Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-09-01
THE "HORsEBAcKs."
Territory Between the Penobseot and
hennebec Examined by Prof Geo. E.
stone-Evidenees of Glacial and Ma
rine Action.

Prof Geo. H. Stone of Colorado Springs,
Col, formerly teacher a. Kents Hill Sem
mary, but now connected with the United
States Geological Survey. was in the CITY
Saturday. having just completed a thorough
examination and investigation of the gravel
system, otherwise known as horseback of
the region of country lying between the
hennebec and Penobscot rivers, and east of
the Maine Central railroad. We met Prof
Stone on the street. He carried a canvass
bag slung over his shoulder BY a strap.
Naturally we questioned him in regard to his
observations and travels.
What is the result of your work a. was
asked.
Il find the gravel system throughout this
territory unusually well developed Be-
tween the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers |
/ find graves plainly indicating the existence
at one time of thirteen different glacial riv-
ers with eight or nine different branches.
/ One OF these systems extended from So. Free
dom to Warren depot. They cut across the
present valleys and bills. having no regard
10 the present condition of things"
Are these 'horsebacks' continuous and
how about their size?"
Some of them can be easily traced their
entire length, being clearly defined, while
others are much broken, only mounds appear
ing at times In many instances portions are
covered with marine clay. The loftiest
have found are from IS to 100 feet in height.
| These. however, are not frequent"
Are there any 'horsebacks' in this Sec
tom"
Yes, have traced one from Fairfield to
MerrymeetiDg Bay. 1t follows the west side
of the river most of the distance to this city
and then crosses over to the east. The grav-
| ell banks at the east end of the railroad bridge
are portion of this system.
What is the theory OF these gravel depos-
| its 2"
AT one age the country was covered with
| immense glaciers such as are now found far
north and in certain mountain districts
Streams and small rivers flowed from these
and carried along the gravel, depositing it,
| In many instances the water flowed over the
/ ice"
what was the general direction OF these
| glacial rivers?"
about 10 degrees east of south, but allw-
| ing for the variations of the compass about
directly south"
Along the Kennebec valley there are
large quantities of clay. Where did this
come from?'
"The clay is of marine origin. As nearly
as | can estimate the sea at one time flowed
POO feet above its present level. This was
Immediately after the glacial period. There
| is place in Readfeld, near Kent's Hill,
where | have quite certainly discovered evil
dences of once flowing against the base
of an ice cliff
Glow was the gravel of the hills just
west of the city deposited 2"
These were probably islands in primeval
ocean. The sea washed around them and
deposited the gravel, the strata of which can
| be plainly seen now where excavations have
been made in the hills. The nearer the sea
coast the more evidences of marine deposits
of gravel are discovered and it is often
difficult to distinguish them from the glacial
gravel"
The ultimate object of this examination is
to map the soils of the Union, and is being
made over the entire United States from
Maine to Oregon. 1t is under the manage
ment of Prof. T. C., Chamberlain of Wis
consin. Prof. Stone is assisted in his labors
by Mr.. +. p. Clark of Riverside. now a
student at Middleton College. They drive
about the country in a team making frequent
trips into the fields and woods on foot. where
a team cannot go. The Professor went to
Richmond SATURDAY. afternoon, to pursue his
labors. He will wind up his seasons work
| with an examination of Oxford county.