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1848. [1849].

passed from one river to the other. It appears to be but little elevated above the present level of the streams. A slight barrier below would send all the waters of the Wisconsin down the Neenah to Green Bay. The existence of high lands between this and Fort Winnebago on both sides of the Wisconsin indicates that this barrier did formerly exist.

We arrived at Dell creek, near the foot of the Dells, just at night; but were much struck with the difference in the character of the sandstone here, from that observed further east. It undoubtedly belongs to the lower or older portion of the formation, being the true Potsdam Sandstone of the N.Y. geologists and the Inferior Sandstone of Mr. Foster. The rock has a greater hardness and a somewhat regular stratification; the different degrees of hardness and consequent power to resist the action of the elements has given rise to many fantastic shapes in the cliffs. At the place where the ferry boat leaves the shore, on the east side of the river we first observed the layer of diagonal and curved strata which is so conspicuous a figure above. It is here about three feet thick, but gradually becomes thicker as we ascend the river from this place (Sec. 15 T. 13 R.6).

The next morning our eagerness to see the "dreadful Dells" induced us to leave our beds at five o' clock and drive four miles to the "Dell House" (on Sec. 33 T. 14 R.6) situated at the foot of the steep rocky gorge. (Sketch).

The accompanying drawing is a section of the river at this point showing the arrangement of the strata including the curiously curved one. The river is now unusually low so that the current is not as rapid as usual.

Notes and Questions

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EricRoscoe

Year should be 1849?