Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-03-19
From the Raleigh Standard
Letter from Prof. Emmons.

Letter from Prof. Emmons.
We have been kindly permitted, by Gov. Reid, to
lay before our readers the following interesting let
ter from Prof. Emmons, State Geologst:
GoLDsBoRoUGH, March g. 1852.
To his Ercellency David S. Reid:
SIR In view of the Improvements which are in
progress on Cape Fear river, and also in expecta-
ton of finding deposits important to the agricultu-
rists upon its banks, and in the upper country on
Deep River, deemed it proper and best to make
explorations on its course and banks while its wa
tiers were low. | have accordingly, made rume-
rous examinations of the formations on this river,
and am able to state facts transferable Importance
as to its geology, but more particularly of the de-
posits of mari which abound upon it's banks and at
distance from its course.
Probably no substance has been discovered which
is so important to the interest of the agriculture of
the lower Counties of North Carolina, as mari The
lands, especially those in which sand predominates
have been out--I might, perhaps, say more
than once. Now it is by means of mari emploved as
the basis of a fertilizer, that these lands may be
cheaply renovated. On the poorest, however, of
these lands it is not to be expected that this sub
stance can supply all that is wanting to mpart to
them their original fertility inasmuch. as in the
progress of long cultivation and the production of
variety Of crops the soil is exhausted of those ele-
ments which mari by itself does not contain
There are two kinds of mari upon Cape Fear riv-
er. One is known as shell mari, and belongs rather
to the upper parts of the river may rather say
it is in thicker beds at distant points from the ocean
The other mari is known as the blue marl and is
found at points nearer the ocean than the former
The shell mari reaches to point at least twelve
mile above Elizabethtown and is usually well ex-
posed at different points on the banks of the river
So, aso 1t is often met with in ravnes at points dis
tant from the river. Hence it becomes more Access
sbe to planters and requires less expense in haul
ing it, These beds vary considerably in extent
Some are visible one-fourth of mile on the banks ;
others appear to have been deposited in insulated
particles. Their thickness varies from foot to sew
en- feet. They are not continuous deposits The
composition of the shell mari is to the eye cacareous
varying, however, from very sandy mari to per-
feet lime deposit-conssting of carbonate of lime
Many analyses should be made of this mar as it is
only in this way that its real value can be deter
mined
The blue mari is a different substance from the
smell mari 1t IS, by the way, the substance known
as the green sand in New Jersey and has long been
IN use there and to the very great advantage of farm
ers 1t belongs to the creaceous formation of Geol-
ogists. The upper bed of this mari now believe
extends above Elizabethtown. 1t is, however quite
sandy, and | was unable to find at this point its
characteristic fossils Farther down the river how
ever at Browns bluff and Robinson bluff found in
what | now regard the upper green marl the
characteristic fossils-the Erogine costata and at
Sykes landing the Belemnlte. At Black Rock how
ever, the lower green mari is in great force and
believe at many other points it would be easy to ex
pose it, so that an ineShaustibe supply of this sub
stance might be obtained for the use of Planters on
the Cape Fear and Deep Rivers
From the foregoing it will probably be perceived
that the banks of the Cane Fear, and the numerous
runs which enter it from the South are rich in these
fertillzers and it only requires an additional spirit
OF improvement the part of the Planters to double
the products of their plantations 1t is proper to oh
serve here that the mari deposits are found mainly
on the left or South bank Of the river | am we'll
satisfied that the time is not distant when these rich
deposits will be fully employed and that their value
will be we'll understood 1t is true that experience
will be necessary to determine some point in its use
For instance, the most economical mode of preparing
it In order to adapt to the varieties of soil on which
it is proposed to employ it. The blue mari especial
y requires analysis in order to determine its COM
position. The Jersey mari contains potash and this
substance is regarded the principal fertilizer in it
and hope 1t will be found that potash and also
phosphate of lime elements of the marls of this
State. These two the expensive fertilizers and
are above all others to be sought for for without
them the cereals would cease to produce perfect
seed
have not attempted to give detailed account of
our examination upon the Cape Fear but simply
statement of few facts which supposed might he
interesting to your Excelency or so far as to salts
ty you that the work is in progress. | am pleased
with the attentions and intelligence of the gentlemen
whom have met, and the facilities which all wish
to render and especially the anxiety which is mani
Tested in regard to the work am sometimes rather
distracted to know where to CO. the applications for
examinations being numerous
Most respectfully, your obt servt,
E. EMMONS
1t is evident that Prof Emmons attaches much
Importance to these marl-beds; and we hope his
opinion may have the effect of inducing the farmers
on the Cape Fear and its tributaries where these
deposits abound, to to them at once as near
of fertilizing and improving their lands Speaking
OF the agricultural interest in that region he en-
phatically declares that it only requires an add-
liona spirit of improvement on the part of the plan
ters to double the products of their plantations
This is, indeed, cheering
We are gratifed to perceive the deep interest
which Is felt in the labors of Prof. Emnions He
has barely however, made beginning in his ex-
plorations; and the people must have patience, and
give him time. His work is not for day or a YEAR
but for ages and it would be better to leave it un
done than to perform it in a hurried and imperfect
manner. He is well fitted for his duties. and deyo
ted to them and the people may look forward to the
continuance and completion of his abors in the con-
fdent assurance that they will rebound, in high
degree to the benefit of the agricultural, mining.
and manufacturing interests of the State
Congress.
WASHINGTON, March 16
SENATE.-Numerous memorials and petitions were
presented.