The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-11-16

emit an odor frequently perceptible at distance.
thin layer of the mineral oil coats the surface of
the water, impartng to IL yellowish brown color,
similar TO dirty melasses, exhibiting little Of the
iride scence which is commonly observed in this
substance when floating upon water. Still, some
times small portions of this character are distinctly
seen The usual method OF obtaining the oil is
by skmming, and its medicinal qualities are said
to be very great. IL is used for rheumatism and
sprains with some success. The Indians priced
this spring very highly, particularly because one
small branch OF Oh creek, which takes Its name
from the spring, flows into the Gulf of Mexico,
and another into Lake Ontario-thus embracing.
as they believed, the entire country which the
great Manltou designed for their descendants.
But when the land In this section was disposed of,
square mile around the spring was reserved for
the Senecas, so strong was their reverence for the
spot In the vicinity of this spring, the earth is
strongly impregnated with the petroleum; and
scientific gentlemen have asserted that its presence
indicates rich veins OF bituminous coal, a bed of
which, We understand, has been found near the
spring, which promises a valuable discovery. II
Is also believed that the coal formations OF Penn
syvania extend into New York State at several
points in this county; but if they do, they must lie
at very great depth.
beautiful. Three distinct falls. in the immediate
vicinity of Portage, each sixty, ninety, and one
hundred and ten feet high, within the space of two
miles, differing in character each from the other,
and having each its peculiar beauties, attract the
attention of every romantic tourist. The walls of
the river here rise to perpendicular of four hun
dred feet in height, and extend along the river for
three miles, as regularly as if they had been made
by the work of art. To this immense deph the
waters have, apparently, gradually worn their bed
in the solid rock, in windings short and graceful
as if meandering through the softest delicious
mould. There are few scenes of more savage
grandeur and loneliness" than those presented from
the summit of these elevated walls. Large ever
green stand upon the extreme verge, and from
their proud height seem TO have main tained their
position for centuries. This place exhibits much
interest TO the geologlst, as it shows the perfect
qualification, and almost horizontal position, of the
limestone, sandstone, and slate strata.
At The census of 1880, this county contained
IL, 97i males, IL 2io females l4l blacks, 10 black
voters, 80 paupers; deaf and dumb, %; blind. II;
idiots, 80; lunatcs, 10. II also contained 3,3i7
militia, 7,0l3 voters persons married under forty
five years, 800 unmarried, betweenssixteen and
forty five, 207S; unmarried, under sixteen, $40
and AS aliens Ii likewis contained 80 grist mills
lS6 saw mills, oil mills, % falling mills, Fl card
ing machines, iron works. l trip hammer, 8 dis
tleres ~ fisheries, 80 tanneries, oil cloth facto-
res, and | woollen factory. Ii was divided into
263 school districts and expended SO 692 for school
purposes, and sent H. lSl scholars to the different
schools. The number of children between five and
sixteen years of age amounted to 1852.
This county is fast assuming an important posi-
ton among those of the State, the inhabitants now
having easy facilities for Transporting their lumber
grain, and other productions to market and few
people are 10 be found more happy, hospitable, aud
kind. d. w b.