Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-07-20
4 REMARKABLE GAZING IN.

We noticed briefly, few days since, the
caving in and sinking down of some acres of
land near Stroudwater. On Saturday Wis
tied the spot, and found hundreds assembled.
and the road lined with carriages of all des-
criptons, and foot passengers, all hurrying 20
the same locality TO witness the scene Of this
remarkable occurrence, which IS deserving of
a more particular notice than we have hiib
erto given il,
The land w IS owned, We believe by Niessrs
Johnsons aud MIR. Pickett, and was situated
about two miles out of Straudwater village
on the Buxton road, opposite the >idence Of
AtrA StA'noas, II was Dasture and woodland
some OF IT covered with a growth OF wood.
There was a high bank to the river, which
made d pretty sharp angie near this locolity.
Between two days, some twenty five or thir-
" acres had SINK all ut once, some twenty
i've feet. sliding into tn bed Of the river, fiji
ling ltupan1 changing its course. 1t presents
now singular appearance. Where it was
comTaraiiv y smooth pasture land, it has the
appearance of newly broken up lend-tlle
work pretty eTectuaily, although very irres
yIariy done, with tremendous great plow
turning up soil. clay, and all sorts Of suh-strat-
tr. " here the land had Il considerable growth
upon it. it looks ii it had been pretty thor
ouchiy brokeu-up, but not well turned over.
GA the sm0Otijest part we notice one large
tree, standing erect, looking thrifty and
unconcerned if nothing had disturbed IT
1ut it had settled down bodily some twenty
five feet and survived the crash and ruin which
destroyed and buried many others. On the
lower grounds, Il little above but nearly on a
level with the sunken part, in its present po-
sition, are distinct marks which shaw that il
must all have been done very suddenly, and
with great force On the banks end trees are
marks oii.quid clay and mad, several feet
bove the present level. indicating that it was
thrown up there by powerful wave. Near
by is a large pine tree which was driven in
here, top first, between some trees, which be-
ing rather tight ct, took off the bark and
the wood, 70 the thickness Of several inches
the whole length of the tree, until the top was
driven into the bank, and the roots brought up
against the cIump Of trees between which il
had been driven. This cleraIy indicates a
sudden movement in one direction, ard with
great force.
There are various speculations as to the
cause. Some say one thing and some anoth-
er. Some say al earthquake, and others fear
that there is to be general Gazing in of the
earth in 'h"se parts, OF which hat on the An
droscoggiu and Kenebec Railroad was the first
IN tbs the second indication. But the more
neral, and we believe, correct opinion, is
that here was stratum Of qaick sand, extern
ding back from the bed of tie river, which
has been for years washing out. iearinga huge
vacuum undcrnCaih =--an arch rs it were,
which finally became too weak to sustain it.
self and gave way. At least, this seems the
most probable explanation which we have
heared suggested yet. i any one can give Il
better, we should be glad to have them
: Portland Advertiser.