One pint con-
Grains.
0.434
0.432
o.osa
0.724
1.227
1.591
5.232
0.763
9.392
0.064
0.051
0.083
20.081
Hubbardston Well, Hubbardston, Ionia County. From Detroit via
Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, to Penamo, thence by stage. One
pint contains (Prof. P. H. Douglass):
Solids.
Carbonate of magnesia,
Carbonate of lime,
Grains.
0.794
2.067
170
TOPOGRAPHY, ETC., OF THE MISSISSIPPI BASIN.
Protoxide of iron.
Silica,
Grains.
0.019
0.017
Total.
2.879
Eaton Rapids Wells, Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, on Grand
Eiver Vallev Railroad.
One pint contains.
— c
Solids.
Carbonate of potassa . . .
Carbonate of soda
Carbonate of magnesia.
Carbonate of iron
Carbonate of lime
Chloride of sodium
Sulphate of soda
Sulphate of magnesia. . .
Sulphate of lime
Nitrate of ammonia. . . .
Silicic acid
Silica
Organic matter and loss
Total
Gases.
Carbonic acid
Sulphuretted hydrogen.
Grains.
0.949
0.248
4.816
0.959
0.483
1.639
0.094
— ■2
go
Grains.
0.159
0.446
0.480
0.154
2.592
0.112
6.016
trace
0.175
6.1*19
9.188
11.246
Cubic in. Cubic in.
2.32 2
.... trace
c .
5 —
Grains.
0.144
0.672
0.565
0.125
2.429
0.112
5.645
trace
0.317
6.106
10115
Cubic in.
1.92
trace
£—.
DQO
0.542
0.292
1.311
0.978
5.748
».2
an
•Sri
Grains. Grains
0.284
0.472
0.622
0.203
3.513
0.187
7.187
0.250
8.871 I 12.718
I
Cubic in. Cubic in.
2 2
3. SULPHITE "WATERS.
Alpena Well, Alpena, Alpena County.
One pint contains (52' F., S. P. Duffield):
Solids.
Carbonate of potassa,
Carbonate of soda, .
Carbonate of magnesia,
Carbonate of iron, ,
Carbonate of lime,
Chloride of sodium,
Sulphate of lime, ....
Alumina and silica,
Steamboat from Bay City.
Grains,
trace
1.364
4.661
0.170
4.787
8.532
3.757
0.386
Total,
. 24.657
Tol'tM.KAl'HV, KTC, OF THE MISSISSIPPI IJASIN.
177
Gases.
Carbonic acid, .
Sulphuretted hydrogen,
Nitrogen,
Cubic in.
1.05
4.42
0.08
4. ALKALINE WATERS.
St. Louis Spring, St. Louis, Gratiot County, on railroad from
East Saginaw. One pint contains (50° F., S. P. Duffield, M.D.):
Solids.
Carbonate of soda,
Carbonate of magnesia,
Carbonate of iron,
Carbonate of lime,
Chloride of lime, . . . *
Sulphate of lime,
Silicate of lime, ....
Silica, .....
Organic matter and loss,
Total 22,006
Gases: Carbonic acid, 1.36 cubic inches;. sulphuretted hydrogen, trace.
Grains
. 7.684
1.080
. 0.091
5.019
. . . trace
6.955
. 0.700
0.299
. 0.208
CHALYBEATE WATERS.
Oivosso Spring, Owosso, Shiawassee County, on Detroit and Mil-
waukee Railroad. One pint contains:
Solids.
Carbonate of magnesia, .
Carbonate of iron,
Carbonate of lime,
Chlorides of sodium and potassium,
Silica and alumina,
Total, ....
Grains.
1.413
1.443
2.228
0.262
0.077
5.423
6. PURGATIVE WATERS.
Midland Well, Midland, Midland County, on Flint and Pc-re Mar-
quette Eailroad. One pint contains (47 3 F., S. P. Duffield, M.D.):
Solids.
Chloride of sodium,
Chloride of magnesium,
Chloride of calcium,
Sulphate of potassa,
Sulphate of soda, ,
Sulphate of lime,
Phosphate of alumina,
Silica,
12
Grains.
3.405
0.228
0.647
8.559
2.298
0.464
0.180
0.308
178
TOPOGRAPHY, ETC., OF THE MISSISSIPPI BASIN.
Organic matter
Loss,
Total,
Grains.
. 0.257
0.339
. 16.680
There are several other springs of local repute in Michigan, with
properties more or less approximating those above given.
In Wisconsin, the Bethesda Springs, at Waukesha, Waukesha
County, on the Prairie du Ohien Railroad, are of considerable reputation
for their calcic properties. One pint contains (60° P., Prof. 0. F.
Chandler):
Solids.
Grains
Carbonate of soda,
0.109
Carbonate of magnesia,
. 0.918
Carbonate of iron,
0.004
Carbonate of lime,
. 1.478
Chloride of sodium,
0.145
Sulphate of potassa,
. 0.057
Sulphate of soda,
0,068
Phosphate of soda, . .
trace
Alumina, . . . ,
0.015
Silica, .....
. 0.092
Organic matter,
0.248
Total, .....
. 3.134
Silurian Springs, also at Waukesha, possesses properties similar to
the Bethesda.
Sparta Springs, Sparta, Monroe County, on Chicago, Milwaukee,
and St. Paul Railroad, two hundred and fifty miles from Chicago,
possess strong chalybeate properties, in conjunction with aperient sul-
phates. One pint contains (J. M. Hersh):
Solids.
Carbonate of soda,
Carbonate of magnesia,
Carbonate of iron,
Carbonate of manganese,
Carbonate of lime,
Carbonate of ammonia,
Carbonate of lithia,
Carbonate of strontia,
Carbonate of baryta, â–
Sulphate of potassa,
Sulphate of soda,
Sulphate of lime,
Chloride of sodium,
Chloride of calcium,
Phosphate of soda,
Phosphate of alumina,
Grains.
0.026
0.503
1.792
trace
0.050
trace
0.003
0.002
trace
0.080
0.277
0.022
0.018
0.075
0.008
0.007
TOPOGRAPHY, ETC., OK T1IK MISSISSII'IM BASIN.
L79
Iodide of sodium,
Silica, ....
Total, ....
Sulphuretted hydrogen gas, a trace.
( '• in ins.
trace
0.085
â– J.^'.is
Minnesota has an average elevation of about 1,275 feet above the
level of the sea, varying from GOO to about 2,500. It has extensive pine
forests, and a climate of high repute for consumptives.
Observations extending over a period of thirty-five years record an
annual mean temperature in spring and. autumn, 45° J summer, 70 3 ; and
in winter. 16°.
Dr. C. N. Hewitt, Secretary of the State Board of Health, recently
submitted meteorological statistics of tho State to the World's Industrial
Exposition in New Orleans, as follows:
" Mean temperature of all Minnesota beiow 47th meridian of latitude,
except east half of counties along Iowa line, 40°.
" This (40°) is also the summer mean of the Red River Valley as far
north as Pembina.
" Rest of State, extending to Rainy River, has mean temperature
36° F."
This following table gives mean annual temperature for nine years.
1 Averages op Years 1875 to 1884 inclusive.
Temperature .
Humidity.
1 . 1876— November, 1875, to November, 1876
2. 1877— " 1876 " 1877
3. 1878— " 1877 " 1878
4. 1879— " 1878 " 1879
5. 1880— " 1879 " 1880
6. 1881— " 1880 " 1881
7. 1882— " 1881 " 1882
8. 1883— " 1882 " 1883
42.50
43.73
48.25
43.54
45.90
42.02
45.14
39.96
68.06
66.67
69.81
67.66
67 95
68.51
68.38
71.54
1884— January, 1884, to January 1885 (for St. Paul),
43.78
72.70
43.95
69.03
Average for fourteen years at St. Paul
45.2
69.1
Rain-fall of different parts of State is as follows:
1 Stations of observation, in number eight to twelve at different times, in-
cluded the extremes of the State, Duluth in N.E., Winona in S.E., Moorhead in
N.W., and St. Peter in S.W., and several intermediate stations. Taken from the
State Board of Health Meteorological Reports.
180 TOPOGRAPHY, ETC., OF THE MISSISSIPPI BASIN.
Big Stone region, . . . Average annual, 28 inches.
Southeast portion, . . . " 40 "
Head of Mississippi, . . " 24 "
Near Pembina, . . . " 20 "
For nine years ending 1883, melted snow and rain-fall by seasons is:
Winter months ranged, . . . 1.64 to 4.69 inches.
Spring " " • 6 " 9.76 "
Summer " .... 9.12 " 13.89 "
Autumn " " ... 4.56 " 7.80 "
For St. Paul, during 1884, total rainfall (including snow)
was, ...... 26.11 "
Average for fourteen years, . . . 28.98 "
Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa have the same suface characteristics in
general as, but less elevated than, Minnesota. Diversified by high
rolling lands and corresponding valleys, Iowa is exceptional in being
more level, and with an average elevation above the level of the sea of
only about 850 feet. There is comparatively little swampy land, how-
ever, in any of these States. The climate is considerably modified by
extensive forests, and is generally healthy.
Illinois saems to begin, as it were, in an altitude of about 800 feet
above the ssa-level at its northern and northeastern boundary, and
gradually descends toward the Mississippi and Ohio Eivers. There are
a few bluffs and hills in the !N\ W. section of the State, but none of
greater height than 800 feet. The Grand Prairie at its highest part is
only 500 feet above the level of the sea; and at its lowest portion, at the
junction of the Mississippi and Ohio, it is only 340 feet above the level
of the Gulf of Mexico. The State is, therefore, very nearly level. Yet,
stretching as it does over five and a half degrees of latitude, there is, of
course, considerable variety in the climate. In the northern portion the
temperature is about the same as the southern portion of the adjacent
States. For special data of meteorological records, the tables on other
pages may be referred to.
The climate is generally healthy. But in certain low and swampy
bottom lands in the southern part of the State, intermittent and remit-
tent fevers, and other malarial diseases, are commonly prevalent in the
summer and autumn. As may be seen by table, the ratio of deaths from
consumption is relatively small.
Indiana and Ohio virtually occupy the same plane. Both are devoid
of mountains. The table land of Ohio, the watershed which divides the
streams which flow into Lake Erie from those which flow into the tribu-
taries of the Ohio Eiver, is elevated above the level of the sea from 1,000
to 1,400 feet. Besides this, there are no elevations in either of these
States above 700 feet. But the climate is far from being equable, prob-
ably due, particularly in Ohio, to the destruction of the forests. Sixty
TOPOGRAPHY, lie, OF mi. MISSISSIPPI BASIN.
L81
years ago, more than four-fifths of the surface of this Btate was covered
with forests; now then' is less than one-fifth, and the destruction .-till
goes on. In Indiana, the devastations in this reaped have been Less; but
they are in rapid progress, with a continuous increase of exposed
surface to the parching rays of the summer sun, and to the blasts of the
winter winds. The extremes of temperature, as may be seen by rcfe-
rence to the table, are greal in both.
The climate of Kentucky is, in general, delightful. The Stat.- is
divided into two unequal areas: the mountain district in the eastern
and southeastern portion, and the southwestern table land, extending
to the banks of the Mississippi. In the former, the Cumberland and
Pine Rivers, which maintain the general characteristics of the Alle-
ghanies, reach an altitude above the level of the sea of about 3,000 feet,
tapering off into a succession of lower ridges, until they spend them-
selves in hills of from 400 to 1,000 feet over the latter. Lexington,
which is situated on the highest point of the table lands, is 1,070 feet
above the sea-level.
The mean annual temperature of the State is about 55°, and the ex-
tremes, not often reached, from to 100\
In Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa, no mineral springs of importance
have as yet been described.
In Illinois, the Perry Springs, in Pike County, six and a half miles
from Griggsville, a station on the Hannibal and. Naples Eailroad; and
Versailles Springs, Versailles, Brown County, a station on the Toledo,
Wabash, and Western Eailroad, possess valuable alkaline properties.
Perry Springs.
One pint contains.
Middle Spring.
H. Engrlemann,
M.D.
Uppei Spring.
H. Engelmann,
M.D.
Lower Spring.
H. Engelmann,
M.D.
Solids.
Carbonate of potash
Grains. Grains.
0.199 0.181
1.260 1.097
0.051 0.040
1.380 1.715
0.055 0.137
0.330 C.285
0.015 0.048
Grains.
157
Carbonate of magnesia
777
Carbonate of iron
005
Carbonate of lime
1 708
Sulphate of soda
173
Silicate of sodium
0.431
0.072.
Silicate of alumina
0.034
Total
3.29U 3.503
3.377
Schuyler County Springs (Chalybeate).
One pint contains (Dr. Blaney):
182
TOPOGRAPHY, ETC., OF THE MISSISSIPPI BASEST.
Solids.
Sulphate of magnesia,
Sulphate of lime, .
Protosulphate of iron, .
Silica,
Alkaline sulphates,
Total,
Grains.
0.373
9.242
8.745
0.164
0.979
19.503
Versailles Spring*.
One pint contains.
Magnes
G. A. Marriner.
Curry Spring.
J. V. Z. Blaney,
M.D.
Monitor Spring.
J. V. Z. Blaney,
M.D.
Solids.
Carbonate of magnesia
Grains.
0.165
1.119
0.008
1.825
trace
trace
0.175
Grains.
trace
0.953
0.933
1.514
trace
0.261
0.091
0.102
trace
Grains.
trace
0.953
873
Carbonate of lime
0.267
2 017
Chloride of sodium
Sulphate of lime
Potassa
Alumina and trace of iron
Silica
213
Organic matter
Total
3.292
3 854
4 323
Carbonic acid, 3 cubic inches.
In Indiana, there are several sulphur springs of considerable value,
and one chalybeate.
West Baden Spring, one mile distant from French Lick, is saline sul-
phur. One pint contains (E. T. Cox):
Solids.
Carbonate of potassa, .
Carbonate of soda,
Carbonate of magnesia,
Carbonate of lime,
Chloride of sodium,
Chloride of magnesium,
Chloride of calcium,
Sulphate of potassa,
Sulphate of soda,
Sulphate of magnesia,
Sulphate of lime,
Sulphate of alumina,
Oxide of iron, .
Iodides and bromides,
Silicic acid,
Total,
Grains.
0.078
0.139
4.895
5.172
9.748
1.425
0.910
0.175
0.388
4.519
1.398
0.569
0.011
traces
0.055
29.478
TOPOGRAPHY, ETC., OF THE MTB8T8BIPP1 BASIS'.
Gases.
Carbonic acid, .
Sulphuretted hydrogen,
Oxygen, .
Nitrogen,
Total,
Cubic in.
0.64
0.61
0.21
0.68
2.14
French Lick Springs, Orange County, Ind., fifteen miles by stage
from Shoals, a station on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad.
One pint contains.
Solids.
Carbonate of soda
Carbonate of magnesia
Carbonate of iron and alumina
Carbonate of lime
Chloride of potassium
Chloride of sodium
Chloride of magnesium
Chloride of calcium
Sulphate of soda
Sulphate of magnesia
Sulphate of lime
Silica
Total
Gases.
Carbonic acid
Sulphuretted hydrogen
Total
Pluto's Well.
Proserpine.
J. G. Rogers, MD.
J. G. Rogers, M.D.
Grains.
Grains.
1.316
0.198
0.562
trace
0.312
0.868
2.536
0.626
17.567
11.365
1.006
0.668
2.796
4.590
2.264
3.666
7.573
17.625
0.212
31.934
43.816
Cubic inches.
Cubic inches.
1.87
1.277
3.18
2.125
5.05
3.402
Indian Springs (saline-sulphur), Martin Count}', nine miles from
Shoals station, Ohio and Mississippi Eailroad. One pint contains (53°
P., E. T. Cox):
Solids.
Carbonate of potassa, .
Carbonate of soda, .
Carbonate of magnesia,
Carbonate of lime,
Chloride of soda,
Chloride of magnesium, .
Sulphate of potassa,
Sulphate of soda, .
Sulphate of magnesia,
Sulphate of lime, .
Sulphate of alumina,
Oxide of iron,
(Jrains
0.315
. 0.452
2.368
. 4.138
4.921
. 0.007
0.300
. 1.478
3.799
. 2.529
0.104
trace
184
TOPOGRAPHY, ETC., OF THE MISSISSIPPI BASIN.
Iodides and bromides, .
Silicic acid, .
Total, .
Gases.
Carbonic acid.
Sulphuretted hydrogen,
Oxygen,
Nitrogen,
Total,
Grains,
trace
0.056
20.467
Cubic in.
1.19
0.42
0.49
0.81
2.91
Lodi Artesian Well, Lodi, Wabash County, on Indianapolis and St.
Louis Eailroad, fifty-eight miles west of Indianapolis, is also said to be a
very valuable saline-sulphur water.
One pint contains (Dr. Pahle):
Solids.
Grains.
Carbonate of magnesia,
0.082
Carbonate of lime, ....
0.252
Chloride of sodium, ....
62.808
Chloride of magnesium, ....
6.692
Chloride of calcium, ....
5.991
Sulphate of potassa, ....
. 0.100
Sulphate of soda, ....
0.267
Sulphate of magnesia, ....
. 0.407
Sulphate of lime, ....
6.944
Phosphate of lime, ....
. 0.150
Iodide of magnesium, ....
0.110
Silicic acid, ......
. 0.065
Nitrogenous organic matter, .
0.100
Sulphur (mechanically suspended), .
. 0.625
Total, ......
. 84.593
Gases.
Cubic in.
Carbonic acid, .....
undetermined
Sulphuretted hydrogen, .
0.99
Oxygen and nitrogen, ....
undetermined
Lafayette Welt, Lafayette, Tippecanoe County; and Trinity Springs,
Martin County, also produce excellent saline-sulphur waters.
Greencastle Springs, Greencastle, Putnam County, thirty-eight miles,
west from Indianapolis via railroad, are chalybeate.
TOPOGRAPHY, in.. 01 mi. MISSISSIPPI BASIN.
L85
One pint contains.
North or I'a^Ky Spring,
Middle or Dew Drop Spr.
Solids.
Carbonate of potassa
( Wains.
0.011
0.012
0.588
0.051
1.819
0.098
0.017
0.181
0.020
0.011
iii2
drains.
ii 009
Carbonate of soda
0.008
Carbonate of lime
Chloride of sodium
u.m:
0.298
1.485
0.087
0.012
Alumina.
0.129
i'.)
Silieic acid
0.001
Loss and undetermined
0.028
Total
2.771
The mineral waters of Kentucky are chiefly saline-sulphur and
purgative. Of the former kind, the Blue Lick Springs, in Nicholas.
County, have long been famous for their efficacy in liver engorgements.
The Upper Blue Lick Spring contains, in one pint (G2 J F., I. F. Judre
and A. Fennel):
Solids. Grains.
Carbonate of magnesia, ...... 0.018
Carbonate of lime, ...... 3.133
Chloride of potassium, ...... 0.225
Chloride of sodium, ...... 64.567
Chloride of magnesium, ...... 4.716
Sulphate of potassa, ...... 1.622
Sulphate of lime, ....... 5.517
Iodide of magnesium, ..... 0.019
Bromide of magnesium, ...... 0.476
Alumina: phosphate of lime and peroxide of iron, . 0.246
Silicic acid, ....... 0.125
I/OSS, ........ 1.860
Total, 82.524
Gases. Cub. in.
Carbonic acid, ....... 6.02
Sulphuretted hydrogen, ..... 1.02
The Lower Blue Lick Spring contains the same constituents as the
" Upper," but more carbonic acid, and possesses similar properties.
The Louisville Artesian Well, located at the paper mill of A. V.
Dupont & Co., Louisville, is also a pronounced saline-sulphur water of
excellent quality. One pint contains (7G4 F., Prof. J. Lawrence Smith):
Solids. Grains.
Carbonate of soda, . . . • . . . 0.237
Carbonate of magnesia, ..... 0.204
Carbonate of iron, ....... 0.032-
Carbonate of lime, ...... 0.520
186
TOPOGEAPHY, ETC., OF THE MISSISSIPPI BASIN
Chloride of potassium, .
Chloride of sodium,
Chloride of magnesium, .
Chloride of aluminum,
Chloride of calcium,
Chloride of lithium, .
Sulphate of potassa,
Sulphate of soda,
Sulphate of magnesia,
Sulphate of alumina, .
Sulphate of lime, . . .
Phosphate of soda, .
Iodide of magnesium,
Bromide of magnesium,
Silica, ....
Organic matter,
Loss, ....
Total, ....
Gases.
Carbonate acid,
Sulphui-etted hydrogen,
Nitrogen, ....
Olympian Springs, Bath County,
Stirling, on Lexington and Big Sandy
Peter salt-sulphur : One pint contains
Solids.
Carbonate of magnesia, .
Carbonate of iron,
Carbonate of lime,
Chloride of potassium,
Chloride of sodium,
Chloride of magnesium,
Sulphate of lime,
Bromine and iron,
Alumina, ....
Silica, .....
Water and loss,
Total, .....
Grains.
0.528
77.690
1.847
0.151
8.216
0.013
0.403
9.037
9.667
0.225
3.679
0,193
0.044
0.058
0.111
0.089
1.015
113.959
Cubic in.
0.77
0.25
0.17
reached by stage from Mount
Railroad, are designated by Dr.
Grains.
0.904
trace
1.742
1.334
20.752
6.924
trace
trace
trace
0.131
9.825
41.612
Drennon Springs, Henry County, about ten miles from Newcastle;
Bedford Springs, Trimble County; WJiite Sulphur and Tar Springs,
Breckenridge County; Milldale Mineral Well, Kenton County; Grayson
Springs, in Grayson County; and Esculapian Springs, Lewis County,
are all saline-sulphur springs of good local repute as active diuretics,
diaphoretics, and slightly aperient.
Estill Springs, in Estill County, comprehend both chalybeate and
purgative waters. Of the chalybeate spring one pint contains (Dr.
Peter)-
Solids.
Grains
Carbonate of magnesia, ....
0.883
Carbonate of iron, ....
0.288
Carbonate of linn â– , ....
1.159
Chloride of sodium, .
0.068
Sulphate of potassa, ....
0.080
Sulphate of soda, ....
0.087
Sulphate of magnesia, ....
1.224
Sulphate of lime, ....
2.084
Alumina and trace of phosphates,
, trace
Silica, .....
0.233
Organic and volatile matter,
11038
1-7
Total, ........
Carbonic acid gas, 4.15 cubic inches.
Of the purgative spring, one pint contains (Dr. Peter):
Solids.
Carbonate of magnesia, ....
Carbonate of iron, .....
Carbonate of lime, ....
Chloride of sodium, .....
Chloride of calcium, ....
Sulphate of potassa, .....
Sulphate of magnesia, ....
Sulphate of lime, .....
Silica, ......
Loss, .......
Total, .......
6.529
Grains.
0.321
0.166
3.841
2.201
0.211
0.313
32.910
3.987
0.503
10.736
55.189
But the most celebrated purgative waters of the State are the Crab-
Orchard Springs, Lincoln County, on Louisville and Nashville Eailroad.
One pint contains.
Solids.
Carbonate of magnesia
Carbonate of iron
Carbonate of lime
Chloride of sodium. . . .
Sulphate of potassa. . . ,
Sulphate of soda
Sulphate of magnesia.
Sulphate of lime . . .
Bromine
Silica
Loss and moisture
Total
Foley's Spring.
Sowder's Springs.
R. Peters, M.D.
R. Peters, M.D.
Grains.
Grains.
0.955
2.734
trace
trace
6.648
3.689
2.216
7.290
1.239
2.172
7.384
2.900
25.660
21.789
1.349
11.146
Trace.
0.408
0.153
4.323
50.182
52.143
These waters are chiefly used for the production of Crab-Orchard
Salts, by boiling down the water, of which thousands of pounds are sold
188 TOPOGRAPHY, ETC., OF THE MISSISSIPPI BASIN.
annually, and used as a substitute for Epsom salts, than which they are
less irritant, and, in biliary engorgements, taken in small and repeated
doses, more efficacious.
Harrodsburg Springs, Mercer County, station on Southwestern Rail-
road, have similar properties to the Crab-Orchard Springs, but milder.
The climate of Tennessee is a continuation of that in Kentucky, with
an increasing temperature corresponding with latitude, but with the
advantage of a greater variety, by reason of a considerably more exten-
sive mountainous area. The Alleghany Mountains extend throughout
the eastern portion of the State, to the extent of about 2,000 square
miles and attain an altitude of 5,000 feet above the level of the sea.
West of this continuous elevated region, and between it and a ridge of
the same system of mountains, called the Unaka Mountains, and the
Cumberland table-land, is the valley of east Tennessee. This extends
from N. E. to S. W. in a succession of ridges and valleys, comprehend-
ing an area of 9,200 square miles, with an average altitude of about 1,000
feet above the sea, bordered on both sides by much higher lands. Next,
follows the Cumberland table-land, a rocky plateau of 5,000 square miles,
2,000 feet above the level of the sea; this grades off into a terraced de-
scent, called rim-lands, which extend to the Tennessee Eiver, with an
average elevation of about 1,000 feet above the sea, and comprehends
an area of 9,300 square miles. In the middle of this region lies the Cen-
tral Basin — a depression of 5,455 square miles 300 feet below the ri in-
lands; and finally, beyond the western edge of the high lands, is the:
narrow western valley of the lower Tennessee and its smaller affluents,
penetrated by outlying spurs, and corresponding valleys of its eastern
boundary. From this there is a gradual slope toward the Mississippi
River, which terminates a short distance from its bank into an abrupt
bluff with an average elevation of about 300 feet above the level of the
Gulf of Mexico. It is apparent that with such a surface, the climate of
Tennessee exists in great variety, and as a whole it is probably unexcelled
in salubrity.
The mean temperature of the year along the line moving E. and W.
through the State is in east Tennessee, 57°; Middle Tennessee, 58° :
West Tennessee, 59°. Along the southern boundary of the State it is.
respectively in corresponding localities, 58°, 59°, and 60°. Along the
northern border, 56°, 57°, and 58°. In this statement the valley of East
Tennessee is not included; this at the northern border has a mean of
about 55°, and at the southern, about 58°.
The following summary from authentic data, in addition to general