in this section, though there are tracts in which clay is in
great excess, and other tracts in which vegetable matter is in
great excess. Between these extremes there exist, also, the
usual mixtures in various proportions.

5. Geology also affords a key to the mineral resources of a
State. Those of the Tidewater section are summed up in its
marls. That whole section is underlaid with marl at a depth of a
few feet, and in quantity sufficient to raise and keep it, when
regularly applied to the surface, for all time to come at the
highest point of productiveness. Of all resources for wealth
this is the most durable; and, on account of the industry to
which it is subservient--the agricultural--is best calculated to
promote the happiness of man.

6. It is in the primitive rocks, however, that minerals abound.
Those of North Carolina surpass any in the Union. In the last
Report on the Geology of the State one hundred and seventy-eight
are numbered and described. Among these are gold, silver,
copper, lead, iron, mica, corundum, graphite, manganese, kaolin,
mill-stone grits, marble, barytes, oil shale, buhrstones, roofing
slate, etc. The most of these are the subjects of great mining
industries, which are daily developing to greater proportions.

7. Of some of these minerals, as corundum and mica, North
Carolina has already become the chief source of supply. Among
the principal sources of the future mineral wealth of the State,
copper, gold and iron are clearly indicated. The ores of these
metals are found in abundance over extensive tracts of country.
Lastly, in North Carolina many beautiful specimens of the