The true Democrat., 1855-04-04
TTOIH tHe TnlIdueIpna Ledger. Geological Remarks,
ReAatinq to Me Vest ond Soath- Wet Of th

United States. By IVilliom 4, Roberts Since my return from an examination of the coal and other mineral deposists on the Ohio river and of the States of Missouri and Arkan- sas, with the territories occupied by the Choc- Jaw and Cherokee Indians, I have been fre- quently requested to make known to the pub- lie the impression derived from an exposing, laborious, but ighly interesting and instructive geological tour, with the hope that the knowl- edge thus obtained will contribute to draw the attention of the public to the wonderful and varied resources of the richest portion of uais great rep,Jlic-a section of our country not we'll known, where persons seeking investments of thls kind will find the most reliable and tempt ing opportunities, and where the industri- ous farmer, mechanic, and other operatives, (whom 1t seems are likely, considering the pre- sent situation and the future prospects of Flu rope, to emlgrate to this free and happy Union
 III much larger numbers than hitherto they have done,) will find the most desirable locations tor their future homes. 1 can select no channel | to which l could send snch views and observa- tons, as from time to time l shall write, where they would be likely to be so extensively read as in your excellent journal, and if you should deem, Messrs. Editors, anything say of value, will you enable me to comply with the Solici- tatlons ot my friends by occupying, occasional ly, short space ln your colums? My eXami- nations were made on horseback, in section ol our country where had not before been, and considering the time s"ent were very thorough and extensive, as the specimens collected will show
 In one State alone, (Arkansas,) I travelled near four thousand miles with the same animal, gathering minerals, such as ores of iron of very great variety, copper, gaena and argentiferous lead, zinc Of the finest quality coal of several kinds, with granite marble, lime and sandstone, breccla, and other geological material, which may hereafter be proftably worked for useful and ornamental purposes, which have since been forwarded to me, the variety and richness of which Will show to any one at all familiar With such subjects, the importance the great west and southwest will become at no distant day, ill the history of this country This opi- mon l am sustained in by the examination of many gentlemen we'll known to science and the world, who have done me the honor to call and examine them. 1 am indebted to the obliging and courteous people residing there for many kind offices and facilities afforded me in sending my collections from interior points to places on the river or other highways and take much pleasure in acknowledging their kindness and my obligations And here Imay remark that frank, open and enlarged hospita- lity is everywhere characteristic of the settlers of Arkansas; wherever I called at a house. however humble, for accommodation for the night, the reply was "alight and come in;'' and always found myself treated better than them selves, and I felt as much security in travelling as 1 should in any of the middle or eastern States. I frequently and fully told them that my object was to inform myself of the re- sources, mineral and agricultural, of their State and to use that knowledge in making it known to enterprising and well qualified emigrants.- This announcement was always received by them with pleasure. The people generally are quite as intelligent and shrewd as persons fl- ling similar positions in any part of our coun- try, and any one who should go among them, expecting to find it otherwise, will soon be dis abused on this point Passing by the coal and fro worksn in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, and along the Ohio, above Louisville, my first ob- servations will be upon the coal operations of Kentucky and Indinia-a part of the great Illinois coal-feld, and the great amount re- quired for steam purposes on the western rivers "a topic requiring more space Tn your paper than it will be proper for me to ask at this time. 1 will, however, return to the subject soon, and will continue, also, with your permission, as my engagements will allow, the remarks al- ready commenced in your columns on the se- veral coal-felds of Pennsylvania.