 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Their funnel-like pitfalls are models of neat workmanship. In the bottom of these inverted cones the lavare lie concealed all but their jaws, and these await inects which fall onto their pits; these they at once seize and devour. Just beneath the caves of this projecting ledge a rather rare plant, the Maple Leaved-Goosefoot, is found growing; thus the student of nature may find three interesting objects closely associated. If one desires to look into the past history of this valley let him climb to the Furnace Point just above this formation; view the massive layers of the Mahoning sand rock as he makes the ascent, then look down into the deep chasm through which the murky creek winds its way and pause to consider the millions of years that it has required for this small stream to perform such a gigantic task; also before it was located in its present channel it had to cut its way through the massive lintel of the Saltsburg sand rock that once covered this region, some few remnants of which yet remain. To go further back into history and recall that this earth was old and time-worn ere this stream was born among the hills of Chestnut Ridge. Then the language of an, ancient writer when he said, "One day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day," seems more plain. THE CONIES OF THE ROCKS Living in the caverns and crevices of the rocks that crop out along this valley is a small mysterious animal that in one respect at least coincides with the conies that the Psalmist speaks about. It is nocturnal in its habits and is rarely seen by the casual observer who roams these hills. The books call it the "Allegheny Wood Rat". When the term rat is used the mind at once recalls the pointed head, long tail, and sneaking look of the Norway rat. But this small animal bears, but a slight resemblance to the common rat. Its head is round, the tail short and, bushy, and the eyes that give it an expression if intelligence, are prominent like those of the squirrel. In fact it bears a strong resemblance to the squirrel family. The feet and underparts are white. These markings seems to link it up as a close relative of the white footed or wood mouse. Stone and Cram in "American Animals," say of it. It lacks the offensive odor and repellent character of the house rat, and its thick, soft fur recalls the the pelage of the squirrel. |
|||
|
|
Site design, concept, and non-submitted information copyright 2001 - 2006 southhuntingdon.com. southhuntingdon.com is a non-profit site.
Please read the Terms and Conditions. |
||||