Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-03-13
LETTER FROM PROF. EMMoNs.

LETTER FROM PROF. EMMONS.
We have been kindly permitted. by Gov. Reid,
to lay before our readers the following interesting
letter from Prof. Emmons, State Geologist:
GoLDsBoRoueH. March. 6, 1852.
To his ErceLiency, Dnrid S. Reid:
SIR: In view of the Improvements which are in
progress Cape Fear river, and also in expectation
of finding deposits important to the agriculturlsts
upon its banks, and in the upper country on Deep
river deemed it proper and best to make explora
tons on its and banks while its waters were
low. l have, accordingly, made numerous examina-
tons of the formations this river, and able to
state facts of considerable importance to its geoo
gy but more particularly of the deposits of mari
which abound upon Its banks, and at distance from
its course.
Probably no substance has been discovered which
is 80 important the interest of agriculture of the
lower Counties Of North Carolina, marl The
lands especially those in which sand predominates,
have been worn out might, perhaps, say more than
once Now it is by means of mari employed the
basis of fertilizer, that these lands may be cheaPy
renovated On the poorest, however, of these lands
it is to be expected that this substance can sup
ply all that is wanting to impart to them their origin
al fertility; inasmuch, in the progress of long
cultivation and the production of variety of crops,
the soil is exhausted of those elements which mari
by itself does not contain.
There two kinds of mari upon Cape Fear river.
One is known 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 The
points the than the former. The shell
mari reaches point at least twelve miles above
EIizabethtown, and is usually well exposed at diff
ferent points the banks of the river. So, also, it
is often with in ravnes at points distant from the
river. Hence it becomes more accessible to planters
and requires less expense in hauling 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 thick
varies from foot to seven feet. They are not
continuous deposits. The composition of the she'll
mari is to the eye calcareous, varying, however, from
very sandy mari to perfect lime depost-consst-
ing Of carbonate of lime. Many analyses should be
made of this mari, it is only in this way that Its
real value can be determined.
The blue mari is different substance from the
shell mari. 1t is, by the way, the substance known
the green sand in New Jersey, and has long been
in there AMI to the very great advantage Of farm
ers. 1t belongs to the cretaceous formation of &C.
ologists. The upper bed of this mari now believe
extends above EllZabethtown. 1t IS however, quite
sandy, and was unable to find at this point its char
acterstic fossils. Farther down the river, however,
at Browns bluff and Robinson bluff, found in what
now regard the upper green mari, the character
stic fosss-the EIogyne cGs:atG; and at land
ing the Beiemnite. AT Black Rock, however, the
lower green mari is in great force, and believe at
many other points it would be easy expose it, so
that inexhaustible supply of this substance might
be obtained for the of Planters the Cape Fear
and Deep rivers.
/ From the foregoing it will probably be perceived
that the banks of the Cape Fear, and the numerous
which it from the South, rich In these
feIizers and it only requires additional spirit OF
improvement the part Of the Planters, to double
the products of their plantations 1t is proper to OBJ
here that the mari deposits found mainly on
the left or South bank of the river. l well salts
fed that the time is not distant when these rich de-
posts will be fully employed, and that their value
will be we'll understood. 1t is true that experience
will be necessary determine some points In Its USE
For instance the most economical mode OF preparing
it in order adapt it the varieties of soil on which
it is proposed to employ it. The blue mari especially
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sition. The Jersey mari contains potash, and this
substance is regarded the principal fertilizer in 1t;
and hope will be found that potash and also Phos
plate of lime elements of the marls OF this State
These 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 be
interesting to your Excellency, far as to salts
fy you that the work is in progress. l 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 know where go, the applications for
examinations being so numerous.
Most respectfully, your ob't serv't.
E. EMMONS.
tits evident that Prof. Emmons attaches much inn
portance to these marbeds; and hope his opinion
may have the effect of inducing the farmers the
Cape Fear and its tributaries, where these deposits
abound, resort to them at of fertil
izing and improving their lands. Speaking of the
agricultural interest in that region, he emphatically
declares tina. it only requires additional spirit of
improvement the part of the planters double tn
products Of their plantations. This is, indeed,
cheering.
Weare gratifed to perceive the deep interest which
is felt in the abors of Prof Emmons. He has barely,
however, madea beginning in his explorations and
the people must have patience, and give him time.
His work is not for day year, but for ages and
it would be better leave it undone than perform
it in hurried and imperfect manner. He is well
fitted for his duties, and devoted to them and the
people may look forward to the continuance and
pletion of his labors in the confident that
they will rebound, in high degree, to the benefit of
the agricultural, mining, and manufacturing interests
of the State.
We shall keep our readers constantly posted up in
relation to his progress and explorations.
We observe that the able and laborious member
from this District, Mr.. DANIEL, made effort in the
House on the 9Th instant, Chairman of the Com
mittee on Claims, to induce that body take up the
business matters before it; but he overued, and
the discussion upon the question of the Presidency
was resumed and continued We have much of
the Presidency in the House, and little of old
G,nhIS raI1