Art. II. On the Origin of Prairies.
Art. II. On the Origin of Prairies.
St. Louis, (Missouri Ter.) March 3, 1819.
Sir,
The probable cause of the origin and continuance of prairies has been the subject of much speculation among the learned and curious. The inquiry is interesting; and many theories have arisen; but although plausible and ingenious, they are, in my opinion, unfounded in fact.
I should be glad to see the following remarks, which were called forth more particularly by the speculations of Caleb Atwater, Esq. (See [No. 2. p. 116]. of this work) appear in your valuable Journal of Science; and they are, for that purpose, at your service.
With high respect, I am, Sir, your's,
R. W. WELLS.
Benjamin Silliman, Esq.
Mr. Atwater, after describing the prairies and barrens, says, that according to the common opinion, they "were occasioned entirely by the burning of the woods," but, "erroneous information first propagated such an opinion, and blind credulity has extended it down to us." Mr. A. goes on to affirm that, "wherever prairies and barrens are found, there, for a long space of time, water once stood, but was gradually drained off." The writer of this having often visited and observed with attention the nature and appearance of the prairies on the Alleghany mountains, in the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and having long been employed by the United States as a surveyor in the prairie country of the Missouri and Missisippi, thinks he may venture to oppose these speculations without being thought presumptuous. He is of opinion, that the vast prairies and barrens, extending over the greater part of the western states, and over nearly all Louisiana, were primitively occasioned, and have been since continued, by the combustion of vegetables, and that water had no agency in their formation.