The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1901-05-01
CONNECTICUT GEOLOGY.
First of Six Lectures by w. III. {
Pyncheon at Trinity Collage

First of Six Lectures by w. III. c.
r.. Pyncheon at Trinity College,.
The first of a series of six lectures
on Connecticut geology was delivered
in the natural history lecture room at
Trinity college on April 20. w. H. G.
Pyncheon, the lecturer. was introduced
by Professor Edwards. He began his
talk by a general summary of the va
been made in the state, mentioning
that made by DR.. Perceval, and also
referring to the work of DR.. Davis on
the subject He then discussed briefly
the chief stone formations of the state,
speaking of the red sandstone, the red
shale, the latter Of which is found
about Hartford, and Of the pluestone,
commonly called trap which is used
in street construction. The trap rock,
which Is very prominent in many parts
of the state, is of volcanic origin.
Mount Tom Is the strongest trap hill in
this section. The range of trap hills
extends from Mount Tom to New Brit
ain, and, after break at New Britain,
extends from Meriden to the sea, this
latter ridge being called the Durham
range
Mr. Pyncheon said his lecture would
include, not the Connecticut Valley
lowlands, but the lowlands of the state,
regardless of the course Of the valley
Before entering upon the lowlands
themselves, the lecturer said that he
would speak of the highlands on the
east and west. These are Of entirely
different formation from the lowlands
and are Of extremely ancient origin.
They show signs of a great heat and
pressure, which at one time existed,
proving the existence of ancient vol
canoes. At Southington are found ,ow
hills which are the remaining founda-
ton of what was once high mountain
range, which has been worn away by
the actions Of nature. The hills to the
west of the valley show by their gen.
eral evenness that they once were part
of high table land, and this is fur
Their borne out by the fact that the
eastern and western hills are Joined |
by an underlying stratum Of the same
rock. In this trough, so to speak, be- |
tween the ranges. lies the sandstone |
and shale formation. In considering |
the western portion of the state the lee
III Cl CpQhS VI lliC nun lllduotiy VI tliC |
northwestern part Although united
for agriculture, this part Of the state
has iron deposits which yield quality
Of ore unsurpassed in the United States.
One mine has been in continual opera
ton for over $50 years, and along the
river are found old smell
ters which were connected with these
mines, which are Of historic interest. !,
One of these furnaces was built and
operated by Ethan Allen, and there
were cast many of the shot and shell
used in the Revolutionary war and also
In 1912. These smelters were visited
by such men as Hamilton and Trum-
bull, who had the work under especial
observation. On the summit of one of
these hills are yet to be found the
ruins of the furnate where the anchor
Of the ship Constitution was forged.
The extensive handling of iron IN thescp
districts was made possible by the rich
deposits Of ore and also of limestone
a necessary essential in smelling. The
,nly one of these old furnaces still
working is az Canaan, where the iron
Is treated exactly as it was a century
ago. water power being used for the
blower and charcoal for fuel. The out
put Of this furnace Is only fifteen tons
1 day, but the enterprise still pays, as
he quality of the iron Is the very best,
being especially used In the manufac-
ure of car wheels. All through this
portion of the state are these deserted
mines and smelters, marking the loca-
ion of rich ore deposits which steam
from other states has
made 1t improbable to work.
In the eastern portion of the valley
tone quarries are found, and of these
he lecturer said he would speak in the
lext lecture with the aid of stereopti-
on views as illustrations. Mr.. Pyn-
heon closed his remarks by speaking
4 the remaining lectures He said that
antern slides which he had made
While at the college would be used and ,
hat the interesting features of the val (
~ and lowands would be shown, with
pecia reference to volcanic and gla-
her influences A large audience was
resent at the lecture, and the public
! again invited to attend the remain
lg lectures, which will be delivered on
he afternoons of this week at 4 o'clock J.
Hartford Courant.