fertility; it may, on the other
hand, utterly and irrecoverably ruin our land, if the change produced with
respect to lightness or heaviness, should happen to fall in the wrong direction.
In this case, even a greater native fertility of the subsoil would be of little use.
Whenever a soil possesses the proper physical constitution, however poor
naturally, it is susceptible of improvement at least, and thus far valuable. But
if its physical properties be extremes on either side (whether naturally or in
consequence of injudicious subsoiling), the soil will always be an unsafe one, no
matter how great its stock of nutritive elements, and whether native or super-
added in the shape of manures. [With reference to this subject, see T401 to
403].
509. Cases in point are far from uncommon in this State, and that with
reference to both extremes of constitution. Among light soils, which would be
rendered still lighter, and would, therefore, be injured by subsoiling, I may
mention, most of the hommock soils of the Sea coast, a large portion of the
ridge soils of Kemper, Lauderdale and Jasper counties, and a large part of
bottom soils, e. g., those of upper and middle Pearl River. Of those which, being
sufficiently heavy in themselves, would be rendered excessively so by the
admixture of their subsoil, the heavy Flatwoods soils, and a large portion of our
prairie soils (especially those overlying the Tertiary, in South Mississippi), are
examples; also, the bottom soils of the lower Pearl, and lower Pascagoula
Rivers.
510. Light Subsoils.-In some cases, especially of sandy soils, there is, at times,
still another objection, of a serious character, to subsoiling. One of the most
important advantages of a good subsoil is that it prevents the " sinking" of
manure, i. e., of the soluble portion of it, to a depth beyond the reach of the
roots of cultivated plants. It does this, not only by virtue of its density, but
also, and perhaps chiefly, in consequence of its possessing the strong retentive
power (which has been discussed before, ¶378, ff.) both for moisture and for the
nutritive ingredients of plants. Hence the great importance which is justly
attached to the question, whether or not any tract of land possesses a subsoil of
the proper physical constitution. For even if the surface soil should happen to
be so light that it would not ordinarily retain a supply of manure more than
sufficient for a single crop, still, if the subsoil be capable of retaining it, the land
is susceptible of permanent improvement; because the nutritive elements thus
retained are not allowed to pass beyond the reach of the roots of plants.—Such
s the case with a large part of the "Piny Woods" region of South Mississippi.
248
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶511, 512, 513, 514-
While naturally poor in the nutritive ingredients of vegetables, these lands often
possess an excellent subsoil of yellow loam, which renders them capable of
improvement to any extent; nor can there be any doubt that they will be so
improved, so soon as that portion of the State shall have been rendered more-
accessible to the world's commerce.
511. A different state of things, however, obtains in another class of soils,
examples of which have already been mentioned as occurring in many of the
ridge soils of Kemper, Lauderdale and Jasper, and some of the adjoining
counties. These soils, while naturally fertile, are so light and porous, that
even without tillage, the roots of plants would find little difficulty in
penetrating the subsoil. In examining the latter, we find at a certain depth
(from 10 to 15 inches) a kind of crust or indurated portion, the presence of
which explains the fact that soils so extremely sandy in themselves, will resist
drouth to a considerable extent, and will also retain manure.
Below this crust,
however, there is nothing but loose and sterile sand. Now it is evident, that if
by subsoiling we break through, and destroy, the subsoil “hardpan” in question,
we shall destroy also, and irrecoverably, the capacity for improvement of the
land so treated.
512. Heavy Subsoils.—If extreme lightness and porosity of the subsoil is a
serious drawback to any permanent and reliable improvement of the soil, more
can hardly be said in favor of subsoils whose character is the extreme opposite,
viz: very heavy and clayey. What has been said (¶401 to 403) in regard to
soils of this character, applies in a similar manner to subsoils of that class.
The great density of the mass refuses to allow of the percolation of the rain
water, which is, therefore, obliged to take its course along the surface, denuding
the latter of whatever soil there may be of a lighter character. Hence the
barrenness of the surface in the undulating portions of the Flatwoods Region,
in which the heavy clay soils prevail. The soil, as analysis shows, is not too
poor to bear grass, and with some admixture of vegetable matter it might do
well. But no sooner has a thin layer of such material accumulated, than a
heavy rain carries it off into the gullies, leaving the hills bare. Where the
heavy Flatwoods soil occupies level tracts, each heavy rain floods the country,
and the subsidence of the sheet of water spread on the surface is so slow, that
crops are frequently drowned out, or perish for want of tillage.—Such are the
disadvantages of a subsoil of this kind in wet seasons; in times of drouth, they
are scarcely better in their action.
513. It is true that heavy clays are very retentive of water, and we shall
rarely find one of these heavy under-clays dried out even during the dryest
season; but unfortunately, they retain their moisture with such pertinacity, that
they will not share it with the surface soil, as good subsoils will do. And as
their great density forbids that the roots of plants should penetrate them, their
moisture thus remains perfectly useless within them. The evil is still aggravated
by the circumstance, that they oblige the roots of plants to remain nearer to the
surface than would be the case in a generous soil, thus leaving them much more
exposed to the injurious influence of atmospheric changes.
We thus perceive that an improper physical condition of the subsoil may be
quite as injurious to crops as though the soil itself was in fault. And since it is
extremely difficult, and often impossible, to remedy the defects of the subsoil,
while the soil may almost always be improved, the importance attached to
having "a good foundation" underlying the latter, is fully justified. The faults
of a heavy subsoil may be remedied to a great extent, by thorough drainage, as
has been explained above (410); but those of light and unretentive ones are
often very difficult to deal with.
514. As for the ultimate and permanent advantages to be derived from sub-
soiling, it will readily be perceived, that at best they are the same as those
attained by deep plowing in a fertile soil.
When after exhausting the surface soil, we throw up a subsoil of equal or
¶515, 516, 517] SUBSOILING-LOIS WEEDON SYSTEM.
249
superior fertility, we shall thus have, in matter of fact, a fresh soil. We can
readily exhaust this soil in its turn, by the same mode of culture; and then, if
our subsoiling has reached as deep as agricultural implements can conveniently
go on the large scale, we shall have no further remedy but a regular system of
manuring. Subsoiling, therefore, in connection with fallowing, may serve to
correct the physical condition of our soil, and to increase the duration of natural
fertility; but it is not by any means a permanent safeguard against exhaus-
tion, which will inevitably arrive sooner or later, unless we restore to the soil,
from an independent source, the ingredients which we have withdrawn.
515. Tullian, or Lois Weedon System.—It is true that a regular system of
subsoiling and fallowing combined, will in many cases sustain the productive-
ness of soils without sensible diminution, for a considerable length of time-
sufficient to convince of its unceasing efficacy, those who imagine that the
experience of a few years, or even of a decennium or two, can decide positively
as to te merits of a system of Agriculture. We can readily prove a negative
in a short time; if a thirty years culture without rotation or manure renders
our land incapable of producing cotton, the proof that our system is wrong is
plain enough. But if some of our land remains productive beyond that period,
it certainly does not prove that the system is correct, and that under it our land
will last forever. Yet such, precisely, is the logic of some modern agricultural
writers, on the subject just in hand. The system of deep and thorough tillage
and fallowing, which, a century and a half ago, was devised by Tull, and during
a considerable period, sustained its reputation as a panacea against the exhaus-
tion of soils, until time proved its insufficiency, has lately been brought back to
us in a new guise, and upon the (as is contended) irrefragible proof afforded by
a success of twelve years (!), is proclaimed to us as a full and sufficient remedy
for the growing and threatening evil. We are told that we must retrace our
steps, and unlearn what the bitter experience of centuries has taught us--all
for the twelve years experiment at Lois Weedon! It is nothing to the enthu-
siastic, but short-sighted proselytes of this system, that its temporary results
are foreseen and well understood in the science of agriculture; it is nothing to
them, that the system supposed to be infallible for centuries-that of cattle-
raising for the sake of manure-has at last been found wanting, and has buried
in its ruins more than one agricultural commonwealth in the old world. And
not a small amount of so-called, half-understood "science" is brought to bear on
the subject; notwithstanding that, in the same breath, science is denounced as
untrustworthy, and its results, the sum of all experience, declared to be obsolete.
516. Subsoiling and fallow combined, as in the "Lois Weedon System," will
help us to eke out a certain percentage of deficiency in the replacement, by
manure, of the ingredients withdrawn and it is not unlikely, that with crops
as slightly exhaustive as cotton, when the seed and stalk are retured (¶490, ff.),
several generations might not feel the want of manure, in soils of good native
fertility. But if we regard it otherwise than as a safety-valve or regulator, by
which we may render insensible the accidental variations in the regular compen-
sation, and to which we may resort in a "rainy day "; if we violently appro-
priate to ourselves in a short time, all that portion of the fertility of the soil
which the fallow could develop with useful rapidity: then we shall arrive
precisely at the point to which the excessive use of lime or guano brings us,
which "enriches the father, but impoverishes the son."
517. DRAINAGE has already been mentioned as being somewhat analogous in
its action to subsoiling (409), though it carries with it numerous other
advantages. But however valuable as an improvement, and especially as
protecting the crops against the vicissitudes and accidents of the seasons, it
cannot, any more than rotation, subsoiling or fallowing, prevent the exhaustion
of the soil. It is true that, if we look only to the direct experience on lands
artificially thorough-drained (which has not been very lengthy), numerous
instances might be quoted in which the good effects at first experienced, still
250
[T518, 519, 520, 521
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
remain the same after a series of years. But in this as in many other cases, a
few well established negatives as to its power of preventing exhaustion, will
disarm any number of positives which have not stood the test of time. And
there are plenty of soils naturally thorough-drained, whose utter exhaustion
plainly proves the fact, that for the latter, drainage also is only a palliative, not
a remedy.
3. MANURING.
518. It remains to say a few words in reference to the general policy to be
pursue in the utilization of the powers of the soil, and their sustentation or
restoration by means of manures.
The Dung-producing System of Culture.-It has been already stated, that
stable manure and night-soil may be considered as universal manures, containing
all the ingredients required by plants, both directly and indirectly. Experience
had proved this to be the case, long before the causes upon which this universality
depends, had been recognized; and hence very naturally it was thought that
the unfailing plan of culture consisted in producing on the farm an amount of
stable manure sufficient to allow of dressing with it the land cultivated,
whenever it should give out; or else, to sustain evenly its fertility, by dressings
repeated at regular intervals.
-
519. Such, in fact, is the method which, for a considerable period, has been
dominant on the continent of Europe, and was regarded as perfectly rational,
long after the gradual failure of crops of every kind had, in thousands of indi-
vidual cases, practically demonstrated the fallaciousness of the system. Such
instances were ingeniously explained away on special grounds; and even at the
present time, when the progress of Agricultural Chemistry has established
beyond all cavil the true causes of the failure alluded to, the great bulk of the
agricultural population of Europe still fondly clings to the fallacy which has
been handed down to them by their fathers. They raise stock for the sake of
manure, wherewith to fertilize their grain-fields; a portion of their land being
always set apart for the sole purpose of raising the necessary feed.
520. Fallacy of the Dung-producing System.--It is obvious that in this
procedure, all that is gained is to concentrate on the grain-field a part of the
nutritive ingredients which have been withdrawn from the clover-field and the
meadow; these, having been converted into manure in passing through the
animal system, are thus transferred from one field to the other in a highly
available condition, accompanied, also, by abundance of ammonia and vegetable
matter. Ultimately, they are converted into marketable grain. Another portion
of the ingredients abstracted from the feed-fields, remains with the stock, in the
shape of flesh and bones, and is in part sold as such, partly as milk and
cheese.
Now, whether the produce of the feed-fields be sold in its first form, as hay or
turnips, or whether it be previously converted into grain and meat it is plain
that the mineral ingredients contained in these products, are finally withdrawn,
and entirely lost to the soil, while nothing is given in return. Thus the capital
stock of fertility is continually drafted upon, and will, of course, come to an end
at last; as experience has shown. And but for the importation of manures
from foreign countries, it is difficult to say what would be the present condition
of a large portion of Central Europe.
521. In this country, wherever the necessity of manure has come to be felt,
the first movement has been towards the establishment of a similar system.
"We must raise more cattle in order to get a supply of manure!" has been the
cry, which is now heard even in this State.
The change which it is thus proposed to effect in our agricultural habits, is a
very serious one. The propriety of so far increasing our stock, as to supply
our own demand for meats, has been much discussed of late, and will hardly be

¶522, 523]
THE DUNG-PRODUCING SYSTEM.
251.
questioned. But when it comes to encumbering ourselves with millions of
living dung-manufactories, the question assumes a very different aspect. To
raise the feed and to attend the cattle, will occupy nearly, or quite, one-half of
the laboring force of the country; which will, therefore, likewise be occupied in
manufacturing dung, in order that the other half may be enabled to raise cotton-
provided, such a thing could be done profitably under such circumstances.-
Nor could the meat thus raised avail us anything; it would be a drug, for which
we could find no market that would pay us back the cost of raising. And over
and above all these inconveniences, we should only arrive at last at the same
point which we might have reached by a much less circuitous route (e. g., by
subsoiling and fallowing alone, according to the Tullian, or Lois Weedon system);
to-wit: utter exhaustion of our soil.
522. While it is a matter of the last importance that we should avail ourselves
to the fullest extent, of such stable manure as a sound policy will enable us to
obtain as a collateral product: the doctrine of cattle-raising for the sake of manure
is based upon a fallacy; and a consistent adherence to it will slowly, but
inevitably, lead to bankruptcy of any agricultural commonwealth.
It is true
that under this system, when combined with deep tillage and a suitable method
of rotation, land will endure longer than under any other which does not replace
the nutritive ingredients annually abstracted from the soil It is admirably
contrived to make the most of the finite stock of fertility which the land may
possess. But in this case, as in many others, the longer we allow ourselves to
be deceived, the more difficult will it be to repair the damage done. When at
last our children or grand-children arrive at the "end of the string"; when our
lands, incapable of further producing even feed for our cattle, shall doggedly
refuse to furnish us the every-day necessaries of life, unless in exchange for a
corresponding quantity of manure; we shall find ourselves obliged either to
import the latter, or else, the necessaries of life themselves. Our native stock
of fertility being exhausted, we shall be entirely dependent upon this supply
from without, every irregularity or failure of which will be felt as a national
calamity.
Thus, if at the present time, the supply of guano* to Europe were to fail for
a single season, the consequences would be most disastrous to whole countries,
which are unable to make their lands produce save by the action of that pow-
erful agent. In such a case, the deficiency in South American guano would
probably have to be supplied in the shape of corn and wheat, from the United
States. It is not necessary to be an expert in National Economy to perceive
how ruinous must be the consequences of such a state of things.
523. THE LOST FERTILITY.—It may be asked what has become of the inde-
structible matter which formed the original stock of fertility, now lost by
mismanagement? The answer will readily suggest itself to every thinking
man, when he considers what is the ultimate destination of agricultural
products, viz: to serve as food and raiment to man. Whatsoever we feed to
our stock, is partly consumed by man as meat, milk, cheese, eggs, etc., partly
returns to the fields through the manure pile-diminished by the amount
contained in our food, each time it thus circulates. For, unfortunately, night-
soil, the most efficacious of manures, is thus far mostly regarded as a nuisance,
to get rid of which is a problem which has occupied much ingenuity and talent.
Our privies, and the sewers of our cities, are undeniably the channels through
which the fertility of our lands is either drained into the ocean, or else accu-
mulated in receptacles which, by common consent, are held as being among
*Guano, on the continent of Europe, is generally combined, or used at the
same time with, other manures, which it renders more effectual, without pro-
ducing the exhaustive effects which are known to follow its exclusive use, in
this country.
T
[T524, 525, 526
252
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
the most unpleasant necessities of our fallen state; yet they are, in reality, so
many Guano-islands, whose benefits we can realize with only a nominal cost of
transportation.
524. In the conscientious utilization in agriculture, of human excrements,
both fluid and solid, together with bones, dung and all other offal, now partly
used for these purposes, we have teyond a doubt, the only universal preventive
of the exhaustion of cultivated lands. For it is they into which almost all the
products of our fields are ultimately transformed, and in them we shall, there-
fore, expect to find all that has been withdrawn from the former. And if
instead of eatables, we raise cotton, we shall have to import a corresponding
quantity of provisions; these, when transformed into night-soil, would more
than replace all the drain on our lands caused by the cotton crops, if properly
distributed.
It may be objected, that if we were to husband the material in question,
as the Chinese have successfully done for ages, we should have to change our
habits, and blunt some of our senses, and delicacy, to an alarming extent.-For-
tunately, the science which has annihilated space and compelled lightening to be
the messenger of thoughts, does not abandon us in this problem, momentously
simple as it is. The use of disinfecting agents (many of which themselves
enhance the value of the material for agricultural purposes), in connection with
the proper mechanical contrivances, would enable us even at the present moment
to preserve these valuable fertilizers, without any serious offence to our delicacy,
if we would but introduce, in this respect, a regular, uniform system; and if
we are to judge by analogy, we can scarcely doubt that more perfect contriv-
ances for the purpose would be forthcoming, so soon as the demand for them
should become general and urgent. On the continent of Europe, the agitation
of this subject has already been attended with the most beneficial results.
-
*
525. It would be extravagant to expect, that such a system should be univer-
sally established in this country, until the necessity shall have been more keenly
felt. But we have this great advantage, that in our agricultural population
there is less settled prejudice and routine to te overcome, than in Europe. They
are eager and willing to accept the teachings of true science, and we may hope
with some confidence, that by a timely application of these to practice, the ills
which now weigh down a large part of the agricultural population of Europe,
may be avoided.
526. But while, in a new country like ours, it may not be practicable to
establish at once a system of agriculture perfectly rational, we may try to
approach such a system, as nearly as we may under the circumstances. Let us
husband the powers of our soils by a proper system of rotation, taking care at
the same time, not to withdraw from our fields more than is necessarily con-
tained in the marketable portion of our crop. Let us apply to our fields all the
manure we can conveniently obtain, without waiting for the soil to become
"L tired." If we have once thus far exhausted them, we shall be obliged to
expend at once, in its restoration to fertility, a much greater amount of money
or labor, than that which its sustentation would have cost us, and which, being
expended at convenient times, when there was little else to do, would scarcely
have been felt.
Wherever marls containing the elements of fertility are convenient, let them
be applied at once, regularly and systematically; marling every year a certain
portion, at least, of our lands, so that the whole shall have received a
dressing in the course of from four to ten years, after the lapse of which we
shall begin again at the point' from which we set out. Let us recollect that
while in the use of stimulants (lime, gypsum, etc), in connection with subsoil-
ing and fallowing, we have the means of relieving our immediate necessities, we
cannot rely on them for the future, and that each application of the former
shortens the duration of fertility, in precisely the proportion in which it
T526]
POLICY OF CULTURE.
253
increases our crops. A regular and constant succession of good average crops,
which enrich slowly but surely, is certainly preferable to a brief period of bril-
liant crops, followed by exhaustion of the soil.
And while, in this respect, each one must be left to judge, and act according
to, the stringency of his own particular case; yet let him recollect that the time
will surely come, when he will have to yield obedience to the inexorable law,
that no land can be permanently fertile, unless we restore to it, regularly, the
mineral ingredients which our crops have withdrawn.
2. SPECIAL PART; AGRICULTURAL FEATURES
OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
THE NORTH-EASTERN PRAIRIE REGION.
COMPRISING THE COUNTIES, AND PARTS OF COUNTIES, EAST OF THE FLATWOODS
REGION, VIZ TISHOMINGO, EAST TIPPAH, ITAWAMBA, EAST PONTOTOC,
MONROE, EAST CHICKASAW, LOWNDES, EAST OCKTIBBEHA, EAST NOXUBER,
AND NORTHEAST KEMPER.
527¹. The name given above for this group of counties, must
not be understood as implying that the whole, or even the greater
part of the area included therein, is of a prairie character; but
only as including all that part of North Mississippi in which
prairies do occur, more or less. It might perhaps have been more
properly, though less intelligibly to agriculturists, designated as
the Cretaceous, or North-eastern Lime Region, inasmuch as its
prominent agricultural as well as geological features, are dependent
upon the several calcareous strata of the Cretaceous formation
(199, ff.); with the exception of a few townships in E. Tishomingo
county, where the limestone and sandstone strata of the Lower
Carboniferous formation (T80, ff.) prevail.
For a full understanding of the agricultural conditions of this
region, it will be well for the reader to refer to what has been said
with reference to the cretaceous formation, in the Geological
Report, pages 60 to 106. For convenience, however, I shall here
briefly recapitulate the general features.
5272. The cretaceous formation of Mississippi consists essentially
of four different stages or beds, which have a W. or S. W. dip of
about 25 feet per mile, and possess the following general charac-
ters. The uppermost of these divisions (RIPLEY GROUP, T128),
which of course appears to the westward of the others, consists of
hard, sandy limestones, with strata of blue shell marl between,
and generally, one of heavy gray calcareous clay on top: these
strata, overlaid by a yellow or orange-colored loam, form the
Pontotoc Ridge. The middle stratum consists of white clay marls
or soft limestones-"ROTTEN LIMESTONE" (T116, ff.), and forms a
level or gently undulating surface, mostly with heavy, calcareous
!
1528, 529] LANDS OF BIG BEAR-YELLOW CREEK.
255
soils, partly prairie, partly oak uplands, poor in springs and with
limy well waters-the Prairie Region proper. The other two
(EUTAW, and TOMBIGBEE SAND GROUP, T101 to 115) consist of
sands, more or less clayey and in part (on the territory colored
dark green on the map-Tombigbee Sand Group) limy; the region
occupied by them is hilly and sandy, and the soil generally inferior;
springs are abundant and their water mostly freestone. The lands
on the territory of the Carboniferous formation (which consists of
hard limestones and sandstones) do not differ essentially, or at
least characteristically, from those of the last mentioned groups,
save perhaps in that pebbles are very abundant on the surface;
as are also fine, cold, freestone springs.
I must observe that unfortunately, at the time of my visit to the
counties of Tishomingo, Itawamba, Tippah, as well as the greater
portion of Pontotoc and Monroe, (1856), the special examination
of the soils was not considered, as it is at present, the paramount
object of the Survey, and hence, my observations there on this
point are greatly wanting in completeness, and but few specimens
of soils from that region are in my possession. The gap will, of
course, be filled up hereafter, as soon as possible.
528. TISHOMINGO AND ITAWAMBA.-There is so great a general
resemblance in the geological and agricultural features of these.
two counties, that they may as well be considered jointly. In the
western portion of both, we find gently undulating oak uplands,
interspersed with spots and patches of black and of bald prairie,
with wide, fertile bottoms; this region is indicated on the map by
a yellowish-green tint. Passing eastward from it, we enter a more
hilly region, with a poor sandy soil, whose prevalent timber is
Short-leaf Pine. Black Jack and Post Oak, tog ther with Chestnut;
the bottoms being narrow, but fertile. This is the character of
the "Pine Hills" of N. E. Mississippi; whose supply of water is
generally dependent on, and bears the characte. istics of, the Orange
Sand formation (175 to 77.)
Beyond these we find in Tishomingo, on the waters of Big Bear,
and Mackay's Creek in part, a more gently undulating region with
a more fertile soil, whose timber is a rare mixture of trees other-
wise not often found together on the same soil.
529. SANDY UPLANDS OF EAST TISHOMINGO AND EAST ITAWAMBA.
-The Tennessee River has little or no bottom on the Mississippi
side, the Pine Hills (on which the slaty hydraulic limestone crops out
-192. ff.), coming up pretty close to the bank, which is timbered
with Walnut and Sycamore--trees not common in the interior in
this region. Yellow Creek, which at its heads is remarkable
for the width of its bottom, possesses but a very narrow one in the
lower portion of its course. The hills immediately bordering on
the bottom, which have gentle slopes, are quite fertile; but as we
recede from the creek, Pine Hills set in.
The heads of Yellow Creek generally possess wide and fertile bottoms,
256
[1530, 531
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
timbered with a fine growth of White, Water, Willow and Chestnut White
Oak, "Poplar," Sweet Gum, Hornbeam, and Birch. Large Cypress is found in
the lower portion of the course. The ridges intervening between the several
forks of Yellow Creek, however, are poor Pine Hills, cultivated chiefly in the
minor bottoms and hollows.-The same is true in reference to the lands on
Indian Creek. In the region around, and S. and S. W. of Eastport, to the M.
& C. R. R., the surface of the country is very pebbly, and the hillsides come
down quite abruptly into the valleys. There are occasionally tracts of good
loam uplands in this hilly region, but they are generally small, and cultivation
is mainly confined to the bottoms and their slopes-Pine, Post Oak and Black
Jack forming the prevalent timber, with which, where the land is of better.
quality, the Spanish ("Red") and (true) Red Oak mingle. The slaty hydraulic
limestone of this region (192) might, when burnt, be profitably used as a
fertilizer on the loam soils. A great deal of good pine timber still exists in this
region; and plenty of fuel, for the manufacture of hydraulic cement, could be
obtained.
530. The lands of the immediate Bear Creek valley are very
fine, and produce abundant crops of corn and cotton. The Pine
Hills themselves, as we approach Bear Creek, become less broken
and more fertile; generally (especially in S. W. Tishomingo) we
find on the W. side of the creek a level or gently undulating tract,
or terrace, elevated 30 or 40 feet above the water, which often
comes up to the very banks of the stream; where there is a steep
descent.
The timber, as before stated, is singularly various; chiefly Oaks-Spanish
("Red"), Water, Red, Black, Post, Black Jack and Chestnut White Oak, Sweet
Gum, "Poplar," Dogwood, Pine, and occasionally some Red Cedar--all grow
together harmoniously, the soil being quite fertile. The same feature extends,
more or less, to its tributaries also. On the pebbly ridges, however, Pine, Post
Oak and Black Jack alone prevail.
On Cedar Creek (Ala.), and on the waters of Mackay's Creek, where the hard
siliceous sandstone of the Carboniferous (¶88, ff.; 96) prevails, the timber is
remarkably sparse and generally small; and the rocky Pine Hills are very poor.
On the main Mackay's Creek, as well as on the heads of Little Brown's Creek,
we have some gently undulating tracts of loam lands, where the absence or
scarcity of Pine, and the good size of the Oaks, testifies to the improvement of
the soil, which nevertheless, on the higher dividing ridges, is of the Pine Hill
aspect.
531. For the rest, almost all the territory covered by the deep
green tint in Tishomingo, embracing the heads of Yellow Creek,
the E. heads of the Tuscumbia River, and those of Big Brown's
Creek down to the line between townships 5 and 6, is of the Pine
Hill character, as above described--with narrow, though fertile
bottoms, and sandy ridge soils which not unfrequently, however,
possess a good loam subsoil. and are susceptible of good improve-
ment. Southward of the line mentioned, the higher points of the
ridges only are of the Pine Hill character, while the slopes (on
lower Big Brown's, Twenty Mile, Mackay's Creek, etc ), which are
but gently undulating, bear a fine growth prevalently of Spanish
Oak and Hickory, with which the other upland Oaks mingle more
or less. Though not first class lands, these soils, which are
generally light, are quite productive and well adapted to every
improvement (T111; 140).
T532, 533, 534, 535] EAST ITAWAMBA-TOMBIGBEE VALLEY. 257
532. East Itawamba, beyond the wide and fertile bottom of the
Tombigbee (unfortunately subject to annual overflows), is very
much broken and possesses a sandy, inferior soil, of the Pine Hill
character, which is often remarkable for its deep orange-red tint.
Occasionally there are tracts possessing a surface covering of
good loam soil; and the bottom, though narrow, as well as the
slopes towards them, have soils of good quality, which are not as
sandy as might be expected, in consequence of the streams cutting
their channels, not unfrequently, into the clays ("soapstones") of
the Eutaw Group (¶101).
The bottoms of Bull Mountain, Hurricane Creek, etc., are wide, heavily
timbered and very fertile; their bottom soils contain a great deal of bog ore or
“black gravel” (¶387, ff.). On the dividing ridge, in the fork of the Tombigbee
and Bull Mountain, we find quite a fertile red loam, timbered with large Post,
Spanish ("Red"), Scarlet ("Spanish"), Red, and sometimes Black and White
Oak, with Hickory and usually some sturdy Short-leaf Pine. South of the
Bull Mountain, as we approach Smithville, the country becomes level and there
begins the extensive flat or second bottom, which skirts the Tombigbee on the
east, with a width of from two to six miles, down to the Alabama line; while
in North-east Monroe, we observe the character of the hilly country adjoining
this flat on the east, to be the same as in East Itawamba.
533. EAST MONROE, AND VALLEY OF THE TOMBIGBEE.-The
portion of Monroe county lying between the flat or hommock of the
Tombigbee, and Sipsie and Buttahatchie Creeks, is generally hilly
and broken (as indicated on the profile, Fig. 2, Pl. I.), and its
northern portion, as has been stated, differs little from the Pine
Hills region of East Itawamba; the creek bottoms, though fertile
are narrow, and it is but occasionally that in the uplands, small
tracts of good loam soil are found.
The land gradually improves, however, as we advance southward, Pine
becomes less frequent, and the ridges broader. Eastward of Athens, the main
dividing ridge between the waters of the Tombigbee and Buttahatchie, is a
kind of plateau or table land, possessing a fine mellow soil resembling in aspect
the yellow loam land of the Pontotoc Ridge (see below, T562), and forming
some considerable bodies of good farming land, which is already well settled.
The loam stratum is not very thick, however, and being underlaid by loose
sands, it "caves" and washes away badly on the hillsides (on which extensive
gullies are often formed), though otherwise possessing, to a considerable extent,
the advantage of being underdrained by the pervious sands. On the slopes or
rather, the spurs of the main ridge, however, the Pine Hill character is prevalent,
and rocky knolls not unfrequently appear perched on the ridges (¶11, 12).
534. With the extreme south-east portion of Monroe, and north-east Lowndes,
I am thus far unacquainted. The bottoms of the Sipsie and Buttahatchie are
wide, heavily timbered, and possess a rather light, fertile soil, bearing chiefly
Beech, "Poplar," Sweet Gum, Black Gum, Shell-bark and other Hickories.
The slopes towards these bottoms are mostly gravelly (T18), and springs with
freestone water are generally abundant.
5:35. The hommock which, south of the Itawamba line, skirts
the Tombigbee on the east (while on the west side it is usually
bordered by high hills or bluffs), generally possesses a rather light
soil, underlaid by a pale yellow loam subsoil, which is some-
what heavier, but commonly at the depth of a few feet, is underlaid
R-17
258
[¶536, 537, 538
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
by yellow sand or gravel; the latter being always reached at a
depth of fifteen to twenty feet, at which a good supply of freestone
water (generally brought up by sweeps), is obtained. The surface
of this hommock, which slopes off gradually into the bottom proper,
is almost perfectly level to the eye; here and there, however,
limited ridges composed of gravel, pebbles, or "Orange Sand,"
stand out in the plain like islands-prominent instances of which
may be observed on the road from Aberdeen to Columbus on the
east side of the river; while small patches of the same kind are
found more or less all over the region (342).
The soil is generally fertile, and well suited to both cotton and corn; in some
points where (as near Columbus) it is very sandy and gravelly, it will at least
bring fine sweet potatoes. It may, as a general thing, be considered as being
naturally underdrained; though in some localities the loam stratum is too
thick to allow the water to subside readily into the underlying sand and gravel.
The timber is various; throughout, the Bottom Pine (P. taeda) and Dogwood
are very prominent; near Smithville, these are accompanied by Black Jack,
Post, Spanish ("Red") and Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak; lower down, as between
Athens and Aberdeen, the Chesnut White Oak, Sweet Gum, Black Gum, and
(upland) Hickories prevail largely. As we approach the river, the timber
gradually assumes somewhat more of the bottom character, and Cypress, Tupelo,
Hackberry, Shell-bark Hickory, Ash, etc., appear. The region is, thus far, not
nearly as much settled as its fertility and easy cultivation would seem to war-
rant, in consequence, it is said, of the prevalence of fevers-which will, no doubt,
disappear in due course of time, as has been the case elsewhere.
536. In Lowndes county, where the wide bottoms of the Buttahatchie and
Looxapalila join the Tombigbee flat, it occupies a very large area on the east side
of the river. On the west (or right) side of the river, however, this soil occurs
but sparingly-only where large and sudden bends occur. As a general thing,
the Tombigbee is skirted on the west side, either on, or at no great distance from,
the bank, by high, sandy hills, whose lower portion consists of the greenish mica-
ceous sand of the Tombigbee Sand Group (¶108), while the upper consists of
Orange Sand or, in a few instances, of the Rotten Limestone of the prairies
(106). Usually there intervenes between the latter and ti e river, a tract of high
and hilly sandy land, some miles in width, which in some regions (Aberdeen)
possesses a fertile loam soil, in others (between Aberdeen and Columbus) consists
of Black Jack and Post Oak ridges, from which there is a gradual transition,
through yellow loam uplands, to the prairies proper.
537. The west side of the Tombigbee in South Itawamba is generally occupied
by Pine Hills or Post Oak ridges, for several miles from the river; beyond, the
country gradually assumes the character of the lands on lower Big Brown's
Creek (see above, ¶531) and then passes into the "White Lime Country." The
same transition occurs in north-east Itawamba-the agricultural features being,
as will be perceived, pretty correctly indicated by the lines of the geological
formations. As regards the occurrence and use of natural fertilizers in the
regions just described, the reader is referred to the Geological Report (¶140,
and General Part of the Agricultural Report (T450).
ff.)
538. WHITE LIME COUNTRY" OF TISHOMINGO AND ITAWAMBA.
This region, indicated on the map (like the Prairie region proper)
by a yellowish-green tint, and underlaid by the Rotten Limestone
or its equivalents (T116, ff.), comprises the best lands of both coun-
ties, and is characterised by a gently undulating surface, and soils
prevalently heavy (and to a great extent calcareous), from which
the Pine is absent (except sometimes near its borders, on higher
T539, 540]
((
THE WHITE LIME COUNTRY".
259
sandy ridges), while Oaks, and prominently among these the Post,
Red ("Black") and Black Spanish ("Red") and Black Jack Oak,
form the timbers of the yellow loam uplands, mixed, most usually,
with some Hickory, wherever the limy strata are not very near to
the surface. Where these are so near as to influence the soil
directly, we have either black (or sometimes "bald"-) prairie soils,
or their intermixture with the loam soil-"Mahogany soils"-or,
at times, a very stiff, pale greenish-yellow clay soil, constituting
the "Beeswax Hommocks," which are timbered exclusively with
middle sized Black Jack-representing, apparently, the "Hog-
wallow" soils of the Central Prairie Region (T746).
3. As for the black prairie soil, it rarely occurs in tracts of
any great extent within the two counties before us, north of Old
Town Creek; except in some bottoms, where the Rotten Limestone
is only a few feet underground. Otherwise, it usually appears in
patches of a few acres on the hillsides (as also does the "Bald-
prairie soil"), the tops or plateaux being occupied by yellow loam,
and the soils of the minor valleys and hollows formed by a mixture
of the two.
Hence, wherever the surface is somewhat undulating, a very great variety of
soils is often produced within very narrow limits. The Honey Locust, Wild Plum
and Crab Apple, generally mark the spots where, in the uplands, the soil is either
of the black or bald prairie character; while in the bottoms, in addition to these,
the Sycamore, Mulberry, Black Walnut, Ash and "Poplar," and here and there a
Cottonwood, are seen; the Chesnut White, or Basket Oak, is also common. The
great abundance of Red Bud and Pawpaw in the bottoms, and the beautiful, tall
green columns formed by the American Ivy,* not only on living trees, but no
less on the blackened stumps in the fields, which elsewhere mar the landscape,
also strike the traveler when approaching this region from the Pine Hills of the
Hatchie or Tuscumbia. Next to this, he will become acquainted with the fact
that springs are almost entirely wanting in this region, and that therefore the
creeks are without flowing water during the greater portion of the year (unless
heading beyond, in the Pine Hills); and that commonly, either cisterns, or deep
bored wells with limy water, supply the place of the natural sources (125, 157).
540. At Farmington, and north and north-west of the same, we
have an almost level tract of very fertile lands, whose soil is of the
yellow loam character, easily tilled, and timbered chiefly with large,
stout Post Oaks, whose trunks, as on the prairies, almost invaria-
bly curve to one side; with it occur similarly stout and well-
conditioned Black and Spanish ("Red") Oaks. The soil is deep,
and would no doubt be greatly benefitted by the clay marls (T118;
141) which in this region, are generally twenty to twenty-five feet
underground in the uplands, but may probably be had access to
*It is a great pity that this beautiful creeper (Ampelopsis hederacea), from a
very superficial resemblance to the Poison Ivy (Rhus toxicodendron), should be so.
little appreciated (not to say shunned) as an ornamental vine in its native land.
In Europe it is highly esteemed, and almost throughout Germany the railroad
depots have been beautified by arbors and trellises covered with this plant. It
can never be mistaken for the Poison Oak or [vy, when it is simply recollected
that the latter always has only THREE leaves or leaflets on each leaf-stalk, while
the Virginia Creeper, which is perfectly innocuous, has FIVE of these.
260
[1541, 542, 543
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
more easily in the bottoms, in which the soil sometimes assumes a
prairie character. Black and bald prairie are said to set in
shortly after crossing the Tennessee line, north of this region. At
Corinth the heavy clay marls, as may be observed in the Railroad
cuts, are much nearer the surface, and the soil is correspondingly
heavier. The country between Corinth and Chawalla is more
'undu'ating than the lands near Farmington, and although produc-
tive, its soil is not equal, on the whole, to that of the latter, its
growth of timber being also inferior, and on the ridges, disposed
to be scrubby. The Tuscumbia bottom is wide and fertile, but
overflows.
541. South of the Tuscumbia, in the fertile regions about Kossuth
and Danville, we have frequent alternations of the yellow loam soil
on the uplands, with spots of prairie on the hillsides and in the
bottoms.
.66
Here, as elsewhere, the washings from the loam and sand hills often greatly
improve the heavy prairie soil, rendering it safer, and forming the thrifty
mahogany" soils. Where the loam stratum is sufficiently thick, so as to allow
of this washing without penetrating the loam into the Orange Sand, advantage
may be taken of this circumstance, since the loam appears to be equally rich in
its whole mass, and a new soil is readily formed on the washed surfaces; but
the washes must not be allowed to penetrate into the reddish hard-pan under-
lying the loam, which cannot serve as a soil. In general, wherever an intermix-
ture of the two soils can be conveniently effected, it ought to be done. The
marls of the region (such as that on the Parmee chee (T118), and at other points
on the creeks) will undoubtedly be of great service on the yellow loam uplands,
in which deep tillage is found to be highly effectual.
542. In TT. 1 and 2, R. 6 E., pine ridges divide the waters of
the Hatchie and Tuscumbia, the line given on the map running very
nearly on their eastern slope, e. g, near Bone Yard. In the S. W.
part of T. 3, and W. half of T. 4, however, gently undulating oak
uplands form a dividing plateau, whose timber-Post, Black Jack
and Spanish ("Red") Oaks, with Hickory-seems to indicate a
fair soil, although thus far it is but thinly settled-perhaps on
account of the scarcity of water, which can, however, be remedied
by bored wells.
Further east, near, and south of Rienzi, the country is essentially the same as
near Danville, and as described in the general remarks on the region (¶538)—
the black prairie soil, as well as the bald prairies, being on the whole more
frequent near the eastern than the western border of the belt; and the same
features continue, with little variation, to Old Town Creek, in Pontotoc and
Itawamba, so that to describe every portion of this tract would involve contin-
ual repetition. The conntry around Richmond and Ellistown is a copy of that
near Rienzi, only that in general, as we advance southward, the prairie soil
appears more frequently, and in larger patches, until, after crossing Old Town
Creek in Pontotoc, we find in the "Chickasaw Old Fields" (121) the begin-
ning of the prairies proper, which set in inforce on the Chiwapa, Tallabinela
and Luckatubby, in the south-east corner of Pontotoc county.
543. On the eastern border of the prairie or "White Lime Country" belt (as
near Carrollville, Richmond, etc.), we generally notice rather a gradual transition
of the gently undulating, yellow loam uplands, into the sandy soils or Pine Hills
before described; and while in North-east Tippah we meet pretty suddenly the
1544, 545]
ITAWAMBA-PRAIRIE REGION.
261
Hatchie Hills, in South-east Tippah, and Pontotoc, we mostly find the fertile
hilly lands and highly colored soils of the Pontotoc Ridge, distinctly marking
the western outline of the "prairie country." In South-west Itawamba, east of
Old Town Creek, the creek bottoms are remarkably wide, not of a prairie char-
acter, but timbered largely with Willow and Water Oak, and possessing a
fertile, easily tilled soil. We here find also at the western border of the sandy
region (e. g., near Borland, P. O.), a belt of "beeswax hommocks" (closely
resembling those of the eastern portion of the Pontotoc Ridge opposite) whose
soil is formed from a very clayey variety of the Rotten Limestone, which often
crops out on the hillsides. South ward of this point, however, the "beeswax
hommock" soil is not often seen, and the soils of the prairie region usually
become lighter, as we approach the eastern border.
514. THE PRAIRIE REGION PROPER.-The surface configuration
and general features of this territory have of necessity been dis-
cussed, to a great extent, in the Geological Report, under the head
of the Rotten Limestone Group (T116, ff.), to which place I
refer the reader for the chief points, while giving more specially,
in this place, such observations as the limited examination which
its soils have thus far received, has enabled me to make.
The prairies proper-level, or very gently undulating tracts,
possessing a deep black, heavy soil, on which timber is very much
scattered or altogether wanting-form, as has been stated, belts, or
series of disconnected patches, having on the whole, a north and
south course; and are interspersed with tracts of a more rolling
surface, mostly with a shallow, pale, light soil, timbered with the
common upland Oaks--Spanish ("Red"), Post, Black Jack, and
sometimes Red and Black ("Black") and Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak-
which, though usually perhaps of average fertility, is sometimes
absolutely poor, as may be gathered from the scrubby, stunted
growth it then bears; the productiveness varying, it appears, very
nearly in proportion to the approach of the Rotten Limestone to
the surface. Here, we find not unfrequently, where these uplands
slope off toward the creek bottoms, "hommock" lands, increasing
in fertility as we descend, and in the bottoms themselves (where
the white rock is only a few feet underground), passing into black
prairie soil, differing little from that on the ridges; though, per-
haps, in general it is somewhat lighter, and richer in vegetable
matter.
545. The character of the soil of the cretaceous prairies has been repeatedly
referred to (116; 336, ff.; Gen. Agr. Rept.). It is a very heavy clay soil, of a dark
tint, and possessing a pale, dirty greenish-yellow subsoil, of equal or greater
heaviness, underlaid, at a depth of three to ten feet (on the prairies of Monroe
and Chickasaw) by the Rotten Limestone. The soil is sometimes without
timber of any kind, but usually bears clumps at least, of Crab Apple, Wild
Plum, Honey Locust, and Persimmon. These mostly occur even on the "bald
prairies," where the rock is so close to the surface that its admixture to the
Boil is evident to the eye; while whenever the soil and subsoil are of greater
thickness, isolated Black Jacks and Post Oaks, of a stout growth and peculiar
form (the Black Jacks with a round, close top; the Post Oaks with a stout,
On the regu-
rapidly tapering trunk and very dense, rounded top), also occur.
lar "black prairie," the color of the soil exhibits little change for twelve to
eighteen inches; and sometimes an admixture of vegetable matter is perceptible
262
546, 547, 548
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
even to the depth of three feet-which in the bottom prairie soils, is quite usual.
Lower down we find the stratum of a uniform tint (see above), down to the
surface of the Rotten Limestone.
5 6. Towards the edges of the black prairie, the black soil
becomes shallower, the pale, greenish subsoil approaches the 'sarface,
and finally reaching it. forms the "Black Jack prairie," which
generally skirts the prairie proper, and possesses a soil resembling
that of the "beeswax hommocks" further north. By degrees this
soil passes over into the lighter soils of the oak uplands.
I have not yet analyzed the soil of the Black Jack prairie; it is evidently,
however, of the same origin as the prairie soil an1 subsoil propзr, anl probably
differs from the latter essentially in the smaller proportions of the Rotten Lime-
stone which it contains-the rock being too far unlergroun1 to have contributel
essentially towards its formation. It is. therefore, highly probible, that if this
defect were remelied by murling it with the rock, or the lime made therefrom,
and a proper amount of vegetable matter introduced, the yellow clay soil of the
Black Jack prairies could be made to resemble very closely, in its properties,
the true black prairie soil.
547. As regards the composition of the latter, I have to regret having been
unable to complete the analysis, already begun, of a specimen from the prairie
belt of Monroe county. I shall give, however, such determinations as have been
made, together with the complete analysis of its under-subsoil.
No. 172. MONROE PRAIRIE SOIL.-From the prairie on the Pikeville and
Aberdeen road, S. 20, T. 14, R. 6 E.
Depth: Eight inches.
Vegetation: Large, sturdy Post Oak and Black Jack, scattered.
Color, dark gray when dry, black when wet. The soil, in washing with
warm water, yielded 2.1 per cent. of smooth, round concretions of Iron Ore,
from the size of buckshot down to that of a Poppy-seed (336), together with
a little sharp, white sand.
Siturated with moisture at 67. 1 deg. Fahr., it lost 10.535 per cent. of water
at 400 deg. Fahr.
The soil thus dried lost, by ignition, Organic Mitter anl Water 6 091 per cent.
548. The immediate subsoil at this point, though also sampled, has not as yet
received any examination, the object of the following analysis being to ascertain
the agricultural value of the average mass of the whole stratum.
{
No. 173. MONROE PRAIRIE UNDER-SUBSOIL.--Locality: Same as the pre-
ceding.
Depth at which taken : Three feet. Color, a dirty greenish-yellow. Forms
an exceedingly tough paste when wet, but like the surface soil, crumbles in
drying.
The same kind and quantity of iron ore concretions as in the preceding, were
washed out of this subsoil. Situratel with moisture at 67.1 deg. Fahr., it lost
12.821 per cent. of water at 400 deg. Fahr., dried at which temperature it
consisted of:
$549, 550]
MONROE PRAIRIE SOIL.
Insoluble Matter..
...71.539
Potash....
0 542
Soda..
0.230
Lime..
1.075
Magnesia...
0.771
Brown Oxide of Manganese..
0046
Peroxide of Iron.
Alumina...
Phosphoric Acid...
Sulphuric Acid..
5.419
·
•
..13 153
0.051
0.036
Organic Matter and Water.
6.992
99.945
263
This underclay is undoubtedly poorer in the nutritive ingredients of plants,
than the higher portions of the stratum, in which they have accumulated from
the vegetation of many years, being, at the same time, tenaciously retained by
the heavy surface soil. The latter probably approaches nearer, in composition,
to the soil of the tertiary prairie (T744). The composition of the above subsoil
is still, however, that of a good average soil, and suggests at once the importance
of affording the roots of plants as much opportunity as possible to penetrate
deeply into the soil; the more so as the large amount of alumina which in this
instance pissed into solution (comoare in this respect the analysis of the equally
clayey Heavy Flatwoods Soil, ¶571) seems to indicate that the ingredients con-
tained are, through the action of the lime in the mass (¶437, 445), to a great
extent in an available condition.
54. While it would be premature to attempt to discuss more
specially the relations of the soil and subsoil of the prairies, until
further analyses shall have been made, the data already obtained
are sufficient to give some important hints concerning the cultiva-
tion of the prairie soils of the region before us. They are almost
throughout very heavy soils, and what has been said in general
regarding these (4021, ff.), applies pre-eminently to the prairies of
N. E. Mississippi. Unlike the heavy Flatwoods soil, however, the
prairie soil and subsoil, when they dry after a thorough wetting,
crumble into small fragments, so that, on a sunny day, one unac-
quainted with the nature of the soil might suppose that the crumbly
or powdery soil before him was of quite a light character. The
cause of this property seems, to some extent, to lie in the lime
contained in the soil, for it is observed to exist in most of
the calcareous clays of the State (T203; 281), and causes the
formation, by the roadsides in the prairies, of deep washes, which
otherwise one is accustomed to see only in sandy soils.
1
550. Like most heavy soils in their natural condition, those of the prairies are
now considered uns fe; i. e., crops suffer very severely by every extreme of wet
or dry, and it is difficult to obtain a "stan ", if the season is at all extreme. The
peculiarity above mentioned viz: that of crumbling readily whenever a change
from wet to dry occurs, is pre-eminently favorable to the correction of the prairie
soils in this respect; for it is evident that proper drainage is all that is required
to render the soil safe against the ordinary vicissitudes of the seasons. The
advantages derived from the underdrainage of clay soils (409, 410) will be
comparatively of easy attainment in the prairies. So soon as, by this improve-
ment, we enable the roots of our crops to penetrate to where the prairie crawfish
keeps up an unfailing supply of water during the dryest seasons, we shall not
264
[¶551, 552, 553
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
have much reason to fear the latter; while it will enable us to plow at the proper::
time, without fear of working the soil into brick-bats. For there are few soils
more severely injured by wet plowing, and also, be it remembered, by the tramp-
ling of cattle, than are those of the prairies. As regards the latter, there are
few cases probably in which the feed obtained and the dung dropped by the
cattle, can compensate for the injury done to the soil by turning in stock,
especially during a wet spell.
551. Drainage, therefore, will undoubtedly serve to correct
essentially the physical properties of the prairie soil, while at the
same time, it will afford the crop an opportunity of seeking its
nourishment within a wider range, in the fertile subsoil; thus
restoring to fertility, for the time being, those soils which, after a
series of years' severe cropping, have "now given out. Deep
plowing will, of course, itself be a considerable step towards the
attainment of the same benefits, and is to be greatly recommended
throughout the prairies. The use of the Rotten Limestone as a
marl (142), especially in connection with green crops, will also
benefit essentially the exhausted soils. Yet it must be recollected,
that all these means combined are no talisman against ultimate
exhaustion, if the fundamental maxim of the maintenance of fertility
(488, ff.) be violated; and that the prairies as well as the Missis-
sippi Bottom will give out, if their soil is continually drafted upon
without return.
552. Bald Prairies.-A large supply of vegetable matter seems to
have proved the best remedy against the diseases which crops
grown on this soil are subject to; they may be considered, in fact, as
soils having received an overdressing of marl (T460). Wherever
practicable, the intermixture of the bald-prairie soil with those of
the yellow loam character, ought to be favored.
553. Prairie Uplands of Kemper and Noxubee.-In N. E. Kemper
and the adjoining portions of Noxubee, there is within the prairie
region a great variety of soils. The prairie soil proper occurs
only in patches, on hillsides or in depressions, where the limestone
approaches the surface, and not unfrequently forms small bald
prairies also very similarly as in Tishomingo (T438). The black
prairie soil here, however, contains a good deal of coarse sand,
and differs from most of those further N., in that it frequently rusts
cotton very badly, while producing splendid crops of corn and
wheat. In point of vegetation, these prairie patches resemble the
"Chickasaw Old Fields" of Pontotoc (1121); the limestone,
however, is not generally so near to the surface.
On the higher ridges there often prevails a very heavy, dark orange colored
soil, preserving very nearly the same appearance for 2 to 6 feet, where it is
underlaid by the Rotten Limestone. Its natural timber is short, sturdy Post
Oak and Black Jack. Gov. J. J. Pettus, on whose plantation, among others,
this soil occurs, states that it produces fine wheat and also good cotton, which
does not grow high but bolls very well; and that, moreover, when it is mingled
with the black or bald prairie soils, it prevents their rusting cotton. Since this
soil occupies the ridges and is, therefore, easily transported to the prairie beneath
it, this observation may in many cases be turned to practical advantage. Its
¶554, 555, 556] UPLANDS OF KEMPER-EAST TIPPAH.
265
chief defect appears to be the lack of vegetable matter, which can, of course, be-
supplied to it by means of green crops.
554. The soil of the level or greatly undulating uplands of the region, is
formed by a rather light and sanly, yellow loam, timbered with a good growth
of Post, Spanish ("Red") and Red (“Black”) Oak, and Hickory. It is a fair-
soil for corn, wheat and oats, an1 will generally for some years produce good
cotton also; it is in general, however, considered inferior to the soils previously
mentioned. It does not appear to redeem the promise held out by its timber,
owing perhaps to shallow tillage. Its vegetation would seem to indicate that it
would be benefitted by the use of the Rotten Limestone as a marl. In one.
instance where this was attempted (by J. M. Jones, Esq., S. E. of Wahalak),
no notable effect seemed to result therefrom; a single experiment, however,
cannot decide the question, and it would be well worth while to repeat it at
other points.-Intermixtures of the three primary varieties of soils just
mentioned, are, of course, abundant, and produce excellent soils of intermediate-
character; in some points, soils closely resembling the "Marshall county Table
Lands" (T616) appear..
555. Between Wahalak Creek and the Flatwoods, e. g., near the plantation of
W. W. Beck, Esq., we find a level country interspersed with prairie spots, and
timbered essentially like the upland soil last referred to, with the addition of
Short-leaf Pine, and, in the branch bottoms, the common White Oak. It is
somewhat heavier than that of the uplands E. of Wahalak Creek, and produces
cotton well; it is obviously very deficient in vegetable matter. Mr. Beck has
experienced fine effects from the use on it of the Rotten Limestone marl; and
the fact that cotton grows luxuriantly wherever the prairie soil mixes with that
of these uplands, seems to point to the propriety of using in their improvement,
the material from which the former derives most of its active ingredients..
Where the marl requires to be hauled to a considerable distance, it may in many
cases be found advantageous to diminish the cost of transportation as well as
the quantity required for a dressing, by previous burning (147 to 149).
As to the means of preventing the rusting of cotton in the prairie soils of
this region, it is to be hoped that they will be developed by analysis.
556. EAST TIPPAH.-The general character of the Pontotoc
Ridge (embracing the greater portion of the territory of the
Ripley Group, see map) has been described in the Geological
Report (1128 to 130, 137). It is, however, only the southern and
western portion of that territory as laid down on the map, which
is thus characterized; the greater part of the country watered by
the Hatchie being of a very different aspect, and consisting chiefly
of broken “Pine Hills" (4272). In N. Tippah, therefore, the
lands bearing, more or less distinctly, the character of the Pon-
totoc Ridge, are confined to a narrow band, only a few miles in
width, between the pine lands of the Flatwoods Region (1591) on
Muddy Creek on one side, and those of the Hatchie on the other.
The road from Ripley to Pocahontas runs almost in the middle of the fertile-
belt, for the greater part of the distance to the State line (T134); yet even on
this route we occasionally meet a pine ridge, and Pines are in sight, from time to
time, on either side. E. of the Hatchie, in TT. 1 and 2, RR. 5 and 6 E., the
character of the Pine Hills is rather exceptional, the Post Oak and Black Jack,
elsewhere commonly occurring, being, to a great extent, replaced by White
Oak. This, as well as the frequent appearance of Hickory on the hills, would.
seem to indicate a better soil than usually accompanies the other oaks; yet the
region is very thinly settled, and cultivated only in the narrow bottoms.
Further S., the Pine Hills resume their usual growth of Short-leaf Pine, Black
Jack and Post Oak, with scattered Chestnuts; the ground being occupied by
266
[1557, 558, 559
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
the "Devils Shoe-string" (Tephrosia Virginica), Grasses (Andropogon) and
Fern (Pteris aquilina), and at the proper season, rendered quite showy by various
flowers of the Sunflower tribe (Rudbeckia hirta, Coreopsis lanceolata, Silphium,
etc.).
557. Between the two forks of the Hatchie, in TT. 3, 4 and N. W. 4 T. 5,
R. 5 E., the country is mostly of the same character-very hilly and broken,
soil very sandy and thin, and timbered as above, with the addition of the Rock
Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinos monticola), which is of rare occurrence elsewhere;
some of the highest elevations in the State, probably, occur here (3) on the
high Orange Sand ridges, which are frequently capped with ledges of ferruginous
sandstone (T11 ff; 57). Towards the W. fork, however, the land gradually
improves, and after crossing it, the country assumes, within 5 miles E. of Ripley,
the character of the region S. of the latter place.-I. is noticeable that in TT. 4
and 5 especially, the "Poplar" and other lime-loving trees frequently appear in
the ravines and on the hillsides, as well as in the bottom of the Hatchie itself
(which is very fertile, but subject to overflow). It is quite likely, therefore,
that at many points, the marls, of the Ripley Group (¶143) are near to the
surface; and such as that occurring on the bluff of a creek near Kellum's mill,
on Hatchie (134), would prove highly beneficial to the poor soils of the region.
The black clays of the lower Hatchie, however, are useless for that purpose
(134).
55%. Further S., between the heads of the Hatchie and Talla-
hatchie, the extreme Pine Hill character is gradually lost, the
country becomes less broken, the soil less sandy, and the other
upland Oaks gradually mingle with the Black Jack and Post Oak,
while the Pine becomes less frequent.
Such is the character of the country near Molino, where some of the uplands
produce 500 to 700, others 900 to 1000 lbs. of seed-cotton per acre.
But as we
advance southward, after crossing Wilhite's Creek, we enter fully upon the
fertile lands of the Pontotoc Ridge (the "Buncombes"), which here adjoin, on
the W., level or gently undulating uplands timbered chiefly with sturdy Post
Oak and Hickory, and here styled "Flatwoods"-which are underlaid by the
Rotten Limestone (S. E. 14, T. 6, R. 6 E.), and form the transition from the
lands of the Ridge proper, to those of the "White Lime Country (538).
Similar, fertile lands skirt the latter on the W., in T. 5, near Dry Run P. O., or
Jumpertown, where excellent marls seem to occur (¶135); which thus far,
however, in that immediate neighborhood, have only been found in wells. The
high ridges W. of Blackland (120) are covered chiefly with a rich Oak growth,
mixed with " Poplar” and Locust; bluish marl of fine quality is found in the
gullies (e. g., at the "Big Hill", S. 18, T. 5, R. 6 E). Only the highest ridges
sometimes bear a few Pines, on knolls covered with brown sandstone.
559. SOUTH TIPPAH AND THE PONTOTOC RIDGE.-The narrow
belt of fertile land underlaid by marl beds, which extends north-
ward from Ripley (556), bears essentially the same character as
S. Tippah, E. of the Flatwoods and W. of the Hatchie Hills. A
more or less undulating, sometimes hilly surface, with a deep
mellow loam soil bearing a rich Oak growth, interspersed more or
less with Hickory, and frequently also bearing the "Poplar" and
Walnut, characterize the first class lands of the region, whose
permanent fertility is insured by the abundant beds of marl (¶143, ff.),
and glauconitic limestones (153), so easily accessible. Where the
Oak growth becomes lank and thin, and a great deal of Scarlet
("Spanish") Oak mixes with it, the soil is often inferior on the sur-
face, but everywhere possesses a fine subsoil. Long spurs of pine
T560, 561, 562]
PONTOTOC RIDGE.
207
ridges sometimes extend into this region, forming large scollops,
and sometimes almost cutting off from the main body minor tracts
of fertile soil.
560. "The Buncombes".-Near the southern border of the county,
in T. 6, RR. 3 and 4 E., we find, included mainly between Wilhite's
and King's Creek, the singular soil of the "Buncombes"-a red
sandy loam deeply tinged with iron, and filled with smooth, shining,
brown pebbles, of a rounded shape (T336), to such an extent that,
to the uninitiated, the soil in many points looks unpromising in the
highest degree, and almost too stony for tillage. Yet these
uplands bear a vigorous growth of Oaks, Hickory, "Poplar",
Black Walnut, Umbrella-Tree (Magnolia auriculata), Locust
(Robinia), etc., and will yield, with little trouble, 60 to 80 bushels
of corn, and more than a bale of cotton per acre; arded to all
of which, it "wears well", and will be easily resuscitated by
means of the greensand marls which abound in the region (T135,
136; 144). conjointly with the use of the subsoil plow.
561. "Red Lands".-These ferruginous, concretionary pebbles
characterize. more or less, all the first class uplands, and more
especially the "Red Lands" of the Pontotoc Ridge. although they
are not often found of so large a size as in the "Buncombes," but
vary from that of a poppy-seed to that of a buckshot, as in the
prairies (336; 517). They are frequently not observable in the
surface soil. but may very generally be noticed in the subsoil. The
loam stratum which forms the latter is often of considerable
thickness from 6 to 10 feet on the ridges, and of a deep orange,
or "red" tint.
From its mellowness, it is disposed to wash badly unless protected; but the
great fertility even of the lowest portions of the subsoil may be readily judged
of by the luxuriant growth of weeds which covers the sides of these "red
washes", so soon as by exposure to the atmosphere for some time (fallowing-
The same effect, of course,
1357) they have been sufficiently stimulated.
would follow the use of the calcareous marls so commonly accessible on the
Ridge, or of the lime burnt from the "bored limestone", which, as has been
stated (¶153), is far superior to the purest lime, for agricultural purposes.
Deep culture, therefore, both for the purpose of bringing up the fertile subsoil,
and for the prevention of washing; and the use of the calcareous manures of
the region (if possible conjointly with vegetable matter, in which most of the
soils of the Ridge are deficient), will long be sufficient to maintain the productive-
ness of these soils; among whose advantages is, also, a great capacity for
resisting extremes of wet and drouth, which would be increase 1 by the further
addition of lime (443).
""
562.
Mulatto Soils."-Of course there is, within the class of
soils thus generally characterized, a considerable number of varie-
ties which, for the reasons given (15272). have not as yet received
special consideration. Besides the extreme "red lands" character,
in which the deep-tinted surface soil often contains but a trace of
vegetable matter (T424), one of the most frequent, and most
esteemed kinds of land is the "mulatto soil" of the western portion
of the Ridge.
268
[1563
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
The surface soil of this character, from 8 to 12 inches in depth, is generally
of a light chocolate tint, its subsoil pale orange-yellow above, but becoming
deeper tinted, and more like the "red lands" subsoil, as we go deeper. A
specimen of this kind of soil is the only one of the soils of the Pontotoc Ridge
of which I have as yet been able to make a (partial) analysis.
No. 226. "MULATTO SOIL" from Stephen Dagett's land, S. 33, T. 10, R. 3 E.,
Pontotoc county.
Depth: Ten inches.
Vegetation: Spanish ("Red"), Black and Post Oak, Hickory--all large and
stout trees; some Black Gum, Sweet Gum, and Black Walnut.
Color when moist, a light chocolate tint.
Mellow, easily tilled.
The airdried soil lost 3.663 per cent. of moisture at 400 deg. Fahr., dried at
which temperature it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter..
Potash..
.90.572
1.096
Soda..
0.423
Lime..
0.178
Peroxide of Iron.
2.060
Alumina...
3.555
Magnesia, Brown Oxide of Manganese Sulphuric and
Phosphoric Acids, Water and Organic Matter (determi-
nation not completed)...
2.116
100.000
The amounts of Potash and Soda shown by this analysis are unusually high
in a soil containing so much insoluble matter. The amount of Lime is not
proportionately high, and hence great benefit will no doubt. be derived from the
use of calcareous manures on this soil--which has already been experienced in
the neighborhood of Pontotoc (T153), where the same soil, or nearly so,
prevails. The ingredients not determined must be present in a fair proportion
to the rest, for the land averages 1,000 lbs. of seed-cotton, and will produce as
high as forty and more, bushels of corn.
563. There are among the soils of the Pontotoc Ridge, two
other chief varieties, which have been mentioned before (127),
viz: a heavy, yellow or greenish-yellow clay soil, timbered almost
exclusively with Black Jack, forming "beeswax hommocks "simi-
lar to those described in Itawamba (1533); and "bald prairie
hilltops," formed either by the "bored limestone" or its represen-
tative, the white calcareous sand (135); soils of this character,
and those resulting from their intermixture with the more prevalent
loam soils of the Ridge, generally bear a growth of stout, sturdy
Post Oak, with trunks curving to one side (1540), interspersed
with Crab Apple, Honey Locust, etc.
The soils of the latter kind are generally very productive, especially for corn
-they will sometimes rust cotton, but this can probably be obviated by giving
them a supply of vegetable matter.
As for the "bees wax hommock" or Black Jack soil, though probably possess-
ing a good supply of the elements of fertility, it is so stiff and intractable, as to
render its cultivation somewhat precarious, since it is severely injured both by
wet and drouth It is almost destitute of vegetable matter, and the addition
of this and of sandy marls, would probably be the first step towards its
reclamation; it has not yet, however, received sufficient attention.—There are,
of course, a great variety of intermixtures of these various soils, especially on
•
564¹, 5642, 565, 566] WATERS OF THE PRAIRIE REGION.
269
the hillsides, where it is often difficult to obtain a definite idea of the prevalent
character.
1
504'. The agricultural features of the Ridge in Chickasaw do
not differ essentially from those in Pontotoc. Even the " Buncombe "
land is represented (for instance, with a great abundance of ferru-
ginous pebbles of various sizes, in the southern portion of T. 12,
R. 3 E., near Houlka P. O); but, as we approach Houston, the
mulatto soil" becomes heavier and less deeply tinged with iron,
forming a transition into the oak uplands of the prairie region.
Al
5642. But for the brokenness of the surface, which in many
points renders inconvenient the culture of large tracts, few upland
regions in Mississippi could boast of equal agricultural advantages
with the Pontotoc Ridge generally. Nor are the comforts of life
often marred (as is the case in the prairies) by the lack or scarcity
of good water; springs being quite abundant and wells, in most
cases, easily obtained, either in the Orange Sand overlying the
marl and limestone, or else by shallow bores (seldom much exceed-
ing 150 feet) within the strata of the Cretaceous-in which case
the water, it is true, is limy, but not nearly as much, commonly,
as in the Rotten Limestone region. Not unfrequently the waters
thus obtained, which rise to within 40 to 70 feet of the surface, are
more or less sulphureous and chalybeate, the same being the case
sometimes with the natural springs; they do not often, however,
contain any notable quantity of magnesian salts Artesian bores
have not, so far as I know, as yet been attempted, although it
seems quite likely that they might succeed, especially in the W.
part of the Ridge, where the land is not very high.
565. WATERS OF THE NORTH-EASTERN PRAIRIE REGION.-Those
of the Pontotoc Ridge lands have just been referred to. In those
portions of this region which have been above described as being,
more or less, of the Pine Hill character (the territory of the
Eutaw and Tombigbee Sand Groups, and also that of the Carbo-
niferous formation--see map), there is generally little difficulty in
obtaining a good supply of water. The Orange Sand, which forms
the surface, is underlaid by the impervious strata of the other
formations, giving rise to numerous springs; wells obtain water
at moderate depths, either above the older formations, when it is
of the freestone character--or else within the latter, when it is
often limy and sometimes slightly sulphureous, but not often so far
impregnated with mineral ingredients as to interfere with its daily
use for drinking purposes.
Fetid and undrinkable water has been obtained, on the territory of the Eutaw
Group, between Weaver's Creek and the Little Sipsie (T105); cisterns require
to be used in that region.
There are, however, some strong mineral springs within the State, E. of the
Rotten Limestone region, some of which deserve, and have attracted, considera-
ble attention.
566. At Iuka, on the M. & C. R. R., there are several mineral springs (T98),
of two of which I have analyzed specimens furnished me by Geo. W. Stamps,
Esq., of the Iuka Female Institute.
270
[¶567
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
"No. 2. GUM SPRING."
Sulphuretted Hydrogen, largely,
Bicarbonate of Iron. largely,
Free Carbonic Acid (sufficient to cause it to sparkle), with small amounts of
Bicarbonate of Lime,
"
Chloride of Sodium.
Magnesia,
Potash and Soda,
In 10,000 parts this water contains 1.10 of solid ingredients, chiefly oxide of
Iron. It is a strong "Red Sulphur" water.
"No. 3. BOX SPRING. "}
Bicarbonate of Iron, largely,
Free Carbonic Acid,
'
Very small amounts of the Bicarbonates, Chlorides and Sulphates of Lime,
Magnesia, Potash and Soda.-Is almost a pure chaly beate, tonic in its action
There is still another water, but the bottle containing it was broken in the
transmission. The accessibility and healthful as well as pleasant location of
these springs, no less than the quality of their water, seem destined to render
them a favorite place of resort.-The strong, copious chaly beate spring at Mr.
Aleck Peden's place has been mentioned (T62).-A mile S. of Corinth, there
is a copious chaly beate spring containing the proto-sulphate of Iron, some lime
and common salt.
567. The mineral springs flowing from the bluff of the Tombig-
bee near Fulton, Itawamba county, are generally magnesian
chalybeates, sometimes slightly impregnated with sulphuretted
hydrogen.
The analysis of one of these, situated about a mile below Judge Bullard's
place, on the Tombigbee, gave the following result :
Bicarbonate of Iron, largely,
"Magnesia,
Free Carbonic Acid,
Chloride of Magnesium,
Minute amounts of the Chlorides, and a trace of the Sulphates, of Potash and
Soda.
This water is said to be precisely the same in quality as that at "White's
Springs," 4½ miles S. of Fulton, which have acquired some reputation—there
seems to be more free Carbonic Acid in their water. Similar waters are found
both in springs and wells, on the Bull Mountain ; e. g. in a bored well on S. 13, T.
10, R. 9 E. In the latter, however, a part of the iron is contained as proto-
sulphate.
Not far from this point, a mineral well was obtained by Mr. W.
Medley; out of it there was dug a gray clay possessing an
astringent taste, which was found to be quite effectual as an ex-
ternal application to old sores, etc. An analysis of a specimen of
this earth, furnished me by G. W. Stovall, Esq., of Richmond,
gave the following result:
Insoluble Matter (Sandy Clay)
Lime...
Magnesia
Peroxide of Iron, and Alumina...
Sulphuric Acid.
Water.
.86.879
0 732
0 237
4.548
1.385
6 083
99.864
The styptic and astringent properties observed in this clay were
:
568]
WATERS OF TISHOMINGO.
271
therefore owing. no doubt, to a certain amount of the Sulphates of
Alumina ("Alum ") and of Lime (Gypsum).
The character of the wells in the Tombigbee Hommock has
been referred to (T535. Deep bored, and artesian wells would
no doubt succed in its northern portion as well, as further S.
between Aberdeen and Columb. s.
508. Waters of the Rotten Limestone Region.--Generalities
concerning these have been given in the Geological Report (T122,
123, 125). Sipe-wells are so rarely practicable, that we may
generally consider the alternative as lying between cisterns and
deep bored wells, in some of which the water rises above the
surface, in others only within available distance. In the latter
case, either a pump, or more commonly, a long narrow bucket, of
the diameter of the bore. having at the bottom a valve opening
upwards, is employed n bringing the water to the surface.
At
In consequence of the dip of the Rotten Limestone stratum, these wells are,
of course, deepest at the western border of its region of occurrence, and quite
shallow on the eastern side; while wells situated at no great distance north-
ward or, in the southern portion, north-westward of one another, are generally
of similar depth. In the southern portion, depths increase pretty regularly
between 25 and 30 feet per mile, westward or south-westward; but in Tisho-
mingo, there is less regularity, and shallow sipe-wells are not uncommon.
Farmington, there are sipe-wells 20 to 25 feet deep, with freestone water, and
others 40 to 50 feet, with limy water, possessing but little rise.-At Corinth,
bored wells 70 feet deep, in which the water rises to within 12 to 15 feet of the
surface. A deeper bore would doubtless bring it out above the surface, so soon
as another vein of water should be struck.-A few miles E. and N. E. of Bone
Yard, wells 250 to 270 feet in depth have been bored. At Bone Yard, as might
be foreseen, no water was struck in a bore of 200 feet (it could not be expected
at less than 325 to 350).—At Kossuth, some sipe wells 18 to 20 feet deep, and
a bored well (Mr. Wright's) of 270 feet.
At Rienzi, wells 60 to 75 feet; water rises only 15 to 20 feet. There is a
very good chance here of a much higher rise within the next 2 to 300 feet.—
Due W. of Rienzi, near Mr. Bynum's, S 7, T. 4, R. 6 E., sipe-wells 20 to 25
feet; a little further N. E, the same, or bored wells 200 to 260 feet.
At Blackland, wells are comparatively shallow-120 to 140 feet; the
water rises only 15 to 20 feet, an 1 the vein is probably a different one from that
supplying the wells heretofore enumerated.
At Mr. J W Yates, S. 11, T. 6, R 6 E., hored well 35 feet; little rise.-
At Carollville, about the same. On S. 36, T 6, R. 5 E, at Mr. Humphrey's,
200 feet.-At Mr. McManus', S 35, 210 feet; Dr. Agnew's, S. 27, 271 feet;
half a mile E of Dr. A's, 210 feet. The depth increases westward and
northward from Dr. Agnew's-there being wells 300 and 330 feet deep. In
all of these, the water rises to within 40 10 70 feet of the surface, according to
elevation; that of the five last named wells is pretty limy, that of McManus'
excessively and unhealthily so; most of them (e. g. Dr. Agnew's) are slightly
sulphureous and chaly beate.
The examples may suffice to show the condition of things in
Tishoming Very nearly the same exists at corre-ponding points
of the Rotten Limestone belt in Pontotoc and Itawamba counties,
the deep st bores rarely exceeding 200 feet, water rising within
40 to 0 feet of the surface. Here also, deeper bores might bring
artesian water, derived from the high Pine lands further E. (1532);
thus far, cisterns are extensively used.
ì
-272
[¶569, 570
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
C
569. Bored and Artesian Wells of Monroe and Lowndes-Between Camargo
and Richmond, wells vary from 80 to 120 feet; the water rises only 15 to 20
feet. The most northerly artesian well of which I have any knowledge, is 3
miles N. of Camargo; depth 200 feet, water rises 2 feet above the surface. At
“Camargo, in a well 280 feet deep, water rises to within 60 feet of the surface.
Between Camargo and Aberdeen, on the W. side of the Tombigbee, the depths
vary between 2 to 500 feet (the public well at Aberdeen being 512 feet deep);
the water rises to within 60 feet and less, and flows out at Aberdeen, and thence
to Columbus; there being numerous artesian wells in the Tombigbee hommock
(¶535), in which, from the low level at which they are situated, the depths are
sometimes much less, and the pressures greater, than in those on the high lands
of the W. side--the depth being sometimes within 200, and rarely exceeding
300 feet; and the pressure being mostly sufficient to form handsome fountains.
It is evident, however, from the variability of depths in localities similarly
situated, that several water-bearing strata contribute towards supplying these
wells, with streams of different strength and composition; which cannot be
surprising, in view of the great irregularity in the stratification of the Eutaw
Group, from which these waters are derived (¶102, 106, 155). The public
well at Columbus (371 feet deep), and others situated on the ridge, are
obviously derived from the same stratum as those in the hommock, inasmuch
as, a short time since, when a nine inch bore (intended to supply a tanyard) in
the lower part of the town, gave vent to a large volume of water, all the wells
on the ridge ceased to flow, but were restored when the large vent was partially
.closed. Most of the artesian waters at Columbus and Aberdeen are somewhat
chaly beate, and often sulphureous also (¶156).
570. I regret that want of space precludes me from entering more fully upon
the details of this important subject, which will be given in a subsequent Report.
As we recede westwardly from the Tombigbee, the depths of wells rapidly
increase; the prairies being an elevated plateau (¶122, ff.), and the wells rarely
sunk to the strata which supply the Aberdeen and Columbus wells, their water
does not often flow out, but only comes to within available distance of the
surface. A remarkable local exception occurs in the case of Dr. Ellis' artesian
well, on the Chuckatonche, S. 12, T. 17, R. 5 E., which yields a strong stream
at 246 feet, and is the only one of the kind, so far as I know, on this meridian.
At Palo Alto, a bore of 500 feet passed through the Rotten Limestone into sand,
bringing the water within 70 feet of the surface.
At Pikeville, a bore of 614 feet brought the water to within 23 feet of the
surface; whether a deeper bore has since brought the water to the surface, I
have not learned. At Buena Vista, a similar rise was obtained at a correspond-
ing depth, allowing for the westward dip.
Mr. Dexter's well, on Kilgore's Ridge, has been mentioned above (¶123).
At the E. foot of the ridge, there are several wells yielding a copious supply of
fine water-thus Wm. G. Carradine's, S. 24, T. 15. R. 5 E. (¶537 feet deep,
water within 41 feet of the surface), which in summer, alone supplies several
plantations, even with stock water.
Near the W. edge of the prairie region (in S. Chickasaw, Ocktibbeha, Noxu-
bee and Kemper), as has been mentioned (¶122), wells require to be sunk
to great depths-800 to 1,000 feet, and more; and then, the first stream struck
does not generally rise more than within available distance of the surface;
though if the bore were continued to greater depths, a flow might be expected.
At Macon, at a depth of 760 feet, I bel eve, artesian water has been obtained.
Data regarding the wells at Houston and Sparta have been given above (¶122,
157); at these places, the chances of artesian water would probably lie between
1200 and 1500 feet. The shallow well at Okalona has been mentioned; there
can be little doubt that a bore between 300 and 600 feet would bring a copious
supply, perhaps of artesian water.

1561, 562]
SURFACE CONFORMATION.
273
THE FLATWOODS REGION.
<COMPRISING PARTS OF THE COUNTIES OF TIPPAH, PONTOTOC, LAFAYETTE,
CHICKASAW, CALHOUN, CHOCTAW, OCKTIBBEHA, WINSTON, NOXUBEE AND
KEMPER.
561. Geographical Position and Surface Conformation.—The
level lands, timbered chiefly with Post Oak, often accompanied by
Black Jack and Short-leaf Pine, popularly styled the Flatwoods
(¶164, ff.), form a narrow belt, which borders on the west, the cre
taceous, or North-Eastern Prairie Region. The usual width of
the Flatwoods proper, is from three to six miles; in some regions
the bordering hills encroach upon them so as to greatly reduce
their width; in others, the hills recede so far as to enclose between
them a level tract of ten or twelve miles. Their outline is, there-
fore, much scolloped, and difficult to define with accuracy. Com-
mencing at the north, on the southern bank of Tippah Creek in
T. 4, R. 2 E., Tippah county (T169), they occupy the greater part
of R. 2 E. of the Chickasaw Survey. From the south-west corner
of Chickasaw county, they bear S. S. E., in the direction of DeKalb,
in Kemper county, where the Succarnoche river may be considered
their southern limit; for beyond, they gradually lose their char-
acter and pass into the common yellow loam uplands of that
portion of Alabama.
562. In their upper portion, down to Houlka creek, their eastern
limit is pretty sharply defined by the abrupt hills and deep ravines
of the Pontotoc Ridge, whose "Red Lands," with their growth of
"Poplar", Walnut, Hickory, Black, White and (true) Red Oaks,
contrast strongly with the white soil of the Flatwoods, and their
uniform growth of lank Post Oak and Short-leaf Pine; their
general outline on this side being pretty correctly represented by
the Range line between RR. 2 and 3. Westward of the town of
Pontotoc, however, they approach within one mile of that place;
the Houlka, also, carries them across the Range line for a short
distance. Then again, we meet them three-fourths of a mile west
of the town of Houston; and for a few miles below, the yellow
loam hills are found skirting them, in a due south course. There,
however, the ridge turns south-eastward, in the direction of Sparta
(T122), and the Flatwoods follow it very nearly up to the latter
place, forming a large scollop to the eastward of the main body.
With the Flatwoods of Octibbeha county, I am not personally acquainted;
but from what I can learn, they are there bordered on the east, not by hills, but
mostly by level upland prairie. Such, also, is the case in S. Noxubee, and in
Kemper, where I have personally observed them. In passing from Gholson
towards Wahalak P. O., it is difficult to say where Flatwoods cease and the
prairie begins; in the eastern portion of the Flatwoods, though the kind of
R-18
274.
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶563, 564, 565, 566
timber is still the same, its growth is sturdier, and the land, whose soil is not
so excessively heavy, yields fine cotton crops. The railroad is here very nearly
on the dividing line between the two kinds of land (¶555).
563. In this southern portion of the Flatwoods Region, its western outline is
as sharply defined, as the opposite is, further north. From the Noxubee Hills
(T645), about four miles east of Webster, and from the Gholson or Summer-
ville Ridge, about the same distance east of Gholson, we descend very suddenly
(at the latter place about one hundred feet) from the very sandy ridge (¶647),
into the level Post Oak Flatwoods, whose soil would often times seem to be of
more immediate interest to the potter, than to the agriculturist.
564. It seems that in N. E. Winston and S. W. Octibbeha counties, the Flat-
woods are crossed in all directions by the drainage of the country, viz: the
Noxubee River and its tributaries ;* a natural consequence of their situation at
the foot of ridges considerably elevated above them. But further north, and
up to the neighborhood of the town of Pontotoc, they assume the character of
a dividing plateau between the waters of the Mississippi and Tombigbee; their
general surface being but little below the level of the hilltops of the adjoining
country. In Tippah and N. Pontotoc counties, they give rise to numerous
tributaries of the Tallahatchie; further south, the main prongs of the Yokeney-
Patafa, the Loosha-Scoona, and Yallabusha take their rise in them on one side,
on the other, the headwaters of Chiwappa, Chukatonche, Houlka and Tibby.
Some of the waters of the two first named streams, (viz: the Chiwappa and
Chuckatonche), cross the Pontotoc Ridge, therefore, after taking their rise in the
Flatwoods, at a lower level; hence the deep ravines which they form in this
first part of their course.
565. In this northern portion of the Flatwoods tract, its western
limit is generally ill defined and somewhat arbitrary. In passing
westward from the level portion of the Flatwoods immediately
adjoining the Pontotoc Ridge, the country gradually becomes more
undulating, and frequently passes quite insensibly into a hilly,
pine country, similar in its general aspect to the Pine Hills, further
inland, save in that its soil is prevalently very heavy, and its vege.
tation more similar to that of the Flatwoods proper. I shall
therefore include the description of these lands, which occupy the
greater portion of R. 1 E., and large parts of R. 1 W., under the
general head of the Flatwoods Region (T587, ff.) In South-west
Chickasaw and adjoining parts of Calhoun and Choctaw, the west-
ern portion of the Flatwoods (as well as the adjoining hilly coun-
try) is characterized by the superaddition of the White Oak to the
ordinary growth of the Flatwoods, indicating a corresponding
improvement of the soil. This region I shall designate as the
White Oak Flatwoods (584, ff.).
THE SOILS OF THE FLATWOODS REGION.
566. It has been mentioned in the Geological Report (T164, ff.),
that the Flatwoods, as well as the hilly country adjoining them to
the westward, are generally underlaid by the stiff gray clays of
the lowest, lignite stage of the eocene Tertiary. Outcrops of these
▼
*For information concerning this portion of the Flatwoods Región (which I
have not personally visited) as well as for other favors, I am indebted to G. G.
Snedecor, Esq., of Louisville, Winston county.
d
1567, 568, 569
FLATWOODS SOILS.
275
clays are very common on bluffs and hillsides throughout the
region. While wet, they appear dark gray or almost black, but
when dry they are usually of a light gray, and sometimes almost
white. When in their natural place, or recently thrown out, they
usually possess either a slaty structure, or else, and most frequently,
a tendency to split into rounded, nodular forms, familiar to every
one who has traversed the Flatwoods.
This "Flatwoods clay" (165) does not readily "dissolve" or form a plastic
paste with water; but whenever by dint of repeated kneading (such as the
wheels of vehicles will perform) it has been made to form a paste, its tenacity
is such as to be scarcely exceeded by the most approved "prairie mud." Nor
can the black prairies of Pontotoc and Monroe, during the wet season, present
more formidable obstacles to the wagoner, than do the bottoms and hillsides of
the Flatwoods region. Hence the great frequency among its streams, of such
names as Mud Creek, and others still more eloquently expressive of the awe
in which they are held by those who are habitually obliged to traverse the
Flatwoods.
4
567. There are two chief varieties of soil usually found in the
Flatwoods proper; and these two are at opposite extremes of the
scale of lightness. One of these is little else than the Flatwoods
clay above described, disintegrated and formed into a stratum
possessing a massy* cleavage, of a gray tint, with red or yellow
spots, and changing but little from the surface down to where the
clay still retains its orginal structure. The other variety is in the
main, a very fine, almost pulverulent, sand or silt, of a gray tint,
and with ferruginous dots; which lower down, sometimes pass into
bog ore or "black gravel" (¶387). This soil, also, shows but little
change from the surface downwards, save that in many places, it
has for its subsoil the heavy gray clay soil above mentioned; in
others, wells twenty feet deep have shown it to be the same at the
bottom as on the surface.
568. Both soils are timbered nearly alike, with Post Oak of a
lank, gawky growth, with long, thin branches, commencing low
down on the trunk; the main branches often covered with leaves
close to the bark.
Such is invariably, and more characteristically, the case on the light soil,
which in low places, not unfrequently bears a small growth of Willow Oak,
accompanied very generally by small Huckleberry bushes. On the heavy soil,
the Post Oak often assumes a sturdier growth, and is at times entirely replaced
by the Black Jack, which on this soil, very generally mingles with the Post
Oak; as also does the Short leaf Pine and Spanish ("Red") Oak, which rarely
appear on the light soil; and when they do, are usually an indication of the
heavy clay subsoil not being far underground.
569. The heavy soil is, on the whole, by far the most prevalent of the two.
So far as I know, it is only in N. Pontotoc and N. Chickasaw counties that the
light soil occupies tracts of any considerable extent. Thus, it constitutes exten-
sive tracts between the waters of the Tallahatchie Mud Creek and Lubatubby,
and on the extreme headwaters of Yallabusha and Houlka, in N. W. Chickasaw.
*By "massy" cleavage is meant that the material when cracked or broken,
shows no tendency to cleave in any particular direction by preference. The word
implies, therefore, very nearly what is popularly expressed in "joint clay”.
276
[T570, 571, 572
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
Smaller tracts of a similar character, however, occur more or less, over the
whole-Flatwoods belt.
570. It is singular that, while these two extreme soils are so often found
contiguous to, and overlying each other, intermixtures, which might form soils
of commendable physical properties at least, are but rarely met with. Thus, in
passing from Cherry Hill to Houston, we find the light soil prevailing almost
altogether, up to about three miles W. N. W. of Houston, where we find, on
S. 34, T. 13, R. 2 E, and thence onward for some distance, a low ridge or tract
of land, timbered almost exclusively with scrubby Black Jack, the soil of which,
destitute of every blade of grass or other undergrowth, appears to be immedi-
ately suited to the potter's lathe. Strips or ridges" of this kind are not
unfrequently met with in the Flatwoods both of Chickasaw and Pontotoc coun-
ties. It is only in the bottom soils of the Flatwoods tract that we find the two
soils commingled in such proportions as to form a soil of excellent quality,
both physical and chemical.

(C

571. COMPOSITION OF THE FLATWOODS SOILS.-Two specimens of soil from
the Flatwoods region, representing the two extremes above described, have thus
ffar been analyzed.
No. 230. HEAVY FLATWOODS SOIL from S. 4, T. 10, R. 2 E., Pontotoc county:
Depth: No perceptible difference between soil and subsoil; specimen taken
down to twelve inches.
Vegetation: Post Oak, Short-leaf Pine; some little Spanish ("Red") Oak, and
occasionally a little Hickory.
The soil saturated with moisture at 72.5 deg. Fahr., lost 9.333 per cent. of
water at 400 deg. Fahr. Dried at this temperature, it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter..
Potash.
Soda.
Lime....
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
•
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina...
Phosphoric Acid.
•
Sulphuric Acid....
Organic Matter and Water.
77.854
0.753
0.106
0.178
0.831
0.167
5.899
.10.302
0.052
0.032
3.689
99.841
572. No. 165. LIGHT FLATWOODS SOIL, from S. 36, T. 13, R. 2 E., Chickasaw
County :
Depth: No perceptible difference between soil and subsoil. Specimen taken
to the depth of twelve inches.
Vegetation: Almost exclusively Post Oak; very little Spanish ("Red") Oak;
Huckleberry bushes in the depressions.
A pale gray, powdery soil, mostly fine siliceous matter, with little clay. Its
mass is full of ferruginous dots, which increase downwards.
The air-dried soil lost 2.050 per cent. of water at 400 deg.; at which
temperature it consisted of:
¶573, 574, 575] ANALYSES OF FLATWOODS SOILS.
Insoluble Matter.
Potash
Soda
·
Lime..
277
.93.575
0.254
0.066
0.082
Magnesia..
0.175
Brown Oxide of Manganese
0.111
•
Peroxide of Iron.
1.445
•
Alumina....
2.605
Phosphoric Acid.
0.008
Sulphuric Acid...
Organic Matter and Water.
trace
1.333
99.653
573. In comparing the analyses of these two soils, it will be perceived that
the difference between them in a chemical point of view, is no less striking than
that which exists in their physical properties. The light soil (No. 165) is a poor
one in all respects-deficient in all the nutritive elements of plants as well as
in vegetable matter; for the loss of weight of 1.333 per cent. which the soil
experiences by ignition, is due almost entirely to the expulsion of water.
In this last named particular, the heavy soil (No. 230) resembles the other,
being likewise almost entirely destitute of vegetable matter; the loss it experi-
ences by ignition, is mainly owing to the expulsion of water (viz : the water of
hydration of the oxide of iron and clay). But in all other respects, it differs
very essentially from the light soil. It contains an amount of potash equal to
that of the best uplands, and even some of the prairie soils. Its supply of Soda
is rather small, but perhaps adequate. In Lime it is deficient, as compared with
other soils containing a similar amount of potash; a circumstance directly con-
tradictory of the prevailing popular impression on the subject, it being frequently
said that the failure of crops on this soil is owing to an excess of lime (¶370, ff.).
Of Magnesia, there is an abundant supply; so also of Manganese, and of Iron..
Of Phosphoric and Sulphuric Acids, the supply is rather small, yet not so much
so as to render the soil unproductive, provided they be in an available condition.
[Compare, in this respect, the analysis of the soil of the Marshall County Table-
lands (T96, ff.), and others.]
The most important chemical defects of this soil, therefore, consist
in its deficiency in Lime and Vegetable Matter, and to some extent,
in Soda and Phosphoric Acid.
574. CULTIVATION OF THE FLATWOODS SOILS.-It would be
premature to assert, that the analyses of the two soils just quoted,
represent correctly the respective average composition of these
varieties of Flatwoods soils. The tract on which they occur is so
extensive, that perfect uniformity in the composition of its soils, is
not to be expected. It is highly probable, that neither are all the
light soils as poor, nor all the heavy soils as rich in potash, as the
specimens analyzed; and analyses of the specimens collected in other
portions of the region, may yield results somewhat different. Yet,
from the great uniformity of character over the whole region of
the formation from which these soils are derived, it is probable that
their general characteristics are pretty correctly represented by
the above analyses.
575. A. The Light Flatwoods Soil.-As for the light soil, I am not aware
of its being in cultivation to any extent, save in N. W. Pontotoc, in the region
between Tallahatchie Mud Creek and Lubatubby. It has there been found,
that soil which at the time of the first settlement of the country would scarcely
278
[¶576, 577, 578
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
*
produce anything, will now bring average crops. The change, has heen attrib-
uted, and perhaps correctly, to the circumstance of the trampling of cattle having
rendered it somewhat more solid, and therefore less drouthy, and capable, to
some extent, of retaing manure.
It is this last named particular especially, in regard to which this soil is most
faulty; for being so poor both in clay and vegetable matter, it cannot retain
near the surface, within the reach of plants, any notable quantity of the nutritive
ingredients in a soluble condition (¶378; 404). Hence the most valuable part
of stable manure, for instance, would, on this soil, be rapidly carried down
beyond the reach of the roots of plants.
576. Where these lands adjoin the ridge, and sometimes for some distance in
the interior, we find, not unfrequently, small ridges or islands, as it were, of
the red ridge soil (mingled more or less with the Flatwoods soil), which generally
form slight elevations above the general surface of the Flatwoods (1337).
Generally we also find, for some distance around these patches, the red ridge
soil forming the subsoil. Such spots are readily recognized by the growth of
Hickory and Spanish (“ Red”) Oak, which there mingles with, and sometimes
predominates over the Post Oak growth.
Whenever this is the case, it is advisable to bring the subsoil to the surface
and to mingle it with the white soil as much as possible. The washings from
the red loam hills ought to be so regulated, as to distribute them over the sur-
face of the Flatwoods soil; and as a general thing, ought to be mingled with it
wherever practicable without too much exposure.
577. It is sometimes the case, that outcrops of the white Flatwoods clay
(see above, ¶566), are to be found on elevations, or in the bluffs of branches in
districts where this light soil prevails. It is probable that this clay (which is
not properly a marl, as has been thought) would greatly improve the soil in
question, both by rendering it heavier and more retentive of manure and
moisture, and by adding something to its stock of fertility. For, although this
clay has not thus far been analyzed, the fact that the heavy soil which has been
formed out of it is rich in potash, indicates that the original material is similarly
constituted; and it is probable that if it were applied in connection with some
burnt lime [which throughout the Flatwoods can be cheaply obtained from the
bordering hills (¶129; 151, ff.),] the artificial marl thus formed would so far
correct the soil as to render it capable of profitable culture, and suceptible of
permanent improvement, by manure.--Little good, however, can be expected to
accrue to this soil, from the application of lime alone.
578. In regard to supplying the want of vegetable matter (which would not,
however, be so seriously felt after supplying the clayey part-¶425), it must be
remembered that it ought to be applied either in the shape of green crops
plowed under during the wet season, or else, in a well decayed condition. The
soil is of itself so "open," that the introduction of undecayed straw or leaves
would be likely to injure it by rendering it still more so; and the decay of dry
vegetable materials would be exceedingly slow under such circumstances [See,
in reference to this, what is said regarding the sea-coast sand-hommocks (T860,
ff.) and concerning the use of pine straw, in the present Report, ¶793, ff.]. The
vegetable matter, whatsoever it may be, would be advantageously composted
with lime and the Flatwoods clay, above referred to, and with stable manure, if
obtainable. In low spots, especially where the Huckleberry grows, this soil
would undoubtedly be much benefitted by underdraining. As a general thing,
however, it is abundantly drained, and sometimes too much so, by its own
porosity.
Peruvian Guano, "Ammoniated Guano," and the like, would probably be of
little avail on this soil, in proportion to their cost. But "Columbian Guano,"
ground bones, superphosphate of lime; plaster composted with vegetable matter
or with stable manure; and the clay marls of the adjoining marl regions, would
be well adapted to its improvement.
1579, 580, 581, 582] HEAVY FLATWOODS SOILS.
279
579. The Heavy Flatwoods Soil.-The first necessity, in taking this soil into
cultivation, is the provision for its proper drainage.-It might seem that but
little could, in this case, be effected by underdrains, since the soil is so dense;
it is most likely, however, that (as in most heavy soils), underdraining would
soon cause the soil to become sufficiently porous (408; 410), and would thus
greatly improve it with respect to "safeness" and facility of tillage. Mean-
while, surface ditches, properly disposed, so as to carry off more rapidly the
stagnant surface water, would alone be of great benefit; and the nature of the
subsoil is such, that little fear need be entertained of the washing of the soil,
especially as there is hardly any difference between it and the subsoil. Even
in hillside ditches it is carried away with difficulty, and as a general thing the
fall of the Flatwoods streams, and that of the country itself, is so slight as to
cause difficulty rather in consequence of the slow subsidence of the waters,
even when all concentrated into one channel. During the rainy seasons, the
Flatwoods may sometimes be covered for miles with a thin sheet of sluggishly
flowing water; and it is oftentimes only by the increased velocity of the current
that the traveller is made aware of his approach to the channel of a creek, and
to a ford which, perfectly solid and safe a few days ago, will now bog his horse
up to the belly, in mud of the most tenacious kind.
580. The heavy Flatwoods soil is not in itself very thrifty, even where it is
of considerable fertility; the crop requires time for its development; and if put
into the ground late in the season, in consequence of a late and wet spring, it is
liable to be overtaken by the summer drouth before it is able to resist it. This
is one of the most frequent causes of the utter failure of the cotton and corn
crop in the Flatwoods; for usually, when they do fail, they fail completely. On
the other hand, in favorable seasons, very good average crops, both of corn and
cotton, are made on this soil. It will be observed that in this respect, the heavy
Flatwoods soil resembles the black prairie soil of N. E. Mississippi (¶549, ff.;
4021 ). There also, crops fail in extreme seasons; and if they do not fail as
frequently as is the case in the Flatwoods, it is due mainly to the great thriftiness
of the calcareous prairie soil, which causes a rapid development of the young
plant, and enables it to outlast a drouth which would put an end to all crops
in the Flatwoods (¶4021 ).
If we examine the chemical difference between the prairie soil and the Flat-
woods soil in question, we find it to consist mainly in the lack of Vegetable
Matter, of Lime, and to some extent, of Phosphoric Acid, in the latter; also,
perhaps, of Soda. These, therefore, require to be added to it. Potash, Mag-
nesia, Manganese and Iron, are present in quantities very nearly the same as in
the prairie soil.
581. The proper mode of improving this soil is, therefore, very plainly indi-
cated. The vegetation it bears at the present time, seems to prove that but little
of the large amount of potash which it contains, is present in an available
condition (¶357). This can be remedied by the application of lime or calcareous
marl (or perhaps, plaster or gypsum, where it can be obtained cheaply (¶368, ff;
436; 462). While the land is thus stimulated, an important ingredient, in which
it is deficient will be supplied to it.
Lime alone would, no doubt, effect a great improvement in this soil; and
fortunately, it is within easy reach in the whole Flatwoods region.
582. But the application of vegetable matter would be a great additional
improvement in more than one respect; for while it would supply the humus
which is so favorable to all vegetation (¶420, ff.), it would also render the soil
lighter-easier tilled, more accessible to the atmosphere, and less liable to suffer
either by drouth or excessive wet weather. It would undoubtedly prove
beneficial to this soil even in a raw condition; sawdust, leaves, pine and other
straw may, therefore, be freely used. The best mode, however, of applying
both materials simultaneously, would be to compost the vegetable matter-leaves,
straw, pond-muck-with lime or calcareous marl, and allow it to decompose
280
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶583, 584, 585, 586
to some extent before applying it to the soil. Plowing under green crops,
together with a dressing of lime or marl spread broadcast, will also be an
effectual mode of improvement. Bonedust, Superphosphate of Lime, Columbian
and Peruvian Guano, and all ammoniacal manures, will be in their place here.
583. Wherever the Flatwoods soil is so situated, that sand, or any light soil,
can be conveniently mixed with it—as for instance where it adjoins the ridge, or
an island of red, sandy soil, or even the light Flatwoods soil itself—this inter-
mixture ought to be favored in every practicable manner. In this respect alone,
a great deal may undoubtedly be done towards remedying what is now the
cardinal objection to the heavy Flatwoods soil, to-wit: that it is unsafe;
sometimes yielding good crops, and at others, entirely disappointing the expecta-
tions of the planter,
In Kemper and S. Noxubee counties, where (as before observed) the eastern
portion of the Flatwoods passes very gradually into prairie and yellow loam
uplands (¶553), large and productive plantations are situated on this transition
territory; whose soil, as well as its vegetation, is intermediate between, and a
mixture of, the heavy Flatwoods soil with the yellow upland loam, and produces
fine crops of cotton.
3
584. THE WHITE OAK FLATWOODS.-As has been stated above,
the tract which I thus designate intervenes in S. Chickasaw county,
between the Post Oak Flatwoods and the hills. In passing S. W.
from Houston, on the Bellefontaine road, we enter the common
Post Oak Flatwoods about of a mile from the town, and they
continue unchanged for about 4 miles, the soil being exceedingly
heavy, the growth Post Oak with some Black Jack and Pine; the
Huckleberry also is very abundant. Thereafter there is a gradual
change; the soil becomes lighter, and assumes a yellowish tint.
instead of the dead gray; at the same time, the Spanish ("Red")
Oak gradually takes the place of the Black Jack, the Pine becomes
less frequent, and the whole growth sturdier. As we advance, the
Hickory and White Oak gradually mingle with the oaks before
mentioned and finally, near the foot of the hills, become quite
prevalent. The surface of the ground, also, instead of being
almost bare, as in the Post Oak Flatwoods, is covered with a fine
growth of grass.
585. The soil of this region differs essentially from either of the two before
described. On the land of Mr. Brooks, S. 33, T. 14, R. 1 E., where I
took a specimen of soil and subsoil, the former is rather a sandy loam, of a
yellowish tint; therefore, by no means a heavy soil, although it gradually
becomes heavier as we recede from the hills towards the Flatwoods. Yet it is
complained of as being very sobby, and liable to injury by wet; and in wet
springs, it remains incapable of tillage until late in the season. It will sometimes
appear quite dry and workable on the surface, while at the depth of 12 to 18
inches, the yellow, sandy subsoil is drenched with water. The cause of this
state of things becomes apparent when we penetrate to the depth of 4 to 6 feet;
it may also be observed in the bluffs of the branches of the region. At the
depth mentioned, solid, impermeable gray clays underlie the sandy stratum, and
as the tract is perfectly level, the drainage must be exceedingly slow; hence the
soil will remain steeped in water for a great length of time, after every rain.
586. This soil has not thus far been analyzed, nor have I as yet ascertained
the extent of the tract in which it prevails. According to the best information
I could obtain, however, it stretches along the W. edge of the Flatwoods, through
S. W. Chickasaw into Ocktibbeha county, for 20 to 30 miles at least; its width
varying from 1/4 to 1 mile, east and west. It is considered a pretty good soil,
T587, 588]
FLATWOODS HILLS.
281
as the timber indicates, especially where the White Oaks are short and sturdy..
Its chief fault at the present time-" sobbiness"-can undoubtedly be remedied
without difficulty by either underdraining or surface draining the former being
probably the better method. It seems to be peculiarly adapted to Sweet
Potatoes, and will also make fine Corn in favorable seasons. The region is thus
far but thinly settled, and until the soil is drained, it can hardly be considered-
as having been fairly tested.
587. THE HILLS OF THE FLATWOODS REGION.-The hills which
skirt the Flatwoods proper on the west, have so much in common
with these in their general character, that I have thought it best.
to speak of them in connection with the Flatwoods. Since,
however, their soils have not as yet been analyzed, I shall confine
myself to such generalities as at the present time, may suggest
anything of practical importance.
It would be difficult to circumscribe in any definite manner, the
district occupied by these hills, the character of whose soil is
dependent upon the underlying strata of the Lignite formation.
These (as has been mentioned in the Geological Report-T166, ff.;.
168 to 176) are exceedingly variable from place to place; some--
times consisting of gray or yellow sands, of gray sandy clays;
finally, in the Flatwoods Region proper, of the gray or whitish
"Flatwoods clay," which when disintegrated, gives rise to the heavy
soils of which I have spoken above (1566, ff.; 579, ff.;). The
same clay forms the base, and sometimes the whole, of most of the
hills in R. 1 E., of the Chickasaw Survey, south of the Tallahatchie
River. Thence, numerous strips and scollops of the same kind of
land extend westward into R. 1 W., in Lafayette and Calhoun
counties.
588. On the Oxford and Tocapola road, the heavy clay soil gradually sets in
as we approach McLaurin's Creek; and even on Pumpkin Creek we find hill-
sides of a similar character; their soil differing decidedly from the yellow loam
lands of Middle and W. Lafayette, (which it resembles in color—¶630, ff.;), in
that it cracks open in dry seasons, and does not wash away. The Post Oaks
also, which on the Oxford ridge are of a sturdy growth, here assume the
Flatwoods character (¶568)—tall, slender trunks, with branches beginning low
down, forming an open crown somewhat of the shape of a long pecan nut. The
Spanish ("Red") Oaks are lank and thin, their bark whitish, their crowns-
tattered and irregular, with long, straight, whitish branches. These characters
become more strongly pronounced as we approach the Flatwoods; and a great
deal of Scarlet (" Spanish") Oak mingles with the other two. At first (as we-
advance eastward) the hills are capped with strata of the Orange Sand forma-
tion, and these, as they are washed down over the heavy hillside soil, mitigate
its stiffness to some extent. But as the sand strata on the hills thin out and
finally disappear, the hills become less abrupt, the surface soil is of a gray tint,
and scarcely less heavy than that of the Flatwoods themselves.--Not unfre-
quently, ridges of the character just described, alternate with others which are
capped with Orange Sand strata; and while it is not difficult to distinguish the
one from the other in the field, it would be almost impossible to map them out.-
Where the overlying mass of sand is somewhat considerable, springs may be-
observed to flow out at its base, some distance up the hillside, where a terrace
is usually formed by the impermeable clay strata which shed the water. These
terraces have been found very convenient for the ridge-roads, as they do not
wash away; but on the other hand, formidable mudholes are often found on
them even in the dry season; they are fed by the springs just referred to.
282
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [1589, 590, 591, 592
589. Very nearly the same state of things obtains in E. Calhoun,
and the adjoining hilly portion of Chickasaw, as well as in the N.
E. corner of Choctaw county. Further than this my investigations
in that region have not extended. It must be observed, however,
that where the White Oak Flatwoods intervene between the hills
and the Flatwoods proper, the White Oak is also more or less
prevalent in these hills, and the soil is on the whole superior to
that above described, in E. Lafayette.
590. In Winston county, we find the " Noxubee Hills" bordering
the Flatwoods on the west. Their clay soil, of a deep orange tint,
which bears the White, Black, and Post Oak, with sturdy Hickory,
and some Short-leaf Pine; with "Poplar" on the hillsides and in
the hollows, more nearly resembles that of the "Pine Hills" of N.
Holmes and Attala counties, and will be described in connection.
with these (¶637; 644).
This soil occurs as far S. as Winstonville; further S., as has
been mentioned (T563), the hills bordering the Flatwoods are
sandy like those of the Gholson ridges. In E. Kemper county,
however, where the Flatwoods "run out" on the Bodka, and
headwaters of Succarnoche River-we once more find hills of the
Flatwoods character, similar to those of Lafayette (¶588).
Leaving out of consideration, for the present, the red soil of the Noxubee
Hills, which seems to be of a peculiar character, it seems highly probable, both
from the evident origin of the soils of the hills in question, and from the growth
they bear, that they are similar in 'composition to those of the Flatwoods, and
will require a similar treatment to render them productive. Drainage having
in this case been, to some extent, provided for by nature, the super-addition of
Lime and of Vegetable Matter would here, also, be the remedy indicated; so
likewise is the intermixture with sand or sandy soils, which can very frequently
be effected with facility, by directing properly the hillside drainage, wherever
sand exists on the hilltops.
Unfortunately, Lime is not as easily accessible to the inhabitants of these
hills, as it is to those of the level Flatwoods; the application of Vegetable
Matter will therefore be more generally resorted to, to remedy the defects of the
soil--if, as is probable, they are the same as those of the heavy soil of the
Flatwoods proper.
591. North of the Tallahatchie River, in Tippah and Marshall
counties, the hills bordering the Flatwoods (which here gradually
lose their peculiarities) are of a different character from those
described above. As a general thing, the Orange Sand, with its
accompanying yellow loams, is much more prevalently the surface
formation; the Lignitic formation itself [as may be seen on the
bluffs of Ocklimita Creek near Hickory Flat, (T159)] is generally
composed rather of sandy materials, and does not change essentially,
the character of the soil. In N. Tippah, it is only near the head-
waters of Muddy Creek, that Flatwoods soils prevail on the hills
to any extent; though it is rather in isolated patches, than in
large bodies.
592. BOTTOM SOILS OF THE FLATWOODS REGION. Of these, no
specimen has as yet been analyzed; but the fine growth of timber
T593, 594]
FLATWOODS SPRINGS AND WELLS.
283
which they generally bear, is proof sufficient of their fertility. As
may be supposed, they are usually somewhat heavy; hence the
Chestnut White Oak is one of the prevalent trees, from Tippah
Creek to the Succarnoche. Large Black and Sweet Gums, Shell-
bark Hickory, and Willow Oak, are rarely wanting; the Ash,
Elm, and "Poplar ", also occur with frequency.
It would be to little purpose, were I to go into any special descriptions of
localities, so long as no analyses have been made. As a general rule, the Flat-
woods bottoms are wide, and habitually overflowed during wet seasons; which
added to their heavy soil, indicates leveling and drainage as their first necessity.
Of the bottom soils of some of the Flatwoods streams, such as the Loosha
Scoona, I have been unable thus far to form any definite idea, never having
seen them save in a mushy condition. On the extreme headwaters of the
Yallabusha, where the light Flatwoods soil (T572, ff.), prevails in the upland,
the bottom soils also are quite light and easily tilled. Whenever the Flatwoods
bottoms have been taken into cultivation, they seem to yield very fine crops;
but the inhabitants complain of their unhealthiness, which is assigned as the
cause of their not having been more frequently settled. A great improvement
in this respect might no doubt be effected by proper drainage of the extensive
low swampy portions, in which the water remains stagnant during a large part
of the summer, causing offensive effluvia very perceptible to the passer-by; and
also in some measure, no doubt, by marling (461).
593. In the hilly portion of the Flatwoods Region, where the
Bottom soils are generally less heavy, they are often remarkable
for fertility, as evinced by the dense and vigorous growth of
timber they bear, no less than by the results of cultivation.
The timber is sometimes a serious drawback to their being taken into
cultivation, on account of the great labor of clearing; such is the case, for
instance, on the Potlockney, a southern tributary of the Yockeney Patafa, in S. E.
Lafayette. The soil varies considerably, some streams bringing in sandy
deposits, others clay; the latter portions may be recognized by the prevalence
of the Chestnut White Oak, the latter by that of the Beech (forming “Beech
Ridges"). Besides these, we find the Sweet Gum, both Shell-bark Hickories,
White Oak, Black Gum, "Poplar ", Ash, Maple, Hornbeam, Red-Bud, Holly,
Cucumber tree (Magnolia auriculata) and even the bottom varieties of the
Spanish ("Red") and Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak.-Precisely the same timber,
and a very similar soil, occur on the Ocklimita, near Hickory Flat, Tippah
county; and nearly the same may be said of the Tapashau (¶641), in S. E.
Calhoun. The White Oak, especially, is always abundantly present in these
bottoms of the hilly Flatwoods Region.
594. SPRINGS AND WELLS OF THE FLATWOODS REGION.-A. The
Flatwoods Proper.-It is obvious that in a region of the geological
constitution and surface conformation of the Flatwoods proper,
springs cannot exist; for the rain water cannot percolate the soil
to any extent, and all is at once shed from the surface into the
water-courses. The latter themselves, while flooded during the
wet season, go dry as soon as the slowly subsiding surface waters
have found time to drain off; and they remain so during the whole
of the dry season, save, when at times, heavy showers fill their
channels for a short period. Where the light soil prevails, wells
can sometimes be obtained at the depth of 15 to 20 feet. In this
case, either the gray Flatwoods clays (T165, ff), or else the marly
or rocky strata of the cretaceous formation (T116 to 139), form
284
[1595, 596, 597
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
the bottom of the well. In the former case, the water is sometimes
pretty good, though generally inclining to be magnesian. When,
however, the cretaceous marls have been reached, the water is
usually very limy.
595. Where the heavy Flatwoods soil (T566, ff.), prevails, it is
but rarely the case that water-bearing strata can be found at any
moderate depth, and before reaching the marl strata.
The latter, as stated in the Geological Report, underlie the whole of the
Flatwoods Region, dipping W. or S. W. from its eastern limit, at the rate of 25
to 30 feet per mile. In the region to the N. of Houston, their upper strata,
as may be seen at numerous outcrops on the Pontotoc Ridge, consist of alterna-
ting ledges of rock and soft materials very variable in their character and thick-
ness; sometimes clayey marls, sometimes almost pure sand (¶128, ff.). On
the whole, water-bearing strata are very common in this uppermost portion of
the cretaceous formation; and hence it is, that in the whole of this upper
Flatwoods region water is almost certain to be struck in bored wells, so soon as
the calcareous strata are reached. Of course the water thus obtained is usually
very limy; if not so originally, it is certain to become so by standing in the bore,
in contact with the marl strata. Frequently too, it is sulphureous and chaly-
beate; mineral waters of valuable properties have been repeatedly obtained, and
are in successful use in some neighborhoods; although thus far, none of them
have become more generally known. The chemical nature of these waters, as
might be expected is on the whole the same as that of the natural springs yield-
ing mineral water, which are so common in some parts of the Pontotoc Ridge.
596. The depth of these bored wells increases pretty regularly in some
regions, as we advance westwards from the Pontotoc Ridge; and may often be
approximately ascertained by the rule above given, allowing 50 to 60 feet for the
depth of a well at the eastern edge of the Flatwoods. Since, as above observed,
the material of the limy strata is very variable, so that water is not always
obtained in the same stratum at different places; since, moreover, the level of
the surface varies to some extent, and cannot be accurately compared except by
actual leveling; these calculations cannot of course, be anything more than an
approximation, say within 20 to 25 feet of the distance at which water is
actually obtained. Even thus, however, they are useful guides in practice.
Boring in these regions is generally easy, and no tubing is in most cases required,
the firm clays of the Flatwoods and the marls of the cretaceous being but little
liable to "
cave". The ledges of rock which are struck, are usually of incon-
siderable thickness, averaging from 1 to 4 feet; the thickest ledge of hard rock
I know of (which requires to be pecked), in N. W. Chickasaw and adjoining
part of Pontotoc, being about 8 feet. Locally (T152, ff.), limestone stra ta of a
more considerable thickness appear; but I have not heard of their being struck
in bored wells.
597. It is but during the last two years, that boring of wells has become more
common in the Flatwoods; and when these borings shall have furnished a
greater number of data, we shall be able to foretell with greater accuracy the
necessary depth in other districts. The deepest wells to the westward in the
Flatwoods region of which I have any knowledge, are the following:
S. 21, T. 5, R. 2 E., and neighborhood, Tippah county.
deep. Water rises to within 60 to 80 feet of the surface.
Mr. Waltup's, S. 4, T. 11, R. 1 E., western edge of Flatwoods, slightly
undulating. Well 448 feet deep; water rises to within 75 feet of the surface.
The calcareous strata were first observed at 300 feet.
Bored wells 300 feet
Mr. Cannon's, S. 9, T. 13, R. 1 E., Calhoun county. Some distance in the
hills, W. from the edge of the Flatwoods. Well 404 feet deep; water rises to
within 80 feet of surface. Calcareous strata first observed at 375 feet.
Water is sometimes obtained before reaching any of the principal lim estone
1598, 599, 600] SPRINGS OF FLATWOODS HILLS.
285
ledges; at others, and especially near the eastern edge of the Flatwoods, no
water is struck before passing through some of these. Such is the case on the
heads of Tallahatchie Mud Creek, where a number of bored wells exist, some
of which I shall mention:
Silas H. Wood's, S. 5, T. 10, R. 2 W. Marl was struck at a moderate depth,
but no hard or water-bearing stratum down to 204 feet; below this came
alternating ledges, 6 to 18 inches in thickness, of limestone and sandy material,
for 56 feet; then two ledges of (calcareous) sandstone, with yellow sand beneath,
which yielded water, rising to within 60 feet of surface. Whole depth about
270 feet.
N. of Mr. Wood's, along the W. side of Mud Creek, bored wells average from
240 to 270 feet, with about the same rise of water.
At Mr. Laban Grisholm's, S. 26, T. 9, R. 1 E., limestone was struck at 300
feet; the ledges were several feet in thickness. Whole depth 410 feet; water
within 70 feet of surface.
J
There appears to be, on the whole, more regularity in the uniformity of depth
of wells situated N. and S. of each other, than in the increase of depth west-
ward; in which direction, the material of the cretaceous strata seems to be very
variable.
598. The above facts and generalities, it will be recollected,
refer to the Flatwoods region to the N. and N. W. of Houston.
At Houston, and in its neighborhood, water is obtained at depths
between 120 to 160 feet, rising to within 40 to 50 feet of the sur-
face; it is probable therefore, that in the Flatwoods. W. and S.
W. of Houston, water could be reached at corresponding depths,
allowing 25 to 30 feet for every mile in a S. W. direction.
+
I am not aware of the existence of any bored wells in this portion of the
Flatwoods. In S. W. Chickasaw, on the waters of Tibby, bored wells reach to
great depths-1,000 feet and more, as mentioned under the head of the North-
eastern Prairie Regions (T570); it is probable therefore, that corresponding
depths would be required in the Flatwoods of Ocktibbeha; and judging by the
depths of wells in Noxubee county, the same would be the case in the Flat-
woods of Winston, Noxubee and Kemper. In this southern region, the upper
part of the cretaceous formation which contains so many alternating strata of
hard and soft materials, does not exist, but has given way to the stage of the
Rotten Limestone, whose strata continue without essential changes for 800 to
1,000 feet. Whenever, therefore, in this western edge of the lime region, this
rock is reached without obtaining water, there is no further chance for it within
the depth just mentioned.
599. On account of this difficulty, cisterns have come into general use in the
-section of country referred to. As in the prairie region itself, they are usually
hewn into the Rotten Limestone itself, which in the level Flatwoods of Noxu-
bee, is reached at depths from 20 to 40 feet. Down to this depth, therefore, a
narrow shaft only, like that of common wells, is sunk; while a cavity of the
shape of a jug is hewn into the Rotten Limestone, whenever it is reached. The
water of these subterranean cisterns is much cooler than that of the cisterns in
the Prairie Region, whose arch touches the surface; and whenever it has been
used for some time, it nearly loses its limyness, and could not ordinarily be
distinguished from freestone well water.
In a few cases, where a sandy soil prevails on the surface, shallow
wells have been obtained before reaching the limstone. These,
however, usually give out during the dry season.
600. Wells and Springs in the Hills of the Flatwoods Region.-
As might be supposed, springs are not plentiful in a region whose
soil, as well as the main mass of the hills, consists of impervious
286
[1601
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
x
clays. It is chiefly in those portions of it, in which the upper part
of the hills is formed by sand strata (of the Orange Sand age) that
we may expect to find them. Ridges of this character, as has been
mentioned (1588), are not uncommonly interspersed with those
which consist entirely of Flatwoods clay; and hence it is that
the hilly region referred to is not quite as poorly watered as might
be supposed. It is true, however, that on account of the limited
extent of the sand deposits from which they flow, these springs are
more liable to give out during the dry season, than is the case
further westward, in the regular Orange Sand Pine Hills (1630).
So long as these springs are shed by the impervious clay strata, their water
is generally freestone, and without any offensive taste. Not so, however, in
the wells which, in districts where sand forms any considerable part of the hills,
may be obtained at moderate depths. In these cases, water is usually struck
immediately above the clay strata in question (known as "black dirt" through-
out the region of their occurrence) and basins for the accumulation of the water
are dug in them. Thus it has time to extract all the soluble matter, that may
be within reach, and among these, salts of magnesia, lime and soda as well as
bituminous substances which impart to it a disagreeable taste, and sometimes
even a sensible color. Not unfrequently, also, the water becomes impregnated
with sulphur (sulphuretted hydrogen); and thus a great variety of mineral
waters results, which numerous persons are disposed to consider so much the
more “healthy”, the more obnoxious their taste and smell happen to be.
601. It cannot be too strongly urged upon the inhabitants of
these regions [as well as those of a more southerly portion of the
State where a similar condition of things exists, (1756)] that the
habitual use of mineral water proper, of any kind, is no more
rational than would be the habitual use of any other medicine,
with persons in a normal state of health. It is often said, that
mineral waters are "nature's own remedy"; which may be true
enough, provided there is something to be remédied. The Epsom
Salt, Glaubers Salt, Gypsum, etc., contained in these waters, are
no less purgative, debilitating and therefore injurious to persons in
good health, than the same articles are when derived from the
druggist's vials.
There can be no doubt, that in miasmatic districts, where injurious influences
are continually at work, these may be counteracted, to some extent, by the
habitual use of preventives; and the weak chalybeates which are so numerous
all over the State, have in many instances proved a decided benefit to the health
of the population using them, as a preventive of fever and ague. But while
this may be true to some extent of pure chalybeates, and while, moreover, it is
universally acknowledged that water entirely free from mineral ingredients is
far from being the most healthy; yet there can be no doubt that the habitual use
of magnesian waters is highly injurious to most constitutions, undermining
them slowly but surely; especially so in climates prone to the occurrence of the
fever and ague. It is very frequently the case, that families moving to residen-
ces where such mineral waters occur find their health decidedly benefitted by
their use, during the first year. Hence the conclusion is drawn that their
mineral spring or well is "mighty healthy water", and its use is continued.
The second year, cheeks begin to pale and an occasional chill occurs, which in
its turn is treated with increased potations of the "healthy water". After the
lapse of the third, and sometimes the fourth year, "tallow face” and “ague
cake ” prevail all around; and the place is perhaps sold at a sacrifice, under the
9602, 603, 604, 605¹] ABUSE OF MINERAL WATERS.
287
firm conviction that the country is so unhealthy, that even the "healthiest
water" will not protect its inhabitants. The water is not blamed, because the
experience of the first year has "proved" it to be beneficial to health.
602. Now, there is nothing surprising in the circumstance, that vigorous ple-
thoric constitutions should be benefitted, for the time being, by a water having
slightly laxative properties. So they might be by using small doses of Epsom
Salt. But it does not follow that, because the disease, or tendency to disease,
has been removed by a medicine, that medicine ought to be continued habitually.
The return of the original indisposition might thus be prevented; but a new
one would be sure to arise in its stead.
Mineral waters of any considerable strength are medicines just as properly, as
any prepared in the druggists labaratory; and their indiscriminate use will
ultimately produce no better results, than could be expected to follow a sys-
tematic consumption of the contents of a drugstore.
603. While this is true of magnesian waters, the same cannot be
maintained with reference to those impregnated (as the waters of
our bored wells generally are) with carbonate of lime. Experi-
ence has conclusively proven, that persons habituated to the use of
waters containing a moderate amount of carbonate of lime, do
not necessarily sustain any injury therefrom; although their tend-
ency to certain classes of diseases, not so prevalent in adjoining
freestone regions, may be increased.
It is quite probable, that a certain small amount of lime, such as spring
waters usually contain, is quite beneficial, as furnishing an important ingredient
to the animal economy. While, therefore, excessive limyness of water in daily
use, may prove injurious, and has been known to do so in numerous cases, the
amount of lime usually contained in the bored wells of the prairie region and
the Flatwoods, cannot be considered as necessarily unhealthy; though to be sure,
they may be to some constitutions, and to those not accustomed to their use.
604. It must be recollected, that the water of wells bored in the western
portion of the Flatwoods, and in the hilly region adjoining, may become magne-
sian in consequence of its passage through, or long standing in, the black clays
of the Lignitic (Flatwoods) formation, which there overlies the limestone strata.
If the taste, or effects on health, should induce any suspicion of this being the
case, the following simple test may be applied: boil the water in a perfectly
clean kettle, for at least an hour; after cooling, pour it out into a clear and clean
tumbler, cover it over, and leave it to settle until it becomes perfectly clear and
free from floating particles. This may sometimes require a whole day; when
it is clear, dip out half a teaspoonful with a clean silver spoon, and let the water
so taken evaporate in the spoon, in a place free from dust. It may be set on
the stove, but ought not to be made to boil violently. If afterwards any con-
siderable amount of salt (in the shape of a white dust) is found in the spoon,
the water ought to be submitted to a chemist.* If, on the other hand, only a
slight general tarnish remains in the spoon, it will usually be safe to use the water.
6051 What has been said above concerning the mineral or magnesian wells of
the Hilly Flatwoods region, holds good also, of course, in regard to the natural
mineral springs, which are not uncommon in the same region, and become very
abundant in W. Calhoun, and some parts of Choctaw and Winston counties.
There, strata of sand, and black sandy clay, which frequently replace the heavy
Flatwoods clays, or alternate with them, give rise to numerous springs, which
are mostly more or less mineral. Their most usual character is that of magne-
sian chalybeates, often with sulphuretted hydrogen. For some further particulars
regarding these waters, see "Waters of the Yellow Loam Region (T669, ff.).
*Any specimen of water sent to the State Geologist at Oxford, free of freight
or other charges will be examined, and the result communicated to the owner,
free of charge.
288
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶6052, 606, 6071, 6072
6052 It is not unfrequently the case, that by judiciously selecting the site for
a well on those ridges whose upper portion consists of sand, water may be
obtained without touching the "black dirt." This can very commonly be done
in the heads of hollows, at, or little above the point where the three slopes meet.
At all events, however, it is advisable to use cisterns rather than the natural
water of the Hilly Flatwoods Region, whenever it possesses any considerable
taste of mineral matters.
THE YELLOW LOAM REGION.
COMPRISING NORTH-WEST TIPPAH, MARSHALL, THE GREATER PART OF DESOTO,
EAST PANOLA, LAFAYETTE, WEST CALHOUN, YALLABUSHA, PART OF EAST
TALLAHATCHIE, EAST CARROLL, CHOCTAW, EAST HOLMES, NORTH-EAST YAZOO,
NORTH MADISON, ATTALA, LEAKE, WINSTON, NESHOBA, PART OF Kemper,
LAUDERDALE, NEWTON, (GREATER PART) AND NORTH-EAST CORNER OF SCOTT.
606. I embrace under this head, for the present, all that portion
of the State lying between the Mississippi Bottom on the West,
the Flatwoods Region or the East, and N. of the territory of the
marine calcareous Tertiary (192 to 229--see map); which em-
braces the counties above named.
Of course the soils on this large territory are very numerous and variable,
and there is in most cases no sharp line of demarkation from the adjoining
districts. Until, however, a greater number of soils from the several portions
of this territory shall have been analyzed, it will serve no practical purpose to
subdivide it into minor groups.
The general characteristics of its soils may be thus defined:
that those of the better class of uplands are formed by a yellow
or brownish-yellow loam (T332, ff.), varying greatly in thickness,
from a few inches to as much as 20 feet, but averaging about 3
feet, which forms generally a light soil, and is underlaid by either
doose sand, or red hardpan of the Orange Sand formation (T6 to
77); while on the poorer uplands, the loam is very thin or entirely
absent, and some of the materials of the Orange Sand, or their
intermixture with the yellow loam, form a sandy soil which, though
at times quite productive at first, wears out very rapidly.
607¹. The former soils are timbered, essentially, with Spanish
(“Red”), Red (“ Black") and large, sturdy Post Oak, and Hickory,
to which, especially in cases both of unusual heaviness, and light-
ness, the Black Jack Oak is very generally added. In the rich
hill soils, and very commonly on the slopes, and near the bottoms,
the true Black Oak, or Quercitron Oak, is also common.
607.2 The Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak is found among these commonly occur-
›ring trees, everywhere more or less; its prevalence, however, is considered an
unfavorable symptom as regards the fertility of the soil-it belongs more partic-
ularly to the poorer class of the "Yellow Loam Soils," merging towards the
Pine Hill" and "Black Jack Ridge" soils of North Mississippi, which are
characterized in general as above stated, by their sandiness, and as concerns
their growth, by Post Oak, Black Jack and Short-leaf Pine, among which the
Spanish ("Red") and Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak appear scatteringly, and of lank
7608, 609, 610, 611] TRANSITION OF SOILS.
289
or scrubby growth; while Hickory is absent or present only in small trees, and
Black and Red ("Black") Oak are wanting. Moreover, the Chestnut tree,
though not abundant in individuals, is a very constant inhabitant of the poorer
class of ridge soils of N. Mississippi.
608. We find of course, all degrees of transition from one extreme
of the soils above mentioned to the other, and it would be futile as
well as useless to attempt to define and distinguish them strictly.
For these transitions are essentially incident to the manner in
which these soils were formed, since, when the loam was carried
over, and deposited on the Orange Sand strata, its lower portions
would unavoidably become mixed, to some extent, with the loosened
materials of the latter. We find, therefore, in examining a profile
where (as in road washes) the loam and Orange Sand are exposed
together, that near the line of junction, for a foot or eighteen
inches, we have a very sandy loam or clayey sand, corresponding
exactly to the Pine and Black Jack ridge soils, while higher up,
there is less sand, and when thicker than two feet, the loam appears
nearly of uniform character thence upwards.
While, therefore, it is convenient to keep in mind these two, as the principal
types of soil, for convenience of comparison and description, it will, in many
cases, be entirely optional with the observer, to which of the two classes his
particular soil shall be counted as belonging.
609. It is very essential, however, in judging of the position of any of these
soils in the scale of comparison, to take into account not only the kind (species)
of the trees, but also their mode of growth. The Black Jack and Post Oak,
especially, as species, belong to the poorest as well as the richest upland soils,
both of this region, and of Mississippi generally; and the Spanish ("Red")
Oak, while its range as to quality of soil is generally less than that of the other
two, would cause even a greater number of mistakes, if relied on as a species to
indicate any particular quality of soil; not only on account of its wide distribu-
tion, but, also, because of the greater difficulty of distinguishing from one another
the different forms it assumes on the several kinds of soil.
610. A good sized Post Oak of sturdy, thick-set growth, with stout, crooked
branches, which decrease rapidly in thickness, and with a dense well shaped
top, will never be found on a poor or easily exhausted soil. But let it be small
and scrubby, with numerous small branches, and a long tattered top; or its
trunks tall, thin and tapering, with long, rod-shaped branches, themselves often
covered with stout foliage; and an open, irregular, or tattered top, or much
elongated (in the shape of a long Pecan nut): and little is to be expected of the
natural resources of the soil.
611. With the Black Jack Oak, the characteristics are somewhat different.
The short and knotty Black Jack, whose trunks will sometimes scarcely yield
a straight piece long enough for a fence-post, and generally places the purchaser
of cord-wood under a great disadvantage; which possesses short and very
crooked branches, and a tattered, open top, is the characteristic tree of the poor
sandy Black Jack ridges; and when very small besides, it denotes the very
poorest soil. Dense rounded tops, with rather low, but straight trunks, belong
to the heavy prairie soils of the cretaceous formation (Monroe, Chickasaw), and
on the other hand, to the fertile, but extremely sandy ridge soils of S. Noxubee,
Kemper, Lauderdale and Jasper, while on the fertile yellow loam soils of North
Marshall, Holmes, Madison, etc., the Black Jack forms large, well shaped,
spreading trees, sometimes fifty feet and more in length, with trunks compara-
tively straight-or at least, not whimsically knotty like those of the Pine Hills;
R-19
290
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶612, 613, 614, 615, 616
but generally leaning over to one side with a regular curve, and without strag-
gling branches on the trunk below the top.
There are probably few trees, which, like the Black Jack, can
flourish on such extreme opposites of soil (3472); and it would be
highly interesting to ascertain, by comparative analyses, what is
the peculiarity of the soil by which the tree is guided in its selection.
612. As for the Spanish ("Red") Oak, it does not frequent soils.
of any extreme character, either physical (as to lightness or heavi-
ness) or chemical.
Soils where this tree prevails, are generally easily tilled, yet not liable to
suffer from drouth. But as to their quality, a great deal depends upon the size
and form of the tree. If it be rather stout; if the main branches grow out at
a large angle (more or less square) so as to form a rounded top, closed on all sides,
the soil is sure to be a strong one. But if the trunk is lank, slender, and of a
whitish hue; forking into straight slender branches tending upwards, somewhat
in the shape of a broom, and presenting a tattered top which is open below:
little can be expected of the soil.
613. Very nearly the same applies to the true Red, and Black
Oak proper, which are not distinguished in Mississippi, but are-
both usually comprehended under the title of Black Oak. The
White Oak proper, when of a sturdy growth, with a rounded top,
belongs to the best of "hommock" soils; but it is not a safe mark
to judge by, when it is a lank and tall growth, with a very long top.
614. I have thus briefly characterised these, the principal forest trees of the
Yellow Loam Region, for convenient reference in the special description of its agri-
cultural features. It is necessary, of course, to exercise judgment in the applica-
tion of the rules given above, which are the result of personal study, as well as,
in a great measure, the expression of experience afloat among the people, which,
when reduced to a system (as no doubt can be done by careful investigation)
will be of the last importance in the selections of lands, and might render analy-
sis almost unnecessary (T372).
615. It is not only the mode of growth, but also, and very essentially, the size
of the trees which requires to be taken into consideration, in order to come to
a correct conclusion concerning the fertility and peculiarity of the soil. It is
with these several types of one and the same kind of tree, as it is with many
separate species-as for instance, with the Pines. By common consent, we gen-
erally consider the presence of Pine among the Oak growth, as a sign of a soil
inferior to that which bears the Oak alone; and yet, there is no surer sign
of a good soil in many of the bottoms of S. Mississippi, than the presence of
huge Pines even among the Sweet Gum, Poplar, Mulberry, and bottom Oaks.
Nor is it to be expected, that in any region all the trees of one species should
exhibit the same type of growth. The soil of the hillsides will differ somewhat
from that of the hilltops; and moreover, where the growth is crowded, the
peculiarities of form may be lost or ill defined. It is the type of well developed
trees which must be noticed, rather than of the majority of a crowded growth.
616. TABLE LANDS OF N. MARSHALL AND N. W. TIPPAH.-The
lands known as the Marshall Table-lands are among the most fertile
uplands of the State, and are found to be particularly suited to the
culture of cotton. I have not as yet made a detailed examination
of this region, and can only give generalities concerning it. The
face of the country (on lower Wolf River and the northern heads
of Cold Water) is gently undulating, generally so as to be in little
danger of having the soil washed away, provided the process of
¶617, 618, 619] ANALYSES OF MARSHALL COUNTY LANDS.
“
291
circling" be moderately well executed. The soil is formed of a
brown loam, which overlies the Orange Sand strata-the loam is
generally from six to eight feet in thickness, but sometimes more.
The material is, on the whole, rather heavier than that of the yellow
loam lands of S. Marshall and Lafayette, and also of darker color
-greatly resembling, in these respects, the brown loam of the
Southern River Counties (T687)-to which, also, it approaches
closely in composition.-The timber consists essentially of Oaks and
Hickory; the Post is perhaps the most prevalent tree, which is
accompanied on the more clayey belts, by the Black Jack, on the
lighter soils, more prevalently by the Spanish ("Red"), the true
Red, and Black Oak. The sturdy and vigorous growth of the Post
Oak, and the corresponding characteristic forms of the other
trees, denoting a soil of great fertility, are very strikingly devel-
oped here.
617. The soil proper, as at present existing, is not generally rich in
vegetable matter, and often differs but little in aspect from the subsoil found at
two to three feet; but we commonly find to the depth of ten to twelve inches
from the surface, a soil which differs from the lower layers in being more mellow
in cultivation, and having a shade of chocolate or "mulatto" color added to the
reddish brown of the subsoil. The following analyses of soil and subsoil of this
region, refer to specimens furnished by Judge A. M. Clayton, from his planta-
tion near Lamar, and were considered by him fair specimens of the soil of the
slopes of the dividing ridge between the waters of Cold Water and Wolf Rivers.
618. No. 216. SOIL OF MARSHALL COUNTY TABLE-LANDS; from Judge A. M.
Clayton's plantation S. 30, T. 2, R. 1 W., near Lamar, Marshall county. From
a level tract below the summit ridge :
Depth: Ten inches.
Vegetation: Hickory, Black Jack and Post Oak, mingled with some Sweet
Gum and an occasional Spanish Oak.
A mellow soil, of a "mulatto" tint. Saturated with moisture at 62.4 deg.
Fahr., it lost 6.842 per cent water at 400 deg.; dried at which temperature it
consisted of:
Insoluble Matter.
.83.347
Potash
0.549
Soda
0.082
Lime...
0.245
Magnesia.
0.479
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
0.760
Peroxide of Iron...
4.798
Alumina...
6.282
Phosphoric Acid..
0.068
Sulphuric Acid.
0.062
Water and Organic Matter.
4.195
100.033
619. No. 235. SUBSOIL OF MARSHALL COUNTY TABLE-LANDS; from Judge A..
M. Clayton's plantation, S. 30, T. 2, R. 1 W., near Lamar, Marshall county:
Depth: Ten to twenty inches.
Vegetation: Same as the preceding.
A pretty solid, yellowish-brown loam. Saturated with moisture at 62.4 deg.
Fahr., it lost 7.423 per cent. of water at 400 deg. Fahr.; dried at which temper--
ature, it consisted of:
292
[T620, 621, 622
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
прит
Insoluble Matter (as above)...
Potash...
.83.993
0.700
Soda.
0.049
Lime..
0.139
Magnesia.
0.579
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
·
0.332
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina..
Phosphoric Acid.
3.862
7.279
0.236
Sulphuric Acid.....
Organic Matter and Water.
0.054
2.716
100.399
620. The analyses show the important fact, that the subsoil of the Mar-
shall table-lands is, generally speaking, richer in the most important nutritive
ingredients of the plants (Potash and Phosphoric Acid, also Magnesia), than
the surface soil, and that those which are deficient in the subsoil as compared
with the surface soil (Soda, Lime, and Sulphuric Acid) are those most readily
supplied by artificial means. The determination of the absorbing power for
moisture shows, moreover, that no important change will be effected in this
respect, by bringing the subsoil to the surface-which, by exposure and tillage,
soon becomes equally mellow with the present surface soil. Deep plowing and
subsoiling, in the sense of turning up the subsoil (¶503, ff.), is therefore clearly
indicated as the means of bringing into action, the great native fertility of this
soil; in addition to which, the use of lime, both as a stimulant and nutritive
ingredient, is to be primarily recommended. In view of the deficiency of Soda,
in both the surface soil and subsoil, an addition of common salt to any manure
used, would be found useful; and plaster (gypsum) would greatly benefit the
soil, not only as a stimulant, of which the subsoil stands in need, but also as
supplying two important ingredients in which, otherwise, the soil is somewhat
deficient.
621. It is important to observe that, as a convenient source of lime, the marl
(118, ff; 141), and limestone (T91, ff.), region of Tishomingo is very accessible
by Railroad to this section of the country.
The nearest marl deposit on the railroad, with which I am acquainted, occurs
near Chawalla Station on the M. & C. R. R. It is probable, however, that
deposits of blue marls and glauconitic limestones, occur near at hand, on Muddy
Creek, and Hatchie, in Tennessee. The marl at Chawalla (T141), is of the
Rotten Limestone character, yellowish and clayey; a specimen yielded on
analysis, twenty-one per cent. of carbonate of lime; but it is likely that marls
richer in lime than the one analyzed, and which would pay better for transport-
ation, may be found between Chawalla and Farmington. If the impure green-
sandy limestone of the Ripley Group (T150, ff.), should appear anywhere on
Hatchie or Muddy Creek, near the railroad, it might pay well to burn it into
lime for agricultural purposes.
Further east, near the Mississippi line, and in particular where the railroad
crosses Bear Creek, the gray limestone of the Carboniferous formation is found
(182); which if burnt, on account of its greater purity, might pay better for
transportation, notwithstanding the greater distance from the point where it is
to be employed.
622. The Table-land soils of North-West Tippah, such as they
are found north of Salem, do not differ much, apparently, from
those of Marshall; in their growth, the Spanish ("Red"), true Red,
and Black Oak are rather more prevalent, alongside of the Post
Oak, than is the case on the soils analyzed, where the Black Jack
is very abundant; the color of the loam, also, inclines less towards
T623, 624, 625]
IMPORTANCE OF CIRCLING".
293
brown than is the case further west, and the face of the country
gradually becomes more hilly as, after crossing Wolf River, near
Spring Hill we advance eastward.
In Marshall county the material underlying the surface loam is generally a
reddish hardpan (of the Orange Sand formation), which sometimes is impervious
enough even to give rise to springs, or at least, to retain the water in pools in
the beds of the streams, after they have ceased to flow-as, unfortunately, they
very generally do during a large portion of the summer, in the "table-land"
region. As, however, we approach the dividing plateau between the waters of
Wolf River and Hatchie, in T. 1, R. 2 and 3 E., and the northern portion of T.
2 of the same range, we find the strata underlying the loam to consist of loose,
white or yellowish sand, in consequence of which, the soil washes very badly,
though according to the inhabitants, it is "good enough as long as it will stay";
while still further east, on the waters of Muddy Creek, as well as southward,
the surface becomes more hilly and sandy and the soil inferior.-The streams of
this plateau land flow only a short time even after the heaviest rains, their water
being rapidly absorbed by the soil; though even here, a stray layer of clay
traversing the sand, will occasionally give rise to a spring. Wells require to be
sunk to considerable and inconvenient depths, in order to obtain a steady supply
of water during the summer; and stock water requires to be kept in artificial
ponds. The peculiar shallow, rounded form of the hollows in this region,
immediately recalls the same feature as occurring in the Pine Hills of South Mis-
sissippi under similar circumstances (T77).
623. It is greatly to be regretted, that circling was not practiced at an earlier
date in this region; for large tracts, originally covered (though not to a great
depth) with an excellent soil, have already been irrecoverably lost to cultivation
by washing. When the surface loam has been penetrated, the latter process
goes on with fearful rapidity, and requires the most energetic measures to check
it. Not only is the soil, and all that could possibly serve as a foundation for a
soil, carried away from the hills, but the materials thus removed cover over the
fertile branch bottoms, in company with a flood of sand, which renders them
useless for all time to come.
The difficulty-just mentioned, though rarely met with to the extent to which
it is experienced here, is of very frequent occurrence in this State, in conse-
quence of the great prevalence of loose sandy materials as the substratum ọf
the loams forming the soil and subsoil, and may as well find some discussion, in
this place; since it is especially in the "Yellow Loam Region" that the inroads
of the hillside washes are acquiring, more and more, an alarming importance,
not only to the cultivators of the soil, but also to many villages and county
seats, which seem to have been located very generally, by preference, upon sand
ridges, and not a few of which are in danger of going, in the most literal sense,
"down hill”.
624. "Circling" or "horizontalizing" the hill sides, in cultiva-
tion, is certainly the first necessity in the present condition of
things, and will do a good deal towards preventing the commence-
ment of this evil. This is now becoming so universally known
and acknowledged that no one who neglects this necessary measure
of self-defence, can claim to be considered as obeying the dictates
of ordinary prudence and common sense.
Sufficient attention is not as yet paid, in general, to the careful and accurate
adjustment of the level, on which the success of the whole absolutely depends,
and without which, the very measure intended to remedy the evil, is most
calculated to bring it about.
625. No one can trust his eye alone to recognize the true level with even
moderate accuracy; and the common water level, at least, ought to be considered
294
[¶626, 627
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
•
as indipensable an instrument on every upland plantation, as the steelyards
which serve to weigh the crop. It should be found, ready made, in every
country store and tinshop-it need not cost more than half a dollar, glass tubes
and all. But the planter may in case of need make one himself at any time,
from a piece of cane, or the tube of an elder, fitted at each end with a small
medicine bottle, such as may be obtained at any drugstore-the bottom being
cracked off and the bottle connected, neck downwards, with the horizontal tube,
by means of a smaller tube (of cane or elder) which can readily be made to fit
both the neck of the bottle and a hole bored into the side of the main piece; the
tubes ought to be as wide as possible, but the glass tubes or bottles should not
exceed, for convenient use, half an inch in width; and the horizontal tube ought
not to be shorter than twelve inches-two feet is the desirable length. The
facility of sighting over the top of the water in both ends, is much increased to
an inexperienced eye, by coloring it in some way--with logwood, indigo, Poke-
berry, Blood-root or the like. And it must be recollected, that the points sighted
—which should not be at excessive distances, especially when the instrument is
short-are on a level, not with the foot of the stick on which the instrument is
supported, but with the surface of the water, or the eye of the observer while
sighting; and that, therefore, the height of the latter above ground must be
measured downwards from the point sighted on a pole at the other end, in order
to obtain the point on the ground corresponding to the foot of the instrument.
Moreover, if the surface is at all irregular, a single level taken at the middle of
the slope is not enough to insure the plow-hands keeping" on a line" with it at
any distance; but several of these level lines ought to be seen and marked off,
once for all, if possible.
626. Hillside "horizontalizing", however, is not of itself an
effectual remedy, unless accompanied by deep plowing, not only in
making the furrows between the rows, but in the entire process of
tillage.
Unless this is done, so as to render the soil capable of absorbing rapidly a
large amount of water, the latter is sure (unless indeed the soil be extremely
porous of itself) to accumulate on the surface in the furrows, in heavy rains, to
such an extent as to break through at some weak point, from which, thereafter,
the washes will extend so much the more rapidly, as the process of horizontalizing
itself has made the collection of the water in channels easier. And the same
double inconvenience, precisely, always results from imperfect leveling of the
furrows, as any one who will observe the point can convince himself.
Deep plowing, therefore, while advisable almost everywhere as a matter of
general policy, is doubly useful in lands subject to washing. And when, in
addition, analysis has demonstrated (as in the case of the " Table-lands”) that
the richest portion of the soil still lies untouched beneath the present range of
the plow share, inducements enough, it would seem, are offered to planters for
the final abandonment of the profitless, and in the case of hilly lands, positively
suicidal system of shallow tillage, now so generally prevalent.
627. When washing away can be prevented in lands circum-
stanced as is a large portion of the yellow lands of the State (viz :
underlaid, at the depth of a few feet, by pervious sands of con-
siderable thickness, the very causes which at present prove so fatal
in many cases, will be turned to positive advantage. For no
artificial arrangement, however, complete and expensive, could
bring about as perfect a condition of thorough drainage, as
naturally exists in these soils.
When, however, the thickness of the retentive loam muck exceeds about 4
feet; or when the underlying sand, instead of being loose and easily penetrated
by water, is more or less indurate and cemented into "hardpan", then thorough
T628, 629¹, 6292]
CURE OF WASHES.
295
drainage by artificial means may become, if not absolutely necessary, at least
very expedient and useful (T407, ff.; 4131).
628. It is higly important to the agriculturist, especially when
the subsoil or loam stratum proper is shallow, to prevent the
washes from penetrating the loam into the underlying sand or
hardpan.
Should the sand be loose, the moment the water reaches it, an undermining
process will begin, which will cause the land to waste with greatly increased
rapidity. Should it, on the contrary, be an impervious hardpan, as is very
frequently the case, the increased mass and velocity of the water will rapidly
widen its channel, casting away the sides of the gully. In any case, when the
sandy strata are once reached, the space thus laid bare is absolutely lost to culti-
vation, unless artifically covered with fresh soil; for the sands of the sea-beach
are not more arid and hopelessly sterile, than are those of the Orange Sand
formation. So long, therefore, as the washes remain within the loam stratum,
the soil can be recovered for purposes of cultivation, not only in the region of
the Marshall and Tippah "Tablelands," but very generally where the, remarka-
bly uniform, yellow loam stratum prevails. Old fields cut up with washes need
not, therefore, be considered as irreclaimable, unless this loam has been absolutely
carried away, exposing the sterile sand-which, in general, it is not difficult to
distinguish from the subsoil loam, since the former very rarely possesses tints
similar to those of the latter. In N. Mississippi especially, the dull yellowish-
brown tints of the loam generally contrast pretty strongly with the reddish-
brown or orange hues of the sand.
The loam exposed by these washes, so far from being sterile, is
often found eminently fertile, in consequence of the decomposing
or "fallowing" action which has been exercised upon it by the
atmosphere (357). In N. Marshall, especially, striking instances
of this kind have often occured. In general, these washed surfaces.
require to be treated like subsoil fields (1506).
As regards the cure of washes already formed, it is oftentimes by no means
easy. It cannot always be done by simply filling them up, because the loose
material thus introduced is liable to be washed away again by the first hard rain ;
unless, at the same time, an underdrain is laid at the bottom of the gully, so ar
to carry off the water rapidly, without allowing it to set the mass afloat.
6291. South of the waters of Wolf River, on the northern
branches of Tippah Creek, in Tippah county, the land is generally
much inferior to that of the "Table-land" region. The surface is
much broken, and the covering of loam thin or almost entirely
wanting on the ridge lands, whose soil is sandy, and timbered,
chiefly with inferior Post Oak and Black Jack, at first only with
occasional streaks of Pine, which gradually becomes one of the
regular occupants of the soil; some Chestnut, also, is almost
invariably present. The slopes towards the bottom, however, (as
well as the latter themselves) are of good quality, and resemble
the "Table-land" soil.
Very nearly the same condition of things obtains in TT. 5 and 6, R. 1 E
save that the lands often possess somewhat the character of the "Hills of the
Flatwoods Region" (¶587); so that the country on the Ocklimita is an exact
copy of that on the headwaters of Yockney-e. g., the Potlockney, Otuckalofa,
etc., and the same character continues E. of Tippah Creek, in Marshall county.
6292. West of Tippah Creek the country improves, being less
broken, the Pine disappearing, the growth of the Post Oak and -
296
[1630, 631
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
Black Jack becoming better, and more mingled with Hickory,
Spanish ("Red") and other oaks; while the loam stratum becomes
thicker, and the soil in consequence less sandy.
South-west Marshall I have not personally visited, but its features are said
to resemble altogether those of adjoining portions of Lafayette, and the country
bordering on the M. C. R. R., viz: undulating oak uplands, whose soil-loam is
somewhat paler in color than that of the N. Marshall "table-lands", a little
lighter on the whole, and the stratum of less thickness; and interspersed at
times with lighter ridges, where the soil is sandy and the timber correspondingly
poorer.
630. In Lafayette county, a line drawn from the N. E. corner
(the mouth of Pouskous Creek) to the head of Yellow Leaf, down
that creek to its mouth, and thence nearly due S., will leave S. and
E. of it the main body of the "Pine Hill" lands (16072), of the
county.
N. and W. of it, but little Pine is to be found, the face of the country being
either broken ridge lands with a very sandy soil, bearing an inferior growth,
chiefly of Post Oak and Black Jack, commonly accompanied by the Scarlet
(“Spanish ") and more or less, by the Spanish ("Red") Oaks; or broad ridges
less high and abrupt, forming uplands more or less undulating, composed of
Orange Sand covered by a stratum 2 to 4 feet in thickness, of yellow loam.
The Spanish (" Red "), Red (" Black”, in part) and Post Oak, and Hickory,
form the prominent growth of these lands; but according to their position in the
scale of transition into the sandy ridge lands (¶606; 6072 ), more or less
Black Jack and Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak is added to the above, and the shapes
of the trees vary as before described. In some points (as on Clear Creek) the
better class of lands, also, bear the Black Jack, of the same type as on the
Marshall Table-lands, but this is rather the exception.
On the fine cotton uplands lying between the creeks forming the immediate
confluents of the Tallahatchie, in N. W. Lafayette, the Spanish ("Red") and Red
(“ Black ") Oak, together with occasional sturdy Post Oaks, are finely developed
and together with the Hickory, characterize the best lands on Woodson's Ridge,
the College Hill Ridge, &c., which are little inferior to the Table-lands of
Marshall; and to which, although I have not as yet been able to analyze them,
I have no doubt the same remarks will apply, in general, which have been made
in reference to the former region (T616, ff.). It is to be observed, however, that
the stratum underlying the loam generally, is not loose sand, but reddish hardpan.
In this northern and north-eastern portion of the county, large bodies of fine
uplands exist; they are always more or less interspersed, however, with higher
and more sandy ridges, and even level tracts which the lank growth and whitish
bark of the oaks, no less than experience, show to be of inferior fertility.
The dividing ridge between the Yockeney and Tallahatchie, on which Oxford
stands, varies greatly in its character from place to place, viz: from that of
Woodson's Ridge to that of the poorest Black Jack ridges. The bodies of good
land are, therefore, small, and extend chiefly along the branch bottoms; and
such is more especially the case on its southern slope, towards the Yockeney-
Patafa River. Here as elsewhere, in general, the loam stratum increases in
thickness and quality as we advance westward.
631. The uplands bordering upon the Yockeney-Patafa, in S.
Lafayette, are generally very much broken, and although the lower
hillside growth is often indicative of a good soil, the sandy summits
of the narrow ridges offer little inducement for cultivation. It is
chiefly the branch bottoms (which are generally narrow), the
slopes, and bottom of the river itself (which is, however, subject.
to overflow) that are cultivated.
T632, 633]
FERTILITY OF YALLABUSHA LANDS.
297
The same, precisely, may be said of the country on the waters of the
Otuckalofa, and on the northern confluents of the Loosha Scoona, in Calhoun
county, as well as of adjoining portions of N. E. Yallabusha; only that in
general, the Short-leaf Pine is mingled here with the ridge Oaks. The bottom
lands of these creeks are very fine, and heavily timbered, with trees denoting
rather a heavy, though a fertile soil. The slope of the hills towards the bottom
of Scoona is gentle, and forms a tract of rather heavy upland soil, timbered with
Spanish ("Red") Post, and Red (“ Black") Oak, and Hickory. The bottom
lands of the Scoona, which are extensive (the bottom being 1% to 2½ miles
wide), and whose growth leaves no doubt of their being very fertile, have hardly
been fairly tested as yet, on account of their being subject to overflow; and as
the soil is, at the same time, somewhat heavy, it cannot be tilled early enough
in spring, unless first reclaimed.
632. Of Yallabusha county, claimed by its inhabitants as being,
in an agricultural point of view, the best of the upland counties of
the State, I know from personal observation only the central
portion, adjacent to the M. C. R. R.; which, however, is said to
represent pretty fairly also the western portion. N. of Coffeeville
it is a gently undulating region, with a yellow loam soil, oak
growth, etc., much resembling the fertile oak uplands of N. Lafayette,
and generally possessing a reddish hardpan subsoil, which not
being very pervious, a good deal of injury is done to the lands by
washing.
Here, also, a great deal of good would be done by deeper tillage, not only as
a preventive of washing and injury by drouth, but also because of the evident
identity of the whole loam stratum, with that forming the soil itself (¶616, ff.).
Between Coffeeville and the Yallabusha River, also, there is generally a fine
farming country, interspersed here and there, however, with Black Jack and
Post Oak ridges of less fertility, and sometimes even with short Pine ridges
(76072); the yellow loam soil is the same as above, save in that the stratum
is generally thicker, and liable to washing.
The fine level farming region around Grenada, which extends on both sides
along the Yallabusha and Beadupanbogue, is a second bottom or hommock,
several miles in width, now almost entirely under cultivation, but originally
timbered, with Post, Willow, Water, Chestnut White, and White Oaks, and
Hickory; the soil being a light, yellowish gray loam, several feet in depth, easily
tilled, and of great fertility, This level hommock land, which slopes off gradually
into the bottoms proper, is bordered, and occasionally interspersed with, poor,
sandy, low ridges bearing an inferior growth of Black Jack, Post, and Spanish
("Red") Oaks.
633. Pine ridges are, however, within sight of Grenada, a few
miles to the eastward, and are said to extend into the fork of the
Yallabusha and Loosha Scoona. The high ridge lands dividing
Beadupanbogue from Big Sandy Creek, and further S. W., the
waters of Hayes' Creek and other confluents of the Big Black,
from those of the Yallabusha, are timbered with Short-leaf Pine,
Black Jack, Post, Spanish ("Red") and some Scarlet ("Spanish")
Oaks.
Up to the head of the Beadupanbogue the ridges are steep and narrow, their
soil is very sandy and of little fertility, and often of a deep orange tint; beyond,
as we approach Middletown, the ridges become lower and broader, the soil
improves and the loam stratum becomes thicker, but is of a remarkably pale
yellow tint; while the Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak is uncommonly abundant.
Notwithstanding the considerable admixture of Short-leaf Pine among the Oaks
298
[T634, 635
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
this soil "
""
wears very well even on the ridges, producing 900 to 1000 lbs. of
seed cotton for 10 to 12 years. Near Middleton, and beyond, between Middle-
ton and Shongalo, the pine is scarce or altogether wanting, the Oak growth
Spanish ("Red") Post, Scarlet ("Spanish") the true Red, and an occasional
Black Oak and Hickory, improve its character, and the soil increases in depth, as we
advance southward; only occasionally there is a higher, sandy ridge, on which
the Black Jack and Post Oak exclusively prevail.
Near Shongalo (T183, ff.), we have gently rolling yellow loam
uplands, well timbered with the growth above given, and sloping
down rather gradually into the hommock of the Big Black River,
of whose soils I shall speak later (T660, ff.).
634. I have not personally examined the more westerly portions
of Carroll county, but I am informed that their general features
resemble very much those observed along the line of the R. R.
until we approach within a few miles of the Mississippi Bluff; the
surface being considerably broken.
The higher dividing ridges are of inferior fertility, while the lower are thickly
covered with productive yellow loam, which seems not only to increase in
thickness, but also in the amount of lime it contains, as we advance westward.
It appears that the Big Black River in Carroll and Holmes is generally bordered
on the W. within a few miles, by a gently rolling tract of yellow loam oak
uplands (as those in which Emory and Richland are situated); beyond which,
the country is more broken and in consequence, less convenient for cultivation,
though not, in itself, less fertile. The Richland region in S. E. Holmes, on the
Big Black side of the dividing ridge, is separated from the hommock lands of the
latter stream, by a strip of hilly country, on which Pines are occasionally seen;
north of Goodman Station, the Pine uplands remain constantly within sight of
the R. R. nearly up to the Carroll line. Near Richland, the country is gently
undulating, the yellow loam stratum 15 to 20 feet thick without much change
from top to bottom; the timber large Post, Spanish ("Red") and Scarlet
("Spanish") Oaks, accompanied very generally by large Black Jacks, of the
same type as that of the Madison loam lands. From the aspect of the loam
stratum, and the indications of vegetation in all its different points, there appears
to be very little difference between its upper and lower layers, provided the
latter have been exposed to the atmosphere, and somewhat mixed with vegetable
matter. In all respects, this soil resembles very much that of the Marshall
county table-lands-it is at all events little inferior to them in thriftiness and
durability (616, ff.). Fresh lands produce nearly a bale of cotton (1200 lbs.
of seed cotton) per acre, and after 9 or 10 years incessant cultivation, will still
yield about 750 lbs. of seed-cotton, with the usual shallow tillage.
The loam contains very little coarse sand, but enough of fine, to render it
very mellow and easily tilled; hence subsoiling will be comparatively easy, and
doubtless very effectual in renovating the soil, which is in many places becoming
very much worn. The clay marls of Madison (T281, ff.), could be used abun-
dantly on this soil, without much danger of impairing its good physical qualities.
The same soil precisely prevails in N. E. Yazoo generally, save
that the face of the country is rather more undulating than near
Richland, and on the higher ridges, where the loam has had a
chance to wash away, the stratum of course is thinner. Still
further southward, especially along the Big Black River, the in-
fluence of the calcareous silt of the Bluff formation on the soil and
vegetation, becomes apparent.
635. Such, according to L. Harper's account, is more especially the case on
the W. slope of the dividing ridge between Big Black and Yazoo waters, which
T636, 637]
YAZOO AND ATTALA SOILS.
299
lower down takes the name of Walnut Hills-a region of which, thus far, I have
no personal knowledge. It seems that all along the Mississippi Bluff, from
Horn Lake to Vicksburg, for a few miles inland at least, the calcareous silt of
the Bluff formation (¶327, ff.), is occasionally seen, either in patches or forming
ridges, and that the loam stratum overlying the same (unlike that forming the
surface in the Southern River Counties, which see T684), is strongly impregnated
with lime, so as even to contain white calcareous concretions. It bears, in
consequence, a very vigorous growth of lime-loving trees, such as the "Poplar"
Linn or Basswood, Sweet Gum, large Sassafras, (several feet in diameter) White
Oak, and Post Oak. The growth indicates a soil of great fertility, but the
country is so much broken-washed into high steep ridges and deep ravines,
as to be inconvenient for the cultivation of ordinary field crops. Like the Cane
Hills of the Southern River Counties, it could probably best be made available
for the culture of the grape, and of fruit trees.
636. We now return to the Big Black River, and more especially, to the
neighborhood of Shongalo. Besides the pale yellow loam which forms the
usual soil of this region, we find in spots a more clayey soil of a deep orange-
red-the same, obviously, as that of the clays accompanying the Shongalo
greensand, in the R. R. cuts at and below Vaiden, and at Kirkwood's Ferry
(T183, ff.).
The portion of N. Attala seen on the Shongalo and Kosciusko
road, up to Poukta Creek, is very hilly and broken, the soil thin
and sandy, the timber chiefly Shortleaf Pine, Post and Spanish
("Red") Oak, with occasionally some Hickory. The bottoms,
however, as well as the lower hillsides where the greensand strata
come to the surface (T276), possess a rich growth and light, pro-
ductive soil.
There can be no doubt that with the aid of the greensand manure, so
generally accessible in this region, many of the poor hills on the Zilfa, Sugar
Creek, and upper Poukta, may be rendered very profitably productive; and
the same probably is true of N. E. Attala, which I have not visited.
637. The uplands bordering on the Poukta, and no doubt some
of those on the other creeks mentioned, are of a very different
character. The soil is shallow and scarcely differs from the sub-
soil, which is a deep orange-red, stiff clay containing some sharp
sand, and occasionally, vestiges of greensand grains; being evi-
dently derived from the similar clays of the Tertiary strata seen
at Vaiden and Kirkwood's Ferry.
The surface of the country where this soil prevails, is moderately hilly, and
timbered with White, Black, Post and Spanish ("Red") Oak, and Short-leaf
Pine. Cotton, Oats, and also Corn, are said to succeed well on this soil, which
wears well", but is somewhat difficult of tillage; there is perhaps no other
cause than its heaviness for the want of success in raising on it wheat and
(sweet) potatoes.
The fertility of the soil of these "Red Hills", which is found to within a
mile of Kosciusko, is owing mainly, no doubt, to the greensand grains of the
original material; and nothing could be better suited to its improvement, both
as to heaviness and absolute fertility, than the sandy greensand manure found
in that region. We find here, on the creeks, bluffs of the clay material mixed
with greensand (¶183), but doubtless the sandy stratum is to be found higher
up on the hillsides. It appears that the manuring qualities of the deposits of the
creeks, which are rich in greensand, have already become known, by experience,
to the inhabitants of this region; of their value, which depends on the green-
sand grains contained in them, it will be easy to judge by the eye. The soil of
▾
!
300
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶638, 639, 640, 641
the "Red Hills" is generally very poor in vegetable matter, which ought to be
supplied to it in any convenient shape, and would, no doubt, greatly increase
the "safety" and productiveness of the soil.
I have been informed that similar heavy, red soils occur in the adjoining
portions of Holmes, and even in the N. edge of Madison, I have seen patches
of soil resembling it-regarding which, of course, the same would probably
hold true, as in regard to those of Attala. Whether or not the red soil occurs
in E. Attala, which is said to resemble, in general, the N. W. portion, just
described, I am not informed.
638. The ridge on which Kosciusko is situated, is sandy, and
timbered with Post Oak, Black Jack, Spanish ("Red") Oak, some
(true) Red Oak, and Short-leaf Pine, the soil being rather inferior.
Such, with the exception of the bottoms and hommocks, is the
character of the soil of S. Attala and the N. E. corner of Leake,
(the only portion of that county which I have visited); the surface
being rather hilly and broken, and settled chiefly along the streams.
The slope from the hills W. of the Yockanookana towards the bottom of the
latter is very gradual, and is well settled; its growth being the same oaks oc-
curring further inland, but of a better character, and with more Hickory and less
Pine; the soil, however, is very variable. On the upper portions of the slope,
the subsoil is a pale yellow loam. Lower down, in what might be considered
the hommock or second bottom of the river, the soil (and subsoil which is of
the same aspect) is a gray, ashy silt with ferruginous dots, resembling not a
little the light soil of the Chickasaw Flatwoods (¶572; 575, ff.), yet it produces
well and is not liable to cause failure of the crops in extreme seasons; it is
timbered with Beech, Hickory, White, Black, Scarlet (" Spanish ") and Spanish
("Red") Oak, Elm, and Bottom Pine. The soil of the bottom proper is some-
what similar (¶662).
639. In N. Madison, on the heads of Siniash Creek, there is a
tract of fine, gently undulating yellow loam uplands, where no
Pine is seen; the latter tree re-appears, however, as we approach
the Big Black towards Goodman, on the higher ridges, where the
loam is thin, or almost wanting; while the general surface of the
country, although hilly, is not too much so for cultivation, and
possesses a fair soil. Southward, however, towards Canton, the
ridges become lower and the country gradually assumes the face of
the region S. of Canton, which will be described in another place
(T624, ff.).
640. We now turn back northward to the Loosha Scoona River,
in Calhoun county, the hilly pine lands N. of which have been
above described (T631, ff.).
I have not visited the portion of Calhoun county lying S. of the same, which,
while in general resembling the N. portion, has been described to me as being
more fertile on the whole, than the latter. Its upland soils seem to res emble,
in many localities, more those of the Hills of the Flatwoods Region (T587, ff.),
than those of the yellow loam. Such is the case in the S. E. corner, where
alone I have myself examined them (589). The ridge soils retain their clayey
character, and their timber of White Oak, Spanish (“Red ") Oak, Hickory, and
scattered Pine, alternating with Black Jack and Post Oak ridges, up to Tapashaw
Creek, on the Houston and Bellefontaine road. The bottom lands of the
Tapashaw are much praised, the timber and soil resembling that of the Potlock-
ney (539), as is the case with the creeks of this region generally.

+
641. Beyond (S. of) the Tapashaw, the ridge lands are more sandy, and on the
7642, 643, 644]
•
ALTERATIONS OF SOILS.
301

dividing ridge, (between Big Black and Yallabusha waters) resemble closely
that of the Pine Hills of Lafayette even as to the rocky knolls occasionally
perched on top (¶11). Approaching Bellefontaine, however, the country
becomes less broken and the soil improves-generally in proportion as the gray
clays of the Lignitic formation approach the surface-as the yellow loam
stratum becomes thicker.
S. of Bellefontaine, the pine disappears, until within a few miles
from Greensboro'. The lands are rather broken, the higher ridges
bear the Black Jack and Post Oak, and show bald spots of whitish
clay the soil being, of course, rather heavy in consequence.
Generally, however, on the lower ridge lands, the Spanish ("Red")
Oak prevails most frequently, mixed with some Hickory and Post
Oak-the subsoil being a moderately heavy, yellow loam. This
soil represents fairly the better class of soils of E. Choctaw, there
being considerable uniformity, except where sand ridges intervene.
Thus Greensboro', like so many other county seats of Mississippi, is situated
on a very sandy ridge, where Pine, Post Oak and Black Jack predominate over
the Spanish ("Red") Oak. Between Greensboro' and Big Black, the Spanish
(“Red”) Oak again predominates; S. of Big Black, on the Bankston road, we
first meet with sandy pine hills, then, near Bankston, a gently undulating
region, with yellow loam soil, and timbered mainly with Spanish (“ Red ”) Oak,
with some Hickory, (true) Red, and an occasional Black Oak.
642. A similar alternation of soils characterizes the whole of Choctaw county,
all of which is moderately hilly, without very high ridges, and without
possessing (except along the streams) large continuous tracts of very fertile
soil; the average production of the better class of upland soils, being from
800 to 1,000 lbs. of seed-cotton. The western portion (which I have not
visited) resembles the adjoining parts of Carroll, above described (¶633, ff.).
The S. E. corner of Choctaw, while there are no high ridges, is broken up
into a continual succession of small rounded ones; whose soil does not, in
general, differ essentially from those of N. E. Choctaw.
643. The upland soils of Winston county, as far as I know them,
are essentially of two different characters. The southern and
western portion of the county possesses a shallow, pale soil, and
a pale yellow, rather sandy, loam subsoil; the former often, the
latter always containing more or less concretions of bog ore
("black pebble"). This soil is timbered with Short-leaf Pine,
Post, Spanish ("Red"), and Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak, generally
accompanied by some Hickory, Black Gum, and Maple-the whole
growth disposed to be somewhat scrubby, and the soil of inferior
fertility.
644. In the northern, and north-eastern portion of the county,
there prevails a soil resembling in many respects that of the "Red
Hills" of Attala (1637), and probably formed originally of the
same materials. It is not, on the whole, quite so heavy or dark
colored-not, at least, on the surface; the deeper we go, however,
the heavier and darker colored it becomes. This soil is character-
ized by a growth of White, Black and (true) Red ("Black") Oak,
stout Post Oak, a good deal of Hickory, and sometimes, Short-leaf
Pine 3. all these trees being stout and well proportioned. The
average production of this soil is from 800 to 1000 lbs. of seed-
cotton per acre, sometimes even more.
302
[¶645, 646, 647
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
It is important to observe, that the red clay sometimes forms the subsoil,
where the pale yellow loam (see above, ¶643), only appears on the surface. In
this case, there is a corresponding improvement in the timber of the yellow loam,
which is less disposed to be scrubby, and to which according to circumstances,
the Hickory, Black and White Oak are added. Of course, deep plowing in such
soils is to be highly recommended. Moreover, the red soil itself occupies the
surface in patches and belts in N. W. Winston-as for instance, near New
Prospect, on Mr. Coleman's land, S. of the Yockanookana, where a strip about
5 miles long by 1 wide, extends along the edge of the bottom. The main body
of these red lands, however, is in the "Noxubee Hills", in N. E. Winston and
S. W. Ocktibbeha.
ד
The country it occupies is considerably broken, and the hillsides are steep;
on them, as well as in the gullies, the "Poplar" and Ash occur. Occasionally,
on higher ridges, we find sandy soils, ferruginous sandstone, etc., with scrubby
Black Jack and Post Oak; but mainly, the red soil prevails, and whenever a
space is afforded, settlements and plantations show the good estimation in which
the land is held.—This soil appears about 3 miles E. of Louisville, and extends
S. as far as the Winstonville neighborhood, on Allison's Ridge.
645. I have not myself examined the S. W. portion of Winston, but it is said
to resemble the southeastern, which I have traversed on the Louisville and
Summerville road. The neighborhood of Louisville is but slightly undulating, and
the same features, with the pale yellow subsoil containing "black pebbles ",
" and
a somewhat scrubby growth as before described (T643), continue for several
miles on the Summerville road. Gradually, however, the soil deteriorates as we
advance, and about 5 miles from the town, we see regular "Pine Hills" resem-
bling those of Simpson and S. Smith, in all but the species of the Pine, which
is the Short-leaf. To the depth of 8 to 10 inches it is of a very pale yellowish
buff tint, and almost ashy-lower down, it gradually changes into the pale
yellow loam with bog-ore pebbles (387). Probably the soil of the lower
ridges is better than this of the main dividing ridge, which continues with little
change to within a few miles of the crossing of the Nanna Wauya, where we
find several narrow branch bottoms timbered with White Oak and Sweet Gum ;
the uplands between these are of a yellow loam rather more sandy than that of
the Louisville neighborhood. The Bottom soil of the Nanna Wauya, also, like
that of most of the tributaries of Pearl River, has quite a light, sandy soil; of
a dark chocolate tint for 12 inches, then paler and still more sandy. This soil
produces finely and is timbered with White and Chestnut White Oak, Sweet and
Black Gum, Hickory and some little Wild Plum.
646. The lands E. of the Nanna Wauya though in general
resembling the pale yellow loam lands of Winston, are better and
keep improving as we advance towards Summerville, as is shown
by the improvement of the timber; they become more and more
sandy, and the "black pebbles " less frequent, until, near Summer-
ville, the soil has totally changed its character.
The country is undulating, but with long slopes, well settled and fertile,
notwithstanding that its soil is extremely sandy; of a brownish gray tint for
about 8 inches, then deep orange-red, indurate, coarse sand down to 24 inches,
and more. Still lower down, we find loose white and yellow sands. The
timber consists of sturdy Post Oak, (sometimes with "runners") large high-
trunked Black Jack, large upland Hickories; occasionally, some Black Ŏak, and
on the sandiest points of the ridges, the Upland Willow Oak, (Q. cinerea).
This soil is quite productive, "wears well", and does not suffer from drouth
as severely as might be supposed, in consequence, no doubt, of its deep indurate
subsoil, whose ferrugino-aluminous cement, between the coarse sand grains, is
quite retentive of moisture and manures.
647. The sandy soil of the Gholson or Summerville Ridge (which skirts the
T648, 649]
RIDGE SOILS.
303
Flatwoods of Noxubee and part of Kemper, (¶563), is the type of a class of sandy,
but productive ridge soils, which prevail to a considerable extent, and acquire
considerable importance, in S. E. Mississippi. I shall mention them here, as
far as I know them to exist, in connection with the yellow loam, whose place
they evidently occupy; although they extend considerably beyond the limits of
what I have placed under the head of the Yellow Loam Region.
The ridge soils of Kemper, W. of the Flatwoods, are generally
very sandy. Those of the main dividing ridges especially in the
northern portion, generally resemble that of the Summerville
Ridge; but the lower ridges often greatly resemble those of S.
Winston, and are of inferior fertility.
Such is the case, for instance, in the uplands between DeKalb and Scooba,
timbered with a middle-sized growth of Hickory, Short-leaf Pine, Spanish
("Red") Oak, and scattered Red ("Black") Oak and Sassafras. The soil is
yellowish, very sandy, and increasing in sandiness downwards, without the
intervention (as on the Summerville ridge) of any retentive hardpan stratum;
until, at the depth of 2 to 22 feet, it is almost pure sand. Of course, deep
culture would not only be useless, but positively injurious in such a soil, which
would in any case wear out very soon; it is, however, but very little cultivated,
the settlements being mostly confined to the creek bottoms, which have rather
a heavy, "flatwoody" soil.
On the main ridge, we generally find at a certain depth, an indurate subsoil
crust, which renders the soil capable of profitable cultivation, and improvement.
This crust, the depth of which varies greatly in different localities (from 8
inches to 2 feet) ought not to be broken through on any account, since after
that, the land must become absolutely useless (T510, ff.). Local examination
alone can determine, in each particular case, what is the depth to which the
plow can safely go.
648. The bottom soils of the Yazoo, Patickfaw, etc., are exceeding sandy,
although on the ridge dividing them, we see a good loam soil; as also on some
of those south of Patickfaw, in whose bottom we find, on this route, the first
Long-leaf Pine, which thereafter, onward to Daleville, alternates, in strips of
poor sandy ridge land, with lands bearing the short-leaf Pine, in company with
large Spanish (“Red”) and Post Oaks, whose soil is a yellow, somewhat sandy
loam, producing from five to 800 pounds of seed cotton per acre.
Near Daleville (T178), we find on the uplands a stiff, red, clay
soil, resembling in aspect that of the Noxubee Hills (¶644), but not
equal in productiveness; it evidently requires deep tillage to make
the crops safe. The same soil is seen southward of Daleville, where
it resembles still more strikingly, even in its growth, the soil of the
Noxubee hills, and also approaches it in productiveness; it is obvi-
ously derived chiefly from the white or gray clay which underlies,
and sometimes even comes to the surface in what are, very improp-
erly termed "prairie spots" (T370, ff.).
649. Beyond Sowashee Creek, we again strike sandy land resembling that of
the Summerville Ridge; then, high ridges with ferruginous sand-rock, timbered
with Pine, Post Oak and Black Jack. At the town of Marion, we have a yellow,
sandy, loam subsoil, several feet in thicknees, timbered with Post Oak and Short-
leaf Pine, both short and sturdy, stout, good sized Hickory, some Spanish
(“Red”) and Black Oak; also Black Gum. This soil, which produces well, is
of particular interest as having proved itself well adapted to the culture of the
Catawba grape-a crop which is likely to become, in time, of the highest
importance to the State (¶706, ff.).
În 1859, at the time of my visit, about 5 acres of vineyard had been planted
304
[T650, 651, 652
:
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
near Marion. I was informed that in 1858, a tract of vineyard belonging to
Judge J. B. Hancock (who was the first to introduce the culture) yielded 500
gallons of juice at the rate of 700 gallons per acre; and smaller quantities, at
the same rate of production or nearly so, have been made by others. Estimating
the product at only $150 per gallon (the minimum), it would seem that few
other crops would be likely to yield equal profits on this soil. I have been
unable to obtain information concerning the crop of 1859, but a large yield was
anticipated. Drs. H. R. Wilson and D. U. Ford, of Marion have also entered
with zest upon the culture of the grape; and it is to be hoped that the results
of these interesting experiments will, at an early day, be communicated to the
public.
650. About half a mile west of Marion, we find a strip, not more than half
a mile in width, of sandy land of the character of the Summerville Ridges; the
same is also met with about three miles south of Marion, and is there about
three miles wide; it bears quite an assortment of oaks, to-wit: Post Oak with
runners", Black Jack, Upland Willow, and Barrens Scrub Oak (Q. ferruginea,
cinerea, Catesbaei), all of which are here properly comprehended under the
designation of Black Jacks; Spanish ("Red") and true Red "Black") Oak, with
some Hickory.
Southward of this belt of sandy land, we again see a tract resembling that at
Marion; but further south, as well as west of the sandy belt near Marion, we
soon enter the regular Long-leaf Pine Hills, which will be noticed elsewhere
(see "Long-leaf Pine Region").
651. The sandy soils but just described coincide in every par-
ticular with those forming the ridges on the upper Tallahoma, and
the north portion at least of the Paulding ridge, North Jasper
(1746). The same kind of soil appears, no doubt, on some of the
ridges of Newton, and through that county, probably, is connected
with the ridges of DeKalb and Summerville.
The peculiarities of this soil can nowhere, perhaps, be studied
to greater advantage, than on the ridges of the Tallahoma, west
of Garlandville.
The main body of the ridge consists of loose, sterile sands, while the summit
is formed by a stratum six to eight feet in thickness, of a semi-indurate material
consisting of coarse sand, loosely cemented by reddish- or grayish-yellow, clayey
matter, so as to form a coarse sandy hardpan, which, when crushed, is readily
separated into its sandy and its clayey ingredients, by mere dusting, as when
we separate wheat from the chaff. Hence it is observed, that great injury is done
to this soil when exposed in prominent points, to high winds shortly after tillage
in dry weather; the fertile portion of the soil being thus litterally blown away
and leaving the arid sand behind.
It has been stated that this stratum of soil or hardpan lies on the hill-tops; the
hillside soil is a mixture of the washings of this summit stratum with the red
and white sand underlying it, and cropping out on the slope. The sandy hard-
pan when once broken up, parts with its fertilizing ingredients as readily by the
action of water, as by that of wind; hence, that portion of it which is washed
down the hillsides, is of greatly inferior fertility, and inhabited chiefly by scrubby
Post Oak with runners, and Upland Willow Oak; and the same character is
assumed by the soil of the summit of the ridge, whenever the stratum of fertile
hardpan, being thin, has been broken up, as is the case, to a considerable extent,
in the tract of sandy soil south of Marion (see above).
652. The soil of the Tallahoma ridges in North-west Jasper (where the
hardpan stratum is of sufficient thickness to allow of deep culture), has yielded
fine crops of cotton and corn for fifteen to twenty years, before it was considered
as "worn out"; to sweet potatoes, it is found to be peculiarly suited. Yet even
T653, 654]
CULTURE OF YELLOW LOAM RIDGES.
305
now, after the soil of the "turned out" old fields, of which there are many
on the brows of these hills, has been much damaged by winds and washing, the
judicious use of the subsoil plow would readily renovate it; and by careful
prevention of washing, with attention to tilling only while the soil is somewhat
moist, they might produce for many years to come, and would undoubtedly be
susceptible of improvement by manure also, so long as the hardpan stratum is
not broken through-which, in using deep culture, must be carefully guarded
against (¶510, ff.); recollecting that what can be done with impunity and
advantage on the summits of the ridges, may ruin the hillside lands. The use
of the marls occurring at the foot of the Tallahoma and Paulding ridges, con-
jointly with vegetable matter, would be eminently useful on these soils, and might
even reclaim the land where the subsoil crust is very thin or wanting. The
white "shell prairie " marls (¶208; 288), by themselves, however, should be used
with great caution-in quantities not exceeding one hundred to one hundred
and fifty bushels per acre, for a trial; but since pine straw (¶790, ff.), is very
available in these regions, for use in composting, it would seem advisable always
to employ it at least, conjointly with the marl.
653. Rising, as these ridges do, rather suddenly, from the level regions of the
hogbed prairie" and shell prairie (T746); affording, from their summits, exten-
sive views over the wooded plains, they offer many tempting sites for residences.
The great depth required for wells (80 to 100 feet), in the absence of springs, is
somewhat of a drawback, but not greater, to say the least, than in many of the
best settled regions of the State, where cisterns are used altogether. Moreover,
it is very likely, from the considerable elevation of the country in Newton
county, as shown by the railroad levelings, that in bored wells, tubed as far as
the sand reaches, water could be procured to rise to within convenient distances
of the surface (T325). The improvement of these ridges, therefore, highly
desirable as it is, is by no means as difficult as might seem at first sight. By the
aid of the Rotten Limestone, or rather, perhaps, the lime made of it (¶147, ff.),
similar improvements will be practicable with the similar lands of Noxubee,
Kemper and Lauderdale.
Of the lands of Neshoba and Newton, I have but little personal knowledge.
A large portion of East Neshoba greatly resembles that of Winston covered by
the pale yellow, black-pebble loam (1543), save in that the scrubby Black Jack
is, perhaps, rather prevalent over the Post Oak. In West Neshoba there are
said to exist some of the highest ridges in the State.
654. BOTTOM SOILS OF THE YELLOW LOAM REGION.-The Bottom
soils of the smaller streams necessarily vary so much in conformity
with the soils of the surrounding uplands, that it would be impos-
sible to consider them specially under a distinct head, without
continual repetition. They bear, as it were, the average character
of the soils of the hills from which they receive their washings
(usually with the addition of vegetable matter); hence that of the
bottom soil of one stream will be changed to a certain extent, so
soon as other streams, whose uplands are of a different kind, unite
with the first, carrying with them, of course, their peculiar depos-
its, to mingle with those of the others, and to modify their charac-
ter accordingly.
I intend, therefore, to give, under this head, merely general remarks on the
character of the bottom soils of the principal streams and their tributaries. No
analyses having as yet been made of any of these soils, all I can say regarding
them refers to their extent of occurrence, their growth, physical properties, etc.,
as observed in the field. They are usually so fertile, that few of them have as
yet begun to be worn out; and as there has been less demand for knowledge in
regard to them, I have thus far directed my attention more especially to the


R-20
306
[¶655, 656
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
uplands. Such bottom soils, in fact, as are annually overflowed, and are, there-
fore, always receiving a fresh supply of fertilizing ingredients from the uplands,
will of themselves last longer than the latter, even though their native fertility
may not be much greater.
655. It may be supposed that in a region whose surface is gen-
erally occupied by light loams underlaid by purely sandy strata,
the bottom soils are also in general light and even disposed to be
sandy. This is so far true, that the streams running through
regions exclusively occupied by the Orange Sand, generally possess
rather indifferent bottom soils; to which may be added that in
such cases, the bottoms are usually very narrow, and often possess
rather a hommock or second bottom character. Many of the
smaller streams of S. Winston, W. and S. Kemper, and N. Lauder-
dale, and very frequently those of the Pine hills of North Missis-
sippi, give evidence of this fact; and as the uplands are cleared,
the sands washed down from them upon the surface of the bottoms
render the matter still worse.
·
656. Most of the streams of the Yellow Loam Region, however,
cut more or less into the clayey strata of the Lignitic formation
(T164, ff.), in different portions of their course. Whenever such is
actually the case, the increased heaviness of the bottom soil usually
evidences the fact clearly, a short distance below; and, since clay
will remain suspended in water much longer than sand, the proper
amount of clayey matter is thus very generally distributed through-
out the bottom soils-much more so than, where bottom soils are
prevalently clayey, the sand taken up at some few points will be
distributed through them. Hence even in regions where the upland
soils and the body of the hills are prevalently sandy, the bottom
soils will often exhibit a much less extreme condition in this respect;
their clayey portion being derived, perhaps, from a considerably
distant point.
Thus, the influence of the heavy clay brought into the Talla-
hatchie by its tributaries heading in the Flatwoods, is perceptible for
a long distance below; it remains perceptible longest, of course,
near the main channels, the more sandy alluvium derived from the
hills of N. W. Lafayette and S. W. Marshall (¶629²), gradually
closing in upon it until, in the lower part of its course through the
hills, its bottom soils are quite light and sandy, though always
very fertile.
-
The Tallahatchie bottom is from a mile to a mile and a half wide between
Marshall and Lafayette, considerably cut up with sloughs, and of course, subject
to overflow; though, on account of the comparative lightness of the soil, the
crops of the Tallahatchie bottom are less frequently injured by high water than
is the case in the bottoms of the neighboring streams. It possesses a tall and
vigorous growth of the usual bottom timber of N. Mississippi, when the soil is
not very heavy. Cypress in the sloughs, on the higher ground, Water, Willow
and White Oak, (the Chesnut White Oak is less common), both kinds of Shell-
bark Hickory, Ash, Box Elder, "Poplar", Sweet Gum, Black Gum, Elm, a
good deal of Holly, Maple and Hornbeam, and on the sandier soils, the Beech.
There is usually no hommock or second bottom of any extent;' the loam hills

t
!
T657, 658, 659, 660] SOILS OF THE SCOONA AND YOCKENEY. 307%
generally come down in short slopes into the bottom proper, though in Marshall
county, there is in some points a more gradual "hommock" slope.
657. The Yockeney-Patafa, so far as I know it (in Lafayette *
county, (631), bears throughout the character of a Flatwoods-
stream (T592); its bottom being usually wide (one and a half to
two miles), for a stream of its size, and its soils generally heavy and
disposed to be "cold", and late in spring, in consequence of the
slowness with which the water recedes after an overflow, and the
great retentiveness of the soil.
In consequence of these inconveniences, the Yockeney, notwithstanding its
fertility as demonstrated by its vigorous growth of timber (among which the
Chesnut White Oak is prominent, while the Holly and Beech are not common),
has not been cultivated very extensively in the upper portion of its course.
Lower down in S. W. Lafayette, where the soil is lighter, it is better settled.
The sluggishness of the current explains the fact that the bottom is but little
cut up with sloughs. The Yockeney, also, has little or no hommock.-The soils
in the bottoms of some of its tributaries (e. g., the Potlockney), are rather sandy
than otherwise, and very heavily timbered, so much so as to make the labor of
elearing a serious drawback.
658. The Loosha Scoona River (T631), is even more than the
Yockeney, a genuine Flatwoods stream. It has little or no second
bottom, for although the slope of the hills in N. W. Calhoun is
rather gradual, and is occupied by settlements, this slope has
essentially the upland growth, to the edge of the bottom proper.
The latter is of extraordinary width-two to three miles in Calhoun county.
and its soil is gray and heavy like that of the streams in the Flatwoods proper
(592), like which it forms, during the rainy season, a mire which for tough-
ness and depth, has a well-merited reputation among those who have attempted
to cross the bottom at such times. The sloughs, though so shallow that one
might overlook them, require solid bridges more than many of five times their
apparent width and depth, in other bottoms; for the quagmire is as deep in
them, as the water is in the others. The sluggishness of the stream, and the-
tenacity of the soil may be judged of by the fact that after several weeks sub-
mergence, wagon-tracks previously made on the general level will still appear-
with sharp angles. The bottom is, however, finely timbered (the Chestnut White-
Oak being prominent among the trees), and the soil is undoubtedly very fertile;
but the late spring overflows, together with the heaviness of the soil, renders
crops somewhat precarious thus far, and in consequence, it is very difficult to
obtain a stand. The first step in the reclamation of the Scoona bottom lands,
therefore, must be to exclude the late overflows.
659. I am not acquainted with the features of the Yallabusha
River, as exhibited in S. Calhoun; it appears however, from the
sand-drifts which its banks exhibit in Yallabusha county, that its
bottom soils must differ sensibly from those of the Scoona.


-
Its extensive, fertile hommock or second bottom, which gradually slopes
down into the first, has already been mentioned (632). The Yallabusha is a
rapid stream near Grenada, and like the Tallahatchie, has cut deep and exten-
sive sloughs in its bottom, which is subject to frequent overflows; but from the
comparative lightness of its soil (slightly heavier than that of the hommock)
crops are not so frequently injured as on the Scoona.
{
:
:
660. On the Big Black, above the Cane Hill Region (1674), we
generally find a second bottom on one side at least, from which
there is a descent of 3 to 4 feet to the first. The soils of both are -
+
308
[T661
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
in general light and easily tilled; that of the first is usually
the heavier of the two, and remarkable in the greater portion of
the river's course, for its tall and vigorous timber. Notwithstanding
the frequent overflows, the bottom soils of the Big Black are being
appreciated, and as might be expected, are very fertile.
The hommock soils of the Big Black are as variable in their quality as in
their extent of occurrence in different localities.-At the crossing of the Greens-
boro' and Bankston road, in Choctaw county, the hommock is about a mile
in width, elevated, as usual, 3 to 4 feet above the first bottom; has a chocolate-
colored, light, and very fertile soil, in which there is no perceptible change for
15 inches. The timber is large, consisting of Beech, Hickory, Ash, Elm,
Hornbeam, Red-bud, etc.
On Dr. Vaiden's land near Shongalo (1633), there is a tract of hommock
land skirting the Big Black Bottom, quite level, and nearly destitute of timber;
some large Post Oaks, occur in groups, and in low places, small Sweet Gum.
The soil is light, but destitute of coarse sand, of a dark tint for 10 to 12 inches
and beneath, a subsoil of very fine, pale yellow sand evidently very unretentive
in consequence of which, the land is liable to injury by drouth; produces good
wheat, oats, rye and Irish potatoes, but very poor cotton or corn.-There must
be some chemical defect in this soil, beyond that of an inferior subsoil, which
-analysis will probably detect. This land does not occur in a regular belt but
rather in patches, on the edge of the Big Black bottom, into which, at other
points, the hills come down with a decided slope. Spots of soil similarly tim-
bered, and producing abundant crops of grass, but little else, occur in S.
Yallabusha-e. g., at Mr. Kirkman's on the waters of Okachicama Creek.
•
661. A soil somewhat similar in aspect to that at Vaiden's, but evidently
more fertile, forms the second bottom (which is about 3/4 of a mile wide), of the
river opposite Goodman Station; it is there timbered with Post Oak, Willow
Oak, and some Short-leaf Pine, with a dense undergrowth. Of the properties
of this soil in cultivation, I have heard nothing.
Further S. at the crossing of the Benton and Canton road, we find on the E.
side of the Big Black quite an extensive level hommock, with a whitish and
somewhat ashy soil and subsoil (often interstratified, at some depth, with dark
colored, and more clayey bands), which is complained of as being little produc-
tive and very liable to injury by drouth. On the whole, it resembles very much
the light soil of the Chickasaw Flatwoods, and perhaps its ailments are the same
(7575). Its timber is Post and Willow Oak, with some Black Jack—all of
scrubby and inferior growth. The Willow Oak especially, instead of being a tall
graceful tree, is of the low, rounded, apple-tree shape which it is wont to assume
in "crawfishy" soils. Here, as elsewhere, the "black pebble" or bog ore,
which occurs more or less in the whole mass, becomes very abundant lower
downward, where, moreover, the material becomes more clayey (1387).
This soil is not confined to the immediate neighborhood of the Big Black
River; it occurs, more or less, in all the level region N. of Canton, forming as it
were the general level, above which the fertile, gently undulating loam lands
rise, somewhat like the islands of red ridge soil in the Pontotoc Flatwoods
(7576). The same white soil, with bog ore pebbles, occurs in the bottoms or
rather hommocks, of creeks between Jackson and Canton, and is quite common
in the S. W. portion of the State-as will be mentioned hereafter (¶7652 ).
Generalities concerning the origin of these soils. have been given in the
General Part (T387, ff.). Not having as yet found time to ascertain their wants
›and the remedies, by analysis, I can now only say, that in all cases which have
come to my knowledge, where they were well drained and lime or ashes applied
to them, they have become very productive. The marls of Madison and Hinds
afford abundant opportunity of testing the point in reference to the lands in
question.
{
¶662, 663¹, 6632] BOTTOM SOILS OF PEARL RIVER.
309
662. The bottom soils of the waters of Pearl River, outside of
the Prairie Region, are characterized almost throughout, by very
light soils, the sand contained in them being mostly fine, often so-
as to render them almost ashy. Pearl River itself, in the greater
portion of its course, has a first bottom comparatively narrow, and
often entirely absent, whilst the hommock or second bottom lands
are very extensive-often 3 miles in width-and not generally
very fertile. The tendency to form high sandy hommocks is also
manifested very generally on its tributaries.
From Madison county, to N. Hancock, where I have examined the Pear
River flat or hommock in numerous points, there is considerable uniformity
both in the aspect of its soil and its timber-all variations, as it were, of the
same theme. The surface soils are very generally of a pale tint, and do not
often contain much vegetable matter; they are mostly light, and without coarse
sand. The subsoil varies from a pale yellow, moderately light loam, to a pale
ashy sand with very little clay; and fertility seems to vary precisely in
accordance with these changes, which frequently occur in belts of from a half
to three miles width, running parallel to the tributaries and therefore, more or
less, at right angles with the main stream. The Post, Water and Willow Oaks,
and the Bottom Pine are, so to speak, the Key-note of the timber. Where the
Pine is very prevalent, and the Oaks disposed to be scrubby, we find the pale
ashy soil and subsoil above referred to, and the land is poor; where the yellow
loam forms the subsoil, the Pine is scarce or wanting, the Oaks are tall and
stout, and the Spanish (" Red "), as well as sometimes, the Black, and Scarlet
("Spanish") Oak mixes with them, as well as the Sweet Gum, Hickory,
(upland); and sometimes, in the southern portion, the Magnolia. Near to the
river bank, the Beech also is seen. [For further particulars concerning this
portion of Pearl River, see (¶773, ff; 777, £f.].)
6631 Above Jackson, to the mouth of the Yockanookana (where the flat is
mostly on the left (E.) side of the river, the soil seems to be pretty generally
considered inferior; below, down to Columbia, it is more frequently of good or
average fertility, and at some points (Georgetown, Talley's Ferry, Rockport,
Monticello) very productive. None of the soils of the Pearl River Hommock
have as yet been analyzed; but the almost entire absence of trees preferring
even a moderately calcareous soil, seems to indicate that the use of the Peark
River marls would be particularly advantageous to them.
-
6632 The white hommock soil of the Yockanookana, in S. Attala and N. W..
Leake, has already been mentioned (638). The bottom soil proper is very
similar—on the whole, perhaps, less "ashy" than the hommock soil, and from
all appearance by no means deserving of the almost total neglect with which it
has hitherto been treated; for it bears a fine, heavy growth of timber-a great
deal of Hickory (both Pig-nut and Shell-bark), Elm, Sweet and Black Gum,
Chestnut, White, Water and Willow Oak, and some Bottom Pine; with fine
Cypress in the sloughs. Near the river banks, and on belts or "ridges", where
the soil is very sandy and open, the Beech prevails largely. It has hardly yet
been fairly tested in cultivation, Col. J. T. Donald, of Thomastown, being the
only one who, to my knowledge, has attempted to cultivate it to any extent,..
and thus far with very satisfactory results. It is, of course, tilled very easily,
and although frequently overflowed, its lightness and permeability greatly
diminish the risk of injury to the crops from this cause. As in all the
"white" soils, the subsoil, at a certain depth, contains a large amount of bog-
ore pebbles. Of the bottom soils of the Pearl River waters in Neshoba and E.
Leake, I know nothing personally; they have been described to me, however,
as being similar in general, to those of the Yockanookana and other Pearl River
waters further S.; which, from the general resemblance of the surface of the
country, seems very probable.
310
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [1664, 665, 666, 667 668
WATERS OF THE YELLOW LOAM REGION.
664. It would be difficult to give, in any shape but that of a
lengthy catalogue, the extremely variable condition of the several
portions of this region with reference to the supply of well and
spring water, or to record the numerous analyses I have made of
them; and since the limits of this volume forbid such enlargement,
I shall cnofine myself in this place, to generalities; the more so
as under the several heads of the "Waters of the Orange Sand"
(T75, ff.), "Waters of the Lignitic Groups" (T314, ff.), and
especially under "Localities of the Northern Lignitic Groups
(T168, ff.), a great many data will be found (in addition to those
incidentally mentioned in the special description of the region,
just given) from which an attentive person can inform himself on
this point.
""
665. As a matter of course, where the gray or black clays, sands, etc., of the
Lignitic (164), appear on the hillsides, or in bluffs of streams, etc., it may be
expected that the same will be struck in wells at the same level; that, if they
are overlaid by Orange Sand strata (T10), freestone water may be struck above
them, if not at one point, perhaps at another (¶6052 ); and that, within them,
if water be found it will generally be somewhat mineral-the less so, the lighter
the color of the material found. All that has been said regarding the waters in
the Hills of the Flatwoods region, will apply in this case.,
666. Where the lignitic clays are absent, and the Orange Sand formation alone
comes into play (¶75), the chances of obtaining water in wells may be judged
of by observing whether or not, in washes on the hillsides, pipeclays (124),
occur, and at what elevation. Where (as in the ridges S. of Oxford) springs
break out at the foot of the ridges only, it may be expected that wells will be
required to be sunk to the same level. And, so long as a well or bore remains
within the characteristic materials of the Orange Sand formation (¶10, ff.), no
rise of the water need be anticipated.
667. Bored and Artesian Wells.-The great depth to which wells
in the Orange Sand often require to be sunk, and the uncertainty,
frequently, of their supply during the dry season, has rendered the
practicability of deep bored, and especially of artesian wells, W.
of the Flatwoods, in N. Mississippi one of serious practical
import; and its probable success has heretofore been discussed,
with more zeal than knowledge of facts.
While in the absence of surface levelings in an E. and W. direction, it is
impossible to say whether at Oxford or Holly Springs, for instance, water could
be had to rise above the surface, so much can be said with certainty, that the
geological structure of the formations is favorable to artesian bores, and that
according to the regular westward dip, at the rate of about 30 feet per mile, of
the cretaceous strata in Tippah and Pontotoc, which contain abundant veins of
water, these strata would probably be reached at depths between 700 and 900
feet at Oxford, and at Holly Springs at a depth somewhat greater. At these
depths water possessing a considerable rise would be certain to be obtained; but
there are chances of water at a less depth, since the strata of the Northern
Lignitic, in which veins of water are not scarce, probably possess a westward
dip, similar to those of the Cretaceous.

!
668. It is impossible to make even an approximate guess as to the relative
levels, on which the rise of the water depends, without further data; but since
the rivers of N. Mississippi flow from E. to W., the expectation that the country
A
T669, 670, 671] WATERS OF YELLOW LOAM REGION.
311
is highest eastward, is justified. The same applies to all the country within a
similar distance W. of the Cretaceous formation (see map), as far S. as S.
Calhoun. Beyond, until we approach the marine Tertiary (¶188, to 239), the
chances are not so strong, though by no means hopeless. It seems possible that
artesian wells might be obtained, not only on the whole of the territory of the
Northern Lignitie (see map), but even in the Mississippi Bottom itself.
.
As to the practical difficulties likely to be encountered in these bores, they are
not greater than those of the Jackson well (321); boring itself will be easy,
but tubing may be required to considerable depths.
669. Mineral Waters.-As to the mineral waters of this region,
generalities regarding them have already been given (¶75; 314).
I subjoin, however, some detailed analyses made. They are chiefly
three kinds :
A. Alkaline (and saline) chalybeates, containing essentially the Bicarbonate of
Iron, with Bicarbonates of Lime, Magnesia, Manganese, and often Soda; also
some Common Salt, and sometimes Chloride of Magnesium and Potassium ;
but few, or no Sulphates. Some free Carbonic Acid; sometimes a little Sul-
phuretted Hydrogen.
I
These waters are very abundant-generally originate within the Orange Sand,
or at least, touch but lightly the strata of the Lignitic; are often temporary
(775). The spring found, some time ago, on the M. C. R. R., 2 miles N. of
Oxford, was of this character; so are some, at least, of the waters of the Lafayette
Springs, which I have not as yet visited; and, in Marshall county, those on
the land of Isham R. Frost, Esq., of Mt. Pleasant-situated in the bottom of
Cold Water River; they contain about one-seven thousandth, by weight, of
solid matter.
670. B. Saline chalybeates containing chiefly Sulphates, also some Chlorides,
and generally some bicarbonate of Iron, and, very commonly, some Sulphuretted
Hydrogen flow from the lignitic strata themselves, or are found in wells in the
same. As a fair şample of a number which I have analyzed, I give the com-
position of the water of a spring near Dr. John Taylor's (Yockeney Depot,
M. C. R. R.).
Reaction neutral when fresh, alkaline after boiling.
Sulphates of Soda, Lime, Magnesia, largely; of Potash, little.
Chlorides of same, smaller proportion.
Bicarbonate of Iron, smaller quantity.
Bicarbonate of Soda?
Silica.
Free Carbonic Acid.
A water of good medical properties, but too strong for daily use (1601).
The water of Black's Wells, Choctaw county, according to an analysis by
Prof. Shepard, has almost precisely the same composition. Concerning the
sulphur water obtained at this place (see T176).
The Lauderdale Springs, in Lauderdale county, possess sulphureous and
chalybeate waters of valuable properties, which seem to belong to this class.
671. C. "Alum Waters".-These are not as generally diffused as the two
preceding; they occur associated with the fetid black clays of the Lignitic,
which contain much iron pyrites. A strong water of this kind occurs near
Grenada (¶182) and has already obtained some note in that region for its
curative powers.
The "Artesian Springs ", near Camden, Madison county, have attracted con-
siderable attention, and comfortable arrangements have been made there for the
accomodation of visitors. There are several springs at this place, differing
:
312
[1672, 673
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
somewhat in strength and composition. The analysis of the principal and best:
known spring of the four (marked No. 2) gave the following result :
Reaction strongly acid.
Sulphate of Alumina
ss Potash
(Alum.)
Magnesia (Epsom Salt).
"Lime (Gypsum).
Chloride of Sodium.
Bicarbonate of Iron.
The first four ingredients are contained in about equal proportions, the latter-
two in smaller quantities.-Spring No. 1 differs from this only in the absence
of Iron; both are of considerable strength.-Waters of a similar character are
occasionally struck in wells in N. Madison (¶180, ff.), where it is often difficult
to obtain water fit for daily use.
The "Castalian Springs ", in Holmes county, have also acquired some
reputation. Of their character I am not informed.
672. There are numerous other mineral and especially chalybeate,
springs and wells, which have acquired a local reputation; such
as the chalybeate spring near Louisville, Winston county; another,
and a mineral well near Pittsboro, Calhoun county; a chalybeate
spring near Robina, Panola county; Dr. Stalehane's Chalybeate
Spring near Grenada; Sulphur Springs, Madison county; and
many others, which will be more specially mentioned in a future
Report. Few neighborhoods in the State, in fact, are without a
mineral spring or well, of some kind-good, bad or indifferent.
THE NORTHERN RIVER COUNTIES.
673. The territory comprised in the above head, viz: the region
lying between the Mississippi River and its eastern bluff, above
the City of Vicksburg, I have not as yet examined, my endeavor
having been, in general, to attend first to those portions of the
State where the comparative poverty, or exhaustion of the soil
rendered the aid of science most immediately desirable. The soils
of the Mississippi Bottom will, of course, receive due attention in
the course of the Survey; for although now deemed by many
inexhaustible, an examination of the several varieties, which seem
to be quite numerous, promises, not only important information
concerning their present treatment, but also the development of
important general truths in regard to the culture of the staple
which they produce in such luxuriant abundance. It is my intention
to devote some time to the examination of this interesting region.
during the coming season, for which reason I prefer not to com-
municate the imperfect data at present in my possession.
T674, 675, 676]
SOUTHERN RIVER COUNTIES.
313
THE SOUTHERN RIVER COUNTIES.
COMPRISING THE COUNTIES OF WILKINSON, ADAMS, FRANKLIN, Jefferson,
CLAIBORNE, WARREN, AND PARTS OF ADJOINING COUNTIES.
674. A. SURFACE CONFORMATION.-The hilly region which borders.
the Mississippi River, from the Louisiana line up to Vicksburg, and
thence extends upwards for some distance between Big Black and
Yazoo Rivers, and known in part, as "The Cane Hills", is strongly
characterized by the peculiarity of its surface conformation, no
less than by that of its soil, and of the formation which, with few
exceptions, immediately underlies the loam stratum which usually
forms the subsoil of the uplands.
But a small part of the territory above alluded to, has been specially examined
as yet; a general examination, however, has shown a considerable degree of
uniformity to exist between (in the uplands at least) its several portions, so that
specimens of the several strata which concern the agriculturist, severally taken
in Wilkinson, Adams, Jefferson, Claiborne and Warren counties, are so nearly
alike in appearance, that differences can only be perceived when the several
specimens are placed side by side.
675. The leading characteristics of the surface conformation of
this region, are produced by the deposits of calcareous silt* or
loam, of an age comparatively recent, now generally known to
American geologists, by the name of Bluff formation (1327). The
material of which this formation is here composed, and which but
rarely shows any indications of stratification, has a tendency, when
exposed to the action of water, to form steep and abrupt hollows;
and where it forms the surface material of the ridges, these are
usually very sharp on their backs. Most generally, however, the
grey or bluff calcareous silt is overlaid by a stratum 3 to 10 feet
in thickness, of solid brown, clayey loam (T332), which in most
cases forms the subsoil of the region, and from which, of course,
the surface soil also is usually derived. Wherever this loam,
which washes readily, forms the surface of the ridges, we have level
plateaus, well adapted to agriculture in every respect, which break
off very suddenly into deep and narrow gullies, wherever the
washes formed sink so low as to penetrate to the calcareous silt
stratum beneath.
676. The average thicknees of the calcareous silt stratum over the whole
region, I should estimate at between 25 and 35 feet. It was evidently, however,
deposited on a surface already very uneven, formed in most cases by the strata
(of clays and soft sandstones) of the older tertiary; hence we find it in some
places as much as 70 feet in thickness, while in others (as at Grand Gulf, and on
the backs of the ridges of the Walnut Hills, above Vicksburg) the underlying
rocks are covered by only a few feet of the material in question. For this reason
very abrupt changes of its thickness sometimes occur; as in the City of Vicksburg,
where the silt is 50 to 60 feet in thickness S. of the creek; while just N. of it,
at the well-known bluff, its thickness is but 10 to 20 feet (¶270, Sec. 31).
*The term “silt" implies a fine, powdery deposit, or with too little clay to
deserve the name of loam.
314
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶677, 678, 679, 680
The same is the case at Grand Gulf, where this material is seen in a vertical
well of about 50 feet, at the S. end of the ridge which, a few hundred yards
above, bears but a few feet of it on top of the rock-the Grand Gulf sandstone
(T232).
677. In steep, vertical, and even overhanging slopes, the calcareous silt resists
the action of water remarkably well. The cause of this phenomenon is probably
to be sought in the circumstance, that the loose silicious material, which by
itself would be very readily carried off by water, is to some extent cemented by
the lime contained in the mass. In fact we find in many cases, that the surface
exposed to the atmosphere has hardened into a kind of crust, by the deposition
of calcareous matter; which, of course, adds greatly to the stability of the
slopes. When, however, the continuity of the mass is once broken, the loose
material is washed away by the rains with great ease and rapidity.
678. This peculiarity is the cause of a phenomenon which at first strikes the
traveller as indicating a very singular system of road engineering among the
inhabitants. Whenever the road crosses a hill or spur of a ridge, we observe
hillside cuts with vertical walls, which allow the vehicle to advance horizontally
into the hill for some distance, when there is a sudden, steep ascent, rising up
very nearly to the original summit of the hill; then we find on the other side
of the sharp crest, a descent as steep as the ascent was. Of course, this is
anything but an advantage over the original status, when there was a gradual
slope all the way up; for the weight has to be lifted to the same height as was
originally the case, while the sudden strain consequent upon the steepness of
the slope, as at present existing, adds greatly to the labor of the team.
According to the accounts of the inhabitants, however, this state of things is
brought about chiefly by the rain water during the wet season.
The silt being
broken up in the road by the wagons, is copiously washed away on the slopes,
while on the summit, where the mass of water, as well as its velocity is small,
it is to a great extent absorbed, and the worked up mass settles down again into
its compact condition, so as to scarcely detract from the height of the hill.
When subsequently the roads are worked, the loose material on the slopes is
still further removed, and perhaps some more of it loosened to fill up holes;
while the summit is left untouched, as no obvious obstacle exists there. Thus
we sometimes find in these cuts, hillocks crossing the road, whose sharp crest
almost touches the perch-pole of the wagon, while the front wheel is going down,
and the hind wheel running up hill.
679. It might seem frivolous to treat with such speciality of a subject like
this; but cases like the one just alluded to, where the removal of half a dozen
cartloads from the crest of the hillock would lower it by several feet, are of such
constant occurrence, as to make the labor which might be saved in so simple a
manner, a matter worthy of serious consideration. Not a few persons appear
to be under the impression, that after all there is some gain in being able to go
horizontally for a greater distance, and having the slope shorter. But it is a
principle of mechanics well settled, that the height to which a weight requires to
be lifted, is the measure of the force required to accomplish the work. And it is
just as well settled, that a steady strain causes much less wear and tear to
everything, than a succession of jirks-such as are caused by these sudden
rises and falls.
680. The denudations of the calcareous silt in question are not,
however, the only cause of the hilliness of this region. Two cases
have already been mentioned, in which the greater part of the
ridges is formed by tertiary rocks (Vicksburg and Grand Gulf);
and rocks or clays of the same age are very generally found form-
ing the lower portion of the ridges bordering the larger water-
*"Washing away."
T681, 682] HILLS AND STREAMS OF "BLUFF FORMATION.
315
courses, wherever there has been a "caving off" so as to remove
the masses of detritus which usually form the lower part of the
slope ("talus") of the hills. Blue, gray and greenish clays or
clayey sands are most commonly found (231), and associated with
these, not unfrequently, limited beds of calcareous clay marl; the
localities of which, as far as known at present, have been mentioned
in the Geological Report (2952). Analyses of these marls are
also given there (T297; 300; 302). The "Devils Back-bone", in
Franklin county, between the Homochitto and Wells' Creek; and
Loftus' Heights (and ridges connecting with it) at Fort Adams,
Wilkinson county (1236), are other examples of rock forming, not
only the base, but the main portion of the hills.
Towards the interior, back from the Mississippi, the strata of the Orange Sand
are frequently found underlying the silt, in place of the Grand Gulf strata.
Wherever this is the case the Bluff formation tends to thin out; the lower loam
on top gradually changes its color as well as its general character, and by slow
degrees and transitions of which I shall presently speak, passes into the light,
pale yellow loam of the Pine Hills.
681. In approaching this region from the east, on the Holmesville and Mead-
ville road, a perceptible change in the character of the country occurs as soon
as we cross the dividing ridge between the waters of the Mississippi and those
of Lake Pontchartrain and Pearl River. The lands at the heads of Bogue-
Chitto and Amite rivers, though much superior in fertility to those of the pine
hill region further east, still bear, to a great extent, the general character of the
latter, both as to vegetation and soil; the regular, rounded form of the slopes
and hollows, also, are essentially the same. So soon, however, as we pass into
the region tributary to the Homochitto, we find steep and narrow ravines; the
hillside soil becomes very sandy, dark colored, and much more fertile than
equally sandy soils on the other side of the ridge are usually found to be; Oak,
Beech, and some Magnolia, occupy these hillsides, with but little Pine. On the
ridges, which are quite narrow and high, Pine still prevails; but the long-leaved
species is more and more replaced by the short-leaved. As an additional sign of
improvement in the soil, the long-moss appears on the trees, not only in the
bottoms, but on the very hilltops. Yet, in consequence of the brokenness of
the surface, these Homochitto Hills can be cultivated to a limited extent only.
་
682. The character of the water courses is not less changed than that of the
land. In the interior of the State, and even in the sandiest tracts of the Pine
Hills, the streams excavate narrow channels, the whole breadth of which they
occupy at a medium stage of water. But the several forks of the Homochitto,
as well as most of the larger streams between them and the Big Black, appear
to have sought to imitate the example of their great Father, in excavating for
themselves wide, shallow, sandy beds, in which, at ordinary stages of water,
they meander to and fro, from bank to bank, in secondary channels only a few
yards wide at times, excavated in the loose, shifting sands. In times of freshet,
when they fill and overflow their main channel, these streams are very wide,
rising and falling very rapidly; and as their current is usually quite rapid (as
compared with that of the streams E. of the dividing ride) they often carry with
them vast masses of sand and driftwood, and as a consequence, continually
change their channels.
This description holds good more especially for the upper
portions of the course of these streams, before they enter fully
upon the territory of the Bluff formation or hills of calcareous
silt. This region usually extends from ten to fifteen miles inland
from the Mississippi, forming the " Cane Hills" proper; and such

316
[¶683, 681¹, 684%
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
streams as have their origin within this belt, are characterized by
their deep, narrow channels with almost vertical banks, winding
their tortuous course, in narrow valleys, from one steep slope to
the other. The same is commonly the case with the larger streams,
in the last few miles above their mouths; but those which rise in
the sandy hills east of the belt mentioned, preserve their character,
as above described, for some distance after entering the "Cane
Hills" of the Bluff formation.
683. The latter, as a general thing, appear to be higher and more abrupt, the
nearer we approach the Mississippi River; arising partly, no doubt, from the
natural fall of the valleys, though this does not appear sufficient to account for
the difference observed.
In some regions (as in N. E. Jefferson and S. E. Claiborne counties) there
intervenes between the abrupt "Cane Hills" and the Pine and Oak hills inland,
a gently undulating tract of brown loam uplands, up to ten miles in width,
forming fine agricultural regions, which pass gradually into the Pine Hills. N.
of the Bayou Pierre, between Willow Spring and Rocky Spring, however, the
Pine Hills themselves closely adjoin the "Cane Hills". Further N. yet, in
Hinds county, near the Vicksburg and Jackson R. R., we again find a fertile,
gently undulating loam region, bordering on the east the calcareous hills of the
Bluff formation.
In Franklin county, the hilly and broken, but otherwise fertile, yellow loam
region of the Hamburg, and Homochitto Hills, on Wells' Creek and other tribu-
taries of the Homochitto, intervene between the "Cane Hills" of Adams county
and the Pine Hills of the interior (¶770, ff.). It is to be observed, that near to
the channels of the larger streams, the lands of the "cane hill" character
generally extend somewhat further inland, than is the case in the intermediate
regions.
684¹. A. SOILS OF THE SOUTHERN RIVER COUNTIES.-Character
and Composition.-It has been stated above (T675; see also T348,
General Part), that the upland soils of the Cane Hill Region, as
far as observed, are reducible essentially to two different kinds, and
their intermixtures, to-wit: 1st. Those derived from the stratum
of brown, clayey loam (T332), which usually covers the surface (to
the depth of from eight to ten feet), of the level or gently undula-
ting uplands, bearing a growth consisting prevalently of Oaks
[White, Chestnut White, Black and some Spanish ("Red")], Beech,
Hickory, Sweet and Black Gum, mingled with more or less Holly,
Linn or Basswood, Sassafràs, Elm, Hornbeam and some Magnolia.
6842. 2nd. Those derived from the light calcareous loam sili
(1327), which forms the main body of the hills; is commonly exposed
on the upper portion of the hillsides; forms by itself alone most
of the sharp and narrow ridges and summits; and not unfrequently
inclined uplands.
It is distinguished from the loam first mentioned, by its buff or dun color
by its lightness, a lump of it being easily crushed between the fingers at all
times; by the lumps and concretions of lime (carbonate) which it contains, as
well as shells of the common snail, and allied species (T3301 ); all of which
appear in the shape of white specks, whenever a smooth cut is made in the mass,
and cause it to effervesce ("boil") when dropped in strong vinegar, or other acid.
It forms the permanent vertical sides of the road cuts and bluffs (¶677, ff.),
often covered over with short green moss, in consequence of the resistance of
ANALYSES OF "LOAM" AND
"
SILT".
¶685, 686, 687]
317
the surface to washing by rains; and the line between it and the overlying loam
is often very sharply defined by a backward slope, formed by the brown loam
which is carried away freely by rains and freezes. Finally, its presence on or
near the surface is indicated by the frequent occurrence, among the timber above
described, of the "Poplar", Sweet Gum, Magnolia, Mulberry, Linn, Honey
Locust, and on the lower portion of the slopes, the Red Haw, Crab Apple, and
Sycamore. Above all, the Cane is significant of its presence. Although at pres-
ent, the cane on the hills has mostly been destroyed by cattle, it may sometimes
be seen in protected spots, covering them from the foot to the summit-as was
the case generally before the country was settled.
.
The trees but just mentioned, and among them particularly the "Poplar",
Linn, and Sweet Gum, not unfrequently occupy the ground completely, to the
almost entire exclusion of the oaks. The Beech, Horn Beam, and Holly, how-
ever, are nearly wanting.
685. The three specimens from this region, which have thus far been analyzed,
were selected with a view to obtaining results fairly comparable, and repre-
senting as nearly as possible, the average composition of both kinds of soil.
They were, therefore, taken on one and the same piece of ground, in different
spots, on the land of Mr. James Watson, about five and a half miles north-east
of Port Gibson, on the Raymond road. Here the brown loam is from eight to
ten feet thick on the hilltops; in the cuts on the hillsides, the calcareous silt
appears and approaches nearest to the surface about half way down the hill, the
lower portion ("talus") of which is again formed by brown loam differing little,
in its appearance, from that on the hilltops; but having evidently been washed
down from above, it probably còntains an admixture of the calcareous silt.
686. The specimens of soil and subsoil were taken on the hilltops, and a speci-
men of silt in the cut on the hillside, a few feet below the surface.
No. 332. UPLAND SURFACE SOIL from J. Watson's place, five and a half miles
north-east of Port Gibson, Claiborne county.
Depth: Eight inches.
Vegetation: That mentioned above, in the general description, (¶6841 .)
The soil, rather light, of a buff color; much less clayey than the loam sub-
soil. Saturated with moisture at 68.0 deg. Fahr., lost 5.182 per cent. at 400
Fahr. Dried at this temperature, it consisted of:
:
Insoluble Matter.
Potash
•
Soda ...
Lime..
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina..
Phosphoric Acid.
Sulphuric Acid...
Organic Matter and Water.
87.573
0.458
0.124
0.244
0.545
0.205
3.231
4.842
0.105
0.028
3.073
100.429
687. No. 233. UPLAND SOIL from J. Watson's place, five and a half miles
north-east of Port Gibson, Claiborne county.
Depth; Eight to twenty inches.
Vegetation: Same as the preceding.
A yellowish-brown loam, much heavier than the surface soil. The subsoil,
saturated with moisture at 68 deg. Fahr., lost 9.221 per cent. at 400 deg. Dried
at this temperature, it consisted of:
318
[T688, 689
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
Insoluble Matter (as above)...
79.477
Potash.
0.741
Soda.
0.248
Lime..
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron.
Alumina...
Phosphoric Acid.
0.238
0.830
0.346
5.634
•
8.849
Sulphuric Acid..
Organic Matter and Water.
. 0.092
trace
3.496
100.038
688. No. 237. CALCAREOUS SILT, from James Watson's place, five and a half
miles north-east of Port Gibson, Claiborne county.
Depth: Was taken on the hillside, about four feet from the surface, and about
ten feet below the highest point at which it is visible here.
Vegetation: Hillside growth similar to that described above, (T6842 ); mixed
with oaks.
}
Saturated with moisture at 68 deg. Fahr., it lost 4.118 per cent. of its weight
at 400 deg. Fahr. Dried at this temperature, it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter..
Potash.....
Soda...
Lime..
Magnesia..
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron.
Alumina..
Phosphoric Acid.
Sulphuric Acid
Carbonic Acid...
Organic Matter and Water.
.75.344
0.511
0.115
5.921
3.278
0.252
3.272
2.823
0.145
7
0.060
6.729
1.231
99.681
689. A comparison of the first two analyses shows the important fact, that
the subsoil is considerably richer than the surface soil, in several important
ingredients. It contains nearly one-third of a per cent. more Potash, twice the
amount of Soda, an equal amount of Lime, one-third of a per cent. more Mag-
nesia-the latter ingredient being, however, not deficient in the surface soil
itself. With respect to Phosphoric and Sulphuric Acids, the advantage is on
the side of the surface soil.
Were it only, however, for the large excess of potash contained in the subsoil,
and the improvement of the physical properties which would be effected in the
light surface soil by an admixture of the heavier subsoil, that alone would suffice
to render subsoiling a very important improvement. The upland soils of the
region in question have been esteemed very fertile, notwithstanding that the
amount of Potash and Phosphoric Acid contained in them (if the soil analyzed
be a fair specimen), is rather below that of a good average soil; and that in but
a few cases as yet, the tillage has extended to a greater depth than that at which
the above specimen was taken. It is probable, thorefore, that although a large
part of these upland soils is now considered as exhausted, or approaching
exhaustion, the richest part of the surface layer within reach of the plow, has
hardly been more than touched. It would appear also, from the productiveness
of a surface soil comparatively poor, that the nutritive ingredients contained in it
are, to a great extent, in an available condition.
+
:
*
:
T690, 691]
DENUDATION OF
SILT" AND
LOAM"
319
690. As for the calcareous silt, (No. 237), the analysis shows it to possess an
adequate supply of all the elements of a good soil; its peculiarity being the
high percentage of the Carbonates of Lime and Magnesia which it contains, and
a remarkable deficiency in Alumina. Its admixture of clay is so slight as to
barely entitle it to the name of Loam, its main body being silex, in a state of
fine division, with but a few per cent. of coarser sand. Hence the small amount
of moisture which it is capable of absorbing, in view of which it is somewhat
surprising that it should not be a remarkably drouthy soil. This is perhaps
owing to its large dose of lime, the property of preventing injury from drouth
being particularly claimed for that substance.
*
It seems, nevertheless, that injury from drouth is more frequently sustained
on soils formed by this silt alone, than on those derived from the brown loam;
owing probably to the absence of a more retentive subsoil, in the former case.
For it must be recollected, that while the lightest soils overlying the brown
loam are sure to have a clay foundation at no great depth, no such change ever
occurs where the calcareous silt forms the soil. Vertical wells of 50 feet of the
latter, will most generally show such a conformity of material, that specimens
taken from the remotest portions of the mass, cannot frequently be distinguished
from one another. When a drouth ensues after a heavy rain on well worked
soils of the silt character, these frequently crack open to the same extent as the
heavy soils of the prairies and Flatwoods (T4021 to 404), causing great injury
to the crops.
691. The analyses above given represent, probably, the extremes
of both kinds of soil, such as they are frequently found on the
level uplands and hilltops, and the silt soil on the upper portion
of the hillsides. The lower portion (talus) of the latter, however,
is commonly a mixture of the two, in variable proportions--a
necessary consequence of their mode of formation, having been
washed down from above. It is observable, however, that in the
great majority of cases (and especially where the brown loam now
occupies the summit level) the soils and subsoils of the talus differ
but little in their appearance as well as in their agricultural
properties, from those of the hilltops; though as a general thing,
they are said to produce, rather more freely, and to last longer.
:
The relations between these several soils will be better understood by
reference to the diagram (No. 6), which illustrates the progress, and different
stages of denudation; the space ruled vertically representing the brown loam
stratum; that ruled horizontally, the calcareous silt; and the oblique ruling, the
talus, consisting of a mixture of the two, as washed down the hillside and
appearing at the foot. In No. 1, of this diagram, we have a broad ridge or
table-land, evenly covered with the brown loam, whereas the calcareous silt
appears only on the upper portion of the hillside, and the talus is comparatively
inconsiderable as yet. In No. 2, denudation has progressed so far as to remove
the greater portion of the loam stratum from the summit of the ridge, it being
left only in depressions, and quite shallow; so that in places, the calcareous
silt appears on the surface; the talus, at the same time, being of greater extent
than before.-In No. 3, the removal of the brown loam from the summit of the
ridge has been completed; it has all been washed down the hillside, intermin-
gled with the silt, and the latter now imparts its peculiar character to the ridge,
which has steep slopes and a sharp summit; as is the case in the ridges between
Port Gibson and Grand Gulf.

320
[T692
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
[No. 6.]

Diagram illustrating Denudation in the "Bluff Formation.
When we consider the great facility with which the brown loam is washed
down from the hills, while the calcareous silt is but slightly abraded under the
same circumstances, it cannot be surprising that the character of the former
should be predominant in the soils of the talus. The constant renewal of their
surface by the washings of the rich loam above, offers a ready explanation of
their longer duration; while at the same time, the lime they receive from the
silt stratum, if exposed above, serves as a stimulant, developing their fertility.
692. CULTIVATION OF THE SOILS OF THE CANE HILLS.So far as
my information goes, the upland soils of this region, whenever
they are derived either exclusively or prevalently from the brown
loam stratum, are not characterized by any very striking peculiar-
ities'; in most particulars, they greatly resemble those of the Table-
lands of N. Mississippi (1616, f.). When fresh they will produce
nearly or quite a bale of cotton per acre, and sometimes more;
and a proportional amount (30 to 35 bushels) of corn. On the
whole probably they are best adapted to cotton, which is now the
prevailing crop; but the character of the soil is such as not to
forbid the success of any crop suitable to the climate and to an
upland situation; being, as a general thing, both " "strong" and
"warm". The brokenness of the surface, especially near the
Mississippi River, constitutes a disadvantage without which, few
portions of the State would rank higher as agricultural regions.
T693, 694, 695, 696[ CULTURE OF THE CANE HILLS.
321
It would seem, however, as if even this circumstance might be
turned to better account, than is the case at present.
693. It is a misfortune for this district, as well as for many other regions of
the State, that the practice of circling or horizontalizing has not been introduced
at an earlier day. In consequence of this omission, the brown loam stratum
has been entirely removed from a great many ridges, leaving behind the
calcareous silt, which, though by no means infertile, and even more easily tilled
than the original soil, is not as safe, nor equally susceptible of improvement. In
a great many cases, however, fields have been turned out as of little value,
simply because the surface soil was removed, laying bare the brown or yellow
loam subsoil. Now, the analysis of the latter proves, that it contains more
elements of fertility than even the fresh surface soil; and is perfectly adapted
to cultivation so far as its physical properties are concerned; hence, if it does
not produce freely at first, this must be owing to the fact that its nutritive
elements are not in an available form. Such is very commonly the case with
clay subsoils, as has been mentioned in the General Part of the Agricultural
Report (¶506, ff.), where the means of obviating this difficulty are also indicated,
viz: the use of "stimulant manures", or fallowing (¶357). The same holds
good, of course, when this subsoil has been brought to the surface by means of
the subsoil plough, as has been recommended above.
:
694. The stimulant needed, fortunately, is close at hand almost
everywhere in this region, in the shape of the calcareous silt often
mentioned. The latter is, in fact, a marl (1330), as truly as a great
number of other materials recommended and employed as such,
and is admirably adapted to supply the deficiencies, and in every
manner improve the quality, of the subsoil in question. Nor is
this a mere supposition based upon the analysis; for upon inquiring
into the subject while in the field, numerous cases have come under
my observation where the silt had either been washed down, or
otherwise accidentally mingled with the loam subsoil; and in all
of these, the land was reported to have produced "as if it was
fresh".
It is likely, however, that in most cases, this silt-marl will act not merely as
a stimulant. The analysis shows it to contain a considerable amount of potash,
etc.; and as the lime has been in contact with the material for a goodly length
of time, it is probable that a large part of this Potash, as well as other ingredi-
ents, is in an available condition (T445). Hence it will act to a considerable
extent as a true manure. (See General Part, (¶416, ff.).
་
695. In many cases, the transportation of the material in question can
be effected to a considerable extent, by allowing it to be washed down on the
land from the higher portions of the hills. It has been mentioned that it does
not wash readily of its own accord, but does so very easily indeed, when once
loosened as is the case in the road cuts. It is so universally present, however,
that its distribution by hauling or carting can rarely be very expensive. It can
frequently be obtained in the fields themselves, on the surface, or at the depth
of a few feet; and it is so commonly found on the elevated points and ridges,
that the necessity of transportation upwards will rarely occur to any considera-
ble extent. Whenever the material can be obtained at the surface, an excellent,
method of effecting its distribution on the large scale (suggested by Col. J. A.
Ventress, of Wilkinson) would be the employment of the well-known Railroad
Excavator-Cart, which shovels up and conveys away the loosened material in one
and the same operation. A very small force could thus very conveniently
effect the marling of a whole plantation.
+
696. In selecting the material to be used, which will easily be distinguished
+
R-21
322
[T697, 698, 699
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
from the brown loam, by the characters given above, (¶6831 ), it will be
advisable, if there be any choice, to take by preference such as contains the
largest amount of lime; which may be very readily judged of by the amount
of white specks exhibited in a smooth, knife-cut surface of the mass in question.
Sometimes, specimens much poorer in lime than the one analyzed, may be
found; but richer specimens also occur with frequency, and I believe the one
analyzed to represent a fair average.-No fear need be entertained of using too
much of this marl; in favorable seasons it will bear fair crops by itself, and no
dressing likely to be applied in practice, where transportation is necessary, will
be apt to hurt the clay subsoil. It may be applied and turned under at any
convenient time, after being spread broadcast.
Both the subsoil and the silt are very poor in vegetable matter,
which ought to be supplied them--perhaps most conveniently, in
this instance, by turning under a green crop. This would greatly
increase the efficacy of the marling, and where the marl cannot be
obtained, it will itself be a valuable promoter of productiveness-
though not, of course, an improvement properly speaking (1426).
697. It may be questioned whether, in cases where the calcareous silt under-
lies the loam soil within reach of the plough-say at 10 to 14 inches beneath the
surface-it will be advisable to break up the whole of the loam stratum, even
for the sake of turning up the silt, and thus effecting the marling in the simplest
manner. I am not as yet sufficiently acquainted with the character of the silt
as a subsoil, to form a decided opinion on this subject; but from the rapidity
with which this material absorbs water and allows it to sink, I should think
it undesirable to have it as a subsoil instead of the loam, where it can be avoided ;
for it is likely that it will allow manures to sink with equal facility as water,
and thus the soil might cease to be susceptible of improvement by manures.
Further investigations, and experience will have to decide this point; but at all
events, the balancing of the advantages of deep plowing against the disadvanta-
ges which might arise from the circumstance referred to, must always, to a
great extent, rest with the judgment of each individual in his particular case.
698. In the Vicksburg, Grand Gulf, and Petit Gulf or Rodney Hills, the
removal by washing of the proper soil, or loam stratum, has taken place to a
lamentable extent; and the same is probably true of most of the hilly country
bordering closely on the Mississippi River, which has been settled for a long
time. In these cases the calcareous silt or marl itself forms the only soil; and
although I have not had opportunity sufficient as yet to study its vices and
virtues, the frequent abandonment of these hills by the cultivators, and their
complaints that "their soil is gone", show conclusively that it is not as eligible
in its producing qualities as the original surface layer. This is perhaps owing,
not so much to defects in its chemical composition (for it contains all the ingre-
dients necessary to plants, and some soils equally limy are known to produce
well) as to its physical defect of being drouthy. It may be, however, that it is
to some extent in the condition of light soils excessively marled (¶4602 ); at
all events, it is greatly improved, and rendered very productive, by the addition
of vegetable matter, as may be observed where it forms terraces on the hillsides,
allowing of the accumulation of vegetable matter. Here we generally find a
most luxuriant growth of weeds and cane, as also where small branch bottoms,
or ravines, are formed by it-though, in the latter case, one of its chief faults-
drouthiness-is obviated by its position alone. A loose black soil similar to that
now found in such localities, and often two feet in depth, originally formed the
surface of the Cane Hills, but is now almost entirely removed by denudation.
Vegetable matter, has itself a tendency to obviate drouthiness, and would
effectually prevent the cracking of the soil in the sun.
699. Whenever there is any of the brown
the hilltops-as is frequently the case at the
loam stratum left on
highest points of the
T700, 701,702, 703] LANDS BETWEEN "CANE" AND "PINE" HILLS. 323
ridges, it ought, if conveniently practicable, to be distributed over
the denuded surface of the silt. In short, as a general rule, it
ought to be recollected that these two kinds of soil mutually
improve each other, and ought to be mixed whenever this can be
done cheaply, and with due regard to the influence which the
change of subsoil may be found to exercise, in cases where deep
plowing will reach the silt. (See above, (T697).
700. Lands Intervening between the Cane Hills and Pine Hills.-Intervening
between the Cane Hill Region proper, and the Pine Hills of the interior, we find
as before observed (¶683, ff.), a variety of upland soils intermediate betweEIL·
the two, and forming gradual transitions, both in the aspect of the soils and the
character of their vegetation, from the one to the other. In some cases (as in
the region between Willow Spring and Rocky Spring in N. E. Claiborne) the-
transition is quite sudden-from the rich brown loam to the pale yellow subsoil
of the Pine Hills; while further south, and in Jefferson county, a gently unde-
lating tract of loam lands intervenes between the Cane Hills and the Pine Hills.
Further S. yet, in Franklin county, the broken, yellow loam ridges of the
Hamburg Hills pass, on one side into the sandy hills of the Homochitto, and on
the other, into the Cane Hills of Adams county. As none of these soils has
as yet been analyzed, a few general remarks with reference to them must suffice
for the present.
ཐ
701. The sandy soil of the Homochitto Hills, though evidently fertile (as is
proved by the vigorous growth of oaks and hickory laden with Long Moss, and
the comparative scarcity of Pines) is cultivated to a very limited extent only,
on account of the brokenness of the surface. Not unfrequently, a yellow loam.
subsoil underlies the sandy surface soil, and by careful horizontalizing and deep-
plowing, a great deal of land now lying idle might no doubt be made available.
The sand which these soils contain, is generally much coarser than that of the
Pine Hill soils and often pebbly; and some tracts, especially on the S. Fork of
Homochitto, resemble closely, in soil and vegetation, the sandy ridges of East
Mississippi, in Noxubee, Kemper, Lauderdale and Jasper counties (T650, f.)
Here, too, the Upland Willow Oak, or narrow leaved Black Jack, is found,
mingled with short sturdy Post and Spanish ("Red") and some White Oak
and Hickory.—In this region, at the present time, the bottoms and hommocks
alone are extensively cultivated (see below, (T711, ff.).
702. In passing from Meadville to Hamburg, we find between the forks of the
Homochitto, moderately hilly uplands of tolerable fertility, and less sandy.
After crossing the W. fork the country becomes more hilly; a good strong loam
soil sets in, the pine becomes scarce, and Hickory, White, Spanish ("Red") and
Black Oaks, together with the Cucumber tree, occupy the ridges, while on the
hillsides, the Sweet Gum, Ash, and "Poplar” are also found. In exposures by
washes on the hillsides, we find that there is uppermost a layer 18 to 24 inches-
in thickness of light brown loam, forming the soil and subsoil; beneath this,
several feet of pale yellow, sandy loam, resembling that of the pine hills, ande
below this, the Orange Sand strata.
It is obvious that such a disposition of the strata must produce a great variety
of soils from the top of the ridges down to their foot. The ridge soils are
generally heavier than the hillside soils, and are very productive; but the
ridges are generally very narrow, and the hillsides too steep to be readily
cultivated, so that it is difficult to find large bodies of land of a convenient shape.
A great deal of damage has been done to these lands by the denudation of the
soil, which is now being prevented to a great extent by horizontalizing. Deep
plowing will, no doubt, prove highly beneficial on these ridge lands, the subsoil
of which is obviously the same essentially, as the surface soil itself.
703. The great and unusual frequency of the Cucumber tree, with its enoF-
mous leaves, is the prominent botanical feature of the Hamburg Hills, which
324
[T704, 705
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
gradually disappears as we approach within five or six miles of Fayette. After
this the tree is seen no more, even casually, until we come within about four
miles of Port Gibson, where we find a tract of only a few sections with a light,
warm "mulatto" soil, timbered chiefly with the two specimens of Magnolia,
in their fullest development. Beyond this district, again, thè Cucumber tree
becomes extremely scarce, being only found in bottoms, occasionally; and it is
said that the inhabitants of Natchez and neighborhood have failed in all their
attempts to transplant it to their soil as an ornamental tree. The analysis of
the soils referred to above will therefore be interesting as showing the peculiari-
ties of soil on which the thriftiness of this tree depends.
704. The light brown loam of the Hamburg Hills, with its underlying stratum.
of pale material, continues to within a quarter of a mile (S.) of the town of
Fayette, where both mixed together have been used in making brick. But as
we leave Fayette on the Port Gibson road, the dark, umber-colored loam, such
as we find overlying the calcareous silt of the Cane Hills (T6841, 687), is alone
to be seen; and it is this chiefly, which forms the soil and subsoil of the gently
undulating, agricultural region which in Jefferson county intervenes betwixt
the Cane and Pine Hills. A change in the character of the loam, similar to that
just mentioned, takes place as we pass from Willow Spring in Claiborne county,
into the Pine and Oak ridge lands which here extend like a spur to the west.
ward, into the Cane Hills themselves.
705. Near Rocky Spring (T233), on the Little Sand, and particularly in Mr.
J. F. Brock's neighborhood, a peculiar condition of things obtains in some tracts.
Here, a gray, somewhat ashy soil, much resembling the surface soil of the Pine
Hills themselves, overlies, to the depth of about ten inches on an average, a brown
loam subsoil apparently identical with that of the Hills, and evidently fertile,
as the timber is very large, while the smaller plants, whose roots are shallow,
seem to indicate but an indifferent soil. The prevalent tree is the Beech; next
to this, the Spanish ("Red"), White, and Chestnut White Oak, with a good
deal of Holly, and some Short-leaved Pine; on the hillsides and heads of
hollows, the Magnolia occurs, and large Grape vines are common both in the
hills and valleys.
It is complained that this land (with the shallow tillage now practiced) is both
unproductive in its natural condition, and will not be benefitted even by stable-
manure; which does not seem to decay in the soil, but remains "raw", as also
do forest leaves, etc. The Gouber pea and pea vine alone seem to flourish
pretty well.
1
These circumstances corroborate what is indicated by the aspect of the soil:
it is not sufficiently retentive either of moisture or manure, owing to the want
both of a sufficient quantity of clay, and of vegetable matter; probably, also,
the surface soil is naturally poor; while the subsoil, which is reached and pene-
trated by the roots of the larger trees, is rich in nutritive ingredients. The
remedy is obvious: the subsoil must be brought up by subsoil plowing and mixed
with the surface soil; thus improving it both physically and chemically; veget-
able matter must also be introduced, and in order to facilitate the decomposition
of the latter, as well as to stimulate the subsoil, lime, or a calcareous marl,
ought to be used at the same time. The calcareous silt of the bluff formation,
which is still found in places, in this region, may be used for this purpose. It
may be observed, that in so doing we imitate what nature has done in the form-
ation of the fertile hillside or Magnolia soils of the same neighborhood. The
gray surface soil and leaves, in being washed down the hillsides, are first mixed
with brown loam subsoil, then, lower down, with the calcareous silt; and it will
be noticed that where the latter is entirely absent, the growth of the Magnolia
is comparatively stunted, even in the valleys. Whether this is due to the
direct influence of the lime as a nutritive ingredient, or to its stimulant action
on the soil, remains to be determined.
*
I
¶706, 707, 708] GRAPE CULTURE IN THE "CANE HILLS”. 325
706. GRAPE CULTURE IN CANE HILLS.-I cannot dismiss the
subject of the upland soils of the Cane Hill Region, without expres-
sing my conviction that they are most peculiarly adapted, both by
their chemical and physical features, and by their surface conform-
ation, to the successful culture of the Vine. This fact might be
inferred from the circumstance alone, that the native grape-vines
do not anywhere in this State flourish more luxuriantly-some-
times attaining enormous dimensions-than they are known to do
wherever, in this region, cultivation and the ranging of cattle have
not destroyed all but the larger timber.
The latter is, in kind, either the same, or substantially equivalent, to that
which characterizes the best vineyard lands of Illinois and Missouri; for it
appears in this State at least, that the same soils which, in the southern latitudes,
are characterized by a luxuriant growth of Magnolia, bear large Sassafras and
Linn, wherever the mean temperature is too low to favor the growth of the
former. The analyses, also, are significant on the same point; a warm", deep
soil, containing abundance of potash and lime, and proper proportions of all other
ingredients, is generally deemed to be peculiarly adapted to the culture of the
vine. It might be doubtful whether the soils formed chiefly, or exclusively,
by the calcareous silt of the bluff formation, would by themselves be suited to
the purpose; but the hillside soils, formed by a mixture of the silt with the
brown loam, would seem to be admirably adapted in all respects.
+
707. The cultivation of the hilly lands is necessarily more expensive than
that of level tracts; great care must be bestowed on accurate and deep horizon-
talizing, and in many cases, nothing short of actual terracing will effectually
prevent the denudation of the soil. These operations are too expensive to allow
of raising cheap crops on large areas, wherever they are involved; we must
attempt, therefore, to realize the highest profits on the smallest possible area, by
keeping the land in a high state of cultivation, with crops of high value. In
experiments made in this State, on uplands much inferior to those in question
(T649), the yield of grape-juice, from Longworth Catawba, was at the rate of
seven hundred gallons per acre, the minimum market value of which may fairly
be assumed at $1.50 per gallon. A higher yield, and a higher price also, may
reasonably be expected to be obtained on a more generous soil, and it is plain
that with crops like these, considerable pains may be taken in the improvement
of the lands which bear them. In this manner, not only the hilly lands of the
counties just treated of, but also the fertile, but broken lands bordering the Mis-
sissippi bottom further north, in Warren, Yazoo, and Holmes counties, and little
valued thus far, might be doubtless made, not only available, but highly
profitable.
**
3
708. The climate of South Mississippi is admirably adapted to
the culture of the vine, closely approaching as it does in the fea-
tures essential for this purpose, the climates of the Mediterranean
coast. Rainy winters, not cold enough to frost the vines (as fre-
quently happens in Missouri and Illinois); dry summers, with only
occasional showers; and a warm, unclouded autumn sun to develop
the grape into sweetness and maturity. Indeed, it may be ques-
tioned whether even the production of raisins might not be prac-
ticable in South Mississippi, depending as it does solely upon the
occurrence of a fortnight's warm sunshine at the time of maturity.
I know of no reason, apparent at the present time, why these anti-
cipations should not be capable of realization, and why, if there be
no other analogy between the two, the hills of the lower Mississippi
:
326
[1709, 710, 711
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
should not vie in this respect at least, with the vine-clad banks of
the Rhine.
709. BOTTOM SOILS OF THE SOUTHERN RIVER COUNTIES-None of
these have as yet been analyzed, wherefore a few generalities with
reference to them must suffice for the present.
In the Cane Hill region proper, i. e., where the calcareous silt
forms the main body of the hills especially, the valleys of the
smaller streams, as before observed, are generally narrow, and the
hillsides steep wherever they are formed chiefly by the silt;
whereas slopes more gradual are formed wherever the brown loam
is of considerable thickness on the upland, and therefore forms the
talus of the ridges. These valleys do not generally possess the
character of bottoms proper, but rather of what, in the interior, is
called hommock or second bottom (T342, ff.). Their surface is
generally even and but little cut up with slough; the main channel
being usually so deep that overflows of the valley are much less
common than is the case, in other portions of the State.
Such is the case with those streams which head within the Cane
'Hill Region itself. The soil of their valleys, being a mixture in
varying proportions, of the brown loam and the calcareous silt
stratum, is always light and warm, and very productive when
cultivated. The bodies of land formed by them, however, are
generally so small, and often so much cut off from convenient com-
munication with the uplands by the steepness of the hillsides, that
they are not nearly as generally in cultivation as their quality,
when compared with the uplands, would justify; being very com-
monly turned out as pastures.
710. The larger streams, which head inland of the Cane Hill region, in the
sandy uplands of the dividing ridge, possess, of course, a character different
from that just described. The valleys of the Homochitto, Bayou Pierre, Cole's
Creek, etc., possess a true bottom character and growth, for some distance after
entering upon the Cane Hill region; yet for the last eight or twelve miles of
their course these streams also assume more or less, on the large scale, the
same character as the small streams which head within the Cane Hills. In this
Matter portion of their course, the soil of their bottom or hommock is less sandy
than further above, and the Black Walnut, Sycamore, and Honey Locust become
very prominent all three indicative of the presence of a large supply of lime,
and of a productive soil. Corn appears to thrive unusually well on these soils.
711. Higher up, the bottom soils generally become more sandy,
and the Oaks, Beech, Hornbeam and Magnolia predominate;
the latter tree, especially, attaining enormous dimensions. These
sandy bottom soils are generally of considerable depth, of a dark
color, and peculiarly adapted to the culture of cotton.
Thus, in the bottom of the Middle Fork of Homochitto (Franklin county),
which is heavily timbered with Magnolia and Beech, together with the Chestnut
White Oak, Sweet Gum, "Poplar ", Maple, etc., there is scarcely any percepti-
ble change in the aspect of the soil at a depth of more than thirty inches; and
it is esteemed as being the best cotton land in that portion of the State.
Notwithstanding their great sandiness, these soils wear very well; in conse-
quence, no doubt, of the great depth to which the roots of the crops can, with
facility, penetrate, without even the aid of the subsoil plow. Deep plowing is


(l
7712, 713, 714] BOTTOM SOILS OF CANE HILL REGION".
327
nevertheless, to be recommended, so long, at least, as the color of the material
brought up is not a great deal lighter than that of the surface soil.
712. Level hommocks of considerable fertility, but differing in
their growth and character of soil from the bottoms, are often found
intervening between the latter and the hills; sometimes also they
extend up to the very banks, to the exclusion of any bottom, for a
short distance:
Such is the case on the South Fork of Homochitto, near Meadville; the
hommock or second bottom is elevated from four to six feet above the first
bottom, which has a rather light colored, sandy soil, about 2 feet deep, timbered
as before mentioned; while the soil of the hommock is moderately light, of a
buff color, about ten inches in depth, underlaid by a rather pale yellow loam,
its timber being the Beech, White Oak, Hickory, Holly, Sweet Gum, Cherry,
Sourwood, etc. This soil will, on an average, produce a bale of cotton per acre
when fresh, and very good corn also; but there are portions of it which are
from the outset unsuited to cotton, and others become so after a short period of
cultivation, while they will still produce corn very well.-A similar complaint
is made with reference to some of the hommock lands of the Bayou Pierre. It
is hoped that comparative analyses of these soils will develop the cause, as well
as the remedy of these defects.
While the average width of the valleys in this region is probably
the same as usual in the interior of the State, the great width of
the shallow sandy beds which the streams excavate for themselves,
often diminishes seriously the amount of valley land suitable for
cultivation. The smaller streams especially not unfrequently
occupy in this manner, a large part, or even the whole of the space
included between the slopes.
713. Tracts of superior bottom land are also found, to some
extent, between the foot of the hills and the Mississippi River;
they are mostly in bodies comparatively small, but of very great
fertility, especially where the calcareous silt of the hills has been,
and is being washed down upon them. The difference caused in
the productiveness of the soil, by this natural marling process, is
very marked, and should be a strong hint to those whose location
enables them to produce the same effects by artificial means.
714. SPRINGS, WELLS AND MINERAL WATERS.-The Cane Hill
region proper, is on the whole poorly watered-a natural conse-
quence of the entire uniformity of the material of which the hills
are composed (¶675, ff.). It is only when the calcareous silt is
underlaid by other, denser strata at or above the level of the
drainage, that permanent springs exist. Even in this case, however,
the water is usually very limy; and the same is true of the well
water which may often be obtained, after passing through the silt,
on the surface of the tertiary clay or sandstone strata. The water
of the streams themselves, where the material of the Bluff formation
forms their bed, is often very limy; as may be judged from the fact
that many of them form calcareous incrustations and masses of
tufa, where a log or a ledge of rock causes the water to drip, so
as to aerate it. A striking instance of this kind has been mentioned
in the Geological part of the present Report (T330), while calca-
328
[¶715, 716-
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
reous incrustations on leaves, sticks, etc., are very common. Nor
is even the water obtained in the blue or gray clays, or between
the sandstone ledges of the Tertiary, always unobjectionable. Some
of the strata of the latter formation, as we have seen (T231, ff.),
are also calcareous, and so, of course, is the water derived from,
or collected in them. More usually, however and this is the
most objectionable feature-these waters are magnesian and some-
times gypseous, generally with an admixture of common salt (1316;)
which ingredients render them, of course, unfit for daily use.
although they impart to them medicinal properties (T601, ff.). The
characters just mentioned are almost invariably met with in the
waters derived from the strata of the gritty, semi-indurate, sandy
clays, or soft, "rotten sandstone", which generally occur beneath
the hard ledges of the "Grand Gulf Sandstone ", and underlie, or
form the base of, a large portion of the hilly lands of Claiborne
and Jefferson counties. Where these crop out, they may not
unfrequently be found covered with incrustations or efflorescences
of salt; while as a general thing, we may expect to find good
freestone water wherever the hard sandstones and loose sands
prevail.
715. The nature of the salts I have generally found to be very nearly the
same throughout the region in question. The waters contain the Chlorides of
Magnesium, Calcium and Sodium, in variable proportions; the salts of Magne-
sium and Sodium being usually predominant. A small amount of sulphates,
also, is often present; yet I have found the chlorides predominant over the
sulphates in all the waters I have examined S. of the Bayou Pierre, and E. of
the dividing ridge. To the eastward and northward, in the counties of Hinds,
Rankin and Simpson, the reverse is commonly the case, the waters, when
mineral being impregnated chiefly with Sulphates. It is owing to this difference
probably, that the habitual use of the saline well waters of the Southern River
Counties does not affect health as injuriously, as is the case with those of the
other counties named.
716. In consequence of the inferior quality of the well waters,
so unfrequently met with, cisterns have come into very general use
for drinking and cooking in the Cane Hill region; while for other
househould purposes, the water of the wells may be (and is very
generally) made available by the addition of some lye, which pre-
cipitates the lime and magnesia, so as to allow the water to be
combined with soap. A little pearlash, or "sal-soda" (not so well
the "soda" used in the kitchen, unless the water be boiled), will
answer the same purpose. The same remedy will apply in the case
of waters simply limy, derived from the calcareous silt; though
in this case, it is generally necessary to let the water boil, before
it will take up the soap readily. Boiling alone will accomplish the
same end, but requires a longer time. Waters of the latter class,
only moderately impregnated with carbonate of lime, cannot be
considered as of necessity injurious to health; though they often
are so to those unaccustomed to their use.*
*For a ready method of distingushing limy from magnesian waters, and.
generalities concerning the same, (see T601 to 6051. ).
*
¶717, 718, 719] SPRINGS AND WELLS OF "CANE HILLS”.
:
329
For the use of stock, the saline waters are probably unobjectionable. The
clays from which they are derived, when exposed on the surface, are often
greedily licked and eaten by cattle; and in some instances, considerable excava-
tions have been the result of these operations. Such being the natural desire
of the animals, it is not likely that the drinking of water containing a moderate
amount of these same salts, should prove injurious. As for the limy waters of
wells and springs, it does not appear that the cattle of the prairies suffer in any
manner by the use of similar waters.
&
717. In dry seasons, however, the wells dependent upon the
sipe water of the calcareous silt commonly give out, and even
those obtained at inconsiderable depths in the Grand Gulf strata
often fail. Hence the practicability of deep, bored, or artesian
wells, in this region, becomes of considerable practical importance;
data concerning which have been given in the Geological Report,
(T318).
Even should the water thus obtained in shallow bores prove
somewhat mineral, it would relieve the scarcity of stock water, and
the necessity of using the fetid, limy water of artificial ponds.
718. In the region skirting, to the eastward, that of the calcareous
silt of the Cane Hills, where the latter formation thins out and
finally gives way altogether to the sandy and clay strata of the
Orange Sand formation, the supply of water is generally better
both in quantity and quality.
Like the calcareous silt itself, the Orange Sand strata are here very commonly
underlaid by impermeable strata of tertiary clay or sandstone, which shed the
water and give rise to fine freestone springs, which flow out, of course, at the
level where these strata appear on the hillsides, and to which, in general, wells
on the ridges will require to be sunk. Thus in the Hamburg neighborhood, in
Franklin county, where the impervious clays appear nearly at a level with the
drainage of the country, while the ridges are formed of Orange Sand, wells do
not reach water at less than 80 to 110 feet-the whole height of the hills; their
lowest portion being, as usual in such cases, dug in variously colored pipeclays
(170). If water can be obtained in these, it will generally be freestone; if the
gray or blue clays are reached or penetrated, it may be more or less mineral,
but will be less likely to fail in dry seasons.
The same remark holds true with reference to natural springs; those which
issue above the gray clays, and are, therefore, dependent upon the overlying
Orange Sand strata for their supply, are much less reliable than those which,
like the Franklin or Wild-wood Springs, and others in the same neighborhood,
issue from the water-bearing strata of the Grand Gulf Group (¶230; 314).
719. The remarkable spring just mentioned, which has attracted some
attention both as a natural curiosity and for its curative powers, is situated in a
narrow valley of the Hamburg Hills. It forms a basin varying from 8 to 12
feet in diameter, in a loose fine sand. The surface of the clear cold water is
perfectly still, but at the depth of about two feet, there is an unceasing waving,
ebbing and flowing motion, on the surface of a fluid mixture of fine white sand
and water, caused by the rising of a powerful stream of water in a rounded
channel, into which a pole can be sunk for 20 feet vertically-below this depth,
it seems to turn sideways. A pole thus introduced is ejected by the current
and its buoyancy, with great force; a man cannot sink below the armpits, being
sustained by the current in a condition of very unstable, wabbling equilibrium.
The water of this, as well as of a number of other similar, but smaller springs
in the neighborhood, may be considered almost a "freestone", since the amount
of mineral ingredients contained is very small-though of the usual, magnesian

--
330
[¶720, 721
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
character. The curative action exerted by the large Spring, when used as a
bath, are probably owing more to the irritating effect on the skin of the fine
sharp sand with which the body is scoured as it were, and the reaction following
the cold bath (its constant temperature being 63.5 deg. Fahr.), than to the
medicinal qualities of the mineral ingredients.
It has been claimed that these springs prove the practicability of artesian
wells in the region of their occurrence. It unquestionably proves that in thạt
neighborhood, such may be obtained at the same level, i. e., in deep valleys, but
the water of the streams so obtained could not rise higher than the level of the
basin of the Franklin Spring, which is precisely that at which, at present, water
is obtained in wells on the ridges. It is only, like Hale's well (318) an
indication of a favorable disposition of the strata at that point.
720. Where the hard white sandstones of the Grand Gulf Group
prevail, as in some parts of the western Homochitto hills, the Back-
bone, and in N. E. portion of Claiborne county, and adjoing parts
of Copiah and Hinds, springs are generally more abundant, and
their water purer, than where the materials of the strata are soft.
In S. W. Hinds, however, we soon find a change in the composition
of the waters, in which the sulphates become predominant; they
gradually assume the character of the water of Cooper's Wells.
THE CENTRAL PRAIRIE REGION.
Comprising, essentially, the portions underlaid by the calcareous Tertiary (see
map), of the counties of WARREN, YAZOO, MADISON, HINDS, RANKIN, SCOTT,
SMITH, JASPER, NEWTON, CLARKE and WAYNE.
721. The prairies characterizing the region I thus designate, are
not generally the prevalent feature of its surface--not even to the
extent to which this is the case in the North eastern Prairie Region
(¶527 to 560). They do not anywhere form such continuous or
large bodies of land, as we find them occupying on the surface of
the country underlaid by the Cretaceous formation, nor is the
surface of the country so generally level or gently undulating.
The black prairie soil occurs in patches, of a few acres to several
thousands in extent, intervening between elevated ridges occupied,
either by the Orange Sand formation and its peculiar soils, or by
soils derived essentially from the materials of the clayey, non-
calcareous or gypseous stages of the Tertiary-forming, in the
western portion of the belt, the lighter soils of the "Gypseous
Prairie" (T215; 723, ff.); in the eastern, the heavy, intractable
soils of the "Hogbed" or " Hogwallow Prairie " (T746, ff.). Both
of these occupy, in general, positions above any contiguous "Black
Prairie ", the latter being in the more hilly portions of the region,
confined to the slopes and bottoms of the streams, and essentially
derived, as may be inferred, from the calcareous, fossiliferous beds
of the Tertiary-for which reason they are often, in contradistinc-
tion to the other soils above mentioned, designated as "Shell
Prairies ", from the great abundance in which fossil shells, especially
¶722, 723, 724] ZEUGLODON-ENTIRE SKELETON DESIRABLE. 331
oysters (198), are sometimes found on them, accompanied, not
unfrequently, by the bones of the huge Zeuglodon (¶207, 208).*
Unlike the cretaceous prairies, those of the Tertiary do not
generally possess a subsoil stratum distinctly different from the
underlying rock (T124; 335, ff.); the soil seems, in most cases, to
be a more disintegration of the Tertiary material (¶202, 203; 207,
208), which in many points forms the immediate subsoil. The same
is true, more or less, of the soil of the "Gypseous" and "Hog-
wallow" prairies.
722. The ridge lands intervening between the several kinds of
prairie lands, bear partly (in the northern portion of the belt) the
character of the soils of the adjoining Yellow Loam Region, or
(further S.) that of the Long-leaf Pine ridges. It is only, so far as
I know, in the extreme East, in Clarke and Wayne, beyond the
Chickasawhay-that the black prairie occupies the summits of the
ridges to any great extent. For convenience sake I shall include
in the description of this region, that of some lands adjoining it
which, though not underlaid by the marl formations, are more
nearly related in their agricultural features to those of the Prairie
Region, than to any other.
723. WARREN AND YAZOO.--I am not aware to what extent the
features of the prairie region are developed in these counties,
whose surface conformation, so far as I am acquainted with it,
resembles in general, most nearly that of the Southern River
Counties (1674 to 720), and, so far as N. E. Yazoo is concerned,
of the Yellow Loam Region, which see (T634, ff.). It is to be
observed, however, that in an agricultural point of view, that
portion of them which is underlaid by the blue and white marls
and limestones of the Tertiary (see map), possesses a great addition-
al advantage as compared with the counties possessing, as a fertil-
izer, only the calcareous silt of the Bluff formation (T327, ff.).
724. HINDS AND MADISON.-There is a great general resemblance,
amounting almost to identity, in the agricultural features of the
adjoining halves of these two counties. Level or gently undulating
uplands, possessing a fertile soil and deep loam subsoil resembling
*The fossil monster called the Zeuglodon macrospondylus (or Z. cetoides) was
a marine animal of the Whale tribe, but resembling in shape rather an alligator
or lizard, than any Whale at present existing. Its total length (as seen in
skeletons), often exceeded 100 feet. It has thus far been found only in Missis-
sippi and Alabama, but no doubt exists in the corresponding portion of Arkansas,
where huge bones are said to occur on the prairies. It is greatly to be desired
that a complete skeleton of this ancient inhabitant of our State, should be
secured for the collection of the State University at Oxford; nor would this be
a difficult matter, if gentlemen residing in districts where these bones occur,
(especially in N. Smith and S. Scott, where they are so frequently laid bare by
the plow, as well as by rains) would interest themselves so far as to communi-
cate to the State Geologist, or the faculty at Oxford, the discovery of any appa-
rently complete skeleton, protecting the same from being dismembered and
scattered until measures could be taken to exhume it.
332
[¶725, 726
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
that of the Richland region (1634), both as to color and the
growth of timber it supports, but interspersed with patches of
prairie, and modified more or less, in different localities, by the
admixture of the calcareous, and mostly very clayey, materials of
the Tertiary, and also, near the Big Black, with those of the Bluff
formation, characterize both.
The yellow loam lands of Madison and N. Hinds are justly
considered as being among the best uplands of the State--superior
to the prairies as to "safeness" while little if at all inferior in
productiveness, like the Marshall Table-lands (T616, ff.), and about
equally well suited, on an average, to corn and cotton.
Such, at least, has been the case and is now with fresh lands; but an im-
provident, exhaustive cultivation has nowhere in the State perhaps, shown its
effects more clearly and threateningly, than in this early settled region, whose
fertility, was once deemed inexhaustible, as that of the Mississippi Bottom is
now-but whose crops dwindle more and more every year, both in quantity
and quality, while valuable improvements are being abandoned by their owners
in order to exchange their exhausted fields for that utopian soil which never
gives out, said to exist somewhere to the westward.
725. The loam stratum which forms the soil of these lands, is evidently the
same as that which forms the table-lands of Marshall, (¶616, ff.), and the best
soils of the Southern River Counties (T675, 684,1 etc). It is therefore to be
presumed that as in those cases, the subsoil loam is at least as rich as the surface
soil. The only analysis which, thus far, I have made with reference to the
soils of this region, goes to demonstrate this fact, and to show that the subsoil
plow and stimulation are the one thing needful, for the present at least, to
restore to these lands their productiveness, since they are not deficient in any
of the ingredients of a good soil. No. 298. YELLOW LOAM SUBSOIL, from Dr.
T. J. Catching's place, S. 2, T. 4, R. 3 W., Hinds county.
Depth: Nine to twenty inches.
Vegetation: Black Jack, Post, and Spanish ("Red") Oaks-all large and
sturdy, with well formed tops; some tall Hickory; undergrowth of Dogwood
and Persimmon.-A light, porous loam, easily tilled; color brownish-yellow.
The subsoil, saturated with moisture at 62.4 Fahr., lost 8.543 per cent. of
water at 400 deg.; dried at which temperature it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter.
Potash......
Soda......
Lime...
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina..
Phosphoric Acid....
Sulphuric Acid
Organic Matter and Water.
80.788
0.634
0.185
5.921
0.266
0.159
4.727
8.940
0.151
0.076
3.239
100.393
<+
726. The beneficial effects of the fallow on this subsoil, where it has been ex-
posed in washes, have often been noticed; the same effect would be produced
in a shorter time, by marling, especially when aided by a supply of vegetable
matter. But even without these, the effect of deep plowing or subsoiling, and
especially of underdrainage, will be found to be highly favorable, not only as
restoring productiveness, but also as preventing injury by drouth, which is so
1727, 728, 729]
ADVANTAGE OF DRAINING.
333
severely felt in the current year (1860). No moderate drouth could injure
lands constituted as are those of Madison, if tilled deeply, or underdrained; and
a moderately attentive observer, in traveling through the prematurely withered
corn-fields of that region, would suppose that in adjoining plantations there
existed essential differences of soil, but for the fact that the fences mostly form
the dividing line between patches of deep green corn which still resists, and
others where the fodder has been cured on the stalk.
Yet on inquiry he will find that the difference was caused by
nothing more than an additional mule before the plow. Another
circumstance also may be very extensively observed this season,
viz: that wherever, by washing or otherwise, the white marls
(T281), have been mixed with the soil, both the crops and the
weeds resist the drouth, when all around is dead or dying. These
are hints which ought to be sufficient to those who wish to improve
their soil, although in ordinary seasons, these effects are not so
noticeable.
727. The correction of the soil by drainage is especially neces-
sary and beneficial where, as is the case, in extensive tracts on the
Pearl River side of the dividing ridge, the heavy, bluish gray clayst
with white concretions (T202, ff.), are near the surface and appear
in washes. Such soils, in their natural condition, suffer severely
with drouth; but will not, if by drainage, these calcareous clays,
which are always moist, are rendered penetrable to the roots
which, at present they force to remain near the surface.*
For the rest, most of what has been said with reference to the table lands of
Marshall (516, ff.), will hold true also of the yellow loam lands of Madison
and Hinds. There are, of course, many local varieties of this, and as has been
hinted already, the soils on the Pearl River side of the dividing ridge appear to
be quite generally heavier, and more frequently calcareous than those on the Big
Black. These variations will receive closer attention and study hereafter; it
would be to little purpose to discuss them specially at present, since the general
fact, that they are soils of great native fertility, and may be greatly improved by
the use of the subsoil plow and of marls close at hand, is true of them all.
i
+
728. The soils overlying the territory of the Vicksburg Group, in Hinds
county (see map), do not seem to differ essentially from those just described,
save in that they are somewhat light, e. g., those of Spring Ridge, and gradually
merge into the soils of the Pine Ridges of S. Hinds, which set in south and west
of the line given on the map, as the south limit of the Vicksburg Group; and
which in their turn, form gradual transitions into the "Pine Hill" soils of Copiah.
729. These ridges, which are timbered essentially with Short-leaf Pine and…...
Post Oak, with more or less Black Jack, possess a sandy, but not unproductive
soil derived in great part from the white sandstone ledges of the Grand Gulf
Group, which underlie the hills and (as at Cooper's Well and Mississippi Springs),
frequently appear on the surface. Where the heavy gray clay, which is often
+
*It is probable that thorough drainage would also serve to correct, to a consid-
erable extent, the tendency of this clay to shrink, and, in dry seasons, to form
large cracks (sometimes two and three inches wide), in the surface soil, which
are not only injurious to vegetation, but seriously endanger the security of build-
ings-as has been the case for instance, at Jackson, where most brick and stonę
buildings not secured by anchors in the walls, or by a "concrete" foundation,
are in the course of time traversed by cracks in all directions. This does not
happen, however, where (as in the lower part of the city), this clay is overlaid
by pebbles or sand, or (as near the Railroad Depot) is altogether wanting.
334
[1730
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
interstratified with the sandstone (¶231, ff.), contributes towards the formation
of the soil, the Pine is generally wanting, and the Post Oak and Black Jack alone
prevail. It is noticeable that almost over the whole of this region, the Long
Moss floats from the trees---even from the Pines--which I have never found to
be the case on infertile soils, however unpromising their aspect. Near Raymond,
also, Pines are sometimes seen on the ridges, but generally, the timber consists
of the Spanish ("Red") and (true) Red Oaks, intermingled here and there with
Post Oak and Black Jack. The soil has been very much washed, so that the
original subsoil is now chiefly cultivated: hence a great lack of vegetable matter
in the present soil, which is, nevertheless, quite fertile. In W. and S. W. Hinds,
the lands, though not underlaid by marl strata, but by the gypseous clays of the
Grand Gulf Group (T3032 ), are quite similar to those of N. Hinds and Madi-
son, before described, and the country is thickly settled. It is very likely that
some of the gypseous materials found in wells and bluffs (e. g., Col. Dillon's
neighborhood), would prove a valuable improvement to these soils, which, like
those of Madison, are giving out under the same exhaustive system, and may
no doubt be similarly resuscitated (1726).
1
1
730. Of the extent and character of the prairies in Hinds county,
I know but little from personal observation. They seem to be of
small extent, and from the fact that crystals of gypsum, and oysters
both have been found on them there would seem to exist here
a similar diversity of soils, as will be below described in Rankin
county (1733, ff.). There is also the same complaint of "salty
spots" in the fields, which seems in all cases to arise from the
stagnation of the water where the gray, lignito-gypseous clays
(T214, ff.), which, among others, we observe in the gullies, and in
the railroad cut at Clinton, are near the surface.
In this case, the water abstracts from them their salts, and evaporating on
the surface, deposits them there, to the detriment of vegetation, which is
"scalded" by their excess, although essentially, they contain the nutritive
ingredients of plants in great abundance.
Nothing short of thorough-drainage can be expected to remedy permanently, this
evil where it exists; it will no doubt, in the course of a few years, by itself remove
every injurious excess of salts, leaving behind only those which are useful, and
are therefore retained by the soil (T378). The composition of the salts thus
effervescing on the surface shows, however, that their injurious action can to a
great extent be counteracted by the application of lime, or marl, or of ashes; and the
use of these remedies even where thorough-drainage is at once resorted to,
because they will aid in retaining in the soil, the nutritive portion of these salts.
An analysis of the latter, from a salty spot in Dr. Catching's field (¶725),
showed it to consist chiefly of the Chlorides of Sodium (common salt) and
Magnesium, with the Sulphates of Potassa, Lime, Magnesia, Alumina, and Iron.
The latter three, which are very prejudicial to vegetation, will
be at once decomposed by lime, or marl. It cannot decompose the
common salt, however, which must be removed by drainage-a
moderate amount of the latter substance, however, is often pur-
posely added to the soil, which it stimulates (T435).
1
In another instance, a specimen of salts from a salty spot in
Squire Batt's field, four and a half miles east of Brandon, gave the
following result: Chloride of Sodium (common salt), Sulphates of
Magnesia (Epsom Salt), Iron (Copperas), Alumnia (Alum); Nitrate
of Magnesia? quite largely. Here, also, the remedies are evi-
dently the same; the formation of saltpetre proves more strongly

¶731, 732]
PEARL RIVER SOILS.
335
the stagnation of water, and the necessity of drainage. The lands
so treated will afterwards, no doubt, prove of remarkable fertility;
as in some instances has already been experienced.
731. PEARL RIVER SOILS.-The soils of Pearl River hommock have already
been described, in general (¶662). Those of the portion of the river embraced
within the Central Prairie Region do not exhibit any striking difference, as far
as observed, save where, as near Jackson, the washings of the tertiary marls
come down upon them, when they sometimes become quite stiff, though (as
shown by the weeds growing on them), very fertile, and no doubt susceptible
of great improvement by the use of the marls so accessible in the neighborhood
(1282). Like most hommock soils, it is very deficient in vegetable matter.
The soils of the bottom proper, where it exists, are usually light and sandy,
often vieing, in that particular, with the Seacoast Hommocks (T832, 850, ff.),
and therefore somewhat drouthy.
The extensive sloughy bottom which skirts Pearl River on the west at, and
for some distance above and below Jackson, exhibits a very singular soil, viz:.
a gray or yellowish, semi-indurate silt or hardpan, with but little coarse sand,
which packs very closely, and approaches in character some of the heavy
silicious soils mentioned (T404). On roadsides, in washes, on the banks of
sloughs, etc., it is seen disintegrated in rounded, nodular forms, like the Flat-
woods Clay (T165, ff.), and instinctively impresses the observer as though it
were a very clayey soil; when wetted, however, it acts somewhat like the calca-
reous silt of the Southern River Counties (690), like which in times of drouth,
it cracks open; becoming, however, of a stony hardness. Spots where this soil
prevails characteristically, are almost exclusively timbered with small Sweet
Gum.
Near the river banks, where the admixture of sand renders the material more
open, these faults are to a great degree insensible, and the timber as well as the
smaller growth testifies to the improvement. A great deal can no doubt be done
for this soil by the simple admixture of sand, and also, of vegetable matter, in
which it is very deficient; the sandy marls occurring in the river banks (¶205;
283), however, would undoubtedly be the most profitable material, improving
the soil in many respects at once (T417). As to the native fertility of this
singular soil, analysis will show how far it can be improved by mere stimulation;
its forest growth is fine, though sparse.
732. RANKIN AND SCOTT.-The portion of Rankin county lying
S. of the line of the Vicksburg Group (see map) bears the character
of the Long-leaf Pine Region, if we except the belt bordering on
Pearl River, and the "Flatwoods" of lower Steen's Creek (1772).
In the N. portion of the county, however, we have a great diversity
of fertile soils. In passing from Jackson to Brandon, after crossing
the bottom and hommock of Pearl River, we ascend into a rolling,
sandy country with a yellow loam soil underlaid by deeply tinted
Orange Sand, and strongly suggestive of the second-rate ridge
lands in Lafayette county. This belt is here about four miles in
width, and skirts the hommock of Pearl River on the E., with a
visible width, throughout Rankin, and a portion, at least, of
Simpson county. It is timbered with Post, Spanish ("Red") and
Black Jack Oak, and well settled, although the soil is rather sandy,
and the loam stratum, here at least, is very thin; it is better
developed, and forms large and fertile bodies of land, further S., on
Steen's Creek, bordering the Pearl River Hommock.-It yields
mostly freestone springs and wells.
336
[¶733, 734
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
733. Beyond, we find a more gently undulating country, possess-
ing a thick covering (7 to 10 feet) of rich yellow loam, and a fine
Oak and Hickory growth on the higher hills, while its depressions
exhibit various soils formed out of the different strata of the
Tertiary, which are given in detail in Sec. 30, p. 140. A glance
at the great variety of materials mentioned in this profile, and
their inconsiderable thickness, will readily explain the diversity of
soils existing at different levels, on the hills and in the valleys
which ascend and descend to all the various strata, at different
points.
The lands which lie at and below the level of strata Nos. 2 to 4, are frequently
of a "black prairie" character, and very productive-as, for instance, those
lying at the foot of the ridge capped with white limestone and marls (¶224, 225).
The soil, however, is not heavy-being simply the yellow loam of the hills
which has been thoroughly marled in the course of time, by natural means. In
view of the great productiveness of these lands, the fine effects observed by
Mr. A. P. Miller, as following the artifical application of the same marls to his
hill lands, cannot be surprising, and would no doubt have been greatly enhanced
by the contemporaneous application of vegetable matter, in imitation of what
nature has done in the valleys. A dressing of 200 to 400 bushels per acre, of
marls similar to Dr. Quin's (T285) has made the exhausted ridge soils produce as
freely as when fresh, and after the lapse of twelve years, the effect still continues
the same.
734. Gypseous Prairies.-Besides the two soils already referred
to, two other chief varieties are found, e. g., at Jos. Jayne's place,
viz: a "prairie" soil (called so only because it bore no timber),
appearing in depressions, which is quite light, of a brownish-buff
tint, and produces finely; and a pale, "crawfishy " soil, full of bog
ore or black pebble (1387), which is quite poor, though situated,
with reference to the hills, precisely as is the "prairie" soil before
mentioned.
The latter resembles closely, in its aspect, that of other, larger bodies of
prairie existing further N., and especially that of "Barnes' Prairie", which
skirts the Pearl River hommock in T. 7, R. 3 E. The surface soil of this tract,
which is about 8 to 10 inches deep, is of a chocolate color when moist; its
subsoil, to the depth of about 4 feet, is a loam of yellowish buff tint; neither
soil nor subsoil are heavy, and the land is very productive; its vegetation does
not indicate any large amount of lime. Below 3 or 4 feet, however, the material
becomes quite clayey, as may be observed in the bottom of washes; and in
digging cisterns, heavy gray clay with crystals of Gypsum is found.
Barnes' Prairie is very nearly on a level with the hommock of Pearl River,
(1663). Further inland (S.), we also find tracts of land destitute of timber,
such as Hudnall's or Race Prairie, McRae's Prairie, etc., whose soil and vegeta-
tion at first sight greatly resemble that of Barnes' Prairie; there being, however,
this essential difference, that the soil does not produce well-it is drouthy, and
-on McRae's Prairie, S. 17, T. 6, R. 4 E.-the spattering water during heavy
rains seems at times to corrode the leaves of plants. Whitish efflorescences of
salts sometimes appear in shallow washes; in those of several feet depth we
find (especially on Hudnall's Prairie, SS. 12, and 13, T. 6, R. 3 E.), heavy gray
clays with abundant crystals of gypsum, the latter being sometimes observable
in the subsoil at 15 to 18 inches. The soil of these prairies differing so essentially
from that of the "black", "calcareous", or "shell" prairies, I shall distinguish
them as the " Gypseous prairies" (T215), according to their characteristic
material. The following analyses will show some of the characteristics of these
soils.
1

¶735, 736, 737] ANALYSES OF GYPSEOUS PRAIRIE SOILS.
337
735. No. 187. SOIL OF GYPSEOUS PRAIRIE, from Mr. McRae's place, S. 17, T.
·6, R. 4 E.
}
Depth: Eight inches.
Vegetation: Stunted Persimmon and Sumach (Rhus copallina), Grasses.
The air-dried soil, which is of a brownish-buff tint, and rather light, showed
the following composition :~
Insoluble Matter (as above)....
Potash...
Soda.
Lime.
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina..
Phosphoric Acid.
Sulphuric Acid..
J
Organic Matter and Water..
•
.82.558
0.339
0.023
0.432
0.513
0.092
3.084
7.424
0.076.
0.058
5.322
99.911
736. No. 301. UNDERLCAY OF GYPSEOUS PRAIRIE, from Hudnall's or Race
Prairie, S. 12, T. 6, R. 3 E.
Depth: From 3 to 7 feet (as far as visible) below the surface.
Vegetation: Same as the preceeding.
A greenish gray, heavy clay, with numerous small white specks (of gypsum),
and some round concretions of iron ore.
Dried at 400 deg. Fahr., it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter.
67.027
Potash.....
0.518
Soda
0.414
Lime...
5.695
Magnesia.
1.233
Brown Oxide of Manganese
0.509
Peroxide of Iron.
4.344
Alumina...
10.751
Phosphoric Acid....
Sulphuric Acid.....
5.751
Carbonic Acid...
1.018
Organic Matter and Water.
2.740.
100.000
34
*
737. According to the analysis, the surface soil, No. 187, is simply a poor soil,
in which, although containing an adequate supply of Lime and Magnesia, the
alkalies (Potash and Soda), as well as Phosphoric Acid, are sensibly deficient.
The underclay, No. 301, by itself, is rich in the alkalies, and other ingredients
determined, but contains too much gypsum, and is too heavy, to form a safe soil.
It disintegrates or "pulverizes" very readily, however, and washes into deep
gullies. It is quite remarkable, that with a subsoil so clayey, and so rich in
soluble ingredients, underlying it at so inconsiderable a depth, the surface soil
should not only be quite light, but evidently very unretentive (T401; 403), of
the soluble salts contained in its subsoil-which it allows to be deposited partly
on its surface, to the injury, of the crops (1734; see also, T730, ff.), partly to
return to the clayey and retentive subsoil, which is evidently, also, responsible
for the drouthiness of the land (T514, ff.).
}
The means, therefore, which suggest themselves for the improve
ment of the Gypseous Prairies, are these: Firstly, when the heavy
:
R-22
338
[¶738¹, 7382, 739
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
(1
subsoil is as near to the surface as in Hudnall's and McRae's Prai-
ries, Drainage, which will relieve the drouthiness (T408), as well
as the saltiness and corrosive action of the surface soil (1734).
Secondly, the light and unretentive soil may, no doubt, be greatly
improved by the application to it, as a marl, of the gypseous under-
clays, such as No: 301, whose action would be greatly improved
by the simultaneous use of some calcareous marl and vegetable
matter. It would seem, and the natural growth of these prairies
(among which there are numerous leguminous plants), appears to
justify the expectation, that they would make better crops of red
clover and field-pea, than any other (T436).
7
7381 The patches of gypseous prairie are generally bordered by a low, but
dense-topped growth of the Black Jack Oak. Further back, we find, undula-
ting lands, with a rather lank, unpromising growth of Post, Black Jack and
Spanish ("Red") Oak, mingled with Short-leaf Pine. In this land, although
the surface soil is often white and ashy (being then occupied by huckleberry
bushes, and very unproductive), the subsoil is generally a heavy, "joint" clay,
of a pale yellowish gray tint, which is very intractable and drouthy, and under
the usual alternations of wet and dry, often shrinks and cracks to such an ex-
tent as to seriously impair the security of buildings (T727, note).

A
3
A
•
7
7382. Interspersed with these uplands and the gypseous prairies,
there occur patches of true, black prairie soil, on hilltops and
hillsides. It is a fine, productive soil, but drouthy and exceedingly
hard to till; its subsoil at 10 to 12 inches, is a stiff yellow clay.
No shells are found on this soil, which is evidently formed by outcrops of
stratum (No. 5 of Section 29; (¶215), and bears a vigorous growth of Black
Jack and Post Oak, with an undergrowth of Wild Plum, Red Haw, etc. (T296).
Where this soil occurs low down on the hillsides, it is often of great depth, and
almost jet black; bearing, at the present time, a dense growth of young Sweet
Gum, with some Cherry, Ash, Mulberry, Muscadine, etc. These spots are
generally quite limited in extent; one, not exceeding half an acre, occurs near
Mr. John C. Parker's, not far from McRae's prairie (1734), on S. 20, T. 6, R.
4 E., Rankin county; another extends along the bottom of the Okahay, in Smith
county, at Mr. L. E. Cook's place; on S. 22, T. 3, R. 7 E., and on adjoining
ones. Here also, it adjoins a soil closely resembling the gypseous prairie of
Rankin; which is to a great extent overgrown with small, scrubby Post, Black
Jack and Water Oaks, and some Red Elm, and produces fine corn, but invariably
rusts cotton-as also does the black soil mentioned. In both, efflorescences of
salts are sometimes observed on the surface. At Mr. Crook's, also, we find
some black prairie, and a heavy clay soil, on the hills; the latter is here, however,
of a dark orange tint, and very productive, though somewhat stiff and drouthy
a fault which could, no doubt be greatly alleviated by the admixture of
vegetable matter-green cropping or the like, in which alone it seems to differ
from the black prairie.


•

+--
1
739. Do Gypseous Clay Soils Rust Cotton? From what I have
heard, and the close correspondence of the great variety of soils
at the two points mentioned, it appears that lands of a similarly
diversified character occur throughout Rankin and Smith, and
probably also in Jasper, near to the line, as given on the map,
between the Vicksburg and Jackson Groups (T215, 216); in Rankin,
especially, S. of the Peelahatchie. In the absence, thus far, of
further analyses of these soils, it would be unprofitable at present
to dwell upon them; from their extreme characters, it seems likely
♫
$
T740, 741, 742]
CAUSE OF RUST” IN COTTON.
339
that analysis will at once throw light upon their proper treatment;
the region in which they occur deserves, and will receive as soon
as possible, a detailed examination. So much appears with great
likelihood from observations I have made in this region, that
while cotton will succeed finely even in very heavy soils which
are simply calcareous (i. e. contain the carbonate of lime) and con-
tain an adequate amount of vegetable matter, the presence of
gypsum in heavy soils seems to prove fatal to its growth. Hence
the distinction between the gypseous and the calcareous or black
prairie, acquires considerable practical interest, and planters have
it in their power to promote greatly the investigation of this
important subject, by paying attention to this point and noting
the results.
740. With the portion of Rankin lying N. of the Peelahatchie,
I am but little acquainted as yet. It seems that prairies resemb
ling in part "Barnes' Prairie " (1734), partly the black prairie of
S. Scott, occur interspersed with hilly uplands which are mostly
sandy, and timbered with a mixture of Oaks and Short-leaf Pine
Such, at least, is the case in T. 7, R. 3 E., and adjoining region.
741. The undulating oak uplands with yellow loam subsoil-
interspersed, in the depressions, with patches of black (in the
bottoms) and perhaps some gypseous prairie-which have been
spoken of as occurring near Brandon (which itself is situated on
a sandy ridge), and whose soil is so essentially improved by the
use of the white marls of the region (T733; 285), seem to continue
with little change, in the southern half (1739), of the belt of
Vicksburg strata (bluish-gray on the map), towards Polkville, and
beyond. This tract I have not as yet visited; it is described as
being a rich agricultural region, and its marls will, it is to be
hoped, receive timely attention (T284).
Of Scott county, N. of Morton, I have as yet no personal
knowledge. From specimens and information, received, both
kinds of prairie seem to exist there, especially in the western
portion (207).
The "Flatwoods" of some portions of E. Scott seem, according to descrip-
tions given, to coincide in the main, with the "hog-wallow prairie" uplands of
Smith and Jasper (T746, ff.).
742. In S. Scott, on the head-waters of Leaf and Strong Rivers, we find
patches and strips of black prairie, along the valleys and water-courses, whose ·
bottoms possess to a great extent, the genuine prairie soil; the intervening
ridge lands having a moderately fertile loam soil, are generally but gently un-
dulating, and bear a growth of the usual upland oaks, mixed sometimes with
Hickory, sometimes with Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak, or Short-leaf Pine,
according to the quality of the soil. It is here, as well as in N. E. Smith, that
the benefit of the intermixture of the sandy hill soils with the heavy prairie
soil (T419), is very commonly experienced. The latter, however, is not always
heavy naturally, but sometimes quite mellow and easily tilled, and always-
very productive of corn-usually, also, of cotton. It seems, however, that
wherever the heavy, bluish or yellowish matrix of the Zeuglodon bones (T207,-
208), is so close to the surface as to touch the plow, the cotton frequently shows
* disposition to rust-as it invariably does, and very badly, where that material


340
[9743, 744
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
1
forms the soil itself, and contains small grains of gypsum. In this case, the
hills immediately bordering on the prairie sometimes show a very heavy, pale
yellow subsoil, resembling that found near the gypseous prairies, and forming
an evident transition towards the "hog-wallow prairie". Such is the case, for
instance, at several points in the Nichols' neighborhood, Smith county (¶207).
743. SMITH AND JASPER.-The town of Raleigh, like Brandon,
is situated on a ridge which forms the last spur, as it were, of the
Long-leaf Pine Region, at this point. As we pass from Raleigh
on the Garlandsville road, the soft white sandstone (of the Grand
Gulf Group-(¶227, 243), which near the town forms terraces at
the foot of the hills, seems to ascend, and finally occupies the
hilltops; and on descending from the ridge to Shongalo bottom,
we find low down on the hillside, outcrops of limestone (312),
accompanied by prairie soil. The bottom of Shongalo Creek (on
which, further above, at Austin's mill, marl crops out) though not
of a prairie character, shows the increasing liminess of the soil in
the prevalence of Mulberry, Ash and Poplar. Near the summit
of the dividing ridge between Shongalo and Bowland's Creek,
there is a terrace formed by limestone ledges, on and below which,
for some distance, we see a deep orange-colored, clayey subsoil,
containing rounded ferruginous concretions, (as does the Monroe
prairie soil-¶336), with a thin covering of black prairie soil; while
the summit of the ridge is formed by narrow and very sandy strips,
(Orange Sand), perched on top of the limestone plateau.--This
"ridge prairie soil" seems to be very fertile, but I have not seen
åt in cultivation anywhere; it is very stiff, but not more so than
many others. The oak lands which form the lower portion of this
ridge, and of themselves are by no means infertile, might readily
be improved by the marls of which the body of this ridge evidently
consists.
744. Similar oak lands intervene here, as well as further above,
between Leaf River and its western confluents; on the E. side,
however, we find, at this point, Long-leaf Pine Hills, until we
reach the Nichols' neighborhood (see above). The bottom of Leaf
River here exhibits no prairie soil proper, but a growth indicating
a calcareous and very fertile soil-which, however, is subject to
overflow. Higher up, in TT. 4 and 5, R. 8 E., (on the territory
of the Jackson Group), Leaf River and its heads (Hatehushe,
Tallabogue, etc.), have black prairie soil in the bottoms and on the
slopes towards the same. I subjoin an analysis of a specimen of
this soil, which is very productive both of cotton and corn.
No. 199. LEAF RIVER PRAIRIE SOIL, taken at the crossing of the Paulding
and Brandon road, in T. 4, R. 8 E., Jasper county.
Depth: Twelve inches.
Vegetation: Honey Locust, Crab Apple, Wild Plum, Red Haw.
A very clayey soil, almost jet black, crumbling readily on exposure, after
wetting.
The soil, saturated with moisture at 70.7 deg. Fahr., lost 14.325 per cent, of
moisture at 400 deg., dried at which temperature, it consisted of :
¶745, 746]
HÖG WALLOW PRAIRIE REGION.
341
Insoluble Matter.
.63.435
Potash....
0.796
Soda.
0.127
Lime...
1.815
Magnesia.
1.112
Brown Oxide of Manganese
0.479
Peroxide of Iron....
Alumina.
Phosphoric Acid.
•
6.996
..16.127
0.232
Sulphuric Acid.
Organic Matter, Water, and Loss.
0.085
9.028
100.000
:
745. This analysis seems to exhibit characteristically the prom-
inent features of the black prairie soil of the Tertiary.
It is highly retentive of moisture; rich in vegetable matter, in lime, and in all
the other essential nutritive ingredients of plants-with the exception, in this
instance, of Soda, which seems to be deficient. The large amount of alumnia
dissolved in this analysis, as compared with those of other clayey soils, indicates.
at once that the soil is in a highly decomposed state, in consequence of the aetion
of lime and vegetable matter, and that therefore the constituents are mostly in.
an available condition. Hence little effect would be produced on it by marling,.
unless previously exhausted; but the further addition of vegetable matter and of
sand, to promote its lightness-as well as drainage, are indicated as improvements..
746. HOG WALLOW PRAIRIE REGION.-Beyond Leaf River, in-
Smith county, and in N. W. Jasper, on the (light blue) territory of
Jackson Group, the arrangement of soils is a very simple and
uniform one. The bottoms of the larger streams-Hatehushe,
West Tallahala, Tallahoma, East Tallahala, and their larger con-
fluents-as well as the lower portion of the (sometimes gentle)
slopes towards them, are prevalently of the black prairie character.
Above these, forming level or gently undulating upland tracts-or
sometimes, as on the West Tallahala, a kind of second bottom-
appears the "Hog-wallow", or "Hogbed Prairie" soil (1216),
timbered chiefly with Post Oak, of a lank growth and with tattered,
open tops; Black Jack and Short-Leaf Pine, of a similar growth,
often occupying it. The average level of the lands of this charac-
ter is about twenty-five to thirty feet above the level of the creeks
named; when the country ascends higher (in which case the
"hog-bed" lands generally form a distinct, level terrace, on which
the sandy ridges are perched), the Orange Sand formation and its
usual soils set in, forming either Long-leaf Pine ridges, or (as on
the Upper Tallahoma), the sandy ridge soils mentioned (T651); or
sometimes, oak uplands, with a medium soil, of yellow loam char-
acter (as on upper Leaf River, towards the prairies). According
to the depth to which the drainage cuts into the surface occupied
by the soils last named, either the "hogbed", or the "black
prairie" soil appears on the slope; and where level tracts are
occupied by the hogbed soil, at an inconsiderable elevation above
the bottoms (as on the W. Tallahala in the N. E. quarter of T. 3,
R. 10 E., and adjoining tracts), small spots of black prairie often.
appear in slight depressions.
342
[¶747, 748, 749
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
747. The surface soil of the Hogbed or Post Oak Prairie is
generally of a gray or brownish-gray tint, with numerous small
dark brown dots of bog ore (1387), to the depth of six to ten
inches, where it is underlaid by a yellowish subsoil with reddish
dots. Both the soil and subsoil are very heavy and clayey; in dry
seasons they shrink so as to form numerous, and often large (one
to three inches wide) cracks in the surface. The next rain causes
the edges of these cracks to crumble off into the latter, which in
consequence cannot close up afterwards, when the soil receives a
thorough wetting. The intervening soil is therefore often com-
pelled to bulge upwards, and this, together with the crack, widened
by washing and crumbling, imparts to the tracts occupied by this
soil, the uneven surface to which they seem to owe their popular name.
The extreme "hog-bed" soil, where thus cracked in dry seasons, acquires an
almost stony hardness, and cuts with a shining surface; and a tract plowed in
that condition, resembles very much a field of brick-bats. On the other hand,
when plowed a little too wet, the result is scarcely better; hence it is thus far,
a very unsafe soil, on which it is exceedingly difficult to obtain a stand of any
crop in extreme seasons. It is very inferior for corn, but will produce good
crops of cotton when the season is favorable-the stalk being small, but well
bolled; the bolls open late. Owing to these difficulties in cultivation, and also
to the great scarcity of water in the "Hog-bed Prairie" districts, they are but
very thinly settled.
748. That the latter inconvenience can, almost beyond a doubt, be obviated
by bored wells, I have already stated (1324, ff.). As to the improvement of the
soil itself, all that has been said in general concerning the treatment of heavy
soils (¶402¹í, ff.) is applicable to it; while as to the question of its native fer-
tility, the following analysis gives some light.
No. 242. HOG-WALLOW PRAIRIE SOIL, from the level region east of West
Tallahala, about three miles from the stream on the Raleigh and Garlandsville
road, N. É. quarter T. 3, 10 E., Smith county.
Depth: Six inches.
Vegetation: Slender Post Oak with tattered tops; Short-leaf Pine, and here
and there a Spanish ("Red") Oak.
A very heavy clay soil, brownish gray, with minute dark brown dots of bog ore.
The air-dried soil lost 6.833 per cent. of water at 400 deg. Fahr., dried at
which temperature it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter....
Potash.....
Soda......
Lime.....
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina.
Phosphoric Acid..
Sulphuric Acid..
Organic Matter and Water..
..76.758
0.525
0.190
0.424
0.674
0.559
4.121*
.10.059
··
0.063
0.059
5.733
99.100
749. This analysis represents the poorest of this class of soils, which in com-
*This amount is too small, an accident having happened in its determination
-to which, also, the large aggregate loss (0.900) is owing.
T750, 751]
TALLLAHALA BOTTOM.
343
position would seem to rank as of medium fertility. The region in which it
was taken, is a continuation of the low, level hommock of the West Tallahala,
which, nearer to the stream, possesses a pale, ashy soil, with a heavy clay sub-
soil. Where the "Post Oak Prairie" occurs at a higher level, as in the country
dividing the E Tallahala and Tallahoma, on the Paulding and Montrose road,
the timber is more vigorous, and the soil of a more yellowish tint. The composi
tion of the soil analyzed approaches very closely to that of the underclay of the
Monroe Prairie (¶548, ff.), save in that it contains only half the amount of
lime; it is almost entirely deficient in vegetable matter, which accounts for its
want of thriftiness. The addition of the latter is probably, next to drainage
(T410), and deep tillage (503), the most essential condition of the reclamation
of the "hog-bed" soil for profitable culture; and the use of the calcareous marls
of the region (¶288), would no doubt, also be found a great improvement, since
it essentially requires stimulation. It is deficient in Phosphoric Acid, which
might be given it as bones, or superphosphate (¶433); plaster, also, would
probably prove of essential benefit.
750. The wide bottom of the West Tallahala, in the region where the specimen
of "Hog-wallow" soil was taken, possesses a heavy "black prairie" soil, tim-
bered almost exclusively with the Chestnut White or Basket Oak; of great
depth, and probably of exceeding fertility for corn at least; it has, however,
scarcely been tested as yet, in consequence, it is said, of the unhealthiness of the
region, but probably equally as much on account of the absence of water, the
Tallahala not having water even in pools for several months. As there can now
be little doubt that even artesian bores would succeed in this region (T325), it is
to be hoped that these rich lands will not long remain unoccupied.
It is on the whole but rarely that, in the region mentioned, the "hog-bed"
soil is not found to a limited extent at least, intervening between the sandy
ridge soils and the bottom prairies. On the upper Tallahoma, in T. 4, and Ñ.
E. corner of T. 3, R. 11 E., as also on Arehusa and Quatalya Creeks in N. T.
4, R. 10 E., the hog-bed soil is but thinly represented, the sandy hills sloping
down at once into a black prairie bottom; and the same is the case as, in West
Jasper, we approach the line of the Vicksburg Group (see map). This portion
of the county I have not personally visited, but according to the best accounts
I have, the sandy Long-leaf Pine ridges are there interspersed with strips of
black prairie along the streams; which in its intermixture with the sandy hill
soil, forms small bodies of very fertile land.

་
751. East Jasper I have not visited: it is said to correspond
closely, on the whole in its agricultural features to the western
portion at the corresponding points of the formations, so that a
general similarity of character is found in a N. W. and S. E. direc-
tion (see map).
On both sides of the Paulding ridge (¶651, ff.), the lands are, for a mile or
two, of the yellow loam character, until we descend to the level, first of the
"hog-wallow", and then of the "black" prairie. Near Garlandsville, on the
extreme heads of the Suanlovey and East Tallahala (288), there is quite an
extensive tract of calcareous prairie, both of the "black" and "bald" character;
which is here, as in S. E. Mississippi generally, termed "shell prairie" in contra-
distinction to the "Post Oak" or "Hog-wallow" prairie. In the bottom of the
Suanlovey, there are sometimes, where the upland prairie approaches the creek
closely, tracts of a few hundred acres, of jet black prairie soil, two to three feet
deep, and characterized by a growth of large Sweet Gum, Ash, Elm, Cottonwood,
Maple and Water Oak; which, though no doubt profusely fertile, has hardly been
tested yet. The upland prairies, also, are much praised; it is said that on the
bald prairies, where the white "shell rock” (T208), is near the surface, cotton
"rusts"; this is, no doubt, to be considered as having received an overdressing of
marl, and its defects will be remedied in a like manner (T460)-simply, perhaps,

344
[¶752, 753, 754
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
by turning down a green crop. The uplands on which Garlandsville is situated,
have mostly a sandy soil, timbered chiefly with Post Oak and Pine (Long- and
Short-leaf); in places, however, it has a good loam foundation, and other Oaks,
with Hickory, set in. The higher ridges possess a soil similar to that of the
Tallahoma ridges (7651). No prairies seem to occur north of Garlandsville.
752. CLARKE AND WAYNE.-The northern portion of Clarke
county, outside of the limits of the Jackson Group (see map), and
especially east of the Chickasawhay, bears essentially the character
of the Long-leaf Pine Region, so far as I have seen; differing little,.
in this respect, from the adjoining portions of Lauderdale (T650)..
In T. 4, R. 16 E., the detritus of the chert, sandstones and clay-
stones of the Silicious Claiborne Group (T189, 190¹), is often
largely diffused through the soil, without influencing in any sensible
degree its producing powers. Occasionally, also, we find tracts
possessing a pretty good loam foundation, with a growth of upland
Oaks, Black Gum and Short-leaf Pine (T649).
The bottoms are not very wide, possess light soils, on which the Star Anise-
("Stinking Bush"-Illicium Floridanum), and the Calico Bush, or Sheep
Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) are abundant. A few miles north-west of Quitman
we see one of those sandy ponds or marshes, which further south become so-
abundant, covered with a sward of long grass, and a thick undergrowth of the
Candleberry or Myrtle (Myrica Carolinensis) and Bay (Magnolia glauca).
Within about four and a half miles of Quitman on the Enterprise road, there is.
a tract of Pine Hills not differing very obviously in its timber from the rest, but
possessing, under ten to twelve inches of ashy soil, a deep orange-colored
subsoil, which is quite heavy, and if turned up would no doubt greatly improve
the soil for cultivation; the marls of the Quitman neighborhood would, also,
in this case, be freely used.
753. The Chickasawhay River in N. Clarke rarely shows much first bottom;
its banks are generally high and steep, breaking off from a level hommock, whose
total width varies from one to two miles, and sometimes more; it is generally
timbered, prevalently, with Oaks, especially White Oak, mixed variously with
Black Oak, Sweet Gum, Cherry, Hickory, some Bottom Pine (P. taeda), and
Bottom White Pine. The soils, as may be supposed, are prevalently light
(342), but produce well-in favorable seasons, as much as a bale per acre may
be raised; as for instance, near Quitman, where the soil is somewhat heavier
than usual, and when plowed wet will readily pulverize on drying. The gray
soil generally possesses, at the depth of ten to fifteen inches, a good yellow loam
subsoil, which is underlaid by loose sand at some three to four feet, and is there-
fore well drained; deep plowing and the copious use of the marls of the region
(1289, ff), will sustain these soils for a long time.
754. Southward of Quitman, we again find Pine Hills with an inferior soil;
the presence of the marls (which frequently crop out in the streams-T290),
being recognized only by the growth of "Poplar ", Crab Apple, etc., on the
lower hillsides and ravines. This aspect of the country continues with little
change until, on the S. side of Coonupy Creek, we enter upon the prairies of the
territory of the Jackson Group (T196; 209, ff.).
The prairies which form plateaux or level ridges between the water courses,
possess some peculiar features. The smaller portion only is really bare of
timber, with only occasional clumps of Crab Apple and Honey Locust; their soil
is usually much lighter than the soil timbered chiefly with sturdy Post Oak and
Short-leaf Pine, thickly hung with Long Moss, and accompanied by an under-
growth of Crab Apple, Wild Plum, etc., which forms the greater part of the
tract. It is a very heavy soil, producing, in rainy times, a fearfully tenacious.
mud; the black surface soil is 6 to 12 inches deep, then comes an equally heavy
T755, 756]
CC
"}
"
BLACK AND HOG WALLOW
PRAIRIE SOIL. 345
deep orange-tinted subsoil; and beneath this, at variable depths (3 to 10 feet),
white, and generally clayey marls, resembling those of the McNutt Hills (1282).
Both kinds of soil produce finely, but that of the open prairie is safer and
more easily tilled. The other seems to stand intermediate, as it were, between
the true black prairie soil and that of the "Hog-wallow" prairie, into the latter
of which, further S., it shows a gradual transition. The sandy marls of Suck
Creek and Trotter's plantation (¶210, ff.). would, no doubt, be found a great
improvement on this soil, and like that of Garland's Creek (T210; 292), are to
be considered a general manure, applicable to almost all soils.
In the absence, thus far, of a more special investigation of the properties of
these soils, I refer the agricultural reader, for the present, to what has been said
concerning the treatment of heavy soils in general (T4021 ), and of the Monroe
Prairie soil (¶549, ff.). in particular. The main body of these lands lies S. of
Garland's Creek, Gen. Trotter's plantation (¶211) being near its southern limit;
another body or succession of patches, however, extends eastward between
Coonupy and Garland's Creek, for a considerable distance. With the lands
lying W. of the Chickasawhay, I am not personally acquainted; they are said to
correspond in general, in a N. W. and S. E. direction, to those on the E. side;
although there is less prairie.
755. On the slope towards the Chickasawhay, near Trotter's plantation, there
generally is near the hilltops a terrace of about 6 to 10 feet, above the prairie soil
proper; on this we find red claystone with fossils (T212), and a heavy soil
resembling the "Hog-bed "soil, timbered with lank Post Oak and Short-leaf Pine,
Black Gum, and occasionally some Hickory; it forms a level terrace, elevated
70 to 80 feet above the river, into which it falls off in steep bluffs (¶212). A belt
of this land, 2 to 3 miles wide, intervenes between the prairies of S. Clarke,
just described, and the hilly but in part very fertile country of the territory of
the Vicksburg Group (see map), in Wayne county, which is interspersed with
small patches of upland prairie, especially in its southern portion; and also
possesses a variety of productive "mulatto" and "hommock" soils, resulting
from the intermixture of the calcareous materials with the light surface soils,
which by themselves alone, on the tops of the ridges, are indifferent, or abso-
lutely poor. Hence the hommock of the Chickasaw hay, and the slopes of the
ridges towards the same, are very fine and safe soils, especially for cotton; and
the same is true of the bottoms, hommocks and hillsides on the smaller streams,
both E. and W. of the Chickasawhay; and the abundance of fine marls found
in this region (T229; 294, ff.), insures the continuance of their productiveness.
The fertile hommock terminates, however, in the latitude of Waynesboro', near
Dr. E. A. Miller's (T229). Thence southward both the river hommock and
the uplands assume the character of the Long-leaf Pine Region, as will be
noticed hereafter. On the Buckatunna, which I have not personally visited,
the condition of things, at corresponding points, seems to be the same as on the
Chickasawhay.、
756. WATERS OF THE CENTRAL PRAIRIE REGION.-The gener-
alities given in the Geological Report (¶319 to 325), in regard to
the waters of the formations occupying this region, are sufficiently
expressive of the fact, that on the whole it is, thus far, but poorly
supplied with that essential fluid, except where sand ridges exist.
Natural springs are scarce or wanting; the water (when any is
obtained) of dug wells of moderate depth, is very generally mineral,
and either—as at Canton-undrinkable—or at least, too strong
for daily use; such being especially the case where, instead of
being simply limy, the water is derived partly or wholly from
lignitic clay strata, which impart to it magnesian salts-the constant
and daily use of which, is, of course, highly debilitating and
346
[1757, 758
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
injurious to health. It is not, therefore, without good reason that,
so long as deep bored wells have only been attempted, cisterns
should be so very generally in use.
Without entering into lengthy detail I can add but little to the generalities
given in the place above quoted. On the territory of the Jackson Group (see
map), when there are no Orange Sand ridges sufficiently extensive to furnish
freestone wells, no water is generally obtained until we reach the underlying
lignitic strata, whose waters are always more or less mineral and particularly,
magnesian.
757. The undrinkable saline waters of shallow wells at Canton have already
been noticed; the city of Jackson, also furnishes a good example of the condition
of things in this region. Cisterns are chiefly used, although water can be
abundantly obtained in wells, especially in the western part of the town-there
being, however, a great variety of composition. Thus, Mr. H. E. Sizers' well
(100 feet deep) is a chalybeate (containing Bicarbonate of Iron) with but a small
amount of Chloride of Magnesium and a little Common Salt; very little Lime,
no Sulphates; some odorous bituminous matter.
A well at Mrs. Nichols' residence, West Jackson, yields strong sulphur water.
A singular trio of wells is situated on the property of Capt. A. Mizell, in the
hommock of Dry Creek. One of these, which has already achieved for itself
some reputation, and has become a favorite resort for the inhabitants of Jackson
and neighborhood, is 23 feet deep, the water being obtained in a bed of marl
(No's 4 and 5 of Sec. 27, p. 131); it is of great strength, and the qualitative
analysis (first made by Prof. Riddell) gave the following result:
Bicarbonate of Lime and Magnesia, largely.
The Sulphates and Chlorides (seemingly in about equal proportions) of
Magnesia, largely.
Potash,
Lime,
Soda.
(The bases being named in the apparent order of their prevalence). Besides
these, there are small quantities of
Silica,
Free Carbonic Acid.
The other well (of the same depth, and about 40 yards distant from the first),
whose water was obtained below the shell-bed, in bluish sandy clay (No. 3 of
the section quoted above) contains the Sulphates of
Alumina,
Lime,
Magnesia,
Potash,
Soda,
And a smaller proportion of the Chlorides, probably of the latter four.
The water of this well is somewhat weaker than that of the first well, but
nevertheless a strong astringent, and has an acid reaction; while the former is
purgative, and its reaction alkaline. When the two waters are mixed, they
become turbid, the Alumina of the "Alum water" being precipitated.
A third well, dug about 60 yards from either of the former, found no water in
the lignitic clays at 26 feet; freestone sipage-water, however, comes in from
above, and the well exhales at its mouth a strong order resembling naphtha, or
coal gas.
758. The waters of the Mississippi Springs* and of Cooper's Wells, though
*The site of Cooper's Well, as given on the map, is in reality that of the
Mississippi Springs. The Wells are situated two miles S. of the point given,
on N. E. 44 S. 35, T. 4, R. 2 W.
1759]
MISSISSIPPI SPRINGS COOPER'S WELLS.
347
originating in the gray clays and sandstones of the Grand Gulf Group (¶230, ff.),
may find their place here, where readers will expect to see them mentioned.
The water of the Mississippi Springs, (which issue at the foot of a ridge composed
of white and partly "rotten" sandstones-233; 241), are impregnated with
Sulphuretted Hydrogen; they do not seem to contain much solid ingredient.
The principal one of Cooper's Wells (both situated, within 50 yards of each
other, at the foot of a narrow, steep ridge composed of white sandstone alternating
with semi-indurate, gray, sandy clay) a little over 100 feet deep, is dug chiefly
in sandstones alternating with ledges of gray clay. The water, a very strong
one (105 grains of solid matter per gallon), is a saline chalybeate, which
according to Dr. Lawrence Smith's analysis (Wailes' Report, p. 295) contains
as its chief ingredients the Sulphates of Lime, Magnesia, Soda, and Alumina
(named in the order of their prevalence), with smaller amounts of the Chlorides
of Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium; of Peroxide (and Bicarbonate) of Iron,
Silica, Crenate of Lime and Sulphate of Potash; with some free Carbonic Acid.
The reputation of this water is already very extensive, and as a pleasant and
healthful place of resort, Cooper's Wells vie with any in the Southwest.
The water of the other well is powerfully impregnated with Sulphuretted
Hydrogen, being a "white Sulphur" water. Its fixed ingredients have not
been investigated; it contains much less of these than the chalybeate well.
A few shallow wells at Jackson possess freestone water, or nearly so. In
some (as in one dug by Capt. L. Julienne) no regular stream of water has been
struck at 100 feet and more.
759. The mineral waters of the Brandon neighborhood will be mentioned in
connection with the Long-leaf Pine Region (T¶797, ff.). Wells with saline and
sometimes fetid waters occur more or less, in N. Rankin, Scott, N. Smith, and
Jasper, as has been mentiond; but no prominent mineral water is known to me
as occurring on the territory of the calcareous Tertiary, until we reach the
waters of the Chickasawhay, where we find a number of minerial springs, partly
saline, partly chalybeate and sulphureous; thus near Enterprise; in the bed of
Suanlovey Creek, near Garlandsville, where there is a strong "white Sulphur "
spring, yielding a copious supply of water, which may contain other important
ingredients also; and about a mile S. of Quitman, Clarke county. The latter
("Smith's Spring") has attained some note in the neighborhood; a qualititative
analysis (made by myself, in 1855) showed it to contain essentially the Bicar-
bonates and Sulphates of Potash and Lime, with small amounts of Magnesia
and Common Salt. The water has a reddish tint, owing to some organic matter
(Crenic Acid?) held in solution by the potash. It is slightly impregnated with
Sulphuretted Hydrogen.
At Quitman (194), and on the territory of the calcareous Claiborne Group
generally, shallow wells obtain water, more or less limy, in the tertiary sands
and marls (T1901 ff.); as also, on the sand ridges, freestone water in the Orange
Sand (T75, ff.). The latter condition of things also obtains at Garlandsville,
where excellent freestone water is obtained in wells on the sand ridge, before
reaching the white marl or "prairie", as it is here called, which lies 35 to 40
feet beneath the surface (¶208).

:
348
[1760, 7611, 761
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
THE LONG-LEAF PINE REGION.
EMBRACING MOST OF THE TERRITORY GIVEN ON THE MAP AS OCCUPIED BY THE:
Grand Gulf Group (¶230), LYING SOUTH OF THE "CENTRAL PRAIRIE REGION”,
(¶721 to 759), EAST OF THE "SOUTHERN RIVER COUNTIES", (¶674 to 720),
AND NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE “SEA-COAST COUNTIES” (¶804; 884).
760. Extensive as is the district circumscribed as above, it ex-
hibits, nevertheless, a great uniformity of character both in its
surface conformation, its soils, and its vegetation; and its promi-
ent traits may be briefly stated. The surface is generally undula-
ting, not unfrequently hilly, especially where the uplands fall off
towards the larger water-courses; between these, however, we
frequently find dividing plateaus or table-lands, which are but
gently undulating or almost level-such being the case more
especially where the Orange Sand formation, (which forms the
surface of the whole region-177) is composed only of pervious
sand with no water-shedding strata, in consequence of which, most
of the rain-water sinks into the ground, instead of (as elsewhere)
washing out deep valleys and ravines. The surface soil of the
uplands is almost throughout, very sandy-partly pebbly or inter-
mixed with coarse sand, or, more generally, a fine, grayish-white,
"ashy" material, very silicious and unretentive. The depth of this
soil varies, on the dividing plateaus of Simpson and S. Smith, for
instance, from 10 to 18 inches, at which depth it is generally
underlaid by a yellow sandy loam; at times, when the land is very
poor, by the strata of the Orange Sand directly.
7611. The prominent forest tree of the region is the Long-leaf
Pine-(Pinus australis MICX, P. palustris L.), which near its borders,
occupies only the higher ridges (T648), but gradually descends until
we find it on the very verge of the bottoms, although it very rare-
ly occurs in the latter themselves. It is accompanied, in the
uplands, by the Post Oak and Black Jack (either or both), and
almost invariably, especially on the hillsides, by some Black Gum
(Nyssa multiflora); also, most generally, by some Dogwood
(Cornus florida).
7612. The frequency, size and shape of these concomitant trees
(as well as, though less markedly, that of the Long-leaf Pine itself),
mark the variations in the fertility of the soil where, as in the
most southerly portion of the region, the Short-leaf Pine (Pinus
rigida) is absent. In its northern portion, however, the partial
or entire replacement, on the ridges, of the Long-leaf Pine by the
Short-leaved species, is the most common intimation of an improve-
ment of the soil, which generally consists in the nearer approach
to the surface, of the sandy loam subsoil before mentioned. In
this case, simultaneously, the Black Jack and Post Oak increase
in frequency and improve in aspect, and the Spanish ("Red") and
Scarlet ("Spanish") Oaks also often appear; and it is chiefly in
1762, 763]
VEGETATION OF LONG-LEAF PINE REGION.
349
patches of this character, which vary from a few acres to several
sections in extent, that in the Long-leaf Pine Region, we find
settlements of any extent in the uplands. Where the Long-leaf
Pine alone prevails, the soil is generally so poor, that cultivation
is altogether confined to the hillsides and bottoms.
762. The latter are generally very narrow (those of Leaf River,
Okatoma and Okahay, in S. Smith for instance, rarely exceeding
of a mile); on the larger streams, as on Pearl (1653, ff.), Leaf
and Pascagoula (T806, ff.) Rivers, they are often skirted by hom-
mocks of equal or greater width, inferior in fertility to the first
bottom, but still in general superior to the Long-leaf Pine uplands.
The soils both of the bottoms and hommocks are, of course, very
light in general, the only exceptions known to me being the first
bottoms of Pearl and Pascagoula Rivers, within the Sea-Coast
Region (1780; 809). The bottoms are productive, notwithstand-
ing the great sandiness of their soil, because of the great depth to
which the roots of plants can penetrate in the loose material; and
the bottom soils of the streams which, like Strong River, the Okahay,
Leaf River, the Tallahalas, etc., head in the Prairie region, are of
very superior quality for some distance beyond the line of the
formation (see map), being of a chocolate color and very light,
and resembling not a little the Homochitto soils (T701, ff.).
Among their timber, the Beech generally forms a very prominent ingredient;
besides, the Magnolia (M. grandiflora) the Bottom Pine (P. taeda) and Black
Gum are rarely wanting, the undergrowth being formed by Witch Hazel, Calico
Bush (Kalmia latifolia), Star Anise (Illicium floridanum?) various species of
Black Haw (Viburnum), Bay (Magnolia glauca), Bay Galls (Laurus Caroli-
nensis), etc.
763. The herbaceous vegetation and undergrowth of the Long-
leaf Pine Region is hardly less characteristic than the timber.
Whenever the regular burning of the woods, such as practiced by
the Indians, has not been superseded by the irregular and wasteful
practice of the later settlers, the pine forest is almost destitute of
shrubby undergrowth, and during the growing season appears like
a park, whose long grass is often very beautifully interspersed with
brilliantly tinted flowers.
+
The prevailing grasses are of the Brown Sedge tribe (Andropogon, Erianthus),
and next to these the Paniceae (grasses resembling the Millet, Paspalum,
Panicum) in numerous species; Agrostis juncea is highly characteristic; and
so, in the more southerly portion, is the curious "Toothache Grass" (Monocera
aromatica). Among the flowers there are conspicuous in Spring: Ceanothus
Americanus ("New Jersey Tea"), Tephrosia Virginica (" Devils Shoe-string"
-which in S. Mississippi rarely bears perfect flowers), Phlox pilosa, Hedyotis
purpurea, Rudbeckia hirta, Coreopsis lanceolata, Silene Virginica, Viola palmata,
Delphinium exaltatum (the bright blue Larkspur), Penstemon pubescens, and the
beautiful Malva Papaver, whose flowers closely resemble those of the red
Poppy of the gardens. Somewhat later, two small species of Cassia (C.
chamaecrista and nictitans-sometimes called Sensitive Plant), Lobelia glandu-
Losa, puberula, two species of "St. Andrew's Cross" (Ascyrum crux Andreae,
and stans) the white Morning glory (Ipomaea pandurata) and a kind of wild
Lettuce (Hieracium Gronovii; also Pycnanthemum linifolium, become very

350
[¶764, 765¹, 765º
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
prominent. Thereafter, the autumnal flora consists of many plants of the
Sunflower tribe (Helianthus angustifolius, occidentalis; Chrysopsis sericea,
mariana, etc.); of the Golden Rods (Solidago odora, altissima, leptocephala),
many species of Aster (among which A. coneola is characteristic); Sericocarpus
tortifolius, Diplopappus ericoides; Eupatorium rotundifolium ("Wild Hoar-
hound"), parviflorum. Several species of Liatris (L. odoratissima (“Vanilla
Plant"), pycnostachya, gracilis, squarrosa, scariosa ("Rattlesnakes Master ");.
Gnaphalium margaritaceum; and other Compositae. Numerous Desmodia and
Lespedezae, among these especially, Desm. Marilandicum and laevigatum; Lesp.
Stūvei, capitata, violacea, hirta. Of the Mint tribe, Monarda punctata, Hyptis
capitata, Pycnanthemum incanum are prominent, while Gerardia pedicularis and
Herpestis nigrescens, and sometimes Gerardia purpurea, represent the Scrophu-
larineae. The further we advance southward, the more numerously, various
species of Huckleberry and Whortleberry (Vaccinium), most of which flower
early in spring, are represented among the undergrowth; and in the same
manner the Gallberry (Prinos glaber) and Candleberry (Myrica cerifera) increase
in frequency in a southward direction, until near the Sea-Coast, they become-
very abundant (¶821; 824, ff. ; 831).
764. Where strata not very pervious to water underlie the soil at no great
depth, wet places, terminating in little branchlets, which afterwards often sink
into the sand, are often formed. In these "Pine hollows" we find a flora
somewhat resembling that of the Pine Meadows of the Coast, such as the
Candleberry (Myrica cerifera) Cord-rush (Eriocaulon decangulure, villosum), the
Yellow Star-grass (Aletris aurea), the Xyris, Pinguicula, Sundew (Drosera-
brevifolia), the Mitreola sessilifolia, Rhexia ciliosa, Eryngium virgatum; and
in the southern portion, the Side-saddle Flower (Sarracenia purpurea), Pitcher-
plant (Sarr. variolaris), and Gallberry (Prinos glaber). The wet, dark-col-
ored soil, or muck, of these Pine hollows, is not unfrequently used for the
improvement of lands; and where they are not too wet, the hollows themselves.
are cultivated by preference.
Such being, with a considerable degree of uniformity, the main features of the
Long-leaf Pine Region, it becomes necessary, in describing it, to mention the
exceptions rather than the rule. Several of the counties embraced within it,
I have not as yet examined specially at any point, e. g., Copiah, Jones and Perry ;
and in the rest, my explorations have thus far been by no means exhaustive.
I shall not therefore, for the present, enter into detailed descriptions to any great
extent, since without the corresponding analyses of soils, etc., these could not
be of much practical import.
765¹. As we advance westward from E. Marion county towards
the Mississippi River, we observe, up to the dividing ridge between
the Amite and Homochitto (1681), a pretty regular increase, in
clayeyness of the subsoil, and a nearer approach of it to the surface:
keeping pace with a pretty steady improvement in the fertility of
the uplands, and a gradual change of the forest growth as above
described, to that of the Southern River Counties.
The Oaks become more frequent, and are joined by the Spanish (“ Red ”)
Scarlet ("Spanish"), the (true) Red, and Black Oak, and some Hickory and
Sweet Gum; while the Short-leaf Pine gradually becomes predominant over
the Long-leaf, which, in E. Franklin appears only in belts or ridges, and a few
miles W. of Meadville disappears altogether.
7652 On the headwaters of the West Amite, in T. 5, R. 4 E., we find the
uplands bearing a mixed growth as above described; the surface soil, which is
still somewhat ashy, but of a pale yellow tint, is 6 to 8 inches deep; below it
lies a good yellow loam (almost always containing some "black pebble"-
¿”—¶387),
which is sufficiently heavy to be improved by the admixture of sand, as has
been experienced. Such land (e. g., near the plantation of Jos. Coten, Esq.,)
..
T766, 767]
ANALYSIS OF PINE UPLAND SOIL.
351
produces about 705 lbs. of seed-cotton per acre, and lasts pretty well. This
region is remarkable for the frequent occurrence, both in uplands and bottoms,
of white, "crawfishy" tracts; characterized as usual by a Huckleberry and
Post Oak growth in the uplands, where it is very poor, the cotton running to
weed without bolling. The white bottom soil, however, characterized by an
admixture with the usual bottom growth of the region, of Bottom Pine and
Water Oak, and the absence of the Magnolia, produces a small, but well bolled
cotton stalk, but is entirely unsuited to corn, as is equally the case in the
uplands. This land, of which considerable bodies are said to occur lower down
the stream, certainly requires drainage in the first instance, and vegetable matter
in the second; what may be its other necessities, analysis will probably show
(T660, ff.). The prevalent, chocolate-colored bottom soil of the Amite closely
resembles that of the Homochitto (T711, ff.) and is very productive.
766. Thence eastward to Summit, and from Summit towards Holmesville,
the "Pine Hills" character becomes more and more predominant; the Hickory,
the Short-leaf Pine, the Spanish ("Red") Oak become less frequent, and the
country more hilly. At Summit, where a good deal of stout Post Oak, with
occasionally a Spanish ("Red") and (true) Red Oak, still mingles with the Pine,
the ashy surface soil is 7 to 9 inches deep. and beneath it lies a good (so far as
its physical properties are concerned-T510, ff) yellow loam subsoil, several
feet in thickness, resting on a sandy hardpan.
Analyses of the soil and subsoil of the pine uplands, taken at Summit, gave
the following result:
No. 218. PINE UPLAND SOIL, from Summit, Pike county
Depth: Nine inches.
Vegetation: Long-leaf Pine; Post, Spanish ("Red"), and (true) Red Oaks..
Somewhat ashy; color yellowish-buff.
The soil, saturated with moisture at 69.1 deg. Fahr., lost 4.106 per cent. of
water at 400 deg, dried at which temperature it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter (chiefly fine sand).
Potash..
Soda.
Lime..
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina..
Phosphoric Acid..
Sulphuric Acid.
Organic Matter and Water.
889,801
0.218.
0.076
0.034
0.806
0.072
2.402
3.783
0.036
0.038
3.446.
100.202
!
767. No. 222. PINE UPLAND SUBSOIL, from Summit, Pike county.

Depth: Nine to twenty inches.
Vegetation: Same as preceding
An orange-yellow, rather sandy loam.
The subsoil, saturated with moisture at 69;1 deg. Fahr., lost 10.0 per cent. o.
water at 400 deg., dried at which temperature it consisted of:
352
[¶768, 769, 770
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
Insoluble Matter (clay and fine sand).
Potash.
77.931
0.266
Soda.
0.072
Lime..
0.152
Magnesia
0.352
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina...
Phosphoric Acid
0.091
5.456
.11.870
0.043
Sulphuric Acid..
Water and Organic Matter.
0.035
3.261.
99.934
768. These analyses show, 1st. That both the soil and subsoil are considera-
bly below the average in native fertility, i. e., the absolute amount of nutritive
ingredients contained in them; 2dly. That there is but a small difference in
this respect, between the soil and subsoil; being, neverthless, decidedly in favor
of the subsoil, especially with regard to lime, in which the surface soil is
unusually poor. There is one important difference, however, in the retentive-
ness of the two materials, the surface soil being defective in this particular, while
the subsoil possesses the property in a degree somewhat unusual in materials
of equal lightness.
་
These facts offer very important suggestions concerning the improvement of
these soils. They show that stimulant manures (¶416), alone will be of little
avail on this soil, which, being naturally poor, will require nutritive manures
(ib.) to supply deficiency. They show that these manures will be but slightly
retained in the surface soil, but powerfully so in the subsoil; hence deep plow-
ing and subsoiling (1503), will be necessary in order not only to increase the
retentiveness of the surface soil, but also to make the subsoil accessible to the
roots-thereby diminishing, also, the liability to injury by drouth; thus treated,
the land will be susceptible of profitable improvement to any extent. Without
deep plowing, the manure will, to a great extent, be carried beyond the reach
of plants.
769. In stating, however, that stimulant manures by themselves will in
general be of little avail on these soils, it is not meant to imply that the use of
limes, and especially, of the calcareous marls of the State will not be highly
advantageous. Lime, as has been stated, produces other important effects
besides stimulation (¶438), which will be highly beneficial, especially in con-
junction with the use of the natural fertilizer of the Long-leaf Pine Region-
Pine straw (concerning the use of which, see below-¶790, ff.); and the marls
contain other nutritive ingredients besides lime (¶444), which are very much
needed in the "Pine Hills" soils. So far as the region immediately under con-
sideration is concerned, the marl beds at Byram (T223; 280), afford an excellent
opportunity of obtaining a supply of that valuable fertilizer.
770. Between Summit and Holmesville, the Pine Hills are characterized by
an abundant growth of the Black Jack among the Pine; the soil being partly
underlaid by the loam seen at Summit, in part directly by the reddish hardpan
underlying the latter, which is in its turn underlaid by loose sand and pebbles,
often causing deep washes on the slopes. At the foot, of the hills, and in the
hommock of the Bogue Chitto (2 to 1 mile wide), at Holmesville, we find a
stratum of light, brownish-yellow loam, 2 to 3 feet thick, which forms a fertile
soil bearing a stout Oak and Hickory growth; while in the lower hommock and
bottom proper, there is a chocolate-colored, mellow soil, unchanged for a depth of
some 2 feet, and of great fertility and durability; whose timber may serve as an
example, being the same as on the Tangipahoa, East fork of Amite, and the
larger streams of this region generally; to-wit: Magnolia, Sweet Gum, "Poplar",
Sassafras, Shell-bark Hickory-all very large, stout trees; some Beech, Horn-

¶771, 772, 773]
PEARL RIVER SOILS.
353
beam, Ironwood, Black Sumach (Rhus typhina-" Staghorn Sumach"; here
called "White Sumach", a name more generally given to the poisonous Rhus
-venenata, whose bark is really white), White, and Chestnut White Oaks and
Holly.
771. Eastward of Holmesville, we still find in the Pine Hills, for several
miles a good loam subsoil, resembling that on the Bogue Chitto, and near enough
to the surface to be reached by the plow; especially wherever the Black Jack
prevails-such land being selected for cultivation by preference (¶3472 ). But
the nearer we approach Pearl River, the deeper becomes the ashy surface soil,
and the narrower the bottoms of the creeks and branches-which, with the
hillsides, are chiefly cultivated.
The same changes in general as just described in passing through Central
Pike and Franklin counties, are said to occur to the northward and southward
of that line in Amite, and in Lawrence and Jefferson; save that while North
Pike, for instance, is quite hilly and broken, the southern portion of the county
becomes less and less undulating, gradually passing into the level country bor-
dering on the Louisiana lakes, and resembling that of middle Hancock (¶873, ff.).
Amite county seems to be about equally divided, in its east and west halves,
between Long-leaf Pine Hills and loam lands like those of West Franklin. Of
E. Jefferson, W. Lawrence, and Copiah, I know but little from personal observa-
tion; but from what I have heard, changes of soil corresponding to those just
described, occur there also, on the same meridian, or a little further east.
772. East of Pearl River, in the Long-leaf Pine Region proper,
cultivation is thus far, with few exceptions, confined chiefly to the
bottoms and second bottoms or hommock, whose greater or less
width at present determines the availability of the region for
agricultural purposes.
The Short-leaf Pine and Oak uplands intervening, in S. Hinds, between the
Long-leaf Pine Hills of Copiah and the Prairie Region, have already been
-described (1729, ff). Similarly we find, in S. Rankin, the Long-leaf Pine
reaching only to within seven miles south of Brandon, the intermediate region
being hilly, timbered with Short-leaf Pine, Post, Black Jack, Spanish ("Red")
and Scarlet ("Spanish") Oaks, and of inferior fertility. On the waters of
Steen's Creek, there is quite a variety of upland soils, resembling in part, those
of S. Hinds (729), partly bearing a "Flatwoods" aspect (1561, ff.), being
immediately underlaid by, and formed of, the gray clays and sharp sand-
stones of the region (241). These "Flatwoods" are quite productive at
some points, e. g., on the main Steen's Creek, near Dr. H. C. Evans', at others,
where they bear Huckleberry bushes, extremely poor. The hilly, sandy, yel-
low loam region intervening here between them and Pearl River hommock has
already been referred to (¶732), and generalities concerning the hommock bot-
tom lands of Pearl River have been given before (¶662, ff.). The "Pig Woods"
of S. Rankin are generally but slightly undulating, and interspersed (as at Cato,
and on Campbell's Creek generally), with patches of Short-leaf Pine (see above,
17612). The creek bottoms are narrow, but productive, and their light soil
not liable to injúry by wet.
F
773. Almost throughout Simpson county, which is covered with
Long-leaf Pine from one end to the other, cultivation is at present
restricted to creek and branch bottoms, and the lower hillsides;
affording fertile, but (outside of Pearl and Strong River hommock),
small bodies of land, somewhat inconveniently scattered for culti
vation on the large scale. The hommock of Strong River (for it
generally runs in a deep channel, and has little or no first bottom),
not usually subject to overflow, is one to two miles wide, timbered
,
R-23
354
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶774, 775, 776, 777
prevalently with Post Oak and Bottom Pine (P. taeda), with some
Spanish ("Red"), Scarlet ("Spanish"), Black, and (true) Red Oaks,
and Hickory. Its soil is generally light, gray, with pale yellow
subsoil; it is peculiarly well adapted to sweet potatoes, but also
yielding good average crops of cotton and corn.
The luxuriant growth of wet-meadow plants (Xyris, Eryngium, Hydrocotyle)
in some of the fields of this flat shows a want of drainage, owing doutbless to
the heavy gray clays ("Soap-stone"), which underlie, and crop out in the bank
of the river near Westville and elsewhere (¶240). The soil of Strong River
Hommock seems to improve as we approach Pearl River, the fertility of whose
hommock near Georgetown, Talley's Ferry, and Rockport, has been mentioned
(¶662).
774. On the Copiah side especially, the high hommock, timbered chiefly with
upland Oaks, Bottom and Short-leaf Pine, Hickory, and Sweet Gum, often
possesses a fine yellow loam subsoil, and has given rise to large plantations;
its entire width, on both sides of the river, being from three and a half to four
miles.
775. In the interior of the county, patches of Short-leaf Pine sometimes
occur on the ridges (¶7612 ); in its eastern portion, as near Old Hickory, P. O.,
on the headwaters of Bowie, the Oaks and Hickory sometimes become quite
prevalent among the Long-leaf Pine, forming moderately productive upland soils;
while the bottoms are very fine, though at times (as on the Okachicama Chitto,
and O. Iscatina, or "Big" and "Little Goodwater"), there are heavy silicious
soils (¶404), requiring drainage, and destitute of vegetable matter.
·
776. Lower down on the Bowie, however, cultivation is again
restricted almost entirely to the bottoms and hommock, which are
of moderate extent, but very fertile; the residences being very
generally in the hills adjoining. Mt. Carmel is surrounded by
Long-leaf Pine Woods; southward of the same, however, on the
waters of White Sand Creek, in W. half T. 7, R. 19 W., we meet
rather unexpectedly a tract of uplands several miles in extent,
timbered to a considerable extent with Oaks, and possessing a
subsoil of a deep orange red, sandy hardpan, which is several feet
in thickness; the soil produces good cotton and very fine corn, and
lasts well. How far this land extends to the westward, I am not
aware; the dividing ridge between the Bowie White Sand posseses
a very sandy soil. Lower down towards Pearl River, again, the
creek bottoms only are cultivated, the uplands being Pine Hills
possessing, in part, a good loam subsoil at a depth of eight to
twelve inches.
777. In passing from Westville to Monticello, we find, on the ridges dividing
Silver Creek from Crooked Creek (which otherwise bear the "Pine Hill" char-
acter), some "bald hilltops" covered with a growth of long grass and stunted
Long-leaf Pine, whose soil can hardly be termed any thing else than a potter's
clay, formed out of the materials of the Grand Gulf Group (¶230, ff.); and
higher up still there appear ledges of whitish sandstone (238). As we advance
southward, this clay stratum seems to descend from the top of the ridge, around
which it forms a level terrace, to which we come down by rather an abrupt
descent from the sandy hills, on the Monticello road. From this terrace, which
bears the same stunted vegetation as the hilltops above mentioned, a graduat
slope brings us down into the hommock of Pearl River (¶662), which opposite
Monticello is about two miles wide, timbered with Bottom Pine, Sweet and Black
Gum, Water and Willow Oak, Elm, etc. Its soil is productive, of a pale gray
¶778, 779, 780] PEARL RIVER SOILS BELOW MONTICELLO.
355
tint, quite light, but possesses a heavier subsoil, which will retain manure; this
again is underlaid, at fifteen to twenty-four inches from the surface, by a loose,
whitish, sandy material with spots of bog ore, to which, in cultivating this soil,
it will be important to prevent the plow from penetrating, since it could not
thereafter sustain any improvement.
778. The soils of Pearl River flat below Monticello, are extremely variable
(1662). North of the mouth of Silver Creek they are generally underlaid, at
depths varying from eighteen inches to six feet, by tenacious gray clay, which is
seen in the beds of the branches. This condition of things frequently superin-
duces a great lack of drainage, and we find numerous wet, "crawfishy" spots
and tracts, the surface soil being quite light, but its character variable on account
of the drainage. It is best where it is underlaid by yellowish loam subsoil, and
not by white bog ore materials.
•
+
Between Silver and Green's Creek, the drainage is less defective, and a good
loam subsoil generally underlies, which even forms bluffs-e. g., at the mouth of
White Sand Creek. South of Green's Creek, the gray impervious clays again
approach nearer to the surface, until, at Mr. Barnes' place (T299), they rise in
high bluffs on the opposite bank of the river. The soil of the hommock is
nevertheless very sandy, especially near the river, where it is most productive-
and elevated, usually, about twenty feet above low water.
779. It seems that between Columbia and Monticello, the greater part of the
flat is generally on the east side of the river, the hills sloping off into it rather
gradually; while on the west side the ridges approach within a short distance
from the bank, reaching it at Barnes' White Bluff (299). Lower down. we
find it two hundred to three hundred yards back, but then ascending very
steeply, and forming, at the "Red Bluff" (T301), the highest point, probably,
within sight of Pearl River, in its whole course---at two hundred and fifty, but
probably nearer three hundred, feet above the water, and affording a very exten-
sive prospect over Marion and East Lawrence. At the foot of the deeply colored
walls of the sand and pebble deposits, which form the upper portion of this bluff,
there issue numerous springs, which, united into a livelý creek, form a succes-
sion of cascades in a narrow channel excavated in the gray clays, on the densely
wooded hillside, down to the river level; while on the summit, the Long-leaf
Pine forest extends to the brink of the bluff. Taking all this, with the oppor-
tunity for fishing and boating afforded by the river, few spots in Mississippi
unite as many natural elements for a pleasant summer residence or place of
resort. A mineral spring, likewise, is said to exist in the neighborhood.
780. With the region between Barnes' and Columbia, I am not
acquainted. Below Columbia, the soils of the hommock become
still more sandy and sometimes acid, approaching in character those
of Chickasawhay and Pascagoula in the same latitude (T809),
though generally more productive; they vary in belts running
parallel to the tributaries (T662), I have collected the soils of this
region with considerable care and detail, but as yet none of them
has been analyzed-the timber, above Spring Cottage P. O.,
generally consists of Bottom Pine, Water, Willow and Spanish
("Red") Oaks, and more or less Sweet Gum and Hickory, accord-
ing to the quality of the lands.
The ridges forming Burnett's Bluff and others in that neighbor-
hood throw the hommock and bottom, (which begins here, as also
does the Live Oak), on the Louisiana side-as is mostly the case
south of the base line; the dividing ridge between Pearl and
Habolochitto, running quite close to the former stream.
The first bottom now becomes of considerable width; in the northern portion
356
[¶781, 782
· AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
of T. 2, RR. 17 and 18 W., near Mr. Tate's, it is on the Mississippi side, about
a mile wide; and its soil, like that of the Pascagoula in the same latitude (¶809),
is quite heavy-timbered with a very large growth of Sweet Gum, Shell-bark
Hickory, Water, Spanish ("Red"), Chestnut White and Black Oaks, Holly,
Ironwood, Hornbeam, some Mulberry and Magnolia. A very productive soil
not as difficult to till as its aspect would lead one to anticipate; but on account
of its heaviness crops are often belated by the overflows.
The hills skirting the hommock at Spring Cottage P. O., (James Ford's),
possess a sandy soil, somewhat resembling that of the Tallahala ridges
(¶647, ff.), but here timbered with tall, graceful Willow Oaks, mixed with some
Spanish ("Red") Black, and (true) Red Oaks, and Hickory. The soil is fertile
but does not last long; it forms a very narrow belt along the Pine Hills of the
interior, in which near this point the Short-leaf Pine (P. rigida), is seen for the
last time, as we approach the coast.
South of Spring Cottage P. O., the Long-leaf Pine descends into the river
hommock, and the uplands, though sometimes still interspersed with patches of
loam soil, gradually approach in character the Pine Hills of the Bay St. Louis
(1866). About four miles north of Habolochitto bridge, there is a sudden
descent, which at once brings us into the Pine flat of the coast (¶874, ff.).
781. We now return to East Simpson county (1755). The soil of Okatoma
Bottom, east of Old Hickory P. O., is light gray or white, powdery, with a sub-
soil still lighter, yet possessing a fine bottom growth. Its hommock, also, has
a very light soil, but containing more vegetable matter, and quite productive.
Smith county, south of the line of the Vicksburg Group, as given on the
map, is likewise entirely of the Pine Hill character. The country dividing the
streams bears the character of plateaus or table-lands rather than of ridges, is
not, on the whole, very hilly; but the soil is inferior, and cultivation confined
chiefly to the bottoms, hommocks, and lower hillsides; though occasionally we
find here, also, patches of Short-leaf Pine on the ridges, denoting a better soil-
as is also the case where the Black Jack appears in force amid the Long-leaf
Pine.
782. The soil specimens, of which analyses are given below, were taken on
the level Pine lands dividing the Okatoma from Okahay, in the N. ½ of T. 10,
R. 16 W., Smith county., and were selected with the special object of obtaining a
fair average sample of soil and subsoil of these uplands.
No. 206. PINE HILL SOIL, from N. ½ T. 10, R. 16 W., Smith county.
Depth: Five inches.
Vegetation: Chiefly Long-leaf Pine; some scattered Post Oak, Black Jack,
and small Hickory.
An ashy soil, of a pale buff tint. The soil, saturated with moisture at 67.6
deg. Fahr., lost 2.484 per cent, of moisture at 400 deg. Fahr.; dried at which
temperature, it consisted of:
}
Insoluble Matter (as above).
Potash.
Soda..
Lime..
Magnesia...
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina....
Phosphoric Acid..
Sulphuric Acid.
Organic Matter and Water.
•
.93.257
0.259
0.065
0.129
0.180
0.146
1.251
2.356
0.030
0.024
2.330
100.497
T783, 784]
ANALYSIS OF PINE HILL UNDER-SUBSOIL.
357
783. No. 212. PINE HILL SUBSOIL, from the same locality as the preceding.
Depth: Five to eleven inches.
Vegetation: Same as the preceding.
A pale yellow, sandy loam.-Not yet analyzed.
No. 209. PINE HILL UNDER-SUBSOIL, from same locality.
Depth: Eleven to eighteen inches.
Vegetation: Same as the preceding.
An orange-colored loam, heavier than the preceding.
The loam, saturated with moisture at 67.6 deg. Fahr., lost 7.691 per cent. of
moisture at 400 deg.; dried at which temperature, it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter (clay and fine sand).
•
Potash.
Soda.
•
Lime..
•
Magnesia.
•
•
Brown Oxide of Manganese
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina...
Phosphoric Acid..
Sulphuric Acid..
Water and Organic Matter.
•
.83.030
0.485
0.061
0.073
0.519
0.153
4.145
8.871
0.022
0.021
3.117
100.497
784. These analyses show very important differences to exist between the
surface soil and the underlying loam, the latter being not only calculated to
improve the former in its physical properties (¶504, ff.), as shown by the larger
amount of moisture which it absorbs, but also much richer in several of the
important nutritive elements; so that, if at the surface, it would constitute a
soil of average fertility. The stratum analyzed, it is true, lies mostly below
the reach of the plow, but the subsoil proper (No. 212), is manifestly but the
transition from the surface soil to the orange-colored loam, being intermediate
in character.
Here also, therefore, deep plowing is indicated as the first step towards the
improvement of these lands; it will increase not only the retentivenes, but
also the native fertility of the soil, by mixing with it a more fertile subsoil.
The chief deficiencies of the soil thus formed will be in phosphoric and sul-
phuric acids, and lime; also soda. Superphosphate of lime would seem,
therefore, to be the manure specially indicated; but the soil, after being rendered
retentive by the admixture of its subsoil, will bear almost any improvement,
save that merely stimulant manures (¶416), will be of little avail on it.-The
loam stratum being rarely more than 3 to 4 feet thick, and then underlaid by
loose sands, the land may in general, be considered as being naturally under-
drained. Where the Post Oak, Black Jack, and Hickory prevail to any extent,
this loam may generally be expected to be within available distance of the
surface; but where the Long-leaf Pine alone, with stunted Black Gum and
Dogwood, is to be seen, the ashy surface soil (No. 206), generally extends to
the depth of 12 to 18 inches, and is then often underlaid only by arid sand.
Such soils will bardly pay for improvement on the large scale; they require to
be "made" altogether, and in analogy to the sea-coast hommocks, this might
perhaps be best done by the joint application of lime or marl, and vegetable
matter, where (as near R. R. Stations) the value of the land is such as to render
similar improvements practicable. It must be remembered, however, that in
these cases, nutritive manures (¶416), alone can be relied on for permanent pro-
ductiveness.
358
[¶785, 786, 787
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
*
785. The bottom and second bottom of Okahay* in S. Smith, though narrow
(rarely much exceeding 4 mile) is very fertile, its soil differing considerably
from that of Okatoma-though light, and with occasional white "crawfishy"
spots, it is generally of a full brownish gray tint, and bears a heavy growth of
White and Chestnut White Oak, with Beech, Hickory, Sweet Gum, Water
Oak, Magnolia, etc. The soil is evidently influenced as yet by the prairie region
in which the stream heads (T738); and the same is true of Leaf River bottom
near, and above Taylorsville, which possesses a growth similar to that of the
Okahay, just mentioned; being from 2 to 34 mile in width. These bottoms
are, of course, subject to overflow, but the lightness of their soil prevents this
from forming a serious obstacle to their cultivation. The "white soils" of the
bottom are considered as being the best adapted to cotton.
The hommock of Leaf River, however, is far inferior in fertility to the first
bottom. Near Kees' bridge, (S. 8, T. 1, R. 9 E.), it is elevated 3 to 4 feet above
the latter, all on the W. side of the bottom, 1 to 1½ mile wide, perfectly level,
and timbered almost exclusively with Long-leaf Pine and Hickory; its gray
and somewhat ashy soil, (which does not change much down to 18 inches),
yields fair crops for a few years, but then gives out entirely. It approaches in
character to that of the hommock of the Chickasawhay and Pascagoula in
Greene and Jackson counties (see below, and ¶804, ff.), and resembles them
even in that the Gallberry (Prinos glaber), appears in dense patches in its low
spots. It seems that on lower Leaf River, this flat or hommock gradually
closes in upon the stream on both sides, as is the case with the Chickasawhay.
786. Of the counties of Jones and Perry, and the adjoining
portions of Covington, Greene, and Marion, I know but little
from personal observation--so far as I have seen, and according
to all accounts I have received, the same general features as just
recorded of Simpson and S. Smith-viz: the "Piny Woods"-
prevail there also.
}
787. The soils of S. Wayne county, outside of the hommock of
the Chickasawhay, resemble in general those of S. Smith; on the
whole, perhaps, they contain rather more coarse sand, and the
country is more level, sloping down gradually into the Chickasaw-
hay hommock.
The only fertile spots in these level lands are the wet "ponds ", overgrown
with the Sweet Bay (Magnolia glauca) Calico Bush (Kalmia latifolia) Black
Haw (Viburnum-cassinoides, and others) and shrubs of the Whortleberry
tribe (Vaccinium, Leucothoe, etc.). These patches, however, are very small,
and very wet.
The hommock proper of the Chickasawhay, above the mouth of the Bucka-
tunna, is moderately fertile, and possesses a subsoil rendering it capable of good
improvement; sometimes (as at Col. Sam. Powes', S. of Winchester, it is very
sandy, so as to resemble and assume the growth of the soils of the Tallahoma
ridges (¶647, ff.). I have been informed also, that on the dividing ridge between
the two streams, there are upland soils of rather a clayey character, and pro-
ducing good crops. They are, perhaps, similar to those observed further S., to
the eastward of Cross Roads P. O. (¶807).—The soil of Buckatunna bottom,
near the R. R. bridge, is quite heavy, of a brownish-buff color for about ten
inches; then becomes heavier, and of a paler tint. It is timbered with Sweet
Gum and Short-leaf Pine.
The soil of the second bottom, elevated 2 to 3 feet above the first and quite
extensive, is similar, somewhat lighter, with an admixture of Oaks and Elm to
*This stream is often, for brevity's sake, termed "Cohay" by the inhabitants
--which name seems properly, however, to belong only to a western branch.
1788, 789, 790] IMPROVEMENT OF LONG-LEAF PINE SOILS.
359
the Cotton growth; and though little settled at present, would seem very
suitable for cultivation.
788. Below the Buckatunna, the soil of the Chickasawhay hommock (whose
width varies from one to three miles) seems gradually to deteriorate, and is
cultivated chiefly near the river banks, where it possesses a clay subsoil. The
bottom proper is sometimes almost wanting, usually narrow; at some points
(as at W. P. Averas', SS. 25, and 36, T. 5, R. 6 W., Greene county), there are
tracts of high bottom land, with a mellow and very productive soil-correspond-
ing, no doubt, to the "second bottom" near Mr. Davis' (¶809). Most of the
bottom, however, is low and sloughy, with heavier soils; and it does not
become very extensive until near and after the junction with Leaf River—¿. e.
on the Pascagoula. At and near Vernal P. O., Greene county, the high level,
river hommock is of very inferior fertility, being little different from that of the
"Pine Hills" further inland; the bottom proper is alone cultivated to any great
extent. Not far below, the acid "Gallberry soil" (T804), takes almost exclu-
sive possession of the river terrace; aside from which, and the slopes descend-
ing to it, Greene county, like those adjoining it, is essentially covered with Pine
Hills--valuable chiefly for their turpentine, and pine timber.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOILS OF THE LONG-LEAF PINE REGION.
789. The chief defects of the Long-leaf Pine soils, as demonstra-
ted by analysis, have been mentioned in connection with the latter
(¶766, ff; 782, ff.). We have seen that as a general thing, these
soils are naturally poor in the nutritive ingredients of plants, and
that, therefore, nutritive manures (T416), must be relied on for
their improvement, provided only that the subsoil be such as to
give promise of sustaining that improvement (T510, ff.). The
question then arises, what are the materials most accessible to the
inhabitants of the region, and what are their respective values?
790. Among these, in a practical point of view, PINE STRAW-the leaves of
the Long-leaf Pine-deserves a prominent place, for the convenience with which
it can be obtained in large quantities. A great difference of opinion exists,
however, as to its value as a fertilizer; while some praise its effects exceeding-
ly, others report having found it little better than useless, or even injurious.
With a view to determining, in the first place, its intrinsic value as to the
mineral ingredients it may furnish, the following analysis was made.
LONG-LEAF PINE STRAW, freshly fallen; collected, about the first of October
1858, on the dividing ridge between Okatoma and Okahay (¶782), T. 10, R. 16
W., Smith county.
The straw, carefully freed, by washing and beating, from adhering impurities,
yielded 2½ per cent. of the air-dried substance, of white ash, yielding to water,
besides alkalies, a good deal of caustic lime.
The analysis of the dry ash gave the following result :
360
[1791, 792, 793-
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
}
Without Carbonic Acid.
Silica, with a few grains of sand....61.071
Potash
Soda.
*
Lime...
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron...
Alumina...
Phosphoric Acid...
Sulphuric Acid..
Chloride of Potassium
Carbonic Acid..
•
J
-65.242
5.118-
5.530
.. 0.390
0.416.
13.004
13.860
4.886
5.208
1.577
1.681
0.132
0.141
4.299
4.539
1.083
1.154
0.839
0.894
1.388
1.479
6.328
100.148
100.148
791. This analysis shows the Pine Straw to contain notable quantities of all
the mineral ingredients required by useful crops, there being a remarkable
deficiency only of Soda. The conclusion is therefore inevitable, that by means
of Pine Straw properly applied, we can replace the drain on the soil caused by
crops. Taking for instance, the ingredients withdrawn from the soil by a 400 fb
bale of cotton lint (¶490), we shall find that the potash and phosphoric acid
contained in the latter will be returned to the soil in about 1400 pounds of Pine
straw, while of the other ingredients, except soda and chlorine, even a surplus
will thus be given back. It would therefore appear that the producing powers
of a field for cotton could be sustained, and the soil even improved, if for every
bale of cotton raised we should return to it 14 to 1500 pounds of Pine Straw,
and a few handfuls of common salt; provided only, that the stalk and seed be
conscientiously returned (T490, ff.).
792. The replacement of the drain caused by cropping with corn, wheat, and
oats, would require a somewhat larger amount of straw, and the addition,
besides the salt, of 10 to 25 pounds of superphospate of lime; while the
replacement of the ingredients of the sweet potato, to which these soils are found
to be best adapted, would be effected by straw with a larger dose of common
salt than that required by cotton-say ten or twelve pounds to each ton of
straw; the quantity required for replacement being, however, in all the cases
mentioned, considerably greater than in the case of cotton, when the seed and
stalk are returned (490)—it being understood in all these cases, that the
freshly fallen straw is referred to; for that which has lain on the ground,
exposed to the weather for a length of time, has already lost a portion of its
nutritive ingredients.
793. Mode of Applying Pine Straw to Land.-A great deal of the disappoint-
ment experienced in the use of Pine Straw, has no doubt been owing to the
manner of its application. The analysis shows that the idea current with some,
that Pine straw renders soils more sandy, is unfounded; the 65 per cent. of
silex which the ash contains, could produce no effect of that kind in a soil con-
taining 93 per cent. of the same (T782). It is very evident, however, that in
the light, unretentive soils of the Long-leaf Pine Region, raw, undecayed straw
turned in, and that too by shallow plowing, will not be under circumstancss
favorable to its decay, and may increase the openness of the soil to an injurious
extent, while unable to promote its fertility by decay. The remedy, then, is
very simple; the straw must be allowed to decay, before being plowed in, on the
compost pile; and such substances as will promote decay, and among these
especially lime, or calcareous marls (T468), ashes, and the like (but not plaster
of Paris in any large quantity) ought to be mixed with it. Pine-hollow muck,
marsh-mud, such clays as those at Burnett's Bluff (¶302), etc., will also be
useful in composting.
T794, 795]
PASTURAGE IN THE PINE WOODS.
361
794. The ingredients furnished by the decayed Pine straw being in an
available or soluble condition (¶426), it is desirable to render the soil as retentive
as possible, in order that these substances may remain within the reach of plants.
Wherever there is a clay subsoil, therefore, this ought to be mixed with the
surface soil. This consideration would seem to afford a clue to the transient
productiveness of the Pine Hill soils; when first taken into cultivation, they
often produce quite vigorously for 2 to 3 years, then suddenly give out alto-
gether. It is more than probable that this is owing to the supply of soluble
nutriment furnished to the surface soil by the Pine straw; and with a retentive
soil, it would seem that the fertility of the surface layer would be constantly on
the increase, through the annual access from the fall of leaves. But the ashy
Pine Hill soil is unable to retain a supply of soluble nutriment greater than
will be appropriated by a few years' crop; what is over and above, goes to the
subsoil and is thence once more absorbed by the roots of the Pines.
4
It will be perceived, therefore, that in making use of the Pine straw as a
manure, we can concentrate on a small space the fertility of the soil and subsoil
of a large tract, which is thus collected for us by the Pines. It is manifest that
it will be better policy for the "Piney Woods" planter, to keep one quarter-
section in a high state of cultivation, by means of the straw collected from the
remaining three-quarters, than to till the whole section (¶480), exhausting the
small supply of nutriment contained in the surface soil, within a few years.
The Pines will bring up for him, in an available condition, the fertility of a
subsoil stratum which his plow could never reach.
I do not mean to say that such a method would be rational for all time to
come. The withdrawal of the nutriment contained in the leaves would finally
cause the Pines themselves to languish, by exhausting the soil. This, however,
is centuries ahead, and it is to be hoped that before that time, a general system
of rational agriculture will render less important the resort to the forest leaves
as fertilizers.
795. PasturaGE IN THE PINE WOODS.-In their natural state,
as received from the hands of the Indians, the Pine Woods were
one great pasture-as, in thinly settled regions, they still are. Nor
is it, generally, the ranging of cattle which has destroyed the
pasturage in other regions, but simply the injudicious burning of
the woods, at seasons when the fire would destroy not only the dry
leaves, but also parch the heart and the roots of the grasses. It
would seem that in a region comparatively poor in agricultural
resources, the maintenance of pasturage should be considered a
matter of national importance. The Swiss, being unable to culti-
vate profitably their mountain slopes, have converted them into
pastures; these form the basis of their national wealth. Why
this should not be so with the inhabitants of the Pine Woods, I
have been unable to discover; it is certain, however, that the
pasturage of that region is disappearing before the fires at a fearful
rate, and that those who heretofore have relied on the range, during
all but a few weeks in winter, for the support of their cattle, will
soon be compelled, as many are now, to raise feed for them on their
poor soil, which, at present, will but just furnish comfortably the
prime necessities of life for the population itself. The beautiful,
park-like slopes of the Pine Hills are being converted into a
smoking desert of pine trunks, on whose blackened soil the cattle
seek more vainly every year, the few scattered, sickly blades of
grass, whose roots the fire has not killed.
362
[1796, 797, 798
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
796. It is not the province of this Report to suggest municipal regulations by
which the burning of the woods at improper seasons might be prevented, or at
least, rendered of less general occurrence; the evil, however, is a crying one
to the mind of every candid observer, and the destruction of national wealth
caused by it is so enormous as to deserve no less attention certainly, than the
improvement of soils. However convenient and effectual may be the burning
of the dry gras in order to render the young growth accessible to cattle, that
advantage is certainly purchased very dearly at the cost of its total destruction
within a few years-a policy little better, in fact, than cutting down a fruit-tree
for its fruit; and which appears more especially irrational when we consider
how easily the advantage could be reaped without incurring the enormous
waste, by a regular system of burning at times when, as after the first autumnal
rains, and more especially in early spring, the ground is too wet to allow of
injury to the roots, while yet the grass and weeds may be burnt off low enough
to serve all practical purposes, and to destroy, at, the same time, the Black Jack
and Post Oak undergrowth, which is equally fatal to the range, with the fire
itself. For the latter purpose, the burning in early spring, when the sap is
rising, would be the most favorable time.
797. WATERS OF THE LONG-LEAF PINE REGION.-In a region of
such vast extent, a considerable variety in the conditions of the
supply of natural and artificial water, may be expected; and it
would be tedious as well as unprofitable to rcord, in this place,
more than the general features in this respect, of the districts
examined.
The streams deriving their supply chiefly or altogether from
within the Long-leaf Pine Region, gencrally maintain a brisk and
almost even current throughout the year. Even heavy rains do not,
in general, affect them nearly as much as is the case elsewhere,
in consequence of the great perviousness of the sandy soil and
Orange Sand strata (T77), which occupy the surface of the region,
and greatly diminish the surface waters--even so that branches
below a certain size are rarely met with, or are very short; because
the water on the ridge lands sinks and then causes copious springs
and large streams to form at once, at the foot of the hills, or where
an impervious stratum arrests the waters; while the hollows in
the uplands are of a shallow, rounded form, and mostly without a
water channel (T32; 77).
As remarkable instances of springs furnishing an unusually_large_supply of
clear, cold water, one near Old Hickory P. O., on S. 8, T. 10, R. 17 W., Simp-
son county, which forms a branch of the Okachicama Chitto; and another near
Mr. James Wethersby's, on S. 7 or 8, T. 8, R. 20, Lawrence county, which forms
a short branch of Crooked Creek, may be cited.
existing in Marion and Covington counties.
of spring water at certain levels, these are
especially on the dividing ridges; and wells
to reach water.
Similar springs are mentioned as
While, however, there is no lack
often very far below the hilltops,
require to be sunk to great depths
798. Such is more particularly the case east of the waters of Pearl River, on
those of the Bowie, Okatoma, and Leaf River; where the water of wells is
generally_freestone, being obtained in the colored clays of the Orange Sand
(32). In the bottoms and hommocks, however, the saline clays of Grand Gulf
Group are often struck-thus near Jaynesville, and Leaf River (¶243); the
waters are then saline and magnesian (T314, ff.). The same often happens on
the Chickasawhay and Pascagoula (¶244, ff.), yet on the whole, mineral springs
1799, 800]
MINERAL WATERS-ANALYSIS.
363
and wells are less frequent in this S. E. portion of the State, than in almost any
other. A mineral spring, pretty strongly charged with Bicarbone of Iron, with
some Chlorides of Sodium and Magnesium, and a trace of Sulphates, occurs
about 3 miles N. E. of Vernal P. O., Greene county; and near. Cross Roads P. O.,
Jackson county, similar springs are said to exist. On some of the ridges near
Raleigh, saline waters have been obtained (T227), but at the place itself, wells
25 to 30 feet deep, find freestone water.-At Westville, wells 35 to 50 feet, in
Orange Sand and colored clays; freestone water. At the saw-mill near town
there is a mineral'spring, containing Bicarbonate of Iron and a little Sulphuretted
Hydrogen; also a little Chloride of Magnesium and Sodium.-At Mt. Carmel,
Covington county, wells 40 to 80 feet deep, according to position; freestone
water, shed by red or pipe clays (¶70).
799. On Pearl River, however, as well as on many of its confluents, mineral
waters are very abundant, from Jackson to Columbia, Marion county. The
inconvenient abundance of mineral waters in the Brandon neighborhood has
already been mentioned. They are chiefly of two kinds: 1st. Saline purgative
waters, containing a large amount of Epsom Salt and Gypsum, with more or
less Glauber Salt (Sulphate of Soda) and Common Salt, and Sulphate of Potash.
Such are the waters of Mr. John R. Jackson (35 feet deep), Mr. Langford, and
Judge Wm. H. Clarke (45 feet deep). The waters of Mr. Jourdan A. Jackson's
well differ from these chiefly in containing some Bicarbonate of Soda, and a
larger amount of Chlorides-probably in the form of Common Salt and Chloride
of Magnesium.
All these waters are entirely too strong for daily use, although possessing
valuable medical properties; and the same is true of most of the mineral waters
found in wells W. of the meridian of Cato, in S. Rankin county, which are
generally of a similar character.
800. The other class, which is on the whole much less common, is that of
the Acid Alum waters. Of these, one already well known is that of Mr.
Baugh's Well, in the S. part of the town of Brandon. The well is 27 feet
deep, and the basin is in dark colored clays containing Gypsum and crust of
Yellow Iron Ore. The water is a very strong one, so that the precipitation of
the alumina turns the water thick; it possesses a bituminous, but not a
sulphureous ordor. A qualitative analysis gave the following result:
Sulphate of Alumina (" Alum "), largely,
"Lime (Gypsum), largely a saturated solution,
Potash,
Chlorides of Sodium and Magnesium,
Silica, dissolved in,
Free Carbonic Acid.
Iron, a small amount.
The water of Mr. Holland's well, on S. 35, T. 6, R. 3 E., differs from this
essentially in containing somewhat less of the Sulphate of Alumina, less
Magnesia, but more Soda, and Potash, and Chlorine.
A very remarkable water of this class has been quite lately brought to my
notice; it occurs in a well 17½ feet deep, at Col. Danl. Allen's place, S. 2, T.
4, R. 4 E., Rankin county-on the dividing ridge between Steen's and Richland
Creek. It is not only powerfully astringent, but so acid with Sulphuric Acid,
as to set the teeth on edge almost immediately. The result of the qualitative
analysis might be thus stated:
Sulphate of Alumina (" Alum "), very largely,
"Lime (Gypsum),
Bisulphates of Soda and Potash, largely,
Chlorides of Calcium and Magnesium, largely.
Great caution will be necessary in the use of this water, whose strength is
equal to that of any mixture which a physician would be likely to prescribe to
a patient. It is almost too strong for use in chronic cases, but would probably
be very effectual in acute dysentery, diarrhoea, "red flux”,
" etc.
364
[T801, 802, 803
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
801. Further S. we find strong mineral waters, charged chiefly with Epsom
Salt, Glauber's Salt and Common Salt; generally with some Gypsum, and often
with more or less Sulphates of Alumina and Iron, at Mr. Tom. Bass', S. 13, T.
3, R. 2 E.; at Mr. Chapman's; and in the Harper settlement, S. W. Cato. These
waters are so strong as to render their daily use positively pernicious-as is
amply proven by their effect on those who persist in using them otherwise than
as a medicine (T315; 601). Similar waters oftentimes impregnated with
Sulphuretted Hydrogen and bituminous matter also, exist on lower Steen's.
Creek; and none of the well waters obtained in the gray clays or white sand-
stones of S. W. Rankin (¶241), are free from these ingredients; although they
are not always so strong as to render their use very objectionable. The population
ought always, however, to be on their guard against the debilitating effects of
these waters, which are especially noxious to those suffering with, or recovering
from, fever and ague. Wherever sand ridges afford chances of freestone wells,
these ought to be used even at some inconvenience in preference to the saline
waters; and cisterns ought to be considered a matter of necessity, where waters
like Mr. Bass' are alone obtainable in wells.
•
802. In W. Simpson, alsó, waters of this character are sometimes obtained;
but the greater prevalence of the Orange Sand renders their use a matter of
choice. Whether or not similar waters exist in Copiah, I am not informed,
though it is most likely. They are very abundant in Lawrence county, near
Pearl River; and especially so near Monticello, where a considerable variety
exists; though at the town itself, shallow wells, with almost freestone water,
are obtained in sand, above the salty clays (1238). In this region, however,
the waters generally contain none, or only a small amount of sulphates, the
salts present being almost entirely chlorides and bicarbonates. Hence it is,
probably, that effects on health by their use are not nearly as frequently perceived.
The water of "St. Andrews' Well" (35 feet deep), on S. 29, T. 7, R. 11 E.,
about one mile S. of Monticello, showed the following composition :
Chloride of Sodium, Magnesium, and Potasium, largely,
Bicarbonates of Soda ?, Magnesia, Lime,
Small amounts of Chloride of Calcium,
Proto-carbonate of Iron, Held in solution by Free Carbonic Acid.
Silica,
Alumina.
This water is of considerable strength. The water of "St. Ronan's Well",
about 4 miles S. W. of Monticello, differs from this chiefly in the presence of
Sulphuretted Hydrogen and some bituminous oil, the predominance of Lime over
Magnesia, and the presence of a little Sulphate of Potash.
A mineral spring near Mr. Neglan's, S. 35, T. 7, R. 10 E., contains Bicarbonate
of Iron with a little Lime and Magnesia, and Common Salt.
A strong chalybeate spring issuing from a bluff near Mr. Maxwell's mill, S. 9,
T. 6, R. 11 E., contains the Bicarbonates of Iron, Soda and Magnesia, with a
little Common Salt.
From the great variety of mineral waters in the Monticello neighborhood, it
would seem that it might be made a place of resort, if easy communication were
established.
Stovall's
803. In Marion county, also, mineral wells and springs exist.
Springs, above Columbia, have in times past been a place of considerable resort;
I am not aware what is the nature of the water. At Columbia, shallow wells
obtain freestone water in sand and gravel, the level being dependent upon that
of the river; in one, however, mineral water was obtained in "blue mud ”
(¶237), at 25 feet. Similar wells have been obtained on Pearl River in S.
Marion.
In Pike county we mostly find freestone wells in Orange Sand-except as
mentioned in (T237.) On high ridges, as at Summit, for instance, wells require
to be sunk to great depths, to the level of the drainage-70 to 80 feet.
1804, 805, 806, 807] SEA COAST-CHANGE OF PLANTS.
365
As regards the practicability of deep bored and artesian wells in the Long-leaf
Pine Region, (318), it is highly probable, that in most cases the scarcity of
water suitable for daily use in the bottoms and hommocks of this region might
be relieved by bored wells, tubing out if necessary, the strong mineral waters.
Whether wells of moderate depth would find pressure enough to elevate the
water to the higher ridges (as at Summit, for instance), is uncertain, since some
of these seem to be equal in elevation to any S. of the Chickasaw Survey; yet
the experiment deserves to be tried.
THE SEA-COAST COUNTIES.
EMBRACING THE COUNTIES OF JACKSON, HARRISON AND HANCOCK.
804. In approaching the sea-coast on the Chickasawhay and
Pascagoula route (1787, ff.), the first decided change of the inland
vegetation towards that of the coast itself, occurs shortly after
passing Leaksville, in Greene county. From Winchester south-
wards, as a general thing, the sandiness of the soils is regularly on
the increase; the sands themselves assume a lighter tint, and more
of an evenly fine and sharp grain. The Gallberry or Inkberry
(Prinos glaber), which on the upper Chickasawhay and Leaf rivers,
appears only in isolated patches, is constantly on the increase in
the flat or hommock of the Pascagoula River, as we advance south-
ward, and whenever it does appear it indicates a sour and sandy
soil.
805. The feature which, at the point mentioned, recalls to mind a prominent
peculiarity of the Sea-coast Counties, is the appearance of shallow upland ponds,
with water strongly colored by vegetable matter, in which plants peculiar to the
coast region appear for the first time. (Hypericum fasciculatum, Polygala
corgmbosa, Drosera longifolia, Eriocaulon decangulare and villosum.) These
ponds or bogs are generally surrounded by a small growth of the Bay, and
Bay Galls; and so are the branches, of the region whose channels become
shallow and wide and often very boggy; their water, also assuming a browner
tint, and carrying larger quantities of sand,-a circumstance which renders the
crossing very changeable and sometimes dangerous.
806. The road s mainly in the level river hommock, (on the
east side) which is of very variable width, and has a gradual ascent
into the hills. It is elevated from six to ten feet above the first
bottom of the river; at times it has the character simply of lével
Pine Woods, its timber being the Long-leaf Pine, with an occa-
sional Black Jack and Post Oak, and here and there, some Dog-
wood and small Hickory. Where this is the case, the subsoil is
generally somewhat heavier than the surface soil, of a yellow tint,
and might bear some improvement; but whenever the Gallberry
prevails, we find at a depth of from five to eight inches, a subsoil
of pale yellow sand, which, in spring, is saturated with water,
showing a want of drainage.
807. The bordering Pine Hills, which, as a general thing, have
a very sandy soil, oftentimes possess a very heavy subsoil, of a
366
[T808, 809, 810
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
yellow or gray clay, which evidently originates in the underlying
clay strata of the Tertiary (T245, ff).
Of these, I found an outcrop containing some indication of Lignite, on a hillside
at M. McCaun's place; and its presence in these generally is indicated by
numerous mineral springs, of a chalybeate, magnesian character, which come to
the surface at some elevation, usually about half-way up the hillsides. While
the hilltops bear the usual growth of Long-leaf Pine, with only an occasional
Black Jack and Post Oak, vigorous specimens of the two last named are
frequently seen on the slopes, and in the hollows and branch bottoms there
appears a growth of Sweet Gum, "Poplar", Cucumber-tree, and Hickory,
indicating a soil very different from that of the hills, and mainly derived, no
doubt from the tertiary strata. These bottoms are quite fertile, but the bodies
of such land are very small.
1
808. The description just given applies to the country bordering
on the river hommock, east and north-east of Cross Roads P. O.,
or Fairley's Ferry. As we leave the hills, approaching the river,
we find at first, rather a sandy soil (with Gallberry, etc.), in which
the Pines invariably show a disposition to grow lank and thin;
nearer the river, a gray, clay subsoil gradually approaches the
surface, in many places the Gallberry becomes scarce, the timber
indicates a better soil, and merges into a kind of bottom growth.
Such is the case on the plantation of Mr. John Davis (Cross Roads
P. O., S. 12, T. 2, R. 8 W.). which borders on the river bottom.
809. There is a very striking difference between the soil of the
bottom proper, which is subject to overflow, and that of the second
bottom. The former is very stiff and heavy, and no less so is its
subsoil, a stiff, gray clay. Its timber is prevalently of Chestnut
White Oak, Sweet Gum, Spanish ("Red") Oak and Magnolia, with
a good deal of Holly, and some Bottom White Pine (P. mitis).
The oaks are very large, and the characteristic habit of the Spanish ("Red")
Oak, which it assumes when growing in bottoms, can be studied here to advan
tage. This soil, Mr. Davis informs me, is a fair specimen of the first bottom
soil of the Pascagoula generally; it is very productive in favorable seasons, but
like all heavy soils, it is unsafe, and particularly so in consequence of being sub-
ject to overflow The great difficulty of working this soil in unfavorable seasons,
and the frequent drowning out of the crops by overflow, have induced most of
the settlers of this neighborhood to abandon its cultivation, and restrict them-
selves to the second bottom, which is not subject to overflow, and is also very
productive. This hom mock is the very opposite of the first bottom soil-very
light, soil dark colored, about ten inches deep; underlaid by a subsoil of pale
yellow sand. It is elevated four to six feet above the first bottom, the soil of
which it evidently overlies; its timber is the common White Oak, Bottom White
Pine, Magnolia, Water Oak, Chinquapin, with some very large Black Sumach
(Rhus typhina); also some Holly and Iron-wood.
810. None of these soils has as yet been analyzed; but there can be no
doubt that the first bottom soil is very rich, and well worthy of reclamation by
levying; especially as the bottom is nearly three miles in width.
Mr. Davis speaks well of the effect of applying some of the heavy subsoil clay
of the bottom to the sandy land which forms the transition from the second
bottom soil to the poorer portion of the hommock. These effects have been
owing chiefly, no doubt, to the action of the clay as a mechanical manure, in
improving the physical condition of the sandy soil; but while it may be doubt-
ful whether the hauling of the bottom clay for this purpose would pay the
planter, there can be no doubt that wherever a heavy subsoil is near enough to
"
T811, 812, 813, 814] PASCAGOULA BOTTOM SOILS.
367
the surface, it ought to be mixed with the soil by deep plowing. The growth of
the bottom as well as that of the hollows, proves these clays to be rich in min-
eral nutritive ingredients; and they will very essentially improve the physical
condition of the soil.
The banks, and the portion of the bottom immediately contiguous to them,
are quite sandy; it seems that all the deposits now formed by the Pascagoula
river, are of this character. It might be practicable therefore, by judiciously
regulating the overflows, to improve the heavy soil by allowing the sand to
spread over it, which might then be mixed in by deep plowing.
811. Crossing at Judge Fairley's Ferry, we find the hills on the right side
coming close up to the bank, without, however, forming a washed bluff. Yet,
on the ascent, we find about half way up, an outcrop of heavy gray clay (T245),
which might be suitable for pottery. It overlies, no doubt, the strata of the
lignitic tertiary; and is in its turn overlaid by yellow sands of the Orange Sand
formation (16), to which these clays themselves seem to belong (at present),
being as they are without any definite structure. The hills immediately
bordering the river, on which Judge Fairley's plantation is situated, bear a stout
growth of the Long-leaf Pine, mixed with a good deal of Spanish (“Red”)
Oak and Scarlet ("Spanish") Oak. This land is moderately productive, and
had a good looking corn crop when seen by me. But the intermixture of the
oaks with the pine lasts scarcely more than 1/4 of a mile inland; and then, as
we proceed on the Ocean Springs' road, dreary Pine Hills, with scarcely an
occasional scrubby Black Jack or Post Oak, intermingling with the Pine, reign
absolute.
?
812. The road runs on the dividing ridge between Black Creek and the
Pascagoula at the distance of several miles from the edge of the bottom, in
which the river meanders to and fro, most generally, however, keeping near the"
W. side. Steep hollows, filled with a growth of Bay and not unfrequently,
Magnolia also, fall off from the ridge towards the river bottom. These hollows
frequently contain copious springs, which issue from the hillside, generally 20
to 30 feet below the top of the ridge; they are evidently shed here, at a level
nearly uniform, by the impermeable clays of the tertiary.
813. The pines on the ridge, up to about 4 miles below Fairley's,
are stout and vigorous, and would afford fine timbers. But as we
pass on, approaching Black Creek, the road diverges further inland;
the ridge flattens, and ponds appear on its very summit. The
quality of the pine timber rapidly deteriorates, the trees becoming
slender and stunted in height, especially in the neighborhood of
the ponds. The first of these are pretty deep, showing small but
clear sheets of water, bordered by a poor growth of rushes. But
further on, they become shallow, until at last they turn into mere
wet flats or bogs, covered at times with a rank growth of grass,
sparsely timbered with the poorest specimens imaginable of Long-
leaf Pine-with trunks 15 to 25 feet high, and 2 to 4 inches in
diameter; their leaves also sharing the general degradation, being
in sparse tufts scarce 6 inches long.
814. Others of these ponds, or bogs, whose soil is almost a pure, white, wet
sand, bear no grass, but a scattered growth of peculiar herbaceous plants, among
which several beautiful red blossomed Orchideae, the Side-saddle flower,
(Sarracenia purpurea), Pitcher plant or Wild Poppy (Sarracenia variolaris)
the curious long-leaved Sundew (Drosera filiformis) with its long, spirally
coiled, wiry leaves, covered with glandnlar hairs, and two species of Cord-rush
(Eriocaulon decangulare, and villosum) as well as the common Sundew (Drosera
brevifolia), are the most prominent. But the most singular feature to a North
368
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [815, 816, 817, 818
Mississippian, is the association, in these ponds, of the Cypress with the Long-
leaf Pine.-The Cypress trees are scarcely better looking, in comparison with
their brethren of the river swamp, than the diminutive pines are when compared
with their giant brethren on the ridges and hommocks of Perry, Marion and
Greene counties. Here, these seemingly incongruous trees are found side by
side, both sadly worsted, it appears, by their mutual concessions. The shallow
channels or depressions through which the surplus water of these bogs finds an
outlet, are skirted, and sometimes entirely overgrown with thickets of the Bay,
together with the Carolina Laurel or Bay Galls (Laurus carolinensis) and two
or three other species of small trees. The boggy soil of these thickets is
covered with peat-moss (Sphagnum), several kinds of small rushes (Eriocaulon,
Xyris) and sedge grasses, and likewise produces some pretty flowers (Pinguicula
pumila, Utricularia biflora, Drosera longifolia, brevifolia, etc.), but in an agricul-
tural point of view, look most unpromising.
815. An abrupt descent of 15 to 20 feet, brings us down into
Black Creek bottom. On the hillside, about 4 feet below the
surface of the upland, a deposit of yellow sandy loam crops out;
it is too deep, however, to be reached by the plow for the improve-
ment of the uplands, which are very sandy, and said to be extremely
poor. The country, however, is so thinly settled, that even this
cannot be positively asserted as a general rule.
The bottom soil of Black Creek is extremely sandy, and on the N. side of the
stream, at Mr. Bird's Ferry, is scarcely anything more than sterile white sand,
in which nothing but the dwarf palmetto (Sabal minimus), and other plants of
similar habits, can sustain themselves. The water of the creek, like that of
most streams in this country, is of dark tint. On the S. side, the soil is some-
what better, although still very sandy; it bears a growth of sweet gum and
bottom oaks, which do not attain to any large size. This land produces corn
pretty well for some years; cotton has never been tried on it; it is, however,
subject to overflow, and when this happens after tillage, a large portion of the
soil is often carried off.
816. The ridge dividing Black Creek from Red Creek, is of a character simi-
lar to that of the uplands N. of Black Creek, save that the pond or "meadow"
character is still more pronounced, and the soil still more sandy; the Dwarf
Palmetto and Gallberry form its chief undergrowth, mixed, in marshy places
with a singular dwarfish variety of the Bay, which forms low scrubby bushes,
much attacked by rust; in these we find some shoots, not more than a foot
high from the ground, bearing a single terminal flower, and blooming considera-
bly in advance of the larger trees of the same species. The dense thickets of
sombre foliage formed by the latter, skirting the bogs and their outlets; the
stunted Pines and Cypress sparingly scattered over their surface with the rigid
bushes of dwarf Palmetto on the higher ground, form a landscape as dreary as
it is singular.
817. The bottom of Red Creek resembles very much that of Black Creek ;
its growth being of middle-sized Sweet Gum, Magnolia, and Water Oaks. The
soil is very sandy, and not of any considerable depth; the subsoil is a pale
yellow sand. This land is said to produce corn well for five or six years, after
which it gives out entirely. In fact, sand forms such a large portion of this soil,
that lasting fertility is not to be expected. When once exhausted, it will prob-
ably require nothing short of stable manure to make it produce again. Deep
plowing ought to be avoided.
I am not informed, as yet, how far inland the same character of bottoms and
uplands continues; the country being so thinly settled, and in the interior almost
destitute of roads.
818. Red Creek ferry is about 7 miles above the mouth of the creek, on the
S. side of which, at this point, we find a wet glade about half a mile wide,
T819, 820, 821]
PASCAGOULA BOTTOM.
369
which bears the vegetation found on all the "Pine Meadows” further south,
differing from that heretofore seen on these lands, in the presence of the singu-
lar Dichromena latifolia (which though a grass, seems to bear large white
flowers, the petals of which are tipped with light green awns), and the “Weed-
grass" (Conostylis Americana) with its panicles of golden yellow flowers
enveloped in white woolly furze. For the rest, the Pitcher-plants, long-leaved
Sundew, bright-colored Orchideae, and the Cord-rushes crowned with their
white buttons, with the never failing Gallberry, fórm the bulk of the vegetation.
819. In traveling from Red Creek ferry to Dwyer's ferry on the Pascagoula
River, by the "river road", we pass almost entirely through Pine Hills of the
same character as those seen near Fairley's ferry. A belt of this hilly pine
land, about 3 miles wide, generally skirts the river bottom, thus intervening
between the latter and the wet pine-meadow lands; the latter, however, extend
closer to the river along the creek bottoms.
At Dwyer's ferry (¶246), as at Fairley's, the hills on the right hand bank fall
off steeply towards the river; and the portion immediately contiguous to the
bottom, sometimes as far as half a mile inland, is very fertile, but unfortunately
very much broken. The soil is of a chocolate color, and very light; resemb-
ling closely that of the sea-coast "hommocks", as also does its growth; at the
depth of about 6 inches, it becomes of a paler tint and more sandy, so that sub-
soiling would be unadvisable. It bears a vigorous growth of timber viz: Post,
Spanish ("Red"), White, Willow and Red ("Black") Oaks; Bottom White
Pine, Cucumber-tree, Sorrel-tree, Dogwood, Hickory, Stag-horn Sumach,
Black Gum, also Grape-vines and Green-briers (Smilax); on the hillsides, the
Magnolia is common.-This soil is very productive, and lasts pretty well. As
we recede from the bottom, the Long-leaf Pine gradually mingles with the other
growth, and by degrees the rich hommock soil passes into that of the Pine Hills.
But few of the settlers in this region raise corn enough to supply their wants,
and those who do so, generally cultivate the river bottom, on the opposite side.
Mr. Bryan C. Rice, an intelligent planter of this neighborhood, informed me
that the character of the bottom here is very similar to what I found it at Fair-
ley's, and of an equal width. He finds the soil productive, but it is to some
extent subject to the inconveniences before mentioned (809).
820. The outcrop of the tertiary, gray, lignito-gypseous clays, which forms
a high, abrupt bluff, a few hundred yards below the ferry, has already been
described in the Geological Report (246). It is probable that some portions of
the material forming this bluff might be profitably employed as marls for the
sandy hommocks which they underlie; a question which must be decided by
analysis. The locality is an interesting one, both as being, so far as known, the
outcrop furthest south of the tertiary strata of the Grand Gulf Age (†230);
and still further, as proving the cause of the stagnation of the water in the
upland "Pine Meadows". These lands, although extremely sandy in them-
selves, can drain off the rain water but very slowly, because the impervious
clays of the Tertiary, which underlie at no great depth, prevent the percolation
of the water in a vertical direction; and the fall being very slight, it takes a
great while to drain sideways.
821. Passing on from Dwyer's ferry towards Pascagoula, we recede from
the river and soon strike the "meadow lands" (T818), again. These are here
somewhat undulating, and distinctly divided into upland and lowland, the latter
being the sandy bogs with a growth of lank, dwarfish pine, some cypress, and
Pitcher-plant (Sarracenia), the long-leaved Sundew, the larger species of Cord-
rush (Eriocaulon decangulare) the Dichromena, the yellow Star-grass (Aletris au-
rea), etc.; while the uplands bear a growth of sturdier pine, and the ground is
covered with a grassy sward, formed chiefly by the smaller species of Cord-rush
(Eriocaulon villosum), Xyris, and the white Star-grass (Aletris farinosa); the
Gallberry, and stunted bushes of the Carolina Wax-myrtle (Myrica carolinensis)
form the undergrowth. The soil of these lowlands is scarcely anything more
R-24
370
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [1822, 823, 824, 825
than white sand, made to cohere by the roots of the plants; that of the uplands,
for about 5 inches from the surface, is very sandy, but still a soil; lower down,
however, there is a pale yellow sand, which, like that of the lowlands, is drenched
with water; at least at the season at which I saw them (May).
822. Such, with but little change, is the character of the land
up to Big Bluff Creek. Occasionally, there is a tract of Pine Hills
of the usual character, and then we sometimes find, on the hillsides,
a stratum of yellow sandy loam, similar to that seen at the descent
to Black Creek ferry (T815). Whenever this occurs, there is a
visible improvement in the hillside growth; the Long-leaf Pine is
tall and vigorous, and a small fruited variety? of the Pawpaw,
together with Dogwood (Cornus florida) forms the undergrowth.
This loam stratum is mostly, however, from 5 to 8 feet below the level of the
uplands, which have the poor sandy soil of the pine hills; it is, therefore, chiefly
the hillsides which might be susceptible of profitable culture. Very few settle-
ments have been made in this region, and the diminutive patches of inclosed
land which we see near the settler's cabins, prove that they do not rely on agri-
culture for their supply of provisions.
823. Big Bluff Creek has scarcely any bottom; its coffee colored waters flow
in a sandy bed, which is immediately bordered by the hills, which come down
to it by a gradual slant on the N. side, while on the S. it is bordered by a range
of rather abrupt hills, the foot of which has been so washed by the creek (which
makes a sudden bend here) as to exhibit the geological strata. The lowest, 4 to
5 feet, consists of a stiff, gray potter's clay, quite impervious to water; it is
overlaid, to the top of the hill, (about 30 feet above the creek) by sands of a
light orange tint, of the Orange Sand character. There can be little doubt that
the same clay underlies all the wet meadow-land seen further N. as well as that
which intervenes between Bluff Creek and the Sea-Coast (820).
824. Pine Meadows.--After ascending the bluff, we strike a level meadow-
land, in which there is scarcely any distinction into upland and lowland. The
ground is densely covered with a growth of sedge-grasses (Cyperaceae) Cord-
rushes (Eriocaulon villosum) and a small species of Xyris; in the shallow
depressions, both species of Sarracenia (Side-saddle flower and Pitcher-plant),
the larger Eriocaulon (E. decangulare), the Dichromena, the long-leaved and the
short-leaved Sundew, several species of bright-tinted Orchideae, and some larger
species of sedge-grasses and Pond-rushes (Juncus) are seen; and with these,
occsionally, the Milkweed of the sea-coast marshes (Asclepias paupercula) with
its bright orange flowers. The undergrowth is formed exclusively by the
Gallberry, which does not grow to the same height that we find it in Wayne and
Greene counties, but is on the other hand, so overcrowded with blossoms at the
proper season, that the leaves entirely disappear beneath them. The timber is
formed altogether by diminutive Long Leaf Pines, averaging about 25 feet in
height by 2% to 4 inches in thickness, which stand at considerable distances (40 or
50 feet) apart, so that their sparse tops scarcely interfere, with the view of the
observer.
825. The first appearance of these glades, when seen in a bright spring sun-
shine, with their green carpet variegated by bright colored flowers, is decidedly
pleasing to the eye; and it is difficult at times to dispel the illusion that it is a
park laid off by human hands that we are traversing. Almost the only living
being, however, which inhabits this region at present, is the prairie-lark;
settlements are few and far between, and no attempt is made to cultivate the
soil, the raising of stock being the only occupation of the inhabitants.-As far as
the eye can reach, the level plain extends with dead uniformity, and we search
in vain for a landmark whereby to distinguish the spot in which we may find
ourselves from any other seen for miles around. This sameness very soon
T826, 827, 828]
PINE MEADOWS.
371
becomes tiresome, and in the spring season, the team goes splashing along, with
the wheels deep in mud, which fortunately is not very tough. One is much
tempted at times to leave the miry road and travel on what seems to be a solid
greensward; but the experiment is often dearly paid for, the false soil giving
way under the feet of the stock, bogging them up to their bellies where the
ground seemed most secure.
826. At long intervals, the uniformity of the landscape is broken by small
thickets of the Bay, skirting shallow depressions, through which the coffee-
colored waters of the region slowly make their way into larger channels, like
that of Little Bluff Creek. Here, where two very gradual slopes from the
surrounding plain meet, the waters have excavated deep, narrow channels,
which are, however, continually shifting in consequence of the accumulation of
sand in them. Fording these creeks during a wet season, is therefore often
dangerous, the more so as even an attentive observer is liable to be grossly
deceived as to the depth of the brown, but perfectly clear water. Where he
expects to find it ankle-deep, he will suddenly find himself immersed up to the
hips, and perhaps sinking in quicksands besides. The splendid trout which
inhabit these waters, will often seem to be within easy grasp, when the full
length of the arm falls short by several feet of reaching them.-Like the waters
of the flatwoods of N. E. Mississippi, these streams rise and fall very slowly,
and the traveler, when once water-bound, is likely to have his patience put to
the test.
Lower down, the water-courses are bordered by low hills, on which the Pine
grows larger than on the plain above, and the same improvement gradually
becomes sensible as we approach the Pascagoula River. The timber, however,
is very poor at best, and fit for little else than coal-burning; which is, I believe,
the chief use thus far made of it, especially nearer the coast, where tracts of
several sections are frequently found stripped of all their timber, for the sake of
coal.
827. So far as I have learned, the description just given of the
lands on Bluff Creek, applies with more or less accuracy to most
of the lands lying south of Red Creek and east of Biloxi River,
always excepting those lying within about to one mile of the
coast. The lands bordering on the water-courses (or Bayous, as
they are generally termed in the coast region), are usually of a
better quality and are cultivated profitably; their timber also, has
been of considerable value, but greatly reduced already by cutting,
so that it is rather the refuse, lank and thin which now occupies
these tracts. But so soon as we recede from the main stream, the
meadow lands set in, partly of the character of those south of
Big Bluff Creek, partly such as have been described as lying
between Big Bluff and Red Creek (T817 to 823).
828. But one specimen of the soils of this region has as yet been analyzed.
It was taken in T. 6, R. 7 W., a few miles south of Little Bluff Creek, in
"meadow" lands now used as pastures and timbered with the stunted pine
growth before described; the ground being covered with a dense turf of small
sedge-grasses, the smaller Cord-rush (Eriocaulon villosum), small Xyris, and
short-leaved Sundew (Drosera brevifolia). For about 12 inches, the soil is
uniform, of a gray color, very sandy; lower down, pale yellow sand, drenched
with water.
Depth: Twelve inches.
The soil, saturated with moisture at 71.2 deg. Fahr., lost 1.870 per cent. of
water at 400 deg.; dried at which temperature it consisted of:
372
[T829, 830, 831
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
Insoluble Matter (fine sand).
Potash.
Soda..
Lime...
Magnesia..
Brown Oxide of Manganese.
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina..
Phosphoric Acid.
•
Sulphuric Acid..
Organic Matter and Water..
•
.95.592
0.061
•
0.050
0.023
•
0.069
0.045
0.459
•
0.848
•
0.021
trace.
•
2.277
99.443
829. The soil, as might be expected, is very poor; no grain crop could be
grown on land like this, without stable-manure or its equivalent. But the
greater portion of any such manure would be thrown away on a soil so extremely
sandy, and having a subsoil of floating sands.
At least, this land can be of use only as pasture; and the question arises,
whether its present growth of sour grasses might not, with little expense, be
changed into one of sweet grass.
The brown colors of the waters draining from these lands, proves that the
soil is in an acid condition (406); the remedy for this property, as has been
stated (Agricultural Report, General Part ¶539, ff.) is lime or ashes. The former
substance would probably be most available, and in the present instance, it
would be best to use it in the freshly burnt state, and to sow it broadcast on
the surface, during a moderately wet season.
Ashes have been mentioned as an alternative, for the same purpose. The
effect of their application in the present instance, is well illustrated by the fact,
which is very apparent even to a superficial observer, that wherever the dead
grass has been burnt off (and consequently its ashes given to the soil), the Cord-
rush and Xyris have almost disappeared, while a soft, appetizing growth of good
grass now covers the ground. The effect of lime would probably be similar,
and more lasting.
830. Along the water courses, where the soil is heavier (sometimes,
probably, derived immediately from the potter's clays which underlie these
glades), and more productive, the application of lime as a corrective for the
sources of the soil, might enable the settler to raise a part at least of the vegeta-
ble necessaries of life. In dry seasons, the last mentioned soils crack open
and become very hard, not so much from any clay they may contain, as on
account of the sour, gelatinous condition of their vegetable matter.
This alse,
would, to a great extent, be corrected by the application of lime. It is said that
the raising of stock by pasturing in these regions, is a business somewhat
uncertain, on account of the variability of the winters; which sometimes, when
mild, allow the cattle plenty of pasturage through the year, but when severe,
by killing the grass, will starve out the stock, which cannot, of course, be profit-
ably supported on bought corn or hay.-At present, the making of hay on these
meadows would scarcely be practicable; but it could undoubtedly be done in
many of the burnt spots which I have seen; and thus the application of lime
might enable the stock raiser to make hay enough for the support of his cattle
during winter, in case of need.
831. As we approach within about a mile of the beach, the
Pine timber rapidly improves in quality; the same is the case
within about half a mile of Pascagoula river. The trees are
stouter, but not very tall; and mixed with the Long-leaf pine
there appears another species of pine, common all along the coast,
and forming almost exclusively the larger timber of the Islands of
T832, 833]
SHELL HOMMOCK PLANTS.
-
373
the Mississippi Sound. It is generally distinguished from the
Long-leaf pine, in being called "Pitch Pine", on account of the
extreme "fatness" of its wood. It is probably identical in species
with the common "Bottom Pine" (P. taeda), of South Mississippi.
Within a quarter to half mile from the beach we find other
timber mingling with the Pine, to-wit: Live Oak, and Spanish
("Red") Oak. A part of the land thus timbered, which extends
inland from the beach in strips and bands, has for its undergrowth
the Gallberry ("Prinos glaber); such constitute the "Gallberry
flats" of the coast, which are said to be very poor, and not to
produce without manure.
832. Nearer to the beach, we find the "sand hommocks" char-
acterized by a growth of the "Pitch Pine" (P. taeda?) together
with Live Oak (Quercus virens), Barrens Scrub Oak (Q. Catesbaei;
generally called " Black Jack" in Mississippi, as well as the Q. ferru-
ginea), and the narrow-leaved Black Jack (Q. cinerea—“ Upland
Willow Oak") and oftentimes some Magnolia. The soil of these
"sand hommocks" is generally very sandy, and will produce, but
for a few years, without manure; but in most cases the subsoil is
sufficiently compact to allow of permanent improvement.
833. Shell Hommocks.-The soil most esteemed all along the coast of Missis-
sippi, is that of the "Shell hommock," lying, in most cases, immediately contig-
uous to the beach, or at least, in such localities on the inlets and bayous as are
easily accessible by water. In these we find irregular heaps and sometimes
large masses of sea-shells-"shell banks"-often extending like ramparts, four
to seven feet high, along the shore. The shells are only of two species, viz:
the edible oyster now common on the coast, and the Gnathodon, popularly
known as the "clam-shell". The only other species occasionally, but rarely,
found accompanying the two above named, are the Balanus (Barnacle), and the
Mytilus hamatus, a small shell now usually found adhering to the shell of the
living oyster, like the barnacle. In clearing away these shell banks for the
purpose of burning lime, bits of pottery, Indian arrow-heads, and charcoal, are
frequently found among the shells; and the surface of the ground, when cleared
of the shells, is found to be on a level with that of the "sand-hommocks.”
There can be no doubt, therefore, that these shell banks are the incidental
work of human hands, and have been formed in consequence of the con-
sumption of the edible shells by the Indians. In fact, the only difference
between the soil of the sand hommock, and that of the “shell hommock”,
is such as would be expected in consequence of the pressure, and decay of
calcareous shells (¶851, ff.). The soil is of a dark tint, to the depth of six to
ten inches, but not, as a general thing, less sandy than that of the "sand hom-
mocks"; its subsoil also is apparently the same; and it bears the same growth
as the latter, with the addition of a number of lime-loving trees and shrubs.
The following plants are found on a spot from which a specimen of soil was
taken, on Mrs. McRae's land, at West Pascagoula : Live Oak, very prevalent;
Red Cedar, Bay Galls (Laurus carolinensis, in trees of unusual size); Magnolia;
Spanish ("Red") Oak (Q. falcata); Water Oak; Holly; some Dogwood; Sweet
Gum; "Pitch Pine"; Wild Plum; Iron-wood; French Mulberry; Prickly
Ash (Xanthoxylon Carolinianum); Hercules' Club (Aralia spinosa, commonly
termed "Prickly Ash" in the interior of Mississippi); a great many vines of the
Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia and cordifolia). Among the herbaceous plants
common on these "shell hommocks", one of the Sunflower tribe, with opposite
leaves (Actinomeris?—not seen in bloom), deserves attention; it is called by
374
[¶834, 835
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
the French Creoles, "l'herbe a trois quarts", and is considered as an indication
of an excellent soil.
The area occupied by the "shell hommocks" on the coast of
Mississippi, is on the whole quite limited. Usually, the "sand
hommocks" come up to the beach, forming a sandy bank from ten
to twenty feet high, which falls off rather abrubtly towards the
water's edge. It is only in a few places (as for instance, at the
Ocean Springs, and about six miles west of Shieldsboro wharf,
near Col. Claiborne's residence), that yellow brick clay or loam
forms the bank; generally, it is composed of gray sands of various
degrees of purity, down to low tide-water.
1
8
1
2
834. THE MARSHES.-It has been mentioned, that the "hom-
mocks" extend inland in narrow strips or bands. These are
usually from to mile in width, and are separated from one
another by small marshes formed by short water-courses which
empty immediately into the sea. There are, in fact, few water-
courses, large or small, which do not form a marsh at their mouth,
on the shore of Mississippi Sound. The Pascagoula, Tshula,
Cahawfa, Biloxi, Wolf, Jourdan and Pearl, form very extensive
marshes, the reclamation of which, for agricultural purposes, would
add considerably to the sum total of arable lands along the waste.
The small marshes just referred to, (which form the natural boun-
daries, as it were, between adjoining lots, usually occupied, each
one, by a residence) afford a good opportunity of studying the
several kinds of marsh soil. They differ, however, from the
marshes of the larger streams, in that their soil, of whatever kind,
is always very sandy; while in the larger marshes, such as those
of Wolf and Pearl rivers, we generally find near to the main
stream, quite a heavy soil. The cause of this difference is easily
explained. The short streamlets have their origin in the Sand
hommocks and Gallberry Flats, a short distance inland, and in the
whole of their course, find nothing but sand to carry with them;
while the larger streams, as we shall see hereafter, have to a great
extent cut their channels in strata of stiff gray clays, which under-
lie the superficial sands; and as a natural consequence, their delta-
deposits must be of a heavier nature.
835. Two kinds of marshes are most generally distinguished on the coast,
viz: 1. Those occupied chiefly by the "Cutting rush" (Jonc coupant of the
Creoles), a sedge-grass with a triangular stem, with formidably sharp, saw-
toothed leaves, which the visitor soon learns to hold in awe. 2. The Round
rush marsh, occupied mainly by a leafless, soft, pithy rush, with a round
("terete") stem (Scirpus sp.), and with it, we usually find the Marsh Milkweed
(Asclepias paupercula), and a large species of Arrowhood (Sagittaria lancifo-
lia). In both kinds of marsh, we frequently see stunted bushes of the Bay
Galls (Laurus carolinensis); and the Candleberry (Myrica carolinensis), is quite
at home in them. Stunted Pine, Cypress, Maple, Black Gum, etc., are some-
times scattered over the smaller marshes, especially those of the "Cutting Rush."
In the marshes of the latter character, it is oftentimes easy to push down a
pole to the distance of eight to ten feet below the surface. The soil is, in fact,
a semifluid, sometimes almost gelatinous, mass of black, fetid muck, which
acquires a certain degree of firmness through the maze of thickly matted roots,
¶836, 37, 838]
SEA-COAST MARSHES.
375
whch cover its surface to the depth of twelve to eighteen inches so that in
taking a specimen at that depth, we obtain little else than the "grass roots",
with a little muck adhering to them.
836. The Round-rush Marsh seems to differ from the other mainly in con-
taining a large amount of sand, which renders the soil quite firm and safe
to walk on. Whenever any considerable amount of sand is introduced into the
Cutting-rush Marsh, the sedge-grass disappears, and the Round-rush takes
possession of the ground. Of this I have seen numerous examples, but perhaps
the most striking in the case of a small marsh at Mr. Alfred Lewis' residence,
West Pascagoula. In order to test the agricultural value of the marsh soil, Mr.
Lewis had a portion of a "Jonc coupant "-marsh thrown up, so as to mingle the
muck with the underlying sandy soil. The experiment, as will be seen here-
after, was unsuccessful for the time being; but although the soil was left free
to itself, no more of the Cutting-rush has since made its appearance; while the
Round-rush is now rapidly taking possession of the spot. It appears, therefore,
that by the intermixture of sand or sandy soil with the fluid muck, we can
convert one kind of marsh into the other.
In the large River marshes, the two kinds of soil alternate in patches; and
there occurs, besides, a third kind, for the reclamation of which there can be
little hope.
It consists of sand, nearly white, impregnated with sea-salt, and
bears a growth of Samphire (Salicornia) and similar plants. Such soils are
notoriously hopeless, in an agricultural point of view.
837. Both kinds of soil, when freshly stirred up with the spade,
emit a powerful and very offensive odor; chiefly of sulphuret of
ammonium, with an admixture of other odors resulting from the
decay of vegetable matter, which nowise improve the quality of the
scent. A silver coin, immersed in the marsh, is blackened by the
sulphur in the course of a few minutes.
The great prevalence of these marshes, and the profusion in which this noxious
mixture is evolved wherever the soil is stirred, render it a matter of suprise to
the visitor, that the health of the coast region is generally excellent. We can
scarcely believe, that residences situated in the very edge of the great Pearl
River Marsh, surrounded by it on three sides, and overrun, at the proper season,
with legions of mosquitoes of all colors and sizes, should, nevertheless, be as
healthy, or even healthier, than the much praised “Piny hills” of upper Mis-
sissippi; yet such is indisputably the case. It has been suggested that the daily
flow of salt water over these marshy plains is the cause of the phenomenon
just referred to; and this explanation will suit well enough in the portions
contiguous to the shore. But at the mouths of rivers, the tidewater which
overflows the marsh, during a large part of the year, is scarcely brackish, and
the upper portions, which are equally healthy, receive only the back water of
the river itself. While, therefore, it is quite likely that the rise and fall of the
tides is in causal connection with the healthiness of the marshes, the effect can
hardly be ascribed to the antiseptic properties of the salt water; rather, perhaps,
to the daily ablutions of the surface which are performed by the ebb and flow
of the water.
838. Composition, and Reclamation of Marsh Soils. But two
analyses of Marsh Soils have as yet been completed; besides which,
a partial analysis of Marsh Muck has been made. The specimens
analyzed were selected with reference to obtaining fair samples of
the two extremes of soil occurring in the marshes, viz: 1st. The
sandy soil of the smaller marshes, and of those portions of the large
river marshes which lie at a distance from the main channel; and
2d. the heavier soil which is generally found near to the main
channel of the larger water courses.
376
[1830, 840, 841
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
839. No. 215. Soil thrown up about 3 feet deep, in a small "Cutting-rush
marsh, adjoining the premises of Alfred Lewis, Esq., West Pascagoula.
"".
This is one of the small marshes formed by branchlets heading in the
"meadows" or the "Gallberry flats" and "sand hommocks."
Vegetation consists of the "Jonc coupant", with scattered bushes of the
trees mentioned on p. 374.
Where the marsh is in its natural condition, a pole may be pushed down to
the distance of 8 to 10 feet. The portion in which the soil was thrown up adjoins
the beach, is of a dark gray tint when dry, almost black when wet, and to the
eye appears to be little else than a mixture of marsh muck with sand.
In attempting to cultivate this soil, Mr. Lewis found that both corn and rice
thrive finely up to a certain age, producing a large crop of leaves. When both
were about 15 inches high, the tops of the leaves began to turn yellow, and the
corn soon died out altogether; the rice "spindled up" into a weakly stem, some
of which even bloomed, but did not fructify.
Mr. Lewis further states, that the application of shell quicklime produced no
sensible difference in the result, during the season following its application.
The soil, after saturation with moisture at 71.6 deg. Fahr., lost 15.437 per
cent. of moisture, at 400 deg. The water obtained was somewhat acid, and
possessed a pungent, empyreumatic odor; but contained only traces of ammonia.
The soil, dried at the above temperature, consisted of:
Insoluble Sand and Silica..
Potash....
Soda..
Lime..
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina.
Phosphoric Acid..
Sulphuric Acid...
Organic Matter and Water.
.70.183
•
0.559
0.957
0.109
0.743
0.067
1.171
5.894
0.111
0.176
.19.826
99.796
840. No. 220. MARSH MUCK.-A partial analysis of the muck of the same
marsh, taken a short distance further inland, gave the following result :
Insoluble Matter (feathery silica).
Soluble Bases, Chlorine, etc..
Sulphuric Acid....
Organic Matter and Water.
25.225
8.421
0.347
66.070
100.000
The solution of the fixed ingredients of this material showed but a very
slight reaction of chlorine; proving that the sea-salt does not reach far inland,
and cannot, therefore, influence injuriously the growth of crops.
841. No. 241. Soil from the marsh of Pearl River, taken about 30 yards from
the river bank, near Mr. Brown's mill, 2 miles below Pearlington. Thrown up
from a ditch 3 feet deep.
This soil is very different in character from the other (T839). Near the bank
of the river, it is simply a bluish-gray, stiff clay, apparently with but little
vegetable matter; but further inland it becomes darker, and where the sample
was taken is black when moist, and becomes of a slate color when dry. It
contains very little sand, cuts with a shining surface, and is variegated with
irregular, dark-colored veins and specks, which on exposure to the air, become
yellow.
According to Mr. Brown's statement, this soil, when laid dry, (which is very
T842, 843]
ANALYSIS OF MARSH SOIL.
377
easy, as the firm clay soil forms staunch levees) is easily worked, and produces
fine vegetables, such as peas, beans, cabbage, etc., but is peculiarly adapted to
water-and musk-melons; none of these plants show any disposition to wither,
like those planted on Mr. Lewis' soil.-The soil of the small marsh at Pearling-
ton is similar to this. I was informed that immediately opposite the latter
place, an attempt was made, on a small scale, to grow rice. The crop was very
abundant, and of fine quality. The firm soil is reached about 12 inches below
the surface; down to that depth, there is nothing but a tangled maze of grass
roots. The marsh grasses, however, die very soon after the soil is drained, and
their roots decay rapidly.-The chief growth of this marsh along the banks of
the river and its bayous, is a tall rush with a round stem (Scirpus-differing in
species, apparently, from the "Jonc rond" of the smaller marshes), 6 to 10 feet
high; with an undergrowth of Arrowhead, Pickerel Weed (Pontederia), and
Lizard's Tail (Saururus). The "Cutting-rush" also occurs, but apparently in
the more elevated spots; and with it the Marsh Milk-weed (Asclepias paupe-
rcula). The only shrub to be seen on the green plain-(extending westward
in a dead level, as far as the eye can reach)—is the Myrtle (Myrica Carolinensis)
which grows to a hight of 8 to 14 feet; at intervals, a solitary bush of the Bay
(Magnolia glauca) is seen.
The soil, when left to dry slowly, in a lump, becomes of a stony hardness.
Being air-dried, it lost 7.940 per cent. of water at 400 deg. dried at which
temperature it consisted of:
Insoluble Matter...
Potash...
Soda...
Lime..
Magnesia.
Brown Oxide of Manganese
Peroxide of Iron..
Alumina.
Sulphuric Acid.
Phosphoric Acid.
Organic Matter and Water.
74.150
1.003
0.379
0.182
1.004
0.065
3.350
10.643
-0.858
0.188
8.390
100.212
842. There is not much, in the composition of the last soil, to distinguish it
from other heavy, fertile bottom soils. The large amount of Sulphuric Acid,
and the rather small amount of Lime for a soil of such resources, constitute
the main differences. Potash is present in about the same proportion as in
prairie soils; there is no unusual proportion of either Soda or Magnesia,
showing that the salt water exerts little influence over this soil. The supply of
Phosphoric Acid is not large, but it is adequate. The supply of vegetable matter
is not excessive, as is the case in the Pascagoula soil.
There are some essential anomalies, however, as to the manner in which some
of these ingredients are contained. A qualitative test shows the Sulphuric
Acid and Magnesia to be present in the state of Epsom Salt; the fresh solution
also contains some iron; and the vegetable matter (as usual in soils in which
vegetable matter decays in continual contact with water) is in an acid condition
(¶406).
843. It is attributable, no doubt, to the large amount of clay contained in this
soil, that these circumstances do not act as injuriously on the growth of crops,
as might be apprehended. Still, in taking this soil into cultivation, it will be
advisable to remedy these defects by the application of lime, either burnt or in the
form of calcareous marl. This will correct the acidity of the soil; it will
decompose the noxious Epsom salt, forming gypsum and common magnesia;
and it will supply the deficiency of the soil, in that important igredient-lime-
378
[T844, 845, 846
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
itself. But above all, the soil must be thoroughly drained (an operation which
at Mr. Brown's mill offered no difficulty, by the aid of a levee) and protected
from overflow, and then fallowed for a season, at least, after thorough tillage.
Soils very similar to this, occur in the marsh of the Bayou Delisle, and Wolf
River; also, probably, on the Bayou Bernard, and on Jourdan's River, both of
which traverse the same strata of heavy gray clays from which, no doubt, these
heavy marsh soils are derived.
I have not as yet ascertained, how far from the main stream this kind of soil
extends. On the Mulatto Bayou, near Col. Claiborne's and Maj. A. Jackson's
Sea Island Cotton plantations (T861), the soil of the marsh, in which the
& cutting " and the "round-rush" alternate, the soil is extremely sandy, so as
to resemble, in specimens taken near the landing, the soil of the "pine meadows".
There, also, salty spots, overgrown with samphire, are common. Situated as
this marsh is, on the verge of a very sandy hommock, this circumstance cannot
be surprising; it resembles, in fact, the Pascagoula marsh.
844. As for the latter, the analysis shows it to contain average amounts of
most of the ingredients of a good soil, but rather an excess of soda, and of
vegetable matter, in an acid condition, and likewise, quite a small amount of
lime. Here too, therefore, the application of lime is indicated. It is true that
in Mr. Lewis' experiment, the shell lime appeared to have no obvious effect;
but this is probably attributable to the lack of proper drainage, inasmuch as the
little island of thrown-up soil was surrounded by the undrained marsh, the
waters of which, percolating through the loose soil, would be likely to render
the lime ineffectual in a short time; and the want of proper aeration of the
soil and roots at the depth of a few inches, consequent upon imperfect drainage
would be likely to produce the effects noted. In all cases, drainage and fallow-
ing are the first conditions of the reclamation of a marsh soil and where drainage
is impracticable, in consequence of the low position, or too great permeability of
the soil, it is doubtful whether it can be applied to any better use, than the
improvement of the higher lands.-After the physical faults have been remedied,
the chemical defects are easily righted.
845. There can be no doubt, that the addition of clay to these
sandy marsh soils would be a great improvement, and ought to be
effected whenever practicable-as for instance, in the marsh near
the new residence of Maj. Jackson, where clay crops out on the
beach. Hauling of clay as an improvement to land, is in general
too expensive to be resorted to, but on the sca-coast land is so valua-
ble, that many modes of improvement can be made to" pay", which
would be impracticable elsewhere. There is not in the marsh
soils analyzed, any large amount of phosphoric acid; so that the
application of super-phosphate of lime, ground bones, or Columbian
guano, would probably prove beneficial.
846. As to the best source from which to obtain the lime
necessary in the reclamation of the marshes, it may be observed,
that the shell banks of the coast may supply the demand for some-
time to come. But when these are exhausted, it is to be hoped
that the rich marl beds of Pearl and Pascagoula Rivers, and not
the limestone quarries of Maine, will be resorted to. It were
strange indeed, if a tract of country situated at the mouth of two
rivers navigable during a large part of the year, and traversing
the richest marl beds of the State, should fail to avail itself of
these natural advantages.
Calcareous marls, as has been stated in the Geological Report, are found as
1847, 848, 849] FOSSIL SHELLS NEAR THE SEA-COAST.
379
low down as N. Marion, on Pearl River. These, however, might not bear
transportation to any great distance, being rather poor in lime as compared with
the marls cropping out on Pearl River below Jackson; e. g., at Byram Station,
or Cook's ferry. These marls, when burnt, would be far preferable to Northern
lime, for the improvement of lands; for the analyses show that besides the lime,
they contain notable amounts of other useful ingredients. The same is true of
the marls of the Chickasawhay River, in N. Wayne county; and I have little
doubt, that whenever these marls shall become properly known and appreciated,
they will call into life a regular system of shipment during the proper season.
What would be too expensive for any one to undertake, single-handed, at the
present time, will assume a very different aspect when once the channel has
been opened and the path marked out. We may then hope that the lands of
the Pascagoula and lower Pearl will no longer be neglected; and that the ex-
tensive plains now covered with marsh rushes, will be made to bear lucrative
crops of Sea Island Cotton, or at least, Rice.
847. It has already been stated (in the Geological Report, (¶ ), that deposits
of fossil shells have been found to exist on the Bayou Bernard, and on Wolf
River; and have been struck in wells at West Pascagoula and on the Habolo-
chitto, in Hancock county.-There can be little doubt therefore, that such
deposits underlie a notable portion of the sea-coast counties; and if a more
special Survey should show them to exist within convenient reach, they may
prove highly valuable to the agriculturist of the coast. The calcareous clay in
which these shells are found imbedded, would of itself be a great improvement
to the sandy marsh soils and hommocks; and in places where, as at Pass
Christian, the gray clays are found at a moderate depth (8 to 10 feet) they might
be made to serve for the improvement of the gardens, which at the present
time will not produce a number of vegetables, for which there would be an
excellent market on the spot. It is always advisable, however, before applying
these clays to the soils, to allow them to "cure" or disintegrate in the air for
sometime. They sometimes contain iron pyrites, copperas, etc., which are
noxious to plants, but are destroyed by exposure to the atmosphere, especially
if some burnt lime be added to the pile. In composting manure, they might be
made very serviceable, inasmuch as the manure does not require transportation
to any great distance.
848. In traveling from West Pascagoula to Ocean Springs, we
pass almost entirely through wet Pine Meadows of the character
heretofore described. Occasionally, where a stouter growth of
pine occurs, coal-burning is carried on, on a considerable scale.
Approaching Ocean Springs, the soil changes; instead of the
usual yellow sand, the subsoil consists of a pale yellow loam which
also forms the bank at the beach. The growth likewise, differs
from that of the "sand hommocks"; oaks are very scarce, and the
"pitch pine" prevails almost exclusively, near to the beach.
Bellefontaine Island, which forms the promontory between Biloxi and Pasca-
goula Bays, possesses considerable tracts of very fertile hommocks, and several
plantations are situated on it. I have not, however, visited the region as yet.
Fine "shell hommocks" are also found at the upper portion ("Back Bay ") of
Biloxi Bay; with these, also, I am not as yet personally acquainted, having
passed from Ocean Springs to Mississippi City (Tegarden's) by water.
849. Between Biloxi Bay and Bay St. Louis, the pine meadow lands do not,
as a general thing, approach so closely to the beach as is the case further E.
Between the two, there intervenes a tract of level pine woods, the soil of which
is very sandy, and the undergrowth intermediate in character between that of
the Meadow" and the "Pine Hills". The soil of the sea-shore hommocks
also is extremely sandy; close to the beach, the "pitch pine" invariably prevails,
380
[T850, 851, 852
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
together with the Live Oak, while a little further inland, on the elevations, we
find the Long-leaf Pine, and in the wet, flat depressions or "hollows inter-
vening between them, there is a growth of Bay, Black Gum, Water, Willow, and
Live Oaks, some Hickory and Magnolia. In these depressions, the soil, and
especially the subsoil, is somewhat heavier than on the ridges, and the land,
when drained, does very well for 5 to 6 years, but then becomes exhausted.
850. Improvement of the Sand Hommocks.-Lands as sandy as
these cannot under any circumstances be expected to be productive
for any considerable length of time, without manure of the most
comprehensive kind; for the soil is naturally poor in everything
but sand, though what there is in them of nutritive ingredients
appears to be in a very available condition. Hence such manures
as guano or ammoniated guano are thrown away on them; they
do not require stimulants, but nutritive matters; and what is very
important, they require to be corrected, first of all, with reference
to their relations to moisture. Thorough draining of the level
lands is the first necessity; after this is done, it would be best to
allow them a season's fallowing, after thorough tillage, inasmuch
as they are usually bluish at first (from the presence of protoxide
of iron-T383¹). Wherever there is a clayey subsoil of some
thickness, the tillage ought to be as deep as practicable; but care
must be taken in this case, that there be some clay subsoil left
between the tilled layer and the yellow sands which generally
underlie; for if the plow were to penetrate to these, the land
would be rendered incapable of improvement, as all the manure
which could be applied would sink beyond the reach of plants in
a short time (T510).
The high market value of the sea-shore lands might render it
practicable in not a few cases, to improve the soil by hauling on it
clays occurring in the neighborhood. Each one must, however,
judge for himself as to the practicability, in his own particular
case, of this mode of improvement, which is generally too expensive
to be practiced on the large scale.
851. Origin of the Shell Hommock Soil.--The mode of improve-
ment most practicable at the present time is probably that of the
joint application of lime and vegetable matter to the soil. This
is precisely what has been done by nature, assisted by the Indians,
in the case of the "hommocks".
All of these were at one time, undoubtedly, "sand hommocks ". The action
of the lime of the shells at first induced a more vigorous vegetation; the latter,
when dead, was rapidly decomposed by the action of the lime, and the healthy
humus thus formed, prevented the return of the nutritive matters of the plants
to depths beyond the reach of the roots. Every year's growth thus deposited
on the surface an additional supply of nutritive ingredients, which the roots,
penetrating to great depths in the loose soil, had brought up from below; and
thus finally we have had a soil formed, which is essentially a mixture of sand
and humus, with but very little clay. It contains the accumulated wealth of
many years vegetation, to which is added the lime, phosphoric acid, and animal
matter of the shells.
852. If, therefore, we would effect a similar transition of the present "sand
hommocks", we must imitate what nature has done, as nearly as we can.
T853, 854, 855] IMPROVEMENT OF COAST HOMMOCKS.
381
Shell lime alone, applied to the sandy soil, might increase its productiveness for
a short time, but would kill it very soon (as guano is known to do), if the crops
were removed from the soil.—We must add vegetable matter at the same time
with lime; and that vegetable matter ought to be in a considerably advanced
state of decay.
In clay soils, which are very retentive of moisture (1378), undecayed vege-
table matter, when brought into the soil in company with lime, will very soon
decompose. But in sandy soils, which are subject to continual, abrupt changes
from wet to dry and vice versa, the decay is exceedingly slow; and besides, the
presence of much undecayed straw, leaves, etc., is liable to increase the "open-
ness of the light soil to an injurious extent. Vegetable matter ought always,
therefore, to be well "rotted" in the compost or manure pile, before being applied
to soils of this kind. (In reference to this subject, see ¶790, ff.).
853. Marsh Muck as a Fertilizer.-There is a source of vegetable matter
already decayed, very generally available on the Coast--viz: the Muck of the
marshes, especially those occupied by the "Jonc coupant " (T835, 840). It is
doubtful whether this muck, if applied to the hommocks by itself, in its naturally
acid condition, would be much of an improvement, although (as the analysis of
Mr. Lewis' Marsh soil shows) it is rich in the nutritive ingredients of plants.
But when applied conjointly with a due proportion of lime (shell lime or any
other), it would undoubtedly form a highly valuable addition to the soil (¶442),
and improve it permanently by correcting its defects in relation to the retention
of moisture and manure.
It would probably be found most convenient in practice to mix the muck with
a certain (not excessive) proportion of lime when freshly thrown out; leaving it
afterwards to lose the greater part of its water, to diminish the cost of hauling,
before applying it to the land. More lime may then be added by _sowing it
broad-cast, after the muck is turned under. If too much lime were added while
the muck is in a moist condition, by itself, a portion of the valuable ammonia it
contains might be driven off and lost.
854. Plaster (T436), would not probably answer very well in the place of
lime; but in most cases, an admixture of this substance, when lime is chiefly
used, would be highly advantageous. Ground bones, super-phosphate of lime,
and “ Columbian Guano" (¶432), would be very useful in conjunction with the
muck; and in most cases, by themselves alone also, though not to the same
extent.-All kinds of ashes will be especially beneficial when mixed with the
Muck.
Pine straw is oftentimes a valuable fertilizer, where muck is not. It ought
to be well rotted before application. (In regard to its use, composition, etc., see
T790, ff).
855. In the sandy soils of the "hommocks", as well as in those of the inland
Meadows (T821, 824), there are sometimes "clay ridges". Athough termed
ridges, they are not necessarily elevated above the general level of the sandy lands;
perhaps in the majority of instances, this is, however, the case; so much so that
any unusual elevation of the ground, away from the shore, is rather indicative of
a clay subsoil. These "ridges" do not seem to conform very sensibly to the
direction of the present drainage of the country. Thus, at Handsboro', we
find a heavy, orange-yellow clay forming the subsoil on a part of Mr. T. J.
Humphries' land, at an average depth of 12 inches; the surface soil being quite
light and sandy, so as to allow of an undergrowth of gallberry and dwarf
palmetto, while the timber is formed by Long-leaf Pine, Sweet Gum and Black
Jack-the last two, as a general thing, denizens of a heavy soil.*
We have, in this instance, a striking example of the difference which may
*At least so far as the Black Jack is concerned-when its trunk is high and
its branches spreading; while a short trunk and small, bushy tops are character-
istic of a sandy soil.
382
AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [¶856, 857, 858, 859
occur in the indications of the timber as compared with the undergrowth; the
timber being indicative of clay soil, whereas the arable surface soil is really sandy.
The clay stratum is some 20 feet in thickness; as we go down, it gradually
becomes paler and mingled with bluish and white specks; it is underlaid by
white or blue sand.
856. This clay is found on both sides of the Bayou Bernard, for a short
distance, and its limits are pretty sharply defined. On an elevation 30 yards
from Mr. Humphries' house (where there is a well dug entirely in this clay, of
the depth above named, and without curbing) no clay is struck at 20 feet-all
sand. The soil is said not to produce well without manure; but it seems that
subsoiling has never yet been tried. At all events, such land is capable of fine
improvement.
Another example of a clay ridge approaching the coast, has already been.
mentioned as existing at Ocean Springs (1848). Others occur on or near the
"Back Bay", according to Dr. Tegarden. As a general thing, the clay ridges
become more frequent as we advance westward; and at the head of the inner
Bay St. Louis, a few miles inland, we strike a Pine Hill region, where the
greater portion of the lands have a good loam subsoil. Here the pines attain to
a good size, and a great deal of charcoal is made. Fine lumber is rafted down
Wolf River and Bayou Delisle, to Mr. Huddleston's mill, and others; and I
understand that the country between Wolf and Jourdan Rivers is generally of
the hilly character just mentioned, with but few meadow spots of considerable
extent.--At Mr. Huddleston's mill, too, we find a heavy clay subsoil, similar to
that at Humphries', above mentioned; here also, the surface soil, to the depth
of to 10 inches, is quite light and sandy. These clay lands extend about a
mile up the Bayou Delisle, from its mouth--into the Marsh of Wolf River. This
underclay makes fine brick--quite a desideratum in the coast region.
857. The singular outcrop on Wolf River, at Mr. I. Saucier's, S. 20, T. 7, R.
12 W., has been described in the Geological Report (1249). It is effectually, as
there stated, an ancient, now subterranean, Cypress swamp. As such its muck
or mud might be supposed to possess considerable fertility; it is, however, a
pretty stiff gray clay, which, from its aspect would not seem to be worth trans-
portation. Analysis, however, will decide this point.
Mr. H. Taylor, at Pass Christian, informed me that about twenty-two miles,
by water, above the mouth of Wolf, there is an outcrop of shells on the banks,
on both sides, I regret very much my inability to visit the locality at the time,
both on account of the geological interest attaching to such a deposit, and its
probable value for agricultural purposes. The deposit is probably of a character
similar to the small outcrop at Mr. Bell's, S. 16, T. 7, R. 11 W., on the Bayou
Bernard, which has also been described (1248); and shells have also been found
in a well at Habolochitto Bridge, by Col. Kimball. Altogether, it is highly prob-
able that clayey shell deposits of considerable extent exist in the middle portion
of Harrison and Hancock counties, which may prove of great value to the agri-
culturists of the coast.-The special survey of these counties will have to decide
the point.
858. On the Bayou Bernard (at Bell's), and in many other localities in the
hilly country, there are outcrops of white pipeclay and hardpan, belonging to
the Orange Sand formation (T70). They are here, as everywhere, almost abso-
lutely void of nutritive ingredients, and unfit for the improvement of soils—
except perhaps in a few cases, as purely mechanical manures. These clays are
readily distinguishable by their chalky touch; they are frequently (as at Bell's),
accompanied by variously colored sands, and red and yellow ochre. These,
with the Selenite or gypsum found at Dwyer's ferry (¶246), and the iron pyrites
in some of the gray clays, are the only minerals found, or likely to be found,
in the seacoast counties.
859. Pass Christian and Shieldsboro' (Bay St. Louis), are both situated on
Sand Hommocks, elevated from five to twelve feet above tide-water. In both,
1860, 861]
SHELL BANKS AND HOMMOCKS.
383
the beach is occupied by the "Pitch Pine" and Live Oak; and level pine woods
(of Long-leaf Pine), with wet spots characterized by the Pitcher-plant (Sarra-
cenia variolaris), and yellow star-grass (Aletris aurea) form the back ground
at no great distance. Such, also, is the aspect of the country passed over in
traveling from Shieldsboro' to the mouth of Pearl River, and to Pearlington.
Shell banks and hommocks (T833; 851), occur, to a large extent, on the
western shore of the inner Bay St. Louis, inland from Shieldsboro'. The shells
(chiefly the "clam", or Gnathodon) have been used in the improvement of the
(extremely sandy) streets at Pass Christian; and the "shell roads" thus made
are exceedingly pleasant to the traveler who has been obliged thus far, to jog
along at the rate of a mile and a half an hour, in the deep sand of the "hom-
mocks." I have not as yet personally visited these shell deposits.
-
Thereafter, we meet with no more shell banks or hommocks, up to the mouth
of Pearl River; there, on the Sea Island Cotton plantations of Col. Claiborne
and Maj. A. Jackson, we find several extensive deposits-the last, in this
direction, in the State of Mississippi.
+
860. An exception to the general character of the sand "hommocks" of this
region, occurs at Col. J. F. H. Claiborne's residence, at the extreme west end of
Shieldsboro', five miles from the Point. The hommock land on which Col.
Claiborne's residence is situated, resembles a good deal that of the Pascagoula
shell hommocks, although no shells are found there. The light, "mulatto"
colored soil scarcely changes for about ten inches from the surface; then its
color gradually becomes paler; the subsoil is very sandy, so that it is advisable
not to plow too deep (T510). At two and a half to three feet, there underlies
a yellow hardpan, which at times passes into a pretty heavy clay, which has
been used to advantage in making brick. It lies too deep to be reached by the
plow. The same material crops out on the beach, forming a steep bank some
five feet high. This is another of the "clay ridges" reaching down to the shore.
This hommock land produces corn finely---forty bushels to the acre-and is a
warm, generous soil, easily tilled. Its growth is mainly Sweet Gum and Mag-
nolia, with Oaks, viz: the Live Oak, Spanish (“ Red"), Water and Laurel-leaved
Oak; Pitch Pine, Hickory, "Cassina ", Stag-horn Sumach, Persimmon, Spanish
Mulberry, Wild Plum, and Grape vines. This growth, it will be observed, is
almost identical with that of the Pascagoula "Shell hommocks" (¶833), as
well as the river hommock at Dwyer's ferry (T819). Patches of hommock land
somewhat similar occur near the heads of Mulatto Bayou, e. g., at Maj. White's
plantation; it is, however, underlaid by stiff gray clay at about three feet.
Between Shieldsboro' and the mouth of Pearl River, the coast is mostly low,
and a great deal of it taken up with marshes, usually of the "Round Rush "
character.
861. THE SEA ISLAND COTTON PLANTATIONS.-The rich "hom-
mocks" which form the soil of these plantations, are situated at
the south-eastern border of the great Pearl River marsh on Mulatto
Bayou. They comprise, on the whole, an area of about acres,
and are bounded by the level pine woods on one side, and by the
marsh or the Bayou on the other, forming a belt one-third of a
mile on an average, and elevated six to ten feet above the marsh.
The soil is very light and easily worked, of a dark" mulatto "
color; its aspect does not vary sensibly for eighteen to twenty
inches, at which depth there underlies a pale yellow sand. It
bears a magnificent growth of Magnolia, the latter being almost
the predominant tree; next to it Sweet Gum, Bay, Live Oak,
Spanish ("Red"). White and Laurel-leaved Oaks; Ironwood, Sas-
safras, Hickory, and the Pitch or Bottom Pine, sparingly; French
384
[1862, 863, 864
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
Mulberry (Callicarpa americana), Hercules' Club (“ Prickly Ash”
Aralia spinosa), Muscadine and Summer-Grape. The Magnolias,
Oaks, Hickories, Gums, and especially the Pines, are very large
trees and thickly hung with long Moss.
The character of the soil, as well as that of the vegetation, is very similar to
that of the shell hommocks seen at West Pascagoula, but as a general thing, no
shells are found on their surface at present, save in two localities, viz: one about
three hundred yards long by ten wide, on the very banks of the Mulatto Bayou,
at the south end of the tract (on Maj. Andrew Jackson's plantation); and another
rather smaller one, further north, on Col. Claiborne's land.
862. Shell Deposits.-The former, which is about 10 feet high where it ad-
joins the Bayou, consists altogether of the "clam" shell or Gnathodon, and has
been largely drawn upon for the purpose of improving roads and streets at
New Orleans; and although there is but very little earthy matter mixed with
the shells, the cotton thrives finely on its very summit. The other shell bank,
on Col. Claiborne's plantation consists almost exclusively of oysters; it has been
greatly spread and leveled by cultivation, and much soil is mingled with the
shells. This shell deposit is at some distance from the present channel of
Mulatto Bayou, but it is on the verge of a broad, deep ravine, in which there is
but little water at present; but as it connects with the present bayou, there
can be little doubt that it was once a navigable channel. The position of this
shell-bank at a distance from the present channel does not therefore form a real
exception to the rule, that these banks are found in spots accessible by water.
863. Several branches in deep ravines flow through this hommock;
they are fed by springs yielding abundance of good drinkable
water throughout the year. Their temperature is not very low,
but they are not in the least brackish. The growth on their banks
differs very little from that of the "hommock ".
Most of the "hommock" land is now in cultivation, and when fresh, it yields
about—of Sea Island Cotton per acre. The mode of culture does not differ
materially from that usual with the common cotton; the chief difference is in
the preparation for market as the Sea Island staple requires to be ginned by
means of the roller gin—a much more troublesome process than that with the
saw gin. Moreover, it is not pressed into bales, but put up in long round bags,
by tramping with the feet. These bags are made to weigh from 250 to 350 lbs.
864. În passing from the Sea Island Cotton plantations towards Pearlington,
around the head of Mulatto Bayou, we find at first a country very much
resembling that between Shieldsboro' and the Plantations (859); after cross-
ing the Bayou, the soil becomes more clayey, but no better for all that; count-
less crawfish chimneys in all low regions, show the existence of an impervi-
ous clay stratum at no great depth-as in fact, proves to be the case at Maj.
White's; and at Pearlington (251), where the soil is moderately clayey and
productive, and bears a young growth of Oaks, which here spring up wherever
the Pine is cut down.
In traveling the "River road" from Pearlington northwards, we see, for the
first 3 or 4 miles, a level country timbered with tall, somewhat lank, Long-leaf
Pine, with only here and there a Post or Water Oak, and full of crawfish holes.
As we advance northward, however, and the country ascends, the soil improves,
especially near the river, where we find, near Napoleon or Pearltown, a hom-
mock elevated 15 to 20 feet above the river level, possessing a yellow loam
subsoil-a good brick-clay-2 to 3 feet thick, and a growth of stout Bottom
(Pitch) Pine, Post, Water, and White Oak, and of Willow Oak of tall, graceful
growth. This hommock, however, is only from 300 yards to ½ mile wide,
gradually increasing in width as we advance northward; and further inland
we find the level" Pine Woods”.—At Gainesville, the same condition of things
T865, 866, 867, 868, 869] WATERS OF THE COAST.
385
obtains; the bluff is higher; wells obtain freestone water at 20 to 25 feet, in
sand.
865. Northward of Gainesville, the level Pine Woods are sometimes inter-
spersed with tracts of undulating land possessing quite a heavy clay soil, on
which the Oaks sometimes preponderate over the Long-leaf Pine; it is said,
nevertheless, that the soil of the level Pine Woods is preferable to the former
on account of the great heaviness of the Oak soil, which is underlaid at about
three feet, by heavy gray potter's clay. In native fertility the Oak soil is doubt-
less superior, and judicious cultivation would, doubtless, render it the most
profitable (T808, ff.). But in all this region, cattle-raising, rafting timber, and
tar-burning, are the prevalent occupation of the inhabitants, and the soils have
scarcely been fairly tested. Col. Kimball, of Habolochitto, informs me, however,
that in both soils, the muck of the hollows and bottoms exercises a fine effect,
as also does pine straw-all of which, in the north-eastern portion of the
county, have been used on a large scale by some planters. The bottom of Pearl
River, in the whole of Hancock county, is almost entirely on the Louisiana
side (1703).
866. The heads of Jourdan's and Wolf River are in a level Pine country,
like that just described; but on the east fork of the Habolochitto, there are
some higher ridges.
The bottom of the Habolochitto is quite extensive, and, judging by its
growth, possesses a fertile soil; but is too often overflowed.
Northward of Habolochitto Bridge, we travel for about four miles in a level
Pine country, void of springs, which divides e waters of Pearl from those of
Habolochitto. Occasionally we still see, this tract, wet spots with the pecu-
liar flora of the Wet Meadows of the Coast (T821, 824, ff.). But beyond we
ascend into the Orange Sand ride which here skirt Pearl River (1780), and
take a final farewell of the flea and soils of the Seacoast.
867. WATERS OF THE COAST The geological phenomena of the Coast, as
far as observed, hay peen described in the Geological Report (¶247 to 251).
It has there been ated, that strata of compost blue or gray clay underlie, at no
great depth, the Coast region; and it is well known that clays of a similar
character form the bottom of the sea at no great distance from the land, where
the beach sands cease. Wells dug in the sand hommocks of the coast, strike
these clays at a depth from ten to twenty-five feet; but the water obtained in
them, is almost always mineral, and unfit for daily use. Doubtless the mineral
springs of Lynchburg or Ocean Springs, have their origin in the same strata.
Sometimes logs or stumps of Cypress or Pine are struck in these wells, buried
in the "black mud", which is frequently very fetid. In digging wells near the
coast, it would be well always to ascertain, by a preliminary bore, at what depth
the "black mud" underlies. A moderate supply of good drinkable water is
frequently obtained a few feet above the clay stratum; at Pass Christian, for
instance, at a depth of from eight to ten feet; but every attempt to deepen
these wells, so as to increase the volume of water, is liable to result in the
entire loss of the well, so soon as the "black mud" is reached.
•
868. It appears, from observations made both on the Coast and on the islands
of the Sound, that the water of the latter is rendered almost fresh by filtration
through the beach sands, which contain more clayey and vegetable matter than
one would give them credit for. It is therefore better, in general (if cisterns be
not used), to rest satisfied with shallow wells, and have several of them, than
to risk spoiling the water by undue deepening.
869. In the few deep wells which have been dug along the Coast,
not an inconsiderable rise has been observed in the water obtained
at greater depths, beneath the uppermost clay stratum. Thus, in
a well forty feet deep, at the residence of Mrs. McRae, West Pas-
cagoula (T250), the stream of water last struck rose fifteen feet.
R-25
386
[¶870, 871, 872
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
So near the beach, one might suppose that the sea-water had some
part in effecting this rise; but the Coast-Survey soundings show
the existence of the impervious clay stratum at the sea-bottom, all
along this coast; besides, the mineral water of Mrs. McRae's well
is very different in composition from sea-water. It is not impossi-
ble, therefore, that artesian wells, most likely yielding mineral
water, might be obtained on the sea-coast at the proper (not very
great) depth.
The character of the strata renders boring easy, and it might be well worth
the while of some of our enterprising dispensers of sea-shore air to refugees
from the cities, to try the experiment. Artesian fountains would certainly be
a great addition to the beauty and attractions of the rural palaces of Pascagoula,
Mississippi City, Pass Christian, and Bay St. Louis.
870. The character of the mineral waters of the Coast is generally that of
saline chalybeates, with more or less sulphuretted hydrogen, and some carbonic
acid. The iron exists in them, partly in the state of sulphate (copperas), partly
as the carbonate. Chloride of Sodium (common salt), Chloride of Magnesium,
and Chloride of Calcium, are present in all that I have examined; to these is
sometimes added (e.g., in Mrs. McRae's well-water, and that of a mineral spring
on the land of Mr. Alfred Lewis, West Pascagoula), Sulphate of Soda, or Glau-
berls salt. Few are entirely free from sulphuretted hydrogen; some (e. g., one
of the Ocean Springs waters), are strong sulphur waters. In many cases,
however, the taste of decaying vegable matter (the smell of the "black mud”),
predominates over all the rest. Such the case with the waters dripping from
the gray and black clay bluffs containg cypis trunks, on Wolf River (249),
and, according to report from others, in the welk Jug near the Bayou Bernard,
in Mr. Bell's neighborhood, six to ten miles above hdsboro' (¶248.)
871. THE ISLANDS.-Ship Island is the only one of the islands
of Mississippi Sound, which I have personally vised; it is said,
however, to be a pretty fair specimen of all the rest with the
exception of the Chandeleur Group, which are said to be different
in character, and quite productive.
At the East End of Ship Island, we find a bar of white sand, about a mile
and a half long by 14 wide, little elevated above tide-water; storm tides always
sweep over it, and hence it is strewn with sea-shells. It bears no vegetation
save a few tufts of grass, and small patches of a species of Stone-crop.
Further west, the ground becomes more elevated, and the "Pitch pine"
appears, with an undergrowth of Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minimus), stunted
Live Oak, and three or four kinds of undershrubs, not found in bloom. The
Prickly Pear, also, is occasionally seen. Such is the growth on the ridges, which
rise 10 to 25 feet above tide level; between these extend small marshes, mostly
covered with the Round-rush; their water is very brackish. The soil is scarcely
anything but a white sand, without any coherence, save where it is matted
with roots.
At the West End, near the fort and light-house, vegetation is somewhat
better; the grass (chiefly Panicum and Paspalum) sufficient to sustain a number
of cows, the milk of which is of excellent quality. With the aid of manure, the
light-house keeper has raised good vegetables in his garden; which is a great
deal more than these white sand ridges promise at first sight. Water is readily
obtained in the level spots by digging a few feet, or sinking a barrel; it is so
nearly fresh, even within 30 yards of the beach, that those accustomed to its
use, do not seem to notice the slight brackishness which is apparent to the
visitor.-The pines average 35 to 45 feet in height, and are about 6 inches in
thickness.
872. Such appears to be, with little variation, the character of


1873, 874] GULF AND SHIP ISLAND RAIL ROAD.
387
all the islands of this group.
point of fertility, as there is a plantation on it-respecting which
I could not, however, learn any particulars. The “ Spit ", a
white sand-hill on Cat Island, sixty feet in hight, is a land mark,
and the only one, on this coast.
Cat Island is probably the best in
The shape and extent of the sandbars connected with these
islands, is, of course, somewhat variable, since storm-tides will
sometimes sweep away some and enlarge others; yet the channels
for navigation are on the whole subject to but little change.
It is asserted by pilots that the narrow neck of land which connects the East
End of Ship Island with the West End, has within their recollection been
broken through by the sea, so as to allow small craft to pass through the break;
but has subsequently been closed up again.
873. In consequence of the irregular configuration of the sea-
bottom (as exhibited in the soundings of the Coast Survey charts)
and the diversions caused by the islands, the tides of Mississippi
Sound are very perplexing to the novice. The increase of depth
from the shore seaward, is so gradual, that wharves of great
length are necessary to accomodate the shipping.
Thus the wharf at Dr. Tegarden's Hotel, Mississippi City, is about two-thirds
of a mile in length, and that of Barnes' Hotel nearly three-quarters; which
allows of sufficient depth of water for the New Orleans Steamers, even at low
tide. Hundreds of smaller wharves have been built, all along the coast, in
front of private residences.
The extensive oyster banks of Mississippi Sound are well and
widely known and appreciated; the bivalve is of superior quality.
The great number and variety of excellent fish found in the same
waters, will scarcely fail to satisfy the most fastidious taste.
874. I have been somewhat minute in the description of the
general character of the Coast region, because it is less known to
the majority of the people of Mississippi, than any other portion
of the State; in consequence, no doubt, of the difficulty of inter-
communication at present existing. Although abstractly aware of
the fact that Mississippi possesses a share in the shores and waters
of the Gulf, it has not, until recently, entered to any great extent
into the calculations of the people at large. Yet the most casual
observer, so soon as personal inspection shall have made him
conscious of the reality, cannot fail to be impressed with the
immense importance of opening a highway through which Missis-
sippi may communicate, over her own soil, with a portion of her
territory which possesses both a harbor commensurate with the
magnitude of her commercial interests, and a climate not only
healthful and pleasant, but capable, moreover, of producing many
388
[T874
AGRICULTURAL REPORT.
of the choicest fruits, of the tropics as well as of the temperate
zone.*
Along with the cotton bales of North and Central Mississippi,
the lumber and turpentine of the vast Pine forests of the South
would find their way through this channel, to the great highway
of nations. Nor would the ample grazing grounds which separate
these forests from the Coast long remain without a landmark to
guide the traveller. May the day not be far distant, when one
uninterrupted band of iron shall link together the wheat and
cotton fields of Tennessee, and the Live Oak and Orange groves of
the Coast of Mississippi.
*Through the courtesy of Mr. B. H. Green, the Chief Engineer, I have been
placed in possession, both of the new location of the Gulf and Ship Island R.
R., which will be found on the map, and of the results of the levelings on the
route, which for lack of space are reserved for a subsequent Report.
APPENDIX A.
MARLS. LIMESTONES.
ETC.
MARLS.
LIMESTONES.
CLAYS.
CLARKE CO. HINDS COUNTY.
Garland's
Vicksburg. Dr. Quin's.
Shongalo. Barnes'.
Creek. Jackson. Byram.
WARREN CO. RANKIN Co. CARROLL CO. MARION COUNTY. FRANKLIN Co. Lowndes Co. TIPPAH COUNTY.!
Burnett's
Bluff.
Cassady.
Waverley.
Ripley. Wilhite's. Houston.
CHICKASAW Co.
Rotten Limestone,
Okalona.
PONTOTOC Co. RANKIN Co.
TISHOMINGO COUNTY.
ITAWAMBA Co.
SIMPSON Co.
Daggett.
Yosts' Furn.
Black Limestone,
Cypress Pond.
1
Hydraulic Limestone.
Eastport. Billings' Mill.
White Clay,
Clingscale. Astr. Earth, Stovall Pine Straw.
Insolr
·
•
Potas
46.881
1.717
37.400
12.908
20.967
13.074
55.705
77.438
83.691
49.475
88.702
62.441
78.410
35.750
10.903
8.374
2.029
1.680
35.281
54.201
90,877!
86.879
65.312
0.445
0.611
0.753
0.265
1.604:
0.709
0.827
1.242
0 204
0.730
0.702
0 681
0.248
0.359
0.348:
0.473
5.530
Sodn
0.465
C.208
0.179
0.283
0.031
0.045
0.101
0.268
0.152
0.190:
0.272
0.197
0.320
0.089
0.416
Lime
14.785
28.821
43.9321
37.543
46.2221
0.166
4 800
0.793
13.190
1 351
7.952
6.315
20.558
45.791
48.815
52.474
53.494
32.603
23.247
0.140
0.732
13.800
•
Magi
2.476
1.407
1.688
2.082
0.614
1.630
1.248
1.053
1.825
0.723
1.560
0.886
1.366
0.877
0.751
0.667
0.817
0.630
0.788
tracel
0.237
5.208
J •
•
•
Brow
le Mauganese
0.403
0.067
0.316
0.223
0.266
0.160
0.050
0.305
0.173
1.68 L
Perc
hon..
13.020)
2.989
4.394
5.538)
11.849
7.055
4.190
1.421
Alun
7.7518
5.133
2.696
4.722
2.722
34.347
6.449
8.347
12.587 $
5.598
5.865
5.888
9.475
1.9575
2.412}
1.5811
0.903
0.126
0141
2.125
0.580
4.548
1.914
1.064
2.2145
4.539

Phost
· Acid..
0.327
0.256
0.224
0.135
trace
trace
0.111
0.148
0.132
0.328
0.266
0.046
0.075
trace
1.13 E
Sulphi
Acid..
0.566.
1.206
0.058
trace
0.022
0.033
0.013
1.743.
0.077
1.885
0.891
M
(Pyrites)
}
(Pyrites)
Carbone Acid...
12.492
23.084
34.720
30.838
34.754
0.129
3.372
9.555
0.472
16.700
35.725
38.485
41.529
42.03
15.572
1.479
9.905
5.640
(c)
27.643
(KCL)
Organic Matter and Water
3.246
2.396
99.556 100.000 100.000
2.6571
100.000
2.050
7.012
2.664
5876
2.303
8.774
99 857
99.948
100 197
99.761
99.871
99.884 100.000 100.000
99.799
2.840
100.082
0.832
100.867
1.100
99.924
1.3490
99.940 100.000
3.752
100.000)
6.930
6.083
100.287:
99.864
100.000
SOILS AND SUBSOILS.
MARSHALL COUNTY.
CLAIBORNE COUNTY.
Classtore.
Soil.
Subsoil.
Soil.
Subsoil.
Loam.
!
Dr. Catchings,'
Subsoil.
Prairie
HINDS CO. MONROE CO. JASPER CO. HANCOCK COUNTY. JACKSON COUNTY. JACKSON Co.
Pontotoc Pearl River Pascagoula Marsh.
Underclay. Prairie Soil. Ridge Soil. Marsh Soil. Soil.
Pine Meadow
SMITH COUNTY.
Pine Hill,
PIKE COUNTY.
ASPER CO. PONTOTOC COUNTY.
Summit.
Logbed Prairie
Flatwoods.
RANKIN COUNTY.
Gypseous Prairie
Muck.
Soil.
Soil.
Subsoil.
Soil.
Subsoil.
Soil.
Soil-Haavy. Soil-Light.
Soil.
Underclay.
Insoluble Matter.
Potash..
83.347
83.993
$7.573
79.477
75.344
80 788
71 539
63.435
90.572
74.150
70.183
25.225
95.592
98.257
83.020
89.801
77.981
76.758
77.854
93.575
82.558
67.027
0549
0.700
0.458
0.741
0511
0 634
0542
0.796
1.096
1 C03
0559
0661
0.259
0.485
>
0.218
0.266
0.525
0.753
0.254
0.339
0.518
Soda..
Lime..
Magnesia..
0.082
0049
0.124
0.243
0.115
0185
0 280
0.127
0.423
0.375
0.957
+
0050
0065
0.001
0076
0.072
0.190
0.106
0.066
0.023
0.41
0.245
0 189
0.244
0.288
5.921
0.266
1.075
1815
0.178
0 182
0169
0.023
0.129
0.073
0034
0.152
0.424
+
0.178
0.082
0.432
5.695
0479
0579
0.545
0 820
3.278
1.029
0771
1.112
1.004
0.743
C.C69
0.180
0.519
0.206
0.352
0.674
•
0 831
0.175
0.513
1.283
Brown Oxide Manganese
4.798
0.332
0.205
0346
0.252
0.159
0.046
0.474
O C65
0.C67
8.358
0 045
0.146
0.153
0 0721
0.095
0.559
0.167
0.111
0.092
0.509
Peroxide Iron...
6.282
3.862
3231
5.635
3.272
4.927
5 419
6.996
2.060
3 950
1.171
0.459
1.251
4 145
2.402
5.456
4.121
5.899
1.445
3.084
4.3414
Alumina ...
6.282
7 720
4.842
8.8.19
2.823
8 940
13 253
15.895
3.555
10 643
5.894
0848
2.886
8.871
3.783
11.870
10.059
10.302
2.605
7.424
10.751
1
l'hosphoric Acid.
0 668
0 286
0.105
0.092
0.143
0.151
0 051
0 232
0 188
0.111
0.021
0.080
0.022
0.038
0.043
0.063
D
0.052
tracers
0.076
Sulphuric Acid..
0.002
0.054
0.028
trace
0.060
0.076
0.036
0.085
0.858
0.176
0.347
tracers:
0.024
0021
0.036
0.035
0.059
0.032
0.008
0.058
5.751
Carbonic Acid….
6.729
9 028
1018
Organic Matter and Water
4.195
2.716
3.073
3496
1.231
3.239
6.992
2.455
8.390
19.726
€6.070
2.277
2.330
3.117
3.446
3.2614
5.733
3.689
1.333
5.322
2.740
100.089
100.399
100.429:
100.038
99.779;
100.393
99 954
100.000
100 212
100.212
99 796.
100.000
99.443
99 997.
100.497
100.202
99 977
99.163
99.841.
99.653
99.911,
100.000
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX B.
389
CATALOGUE OF TOMBIGBEE GREEN SAND FOSSILS, BY DR. WM.
SPILLMAN, OF COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI.
Anomia tellinoides.
Lucina.
3 sp.
argentaria.
Nucula. ?
Ammonites carinatus. n. s. Tuo.
*Nucleolites.
lobatus.
"L
(C
nodosus.
แ
angulatus.
33
"
Baculites asper.
*Natica petrosa.
"
compressus.
"C arculus.
t labyrinthicus.
*Buccinum.
-2 sp.
Dentalium rugosum.
Cardita
Coprolites.
*Exogyra costata.
*Fusus.-
-3 sp.
*Gryphea incurva.
*Hamites torquatus.
*
circulus.
Inoceramus alveatus. n. s. Tou.
((
inflatus.
triangularis. "
"
Nautilus orbiculatus. n. s. Tuo.
angulatus.
Spillmani. (L
Ostrea ambigua.
*
*
*
plumosa.
cretacea.
falcata.
Pyrula trocheformis.
"C
CC
(l
tr
2 undetermined species.
Pinna-very large.
Pecten quinque costatus.
*
membranosus.
Placuna. -unknown.
Pholadomya occidentalis.
*Serpula.-2 sp.
*Trigonia thoracica.
Turritella vertebroides.
Terebratula Harlani.
แ
"
proximus.
16
"L
Teredo tibialis.
tr
biformis.
<<
calamus.
(C
*
scalaria.
barabei.
(L
((
Voluta Spillmani.
n. s. Tuo.
(*
.
2 undetermined species.
FOSSIL TEETH.
Saurocephalus lanciformis.
Corax appendiculatus.
Oxyrhina Mantelli.
Otodus appendiculatus.
Sphyruria.
Lamna.
Ptychodus Mortoni.
Enchodus cretaceous.
*Those so marked are common to the Tombigbee Green Sand and the Rotten
Limestone.
•
390
APPENDIX.
A
APPENDIX C.
EXPLORATION OF THE HYDRAULIC LIMESTONE DISTRICT OF
TISHOMINGO COUNTY, BY PROF. W. D. MOORE.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI, July 20, 1860.
DR. E. W. HILGARD-My Dear Sir :-According to promise, I left Oxford on
the 11th inst., for Tishomingo County, in order to verify or disprove your conjec-
ture, "that the Hydraulic Limestone would be found between Eastport and the
Tennessee line ", in other localities than those recorded in your field notes. I
reached Red Sulphur Springs-the "point d'appui" on the 12th, and though
very much wearied, spent the remainder of the day, in making myself familiar
with the aspect of the Limestone as it appears there, the form of the hills made
by it, its characteristic vegetation, and its relations to the Orange Sand. I found
the rock, on the road between "Red Sulphur" and the "Big Chaly beate" about
a mile from the former, and at the latter in a solid ledge twenty or thirty feet
thick, which runs along the little branch formed by the spring, for nearly half
a mile. About three hundred yards from the Red Sulphur, due east, a little
stream is crossed by the road; along this stream, to the Tennessee river (nearly
two miles), the rock appears in a continuous ledge, till at Winn's Ferry, it rises
in a cliff to the height of seventy feet; at this point, not more than a quarter
of a mile from the Tennessee River, specimens were taken from the base,
middle and top of the cliff. This examination settled in my mind the general
structure of the hills, along the course to be examined, and as all subsequent
investigations only served to confirm this conclusion I may as well state it at
once, viz: the road from Red Sulphur to Eastport runs along a ridge, the base
of which is the Hydraulic Limestone, overlying which is the angular chert,
itself covered by the ferruginous conglomerate; on this ridge so constructed
the loose sand and pebbles of the Orange Sand have been piled, borne against it
at some points with such violence as to have denuded the ridge of everything
except the Hydraulic Limestone, leaving your "bald hills" covered with their
peculiar vegetation, and at others with such velocity and force as to have passed
over the face of the cliff, forming immense deposits which hide the limestone
entirely; the streams, great or small, cutting through this ridge—as Yellow
Creek, Indian Creek, the little branch running down to Winn's landing, the one
flowing through Mrs. Brigg's place, and that through Mr. Moore's-emptying
into the Tennessee-all expose in their beds and banks the HydraulicLime-
stone. There is no exception to this.
On Friday morning, in company with Mr. Skipwith of N. Orleans, who has
a summer residence near "Red Sulphur," and to whose intelligent kindness I
am greatly indebted, I started to Eastport, his object being, to point out to me a
fine example of a "bald hill" about two miles south-east of the Red Sulphur
Springs, with the characteristic Red Haw, Stonewert and Prickly Pear; it is
simply the bluff of Yellow Creek, and on both sides of the stream, to its mouth,
there is a continued ledge of the rock as already observed by you. Crossing
Yellow Creek and passing Billing's Mill about two miles, I found a road run-
ning down to the river (Tennessee) and followed it, descending and passing over
the Orange Sand and loose pebbles-the ferruginous conglomerate-the shat-
tered angular chert-to Billing's Hollow, in which I found a pretty little stream,
running over the limestone for nearly two miles, to the river. I traveled along
the river bottom, clambering over the debris of the cliff and through all sorts of
obstructions for nearly two miles further and found the limestone again, in
great force, in the bed of a little stream, flowing through Mrs. Briggs' plantation.
At this point, further progress along the river seeming impossible, I ascended
the ridge once more and went on to Eastport, finding the limestone only once in
a "bald hill," on Mr. Moore's place.
Somewhat discouraged, I determined to go up the river, if compelled to walk,
believing that I had correctly made out the structure of the ridge, and that Í
APPENDIX.
391
should certainly find limestone all along the river from Eastport to "Red Sul-
phur"; fortunately in Eastport I found a guide and a very intelligent and
obliging one, in the person of Mr. Vance, who undertook to show me a path
along the face of the cliff and who fulfilled his engagement. Without weari-
some details I give you the result of subsequent explorations, in the following
specifications of localities, on a line along the Tennessee River from Eastport to
Winn's Landing. The limestone forms a continuous cliff from Eastport to the
limit of Mr. R. W. Brice's land
½ mile through Mr. J. Hill's land;
1/4
1/4
1/2
1
1/2
1/2
1/o
Mr. J. Welsh's "
Mr. Dan. Dexter's
Dr. Cochrane's land;
(C
"L
(l
tr
"L
Mr. Wm. Clement's land;
"L
'
LL
LL
re
CL
(C
แ
Mrs. Brigg's land;
Mr. Moore's land;
Mr. Busby's land;
Mr. J. Mar's land;
for the next three miles the limestone is covered by fallen chert, conglomerate
and pebbles of the Orange Sand, but can no doubt be easily reached and worked
-for the succeeding two miles, to Winn's Landing it appears repeatedly."
You have, therefore, a complete verification of your conjecture that the
limestone would be found between Eastport and "Red Snlphur." I need not
enlarge upon the importance to the immediate district, and to the whole State
of such an immense deposit of Hydraulic Limestone, sufficient to supply the
whole valley of the Mississippi with cement, for generations to come, which can
be easily worked, and from its vicinity to the Tennessee River, easily transported
to every part of the South and South-west.
Truly yours,
W. D. MOORE.
ERRATA.
The reader is requested to correct the following additional errata.
Page 76, middle of page, between "northeastward" and "further" insert a comma.
"L
188, beginning of ¶316, place the semicolon after "Sodium," the comma
after "Glauber's Salt."
"227, end of ¶432, after "guano" insert a parenthesis.
"245, end of T501, for "anghow," read "anyhow."
แ 265, second reference in ¶556, should be to ¶629.
"
277, end of ¶573, reference should be to ¶619, instead of ¶96.
283, tenth line from above, for "leveling" read "leveeing."
"287, twelfth line from below, for "dust" read "crust."
"289, second line from below, for "length" read "height."
"294, second line of ¶627, for "yellow lands" read "yellow loam lands."
"294, third line from below, for "muck" read "much."
"
295, middlle of page, for "subsoil fields" read "subsoiled fields."
"312, middle of page, for "Dr. Stalehane's" read "Dr. Stateham's."
313, tenth line of ¶675, for "bluff" read "buff.”
"317, first line of ¶687, for "UPLAND SOIL" read "UPLAND SUBSOIL."
"324, fourth line from above, for "specimens" read "species.”
"328, second line of T716, for "unfrequently" read "frequently."
"332, middle of page, a new paragraph begins at No. 298.
"333, eleventh line of ¶727, for "this" read "these."
"334, eighteenth line from below, for "effervescing" read "efflorescing."
"335, seventh line from below, for "visible" read “variable.”
"340, ff., for "Hatehushe" read "Hatchushe."
341, sixteenth line from below, for "occupying" read "accompanying."
"343, middle of page, for "Arehusa" read Archusa.
"348, 356, for "P. rigida" read "P. mitis.”
"349, first line of last paragraph, for "Brown Ledge" read "Broom Sedge."
"551, first line of the analysis, for "889" read “89.”
CC
"
353, thirteenth line from below, for "Pig Woods" read "Piny Woods."
353, ¶775, for "Bowie" read "Bouie.
353, 1776, for "Bowie White Sand" read "Bouie and White Sand."
356, ninth line from above, for "Tallahala” read "Tallahoma.”
"364, fourth line from above, for "S. W. Cato" read "S. W. of Cato."
364, seventh line from end of ¶802, for "Neglan's" read "Neylan's"
"366, fourth line from above, for "McCaun's" read "McCann's."
"366, middle of page, for "(P. mitis)” read “(P.
"372, fifth line of ¶829, for "least" read "best."
?)"
373, thirteenth line from below, for "pressure" read "presence."
“ 374, middle of page, for "waste” read “coast.”
380, second line from below, for "transition" read "transformation."
381, first line above, the word kill should be quoted, thus, "kill.”
381, sixteenth line from below, after "not" add "accessible."
"382, seventh line from above for "30" read "300.”
385, third line of 867, for "compost" read "compact."

33
34
Saline R.
Washita R!
35
92
91
GEOLOGICAL MAP
OF
MISSISSIPPI
BY
EUG.W.HILGARD.
State Geologist.
PREPARED BY
J. H. COLTON,
No 172, WILLIAM ST, NEW YORK.
MISSISSIPPI B
88
X
OTO
Flewellins
Ackahaly
LONGITUDE WEST 90 FROM GREENWICH.
MEMPHIS
German T. Wolf R.
Collierv
Moscow Sals
bury
89
CHARLESTON
HP
V
Black Stone
PANGES WEST North Pleasant
WILL VIL
Horn Lake
VI
Park Corn
at
Kay
Негранно
Pleasant Hill live Branch
Commence
Cold Water
MEN
PHI
Lq
Junction
Lamar
Pleasant
Ridge
Exhaliu Hudsonville
Wolf
kums Redanks
MARSHALL Satin
lolly Springs
Tutsvilloads Chatahoma Waterfor
Mista
Dry Runs
Tas
Cotton Plant
Sinatoby
Helena
Austin
Japo Pass
Kirahoma
Water
flomb
Myan Sutton
Mason J
Hickory Flat
College Hill
น
Friars
Point
COAHOMA
129
281
Oxford
Panola
Yoconay
Robin
ETTE
NewAlb
Rockyford
Shedgeville Pleasantly her fille
Sardis
Halifa kelgant M&Sylvat
PANOLA Miss Universi
Takahatchee
Pharsalia
Ryans
Ennemingsville Meincanton
Cherry Cr. (Olix and TAMBA
PONTOTO Corts will ulterountain
The
Pontotoy Chi
Harrishura'
GP
Locapota
Springdale
Yockeney M. Gesuchtely ex Dallas
Water Valley Sarepkon Redkend
Lemont
Br
Moting
Guin
Warblown
Tarville Ellison
Pocahontas S
Monterey
VIII
RANGES EAST
S
Hamburg
Farmington
Jacinto
Eastport
Kurns
E
Waterto
Luka sone
Ripler MatchT ESILAMINGO Bunard koost
20
Burton
Astrossew Warrenton
վառում
Mark
Chutnal
Bay Spring
Newport
RS
Florence
"Tuscumbia Leighton
almat Peak Bockti
Frankfort
Russellville
Newbury
Mllope
Burleson
A de Churubusco
Loungex Green for 35
Boats
Travelly Spy. Masmitte
Florence
iberty Hill only hate
Big Bear Cr
Thor's Hill
Pikeville
Eldridge 34
20
SCALE OF MILES.
10
20
30
40
50
aktand
Fine Valley osha Scorna
sam
25
Charleston
EXPLANATIONS
Rail Roads
Common Roads
Canals
State Capital
Cities
JACKSON
© NATCHEZ
County Towns Brandon
Villages P.O.&co Hopahka
Arkansas R
Concortil
Victoria
Coffeesille
There Hill
Markenpo
Marlian
24
HestonYLLABUSHA
Dak Grove
Houlka rende
THAT HEE
23
Napoleontiss
BOLIVAR
Bolivar
Surydigh
22
Yallobes R
Graysport Fallbusha
Big Creek
CALHOUN Houston
Pilsboro
R14
Grenada
Tapathar
Benela
G
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Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1855 by JIL Colton & Co.in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York
15
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