The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-11-05
Our Berne Correspond ence.

BERNIE, New York, Oct "a, 1880
Situation of the Talage-Hslderbrgs- Geolo-
gicai Formation of the HiAs-Statistics of the
Country, &c. &c.
The beautiful situation of this pleasant and
healthy town renders il a place of considerable
note. 1t is one of the towns of Albany county lying
twenty miles in a westerly direction from Albany,
and in central position; it is about los miles from
New York city. The surface of this township is
very uneven, and much broken by a chain of hills
which extends through it, called the "Helder-
berg Hills" 1t is composed of calcareous rocks,
rising in precipitate manner, in many places to
the enormous height of from 10 to 500 feet. These
vast cliffs alternate from gradual declivtes to per-
pendicular precipices, in several places assuming
the appearance of artificial walls. They also con-
tain several natural and exceedingly curious sub
terranean caverns, in which there numberles
and Interesting curiosities, some of which are
equal, not superior, to those found in the great
Mammoth Cave" in Kentucky. Bat, as my let
ters is designed TO give as much information in as
brief space as possible, shall confne myself to
the moral, historic, and general statistics of each
county in the State, as proceed on my geological
tour.
The county of Albany, originally, was organized
by an act of the Legislature, passed on the LIST
November, 1858, but has since been modi6ed TO a
eonside rable extent. This county contains
Of 46f square miles, or 297, 35l acres of land
The surface of the soil is exceedingly vsregaied.
flats none OF which exceed mile 10 width, par
taking of the alluvial formation Along the Mo-
hawk the land is remarkably bold and rugged,
barren and sterile. AS we 90 west Of the Ueder-
berg hills, II assumes a precipltous and craggy
aspect, and is composed Of calcareous loan. The
central portion OF the county is formed of undu-
latiDe grounds and plains, with small Marshes and
tracts of cold, wet sands and clay these, however,
OF later years, have been reclaimed 10 a great
degree by the wonderfully fertilising influences of
lime, and an application OF gypsum. In this man.
ner the cold, sandy, and piny deserts have been
converted into fragrant clover and fruitful wheat
helds Yet, great portion OF this county is still
unimproved, and, In many places, too rocky for
improvement; still, the greater portion OF il pro-
duces wheat OF an excellent quality, OF which
large surplus is sent TO the New York markets
annually.
The geological formation of this county is transit
ton, being the grauwack groupe of underlying
rocks, avenaceous and conglomerale grauwacks,
IN thick schstose beds, visible along the shores of
| the Hudson and Mohawk rivers; while in the
Heiderbsrgs appear the higher portions of the
same groupe, sandstone and lime, Astounding with
| organic remains. In many parts of the cousty,
both limestone and grauwack are extensively
used tor building purposes, and many of the locks
on the Erie canal, near the city, are constructed
Of the former. The elevated plain Of the east is
urderaid with thick beds Of blue aud yellow
srgiilacious mari, hav' distinct lamellar struc
ture, entirely destitute q animal remains, and
| covered by a reddish vel ow sicious sand. There
are also a number Of mineral springs in this
| county. The one at place called CoeyInan's con-
tains suphate Of magnesia, muriate Of lime, iron,
supburt tied hydrogen and carboDc acid gas In
Cumberland and Watervlet they are found i'm
pr. grated with carbonate of iron aud sulphuretted
| hydrogen. These suphureited hydrogen springs
are found in nearly every part of the county, and
Rush forth in every direction. In the limestone of
the Helderbergs are several extensive caverns, in
which are stalacttes and staagmites Of various
beauty, and many interesting animal remains and
minerals They have apparently been formed by
the action Of water, through most Of which small
streams are still flowing.
Exclusive OF Albany, this county is divided into
nine townships, which contain plumber Of quite
ny, the capital of the State and Of the county, was
founded by tome Hollanders so early as 1912 and
was incorporated by the colonial government, UNI
fortified against the Indians BY the Dutch, with
stockade, In 1915, and vestges of the work re-
manned visible until 1872. Originally, by the char
ter, its government was lodged in a mayor, re-
corder, six aldermen, and six assistants but now,
however, IL is under the control OF what In demo-
minated "The Mayor, Aldermen, and Com
monaly," consisting of mayor, recorder, ten
aldermen, and ten assistant aldermen.
The religious, moral and beneficial societies are
quite numerous and flourishng. The schools and
academies are also in hourishing condition. The
facilities for the rspd Improvement and prosperity
Of this city are great, and will favorably compare
with those Of any inland city in this country.
In 1870, this county contained 1901 males;
Bseo females; persons OF color, 20; coiorcd
voters, Is; paupers, $3.50; deaf and dumb, D; blind
81; idiots, 90; lunatics, a. Since then, however,
II has greatly increased in population, the pre-
sent census, when completed, will show. There
extensive manufacturing establishments, doing
a fine and prosperous business. The inhabitants
ere Of jovial and happy disposition, quite fond of
sporting, and their athletic exercise among the
mountains gives rudy flush to their cheeks, and
a heelthiul glow 10 their countensnces Their
hospitality and kindness are unbounded, but they
are jealous of their rights, and quick 20 resent
an insult, by whomsoeyer offered.
What. TO ne Dove Three sIonthst