which it appertains; reaching by various local names over Virginia into Tennessee, and most probably into Alabama. As placed on our maps, it enters Pennsylvania at the northwest angle of Maryland, and ranging a little east of north forms the boundary between Fayette and Somerset; thence between Westmoreland and Somerset, and finally between the northeast angle of Westmoreland and southwest of Cambria county. At the extreme northeast angle of Westmoreland, this ridge reaches the Kiskiminitas river, and as delineated, its termination. So far from being so in nature, this chain preserves its identity through the state farther north than any other chain of the system.

Laurel Hill is the last chain of the system in Pennsylvania. What has already been observed respecting the height of the chains nearest the Atlantic ocean, may be repeated in relation to the Chesnut Ridge and Laurel Hill; that though not very elevated, they nevertheless exist as well defined mountain chains. The latter is a very extended branch of the system reaching from the northern part of Pennsylvania into Alabama. Similar to Chesnut Ridge, Laurel Hill is terminated on our maps near the Kiskiminitas, though in reality extending to near the south boundary of New York.

In addition to the great chains we have been surveying, many of minor importance might be noted; but we have deemed a view of the most striking parts sufficient. If engrouped into one view the mountains of Pennsylvania exhibit many interesting points of observation. The Ap palachian system is here upwards of one hundred and fifty miles wide. The particular chains do not average more than three miles, if so much, in breadth."

Q. What area do these mountains cover?

A. According to the most accurate estimation, it is supposed that the bases of the mountains of Pennsylvania

cover about 6,750 square miles, or nearly the one-seventh of the superficies of the state.

Q. What is the general appearance of the valleys?

A. The valleys are generally irregular, especially those of the Susquehanna and its branches, which traverse the whole width of the Appalachian chain of mountains, sometimes flowing in wide valleys between parallel ranges, for 50 and 60 miles in a pretty direct course, and at other times breaking through the mountain ridges. The valleys between the different ranges vary greatly, from 5 to 10, 20, and 40 miles, the latter generally with a hilly or broken surface.

Q. Can you name the principal rivers which drain this state?

A. The state is drained by the Delaware, Susquehanna, Ohio, Potomac, and Genessee, and the extreme N. West angle by lake Erie.

NOTE. The following tables give the respective area of each, and also the smaller sections of the Potomac, Genessee and Erie.

29,935,200

Q. Can you give a general description of the range of rivers, and what principle may be assumed as a safe one, indescribing the rise and course of rivers ?

A. "It may be assumed as a general principle, that the mountain streams particularly, either flow northeast or southwest along the mountain valleys or directly at right angles to that course, through the mountain chains. The conformity of the river courses to the mountains, is in a striking manner obvious in the Delaware and Susquehanna. The Delaware rises by two branches in the western spurs of the Catsbergs. The Cookquago to the northwest and Popachton to the southeast, flow from their sources southwest about fifty miles, draining Delaware county in New York. Reaching within about five miles from the northeast angle of Pennsylvania, the Cookquago turns to southeast and continuing that course five or six miles receives the Popachton. The united streams maintain a southeast course, fifty miles to the mouth of the Nevisink, and northern extremity of New-Jersey. The Delaware here touches the northwest foot of the Kittatinny chain, along which it turns to the south west thirty-five miles to the mouth of Broadhead's creek, from Pike and Northampton counties. Winding to the south below the entrance of Broadhead's creek, it breaks through the Kittatinny and enters the fine valley between that chain and forms a mountain pass, and five miles farther down, another