The Geological Feature

Geologically this captivating view of Muncy Valley and its striking surroundings is very interesting. According to the geological survey, Pennsylvania has more than a dozen distinct systems of fossil-bearing rocks. Of these water-formed formations the majority are embraced in the landscape. The lowest and oldest-speaking in geological terms-is the Bald Eagle Mountain formation; the highest and newest is the formation composing the North Mountain — the altitude of the latter agreeing in this instance with the geological level. To pass from the summit of one mountain to the summit of the other you would have to pass over the following formation: Beginning with the lowest and oldest — that is, geologically the lowest and oldest — you first have the Oneida and the Medina sandstones in the Bald Eagle Mountain; then the Clinton shale and Helderberg limestone underlying the lower valley basin; then the Hamilton, Chemung, and Catskil red sandstone as the formation composing the surrounding hills; and the last the Pocono system — the bottom of the Coal Measures, presumably millions of years younger than the strata of rock far below in the basin and now covered by alluvial deposits — in the bold, stern and high North Mountain. Each formation has its peculiar organic remains, indicating the conditions of existence during each period, and showing the steady progress of the work of creation during the protracted ages in which they were formed. But we are enjoined to be not ignorant that, with the Lord, "a thousand years is as one day." Human life is too short a period by which to measure the life of the cosmos.

• Gernerd, J. M. M., The Muncy Valley: Snap-Shots of Scenery, Geology and History, 1909, Press of the Gazette and Bulletin, Williamsport PA