354 _ THE COASTAL PLAIN OF NORTH CAROLINA.

In most eases, where the thickness exceeds 50 feet, water in fair quantity
is apt fo be encountered, and at depths exceeding 100 feet very large
amounts are in many cases obtained.

The height to which the water will rise in the wells varies greatly
in the different parts of the area, depending upon a variety of condi-
tions which serve as controlling factors in artesian pressure. As a
rule, however, flows are obtained only on ground whose surface is
lower than the general level of the surrounding region.

With oceasional exceptions, the quality of the water obtained from
the Black Creek (“Bladen”) formation is at least fairly potable, and
much of it is excellent. Iron and sulphur in various combinations are
0 most abundant mineral constituents in the waters. In places

of these two woes Giants is not surprising othe itis re-
at “iron — in the form of pyrite or mareasite, or