r ‘ es Sore Library of the Museum OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY, AT HARVARD COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. : mech ity eal welores Sone No. 9253. Moay.ti SSC ame ear gare je WV = Proceedings aud Cransactions [ae OF THE NOVA SCOTIAN INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCE, FOR 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886. VOLUME VI. HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA: WILLIAM GOSSIP, 87 GRANVILLE STREET. 1886. a ies Seen a wes aoe (eee oT es, Beara: Cale eh ee f , cs OR. 7 RP ee no sa ; os / ng fs 3 ‘ ota) : eg ite . : * 1 ; = 5 ? + i 7 * - “ — x a % ag i cle 7~ = = f n ‘ sr roar 94 9) wes 3b) rag 4 iy bts 7 7 i +4 ihe ye SF bk iy . ; oe . . “= ¥, " eo [IN DE DOr @LGiVEE el: PaGnr. EPO GIENE DING Sona lossae ocoos ee So ee Ee Te vais cL Co oe 149245 TSO He MAUS INR Sit cede anus avcstcce dats waeve leas cece oe ccc eos a oe, 2248 TRANSACTIONS. GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY. a AGE. Nova Scotia Geology: Polariscopic Examination of Yarmouth Rocks. By Dr. Honeyman... ; aAveioes 7 Glacial Posen Ene 4 in ae each Id.. 34+ Halifax and Colchester Counties. Id.......... Bat 52 Glacial Action of Rimouski, Canada, &c. Id. celles 119 Nova Scotia Geology: Polariscopic ieecamettiea) - Now Sephis and Cape Breton Rocks. Id........... weeee LZ Glacial Distribution in Canada ieee Id, Appendix XIII. setter 161 Geological Notes 6S mee ursions agian Menbors of British Association, (Idi = e..ce.-.. 166 Louisburg— Historico-Geological. Id. ......... 191 ‘*Our Giacial Problem.” Id. ae 243 Additional Notes on Glacial Meera at Bedford Basins Halitax Maxbor ese, elds es..0 5.5.26. 251 Polariscopic Examination of Crystalline Rocks Of Amitioonishy Countye oy Niles senor -es eeepc. ee 295 Revision or the Geology of Antigonish County. Id.. eerie Res acloa atic ssi 308 Sable Island and its Ehowarssne ee D. iMacaonald. K GaSkeccee 12 : Gonitime danse eect ea mermeger aaa Nt ae: 110 "f Its Probable Origin and Submergence. Id. ......... ........ 265 On the Analysis of a Pictou Coal Seam. Ed. Gilpin, F.G.S............... 42 Notes on the DeBert Coal Field, Colchester County. Id. ...... .0.000..... 93 Notes on the Manganese Ores of Loch Lomond, C. B. Id.................. 97 Feather Alum (Halotrichite) {rom Glace Bay, C. B. Id. .................. 175 Carboniferous Formation of Cape Breton. Id.. Rates ot ee) Some Physical Features of Nova Scotia, with SASS on Gincrall porn ice een meee Pet) oes EP les che ieetcs ae GOS 1V ZOOLOGY. Chebucto Nullipores, with attachés. Dr. Honeyman... “ayes aes Anatomy of the heart of the Moose. John Somers, M.D. ............... Partridge (Bonasa Umbellus), Winter Food of. Id. ... A Supposed * Deep Sea” Fish. Dr. Honeyman ......... Notes on Nova Scotia Fresh-water Sponges. A. HI. MoKay. B. wna B. set oh Nova Scotian Me to Jones’ Catalogue, 1870. Dr. Honeyman .. Notes on Fresh- Water Sponges. en I. McKay : ene Ornithological’ Notes: Andrew owimsiesses ee-eee eee eee eee Notes on New or Rare Fishes. Dr. Honeyman ........... !..c..cossosge- 00s BOTANY. Notes on some New or Rare Plants. George Lawson, Ph. D., Lu. D.... On the Northern Limit of Wild Grape Vines. Id... ............. On the Canadian Species of the Genus Mellotus. Id. ................0.00- List of Plants collected in the neighbourhood of Truro, N.S. By George 'G: ‘Campbell (Bo Sceus..-cs:2: as es scarechencen tees ee eee ee Additional’ Plantsicollectedsby Wd. .2c-nessssesc-uee testeeeeecneaeee tee eeeee New or Rare Plants. John Somers, M.D....... . Nova Scutia; Punic; Neck. ancecesesscere ce seek aoe) © kaos ee ease eee eee PHYSICS. Resistance to the Passage of the Electric Currents between Amalgam- ated Zine Electredes and Weak Solutions of Zine Sulphates. By J..'G.: Macgregor: DSc iaaeetes occae estore taeet eons. -eeeeert ae. asceeree Notes on Peculiar Auroras. Id. Notes on Temperatures of Masitnute nena W@. ciccesccsseeemaone ee On the relative |ulk of certain Aqueous Solutions and their Constitu- ent Water: Ld.ssceeeccanttrese eeeeeos cmon se ates settee se dea ttenl a jeteatie ee een Observations on Currents of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. By J. J. Fox. MISCELLANEOUS. Report of Wm. Gossip, Esq., Delegate to the Royal Society of Canada, May, 1882. .... ....0..0cccsssssaesesnecee.sOeRenee: tes San ee Ree Cn DET Clea Paper by same Report of M. Me aise, C E. Meee to ine Roy ae Shee a Conanel 47 180 228 261 302 149 155 241 PROCEEDINGS OF THE Nova Srotian Institute of Natural Srience. VOL. Vi. PARA. Provineral Museum, Oct. 11, 1882. ANNIVERSARY MEETING. JOHN Somers, M.D., F.R.M.S., President, in the Chair. INTER ALIA. The following gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the ensuing year: — President-—JOHN Somers, M.D., F.R.M.S. Vice-Presidents—RoBERT Morrow, Esq., MARTIN MurpHY, C. E. Treasurer—W.C. SILVER, Esq. Secretaries —Prof. D. HONEYMAN, D.C.L., ALEXANDER McKay, Esq. Counci—J. B. Gitpin, M.D., WM. Gossip, AuausTUS ALLISON, J. M. JoNEs, Simon D. McDonaLp, Jas. K. DEWouFr, M. D., EDWIN GILPIN, WM. M. HARRINGTON, ORDINARY MEETING, November 13, 1882. ‘ The PRESIDENT in the Chair. The PRESIDENT delivered an address in which the status and valuable work done by the Institute were pointed out, and encouragement given to new workers in various fields yet open to scientific research. Prof. HONEYMAN, D.C.L., read a paper ‘‘On the Micro-Polariscopic Investiga- tion of the Crystalline Rocks of the Gold-bearing Series of Yarmouth.” After some remarks by Prof, Lawson, the meeting adjourned. ORDINARY MEETING, December 11, 1882. The PRESIDENT in the Chair. Prof. LAwson, Ph. D., Lu. D., read a paper, entitled, ‘“ Notice of some New or Rare Plants.” Prof. D. HonEyMaAN, D.C. L., read a paper on “Chebucto Nullipores, with attaches.” The PRESIDENT announced that JoHN Y. GUNN, Government Inspector of Schools for Inverness and Cape Breton, had been elected Assogiate member by the Council, g PROCEEDINGS. SprectiAL MEETING, January 2, 1888. RoBERT Morrow, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. INTER ALIA. A letter was read from the Royal Society of Canada, inviting the Nova Scotian Institute of Natural Science to send a delegate to the next meeting of the Royal Society. On motion of Messrs. GILPIN and JACK, it was Resolved, That the Institute cordially receive the communication of the Royal Society of Canada, and that they agree to carry out the request of the Society by electing a delegate. ORDINARY MEETING, January 8, 1883. RoBERT Morrow, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chau. Dr. Somers, the Prestdent, read a paper “On the Anatomy of the Heart of a Moose.” Prof. HONEYMAN, D.C.L,, read a paper “ On Nullipores.” SPeciaAL MEETING, 3lst Jan., 1883. JoHN SomERS, M. D., President, in the Chav. INTER ALIA, The Committee appointed to prepare a letter in reply to the letter of the Royal Society of Canada, reported as follows: ‘At the last meeting of the Nova Scotian Institute of Natural Science, it was resolved that the Institute reciprocate the friendly greeting of the Royal Society of Canada, and agree to elect a delegate ti the Society in accordance with the request embodied in their letter of the 17th Noy., 1882.” WILLIAM Gossip, Esq., was elected, ORDINARY MEETING, 12th Feb. JoHN Somers, M. D., President, in the Chair. INTER ALIA. Prof. Honeyman, D.C. L., read a paper ‘On Glacial Transportation in Nova Scotia and Beyond,—Problem of 1878 solved.” The PRESIDENT read a paper “On the Winter Food of the Partridge (Bonosa umbellus), and on Partridge Poisoning.” It was intimated that Dr. McKenzie had been elected an Associate Member and Capt. England an Ordinary Member. PROCEEDINGS. 3 ORDINARY MEETING, 17th March. RoseRT Morrow, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chatr. INTER ALIA, A letter was read from the Royal Society of Canada announcing the second session to be held at Ottawa, on the 2lst day of May next, and requesting the titles and abstracts of papers to be sent in before the 15th. Simon D. Macpona.p, F. G.S., read a paper ‘* On Sable Island.” Prof. Lawson, Ph.D., Lu. D., read a paper ‘‘ O# New and Rare Plants of Nova Scotia and Ferns of Bermuda.” SPRCIAL MEETING, 22nd March. RoBeRT Mornow, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. ORDINARY MEETING, 9th April. RopeRT Morrow, Esq., Vece-President, in the Chair. INTER ALIA. Epwin Giipin, Esq., A. M., read a paper “On the Analysis of a Pictou Coal Seam.” Prof. MACGREGOR read a paper “ On the Resistance to the Passage of the Electric Current between amalgamated Zine Electrodes and weak solutions of Zinc Sulphate.” ORDINARY MEETING, 14th May. JOHN SoMERS, M. D., President, in the Chair. Prof. HonryMan, D.C.L., being absent, his paper ‘‘ On the Geology of Nova Scotia,—Halifax and Colchester Counties. Part 1,” was read by the Secretary. The PRESIDENT read a paper ‘“‘On some additions to the Flora of Nove Scotia.” A. McKAY, Secretary. vale ty oo Sere Nore ia ah mc | His A oi At ae Sohal 1) a AA F edie id my. 4 ; . nt ie | NIK, * ’ ne ritee ry, Ani Tah ak 4," Gh fk a Bh ee it iM oka Be ein ht J Seideeth “ail a edged ; Lr Arh is 7 eee te tae 9G i a fe Wh aes | Lite bind s ay toe tM ‘4 iy + aaah oh i i ye -, Aas bast aor, ewe ne hei 10) i ne a eh Rae at a : ied iY OM CME eR gute Tae in {a aloe j ; Be if y * i ; \ ay : , Ay a i Aur) tele Teeale, ay PaG ay srr gs ak : A icity Cage 8) ‘fae i, inst ; Ry\ fl ’ ‘ E We tie rit} ie ae. eye vi | Ae A or OTURaR Ne lp ee ea a) Phe i i ve re ' asta iy in itt? Pe a wi Rane ‘ AN I te 1 Bic lal a vA Vane : an aye 4 1 | Wy — Wer is ' : ‘ Ape a ‘ ar LT wes Li ) aS Pe | a Cid Bes > Lay ae poet He pan j iv nae rl baa Hi no ie ey i) ec ae by tel vy ay os ‘ited Cy a pt? wat Aly eh 4 Ne i Ric eee Ps Ayhin, W064i aie ie ay i, ae eee hea % ih i es + > — IST OF, MEMBERS. Date of Admission: 1873. Jau. 11. Akins, T. B., D.C.L.. Halifax. 69. Feb. 11. Allison, Augustus, Meteorologist, Halifax. 77. Dec. 19. Bayne, Herbert E., Ph. D., Prof. Chemistry, Royal Military College, Kingston. 64. Noy. 7%. Brown, C. E., Halifax. 67. Sept. 10. Cogswell, A. C., D.D.S., Halifax. 72. April 12. Costley, John ¢ 63. Oct: 26. DeWolfe, James R., M.D., L.R.C.S.E. 82. May 8. Fox, John J., Halifax. 78. Jan. 30. Geldert, J. M., Barrister, Halifax. 73. April 11. Gilpin, Edwin, F.G.S., M. R.S.C., Government Inspector of Mines, Halifax. 63. Jan. 5. Gilpin,J. Bernard, M. D., M.R.C.S.L.,M.R.S.C., Annapolis. 63. Feb. 5. Gossip, Wm. Vice-President, Halifax. 63. Feb. 5. Downs, Andrew, M.Z.S., Taxidermist, Halifax. 83. Mar. 12. England, Captain. Forbes, John, Starr Manufacturing Co., Dartmouth. Foster, James G., Barrister, Dartmouth. 81. Dec. 12. Hare, Alfred, Bedford. 82. April 10. Harrington, Wm., Halifax. 82. April 10. Harrington, D., M.D., Halifax. 63. June 17. Hill, Hon. P.C., D.C.L., Halifax. 66. Dec. 3. Honeyman, Prof. D., D.C. L., Secretary, Curator of the Pro- vincial Museum, Halifax. 74. Dec. 10. Jack, Peter, Cashier of People’s Bank, Halifax. 63. Jan. 5. Jones, J. M., F.L.S., M.R.S.C., Berwick. 82. April 10. Keating, G. H., C. E., City Engineer, Halifax. 64. March 7. Lawson, G, Ph.D., LL.D., F.C.1., Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Halifax. 81. Mar. 14. Macdonald, Simon D., F.G.S., Halifax. 77. Jan. 13. MacGregor, J. G., D.Sc, F.R.S. E., M.R.S.C., Prof. of Physics, Dalhousie College, Halifax. 72. Feb. 5. McKay, Alexander, Secretary, Supervisor of Halifax Public Schools. 78. Nov. 11. McLeod, John R., Demerara, West Indies. 78. Jan. 11. Mellish, John T., A.M., Halifax. 77. Jan. 18. Morrow, Geoffrey, Ge 72. Feb. 13. Morrow, Robt., Halifax. 6 PROCEEDINGS. Date of Admission: 70. 79. 65 82. 79. 76, 71. 65. 64. 75. 81. idee 82. 81. 81. 75. 71. 82. 83. 61. 78. 81. 80. 82. Mae a: 80. 77. Jan. 10. Dec. 29. Aug. 29. April 16. INOW alle Jan. 20. Nov. 19. Van wuss May 7. Jan. 11. Dee. il. May 14. June 9. Dec. 12. Nov. 13. Nov. 9. Jan; 71 Mar. 31. Mar. 12. Dec uas: Mar. 12. Mar. 14. May 10. Octaa ol: Nov. 29. Oct. 12. June 10. May 14. Murphy, Martin, C.E., Provincial Engineer, Halifax. Neal, W. H., Halifax. Nova Scotia, the Right Rev. Hibbert Binney, Lord Bishop of Halifax. Plunkett, (. W., C.H., Halifax. Poole, H. 8., Assoc. R.S.M., F.G.S., Superintendent of Acadia Mines, Pictou. Power, Hon. L. G.. Senator, Halifax. Reid, A. P., M.D., Sup’t of Prov. Lunatic Asylum, Dartmouth. Rutherford, Jas., M.E., Sup’t of Albion Mines, Pictou. Silver, W. C., 7reasurer, Halifax. Somers, John, M.D., F.R.M.S., Prof. of Physiology and Zoology, Halifax Medical College. Burbidge, D. H., Halifax. ‘ ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. Burwash, Rev. John, A.M., Charlottetown, P.E.I. Douglas, John Gisborne, F. H., Ottawa. Harris, C., Prof. of Civil Engineering, Royal Military College, Kingston. Kennedy, Prof. King’s College, Windsor. McKay, A. H., B.A., B.Sc., Principal of Pictou Academy. McKenzie, W. B., Moncton, N. B. McKenzie, O. H., Inspector of Schools, Parrsboro’. Morton, Rev. John, Missionary of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, Trinidad. Patterson, Rev. George, D.D., New Glasgow. Stearns, T. G., Middleton, Annapolis Co. Walker, James, M.D., St. John, N.B. Gunn, John Y., School Inspector, C. B. CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. Ball, Rev. E. Tangier. Marcou, Jules, Cambridge, Mass. U.S. McClintock, Sir Leopold, Knt., F.R.S., &c., Vice-Admiral, Weston, Thomas C., Geological Survey of Canada. LIFE MEMBER. Parker, Hon. Dr., M. L.C., Nova Scotia, Piso AOllLONs OF THE Nova Scotian Fustitute of Batuval Seience. Art. I—NoTES ON A POLARISCOPIC EXAMINATION OF CRYS- TALLINE Rocks OF THE YARMOUTH GOLD-BEARING SerRrES.—By Pror. HonryMAN, D.C.L., &c. Curator of the Provincial Museum. (Read Nov. 13, 1882.) THE problematical character of those rocks, and their unex- pected appearance in the gold bearing series—no similar rocks appearing elsewhere in the band, as far as observed,—led me to have sections prepared by A. A. JuLIEN, New York, for micro- scopic and polariscopic examination. 1,2. The rock at Jeboque Point has suggested a number of queries. (Vide Paper on “ Geology of Digby and Yarmouth Counties.” Trans. 1880.) Its appearance and relations suggested a comparison with the Igneous rocks of the Blomidon seties. [ had also a section made of Blomidon Basalt. The two examined by the polariscope are so much alike as to be regarded identical. The dark material of both is evidently Augite, and the clear erystals a triclinic feldspar. The latter polarized shew three parallel lines. Between two parallels the colour is a beau- tiful blue-white, the colour between the other two is dusky. Turning the polarizer the colours change place——the dusky becoming blue, and the blue dusky. This seems to furnish a reply to my queries, and to refer the eruption at Jebogue Point to the Paulo-post Triassic Period. ’ 3, Sunday Point Porphyrite.—A macroscopic examination 8 CHEBUCTO NULLIPORES—HONEYMAN. of this rock shows the existence of Biotite, Hornblende and crystals of a white feldspar. The polariscope shows the feldspar to be trichroic. The colours run in parallels, and the crystals shew beautiful striation. 4. Cranberry Point Diorite.—Macroscopically examined this rock shows abundance of Biotite and Hornblende. The Polariscope shews triclinic feldspar. This and the Porphyrite of Sandy Point seem to be closely related, but different from the Jebogue Point Dolerite. These two seem to be intrusive, but of a Lower Silurian age. In considering the subject of the age of the gold-bearing rocks, it is evident that these crystalline rocks must be eliminated. 5. Yarmouth Harbour Rock.—This singular rock furnishes a very interesting section. It is composed of a glassy, undeter- mined mineral and hornblende. Ihave not been able to ascertain the nature of the former by the polariscope ; portions of it seem to be a glass. One of the green hornblendic patches has a singularly pretty inclusion. In a small glassy area, bounded by two straight sides and two curved, is a perfectly round glassy inclusion. Turning the polarizer the inclusion darkens, until space and inclusion peer altogether black. Sections of other crystalline rocks are under examination. They will be the subjects of future notes. Art. II.—Cursucro NULLIPORES, WITH ATTACHES.—By PRoF. D. Honryman, D.C. L., &e. Curator of the Pro- vincial Museum. (Read December 11, 1882.) OuR specimens appear to differ in their mode of growth. There is seemingly a vertical and a horizontal growth. _Speci- men No. 1 exhibits both. The upward growth developes into branches; the horizontal increases the body by layers, forming a limestone, having a concretionary and amorphous aspect. CHEBUCTO NULLIPORES—HONEYMAN. 9 Specimens Nos. 2 and 3 are amorphous. Of No. 1 the corallines encrust a stone. No. 2 and 3 are detached from their original support. Some of the tufts of the cespitose coralline have pits which have some resemblance to pores. Parts of the surface of the lamellar coralline have also numerous markings like pores. Still they are evidently nullipores. Attaches 1 are specimens of Algw, Rhodosperms. Cor. No. 2 has a large bunch of a beautiful alga. This seems to be an article of food for fishes. I was familiar with it from the contents of fish stomachs before I met with it in its place of growth and was puzzled to ascertain its character. Its name is Ptilota Serrata. At. 2. In the recesses of the coralline tufts of specimen No. 1, are numerous foramenifera. In the bushy edge of specimen No. 2, are also specimens of the same for- amenifer. At. 3. On specimen 1 was a small ophiura star fish—Brittle Star. At. 4. On specimen I are specimens of a species of Flustra. At. 5. In specimen 2 are several saxicava. These have exca- ‘ vated their dwellings in the thick coralline—No. 2 having entered betwen the base and the attachment. At. 6. On all three are specimens of the pretty little gasteropod chiton ruber. There were many of these, more than can be now seen ; unfortunately the Museum mice examined the specimens, and appropriated several of the chitons and the little ophiwra. At. 7. Are two pretty little patella. One is whole, the other is crushed. The species is Patelloida, or Lottia tes- tudinalis. At. 8. Is another little patelloida. It is evidently a different species from putelloida testudinalis. It may be pat- elloida alveus. There are also many little white subconical forms on the tufts of No. 1. I have not been able to ascertain their nature. We have thus noticed: Algae, Foramenifera, Ophiura, Polyzoa, Lamellibranchiata, Gasteropoda, Incertae sedis—7. ‘ 10 CHEBUCTO NULLIPORES—HONEYMAN. There is another interesting nullipore to which I would direct attention. This, also, was dredged at the mouth of Halifax harbour. It is decidedly lamellar. Broken in two it shows a concretionary structure. On its surface is a considerable growth of the alow Ptilota serrata. Branches of this lying on the coralline become imbedded by the caleareous growth. Some of these having been removed, have left indented impressions in the same way as ferns, &c., leave their impressions in Carboni- ferous shales. Other attaches are numerous foramenifera ; many of these are lying in the algw. Others on the coralline are sometimes partially imbedded and covered by the growth of the former. It is possible that parts of the alga and others of the foramenifera are enveloped in the coralline in the manner of fossils. No part of this coralline, although of considerable size, is cespitose. This seems to show that the cespitose corallines are distinct from the lamellar. The under part is very striking. It is altogether separate from its original attachment, and seems to have been so for a considerable Jength of time. Several sawicava are imbedded, but all are dead. The valves of some have numerous smal] perfora- tions. The operators, doubtless, sueceeded in destroying the tenants. U Tubevculous annelids (worms) in great numbers adhere to the base and its cavities. The inmates have long gone. The tubes are of serpuiz, of, apparently, two species. One species has a singular head, or ending, while the other is plain, The ending has the form of a head, the opening having the appearanee of a circular mouth. Thisform is evidently not acci- dental, as several have it. Other tubes are spiral. Spirorbis of apparently three species. Some of these are attached to saxicava. Some of the hollows are lined with sponges. Among the tubes are numerous foramenifera. Other attaches are two or three pretty little anomia. CHEBUCTO NULLIPORES—HONEYMAN. a8 SUMMARY. Alge, coralline, foramenifera, sponges, serpule, spirorbis suaeicava, anomid. GEOLOGICAL. One specimen seems to throw some light on the mode of formation of one of our Carboniferous Limestones. In the Pictou carboniferous formation there is a considerable variety of lime- stones. Of the manner in which most of these were formed, and their age, there can be little doubt. The internal and collateral evidence is sufficient to determine these points. One of these limestones, however, is exceptional. Its mode of formation is obscure,—internal evidence of origin is wanting, and the age is subject to question. This limestone is imbedded in the sandstones, or high ground, north of New Glasgow. My atten- tion was first directed to it in 1862. Polished specimens were among the economic minerals of our department at the London Exhibition. It was considered to be a limestone, or marble, that might be adopted for ornamental purposes. It is brown in colour, and has a concentric structure. I took an early opportunity of examining the deposit, and of securing characteristic specimens. One of these, which is in the Museum, was polished by Mr. Wesley, marble worker, for the Paris Exposition of 1867. It was found that the bed was of limited extent, and that the sand- stone with which it was united interfered with the polishing. Another of the specimens, cut vertically, shows a sandstone base. On this there is first a calcareo-siliceous layer, which is amorphous. On this another is formed with several centres, above this it is beautifully concentric. The top of the specimen is cauliflower shaped. When Sir W. E. Logan and Mr. Hartley surveyed the Pictou coal fields in 1869, the latter examined the limestone, but was equally unsuccessful with myself in finding fossils which could determine the age of the formation. He succeeded, however, in finding one form,a spzrorbis. There was a large number of these attached to a specimen somewhat resembling our own, The appearance was so striking and singular 12 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD. that I will not readily forget it. I presume that the specimen is now in the collection of the Geological Museum, Ottawa. There is, therefore, reason to suppose that the Hartley speci- mens and our nullipore are analogous, as both have concretionary lamellar structure and attached spirorbes, and that the carboni- ferous concretionary limestone is coralline or nullipore in origin. ArT. III—Notres on SABLE IsLaAnp. By Srmon D. Mac- DONALD, F.G.S. (Read March 12, 1883.) In bringing this Island and its surroundings to your notice this evening, I feel I am opening up a rich field for the future investigation of this Institute. From its geographical position—midway between this coast and the gulf stream—it possesses characteristics peculiar to itself, and a phenomena so varied that there is work here for us all. ' ! But not only does this Island invite our attention in the interests of science, but demands our attention in the interests of humanity. Situated directly in the pathway of commerce,—enshrouded for weeks together by impenetrable fog—encircled by eddies and currents of the most erratic character—its dangerous and ever- shifting sand-bars, together with its terrible record of disasters, dating back from the earliest history of this country—it has earned for itself among mariners the well-merited appellation, that of “the grave-yard of North America.” And were we to-morrow to visit this island and witness its wreck-strewn shores—the ghastly grin of skeletoas protruding from the embankment or lying awash on the beach—and listen to the sickening tales of the surf-men, we would feel guilty, indeed, if we,as members of one of the oldest scientific societies in NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 13 this Dominion, did not put forth our greatest effort to learn some- thing of the causes whose effects are so fraught with destruction, and give to the world the benefit of our researches. While compiling the wreck-chart of Sable Island which we have before us, I have had to examine the early records of the Province, from which I have gleaned many facts in connection with the history of this Island. Having had the opportunity of visiting it on two occasions, and learning something of it as it is to-day, I thought it well to place the results before you, to form, as it were, a basis for further investigations. The first notice of this Island in history, is from the voyage of John Cabot, who, in company with his son, Sebastian, sailed from Bristol in 1547, in a vessel called the “Matthew.” After making the land at Labrador, he sailed south and west- ward, coasting Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, as far as Cape Sable. Finding here the coast trending suddenly to the north, and being short of provisions, with an unknown sea before him, he wisely turned his prow homeward. On the third day he passed two islands to starboard, which, from their position, must have been some of the higher hummocks of Sable Island. Viewed at a distance, these might easily be taken for separate islands. Three years later an expedition, ordered by Emanuel, King of Portugal, followed in the wake of Cabot; but meeting with reverses, they returned, disheartened, to Lisbon. Private enterprizes, however, stimulated by the glowing accounts given by Cabot of seas blocked with fish, were continued from year to year, and hundreds of Portuguese fishermen resorted to the banks. To these people the credit is given of having placed cattle and swine on the Island for the benefit of those who might be east upon its shores. That they were well acquainted with the place, there can be little doubt. On a chart made by Pedro Reinel, as early as 1505, of Newfoundland and this coast, as far as Maine, this island is laid down as “Sanda Crus.” 14 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD, In the museum of Paris is another chart, made by Gaftaldi (of New France), in 1550, showing the fishing banks extending from off Lahave to Newfoundland, on which this island appears as “Tsolla del Arena.” In 1518, Baron de Lery made the first attempt to colonize this New France, but meeting with a succession of gales, which drove him back several times, he arrived on this coast too late to place his people under shelter before winter would overtake them, so he left part of his cattle at Canso, and sailed for Sable Island, where he placed the remainder, and returned to France. In after years these cattle had so multiplied that it became a inatter of speculation for parties to land and hunt them for their hides and tallow. The next mention made of this island is in the record of the disastrous voyage of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who sailed from Eng~ land with a fleet of five armed vessels. Arriving at St. John’s, Nfld. —he found a large fleet of fishermen, of different nations— and took formal possession of the place in the name of Queen Elizabeth. The Portuguese treated him well, and after supplying him with wines, marmalade, sweet oil, &e., told him of their having placed swine and cattle on Sable Island. Thither Sir Humphrey sailed. Several days after, during a thick fog, he lost his second m command on Sable Island. As this is the first wreck of which there is any history, written in quaint old English, I will read it as recorded : “Sabla lieth, to the seaward of Cape Breton about 45°, whither we were determined to go, upon intelligence we had of a Portingall, during our abode in St. John’s, who was also him- self present when the Portingalls, about 30 years past, did put into the same Island both neat and swine to breed, which were since exceedingly multiplied. “The distance between Cape Race and Cape Breton is 100 leagues, in which navigation we spent 8 days. Having the wind many times indifferent good, but could never obtain sight of any land, all that time, seeing we were hindered by the current. At last we fell into such flats and dangers, that hardly any of us escaped. Where nevertheless we lost our Admiral, with all the men and provisions. NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 15 “Contrary to the mind of the expert Master Cox, on Wed- nesday, 27th August, we bore up toward the land. Those in the doomed ship continually sounding trumpet and drums. Whilst strange voices from the deep scared the helmsman from his post on board the Frigate. “Thursday, the 28th, the wind arose and blew vehemently from the south and east,—bringing withal rain and thick mist, that we could not see a cable length before us. And betimes we were run and foulded amongst flats and sands, amongt which we found flats and deeps every 3 or 4 ship’s lengths. /me- diately tokens were given to the admiral to cast about to seaward, which being the greater ship, and of burden 120 tons, was performost upon the beach. Keeping so ill a watch they knew not the danger before they felt the same too late to recover, for presently the Admiral struck aground, and had soon ‘ her stern and hinder parts beaten in pieces. The remaining two ships escapad by casting about E.S.E., bearing to the south for their lives, even in the wind’s eye. Sonnding on while 7 fathom, then 5, then again deeper. The sea going mightily and high.” In the wreck of the “ Delight,” or “ Admiral,’ as she was called, upwards of 95 perished, 12 only escaped, and afterwards reached the Nova Scotia coast and were carried by some French vessel to England. In 1598, the Marquis “De la Roche” obtained a charter from Henry III. to colonize and Christianize New France, and sailed in May of that year. Arriving off this coast, and fearing that his people,—consisting of 40 convicts from the French prisons—might escape, he landed them on Sable Island until he could make arrangements to settle on the main land. On returning he encountered a furious gale which, in 15 days, drove him on the French coast. He had scarcely landed, when he was thrown into prison by an enemy, and was prevented from communicating the result of his voyage to the king. Five years after, the king, receiving intelligence, ordered the pilot who had led them thither to proceed to Sable Island and learn their fate, which was found to be deplorable. Out of the forty landed five years previous, only twelve remained alive. Finding themselves alone, and deserted, as they thought, by the very one whom they looked to for liberty and comfort, they 16 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD. became desperate. With no law to restrain, nor punishment to fear, each man’s hand was turned against his fellow, and several had come to a violent end. The remainder, from ill-prepared food and exposure, became reduced in spirits, and had lately led more quiet lives. After being landed on the Island they managed to erect huts from the remains of a Spanish vessel wrecked in the breakers, and maintained existence by eating the raw flesh of the cattle Baron de Lery, or the Portuguese, had placed on the Island many years before, and which had become very numer- ous. In a short time their clothes were worn out, and they dressed themselves in the skins of seals. On their arrival in France they were presented to the king. Their savage expression, unkempt hair and beards, which reached to their waists, together with their pitiful tale of want and exposure, so moved the king that he gave them fifty crowns a piece and permission to return to theirhomes. Strange to say, they afterwards sought passage to the island, where they accu- mulated a large quantity of fur. In 1638, John Rose, of Boston, lost his vessel—the “ Mary & Jane”—at this place. He was here three months constructing a yawl from the remains of his vessel, by which he reached the main land. His reports of having seen “more than 800 head of wild cattle, and a great many foxes, many of which were black,” so interested the Acadians that 17 of them embarked in a vessel, taking Rose as pilot. After this Rose returned to New Eng- land, where the tidings of this wonderful Island soon spread. A company was soon formed at Boston to hunt on the Island. On their arrival they found that the 17 Frenchman who had wintered on the Island, had built houses and a fort, and so slaughtered the cattle that only 150 remained. About 100 years later,a French clergyman named LeMercier, claiming to be an Englishman by naturalization, sent thither a number of cattle, previous to removing with his family. He had petitioned Governor Armstrong, at Annapolis, for a grant of the Island, but declining to pay a Quit rent to the government, the grant was withheld. A proclamation was issued forbidding per- sons from killing those animals, and they continued there for many NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 17 years. At what period they were destroyed, and succeeded by the wild horses now upon it, is not known. From this date up to the beginning of the present century, we have little information respecting this Island, except that it became a favourite resort of fishermen, for the purpose of hunting the walrus and seal. With the increase of commerce, wrecks were more frequent, and it became the haunt of pirates and wreckers of the worst description, who are said to have lighted fires cn the shore luring vessels to their destrudction. Valucble jewels and rare articles having been exhibited as coming from there from time to time, strange stories of piracy and murder became frequent. This, together with the report of several vessels being lost with all hands, in quick succession—among them being the “ Princess Amelia,” a transport having con board the household effects of the Duke of Kent and upwards of 200 officers and recruits, all of whom perished, although it was thought that many of them reached shore and were afterwards murdered by the pirates, excited the suspicions of the authorities. The gun brig “Harriet” was dispatched, under Lieut. ToRRENS, to investigate matters, when she, too, was lost. The government at once took action, and, by the advice of Sir JoHN WENTWORTH, an amount was appropriated for settling families on the Island to assist shipwrecked persons and for saving property. A proclamation was issued, stating that persons found resid- ing upon the Island without a license from the government would be removed and imprisoned for a period of not less than six years. This had the desired effect, driving off the wretches who infested it, and the present establishment was formed under the superintendence of one JAMES Morris in 1802. Such is the early history which, though dim and frag- mentary, yet serves to show that the Island was well known and frequented hundreds of years before the founding of Halifax, and that by a race of people who have left no descendants along our coast. We will now consider the general features of this Island. It is simply an enormous accumulation of loose grey 18 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD. sand, forming two parallel ridges united at either extremity. It is crescent-shaped, with its inner side towards the coast. The valley formed by these parallel ridges extends the length of the Island, 8 miles of which is occupied by a lake. A narrow ridge separates this lake from the ocean on the south, over which the sea breaks in many places during heavy weather. According to the last admiralty survey, this Island is situ- ated 85 miles from White Head, the nearest point on the Nova Scotia coast. The west end is in lat. 43, 56, N., and 60, 08, W- long.,—22 miles in length and 1 mile in breadth. ? From a northern approach it presents the appearance of a succession of low, naked sand hummocks, some partially covered with vegetation. Beginning at the west end, those hills or hummocks have an elevation of about 20 feet, gradually rising eastward, attaining the height of about 80 feet in the vicinity of the east end light, beyond which they slope away until they meet the N. E. bar, which in fine weather dries for a distance of 4 miles from the grassy sand hills. About two miles from the beginning of this bar, an island is forming over an old wreck, and is covered with grass. This dry bar is succeeded by 9 miles of heavy breakers, to a depth of 6 fathoms, 4 miles further with a heavy cross sea, with from 10 to 13 fathoms, and then ends abruptly, the depth increasing in a distance of 3 miles to 170 fathoms. The N. W. bar dries about 14 miles from the grass hills, with patches or shoals nearly dry one mile further out. Then 9 miles of heavy breakers in fine weather, succeeded by seven miles more in heavy weather, when the depth increases from five to ten fathoms, and where there is a great ripple and a heavy cross sea. The whole extent of this bar is 17 miles, beyond which the water gradually deepens. Thus we have the Island, with its bars in bad weather, a continuous line of over 50 miles of foaming breakers, producing the most terrific effect; the Island seeming to shake to its foundation as the whole body of the Atlantic breaks upon it. In addition to this bar, at either extremity there are three submerged bars, or ridges, parallel with the shore on both sides, NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 19 with only a few feet of water, which form heavy breakers when there is any sea running, making it exceedingly hazardous for landing in boats. On the south side the water deepens very gradually, thus extending its dangers far into the sea in that direction. Vessels seldom anchor on the south side, because of the prevalent swell from the south, and from the great distance from a landing, which is only practicable after a long continuance of northerly winds. While on the north side boats can only land during southerly wind and after a continuance of fine weather. But there are surf-boats belonging to the Island which ean generally communicate when ordinary boats would swamp. On the north side vessels anchor from one to two miles off shore. The bottom being fine sand, holds well, but the sea is so heavy, except in off-shore winds, that on the first indication of wind from the sea, a vessel must weigh anchor immediately and make an offing. Wrecks on the N. W. or N. E. bar are of course far more dangerous to life than those that take place on the Island. In bad weather the rescue of a crew on the submerged portion of those bars would be impossible. We have here a chart showing the wrecks that have taken place since the formation of the establishment by the Govern- ment, in 1802, for life-saving purposes, which I have compiled from official reports, and submitted to the three superintendents that have had charge of the Island. This chart shows the name and position of known wrecks. The unknown, on the bars, are, perhaps, far more numerous. After gales, and a jong continu- ance of foggy weather, there are often sad evidences of disaster in the wreckage, and frequently bodies drifted on shore, of which nothing more is ever known. These bars, on the north side, are extremely steep, especially so the N. E. bar, having as much as 30 fathoms water close to it; hence a vessel caught here ina S. W. to S. E. gale, would probably strike, forge over and founder in deep water, leaving nothing whatever above to tell the tale. In the immediate neighbourhood of the ocean little else but 20 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. sand is seen, thrown up into every variety of drift, or scooped out by the wind into bowl-like hollows, relieved only by the stark timbers of many an unfortunate ship, washed by the waves or thrown high upon the shore, and the unceasing headlong plunge of the breakers, as each in turn rears its green head and breaks in a crest of foam as it rushes up the sloping beach. As we mount the hummocks and descend into the lake valley, the scene changes to that of a Western prairie. Desolate wastes of sand give place to green knolls and waving meadows of tall, luxuriant grass, interspersed with wild pea. In the vicinity of the lake can be gathered in their season wild roses, lilies, asters, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries—the latter affording quite a revenue to the Island. Herds of wild ponies dot the valley and hill side. Here and there are fresh water ponds, girt with dense rank grass, where wild duck and water-fowl breed in thousands. Here, again is a long barren, known as the “desert,” whose sands are as shifting as those of the Sahara, and equally as destitute of vegetation. Thus alternate barrenness and vegetation, fertile valleys and sand hummocks, the entire length of the Island. The Government establishment on this Island consists of a superintendent and 18 men, located at different parts of the Island. Besides the main station, there are five owt-stations, where some of the staff reside. There are also two houses of refuge, in which are fire places filled with wood ; match-bozes, a bucket, and a bag of biscuit, hanging against the wall, out of reach of rats, which sometimes infest the Island. The door is simply latched. Written directions are posted up, showing the - way to the stations, and how fresh water can be had by digging 18 inches in the sand. Many a crew, thrown on this desolate sand-bank in storm and darkness, finding their way to those houses, have had reason to bless the government for its thought- fulness in providing for their emergency, without which many a poor fellow would have had to succumb. At these out stations signal staffs are erected for the purpose of communicating with vessels or the maim station, at which the NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD. 21 row’s nest on the cross-trees of the flag-staff has an elevation of 120 feet, and commands a view, in clear weather, of the entire {sland. . During fog the island is patrolled once in 24 hours by rounds- men, or men from the outposts, on horseback. Through the kindness of Miss Drx, who spent a short time on this Island, four Francis metallic life boats were placed at the different life-saving stations. There are also surf-boats, rockets and mortars, for throwing lines to wrecks, a life-car and bretches buoy for the landing of crews. At the different stations there is a supply of tame horses always on hand to convey the boats to the vicinity of wrecks. The life of the surf-men, though somewhat monotonous, 1s not an idle one. Each day has its duties. In fine weather their time is occupied in keeping the stations in repair, hauling fire- wood, attending to the domestic cattle, and farming in its season, besides landing supplies, and shipping wrecked materials on the visit of the Government steamer, and at stated times they have rocket and mortar drill, &. In foggy weather, or after a_ storm, the watching of the beach for wrecks claims their whole attention. Mounted on his pony the patrol wends his way, frequently in the teeth of the blast that almost sweeps him from his saddle, while often snow, hail and sleet—and oftener still, sharp sand drift, that cuts the face until smarting with pain—forces him to take shelter between the sand hills, and follow along the central valley, ever and anon mounting the hummocks to look seaward, and betimes plunging down into the land-wash to examine some object floating in the breakers—a spar, an empty bottle, or perhaps a hen-coop. Such tokens are often all he finds. And so he trudges on for miles. At length he discovers the next patrol approaching : they draw rein, exchange notes, turn and retrace their steps to report at head quarters. Thus patrols make the cirenit of the Island. The horses found wild here have been considered by Dr. GILPIN and others to resemble the wild horse of Meaico, It is generally thought that they were landed from some Spanish 29 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. wreck. They are small, but strong and active, and show a power of endurance almost swrprisiny ; withstanding the incle- mency of winter without other shelter than that afforded by the hillocks of sand. The English rabbit has at different periods been very numer- ous, and threatened at one time to over-run the Island. But, to their misfortune, the Norway vat landed from an old vessel, and in a short time became so numerous that they nearly annihilated the rabbits, and then turned their attention to the stores of the Island, so that during one winter the staff were without bread for some months. In the spring the Government sent a detach- ment of cats to look after the rats. The cats killed the rats and then finished the remaining rabbits. In a short time the cats became so wild and nwmerous as to be a source of danger, when dogs were sent to hunt the cats, and with the assistance of shot guns in the hands of the staff, the cats were finally extirpated. Again the Island was stocked with rabbits, when a snowy owl found his way thither, and being so delighted at his find, disappeared, and in a few days returned with his friends, who remained long after the rabbits were extinct, and still shows his kind remembrances by making periodical visits. Until 1814, herds of said hogs roamed the Island, wie became exceedingly fierce, often attacking the cattle. But during a very severe winter all perished. Since that time this -species of stock has not been allowed to range the Island, since, owing to their proclivity to hunt bodies in the sand, and devour those found in the land-wash, they became objects of horror and disgust. The walrus, or sea lion, once repaired to this Island in large numbers. Their tusks are still being washed out of the sand, although they disappeared many years ago. Early in January the Greenland seals make their appearance on the bars, for the purpose of whelping, and are sometimes hunted by the staff. The male is about 8 feet long, weighs often 800 lbs., and swims at the rate of seven miles an hour. They are very tenacious of life, often surviving the most severe wounds. Their habits are very interesting. When on shore they live in families, each male attended by several females. NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD. vies The young at twenty days are nearly white, and those who have partaken of their flesh, pronounce it equal to that of sucking pig. When the males are old they are deserted by the females, and living apart from the rest, become exceedingly fierce. In their encounters they inflict on each other wounds like sabre thrusts, and after their engagements throw themselves into the sea to wash away the blood. The hunting of this species of seal is not without its dangers. They often turn upon their pursuers, and will sometimes ward off a blow, seize the club in their tusks and escape. The common harbour seal is a constant dweller on the Island. In May their new-born whelps may be found sleeping on the sand in velvet coats, or riding the surges on their mothers’ backs. LIGHTS. In 1873 the Government erected two powerful lights—one on each end of the Island—at a cost of $80,000, the propriety of which has been very much questioned. Nearly every government that has come into power has had the subject of light houses on Sable Island before them, and as often has it been opposed by sea-faring men, who maintained that it would render navigatien more dangerous than before. Their argument being that were no inducements offered to approach the Island, vessels would keep at a sufficiently safe distance from it; whereas, in the hope of making the light, they would be drawn near the bars, thereby increasing the risk and danger. Some maintained, on the other hand, that if two pow- erful white lights were exhibited—one fixed the other revolv- ing—they would be visible twenty miles, which would be quite far enough to warn vessels of their danger, and enable them to define their position. Mr. Hows, in his report of 1848, stated that although Capt. DarBy and Mr. Cunarp entertained the belief that a light would induce vessels to run for the Island, and lure them amid shoals and sand-bars, it was, in his opinion, strongly advisable that alight should be erected near the central 24 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. station, and that vessels not bound for the Island, nor driven there by currents or stress of weather, would no more run for it than they do now,—that they would, in fact, keep clear of it, it having no harbour of refuge ; and that vessels outward bound would not require anew point of departure, while those homeward bound had all the coast before them; and if made to revolve E. and W., it would show in which direction the bars lie, and to government vessels it would be of great service. But, as before, no further action beyond debating the matter took place—at that time. Foremost among the dangers surrounding this Island is that arising from the irregularity of the marine currents that sweep its shores, To trace the origin of which let us turn our atten- tion for a while to the course of the gulf stream and polar current. By glancing at Maury’s Physical Chart, it will be seen that the gulf stream, after discharging its heated waters through the channel formed by the coast of Florida on the one side and Cuba and the Bahamas on the other, follows the trend of the American coast northward until approaching the shoals of Nantucket, where it swerves to the N. E., passing south of Sable Island to the tail of the great bank of Newisundland: and then str etching over to Europe in a due east direction. In opposition to this, we have the cold, ice-laden current of the North, one portion of which, after leaving the Arctic ocean, passes southward along the eastern coast of Greenland,where being joined by another branch coming from Baffin’s Bay and Davis’ Straits, it passes along the coasts of Labrador and Newfoundland to the great banks, where it is met by the northern edge of the gulf stream, At this point a-division of the polar current takes place,—one portion, from its greater density, sinks below the warm current of the gulf stream and continues its course south- ward as a sub-marine current. This has been doubted. In the Transactions of this Institute for 1865, is a letter from Admiral MILNE to the President of this Society, concerning the currents on the N. E. coast of North America, in which he says: “This polar current passes along the east coast of Newfoundland as far as Cape Race, where a western part runs round if into St, NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 25 Mary’s Bay, but the eastern part becomes lost. It is probably checked by the northern limit of the gulf stream, and turned into a more N. E. direction.” In that same year, however, it is recorded by CARPENTER, that while laying the Atlantic cable in lat. 51° N., and lon. 38° W., a heavy storm came down upon them, and they were obliged to cut the cable. A red buoy was attached to it by a long wire rope, which, however, soon after broke loose and drifted away. Seventy-six days after this buoy was seen by a West India mail steamer in Lat. 42° N., lon. 40°; having travelled due south 600 nautical miles, a rate of about eight miles a day, directly against the gulf stream and prevalent winds, which can be only account- ed for by the fact of the great length of wire rope that was hanging in the deeper polar current. This has been further demonstrated by deeply-submerged icebergs being carried into and across the gulf stream, and being seen repeatedly as far south as 36° lat., by which it is inferred that the deeply-immersed portion offered more resistance to the lower current than to the shallow surface current, and was thus borne southward across the gulf stream, The other portion of the polar current, when it impinges on the gulf stream at the great bank, becomes deflected to the west- ward, partially by contact with the great bank, and in its course its northern edge sweeps around Cape Race, into St. Mary’s and the other bays north, until losing momentum it falls back and joins the main body of the current. This portion, sweeping around and into those bays, is commonly called the indraught by mariners, and to it, being accelerated by certain storms, is attributed the loss of the “Cedar Grove,” at Canso, and the Crom- well boats at Cape Race. The southern edge interlaces the gulf stream, and carries western bound vessels at such a rate as frequently leads mariners to miscalculate their position with reference to this island; to which fact are attributable many of the wrecks. Capt. Darpy, a former superintendent of the Island, in a letter to Blunt’s Coast Pilot, with regard to the strength of this polar current says: “The most of the wrecks occurring here 26 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. arise from error in longitude. I have known vessels from Europe that had not made an error of one-half degree in their longitude until they came to the banks of Newfoundland, and from there in moderate weather and light winds have made errors from 60 to 100 miles.” It is difficult to understand how that commanders of vessels, making voyages to and from this country for so many years, should be apparently so ignorant of the strength of these currents, unless, as it would seem, they have periods of comparative quiescence and activity. Then, again, we have a third current—a portion of the polar current, which, becoming detached at the southern end of Labra- dor, and sweeping through the Straits of Belle Isle, is joined by the vast flow of the St. Lawrence, and forms what is known as the Gulf of St. Lawrence current. This combined current skirts the east side of Cape Breton, passes south, and strikes obliquely in the vicinity of Sable Island that portion of the polar current which is deflected westward by contact with the banks of New- foundland. To these opposing currents, then, must be attributed those dangerous marine disturbances off our coast, of which Sable Island seems to be the centre. Capt. CLOUE, of the French navy, remarked that during his survey of the Quero bank, adjoining that of Sable Island, nothing surprised him more than the strength and uncertainty of the currents, which often set in a contrary direction to the prevailing winds, and change all round the compass in 24 hours. This, of course, is in accordance with well-known law. Currents of water, like currents of air, meeting in opposite direc- tions, produce eddies and swirls of the most conflicting character: In February, 1803, the first superintendent, having had three months of anxiety from the rapidity with which the Island had washed away in the vicinity of his house, and having lost much of his provisions from the depredations of rats, and fearing that want would stare him in the face before relief would reach him in the spring vessel, built a dispatch boat and sent her out | crowded with sail before a 8. E. gale, in hopes that she would reach the main land, or be picked up by some inbound vessel that NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 27 would carry the dispatches to the Government, and acquaint them of the starving condition of those on the Island. To his surprise, in 13 days after she returned to the beach, six miles above where she set out from. This swirl motion around this Island is very marked. In calm weather an empty barrel or cask will make circuit after circuit of the Island, and this experiment is often resorted to for testing the velocity of.the current. Again, bodies from wrecks have often made the same circuit, and it is quite customary for the surfmen to search on the opposite side for things which in consequence of an off-shore wind, have been carried thither by the current, and deposited upon the beach. During the preva lence of stormy weather these currents become terribly conflict ing, and if accompanied by high tides, often remove by thei~ eroding action, hundreds of feet from the embankments Then again, danger often arises from the lowness of the shores. Being treeless— with the exception of the light house: having nothing to distinguish it from the surrounding ocean which it so resembles in colour—vessels have been known in a stiff breeze and clear weather to run directly for the Island, without the slightest knowledge of its proximity, until their attention has been arrested by the red ensign flung to the breeze from the flagstaff at one of the stations. Often sailing vessels and mail steamers are seen from the Island in positions clearly showing that they were unaware of its presence. Foos of a density seldom experienced elsewhere are pre- valent all the year round, and accompany all winds from N. E. round by south to S. W. The warm, moist air from above the gulf stream meeting the cold air above the polar current, is condensed into fog which gives but little warning of approach, and contributes in a marked degree to the dangerous surround- ings of this Island. Another danger arises from its proximity to the gulf stream. Ask the mariner where he most dreads to encounter the storm, and perchance he will answer on a lea shore or the northern edge of the gulf. Maury, who made a life study of the stream, says: “With 28 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD. such elements of atmospheric disturbances on its bosom, it fol- lows that storms of the most violent character would accompany it in its course. Accordingly the most terrific that rage on the ocean have been known to spend their fury on its northern border.” There have been some memorable tempests here which have marked, as it were, perzods in the history of this Island,—-nights of terror never to be forgotten. The inhabitants of this lonely, desolate sand-bar have often despaired of ever seeing the dawn, and sat speechless for hours, listening, terror-stricken, to the howling of the blast, which threatened every moment to hurl their dwellings from their unstable foundation into the seething ocean. On one occasion, on going forth after such a night, they were horrified to find that, in addition to the transformation undergone around them by the removal of sand-hills, and the creation of others, that a portion equal to 3 miles long, 40 feet wide, and from 20 to 60 feet high, had gone bodily from the north side of their Island. This now forms one of those parallel bars over which the sea in storms breaks in terrific tumult. The awful violence, as well as the suddenness of those storms, which are cyclonic in their character, form one of the most remarkable phenomena of this Island. The sun often rises clear, giving indications of continued ° good weather, and, with the exception of the sea breaking high on the bars, and the fretful moan of the surf as it breaks along the shore, there is no premonition of the coming storm. Sud- denly a dull, leaden haze obscures the sun: clouds gather from all directions, The sky assumes a wild, unusual appearance, The wind begins to rise in fitful gusts, carrying swirls of sand before it. The darkness increases as the low, driving scud shuts in all distant objects. Now the gale bursts in awful fury, whipping off the summits of the hummocks, carrying before it a cloud of blinding sand-drift. Darkness adds to the horror of the scene, while rain descends in a perfect deluge. No human voice can be heard above the tempest. The crinkled lightning for an instant lights up the mad waves, as they rear aa hiss alone the beach. Then a sudden calm ensues,—as strange as. NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD. I9 calm. A few short gusts at first break this period of tranquility, and in a few minutes the hurricane bursts again from the oppo- site quarter. The darkness is still intense, relieved only by the red glare of the lightning, which is quickly followed by the crashing of the thunder, as it strives to be heard above the howling of the blast. Gradually the storm ceases, the clouds break and pack away in dense black masses to leeward, and the sea alone retains its wild tumult. During such a tempest in 1811, thousands of tons of sand were carried from the beach—some from one side and some from the other, as the gale shifted—and strewn over the island, so that vegetation was nearly smothered, hundreds of horses died for want of food, and the outlines of the Island completely changed. Sand-hills that had formed land-marks were tumbled into the sea, and mountains piled where once were valleys ; recent wrecks disappeared, and others brought to view of which there is no history. It is interesting to note that while in several places in Great Britain they are at present making many and successful experiments in the way of lessening the dangers of harbour approach by pouring oil on the troubled waters, the utility of this has been demonstrated at this Island nearly 40 years ago, and although the superintendent, Capt. DarBy, gave every pub- licity to the circumstances, and pointed out its advantages, we have little evidence of it being adopted until the last few years. As this oil theory is attracting so much attention of late, in Liverpool and other places, I will give you, in a condensed form, Capt. DarBy’s report of the saving of Capt. Hicerns and his crew, as follows : “On the 19th of September, 1846, the Government schr. “Daring,” commanded by my eldest son, came to the Island for the purpose of conveying to Halifax the crew and materials of the wreck of the ship “ Detroit,” lately stranded there with her crew and passengers; also the crew of the schooner “Lady Elcho,” lately stranded there. We got the schooner down the north side to the wreck of “ Detroit,’ about ten miles to the eastward of head-quarters, and commenced shipping her materials, and the work went on with vigour andalacrity. The day was moderate, 30 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. with light airs of wind from the eastward. It was a clear and cloudless day, but it had a certain dull appearance about it, that seemed to portend a gathering of the elements together, as if for strife. The sea ran high, although there was no wind, and gave us a good deal of trouble, by often filling our loaded boats in crossing the bars, where it often broke very badly, and rolled along the shore with a groaning and very troubled sound. After the sun passed the meridian the gloom and duiness seemed to increase, the sea rose higher, although but little wind, and the moaning sound of the waters as they broke along the strand, seemed to give strong.indications of a coming storm. Our work proceeded successfully, notwithstanding the difficulties we had to contend with ;—the property was all shipped, the vessel loaded and ready for sea, and at half an hour after sunset she got under weigh, with our beat and boat’s crew to be towed up to head- quarters and landed there. The wind was now a fresh breeze from east. I got on my horse to keep abreast of the vessel, which I did until dark. JI had ten miles to go to the landing place, I drove to that point as fast as I could, and then rushed on to the beach to watch the arrival of my boat. It was now very dark, with a fresh breeze, and the sea rising very fast. The whole ocean seemed to be in a phosphoretic blaze of light. I soon observed our boat coming directly towards me: I jumped off my horse, and as I always rode with six fathoms of line on my horse’s fieck, one end I fastened there, and the other énd I tied to my leg. I was then able to assist my people in the boat without loosing my horse, as she filled and turned over just as she got within my reach. The people reported that the schooner hauled off to sea the moment that the boat left her. We hauled up and secured our boat for an approaching gale, then went to the house, changed our wet clothes, got supper, and set a watch. * At midnight the watch reported heavy gale of wind from E. N. E.; at four o'clock the morning of the 20th, a most terrific gale of wind with rain from the N. E.; and at daylight the gale to be still increasing, and the wind veering to the N.N.E. All hands out. The hull of the schooner Lady Elcho, that had been wrecked near the landing, could be seen from the look-out house to be floating and knocking about on the beach, and we had to crawl on our hands and knees across the Island to where her cargo of barrels of mackerel was piled up,—the wind being so violent we could not proceed against it in an upright position. We found the cargo in danger of being smashed to pieces by the sea, and we commenced parbuckling it up the bank to a place of compar- ative safety, and were so occupied until about noon; and it was NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. aL this circumstance that brought us all out there in that terrific gale, as if Providence directed that we should all be out and all together so as to be the better prepared for what was going to follow. All of a sudden, we saw an object off the North side dead to windward which we first thought was a large bird, but shortly after discovered that it was a sail distant five or six miles, and that she was running down right before this tremendous gale dead ona lee-shore. We could work no more at the barrels. Our eyes were strained in the direction of the object that appear- ed to be running to inevitable destruction. My first impression was that it was the schooner Daring which had left the Island the evening before, and that they had met with some disaster so as to disable the vessel in the gale, and were going to run her on shore before night to save their lives. We could see that she was a schooner with a close-reefed main- sail set, steering directly for our flag-staff. I was convinced that it was my son, who with two of his sisters on board, and a great number of other passengers, were taking this method to preserve their lives. The sea was breaking everywhere off the North side as far as the eye could see, and it appeared almost incredible that any vessel could live to come so great a distance through such mountains of broken water. I got arope prepared, to assist in preserving the people’s lives should the vessel be able to reach the beach through the roaring and boiling mountains of water that surrounded her. When she approached within three miles of the land she appeared to be in the heaviest breakers, and we could plainly perceive mountain waves on each side of her that would raise their curled heads as .high as the tops of her masts and pitch over and fall with the weight of hundreds of tons, either of which would have been sufficient to have smashed that frail bark to atoms; but, miraculous as it may appear, not one of them touched her. At one moment you could just perceive the heads of her masts between the mountains of waters that were smashing and breaking to pieces all around, but not permitted to hurt her; at the next moment you would see her on the top of a tremendous wave which appeared like certain destruction to her; at another, you would see a mountain sea rising up before her and breaking all to fragments in her path, but when she arrived at the spot the surface was smooth as glass. When she arrived within one mile of the shore she had to pass over what we call the Outer Bar, where every sea broke from the bottom, and our greatest anxiety for the safety of the vessel was at this point. The sea was there breaking with tremendous violence, but that heaven-favored bark passed through untouched,—the 32 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—-MACDONALD. sea became smooth before her, and she left a shining track behind. Now, here was the miracle. I looked on this with wonder, awe and admiration, and not without hope. When she approached a little nearer, I could see one man lashed to the helm and two men forward lashed by each of the fore-shrouds, and by each man a large cask standing on end. We could also see that the two men were making great exertions with their arms, as if throwing something up in the wind. The vessel had now passed the most dangerous place, and her safety seemed certain —I could breathe much freer than I had done for some minutes. Another half-mile brought her to the beach, and her bow struck the sand. From this spot to the high bank was about fifty or sixty yards over a flat beach, which was always dry except in heavy gales, but was now covered over with water. A number of heavy seas would roll together over the beach, and then recede, leaving it dry. Over this place myself and the men were extended with a rope leading from the bank down to the vessel’s bow, on which we held to keep the sea from washing us away; and when the oreat body of water receded, we could approach as near as the jib-boom end, from which, one by one, the crew lowered them- selves by a rope into our arms, and we passed them in safety to the bank. “The Schooner was the Arno, Capt. Hicerns, with twelve men, from Quero Bank, where they had been fishing. They left the Bank at the commencement of the gale. He had lost all his head sails when at daylight this morning he made the land dead under his lee, with the gale blowing right on shore. The vessel having no head-sail, he could do nothing with her on a wind. He let go his anchor in twenty fathoms of water, paid out three hundred fathoms of hemp cable, and brought the vessel head to wind. In that tremendous sea he held on until noon, when, seeing no prospect of the gale abating, he cut his cable and put the vessel before the wind, preferring torun her on shore before night to riding there and foundering at her anchor. He lashed him- self to the helm, sent all his men below but two, and nailed up the cabin-doors. He had two large casks placed near the fore- shrouds and lashed there. He then directed his two best men to station themselves there and lash themselves firmly to the casks, which were partly filled with blubber and oil from the fish. They had each a wooden ladle about two feet long, and with those ladles they dipped up the blubber and oil, and threw it up in the air as high as they could. The great violence of the wind carried it far to leeward, and, spreading over the water, made its surface smooth before her and left a shining path behind; and although the sea NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 343) would rise very high, yet the top of it was smooth, and never broke where the oil was. It was raging, pitching and breaking close to her on each side, but not a barrel of water fell upon her deck the whole distance. The vessel was so old and tender that she went all to pieces in a very short time after the crew, with their clothing and provisions, were saved.” With regard to this phospheresence of the sea, at times there are magnificent displays of it here. Among the early inhabitants it was the cause of much alarm, and augmented the many stories of the supernatural told in connection with the place. Its first appearance to one of the superintendents, is recorded in the journals of the Island as follows : “Last night a singular phenomenon appeared on the south side. The sea being high, and the night very dark, the breaking of the sea would exhibit at intervals of from 5 to 10 minutes a phosphorescent light. In some places it would be seen through the eulches on the south side. When the beach was low, and the sea broke high, it would rise in a great bright light to the height of 15 or 20 feet, like an enormous fire, yet only to be seen at certain places at a time.” Xv In other places it is spoken of as the sea being on fire. It generally appears after much southerly wind, and is probably brought by the drift, or surface current, from the Gulf Stream. In the short time allotted me this evening, Mr. PRESIDENT, I can but glance at the many interesting phenomena of the Island and its surroundings. These facts and incidences are such as I have been able to obtain from available documents, as well as from personal observation. From these facts I have deduced certain inferences, the plausibility of which I humbly subuitt to the judgment of the Institute. as On some future occasion I hope to present’ to you in detail what is, perhaps, the most interesting and important feature in connectien with this Island, viz—ITs CHANGED POsITION, 34 GLACIAL TRANSPORTATION—HONEYMAN. Art. IV.—GuactaAL TRANSPORTATION IN Nova ScoTIA AND BryonD.—(Problem of 1873 solved.) By Pror. D. HONEy- MAN, D.C. L., &. Hon. Member of the Geol. Assoc., London. (Read Feb. 12, 1883.) [Substance of this and of preceding Paper on the same subject, communicated to the Geologists Association of London at July meeting. | PICTOU COUNTY. Last summer I extended my observations from West River railway station, eastward as far as the Albion mines. Syenitic boulders were observed on both sides of the railway, as far as Hopewell station. At the new workings of the Albion mines I collected boulders from the drift—syenitic gneisses and syenites. The position of the drift having these boulders is intermediate between the Cobequid mountains and the Archzan rocks of East River. The source of the boulders is therefore proble- matical. They may have been brought to their present position by floods occurring at the close of the glacial period. One of the boulders is a very beautiful syenite. I found a large boulder of a similar character near Merigomish harbour in 1868. It was composed of white and pale red orthoclase, light green hornblende and hyaline quartz. I have not seen a syenite like it in situ. ANTIGONISH COUNTY. On the shore at Morristown, (Antigonish) boulders, large and small, of Diorite of strongly-marked character, attracted my attention upwards of twenty years ago. Much speculation was indulged in regarding their source. It was concluded that they had been transported from the Labrador coast. When I discovered the typical “ Archzean” Arisaig rocks on Northumberland Strait shore in 1868, I was pleased to find a rock precisely similar to the boulders in question as one of the rocks of the series. I may remark that in all my examinations GLACIAL TRANSPORTATION—HONEYMAN. 35 subsequently of the Archean rocks of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, or elsewhere, I have not found another rock like it. On re-examining the shore where the boulders lay, I observed similar -boulders rolling down the bank out of the drift which overlies the gypsums and limestones. I consequently concluded that the boulders had been derived from the Archean rock on Northum- berland Strait,—having been transported a distance of 10 miles. A line drawn on the Admiralty Chart from the position of the rock to that of the boulders on the shore, runs S. 20 E., N. 20 W., magnetic. This is parallel to the line of Blomidon amygda- loid transportation. This is a striking coincidence. It is also parallel to the intermediate glacial lines of Gay’s River road and the Gore. (Acadian Geology Table.) Further west in the Arisaig Township, we have the jaspi- deous rocks of Frenchman’s Barn and of Arisaig Pier, trans- ported southwardly ; massive boulders being found landed on the higher grounds. ADMIRALTY CHART LINES. My working chart shows the Strait of Canseau running parallel with the extension of the Northumberland Strait and Morristown (Antigonish) Archean transportation course, and all the Atlantic coast harbours of Nova Scotia, as far west as Ship harbour, approximately parallel. From Ship. harbour to Halifax harbour the harbours follow approximately the course of lines made by local glaciers. (See preceding Papers. Trans. 1875-6, and 1881. S. and £.) Halifax harbour and the estuary of the Avon are in the line of the Blomidon and Halifax glacier, which has transported the triassic amygdaloids. The Archean transportation glacier con- verging on Bedford Basin. The Blomidon Bieiatich, lines extended N. W., pass through the depression ae the Cobequid mountains, ANNAPOLIS COUNTY. ‘As I have noticed in other papers on general geology, triassic amygdaloids, from North Mountain, a continuation of Blomidon, were collected by myself in the drift cuttings of the 36 GLACIAL TRANSPORTATION—HONEYMAN. Nictaux and Atlantic Railway, on the 8. E. side of Cleveland mountain, a part of which is called South mountain, on the south side of the Annapolis Valley. Near the front of Cleveland mountain (N.), an interesting exposure of glaciated argillites occurs where the old or steep road meets the new one. This position is nearly on a level with the general elevation of North mountain. This is the only striation that I have noticed on the north side of Nova Scotia. JI remarked of this striation that the agent making it and transporting the amygdaloids from the North mountain, must have had a highway across the tract intervening between the two mountain ranges. I therefore inferred the non-existence of the Annapolis Valley in the glacial period. T also noticed at Nictaux a transportation of granite north- wards, from the granites of South mountain towards the Anna- polis Valley. I have considered the amygdaloid transportation as during the glacial period, and the granite as occurring towards its close during the formation of the Annapolis Valley, the granite having been transported by Sand-slips or avalanches. / KING'S COUNTY. In the middle of the Annapolis valley, near the Berwick station of the Windsor and Annapolis Railway, numerous boul- ders of granite were found. These, too, have been transported northerly from the granite region of South mountain. The time of transportation, and the agency, may possibly have been the same as referred to in the preceding case. At Kentville, trappean boulders from the North Mountain were observed, and a beautiful specimen of fortification agate collected. On the south side of Wolfville—on the side of the road that passes Acadia College—abundance of amygdaloids and other trappean boulders were observed. At the south-east they were very abundant, near, and in the Gaspereaux Valley. The size and number of these were such as might be expected in sight of Blomidon, and without any apparent obstruction in the path of transportation. J was disappointed, however, in observing their GLACIAL TRANSPORTATION—-HONEYMAN, 37 rarity in the space intervening between Wolfville and Blomidon. I do not recollect of seeing any trappean boulders until approach- ing the latter. I found on Blomidon the amygdaloid rocks,—the source of supply—far from exhausted by the enormous levy that had been made to supply so liberally the drift between Wolfville and the Atlantic. I noticed, also, another great granite transportation. Granite boulders were first observed in Halfway River, at the line between the Counties of King’s and Hants. Approaching their source, the extension of the granites of South mountain, already referred to, the size and number of the boulders was so great aS to lead to the belief that the solid granite was underneath, while the underlying rocks were found to be argillites. The transpor- tation is like the cases already referred to northerly. Amygdaloids of the southerly transportation were also observed among the granite boulders among the argillites of Greentield. HANTS COUNTY. On the estuary of the Avon, from Horton Bluff to Windsor, amygdaloids are seen in great abundance, and often of consider- able size. Besides the lower carboniferous limestones, above the old Avon bridge are abundance of small amygdaloid boulders: It was when examining these limestones, and collecting their fossils, in 1861, that I first noticed the amygdaloid boulders. Prof. How then informed me that they were from Blomidon. On every subsequent visit to this locality, I made a more intimate acquaintance with them and their minerals. It was this acquaint- ance that led me to recognize their fellows at Cow Bay and elsewhere. BEYOND. While some of the movements were undoubtedly local, others —e. g., the Archean transportation of Antigonish—could not possibly originate on the border of Northumberland Strait. This conviction left me to consult the record of observations made in Canada by Sir Wm. E. Loaan and others, in the table of glacia- tion grooves in “ Geology of Canada, 1863.” Pp. 890, 1-2. Here I found Nova Scotian courses S. E. prevailing over 8, W., up to 38 GLACIAL TRANSPORTATION—HONEYMAN. Lon. 80° 54, in the ratio of 2:1. This convinced me that the Nova Scotia courses were part of a system having their beginning in the distant N. W. ‘To illustrate the relation of these to the general transportation of Nova Scotia, 8. E., I added a sheet to my chart, so as to be able to locate the groove lines of the table as far as Lon. 38° W. The illustration is very striking. The variations from the S. E. course are probably like those of Nova Scotia,—deviations arising from local causes. About the 80° meridian the arrangement of glacial lines is peculiarly striking. Here we have a point of general divergence. West of this the glaciation has a 8. W. course, S. EH. lines being the exception. Lake Temiscamang has 10 localities with §. E. striation. Hast Bay of this lake, Lon. 79° 30, seems to be about the point of divergence. Here the striation has a course S. 53° E. Beyond the lake the courses are 8. W. ‘This is one of the lakes of Ottawa river. The sources of the river lie to the north of it, nearer Hudson’s Bay. Lake Nepissing, S. E. Bay, Lon. 79° 33 has striation course S. 35° W., and a westerly water course, so that the point of glacial divergence seems to be also that of water. Last summer I had repeated opportunities of making a reconnaissance of the superficial and other geology of the region traversed by the Intercolonial Railway as far as Point Levis. I observed frequently boulders which doubtless were transported from the Archzean region north of the River St. Lawrence. OTTAWA. At Ottawa I made a closer examination of Archean trans- portation when making acquaintance with the geology of the district. On the Rideau river, at the shooting range, I examined the large boulders lying around. The majority of these were gneisses, and foreign to Trenton limestone and Utica slate of the district. There were boulders of syenite, diorite, granite and syenitic gneisses. One syenitic gneiss boulder was replete with magnetite. Of these I secured Museum specimens. In Sir W. E. Loaan’s table, there is reported striation at Barrack-hill, GLACIAL TRANSPORTATION—HONEYMAN. 39 having a course 8. 45° E., and at Rideau river, Stegman’s rapids, S. 45° E. I located and extended this striation course on VENNORS map, and found it to run between the Hull and Laycock’s Iron Mines, situate in the Laurentian (Archean) range to the north of Ottawa, where we might expect magnetite to exist in gneisses. In the same table there is striation noted at Hull, having also a course 8, 45° E. KINGSTON. I had also an opportunity of making a reconnaissance of the Geology of Canada between Montreal and Kingston,’ and between Kingston and Ottawa. The Archean, near Kingston, with the Trenton limestone directly overlying it, was a point of special interest observed. When preparing the Nova Scotia department at the Dominion exhibition, I observed numerous and massive Archean boulders on and around the exhibition grounds. These very much resembled the Ottawa boulders, being granitic and syenitic gneisses, syenites, &c., transported from the Archean region on the north. Specimens of these were also collected for the Museum. Among the boulders was a piece of Trenton limestone, beautifully glaciated. Of this I also secured a specimen. In my search for glaciation, I observed Trenton ' limestone, deeply furrowed, near the entrance to the Royal Military College. The course of the furrows was found to be S. 45° W. In Sir W. E. Locayn’s table there is Kingston lat. 44° 14’, lon. 76° 29... Direction of grooves S. 45° W., other grooves 8. 85° E. I observed the phenomena of glacial transportation to a distance of 3° short of the longitude of Lake Temiscamang. The longitude of Archean transportation of Antigonish being 61° 53'; the field which I here traversed and found boulders by Archean transportation is 14° 36' from east to west. The great transportation lines of Nova Scotia extending N. W., reach Hud- son’s Bay at James’ Bay, on the east side. In my investigations I have thus added to the region of Canadian observers the Province of Nova Scotia, and given the great south-eastern transportation of North America an Atlantic terminus. 40 GLACIAL TRANSPORTATION—HONEYMAN. BOULDERS. On New Year’s day, Mr. NoLAN, whose name has already been mentioned in connection with Observatory Hill, H. M. Dockyard, showed me a boulder broken into four pieces, as some- thing interesting. The boulder is of triassic amygdaloid. Its colour is gray, its amygdals are numerous; their minerals are heulandite and stilbite. It is altogether a striking specimen. The piece in my possession weighs 12? lbs. The weight of the whole seems to have been about 25 lbs. It has been an associate of Observatory Hill amygdaloid boulders referred to in a preceding paper. Its character is unmistakable. The North Mountain, Blomidon and Five Island rocks are the only series in British America that could produce it. The striation in the vicinity of the Dockyard points to Blomidon as the locality whence it came, I have already referred to rocks of Blomidon as similar to our boulder. I have no hesitation in affirming that this boulder and its associates have travelled over-land from Blomidon, a distance of 64 miles. While I believe this, I can excuse the incredulity of those who are not educated to appreciate the convincing nature of the evidence upon which my faith is founded. As I survey the present appearance of the way over which ‘our boulder has travelled, its transit appears to be an evident impossibility. To prepare a way for its passage, we assume that there are heights, hollows and dead level, where in pre-glacial times there was necessary altitudes and more or less incline. To restore this state of things I made two postu- lates: Ist. That all the boulders and rock detritus which were carried from their original position and cast into the Atlantic, or seattered broadcast as we have found them over the length and breadth of the Province, should be restored to their pre-glacial position. 2nd. That the action of post glacial agencies should -be anntilled. We can then see in the visions of the past a great highway over which special agencies of speculative character advance, it may be slowly but surely, and irresistibly in a S. E. direction, accumulating freight in their progress and discharging it into the Atlantic. Then in process of time the same agencies GLACIAL TRANSPORTATION—HONEYMAN. 4} are seen in their alternate retreat, advance and retreat, unloading their freight, raising drift accumulations, and obstructing or destroying the great highway so as to render it impossible for any like agency to accomplish similar work. This is the condi- tion in which we now find it, unless where the condition has been aggravated by the operations of agencies at work in post glacial times. HISTORY OF THE PROBLEM. In the summer of 1872, Judge (in Equity) JAMES showed me, in the Museum, a beautiful specimen of agate, which he found at Cow Bay. I recognized it at once as an agate from the Blomidon series of rocks, and said so. I thought no more about it. On the 24th of May the following year—the Queen’s birth- day—I went to Cow Bay with my late lamented friend—W. 8. StTrRruine, Esq., of Halifax, to spend a holiday. Wandering along the shore, ny attention was attracted to the amygdaloid boulders washed by the sea. I recognized them as Biomidon rocks. Their occurrence here was perplexing, until abundance of like boulders and a beautiful specimen of agate, were seen and col- lected ont of the lofty section of drift on the east side of the bay. Masses of quartzite, curiously furrowed, also fallen from the drift, suggested a connection with the striation of Point Plea- sant. An interesting problem in glacial transportation thus presented itself for solution. I forthwith commenced investiga- tions. JI communicated two papers to the Institute containing the results of these investigations. One was read in December, 1875, and the other in March, 1876. At the request of my friend, Prof. Lestey, the substance of these was communicated to the American Philosophical Society in May 16, 1876. The Paper was illustrated by a sketch map, and an extensive suit of boulders, derived from the various formations over which the transporting agent had passed. This collection, of which there is a list in my paper read to the Institute “On Nova Scotian Geology at the Centennial Exhibition of Philadelphia, 1876,” was awarded a prize medal by the International Judges of Class I. Further investigations were recorded in my paper “On the 42 ANALYSIS OF A PICTOU COAL SEAM—GILPIN. Geology of King’s County.” Trans. 1877-8. In my paper “On the Superficial Geology of Halifax and Colchester Counties,” read last session, I recorded other investigations. In the present paper is a record of the last steps which I consider necessary for the solution of the problem. By going beyond Nova Scotia, I have done more than I expected to accomplish. Art. V.—AN ANALYsIs oF A Pictou Coat Stam. By Epwin GILPIN, JR., A.M., F.G.S., M-R.S.C. Inspector of Mines. (Read April 9, 1883.) THROUGH the courtesy of Mr. H. A. BuppEN, Vice-President of the Intercolonial Coal Mining Company, I am permitted to jay before you the following analysis of a seam of coal, recently opened by them at Westville, Pictou County. Through the kindness of Mr. Ropert Simpson, General Manager of the Com- pany, who furnished me with a complete column of the seam, I was enabled to make a very careful and exact measurement of the various layers comprising the seam. The following is the section of the seam in inches and tenths of an inch, beginning at the top :— ‘ INCHES. INCHES. Conlicoarse and ishaley (0). . aeaeiee 2), 62): “good, with two thin layers of shale, each 1-20th of an inch thick.... 4°4 PL neoods, Wit. coarse A tect e ne ee 67 ae Reale 1). 57s Ss AOE IME A OR a eh a at Se ee LAME Sore aah ak EA Al OR O72 se ee ae Wale mOo ds Ais, BER Wah eke 63. “ shaley, with nodules of iron pyrites. ‘5 ... “good, with four bands of shale, up to one-half inch thick.......... L.A. hele ke zyeed OPES Doe Nae Re ROEM eee ey 8) fake Me 4G ANALYSIS OF A PICTOU COAL SEAM——GILPIN. 43 INCHES INCHES. Goal, wath bandsiomshalec occ 4.0.4 5.63.53 Dire ey ds ih? 9 A SMMC we As rey fos oe Satie saat jo on» Bh Raced Amd SHAG 25 ox. wished wna ciate 3) MERLE 96h 4 oi s5cde,)a eo, 5 sue aYPAsys 6.0) 35) cays 1.0 BERT OOW So. ce aac. sie tise a tel ey a. Abas Bi 74 % “ with several fine layersofshale 1:2 . a an ae Eee TORS Une en Ree ee oe Shale, with films of calespar........... soy 2 PPL ON hha, s0t anh gy acapend fawn Ae) aus ok Are Bi. Gopewitn laversvof shale. <24.0 35. gays Sf sansa | AO “coarse with nodules of iron pyrites. .... 2-3 “good, with films of calespar....... 4-0 .. meneawith layers! iol, shallow it.) ye. isan aoe aS lee, fae) scale a cea P alice 5% So dg es 1 ST OO Gils 2. de.leyse ey eY ctr geticy 2) on oy sl ae 6:0 3 “ shaley, with films of calespar...... Rk pitts Sauer caw “) coarse, with spirorbis, ete.........- eee eee ey) PY) MESON Gente eee tte Ml Oe Gan cobbler mets "2 5S ECCIOUE Le ange oy aa ar ao 98 “ coarse, a few layers of shale...... 2 Ova gia "7s JLGTOTS (LAR Ee ek er te ag aR a BaQe Aes. “good, with films of calespar, and a few nodules of iron pyrites..... (| SS TV ce ee eae OR as ALE gOS, SR EE oT Pe OF eae 1 COT EN SHEXOY CT | a ene eet Ce ean eos Sa eB | SED a ee : arewithy lawers: of shale...)..42 .\ a. sh ha os “ with a few nodules of iron VOWS aba ee a hie5 Loh gt aa Le Qe'... OWA ape es a2 ors Coal 97°3 Shale 19-0 This succession of layers presents some points of interest on which I would say a few words. In no point do coal seams differ more than in the number and size of the included layers of shale. The Vale seam, in Pictou County, presents, at numerous points through the mine, a section in which no bands of shale can be detected. Other seams 4.4, ANALYSIS OF A PICTOU COAL SEAM—GILPIN. contain them in varying proportions, sometimes to such an extent that the coal is rendered valueless for economic purposes: Almost the only value these bands of shale possess, is their record of the progress of growth of the associated coal. Applying the record of the numerous small bands of shale and shaley coal found in the seam under consideration, we learn that the growth of this deposit was not an uninterrupted one. Searcely had the vegetation for a few inches of coal been accumulated, when a change took place, and it was covered by a layer of mud. It is useless, perhaps, now to speculate how this covering was formed, perchance the shelter of some bar was broken, and for a season the tides could deposit their burden, .or some name- less river of bygone days became obstructed and flooded the swamps, in which grew the weird vegetation of the carboni- ferous era. Then, again, the vegetation accumulated to be once more interrupted. The presence of layers of coarse and shaley coal shows that the transition from a flourishing vegetation to a mud-laden flat was, in some cases, a gradual one, due, perhaps, to periodic inundations. Similarly the return te the conditions favourable to the growth of the coal plants was sometimes a slow one, as the struggle between land and water was year after year more and more in favour of the vegetation. Thus grew our coal deposits, subject to the fluctuations of the district, and when the miner’s pick thus reveals page after page of this wondrous history, it is not unreasonable to hope that some time they will be deciphered even more readily and with greater certainty than the changes now progressing around us. So far as I am aware, it is noticeable that in all seams these layers are composed of very fine material, that never have the conditions of growth been so abruptly altered as to allow gravel or conglomerate to intervene. Such inter- calations might, however, be observed in seams formed on the edges of productive districts where changed physical conditions held sway. So strongly marked were the general conditions of wide spread. levels of vegetation during the pro- ductive period, that we find, even when oscillations permitted ANALYSIS OF A PICTOU COAL SEAM—GILPIN. 45 streams to cut through coal beds, they carried only the finest sediments. An illustration of this recently came under my notice in the Cumberland district, where a brook of the carboni- ferous period had eroded the coal down to and partly through the underclay, the “want” being filled with a fine laminated gray shale. This is also interesting, for from the abrupt passage from coal to shale it is apparent that even at that early date in the history of the future coal bed it must have acquired a certain amount of coherence, enough to form the banks of even a slug- gish stream. . There is another interesting point in connection with coal seams which I have not yet seen referred to in any books on this subject. That is the influence of the water and land sur- rounding the coal producing district upon the purity and homo- geneity of the resulting coal bed. It is frequently found by the miner that, as he follows the seam, it changes its character. At first he was proud of the absence of “bands and balls” and of the facility with which he could supply pure coal. Gradually he finds that the bands of shale grow larger with ominous persist- ence. At last he awakens to the fact that his coal is getting _“boney ;” finally it proves unmarketable, and he turns his levels in another direction. Sometimes trial-pits and bore-holes in advance prove that the coal has become a mere mass of carbonaceous shale, or that the seam has ceased. These changes may frequently be explained by the proximity of the vegetation to an arm of the sea or to a river, so that the deposition of mud from floods, ete., at first slight, becomes greater, both in the form of bands, and of a general addition of clayey and silicious matter. Finally a point is reached where the conditions of coal deposition ceased. In some cases the proximity of land covered by sand, which was carried by prevailing winds upon the accumulating vegetation, may explain the presence of an excessive amount of ash in seams not holding bands of shale. It may also have been possible that _ both these causes united to the deterioration of seams of coal. This would show that some of the beds were formed in what might be termed broad shallow basins, in the centre of which is 46 ANALYSIS OF A PICTOU COAL SEAM—GILPIN. found the purest coal, and that it gradually deteriorates each way. The presence of “barren” intervals is of importance, for much money has been spent in examining and proving these marginal districts, when a step further might -have resulted in the discovery of workable beds. The coal from this seam presents a finely-laminated appear- ance, with a fairly bright lustre, and breaks readily along the deposition planes, which are of a dull black colour, and hold a good deal of mineral charcoal. It is strong and forms little dust or slack. The coal is divided by two cleavage planes, obliquely inclined toward each other, causing it to break into rhomboidal pieces. It is comparatively free from iron pyrites, which is ' present in small nodules in several divisions of the seam. The following proximate analyses were made by me on the fresh mined coal carefully sampled as it came from the face. The seam was divided into two portions,—the top comprising 34°4 inches, the lower 89°9 inches. Top Coal. Low'r Ceal. NE OUST UO). ces ayencaehs ue lee as Se ee ee 1:24 95 Volatile combustible matter.—Fast coking... .31:00 PES | 2 ‘3 Slow . “i op 2aaoG 20°52 imed) Carbon simran ae oo eee Hast °“""...46Za 60°29 A PE OPT 2» LOM) | SEs oon 63:08 AS i Nr, no's) spa vntite y's) ARNE (ore eee neg Rates 21°53 15°45 Sulpbur (rom, pyeies).\.). i a1 ei stele bee ‘63 939 NECINC, OTAVIEV: coy = eras fee a Sep seeene 1:50 1:390 Theoretical evaporative power—Fast coking... 6°35 8:28 i ‘ i Slow)" .. 083 8°66 The ash from both divisions is the average of two determi- nations, and is silicious, and of a light gray colour. The specific gravity is from the average determined for each larger layer of coal. The coal in each division did not coke by slow heating, that from the lower division was fairly coherent by fast heating. It may be remarked that an opinion as to the economical coking values of coals formed on their action in the crucible cannot be relied upon for a guide as to their yield in practical coking. It will be noted that the percentage of ash in the top coal TRANSITION RESISTANCE -—MACGREGOR. 47 injures its use for general purposes; it can, however, be utilized for colliery work, to the economy of the better coal. The coal from the lower portion is equal to the average of that mined in Pictou County. The theoretical evaporative power compares favorably with that of the coals from the various counties of the Province, as will appear from the following table: Pictou Co’y, average of 5 coals. Theoretical evaporative power 8°66 Cumberland Co., “ iat S oS ae ape Breton “ “ 12 “ ‘ g “8:56 Inverness on Pa ze aa OO The average evaporative power of the lower part of the seam under consideration is 847. All the evaporative powers are calculated by REGNAULT’S formula, for comparison with the admiralty coal trials, although later researches have somewhat altered the values determined by him. The table is taken from the analysis given in my paper on “Canadian Coals,” published in the transactions of the North of England Institute of Mining Enoineers, for the year 1878. Art. VI.—-ON THE RESISTANCE TO THE PASSAGE OF THE ELECTRIC CURRENT BETWEEN AMALGAMATED ZINC ELECTRODES AND SOLUTIONS OF ZINC SULPHATE. By Pror. J. G. MacGRreEcor, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E. (Read April 9th, 1883.) Arter attention had been directed to the measurement of resistance by the establishment of OHm’s Law, the question was raised whether or not there was at the surface of separation of con- ductors of different substances a special resistance to the passage of the current, such that the current was weakened by the mere transition from the one conductor to the other. PoGGENDORFF* settled this question for metals by so arranging two circuits * Poge. Ann. LIT (1841). 48 TRANSITION RESISTANCE——MACGREGOR. whose parts had the same aggregate resistance that in the one there was a single passage from one metal to another, in the other several such passages, and finding that the resistances of the two circuits were the same. In the case of electrolytes there may be not only the form of transition resistance mentioned above, but also another aris- ing from the chemical decomposition which the current effects. Even when no solid or liquid substances are deposited on the electrodes and no gas is given off from them, there is usually some change produced by the current in the surfaces of the elec- trodes, for they are usually polarised. It is possible therefore that the very process of electrolysis may give rise to such a state of the surfaces of the electrodes that the current is weakened in passing across them. These two possible forms of transition resistance are usually spoken of together under the one name, there being no experi- mental means of separating them. The determination of their existence or non-existence is rendered difficult by the fact, that the passage of the current through an electrolyte modifies the resistance of the electrolyte by changing its constitution, and changes the electromotive force of the circuit by producing polarisation. Lenzt and PoagenporFr* thought to eliminate polarisation by the use of rapidly alternating magneto-electric currents ; and the latter, basing on this assumption, not only regarded the ex- istence of a transition resistance proven, but made an investigation of its laws. VORSSELMAN DE HEER,} however, has pointed out that this assumption is not only unwarranted but shown by ex- periment to be inaccurate. I have arrived at the same result in some experiments made to test the method which KoHL- RAUSCH and NippoLpT used to measure the resistance of elec- trolytes. Although I made 250 currents per second pass through various saline solutions from a magneto-electrie machine which was made to work with great regularity, yet a sensitive galvan- +Pogg. Ann. XLVII (1839). * Pogg. Ann. LIT (1841). + Pogg. Ann. LIII (1841). TRANSITION RESISTANCE—MACGREGOR. AQ ometer gave quite large deflections due only to polarisation of the electrodes, and that, however long or however short the time during which the alternating currents were allowed to pass through the electrolytic cell. LENZ,* admitting the error of his assumption, investigated the subject again in a different way. Assuming the existence of both polarisation and transition resistance in various electrolytic combinatiens, he showed by experiment that the latter, if it ex- isted at all, must be opposite in its properties to all other kinds of resistance. He therefore regarded its existence as unlikely and joined with OHM+ and VorssELMAN DE HeEeER} in holding that since a transition resistance need not be assumed to account for any knewn phenomena, (all phenomena which may have such a resistance as their cause being capable of being regarded as consequences of polarisation), it may be ignored. There is one case, however, in which this transition resist- ance is dissociated from polarisation, so that its effects cannot be confounded with the effects of polarisation. That is the ease in which a current is sent through weak neutral solutions of zinc sulphate between electredes ef amalgamated zinc.§ The eleec- trodes of such an electrolytic cell are not appreciably polarisable. If, then, there is any reduction of the intensity of the current produced by the surfaces of the electrodes, it must be due to transition resistance, not to polarisation. For the change in the resistance of the cell produced by change of its constitution, due to electrolysis, can be made so small by using currents of suffici- ent!y short duration as net to affect the result. BrEvTz|| has alreaiy made use of this combination for the detection of transi- tion resistance. His method was that which PoGGENDORF used for metals. In two circuits of the same aggregate resistance he pass- ed the current across two and across several surfaces of contact respectively, and found the measured resistance to be the same. *Pogg. Ann. LIX (1843). +Schweig. Journ. LXIII, LXIV. See also Fechner’s reply Ibid. LX VII. Bull. Sc. phys. nat. Neerland, 1839 (Liv. V), 1840 (Liv. II). §Du Bois Reymond, Monatsber. Berl. Akad., 1859 ; Patry, Pogg. Ann, CXXXVI (1869). || Pogg. Ann. CXVII (1862). 50 TRANSITION RESISTANCE—MACGREGOR. As I have already pointed out,* however, it is not clear that im the two circuits he used, the number of the times of the current’s passing across surfaces of contact was different; and, therefore, the equality of their resistance cannot be held to be decisive of the absence of transition resistance. I had occasion some time ago, in connection with some ex- periments on the resistance of solutions of zine sulphate, to de- termine whether there was sufficient transition resistance to in- terfere with the accuracy of my results. Although the measure- ments, which I made for my own satisfaction, apply only to one special case, it may be worth while to put them on record. The method which I used was essentially the same as that of BEETz, but I took precautions which excluded doubt as to the number of times the current had to pass from electrode to elec- trolyte, and from electrolyte to electrode. I chose as electrolytic cell one devised by Prof. Tait, for the absolute measurement of the conductivity of saline solutions. It consisted of a box about 20 cm. long, 10 em. wide and 10 em. deep, made of pieces of plate glass cemented together with marine glue. It was divided into two nearly equal compartments by a plate of glass cemented to its bottom and sides. The two compartments were joined by a tube which passed through this plate. On both sides of the box, near both ends, narrow strips of glass were cemented to form grooves for holding the electrodes ; and the latter were so accurately fitted that their position in the box could not vary. Thus the column of liquid between the electrodes had a perfectly constant leneth. Two similar sets of strips of glass were cement- ed on each side of each compartment near those intended for the electrodes. These were intended to hold thin plates of zine. Thus four such plates could be inserted parallel to the electrodes. The current through the cell passed both across these plates and around them; but the plates were fitted so accurately that the fraction of the current which passed around them must have been indefinitely small. The section of the compartments was so large relatively to that of the connecting tube, and the plates which I used were so thin (about 0.8 mm.) that, though their *Proc. R. S. Edin., 1874-5. p. 555: TRANSITION RESISTANCE—MACGREGOR. 51 insertion across the cell increased slightly the depth of the liquid and displaced a certain quantity of liquid by a better conductor, the change produced in the resistance of the cell must have been very small. The specific resistance of the solutions I used was about 28 ohms, and the ends of the tube connecting the compartments were about 6 cm. from the electrodes. The total resistance of the cell was about 3000 ohms. With these data it may be easily shown that the change in the resist- ance of the cell produced by the insertion of the plates could not be more than between ;5h55 and g5455 of the resist- ance of the cell itself. The fact that the connecting tube was completely surrounded by the electrolyte and the large volume of the box rendered it easy to prevent any variation of the resistance of the cell due to change of temperature during the short time necessary to make a measurement. The electrodes and the four plates described above, were of zinc, carefully amalgamated. The resistance of the cell was determined by using WHEATSTONE’s bridge, in the same way as when the resistance of a metallic conductor is measured. In the galvano- meter branch of the bridge, I used one of Sir Wm. THomson’s very sensitive galvanometers, whose resistance was so propor- tioned to the resistances in circuit as to give it the greatest possible sensitiveness. The solutions which I used were of zine sulphate, bought as pure and refined by erystallization. Their density was about that of minimum specific resistance. In order to prevent the condensation of dissolved gases on the surface of the electrodes and plates, the solutions were boiled before each set of experiments, and the electrodes and plates were kept for some time in a_ boiling solution .of approximately the same density as that in the cell, before being used. I found great difficulty in getting the electrodes and plates into such a state that they would neither originate a current themselves when dipped in the solution, nor become polarized when a current was sent through the circuit. In some cases, however, I succeeded, and was therefore able to make the necessary measurements. In these cases the observations were, of course, very simple. They consisted in the measurement of the resistance of the electrolytic cell, first without the plates, then with the plates, 52 NOVA SCOTIAN GEOLOGY—HONEYMAN. and again without the pilates, each measurement being preceded and succeeded by tests of the electrical similarity of electrodes and plates. Without the plates the current had to pass across two surfaces of contact between amalgamated zine and electro- lyte. With the plates it had to cross ten such surfaces. If there had been any transition resistance, therefore, the measured resist- ances in these two cases should have been different. In no ease, however, was I able to detect any difference greater than could be accounted for by the mere insertion of the- plates. In some experiments in which I used a connecting tube so small that the resistance of the cell was about 4,000 ohms, I could detect no difference at all. In others in which I used a tube of larger bore, so that the resistance was about 1700 ohms, differences were noticeable, but they were not such as to necessitate the assumption of a transition resistance to account for them. The apparatus which I used enabled me to measure resist- ances accurately to ‘1 ohm. It is therefore clear that the transition resistance which the current meets in passing eight times across the bounding surface between amalgamated zinc electrodes, of the area mentioned above, and solution of zine sulphate, does not amount to one-tenth of an ohm, and that therefore the transition resistance at one such surface is not so much as .0125 ohm. This result was sufficient for the purpose for which I made the experiments. The above experiments were made in the Physical Labora- tory of the University of Edinburgh. I am indebted to Prof. Tair for his kindness in furnishing me with the necessary apparatus. Art. VII. Nova Scotian GEOLOGY—HALIFAX AND COLCHESTER CountigEs. By Prof. D. HonrymMan, D.C.L., &c. (Read 14th May, 1883.) By looking at the Map of Nova Scotia it will be observed that the Counties of Halifax and Colchester are large. Halifax County extends from Lat. 62 deg. 13 min. to 64 deg. 5 min, The ong . * NOVA SCOTIAN GEOLOGY—HONEYMAN. 53 eastern side of Colchester is in 62 deg. 47 min. The southern line of Halifax County is the Atlantic Coast. It is bounded on the north by the counties of Hants, Colchester and Guysboro’. A large part of the County of Colchester, which includes part of the Cobequid Mountains, is separated from the County of Halifax by the County of Hants. In this Paper, Parts I., II. and III, I intend to confine attention chiefly to the parts of Halifax and Colchester included between the meridians 62 deg. 55 min. and 63 deg. 41 min. To the Geology of this region I have devoted considerable attention during the past 20 years. The results of my first work were communicated to the Geological Society of London during the time of the London Exhibition of 1862, by request of the Nova Scotia Commission. Quarterly Journal of G.S., 1862. Paper “On the Nova Scotia Gold Fields.” The results of an examination of the Gays River Gold Field, were communicated to the Institute in 1866, Transactions. When I read my Paper “On the Geology of Nictaux, Annapolis Co.,” to the Institute on Nov. 12, 1877, my new views on the Geology of Nictaux suggested and was followed by the reading of a paper “On the Geology of Halifax County.” The latter Paper was not printed, as I considered it proper to defer the publication of views advanced on the age and foreign relations of certain formations, until I had further investi- gated the character and relations of the Nictaux formations. Since then I have investigated these formations thoroughly and communicated the results to the Institute in a series of Papers. I have also investigated thoroughly the Geology of the region now about to be examined. I have already, in three Papers, tra- versed the same field, vide Papers on the “Superficial Geology of Halifax and Colchester Counties.” Localities and names to which I may now refer may be presumed to be familiar. SECTIONS. I would define the general geology in three transverse sections following certain meridians of longitude, so that each can easily be located on any map of Nova Scotia. The map on which I have already defined my work is Mackinlay’s Map, Geologically coloured, which I exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition, Phila., 1876, and the Nova Scotia Government departments of the Dominien Exhibitions, in Halifax 1881, and Kingston 1882. 54 NOVA SCOTIAN GEOLOGY—HONEYMAN. SECTION A, LONG. 63 deg. 35 min. From Cape Sambro the Archzeo-Cambro Silurian (lower) extends 34 miles, 14 miles of Lower Carboniferous succeeds when we reach the Schubenacadie River. North of this is Hants County. SECTION B, LONG. 63 deg. 20 min. From Three Fathom Harbour the Archzo-Cambro Silurian (lower) extends to Gay’s River Road, a distance of 28 miles, the Lower Carboniferous succeeds and extends a distance of 20 miles to the vicinity of Truro, then comes the Triassic. Beyond are the Carboniferous, Silurian and Archzean of the Cobequid Mount- ains which do not come within the scope of our Paper, as the Pictou Railway line is our boundary in this direction. SECTION C, LONG. 62 deg. 55 min. From Clam Bay the Archzeo-Cambro-Silurian (lower) ex- tends 47 miles to Cox’s Brook, a tributary of the Stewiacke River. Succeeding this are 12 miles of the Lower Carboniferous, before we reach the Pictou Railway. The composite term Archzeo-Cambro-Silurian (lower) of the above sections, was first used in my paper “On the Geology of Digby and Yarmouth Counties.” Trans. It was there explained that Archwo-Cambro refers to Formation, and Silurian-lower to subsequent metamorphism with the introduction of gold and associate accidental minerals. The term “grossly cotemporaneous” has been used to characterize this. It seems to me that this is too indefinite and unscientific. My use of the term “Archzean” is that of Dana in his Text Book of Geology, where it is equivalent to the old term Azoic, and includes the Laurentian and Huron- ian formations. The Huronian seems to include the Lower Cambrian of certain English Geologists, SALTER and others. H. M. Geologocial Society does not recognize this sub-division of the Cambrian. I explained, Loc. cit., that I used the term Cam- brian as it is used by H. M. Survey. In my Paper I was led by fossiliferous evidence and sequence to regard the auriferous rocks of Yarmouth as of Pre-Silurian age, Cambrian in Formation, and to give them a lease of a portion of subsequent time for alteration, metamorphism and the acquisition of Gold and Gems, &e. The associated granites were prefixed to these and made participants NOVA SCOTIAN GEOLOGY—HONEYMAN. 55 of the same metamorphosing influence, hence the whole complex system was named Archzeo-Cambro-Silurian (lower). In my paper, on the Geology of Nictaux, I showed that Geologists had heretofore been mistaken in regarding certain strata as of Devon- ian age on supposed paleontological evidence. Those views as I have subsequently shown, were confirmed by the paleontological evidence of the Digby cognate formation, which had rightly been regarded as equivalent to that of Nictaux. I also showed that the Middle and Lower Silurian, fossiliferous-strata of Nictaux had not been affected by the wnderlying granite. I showed that the gneisses, which seemed to have been affected by the granite, be- longed to an entirely different series of rocks, in short, that the eranite and associated metamorphic gneissoid rocks were Archxo- Cambre-Silurian (lower) and a continuation of the Yarmouth Series. In my paper “On Metalliferous Sands,” read last session, I showed the correspondence of auriferous rocks in Wyoming, in lithology and minerals, with our own auriferous and the virtual coincidence of age. The only difference is that the Wyoming rocks are regarded as Huronian, and therefore Archzan. As our Cambrian is on the border of Azoic, with only doubtful life, there seems to be no formidable obstacle in the way of regarding our gold fields as closely Archean. However, in the meantime we may characterize our gold fields as Archzo-Cambro-Silurian es i dial ee ‘ iy ; e j i ¢ 7 eh cay : ne 2 1 » sy ‘ ‘i : l ¥ ‘' € \ Y ap } / | Aa i ‘ te ; , bas " _ | DAD Ue ' e' wah an, 4 a 7 , as co 8 ih, a) i . a ta 4 iy , 7 Li Uy = f P ty yw ie! \ ; Fi u ' 7 . \¥ Ps i Li ‘ a i . il i . , ay af ©. ou 2! : é i j i, ie | } My, 7 4 ye ky ‘ , re a bus mele , i a Mie oP 2 “ J _ ‘ : ; . ne) ; he ae +i adhe “Oe eo a8 eee Wi ae a6. | i ead Toe, queria” wh a ey a | Mai ee af ‘ i # Ly, a a as “as A eaten PROCEEDINGS OF THE Hova Scotian Institute of Natwal Science. VOL. Vi, PART Il. Provincial Museum, October 26, 1883. ANNIVERSARY MEETING. ROBERT Morrow, F. R. M. S., President, in the Chair. INTER ALIA. The following gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the ensuing year. President, —ROBERT Morrow, F. R. M. S. Vice Presidents, —JOHN SOMERS, M. D., WILLIAM GossIP, Esq. Secretartes,—REV. D. HONEYMAN, D. C. L,, F. R. S. C., &e. ALEXR. McKay, Superviset Public Schools. Treasurer,—W. C. SILVER, Esq. Council,—_WM. H. HARRINGTON, AUGUSTUS ALLISON, SIMON D. MACDONALD, fF. G. S., Martin Murenuy, C. E.. James R. DEWoLr, M. Ds, EpwIn GILPIN, PR. S. C.. &c., J. G. MACGREGOR, D:. Sc., F. R.S. C., &c., GEORGE LAWSON, 12) 95 <1 Deeg! Ba cael Ba) ail Sais a Oo ays (ee ORDINARY. MEETING, Nov. 12, 1883. Dr. SOMERS, Vicé Président, zz the Chair. A Paper was read by Wm. Gossip, Esq., delegate to the Royal Society of Canada, giving an account of his visit to Canada, and of proceedings of the R. S, C. A Paper by EDWIN GILPIN, F. G. S., Inspector of Mines, ‘* On the De Bert Coal Fields,” was read by the Secretary. ORDINARY MEETING, Dec. 12, 1883. Dr. SOMERS, Vice President, z7 the Chaz. Dr. HoNEYMAN, by request, read a Paper entitled *‘ Natural History of the Cana- dian Department of the Great International Fisheries Exhibition, London, 1883.” ORDINARY MEETING, Jan. 1884. Dr. SOMERS, Vice President, 2 the Chazz. A Paper was read by EDWIN GILPIN, F. R. S. C., &c., ‘‘ On Manganese Ores ot Cape Breton.” J. G. MacGREGor, D. Sc., read a Paper ‘‘ On two Special Aurore.” A Paper was also read by GEORGE Lawson, Ph. D., Lu. D., F. R. S., &c., “On the Northern Limits of Indigenous Grape Vines.” 90 PROCEEDINGS. ORDINARY MEETING, Feb. 11, 1884. J. J. Fox, Esq., zn the Chair. A Paper was read by SIMON D. MAcpoNaALD “On Sable Island—its changed position,” &c. ORDINARY MEETING, March Io, 1884. MarTIN Murpuy, €. E., Vice President, 27 the Chair. Dr. HONEYMAN read 2 Papers: i. “On Glacial Action at Rimouski, Canada, and Loch Ech, Argyleshire, Scotland. 2, ‘‘ Notes on Polariscopic and Microscopic examinations of Crystalline Rocks of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.” ORDINARY MEETING, April 14, 1884. Wm. Gossip, Esq., Vice President, 27 the Chazr. M. Murpuy, C. E., was elected a delegate to the Royal Society of Canada. A Paper was read by M. Murpuy, C. E., ‘‘On some Physical Features of Nova Scotia, with Notes on Glacial Action.” ORDINARY MEETING, May 12, 1884. Dr. SOMERS, Vice President, zz the Chazr. A paper, ‘* Notes on Our Fresh Water Sponges,” by A. H. McKay, B. A., B. Sc., Principal of Pictou Academy, was read by the Secretary, Alexander McKay, Esq. LIST OF MEMBERS. OQ] Paltsde OR MEMS ERS: Date of Admission. 1873. Jan. 69. Feb. This ADyeXes ‘84. Mar. 64. . Dec. 63. Oct. $2. May 78. Jan. Bu) Npl. 63. Jan. 63. Feb. 63. Feb. 83. Mar. 63. Mar. 81. Dec. 82. Apl. 67. Dec 74. Dec 63. Jan. 82. Apl. 64. Mar Sit. Mar af, Alene 72. -Feb 78. Nov Gite Vesa 72. Heb 70. Jan. 7908) Dec 65. Aug 79. Nov 7Ox wean 71. Nov Jan. . 10 Pee Akinss, i. Buy Ce ie.) Ialitax. 3—Allison, Augustus, JZefeorologést, Halifax. 19—Bayne, Herbert E. PH. D., F. R. S. C., Professor of Chemistry. &c., Royal Military College, Kingston, Ont. 13—Bowman, Maynard, Pudblec Analyst, Halifax. — Brown, ©. E., Halifax. 26—DeWolfe, James R., M. D., L. R. C. S. Ez 8-—Fox, John J., Halifax. 30—Geldert, J. M., Barrester, Halifax. 11—Gilpin, Edwin, F. G. S., F. Rw S. C., Government Inspector of Afines. 5—Gilpin, J. Bernard, M. D., M. R. C. S., F. R. S.C. 5—Gossip, Wm. Vice-Prestdent, Halifax. 5—Downs, Andrew, M. Z.8., Zaxtdermest, Halifax. 12—Forbes, John, Starx Mlanufacturing Co., Dartmouth. 12—Foster, James G., arrister, Dartmouth. 12—Hare, Alfred, Bedford. 1o—Harrington, D., M. D.. Halifax. 3—Honeyman, Rev. Dr., D.C. L., F. R.S.C., F. A. S., &c., Secretary, Curator Provincial Museum, Halifax. to—Jack, Peter, Cashzer of People’s Bank, Halifax. 5—Jones, J. M., F. R. S. C,, F. L. S., Berwick, N. S. 1o—Keating, E. H., c. E., City Engineer, Halifax. 7—Lawson, G.,; PH.-D., LL. D., F. B.S. C., F.C. 1., Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Dalhousie College, Halifax. 14—Macdonald, Simon D., F. G. S. --13—MacGregor, J. G., D.SC., F. R.S./E., F. RB. S. C.,. Professor of Physics, Dathousée College, Halifax. 5—McKay, Alex., Secretary, Supervisor of Halifax Public Schools. 1—McLeod, John, Demerara, West Indies. 13—Morrow, Geoffrey, Halifax. Morrow, Robert, F. R. M. S., President, Halifax. 10—Murphy, Martin, c. £., Provenczal Engineer, Halifax. . 14—Neal, W. H., Halifax. . 19—Nova Scotia, the Right Rev. Hibbert Binney, Lord Bishop of . 1i—Poole, H. S., ASSOC. R. S. M., F.G.S., Supt. Acadia Mines, Pictou, 20—Power, Hon. L. G., Senator, Halifax. . 19—Reid, A. P., M. D., Superintendent of Provincial Lunatic Asylum, Dartmouth. 8—Rutherford, Jno., Superzntendent of Albion Mines,, Pictou. 92 64. 75- 82. 841. 76. ie 82. 83. 78. 84. File 71; 80. 77° » May Jan. Oct. Nov. Nov. Jan. Mar. Mar. Mar. Apl. Nov. Oct June May LIST OF MEMBERS. 7—Silver, W. C., Zreasurer, Halifax. 11—Somers, John, M. D., Professor of Physiology and Zoology, Halifax Medical College. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. 1—Gunn, John G., /nspector of Schools, Cape Breton. 13—Harris, C., Professor of Civil Engineering, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ont. 9—Kennedy, Prof., Azzg’s College, Windsor, N. S. 11—McKay, H. A., B. A., B. C., Principal of Pictou Academy. 31—McKenzie, W. B., Angincer, Moncton, New Brunswick. 12—McKenzie, O. H., M. D., Zuspector of Schools, Parrsboro. 12—Patterson, Rev. G., D. D., New Glasgow. 4—Pineo, A. J., Editor of Canadian Science Monthly, Wolfville, N.S. CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. 29—Ball, Rev. E., Tangier. 12—Marcou, Jules, Cambridge, Mass. to—McClintock, Sir Leopold, Knt., F. R. s., Vice Admiral. 12—Weston, Thomas C., Geological Survey of Canada, LIFE MEMBER. Parker, Hon. Dr., M. L. c., Nova Scotia. TRANSACTIONS OF THE Nova Scotian Sustitute of Batural Science. ArT. I—NotTes oN THE DEBrert Coat FIELD, COLCHESTER Co., N. S. By Epwin Givpin, Jr., A. M., F. G.S., F.R.S. C., Inspector of Mines. (Read 12th Nov., 1883.) DurRInG the past few months a good deal of interest has been shown in Mining circles over the reported discoveries of coal seams, of workable size, on the DeBert River, Colchester Co. In this conclusion the following notes of a brief visit to the ground may prove interesting to the members of the Institute, and I only regret that the attention necessarily directed to mines in operation has prevented me from giving more time to the problems presented by this practically unknown district. The presence of coal beds on the DeBert and Chiganoise Rivers has long been known to the geologist. Gesner, one of the pioneers of Nova Scotian Geology, writing in 1836, described the signs of coal at various points along the north side of the Basin of Minas, from Cape Chignecto to Truro, and remarks, page 129 of his “ Geology and Mineralogy of Nova Scotia,” that “ About five miles northward of the Lower DeBert bridge the. coal measures of the mountains rise above the gypseous and saliferous sandstones, and a beautiful section of their strata is made by the river passing over them. Two small veins of coal have been intersected, although it is not known what quantity of that valuable substance is still hidden in the adjacent rocks.” Dr. Dawson, in the second edition of his Acadian Geology,. page 264, speaks of the metamorphic slates of the Cobequid Mountains being succeeded by conglomerates, and then by “ coal: measure rocks, consisting of gray sandstones and dark shales, 94 NOTES ON THE DEBERT COAL FIELD.—GILPIN. and a few thin seams of coal, and abundance of leaves of cordaites, and a few calamites and stigmaria.” He further remarks: “We can trace this coal measure back from Advocate Harbour, near Cape Chignecto, to the upper part of the Salmon River of Truro, where it adjoins the carboniferous district of Pictou. It is (generally speaking) much broken and disturbed; and although it widens considerably towards its eastern extremity, it nowhere attains a great development, either in horizontal extent, or in the magnitude of its coal seams.” From Advocate Harbour to Partridge Island the belt contains contorted shales and sandstones yielding a few fossil plants, scales of fishes, and. shells of Naiadites. Mr. Matthew Jones, a member of this Institute, some years ago found in these strata footprints of a large reptilian animal, referable to the genus sauropus. Similar shales and sandstones outcrop on the, banks of the various rivers falling into the Basin of Minas, and show beds of bituminous limestone, with cyprids and fish scales, fireclays, clay ironstones, ete., and yield characteristic fossil plants of several of the species found in the Joggins section. In the same work Dr. Dawson has discussed the physical con- ditions which governed the deposition of the coal and associated carboniferous measures of the district. The evidence of the foldings of the carboniterous of the north side of the Basin of Minas, plainly given by the various river sections, leads to the anticipation that the coal measure band may prove disturbed. The longitudinal foldings are useful to the prospector, as they bring the various coal crops to the surface, and define the limits ‘within which his researches can be carried on with profit. The ‘transverse folding and faults caused by unequal strains, and by the irregularity of the great mountain chain, the determining element, may prove a source of expense to the miner engaged in economic development. The upper DeBert bridge, on the Londonderry road, appears to be a little to the south of the centre of the Basin in this locality. Following the stream downwards from the bridge the coal beds appear about in the relative order of the section, which is descending geologically speaking :— NOTES ON THE DEBERT COAL FIELD.—GILPIN. 95 Ft. In. RUB US a Sete M Meas be ainie tli ady te sisted Cher st ooh af 200 9 Waele Ry vale cine = sar oe eons Siena. 2 6 SS UTE) Ae. SU USES Sait iey Goat eek RRA Nr ee 120 0 2 Coal seam (so-called “nine feet”)....... Reig SSUTCHIC aaa ae COE er ROL asa re 30 0 Wiaat ise mani esse, os Fae scel ote, op) Sere ator ZOO SUES. UENO NPR Saat A Rae ho ara ee 140 0 PSU COR TEnert igs six ais’ vb. ou ony elesenstern aterm & 6 0 erat oa lS OBC a MNS Ua aie ac rahe, tal 100 0 Conglomerate, base of section. a Gades Se ccs a a 609 6 The first seam met is one on the west side of the River, and it is stated to measure about 2 ft. 6 in. of coal. The nine feet seam, so-called, had not been opened at the time of my visit, and the thickness is that given by the man in charge of the boring. The seam below this is exposed on the west bank of the river, nearly on the line of the seam just referred to as being nine feet thick. The six feet seam was opened last winter by a short slope, and about 50 tons-of coal were extracted. It is stated to have in the centre a band of shaley coal about 9 inches thick. I was unable to verify the dimensions by actual measurement, as all the openings were full of water at the time of my visit, but the outcrop of the bed under the waters of the river apparently confirmed them. The coal leoked unusually well for a crop exposure, and samples selected to form an average gave the following results :— Coal compact. Cleavage planes very obliquely inclined to each other. Fractures of the coal presented a conchoidal and lustrous appearance. The deposition planes showed a good deal ‘of mineral charcoal. The coal is laminated with numerous bright pitchy layers up to one-half of an inch in thickness. A few films of calc-spar showed in the cleavage planes, and there was very little visible pyrites. Powder dark reddish brown. 96 NOTES ON THE DEBERT COAL FIELD.—GILPIN. ON ANALYSIS (by fast coking.) Ey PTOSCOPIC “ANOISLUTE.'o. hse ew alee oes 1594 Volatile combustible matter............. 33'188 Misced ACA NOM. 2 cyae sree age erik ead SRI OE 58°206 PASI: ARY ive wesie'e Dioketeiute Niktcate'e © hint Neh taut 7012 100-000 SUMP ME cee se eh eine coreie te sae ets ole oor 2648 Coke fairly coherent. From this analysis it will appear that the coal, although holding more sulphur than is usually found in the coals of Nova Scotia proper, 1s of good quality, and similar in general composi- tion to that mined at Spring Hill. About 100 feet below the 6 feet seam is a bed of conglomerate, having a dip to the north similar to that of the section given above. The conglomerate appeared to be about 150 feet wide on the river, and to grow broader to the westward. Where exposed on a small brook about 4 of a mile west of the river, it presented a double dip S$ 5° W and N 10° W, apparently form- ing the saddle of an anticlinal, and was overlaid to the south by gray shaley sandstones dipping S 5° W and at an angle of 25°. On the north side of the conglomerate, on the brook, at about the same distance from it as the so-called nine foot seam is on the river, an imperfect exposure of coal is met presenting the following section :— Ft. In. Coal, with shaley bands... ......4 4ukehe 2 0 Pireclay7. tis. sees Beha ks Dobie nee eee Di wz Coal ooo. in. Pelt bo kieran Rie 0 10 Dota 2:4 nS ee mee pees 5 0 About ‘100. feet further up the brook a four feet seam of coal is said to have been proved by a bore hole. About 100-yards above the bridge is an exposure of measures holding a seam of coal about 18 inches thick, and running nearly at right angles to the course of the seams already described. From this it would appear that the beds exposed: on the river are NOTES ON MANGANESE ORES OF LOCH LOMOND.—GILPIN. 97 at the eastern apex of a subordinate basin formed by transverse folding. Should further research show that at this point the seams referred to maintain their size, and extend in a form permitting of economic exploitation, the discoveries are of great importance. The search for similar seams may then reasonably be made at other points along the coal band, and certainly the areas of the Minas Basin coal field is large enough to allow a hope that in the future it may be added to the list of our productive districts. ART. I]—NoTES ON THE MANGANESE ORES OF LocH LoMOND, C.B. By Epwin Ginpin, A. M., F. G.S., F.R.S.C., Inspector of Mines. (Read 14th Jan., 1884.) For a number of years the presence of these ores in Cape Breton was recorded cnly by the mineralogist. Recently, how- ever, deposits of economic value have been found and worked, The ores of manganese occur, in Nova Scotia proper, in strata of Lower Carboniferous age, occupying a horizon low down in the Marine Limestone formation. The late Dr. How, in a paper read before this Institute some years ago, gave an interesting account of these minerals as they occur and are worked in Hants County. This evening I purpose merely to draw the attention of the Institute to their occurrence in Cape Breton, an interesting fact, as the knowledge of their presence in workable amounts in the Loch Lomond district will lead to a search for them in other parts of the Island. In all probability, the wide extent of the Cape Breton Limestones will before long afford several localities containing deposits worthy of the miner’s attention. My notes are from a visit to the mine, and from information kindly furnished me by Mr. Fletcher, of the Geological Survey of Canada, who made a detailed survey of this district summer before last. The geological features of this part of Cape Breton are repre- sented by a band of millstone grit extending from Mira River, 98: NOTES ON MANGANESE ORES OF LOCH LOMOND.—GILPIN. up the Salmon River, to Loch Lomond; and bounded on the north by the felsites of East Bay, and on the south by the felsites of the Mira Hills. At several points the Lower Car- boniferous marine limestone formation crops out beneath the millstone grit, and occurs. as isolated patches resting directly on. the felsites, and there are patches of the basal carbonte iene conglomerates brought up. by faults. through the millstone grit. The locality in which these deposits have been discovered is on the Salmon River Road, about two miles east of Loch Lomond, near the line dividing Cape Breton and Richmond Counties. The felsites formed a shore along which we now find lime- stones, conglomerates, shales and grits exposed as they were accumulated under the varying conditions of current, depth of water, and of the prevailing winds of the period under con- sideration. At some points the limestones rest on the felsites, at. other points’ conglomerates and shales intervene. The discoveries of manganese ores, more particularly the subject of my paper, were made in one of these bays, where the felsites are sueceeded by shales, grits, conglomerates, and’ finally by limestones, the latter extending apparently from. point to point of the ancient Bay. The. manganese ores are found at the Western, or ] MecCuish Mine, in “sae bedded layers in a soft arenaceous shale, which is-in places caleareous, and coated with manganese oxide The layers vary in thickness up to 18 inches, and are sometimes connected by vertical stringers of ore. The shales when weathered present nodules of ore, and large quantities are present as films on the cleavage planes of the shale. At the Eastern, or Morrison mine, the ore at the time of my visit was mined from a bed underlying a thin layer of black manganiferous limestone, with red and greenish shales and sand- stones and conglomerate. The thickness of the ore and of the limestone varied from 2 to 8 inches. The average thickness of the two layers being 8 inches. The ore was found at several other points in the vicinity as lenticular masses and irregular nests in conglomerate, ete., and. NOTES ON MANGANESE ORES OF LOCH LOMOND.—GILPIN. 99 sometimes forming the cementing material. This iatter mode of occurrence is similar to that shown by the red hematites found in the lower carboniferous conglomerates at several parts of the island near their junction with older strata. And near the Loch Lomond post office a highly manganiferous red hematite occurs under conditions apparently of a similar nature. The limestone overlying these measures is highly manganifer- ous and ferriferous, and contains numerous crystals of galena, which some time ago incited prospecting, as they were thought to be silver ore. The ore from the Western, or McCuish mine, is a fine-grained pyrolusite, sometimes holding a little brown, or hard ore. It is generally amorphous, but the better grades show a subcrygtalline structure. The McCuish ore is a soft black amorphous ore, apparently of high order. At, several points considerable masses of lenticular hard ore are met, with calespar and heavy spar. The minerals associated with the ore are calcite, baryte and limonite. The following analyses by Mr. G. C. Hoffman, Analyst to the Geological Survey, will show the character of the ores :— Sample No. 1.—Pyrolusite with a little manganite, gave— IBIGRCL Or spo arts st Stayed che atche Seale 81:52 per cent. Sample No. 2, consisting almost exclusively of pyrolusite, gave BIHORADOS! 1s Nsites ces hk ales 3 88°98 per cent. GREG OXIMe Wey 6s Gy\c aie lea <3 2 sad LDN Sa os Ores represented by the above analyses would be adapted for all uses to which the mineral is usually put, and especially to glass making. As the extent of manganiferous ground is considerable, and the quality good, it is to be hoped that these ores will form a permanent addition to the list of Cape Breton exports. Up to the close of the year 1883 about 200 tons have been shipped. These ores have been worked by Mr. E. T. Moseley, who deserves credit for having inaugurated a new mining industry in Cape Breton County. 100 NOTE ON PECULIAR AURORA.—MACGREGOR. ArT. III.—Nore on Precutian Auror&. By Pror. J. G, MacGrecor, D. Sc. Two auroree which I observed during the past summer exhibit- ed a peculiarity of form sufficiently interesting to warrant my drawing the attention of the members of this Society to it. The first was observed at Halifax on the 31st July. It had the form of a bow stretching across the sky from the east to the west point of the horizon and through a point a few degrees south of the zenith. The bow was about five degrees in width. No rayed structure could be traced in it, and its light during the greater part of its duration was very nearly uniform through- out, the whole luminous area, except at the edges of the bow, where the luminosity diminished rapidly outwards. The bow was visible from 10 to 10.30 o'clock, p.m. Towards the end of that time the east and west ends grew more faint, and the diminution of luminosity gradually extended from the ends towards the zenith. In about 15 minutes from the time at which this diminution began the bow had entirely vanished. The sky was quite clear and there were no clouds: Iwas unable to deter- mine the spectrum of the bow. The second aurora mentioned above I observed at New Glasgow, N.S., on the evening of September 5th. It had the form of a bow of the same width as the other, stretching from a point about 30° north of west to a point about 30° north of east through the zenith. It had at first a slightly marked rayed structure in the direction of its length, but this structure gradually vanished, and rays then appeared crossing the bow so as to make angles of about 45° with the direction of its length. It lasted also from about 10 to 11.30 o'clock, when it faded away, the ends fading first, and the portions near the zenith widening before disappearing. One of Hilger’s larger pocket spectroscopes shewed that its spectrum consisted of two lines in the green, one bright, the other faint, and at times invisible. The sky was clear. No auroral lines were seen in the spectrum when the instrument was directed to other parts of the sky than that occupied by the bow. NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES.—LAWSON. 101 Art. IV.—On tHe NorTHern Limit oF WILD GRAPE VINES. By: Grorce Lawson, Pu. D., LL. D. Read 14th January, 1884. I LATELY received a letter of enquiry from Professor Blytt in reference to the Northern Limit of the Grape Vine, as bearing upon the early discovery of America by Norwegian sailors. As the exact range of our wild grapes had not been made a special subject of enquiry by botanists, and as these plants, wherever they occur, are so conspicuous as to attract the attention of persons who might overlcok other plants, I requested publication of a note, for the purpose of eliciting information, in the Halifax Morning Chronicle, Morning Herald, and Acadian Recorder: This brought some facts which will be found in the following correspondence. It is now published in the hope that additional information may be obtained. It is not improbable that the range of Grape Vines along the Atlantic Coast region was more extensive before the country was settled than it is now, when the best lands are cleared and the country pastured by cattle. Any information on this point from old records or reliable tradition would be of special interest. AMERICAN SPECIES OF VITIS. The proper Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera) is believed to have been originally a native of the hilly region on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, and of the Persian province of Ghilan ; but it has been cultivated by man from the earliest times of which we have record, and has thus been extensively distributed over the world. It was not known, however, on the American Continent before the settlers from Europe had brought it with them. Nevertheless early voyagers speak of finding Wild Grapes on landing on the American shores. These so-called Wild Grapes are vines very distinct in character from the old-world Grape Vine, but they nevertheless consist of species of the same genus Vitis, several of which bear, even in the wild state, clusters of well-flavoured grapes, whilst the fruit of other kinds is acid or mawkish. V. bipinnata, which extends through Virginia to Georgia and 102 NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES—LAWSON. west to Arkansas, has a globose depressed berry, size of a pea, blackish when ripe. V. indivisa grows in the swamps of the Southern States, west to Louisiana and Arkansas, bearing a very small, usually one- seeded berry. V. cestivalis, the Summer Grape, grows from Connecticut to Florida and west to Arkansas, ripening its blue, pleasantly- flavoured berries in October ; original of the Clinton Grape. V. vulpina, or Fox Grape of the South, grows in Virginia, Florida, and intervening States. V. incisa is a Prairie Plant confined apparently to Texas and Arkansas, and has black shining berries the size of a small pea. V. cordifolia and V. riparia, which are more northern in their range, have acid fruit, which sweetens after having been touched by frost, hence they are commonly called Winter Grapes to distinguish them from V. ewstivalis, the fruit of which be- comes sweet as it ripens in the sun. V. riparia is said to be the original of the Delaware and Taylor-Bullet grapes. V. Labrusca, is one of the best known species which has very large leaves, and is familiar to us in its garden forms as the Isabella, Catawba, and several other well-known American grapes. Varieties of this species are distinguished by the hairi- ness or woolly character of the very large leaf, and comparatively large berries. CANADIAN SPECIES, Only three species of Vitis extend into Canada, viz., Labrusca, cordifolia and riparia. V. Labrusca; leaves (thick 5-7 inches) broadly cordate angu- lar, more or less lobed, the sinuses obtuse or rounded, the Tee surface tomentose ; berries, large globose. V. cordifolia ; bee (thin, 3-6 in.) cordate acuminate, toothed, smooth (except on the veins), berries small. V. riparia; leaves (thin 4-6 inches) more or less deeply divided into three lobes and incisely toothed ; smooth, except on the petioles, veins and margins, which are pubescent; berries small. NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE YINES—LAWSON. 103 V. Lasrusca, Linn. Canada.—Pursh, Torrey & Gray. Near the Falls of Niagara—Provancher. Extends south to Georgia and west to Arkansas and Texas. Torrey speaks of the fruit of the wild plant as having a strong disagreeable flavour, whilst when cultivated “it is as pleasant as. any of the varieties of Vitis vinifera.” In Hooker's Flora (pub- lished so long ago as 1833) it is remarked that “two sorts are much esteemed at New York, and known under the name of ‘Bland’s-grape’ and the ‘Isabella-grape.’ ” V. CORDIFOLIA, (V. vulpina, of Hook.) Shores of Lake Ontario. west from Kingston; several places on the banks of the St. Lawrence, as at Thousand Islands, Brockville, La Chine, ete. Extends south through the United States to Florida and west to Arkansas. V. riparia, Mich. Canada—Mr. Cleghorn, Mrs. Percival. Lake- Huron.—Dr. Todd, extending to the south end of Lake Winnipeg in lat 50 degrees N., (Hook. FI. B. A.) Nicolet, P. Q., and Malden Ont.—Dr. P. W. Maclagan. Belleville, common, especially along streams.—J. Macoun. Lisle- aux-Coudres.—Provancher. Some of the localities may belong to V. cordifolia. Extends through the Uuited States south to Virginia and west to Arkansas. Without specimens from the several localities, or careful deter- minations made on the spot by competent botanists, it is impos~ sible to assign with certainty to their proper species the stations quoted for V. cordifolia and V. riparia. Dr. Englemann made a very careful examination of the distinctive characters of the N. American species of Vitis, and characterized V. riparia, as differing from its ally as follows: — “Leaves larger, usually incisely three lobed, the lobes long-pointed; panicles small, rather simple; berries larger and mostly with bloom; seeds larger, obtuse and somewhat obcordate and with an inconspicu- ous raphe. May, earlier than the allied species."—See Gray’s Manual, fifth edition, eighth issue,—Addenda, p. 679 (January , 1868). V. cordifolia “has the berries black without bloom, the 104 NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES—LAWSON. small seeds rounded above and with a prominent raphe.”— Englemann. | “ V. cordifolia or ruparia, grows, on the evidence of collections made on my former journeys, as far north as the south end of Lake Winnipeg, on the 50th parallel. I did not observe it on my late voyage, in which, indeed, I had very little leisure to search for plants, and, if it actually grows in so high a latitude, it does not produce edible fruit so as to attract the attention of the residents, who could give me no information respecting it. It is common in Wisconsin and Minnesota, with V. wstevalis.”— Sir J. Richardson; Arctic Jour., IT., p. 287. CHRISTIANIA, Norway, 5th JuLy, 1883. Dear Sir,—My friend, Mr. J. Storm, professor of history at our university, wishes to know how far north on your coasts the wild species of Vitis (V. vulpina, Labrusea, &.,) grow. I cannot make it out for him with the books at my disposai, so I am obliged to turn to you and trouble you with the matter. You would oblige me and my friend very much if you would be kind to let me know the northern limit of the species above mentioned in your coast districts. America was discovered some 1000 ago by Norwegian sailors, who found wild grapes at the shores and named the country after them “Vineland,” which means the country of wine. With much respect, yours, A. Biya Professor of Botany at the University. The Honorable Judge Ritchie informs me that, when a boy, he frequently gathered wild grapes between Annapolis Royal and Bear River, and that he has no doubt he could still find the place where the vines grow. Professor Macdonald informs me that our esteemed President, Robert Morrow, Esq., before leaving for the South, stated that he had seen a Wild Grape vine growing in a garden at Stellarton, in Pictou County, and was told that it had been brought from the neighbouring woods. Some years later, at a distance of several NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES—LAWSON. 105 miles further up the East River, he found the Grape growing wild. My deur Professor Lawson,—In relation to your enquiry respecting Wild Grapes, I have a recollection of past days that may suggest a quarter in which that enquiry may be successfully prosecuted. Many years ago I lent the late Judge Haliburton an interest- ing book that I in vain have often endeavoured to recover. Reclamation of it is hopeless now! The author was a Netherlander of intelligence, who particularly mentioned an indigenous grape seen and noted by him, of which the locality was the neighbour- hood of Annapolis. Perhaps it might be worth your while to direct the proposed enquiry to some old inhabitant of the old French capital. Yours ever truly, Windsor, 9th Dec., 1888. L. M. WILKINS. My recollection of the book and the fact referred to is distinct and you may regard it as reliable. The book was found by me among those of the Thomas family, by some of whom it was brought from Marshfield, Mass.—the ante-Revolution seat of that family—about the close of the last century. The discovery of the author would antedate the beginning of this century. Ee MW. There is little doubt, I think, that a copy of the book in question is slumbering on the shelf of some Boston library. The author was not a mere traveller, but came to America on some mission for his Government. I adda circumstance that may serve to identify :—The Book— probably on authority of a redman—indicated phonetically Niagara thus :—“ Nee-a-gaw-raw.” Windsor, Dec. 11th., 1883. L. M. W. BRIDGEWATER, 11th DeEc., 1883. Dear Sir,—A young Norwegian Captain just left here for Spain, told me some of their professors were to visit our land, as 106 NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES—LAWSON. he put it, in search of marks made by their countrymen long since, and afew days after I noticed in the papers that you had been consulted on the matter. My object is to let you know that there is a large rock sitting on three legs of stone, of the height of 18 inches, which I believe was put up by these old cruisers. It ‘sits on Indian Point, near the County line between this and Queen’s County. I met with it when a child, and have taken great interest in it; have frequently visited it as it puzzled me, till of late years. Should you meet those people, if you think well of it, they may easily drive to it now, but not when I used to steer my boat to where it sits. 1t is plainly seen from entrance of the port. Locality, Indian Point, Port Medway Harbour, Queen’s County. Respectfully yours, E. D. Davison, Sr. See article on Oak Canoe, in Scientific American, Dee. 8th. I have a stone axe by which one could make quite a job at big work. Just received a note from a friend informing of his having three stone relics, and I have quite a number, all from the Port Medway river, whilst nothing of the sort can I find about the LaHave River, but have two iron axes found in old graves, one having been buried at Wentsill’s Lake, where bones and axes were wrapped in birch-bark. There is an old burying ground and koche for dried salmon, &e., I expect. E. D. D. Hattrax, N.S., Dec. 8th., 1883. Dear Siv,—In answer to your question about “ Wild Grapes,” a small sized wild grape grows in abundance on some of the islands in the St. John river, about seven miles above Fredericton, N. B. I have drank the wine made from them and it is very ‘good. Any more information I can give, will only be too happy to do so, and remain, Sincerely, ALEX. IRVINE KARNEY, International Hotel, City. NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES—-LAWSON. 107 In a subsequent letter Mr. Karney observes that Mr. Michael Mitchell, Scotch Settlement, York Co., New Brunswick, is owner of the island where the grapes grow. LiverpPoo., N.S., Dec. 10th, 1883. Dear Sir,—There is a grape vine said to bea wild one growing on the farm of a Mr. Hall, on the other side of Allen’s Creek, close to the town of Annapolis. I have seen and was told it was a wild one, but it may be a degenerate vine planted by the French. Seeing your letter in the Chronicle of the 8th inst., I thought well to mention this one. I am very intimately acquainted with the province of Nova Scotia, but do not know of any other wild vine. Yours, &e., Max D. Masor. “SAINT JOHN GLOBE,’ EpiTor’s Room, Saint John, N. B., Dec. 10th, 1883. Dear Sir,—Wild grapes are not uncommon along the St. John River. At Fredericton I know of several vines in gardens, which were transplanted from the woods, and some of which have seeded themselves. Yours, JOHN ELLIS. ANNAPOLIS Roya, Dec. 10th, 1883. Dear Doctor,—Answering your enquiries in the newspapers, I beg to inform you that I have known a wild grape vine within a mile or more of this town. Ina ravine whose steep sides pre- vented culture, it flourished. It was surrounded by cultivated fields, cultivated no doubt by the French, before Nicholson’s capture, a mile or more from the steep hills, now as then covered by the forest primeval. It was very luxuriant, and, though I do not recollect eating the grapes, yet its flowers and half ripened berries I well remember. It was an object of curiosity to me, especially as proving the exact- ness Of old LesCarbot, our most exact and homeliest historian. Without knowing, I thought it the little Fox Grape so luxuriant 108 NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES—LAWSON. on the warm south side of New England and which as a boy I knew so well—very thick skin and very tart flavor. I have no doubt it still exists, but the snow would cover itnow. I hear of many other vines about here, but this is the only one I have personally seen. If you want more knowledge let me know and next spring I could send you a specimen. B. GILPrn. St. JoHN, N. B., 10th Dec., 1883. My Dear Sir,—I notice your communication in Saturday’s Chronicle regarding the “ Wild-Grape” and its Northern Limit. Some years ago I was puzzled over the statement, in Demont’s account of the discovery of the St. John River, that they noticed (in June 1604 or 5) grapes growing in profusion on its shores. For some time I was under the impression that they had mistaken some other vine for that of the grape. But I found afterwards that in fact the wild grape does grow in several places on the River St. John,—on the sandy points along its south-westerly bank at Westfield in King’s County,—luxuriantly on some islands near Oak Point known as “ Caton’s Islands,”—a little further up and beyond this on the islands Oromoeld and Prince William. Curiously enough I have always heard of it on the south-westerly shore of the River or the Islands, never in a wild state on the northerly or easterly bank, nor can I discover it on the Kennibe- casis tributary, where I have searched for it, as I have a summer residence at Lakeside near Hampton, where I am collecting these wild vines from Westfield, Greenwich, etc., with a view to amusing myself testing them as stocks on which to bud or graft some of the hardier improved varieties. I am, Dear Sir, yours faithfully, W. M. Jarvis. FREDERICTON, N. B., DEc. 29, 1883. My Dear Doctor Lawson,—I am in receipt of your note referring to the distribution of the wild grape in New Brunswick, but regret to say that I have little information to give upon the subject. I have gathered the fruit in some of the valleys near NORTHERN LIMIT OF WILD GRAPE VINES—LAWSON. 109 Fredericton, as at the Falls of the Nashwakasis, and it is quite common on the intervales and islands of the St. John River above this place, but I have never made any special notes regarding its occurrence. I think it likely that Mr. Matthew may be able to tell you something more about it, especially in the southern counties. I am, Sir, &e., I. W. BAILEY. Lo the Editor of the Morning Chronicle: Sir,—In regard to Professor Lawson’s enquiry about localities vhere the wild grape vine is found on the Atlantic coast of this yart of America, I would beg to state that I have studied the »otany of Prince Edward Island carefully for years and have ever seen anything of this plant here. There is apt to be a great incorrectness in the reports of anskilled observers on plants. Some species of our wild brambles which have a climbing habit, as Rubus occidentalis, might be mistaken for Vitis. Yours, ; FRANCIS BAIN. North River, P. E. I. The information so far obtained shows that the present most northerly points of the Wild Grape (Vitis cordifolia, or its near ally V. riparia) are the following :— Annapolis Royal, Co. Annapolis. West River, Co. Pictou. St. John River, New Brunswick. Isle aux Cotidres, St. Lawrence River. 110 SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. ArT. V.—SABLE ISLAND, (CONTINUED.) By S. D. MAcDoNALD, B, 3G... Read Feb. 10, 1884. In my former Paper on Sable Island I introduced to your notice its general features, intending at some future time taking up and working out in detail, some of its most remarkable points of interest. To-night I would call your attention to some of the many changes it has undergone, which have materially altered its position. On the early charts of this coast compiled and corrected from those of the French, and published in 1775, this island is shown as occupying a position between 60° 05’ and 60° 45’ W. iong., 40 miles in length and 2} miles in breadth. In 1799 a special survey of this island was ordered by the admiralty, and the chart we have before us this evening was issued together with numerous views of its appearance from different points of approach, also a scene of what is evidently an encampment of shipwrecked persons among the east end, naked sand hills. Many of the party are dressed in antique costumes, cocked hats, &e. Those naked sand hills have always been an object of peculiar interest here, owing to their assuming such fantastic shapes, and by their colour, being more readily seen in the distance. Viewed in this engraving they appear to have attained quite an elevation. Ona plan published by Mr. Darby, one of the superintendents, is a cone shaped drift at the western extremity, marked the “voleano,” said to be upwards of 100 feet in height, similar to one of those represented in this engraving. But the voleano has been dispersed. The position it occupied passed seaward many years ago, and now lies fathoms deep. This survey appears to have been a very elaborate one and well prepared, upwards of 500 soundings are represented in the immediate vicinity of the island, and on the bank. This has resulted in locating the island as follows : West end 60° 32’, east end 60° O1’.. Length 31 miles, breadth 2 miles. Showing a decided decrease in area since previous obser- vation, and placing the west end 22 miles further east. SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. 111 The next survey was that of 1808 of the Island proper, ordered by General Sir George Prevost, then Governor of this Province, who moved by the terrible circumstances attending the loss of the troop ship “Princess Amelia,” made every effort to induce the British Government to erect or aid in the erection of a light house on the Island. Lieut. Burton of the Fusiliers, then stationed at Halifax, was dispatched to report on the feasibility of erecting a light, and to inquire into the wants of the Island. From this report we learn the Island was 30 miles in length and 2 miles in breadth, with hills from 150 to 200 feet, beginning at west end and attaining their greatest elevation at Mount Knight, its eastern extremity. Just a few words here with regard to the correctness of this first chart. Itmay be thought by some that little dependence should be placed on 4 chart compiled at a time when so little was known of the coast. But we have only to remember that this Is- land was well known to the French as early as 1598, and that forty years previous to this chart being compiled the walled City of Louisburg was at the zenith of its prosperity, with its magnificent fortresses which were 30 years in building at a cost of five millions five hundred thousand dollars, the station of a powerful French fleet which for armament and numbers has never been seen in North American waters since, and a city whose commerce was of no little importance. Then, as now, in early springtime the Gulf of St. Lawrence current brought down its fields of ice blockading the south shores of Cape Breton. To avoid which those’cruisers and merchantinen bound for the harbour of Louisburg were compelled to run south and westward, making an off shore approach which would throw them in the immediate vicinity of the Island. Also on two occasions a British besieging squadron lay before that city and cruised off its shores, the strength of which can be estimated when we learn that on one of those occasions 140 sail, of which 36 were frigates and ships of the line, left Halifax for Louisburg in a single day. All this seems to warrant the conclusion that the knowledge 112 SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. possessed in early times of the coast and the adjacent islands was even greater than ours of to-day. And it is difficult indeed to give a satisfactory explanation of the variation of those charts unless we attribute it to actual changes undergone. But let us proceed. In 1850 the late Hon. Joseph Howe visited this place as commissioner, for the purpose of making himself personally acquainted with the Island and its requirements. In his report he called the attention of Parliament to the rather startling fact, that by actual measurement the island had decreased at the west end 11 miles in the last 30 years. And further, for the safety of navigation and the prevention of disasters their first duty with regard to Sable Island was to have the position defined. In the cabin of the “Daring” before him lay a chart by which that vessel was supposed to be navigated, also another compiled from observations taken by Capt. Darbyin 1829. The discrepancy between which, and its possible effect on navigation, was appaling to contemplate. The variations were as follows :— The cutter’s chart, W. E. 60° 32’ W. lon. ‘ i E. E. 60° 03’ i Darby’s chart, W. E. 60° 10’ W. lon. i Hy B98) 1 F Difference 22 miles. This chart on board the cutter appears to have been one issued about 1815, on which the island is made to be 29 miles in length, a difference of 2 miles smaller than the chart of 1799. On the strength of Mr. Howe’s report, the admiral was com- municated with, who ordered Commander Bayfield and staff to the island for the purpose of making anew survey. A corrected chart was issued by Bayfield the following year, locating the Island as follows: W. E. 60.08., E. E. 59.45., showing a still further reduction of area, and placing the west end 2 miles still further eastward than shown by Darby’s chart of 1829. Surprising as this evidence of change may appear it is fully borne out by the testimony of all those whom fortune has led in the interests of humanity to dwell upon its shores. SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. 113 The position chosen for the main station in 1802 was one remarkably sheltered among the sand hummocks at a distance of 5 miles from the west end. In 1814 the superintendent, Mr. Hudson, wrote the Govern- ment, that owing to the rapid manner in which the island was being washed away it would be necessary for him to remove the establishment to a more secure position; that within 4 years previous, 4 miles had gone entirely from the west end, leaving but a mile between him and the sea, which was advancing steadily. On the north side an area equal to 40 ft. wide and 3 miles long had gone bodily from the island during a single night. He intended moving the buildings to a place called “ Middle Houses,” 3 miles further east. In 1820 the superintendent again wrote the Government, “that not only had the old site of the main station gone seaward ; but the sea was again encroaching to such an alarming extent that he would be obliged to once more remove the station, and had selected a place known as the “Haul over,’ 4 miles further east. This moving of the main station incurred no little trouble consisting as it did of superintendent’s dwelling, another for the staff, a sailor’s home for the accommodation of shipwrecked per- sons, stores for provisions and material saved from wrecks, barns, workshops, boat house, &e. Again the sea advanced, the two following winters were noted for the frequency of storms and the havoc made along the sand cliffs, every gale sensibly diminishing the western portion of the island, toppling great masses of sand hills into the surf below as well as changing the surface of the interior. One instance I have already mentioned in my last paper when thousands of tons of sand were carried from the beach and strewn over the island, smothering vegetation, so that hundreds of horses died for want of food. Seeing the necessity of securing more permanency for the main station, and the buildings from being so often removed, becoming dilapidated, the present position was selected on the broadest and most protected portion of the Island and new buildings erected in 1833. The old dwelling of the superinten- 114 SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. dent was again removed 4 miles further east and used as a house of refuge. Here it enjoyed a short respite when again the sea threatened its foundation. This marks the 11 mile point mentioned in Mr. Howe's report. Now all this seems so much like romance that were it not for the authenticity given it by parliamentary reports and the records of the Island, I should hesitate in giving currency to these state- ments. But I think I hear you say,—What of that house—is it still moving ? No, it is now at rest, ithas found a grave, for the fourth time it was moved, this time 2 miles further east. Gradually the gales removed the hummocks that sheltered it. Then, left to the rake of the winds, sand laden eddies twirled about it till slowly mound arose closing it from sight, the house, and the surface became levelled out above it. Another short rest and again it may open up to view, and be bared to its foundation, or be thrown down with the embank- ment and floated away by the current. Between the years 1850 and 1881 this western portion of the island appeared to enjoy a period of comparative repose. This may be accounted for by the fact that so much material had been thrown down ashoal was fermed to the west on which the seas would probably break before reaching the sand bluffs and thus lose their abrading force. In the same manner the main body of the island is defended by three parallel bars which act as barrier reef, and protect or at least retard the work of devastation which would otherwise proceed with great activity. On the removal of this shoal to the westward, by the currents, the seas began again to manifest their force. The winter of 1881 was remarkably stormy, gale succeeding gale in quick succession. In addition to this gradual work of erosion great areas were removed bodily. During one gale 70 feet by 4 mile departed, a month later 30 feet of the whole width of the island disappeared in a few hours. The winter of 1882 was even worse than the preceding one, and was noted for the destruction wrought among the buildings, SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. 115 including the west end light house, a magnificent structure erected in 1873, one mile inside the grass hills. Early in Feb’y. of that year a gale of unusual violence visited the Island accompanied by very high tides; already the sea had removed the embankment to within 40 feet of the bluff on which the light house keeper’s barn stood, and within dangerous prox- imity to the light house itself. As the tide rose the gale in- creased. All hands were now out ready for any emergency that might require their presence. The cattle had been removed to the porch of the light house. As the staff were watching the force of the waves that were now undermining the embankment with great rapidity, suddenly a depression along the margin of the cliff gave warning of a down- fall. The next instant an area equal to 48 feet broad and a } of a mile long descended into the surges on the north side, while during the night the 40 feet in front of the barn and along the sand bluff dissappeared; next morning the barn went crashing below and was swiftly carried away by the current. The storms that produce the most destruction are those from the 8. E. bringing in heavy seas, which striking obliquely on the south shore aided by the powerful current setting to the west erode the sand cliffs until large masses are detached, fall into the current, and are carried forward. This also helps to prolong the N. W. Bar. Again, during calm weather when winds and waves are still, the shores and bars are white with foam from the ever present ground swell which renders landing so precarious; it is seldom attempted except by the surf boats at the station. In the loss of the west end light-house we have a remarkable in- stance of the wasting force of this swell. The weather had been unusually quiet for the space of two days, during which time a heavy ground swell hove in from the 8. E., (probably from a gale passing along the gulf stream), which carried away the remaining 12 feet of embankment in front of the light house, causing it to lean dangerously forward, and necessitated the hasty removal of the apparatus. From this time the light ceased to send its warning across the wayes. 116 SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. While changes are readily observed along the bluffs the beach itself is continually varying in form, increasing and diminishing in particular parts. In this way old wrecks are brought to the surface and others concealed during a single gale. Some years ago, after a heavy gale, spars, canvas huts, &e., showing a prolonged stay of which there is no record, were dis- covered. This spot has also passed under the sea. In 1837 Mr. Miller, the third commissioner appointed to enquire into the possibility of erecting a light house, reported that on visiting the Island he found the position chosen by him in 1833 had undergone a complete change. The site selected by a former commissioner favorable to the project, had been completely removed by the high winds that have at times so much effect in causing remarkable changes in the interior, as well as on the shores of the Island. He would only feel Justified in recommending a temporary erection, such as could be easily removed to a more permanent position when necessity required it. We can readily understand how hills of loose sand thrown up by the wind into every fantastic shape that snow drifts can assume, are ever changing their extent and position. The removal of those sand drifts or dunes have brought some interesting historical facts to light. In 1842 during a severe gale an old landmark in the form of a pyramid near the west end station, said to be 100 feet in height, was completely blown away, exposing to view several small houses built from the timbers and plank of a vessel; on examina- tion they were found to contain quite a number of articles of furniture, stores put in boxes, bales of blankets, quantities of military shoes, and among other articles a dog collar of brass, on which was engraved the name of Major Elliot, 43rd Reet. Tt was afterwards ascertained that this regiment while returning to Halifax after the siege of Quebec, was wrecked here, but after- wards taken off without loss of life. Many years ago a roundsman’s attention was attracted toa lackened line along the sand cliff; on climbing to the place and removing the sand he uncovered what afterwards proved to be the SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. 117 site of an old encampment. Here lay rusty guns and bayonets, knives made from iron hoops, broken glass, a tattered English ensign, human bones, mingled with those of cattle and seals, an - English shilling of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, sharp as when taken from the mint which furnishes the date of the disaster. But nothing further left to give a clue to the sufferers, except that they were Englishmen. Thus those gales are ever bringing to view, evidence of calam- ity of which history and tradition are equally silent. Turning to the lake we find more proof of the vicissitudes this Island has undergone. When first known the lake had an open- ing on the north side which was afterwards closed. A few years later during a terrific storm the seas forced a channel through the lake margin on the south side rendering it a convenient harbour for small vessels. But in 1836 a similar tempest closed it again, shutting in two American fishermen, who ran in for shel- ter on seeing the storm approaching. Gradually it became very shoal from the material drifting into it, but being dammed up by the closing of the inlet and filled by the surf washing across the ridge, it afforded great facility for forwarding the life boat in case of a wreck, and the transport of wrecked material to main station for shipment. During the winter of 1881, a severe gale opened a gulch towards the east end, so draining it as to reduce it to 8 miles in length and rendering it useless as a means of transport. The lake margin forming the south shore in like manner testifies to the destructive agency of the sea. Having a breadth at one time of 3a mile, with sand hills of upwards of 50 feet in height; at present it is merely a narrow ridge forming a precar- ious sea wall, over which the waves now break in heavy weather. Should this inner barrier be removed the work of demolition will go forward with increased rapidity. During storms, in addition to the actions of waves and currents, the winds independently ravage its surface. Finding a raw spot, as it is termed, the eddying winds scoop out the loose sand (when not confined by the roots of the grass) into bowl-like depressions, which afterwards form those fresh 118 SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. water ponds so often found in the interior, while around the stations it requires the utmost vigilance of the men to watch the first break in the sod and repair it before headway is gained, otherwise the buildings would soon go from their foundations. While the wind and waves have been so active modelling and remodelling the Island proper, currents and eddies have also been at work on its submerged portion, although from the difficulties attending observations we are not cognizant of the various changes taking place. One however, fraught with much danger, is making itself manifest in a painful degree, that is, the prolong- ing and shoaling of the north east bar. By reference to this wreck chart, it will be seen that most of the wrecks of late years have occurred here, some of them being as much as 16 miles from the light. The changing character of the bar at the other extremity of the Island may be inferred from an extract of Capt. Darby’s reports in Blunt’s Coast Pilot of 1832, as follows :-— “JT have known this Island for 28 years, during which time the west end has decreased in length 7 miles, although the outer breakers of the N. W. bar have the same bearings from the west end of the Island as they formerly had, demonstrating that the whole bank and bar are travelling eastward.” : With regard to this Island having travelled the entire distance shown by those charts, it would be rather hazardous to adopt such a conclusion. Yet it is certain that its progress eastward is in keeping with the natural tendency of all sand accumulations, and although the material may be carried sometimes one way and sometimes another, yet nevertheless its progress must still be in the direction of the prevailing wind. In some parts of the world in consequence of the preponderance of certain strong winds in one direction, such accumulations make a regular progressive movement, and have buried farms, houses, cities, and even whole tracts of country, of which there are numerous instances on the English and French coasts. At this island the strong west wind is as constant as a trade wind, and its material is being constantly blown before it. In this way the amount drafted from west to east must have GLACIAL ACTION—HONEYMAN. 119 been enormous and may account to a great extent for the diminished height of the Island. At the same time I think we are justified in concluding, that while the Island has traversed a certain portion of this distance, its changed position as here indicated by those admiralty surveys, is mostly due to submer- gence. Of course an Island so constituted, exposed to the unobstructed violence of the whole Atlantic, could not long resist the terrible abrading force of the breakers, aided by swift currents, and the denuding effects of wind and rain. Already we have seen that within a comparatively short space of time, dating back but a few years previous to the founding of the life saving station, it has decreased in length from 40 miles to 22; in breadth from 24 miles to something less than 1 mile ; in height from 200 feet given in 1808 to 80 feet, according to the latest observations. The future of this Island to the navigator is everything but cheering. Should those destructive forces now in operation continue, we might easily calculate on a period, and not a remote one, when the sea will claim it as its own. Art, VI.—GtLactaL ACTION, AT RrmousKI, CANADA, AND LOCH Eck, ARGYLESHIRE, SCOTLAND. By Rev. D. HoNneEy- MAN, D.C. L, F. 8S. A, &e, Curator of Provincial Museum. (Read. 10th March 1884.) ON the 8rd of last November I made an observation near the I. C. R. Station at Rimouski, which I regard as interesting. On both sides of the Road I found and examined boulders, many of which were of large size; one had been blasted to make way for a fence. Others were evidently undisturbed, being, doubtless, in the positions in which they had been deposited during the glacial epoch. They are of crystalline rocks, of the Archzean (Lauren- tian,) formation. There are no exposures of rocks in the vicinity. 120 GLACIAL ACTION—HONEYMAN. From what I have seen of the rocks in the district I have no hesitation in regarding the boulders as travellers from a distance, The Laurentian Formation lies on the north side of the river (St. Lawrence,) at a distance of 20 miles from the position of the boulders. They have travelled a distance, of at least 27 miles. Specimens of the boulders before you are, first, a beautifully banded gneiss having black mica (muscovite) and white quartz ; second, also beautifully banded having black mica and reddish quartz; third, is of black mica and yellowish quartz; it is also banded but not so beautifully as the other two. On two other occasions I was in this locality, but without time to make any observations. The transportation observed was not unexpected. In Sir W. E. Logan’s table on glaciation, I found that at Kempt Road near Metapedia Lake, Lat. 48° 32’, Long. 67° 43’, there is glaciation having a course of S. 80° E. On the admiralty chart T had also observed that the glaciation of Point Pleasant extended N. E. passes through Rimouski at a distance of 310 miles. The longitude of Rimouski is 68° 32’, and the latitude is 48° 28’. The striation at Metapedia Lake, if extended in the direction of Rimouski would pass considerably to the north of the boulders, as the latitude of the one is 6’ north of the latitude of the other, and the longitude 49’ less. In my last paper on Glacial 'Trans- portation I observed that the extreme points of my observations were George’s Bay, Antigonish, N. §., Long. 62°, and Kingston, Ontario, Long. 76° 29’. Two other extreme points are Halifax, N.S., latitude, 44° 44, lat. 48° 22’, and Rimouski, Quebee. Locu Eck, ARGYLESHIRE, SCOTLAND. In the month of July I had an opportunity of making some geological observations in the West of Scotland, especially in a corner of Argyleshire, at the Firth of the Clyde and Loch Long, My headquarters there were Blairmore. On the shore are inter- esting exposures of strata which are evidently near the Geological horizon of our own Cambro-Silurian formation. These are b’, b”. b’’, Silurian, Clay, Chlorite, Mica, Slate, and Gneissose rocks, based on quartzose, flagstones, quartz rock, &. Vide Mur- chison & Geikie’s First Sketch of a New Geological Map of Scot- land, 1861. From Blairmore I proceeded to Kilmun, thus passing CRYSTALINE ROCKS OF N. S. AND C. B.—HONEYMAN. 121 farther along b’, Then taking a course N. E., towards Loch Eck, I passed through b* and into b*, going beyond Ben More, at the beginning of Loch Eck my attention was attracted to a rock on the right side of the road. This was furrowed by familiar glaciation, unfortunately I did not have my compass to take the course of the striation. It was apparently towards the S. E. The rock itself is a micaceous schist. We followed the course of the River Echaig, as far as its falls. The water was low at the time and gave an excellent opportunity of examining the magni- ficent exposure of schist. It is wonderfully worn and excavated by the action of the water, which passes through a narrow gorge. The rock is replete with pot holes,some have had sides worn and the boulders have escaped. Looking at the lofty hill ridges on either side of the valley, and beyond the falls, one is impressed with the adaptation of the position for an Alpine glacier. Of course other geologists have noticed this, although I have failed, on enquiry, of learning the fact. ArT. VII—NotTrEs oF A PoLariscopic AND Microscopic EXAMINATION OF CRYSTALLINE Rocks oF Nova ScoTIA AND CAPE BReEToN. By Rev. D. Honery- MAN, Dr CLG HR. 8. C: (Read 11th Feb. 1884.) INTRODUCTION. 1} AIEEE RR aed pao Be ie Be” oh Rg reg of Blomidon, N. S. 2. (homlder) iis afd aadseidderer Weymouth. Ey sense L Bie fo)! aaa eel ea eaaet Jebogue Point, Yarmouth. Bee EOE COs: &.tnsiekeleias St. Peter’s Canal, Cape Breton. BRE GAO NT halt 2 3 Opt hat aan da Cranberry Head. See DOT TGC Myke ake BOI hu cde cahR eae et, 02 Nictaux. HM OPUGG eh ihe Sec ota in hile: Cobequid Mountains. Gee hotpliyrite 3). a... ijs sat Sunday Point, Yarmouth. 9. Porphyritic & Amygdaloidal..Cobequid Mountains. BO Mop Eorp bygite Se 5.6 iat 12 sieks see Cobequid Mountains. 11. Hornblendic rock..............Yarmouth Harbour. 122 CRYSTALINE ROCKS OF N. 8. AND G B.—HONEYMAN. I have had sections of the preceding rocks carefully prepared by Dr. Alexis 8. Julien, New York. Four of them have already been imperfectly examined by an inferior polariscope. I have re-examined these thoroughly by the splendid new Polariscope- Microscope made by Anderson & Sons, London, for our President, and added the other seven to the number; and I propose in these notes to give an account of the interesting results and to illustrate with the instrument. DOLERITES. Ist. I begin with the Blomidon Basalt, as this mountain is well known wherever Nova Scotian mineralogy is an object of study. Its zeolites and other minerals are to be found in all great museums, and it is noted in works on general mineralogy as one of the principal localities where trappean minerals can be col- lected. The section examined is of a compact basaltic prism which I picked up at the foot of the mountain in 1875, (a.) Examined by the Polariscope, with nzcols crossed, the section is brilliant and striking. Revolving the Polariser or Analyser, as both can be turned, the change in prismatic colours, and their arrangement is kaleidoscopic. The abounding parallel lines with changing and alternating colours (trichoic) indicate combinations of crystals into twins, three lings and four lings, with chroism of labradorite, among these is a constant, unchanging brown colour, ’ this distinguishes augite from hornblende, which is dichroic. We have thus indicated the two minerals which constitute a dolerite. When the nzcols are crossed parts of the section have a vivid chromatic polarisation. This is owing to the presence of quartz. There is also another obvious constitutent which is opaque. All that we can distinguish with the polariscope is the presence of dark forms with acute angles or of irregular shape. (b.) Removing the polariser and analyser we then examine them in sunshine with the microscope, the dark forms are seen to be blue-black in colour with metallic lustre. This shows that it is the mineral magnetite. Surveying, then, the whole section we find a large number of these. At the same time we detect green specks of olivine. The basalt is therefore dolerite, consisting of labra- dorite and augite with the accidental minerals, quartz, magnetite CRYSTALINE ROCKS OF N. S& AND CG. B.—HONEYMAN. 1293 and olivine. 2nd. A boulder of Basalt. When I was surveying parts of the Counties of Digby and Yarmouth, Trans. Inst. 187, I observed at the Weymouth Station of the Railway a large, rough-looking boulder; breaking part of it I found it to be basaltic. It was considerably weathered and easily broken. Examining the pieces macroscopically I found it replete with crystals of olivine of considerable size. These, like the rock, had suffered from decomposition and were very friable. Regarding it as different from the basalt of Blomiden in having olivine, I called it an “Olivine Basalt.” The examination of the preceding basalt shews that this is a useless distinction. As fas as I can find this is the first time that olivine has been found in these basalts. (a.) Exam- ined with crossed nicols the section of this boulder surpasses the other in brilliancy. The crystals are similarly pervaded by parallel lines. Turning the polariser, these are also trichroic. Before the polariser is turned, the vivid chromatic polarisation of the quartz is greater than that of the preceding section. The unchanging greenish brown colour shows the presence of augite, dark forms are also seen but they are small. A erystal of olivine of bright green colour adds to the variety. (b.) Examined by the micros- cope in sunshine, the small dark forms are seen to be of magnetite and to be arranged in groups rather prettily. The erystal of olivine is seen to be surrounded with a decayed crust which has lost its green color. Smaller crystals, (broken,) are seen in different parts of the section. The constituents of the boulder are thus, labradorite, augite, quartz, olivine, magnetite. 2nd. Basaltic dyke at Jebogue Point. I have partially described this already, as peculiar and interesting because pene- trating Cambro Silurian rocks. I would now describe the section more particularly. (qa.) In the polariscope with crossed nicols, it appears dark, with faintish light, excepting when it is surveyed throughout, the crystals of good size are seen divided by a median line. Turning the polariser these erystals are brilliantly trichoic. They are therefore labradorite twins. Numerous small crystals are also seen, which are also trichroic and give considerable brightness to the section when the nicols are parallel. The dark ‘brown colour is constant, indicating a predominance of augite. 124 ORYSTALINE ROCKS OF N. S. AND CGC. B.—HONEYMAN. Occasional bright spots with quartz polarisation occur. Other sections might shew more of this, as a macroscopic exami- nation of the rock shews amygdules of quartz, and grains in abundance. (b) Examined with the microscope, numerous black grains combine with the augite to darken the section. These are seen to be magnetite. Brassy crystals are also of fre- quent occurrence. These are of pyrite. Olivine is not observed in this section. The minerals in this basalt are thus labrado- rite, augite, quartz, magnetite, pyrite. This rock has the same essential minerals as the two preceding, and is a dolerite. They differ in proportion. It has the same accidental minerals only pyrite takes the place of olivine. Is the third identical with the first and second ? Or is it part of an older rock than these ? DIORITES. 4. I take as a typical diorite a crystalline rock which occurs in Cape Breton, in that narrow neck of land which separated the waters of the Atlantic and the inland waters of Cape Breton but which have recently been connected by St. Peter’s Canal. The specimen which furnished my section is one of a collection made at different depths in the process of excavat- ing the canal, and kindly presented to the Museum by a gentleman residing in the locality. I visited the locality in 1861, after the excavation had been begun and work suspended. I then noticed the rock but did not examine it particularly. The Geological formation of the locality is Carboniferous. I collect- ed flora in the vicinity, the precise relation of the rock to the formation may be uncertain, it is likely a pre-carboniferous diorite. (a.) Examined with crossed nicols, it is more beautiful than any of the sections already described. Seven prismatic colours, violet, blue, orange, yellow, &c., are arranged in four groups and in parallel lines. This is pleochroism in the strictest sense. In an orange colored crystal there are 7 parallel lines. Turning the polariser this becomes trichroic, but without alterna- tion between the parallels. A very beautiful group of colors show the arrangement from left to right, deep blue, violet, yellow, orange. yellow, violet, light blue in parallel lines. Turning the polarizer from left to right about half a revolution the arrangement CRYSTALINE ROCKS OF N; S. AND GC. B.—HONEYMAN, 125 ¢hanges to yellow, dark blue, light blue, yellow, orange. We have thus a triclinal feldspar, oligoclase. Crossing the nicols, we observe on the right side of the last described, a lovely green, giving the polariser half a turn the green is changed to a bright purple. This is a dichroism indicating hornblende. Sur- veying the field while turning the polarizer the pleochroism and dichroism is constantly appearing. The rock is thus evidently a diorite, there are also black forms constantly appearing. (b.) Hxamining there with the Microscope they are seen to con- sist of magnetite and pyrite. The minerals of the rock are oligoclase, hornblende, magnetite, pyrite. 5, This is the section of a rock which I observed at Cranberry Head, Yarmouth County. It is associated with Lower Cambrian rocks, and in close proximity to the auriferous strata of the gold mine. On this account it is singular and interesting. (Vide paper, Transactions.) I described it as a diorite. Looking at the section with crossed nicols, we see a pleochrism of pretty much the same character as that of the preceding, but not so brilliant. Turning the polariser, the changes also bear a close resemblance. Parallel lines are equally numerous. There is also a corresponding dichroism throughout the section. We have thus as constituents of the rock oligoclase and hornblende. There is also mica, an accidental mineral, whose presence is readily enough observed macroscopically. Opaque forms are abundant. (b.) The microscope shows that the opaque forms are of magnetite and pyrite. The minerals of this rock are oligoclase, hornblende, mica, magnetite and pyrite. 6. Diorite of Nictaux. The rock of our section belongs to a very important series of intrusive rocks which I have pointed out and described in my papers (1) “On the Geology of Kings Counties;” (2) “On the Geology of Annapolis County;” (3) “On the Geology of Digby and Yarmouth Counties.” (Vide Trans- actions. ) On geological considerations, and from macroscopical examina- tions, I have named these diorites. Members of the series have been pointed out as occupying the dividing line between the lower and middle Silurian and the lewer Cambrian (auriferous) 126 CRYSTALINE ROCKS OF N. S. AND CG. B.—HONEYMAN. formation at Nictaux, Bear’s River and Cape Cove, Cape Sf, Mary’s, Bay of Fundy. These diorites have themselves been referred to post-upper Silurian and pre-carboniferous (Devonian) time, with similar rocks of undoubted Devonian age, at Arisaig, Antigonish County, and East River, Pictou County. (Vide papers in Transactions.) Of these I intend to have sections prepared for subsequent examination. (a.) One section examined by the polariscope, with crossed nicols and revolving polariser, shew, first, a brilliant dichroism indicating the existence of a large proportion of hornblende. The other chief constituent mineral is a triclinic feldspar albite. That the feldspar is triclinic is evident from the forms of the crystals, medium lines, twining, and other parallels. | When the nicols are crossed these are distinctly seen. There are no prismatie colours between the parallels. The colors in this case are purplish, grey and white. Turning the polariser these are seen to change from light to dark, or vice versa. (In the Blomi- don basalt section there occur, often, crystals having the same character.) There are also opaque forms in considerable number. (b.) Examined by the microscope these appear as magnetites and pyrites. The minerals of this rock are albite, hornblende, magnetite and pyrite. 7. Diorite of the Intercolonial Railway, Cobequid mountains. In the Wentworth cutting I have pointed out the singular asso- ciation of Lower Silurian claystones, having characteristic fossils with crystalline rocks which have every appearance of being interbedded igneous rocks. I characterized them as homogeneous diorites—(Vide papers “Geology of the I C. R.,”"—Trans. 1873.) —they appeared so macroscopically. I have selected one of these as a representative of this series and had a section made. This is far from being microscopically homogenous ; so that the term “homogeneous” is no longer appplicable to these rocks. (a.) Examined by the polariseope it shows much dichroism from the prevalence of hornblende. The predominence of light crystals with median and other parallel lines, indicate the prevalence of triclinic feldspar. The colours within the parallels resemble those CRYSTALINE ROCKS OF N. 8S. AND C. B.—HONEYMAN. 127 of the preceding (Nictaux) section, and indicate albite. The rock is therefore a diorite. Opaque forms are numerous. (b.) These examined by the microscope are seen to be pyrite and magnetite. The pyrite is readily seen in the rock with a pocket magnifier. The minerals are hornblende, albite, pyrite and magnetite. PORPHYRITES. 8. Sunday Point Porphyrite. Macroscopically this rock con- sists of a darkish groundmass, with light colored crystals plenti- fully distributed ; hence I have named it porphyrite. Mica is also observed as a prominent mineral. (a.) The section examined by the polariscope, with crossed nicols, and the turning of the pola- rizer, show the crystals with parallels and pleochroism only inferior to that of St. Peter's Canal typical diorite section, and surpassing that of Cranberry Head. The groundmass itself is evidently largely composed of oligoclase. Dichroism shows that another constituent is hornblende. The rock is therefore a diorite-porphyry. The opacity of the groundmass arises, to a large extent, from the abundance of black granules, clouded spots and dark grains. (b.) These examined by the microscope are seen to consist of magnetite and pyrite. Mica is also present- The constituent minerals of the porphyrite are thus: oligoclase, hornblende, mica, magnetite and pyrite. Sunday Point is situate at the mouth of Yarmouth Harbour, between the latter and Jebogue Point. It is nearer to the latter than to Cranberry Head. Our polariscopic and microscopic analyses show, how- ever, that the crystalline rock of Sunday Point is more closely elated to that of Cranberry Head than it is to that of Jebogue Point, and that they may belong to two different eruptions, ages apart. 9. Porphyrite and amygdaloid diorite of Cobequid mountains, near Wentworth station, I.C. R. In my paper on the I. C. R., I described a very coarse conglomerate, consisting largely of volea- nic constituents. This seems to have been the product of a sub-marine volcano of Lower Silurian or Upper Cambrian age. Part of this conglomerate was a singular and rather beautiful rock, having a green groundmass, with amygdules of white calcite and crystals of reddish feldspar.(?) This is the rock of our sec- 128 GCRYSTALINE ROCKS OF N. S. AND C. B.—HONEYMAN. tion. The groundmass transmits polarised light with the nicols -erossed, and brightens considerably with the turning of the pola- riser. Its dichroism shows that one constituent is horablende. Crystals interspersed, having median lines and the general colours, seem to indicate albite as also a constituent. The red crystals which led me to characterize it as porphyrite, are of un- certain character, not having any distinguishing feature. The amygdules which I consider to be calcite, show a varied and beautiful chroism. One or two of these are pervaded by fine parallel lines which are sometimes crossed by other parallels. The turning of the polariser does not much affect this striation. It is not, therefore, of the character of the feldspar striation. Some of the amygdules are of a yellow colour; three of these are in the section with the nicols crossed ; these are green and black, so arranged as to appear to radiate from the centre. Turning the polariser half a revolution, they become yellow, without the appearance of radiation. The mineral is evidently dichroic. J do not know what it is. There are also dark forms in the groundmass. (b.) The microscope shows that these are magnetite. The constituents of this rock are therefore horn-~ blende, albite, calcite, magnetite and (?) mineral. 10. In the second of the Whetstone Brook sections which succeed the Wentworth, I. C. R. is porphyrite which is associated with Diorites. The slates which include them have only produced one fossil a large lingala. They have been referred doubtfully to the middle silurian period. (Vide,) paper already referred to. This porphyrite has a dark ground mass in which are scattered reddish erystals and kernels of Iryaline quartz. (a.) In section the ground mass transmits light with crossnicols and brightens with rotation of the polariser, hornblende is evidently one constituent. The sections of the reddish erystals are dichroic, the mineral is therefore monclinic, orthoclase. One has four different shades of eolor (brown,) irregular dividing lines which deepen in different de- grees with the rotation of the polariscope, and after half a rotation or a little more, becomes white (grey.) #One of these has a distinct inclusion (mineral.) The hyaline quartz is of a dark blue when the nicols are crossed. The ground mass is unindividualized. (a.) CRYSTALINE ROCKS OF N: S. AND C. B.—HONEYMAN. 129 The microscope shows magnetite in grains. The rock is thus composed of hornblende albite (?) quartz and magnetite. 11. At the head of Yarmouth Harbor is a peculiar hornblendie rock. In the paper on the Geology of Digby and Yarmouth, this rock has been pointed out. In my other paper on Polariscopic examination, I have referred to some of the peculiarities of a section of it. I referred to part of its hornblende with a singular, glassy inclusion. I have now ascertained the character of the other chief constitutent of this rock. Comparing it with the section of a typical quartzite, I find it has a similiar dichroism, blue and yellow, only the granulation of the rock is much finer. It requires a higher power to distinguish it, when the polarizer is not used. Glassy portions which do not transmit light, with the crossed nicols occur in the quartz constituent of the rock as well as in the hornblende. (b.) The microscope shews these to be magnetite. The constitutents of this rock are therefore, quartz, hornblende, magnetite, glass with or without inclusions. The rock is metamorphic and of Lower Cambrian age. INFERENCES. There are several interesting points that are brought into. prominence by these examinations. Ist. The value of the Polariscope and Microscope to the practical geologist. This is evident from the correspondence between observation in the Field and the Polariscope-microscope and from the comparison of observations in my published papers with the observations just submitted. The names given to rocks examined in the Field are in accordance with the names which the Polariscope and Microscope designate, and conclusions arrived at there have been confirmed by the process of examination. | 2. In every rock examined magnetite is found. It is thus seen to be distributed far more extensively than we could have ~ ascertained without the aid of the microscope. 4. It reveals to us.the origin of some of our magnetic sands, é.g., magnetite was found among the gold and garnet sand at _ Jegogsin Point. The source of the garnets was obvious and the probable source of the gold was indicated. That of the magnetite only was uncertain. Hornblendic rocks, like these of Yarmouth 130 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. Harbour, occur at Jegoggin Point. From these we may have the supply of magnetite. The magnetite represented by the sections described has also been rendered obvious by reducing pieces of the rocks to a powder in a wedgewood mortar and extracting the magnetite with a magnet. Art. VIII.—Some PuysicaLt FEATURES OF Nova SCOTIA, WITH NoTeEs ON GLACIAL AcTIoN. By M. Murpay, C.E., Provineial Government Engineer. (Read April 14, 1884.) From the year 1869 to 1872 it was my duty to survey some of the Gold Districts which lie in various directions along the Atlantic slope of the Province; and subsequently it became a no less pleasing one to conduct some railway surveys, the course of which was right across the general direction of the strike of the gold-bearing rocks. During these iabours and journeyings my work was entirely confined to surveys and public works. Such observations as I was able to make of a general scientific charac- ter, were necessarily incidental, hasty and external; however, these defects of hurried and superficial observation will be found in the details only. I am able to place before you a correct representation of the geological skeleton, the character- istic outlines, and true topographical section on two lines of profile across the province, between the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic shore. The line of railway in operation from Halifax to Windsor gives a third such profile. All are between the 44th and 46th meridians, and are nearly parallel to one another. These sections or profiles may be said to possess advantages in facilitating the formation of more comprehensive views on the PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. 131 large scale, and may also tend to enable other and more definite contributors or observers, by adding one range of vision to another, to take in at a glance a much more concise percep- tion of the extent and general outline of their more prominent features. The sea board of the south-east coast, between Cape Canso to the north-east and Cape Sable to the south-west, is no less than 230 miles in a straight line, the general trend being about east- by-north and west-by-south. Throughout the whole extent of this recky coast, say “Tbe Sailing Directions,” are numerous “indentations, varying in size and utijity, from the narrow creek “in which boats seek shelter, to noble harbours, of which Halifax “Gs the largest, most accessible and safest.” A well defined low mountain ridge courses with nearly the same trend as the shore line, and forms the principal water-shed of the Peninsula; its slopes run northerly and southerly from it, the latter, or southern slope, being somewhat undulatory, but regular in its descent to the Atlantic. The south-eastern slope, for nearly its entire length of over two hundred miles, has undergone very extensive denudation ; the phenomenon of scratching and polishing prevails almost everywhere over its surface; the striz are remarkably distinct in many places. Point Pleasant and Leahyville, near Halifax, are examples. When the drift or boulder clay is removed, the scratches and furrows are frequently met with, and they are generally in the same direction ; yet, there are some places where the striz, or markings, exhibit different courses. Near Morgan’s, on the LaHave river, the course is S. 63 W., whilst in a valley about five miles east, the course is quite different, being nearly north and south. The direction of the strike of the gold-bearing rocks is gener- ally very regular, and nearly at right.angles to that of the gla- cial groovings, the former being nearly east and west, whilst the latter is north and south. Subjoined I give the general direction of the strike of the slates in our principal gold mining districts, with as many notes of the courses of the striations as J am able to place before you: 132 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. Course of Strike. Course of Stria. tome 1. Goldenville, nearly............ Han deW ion , meccsuten seers N.and (8.5, Gos Soe toes 2. 15-mileStream.............c000 SOLE descae weauleneeneceies SOs Weeeesce: 1868 SPE CAV OLED AM sees scekccen coon SE DT IOO MHI! Cisse eeacsenee Seloy WV racee ace 1871 APL ATOM OT Et. aii) Ifelsectentcoleae ase BS iad Where i cecsacsteaesces S20) Wie cebneceaeeeeee 5. Carriboo Moose River......... Ne 87s | Bisse ica doceutncaeaieal lh eceieiat hacestacieemae 1876. 6. do. Lindsay Lake...... ING 75; Hieiccs Uaeoesesnetetas @ dsgenersee toca: cemeeee 1881 (6 do, Musquodoboit:...5.N. 774) Bias, (sacks eeckonet. pure sk cece semaeaeeaneeme 1864 8. Gay’s River (conglomerate) N. 78, 25, BE. ...........0.08 Nitand’S. 2a eeaee Qeilcalker atcha ten. sshcn scenes cee ING 72: Ys Reyes ee ee cee ea ee a, ee ee 1882 NOMIGHEZZCtCOOK..-cencssacececsseces NFO he) esse ete em heel seas Does Ree eo ee eee 11. Lawrencetown...........:c.00.- Sy S75 Wises cgacreteoachectes. ass cansicceueeteneetees 1862 1D SE ed ae Nig, Gexpoemre moths a ie NSiy, Oldham ores ssoeseeenseae ues senee INJOB 2, MH sasautee acetate. INO Se aaeceees 1862 The direction of the strike and the year when taken, were obtained through Mr. Carman of the Public Works and Mines Office. Some of the courses of the strize were taken by myself, others by parties to whom I have applied in the present year. The bearing is magnetic. The unmistakable traces which are so marked shew that east glaciers must have once existed here, or, that these markings are due, as Dr. Dawson in his Acadian Geology seems to favour, to the abrasion of the rocks by icebergs coming from the direction of the sea. We have the carefully pr tere and almost conclusive reasons given by Dr. Dawson on the glaciers and icebergs of the Post Pliocene period, published in 1868; but we have other authority on glacier action by equally active observers, such as Professor Tyndall and others. In examining the evidences which are illustrated by markings or striation running in the same general direction in Nova Scotia, and other phenomena which they suggest, it is not easy to assume any definite conclusion respecting this theory or:that. Whilst quoting sueh authority let us approach this subject gradually. Professor Tyndall, after discussing snow-crystals and regelation in his work “ Heat as a mode of motion,” discourses from actual observations of his own among the Alps, as well as from the records of other writers on the glacial action now going on in the Himalayas, the Andes and many other snow-laden mountains ; and propounds the theory that the scars, flutings and furrowings PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. 133 visible along the valley of the Rhone for a distance of 80 miles. until lost in Lake Geneva, are due to the same cause. For, says the learned Doctor, “ Grand as the present glaciers seem to those who explore them to their full extent, they are mere pigmies in comparison with their predecessors.” By their predecessors he means, as expressed previously, traces of ancient glaciers. There are many theories for the cause of glacier motion. 1. That of Dr. Saussure,—The slow but continual sliding of the icy masses on inclined bases. 2. The dilation theory, from expansion of water accumulating daily in its fissures, tending to urge the glacier onwards. 3. Then there is that of Professor Forbes, viz:—A glacier is an imperfect fluid or viscous body which is urged down slopes of a certain inclination by the mutual pressure of its parts. The Encyclopedia Britannica, after giving in its usual preci- sive style, a description of the glacier, concludes its last paragraph on the subject thus:—“The problems of the cause of glacier motion cannot yet be considered to be satisfactorily solved,” and goes on to quote the contributors on the subject; such as Professor James Thompson, Professor Forbes, Sir William Thomson, Tyn- dall, Faraday and others, ending with the views of‘Dr. Croll, who _ regards the motion of ice of a glacier as molecular, resulting from the very conduction of heat through the mass of the glacier, which will melt the ice and create a wave of thaw, but will in turn freeze again and cause a downward movement in the direction which has the least resistance, and the direction in which gravi- tation co-operates. If we take a broad view of the extent of surface which exhibits such markings as those under consideration, we ean scarcely admit the theory of a gradual subsidence and the re-elevation with the action of the sea and its currents bearing ice at certain seasons of the year, which is really that of Dr. Dawson. The slope running back from the south-eastern shore to the top of the ridge of the low mountain range all the way from Cape Canso to Cape Sable, although rugged, undulatory and serrated, in numerous places, is nevertheless free from very high protu- berances, 134 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. A large extent of its surface is so much denuded of drift that any extensive forest fire burns up all the clothing on patches of its surface, leaving the rocks so bare that the miner is invariably tempted to prosecute a search. The presence of granite patches here and there at the existing surface, shewing that the denudation had reached so far, and the evidences of a granite nucleus in the higher ridge outcropping in like manner, shews that most of the strata under which the granite was consolidated have been reduced to a mere shell by denudation, a work which we could scarcely attribute to depletion by icebergs alone. And again, the markings are mostly flutings or furrowings, and the mechanical action which caused them can be more reasonably attributed to a slow grinding process than to the force of impact by icebergs, which would exhibit more denticulated or notched abrasion. . The nature and extent of the work performed in excavating and removing a depth of rock surface probably greater in height than some of our present mountains, and extending over two hundred miles in length, could, to our senses, be more reasonably assigned to the agencies exerted in the glacial period or ice age, than any other we can conceive. If we assume a uniformity of action, and adopt the assumption that the whole slope of’ our Atlantic sea board was being sculptured or shorn at one and the same time by glaciers moving from the north, we can comprehend, to some extent, the cause of the glacial markings. The theory of Dr. Honeyman, of the drift from the north, is the only one that will truly reconcile us to the great effect produced. If denudation other than that of glaciers contributed to reduce the rock surfaces now visible above the sea level, they must have exerted their influence before the Post Pliocene period. The flutings, as I would call them, are, no doubt, the work of large superimposed masses moving slowly; and these traces are on the floor, on . the surface of our rocks only,—they have not been observed lower, so far as I can ascertain. If we carefully observe the fluted-like etchings visible on the rock surfaces of Nova Seotia, with the view of determining for PHYSICAL -FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY, 135 ourselves whether these markings were caused by a slow grind- ing process, or by the abrasion of icebergs striking, rocking or slipping on an inclined rock surface, we will, I have no doubt, conclude that the former, viz, the slow grinding process, was the much more likely to produce them. If we judge from effect, there is no reason whatever that Dr. Honeyman’s theory, which is, also, I believe, that of Sir William Logan and Professor Hind, that larger masses of ice moving in glacial form over the surface, and carrying with it pebbles and boulders, is not the correct one to assign to the work performed. There are so many evidences which tend to establish it, both from a mechanical and theoretical point of view, that it would be superfluous here to mention them. They are plainly given in Dana's text-book of American geology, as well as by Profes- sor Tyndall and other writers, who have made the subject a study. We cannot, however, stop here: there are other features to be accounted for; they are, viz:—The old sea beaches and a local drift, which must have occurred at a more recent period. For, if these beaches then existed, and also the local drift, which I shall hereafter more particularly refer to, any glacial movement must have carried them with it, and deposited them elsewhere in a much more irregular manner than their present appearances would indicate. I have been considering this matter, and give some notes on the subject for what they are worth. Every practical miner in our gold fields knows (for every miner in Nova Scotia is also a prospector or searcher for paying- quartz leads on its surface), that if he finds a boulder shewing gold, he will invariably look for the lead or quartz vein to the north of where he finds it, so sure is he of finding the lead to correspond in width and richness as is indicated by the boulder, and that he will exhaust, probably, all his means in the search, or succeed in the find. The direction in which to prosecute the search and the distance, which will vary generally, according to the depth of the drift, is so well understood as to become proverbial. The quartz boulders are not at all weather-worn, their edges 136 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. being just as sharp as when broken from the vein or lead (as it is called) to which they belonged. Let us reject the assumption that the gravel ridges remaining on the top and slopes of the South Mountain are old sea beaches, and for the present call them Moraines, and inquire only into the first postulate, by asking the question: Assuming that there was a glacial movement over the surface of our south-eastern slope, cutting the rocks by a shearing force and carrying them with it, how can we account for the more local movement of the quartz boulders ? These boulders appear on the surface; they may have been broken from their beds by agents such as are now active, viz: the alternating influence of frost and heat. I know that the frosts of winter will keep boulders on the surface, although they may be again and again covered by silt. I can account for the lifting by the process of freezing. If we eould, in this same way, account for the travelling in a southerly — direction, which is not so improbable, we might solve the pro- blem of the local drift. The fact of the distance from the lead being dependent upon the depth of the drift, favors an assumption that in the process of lifting there was also a travelling movement. It has been remarked to me by very practical observers and searchers, such as Mr. John Anderson, of Musquodoboit Harbour, and Mr. Fraser, M. P. P. for Guysborough County, that miners observe, when costeaning from the boulder northerly, to look for the lead, they frequently find traces of quartz of the same kind, from the boulder on the surface to the lead im situ, graduating from one to the other. This fact would go to shew that the upward movement was gradual, and it would not be a great - stretch of imagination to assume that, as the boulder was lifted by the process of freezing, it would be forced somewhat in the line of least resistance—i. e., if it was frozen a little firmer on. the north side, it might cause a movement southerly. If these facts were more carefully looked into, the local drift might be accounted for. My greatest trouble is the old sea beaches. I cannot assign PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.-MURPHY, 187 their existence to originate from Moraines, because they appear to be of similar constitution to our sea beaches of to-day. In a paper read by Mr. Gilpin, Government Inspector of Mines for this Province, before the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, he says :—“ There seems to have been two periods of attrition and transportation. The effects of the earlier are now visible in immense “ boar’s backs ” from 50 to 150 feet in height and sometimes a mile in length, following a general north and south course;” and again he says: “A second and more local action is also visible, and by its agency the auriferious veins are usually found. This action has carried the quartzite and slate boulder from 100 to 1800 feet, on a course corresponding very nearly to that of the striz. Thus prospectors finding auriferous quartz boulders, costean to the North, and frequently trace the boulders to lodes corresponding in every respect to the boulders first found.” If our surface, as is shewn by research, has undergone great and remarkable vicissitudes during geological history, with alter- nating epochs of genial temperature and snow and ice, the striation and polishing of our rock surfaces may have been effected by glacial action; and subsequently another, and less destructive movement of the same nature, may have taken place which might account for the local drift according to the theory of Mr. Gilpin. 1. GEOLOGICAL. Commencing at the shore of the Bay of Fundy, we first en- counter a thick bed of Amygdaloidal trap, varying in colour from ~ gray to a dull red. It is full of cavities and fissures filled or coated with quartz and other associated minerals. It forms the -face of a cliff and rises vertically to a height of 110 feet, and from thence rises gradually with its associated slates and schists, until it attains a height of 595 feet in a distance of three miles; from thence it descends to the Annapolis valley, 345 feet below the summit, within the distance of a mile. We have now crossed the North Mountain, a narrow ridge not more than four miles wide at its base, and attaining a height of nearly 600 feet, and have reached the Annapolis Valley, which from here to the Village of Nictaux, a distance of 7 miles, is of 138 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. regular surface, and covered with drift. This latter distance is said to be Trias, or New Red Sandstone, but we could not, within the limit of our observations notice any outcrop which shews sandstone rock 7m situ. The iron ore bearing strata of the south side of the Annapolis Valley, which are first met at Nictaux, have been described by Dawson as Devonian, but Dr. Honeyman, from recent explora- tions, is inclined to place them much lower. I am able to place before you some fossils taken from the iron deposits themselves at this place, which may assist in determining the age of the _ strata here. The slate here has a strike of 45° E. and dips N. 85° and continues up the valley of the Nictaux River to the 15th mile. At the 13th, and again at the 134 miles the outcrops of some of the Cleveland Magnetic Lodes present themselves. Two at the 13th mile, 5 to 8 feet thick, each are said to be very rich. They run N. E. and 8. W. across the line of the mountain- range with a slight northerly dip, and were only two of many which the Cleveland Iron Company have opened up by pros- pecting. At 144 miles Smith’s Bluff is reached, where the for- mation changes from slate to granite. Here we encounter a solid bluff of the latter, but for a short distance only. We are now in the granite region. From here to the crossing of the LaHave River, a distance of 28 miles, any visible outcrop met with shews “porphyritic granite.” Immediately upon crossing the LaHave river, at the 43rd mile, there is a transition from granite to slate, which is seen in the beds of the various streams, and in the gravel round Wentzell’s lake. The strata has a strike of south, 60° W., and dips north- erly at an angle of 80°, the cleavage being nearly vertical. We are now in the Lower Cambrian formation, or the aurifer- ous region. At 47 miles, at Morgan’s falls, the strike is north 63° E., the dip is northerly 87°. At Riversdale, 49 miles, the strike is N., 60° E., dip 87°, N. At 60 miles the strike is N., 65° E., the dip is vertical. At 61 miles we lose the slate in our line of survey, drift, with granite boulders, taking its place, which continues to Bridgewater. PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. 139 Locat TopoGRAPHY.—BAY oF FUNDY To ATLANTIC, THROUGH NICTAUX. I give the local topography along the line of survey in the words of my report made in the year 1875: Commencing at the Middleton station, on the Windsor and Annapolis railway, it crosses new pasture land, tillage, orchard, meadow, orchard again, and choice intervale to Annapolis river ; thence to Nictaux village, clearings, light alluvial pastures, three orchards, and some spurs of spruce woods. For this distance of four miles throughout, the soil is alluvial and mellow, famous for its great natural fertility, as is all the Annapolis Valley, by producing in abundance most of the grain and fruits belonging to its latitude. From here the line begins to ascend the western slope of the hill-side of the Nictaux river. Keeping an inclining contour, no serious depression or ravine obstructs the course, which is over an apparently good surface, with occasional outcrops of slate. A mixed growth of heavy timber,—beech, birch, elm, pine, spruce and hemlock—clothes the hillside. From 6 to 7} miles, still keeping the same inclination, and following in like manner the contour of hill-side, the same heavy and mixed growth of timber and surface is passed. Here Smith’s Bluff is reached, thenee to 8.18 miles, where it crosses the Nic- taux river, the surface is rough; burnt woods, with some patches of timber still standing, intervene. From 84 to 94 miles, still keeping on the east bank of the river, and still inclining upwards with the same grade, very heavy timber, consisting of hemlock, spruce and hardwood, is passed, as well as some choice farming lands. At the 10th mile we reach the mill-dam of Messrs. Pope, Vose & Co., and from here to 11 miles the surface is denuded of soil by forest fires, and any timber met with is stunted and scrubby. From 103 to 122 miles, the surface is rough and barren, cover- ed by granite boulders, recent forest fires having destroyed all vegetation; thence to the 14th mile we cross over beautiful intervale soil clothed with heavy hardwood, spruce, and hemlock. 140 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY, Somewhat similar surface and mixed growth of fine timber continues to the head of Waterloo Lake, which we skirt on the east side. From the head of Waterloo Lake, crossing the Halifax road, we soon reach the clearing or pasture land of Mr, John Stoddart, where we attain the summit of the watershed or highest elevation, tract of intervale land growing fine black ash timber. For the next mile the trial line traverses a meadow, mostly spongy and arid, but with intervening patches of good pasture. At 24 miles, we reach Freeman’s Lake, and skirting along its west side, we pass some of the beautiful pasture lands of Spring- field, which encircle this Jake. Frem here for 1} miles, we pass through rocky, barren soil, with a growth of scrubby timber, to Falkland Ridge Road which we cross at 250 feet to the right of the bridge across Beaver Brook. From here to the foot of Mill Lake the surface is principally pasture, with occasional clumps of heavy hemlock. The line here is about midway between the farming districts of Falkland Ridge and Lake Pleasant; the former two miles to the left, the latter the same distance to the right. The soil along the lake is free from rock and well adapted for agricultural purposes, as is manifest by the numerous thriving farms in the neighborhood ; thence to the outlet of Mill Lake a belt of soft weod is traversed. At 29 miles we cross the Lunen- burg Road and follow the contour of the east side of an open hardwood ridge, sloping steeply towards Mason’s Meadow. Soil on this hillside is a light rich loam; the hardwood is, however, soon supplanted by a growth of hemlock and spruce; and the surfaces changes to rough, rocky ledges, until the level of the meadow is reached at 334 miles. From here to 35 miles sandstone boulders are met for the first time, drifted together with granite and the eastern side of a barren, thence to the crossing of the LaHave River, at 36 miles, we pass through some good timber lands of mixed varieties, and reach a meadow which extends to the bank of the river. From here we follow the river and public highway along th east banks of Germany Lake, diverging somewhat at Chesley’s. From thence to Bridgewater, a distance of 16 miles, the line follows respectively the road and the river; both are in close proximity, the surface regular throughout, PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA—MURPHY. 141 The general character of the surface for the last 16 miles is that of a long, rich agricultural valley, bounded on each side by a continuous line of hills of various forms and surfaces. The timber is heavy, pine is frequently met with; but the growth principally varies with the varied surface of the land. The country, so far, sketched along the line of survey, ought to be understood as being local. There are many thriving settle- ments and farms, not mentioned here, lying in close proximity. DRAINAGE. The southern promontory of Nova Scotia lying west of the 64° of longitude, embracing the counties of King’s, Annapolis; Digby and Yarmouth, on the north and west, and those of Shelburne, Queen’s and Lunenburg, on the south and east, are very marked both as to typography and drainage, extending in a south-westerly direction beyond the 66°, between the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean. The South Mountain range of elevated land extending from the Basin of Minas to near Anna- polis Royal, in the same south-westerly direction, and from thence converging more southerly through the County of Digby, forms the grand features of the country and regulates its drainage, disposing of its surface water from the northern slopes through the rivers Annapolis, and Cornwallis, which run _ respectively south-west and north-east to the Basins of Annapolis and Minas. The Windsor and Annapolis railway found an easy location along these rivers, which traverse the two beautiful alluvial valleys of Cornwallis and Annapolis, famous for their natural fertility. The physical features of the country south of the South Moun- tain, are very different to those described on the north side. Instead of the rivers receiving the drainage and running laterally with them, they run at right angles to them, and course nearly parallel to each other. Such are the Gold River, LaHave, Port Medway, Liverpool and Jordan rivers. The summit of the water-shed is crossed between the Nictaux and LaHave rivers; these rivers here interlace and cross each other in a series of lakes lying in an extensive plateau. 142 PHYSICAL FEATUR&S OF NOVA SCOTIA—MURPHY. TOPOGRAPHY ALONG ANNAPOLIS AND LIVERPOOL LINE. OF SURVEY. We started from the Annapolis and Yarmouth “Interior — survey” at a point distant from Annapolis 11? miles near Quarry Road, on the east side of East Branch, Moose River. The line follows the course of the stream to the Hessian line road, which it crosses at one hundred and twenty-nine feet east from the bridge. Thence keeping the east side of the stream, and gradually ascending the side hill, with a grade of one in ninety, or 58°7 feet per mile, till it reaches Lake Katy, where it crosses the river at the outlet from lake. Continuing along the east side of Lake Katy to near Virginia Settlement, it crosses the road bearing that name and thence follows the general course of that road till it arrives at Mud Lake, crossing the head of same and thence running direct to the lake known as “ Head Waters of Liverpool River.” Having arrived at the “ Liverpool Head,” we were then on the southerly slope of South Mountain, and on the water shed of Liverpool River. The distance of this summit from Liverpool, in an air line, is nearly fifty-five miles. and the elevation five hundred and sixty feet above the sea. Keeping the west side of lake, crossing Sandy-bottom Brook and Virginia Road, running along the south of the latter for one-fourth mile,recrossing the same, and keeping its north side to Liverpool and Annapolis post-road at Milford, following the road through Milford Settlement ; thence along the western side of Long Lake, keeping the general course of post-road_, and following the western side of Branch Lake, and the same side of Maitland River to Five Mile Lake, and from here along the western side of Liverpool River we arrive at Millford. The slopes of the adjoining hills are well covered with heavy timber, pine, spruce, hemlock, and hardwood. Leaving Caledonia, the line crosses the course of the lake, near the post road, Mr. Moor’s farm road and the “ narrows” of McLeod’s Lake, keeping the valley along same, crossing Smith’s mill brook and entering a meadow, distant from Brooktield one half mile. Leaving Brookfield and taking a south-easterly course, the line: PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. 148 crosses Payzant’s and Cameron’s farm roads, runs close to Chris- topher’s Lake, and crosses Cameron’s river, at up-stream side of bridge on main post-road, between it and Bear Trap Lake toa stream bearing the same name, following the westward side of lake to the 45th mile, thence to the western side of Moose Horn Lake, crossing Seventeen Mile Brook at about one half mile from main road, striking Greenfield and Sixteen Mile Settlement road, about two miles from Greenfield. Thence the course taken continues across Fifteen Mile Brook and through Allen Morton’s pasture, about one-fourth mile from Middlefield, meeting the new Greenfield road at a distance of 150 feet from the main road, and taking the east side of the latter to Ten Mile Brook, which it crosses at one hundred and twenty feet from the bridge on post road ; again crossing this road, it strikes the eastern side of Ten Mile Lake. Most of the ground over which the survey passes in this dis- tance of fifteen miles is almost denuded of alluvial surface. Continuing along the east of Ten Mile Lake, and the west side Liverpool and Annapolis road, the line crosses the Liverpool River road at three hundred feet from its junction with the main post road ; thence running for and keeping the east side of Liverpool River to Milton. This distance of ten miles is through a well-wooded but thinly-settled country. Milton, two miles from Liverpool, although having distinct characteristics from the latter, may be considered as an extension of that town, and, judging from the appearance presented by its buildings, as well as the extent and resources of the mill privi- leges more or less made available for the manufacture of lumber, it is not the less important. The Liverpool River here, for a distance of nearly two miles, is a series of small lakes or pools, impounded by mill dams, and made to pay easy tribute of its strength on its journey. The mechanical force thus stored and so aptly utilized by the predecessors of the present generation, for the manufacture and export of Lumber, proved so remunerative that comfortable homesteads, nestling in shady nooks, half embowered by trees and sombre woods, remain as a transcendant example of the fruits of industry, skill and perseverance. 144 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF NOVA SCOTIA.—MURPHY. SOUTHERLY SLOPE—SOUTH MOUNTAIN. If we were to follow a course along the South-eastern or Atlantic slope of the South Mountain, keeping parallel with the trend of its summit and lower than the granitic outcrops, we would traverse a district of much interest which is known to few, and would find many places obscure and lonely, possessing great natural beauty and fertility. Along the southernmost slope, this belt, varying from ten to fifteen miles in width, is reticulated by many green patches of foliage and luxuriant growth of timber, exhibiting remarkable contrast with the barren denuded - surface of a great portion of the country further down. If you would follow this varied yet regular range of landscape, alter- nating with lake and woodland, many strange phases of primitive grandeur would present themselves. Some noble forest trees of vigorous growth, some far gone in years, some shattered by the winds and frosts, bent and broken, lying athwart their neigh- bours, others long since departed yet still bolt upright with their bare white rampike branches atop, and here and there small clumps of new growth shewing all the beauty and vigour of youth. Further on is the “hardwood hill,’ with its stately white limbed birchen or maple, shewing smooth firm trunks and wide protection of bough, as regular and as trim as if pruned and trained by the expert to beautify some lawn or avenue in the frequented and ornamental parks of Europe. Rising from a carpeted floor of crisp leaves, at remarkably regular distances apart for their convenience of growth and development, these trees, indigenous, clothe receding hill sides for many miles. We notice that the lines are somewhat finely drawn between the domain of each of its kind, each generally keeping within its own boundary. There are, of course, many intervening patches of a mixed growth of pine, birch, maple and others, yet generally speaking, the first named three keep within the zones of their kind. Long vales of meadow, with a copious covering of grasses, frequently are met with. They .generally encompass lakes, or border streams on alluvial or peaty surface, and often open up glades that permit the eye to range over a prospect beautiful and extensive. Rosignol, with its clustered islands, secluded NOVA SCOTIA FRESH-WATER SPONGES— MACKAY. 145 and solitary, the largest of our inland lakes, is exceedingly pleasing and picturesque—here expanding into a broad sheet of limpid glow, there presenting narrow wavy outlines in the sombre shadows of islands that look as if afloat, and bearing mast like the spruce and hemlock which give them a trim and characteristic appearance; and again we come unawares on long winding armlets branching and converging with fringed borders of willow and alder, that dip their pendant branches into the water, all giving a semblance of vastness to this natural landscape scenery, that when once seen is not easily forgotten. The Mic-Mae has for ages established this secluded retreat. commonly known as the Indian Gardens, as the centre of his hunting operations. Here in summer he can provide himself with fish, and in winter he is in the path of the Moose or Elk, that still roam at large and almost unmolested over the vast tract of wilderness. The Beaver, too, is still active in the lakes and swamps along this district, and although his domain, like that of the Moose, is fast becoming circumscribed, he yet furnishes some winter sport and employment to the hunter and trapper. ArT. I[X.—NotTEs on Nova Scorta FRESH-WATER SPONGES. BywA. A Mackay, ByA...B. Se (Read 12th May, 1884.) About the middle of August, 1883, I spent a few hours examining the MacIntosh Lake, near the north-eastern extremity of the Cobequid range, and the Earltown Lakes, a little higher up on the same range, with the object of learning the nature of the deposits at their bottoms. Having extemporized a small raft on the former lake, I paddled out a little distance, and with my face close to the water, saw old branches of trees in the bottom, with patches of a thick green vrowth surrounding por- tions of them, sometimes bearing short finger-like projections. Drawing these up, I made my first practical acquaintance with a fresh-water sponge. On the hard, gravelly beach of a small 146 NOVA SCOTIA FRESH-WATER SPONGES—MACKAY. island in the centre of the lake, I found green sponges branching out four or five inches. The external configuration of this sponge was sufficient to point it out as Spongilla lacustroides, Potts, the American form of the European 8S. lacustiis, which it much resembles. The deposit in the lake was chiefly composed of the exquisitely sculptured silicious cells of over fifty different species of diatoms to which I shall specially refer in another paper, mingled with a great number of the skeletal and other spicules of more than one species of silicious sponge. Among the plants of the higher orders the waters had an abundant supply of Potamogeton, namely, P. natans L. and Var. prolixus Koch., P. praelongus, Wulfen, and P. obtusifolvus, Mertens and Koch., and Naias flealis, Rostk, of the same family, and of the Gentian family, Limnanthemim lacinosim, Grisebach, with its floating, heart-shaped leaves, while eriocaulow septangulare Withering, and Lobelia Dortmana, L., studded the shallows. In the Earltown lakes the following were, in addition, plentifully found: Raninculus aquatiliso, Var., trichophyllus, Chaix, and Chara fragilis. Also, near by, in a pond just below McKay’s mills, a luxuriant mass of Nitella flexilis was found. The altitude of this position will be probably not very far from 1000 feet above the sea level. Mackintosh Lake, which is a little lower, and on the north-eastern side of the water shed, is most easily accessible from Pictou County, near the boundary of which it is situated, a few miles above Loganville, on the West Branch of River John, yet in the County of Colchester. The waters of both lakes are very clear, and the drift around the Mackintosh especially, is characterized by the presence of granite. I have had but little time to follow out the collection and study of the sponges since the accidental discovery alluded to. I shall therefore throw this paper into the form of notes, or of a report of progress, hoping to be able to give more complete in- formation by the end of another year. I shall now simply des- cribe the freshwater sponge as a mass of reticulated or channelled sarcode, green, when exposed to the influence of the light, supported by a framework of interlaced silicious spicules, NOVA SCOTIA FRESH-WATER SPONGES—MACKAY. 147 about the one hundredth or 12 one thousandths of an ineh in length. (See slides, Nos. 2, 3,5, &c.) In the sareode is another system of smaller generally cured and tuberculated spicules, averaging from 2? to 3 one thousandths of an inch. (See Nos. 1, &c.) And thirdly, we have in the statoblasts or reproductive gerumules which are generally formed towards the close of the summer season in the body of the sponge, what are called the statoblast spicules, smaller than the others, forming the best basis for classification. I have sent specimens of the material collected to H. J. Carter, Esq., F. R.S., of England, the author of the “History and Classification of the known species of Spongilla,” the latest and most authoritative monograph on the subject. Mr. Carter kindly assisted, and sont me specimens of some English and American forms. The following is a summary of what is already known :— Spongilla lacustroides, Potts. —This species I have found growing abundantly in the Mackintosh and Earltown lakes. It probably also exists in the water supply lakes of Halifax, judg- ing from the appearance of some of the skeletal spicules in their deposits received through the kindness of Professor George Lawson, of Dalhousie College. There isa great rarity of statoblast spicules in the lake deposits examined. This will not be so surprising when it is considered that in the specimens of spongilla collected in August last, of which some dried fragments are here for examination, when treated with acid to destroy the organic matter, only skeletal and flesh spicules are to be seen, as in slides Nos. 1 and 2. Slide No. 5 shows the spicules, all three kinds, of S. lacustris from the Exeter River, England, obtained from a portion of a speci- men sent me by Mr. Carter. The statoblast spicules are few, more curved, broader than, and not tapering like, the flesh spicules. The corresponding ones of WS. lacustroides would be less curved. On slide No. 3 are shown the spicules of another species in addition to the first named, which I was sus- pecting to be those of S. fluviatilis from the large tuberculated skeleton spines, and the impression that they had come from a large though not branching sponge which, from the unexpected \ 148 NOVA SCOTIA FRESH-WATER SPONGES— MACKAY. character of the discovery, I had unwittingly mixed up with SV. lacustroides. However, I discovered none of its stellbate biro- tules, and neither Mr. Carter nor Mr. Potts, of Philadelphia, have observed any evidence of the existence of this species in lacustrine deposits sent them. Meyenia Leidii, Carter—Slide No. 10 contains the skeletal, flesh and small birotulate statoblast spicules obtained by the acid treatment from this sponge which comes from the Schuyl- kill, Philadelphia. A few birotules like this have been observed in the lake deposits, from which the presence of the species is inferred. I have not been fortunate in securing one in any of my mounts. Meyenia craterrforma—Slide No. 12 shows the spicules of this species, the large hooked birotules being in great numbers. This also comes from the Schuylkill. A few birotules like these have also been observed in the deposits alluded to, but so rare that none happen to be in any of my mouits. Meyenia Hverettt, Mills—Birotulate spicules, identical with those of this species, are found one in each mount on an average in the Halifax Water Lake deposits, which I received from Professor Lawson. Slide No. 15 contains one if not two near the right hand lower margin of the cover. It is smaller than the birotule of M. crateriforma, with the shaft quite smooth. Slide No. 84 contains 14 skeletal spicules of the most common form from Earltown lakes, arranged in the two lower lines of the lower right hand rectangle. Accompanying the slides which explain themselves is a small box with dried portions of S. /acu- stroides and some of the fresh water deposits from both Mackintosh lake and the Earltown lake. The amount of silica derived from these waters and formed into diatom cells and sponge spicules must be very great, as the deposits are in some places very many feet in depth. NotE—Since the above paper was presented, the author has observed nine species of freshwater sponges, (four genera) living in the lakes of Nova Scotia. Of these, two, viz., Spongilla Mace- Kayii, Carter, and Heteromeyenia Prctovensis, Potts, are new to science. They will appear in next year’s Transactions, PROCEEDINGS OF THE Nova Srotian Justitute of Datuval Science. VOL. Vigv PARew ITE Provincial Museum, October 8, 1884. ANNIVERSARY MERTING. RoBert Morrow, Egq.. in the chair. Inter alva. The following gentlemen were elected oftice-bearers and Council for the ensu- ing vear :— President—RosERT Morrow, F. R. M.S. Vice-Presidents—JoHN -SomeErS, M. D.; J. G. MAcGreaor, D. Se. Treasurer—W. C. SILVER. Secretaries—REV. D. HoNEyMAN, D C. L.; Atex. McKay. Council—D. HARRINGTON, M D., AuGusTus ALLISON, MARTIN MuRPBRY, C.E. Epwin Gitpin, A. M.; GEoRGE Lawson, Ph. D,, LL. D.; WiLL1amM GossIP, Maynarp BowMaN, JoHN J. Fox. ORDINARY MEETING, PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, November 10, 1884. Ropert Morrow, Esq., President, in the chair. Mr. MurpHy, delegate to the Royal Society of Canada, read the report. Mr. Gossip then read a Paper-—‘A Retrospect of the Proceedings of the Institute, from the commencement.” 150 PROCEEDINGS. - ORDINARY MEETING, PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, December 8, 1884. RoBERT MorRRow, Esq., Preszdent, in the chair. Dr. HONEYMAN read a Paper—‘“‘ Geological Notes of Excursions with the members of the British Association.” ORDINARY MEETING, PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, January 12, 1885. RoBERT Morrow, Esq,, President, in the chair. It was intimated that GEORGE M. CaMPBELL and JOHN STEWART, M. D. who had been proposed as members at the November meeting, had been elected by the Council. THE PRESIDENT exhibited a fine collection of West Indian Molluscas, and made remarks upon a considerable number of them. A Paper on “ Delphinus Delphis,” by Dr. SOMERS, was deferred. ORDINARY MEETING, PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, March 9, 1885. Wm. Gossip, Esq., in the chair. It was intimated that RoprrRT Unrack®, C. E., who had been nominated a member at the last meeting of the Institute, had been elected by the Council ° A Paper was read by Epwin Gibpin, F. G. S., on “ Feather-alum ”— Malo trichite. A Paper was read by GroRGE Lawson, Ph. D., LL.D., “On New or Rare Plants of Nova Scotia.” A letter was read from the Royal Society of Canada, requesting the Institute to elect a delegate to attend the meetings of that Society on May 19tb. ORDINARY MEETING, PROVINCIAL MusEvuM, Apri 30, 1885. Dr. SomgErs, V. P., in the chair. A Paper was read by Dr. HonryMan “ On Louisburg—past and present, an Historico-Geological Sketch.” : Dr. Lawson read “ Notes on a Collection of Plants,’ —by G. G. CAMPBELL. The collection was exhibited. Pref. J. G. MACGREGOR was elected delegate to the Royal Society of Canada. PROCEEDINGS. 151 ORDINARY MERTING, PROVINCIAL MusEUM, May 11, 1885. Dr. Somers, V. P., wn the chaar. A. J. DENTON, who was proposed as a member at the last ordinary meeting,. was elected by the Council. “Notes on Temperature of Maximum Density,” was read by Prof. J. G. MacGREGOR, D. Sc. Paper “ On New Nova Scotia Fishes,” was read by Dr. Honeyman. “On Freshwater Sponges of Nova Scotia,”—by A. H. Mackay, B. A., B. Sc. LIST: OF MEMBERS: Dates of Admission. 1873. 69. ale 84. 64, 84. 65. 84. 82. 73 63. 65. 63. 83. 83. 81. 82. 67. 74, 60. 82. 64. 81. 77. 72, 84. 78. te 72. 70. 65. Jan. Feb. Dec. Mar. Dec. Nov. Oct. April May April Jan. Feb. Feb. Mar. Mar. Dec. April Dec. Dec. Jan. April Mar. Mar. Jan. Feb. April Noy. Jan. Feb. Jan. Aug. to _— = 8.5 Wie 15. 19, 13. —_ — bo Or Ov Ht Akins, T. B., D. C. L. Allison, Augustus, Meteorologist, Halifax. Bayne, Herbert E., Ph. D., F. R. &. C., Prof. of Chemistry, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ont. Bowman, Maynard, Public Analyst, Halifax. Brown, ©. B., Halifax. Campbell, G. M., B. A., Tutor in Mathematics, Dalhousie College. DeWolfe, James R., M. D., L. R. C S., E. Denton, A. J., High School, Halifax. Fox, John J., Halifax. Gilpin Edwin, F. R.S. C., F. G. S., Gov't Inspector of Mines. Gilpin, J. Bernard, M. D., M. R.C., F. R. S.C. Gossip, William, Halifax Downs, Andrew, M. Z., Tavidermist, Halifax. Forbes, John, Dartmouth. Foster, James G., Barrister, Dartmouth. Hare, Alfred, Bedford. Harrington, D., M. D., Halifax. Honeyman, Rev. D., D.C.L, F. R. S.C. F. 8. A., Secretary, Curator of Provincial Museum, Halifax. Jack, Peter, Cashier of People’s Bank, Halifax. Jones, J. M., F. R.S.C., F. L. S.. Hahfax. Keating, E. H., C. E., Cety Engineer, Halifax. Lawson G., Ph. D., LL. D., Prof. of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Dalhousie College, Halifax. Macdonald, Simon D., F. G.S., Halifax. MacGregor, J. G:, D. Sc., F.R. S. E., F. R. 8. C., Vece-Presz- dent, Professor of Physices, Dalhousie Col., Halifax. McKay, Alex., Secretary, Supervisor of Halifax Pub. Schools. McKenzie, Roderick, Bank of Montreal. McLeod, John, Demerara, West Indies. Morrow, Geoffrey, Halifax. Morrow, Robert, F. R. M.S., President, Walifax. Murphy, Martin, C. E., Provincial Engineer, Halifax. Nova Scotia, the Right Rev. Hibbert Binney, Lord Bishop of. Dates of Admission. 79. 65. 85, Nov. ll. Jans 8 May 7 Jan. 11 Mar. 9. Oct. 1% Nov. 13 Nov. 9. Jane Ue Mar. 31. Mar. 12. Mar. 12. April 4. Nov. 29. Octiy Ze June 10. May 12. LIST OF MEMBERS. 153 Poole, H. S., Assoc. R. School of Mines, F.G. S., Supt of Acadia Mines. Rutherford, John, Sup’t of Albion Mines, Pictou. Silver, W. C., Treasurer, Halifax. Somers, John, M. D., Prof. of Physiology and Zoology, Halifax Medical Col ege. Stewart, John, M. D., Pictou. Uniacke, Robert, C. E. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. Gunn, John G., Inspector of Schools, Cape Breton. Harris, C., Prof. of Civil Engineering, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario. Kennedy, Prof., King’s College, Windsor. McKay, A. H., B. A., B.Se., Principal of Pictou Academy. McKenzie, W. B., Engineer, Moncton, N. B. McKenzie, C. H. M. D., Inspector of Schools, Parrsboro’, Patterson, Rev. G., D. D., New Glasgow. Pineo, A. J., Editor of Canadian Science Monthly, Wolfville. CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. Ball, Rev. E., Tangier. Marcou, Jules, Cambridge, Mass. McClintock, Sir Leopold, Kt., F. R. S., Vice-Admirad. Weston, Thomas C., Geological Survey of Canada. LIFE MEMBER. Parker, Hon. Dr., M. L. C., Nova Scotia. ope Bihaba oe Art. —Parer BY Wm. Gossip, Esa. (Read Nov. 10, 1884.) This 1s a Paper alluded to in the latter part of Mr. Gossip’s Report as one of the Delegates of the Nova Scotia Institute, at Ottawa, May, 1883, and not read at that Meeting of the Royal Society. Ir will be a consoling reflection to many whose years, like my own, have fallen into the sear and yellow leaf, that they have lived to witness in this young and growing Dominion the forma- tion of a Royal Society of Canada, wherein, as in a mirror, all the grand discoveries of past ages and of the present time, and dependent thereon, the progress of nations in population, wealth and prosperity may concentrate, as examples and incentives towards a diligent and industrious emulation in a further patriotic course of public inprovement. Much, however, will depend upon the direction that is given to the impulse thus communicated. If it serve only to inflate the mind with exaggerated ideas of personal importance, the Royal Society may become a distinguished ornament of the Dominion, but much good may not be expected to flow from it in a national point of view. In fact it might as well be dead. But if the impulse spread itself, and be made to permeate the com- munity with the usefulness which is undoubtedly a part of its nature, it cannot fail to awaken the dormant or latent talent of _ the country, and infuse amongst its enquiring minds the energy of robust life and active research. The benefits derived will then be great and manifold, commensurate with the utmost hope and expectation entertained by the friends and well-wishers of the Institution. Nor is there any reason, in all that has yet been done on behalf of the Royal Society, to anticipate aught else than a happy result of its labours. Certainly it has rarely been on this side of 156 A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP. the Atlantic that a learned association has been introduced to a community under more exalted or more favourable auspices. It will go down to posterity as a worthy conception of the Repre- sentative of Her Most Gracious Majesty, her son-in-law, a noble Governor-General, anxious for the advancement and prosperity of a country whose interests were committed to his charge—a country than which none other on the face of the earth possesses in a greater degree the elewents of national greatness. With his name also, as its founder, must ever be identified, that of his royal consort, the Princess Louise, whose august presence among us is an evidence alike of the confidence of the Imperial Govern- ment in the unswerving loyalty of the Dominion, and of the parental reliance of the Sovereign on our zealous affection towards her person and government. Various, therefore, as may be the nationalities of which our country is composed, more em- phatically than ever may we now claim Great Britain as the Mother Country, and under the egis of her unrivalled constitu- tion combine to work out to their fullest fruition all those political, commercial and national advantages, which have so freely and lavishly been bestowed upon us. With a centralized Institution like the Royal Society, so well calculated to promote the advancen:ent of science, it would be a remissness of the duty we owe to ourselves, if the Nova Scotian Institute of Natural Science failed cheerfully to respond to your invitation to unite with you and to lend its aid to facilitate and promote your high objects. When, therefore, with a true liber- ality which did you honour, and was perhaps expected, you held out the right hand of fellowship, and so deigned to endorse our humble labours, we hailed it as a formal recognition of the brotherhood of science, not limited by colonial or national boundaries, but expansive as civilization, and wide as the world. We felt glad of your desire to affiliate, and Iam here to-day to show to you that we rejoice in your brotherhood. It may not, therefore, be out of place, being one of its oldest members, and with your permission, if I devote a few short sentences to inform you of our origin and history. The Nova Scotian Institute is placed by you among the chief A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP. 157 scientific associations of British America, although but little more than twenty years in existence. Short, however, as its time has been, it may be said so tar to have done good service. The Institute originated with a few gentlemen who believed that in a Province which contained vast mineral resources, and further was an untrodden field in other branches of natural science, there would be found men of culture and experience who would gladly lend their aid to develop them into successful activity. After several meetings in the office of Mr. Robert Haliburton (well known in this city, 2. e., Ottawa) the Institute was organized and the officers appointed. This was in January, 1863. Our first President was Mr. J. Matthew Jones, F. L.S., an English gentiemen who had acquired some distinction as a naturalist. I became its first Secretary. The Provincial Govern- ment gave us the use in the Province Building of the only spare room at their disposal. The tirst or second meeting (I forget which) was attended by His Excellency the Earl of Mulgrave, Lt.-Governor of the Province, and since Governor of Queensland, and more recently has succeeded to the hereditary title of Lord Normandy. He made an excellent speech, commendatory and congratulatory of the enterprise, which I regret to state has not been recorded in our Transactions. The inaugural address was delivered by P. C. Hill, Esq., more recently the Premier of the Nova Scotian Assembly. In the first volume of our transactions, embracing a period of four years, will be found papers on the Provincial zoology, geology, mineralogy, ichthyology, gold fields, ethnology, conchology, lepidoptera, meteorology, and other bran- ches of science, to which I need not more particularly allude. Coming froin a country so little known as Nova Scotia then was, this: volume seems to have commanded considerable attention, and applications from scientitic societies abroad were frequent for exchanges with their own publications, and soliciting corres- pondence. These were responded to so far as we were able until now most of the earlier volumes of our Transactions have been expended. We thus early realized the anticipations in the inaugural address of Mr. Hill, who, after some preliminary remarks on the value of well organized over individual efforts, 158 A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP. modestly observed :—“ Should our hopes not be disappointed, we look forward to the time when our ‘Transactions’ shall be exchanged with older and more important institutions, and any new or well authenticated fact having passed the ordeal of our own local organization, shall be submitted to the great centre of science, and become the property of the whole world.” But it was not so much the early accomplishment of the re- sult thus anticipated, as a conviction of the Institute, that it was within the scope of the talent and ability of its members to command attention both at home and abroad, and to enter upon a high career of usefulness whenever they choose to bestir them- selves. They lost no time in doing so. The inaugural being disposed of, the first scientific paper, appropriately devoted to, practical zoology, was read by Dr. Bernard Gilpin, a naturalist, well known in British America and the United States as the Nova Scotia Zoologist. He furnishes an exhaustive description of the herring of our coasts, clupea elongata, and its peculiarities and species, which leaves nothing to be desired. In further numbers he enlarges upon the Zoology of Nova Scotia, and to all who are curious or desirous to be instructed in such matters, he has so identified himself with the natural history of every fish, bird, reptile and mammal of the country, and so accurately deseribed and illustrated them, that future writers or readers will require no other guide on these branches of the subject. This first paper was read Feb. 2, 1863. Other papers followed in rapid succession, to wit:—By Capt. (now General) Hardy, “On Nocturnal Life of Animals in the Forest ;’ further on, “On the Caplin, Mallotus Villosus,” of which he gives a most interesting and animated description. By this paper the fact not hitherto settled was established, that the southern limit of this ancient fish, an inhabitant of the deep in the days of the tertiary period, and found fossil near Montreal, is the coast of Nova Scotia, which it frequently visits. By Thos. Belt, who was afterwards distinguished as “the naturalist of Nicaragua,’ “On Some recent Movements of the Karth’s Surface.” By Henry Poole, Superintendent of the Albion Mines A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP. 159 Pictou, a position now filled by his son, “On the characteristic Fossils of different Coal Seams in Nova Scotia.” By J. Matthew Jones, F. L. S., “ Ichthyological Contributions.” By Abraham Gesner, M. D., a well known geologist, “On the Gold Fields of Nova Scotia.” He was followed by Robert Haliburton, a gen- tleman almost as well known to science in Canada as in Nova Scotia, with an able scientific paper on ethnology, or perhaps, as more appropriately styled by himself—* ethology,” in which he appears to have re-discovered a long hidden and crude system of astronomy, which was known before a knowledge of the solar system, or had derived its origin independent of it, and when the human mind could yet scarcely comprehend the principles by which it was governed. However that may be, Mr. Halibur- ton pointed out that the influence of the pleiades was coeval in the minds of many branches of the human family, and that religious observances among the most ancient of the tribes of mankind, depended upon their rising and culmination. Of these religious observances, relics still remain which seem to be inef- faceable, for instance—the Festival of the Dead. All Souls, All Saints, Halloween, the Mormodellick of the Australian savages, and other far fetched heathen festivals, all occurring at or near the same time of the year. This paper of Mr. Haliburton’s, which I commend to the careful perusal of every member of the Society interested in the subject, commanded much attention from learned men, and was I believe mainly instrumental in ’ making our Institute better known abroad. I am not sure that it may not form one of the best arguments of a certain school of ethnologists, on behalf of the plurality of the human creation, on which a great deal has been already said, and a great deal more remains to be said and written. Or that it may not point to the original site of the human family so imperfectly described in the Hebrew Scriptures, which had been utterly destroyed by a flood, but which may have had colonies far from the scene of destruction of which there are only a few remnants at the present day to attest to a very early intellectual progress and civiliza- tion. There is no necessity, however, that we should indulge in such 160 A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP. speculations, and it may create some astonishment that a young Institution should challenge public attention by so bold a flight and in a spirit of deprecation I may say that it has not been frequently repeated, and that only in a few instances have we gone beyond our own Province for material to form the subjects of our Papers. As a member of the Ethnographic Section of the Nova Scotia Institute, however unworthy, I could not refrain from a par- ticular notice of Mr. Haliburton’s excelient Paper, of which we have so good reason to be proud. The Ethnology of our own Province is, however, a very attractive subject, and is of consider- able importance in connection with the history of mankind. I will shortly refer to it in connection with the aborigines of Nova Scotia. It may not be quite satisfactory to some who incline to the belief that varieties of mankind were created on this conti- ‘nent, that it can be shewn that the Micmacs are not autochthones although I believe they are lineal descendants of the earliest forms of mankind, and amongst the first emigrants from the site of their creation, as they are probably the latest, though almost completly separated, Algonkin emigration from the old- est settlements of their tribe, with whom they afterwards main- tained a desultory acquaintance. With the restless spirit of their earliest wanderings they were in search of a better count- ry, or they may have been driven off by war or intestine com- motions. They undoubtedly came to Nova Scotia by way of the river and Gulf of St. Lawrence, and reached first Prince Edward Island, and settled themselves. They then spread to Cape Breton, where they still continue a wandering race, and must have crossed early to Newfoundland, where they came into contact with the Boethicks, with whom they were continually at war. They thus at length found the better country they were in quest of, and the peaceable land they sought, to which they gave the name of Acadia, which means in their language, “ the land of abundace.” They may have inhabited and prospered in it and multiplied, at least one thousand years before the arrival of the Europeans in America. I have never been able to discover whence the tribal name of A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP. 161 Micmacs was derived, and have reason to believe it is nota proper designation. If there are Irishmen and Scotchmen in this assem- blage, they may by putting their heads together be able to guess at a solution of the problem. I once asked an intelligent Squaw the question. She did not know. “They were becoming so mixed that no one knew.” A more ancient and euphonious name for them is that of Souroquois, which has a French sound, and certainly divides the honours with that of Micmac. I believe that neither is correct. Neither can it be “ Mignog, which some suppose it to be.’ I have never been able to discover it from the Indians themselves, who inherit little or no traditions except some legendary ones. In conversation once with an intelligent Micmac I asked him how they came to be called by that name The question seemed rather to puzzle him for a moment, and he replied by asking another, “ How you come to be called blue Nose? Micmacs, I suppose, come in same way.” Then, said I, you are not Micmacs? “ Not very much.” said he. The Rev. Mr. Rand, of Nova Scotia, a Baptist Minister, than whom no one alive is better acquainted with our Indians, who has lived amongst them, preached to them, and done all he could to improve their morality,and make them adopt more civilized habits, replied as follows to a question I submitted to him on the subject :* Perhaps one cause of his failure to influence them may be that they are staunch Romanists and will not be otherwise persuaded. There is no direct evidence from which to prove the extreme antiquity of the Algonkin race; but the man himself and his works are before us from which to deduce the fact. His natural colour is that of the Adam, and remains unchanged, except through intermixture with other races. He lived in a rude camp or wigwam made expressly for removal from place to place, and never intended for permanent settlement. He is a hunter and fisher, and a wanderer from the beginning, and may have com- Nore.—lI regret that the letter of Rev. Mr. Rand, replying to my question, has gone astray since the copy of this paper was prepared and furnished for the press. So far as I can recollect, it implied that the tribe were very strong men --head crushers—could beat all creation, and gave the true tribal name as Buc- towege —which has much the same signification, and may be translated as ‘* strong drink,” the strength of which, unfortunately, the Micmacs are too fond of prov- ing.—W. G. 162 A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP: menced his journey northward for aught we shall ever know, in the second generation of the human family. He made his utensils and his weapons out of wood and stone after the most simple process when he had attained to it. The hammer, the knife and the tomahawk must have been to him masterpieces of adaptation and human ingenuity. The spear, the sling, and bow and arrow followed, and were his weapons of offence and defence, upon which he mainly relied to procure sustenance. In these he gained some mechanical proficiency, but never was much of an inventive animal. The stars guided him to his destination and the chase supplied his wants. He learned to fashion a canoe, rude enough it must have been in those early days, by which, however, he crossed lakes and rivers, and frail as it was, and is, became an adept in its management, and at last adventured on a sea voyage, but he never understood the principle of the keel or the rudder. With the canoe however, he was equal to any fate that might befall him, and it were doubtful if he could have reached this continent without it. I believe that he was the first human being that arrived on the northern part of this western land, and having no enemies to contend with, and plentiful sus- tenance, he increased and multiplied, and became at length what the Algonkins are at the present day, the most numerous of its aboriginal families. He, that is his ancestry, left the site of man’s creation evidently before cattle were used by man, or beasts were subdued to his training. One of the best evidences of the vast antiquity of the Algonkin race is the comparative purity of their religious belief, which must. have been also that of the Adam, of Enoch, of Noah. They worshipped the Great Spirit, the Author and Controller of all things, and added to their creed the doctrine of the immortality of man’s nature. ‘True, in the course of the many thousand years of his development, his simple nature has been imposed upon by crafty and designing contrivances of his fellows, who have per- verted his imagination by attributing to themselves supernatural powers, and complicated his belief, by grotesque and hideous “ceremonies ; but he has never lost sight of the pure theism, which had impressed the minds of his remotest ancestry, and his depen- A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP- 163 dence upon cne God, the Supreme Being, the great Father, is still paramount, the foundation of his reliance in life, his chief consolation in death. Such is our Algonkin, and with this very imperfect sketch I leave him with the ethnologists of the Royal Society as an interesting study, which, if carefully followed out, may throw some light on the conformation of the western continent ; and the history of the aborigines which inhabit its northern portion Nova Scotia cannot produce exclusively, original types in any department of Natural Science. It is only within a comparatively recent period that gold has been added to its mineral resources, but this is found in similiar strata and under the same conditions as in other lands. Fortunately for us, its workings are of vast area and fairly remunerative. The coal and gyspum of the country, which are so well known and appreciated, are of carboni- ferous age and practically inexhaustible. Indications of other metals are frequent, but they do not appear in such quantities, as yet, that we would like to pin our faith on their extent and value. The iron ore of Nova Scotia, which is no recent discovery, but not unlimited, is of great extent and of the most valuable description. After all it is upon our iron and coal that the chief reliance can be placed for our mineral contributions to commerce. Much depends upon a careful geological and mineralogical exam- ination of the country, and the one ought to accompany or immediately follow the other, and cannot be too exact. It might have been expected that long ere this the question would have been settled. I would recommend the writings of your President, Dr. Dawson, and those of our Provineial Geologist, Rev. Dr. Honeyman, as the best authorities upon the subject. Nova Scotia is a country of no vast extent, but sufficiently large to afford the best examples of the geology and mineralogy, the zoology and botany of the Dominion, and is replete with the rare but as yet inert resources that contribute to the study of natural science and art. It is fairly entitled both to the considera- tion of the government and people of the Dominion, with a view to encourage and call them into useful activity. We ought therefore, to expect great things from an alliance with a Royal 164 A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP. Society which is so patronized and upheld, that it may almost be deemed a Government Institution. at the same time while it is so distinct. as to prove that its chief support must depend upon an appreciation of its merits by the people. Hitherto whatever has been done in this respect has been with little or no extraneous aid and assistance. Take our Institute as an example. After very creditable progress, and increasing popularity for several years, the pressure upon its funds for necessary maintenance had become so severe, that an application had to be made to the local legislature, which granted a smail annual sum, then, and still, very acceptable, which enables us to look the Province in the face with a creditable annual Book of Transactions, and in this way to repay the obligation by making the ccuntry better known both at home and abroad. But we are still indebted to the generosity of individuals for a place wherein to hold our meetings. and a place to keep our library, which is becoming valuable in many original publications. We are not able to build a hall of science as was sanguinely contemplated, nor are we able to procure out of the funds at our disposal, such publi- cations connected with our object, as we would like to call our own. I do not affirm that the interest has abated which was inspired at the birth of our Institute, certainly it has not beyond the confines of Nova Scotia, but with the strain upon the knowledge and the active intellect of our members, it is rather wonderful that their energies have proved equal to the demand upon them, or that its meetings are regularly held. It may be within the bounds of probability that the Royal Society, as a head or central Institution, with a position so well secured and acknowledged, may be able to supply by its influence just the momentum that is so much required to remedy some of those defects. Most likely our case is that of all Provincial or Canadian societies affiliated with it. They will without doubt desire to preserve their independence in their separate Provinces, and all alike deserve consideration. Jt may not be right there- fore that the aid of the Government should be bestowed on one Institution exclusively, but a discriminating assistance to all might be afforded through one well recognized channel, to be A PAPER—BY WM. GOSSIP. 165 claimed as required, by proper application and well proved necessity. I throw out the suggestion for what it is worth. Something of the kind is required to secure the proper control and efficient working of the Royal Society, and I hope for it a fair degree of attention. I might enlarge upon other matters favorable to ourselves and to similar efforts elsewhere, but neither time nor opportunity serve at present for more extended observations. I will remark, however, in conclusion, that the Dominion, with regard to every element of national progress, occupies a proud and enviable posi- tion amongst the nations of the earth. We reckon up our ancestry from the Norman conquest, without much thought of the wonderful Providence which has consolidated the nation, and guided it through the chaotic and brutal ignorance of that early period, to the contrast of its present proud rank and develop- ment, at the acme of civilization and refinement and progress in art and science of the nineteenth century. How unmeasurably superior is our position, To us the offspring of all the nation- alities of our remote ancestry, whose blood is commingled with that of the Saxon, the Norman, and the Gael, the habitants of an hemisphere of which no knowledge then existed, is the fusion bequeathel which has made us all Englishmen and Britons, and developed the greatest nation the world ever saw. Weare the heirs of all their progress, to mould the future of this vast Dominion,—not to rest here,—but to carry it onward to a far greater expansion. “No pent up Utica contracts our powers.” The vast extent of our country and its surprising fertility. Its settled constitutional government and _ perfect freedom. Its healthiness of climate everywhere. Its frontage on two oceans so favorable to commerce. Its mineral and finny wealth,— are all bases of advantage which point to a glorious destiny. It needs no spirit of prophesy to foretell the result if true to our- selves. We have already an earnest of progress towards that end, in the spread of our manufactures fostered by an enlighten- ed government—in the liberal institutions which are conferring their blessings on the land and helping the consummation—in our Royal Society and cognate institutions, under the highest 166 GEOLOGICAL NOTES—HONEYMAN. auspices and brightest prospects. As we cherish these and apply to them our powers of body and mind, so shall we aid the accomplishment of our destiny and become at length what God and nature have manifestly designed us to be—the chief nation of the western hemisphere, perhaps the leading nation of the world. Art. I]. —GEroLocicaL Notes oF ExcuRSIONS WITH MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION, AND OTHERS. By Rev. D. HonryMaAn, D.C.L., F.R.S.C., F.S.A., &e Jurator of the Provincial Musewm. (Read December 8, 1884.) WHEN accompanying our visitors of the British Association, I made several observations which seem worthy of record. JOGGINS SECTION. We first examined the South Joggins Section—the middle carboniferous division. This section is always interesting, as every season makes a renovation. We were, however, too late. Any fossil trees which had been exposed in the early part of the season, had been removed by Mr. Barnhill and others. ‘E., Professor of Physics, Dalhousie University .........0010-2.0- AT VIL—Nova Scotian Gevlogy—Halifax and Colchester Counties. By ~ . ProfeD, HONEY MAN; (Dy ©: Diy Ge. Ye ee Mes ios eee ae ee 2 sue VIII.—Notice of some New or Rare Plants. By GrorcE Lawson, * .~ Ph. D., :L. L. D., F.C. 1., Professor of Chemistr. ‘Y, Dathousie University Pe re Le ope SE PACEY ae KDE Ae Let Deo et a Ue a 68 : [X. oy of the Heart of i Moose, by Prof. JoHN SoMERs, Be ange 5 a aks Weaning Neca a LR etMAt Se i Us fie ee epee Ia gap 73 X. ae Winter Food of the PustMaee (Bonasa Umbellus), a on Partridge Poisoning. By Prof. JOHN SOMERS, M.D., | thard AR Wl eR oa aa ie aie ed eas MPa As anus 5 UNEP MOA 78 APPENDIX—A say ee Peep Fish. By Prof. D. Honrymay, D.C. .-. TGR COG Pea des al gees weeps SRE TRO alte Sundae EN ea le eee 85 Suncare NOVA SCOTIA WILLIAM GOSSIP, 103 GR ANVILLE ST. ‘1883. Price One Doliar. PROCEEDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE Aoba Scoti an Institute of Aatural Science, OF HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA. PROCEEDINGS.. bac eats daa ees oJ «BY SiR Guide