Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1837-06-08
MISCELLANY.
FLoM rHK RICHMOND COMPILER.
GEOLOGY OF VIRGINIA.-No. /

We have been some time procrastiua-
.iug an undertaking which we conclude
to be particularly important at this time
AN expose OF the mineral resources OF
our State. its Geology. Sc. In doing
this. we shall not. by any means, entitle
ourselves to any great credit; for we
shall merely attempt an abstract from the
reports Of the Principal Geoiogist, Pro-
lessor Rogers. as lar as he has gone i'll
his reconnaissance, together with such
other data as we may meet with. We
shall lay the subject in successive num-
beers before our readers.
We regard it as highly important at
this juncturc.-The unprecedented de-
rangsment in the exchanges Of the coun-
try, have greatly depressed the spirits Of
the people. In some sections they are
IN u state OF despair.--The great disap>
pointments which disturb the peace Of
emigrants to the South west, aud have
placed them in 4 general state OF bank
ruptcy, have put a damper upon the
emigrating mania. at least Tor time !;
and the opportunity is a favorable one
to pourtray the vast wealth of the Old
Dominion, to exhibit the great incen-
lives to enterprise, aud if possible, win
back to their kind mother, those whose
affections have become alienated, in lis
/. ninx with credulous ears to the exag-
gerated reports oil Western prosperity.
1t has been the unfortunate lot OF Viz
siu;a to withstand a heavier drain upon
her popula,ian, capital, labour and enter
fnf.A he M
She has beheid it with sorrow full feelings.
We have looked upon the train with
regret, as it moved on TO traverse sec
tions where all might be deceptive.
The wealthy capitalist and his van OF
dsmrstics,
-ssihe duteous son, the sire decay'd,
The modest natron, ,ae blushing maid,
all gliding along the current which was
robbing Virginia Of her riches aud her
means. when, 100,
Gould naiure's beauty satisfy the breast,
Thy sons, Virginia, were surely b'est.
1t will be a source of pleasure to as, II
.we are enabled to assist in the slightest
10 extend o knowledge OF the true cha
ract.r-the rich and endless resources OF
our State; and thus divert our native
enterprise to native fields, from the Jack
O'Lantern chase. which has impeiled
our citizens
n-wi,h steps unceasing to pursue
Some fleetiny good that mocks them with
the view
That like the circle bounding earth and
skies,
Allures from far, yet as they follow. flies.
The subject Of the Geology of this
State has attracted but slight attention,
until within the last three or four years.
II is true our State is seldom adverted 10
by writers who do not mention the great
extent aud variety of our mines. All
Geography speaks of our State as distin-
puished for its minerals. One before us
says: ain minerals, Virginia is one o'
che richest States in the Union. Iron
ore, coal, beautiful marble. lime stone,
and free stone are inexhaustibie in the
quantities found in various parts of the
State.-Siuce 1927, the gold mines OF
Virginia have attracted considerable at
eea,ion. This gold region extends
through Spottsy lvanis and some neigh
boring counties. into North Carolina in u
South West direction. The gold is found
on the surface, and in the structure oil
quartz. but in the greatest abundance
resting upon slate and in its assures. A
mong other minerals found in this State,
may be mentioned black lead, lead ore,
rock chrJ stall, amethysts. emerald, porce-
lain, clay and chalk" There is then a
description Of our salt wells and springs:
shen Of our watering places; and OF our
vast curiosit:es. A description of our
people follows, paying compliment to
our national character, of which we may
be justly proud but at the same time
adding the following qualification "but
notwithstanding she many advantages
Inc State possesses, the people have not
the spirit Of enterprise which causes the
sapid advance and improvement to be
seen liz the Northern aud Eastern States. "
The error in this is the statement that
I'VE have not the enterprise. We ccr-
calmly have it, but owing to want Of
proper direction, together with the evil
of emigration, the evidences have MOI
been afforded.
Notwithstanding the universal opin-
ion Of the vast resources Of the State, da'
ia with regard to the extent, the boun-
daries and particular quality aud value
Of our mines and soil, was very much
wanting to reduce them to practical
benefits, and invite the capitalist. AL
we had were surmises passed on Sigh
examinations mostly by inexperienced
men ; and the test of science had by ne
means been brought TO bear upon the
enbiect