ON THE
\
SURVEYS,
undertaken with a view to the establishment op a
ix¿m »Ort»,
FROM THE COAL AND IRON MINES NEAR BLOSSBURG OR PETERS'S
CAMP TO THE STATE LINE AT LAWRENCEYILLE,
IN THE COUNTY OF TIOGA AND THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
AND
fHtneralogtCAl iicjiort
On the Coal Region in the Environs of Blossburg.
Br RICHARD C. TAYLOR,
_ I'
Engineer.
PHILADELPIHA.
PRINTED BY MIFFLIN & PARRY.
1833.
INDEX
TO THE ANNEXED REPORT.
Page.
Introductory Remarks and References .... 5
Mineral Resources of Tioga Valley around Blossburg ... 7
Diagram of the Geological position of the Coal Region - - 11
Argillaceous Iron Ore - - - - . .11
Bog Ore, Pipe Ore - ..... 13
Bituminous Coal - ......13
Coke -• - ..... 17
Limestone - - - .....18
Fire Clay - - - ... .19
Millstone Grit—Grindstones, Whetstones, &c. - - - 19
Table I. Comparative weights, specific gravity, and quantity per acre of
Coal and Iron Beds 20
Mineral Section XIII. East Creek described ... 21
XIV. Bear Creek - .... 22
XV. Coal Run ..... 23
XVI. Morris's Run ..... 25
XVII. Boon's Creek .... 26
XVIII. Johnson's Creek - - 27
XIX. Tioga Valley above Blossburg - 28
XX. Fellows's Creek ..... 29
XIX. Taylor's Creek .... 30
Selection of the Route for the proposed Rail Road ... 30
List and sizes of Bridges over the Tioga and the contiguous Creeks 31
Detailed Description of the East Route in miles ... 35
of Covington Deviation - ... 43
Willardsburg Deviation ... 43
Lawrenceville Deviation - ... 44
Western Route - ... 46
Table II. Analysis of East Route - .... 47
III. Deviation Routes - ... 48
IV. Western Route - - ... 49
V. Abstract or Synopsis of all the Routes ... 50
Estimated cost of Construction, Materials, &c. ... 51
Sources of Revenue—Coal, Iron, Lumber, &c. ... 54
Table VI. List of Saw Mills, Grist Mills, and Factories, using water power 55
\
CAt/M iK fnman ¿¿Si 'P i
REPORT.
To the Ci mmissioners of the Tioga Rail Road Company.
Gentlemen:—
Having received your instructions, through the
Hon. Samuel W. Morris, to proceed in the spring of the present
year, to make the necessary preliminary surveys and examinations
of Tioga Valley, for the purpose of ascertaining the most advisa¬
ble route for, and the approximate cost of constructing a rail road
from Blossburg, in Pennsylvania, to the state line, I commenced
that duty towards the end of April last, and have now the honour
to submit to you the result of that investigation, illustrated by the
accompanying drawings and documents, viz.
First.—MAP of the routes surveyed for the proposed rail road
in Tioga Valley; "from the coal and iron mines at or
near Peters's Camp," otherwise Blossburg, in Pennsyl¬
vania, to the state line at Lawrenceville; showing the
position of the mineral beds in all the contiguous valleys
around Blossburg; being a detailed survey, on a scale of
4 inches to the mile, of the entire area and subdivisions
of property comprised within Tioga Valley, south of the
state line, distinguishing the estates, defining the limits
of the low lands, the undulations of surface, and the lands
which were inundated by the spring freshet of 1832, and
pointing out the most favourable courses and most eligible
ground for a rail road. This survey has been subsequently
extended from 3i miles south of Blossburg, to 3à miles
beyond the state line, showing thirty-five miles of coun¬
try upon the map.
PROFILES.
No. I.—A Profile of the general course of the railway, on the
same longitudinal scale as the map, according to the
levels; adjusted, as much as is desirable, to the prevail¬
ing nature of the surface. 26 miles.
II.—Profile of Tioga Valley at Covington or Four Corners,
between the highlands on each side; the levels being
taken for that purpose along the course of the state road.
J of a mile.
III.—Profile of the valley at Mannsfield; the levels being
taken along the cross road. § of a mile.
IV.—Section across Tioga river, at the point suggested as an
appropriate site for a bridge, at 36 chains above Berry's
bridge, at Willardsbürg, i of a mile.
V.—Section across the valley from above Elliott's tavern,
through Samuel Hartsoch's marshes, showing the eleva¬
tion of the land on each side of the river, as compared
2
6
with that of the freshets and of common low water. 1 of
a mile.
VI.—Cross Section opposite Elliott's bend: designed to show
the height of flood waters in the valley, and the extent
of embankment necessary to avoid them, è mile.
VII.—Profile of Tioga valley, at i of a mile above H. Bulie's
saw mill. 1 mile.
VIII.—Profile of Tioga Valley, and extending up Cowanesque
valley; showing its appearance at the time of the freshet,
and marking the respective elevations of high water,
common low water in the month of May, and the gene¬
ral surface of the land, through Lawrenceville, in the di¬
rection of Cowanesque road, from Kilburn's dam. 1#
miles.
IX.—Profile of the valley at Lawrenceville, for similar pur¬
poses, in the parallel of the old bridge, now destroyed,
i mile.
X.—Cross Section or Profile of the valley, at 33 chains
south of the old bridge, at Lawrenceville, showing the
height of the inundation in the spring of the present year,
1832. 1 mile.
XI Section or Profile of the ground explored through the
flat north-east of Covington, to determine the eligibility
of placing the rail road in that direction. 4 miles.
XII.—Profile of the ground surveyed for the site of the rail
road, on the eastern side of the river opposite Lawrence¬
ville. 4 miles.
Mineral Sections, in the valleys near Blossburg.
XIII.—1st. Section showing the position and thickness of the
respective beds of coal, iron, fire-clay, sand-stone, slate,
shale, and other strata in East Creek, near Blossburg,
so far as the existing circumstances will admit of their
investigation. 2 miles north-east of Blossburg, 6S0 feet
vertical.
XIV. 2d. Section of Bear Creek, with such of the mineral
strata therein, as can at present be ascertained. 1 mile
north of Blossburg, S20 feet vertical.
XV.—3d. Geological Section of Coal Run, near Blossburg,
from the summit of Coal Hill, down to the Tioga, near
the furnace. 425 feet vertical.
XVI.—7th. Vertical Section of Boon's Creek. 2 miles west of
Blossburg, about 377 feet.
XVII.—4th. Mineral Section of Morris's Run, extending to four
miles north from Blossburg. 600 feet vertical.
XVIII.—8th. Section of Johnson's Creek, so far as the minerals
appear to extend, about 300 feet by estimation. 5 miles
south-west of Blossburg.
XIX.—5th. Mineral Section of the Tioga Valley, extending
east from Blossburg about eight miles. 304 feet.
XX.—8th. Mineral Section of Fellows's Creek, extending 74
miles north-east from Blossburg. 650 feet.
7
Conceiving that the prosperity of the proposed undertaking
must, at art times, mainly depend upon the amount and quality of
the mineral resources of the district around Blossburg, where the
rail road will commence; and that without a satisfactory case could
be made out, in the first instance, of the presence, to an adequate
extent, of the chief articles contemplated for heavy transport, the
project could scarcely be admitted to be prudential as regards the
interests of stockholders, I deem it a primary object to commence
with the mineral survey, and shall proceed to place my report on
that important department of my professional duty at once before
you.
Mineral Resources of Tioga Valley in the vicinity of
Blossburg.
It has been premised that it was considered indispensable, at an
early stage of the present investigation, to ascertain the real extent
and magnitude of those deposites whence the materials are to be
derived to meet the probable demand and to maintain a sufficient
revenue for the rail road. To these points therefore we have to
direct our attention, and I trust, when the documents and illustra¬
tions connected with the subject are duly considered, you will be
of opinion that the result of the enquiry is sufficiently satisfactory.
In taking a general view of this district it will be seen that the
valley of Blossburg forms a kind of central point or area, from
whence diverge, irregularly, a number of smaller valleys or deep
ravines. All these valleys, to the number of twelve, rise with a
rapid inclination above the level of this area, until they intersect
the mineral strata of the surrounding mountains, at elevations, be¬
tween the lowest and the highest, of from 200 to more than 380
feet, the prevailing elevation of the summits or table lands being
500 or 600 feet above Blossburg bridge. Coal and iron ore of
different qualities prevail extensively, and when thus intersected
by deep ravines, occur under the most favourable known circum¬
stances for mining and for transmission upon rail roads. The ap¬
proaches and position of most of these sites were surveyed for the
purpose of exhibiting, upon the general map, their connection with
the Tioga valley and the main route of the proposed rail road.
Eight sections of the mineral beds and the intervening strata have
been drawn in detail, and the respective levels of some of the coal
beds, for the purpose of establishing their identity and horizon-
tality, have been taken to as great an extent as the time allotted to
that object would permit. For the elucidation, more particularly,
of these points, about twenty-five miles of the surrounding ravines
were surveyed and explored; 4000 feet of levelling, through the
woods, were also taken; and the area immediately around Bloss¬
burg, comprehending a circle about five miles in diameter, was
examined in almost every point.
It would be difficult to define the exact or the extreme limits of
this mineral district, but it will suffice, as regards the purpose of
individual enterprise, and the specific objects of this enterprise, if
8
we can show, as I trust can be unquestionably done, tbat there
exists, accessible to mining operations, a supply of the^e minerals
beyond the limits comprised within the most enlarged objects of
the undertaking.
Almost every valley to which we have referred is capable of
maintaining its separate branch rail road, and of conveying its con¬
tribution of these important products to the principal line.
The series of mineral strata are estimated to be crossed by the
Tioga river at from 5 to S miles east from Blossburg. The ex¬
amination has been thus far pursued, and traces of minerals are
discernible throughout that distance; but as the river passes through
gravelly alluvial bottoms, where the banks are not washed or ex¬
posed, their examination was left in an incomplete state. The
whole inclination is perfectly practicable for rail road purposes,
whenever it should be thought necessary to locate one down the
valley, as may be seen in section 5th.
At the forks near Fishing Camp, about five miles up the Tioga,
this river is joined by Fe'iow's creek, which traverses another
section of this district fron the north-east, as shown by section 6th.
The upper part of this ravine is crossed by three falls, in succes¬
sion, descending about one hundred feet. Below them are nu¬
merous indications n the proximity of coal and iron, but the banks
are too much obscured by alluvial deposites to exhibit the precise
sites of the minpral beds on a single examination. Several smaller
ravines descending into this branch, and into Morriss's Run, con¬
tain traces or coal.
On the east side of the Tioga, nearer Blossburg, are the four
principal1 ravines of East Creek, Bear Creek, Coal Run, and Mor¬
riss's Run, as shown in the detailed sections herewith appended,
Nos. 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th. There are two or three other ravines
in the same direction where the coal beds are approachable. On
the west are the two ravines of Boon's Creek and Johnson's Creek,
represented by sections 7th and 8th, and one or two inferior val-
lies and slopes, deep enough to intersect the coal and iron beds.
On the south the mineral veins are penetrated by Flower Run,
Mile and Half Run, Taylor's Creek, and some smaller ravines
without name, extending towards the Block-house. The first coal
dug in this district was opened by Mr. Bloss, in the 5th vein of
section No. 7. A road was at that time made to it through the
woods, but it has long since been discontinued, in consequence of
the discovery of veins in more convenient situations. In illustra¬
tion of this part of our report we may again refer to the detailed
sections, which, considering the unfavorable nature of the ground
in these wild and thickly wooded ravines, and the very few exca¬
vations hitherto attempted which could assist in such an examina¬
tion, will be found to throw considerable light upon the geological
structure of this coal field, and may hereafter prove serviceable in
determining the precise position of the mineral beds at other points,
and the most appropriate localities for working them.
In speaking of their position, when these notes were prepared,
I was led by common report to call the strata horizontal, because
9
nothing had been observed to the contrary; and because, so far as
the coal works have extended, the workmen had noticed no ma¬
terial inclination. Since then, by pursuing an extensive series of
actual levels up most of the ravines, a material departure from
horizontality has been proved. Hereafter, when more extensive
openings have been effected, their relative position, with regard to
each other, will be more exactly made out, and then the different
sections will, in all probability, be found to approximate much
more closely in detail. Further practical mining researches must
add materially to our acquaintance with these deposites; and the
application of this remark is strengthened by the knowledge that,
since the commencement of the present survey, two or three veins
of coal, heretofore unexplored, have been opened, and appear to be
of superior quality to the others before worked.
Recurring to the subject of the presumed area of this coal tract,
or, as it would be more accurate to say, this prolongation of the
great western coal field, we may, before dismissing this portion
of our subject, mention some other points in this vicinity where
indications of minerals are exhibited. Up the north fork of East
Creek, and in the opposite bed of a ravine descending Big Moun¬
tain, coal veins may be traced. Westward, veins of coal occur on
West Hill and further in the interior. Southward, they appear on
the mountain slope bordering Flour Run; also round the point of
Peters's Camp Hill, and in the ravines and runs descending thence
on each side, to the Tioga above Blossburg. Eastward, the mi¬
neral veins are apparently intersected by this river five or six miles
from Blossburg, skirting the sides of this valley to beyond the
forks of Fellows's Creek. Further, there is reason to consider
that these .beds are prolonged to the east and south-east, until they
are again intersected by the head waters of the Towanda, the
Loyalsock, and Lycoming Creeks. At the latter place it is in
contemplation to work two of these veins of bituminous coal, and
at the former point the same quality of coal is now raised and
conveyed fifteen miles down to Towanda.* These, in all probabi¬
lity, form the extreme north-easterly limits of the bituminous coal
region of Pennsylvania: but of this I have no local knowledge.
That the Blossburg veins are covered by the elevated intervening
range between the sources of the last mentioned creeks and the
Tioga, and re-appear and are cut through where those creeks, in
their course to the south and the east, descend to about the same
plane as the point of intersection by the Tioga, there seems now
no kind of doubt. They afford opportunities for working the
mines, for some time to come at least, by means of the several po¬
sitions we have enumerated, and these, or some others similarly
circumstanced, furnish abundant facilities for extracting the mine¬
ral productions from an extensive area of country.
Beyond them, towards the north, it would be in vain to search
for these coal strata; for independent of the geological character of
that country being dissimilar, from the carbonaceous formation to
* Advertised for sale at $5 per ton.
10
the south, there is no ground lofty enough to contain them in that
direction. Near the state line a mountain must be 1000 to 1100
feet high above the Tioga to receive them, supposing these veins
to be perfectly horizontal. Sufficient data, however, are at hand,
wherewith to form a tolerably decisive estimate of their relative
position with the northern country, and to show that as the dip of
stratification is, almost without exception, towards the south, we
must allow for an enormous depression below, by adding the
amount of dip or inclination to the absolute altitude of the highest
land there, ere it could be elevated enough to be capped with the
coal measures. Beginning at five miles S. W. of Blossburg, we
find a sensible depression, of the coal strata to the south. In the
immediate vicinity of this village it follows the direction of the
prevailing stratification noticed at other points. The upper coal
series at East Creek appears to be about 130 feet higher than those
in Bear Creek; the south dip is therefore 80 feet per mile.
We need not here apologise for the introduction of these details,
when it will be admitted that an attention to the inclination and
direction of rocks is of essential importance towards an accurate
knowledge and developement of the geological structure of any
mineral region.
Three miles below Blossburg there is a regular dip, at the rate
of 260 feet to the mile southward, which increases until at 17 miles
it is about 500 feet in a mile, and then decreases to 200 feet per
mile, at the state line, or 26 miles. Consequently, if we take the
mean of these observations on a meridian line of 22h miles and al¬
low for deviations in stratification, there must be added 4050 feet
to the absolute descent of the Tioga, or to the difference of level
between the two extremities, and also must be included 700 feet of
coal measure. Thus there would need a total height of mountain
of 5125 feet, at the state line, to contain the coal measures;
whereas the hills there are probably below 600 feet altitude. This
calculation is entered into with a view of showing the futility of
the expectation, not uncommonly expressed, of tracing these coal
beds in a northerly direction, beyond the limits at which they are
at present discoverable.
If we pursue this examination for the sake of a more extended
geological result, our position will be yet further strengthened.
At 33 miles below Blossburg, the southern dip is lgS feet in
each mile; and at 38 miles, near the Painted Post, was found to be
130 feet. At 42 miles, at the Chimney Narrows, in the same
parallel, near the entrance of the Chemung Feeder, this dip is
about 100 feet; making the aggregate southern depression of the
strata about 1050 feet more to this point, to be added to 70 feet,
the descent of the land from the state line. Uniting, therefore,
these sums with those before observed in the Pennsylvania divi¬
sion, the altitude of any land or mountains near the Chimney Nar¬
rows, capable of containing the veins of the Tioga coal field, must
be more than 6000 feet; whereas they do not commonly exceed
600 feet; or by reversing the position, the stratum of rock on a
level with the river of Chimney Narrows would be about 6275
11
feet below the summit of East Hill, if prolonged so far to the south.
I may add that I have had an opportunity of extending the exami¬
nation 60 miles further, or more than 100 miles from the coal beds,
to the north and north-east; and a general observation may be
made, that wherever a horizontal position [which often prevails]
is not maintained throughout this parallel, there exists a depression
pointing towards the Tioga coal district, or, generally, south.
Consequently, there is no probability that any portion of these mi¬
neral beds are prolonged in that direction, and, as has been before
suggested, we must continue to regard the district which is the
more immediate subject of our investigation, and from which I
have somewhat wandered, as the real termination of the great
Alleghany coal field.
The subjoined diagram illustrates the geological circumstances of
relative elevation and stratification, which I have attempted to ex¬
plain in the foregoing passages.
Argillaceous Iron Ore
Occurs in numerous beds under different forms and of variable
qualities, interstratified with the coal, clay, and slate beds. In
form, they comprehend the three varieties known to most English
and to all Welsh miners by the distinctive terms of veins or con¬
tinuous parallel seams; pins, or small nodular, kidney-shaped
concretions; and balls, or larger, detached, oval, flattened masses,
from 1 to 4 feet long, sometimes irregularly interspersed, but more
often occurring in horizontal courses. Those of the first men¬
tioned form are the least, and of the third description, the most
prevalent in the district under investigation.
In point of quality, the pins or kidney-shaped ores are some¬
what the weakest, the veins are the most siliceous and most diffi¬
cult to be fluxed, and the balls are commonly the richest, and the
easiest or most profitable to convert into iron; and without enter¬
ing into analysis, both the balls and kidney ores may be stated as
fully equalling the similar argillaceous ores from whence the fo¬
reign iron imported into this country is derived.
With regard to quantity or amount,—a material question un¬
doubtedly,—this mineral, although abundant in the aggregate, is
not in all cases so conveniently circumstanced for mining as the
most economical system of working might require. Yet in all
the ravines there are positions where the courses are sufficiently
contiguous to be excavated to advantage.
With the exception of a few small openings, on trial for this min¬
eral, so little has been heretofore attempted to exhibit the positive
amount procureable from any mine, or in any particular bed, that
calculations can only be made with safety or precision, after the
investigation shall have been pursued on a larger and more practi¬
cal scale than the writer was at liberty to do. In Bear Creek two
sections are exposed in which are several courses of good ore in
balls, which would yield a considerable supply for a furnace. Coal
Run intersects iron ore beds in eight or nine different positions.
12
Besides various courses of Ball mine, here are two seams, of a sili¬
ceous or gritty ore, and the kidney variety, or pins, of which
about 350 tons have been raised with the intention of smelting, as
soon as the furnace is completed. The specific gravity of the kid¬
ney ore, averages 3.411, its weight per cubic foot, 211 lbs. and the
gross produce or weight per acre, 1 foot thick, is 4,122 tons. Any
of these beds can be worked with ease, by means of horizontal drifts
or levels. In the lower part of this ravine is a thick deposite, pe-
, culiar to this locality, of a red semi-indurated clay, containing an
admixture of oxide of iron. Its specific gravity is 2.514, but it is
too poor to be worked for the ore.
A deposit of clay occurs in the hill side, three quarters of a mile
up the Tioga, and probably is an extension of this bed—It contains
masses of argillaceous iron ore. This is at only 30 feet above our
common base. The siliceous or sandy ore of Coal Run, contains a
considerable admixture of iron ; its weight being about 200 lbs. to
each cubic foot. One vein is from 15 to 18 inches thick, and another
is somewhat less.
Large masses of siliceous ore are found in the Tioga at elevations
of not more than 60 to 80 feet, and it is probable that a considera¬
ble bed of it exists about two miles above Blossburg in the rocks
bordering the river.
Slabs of argillaceous ore were discovered in Taylor's creek, at
different elevations, about four miles south of Blossburg ; also in Fel-
lows's creek, 5 or 6 miles to the northeast.
Our section of Boon's Creek, bed No. 8, shews some courses of
excellent balls of ore, which might conveniently be worked with
the superincumbent coal vein No. 7.
Johnson's Creek may be remarked for the numerous courses of
this mineral, occurring at irregular intervals, throughout a thick¬
ness of more than 200 feet of slate and shale. Beds No. 2 and 9
in that section, contain several courses of flat balls and tabular masses,
ten or twelve inches thick, of strong rich ore ; some of them con¬
taining three cubic feet, and weighing six cwt. Specific gravity
3.999, weight per cubic foot, 250 lbs., and yielding 4.850 tons per
acre for every foot in thickness.
One of the richest beds of ball mine occurs in Morris's Run,
section No. 4—consisting of five or six courses, some of the balls
being three or four feet long, and upwards—
Specific gravity of this ore 3.440
Weight per cubic foot 215 lbs.
Weight per acre, for each foot 4,200 tons.
The clear produce of this bed may be estimated at more than
five thousand tons per acre. There is reason to conceive, on com¬
paring the sections of various ravines, that all these deposites are
co-extensive with the entire coal region.
The highest position at which I have discovered good ball ore
is at the height of 420 feet above the Tioga, towards the summit of
Bear Creek, and the lowest is about 180 feet above the same river
at Coal Run ; so that here also is a range of about 240 feet, contain¬
ing beds of iron ore.
13
Pipe Ore in small quantities has been met with near Johnson's
Creek.
Bog Ore occurs sparingly except at a few points, which have
not been very satisfactorily explored. At the summit of Johnson's
creek is a bed of this description of ore three feet thick.
Bituminous Coal.
All the Tioga coal comes strictly under this denomination.
Some veins are adapted for smith's use, and for steam engines,
others for coke, for iron smelting, and for domestic purposes to
burn in grates. Here is also an extremely hard variety, called
splint coal, and another which resembles the cannel or candle
coal.
Hitherto the amount supplied to the public by the Blossburg
coal beds is very insignificant, which may partly be accounted for
from the difficulty and expense to convey it hence, and the absence
of a reciprocal trade in a quarter so newly settled ; where, more¬
over, almost the only superabundaut article of produce is wood.
The existence, even, of the greater part of the veins of coal and its
adaption to numerous uses, are only now attracting notice. When¬
ever the means of transporting it to market shall be furnished by a
rail-road to the Chemung canal and into various other channels,
there appears no reason to doubt that this bituminous coal will be
largely in demand, particularly in the state of New York, for the
salt works, distilleries, manufactories, smith's-shops and for exten¬
sive private consumption, from lakes Erie and Ontario to the
Hudson.
The principal and indeed the only supply, up to a recent date,
has been taken from the vein called Clements's in Bear Creek—a
second vein has been a short time in operation in Coal Run, and
during the present summer a third vein has been opened in Bear
Creek. So little coal has been produced by these works, hitherto,
that the greatest extent to which any mining operation has been
carried is not more than thirty yards. The only vein in work at
Coal Run has merely been penetrated far enough to demonstrate
the useful properties of the coal. Its specific gravity is 1.371 ; its
weight per cubic yard is one ton and one cwt., and the vein being
375 feet will yield a gross average produce of 6,252 tons per acre.
The clear yield, deducting one fourth of its thickness for waste in
working, pillars, &c. will be about five thousand tons per acre.
Clements's coal in Bear creek has been longer known. This
quality resembles the coal of Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, being
of an imperfect crystalline texture, easily broken on exposure to
the air ; of a deep shining black color, and traversed occasionally by
veins of yellow pyrites.
Specific gravity 1.398—weight per cubic yare, 1 ton and 119
lbs. Thickness of the vein 325 feet, and gross produce 5,530 tons
per acre.
Bloss's coal vein, recently explored in the same valley, possesses
the property of a good coal for making coke, and for grates ; giving
3
14
out a strong heat and bright flame, softening and expanding on
the application of heat, and exhibiting an abundance of bitumen.
It contains very little sulphur or pyrites, but, as might be expected
so near the outcrop, was at first tarnished by the ferruginous waters
which pass through the roof. Its specific gravity averages 1.405
—weight 1 ton 131 lbs. per cubic yard. Thickness 325 feet, and
gross weight or produce per acre, 5,123 tons.
The clear produce of the two last described veins will perhaps
average about 5000 tons each, unless, as is not improbable, they
enlarge on receding from the outcrop.
The little vein below the bed of kidney ore may be conveniently
worked with that ore. It is of a very pure and inflammable or bitu¬
minous description. Specific gravity, 1.500—weight per cubic yard
1 ton, 2S9 lbs.—thickness 125 feet—produce of an acre 2,115 tons.
The splint or hard coal of Johnson's creek has an imperfect re¬
semblance to cannel coal, being extremely hard, and suffering little
change from long exposure to the atmosphere. None of this quality
has been raised, the site being at present inaccessible, from the re¬
mote situation of the ravine. Specific gravity, 1.493—weight of
a cubic yard 1 ton 2 cwt. 55 lbs. being next in density and gravity
to the cannel coal of Coal Run. Its gross weight or produce in
the three feet vein, is 5,442 tons per acre. This calculation is
upon its thickness at the outcrop only. One or two veins of similar
quality occur in East creek.
The lowest vein in Coal Run is of peculiar character, and is cal¬
led cannel or candle coal by the English miners. In conchoidal
fracture like anthracite, as capable of receiving a good polish ;
as dense and compact, but not so lustrous ; and, like that mineral,
burning with an intense heat ; but distinguished from it by the
quantity of bitumen and by giving out an unusual bright flame.
This quality is well adapted to secure a ready sale for domestic
purposes, and is in no way depreciated by long exposure to the
atmosphere. The fragments of which we made our first trial, on
its discovery, were collected from the bed of the Run, where they
had evidently lain many years subjected to the operation of the
elements. Specific gravity, 1.716, and weight per cubic yard, 1
ton 5 cwt. 96 lbs. being the heaviest coal in the district.
A specimen of the purest quality of this hard coal was found to
be much more ponderous than the above, being at the rate of 2,953
lbs. per cubic yard ; the specific gravity, 1.750. This is 27 per
cent heavier than the coal now worked in the upper veins, which
are about the average weight of the bituminous kinds.
I am not aware of the existence in any part of the globe, of a
species of coal that possesses the properties of density and gravity
to such a degree.
Its chemical analysis is not less remarkable. I regret not to
have the direct authority of the scientific investigator ; but the
following analysis, derived from specimens furnished from hence,
and ascribed to Dr. Meade, being in circulation, I take the liberty
of quoting, for the following results:
15
Carbon
Bitumen
Earth
66
30
3 to 4
100
The superior properties of this coal will be apparent on compar¬
ing it with an analysis of anthracite or anthracolite, according to
Mr. Parkes ; in which one third of its weight is occupied by use¬
less silica, in place of the same proportion of bitumen.
With respect to most of the other coal veins shewn in our sec¬
tion, we can only speak doubtfully of their quality and real thick¬
ness, for the obvious reason that they have not been explored be¬
yond their mere outcrop ; where, as is well known, they rarely
furnish a correct estimate of either. On that account any calcula¬
tion now formed must be vague, and will undoubtedly fall consid¬
erably within the actual result. As regards therefore the majority
of these unexplored veins, one is almost limited to the bare an¬
nouncement of their existence. We will, however, take the cases
of Coal Run, and Bear creek, where at least they have been more
fully developed than at other points. Here, comprehended within
the space of 144 feet, are nine coal seams ; their thickness, respec¬
tively, so far as we know of them, varying from lè feet to 3f feet,
and their aggregate thickness at the outcrop being eighteen feet.
This would give a gross weight of 30,500 tons per acre, or a clear
produce of twenty three thousand tons per acre ; allowing only
three fourths of each acre to be excavated, and the remaining
fourth to be left in pillars, waste or un worked.
Bear creek presents the same principal series, as recent exami¬
nation has shown. These are comprised within about 157 feet of
strata; and there will probably be the greatest quantity of coal suppli¬
ed from hence. The highest coal which I have noticed occurs at 470
feet above the Tioga, near the summit of this creek, and hence, the
lowest 217 feet in the same section, consequently there is a range
of about 250 feet within which coal abounds. I think there is evi¬
dence of thicker veins in the higher series, both here, and in the
almost unexplored ravine of Boon's creek.' In East creek there
■are indications of coal at as high an elevation as 550 feet above
the Tioga river.
The only other bed, to which I shall at present particularly ad¬
vert, whose thickness has been tried by a perpendicular section, is
that at Morris's Run, section IV. This is a vein of great promise,
apparently of excellent quality, and is the thickest in the district ;
shewing a face of 6 feet 6 inches. The gross weight of this vein
per acre, may be estimated at 10,672 tons, or when mined, making
a similar allowance of a fourth, the clear produce will scarcely be
less than eight thousand tons per acre, on an average area.
Carbpn
Silica
Iron
64
33
3
100
16
Estimated Supply.
Before dismissing the important subject of coal, it were well to
offer, in this place, some approach to an estimate of the quantity-
capable of being worked within this district, and of which the en¬
tire bulk is accessible by means of the projected rail road, and
by the numerous lateral branches which may hereafter proceed
from it.
In the prosecution of a mineral survey like this, where the dis¬
trict has in no part been previously investigated, the first step, af¬
ter ascertaining the absolute prevalence of these productions, is to
determine the position of the whole mass of strata, with reference
to their depression or inclination: it being obvious that upon the
amount of such depression must depend the area of land capable
of being advantageously mined. It has, therefore, been one of the
principal objects of your reporter, in taking the sections around
Blossburg, and carying a series of levels up the adjacent ravines
from a common base, to ascertain distinctly the horizontality, or,
on the contrary, the prevailing angle of inclination common to the
most accessible parts of the mineral region, which the few mining
operations, hitherto undertaken, have in no way contributed to
elucidate. Before arriving at an adequate knowledge of this point,
much preliminary labour was indispensable; but the result, it is
expected, will go far towards setting this question at rest, and will
not only furnish all who may be interested in the details with a
valuable mass of information, but will enable us, in the present in¬
stance, to come to more definite conclusions with respect to the
area of productive mineral lands. In the case of that under con¬
sideration nature has singularly provided the means of approach,
and facilitated the power to excavate and remove these products,
by numerous ravines, which radiate around Blossburg,and penetrate
deeply into the midst of its mineral deposites. It has been previ¬
ously explained, and we have illustrated the fact by our diagrams
and sections, that this vast mass of strata inclines considerably in ap¬
proaching its northern termination, the beds there finally cropping
out; and there is equal reason to consider that towards the south
they become flatter; that is, they are more horizontal. One diffi¬
culty in forming a definite estimate arose from the essential dif¬
ferences which were observed between the mineral deposites,'their
number, elevation, and geological matrices, in the several localities;
discrepancies by no means common to coal regions. Some of
these may be removed by the discoveries resulting from future
mineral researches; and that which is now obscure will be eluci-
cidated, and intervals will be filled up, by subsequent investiga¬
tion.
Leaving out the remoter positions where coal and iron ore have
been observed, we will confine our estimate within the circuit of a
few miles. There now exists sufficient evidence for concluding
that twenty thousand acres, surrounding Blossburg, are within the
denomination of coal lands. These are intersected longitudinally
17
by the main valley of the Tioga, and transversely by numerous
deep ravines descending to that river, at almost every point of the
compass. This area is equal to about 32# square miles, comprised
within an oblong or oval, five miles broad by six and a half miles
long. We will compute on ten thousand acres, or one half only, as
necessary or available to the intended project. Enough has now
been ascertained of the geological structure of the country, to show
that no serious impediments to practical operations can be contem¬
plated from the prevailing inclination of the strata. On the con¬
trary, it is well known that such a depression is as likely to facili¬
tate as to retard an extensive system of mining, where the sites for
commencing these operations, are judiciously selected.
But to escape all risque of exaggeration from such a cause, and
to allow for vacant and inaccessible ground, we will admit one half
of this latter quantity to be under those circumstances, and the re¬
mainder will be that area which can furnish its mineral products
upon the cheapest and simplest method of working. We have
then to calculate on five thousand acres only. It has been shown
that the gross contents of an acre of coal land in Coal Run and
Bear Creek, supposing every vein to be worked and to be no
thicker than it shews in the out-crop, is more than thirty thousand
tons, or 23,500 tons clear produce, deducting one fourth for waste
and obstacles. In order to reduce it yet further within the limits of
effective operations, we will reduce this amount below one half,
and calculate only upon ten thousand tons of coal per acre, on an
average. We will assume that, one hundred thousand tons of coal
per annum will be the ultimate demand. Then, with these data
before us, the result is that ten acres per annum would furnish the
requisite supply of coal; and that, on the same ratio, it would be
five hundred years before that area was exhausted.
This statement will scarcely appear unreasonable, when it is con¬
sidered as has been previously shown, that the clear produce of
twelve acres from one vein only, namely, that at Morris's Run,
will supply the same amount; being of sufficient capacity to fur¬
nish an article of tonnage and freight, for many years, adequate to
defray the interest of the entire capital invested in the proposed
undertaking, and to provide a fund for the supervision, repairs,
and ultimate renewal, of the whole line of rail road.
Coke.
As before stated the coal here is wholly bituminous, and is there¬
fore, in a majority of the veins, capable of conversion into coke,
for the purpose of manufacturing the iron. Hitherto there has
been very little made or required. I noticed about a hundred
bushels of coke which had been propared in the open air on trial,
from Knapp's coal vein, No. 15, in Coal Run. Although made
under disadvantageous circumstances, and from the inferior part of
this coal, it presented properties requisite in good sound coke, ca¬
pable of smelting iron. The vein lately opened by Mr. Bloss,
No. 16 in the Bear Creek section, is well adapted for conversion
18
into coke. It contains much bitumen, and melts and softens on
the first application of the fire. I should conceive that the big vein
in Morris's Run is also well calculated for similar purposes.
A furnace of good construction has recently been erected at
Blossburg, and is designed to make upwards of thirty tons per
week, upon the English principle of conversion by means of coke
from bituminous coal, instead of charcoal. At present this has not
yet been put in action. The iron made on a small scale in the ex¬
perimental trial, was of excellent quality, and was wrought into a
variety of articles.
Limestone
Is found two miles below Blossburg, and half a mile below East
Creek. It appears, so far as one may judge by the surface, to be
an impure, spurious description of limestone, in contact with and
passing into micaceous sandstone, colour greenish gray; with a
mottled appearance, which at first sight, gives it the look of a con¬
glomerate, and is in fact partially so, but the brighter coloured
spots, which have a uniform structure, seemed rather to be derived
from some coarse, undefined, coralloid bodies. It occurs in masses,
horizontally disposed, at an elevation of about 150 feet, and its ag¬
gregate thickness, much obscured by alluvium, may be taken at one
hundred feet. Forms a grey lime, burning somewhat to waste,
from the abundance of sandy particles. It was used in the experi¬
mental trial to manufacture iron, and so far was successfully em¬
ployed as a flux. On a larger scale, and with less admixture of sur¬
face stone, its properties will be better tested.
Heretofore, the burning of this lime has been very imperfectly
performed with charcoal, in a rudely constructed kiln, and from
the surface stone merely; but since the foregoing notes were taken,
lime has been much more successfully burned, although in the
same kiln, by means of the bituminous slack coal, in place of char¬
coal; and the quality of the limestone, on quarrying lower beneath
the earth, is materially improved.
The specific gravity of this limestone, is 2.667, the weight of a
cubic yard being 2 tons 20lbs.
I have not ascertained the existence of any other deposite or
body of limestone within a reasonable distance of the ore beds, and
this, therefore, must be looked to for the purposes of the iron fur¬
naces. In consequence of the siliceous admixture in this stone, it
will no doubt be the policy of the iron manufacturer to select those
ores which are most purely argillaceous, rather than the sandy va¬
rieties. For as the employment of limestone is to effect a mecha¬
nical process, and as its use is to assist in the separation of the iron
from the ore; and as the silex in the mine has a greater affinity for
the limestone than for the iron, thereby disengaging and causing
the scoria to flow, it follows that the most economical selection
and disposition of the materials must be such as have immediate
. reference to these circumstances.
19
Fire Clay
Is co-extensive with this mineral district, and more or less abun¬
dant in different localities, as our sections exhibit. It commonly (
occurs, in beds two or three feet thick, interstratified with the coal
and ore, and, with regard to quality, is in no respect inferior to
other deposits of this useful substance in the bituminous coal re¬
gion west of the Alleghenies.
It is calculated for every species of fire bricks, furnaces, linings
of flues, stoves and grates, and for manufacturing the varieties of
coarse potting and stone ware, for all which there is a demand
throughout the adjoining portions of New York and Pennsylvania
states. Such is the abundance of this article that it is unnecessary
here to attempt an estimate of its quantity, simply because it ex¬
ists to an extent beyond all probability of material diminution forages.
Millstones, Hearths I ones, Grindstones, Whetstones.
On ascending into the coal region, we perceive that the slopes
and bottoms of most of the creeks are covered with loose masses
of gritstone, siliceous conglomerates, and puddingstone. These,
possessing every gradation of coarseness, furnish the best materials
for millstones, grindstones, hearthstones for furnaces, and firestones
for glassworks ; which are already sought herefrom some distance,
and great numbers of which would be conveyed to the north, down
a rail-road. These rocks form excellent materials for the founda¬
tions of bridges and other building purposes, being as durable as
granite. The blocks or boulders, in which form alone they oc¬
cur, are sometimes of great magnitude. On the side of Boon's
creek some of them contain upwards of a thousand cubic feet; and
in the bed of the Tioga, two or three miles above Biossburg, I
ascertained one block to contain 1,260 cubic feet, its computed
weight being 921 tons, and I have even seen masses which contain¬
ed above 60,000 cubic feet. Specific gravity of the coarsest va¬
riety of gritstone 2.505, or 1 ton 17 cwt. 83 lbs. per cubic yard.
Specific gravity of a fine siliceous stone, or petrosilea, locally cal¬
led marble, 2.703, and weight 2 0 81 per cubic yard.
Since the above notes were written, the beds of conglomerate,
gritstone or puddingstone, have been discovered, in site, in taking
the sections of Morris's Run and Fellows's creek.,—In the former
this stratified rock was found to be eighteen feet, and in the latter
sixty feet in thickness.
Whetstones. Three miles above Blossburg, in the bed of the
river, and also to the south an abundance of fine argillaceous stone
occurs, washed out of some contiguous vein, which stone is con¬
vertible into whetstones of first rate quality for the finer descriptions
of edge tools and cutlery, and is becoming known and valued in
the neighborhood for such purposes. I have since discovered this
whetstone bed in site, and ascertained it to be about ten feet thick.
The stone occurs in lamina, varying in fineness and quality.
20
TABLE I.
The following Table represents the comparative specific gravity, cubical con¬
tents, weight, and gross produce per acre of the principal varieties of coal, iron,
and stone referred to in the foregoing article.
ft ^
H
* 0
sJ-I
3
Qoa
eight of one
•ubic Yard.
i
V
Zn
3
COAL.
5 T
2-2
J 5
• o
2.2
•" c
•-»}
HI
? 2 »
« 0
-t
•£
to
0
3
Tons
cwt.
lbs.
ft.dec
Tons.
Knapp's coal in Coal Run
1.367
i
0
60^
Do. 2d experiment, select and
i
6252
pure
1.371
i
0
73
3.75
Do. 3d experiment, rather
1
slatey
1.400
i
i
10 J
5530
Clement's coal in Bear Creek, average
1.398
i
i
7
3.25
Bloss's coal in Bear Creek, lighter part
of vein
1.378
i
0
85}
3.00
5123
Do. heavier part of same vein
1.432
i
1
64 C
to
average of the coal
1.405
i
1
195
3.25
5442
Johnson's Creek, splint coal, two veins
1.493
i
2
55
3.00
Cannell coal in Coal Run, at the cross
1.716
i
5
961
Do. the purest quality -
1.750
i
6
41}
10652
Big vein in Morris's Run, by estimation
6.50
Little vein of very pure inflammable
coal in Coal Run, under the kidney
2115
ore
1.500
i
2
65
1.25
Limestone, from Limestone Hill
2.667
2
0
20
Coarse grained millstone grit
2.505
1
17
83
Fine siliceous rock, or petrosilex, lo¬
cally called marble
2.703
2
0
81
Red ferruginous clay of Coal Run
2.514
Weight of
ARGILLACEOUS IRON ORE.
Weight of one
one toot
thick per
acre.
Weak ball ore, on surface, below Cle¬
Cubic Foot.
ment's coal
3.047
1
78
3694
Kidney-shaped ore, or pins, raised for
furnace
3.400
1
98}
Ç4083
Do. 2d experiment
3.423
1
102 C
< 4161
Average weight
3.412
1
1005
¿4122
Ball ore in the bed ot Bear Creek, 420
feet above the Tioga River
3.212
1
89
3908
Ball'ore in large masses at Morris's Run
3.440
1
103
4200
Ball ore in rich nodules at Johnson's
Creek
3.999
2
26
4852
Vein of siliceous or sandy ore in Coal
Run, fine grained
3.135
Do. 2d experiment, coarse
£
1
86
3850
6000
grained
3.196
5
21
The following Tables exhibit vertical geological sections of the
mineral strata explored in the principal valleys or ravines surround¬
ing Blossburg. The levels from whence these sections were con¬
structed, were taken from a common point of elevation at Bloss¬
burg Bridge, which according to computation, is 1330 feet above
tide water at Philadelphia. None of these sections are announced
as complete, but they contain ample data to assist in further disco¬
very, when practical mining operations shall commence on a more
extended scale. At present we cannot but remark on the unusual
differences in the stratification and mineral products of these seve¬
ral sections; a disagreement which ulterior investigation may per¬
haps elucidate.
Section 1st.
Valley or Ravine of EAST CREEK.
Elevation Thick-
above jiess
Blossb'g. of bed.
ft. dec. ft. dec.
1. Ground, partially examined, consist¬
ing of sandstones, black slate, and
shale, with traces of coal beds 615.00 150.00
2. 1st coal vein 454 00
3. Black slate and fire clay,
4. Sandstone shelf,
5. 2d vein of soft coalat a strong spring,444.00
6. Black shale,
7. 3d coal, a small vein near the Deer
Lick 408.27
8. Black slate,
Deer Lick, 402.27
9. 4th or three feet vein of soft coal,
like Clement's coal, 398.34 3.00
10. Black slate, fire clay, and hard shale,
11. 5th vein of soft coal, 390.00
12. Black shale,
13. 6th cannel coal,thickness not proved 385.00
14. Hard black slate, floor of coal vein,
15. Hard sandstone rock, a. fall of six
feet in the creek. Dip of the strata
south _ 375.28 6,00
16. Sandstone rocks, obscured with al¬
luvium 34.00
17. Coal and fire clay, estimated posi¬
tion,
18. Sliding bank, 267.21
Forks of creek, 123.27
jg "4 Sandstone series of rocks obscured
20 c N Eluvium, and not investigated
J as to details,
Vertical section above Blossburg bridge 615.00
Below that level to the Tioga, 65.82
Total of this section, 660.82
The base of this section at the confluence of East Creek
and the Tioga River, is 65.82 feet below Blossburg,
and 31 feet below the base of Bear Creek section.
This point is 48 chains south from Limestone Hill.
The highest explored coal vein is above two miles in a
straight line from the Tioga River, and occurs at an
elevation of 530 feet above it: but indications of coal
occur still higher up this creek.
4
REMARKS.
No coal has been rais¬
ed in this valley at pre¬
sent.
The only proved
vein at the outcrop is
the third vein in this
section.
Dip of sandstone
south is from 100 to 250
feet per mile, near the
summit.
Fragments of cannel
coal are found through¬
out a descent of 300
feet below No. 10,
washed down the
creek.
It may be remarked,
that so far as it is possi¬
ble to form a compari-
rison, the main body of
the coal in this valley is
120 feet above that in
Bear Creek and Coal
Run.
There appear indica¬
tions of coal as high as
from 530 to 550 feet
above the Tioga in this
section.
22
430.00
380.00
330.00
Section, No. XIV.—2nd Mineral Section.
BEAR CREEK.
Height
above
Blossburg.
480.00
No.
on the
Section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE
STRATA.
Thickness
of beds,
feet, dec.
the
50.00
50.00
50.00
314.90
307.00
281.05
269.80
256.05
1. From summit of Mountain Flat
strata consist of sandstone, with nu¬
merous vegetable impressions belong¬
ing to the coal measures, and traces
of slatey coal in the gullies—estimated
thickness at this point, at 1J miles up
the creek,
2. Highest coal vein—obscurely traced,
470 feet above Tioga river, doubtful.
("Thin sandstone lamina, with~|
I abundance of impressions of coal
3.-^ plants. )-
I Fragments of coal slate, washed |
(_ down the gullies, J
4. Course of good argillaceous ball iron
ore—weight, 201 lbs. per cubic foot;
also, some cores of weak sandy ore—
in the run,
5. Coal sandstone, slate, micaceous sand¬
stone, in thin beds, vegetable im¬
pressions, mineral springs,
6. 2nd coal vein—its thickness nof\
proved—370 feet above Tioga ri- |
ver, 330.02 feet above Biossburg, |
7. Argillaceous slate and shale, 15.10
8. Fire clay, |
9. Slate, with courses of balls of good |
iron ore, J
10. 3rd coal vein—the thickness is not"!
yet ascertained, ;
11. Argillaceous slate, )-
12. 4th coal vein—of uncertain thick- |
ness—307.02 feet above Blossburg,J
{Argillaceous shale and slate beds,
Severalcoursesofgoodargillaceous \ jo 72
iron ore, in balls, f
Slatey rock and blue shale, J
14. 5th coal vein, called Clement's coal,
of excellent bituminous quality,
worked about 30 yards under the hill
—321 feet above the Tioga, 281.05
feet above Blossburg,
15. Black shale, and occasional rock,
16. 6th coal vein, called Bloss's Vein, now
worked—269.80 feet above Blossburg,
17. Hard compact sandstone and slate, but
varying in different points,
18. Rock, variable,
19. 7th Coal vein—not yet proved, doubtful.
20. Sandy weak ore, in coarse oval masses
and concretions—ground partially ex¬
amined—for the most part consisting
of grey laminated sandstone, and
shale occasionally, probably contain¬
ing coal and iron ore, 44.00
7.90
REMARKS.
The chief supply
of coal for the neigh¬
bouring country has
heretofore been tak¬
en from the 5th
vein, No. 14. A
lower vein of good
quality has been re¬
cently opened.
The intersection
of the principal coal
beds in this ravine
occurs at the dis¬
tance of 1J miles, in
nearly a straight line
west from Blossburg
Furnace.
Inclination, 366
feet in a mile, from
the main coal open¬
ings to the road, and
distance J of a mile.
3.25
8.00
3.25
1.75
12.00
Descent from the
Flat, near the sum-
mit of the creek, to
the Blossburg road,
346 feet average per
mile.
Height of the
highest coal bed dis¬
covered, 470 feet.
Height of the
highest ore bed 420
feet.
23
e—not^
212.05 21. 8th coal vein—not yet proved.
22. Sandstone, shale and slate beds—esti¬
mated aggregate thickness,
192.05 23. Good fire clay—thickness not prov-"\
ed, 192.05 feet above Biossburg, I
24. Clay slate, j
177.05 25. 9th vein of coal, not proved, j
26. Slate,
27. Variable beds of sandstone-
explored,
("Strata, obscured by alluvium and~)
j by large blocks of gritstone, mill- |
28.-<[ stone or puddingstone,
I Some weak sandy ore occurs near |
1, the bottom, J
29. Unexplored ground, chiefly soft slatey
rock and micaceous sandstone beds,
30. Courses of small ironstone balls, in
loose argillaceous rock,
Total vertical section, from the summit
of Bear Hill, at 1£ mile up the creek,
to its junction with the Tioga river,
20.00
15.00
98.83
75.80
37.40
5.00
Distance from
Limestone Hill, 1J
miles.
Towards the sum¬
mit a considerable
inclination of the
strata occurs to the
south and south¬
east, probably to the
amount of 80 to 100
feet in a mile; nearer
the base the beds
are more horizontal.
520.00
Note. The heights in feet above Blossburg in this and the following sections,
are levelled from a point at Blossburg bridge.
Section, No. XV.—3d Mineral Section.
COAL RUN.
Thicknest
DESCRIPTION OF STRATA. ofFeeo'
Height No. on
above the
Blossburg. Section,
Height of Coal Run—or Table Land,
one and a half miles above coal open¬
ings.
421.90 1. Series of soft sandstone beds, indica¬
tive of coal. Thickness from the
summit of mountain, opposite to the
first or highest trial for coal, to that
bed, by levelling, 128.00
318.90 2. Blue clay slate, with vegetable im¬
pressions therein,
3. 1st Coal vein: thickness uncertain at
the outcrop,
4. Coal measures, with nodules of iron
ore,
5. Course of balls of iron ore, in clay and
shale with impressions of Ferns and
Reeds 1.80 to 2.80
6. 2d Coal vein showing 2 feet at the out¬
crop,
7. Argillaceous shale and clay,
8. Dark blue sandy clay rock, having ve¬
getable impressions and specks of
mica therein, 6.00
9. 3d Coal vein not proved; at the out¬
crop only, 2.00
10. Horizontal beds of clay and shale, 13,40
309.10
297.10
3.00
6.00
1.80
2.00
4.00
REMARKS.
Coal traces of this
elevation of 500 feet
above Blossburg Br.
the ground rises be¬
yond, 100 to 200feet.
A considerable quan¬
tity of coal for the
supply of the neigh¬
bourhood has been
taken from the col¬
liery worked in the
vein No. 5.
About 350 tons of
the iron ore has been
collected from the
bed No. 27, and is in
readiness for smelt¬
ing.
24
281.20 11.
12.
13.
14.
269.00
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
229.40 22.
202.89.
199-80
i
173.04
140.50
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
96.20
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
4th Coal vein—showing-18 inches face
at the outcrop, (this is probably the
vein No. 10, in Bear Creek—there
3.25 feet,)
Bed of good fire clay,
Dark laminated shale,
Balls of iron ore in shale, occasionally
very large,
5th Coal vein, now worked—3.60 to
Bed of Fire clay—dug with the coal,
Argillaceous shale with occasional
nodules of iron ore,
Vein of rock iron stone—worked out,
a few feet on trial,
Compact sandstone rock,
Second vein of rock iron ore,
Hard irregular sandstone, traversed by
numerous thin seams of coal and ve¬
getable impressions,
6th Coal vein, worked about 20 feet
divided by a seam of hard black slate,
10 inches thick,
fBlue shaley argillaceous rock,
J Horizontal beds of gray slatey
) sandstone,
i_Good compact building stone,
Course of nodules of iron ore, in blue
clay,
. Bed of fire clay,
7th Coal vein, very pure and highly
inflammable, 1 to 2 feet thick, but has
not been pursued,
Course of iron ore, called pins, or kid¬
ney shaped nodules,
Beds of shale, and slate—irregular¬
ly disposed with occasional ironstone
nodules,
8th Coal vein, called cannel coal, not
worked or examined—say,
Sandstone rocks and unexplored
ground—down to level of springs
which probably issue from some mine¬
ral bed,
Unexamined ground, covered with al¬
luvium and siliceous blocks: it con¬
sists chiefly of sandstone rocks, like
the preceding,
A thick bed or deposite of red, semi-
indurated clay, containing a consider¬
able weight of oxide of iron,
Continuation of similar ferruginous
clay, altogether about 100 feet thick,
as exposed on the slopes of the hill,
Lower part obscured by alluvial clay
and stones,
Bed of weak sandy, nodular iron ore,
under the furnace,
Thence to the low water surface of
the Tioga River, opposite to the iron
furnace at Blossburg,
1.50
2.50
4.00
2.80
3.9U
2.60
10.10
1.30
10,30
1.00
11.60
No other ore from
the different beds in
any of the sections
has yet been raised.
The base of this
section is 2 miles and
14 chains by the rail¬
road to the foot of
Limestone Hill.
The highest ex¬
plored coal vein in
this section is 320 feet
vertical above the
furnace, and it is Jths
of a mile distance to
the intersection of
that vein—in Coal
Run, consequently
the inclination of
the plane is 365 feet
per mile.
2.00
3.00
1.00
1.50
22.30
2.00
32.50
44.30
45.70
41.80
10.70
2.00
1.10
500.0 above Bloss¬
burg Bridge.
Total vertical elevation above the
Tioga River, 504
25
4th Mineral Section.
MORRIS'S RUN.
Height Thick-
S°'c,ion. description of strata. B^sb'g. ltd«.
ft. dec.
No.
on the
3.
4.
5.
6.
r.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Estimated height of strata belonging
to the coal formation 600.00
Coal veins at least one mile above the
big vein, 460.00
Shale and mineral beds, unexplored, 410.00
Coal vein not proved, 380.00
Slatey rock, and dark blue clay stone,
Five or six courses of rich argillaceous
344.00
311.00
302.28
ball ore, in large oblong masses,
Black shale,
Courses of good iron ore,
Black shale and slatey rock,
Fire clay,
Big vein of coal, clear thickness up-"\
per part, 5'90 I 322.00
Small seam of slate, .20 f
Lower part of the vein, .60J
Blue argillaceous shale,
Coal vein—thickness not proved,
Yellow sandstone, in thin beds,
The Devil's Punchbowl—height,
Thin ledges of sandstone, head of the
Falls,
Stratified bed of millstone' grit, or
puddingstone, in the bed of the creek
traversed—164 yards long—falls 18
feet, 296.54
Sandstone ledges at Falls,
Strong mineral spring, 250.00
Two mineral springs, 245.00
Sandstone ledges—dipping S. and AV.
Entrance of Coal Ravine, on the East, 232.46
Floor of cabin, 215.59
Traces of soft coal and of ore washed
down the run,
Masses of iron ore—loose, 199.05
Sandstone beds or ledges, dipping n.
in creek,
Ledges of brown or ferruginous sand¬
stone—dipping N. 157.23
Ferruginous sandstone, 90.00
Mineral spring, 124.84
Siliceous ore in large balls—washed—
about,
Clay deposite, and masses of ore, 30
to 60 feet,
80.00
REMARKS.
366.00 5.00
1.00
6.70
7.60
The only bed that
has been examined,
in this section, is the
big vein. No road at
present exists to
communicate with
this valley.
A ravine which de¬
scends into this val¬
ley from the East, in¬
tersects both coal and
iron beds.
60.00
Total of this Section,
26
Section, No. XVII.—1th Mineral Section.
BOON'S CREEK.
No. on
the
Section.
DESCRIPTION OF STRATA.
Thickness
of beds,
ft. dec.
1
Commencing on the mountain flat.
1. Sandstone beds appertaining to the coal series
about 50 feet to the first or upper coal vein,
2. 1st Coal vein, thickness uncertain, and not
explored,
3. Argillaceous shale, with traces of iron ore,
4. 2d Coal vein, apparently a thick bed,
5. Fire clay, a thick bed,
6. Shaley argillaceous rock,
7. 3d Coal vein, below the Narrows,
8. Several courses of good strong iron ore
balls,
9. Rock or Shale—uncertain,
10. 4th Coal vein of good quality, formerly open- |
ed by Mr. Bloss—and discontinued since the )»
discovery of coal in more convenient situa- I
tions, J
11. Soft blue Shale,
12. 5th Coal vein—also formerly opened by Mr,
Bloss, of good quality,
13. Blue shale,
14. Fire clay,
15. Sandstone rock and slate,
16. Compact sandstone and building stone to the^i
head of the falls—probably a continuation I
of bed No. 23, in the Coal run section and in (
No. 12 of East Creek section J
17. Hard compact sandstone beds—to the foot 7
of the falls, 5
18. Various strata of sandstone, partially exposed:"'
but for the most part concealed by very
large masses and blocks of siliceous grit and
puddingstone, extendingdown to the level of
the Tioga River, about 200 feet lower. Many
of these fragments, which have evidently
sunk from a much higher elevation, contain
more than a thousand cubic feet each.
: in^
<]
7.50
8. 70
9.60
3.00
2.00
20.26
16.55
31.25
200,00
Total of this section in vertical height above
the Tioga River at Blossburg. 377.86
REMARKS.
50.00
15.00
14.00
The intersection of
the upper coal beds
in this ravine is at the
distance of 14 miles
in a straight line,
west from Blossburg
Furnace.
Inclination 252 ft.
per mile,
27
Section, No. XVIII.—Stk Mineral Section.
JOHNSON'S CREEK.
Division
of ihe
Section.
DESCRIPTION OF STRATA.
Thickness
of beds.
Feet.
The present section commences at 5 miles
S. VV. ofBlossburg.
Bed of bog ore near the summit 3 feet thick.
1st coal bed from 50 to 70 feet above No. 3.
1. Grey shale and slate, with indications of
coal, may be traced towards the upper part
of the creek, and continues to a strong fer¬
ruginous spring, with appearances of bog
ore
2. Courses of good iron ore, in flat masses,
bedded in shale and slate,
3. 2d coal vein, showing a face of 18 inches in
the bank of the creek,
4. Fire clay, about 18 inches.
5. Alternate beds of shale or slate and clay,
with nodules of iron ore interspersed, esti¬
mated at 10.00
6. Fire clay, 1.50
7. 3d coal vein, about 18 inches face in the
bank,
8. Soft rotten slate
9. Thick bed of argillaceous iron ore, occur¬
ring in masses, both as veins and balls,
10. Slate as before, extending to another or
two courses of good iron ore, in large slabs
and flat balls 10 or 12 inches thick, 12 to
15 feet, 15.00
11. Dark coloured slatey beds as before, with
courses of iron balls as before, at intervals
of 60 to 80 feet, 70.00
12. Shale or slate, with more balls of iron ore, 20.00
13. Slate again, with seams and flattened masses
and balls of iron ore, 15.00
14. Slate continued, to a spring of strong cha¬
lybeate or ferruginous water,
15. 4th coal bed, of an extremely hard qua¬
lity called splint coal, 10 inches, .
16. Black shale bed intermediate, 14 inches, !
17. 5th coal vein very hard, like the first bed, [
and partially resembling the cannel coal !
and that in bed No. 29 of Coal run, 2 feet,-'
18. Dark shale and rotten or shivery argillace¬
ous slate,
19. 6th coal vein, a small bed showing only 4
inches thick in the face of the hill.
20. Below this vein, slate of a similar quality
continues many feet.
2.00
1.50
1.50
1.50
2.00
3.00
20.00
4.00
6.00
REMARKS.
The intervals between,
and the respective thick¬
nesses of the different
strata are for the greater
part, by estimation only,
in this section.
There is a slight dip of
these beds towards the S.
E., in which respect they
differ from the strata in all
the other sections which
are not far from hori¬
zontal.
It will be perceived that
the great characteristic
distinction of this section
is the prevalence and vast
thickness of slate. Instead
of the intermixed series of
siliceous sandstones and
argillaceous shales, as in
the foregoing examples,
we have here a vast mass
of slate, at least 250 feet
thick, comprising within
it the subordinate series
of coal and iron seams.
No opening having been
made in any of these beds
of coal except a few
inches, a fair estimate
either of quality or thick¬
ness cannot yet be obtain¬
ed, and they can only be
regarded as specimens of
surface coal.
From the extreme hard¬
ness of the lower beds of
coal it is probable that
they are not greatly af¬
fected by atmospheric
agency even at the out¬
crop.
28
Mineral Section 7th.
TIOGA VALLEY, from Blossburg upwards.
Height
Sec¡ta!, description of strata. b?0b°;?g.
Height of strata at miles by esti¬
mation above Blossburg, 304.00
1. Hard yellow sandstone,
Traces of coal and iron ore washed in
the creek, 286.00
Yellow laminated sandstone,
Hard ferruginous sandstone,
2. Red shale with shells, at fork, 270.00
3. Conglomerated sandstone and green
shale;
4. Red argillaceous shale, 262.00
Sliding bank, with coal and iron ore
fragments washed down,
5. Yellow sandstone laminated beds,
6. Green and red argillaceous shale, 239.00
7. Unexamined ground, on account of
the alluvium and gravel,
Shale fragments,
8. Sliding bank, with much coal and
coal shale, 209.00
Yellow shale and claystone frag¬
ments,
Hard brown sandstone, horizontal,
I.oose cannel coal in fragments
washed, 199.00
9. Sandstones,
Fishing camp 189.84
Mouth of Fellows's creek, 185.17
Laminated sandstone, _ 174.55
10. Alternating beds of red argillaceous
slate and laminated sandstone, 166.97
11. Blue slate, 164.00
Fragments of hard or splint coal, 164.00
12. Fine laminated grey flagstones,
13. Fine whetstone bed.
14. Argillaceous flagstones,
Pyramid rock in river,
15. Obscure strata—chiefly sandstone,
Loose balls of ore,
Fragments of cannel coal,
Masses of fine argillaceous iron ore,
16. Sandstone beds, dipping N. 103.00
Big gritstone rock in river, 94 tons, 101.29
19.
20.
}
masses and
17. Ferruginous sandstone,
18. Horizontal strata,
Siliceous ore in large
balls, loose,
Big pine tree,
Sandstone, obscure,
Fork of Morris's run,
21. Sandstones, dipping W.
22. Clay deposite, with ferruginous no¬
dules.
Level of Blossburg bridge,
Total of this Section,
Thick¬
ness
of bed.
2.00
4.00
2.00
142.39
137.00
129.46
113.00
90.00
80.00
64.68
47.76
34.00
remarks.
The Tioga above the
narrows passes through
wide bottoms and allu¬
vial flats, and does not
washjthe banks so as to
show the mineral or
other strata. These beds
are therefore imper¬
fectly ascertained, and
would require further
time to be investigated
satisfactorily.
Traces of coal, in
washed fragments, ex¬
ist all through this part
of its course, but the
precise site of the coal
veins was not observed
on the survey, for the
reasons above mention¬
ed.
10.00
The levels were as¬
certained by instrument
to the height of 216.83
feet, beyond that point
the elevations were
merely by estimation.
304.000
29
No. on
Section.
i.
Mineral Section 8th.—FELLOWS'S CREEK.
REMARKS.
DESCRIPTION OF STRATA.
Thick-
ness of
beds,
ft. dec.
2.
13.
14.
60.00
Height
above
Blossb.
ft. dec.
('Rise of ground to summit flat, esti-
I mated at 260 feet above last ob-
servation, 650.00
i Chiefly sandstone series of the coal
(^measures,
Sandstone beds at 7{¡ miles N. E.
from Blossburg, 450.00
Deer lick above Fellows's falls, 438.00
Top of upper falls and of pudding-
stone strata, 430.00
Bottom of upper falls, in ledges, 412.00
3. Thickness of conglomerate gritstone
or puddingstone,
Top of second fall, 405.00
Bottom, perpendicular, 390.00
Top of lower or 3d falls, pudding-
stone ledges, dipping W. 373.00
4. Sandstone ledges commence 370.00
Deep basin or trout hole,8 feet deep, 365.00
5. Argillaceous shale,
Bottom of lower falls, 357.00
6. Yellow sandstone ledges,
Coal slate washed in creek, 345.00
Course of creek, N, E.
7. Sandstone beds, and strong mineral
spring, 335.00
Little run frorri the west, with coal
slate, probably washed at least 150
feet down,
Traces of soft bituminous coal in east
bank, 325.00
8. Argillaceous beds,
Mineral spring, and bed of iron ore
in seams, 316.00
Argillaceous strata,
9. Iron ore masses, loose in creek, 295.00
Small run from the west, containing
coal fragments at 80 to 100 feet up 290.00
10. Ground obscured by alluvium, gra¬
vel, and vegetation,
Coal fragments, in creek, 275.00
Cannel coal fragments in the creek, 266.00
Coal traces. 256.00
11. Strata doubtful,but apparently chief¬
ly argillaceous, 246.00
Mineral spring,
Iron ore balls, washed,
Ledge of argillaceous rock 5 feet,
Little Falls, 216.83
12. Argillaceous strata,
Loose iron ore masses, 202.00
Fishing càmp at forks, 189.84
Fork of Tioga and Fellows's creek, 185.17
Sandstone, laminated beds, 174.55
Argillaceous rocks, flagstones, whet¬
stones and shales, 137.00
Coal and iron ore at various eleva¬
tions, washed,
15. Sandstone series,
To level of Blossburg bridge.
Total 650.00 650.00
5
The central part of
this section is almost en¬
tirely obscured by allu¬
vial matter, and few op¬
portunities exist of ex¬
ploring the hill sides)
consequently, the sin¬
gle exploration that has
been made, is by no
means complete.
The levels were taken
by instrument 5J miles
from Blossburg: beyond
this, the upper part was
finished in part by esti¬
mation, and partly by
admeasurement.
The three falls in this
creek have a descent of
about one hundred feet
in an eighth part of a
mile where the beds
of hard conglomerate
gritstone have checked
the erosion of the chan¬
nel, as in the case of
most of the other ra¬
vines. At this point the
creek is limited to a
narrow gorge or chasm,
in one place only twelve
feet wide, having its
edges rise almost per¬
pendicular to the height
of from 80 to 100 feet.
Near the foot of the se¬
cond fall is another
which is precipitated
from the east cliff about
65 feet, over the entire
mass of conglomerate.
On ascending the bed
of this eastern stream
above the fall, traces of
coal were abundantly
discovered.
30
Mineral Section 9th.
Taylor's Creek.
The survey and exploration of this creek have been carried up
more than two miles from its junction with the Tioga, at one mile
above Blossburg. Its general course is due north and south, nearly
in a line with the main Tioga valley, from the point where that
river deflects to the east. This creek traverses through an alluvial
bottom ; and on that account, presents few opportunities for exam¬
ining the mineral strata.
A bed of fine white sand, adapted for glass making, was lately dis¬
covered here. Good argillaceous ore occurs at three or four points,
at as many different elevations, and coal indications are washed
down the stream ; but, for the reasons assigned, their precise sites
were not distinctly identified, to admit of a section being construct¬
ed to contain the precise elevations. It is probable the body of
mineral strata is intersected still higher.
Three small transverse ravines, descending the hills from the
west, were traced up, and coal veins were satisfactorily ascertained
towards the upper parts of each. Two other small ravines were
traced under the like circumstances, descending from the same hill
in the opposite direction, into the valley on the west side of Peters'
Camp hill.
At the elevation of 113 feet large balls of siliceous iron ore occur,
both in Taylor's creek and in the bed of the Tioga. They are
probably washed out of the ferruginous sandstone strata, which
form rocky cliffs, near the point of the Hogs Back Ridge on each
side the principal flat.
Selection of the Route for the proposed Rail road.
Having entered as fully as the importance of the subject demand¬
ed, into the details of the mineral productions of this district, it
remains to be stated what steps have been taken to ascertain the
most desirable route in which to place the rail-road.
Your decision has relieved me from the necessity of adverting
to the comparative advantages of this system of transportation, in
such a situation as Tioga valley, rather than that of a canal. In¬
deed, the superior adaptation of rail roads in general, is now so
established, on both sides of the Atlantic, as to have, by this time,
almost ceased to form a subject for controversy ; excepting under
circumstances such as certainly do not exist here. There needs,
therefore, in passing only to name two local objections to the sub¬
stitution of canal navigation. The first is, that the Tioga, or such
part of it as more especially comes under the present notice, is a
mountain river, and like all streams in the proximity to such
elevated sources, is irregular in its volume, at one time almost dry
and shrunk into insignificance, at another uncontrollable ; over¬
flowing all bounds, and occupying the entire breadth of the valley.
Second, and which is partly involved in the previous objection,—
that in summer most of its tributary streams being dried up, it
does not contain a competent supply of water for a canal, allowing
for leakage and evaporation, and abstracting it from the twenty-four
saw and other mills upon its banks. At the moment of writing
31
the present article, (August 30th,) and for the preceding three
months, the actual volume of the Tioga, passing the state line, after
traversing near 30 miles of country, and uniting with Canoe Camp
creek, Corey's creek, Mill creek, Crooked creek, Bear creek, Elk
run, and forty others of minor importance, is scarcely larger than
at the point of setting out at Blossburg.
The same cause which, at times, renders the Tioga an unfit agent
for canal purposes, interferes with the most straight and convenient
course for conducting a rail road, in the flats or level parts of the
valley, on account of the periodical inundations to which they are
exposed. The ice freshet in the spring of the present year was
unusually high and destructive, and I have distinguished upon the
general map and in various transverse sections, its highest limits
and the area of the lands covered by that flood. It was, perhaps,
fortunate for the proper elucidation of this case, that the survey
was commenced sufficiently early, before the traces of the freshet
were obliterated by vegetation and by the usual agricultural opera¬
tions. Of the extent and effects of the inundation, upon the bot¬
tom lands, the reporter can, in most cases, speak from the evidence
within his daily observation, during the prosecution of this part of
his duty.
It was then sufficiently apparent that a limited portion only of
the central part of this valley was adapted for the route of a rail
way. Indeed, it were only necessary to cast a glance upon the
map of this area, intersected as it is, particularly in the upper part,
with a net-like labyrinth of branches, coves, shoals and islands, all
which are perpetually changing, to perceive the perfect futility of
attempts, except at enormous expense, to establish a permanent
rail road on the flats, and the necessity of placing it beyond the
influence of those waters.
From the following list of the bridges which cross the Tioga and
the principal creeks and rivers which join it, within the limits of
this valley, some opinion may be formed of the effect of these
freshets.
of bridges, way.
Feet. Feet.
257 recently erected,
178
85
Entire Clear
length water
Blossburg New Bridge
Higley Bridge
Main Branch by Sash Factory
Covington
Bridge near Dyers' Saw mill, private
Canoe camp
Canoe creek adjoining
Corey's creek bridge
Mill creek
Berry's bridge above Willardsburg
Former bridge below Willardsburg
Crooked creek at Willardsburg
Crooked creek west of do.
Lawrenceville bridge
Cowanesque bridge at Lawrenceville
250 washed away
200 washed away
impassable,
330 broken down, and disused
75
297 destroyed
264 condemned by commission-
138
265
135
250 wholly carried away
66 impassable,
ers, as impassable,
Cannistco bridge
Conhocton bridge
Covered bridge 2 miles below Painted
Post.
150 swept away
169
300 erected 1831.
32
There is, therefore, an interval of near 24 miles of this thickly
settled valley, without any bridge communication across the
Tioga.
After having ascertained the impolicy, and I may add, the im¬
practicability, of carrying a railroad in safety over the bottoms,
as a general rule, it became necessary to examine the bordering
elevated ground, on either margin, and to determine the most suit¬
able track. For this purpose the slopes have been carefully sur¬
veyed throughout, on both sides ; and the general route has been
traced, as well as several deviations in those parts which were like¬
ly to become subjects of consideration and expediency.
On reviewing the respective circumstances connected with this
question, it was expedient to consider how far the natural features
of the adjacent country ought to influence the choice of route. It
will, no doubt, be from a consideration of these points, mainly, that
your decision will eventually be made ; where the cost of construc¬
tion, and other contingencies, are not greatly dissimilar. Let us
see what are these leading features.
The Tioga river, s,o far as it bears that name, having its sources,
among the spurs of the Allegheny mountains, about ten miles east
or rather S. E. of Blossburg, deflects from its previous course at
that village, and proceeds northward about forty miles, when
having united with some other streams, above Painted Post, it re¬
ceives the name of Chemung river. Throughout the whole of
this course of forty miles, it no where departs from a central me¬
ridian or north line, more than two miles, and in the chief part of
the route is less than one mile from the meridian line, and the
meridian line of Blossburg passes through the village of Centre-
ville. a
On refe.xmce to the county maps it will be seen that the Tioga
receives its principal accession of tributary waters from its western
side. The supply from the opposite side is insignificant, and in
the aggregate is inferior to that derived from the smallest of the
four principal creeks on the western border. On the eastern side
the extent of drainage does not exceed an average breadth of six
miles from the river bank ; while, on the western, the waters are
accumulated from a surface varying from ten to forty miles in
width. Crooked creek traverses through twenty miles ; the Cow-
anesque creek forty miles ; the Canisteo river fifty miles ; and the
Conhocton river forty miles ; without estimating the smaller wind¬
ings: whilst Mill creek, the only stream of note on the east, has
its extreme source only fifteen miles from the Tioga. The com¬
parative areas of drainage are, on the eastern side 230 square miles;
on the western side 1950 square miles. These western tributa-
taries, particularly the Conhocton river, have a much more uniform
supply of water than the Tioga. In summer the Conhocton far
exceeds the whole united waters of the Tioga ; but in the season
of freshets, the latter river, originating in an elevated mountainous
region, surpasses, by three or four times its volume, that of the
Conhocton.
33
As regards the primary cost of a rail road down this valley,
therefore there can be no doubt but the most economical principle,
would point to the eastern bank ; where having reference to the
entire route to the Chemung navigation, all the cost of crossing
and building bridges over the Tioga and the large creeks on the
western side would be avoided.
But this location would not be so acceptable to the population,
which is, and will always be, most thickly seated on the western
side ; and it may be advisable, therefore, so to modify the plan, as
to give the accommodation of the rail road where it would recipro¬
cally be most useful. From Blossburg to the Narrows above
Mill creek, and probably as far as Berry's bridge, a distance of
eighteen miles, the nature of the ground points out the eastern
bank as the most fitting location. From Covington, upwards,
there is a paramount necessity for placing the road on this side ;
as, indépendant of the avoidance of three bridges ; of the position
of the limestone quarries on the same side ; and without reference
to the iron furnace, forge, and foundry at Blossburg similarly situ¬
ated, there are several ravines containing coal and minerals, pro¬
bably 9-10ths of what is likely to be worked, descending to the
Tioga from the east, and only three or four from the west. These
considerations, therefore, will probably lead to the adoption *f the
eastern course for the first fourteen or eighteen miles.
Below Mill creek, the country on the right is but partially set¬
tled. For more than eight miles of the lower portion of the valley,
within the state of New York, not even a township road has been
opened through the woods, and very little land has, of course,
been cleared. Beyond the vicinity of the river, the agricultural
and other produce of the higher flats in the interior settlements,
would in all probability be conveyed directly eastward to the
Chemung, rather than by a circuitous route to the same destina¬
tion by means of the rail road. This road, therefore, cannot be ex¬
pected to derive much benefit from the eastern district below.
There is no carriage road leading eastward from the Tioga be¬
tween Maunsfield and the Chemung canal, a distance of 33 miles,
whilst on the west there are five or six.
But on the left the four rapidly improving valleys of the Cow-
anesque, Crooked creek, Conhocton and Canisteo, may be viewed
asforming important auxiliaries toany railroad which may crossthem
at their points of junction with the Tioga. Population is fast in¬
creasing in that direction ; produce must descend towards the natu¬
ral main out-let ; merchandize and many necessaries for the supply
of a large settled district, must pass up on that side ; and the vil¬
lages now situated at the confluences of each of these streams,
must be depots for this lateral trade, whenever the suitable means
of transportation is afforded by the projected work.
For these reasons, therefore, it appears desirable to fix the re¬
mainder of the route upon the West branch.
As regards the Pennsylvania portion of this line, it will be ac¬
complished at the extra cost of a bridge of about two hundred feet
span, south of Willardsburg, and one of half that span across
34
Crooked creek. In the latter case, the cost may be greatly redu¬
ced by building a permanent bridge to suit the joint purposes of
the rail road and the ordinary traffic, in the place of the bridge
which was washed away by the spring freshet of the present
year.
The descent from the Coal Run road at Blossburg, to the state
line is 368.89 feet, and there will require to be built 65 bridges,
chiefly of small size, and thirty road crossings.
In commencing the route the plan is by no means restricted to
the precise spot fixed upon as a central position.—Hereafter,
when collieries are opened, a lateral extension will be required
towards the junction of the southern valleys. It may even be ad¬
visable hereafter to extend the principal route about five miles
further up the Tioga to the intersection of the mineral beds, and
cross in the way the mouths of other ravines also containing coal
and iron. At this latter point, at Fishing Camp, situated at the
forks of the Tioga and Fellows's creek, the elevation is only 181.13
feet above the commencement of the rail road at Blossburg, com¬
prising a regular inclination of about 3 feet per mile.
In the succeeding pages will be found detailed descriptions of
the several routes examined in the experimental surveys which
have just been completed. It is scarcely necessary to premise
that whenever the general sites are determined upon and finally
graded, modifications, occasioned by minor local details, may be
introduced, which could not be comprised within the limits of the
original projections.
In point of length the routes are nearly equally advantageous ;
that which passes wholly on the east side being 26 miles, wanting
three chains, and that terminating on the west side being 26 miles,
wanting seven chains ; or 25|.^ miles ; differing only 88 yards.
The average descent in each is also very similar, one being 14.19
feet, the other 14.23 feet fall in each mile, or one foot fall in 371.
The effect of gravity upon this inclination averages 6T|7 lbs. per
ton per mile.
As is commonly the case with rivers having elevated sources,
this inclination is considerably the greatest as we approach the
head waters. Half the entire fall is accomplished in the first 6i
miles out of the 26. From Blossburg to Covington, a distance of
5i miles, the plane of descent is 30.20 feet per mile ; being at the
rate of one foot in 174, the effect of gravity is 12^'g. lbs. per ton,
which will probably be the maximum of resistance to be overcome
by the ascending trade.
From Covington to the state line the remaining 21-j^ miles
have an average descent of 9^35 feet Per mile, which is equal to
one foot in 531 ; and the effect of gravity upon this inclination is
only lbs. to each ton weight.
35
Detailed description of the general Route of the Tioga
Rail Road, and of the lines of probable deviation, as
projected from the experimental surveys, and illustrated
by the profiles No. I. to XII.
EAST ROUTE.
Mile I.
Commences opposite the entrance of Coal Run, in the Flat
above Blossburg, sweeping round the base of Coal Hill, and cross¬
ing Bear Creek and the road up that ravine, reaches the point of
rocks near Higley bridge. See profile No. I.
Graduated at a uniform descending plane of 31 \ feet per mile.
Three small bridges will be required in this mile.
Radius of curve near the furnace 2442 feet.
A small portion of this section will require some elevation, in
crossing the swampy flat near the commencement. If the road be
carried on the east side of the furnace, which appears advisable,
there will be some extra excavation for about three chains length,
the remaining part of the cutting will be easily accomplished along
the gravelly slope of Coal Hill.
Mile II.
Continuation of the same plane, along the right bank of Tioga
river, and on the western slopes of East Hill and Bear Hill.
The curve will be at a radius of not less than 1 mile.
Three small bridges over mountain runs, and one large bridge
across East Creek.
Embanked about 7 chains in length, across East Creek, from 5
to 13 feet high.
At commencement there will be 6 chains in length of loose
sandstone rock to remove the breadth of the road, on a slope of
35 to 45 degrees: the remainder is easy cutting, along the base of
the mountain, at about 15 feet in height from the ordinary surface
of high water.
Mile III.
Same plane continued: sweeping round three points in curves
of 600, 820, 850 feet and upwards, radius.
Three or four small bridges, and several openings for the pas¬
sage of the Limestone Springs and melted snow.
Cutting is wholly in loose alluvial soil and stones from the
higher slopes: the most difficult is for 15 chains along the side of
Limestone Hill, where the slope is at an angle of 33è degrees.
Substratum, but which will probably not be reached in excava-
don, soft rubbly sandstone.
36
Mile IV.
Same plane continued: sweeps along the base of Big Mountain
at one curve of 4600 feet radius, and another of 8S00 feet radius,
or If of a mile.
Easy slope and construction for the most part. One or two
small points of rock, composed of soft, slatey, and laminated sand¬
stone, can be passed without much increase of labour.
At the north-west point of Big Mountain the slope for about 10
chains is 45 degrees.
One small bridge across a gulley, and an occasional opening for
springs.
These 4 miles constitute stage the first.
Mile V.
A descent of 27.16 feet per mile, continued along the hill in
nearly a straight line oran imperceptible curve. The slope is fa¬
vorable for excavation, of which, indeed, very little is necessary
to form the road bed. Soil to be removed chiefly loose earth and
alluvial ground.
Three or four small bridges over springs will be required here.
One road crossing.
Nearly the whole of the preceding 5 miles are over uncleared
lands.
Mile VI.
Descending in part on the foregoing plane, and on another plane
of about 20 feet per mile in one curve of upwards of li miles or
7326 feet radius, over the flat on the east side of Covington village,
crosses the state road from Wellsborough. See profile No. II.
• Not less than five small bridges, besides those necessary to pass
the springy swamps, will be necessary. Ground swampy on sur¬
face for nearly è a mile.
Two road crossings.
Note.—By prolonging the plane from Blossburg to the state
road, a distance of 51 miles, there is little doubt but, on grading
the route, a uniform inclination of 30T25 feet to each mile can be
determined, which in that case will be the maximum declivity
upon the entire line.
Mile VII.
On two planes of 20 and 134 feet descent per mile.
Curving round Peter Keltz's Point, with a radius of 1000 feet.
The main road will be crossed twice; or it may be expedient to
shift its course and straighten it 25 chains in length, 4 or 5 chains
to the eastward, so as to have it on the east side of the rail road,
opposite Peter Keltz's farm.
Favorable ground for the rail road, except 5 chains in passing
Swamp Run.
Excavation in loose earth and gravel.
37
One bridge for the road where turned, and two others for the
rail way over the swamps.
One road crossing.
Mile VIII.
One plane of 13è feet to the mile descent, in one straight course,
crossing the cleared lands of Thomas Dyer and Robert Searle.
Elevation above reach of freshets, and in a suitable position for
constructing the road bed.
Three or four small drain bridges.
One road crossing.
Mile IX.
Continuation of same plane and course to Canoe Camp Creek,
and thence in a straight line, with a short intermediate curve of
SS4 feet radius, for the remainder of this mile.
Descent 14.37 feet per mile on the flat east of Canoe Camp.
Soil and other circumstances resembling the preceding mile.
One bridge about 70 feet long across Canoe Camp Creek.
Three small bridges.
One road crossing at Crossways.
Mile X.
From bend of the river, near Gillet's new saw-mill, to Manns-
field south bridge.
Descending in two planes of 14.37 and 7.70 feet per mile.
The first i mile curves with a radius of 2850 feet, the remainder
continues straight, crossing the road twice.
The surface is of convenient elevation out of reach of floods, and
requires neither excavation nor embankment of any importance.
One bridge crossing Gillet's saw-mill race, and three smaller
bridges over drains.
Two road crossings.
Mile XI.
From Mannsfield south bridge to mouth of Corey's Creek.
An inclination of 7.70 feet to the mill prolonged. See pro¬
file No. III.
Curving round Mannsfield Point in a double or reversed curve
of 500 feet radius each, past a saw-mill and fulling-mill, thence
curving across the flat and round the base of the opposite point, at
which place the bank slopes at an angle of 34è degrees, with good
cutting. Where the lowest part of the meadow is crossed, the
surface will require to be raised above the reach of the freshet,
averaging 4 feet, for the space of 10 chains, and with suflicient
elevation to cross Corey's Creek. Some deep cutting of about 10
feet for 4 or 5 chains long at the point of Mannsfield Hill near the
mills.
One large bridge of about 50 feet over Corey's Creek, two
smaller bridges over Tail Race and drain.
Two road crossings.
6
38
Mixe. XII.
Prolongation of the same plane to Asa Mann's.
Curves with radius of 937 feet, 1350 feet and 1300 feet along
the right bank of the river. The principal excavation in this sec¬
tion is about 10 chains round the steep point of the hill below R.
C. Shaw's farm. The ground here is loose, sliding, alluvial earth,
mixed with stones and coarse gravel, with two or three small
springs. Very little of the sandstone substratum will be reached
by this excavation. The remaining distance affords a fair ave¬
rage of hill side road formation. Towards Richmond the bank
contains several small springs in clay.
One bridge to be formed across Watering-Trough Run, one
other across a drain, and some openings to convey the springs.
Two crossing places.
. A rolling place for conveying saw logs into the river, at Asa
Mann's, has been much used for that purpose, and must be pro¬
vided against.
Mixe XIII.
From M'Cardell's, at Cannon Creek, in Richmond, to Shaw's
Bend, and west of the main road.
Inclination 10.42 feet descent in a mile.
Pursuing nearly a straight direction along the flat, with the ex¬
ception of a curve at the commencement of 650 feet radius.
Favorable ground for constructing the road in general.
One bridge over Cannon Creek, and the hollow way there to
be crossed.
Three road crossings.
Mile XIV.
Prolongation of the same plane and course to Hudnut's cottage,
near Sherwood's saw-mill. The only curve is upwards of a mile
radius, or 6164 feet.
The flat at N. Sherwood's farm was inundated this spring \ a
mile in the direction of the rail road; occasioned by the accumula¬
tion of ice in his newly erected dam; at the same time the height
of the bank and road is only 6.30 feet above the medium low
water surface, on which account a repetition of the same occurrence
may be occasionally expected.
The lowest ground will be avoided by the course selected for
the rail road, and a portion of the remainder will need elevation
in crossing Sherwood's Run and the Cove.
One bridge at Ripley's Run.
One bridge at Sherwood's Run.
One other at the Cove.
Mile XV.
Down the Narrows, graduated to an inclined plane of 7 feet per
mile, curving with radii of 6164 feet and 2376 feet round the
steep point.
39
The chief difficulty that presents itself in this section is about 7
chains length of the hill slope, under which the river winds closely
opposite to Mann and Fenton's upper saw-mill. About 130 yards
of this will be best accomplished by slope-walling, for which the
materials exist close at hand, to support the foundation and exter¬
nal slope of the rail road; and some alteration will probably be
found indispensible to the present old road. The remaining
distance admits of convenient execution.
One small bridge.
Four road crossings, which may be reduced to two by shifting
the old road 5 or 6 chains in length.
The land is all uncleared.
Mile XYI.
From the second steep point in the Narrows to the north of E.
Ferry's.
Continuation of the same plane.
Passing the first turn at a radius of 890 feet, and rounding the
point beyond at a curvature of 925 feet radius, it thence proceeds
in a curve of nearly 2 miles radius, 10,000 feet, past Mann's
lower mill. 6 or S chains of the first part of this mile, in passing
the abrupt angle of the river under the hill, will be attended with
some extra labour, and probably a few yards of walling at the
point; beyond this the space increases, the rocks are loose and the
earth and gravel easily moved; the slope of the bank here is at an
angle of 42 degrees, gradually lessening for the space of è a
mile. At Mann and Fenton's lower saw-mill the rail way will be
most conveniently carried beneath the stage, or elevated way, to
the mill.
Some alteration to the present road at the steep point, about 3
chains in length.
One road crossing at Ferry's Ford.
The land is uncleared.
Mile XVII.
Continuation of the same plane ; and by suitable courses of i of
a mile and half a mile radius, past Mill creek, to Rodney
Niles's.
On the hill side between Ferry's and Mill creek, the slope is
somewhat irregular and springy. The road on the south bank of
the creek will be sufficiently elevated as to render an embanked
approach unnecessary. Across the flat at Keeneysville the super¬
structure must be elevated several feet, in continuation of the plane
of descent, for 15 chains ; which will, at the same time, afford fa¬
cility for crossing the two other branches of Mill creek, with
which the valley is here intersected.
One principal bridge of about 100 feet in length across Mill
creek,
One other smaller bridge across a branch.
One other bridge over Keeney's mill race, and several openings
for the passage of springs.
Two road crossings.
40
Mile XVIII.
Same plane continued.
Proceeding by curves of from half a mile to upwards of a mile
radius, and sweeping round the base of Fox's Hill to near Berry's
bridge.
Easy hill side cutting all the way—the ground being of nearly
uniform slope.
This mile is through uncleared land.
Some springs to be provided against, near the swamp.
Mile XIX.
Prolongation of the same plane. The course continued along
the right or east bank of the river, opposite to Willardsburg, in
one general curve of about f of a mile radius. This mile will re¬
quire a greater amount of labor in excavation than any other in the
route. Twenty-six chains consist of rock, for the most part rising
abruptly from the water, and in some places 30 or 40 feet perpen¬
dicularly, and the remaining space at a high angle. This rock is
neither very compact nor difficult of removal : consisting of innu¬
merable strata of various thickness and qualities, of laminated
sandstone, slatey rock, and shale or shell as it is termed. Unclear¬
ed lands.
One road crossing—near Berry's bridge.
A log rolling place for saw logs, down this hill, has been in
much use, and is still continued and must be provided against.
Mile XX.
Same plane continued.
Continuing for the most part at a curvature of | of a mile radius,
to J. S. Allan's Farm. The first 27 chains consist of rock exca¬
vation, like the preceding ; the remainder is favorable hill side
cutting.
Uncleared lands chiefly.
Mile XXI.
Same plane prolonged to Bentley 's farm, half a mile, and the
remainder pursuing an inclination of 15 feet per mile to the fork of
the road, beyond Adams's brick kilns, in nearly a straight course.
Some reduction of the hill at Bentley's and a corresponding eleva¬
tion towards the termination of this mile, will be needed to preserve
the uniformity of this plane, unless, as will probably be the case
on the actual location of the road, higher and more regular ground
be found by sweeping more eastward towards the foot of the hills,
and thus uniting and equalizing this stage with the succeeding. In
this case the curvature will be upwards of a mile radius.
Two bridges.
One road crossing.
41
Mile XXII.
Curve about è of a mile or 60.40 feet radius.
The greater part of this mile is conducted on a rise of è feet in the
mile. As was stated above, a more equal adjustment of these two
sections can probably be effected on a closer examination of the
ground in the process of grading. The latter half of this mile was
inundated by the spring freshet, occasioned by a remarkable accu¬
mulation of ice, which was impeded in its passage by the sudden
turning of the river in a southerly course at Elliot's Bend. By
the accompanying cross section or profile No. V. and by the
general surface plan, it will be seen that in this part of the flat,
with one or two exceptions there shewn, the flood waters covered
the entire breadth of the Valley from hill to hill.
In the lowest part of this flat these waters covered it to the depth
of 3.35 feet ; and in the most favourable site that can be chosen for
the rail road, the depth of freshet was then two feet, to the extent
of a quarter of a mile, and averaged one foot deep for the length of
half a mile, in the direction required for its course. The height
of this flood above the ordinary low water of the month of May
being here 9.09 feet, and of the present month of July nearly 11
feet. To guard against the consequences of a similar circumstance
which although acknowledged to be of extraordinary occurrence,
would prove injurious to the stability of the proposed works, the
surface on which the rails are to be placed must be embanked one
or two feet above the highest freshet.
One bridge at Mitchell's creek—one smaller bridge at S. Hart-
sock's run.
Two road crossings.
Mile XXIII.
Rise of 1§ feet per mile continued. Curvature about 15 of a mile
or 6040 feet radius, terminating in two curves of 1,750 feet and
1,120 feet radius, respectively.
This section is similarly circumstanced to the foregoing, being
overflowed in the spring for about half a mile, as is illustrated by
the map and by section or profile, No. VI. The height of flood
waters was 9.15 feet above common low water surface, in May,
and 11 feet in July ; the floods passing into the flats, which are
lower as they recede from the river, chiefly near Lewis Light's,
where the bank and present surface of the main road is only 5.97
feet above low water ; the inundation filling the valley two or three
feet deep, to the slope of the mountain. We have traced a line
for the site of the rail road upon the highest practicable ground,
which nevertheless must be raised 2 or 3 feet for the space of 30
chains. There is little danger to be apprehended from the mere
strength or rapidity of the current during these freshets upon the
flats j as the waters instead of descending from above, gradually
42
rise or flow back from below, in proportion to the obstructions
they meet with there.
One bridge over Westbroolc's creek, near the old saw mill.
Three smaller drain bridges.
Two road crossings.
East Course.—Profile No. XII.
Mile XXIY.
From C. Rathbone's past the old distillery, to Jacob Reap's.
Inclination partly 16è feet per mile, which, on revision, and
grading with the preceding mile, may probably be reduced to a
general plane of 10 feet to the mile. Remainder level.
Curvatures suitable to the undulating character of the ground, in
radii of 1,750 feet and 5,16á feet. The greater part is well adap¬
ted to the required purpose.
Two or three narrow flats will be elevated.
Three small bridges.
The most suitable ground will probably be determined on the
base of Reap's hill.
The intersection of the route is shewn in profile No. VII.
Mile XXV.
Continuation of the level course, by means of an excavation
across the small promontory or tongue of high ground, beyond
W. Obdegraff's; thence sweeping round, on a level, by the knolls,
and alluvial slopes, on the eastern side of the valley.
Three bridges.
One road crossing.
Mile XXVI, wanting 3 chains.
Level to the state line—continued on the slopes of the hills,
through soft gravel and alluvial soil to the steep gravelly bank
above Kilburn's dam, and terminating at 15.06 feet above the com¬
mon level of the dam. Here a considerable hill side excavation
of 15 chains to 18 chains long, is required to construct the road
bed. The soil here consists of loose earth, with coarse sliding
stones and gravel; rising at a high angle to an elevation of about
60 feet. The general surface of this and the last mile is undulat¬
ing, with small protruding points and corresponding recessions.
Two small bridges.
Two road crossings.
o
State Line.
43
Detailed description of additional Routes explored.
COVINGTON EAST OR BACK ROUTE.
See Profile No. XI.
In a straight course of four miles, from the foot of Big Moun¬
tain to Canoe Camp surveyed for the purpose of ascertaining the
practicability of pursuing the shortest and most direct Route.
First stage,—49 chains, across the swampy meadows, having a
fall of 37! feet per mile.
Second stage,—33 chains over the flat, with a descent of 26!
feet, per mile.
Third stage,—87 chains to summit of dividing ridge crossing
the swampy flat, a rise of 16! feet per mile.
Fourth stage,—46 chains to Cross Run, a fall of 73 feet per
mile. This descent can only be reduced to an appropriate inclina¬
tion by an expensive embankment and excavation, or by carrying
the line round the point, towards the first route, near Peter
Kettz's; neither of which modes are to be recommended in pre¬
ference to the lower route selected and previously described, from
mile IV to mile VIII.
Fifth stage,—104 chains, the remaining distance to Canoe Camp
Creek—a fall of 12 feet per mile. Through swamps the greater
portion of this distance.
Thirteen bridges to be constructed, exclusive of those neces¬
sary aross the swamp. Five road crossings.
Amount of rise and fall to be over¬
come in this route 109.68 ft.—27! ft. per mile.
By the curved course in feet 83.82 ft—20 do.
Saving by the latter route—in ascent 25.86
The distance by the straight line, were it capable of adoption, is
21 chains less than the curved course, but the increased elevation
to surmount, of 25.86 feet, is equivalent to another mile in length.
Three miles of this route consist of uncleared lands.
WILLARDSBURG ROUTE, Deviation.
Mile XVII, in part—See Profile No. 1.
Thirty chains in length:—in a curve of 1820 feet radius, and a
fall of 12! feet per mile—along the slope of the river bank, op¬
posite Niles's.
(The 15th and 16th miles have a descent of 7.60 feet to the
mile. )
44
Mile XVIII.
From the point at the base of Fox's Hill, near Rodney Niles's,
and crossing the Tioga opposite Berry's Cove.
Curvature across the flat 3830 feet, nearly 4 of a mile, radius.
It passes the river in reversed curves of 400 feet radius each, at
the height of 15 feet above low water. Inclination, 6.49 feet per
mile.
Surface—well adapted for constructing the road.
The spot selected as the site for a bridge across the Tioga, re¬
quires no embankments or raised landings, as the banks are 15
feet high on both sides, convenient to the water's edge, as shown
in section No. IV. In this place the river is of uniform depth,
and is unincumbered with islands, bars, shoals or points, for the
lodgment of ice or driftwood.
One large bridge over Tioga.
Mile XIX.
Across the west side of Willardsburg or Tioga village: deviat¬
ing little from a strait line.
Inclination 17.39 per mile, descending.
Continued on the hill side, west of Berry's Cove, to the point,
and thence curving with a radius of 7400 feet, nearly 1£ miles.
One bridge near Berry's Cove.
Two road crossings.
One small embankment.
Mile XX.
Pursuing the last curve and plane, rising 6.60 feet to floor of
bridge, and crossing the Tioga by two reversed curves of 400 feet
radius each at the south bridge, and on an elevation of 15 feet
above ordinary low water. The west landing will require an aver¬
age of 3 feet embanking, for 10 chains, to give the necessary plane of
ascent: on the east bank no material embankment is needed, as the
rocks at the hanging place, can be excavated to the required height.
From thence the route proceeds under the high lands to J. S. Al¬
len's, at a descent of 9 feet to the mile.
One large bridge over Tioga.
Two road crossing places.
Mile XXI, for 29 chains.
Proceeds as described in route 1—to Bentley's Farm.
Descent 9 feet per mile continued.
Two small bridges over drains.
LAWRENCEVILLE ROUTE, Deviation.
Mile XXIV, for 34 chains.
Commences near the old distillery house,at the position marked
in the cross section, No. VII—and crosses the main road south of
Jacob Reap's. See also Profile No. 1.
45
Fall IOS feet per mile.
Curvature—upwards of 1 mile radius or 5460 feet.
Low, springy, irregular ground, but not occasioning much extra
labour in forming road way.
Two drain bridges.
One road crossing.
Mile XXV.
Continuation of the same curve and descent to the landing of
proposed bridge, where there is a rise of 5 feet, in 20 chains, to
permit the passage over the river at 15 feet elevation above com¬
mon low water. There will be no diminished curve at this bridge.
Curvature, after crossing the Tioga, 3300 feet radius: and after de¬
scending again 5 feet, in 18 chains, the route proceeds with a level
course, and-in a curve of 7425 feet or above lè miles radius, along
the hill side bordering the left bank of the run.
The site selected for ts bridge is the small circular elevation de¬
signated as the Indian Knoll, and is the most suitable for this object
of any for several miles; the channel being narrower, deeper, and
freer from all obstructions during freshets; the western bank is on a
level with the floor of the bridge, at 15 feet elevation, and on the east
bank a rise of five feet, to correspond, will enable the bridge to be
passed with ease. Half of this mile is along uncleared land.
One bridge over the Tioga at the Knoll.
One bridge over Back Cove and swamp.
One road crossing.
Mile XXVI, and 9 chains.
Level course to the state line.
One general course of upwards of one mile radius, or 5781 feet,
conducted as far from the limit of high floods as the nature of the
surface permits. The whole of the flat upon which the village of
Lawrenceville is placed, is inundated from time to time, on ac¬
count of the stoppage of the flood waters in Kilburn's Pond; the
descent being here only 6 feet per mile, which is the amount of
fall at the dam. Our sections No. VIII, No. IX, and No. X, are
designed to illustrate these circumstances, and to exhibit the ele¬
vations attained at various points by the freshet of the'present
spring, and the comparative height of the land. The flood waters of
that period are marked at an elevation of 8 feet above common al¬
titude in the month of May—six weeks after which time, on prov¬
ing the levels, the water had fallen 18 inches lower. A rise of 8
feet, therefore, will produce, in the street of Lawrenceville, at the
crossings, a depth of two feet of water.
One embankment in this section, 25 chains in length, and 3 to
4 feet high.
Another embankment of 30 chains, to elevate the roadway 2
feet above high water.
One road crossing.
Two small bridges.
State Line.
7
46
WEST ROUTE.
Mile XIX.
From Berry's Cove, along the western side of Willardsburg
village, as before described, in that route.
3 Road crossings.
1 Bridge.
Mile XX.
Continuation of the same course across the flat, crossing Crooked
Creek, to Jacob Prutsman's, in a strait line.
3 Crossing places.
1 Bridge across Crooked Creek, and 2 smaller creek bridges.
Mile XXII.
Passing Abraham Prutsman's and Elijah De Puy's house and
mill, and crossing Bear Creek.
3 Crossing places.
1 Bridge over Bear Creek, and 3 other bridges.
Mile XXI.
Along the hill side to Elliot's Tavern. The most part of 30
chains in length, at the commencement of this mile, is steep bank,
requiring a good deal of excavation, through loose shell rock and
slatey gravel. The rail road will occupy, for the most part, the
site of the present road, through this part of the Narrows, and in
consequence a new parallel line of common road, for this distance,
must be formed.
1 Bridge.
Mile XXIII.
Curves round the base of the hill to Smith's barn, beyond his
saw mill.
Easy excavation in loose earth.
3 Small bridges.
Mile XXIV.
Of similar nature, in point of site and surface, to the preceding,
and extends past Beeke and Reep's saw mill.
2 Small bridges.
1 Road crossing.
Miles XXV and XXVI, to 73 chains.
Partly along the hill slope, and continued accross the flat at the
back of Lawrenceville, as previously described in that route.
3 Small bridges.
2 Road crossings.
Miles XXII to XXV inclusive cross uncleared lands, requiring
grubbing; and when the route is finally graded there is little doubt
but one uniform plane can be preserved, averaging, from Berry's
bridge, little more than 81 feet inclination in each route. The re¬
mainder is level.
TABLE No. IL
»Analysis of the respective Stages or Planes into which the several Routes are subdivided.
No. 1. ROUTE EAST OF TIOGA RIVER.
Lengths of
Stages.
Distances from
Blossburg.
£î. H4
a S'a
a. 3 n
Ascent.
Descent.
«
o
e
'S
LOCALITIES.
Parts.
Totals.
Parts.
Totals
below
3.
m
o «
S. S
Ie-
r
Miles.
Chains.
Miles.
Chains.
* a »
BlossVg.
en
So.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Head of rail road at Blossburg-
toN. E. pointof Big Mountain
To state road at Covington
To Peter Keltz's
To Canoe Camp Creek
To Stilman Cannon's
To Asa Mann's
To Hudnut's cottage, Narrows
To Bentley's Barn
To Mitchel's Creek
4
1
1
1
1
2
2
6
6
34
10
56
23
05
31
24
72
4
5
6
8
9
11
14
20
21
6
40
50
26
49
54
05
29
21
ft; dec.
31.50
27.16
20.00
13.50
14.37
7.70
10.42
7.00
15.00
ft. dec.
ft. dec.
}
ft. dec.
127.42
38.71
45.11
'18.50
16.84
33.54
59.21
14.70
ft. dec.
127.43
166.13
211.24
229.74
246.58
280.12
339 33
354,03
12
4
9
5
7
4
4
3
1
3
4
2
2
3
6
1
10
To David Cook's Farm
1
47
22
67
Ç 1.00
¿rise
16 50
Level.
2.33
2.33
351.70
4
1
11
12 to 15
To old distillery house
To state line, by Kilburn's Mill
2
59
31
23
25
46
77
12.13
Level.
363.83
363.84
3
6
1
2
Total by this route
25
77
14.19
366.16
2.33
363.83
61
26
Rise a
nd fall
368.49
TABLE No. III. No. 2. Route through Willardsburg and Lawrenceville, the intermediate course conti¬
nuing along the East side of the Valley.
'cn
A-
As»
em.
Descent.
IB
o
S
(TQ
LOCALITIES.
Stages.
B'.oisburg,
1.1 5
Parts.
Totals.
Parts.
Totals
P■
a.
S w
" o
Miles.
Chains.
Miles.
Chains.
Blossb'g
n
u>
— Q*
tg ^
Stages from No. 1 to 7 inclusive, as per
ft. dec.
ft. dec.
ft. dec.
ft. dec.
ft. dec.
1 to 7
route No. 1.—Total
14
5
280.12
280.12
41
15
16
Hudnut's Cottage to Mill Creek
2
16
16
21
7.60
16.76
296 88
2
1
17
To Rodney Niles's farm
48
16
69
m
8.92
305.80
2
18
To new Bridge over Tioga at Berry's Cove
1
00
17
69
6 49
6.49
312.29
1
1
19
Through Willardsburg to landing of bridge
1
36
19
25
17.39
6.60
25.19
337.48
I
2
20
South Bridge to right bank
10
19
35
52.00
6.60
330 88
1
21
To Bentley's barn
74
20
29
9.00
8.45
339 33
2
9, 10, 11
Stages as per route 1, to old distillery
3
17
23
46
2.33
8.93
26.83
363,83
10
3
22
To landing of bridge below Beebee's saw
38
mill
24
4
10#
5.06
368.89
2
1
23
Bridge over Tioga at Indian Knoll
22
24
26 }
16 00
rise
5.00
13.93
363.89
1
0
24
Embankment across swamp
20
24
46
20.00
5.00
368.89
- 1
1
25
Back of Lawrenceville to state line
i
43
26
9
Level.
368.89
2
1
Total length, average inclination, &c.
26
9
15.19
13.93
13.93
382.82
368.89
66
25
Increased distance by this route
12
13.93
Total ascent and descent
396.75
Increase of do. in this route above No. 1.
28.26
No. 3. Route as above including the straight course at Covington.
See Profile No. XI.—Distance from Blossburg, 25 miles 68 chains: Inclination per mile, 16.30 feet: Total ascent, 31.86: Rise and
fall, 422.61: Increase above route 1, 54.12 feet: Bridges, 65: Road crossings, 25.
00
TABLE No. IV.
Ab. 4.—Route from Biossburg to Berry's Bridge, pursuing the East side, and from thence continuing
to the State Line on the west side of Tioga River; and Jor the sake of distinction, this may be styled
the Western Route.
CO
Lengths of
Stages.
Distances from
Blossbuig.
H-- >
Ascent.
Descent.
w
o
2
aq
LOCALITIES.
¿ 2 3 <
Total.
Parts.
Total
below
GL
||
Miles.
Chains.
Miles.
Chains.
3 ? n>
Blossb'g
eg
1 to 7
16 to 18
25
Stages from No. 1. to No. 7. inclusive, as
per route No. l—from Blossburg to the
Narrows, on the East side
Stages Nos. 16, 17, and 18, as per route
No. 2, on the East side, to near Berry's
Bridge
From Berry's Cove to the knoll at the
crossing above Lawrenceville, west of
the Tioga River
Stage No. 25—from thence at the back of
Lawrenceville to state line, as in route
No. 2
%
14
3
6
1
5
64
41
43
14
17
24
25
5
69
30
73
feet.
18.14
8.46
8.69
Level.
ft. dec.
ft. dec.
ft. dec.
280.12
32.17
56.60
Level.
ft. dec.
280.12
312.29
368.89
368.89
41
5
17
2
15
2
12
1
25
73
25
73
14.23
368 89
368 89
65
30
TABLE V.
Abstract of the Tables Nos. 2, 3, and 4, showing the Compara¬
tive Lengths, Inclination, fyc. of the several routes explored.
DESCRIPTION.
Measured
length of
each route.
Statement of Levels.
Average
inclination i
per mile. |
g
ta
1
¡a
S
a
o
3
>
3
0
T>
3
S>
= n n
• tt **
3 S
- "S?
Rf=
1 Ï
¡Si
" 5*
Miles
Ch's.
Route No. 1, on the east side
of Tioga River, in 12 stages,
as per Table No.
Route No. 2, through Willards-
burg and Lawrenceville, in
in 20 stages, as per Table
No.
Increase above Route 1
Assuming friction at 1.200 =
26.40 feet in a mile, 28 26
the excess in Route 2. is
equivalent to an increased
distance of 1 mile 5 chains,
which added to 26 miles 9
chains,= 2 7 miles 14chains,
as compared with 25 miles
77 chains, the eastern route.
Route No. 3, comprising the
straight course at the back
of Covington Flats and
thence similar to Route No.
2 in 22 stages
Increase above Route 2
Estimating friction as above
the 54.12 ft. excess is equiva-
lentto an extension in length
of 2 mile^ chains (on a le¬
vel,) whreh added to 25
miles 68 chains, amounts to
27 miles 72 chains, as com¬
pared with 25 miles 77 ch's,
the eastern route No. 1.
Route No. 4. or western route,
as described
25
26
77
9
ft. dec
2.33
13.93
ft. dec.
366.16
382.82
ft. dec.
368.49
396.75
ft. dec
363.83
368.89
ft dec.
14.19
15.19
61
66
5
26
25
1
o
m
25
12
9.60
16.66
28.26
5.06
25
68
31.86
390.75
422.61
368.89
16.30
65
25
29.53
24.59
54.12
5.06
4
73
368.8
?
368.89
368.89
14.23
65
30
The four routes therefore, stand relatively to each other, when
compared by this test, as follows:—
Miles.
Chains.
Difference.
Miles.
Chains.
No. 1, East Route,
2, Intermediate Route,
3, Do. with Coving¬
ton straight course,
4, Western Route,
25
27
27
25
77
14
72
73
1
1
17
75
Descent
uniform.
51
Estimated Cost of Construction.
In conformity with the expressed desire that in the plans which
should be devised for the accomplishment of the proposed rail road,
the most economical system that would insure the objects of the
undertaking, compatible with the requisite security and stability,
should be kept in view, these points have been strictly adhered to.
It was deemed advisable, in the prosecution of this design, that
every expense, whether of heavy embankments and excavations,
or of construction for the roadway, not immediately and absolutely
essential to its location, and the positive convenience and neces¬
sities of the trade which it is designed to accommodate, should be
brought within the most reasonable compass. Those who are con¬
versant with such subjects are aware that, for limited or local pur¬
poses, such works may be and have not unfrequently been, con¬
structed at much less cost than the first class of great public lines
of rail road; where solidity, permanence, and durability, profound
scientific engineering and refinement in execution, form, with per¬
fect propriety, and as they ever should do, the ruling guides in
their formation, and especially in those cases where a return com¬
mensurate with almost any expenditure of capital, may be confi¬
dently calculated upon. The project, now before us, is, as I am led
to understand, limited to the accomplishment of a given and spe¬
cific end, by the most direct, simple, and unexpensive means adapt¬
ed to the present and probable circumstances of the district, and
consistent with the ultimate amount of its trade, and with the pro¬
bable capacity to maintain it, so as to afford the promoters of the
measure an adequate interest for their capital.
With this understanding, the route has been explored, the site
has for the most part been defined, and the probable approximate cost
has been ascertained. There is reason and authority for stating
that a substantial efficient rail road can be made at a comparatively
moderate charge, and that the ultimate prospect is amply encourag-
ing.
The general route is favourable to the undertaking. There needs
no expensive works, no inclined planes, no stationary engines.
There is no transportation or removal of materials for long dis¬
tances; no solid or compact rocks to be removed; no deep cuttings
to be excavated, nor costly embankments to be elevated. Compel¬
led to keep out of the reach of the periodical freshets, we must ne¬
cessarily pass, for a large portion of the route, along the hill slopes;
where the grading will be effected in dry gravel or loose rubbly
rock and shale; all which circumstances are favourable to the du¬
rability of the materials employed. The descent will consist of
several planes, decreasing in inclination, as they advance south¬
ward, in conformity with the general character and profile of the
surface; and the whole inclination, in the twenty-six miles, aver¬
ages I4i feet per mile.
The principal materials, to be employed in the construction of
the rail road, are all conveniently situated for their respective uses.
Timber of various descriptions, adapted for rail road purposes,
is every where at hand.
52
White pine exists in abundance all down the valley, bordering
the sides of the proposed route, as the vast quantity of lumber an¬
nually rafted down this river and the adjoining creeks, amply tes¬
tifies.
Yellow pine occurs at various points of the line, particularly to¬
wards its lower and central parts, in sufficient quantity to furnish
rails at moderate cost.
Norway pine always abounds at different places, and attains con¬
siderable size.
White oak in almost inexhaustible quantities, throughout nearly
every mile of the route; adapted for sleepers, plank, or other pur¬
poses. j,
The selection and adoption of these materials will probably be
occasionally modified by the convenience of their locality, in sav¬
ing the extra cost of transportation.
Stone abounds, within reach, at almost every mile. In the vi¬
cinity of the course of the first five miles from Blossburg, blocks
or boulders of gritstone are profusely scattered on the surface, and
on the sides of the ravines: adapted for foundations, sleepers, or
any other object to which they may be applied. Large slabs of
sandstone or flagstone are in inexhaustible quantity within the coal
district; suitable for culverts or similar purposes. Lower down,
quarries of flagstone and buildingstone, chiefly of argillaceous and
micaceous sandstones, may be opened in innumerable places.
Minute details of the excavations, embankments, carpenter's and
mason's work, and grading, can only be obtained when the definite
location is determined; and when the longitudinal and transverse
profiles shall then be made.
The present plan contemplates a rail road of wood, with the
common iron bars or rims on the surfaces of the rails. As a gene¬
ral example of the proportions proposed to be observed, I have
caused about thirty feet of wooden rail road to be laid down at
Blossburg.
The data upon which a general estimate of cost has been founded
are the following:
Grading. Width for a single track only. Surface of roadway
13 feet; and a ditch of at least three feet width, to be formed on
the upper side, to intercept the springs, melted snow, and slipping
earth in the flats, ditches, or side drains on both sides. Length 26
miles, and 1 mile extra for turn-outs, selected at the most suitable
intervals. In the uncleared lands, the ground to be grubbed 15
feet, and the timber and brush to be cut and cleared off 20 feet on
each side the road. Cross drains and culverts to be carried beneath
the roadway at all swamps, springs, and gulleys, wherever re¬
quired.
Materials and dimensions,—Sleepers of white oak or white pine,
hewed or sawed, as convenience may decide, 10 in. x 12 in. x
8 feet, and placed 4 feet apart; rails, or strong pieces of yellow pine
or white oak, 6 in. x 9 in. x 16 or 20 feet, placed 4 feet 6 inches
apart; keys, or wedges of yellow pine or white oak; iron for the
rails, 2 in. x i in. x 15 feet = 3 lbs. per foot, = 16 tons, per mile,
53
drilled at every IS miles; screws, 25 in. long, for every 18 inches
of plate.
Bridges,—1 large covered bridge over the Tioga: 1 smaller over
the Crooked Creek; 3 of much smaller dimensions over Mile
Creek, Car.oe Creek, and Carey's Creek, by separate contracts: 61
of inferior size for small runs and drains, or covered as culverts,
besides the cross drains or culverts before included, by separate
contract chiefly: 30 road crossings.
Masonry,—This item, which forms so conspicuous and costly a
feature in most of the rail roads, iuav be contracted within very
reasonable limits here. It may be confined to a few of the princi¬
pal bridges and culverts. There will be only two or three points
where slope wallii.n will be required next the river at the Nar¬
rows, where stone can be obtained conveniently.
Broken stone or gravel for the foundations, where essential;
and much of this can be dispensed with, or easily procured from
the abundance on the spot, and the drv rubbly base for the rails.
Road turning,—At four or five points of no great length, but
chiefly in the Narrows, where excavation will be requisite.
Fencing,—Post and guard rails, for protection only, about 7
miles of Narrows and steepest slopes of hills above the river.
Toll-houses and weighing machines.
Engineers' establishment,—Principal, assistants, and subordi¬
nates; superintendant and incidental expenses, and assistance in
grading and constructing during two years.
Contingencies.
Prices of sawed timber calculated at £S per m. delivered along
the route. This item is fixed at a higher price than in all proba¬
bility will be obtained, including hauling. Imported iron at £60
per ton, delivered.
In round numbers these items amount to £160,000, or may be
taken at an average of £6000 per mile for the 27 miles, making
the aggregate £162,000. This sum it is conceived will be amply
sufficient to complete a substantial and useful rail road, for horse¬
power, adapted to the wants and business of the district in ques¬
tion, and capable of sustaining a locomotive engine whenever it
may be judged expedient to put that description of power into
operation thereon.
In this estimate it will be perceived nothing is included for re¬
muneration for claims for lands occupied by the rail road. Two
thirds of the distance is over uncultivated land, where no such
claims are customary: nor does it appear probable, from the dispo¬
sition of the owners, that demands to any material extent will be
made upon the remainder.
The item of fencing, necessarily introduced into many estimates
and considerably increasing the amount, is also, except for the
purposes of guard against the Narrows and steeps, omitted for the
like reason.
S
54
Sources of Revenue.
In general it forms no part of the professional duty of your re¬
porter to advert to matters of revenue. I shall only, at your sug¬
gestion, refer to a few principal sources of income which this in¬
vestigation has afforded facilities for acquiring some knowledge
of, with the assistance furnished from time to time by several
members of your body, leaving numerous subordinate details as to
local traffic to be filled up at discretion hereafter; and first as to
Coal,—In a preceding page [p. 7.] I have shown that the
amount of this article, capable of being advantageously raised in
the Blossburg coal region, is commensurate with the extent of any
demand that can be contemplated; and the opinion universally
prevails, founded upon the peculiarly advantageous position of that
district, that this demand will be extensive. By means of the
Chemung canal, and other channels, it is anticipated that a large
and populous portion of the neighbouring State of New York will
be supplied from hence. It has been estimated by individuals
largely connected with the business of that State, that as soon as it
becomes accessible, 100,000 tons of coal would be consumed by the
salt-works, by the manufacturing establishments, and by the popu¬
lation of an extensive area in that State from Lake Erie to the
Hudson. It is difficult to assign any specific quantity where the
trade has wholly to be created, but it will scarcely be too much
to assume it at 50,000 tons per annum when permanently estab¬
lished.
Lumber,—It is the prevailing opinion among those who are
largely concerned in this branch of trade, that the owners of a
very considerable portion of the lighter and most valuable descrip¬
tion of lumber will avail themselves of the rail road to transport this
produce, particularly from the higher parts of the valley, to the
deep waters of the Chemung, or occasionally to the canal.
This facility would give a greater stimulus to the lumber trade,
as furnishing a rapid and certain means of getting thus far on the
way to market, particularly in dry summers like the past, when
no freshets, subsequent to that on the first breaking up of the ice,
occur. This disadvantage of having but one precarious method
of transporting this produce is strikingly exemplified at the pre¬
sent moment, when property to the amount of several millions of
feet are lying aground in the Tioga and the adjacent creeks, and
have so continued for some months, waiting for a freshet. Those
who experience how much of the money transactions and pros¬
perity of this quarter is governed by the successful issue, or other¬
wise, of a trade in which the principal part of its population is in¬
terested, will appreciate the accommodation which a rail road will
present at such times when the bulk of the lumber is excluded
from the market. This project will also directly lead to another
important benefit, by conferring on the owners of the finely
timbered lands lying near the head of the rail way the means of
rendering their property effective. The county above Blossburg
is covered with some of the noblest timber that this section pro-
55
duces, arid a vast supply of the more costly kinds, such as curled
and spotted,""or bird's-eye maple, blistered maple, curled cherry,
common cherry, &c., all of vvhifch, from their situation, have been
hitherto wholly valueless.
TABLE VI.
The following list of saw and other mills upon the Tioga, and
' the immediate limits of its valley, and in the 26 miles
within
within
these departments^-where wa
Saw Mills.
Blossburg—Knapp's
Covington—Grey's
do. Dyer's
Canoe Camp—Spencer's
Canoe Creek
Gillet's
Mannsfield
Asa Mann's
Sherwood's
Mann & Fenton's
Mill Creek—Kenney's
do.
Crooked Creek—Fisk's
do Willard's
Willardsburg—Prutsman's
Bear Creek do.
De Pay's
Bush's
Mitchell's Creek
Westbrook's Creek
Beeke and Reep's
Smith's
Lawrenceville—Kilburn's
Ford's or Cowanesque
the state line, will show the present scale of its trade in
er power is employed:—
Other Mills or Factories.
Blossburg—Tool Factory and Foun¬
dry 1
do. Forge 1
do. Iron Furnace 1
Covington—Sash Factory 1
do. Harkness's Grist Mill 1
do. Factory 1
Canoe Camp—Grist Mill 1
Mannsfield—Grist Mill 1
do. Fulling Mills 1
Crooked Creek
Willardsburg—De Puy's Grist Mill 1
Lawrenceville—Kilburn's Grist Mill 1
BELOW THE STATE LINE.
Sa-rn Mills.
On Tioga—Lyon & Morgan's 1
Thurbar & Ford's 1
Grey's 1
Glendinning Creek—Lewis's 2
Mercerau's 1
Fish's 1
Conhocton—Erwin's 1
Grist Mills.
Ryoson's—unfinished Grist Mill X
Erwins's—Grist Mill 1
The total number being 48
Iron—The present furnace at Blossburg is constructed for mak¬
ing upwards of 1500 tons of pigs per annum, which would descend
the rail road; and on the establishment of the latter, other works,
connected with this manufacture, will be put in action. About
150 tons of pig iron are generally carried through Blossburg in the
sleighing season, from Centre county, across the Alleghanies.
But enough has been exhibited in the preceding pages to show
that the mineral products of this region will form an inexhaustible
article of transportation, and an important trade which Pennsyl¬
vania will have to offer in exchange for the produce and manufac¬
tures of the neighbouring states.
Passengers—It would be an omission of one source of profit
were we not to include in this sketch, something under this head.
In the populous districts where rail roads have been established,
communicating with large towns, a great revenue is derivable from
passengers; and the income of others mainly depends upon this
56
source. On the revenue contemplated for the Boston and Provi-
ednce rail road, we find no less than $136,000 out of $336,000 are
expected from passengers;,J«id in the prospectus of the New York
and Albany rail road, jthè' enormous sum of $429,500 per annum,
is set down under this head, out of an aggregate income of
$S52,116. A recent authority has gone so far as to assert, that
there are few rail roads in the United States, whose revenue, from
passengers alone, the toll being taken at 1 cent per mile, would not
suffice to keep the road in repair, and in numerous cases, to form
a fund for its future renewal.
In the present case we are entitled to expect some accession
front this source. For instance, after the customary freshets, the
persons who have had charge of the numerous rafts which de¬
scend the Chemung and its tributary creeks, return across the Al-
leghanies, and down the Tioga valley, on their way to their re¬
spective homes. An estimate has been formed, by which it ap¬
pears that full three thousand persons so situated, pass through
Blossburg in an average year.
Whenever the gigantic projectof the New York and Erie rail road
shall be matured and carried into effect, it will, in all probability,
intersect the Tioga rail road at less than eight miles below the
state line. This road will open incalculable advantages to the dis¬
trict under our immediate consideration; by reducing the present
navigable distance to New York to little more than half; and con¬
sequently will have the effect of lowering the rates of freight on
imports and exports, from this part of the interior, nearly in the
same ratio. At present there has been no definitive report or de¬
termination of the entire route and distances of that rail-road;
but it may safely be estimated, at not exceeding 225 miles from
New York to the termination of the Tioga rail road. From the
latter point, by the Seneca Lake, and the Erie Canal, to New
York, the distance is about 425 miles; consequently, there would
be a saving of two hundred miles of length and freight for
every article of production and consumption so transported.
Having brought to a conclusion all the subjects to which it
appeared desirable to advert in the foregoing report, it only re¬
mains to subscribe myself, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
RICHARD COWLING TAYLOR.
Blossburg Sept. 1, 1832.
GEOLOGICAL SECTIONS Oirm.MMMLMt.STRATA BLOS8BÜRG
JOD
EAST CREEK
Svcmmilof ¿y
«{un«?»«franc /A/. yly -,
7 sSCoai Vein.
From ¿)zi7nrn¿l,0r Up-/.*,/'/a¿
of ?ZZon.7iZa-Í7i. .
«£la ley C7szy orsàa ¿o incertain.
3 "¿Coal/Jaisi, 7 Joft
/ZsyiZZ/Z.e)*e?ZdS' .¿d/Sels.
3^4Coexl Vein, 7Z0¿pro '¿g,-/soft.)
Sha/e 1frfirr CZccy &e?iÜ2rezrcs
^rc ■ ■
" ' yocre /zogproceda, fhich
-72 ess eioccèfccZexZ OizZcT-qzs.fcanneZ);
¿¿¿yjiiareeoces Shade bR/tcjb.
fir& C?Aajr. .
5f~ CevexZ l/c./n not preved, .
¿'/late, and C¿ay /je.da
18
' TctaZ~fö(TW.
Level vjtXhBlcss'bury 65.82 ^ ^
H77.''¿y e/n tezi S e7.77.fs2x rie. s/ratéL
7zot ojcpZe/recL, 30.2 off fee/
i/i ZÁ? chn ess; Co77ijLtkcZsTûtzc,
.S i ne it cor 2o tío. 2 >3. in. Co A¿ R,¿ ru.
/yftp.eezno/e/ res e ?n. hle>ye ce e rexJJ/y
2¿¿e S actuare. itc JSeex,^ Cr e-eTc.
fire O lay.
¿dry ÍU/TZCZÍ O id ti <jt7xx2- Sha fry sccn/í-
~sto7ze frails .
ó ^ Otí-Z V<2-¿72., ¿Zs prerisa pos i
= lion- zrc the Sec/con. isnot de¬
fined. .
7f- S tratet, appar/eti-nin 7o the
C¿?c¿Z ~/T¿ e.ezsixr e s.
'/Tiit-h
/ir.i s
c/
Strnlu
Ft l>c.
Í)C. Vil.
7 O. (777
3 ÛÛ
50. 00
JA. oo
ed/)l/frh
-fz+t.
35. 00
19.
JAe C?Gr¿Z¿7-z. i3.¿x-2¿<7T¿c cp/fzis
S er 7 es of S¿r ei¿.ez_ TiezSrzez'e r
haare inveslzyatecL, 2/e. zotto/ci
heiTiy thickly ce?z>ercfrfr zas2the
ex Zizezrizcrrz, cfr ucy/zlcieio ris.
*
Hie.Base of th is Sectiorx, at
¿he a//7zf¿ucn.cc of ¿Eezsi Creeh/
n7ict the TYojclJZ-iv C7~, is 05ft.
OâZrOia the foot if Coat If zen,
section.^ cx/xcL 31 ft. helozoZAe
Rase off ears Cree 7c Sectio re.
Utzs point is -73?. Cheziros south
from. hi m esta reez, h. i It .
-l'Tie hiyhest CoexZ 77ein. zs et fro ce t
3&5feet ( hy cstim.ez.tion )¿*¿>ove
Ti o pez. Jhue-r, ¿met is 777il o
ex he) y e / Z zn, cx,strez ijM lene.,
fo r/nz/íp ¿un, ¿.¿zcZin. ecLp 7ezn e,
zuz-th cz.72, czverezpe- e¿ese-n.t of
23L5fsei,per772i he.
Total vsrticex.1 eZ*vatio-nv of this
Section, ez-7>0ve. the Tz-opez. Riz/er.
7zoy a 7tivon ezZ its confluence,
zoitTi iScLxt CresTc,.
RoiZzt
620.
s*
too.
xrr
BK A R CEI.EK,
27
28
Snwu// tú>'cIíli>SA¿ni/y
5o nits ¿o /-' *'
c'ot( ¿ Ve/c¿. H/se'u re
ó-A 'i f-l.j / ,//¿ 4 7} t /¿CS
Cf u . 'Se o fie ort Li n l¿
S t., fr S ¿.i/.à
4M. M jft 1K.
//A» M
A KU 00
77//,
Mere. S/117 rey .
f ' vzfzz. ifi/.cK/iess // ol n
Shale .
frpe Clay
¿7 fe, *v2¿h la,ye caters es of tails
¿ron. Oí-e .
3 . Coat, ite-vro thichness not/i.roue<Z.
e7.ryi/¿ace9íLS Staate. . ... .
f - ■■ Coot,/, TJeer^ arico rio,/ rt, ihick.ness
CZryi¿¿aceo-u,s Shale oeels ...
Se o a ra ¿ Co zx-rs es ofy o oat dry ill cx.eeo us
Jron. Cire ¿rthalls
5ha¿0 Tfr5h etleyTl, och
5 'fCoa.1 Ve i n row zo o rice eC .
C¿ztírete iílZe rr.en.Js Coa. I ....
ThJ^c-.k S'/it. ele 2fro ccezs i o r*-/*~2s roete .
ß^Ceral Vre, l Cet 21ef, 3 loss 7 Co a. I .
IIurcLSouth /lone IfrChute,
Hoch l/cxTi cz 'hZe.
y - Coat 'Vein- rtolyet pro-yeeLd
Sa.rt.oly u/eetlr ûr* ^>¿, ¿etilo.
Cr- ro ¿enet fezr/z ci7¿y eoerím irechL'
oh¿f ¿y Sarefslone h SheiZe,, ^
occffïiS i o real ¿y Zraces f Cl re.
X : Coat. Vein, /totyet examine cC
S ¿¿/ids/on e It S laie- heats.
Cío od- hecC of Rire C'Zay .
A4 ZI h
3í). 9 8 Lar/el with, Bloss bury
29
615ft-
Surface, uf prywrut
30
O/ezy dZa Zcr .
Cecil ¿¿ci/z, /eoi
S ¿a te hecLs .
proved
7;.
■3/ia.ïe ci.iO. Oarza&ie. ¡Sírfj u/
u/íut¿i¿o/i.£- Ol/^curc.
Stra/a. (.¿severed, ¿y
bùy ,a.rye 6l*c*.v y Grits,anc-
cr ¿¡¿¿iceau# At cLdin^s to a e.,
lOerA su-tt dy Ore
23
30.
UrteJcrt/ar* Z OratincL. c/c¿ff¿y
Soft 3/ta.Uty JZocA. If- /ft te a. -
'Oisoct^i S.t rt-t/tt to st. e o .
It CU el /f fZz O y ox.711 v e/- alxfsyurxc=
* lin n. with/3 ear Creek.
/Two or t/i / e cace rses of S 7rrct¿¿
tron. stone- ~aZtoy—ShctZey ¿oose.
JZochj— Sm-ccZl 2>ez.72s *fTron Ore^
Total Vertical elevation, . . .
IS. 70
7- 9°
1%. 72
3 25
i. oo
3. 3.5
7. 7S
7X OO
20. OO
15 oo
y», M
f5. 80
n
\J+Q
S. 00
610. 00
XV
COAL RUN
\¿
'/'he Ä»n SLrrveye. él /// -¿¿c fU/,tJ¡e,.
Su/nzuil y é\\ ¡,2 JIill. or 'Infle J^e)i/¿.
AtWJ'e, 2. fxfro?rc' J3¿os.sl/i< n/, .zlue/iicti e¿4
-V aitón. Cp/¿¿ ¿rezeos wire still observed.
\s* i heCreerte, the or,o.../i rises H/0.l*20O.
w 4 hdyher.
Stries y >*fiSsendsl*7.c leZs. ¿sidie/
f e., y Gr,at.
fh-iekri, jV, frsm. ,¿¿ Summit Tint y
Mr u.srta.i7i ,f/ícs; te ttceJirJl ¿rütl '
jór 2oal lev that 7>eet Ty twctrr/ff 12.S.
ti tlue Clay 51/z¿e,wilit veytiul/lc ¿//z/emssio res
3 tirslCoa¿¡7¿47l iAuikr,,,.w ttst. crS.as, /Ar C/oe
\h U7¿th /¿vc/uits ti y //-„m ( ), -, .
f t*ur*% tjf éttlLv o/'/ron ta t'loy uoù S/t*tlt7,an/£
( /yer^TS tati-s y S fy/i*r ás -
i , ¿ Cae'/ /Ja ere ft s. i th. Os* ' <
u mace —
oysjt.
23
TU
25
28
30
31
32
33
3A
TT
36
Xi
t. in roe y¿to ru CJro ¿¿//JZaoL frz tls , orföxelney
*\7ia/7.eHs SSO.ioTxs runo coUretorl oreiAe- /. O 11
JLirtTi./. for- 'Spiir/et-tLy ;
3eels of 5her ta o Stale. / rrey u2cî/~
wi/7i occas zonal 7rort ■ ¿FhctaJ.es .
1<>
39
31.
31
34
35
36
J I - *" 6»«'- isde.<- Oy s- 1.1. / see tyre ■ <• s'Hp
j' \pryx-lloeft o/*j S?cel. sítígZ C/ft.jy .
it y/. « rA: hlu e.,¿ts7<7y rJtxy / w :/»:, /¿a o t g/ç l/ey i
fvijiras-izonv ?/ ■■¿pet.J5 of //lir ai, . ...
3 cfL Coo ¿ ye i/?., o.,, ¿pro it tt/s at //te ¿1 u.tc, rap,
J{or izo/i teil heels of 7 /ay it S/ltlic . .
f fr* C'pa-l Vrirx /X ¡ rah fare / fi ¿7/r Crop
i) e>e¿ o/ Cool ¿'¿/-<' f 7ex y. .....
Dark Jz* ruinate el. Shale
Ber/lx ff It ou Ore i/i Shale.
Co eiL Ven, (now w or A e ei) 3. ¿it. to .
/Hit¿7 f /7rire ¿'/try e/ezy nn /7e i tue Coat
¿i ryt.lLo reo /./S S/m Ig with ooeas / ort ext
.eVûctnies of 7ron tire j
feist of Hoc/'< Iron. SLo/ce Werte. Act, u,
fawfscZ o/i fritil
Compact Srz/i et sie sec frtoelc ...
7¿<ft /< f J lock Iran It re' . ... .
JretreZ z rrey ulezr Setnctsion.e ¿/'(¿err
.1 set fry n urn era as thru se a/res of Coa Z,
b-VeyiliuhZe.//np/'essi"9/es . .* .
tffCeal Vein worked.eel out St/ft eii ft de-el
hycx seezm of Stale /ItInches. . .
JHlue Shutay erryzZZez.eeou.s Ltoc/e. .
ZZarexon ¿ext Zeel? ef I trey S/iz/ey
S<xn e/s to zee.
Zrf/e/eZ Covripact-iLneieterif Stone/- .
Course o/lrore ¿7r<¿ TZoeudrs in. CZexy
dte.Zt. qf Hire ¿'Zexy
p* CoaZ Veen, /. t*Ü./£ notpro-vceC
Tht.rk
-71V5S
of
Si rala
Ft. live:
72». no
3. oo.
o. oo
J. 80
O /ses
X. t)0
it. 00
2. OO
73. 40
,. SO
J.. S0
-7,. 00
2. *0
J. 570
2. OO
70. 70
7 30
177 30
7. 07,
77. 00
2. JO
, 2-4, OO
z. OO
3. OO
7
8 yA Cuez / d e// /iz/t'we/'Áeu say
en/Ze-ct ( 'eeezu el Zfe/etZ,
Su¿¿//¿J¿¿ic /7. ticks zz/teA- zz/zcx
-jits/? <5¿Z zlraurcd ...
/j cite/ tSft ri jc t/c.
Cfncs:a77i¿/¿ed. (if/'e/u/cd care reel
u)/ZU uiZueJ/tt/M e •/¿¿if/y cs//¿sisZz/if ■
erf cS 'a/e eto* ¿a s¿Rere:¿es.
Z ¿. ¿A ¿e/e ///¿¿su or r/Drfi es i / y ¿ 'edi
é. ieturated c/qy cem tcciaiJLü er corn
ó'ide ra/ríe, ¿ereiy/it f Ojcidc af irotv
2. no
34.0/7
44. 3¿J
Cej/¿¿/e/eeatee/n, uf si/neZetn fr'errnyi/C
33 /¿¿¿s C'Zuy ezs cay i e/sed o// t/ee, slope
o f t/¿e Ai7/ .
AS. JO
4,7. t/0
jLaueerpeert /ilseurtC óy et¿¿///)/.// ,r¿ . . .
J_,mse¿/icy ¿M- ttlesA'àuiy %5 O/tJ/eel.
tí eel ofzoeeelc Sei/eety Z/trSezlur ¿¿re . .
T77erice ¿0 Troya jRzuer .
feerpezJ/ivrr ayye eis ¿¿«Ti¿z>ssZ> ary Iran.
fier/7/zee
tú
?"
2. OO
7. 70
S03. OO
T/ors peecrif ¿s J2 t/litcs fr lf Chams ¿ry i Ti* Ka iLr/aC Ir/Jji.rn.es 2fa < JZrli /
e,7zdfra rrt. Tien ce to then^Cîet's e % ¿io;>ef t/fre Je 7y 7test C'er,/ / /// /i'u/ijió
32/7. feet. verlvcezZ Aayhr u 7>e>>>r ¿he furnace, d iséecn ¿ 7y¿ //icio, ei/eiL
¿¿es em Any Loilhexvt C/LcZ Jceetin/i af 365 / reife r /• 7/¿/¿e .
fíeiyhl qf iTic /uphesl e¿afilare¿¿ Cual 7¿ ¿ta chave ¿Aefaaf ez/idaf
ZA.r A ¿y Tir s i paa zf ¿a rw ¿f Aror/e CJresha. '¿s f 2/7ft. S-u,face4¿ A/fA
cf7U2ar72.ee ¿f. /tifie,, ¿Lzrr rayo z,z¿¿¿¿¿eu rt/?¿,4,7'? f ¿. pe/ * rrccZey
efzuf.cc7z.ee fr a 7'n, f.-erre esto re. ^/gz ¿7, 7 ¿ 7?2zi 1 c
XVI
MO IRIS'S RUN
JA
IS
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
I7fip.,r ¿¡.ni . .... 6780Ft:
Ta Ole. Assisis Djifrosii e // ¿tj/cc.: ¿
e'oat Vitus rst/j:.íif,i7 sil ... Al O 00
Unexplored Ground.
Goal Vein, notprouecT, 380. 00
Jlic7v JisiTl Ore ins 5orfí Courses.
S mal/ Vein, y Coal n»7prooec¿, 6 et Vein
o/B/ua Otoñe. Similar/o 71'.' 8 ins
Loa/ Run.. .... ... 380. 00
Sita le and ó'lals.y rm'lc
2isz.il Ore.
Vinr.T/isiie Aar J./i
Sfrrx.ie-y LiocJC,
Slaiey Ftre; CZeqy
11, Bio Coexl Vez ru .... . CZeeir. .
-^3/mle Seam, ia7o>v
Jjûwer Ticirtino /zf Ciûer/L Cadis \ ¿JO
OZZSt. ítfisse Htsd.i.ssn. s
71. fLuailUzceou-s 57a le,
13. 5/naíl Vein e)PCaezZ TI//Î jir/7»¿eh. n n
J*a7e . . . r . . 311.00
ll+. TTu77 3eels of Yellow SetnctsTone.
15. JBces in, Ce, It del ZheD evils Punchbowl.
30 218
8etne?sio n e. leelycs, JxpJV-' fy W- I h e. Falls-
y. Te*p f PixdcL/Txysleine . . 2.81..3.Z?
. JheeUlrtoalone, Cr/ripler rn crctic or
, Mr.l.lsJem.e Grit, 78Ft fh /.C/C .
.. Strezlif ieel.
,. LBerf.ie/
'Muck..
ness.
of
Beds
ft Meo
"?■
3. oo
3. <¿0
1. ûû
s. so
¿J. 20
O. 60
y. co
250. 00
2J3.9*
¿2he c te re heels.
tScmdsloz/cs Sip IrV.
ó tro/y ¿frirnerexl Ópriny .
/¿fan eral Cfcriry . ... J. 45.00
Ôe ries f S2ra feo n o t eocp la recC
5a re el5/a ?*e fe dyes.
Kezvinr. ei/iTiasl tvithe ont Traces. . , 2.3!,. ¿4
Roui?ful.
(l¿t¿?7,77. 2 Jó. 53
TI Old ¿7 ¿fId 7s.
A o ase _ Bails f Iran, Ore . /33 t)S\
2. 7. S¿Zn eds¿/¿¿te, Be.els.
/Hraa/j/s San elsta/e e. . 75y. 23
DouAtful.
f/Z ¿ZZdrexl Sp rwff . ./JId. ¿Tu
23. fe rrit.pl 7i o us S a ¿i a's ¿cr rte S¿7 ZW
Sz7.zce¿nzs Ore ¿ti iczzyeivziis. Y¿7. OO
Zoe,. te .fritn /ifs
ca. où
Ferruginous CZay depuis il 4/7.0e/
Surveyed iïy R. C. TayAr, in JTlay. ûbeyuot, fy Se^tZemàer, 7832.
Tcèntr^dy GLucszj •sXiihsptrttytAy ¿lo SO. St 3 Tfró?P/ttJdrdrJphu?,.
A