Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-01-31
Prof. Fontaine's Report.

we arc kTatlucU W lehIu tu0e 1AVAs
William M. Fontaine, of the University
of Virginia, has completed his report of
the results of his examination of the
geological and meteorological resources
of the country on both sides of the
Blue Ridge, from Turks Gap to the
mouth of North River in Rock bridge,
and that arrangements have been made
for Its speedy publication in Maj. Jed.
Hotchkiss's valuable paper, The Virgin.
las, and also in pamphlet form. We
understand the report is quite full and
satisfactory, covering 339 pages of man-
uscript (foolscap) and embracing de-
scription of the topography, as well as
of the geology and mineralogy Of those
portions of Albemarle, Nelson, and
Amherst, east of the Blue Ridge, and
Of Augusta and Rockbridge on the
western side, which are contiguous to
that range of mountains. This Report
will be eagerly sought after, not only
by the people of Virginia, but by citi-
zens of other States, who are on the
lookout for profitable Investments in
mineral lands; and we advise all who
desire to obtain copies to notify Maj.
Hotchkiss without delay, so that he
may beable to publish an edition equal
to the demand. And just here we will
take occasion to say, that, in our judy
ment, Maj. Hotchkiss's paper is emil
nently worthy Of the patronage OF ev-
cry friend of Virginia. We believe it
has done more than any other journal
published in the State to make the peo-
pie of other States acquainted with the
vast mineral wealth of Virginia. The
cost $500 per annum) is so low, as to
bring it within reach of persons of very
moderate means. The Report OF Prof.
Fontaine alone, to say nothing of the
valuable contributions from other dis
tinguished scientists which constantly
enrich its columns, is amply worth
years subscription.
The Report notices, at some length,
large number of deposits of copper. iron
manganese, lumber, kaolin, and othel
clays, suitable for all kinds Of earthen-
ware, from the finest porcelain to fire
brick and drainage tiles-beautiful sane
as white as graduated sugar, admi
rably suited for the manufacture o
glass-mineral paints. and several kind
of variegated marbles of great beauty
and susceptible of very high polish.
All these elements of uDdevelopet
wealth lie in close proximity to rail
roads, which are either now in opera
ton or in process Of construction, ant
to be completed during the coming
Isummer. ..rr
The national reputation which Prot
Fontaine enjoys as an eminent geolo
gist and mineralogist, and his higl
character as gentleman, will induc
the public to receive as unquestionabl.
authentic every statementin his Report
and we shall be greatly disappointed /
the publication of his Report is no
speedily followed by large influx o
northern and foreign capital and popu
Iation into this part of Virginia.
The construction of the Shenandoah
Valley Railroad along the western bas
of the Blue Ridge, giving access to vas
mines of iron, manganese, kaolin, sand
and marbles, must infuse new life an
energy into the whole country which
penetrates. This road is destined, at al
O early day, to be an important link Il
| the great chain of railways which is t
q constitute the FAST LINE Of travel be
tween the North and South. twill ais
be an important commercial highway
supplying an outlet for the cotton of tn
Southern States, and the minerals, ce
. reals, cattle, and timber of Virginia.
We doubt if there is, in any of tn
Atlantic States, a section of territory {
equal extent which embraces SO man
r and such extensive supplies of crud
8 material for manufactures as are to
8 found 10 the region explored by Pro
8 Fontaine.
j We have been aware, for some year
!, of the existence of many of these ele
3 ments of wealth and prosperity, but "
e have forborne to press them on publ
. attention, because we knew that, i
consequence of the want of means {
transportation, 1t would be impossible
work them properly. But the construt
ton of the Shenandoah Valley Raj
road through the whole extent of thi
mineral region, and the contemplate
= extention of the Valley Road, {no'
under contract and to be complete
, within six months, which will also pas
through portion Of 1t, will efectuall
remove every difficulty of this characte,
Measures should be taken to secure
wide circulation of Prof. Fontaine
:. Report In the Northern cities, and Ell
Il oecially among wealthy and enterpris
ing manufacturers. If this be done, W
i shall be greatly surprised if steps are ne
u taken, within few years, to establis
furnaces. foundries, rolling mills, earth
enware manufactures, glass works, an
marble yards, in this favored regior
By happy coincidence, as appears fror
Prof. Fontaine's Report, there is ampl
water-power all along the line of til
y shenandoah Valley Railroad to furnis
n the motive~power necessary to operat
!, every kind of machinery that may
@ needed.
o We have been informed that most {
the sand used in the glass works I
Wheeling and Pittsburgh (which al
n among the largest in the United States
is brought from Cape Girardeau. Mil
souri,, and from Florida. Surely,
\ these glass works can operate profitabl
when they are burthened by the beav
:, cost of transportation of the raw mat
y rial such long distances, they could
better where the raw material, of th
best quality, is at hand; where water
u power can be had for tride, and co,
from West Virginia can be brought o
railroads, whose maximum grade is ur
+ der thirty feet to the mile.
Of the quality and quantity Of til