IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V^ ^ -*.. ^^ 1.0 I.I '" *" III 21 1 ^ ^ |40 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 III 1.6 4 6" ► V] <^ /a ^ ^4 /j /A 'W V Photographic Sciences Corporation iV <^ m ^ •i>' :\ \ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14.S8C (716) 872-4503 o % CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques :<> Technical and Bibliographic Notat/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may IM bibliographically unique, 'which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. [^ D D D Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagie Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurte et/ou pellicul6e I I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque □ Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographiques en couleur □ Coloured inic (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relid avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La reliure serr6e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intdrieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout6es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 4t6 film^es. Additional comments:/ Cornmentaires suppldmentaires; L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur axemplaire qu'il lui a AtA possible de se procurer. Les ddtaiis de cet bxemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la m6thode normale de filmage sont indiquis ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommag^es □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaur6es et/ou pellicuides Pages discoloured, stained or foxod/ Pages d^colories, tachet^es ou piqudes I I Pages detached/ [2( Pages d6tach6es Showthrough/ Transparence I I Quality of print varies/ Quality in^gaie de I'impression Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du matdriei suppidmentaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponibie 1 s 1 v d e b ri r( n D Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t^ fiimies d nouveau de fapon d obtenir la meilleure image possible. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film* au taux de reduction indiqu6 ci-dessous 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X aox 1 y \ 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X re lAtails IS du nodifier >r une ilmage BS The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: National Library of Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on thf) last page with a printed or illustrated Impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol ^»> (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. L'exemplaire filmt fut reproduit grAce k la gAnArosit6 de: BibliothAque nationale du Canada Les imsges suivantes ont AtA reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettet* de l'exemplaire film*, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimAe sont fllmAs en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmte en commenpent per la premlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la derniAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles sulvants apparattra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symboie — ► signifie "A SUIVRE ", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand comer, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmis A des taux de rMuction diffirents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, il est filmA A partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessairo. Les diagrammes sulvants illustrent la mAthode. errata to ) pelure, on d n 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 .«» y^' / 1/ \i?c//ro^(^y^/' ^/ GEOLOGICAL SUBVEY or NEWFOUNDLAND, ALEXANDER MURRAY, C.M.G., F.G.S., Director, JAMES P. HOWLEY, F.M.S., Assistant. LONDON: EDWARD STANFORD, 55 CHARING CROSS, S.W. 1881. it PREFACE. 1 The constant demand made upon my office at St. John*8, New- foundland, for copies of the * Reports of Progress on the Geolo- gical Survey,' haying nearly exhausted the stock placed in my hands for distribution, and many of the earlier numbers being now out of print, I have been induced to re-publish the whole set, in consecutive order, in one volume. The text of each year's Report has been to some extent modified, and they have all been carefully revised and corrected. The subject is divided into twenty chapters, the contents >f each chapter being specified in an index and heading, by which means ready reference may be had as to the proceedings of otch year, and the descriptions of the various portions of country visited given as examined. My intention at one time was to condense the history of this investigation into a single work, illustrated by sundry characteristic scenes, a small-scale general geological map and sections, and drawings of typical fossils, explanatory of the views expressed in the text ; but the difficulties in the way of preparing such a work, in such form as to do justice to the subject, are so great, that many months, perhaps years, might elapse before it could be complGled ; and I have consequently resorted to the only ready alternative, in order to establish a record of the proceedings of the survey, as a means of saving the results of many years' labour from being alto- gether lost or forgotten. A map of the Island, drawn upon a scale of 7 miles to an inch, is now ready for publication, and will shortly be issued. On this map the coast line is reduced from the most recent surveys of the officers of the Admiralty Coast Survey, and from our own work in !▼ PREFACE. connection with the geological investigation. All the topographical features represented in the interior are from the work of the Geological Survey, except along the line of the proposed railway route, which was accomplished by the engineers under the direction of Sandford Fleming, C.M.G. In order to illustrate the physical configuration of the Island, a limited number of these maps will be coloured orographically, which will be found convenient in a general way, as showing the relative heights over the sea-level of the surface of the land ; while it also shows the relative depths of the sea over a large area off the coast. I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my very sincere thanks to the officers of the Admiralty Coast Survey, especially Captains Eerr, Kobinson, and Maxwell, for much valuable assift- ance and information, particularly in giving Mr. Howley and myself every facility for reference to their coast charts and other documents, which have been most serviceable data as starting- points for our surveys of the interior. Alexander Murray. Cbieff, Febthshirk, May Wi, 1881. CONTENTS. OHAPTEB I. Bmobt op Sir W. E. Loqan, LL.D., P.R.S., Ac, Ac, addbbbsed to tm '*"* Hon. F. B. T. Oaktkb, Attounbt-Gbnebal, &o., St. Johns, New- rOUNDLAIO) CHAPTER n. Bkport or Alexander Mubray, adwresskd to Sir W. E, Looaw, P.B.S., &o., TOR 1864, rpoN THE Geoukiy of the Eastern Coast or the Great Northeiin Peninsula, and tortions ok Hall's Bay, Notbb Dasie Bay, and White Bay 4 CHAPTER III. Report por 1865; being a Narrative or Exploration from th« Eastern TO THE Western Shobes of the Ibland, by the Valley or the Indian Brook, Hall's Bay ; and thence by the Grand Pond and Tributaries to St. Gbobqb's Bay 51 CHAPTER IV. Lbtter addressed to His Excellency Anthony Musoravb, dated Jaktabt 28th, 1867 — Account op an Accident 71 CHAPTER V. Rbpobt fob 1866. — SCRVEY8 or the Ck)DBOY AND Humbeb Rivers- Notes ON the CAUBoinPEROcs RocKs OP St. Georoe's Bay, and Central Country 73 CHAPTER VI. Mineral Rbsouboes or Newfoundland: addressed to W. C. SAROEArNT, Esq., Orown Aoent ron the Colonies, Spring Gardens, Charino Oboss, London, and published in the 'Journal of the Society of Arts,' October 11th, 1867 102 CONTENTS. CHAPTEB VII. fAOt BiFOirr FOB 1867. — Buhtit or Tilt Cote amd thi KKiomovBnro Codmtbt, OM North Bbori or Notri Dami Bay; witb a Duobiption or tbb Union Mini, &o Ill CHAPTEB VIII. Retort fob 1868. — Dutbibittion or tub Formations in the Peninicla or Atalon, with Sections; An Account of the Economic Substances, Ac. ; Also a Heasubbd SnmoN or thb OARBONirEBOus Rocu on THE Western Coast, between the Great and Little Codbot Biters 187 CHAPTER IX. Report roR 1869. — Copper Lodes or Bonatista Bat — Scrtbt or Terra Nota Biter — Mb. James P. Howlet appointed Assistant Geologist — His Bbport on Coast or Trikitt, Placentia, and St. Mart's Bat, &o. — Excursion UP Bat East Bitbb 187 CHAPTER X. Bbfobt roR 1870. — Surtet or Bat East Biter— Mr. Howlet's Ezahina- TiOM or bundbt parts or the Coast 210 CHAPTER XI. Beport roR 1871. — Surtet or Exploits Biter and Bed Indian Lake — Mr. Howlet's Examination of the Coast of Exploits Bat, Gander Bat, Ac 250 CHAPTER XII. Bbport for 1872. — Atatx>n Peninsula — Mr. Howlet's Subvet of Bockt Biter, &c 279 CHAPTER Xni. Beport fob 1873. — Desobtption of the Countrt surrounding St. George's Bat, divided into three Areas — Distribution of the Carboniferous Formations in the same Region, &c. — Letter to Sir Stephen J. Hill, dated March 9th, 1874 298 CHAPTER XIV. Beport for 1874. — Surtet of the Gander Biter and Lake — Letter addressed to his exoellenot sir stephen j. hill, e.g.m.g., &c. &0. — Mr. Howlet's Surtet and Examination op Port-a-Port Bat and PARTS OF St. George's Bat 851 t 4 >l -. CONTENTS. vii CHAPTER XV, -MwBUL AHD OTHHi Bboibobi „, NoTBi Dam Bat, 4o. .. . 410 CHAPTER XVI. Mb. Howi.«'a S.btw or th. Urm Gakdbb, a»d Oambo Wat^^ .. 428 CHAPTER XVII. Bb^„^«,b 1877.-OoH««c«««T OK OoA«T 8uBv,T 0, NoTB. Dam. 468 CHAPTER XVIII. Bepobt roB 1878.-C0NTi«rAT,0N or Coast Subvbt or Notbb Dam. Bat -EXAMINATION or Nob™ Shob. or Concbpt.o:, BAT-Cio Aa 470 CHAPTER XIX. '^TL w" ^®^J -^«"« 0PBBATI0N8 NEAB TH, QbAND PoKD-SuBVI^ Or THE WkOT BbANOH or THE HUMBKB BiTBB, &0 B^BVET Or ^^^ CHAPTER XX. Spectal Repobt rPON the Discotbit or Gold wab Bbious, CoNCEmoir Bat, DATED Ootobbb 8th, 1880 ^nuwrnoH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER I. REPORT OP SIR W. E. LOGAN, LL.D., P.P. ', &o., .to., ADrilKSSEU TO THE HON. P. B. T. CARTER, A'ixORNEV.OFv;iiBAL, *c., ST. JOHN'S. NEWFOUNDLAND. GEOi.^ICAL SURVKT OmCE, Montreal, 1st May, 1866. Sir, — Mr. Murray has submitted to mo the results of his geological exploration in Newfouudltind during the last two seasons ; and it gives me much satisfaction to observe the progress he has already made in developing the general structure of the eastern part of the island. Before he commenced \m labours, Mr. Richardson, under my instructions, had already visited the western coast, with the view of ascertaining facts to elucidate points con- nected with the geology of Canada. It was then ascertained that a trough of Lower Silurian rocks must underlie the northern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, gradually narrowing toward the Strait of Belleisle, one side of the trough rising on the coast of Labrador, while the other forms the western shore of Newfoundland from Bonne Bay to Capo Norman. On each side of the strait these rocks were found to rest on Laurentian gneiss ; and the maijs of this ancient system, which presents itself in this part of Newfound- land, was ascertained to extend from the neighbourhood of Bonne Bay to within 12 or 15 miles of Hare Bay, but its breadth was not determined. Mr. Murray's investigations have since proved that this mass of Laurentian rocks spreads in breadth to the Atlantic coast of the great northern peninsula of the island ; that B a GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. the base of the Lower Silurian strata, sweeping round the northern extremity of the gneiss, comes upon the coast near Canada Bay, and again strikes into the land at Coney Arm, in White Bay, where those Lower are overlaid by Upper Silurian, followed by rocks of Devonian age. Farther to the south-ejist, the Laurentian and Silurian series become partially and uncouforraably covered by rocks of the Carboniferous age, in two or three separate areas, which have heretofore been mentioned by Mr. Jukes. One of them is upon Grand Pond, and another on St. George's Bay. In his traverse last year, from Hall's Bay to St. George's Bay, Mr. Murray traced the western margin of the more northern of these, for about 30 miles, and observed the more southern at several points on the north and south-east shores of tiie bay which has last been mentioned. Having thus ascertained the general position of these Carbon- iferous areas, it is important to determine with as little delay as possible what workable seams of coal may be associated with them ; and Mr. Murray proposes to devote the chief part of his investi- gations during the ensuing season to this end, as well as to trace, as far as he can, the outcrop-course of any seams he may discover. The nearest known coal deposits to the Island of Newfoundland are the beds worked at Sydney, on the Island of Cape Breton ; and it is not unreasonable to suppose it probable that there will be a general analogy in the character of the measures on the opposite sides of the water dividing them. At Sydney, between the base of the coal measures and the workable seams, there is a thickness of barren strata of between 8000 and 4000 feet ; and if the same conditions exist in Newfoundland, it will depend upon the attitude of the strata whether we may expect the occurrence of coal beds there to become available to commerce. Mr. Murray observed a regular coal seam of six inches in thickness ; but this would not be workable. Mr. Jukes has reported one of three feet ; but at Sydney there are four workable seams, measuring altogethe" upwards of fifteen feet, in a thickness of 3000 feet, that at the bottom being three feet; and no time should be lost in determining such facts as will make it known whether these seams exist, or may be reasonably searched for by capitalists in the Carboniferous areas of Newfoundland. Mr. Murray's explorations on the east side of the northern REPORT OF SIR W. E. LOGAN. 3 peninsula, and Mr. Richardson's on the west, have shown that the Lower Silurian series in the northern part of Newfoundland is characterised by a great spread of that portion of it, which in Canadian geology lias been termed the Quebec group. This group may conveniently be separated into three divisions,* tlie middle one of which has proved rich in metalliferous deposits, in its course from the southern Atlantic States of the American Union to Canada, and through Eastern Canada to Gasp^. The indications observed by Mr. Murray are suflBcient to authorise the expectation that the formation will prove productive of these metalliferous minerals in Newfoundland ; and the Tilt Cove and Terra Nova mines, which are both in serpentine belonging to the middle division, are evidences that a detailed investigation of the distribution of the Quebec group is only second in importance, in an economic point of view, to that of the Carboniferous series. The occurrence of serpentine in the more southern part of New- foundland has been pointed out by Mr. Jukes in various isolated places ; and it appears to be probable that this rock will, in most, if not all of these, be found to belong to the Quebec group. The scattered facts already thus known, prepare us to expect a great development of the metalliferous division of the group in the southern as well as the northern portion of the island, convincing me that a thorough knowledge of a great portion of the mineral wealth of the province will be vastly promoted by a careful and connected exploration and study of the Lower Silurian series. I have now the honour to transmit to you the accompanying Report of his first exploration, addressed to me by Mr. Murray while I was in England last year. The study of it required a reference to a collection of specimens which had been forwarded to the office of the Canadian Survey for ( xamination ; and the death of my brother, soon after my return, forced me to postpone the consideration of it longer than I wished. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, \V. E. LOGA.N. Irn * Tho relations of t'^is group rnd of its divisions aic so important that I append a brief synopsis of them, in which the Lower Silurian strata of Newfoundland and tliG two basins of north-eastern continent. . Americii arc compared. u 2 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER II. REPORT OF ALEXANDER MURRAY, ADDRESSED TO SIR W. E. LOGAN, F.RS., &c., FOR 1864, UPON THE GEOLOGY OF THE EASTERN COAST OF TIIK GREAT NORTHERN PKNINSULA, AND PORTIONS OF HALL'S BAY, NOTRK-DAME BAY, AND WHITE BAY. . ■ London, Uth April, 1865. Sir, — In accordance with an arrangement made by yourself with the Government of Newfoundland, by which I was selected to make a geological investigation of that province, I left Montreal, accompanied by Mr. H. H. Beckett as an assistant, on the 18th May last, and reached St. John's, Newfoundland, on the 31st of the same month, when I immediately placed myself in com- munication with the Hon. H. VV. Hoyles, Attorney-General, to receive final instructions. It being your desire that the great northern peninsula of the island, where most of the sea-coast is well exposed, should be examined as a commencement of the investigation, the Provincial Government were pleased, on my recommendation, to charter a schooner of 27 tons burden, called the A. M. W., of Harbour Grace, with a crew consisting of a pilot commanding, and four seamen for the service. It was not, however, until the 22nd June that the vessel was refitted, and ready for sea ; and during the interval, I employed my time in partially examining that portion of the peninsula of Avalon lying between St. John's and Topsail Head in Conception Bay. We finally left St. John's upon the 23rd June, and readied Twillingate, a port of some importance near the entrance to the Bay of Exploits, on the 27th of the same month, having been much detained on the voyage by fog and stormy weather. On the 30th June we reached Little Bay, where the examination was begun in earnest, at Terra Nova mine, and where advantage was taken of the opportunity to explore the coast and portions of the interior between that bay and Ming's Bight. After leaving Little Bay, we proceeded to examine the northern peninsula, making ^ REPORT FOR 1864. 6 excursions into the interior on every convenient occasion ; and by the time this part of the work was accomplished, the season had advanced to the 8rd of October, after which we repaired to Twiilingate to refit the vessel. Finally, a rather hurried excursion was made to Hall's Bay ; and the ludian Brook, a large stream which falls into that bay, was ascended for a considerable distance, after which we sailed for St. John's, and reached that port on the 3rd of November. Sequence and Distribution op the Hocks of the great Northern Peninsula. The rock masses observed in the great northern peninsula are recognised as belonging to the following geological divisioixs, which are given in ascending order : — 1, Laurentian. 2. Potsdam group.) , „., . o n., u .,.. / Lower Silurian. S. Quebec group, / •1. Upper Silurian. 5. Devonian. bed the been the was 3 was 1. Laurentian System. The rocks classed under this head occupy upwards of 50 miles of the eastern coast of the northern peninsula, extending from Little Coney Ann, in White Bay, to within a few miles of Canada Bay. About four miles to the southward of the entrance to tliis bay, they strike into the lau'l, and keeping to the westward of the bay, and of the Clouds Mountains, which are intermediate, they run a northerly course. The most northern exposure of them which was seen, occurred between three and four miles west of the Long Arm of Canada Bay, m a biook joining the arm, towards the upper end. Here the strike still continues no'thward ; but there is little doubt that the limit of the scries, beyond this, will soon turn gradually westward, to join the most northern position, where Mr. Kichardson observed the hills composed of it on his visit to the western side of the peninsula in 18G2. In an exposure of the series met with a little more than two miles up Salt Water Pond Brook, the rock, which is of a reddish colour, is fine grained, and is composed chiefly of flesh-red orthoclase 6 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. feldspar, with white quartz and brown or black mica. It is inter- stratified with layers consisting chiefly of fine black mica with grains of white quartz ; and by these black bands it was easy to observe that the dip was to the eastward. In the two brooks which have been mentioned, there were no great exposures of the gneiss, but the loose blocks observed in the beds of the streams, and on the banks on each side, derived probably from the formation not far off, made it evident that what is given above is the general character of the gneiss in tliis part. Many blocks of greenstone were associated with those of gneiss, and on Salt Water Pond Brook, dykes of a similar description were seen intersecting the gneiss. In Hooping Harbour the general mass of rock is gneiss ; but at the mouth of the brook, which flows in at the head of the north- east cove of tlie harbour, there are heavy bands of what cannot be distinguished from granite, some parts of them reddish and others grey, according to the colour of the feldspar, which is sometimes in large tabular crystals, the quartz being whitish and in fine grains, while the mica is usually black and in small scales. On the east side of the cove these bauds of granite alternate very regularly with thick beds of coarse black mica-slate, clearly show- ing the stratified character of the mass, and giving a dip of S. 88° E. < 30°. Farther south, but on the same side of the harbour, there is a great amount of milk-white gneiss, deriving its colour from opaque white orthoclase feldspar and white translucent quartz, but having well-defined marks of stratification, in darker and lighter grey parallel streaks, deriving their colour from the presence of more or less black mica. At the head of the western cove, or arm of the harbour, there is a great mass of a somewhat coarse flesh-red granite, in which no stratification could be made out, but it was overlaid by finely laminated beds of gneiss, and those upon the north shore of the cove appeared to be nearly horizontal. The cliffs on each side of the western arm, which rise almost perpendicularly to the height of between 650 and 700 feet, are all of gneiss, with bands of mica-slate, large tabular crystals of flesh-red feldspar being often observed in the strata. The dip at the head of the western arm is S. 80° E. < 25°, but there are numerous undulations and contortions which render it difficult to establish an average. In these cliffs, and generally in UEPORT FOR 1864. the harbour, the gneiss is cut by many fine-grained greenstone dykes, some of wliich are of great thickness. One of them, on the east side of the liarbour, measureil 130 feet across. These dykes appear generally lo be about parallel to one another, their course being N. 54° E. and S. 54° W. Small veins of pegmatite, consist- ing of flesh-red orthoclase feldspar with some graius of quartz, are abundant in some places. At the extremity of the cape, on the east side of the entrance to Hooping Harbour, copper pyrites was observed disseminated in a small meiss of quartz, constituting a nest in the white gneiss of that part. No visible vein was con- nected with the mass, and it is only worthy of remark as showing that the rock is not destitute of this ore, which may possibly be found in larger quantity in some other place in the neigh- bourhood. Between Hooping Harbour and Bay Fourehette the rocks seem to be all very much of the same character as those above described ; but the strata composing the clillfs between this bay, and the banks on either side of the stream which falls in at its western extremity, appear to be less red in colour than those farther north, and the contortions which they show are more numerous. The highest point seen from the anchorage on the north side of the bay, rose up almost vertically from the water's edge to the height of 904 feet. The gneiss at Grandevache is very much like that at Bay Fourehette. In some beds it is red and in others grey. It is in general fine grained, and frequent layers of whitish quartzite and black mica-slate are interstratified in it. The strata are cut by dykes of fine-grained greenstone ; numerous veins of pinkish feld- spar reticulate through the rocks, intersecting both the strata and the dykes, and cracks and joints in the rocks are frequently lined with a pellicle of specular iron ore. The prevailing dip of the strata is here about S. 70° E. < 40°-50°. Qoing southward, the limit of the Laurentian gneiss enters upon the land in a small bay about 2^ miles south of Devil's Cove, on the east side of White Bay ; and between this recess and Little Coney Arm, a narrow strip of the succeeding formation separates it from the water. It is about a quarter of a mile from the water, at the head of Little Coney Arm, where the gneiss is red in colour, and rather coarse in grain. It is iuterstratified with 8 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ! I I I ! I 1 I ' ! bands of black mica-slate, and a considerable mass of the latter rock, perhaps 500 feet in thickness, forms the eastern limit of the exposure. In the cliffs, a little back from the extremity of the arm, the strata are contorted, but the general dip of the gneiss is here nearly vertical, the strike being about north and south. At the mouth of a small brook, however, in the south-west corner of tlie arm, there are some beds of dark grey gneiss, which dip S. 46° E. < 55°. From Little Coney Arm the limit of the Laurentian gneiss pursues a somewhat sinuous course southward, and the last exposures of it visited were met with about five miles westward of Gold Cove, near the upper end of White Bay. Here the gneiss is of a dark grey colour, and its constituents are greyisli orthoclase feldspar and greyish quartz, with black hornblende and dark brown mica, usually in very minute scales. The strata are a good deal corrugated, and white quartz veins are cumerous, some of them running in the strike of the rock, and otl rs some- what oblique to it, while the strata are intersected by many dykes of dark grey fine-grained greenstone. Tlie general trend of the strata and of tlie hill ranges is here about south by west. From this spot to that at which Mr. Richardson left the Laurentian gneiss, in tracing its limit south-eastward near Bonne Bay, the distance in a straight line, a little soutii of west, is about 30 miles. It is extremely probable that the same rock composes the country the whole way ; but where the opposite sides of this Laurentian mass, which forms the backbone of the northern peninsula, will ultimately join, in their trend southward, can only be determined by future exploration. The rocks which have thus been described are considered Laurentian, not merely from the iithological resemblance which they bear to the strata of that system in various parts of Canada, but also from the relation they are seen to have to the Lower Silurian strata, which unconformably cover them in the northern part of the peninsula. They there present an exact analogy with the conditions of the masses seen on the north side of the Strait of Belleisle, the gneiss of which is distant from the nearest part of that of Newfoundland not more than 40 miles, while it is unin- terruptedly connected with the great continental spread of the system in Canada. In Canada the Laurentian gneiss is in some RETORT FOR 18G4. 9 parts intersf ratified with enormous bands of crystalline limestone, and ic is usually in these, or in the vicinity of them, that are met with the Laui-eutian minerals of economic importance; while the valleys that are underlaid by the liniest(mes often jjive a consider- able amount of surface capable of settlement. Tiiese economic minerals are the magnetic and specular ores of iron, the ores of lead and of copper, ajjatite or phosphate of lime, mica, and graphite or plumbago. None of these bands of crystalline limestone have yet been met with among the gneiss of the northern peninsula ; but as it is only the rim of the 30U0 square nnlcs of it there spread out, which has thus far been examined, the calcareous bands may vet be found in the interior, should the examination at some future time be carried into greater detail. It will be seen by the description already given, that the only traces observed of any of the economic substances mentiimed, were thin leaf-like veins of specular iron ore in Grandevache Bay, and a nest of copper pyrites at Hooping Harbour. 2. Potsdam Group. Immediately east of the Laurentian gneiss, in the neighbour- hood of Canada Bay, the Clouds Mountains rise to a greater height than any part of the country for many miles around, and their bold and fantastic outline forms a picturesque and conspicuous feature, readily recognisable for a great distance. Three of the highest summits, on all of which the compass was affected by great local attraction, were found by triaiigulation to be 1173, 944, and 920 feet above the level of the sea. The first of these, called the Capped Mountain, is on the north side of Salt Water Pond Brook, and the other two on the south. The rocks composing these hills consist, at the base, of a great thickness of dark grey slates, not very well seen, but probably amounting to 1500 feet. These are followed by dark grey, and occasionally drab-coloured slates, with many iuterstratified conglomerate beds, not in general exceeding six inches in thickness, holding small quartz pebbles in the same slaty base. This mass, which may attain a thickness of about 600 feet, is surmounted by about 40 feet of a dark purplish-grey diorite, apparently of an araygdaloidal character, containing nodules and numerous small masses of impure epidote, and 10 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. jaspery peroxyd of iron, and is cut in many places by thin leaf- liko veins of the same jaspery ore. Tlie upper bed of this mass of strata, thus amounting to about 2000 feet, which we may designate n^ Division A, is seen at the summit of the more northern of the two hills which are south of Salt Pond Brook, from which the diorite slopes with the geographical surface, at an angle of about fourteen degrees, towards Canada Bay. The margin of the bay, however, from the point north of Weymouth Cove to Hell Mouth, a distance of about six miles, is composed of over- lying rocks ; while for six miles farther, to the Gouffre, it consists of those of the Clouds Mountain range. Between the Gouffre and Canada Harbour, the coast is again composed of the overlying rocks. In the bed of Salt Water Pond Brook, at their junction with the Laurentian gneiss, the strata of the Clouds Mountain range are vertical ; farther removed from the gneiss, but somewhat to the north-west of the brook, they are highly tilted, with an inclina- tion to the north-eastward ; but descending the brook to within less than a mile from its mouth, the beds gradually present a moderate degree of regularity with a dip N. 20° W. < 18^. Between this and the pond, there is an interval of concealment, of about three-quarters of a mile, which is succeeded by exposures of higher rocks around the pond, and at the entrance to Long Arm. From these exposures, the following ascending series of deposits is gathered, the base being at the mouth of the brook, and the summit at the point on the north side of the entrance to Long Arm. These rocks we may designate as Division B. Feet. 1. Yellowish and grey argillaceous and somewhat micaceous slate, and grey compact limestone, having a conchoidal fracture, interstratified with one another towards the middle, in beds of from 2 to 3 feet, with white and yellowish sandstone or quartzite in thin beds towards the top .. .. 300 2. Blue limestone, having a conchoidal fracture, in beds of from 5 to 10 inches, with a 1-foot bed of reddish variegated lime- stone towards the middle, almost made up of fragments of trilobitcs ; among them Olenelliis Vermontanus (Hall) occurs, and weathered surfaces of other calcareous beds in some parts show the remains of fucoids 400 3. Black and grey slate, in bands of from 15 to 20 feet, inter- strati6ed with beds of white sandstone, of from 5 to 7 inches . . thick, and of pale grey arenaceous limestone, weathering llErORT FOR 18G4. 11 the jong 400 Fett. jellowibh, and probably dolomitic, in botls of from 5 to 10 incht!8 thick near the base; the cxposod surfaces of some of the calcareous beds are covered with small reddish nodules, which probably replace organic remains. These were ob- served at the entrance of Salt Water Pond r)3 4. Black or dark grey slates, many bands of them hard and silicious, iuterstratiiied with betls of quartzite. Some of the plates contain many siwcimens of a Linyula, which appears, according to Mr. Billings, to be a new species, but allied to Z. ;<, iu a cliff of from 100 to 120 feet high. In tiiis, the strata dip at various high angles, presenting many corrugations, which render it difficult to determine the exact thickness, but it probaMy exceeds 2U0 feet. These limestones are supposed to b(* equivuleut to those of B,5, with an additional thickness, and they uie underlaiil by a mass of disturbed and corrugated slates, wliich would occupy tlio horizon of li,4. Similar rocks api»oar to form the promontory on the west side of Canada llarbour. The limestones seem to be about the same thickness; and the upper part of them, being pure white and fine grained, and capable of receiving a high polish, would afford a considerable auiouut of good material for ornamental marble. At the head of Canala Harbour, these white limestones are brought abruptly against slates, with quartzites and diorites, belonging to a higher formation, by a great downthrow fault, running S. 31° W. The position of the fault is marked by the occurrence of several caverns in the limestone, from one of which there issues a beautiful stream of clear cold water. This fault, crossing the entrance to Canada IJay, strikes into a small cove, on the inside of the point separating Bide Arm from the Atlantic. Its effect upon the strata carries the strike parallel with it, and on the inside of the point they are exposed in a highly disturbed condition, and divided from the slates and diorites of the higher rock by a narrow belt of bog or low springy land, which marks the position of the fault. The fault here appears to run N. 19^ E., keeping a little inland from the eastern shore of Bide Arm, and nearly parallel with it towards the northern extremity of the arm. The exposures on Eagle Island, which is immediately west of the point separating Bide Arm from the Atlantic, consist, on the west side, of the slates of B,4, and on the east, of the pale grey and white limestones of B,5. The dip on the island is about S. 76° E. < 25°-32°, and the whole of the strata, together with the lime- stones in the channel, up to the fault, have an estimated thickness of 1300 feet ; of this about 400 feet would belong to the slates. REPORT FOR 1864. 18 V rt a- ,p, nn g^ to fet. B,5, 8 of izon west , tlie vl»ite vould lental es are rites, fault, by tbe wbicU fault, ove, ou LtUintic. and on lsturbeing tbe base of B,5. Tlio formation was not traced into the conntry northward from tliiH, nnd nothing of it was neon in Ham Bay, th m^'h it is probahlo that the npper [)art of it approaches the roast somewhere near to West Brook, in the soutli-western part of the bay. The total thickness of the Potsdam group, as far as collected from the examination of Canada Bay, appears to be tis follows : — Kwt. A. Clouds Muiiiitain bluish-grey slates, congluiiicrates, and diorito 2500 15. Salt Water Pond bluish-grey, black, blue, reddish and white limestones, ycllowish-gny nud black slates, and grey and white sandstones, in some parts holding Oknellua Ter- monfanus, Lingula, Scolithun, and fucoids 2000 C. T,'" 't and dark blue linacstones, and brown slates with cherly ij. 'one at the top 900 5400 Between tlie cliff showing the cherty limestones in Bide Arm, and the recognised strata of tho succeeding formation, there is a depression which ajjpears to run all the way to North-east Arm. The rocks under this are concealed, and may add something to the volume of the Potsdam group. In tiie neighbourhood of Salt Water Pond, the strata of the Clouds Mountain ran{!;e have a direct breadth of nearly three miles, but at the Gouflfre the breadth is not more than about tiiree-quarters of a mile. Whether this is to be wholly attributed to an increase of the dip, or whether it may be partly due to a thinning of the mass, is not quite certain. But in the next exposures southward, in which strata belonging to the Potsdam occur, the Clouds Mountain beds cannot be recognised with any degree of certainty. The localities of these exposures are at Great and Little Coney Arms. It has already been mentioned that the Laurentian gneiss, back from the extremity of Little Coney Arm, terminates in a considerable mass of black mica-slate. Between this and the succeeding exposure of rock, there occurs an interval of conceal- ment, in which a depression runs in the strike, both northward and southward from the arm, forming on the south side the valley of a small stream. On the east side of the depression there is seen 16 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. another series ol rocks, of which the following is an ascending section : — Feet. 1. Pals bluish-grey mica-slates with yellowish-brown iron stains, softer and more finely laminated than those of the Lauren- tian series, and more uniform both in colour and texture .. 300 2. Pale bluish-grey iron-stained mica-slates, iuterstratified , with bluish and blackish compact limestones, in beds of from 1 to 3 inches thick, and occurring at intervals of from 2 to 4 feet or more 430 3. Blue limestone in beds varying from 10 to 15 inches .. .. 50 4. Blue and grey compact limestone in beds varying from 8 inches to 2 feet in thickness, with forms on weathered surfaces, supposed to be fucoids 30 5. Measures concealed 70 6. Pale grey black-weathering limestone in beds of from 1 to 2 feet, with cleavage joints in two directions, giving a brecciated aspect to the rock 110 7. Pale grey black-weathering compact limestone in beds of from 4 to 5 feet thick GO 8. Cream-white compact limestone, with a conchoidal fracture, in a single bed, probably fit for the purposes of marble , . 6 9. Pale blue drab-weathering limestone in beds of 3 or 4 inches thick, sejjarated by thin layers of greyish-drab slate .. .. 15 10. White, very fine grained, compact limestone, with a conchoidal fracture, in a single bed, with ■vertical cleavage joints run- ning at rigiit angles to the strike 15 11. White compact limestone, with a conchoidal fracture, in beds of from 2 to 3 feet, separated by thin layers of calcareous slate ; the rock is probably fit for the purposes of marble . . 35 12. Brown slates with iuterstratified white and yellowish fijie- grained compact limestones, in beds of from 12 to 18 inches thick, with a 2-feet band of darker, softer, and more finely laniiuated slate at the top 75 13. Greyish-drab micacc o-calcareous slates, interstratified with pale blue and grey and whitish compact limestone, in beds of 2 feet thick and upwards 75 14. Blue compact limestone in a single bed 15 15. Pale grey fine-grained compact limestone, in beds of from 1 to 3 feet thick, parted by thin layers of grey slate .. .. 100 16. Pale grey blnck-weathering fine-grained limestone, in beds of from 1 to 2 feet in thickness, bordered by thin partings of blackish-grey slate 110 17. Greyish and bluish limestone in massive beds, separated by thin laj'ers of slate 190 18. White compact hard limcstcne, in beds of from 3 to 5 feet. Slotted yellow from decomposing iron pyrites 90 1770 I REPORT FOR 1864. 17 110 60 6 15 15 35 75 75 15 100 of of 110 190 90 1770 This section is obtained from the cliffs on the north side of Little Coney Arm, where the dip is E. < 55°-70°, and where it extends across the measures for a distance of about 750 yards ; at the eastward end of the line, the strata turn up again, with an opposite dip, forming a synclinal ; the oast side of which gives a repetition of most of the calcareous part of the section, before reaching the point at the entrance of the arm on the north side. A short distance along the coast from the corresponding point on the opposite side, the strata are seen to turn over again, forming an anticlinal, and, witli an east dip, the limestones plunge under the surface of Great Coney Arm. The character of the limestones of this section, and their relation to the Laurentian gneiss, render ii, pretty certain that they are a continuation of the calcareous rocks of Canada Bay, and therefore belong to the Potsdam group. From the axis of the anticlinal which has just been mentioned, the water of Great Coney Arm is about seven-eighths of a mile wide, and on the opposite side there rises an escarpment composed of whitish, granitoid, very quartzose mica-slates. These have a breadtli of about a mile and a quarter, and then sink beneath overlying unconformable rocks. They present a somewhat uniform character for their whole breadth, as seen at the extremity of Coney Arm Head. They are somewhat corrugated, but generally dip to the eastward at a high angle. Supposing that the average inclination of forty-five degrees be given them, and that they are repeated by undulations, between two and three times, they would have a thickness of probably 1500 or 2000 feet. Whether they belong to the Potsdam group, it is difficult to say. No rocks like them have been anywiiero found in this group, and they more resemble some of the strata of the metamorphosed Sillery series, as seen, but not in any such great volume, in tiie eastern town- ships of Canada. Should they prove to be of this series, then the intermediate strata of the Quebec gionp might be supposed to be buried beneath the waters of Great Coney Arm. But there is here scarcely room for them, and no certain traces of them have yet been met with in the run of the measures farther south in this neighbourhood. It would therefore be necessary to allow the existence of a great downthrow fault to bring the Sillery series into the position occupied by these mica-slates. The mica-slates gradually approach the limestones in their c 18 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. I > i i i ;■ I southward trend, and about a ruile up a considerable brook, wliicli flows into Great Coney Arm at its southern extremity, the distance between them is about the third of a mile. This posi- tion is upwards of a mile west of Frenchman's Cove. At the extremity of Jackson's Arm, which is 2^ miles farther south, the mica-slates have a breadth of about a mile, in the western half of which they form high ridges inland, while the limestones rise about half a mile farther in, on the west side of the valley lying between them. These formations were h?re left trending southward, but they wei*e not met with again in their southern distribution. The limestones are supposed to accompany the Laurentian gneiss in its course west of Sop's Arm, but the mica-slates did not appear on the coast at the extremity of it. At Hauling Point, on the east side of White Bay, there is an exhibition of limestone. Tlie colour of the rock is for the most part white, but sometimes a pale rose-red ; some parts of it weather yellowish, and these are occasionally dolomitic. Ic is coarsely crystalline, and mica is disseminated through it ; and although probably f*. good material for burning into quicklime, it is inappli- cable to any structural purpose. The dip of the rock is north- westward, and at the lower part it becomes intersti-atified with mica-slate. On the east side of a cove, inside of Hauling Point, which would be beneath the previously mentioned rock, a coarse quartzosG granitoi'l mica-slate is met with, and a similar rock prevails along both sides of the Western Arm up to its extremity, a distance of nearly 3 miles across the measures. Here strong hard bands of micaceous gneiss come in, bearing some resemblance to that of the Laurentian series; the mica-slate which overlies them, strongly resembles that of Coney Arm Head. If it be supposed that the gneiss of the Western Arm is Laurentian, it would be lair to infer that the mica-slate of Coney Arm Head must be older than the Sillery series, and be brought into place by an upthrow, instead of a downthrow fault. The limestone of Hauling Point, notwithstanding its very different crystalline con- ditinn from that of Great and Little Coney Arm, might then be supposed to represent it ; and the coarse quartzose granitoid mica- slate on the opposite sides of White Bay to be in the form of a trough, with the Potsdam group above it. It will be necessary, however, that a great deal more should be ascertained of the rocks KEPORT FOR 1804. ]» ich the osi- At tber the , the deof 3 left their ipany it the t. } is an 5 niost 'Gather oarsely though mappli- , north- ed with (v Point, a coarse ar rock remity. strong mblance overlies If it be cntian, it m Head into place estone of nine con- then be toid mica- form of a necessary, f the rocks to the eastward of White Bay, before such a question can be satis- factorily determined. 3. Quebec Group. Returning to Canada Bay, we find in the north-cast corner of Bide Arm a series of grey and black limestone?, many of them weathering yellow, and probably magnesian. Between these and the cherty limestone at the top of the previous formation, there intervenes the breadth of the arm ; and as has been already men- tioned, a corresponding depression, under which the rocks are concealed, runs from the north-west corner of Bide Arm to the North-east Arm. Of this arm the east side is wholly co^'ered with boulders ; a good deal of the west also is concealed ; but near the mouth of tlie brook, at the northern extremity, there are a few exposures of limestone, and it is here that the base of the previous formation would strike the continuation of the great fault oF Salt Water Pond. On both sides of the North-west Arm, but especially on the west, there are exposures of limestone ; and near the outlet of the brook, which falls into this arm at its northern extremity, two massive beds of the rock are met with. The lower one is deep blue, and weathers light yellow, being probably magnesian. It contains a number of grey, blackish- weathering, rudely subspherical concretions. Some of them are of enormous size. One of them measures 9 feet in diameter, and several were observed measuring 3 feet. The upper bed is of a pale grey on fracture, but weathers yellowish brown, being jn-obably magnesian. The dip of these beds is N. 50^ E. < 10° ; and about half a mile farther up the stream, liigher strata cccur, consisting of about ilO feet of grey and white limestones, in beds of from 3 inches to 3 feet, some of them weathering yellow. The exposed surfaces of many are covered with obscure remains of fucoids, and other fossils ; and among the latter Jlr. Billings recognises, in addition to fragments of trilobites and orthoceratites, Maclurea canulata (Billings), M. speeiosa (B.), and M. Normani (B.). These fossils belong to the Caleif'erous formation, which is the lowest of those that are classed under the designation of the Quebec group. It would thus appear that the base of the group stretches from Bide Arm to the North-west Arm, with a north- western trend ; and it is probable that, after running a few c 2 i ; 1 1 20 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. miles farther with this strike, it will turn up northward for Hare Bay. . » tt t> Belvie Bay, which forms the south-western part of Hare Uay, has a very irregularly indented coast. It presents many deep coves, and many long sharp promontories, and it is studded with many islands. The exposures of rock are numerous, and a good transverse section was obtained extending from the neigh- bourhood of the Southern Arm, on the west side of the bay, to Springs Arm, which is on the south side of Hare Bay and somewhat behind the eastern limit of Belvie Bay, the distance being 8i miles. The following appears to be the series of deposits which occur on it, as gathered from the exposures on each side of the line, and they are given in ascending order ihe lowest deposit of the section, however, does not reach the base ol the formation. How much is wanting is uncertain, but it cannot be less than some 500 feet. 1 Grev yellow-weathering limeatone, probably magnesian, in ' beds varyinc' from 3 inches to 1 foot, with occasional thin partings of "calcareous slate; on weathered surfaces there occur obscure remains of fucoids, with other fossils .. .. 2. Black limestone in beds varying from 6 to 12 inches m thick- ness, followed by dark grey yellow-weathermg, and probably magnesian limestone, in beds of from 8 inches to 1 foot separated by thin layers of greenish calcareous slate, which at the summit become of considerable thickness, and are interstratified with thin beds of dark grey yellowish- weathering limestone; the whole mass is terminated by a bed of brownish-black bituminous limestone. The lime- Btoncs are for the most part fossiliferous, and among the fossils are Murchisonia simdatrix, Maclurea Normani, Filoceras Wortheni, Orthoceras Allumettense, and Bathyurus 3 White compact limestone, with a conchoidal fracture, in beds ' varyin-' from 4 to 8 inches, aggregations of which alternate with b^ds of pale grey somewhat shaly limestone, of about the same dimensions. The grey limestones are fossiliferous, but the fossils arc so fragmentary that it is difficult to deter- mine them " " ■■ . 4 Dark grey yellow-weathering limestones, probably magnesian, ' in iSds varying in thickness from 3 to 8 inches, separated from one another by dark brownish yellow-weathering cal- careous shales in tliicknesses of from 6 to 12 inches .. .. 5 Dark brownish yellow-weathering calcareous shales, with thin ■ occasional bands of dark grey yellow-weathering limestone . . Feet. 600 260 580 180 260 REPORT FOR 1864. 21 600 260 Feet 6. Greenish calcareous shales interstratified, at considerable inter- vals, with thin bands of grey yellow-weathering limestone, exhibiting occasional faint traces of fucoids and other fossils, amoni; which a Ilolopea was met with in Springs Arm. In several parts of the breadth from which this thickness is calcnlated, there are intervals of concealment 500 7. Brownish conglomerate, holding pebbles of white quartz, and fragments of black slate and bottle-green diorite. The whole is studded with cubic crystals of iron jiyrites, which cause the exterior to present a rusty brown colour 20 8. Black slates with a cleavage independent of the bedding, and probably fit for roofing-slates in some parts of the thickness . 1100 9. Yellowish-white dolomite weathering brownish-yellow, in beds varying from 2 to 3 feet in thickness, separated by beds of • gJ'ey yellow-weathering hard slates, of from 3 to 5 inches thick. The dolomite is very fully studded with cubes of iron pyrites 200 3700 Above this there occurs a series of interstratified diorites, quartzites, and slates, with some bands of conglomerate having calcareous and other pebbles. The whole mass is verv much corrugated ; it is therefore difficult to estimate its thickness, but it probably does not exceed 400 or 500 feet. On the north side of Hare Bay, in How Harbour, a similar series of altered rocks is seen, overlaid by a mountain mass of serpentine. The hill in which the serpentine occurs has a vertical height of 500 feet above the sea, with a horizontal distance of half a mile from the outcrop of the base to the axis of the hill, and a dip towards the axis of twenty degrees : allowing for possible undulations, this would give 500 feet more, so that the volume of the serpentine may be 1000 feet. The thickness from the base of the group to the summit of the black slates (8) would thus be about 4000 feet, and the dolomites, diorites, and serpentine, 1600 or 1700 feet, making a total volume of 5600 feet. In the General Report of the Geology of Canada, published in 1863, the Quebec group series, on the west side of the northern peninsula, to the summit of a mass of black slates holding compound graptolites, to which the black slates of Belvie Bay are supposed to be equivalent, is given as about 4000 feet thick, while the diorites and serpentines are estimated at 1000 feet. 22 GBIULOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. It will be seen from the accompanying plan and section how tho measures are distributed on the coast and islands of IJelvio Bay, and the general attitude they present in the ex- posures. Although the usual attitude of the beds shows but little disturbance over the greater part of the area in tho vicinity of Belvie Bay, there is nevertheless evidence of two dislocations of considerable magnitude. One of these was observed at the point between Shoal Arm and the main body of the bay, where the black limestones, sinking beneath the surface on the west side of the promontory, are brought up again on tho east side of a small synclinal, from a depth of about 200 feet. Tho other is on tho west side of Springs Arm. Here the greenish 11 SKCTION, BELVIE DAV, UMIK HAY. •J 3 4 5 6 5 4 2 3 ■! S 7 8 4 5 G 10 10 10 / 5 6 t 8 9 Horizontal and vertical scale, an inch to a milo. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. G. Grey magnesian limestones. i 7. Black limestones. j 8. White limestones. ' 9. Dark grey magnesian limestone.'*. 10. Brownish calcareous shales. j l. Sea level. Greenish calcareous slates. j /. Faults. Brownish conglomerates. Black slates. Yellowish-white dolomite. Diorites, dolomites, i%c. calcareous slates and grey limestones (6) are brought from beneath, on the east, and placed in juxtaposition with the diorites over- lying the black slates (8), the amount of displacement being between 1500 and 2000 feet. These faults appear to be nearly parallel to one another, their course being about S. 23^ W. From the promontory south of the Western Arm to tho Northern Arm, the coast of Hare Bay presents a beach, composed in general of sand and limestone gravel, with a flat wide-spread marshy country behind it, studtled with innumerable ponds. There are no exposures of rocks along it, until on reaching a cave REPOIiT FOll 1864. 23 about a mile ami a half to the westward of the Northern Arm, where the limestones, of which a section has been given, are repeated, and compose the promontory and the island between the cove and the arm. The whole of the calcareous strata are comprehended in a distance of about a mile and a half across the measures, and among the fossils obtained from them were Murclmonia Bimulairix, Maelurea speciosa, M. crenulata, Piloceras Canadense, Orthoceraa ? and Bathyurm ? with several other species of gasteropods and cephalopods, including a new species of Lituites, but all in a fragmentary condition. The dip is here eastward, with a somewhat regular slope of twenty- four degrees across the measures containing the limestones, giving a thickness of about 3000 feet. At the north-eastern end of the island which has been mentioned, the limestones are overlaid by a small amount of the black slates ; but between the base of these, and a mass of diorites, which appears on the opposite side of the Northern Arm, there would be room for a thickness of the black slates equalling 1000 feet. The breadth and dip of the diorites, and their accompanying rocks on the east side of the arm, would give them a thickness of between 400 and 500 feet ; and it is here that the serpentine mountain overlooking How Harbour seems to show, as has already been stated, a thick- ness of about 1000 feet. From the head of the Northern Arm the diorites run alonjr the coast for 7 or 8 miles, apparently crossing the mouth of How Harbour in their course. It is probable tliat they then re-enter upon the laud, and turn up to the north-east. In the north-western part of Hare Bay the diorites thus appear to foini the extremity of a trough, of which the serpentines constitute the centre. To the south of the south-eastern part of Pistolet Bay ]\Ir. Richardson observed mountains of ser[)entiue, which probably form the northern extremity of this synclinal range. In IIow Harbour the black slates, interstratified near the summit with conglomerates holding numerous pebbles of limestone, greenstone, and flat fragments of harder slates, rise from beneath the diorites in an irregular dome, and around the harbour the serpentine is arranged in several bold projecting mountain escarpments, while one mass, on the west side of the harbour, near the entrance, forms an isolated hill. SR9I 21 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWrOUNDLANI). I! i Within the harbour, the black slates were often marhecl by Ihe ])rei-enpe of iron pyrites, and in some of the beds near the interstratified conglomerates, the quantity sometimes seemed almost sufficient to bo made economically available. The diorites also often appeared to abound witii the same mineral ; and on tho west side of the entrance to the harbour there were some indica- tions tliat copper pyrites occasionally accompanied it. On an excursion to tho north-westward, extending between 4 and 5 miles from ihe cove at the base of the limestones, over a flat cou])try, studded witli clumps of small spruce and balsam fir, of which the trees seldom exceeded 20 feet in height, with moss and marsh and innumerable small ponds occupying the intervals, the strata met with were limestones, spread out in nearly horizontal layers. Bare surfaces of rock occasionally extended over areas of a square mile; these generally exhibited fragmentary fossils, of which, from the hardness of the rock, it Avas difficult to obtain specimens. They consisted, however, for the most part of convoluted shells and orthoceratites, and much resembled the species already mentioned. The general surface seemed to be scarcely more than 20 or 30 feet above the sea, and only one exception to the dead level was met with, in a hill of limestone which rose to about 100 feet. As seen from the highest hill over How Harbour, a country of the same character appeared to extend northward to Pistolet Bay, rising over the water of which four icebergs could be counted, whilst a little to the left the mountains of Labrador presented a faint blue undulating line over the horizon. A similar dead level extended to the westward as far as the eye could reach ; but over this level, to the south-west, there arose in the distance a range of mountains, the nearest point of which appeared to be from 20 to 25 miles distant, being probably the most northern part of the area occupied by the Laurcntian rocks. On the nortli side of Hare Bay there is a portion of the coast, between the point at which tlie diorites re-enter upon the land, and Ireland Cove, that has not been examined ; but, as seen irom the deck of the schooner, it presented an abrupt cliff to the sea, rising to a height of between 20 and 30 feet, maintained evenly for 4 or 5 miles. From this the surface in the interior gradually rose to a height of 150 or 200 feet, forming a valley running north- m i REPORT FOR 1804. 25 eastward between two parallel ranjjes of higher ground. It was supposed possible thtit the const might hero be occupied by the black slates. To the east of Ireland Cove the coast gradually becomes more bold, and an examination was made of it about 2 miles from the cove in that direction. The rock consists of a greenish, bard, splintery slate, breaking into long fragments; and in a small peninsula extending about 100 yards out from the main run of the shore, there was observed an exposure of about 90 feet across the measures, in which the slates appeared to have a nodular structure, presenting ovoid or reniform masses, pres.'sed one upon another, which in the four feet next the shore were partially separated by thin, whitish, reticulating strings of calcareous matter, giving to the surface the aspect of marbled paper, and over this occurred a band of about 40 feet of a purplish maroon colour. The dip of the slate in tliis neighbourhood was S. 57° E. < 45° ; but going eastward it appeared to undulate, and the slate occupied the coast for a distance of three miles to the eastward of Swill Cove. These slates continue along the coast, forming the point north of the entrance to Goose Cove, as well as the whole of the penin- sula south of the cove, forming Goose Cape ; here they appear to have a north dip, as ascertained at the summit of the highest point of the peninsula, which is 380 feet above the sea, and stands directly south of the isthmus. North of the peninsula the rocks of Goose Cove are green and grey jaspery slates, and they are interstratified with many thin bands of quartzite. Among these are some thicker bands, which assume the character of fine con- glomerates, from the presence of small pebbles of white trans- lucent quartz. Epidote is associated with these slates, sometimes running in small patches with the slates, and sometimes reticu- lating through them in small veins. White quartz cuts the slates and quartzites in thin irregular veins, and occasionally occurs in nests or bunches in the rocks, associated w ith copper pyrites. One of these bunches or patches, of a lenticular form, measured about three feet in length, with a breadth of a foot in the midtUe. The copper ore was irregularly disseminated in small masses, the largest of which was about two inches in length by a quarter of an inch thick. The rocks, here and elsewhere in the neighbour- hood, appear to be very much contorted, rendering it next to 2e GF,()L(XilCAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. impossible to dt.'tcrraiiio tlieir volunio. The following sketch of Home of the smullor convolutions was taken in the north-east corner of Goose Cove. It represents a mass of )oek, which occurs in a clifl' about 50 yards long by about 20 feet high. CONTOUTKD STKATA. !i ClOOSE COVE, HAKE BAY. A footpath leads from the north-east corner of Goose Cove to Crevalliere Harbour, running northward, the distance being about 2 miles. The summit of a hill 553 feet above the sea, to the east of the path, about half a mile from the cove, is composed of black hornblende slate ; the breadth is about 100 yards, and the dip is hero S. G5^ \V. < 28'. The thickness of the mass would thus be about 130 feet. The summit of another hill, called the Sugar Loaf, distant about a quarter of a mile southward in the strike, appeared to be composed of the same rock, but what geo- logical place it has in relation to the Goose Cove roeks is uncertain ; it is probably beneath them. On the footpath, the rocks, seen every now and then for the whole distance, were green slates much resembling those of Goose Cove; but, arriving at Crevalliere Harbour, a cliff of about 20 feet iu height ilisplayed a bed of quartzite at the bottom, surmounted by a band of black arenaceous very impure limestone, followed by a mass of green soft slates, which appeared to be chloritic ; cracks and fissures in the rock were frequently filled with calc-spar. The dip was S. 78'' E, < 10°. The facts ascertained in the neighbourhood of this part of Hare Bay appear too scanty to determine the exact geological rela- tion of the masses in the Quebec group ; but the hard green slates, of which they chiefly consist, resemble in aspect the green diorite slate of the eastern townships of Canada ; and the hornblende of Sugar Loaf Hill would appear to favour the supposition that they are of a dioritic character here, and belong to the middle division of the group. They would thus belong to that part of the group which holds the serpentines, and is so often found rich in copper liKlMUT von IHGi. 27 ,'ecl a jlack soft tlio 78^'' E. art of xl lela- slates, cUorite ude of t tliey ivisioii group copper oros nnd otlier metalliferous minerals. Noproat muflaof'serpoiitiiio, lio\v(;ver, was seen in the neids varying in thickness of from 10 to 15 inches, separated by green hard slates of from 1 to 3 feet 70 (!. Green hard shxtes interst ratified at intervals of from 1 to 100 feet by layers of greenish-grey brown-weathering diorito of from 1 to 4 feet in tliickncss 500 7. Black comjiact slates in layers of from 12 to IB inches, inter- st ratified with dark grey shite weathering rusty brown. The measures beyond this become concealed, and the mass of black slates may be mucli thicker than given 30 1375 Although the dip was all one way, it is not impo^^aible that tlio beds 1 and (5 may be tho same, from a break or an imdidation, and the black slates may be those beneath the diorites. They occur again on the east side of the arm, toward the exit, where they have a thickness of 300 or 400 feet. It is probable that the green slates and diorites overlying the black slates are kept at the surface by undidations, all along the coast to the Fishot Island ; and at Havre du Four a series of rocks belonging to this horizon, consisting of grey sandstones and conglomerates with pebbles of white quartz, interstratified with bands of green diorite slates and overlaid by a considerable mass of similar slates, showing brown and black bands ■ I I 98 fiKOLOOICAL SUHVKY OF NEWFuUNDI.ANl). in ndditinn to green, prcHont tlio folds illustrated in tlie accom- panyin^ tmnsvorso vertical section. Similar ruckn anf displayed along the coast to St. Julien, but hero tliero ai»pt'ar8 to bo a cliange. The island of St. Julion, and 8l:CT10N, IIAIIIIOUII l>L' Kisting of sandstones and conglomeratoa inter- stratified with slates, which, in addition to green and purple, are in some places red, thus establishing a still further resemblance to the Sillery series. The general bearing of the fault would carry it to the west side of St. Julien Bay, perhaps a little in from the shore, and it would thus run by the small vein of copper ore which has been described as occurring there. Though the quantity of the ore is not suiKcient to be economically available, the vcdn might become of some significance should it be found to have any connection with the fault ; for this being a displacement of some importance, it might possibly give an opportunity for a larger secretion of the ore. In Croc Harbour the fault comes to the shore near the Genille fishing establishment, and on the opposite side it probably runs into Pelletier's Cove. In the peninsula of Cape Rouge, some 6 or 7 miles to the southward, thei'e occurs a fault, with a down- throw to the south-east, affecting a higher series of rocks, to be hereafter described. This is probably a continuation of the Croc Harbour fault, in which case it would come out upon the coast about 5 miles south of the harbour; and the coast that far probably belongs to the Sillery series. This series was observed by Mr. Richai'dson, some short distance to the east of Pistolet Bay, and from its trend in that port, it was supposed that its base would run into the Atlantic at St. Lunaire Bay. With the exception of the peninsula of Cape Eouge and that of Cape Fox, the coast appears to be formed of rocks of the middle division of the Quebec group to the entrance of Canada Bay. It has already been mentioned that between Eagle Island, and the point at the northern side of the entrance to this bay, a fault brings the white limestones of the Potsdam group, on the west, against the diorites of the middle division of the Quebec group, on the east ; and that the same condition of circumstances is observ- ;.le in Canada Harbour, on the south side of the bay. From Canada Harbour the bearing of the fault would carry it to a cove on the coast, between 3 and 4 miles to the southward, and here the fault brings the diorites of Canada Head, belonging to the middle division of the Quebec group, against the Laurentiau gneiss, witliout the intervention of the lower division of tlio Quebec group, or any part of the Potsdam. From this it would t "I REPORT FOR 18G4. 31 appear that this dislocation must be hero a downthrow to the eastward of about 8000 feet. It diminishes, however, towards Canada Bay, where the displacement appears to be about 4500 feet. From the convergence of this great dislocation and that of Salt Water Pond, it :s proba'le they would meet before reaching Hare Bay. The Sal«' Water Pond fault is a downthrow to the westward. Its influence, therefore, would diminish that of the Canada Harbour fault. We accordingly find that the dislocation near Springs Arm on Hare Bay, which is probably a continuation of the other two united, is only from 1500 to 2000 feet. Where the Sj)rings Arm fault strikes into the land, on the north side of Hare Bay, has not yet been ascertained, but it will probably be somewhere near Ireland Cove. The study of these great breaks in the rocks of the country is a subject of great interest, since independent of the evidence they give of the great dynamic forces wliioh have fractured the earth's crust, and the influence they have on the geograpliical distribution of the geological formations, they may be found to possess an economic value; for they must originally have been connected with extensive fissures, and where they traverse rocks charged with metalliferous minerals, they may have given opportunity for the secretion of corresponding ores, and be found to hold valuable metalliferous lodes. That part of the Quebec group which, in Canada, is rich in the more valuable metals is the middle division, composed of dolo- mites, diorites, and serpentines, such as those shown to extend, with a considerable breadth, for a distance of seventy miles on the east side of the northern peninsula ; and in this connection it may be remaiked that without having had an opportunity to thoroughly trace the structure in the localities where they occur farther east, similar rocks were observed in several places on the coast between White Bay and Cape St. John. One of these is Little Bay or Baie Verte, where serpentine rocks are pretty largely developed towards the head of the bay, in the neighbourhood of the Terra Nova mine. Another is Ming's Bight, 4 or 5 miles to the eastward, where rocks of the same kird rise in a high hill-range, keeping the east coast of the bay, and striking inland in a south- western direction. Associated with tae serpentines in this neigh- bourhood, there are bands of anorthosite rock, diorite, dolomite, and a calcareo-magnesian rock stained green with oxyd of chro- 32 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. (S mium ; and at Terra Nova mine the series was found to rest upon blackish or brownish finely-laminated taleoid slate. These rocks are in some parts marked with chromic iron, and in many with the sulphurets of iron and copper, occasionally in quantities economically available. Beneath the whole in Little Bay, a great mass of mica-slates strikes inland in a south-westerly direction from Coachman's Cove. They run up into the hills of the penin- sula which divides Little Bay from White Bay, and may corre- spond with the mica-slates of the Western Arm already described. Near the central part of the peninsula between Little Bay and Ming's Bight, a considerable breadth of granitic rock occurs. It does not give much indication of gneissoid structure, but has a north-east and south-west trend, parallel with the other rocks on either side, and with the gneiss and mica-slate of the peninsula to the west, and may belong to the Laurentian series. From the distribution of the rocks in these two peninsulas, it would seem probable that there runs longitudinally through each of them an anticlinal axis, and that rocks of the middle division of the Quebec group are arranged in a synclinal form in each of the bays, in which they rest on the Laurentian series, without the interposition of the lower division, or of the Potsdam group. Serpentines are also represented, or known, at Tilt Cove and Round Harbour on the peninsula, which terminates at Cape St. John, and farther south, rocks, which are probably of the same series, are exhibited on the islands of Hall's Bay, and again at Twillingate. In each of the latter cases they appear to be related to a considerable volume of limestone ; but all this section of country requires a great amount of careful examination before any detailed descriptions can be entered upon. Mention has already been made of the presence of copper ore in this middle division of the Quebec grouj), at How Harbour, Groose Cove, and the western side of St. Julien Bay ; and although the quantities observed were not in any of these instances great, they yet serve to show that the ores of the metal accompany these deposits in their distribution, in Newfoundland as well as in Canada, and render it reasonable to expect the discovery of avail- able quantities in those parts of the country hereafter. This is still further confirmed by their occurrence in the rocks of the middle division, on both sides of Little Bay, and in considerable REPORT FOR 1864. 33 quantity at the head of the bay, in Terra Nova mine, and by indications observed on the west side of Ming's Bight ; in several l)laces in the vicinity of Twillingato, and on Sunday-Cove Ishmd at the entrance of Hall's Bay. At Tilt Cove and Hound Harbour copper ores are reported to be largely exhibited ; but the plan of my exploration did not afford me time to visit these localities. Their value, however, has been made known by the enterprise of Mr. 0. F. Bennett, of St. John's, who has obtained from the Government of the colony an exclusive riglit to the minerals over a very extensive tract of the country, and has entered upon mining operations at Tilt Cove, with a fair promise of a profitable return. Iron pyrites was found to accompany the copper pyrites in most of the localities in which the latter occurred, but it was often met with disseminated in the rocks by itself, particularly in the black slates of the lower division of the Quebec group, wliere occasionally, as at How Harbour, it seemed almost sufiicient in quantity to be made available for practical purposes. The largest deposit of it, however, that came under my observation was in association with the serpentine of the middle division at the Terra Nova mine, which has been opened with the intention of working it for exportation to England. The Terra Nova mine is situated at the junction of two streams, whose united waters, flowing north- easterly for about a mile and a quarter, fall into the upper extremity of Little Bay. The deposit upon which the mine has been opened ap[)ear8 to be a stratified mass of iron and copper pyrites, with intercalations of hard clay slates, and it is interposed between a considerable volume of serpentine on the one side and chloritic slate on the other. The metalliferous band has a con- siderable breadth — probably 30 feet, or even more — and within that width there are strata of solid or nearly solid iron pyrites, of from 4 to 5 feet thick. The general dip is about S. 80^ E. < 8U°. The upper part of it is chiefly iron pyrites, some of which is strongly magnetic ; but in the lower part, the yellow sulphuret of copper is pretty generally disseminated, in combination with that of iron, and in some spots in considerable proportion. When first discovered, the exposure presented a mass of ore projecting along the bottom of the main stream, from the point of land separating the north-west and south-west brooks; but the channels of both these brooks having been changed, near their n .-41 34 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. |i| (II junction, for the convenience of mining, the waters of the north- west brook alone now flow over it. To prove the mine, five shafts have been sunk, numbered from 1 to 5, in the order in which they were excavated. Two of these are upon the metalliferous band, while the other three, so far as they go, have been excavated in the rock of the country. The strike of the mineral mass naturally exposed is about N. 20° E. and S. 20° W. true (the magnetical variation being about N. 35° W.). A short distance from the natural junction of the two brooks, in what appeared to be the run of the .metalliferous band. No. 1 shaft was sunk in hard clay-slate without striking the band. No. 2 shaft was then sunk on the left bank of the main stream, in what appeared to be the run of the )and northward. It was carried to a depth of 12 fathoms, through terpentine, without reaching the metalliferous band. From the >ottom of this shaft a drift was carried in a south-eastward direc- tion a distance of between 70 and 100 feet through serpentine all the way, passing beneath the main stream. Another shaft, No. 3, was then sunk to a depth of 8 fathoms, about 4 chains from No. 2, in the bearing N. 80° E. This is also through serpentine, which was found to be cut by numerous veins of calc-spar, with frequent specks of copper pyrites, and small masses of native copper. No. 4 shaft is sunk on the metalliferous band close by the natural junction of the two brooks. At the time of my visit it had been excavated to a depth of 20 fathoms ; from this a gallery had been driven along the band, northward, for about 100 feet in the strike, at a depth of 10 fathoms, and another from the bottom of the shaft, in the same direction for the same distance. Both these galleries pass under the north-west brook. At the termination of each of them there appears to be a twist in the stratification. No. 5 shaft, called also Bell's Shaft, is situated about a chain from No. 2, in the bearing S. 55° W. In it the metalliferous band was struck at the depth of 10 fathoms. It is said that from the neiglibourhood of No. 4 shaft the band separates into two branches going southward, and it is supposed that the reason why No. 1 shaft missed the baud is that the shaft is sunk in the rock between these two branches. The whole circumstances of the case induce me to think that we have here a short sharp twist, or overlap, in the stratification, and that the band will run more regularly southward from the eastward of the two branches. P.EPORT FOR 1864. 35 into which it appears to be divided at the junction of the streams, and more regularly northward from No. 5 shaft, in the general strike of the serpentine and the other rocks associated witli it. The investigations made by Dr. T. Sterry Hunt, the chemist and mineralogist of the Geological Survey of Canada, have shown tliat traces of chromium and nickel appear to be almost universally diffused in the serpentines of the Quebec group in Canada, and in the United States ; and analyses made by him of several specimens from Pistolet Bay and Little Bay indicate that the serpentines of Newfoundland will not be an exception. It is, therefore, reason- able to expect the occurrence of these metals in available qucntities in the island. The ore in which the chromium of commerce usually occurs is in combination with iron, and chromic iron has been obtained in Canada, in several places, in economic quantity. Although this ore was met with in Little Bay, the quantity was confined to mere crystals in the rock, but it strengthens the expectation of finding it in more abundance in other parts. Serpentine is a rock capable of receiving a high polish, and it is extensively used in commerce for architectural purposes of a decorative character; and for such purposes any amount of it might be obtained in How Harbour, Little Bay, Ming's Bight, or wherever else it has been reported. . . 4. Uj)per Silurian Series. Proceeding southward along the coast of White Bay from Coney Arm Head, which, as has already been stated, is composed of coarse quartzose mica-slate, possibly of Laurentian age, there accumulates on these mica-slates a series of rocks traceable to Jackson's Arm. Jackson's Arm runs into the land, nearly at right angles to the strike ; and here these upper rocks have a transverse breadth of about 2 miles. The following section of them, in ascending order, from the mica-slates, on which they are seen to rest, is taken from the north side of the arm, on which the measures appear to be broken by three considerable faults, causing what are supposed to be modified repetitions of some of the masses. B 2 r--?^ 36 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Feet. 1. Coarse conglomerates, with a light grey arenaceo-micaceous slaty matrix, which is slightly calcareous. The masses en- closed consist of pebbles and boulders of gneiss, large rounded fragments of whitish or li,i;ht grey mica-slate, some of a darker grey greenstone, reddish-grey quartzites, and occasional smaller masses of limestone; among these there is a good deal of finer material of t)ie same charroter, slightly calcare- ous, and mica-schist runs in irregular flakes and patches in the general direction of the stratification, but its cleavage often partially conforms to the rounded surface of the boulders and pebbles. The beds are very massive, and they appear to be divided by grey micaceous schist 400 2. Sea-green slates, occasionally interstratified with dark grey, or blackish fine silky surfaced slates, some of which are harder <" tha" ethers 300 3. Grey, ((..irse, rough arenaceo-micaceous schist, frequently pass- .; g in.i iino conglomerate, with pebbles similar in mineral character to those of the coarse conglomerates beneath, but none of them exceeding the size of a hen's egg ; the pebbles ai'e GCTietim* << nr-anged in regular layers, parallel to the btratiia.ition ; bands of dark grey clay slate are occasionally , interstratified in the mass 400 4. Grey micaceous and arenaceous slates 250 5. Green and black slates at the base, succeeded by grey arenaceous slate, which is interstratified with thin bands of sandstone .. 650 6. Green, bluish, and blackish slates, interstratified with grey flaggy sandstones ; the slates enclose nodules of pinkish calc- spar, and veins of the same cut the strata 250 7. Greyish-blue limestone in a single bed 7 8. Grey calcareo-arenaceous slates, interstratified with greyish sandstones, with a heavy mass of grey white-weathering sandstone at the top 543 2800 The above section can only be considered as giving an approxi- mation to the truth. The three faults which dislocate the rocks, and are all considered to be upthrows on the east side, render it difficult to follow the sequence with exactitude ; and some of the masses, which are supposed to be in a general way equivalent, on opposite sides of the faults, appear in different parts to be modified in volume, and somewhat in lithological character, by different degrees of metamorphic action. The most western of the faults occurs in a small cove, upwards of half a mile from the upper end of the arm. It seems to be an upthrow of probably 1000 feet, and by it the coarse conglomerates 1, which rest upon the mica-slate REPORT FOR 1864. 37 'ect. 400 300 400 250 650 250 7 543 2800 approxi- le rocks, ender it e of the alent, on modified different le faults iper end feet, and ica-slate at the upper end of the arm, are repeated on the other side of the cove. The fault appears to be coincident with a vein or dyke of granitoid rock, of which several occur, though they do not in every case greatly dislocate the measures. They are uniform in appearance ; the rock weathers yellow, but when fresh broken has SECTION, JACKSON'S ARM. 3 1234B66T8 67 8 m. Mica slate. ni l/ml234/567 8/ 6 67 Horizontal and vertical scale, a mile to an inch. 5 1. Coarse conglomerates. 2. Sea-green slates. 3. Slates and fine conglomerates. 4. Micaceo-arenaceous slates. Black and green slates. 6. Green, bluish, and black slates, 7. Blue limestone. 8. Slates and sandstones. L. Sea level. /,/,/, Faults, a pale, yellowish-pink colour ; it is very fine grained, and has a conchoidal fracture. Some of the veins or dykes run with the strata, and others intersect them, and they vary in thickness from 1 to 30 feet. They are cut by white quartz veins, which are con- fined to them, and do not run into the strata on each side. The second fault occurs upwards of 2 miles from the upper end of the arm, where the coast suddenly runs northward for about half a mile, into a pretty deep cove. This fault does not seem to dis- locate the measures more than 200 feet. The third fault occurs in the inhabited cove, about 400 yards from the outside point of the arm. It is supposed to be a dislocation of perliaps 1200 feet. On the west side of it, and of the cove, there is an abrupt low hill, formed of strong massive beds of quartzite, some of which appear to have a slaty cleavage ; they are supposed to belong to the summit of the section, but would give a much greater volume to this part of it than the amount stated. On the east side of the cove there is a pale, pinkish-white, splintery feldspathic rock, of which the relation to the others is not well understood; but it appears to be connected with the slates and sandstones of division 6, or to be intrusive. In addition to the granitoid, compact, fine- grained veins or dykes, there are others in the upper part of the arm, which consist of a brown splintery, apparently feldspathic rock, which, like them, run in some places with the stratification, and in others oblique to it. ,--* ,.^'«gg{Crle detention in fitting out the vessel, I sailed from St. John's on the 4th July, and returned thitlier on the 21st November, 186G. The plan of the expedition was (as already intimated by Sir W. E. Logan, in his letter to the Hon. F. Carter, accompanying my report to him for the year 1864) to follow out the limits and distribution of the coal formation, which had been partially examined last year, and to trace out any workable sea . :• that might be met with ; at the same time to take particular note of the older formations at the various parts that migiit be visited, in order to be the better prepared to follow out their distribution at a future time. In connection with the examination a considerable amount of topographical surveying was required, there being no recently published charts of those parts of tlie western coast which were IWIUlfcJlUIIU 74 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. i! likely to be convenient as starting-points ; I therefore deemed it necessary to supply myself with a good chronometer for the pur- pose of ascertaining longitude from time to time, by means of which, with latitude found by observations of tlie sun or a star, the position of such places might be laid down with some degree of accuracy. The earlier part of the season was devoted to an examination of the coast between Cape Itay and Cape Anguille, where a good section of the coal formation was obtained, and a survey was made of the Great Codroy River and Valley. I then proceeded to the Bay of Islands, examined the coast between Cape St. Georgi md Hound Head on the way, and commencing in Hnmber Arm, sur- veyed the main river and valley for about 50 miles up its course, by which I was enabled to connect the work of the present with that of last year. Lastly, I repaired to the Bay of St. George with the intention of extending my survey from the south coast of the bay by ihe valleys of the various brooks, so ns to connect that pa 'X with the survey of the Great Codroy ; thereby also obtaining *• transverse section of the coal measures of that region. This part of my plan was but partially accomplished, as I only succeeded in surveyini^ the Flat Bay; at the same time fixing the position of the most conspicuous mountains to the southward by triungulation, and scaling two of tlie streams, vis5. tlie Barachois and Flat Bay Brooks. My operations during a consi»il was forwarded to E. Billinj^'H, Esq., palo; iiilologist of the Geological Survey of Canail;i. who nt rmco recogni.sed it to be CniziniKi fi-inij-i/iotta (Salter), a form characteristic of the Liiiipita ilttgs near the extnnie base of the Silurian system. t All tlie bearings arc from the true nuridinn. 76 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. i' i'||( inside there is an excellent harbour, sheltered thoroughly from all weather. Measuring from the lower part of the estuary, a little way north from the point where the latitude and longitude were ascertained (see plan), the general courses ascending the river are as follows : — Miles. Chains. RUe. Ist rea'ch, N. 81° E. 6 to head of estuary or lagoon .. Tide-water 2nd reach, N. f)5° E. 8 (it- to the lower main fork, say .. 18 feet 3rd reach, N. 53° E. 4 60 to second main fork 15 „ 4th reach, N. 86° E. 3 25 to the end of survey 12 „ The lower part of the first reach is wide and open, but flat and shallow over the whole area, except where the main channel cuts through, wliere there is sufficient water to float vessels of con- siderable size for upwards of 3 miles, when high tide. The upper part of the same reach also spreads over a large space, but it includes some low islands which extend nearly to the point where the current of the river becomes perceptible. The second reach is more or less rapid, and at a little over 4 miles up it, or about half-way to the lower main I'ork, there is a little fall of about 2 feet ; the total rise on the wliole reacli being estimated to be about 18 feet. At the head of this reach the river is split into two streams, of about equal size, the one turning a little north towards the Anguille range of hills for about 3 miles, after which it bends again to the eastward at the southern base of these hills, and runs parallel to them; while the other bears upwards on the third reach in nearly the same course as before, gradually approaching the Capo Eay or Long Range Mountains, which it enters on the fourth reach above tlie second large fork. The second fork joins the main river on the south side, proceeding from a gorge of the Cape Ray mountains, at about 1 mile distant from it. Between the first and second forks the main river was estimated to fall at the rate of about 3 feet in a mile, making a total of about 15 feet, and the upper reach, where it becomcjs a mountain torrent, at the rate of about 4 feet, giving about 12 feet more to the end of the survey ; thus giving a rise in the measured length of the stream of about 45 feet. IJesides the forks already mentioned, there are numerous tiibutaries to this ri\er falling in on either side, among the most D. REPORT FOR 186C. 77 oughly from a little way gitude were the river are Else. Tide-water 18 feet 15 „ 12 „ but flat and channel cuts 3sels of cou- The upper pace, but it point where a little over L'k, there is a reacli being ich the river le turning a out 3 miles, hern base of other bears e as before, Mountains, large fork. proceeding mile distant n river was making a becomes a )ont 12 feet e measured numerous ir the most important of which there are two in tlie lower reach on the north side, flowing from the Angnillo range ; one opposite tlie firet fork, at the head of tlie second reach falling from the Cape Ray mountains, and one coming in opposite the second fork at the head of the third reach, which proceeds from north-eastward. Tiio stream at the time of my visit was low, and the measurements had to be made on foot all the way, but when well supplied with water it is easily navigable for canoes up to the second fork. On the coast, 4 miles south from the outlet of the Great Codroy River, is Lari]ue, but they nowhere attain an elevation much above 2000 feet, and are for the most part, according to measurements made both by triangulation and barometrical observations, con- siderably below that altitude. On the other hand, the Cape Auguille range, which bounds the valley on the northern side, presents a soft and gentle outline, where the higher elevations attain an altitude of from 1000 to 1300 feet, richly covered by forest trees nearly to the summits. The flat or low land, forming the lower part of the valley between the two ranges of hills, extends on the sea-coast from the neighbourhood of Traimvain Brook, 3 miles south from the mouth of Little Codroy River, to within a short distanee of Cape Anguille, giving a breadth of 12 statute miles ; but the hill ranges con- verging slightly towards each other in their north-eastern coiu'se into the interior, the valh\v gradually becomes more and more contracted in width until shut in nearly altogether, where the main stream at the end of the survey becomes split up among the mountains of the Long Range into a sueeestion of small turbulent mountain brooks. The area occupied by level or gently undulating; land in the valley amounts by rough measurement on tlie plan to about 78 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. t i'. 75 square wiles, or 48,000 square acres, a very large proportion of which ifi available for setth'mont. For the most part, the country is well wooded with stout mixed timber, consisting chiefly of spruce, bal.sam-firs, yellow birch frequently of large size, white birch, and tamarack ; but there are also frequent spots of barren or spongy marsh entirely void of timber or only maintaining a very stunted growth of evergreens or small tamarack bushes. The islands and flats of the lower part of the Gieat Codroy Eiver yield a luxuriant growth of wild grass, affording an ample supply of admirable fodder for cattle. Along the st-a-coast, between Trainvain Brook and tlie little village of Codroy, the country is partially settled all the way, the attention of the settlers being about equally divided between the cultivation of the land and fishing operations ; but up the C4r('at Codroy River, which is more or less occupied on either side of the estuary, the calling of the inhabitants appears to be mor(! nearly purely agricultural, and it may be fairly stated that, notwithstanding the very rude process by which the lauci is cultivated, the crops produced of grass, grain, and roots, highly testify to the excellence of the soil in which they are grown. Cattle and sheep are raised upon most of these small fai'ms, producing most excellent beef and mutton, besides dairy produce of the very best description. The greater portion of the Anguille, and some portions of the lower slopes of the Cape Ray range also, are quite capable of improvement, and if cleared of timber and sown in grass, would afford grazinc; land not easilv surpassed in any countrv. St. George's Bay and Coast to Humber Aem, Bay of Islands. While examining this part of the western shores, I took every available opportunity of getting astronomical obs('r\ ations, in order to '-..--oi-t as tar as possible certain discrepancies suspected to exis- 1 lie published charts. The result has proved of importaaice, .is a v^ry con>iderable error in both latitude and longitude was found to exist in the representation of a great part ol St. George's Bay and the Bay of Islands. Thesp !(-rr'>f'ti(ins must be taken only as approximative ; but as the ^- ^ iiical position, found by the observations taken at IlEPORT Foil 186G. 79 proportion , part, the ing chiefly size, wliite i of barren intaining a ck bnslies. droy Kiver iple supply t, between country is tiers being 3 land and ,ich is more Uing of the ural, and it ude process ^rass, grain, which they these small sides dairy tions of the capable of rass, would Lem, Itook every |\ations, in susjx'cted J proved of [titude and )f a :;reat M lative : but one or two well-marked places, very nearly coincided with those determined by Captain S. Clone, of the French Imperial Navy (who.-io admirable and well-known accuracy requires no comment), they may be taken as moderately trustworthy. St. George's Harbour, the only harbour in the bay, was one of the parts found to be very inaccurately vepresented, not only as regards geographical position, but in the contour of the coast, so that it was deemed necessary to triangulate the whole of Flat Bay in order to get suffioiently accurate data to start with before fixing the position of the mountains and rivers of the interior. Harbour or Sandy Point, at the entrance to Flat Bay, is in latitude 48° 27' 27" N., and longitude 58' 30' 30" W. It is the termina- tion of a long low spit of gravel and sand, projecting from the mainland for nearly 6 miles, and enclosing Flat Bay and St. George's Harbour. There is an excellent and secure anchorage for vessels of nearly all sizes immediately under this point, and a moderately deep although somewhat tortuous and narrow channel runs up nearly the whole length of Flat Bay, but all the rest of its area is exceedingly shallow, much of it being entirely dry at low ebb tides. A stream known as the Barachois Brook falls into the sea a little way outside of Flat Bay, the entrance being about south- east of Harbour Point, and another of about equal size, called the Flat Bay Brook, falls in near the head of Flat Bay. Both these streams were found to be navigable for canoes for a considerable distance. The course of the Barachois in a general bearing is N. 65° E. for 8^ miles, at which distance it opens out into a suite of small lakes at the base of the Long Range Mountains, bearing upwards on the same course for about 2J miles more, then turning sharply to the southward, the upper lake lies for nearly 2 miles trans- versely across the hill range, and contracts again at the end of that distance in a narrow and rapid mountain brook. The Flat Bay Brook bears upwards on its general course S. 76° E., 7 miles (JO chains, through an undulating country to the mountain range, which it intersects through a narrow gorge at that distance, still maintaining the same upward bearing tor some 4 or 5 miles more in a liarrow mountain valley, receiving numerous tributary streams on either side. taken at 80 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ^1 !li n !!':: The stream is very rapid from the outlet to the raountuiiip, but after entering tlie gorge tho current becomes moderate, as far as it was ascended. At the point wliere the main stream enters the mountain gorge it is joined by a tributary on tho riglit side flowing from the south-eastward, in the forks of whioli stands a remarkable and prominently conspicuous hill, which was termed the Cairn Mountain, from the circumstance of a monument having been erected on it, and which afforded an excellent object for triangulation. The summit of this mountain, where the monu- ment stands, was found to be 1012 feet above the level of the sea. The north-western flank of the Long Range Mountains will thus be seen to run in a nearly straight direction, about N, 36' E., from the upper forks of the Codroy towards the Cairn Mountain on Flat Bay Brook, crossing the Barachois at the lakes, and striking for llare Head at the head of the Grand Pond. Between the hills and the southern coast of St. George's Bay the land is level or undulating, for the most part, tliickly grown over by a fine growth of mixed forest timber, and drained by numerous streams, several of which, besides the two already described, are navigable for small boats or canoes for several miles inland. This tract is bounded on the south-west by the high laud of Cape Anguille, which rises into a wooded mountainous country about half-way between the Cape and the head of Flat Bay, extending across to the southward to the northern main fork of the Great Codroy IJiver. The maximum width of the level region between the sea and the Long Range is from 10 to 12 miles, but this width de- creases advancing to the north-eastward, and is reduced to about 5 miles opposite the Cairn Mountain, while it becomes narrower still at the Barachois Brook. By a rougb measurement made upon the plan the area of the region lying between the mountains and the sea is about 192 square miles, or 122,880 square acres, a very large pro- portion of which is available for settlement. On the north side of the Bay St. George, also, there is a considerable area of fine agricultural country, extending from the coast between Indian Head and the isthmus of Port-a-Port to the range of the Table Mountains, roughly estimated at about 10 miles in length by an average of 3 in breadth, or about 30 square miles, equal to 19,200 square acres. The present settlement of this fine region Jl). REPOllT FOR 186G. 81 10 mountains', moderatp, a3 mnin stream utary on tlio )ik9 of which ill, which was f a monument ;cellent object 3ro the monu- ve\ of the sea. ;ains will thus ^. 36" E., from Mountain on !, and striking Between the ! land is level )ver by a fine erous streams, are navigable This tract is ^ape Anguille, ibout half-way tending across Great Codroy Aveen the sea this width de- uced to about omes narrower ,n the area of sea is about jry large pro- the north side e area of fine etween Indian of the Table length by on liles, equal to lis fine region is limited to some straggling farms along the coast on either side of the bay, on which, however, excellent crops of grain, grass, potatoes, ami turnips are raised ; winter \\i»eat has been grown successfully on Mr. llomain's farm on the north side of the bay, and the burlier varieties of that grain might no doubt be cultivated to a large extent wore there a mill in the country to make it into flour; and as there is ample water power upon every brook, mills would readily be constructed if an impetus were once given to purely agricultural pursuits. Jlany of these small farms even now maintain a good stock of cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, &c., &c., the condition of all of which gives ample testimony to the capabilities of the soil on which they have been raised. The Humber Arm and River. Considerable discrepancies were found to exist in the position of this coast as represented in the published charts, especially towards the mouth of the Humber River, where there was found to be an error of upwards of two minutes of latitude ; and as one prominent position where observations were taken, namely, the gravel point in Lark Harbour, agrees with the result obtained by M. Clone at the same place within a few seconds, the outline given upon the accompanying plan may be relied on as tolerably near the truth. Brake's Landing, at the entrance to the Humber River, was found to be in latitude 48" 57' 53" N., and longitude 57" 55' 32" W. The following are the bearings and distances on the river, ex- clusive of minor turns up its course, as far as surveyed. 1st Course. — From Brake's La.i> hig to tlie head of the lower rapids, at station 9, S. 61° E., distance 3 miles 4 chains. 2nd Com-se. — From station 9 to entrance into Deer Lake, N. 60° E., distance 8 miles 03 chains. 3rd Course. — Deer Lake from Governor's Point to head of lake, N. 42° E., distance 15 miles 7 chains. 4th Course. — Head of Deer Lake to forks of Grand Pond, N. 44° p]., distance 5 miles 14 chains. 5th Course.— From Grand Pond forks to Beaver Pond, N. 88° E., distance 4 miles 12 chains. 6th Course. — From Beaver Pond to Great Bend, N. 5Ij° E., distance 8 miles 46 chains. a &i GEOLOGICAL SURVKY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. The upper part of the arm, towards the entrance to the river, is very shallow over a largo area, much of which becomes nearly dry at low water; but there is a deep channel, although suinewhat tortuous, by which small vessels can enter the stream ; and there is very good anchorage outside the shoals a little way westward of Brake's Landing. The first or lower course of the river passes through a narrow gorge bounded on either side by lofty calcareous crags, which in some parts rise nearly vertically from the water's edge in cliifs of 1000 feet or more, the whole body of the magnificent river being pent up within sometimes less than a chain in width. The current is tolerably strong and the water deep in this course, and towards the end of it there is a moderately strong rapid. Above this rapid the river opens out wide, flowing through a very picturesque valley, the current being moderate all the way until within about a mile of tlie lower end of Deer Lake, where another pretty strong rapid occurs. The rise from the sea to the level of Deer Lake was estimated to be only about 10 feet.* Following the course over Deer Lake to the junction with the Grand Pond branch, the current is sluggish, the river wide, sometimes opening to upwards of a quarter of a mile, the water usually deep, and is very easily ascended by boats of any ordinary draught. A little way above the junction of the Grand Pond branch the stream becomes very turbulent, the first rapid making a fall of 11 feet in about a quarter of a mile, and it is more or less rapid and often shallow and difficult of ascent for canoes all the way, except at two parts, where it opens into what are called the Seal Pool and Beaver Pond, where it is still wide and deep. There is also a stretch of some 2 miles, where the current is moderate, below the great bend, above which it turns in a south and south- west course for about a mile, and then, bending round again in the prevailing north-eastern direction for another mile and a half, comes to a vertical fall of about 10 feet, where our ascent terminated. The estimated rise above the sea at the top of the fall was about 90 feet. Above the fall the general course is said to be a little eastward of north for about 8 or 9 miles, where it reaches within less than 10 miles of the head of White Bay, and then, turning westerly for a few miles, runs along the base of the * Since estimated to be from 15 to 20 feet (Report, 1879). \Ui m he rivor, Bs nearly lomewhat ind there 'Stward of a narrow which in n cliffs of ver being ath. The lis course, ang rapid, through a Jl the way ake, whore sea to tho t 10 feet* n with the •iver wide, >, the water ly ordinary •and Pond pid making lOre or less loes all the called the |eep. There moderate, and soutli- (und again Imile and a our ascent top of the irse is said !S, where it Bay, and [base of the I llEPOUT FOU 18G0. 83 mountains, and flnilly turns south-westerly and termiuatcs at Adio's Pond, within about 12 miles distance from tho head of Doer Lake, and some 20 miles from the eastern arm of IJoune Bay. The Grand Pond branch was only ascended for a little over a mile, at the end of which distance the stream becomes violently rapid, and although practicable for canoe navigation all the way to the Grand Pond, it is exceedingly difficult and dangerous.* The hills at the lower reach of the river, although very precipitous and broken, aro nevertheless covered by a dense growth of forest trees, among which are many pines and spruces of large size, well adapted for spars or lumber. Above, and immediately upon entering the second reach, the valley opens out with a narrow fringe of fine flat land on either side of the river, lying between it and the mountains, which varies in width and extent to Deer Lake, while at Deer Lake it expands gradually more and more, and on tho northern side it is in some parts upwards of 3 miles wide. The southern side is more con- tracted until reaching towards the upper end of the lake, where a great expanse of flat or rolling country spreads away to the east- ward and northward, reaching in the former direction to the Grand Pond. Above Deer I^ake the flat country is of great breadth, more particularly above tho forks; the mountain range which bounds it on the west side pointing in the direction of Adie's Pond at the head of the river on one hand, while on the other it extends to the base of the low wooded range west of Sandy Pond, and this level tract extends upwards on the river's course to the western bend, which is saiu to be less than 10 miles distant from the head of Wiiite Bay. By a rough measurement of this large tract of country made upon the plan there would be an area of about 429 square miles, or 274,500 square acres, at least one-half of which is probably well adapted for raising almost every kind of agricultural produce. Independently of its agricultural capabilities, this fine tract of country seems to present inducements for oth(?r branches of * Judging from the description given of these rapids, the rise must be at least about 38 feet; therefore, allowing about 2 feet for the fnll of the stream from iiio forks to Deer Lake, atd 10 feet as the height of Deer Lake, the Grand Fond will bo about 50 feet nbfjve the sea, instead of 36 feet, as given last year (since found by level to be 116 feet — 1879); and all the other heights on the west side of the water- shed will be also proportionally higher than repvfscntcd. G 2 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 141 |2.8 ^ US, 12.5 22 2.0 I.G 1.25 u 11= ^ f," _ ► V] <^ .^. ^ % /y y /^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y 14S80 (716) 873-4503 J c\ \ 6^ <^ 84 GEOLOaiCAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. It! ■ industry and enterprise in the quality of its timber, much of which is excellent. Tamarack or juniper is not rare; yellow birch of large dimensions is abundant; white pine and spruce grow in the greatest profusion, frequently of a size and quality not greatly inferior if not equal to the best that is now largely brought into market in Gaspe and other parts of the lower province of Canada. The natural facilities this part of the island present for communication aLso from shore to shore are very great, the valley is easily accessible by water from the Bay of Islands to the Grand Pond forks, while the country farther north is well adaptvhite quartz, the largest of which is about 3 feet wide, running in a north and suuth direction, with numerous smaller veins radiating from it east and west. A few specks of galena were observed in the main vein, but it was chiefly in the smaller ones that the ore seem»;d to occur. At Parrody's Head, near the head of the Bay D'Espoir,! galena was found in white quartz veins through which calc-spar is dissemi- nated, but not in large proportion. Tjiese veins run irregularly, intersecting black, plumbaginous, occasionally slightly calcareous slate, which was supposed to be of Lower Silurian age, and is the rock of the country over a very large area of the surrounding region. The La Blanche mine is situated near the north-eastern ex- tremity of Plucentia Bay, between Little Southern Harbour and Little Bay. The vein that is worked for lead varies in width from 3 to 6 feet, and is chiefly of calc-spar, much of which is tinged of a pale pinkish amethystine colour. Sulphate of barytes, quartz, and fluor-spar are more or less distributed through tlie vein, the walls of which are frequently lined with beautiful crystals of amethystine quartz, and occasionally with green or blue malachite. The ore is distributed irregularly through the whole thickness of the vein, sometimes in " vouglis," as termed by the miners, or pockets ; but there appears to be also a pretty regular and con- tinuous string of ore near the middle of the lode, of from 1 to 4 inches thickness, from whence the " prill ore," as it is termed, is derived. The run of the vein is about N. 03'' E. from the water's edge, and its attitude vertical, niaintaining that course and attitude with great regularity, and being traceable on the surface for a * Molybiknito also occurs at Deer Pond, wbioh sometimes bos bceu mistaken for an ore of lead. t The original was a French word " D'Espoir," or " Tliu Bay of Hope," whicli has been corrupted into '• Despair" by tlio Euylish. REPORT FOR 18Gfl. 98 m miotakon for considerable distance. The lode cuts a set of green, very hard and brittle, compact, cherty or jaspfjry slates, which cleave exactly with tlie bedding and for the most part weather an opaque white, which di.HfoIoration extends into the stone for an inch or more. The dip on the south-eastern side of the lode is about N. 2V W. < 25®; that on the north side points in the same direction, but with an increased rate of inclination. From the position of the vein to the otitranco of Little SoutJ-.ern Harbour, the measures gradually accu- niulato upon this dip, but as there are several dislocations observed in the cliflfs it is probable the same strata may be repeated. A con- siderable amount of red strata are visible in the cliffs, of a hard jaspery character, alternating with rock of a dark bottle-green colour, having the aspect of diorite ; but being incapable of land- ing to examine that part of the coast, I am unable to state the mineral characters with certainty. It will require much further investigation to determine with any amount of certainty the geological horizon which these rocks may represent ; but it may be stated that the mineral character and general aspect of the strata bear a very strong resemblance to the rocks at the Topsail cliffs in Conception Bay, where the evidence tends to hIiow that rocks of Lower Silurian ago succeed them un- conformably. Indications of lead ore, moreover, have been per- ceived near the coast between Topsail Head and Portugal Cove ; and more recently the same ore has been found in veins intersect- ing the slates and sandstones in the immediate vicinity of St. John's.* Iron. Near the junction of the coal measures with the gneiss on the Great Codroy River some bands of a very ferruginous character were observed, interstratified with the latter rocks. These bands are of a reddish-brown colour, hard, brittle, and with a conchoidal fracture, the broken surfaces presenting occasionally a metallic lustre. Much of the gneiss in this locality is of a bright red colour, which is derived from the prevalence of bright red orthoclase feldspar over the other constituents, which consist of small grains of semi -translucent white quartz and small scales of mica. * I was informed at the La Hancho mines that the amount of ore shipped during the years 1858-59 amounted to 2,354,987 lbs., or 1051 tons. •i GEOLOGICAL 8UUVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Iq this locality, and for some distance down tho stream, large slabs and frngments of pure white crystallinepiincstone, with specks of graphite and silvery mica, were observed to occur in abundance, from which circumstance it was assumed that strata of that cha> racter must rest in aifu somewhere among the Laurentian roi^ks farther in the interior. Some beautiful specimens of mapnetio iron ore were procured from the neighbourhood of the Cairn Alountain near Flat Bay Brook, which, judging from the quantity distributed over the surface of the ground, is probably derived from a large and important mass in that neighbourhood. The rocks with which the ore seems to be associ- ated are of an opaque white colour, for the most part, being chiefly composed of white feldspar with quartz, in a small proportion, and labradorite. PlunAago. This mineral was found to be pretty generally disseminated in a set of black shaly slates on the islands and main shores towards the head of the Bay D'Espoir. On the north side of Bichard's Island it has been taken out in considerable quantities by the neighbouring residents for usual household purposes, and it was observed to occur in the same rocks on the banks of the brook by the Indian settlement, at the entrance to the Conne Biver. The mineral appeared to be in the greatest abundance where the strata were affected by cracks or dislocations, which, on Richard's Island, Isle Bois, and the northern side of Long Island, are of frequent occurrence. The age of these plumbaginous slates is doubtful, but it was considered probable will prove eventually to be Lower Silurian, and may be the equivalent of the slates and shales of Manuel's Brook and the islands of Conception Bay. The slates in Bay D'Espoir are usually more or less calcareous, and are intersected by veins of both calc-spar and white quartz. They usually display a fibrous structure with a silky glisten- ing surface, sometimes covered over by remarkable crystals, and abounding with decomposing iron pyrites. Gypsum. Gypsum abounds in the lower part of the Carboniferous system, and is largely developed on the coast near Codroy and in the Bay REPORT FOR IRfirt. 95 St. Ooorge. The vast masses which coraoont in tho cliffs between Codroy Island and tho Groat Codroy River can hardly foil to prove some day of very fpreat value and importance. The colour of the greater portion of tlio masses on the Codroy side of Capo An„uille is grey, and usually presents a regularly laminated api)carance by tho presence of thin scales of a black substance which alternates with the 8 ih may be 1 between roy River. Frequently entre part le exposed F the beds e in grain, e material 3 observed the Great jes in the aoar Cape rery finest , of exeel- 1 adapted f the coal the best • the foot on the stones in orked out •om it are ds occur umcrated, to under nous and hose that doubt of ce to the iilciferoiis iiing into lime ; and some of those which outcrop in the Humbcr Arm at Cook's Cove and other phiccs, associated with limestone conglo- merate, may also be found available for the same purpose. The limestone beds in the lower coal measures also are probably in many instances will adapted for making good lime, examples of which may be instanced as occurring on tlie coast near Codroy, and thence cropping out at intervals near the right bank of the Great Codroy Eiver, particularly at Ryan's Brook, where there is a considerable thickness of this rock exposed, with sandstone and masses of gypsum. A limestone occurs at the entrance to Ship Cove, at Burin, on the west side of I'lacentia Bay, which was supposed to be the equivalent of the rock of Topsail Head, and very low down in the Silurian system. It occurs in two bands, one from 15 to 20 feet thick, the other from 30 to 40 feet, divided by Idack calcareous shales, and overlaid by similar shaly and slaty strata, containing a brown material supposed to be an oxide of manganese, with which tlie surrounding parts are discoloured. The colour of the limestone on fracture is j)ale blue, weathering drab on the exposed surfaces, some of whicli exhibit obscure forms supposed to be organic, probably fucoids. Tliis rock has been quarried to some extent, for the purpose of burning into lime. Bed Ochre. This material is derived from the red marls of the coal measures, and has been fre(iuently used by the inliabitants near the coast of St. George's Bay, as a red paint and as red chalk. It was observed upon the banks of the Flat Bay Brook, and on the Humber River above Beaver Pond. It is also leportcd to lie found on the banks of the brooks bet\ •;oii Flat Bay and the liigh land of Cape Anguille. Chii/. At the extreme head of the Bay D'Espoir, at the entrance to the Conne River, there is a deposit of still' blue regularly stratilied clay, apparently quite free from lime, which probably may bo found fit for the manufacture of either common or fire bricks, and possibly for some pottery purposes. A rude attempt was observed to have been made to burn bricks upon the sj)ot, which did not II 2 100 GBOLOaiCAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. appear to have been successful, probably in consequence of want of proper appliances. When burned it becomes an Indian red colour. Shell Marl and Peat. Peat is extensively spread over the flat country of the Codroy most of the way, and at Gapelin Gove it forms the upper part of the bank in a thickness at some parts of 5 feet or more, resting upon a bed of shell marl, which in its turn is underlaid by another bed of peat from 6 to 10 inches thick. The shore banks between Flat Bay and the Gut also are capped with peat, and the same is probably the case over a great part of the flat coal measure area, which has not been visited. The value of this substance as a fuel need not be commented upon. A deposit of fresh-water shell marl was observed on the coast of St. George's Bay, between Bomain's Brook and the isthmus of Fort-a-Port, about half a mile from the former. The deposit is not very extensive, but of considerable thickness; it is white, and contwins Planorbis and other fresh-water shells, and rests on a bed of seaweed about 18 inches in thickness, which reposes on clay with pebbles and small boulders. The bottom of the bed of sea- weed is about 12 feet over high-water mark. Shell marl is useful as an agricultural manure, and when sufficiently pure answers a good purpose as a whitewash. Ornamental Stones. Bed, and green, and brown jaspers were frequently found on the shores of the Humber Arm, and in the valley of the Humber Eiver ; they were also observed in sundry places in St George's Bay and on Flat Bay Brook. These probably take their origin in beds or veins of Lower Silurian age, but frequently occur as smoothly rounded pebbles in the conglomerates of the coal mea- sures. The red jaspers in particular are frequently capable of taking a high polish, and might be cut into brooches, seals, and other persona] ornaments. The labradorite of Cairn Mountain, some cleavage planes of which are opalescent, reflecting various beautiful colours when placed at a certain angle to the rays of light, may in some cases REPORT FOR 1866. 101 be found as a handsome ornamental material. Its prevalent colour at this part is a pale yellowish white. The malachite found lining the walls of the vein at the La Manche miue^ as far as my present information goes, has only been found in small quantities. Petroleum. This substance was reported as existing on Middle Point of Port-a-Port in my narrative of last year. Since then a sample of oil has been procured from the spot by C. F. Bennett, Esq. ; but having been unable to visit that part, I can give no further particulars as to the mode of its occurrence. Petroleum is now stated to have been discovered in the neighbourhood of Bonne Bay ; but not having visited the locality, I am still ignorant of the conditions under which it is produced. Quartz Veins. Samples were taken of quartz veins from Deer Lake, Humber Arm, and Bay D'Espoir, which have been forwarded to Montreal for chemical analysis, the conditions under which they were found to occur giving reason to presume the possibility of some trace of the precious metals being discovered. I have the honour to be. Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray, Geological Survey. To His Excellency Anthony Musgrave. 102 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER VI. V > I* MINERAL RESOURCES OF NEWFOUNDLAND: ADDRESSED TOW. 0. SARGEAUNT, ESQ., CROWN AGENT FOR THE COLONIES, SPRING GARDENS, CHARING CROSS, LONDON, AND PUBLISHED IN THE •JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF ARTS,' OCTOBER 11th, 1867. The following Report on this subject has been addressed to the Crown Agent for the Colonies ; — Sir, — A copy of a correspondence between his Excellency A. Musgrave, Governor of Newfoundland, and the Crown Agent for the Colonies, in London, has been placed in my hands, relat- ing to the mfneral resources of that colony, it being the purpose of the authorities to bring certain portions of country where minerals are supposed to exist to public sale. As 1 have been engaged for the last three years in making a geological survey of Newfoundland, and have during that time ex- plored a considerable part of the island, the local government have been pleased to direct me to express my views on this matter, 80 far as my present information will permit, in answer to certain queries made in a letter to his Excellency the Governor, from Mr. W. C. Sargeannt, Crown Agent for the Colonies, dated the 30th March, 1867. It may be well to premise these remarks by stating that in a wild and unknown country there are many and serious difficulties to contend against while working out the structure and distribution of the geological formations, and ascertaining their several charac- teristics, mineral and fossil ; and that while pursuing these duties it would be utterly impracticable for the geologist to devote such time, labour, and expense upon any one particular spot or even locality as would be required for the development of ores or minerals with a view to practical mining ; yet in carrying out such an investigation there is no doubt a great amount of information may be acquired in a great degree important to mining adventure. MINERAL RESOURCES OF NEWFOUNDLAND. 103 TO W. 0. , SPRING IN THE 1867. id to tbe Lcellency n Agent [Is, relat- 5 purpose •y where tnakiDg a time ex- vernment is matter, to certain aor, from ated the that ID a ifficulties stribution al charac- ese duties vote sucli or even )f ores or out such iformation ;o mining It is greatly to be regretted by all who have the interests of the province at heart, that grossly exaggerated statements, referring to the mineral wealth of Newfoundland, have at various times been circulated in a manner which has tended to retard rather than advance the object desired, propounding assertions too palpably improbable to admit of any consideration on the part of experienced persons. Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that the mineral indications in many instances are highly encouraging, and may ultimately prove of great importance to the colony. The mineral productions which have been discovered at various times on difierent parts of the island are the ores of silver, copper, lead, iron, and manganese, with white, black, and variegated marbles, large masses of gypsum in the Lower Carboniferous forma- tion, plumbago, and petroleum. Peat and shell mai-1 abound at many parts on the surface. A large tract of country is spread over by rocks of Carboniferous age, but it is still doubtful whether they contain seams of coal sufficiently thick to be of commercial value. There are but three places, that I am aware of, where mining has been seriously attempted, viz., the " Terra Nova " mine, in Little Bay or Bay Vert ; the " Union " mine at Tilt Cove, in Notre Dame Bay ; and the " La Manche " mine at the head of Flacentia Bay.* Copper ore in association with iron pyrites is produced at the two former of these locations, galena or sulphuret of lead from the latter ; and as the work done at these places may to a certain extent afford an index to future similar operations, I shall endeavour to give my views respecting the geological horizon to which they belong, and the mode of their occurrence. The tabular arrangement given at pp. 49-50 will explain the relation and succession of the formations. It will be seen by reference to the table that the Quebec group is fully developed in Newfoundland, and there is no doubt it is characterised in many respects by similar qualities to those dis- played in the same formation in Canada. It is in the Lauzon division of this group (No. 7 of the table) that the ores of copper * Smnll openinps have been made at a great number of places where metalliferous indications presented themselves, but the work done at those parts hoa been too limited to bo properly designated as mining. 104 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. have been hitherto chiefly observed, and it is in the same part of the formation that the two openings before referred to are situated. Dr. Sterry Hunt, of the Geological Survey of Canada, in a pamphlet published in the ' American Journal of Science,' in May 1861, expresses his views regarding the economic importance of the Quebec group in the following words : — " This Quebec group is of considerable economic interest, inas- much as it is the great metalliferous formation of North America. To it belongs the gold which is found along the Appalachian chain from Canada to Georgia, together with lead, zinc, copper, silver, cobalt, nickel, chrome, and titanium. I have long since called attention to the constant association of the latter metals, particu- larly chrome and nickel, with the ophiolites and other magnesian rocks of this series, while they are wanting in similar rocks of Laurentian age. The immense deposits of copper ore in East Tennessee, and the similar ores in Lower Canada, both of which are in beds subordinate to the stratification, belong to this group. The lead, copper, zinc, cobalt, and nickel of Missouri, and the copper of Lake Superior, also occur in rocks of the same age, which appears to be pre-eminently the metalliferous period." A perusal of the survey of the Union mine will explain the con- ditions under which the ore occurs, and the relation the cupriferous strata bear to the serpentines ; while the plan of the works and the accompanying section will show the actual progress made nearly up to the present time.* Operations were first commenced at this place in 1865, during which year about 500 tons of ore were ex- tracted, varying in quality from 7 to 23 per cent, of copper. In 1866 about 2500 tons of ore were brought to the surface, which was divided and classed according to quality, as No. 1 and No. 2 ores. An analysis by Bath, of Swansea, of some good average specimens of this ore is said to have yielded from 17f to 21^^ of copper. About 120 men of all classes have been recently employed at these works. An extract from a narrative of my own proceedings during the year 1865, addressed to his Excellency Governor Musgrave, expresses my views as to the probable mode in which these ores ♦ These plana acoompauiod the original paper, and are deposited in the Crown Lands OfBce, St. John's. They are since superseded, however, by plans of more recent date. i MINERAL RESOURCES OP NEWFOUNDLAND. 105 jart of uated. in a n May of the t, inas- nerica. Q chain silver, called )articu- Ernesian 3ck8 of in East Lich are ip. The Dpper of appears ;he con- ►riferous and the ) nearly 1 at this rere ex- )er. In which Id No. 2 average 21i of mployed ring the usgrave, lese ores the Crown IS of more will be found to occur in this formation generally, and at this place in particular (see p. 54). The experiment of the Union mine has, so far as it has yet gone, proved eminently successful, and as the indications on the east side of Winser Pond exactly correspond with those on the west side, where the work is proceeding, it is but reasonable to infer that a vast amount of ore may be extracted from the same deposits beneath the pond, and farther on in the strike on either side. At the Terra Nova location the experiment of mining has not hitherto proved remunerative, but its position in relation to the serpentine may be regarded as favourable and worthy of more ex- tended trial. The metalliferous stratum upon which the principal shaft has been sunk, and upon which the drifts are driven, appears chiefly to consist of an enormous mass of iron pyrites, with an oc- casional admixture of yellow sulphuret of copper. Native copper has been observed occasionally in small quantities among the ser- pentine. Eeference to the plan* will show that the mining done up to the end of last year is confined to a small space, and that the ground is by no means thoroughly proved, although a very large amount of labour and expense has been bestowed upon the surface. From what has been stated above, therefore, it will be evident that the distribution of the serpentine is a matter of high import- ance to those interested in the discovery of metalliferous ores, and, as the formation of which it forms a part is largely developed in various parts of the island, there is good reason to anticipate that Newfoundland will become, in course of time, a great field for mining industry. The serpentine is largely developed on the north side of Hare Bay, and between that bay and Pistolet Bay ; it occurs also in great extent on the west side of the island, at York Harbour in the Bay of Islands, and from the northern arm of that bay to Bonne Bay. From the evidence procured from Topsail Head, in Conception Bay, there appears to be a great series of strata of more ancient date than the lowest Silurian and newer than the Laurentian, con- sisting of slates, with interstratified bands of quartzite, diorite, and jaspery beds, the latter often of a red colour, with a mass of red or * With original paper. 106 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEVVFOUNDLAND. grey altered sandstone and conglomerate at the summit. Tlioflo rocks are intersected by numerous veins, most frequently of quartz, but in many cases of calc-spar, or a mixture of the two, which occa- sionally contain the ores of lead, sometimes associated with silver and copper. The rocks of the La Manche locality will probably prove to belong to this series but the formation has aa yet only partially been followed out. As regards the mine, circumstances at the time of my visit to the latter place unfortunately prevented me from making a thorough examination of the ground, and such information as I was able to obtain is given in a preliminary report of mine, addressed to his Excellency on the Ist March last (see p. 92). Indications of lead ore are of frequent occurrence at many parts where rocks supposed to be of the same horizon display themselves, as in the cliffs of Topsail Head, at Cape Chapeau Kouge, at Lawn, where some beautiful samples of silver ore were likewise discovered, and in the harbour of St. John's itself, facts tending to induce the belief that mineral treasures may reasonably be expected, in course of time, to be brouglit to light. Veins con- taining lead, however, are apparently not confined to any particular formation ; the piesence of that metal has been observed as low as the Laurentian, and as high as the coal measures ; but whether the veins holding the ore are of one or different ages has not been ascertained. One vein, which appears to be more recent than the Lower Carboniferous, and is mentioned in the narrative of my expe- dition in 1865, appears to be worthy of trial (see pp. 68-69). Kespecting the presence of the precious metals in the island, little is at present known. Some beautiful small specimens of a pure sulph-arseniuret of silver, usually called ruby silver, yielding on analysis 65*28 per cent, of the metal, and encrusted with chloride of silver, known as horn silver, were discovered some years ago at a place called Lawn, on the south shore, not far from Cajie Chapeau Rouge ; and small specks of gold have been exliibited, which were said to have been derived frojn a vein of quartz near Ming's Bight, on the north-east side of the island. During the past season, several samples of quartz veins were procured by my- self, where the probability of the precious metals was suspected, and some were forwarded to Montreal for analysis, the result of which is given below, with each locality. MINERAL RESOURCES OF NEWFOUNDLAND. 107 Sdppobed Laoremtiak. Quartz, with iron pyrites visible, from Dcor Lako,jSilvcr, 0*0205 \wr cent. IIumlxT River ((Jold, none. Quartz veins on the island, Deer Lake, ditto .. .. v ish colour, 4 '. -^iOHMMMXinm REPORT FOR 1SC7. 117 'inser Lake ill pond on et ; and the ill any case lore conve- . of mining cliffs which presence of of a more ore or less some acci- he surface. m of two or of the con- ir elevation r pumping tion of the :e, is in the ince of the inser Lake 1 1857, who )t until the imenced to September giving an xcavations altogether fs near the jasin ; but are pre- infer that )f ore may is imme- rruginous, masses of s slightly sh colour, and which is distinguished on the plan as cnlcareous dioritf.* The general width of this ore-bearing part whore the mine is opened, is rather over 4 chains, or 264 feet ; and it is underlaid on the south-east by a bed about 6 or 7 feet thick, of a soft steatitic character, greenish or dark grey on fracture, and occasionally streaked with rod, weathering on the exposed surface of a bright brow n, which colour descends into the stone from J to ^ of an inch. This bed contains masses of serpentine and soapstone, magnetic iron being disseminated through it in grains and crystals. In front, and overlying tlie mineralised bands, is a mass of hard grey diorite or trap, probably intrusive, containing epidote in strings and patches, and usually more or less characterised by the presence of bitter spar in minute crystals. This rock is succeeded on the north-west by the great body of serpentine of the Castle Hock depression. The mine is opened upon a set of levels driven into the cliif where the mineralised rock exposes itself, generally following the course of the bedding. Of these levels there are four, — the adit, the upper, IMurruy's, and the adit winze. The adit level is driven at an elevation of 21*5 feet, the upper level at 65 '5 feet, and Murray's level at about 135 feet above the level of the sea ; and there is also a small opening where a trial was made at 190 feet over high-water mark. A winze has also been sunk 42 feet from the adit level, from which a level has been driven a short distance at 36 feet, or 14*5 feet below liigh-water mark. The following tabular account of the excavations made was kindly furnished by Mr. John Moyle, the captain of the mine, with the permission of the proprietors. Drivagp. Winzos sunk. Stopos. «-«- Total. RemorlcH. Upper Level Do. oil No. 2 Lodo .. Do. on No. 3 Lode .. Adit Level Adit Winze Level liluff Crosscut Ululf Shiift PondSlmft.. Trial Drift Murray's Level filth. 50 24 25 02 26 5 flltll, m 7 13 i'i 5J flltll. 280 12 71 ISO 27 fulh. 30 h 24 12 filth. 37:iJ 30 108 279 53 12 14 5J 5 Just opened ; no purticulars. 880 cubic fathoms. * Or rather, probably, a volcanic ash. 9 118 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. From this total of 88G fathoms of excavation, 6500 tons of ore, yielding about 12 per cent, of copper, have been extracted, giving an average of about 7i tons to the cubic fatliom. The ore, although running generally subordinate to the stratiii cation, does not appear to extend for any great distance in regular and con- tinuous slieets, but rather to occur in bunches of greater and smaller dimensions, or to permuute the softer and more slaty rocks in greater or less degree. Tiie ore-bearing parts have been found usually to come abruptly against a wall of liard diorite on one side or the other ; and the latter in some instances penetrates the former, in the form of what the miners term " horses." The strata are all mucb corrugated, and many small dislocations were observed ; and there seems to be evidence to show that the masses of ore are greatest towards the axis of the corrugations, wliile strings and leads often run in the course of the small faults or cracks. After driving on the upper level for about 200 feet, more or less, upon ore, in a nearly due south course, the ground was found to become barren, wliich it continued to be through between 70 and 80 feet more in the same course, and in consequence the work in that direction was abandoned. A cross course was then driven from the part where the ore disappeared, nearly due west, which, after pas^sing through barren ground for about 86 feet, came upon a baud of solid yellow copper ore, which proved to be 4 feet thick. This 4-feet band was styled lode No. 2. Driving across this 4-feet band, and on in the same direction, a mass of rock or " horse" was passed through, some 10 feet thick, beyond which an enormous bunch of yellow copper was struck, measuring in the direction of the drift about 22^ feet, and 36 feet at a higher level. Tliis bunch is distinguished as lode No. 3. The great bunch of No. 3 lode seems to rest upon a hard compact dolomite or diorite, in nearly a horizontal attitude ; but in the northern drivage, the course of which is nearly true north, it dips at an angle of from 45° to 50° about N.N.E. These dips, however, are probably the eifect of an overturn, as it is nearly exactly contrary to the general inclination of the bedding. It is not improbable that this great mass occupies the same plane in the stratification as the ore which shows itself on the surface in front of the houses within a little distance of the lake shore, and in the pond shaft. (See plan.*) No. 2 lode has been followed from the * Tho plans aro deposited at the Crown Lands OfBco, St. John's. REPORT FOR 18(37. 119 Dns of ore, ed, giving The ore, ition, does and con- eater and ilaty rocks eon found te on one itrates the The strata ions were the masses )ns, wliile . faults or feet, more round was h between [uence the was then due west, t 8G feet, jh proved 3 No. 2. ection, a eet thick, as struck, id 36 feet No. 3. compact ut in the th, it dips however, y exactly It is not ne in the e in front nd in the from the le part where it was first intersected in a course very little removed from true south, in a very straight line, for 76 feet, carrying ore all the way, tlie driva};o being bounded on the west side by a vertical wall of Inu'd rock. At the end of that distance a small displacenioiit is met with (termed a "Fluccan Head" by the miners), which, for a thickness of about 6 feet, is filled with a soft unctuous clay. IJeyond the Fluccan Head tlie course continiiea on rich ore as previously, having the same wall on the western side, for 54 feet ; and it then takes a turn S. 23" E., still carrying ore, and with the wall rock on the west side for 23 feet more, coming at the end of that distance abruptly against a vein of white qtiartz, probably produced by another displacement. Murray's level is driven into the side of the hill at about 80 feet to the west- ward of the course of the southern (or, as it is called at the {)lace, "the south-western") drivago ; first taking a course in a similar southerly direction for 25 feet, from which point two further drivages have been made, — one S. 7° W., 25 feet, and the other S. 67° E., also about 25 feet. Ore was met with to considerable extent in all these drivages, and the latter one was strongly marked by the presence of green carbonate of copper; but the shattered condition of the rocks and the presence of quartz veins appear at this place, as in the southern drift on No. 2 lode, to indi- cate a dislocation. What the value of this fault may be is still very uncertain. While on the spot, suspecting the possibility of an occurrence of the kind, I endeavoured to trace the steatitic baud at the base of the mineral-bearing rocks, and did so without difficulty as far as the lower trial drift, which is situated in the forks of two small rills falling from the mountain (see plan) a distance from the outcrop on the lake shore, in a straight line, of from 8 to 9 chains ; but beyond this the ground was hidden under a mass of fallen debris and thick impenetrable bushes ; and, in consequence, I suggested that the surface should be " codeened " at right angles to the general run of the bedding, in order to prove whether the strata were continuous or broken. The result, if the operation was put into effect, has not been communicated ; but there is certainly some reason to suspect that the dislocation here may prove to be of considerable importance, as it may be found, on further investigation, that the strata exposed at the extreme lower end of the lake on the western side is a repetition of that where the mine is opened ; in which case there would be a 120 (JKOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. downthrow to tlio south-west of several linndred feet. Although this eircumstunce lins Dot yet been proved to bo a fact, there aro eeveral cogent reasons to .assume the possibility of such an occur- rence, particularly as a band of steatitic charnctor associated with dolomite was observed on tlie westiTn side of the tongue of land at the lower end of AVinscr Lake and traced up the side oi the hill west fnnn it, which is succeeded by ferruginous strata of very similar character to that in whicli the ore has been found to bo deposited. It was further remarked that wiiile calc-spar and bitter spar were generally diffused in small veins or patches tlirougli tho ore-bearing part of the deposit north of the Fluccan Head, quartz was nearly or altogether absent ; whereas, on the south side of that disturbance, small quartz veins become apparont both below and on the surface, which also is the case wliere the fault may bo supposed to run out at the foot of the lake. Tiie course of this dislocation, should these suggestions be borne out, would be very little removed from due east and west, and would run in tho direction of Castle Kock Pond. The adit and the adit winze levels are excavated roughly parallel with and almost directly under- neath the course of the upper level, north of the position of tho latter, where the ground became barren ; both well charged with ore, and passing through numerous rich bunches of yellow copper. The winzes, also connecting the three levels, are sunk on ore, so:no of which is rich yellow sulphuret all the way. This con- nected mass has been termed lode No. 1. Galleries have been driven westward also from the adit level, and ore met with ; but whether the latter is connected with either No. 1 or No. 2 lode does not yet appear; but it seems evident that the bunches of lode No. 1 occupy an inferior plane of the stratification to those of lode No. 2. The exposed surfaces of the ore-bearing parts of the formation are characterised by the presence of a great abundance of iron pyrites or mundic, the decomposition of wliich has in a great measure given origin to the ferruginous appearance they invariably exhibit ; but besides the sulphuret there is also a vast amount of magnetic iron ore, disseminated not only in small specks and crystals but in huge masses, Avhich in some instances may prove of economic importance. One of these masses occurs in the mine bluff immediately in rear of the position of the levels where the *w i4 '"f T UEPORT FOR 180T 121 Although t, there nro h an occnr- c'iutcd with ) of land lit oi the hill ita of very bund to bo • and bitter hrougli the ead, quartz nth side of both below ult may bo irse of this uld bo very run in the dnze levels ctly undor- tiou of the larged with ow copper, nk on ore, Tliis con- have been with J but No. 2 lode punches of to those formation ce of iron n a great invariably amount of jecks and y prove of the mine where the copper was extracted : and another, which is described as a bed or band some 3 or 4 feet thick intorstratifiod with the serpentine, has Ijcen uncovered, as I am informed, since I left the placf, near the norfh-east angle of Winsor Lake. The same ore was observed at the south-east angle of Castle Kock Pontl ; and on tho north shore of that pond the local attraction of the magnet was found, when making the survey, to be so powerful at some parts as to occasion the divfirgence from the true meridian to vary from V to 00' in tho space of about six paces. Jaspery iron ore was obsei'ved to run up the face of the cliff towards the powder magazine, on the west side of tlio cove ; and specular iron occurs on tho east side among tlie high cliffs. Blende, or the sulphuret of zinc, also, is frequently met with tho copper ore. Among other nuiterial which may prove of economic impoit- ance upon this location is the serpentine, which when i)r()iiorly selected will doubtless be found to produce a very beautiful marble. A section of this rock, apparently of a very handsome quality, is partially exhibited in the little stream which falls into Winser Lake near its north-eastern angle, and likewise on the cutting on the road leading to the graveyard. There appears also to be a large amount of a steatitic mineral with the more shaly parts of the serpentine in the depressions on eitiier side of Winser Lake ; and at one part, where a drain has been dug on the oast side, a layer of this description is exp sed, which appears to be of a quality fit for use as a tailor's crayon. It is usually of a reddish hue, probably being stained by iron, but it gives a clear white mark upon dark-coloured cloth, wliieh is easily erased. Asbestos was frequently observed among the serpentines, in veins varying in thickness from one-eighth of an inch to upwards of an inch. Following the serpentine, from Winser Lake in the dirc'ction of Beaver Cove Pond, the depression between the more elevated hills was found to contract towards tlie watershed, and at the small pond on the eastern side of it the cliffs rise pretty precipitously nearly from its margin; those on the west side consisting of the harder serpentine rocks, wliile those on tlie east are diorite. On the western side of the same pond there is an exposure of ferruginous and chluritic slate, which probably represents the mineralised part of the formation; but neither this nor the overlying serpentne :l 122 (iEOU)GlVAL HUHVEY OF NKWl'oUNDLANn. ooiiM bo tnuiod to tlio northward townrds Boavcr Covo Pond, timt part hoini:? occupied by a inusfl of diorito. On ascondin^' tlu» valley of the brook wliich falls into tli(» north-western bay of that pond, however, the serpontino was aj^ain mot with in considerable volnme, forming (diiTs of 00 or (10 feet in height, whoro it showed a dip of N. 12" W. < 45°. There would thus appear to bo a con- siderable dislocation affecting tin; run of the strata here, the upthrow on the north-east side of the fault being prol)ably not less thiin 1000 feet. This fault seems to correspond with a dislocation previously observed at the cavern on the east side of Tilt Cove, and at the (mter point cuUe 1 the " Scrape," or i]w eastern head of Wild Bight, where a large vein of whit<> quartz murks its position, in which cose its run would be about N. 20^ E., S. 20" W. The depression on the western or north-western side of Winser Lake runs on the serpentines to Castle Eock Pond, where they are displayed on the eastern and northern shores. The bluff on the southern shore at the outlet is a hard compact diorite, with grains and masses of magnetic iron ; and the bluff next west from it is ferruginous and chloritic slate, thickly charged with minute crystals of magnetic iron and with decomposing iron pyrites, resembling the ore-bearing part of the formation. ToroGRAPiiiCAL Character op the Country between Castle Rock Pond and Snook's Arm Pond. The depression between the hills, observed at Winser Lake, continues to the westward of Castle Pock Pond ; and a path leads along it in a course a little to the south of .vest, with a distance of between 30 and 40 chains to Long Pord. Tin shape of this pond is very irregular, its general bearing stretc'iij'g nearly due west for upwards of a mile and a half, but expan-.inig into deep bays which fall back on both the north and south siies ; the peninsulas of wliich, one from the eastern and the other from the western ends, nearly meet toAvards the centre, dividing it nearly into two parts. (See plan *.) For the convenience of description, the whole sheet may therefore be divided into four arms, viz., the eastern, the western, the northern, and the southern arms. The eastern arm measures in length about 34 chains, with an average width of about ♦ At Crown Luiuls Office, St. John's. itKPoirr Foit isr;- 123 jOVO. Pond, ^omliii}; the bay of that lonsiderahin it showed a bo a con- i horc, tho ibly not h'Sfl dislooation ■ Tilt Covo, tern head of its position, W. le of Winser ere they are )lufr on tlio with grains rest from it vith minnte rou pyrites, KTWEKN ID. iuscr Lake, path leads distance of this pond no west for ■ays which ninsulas of 'Stern cndf, two parts. liole sheet lastern, the ■astern arm th of abont '-4 12 chains, givinjjf an area of snrfacc of abont 108 square chains; the western arm is about ^tJ fhains lonjjf, average width 11 chains, surface abont 830 scpiare chains; the southern arm, which includes tho suniller bays on that side, and the expansion just above tho outlet, C(mtaiu8 an area of about 348 scpiare chains ; and tlie northern arm, which is entered by a chanii(d bearing up noilh- ettsterly for 24 chains, with a breadth of 8 chains, terminating in an oval-8hai)ed basin measuring 40 chains from west to east, with an average breadth of about 10 chains, gives an area of nearly 832 square chains. Tiie total area vims computed would be 2124 square chains, or rather more than one-third of a square mile. A small pond, having an orea of about 136 square chains, which is divided from the eastern end of tho northern basin by a rocky ridge of only 3 chains in width, dischargees its waters from its south-eastern angle, which fall in a succession of diminutive tarns, connected by a small rapid brook, into tho extreme head of tho eastern arm. A rocky ridge, about 14 chains wide, divides the western arm from another lake which was not surveyed, but was estimated to contain a surface area of about 1560 square chains, the waters from which are discharged into the western end of the northern arm. A small pond called Beaver House Pond, with an ,^rea of about 168 square chains, also discharges its waters through a brook, only 2 chains long, into the southern arm on the east side. Tho height of the surface of Long Pond was calculated by aneroid to be 268 feet above the level of the sea, and its waters flow from the south extreiae of the southern arm, by Fannon's Brook, into Wild Bight, at its head, in a distance of little over half a mile in a straight line. Two lines, one being drawn nearly due west from the western end of Long Pond for about a mile and a half, and the other due north from the head of Snook's Ann, ab(jnt 1 mile 50 chains, will intersect at the fastern extreme of another important sheet of water called lied ClifT Pond. Between tho latter and the large pond north of the western arm of Long Pond there is said to bo water communication, broken only by an interval on the dividing ridge of about half a mile ; but as this part was not sur- veyed, no particulars can be given with certainty. These sheets o water, trending as tiiey do in a general direction and at a tolerably uniform level, are important, inasmuch as to a certain extent they m i 124 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. seem to indicate the run of the rocks throughout the region, besides affording facilities for exploring and examining parts which otherwise might be inaccessible. From the eastern extreme the main body of Red Clifif Pond bears downwards towards the outlet S. 68° W., 1 mile and 32 chains, with an averajjje breadth of 2C chains ; while a deep round bay falls back to the southward from the eastern end, measuring rouglily about 40 by 30 chains. The total area of the lake would thus be about 2576 square chains, the height over sea level being 285 feet, by aneroid. The outlet leaves the lake at its extreme western end, turning in a south- easterly direction, at nearly a right angle with the lay of the lake, and at the end of about 15 chains falls into another sheet of water called Snook's Arm Pond. The bearing from the inlet at the head to the lower end of Snook's Arm Pond is S. 40° E., distance 57 chains (that bearing being along the main body of tlie lake), tlie eastern shore of which is gently curved, forming small bays and coves ; while the western side is deeply indented by three bays, divided by long projecting promontories and small rocky islands. The surface area of this pond is about 1426 square chains, and its height above the sea, by aneroid, 276 feet. The outlet leaves the lake at its extreme south-east angle, and flowing southerly with great velocity in a succession of cascades and rapids, with one wide open pool of still water about midway, for about 53 cluiins, when it falls into the sea at the north-western angle of Snook's Arm. The region surrounding these hikes is everywhere very rugged and broken ; the hills rising sharply and precipitously over the ponds, tarns, and marshes, which everywhere occupy the low grou ''s. The hills, which rarely attain an altitude of over 6^0 ic ,'t, are generally more or less clothed with a scanty vegeta- tion of dwarfish timber and berry bushes. On the south side of the western arm of Long Pond a remarkable hill rises abruptly from the water's edge to the height of 179 feet over the lake level, or 447 feet above the level of the sea, which from its shape was called the " Sugar Loaf," and which proved from its conspicuous position to be a valuable feature for the continuance of the triangulation of the country. Another important auxiliary to the triangulation was found in the bare and rocky summits of the Ked Cliff Hills which rise over the northern shores of the pond of the IlEPORT FOR 18^7. 125 same name to the height of 318 feet, or 603 feet over high-water mark. This range of hills lies immediately on the south side of the watershed, dividing the waters which flow to the north into the sea east of White Bay, from those which lall into Notre Dame Bay to the south ; the country to the noith, consisting as far as the eye could reach from the highest elevation, of a series of rocky ridges, barrens, and extensive marshes and tarns ; patches of stunted woods occupy the slopes and some of the lower depressions. Distribution of the Rocks. Although at all times a very difficult matter to identify the precise equivalent of geological formations in regions remotely apart from each other, and most especially when the strata are altogether unmarked by the presence of organic remains, as is the case throughout the country under description, there nevertheless seems to be no reason in the meantime to doubt that, for the greater part at least, the rocks on the south side of this peninsula are of the age of the Quebec group ; and, further, that the mineralo- gical and metalliferous character of a large portion of the strata seems to indicate the horizon of the Lauzon division of that group.* The following will in some degree represent a section drawn across the measures, generally at nearly right angles to the run of the stratification from Tilt Cove, in a course N. 34° W., passing nearly over the mine, and on the south-west side of Winser Lake, in a distance of 100^ chains. •• • Ascending ObDEB. Meamrement on Section. a. Corrugated slates, with bands of red jasper .. .. 466t b. Corrugated slates, with bauds of red jasper, variegated 594 c. Corrugated slates, with a strong band of red jasper p.t the top 396 d. Diorites, with dark green slates, both weather'ng a rusty brown, cut obliquely by numerous small white quartz veins, which incline about nor'h, and intersected by parallel joints, underlying w sterly . 565 e. Black calcareous slate, with thin veins of calc-spar, frequently stained with green carbonate of copper . 600 M See Appendix to ray Report, 1864-65. Thlckneu of SUata. 620t 920 495 600 126 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. lii McaHnremcnt Thlcknew on Section. of Strata. /, Dark green slates and quartzite, with much jasper, both red and brown, and narrow bands of jaspery iron ore. At the top a band of dolomite which contains strings and patches of serpentine, small veins of calc-spar, some small quartz veins, and specks of copper, weathers rusty brown 900 800 N.B. — The band at the top of / may possibly be identical with the band at the base of A, in which case g is repeated. g. Dolomite, for the most part in very hard strong beds, of from 1 to 2 feet thick, of a greenish-grey colour, weathering whitish, interstratified with magnesian • • and green chloritic slates; mineralised cliffs very ferruginous 090 070 h. Green chloritic slates with large lenticular masses of calcareous diorite, with serpentine, great masses of yellow sulphuret of copper, and magnetic iron. Blende also is frequently disseminated. At the base is a band, of about 6 or 7 feet thick, of a i magnesian rock, which in parts has the character of Boapstonc, and contains magnetic iron disseminated in small specks and crystals 350 350 i. Diorite spotted with transparent white crystals of bitter spar, and contains epidote largely in seams and small bunches 350 350 k. Serpentine, a large portion of which is very soft and shaly, contains asbestos in thin seams. Magnetic iron disseminated in crystals, and .tppears in one part to contain a strong band of the same .. .. 1065 1020 I. Cream-coloured steatitic slates, with red jaspers in bands and pebbles, sometimes giving the character of a conglomerate, and shows numerous green specks of the oxide of chromium 315 385 TO. Greenisii slate with quartzite 525 015 Total-about 0810? 0775? In this section it will be observed that a steatitic band is represented to come in, as at the summit of the division/, which is succeeded by mineralised ferruginous slates in division g ; and that a similar sequence occurs within the division h ; but whether this is the eflfect of a dislocation, causing the strata to be repeated, or that they are two distinct sets of bedding, has not been satis- factorily proved. Should there be a repetition, the thickness of strata would be considerablv smaller. REPORT FOR 1867. 127 The serpentines of division k of the section have already been shown to run in the depression on either side of Winser Lake, and to occupy the ground between the latter and Castle Rock Pond. From Castle Rock Pond the course of the same strata continues westerly, still keeping in a depression between the hill ranges on either side, and bearing for the peninsula of Long Pond, which separates the eastern from the northern arms. The same strata are further exposed on the small islands of the western arm, on the peninsula between it and the southern arm, and on both sides of the long inlet at the head of the same arm, where they run into the country westerly, following the course of a small brook. Continuing a westerly run, theea rocks are again recognised at the north-eastern extreme of Red Cliflf Pond, whence they strike along the main body of the lake, the lower members of the division skirting the southern shore, to the outlet into Snook's Arm Pond, where they are abruptly cut oflf by a fault, apparently throwing the measures down on the south-west side. The rock on the west side of the fault is a diorite, curiously arranged in a set of parallel ridges, running nearly at right angles to the strike of the ser- pentines, with a sharp escarpment facing easterly and inclining westerly at an angle of from 25° to 30^. This diorite is inter- sected by numerous veins of quartz, which usually contain chlorite. The largest vein seen was about 3 feet thick. Epidote also is distributed through the diorite. Overlying the serpentine of division h, a cream-coloured slate, somewhat unctuous to the touch, containing red jasper in ii-regular bands and in rounded pebbles, together with bright gr(^en spots and patches, supposed to be an oxide of chromium, occurs, running on the north side of it with great regularity from Red Cliff Pond to Beaver Cove Pond ; while at or near the base of the same division {Ic) there usually appeared to be more or less of a thickness of very fer- ruginous slate, containing iron pyrites in large quantities, and magnetic iron, with irregular intercalations of dolomite, which were supposed to represent the mineral-bearing part of the deposit (the equivalent of i or h). At and round the base of the Sugar Loaf Hill, on Long Pond, these ferruginous rocks are displayed to considerable extent, holding yellow copper, iron pyrites, and magnetic iron, and they are undeilaid by a narrow band of dolomite, which is sometimes of a breocious character, containing K 2 •\m m 128 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. lit M angular and irregular masses of chert. At some parts tlie same band becomes of a bright red colour, but always weathers of a rusty brown, the weathered discoloration sinking into the rock at some parts to the depth of a quarter of an inch or more. On the south side of the main body of Eed Cliff Pond, likewise, similar mineral characteristics obtain, the rocks all highly im- pregnated with the ores of iron, and with indications of the presence of copper and a dark brown mineral, probably chromic iron. It may be observed by what has been said that although the rocks are in many pai-ts affected by violent disturbances, and are everywhere more or less corrugated, contorted, and dislocated, they still maintain a moderately straight course, within the limits of the survey, and that the tendency is to run in nearly a parallel line to the coast. This fact seems still further to be borne out by the exposures in the cliffs of the coast itself, where the strike of the rocks is nearly or quite coincident with the general trend of the coast line, as is well exemplified by a great band of inter- stratified red jasper, which can be traced from the point called " the Scrape," on the western side of Tilt Cove, along the shore of Wild Bight, striking into the country near the head of that bight, crossing Fannon's Brook about half-way between the outlet of Long Pond and the sea, and finally reappearing on tlie eastern side of Snook's Arm towards the head. On the north-eastern side of Snook's Arm Pond, at a projecting point, the rock is purplish and green talcoid slate, dividing into very thin laminae on the plane of the bedding, with tliin calcareous seams running in the cracks, the bedding striking N. 55° E., S. 55° W., in a nearly vertical attitude, or dipping at a very high angle to the northward, and intersected by a set of parallel joints running exactly at right angles to the strike underlying westerly at from 35° to 40°. In the bay, north of this point, the rock is of a pale greenish-grey colour on fracture, very hard and compact, weather- black or dark green, showing a breccious or nodular structure on the polished surface, and intersected by thin irregular seams and patches of red jasper. In the bay to the south of the Slate Point there are alternations of hard greenish slates and quartzites, the latter in beds from 1 to 2 feet thick, intersected by small quartz veins, and containing epidote. These rocks may be presumed to 1 IIKPOUT FOR 1867. 129 quartz be the representatives or equivalents of the divisions / and g of the section. The fault which was observed to cut off the ser- pentine at the lower end of Red Cliff Pond appears to run through Snook's Arm Pond in a course about S. 40° E., passing a little west from the slate point, and bearing for the head of Snook's Arm, bringing the strata down on the west side apparently from 1500 to 2000 feet, and repeating the slates of the point and the overlying strata on the shores of the bay at the southern end of the lake. The strong band of red jasper at the summit of division c of the section has been shown to run out on the northern side of Snook's Arm towards the head. It is there succeeded to the eastward by a set of variegated green, red, and blackish slates, which in a vertical attitude, or nearly so, strike into the land obliquely, pointing towards the head of Wild Bight. The thick- ness of this mass of strata was not ascertained, but a portion of the summit is represented in the section by divisions a, 5, c. Following the coast to the westward, the variegated slates were observed to run out at several places between Snook's Arm and Bett's Cove, dipping in various directions, and sometimes much contorted. On the eastern side of the bay, next west from Snook's Arm (which is known locally as Wild Bight, being the second of the same name on this coast), the dip is north-easterly ; but on the west side it is a little west of north, which circum- stance leads to the inference that the bight or bay rests on the axis of an anticlinal, while the tongue of land between the bight and Snook's Arm is the seat of a trough or synclinal. In like manner these rocks probably make several smaller undulations in their western course, and bending round finally with a sharp sweep on the eastern side of Bett's Cove, run into the sea, and are no more exposed eastward of Nipper's Harbour. In Chance Cove, which is immediately to the west of Bett's Cove, a mass of serpentine comes out upon the coast, sliowing a dip to the north ; and farther west, on the western side of the Lowlands' Brook, a similar mass was observed striking into the country in a vertical attitude directly north. Farther west still, serpentine rocks were found to exist at the entrance to Burton's Pond, and to run along the south-eastern side of that pond, where they appear to be iuterstratified with quartzite, diorite, and nacreous slate with I ,♦' » * n 8£'';:il ii I'' M f I ill I 130 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. steatitio bands. Near each of the places specified, where the serpentine occurs, indications of the presence of copper present themselves on the cliffs, which are frequently, and to a great extent, stained by green carbonate; und at thr entrance of Burton's Fond there is a considerable display of copper pyrites and sulphuret of iron, upon which an opening has recently been made, and some good specimens of copper ore extracted. At this place the ore is evidently running in a dislocation, the direction of which, however, seems to be nearly or quite parallel to the strike of the stratification, namely, N. 30° E., and it under- lies to the westward at m\ angle of about 70°. The lode at the entrance of the ex,.: vat'» is from 7 to 10 feet wide, and consists of a soft, blackish, shaly, and unctuous slate, or " killas," having strings of calc-spar and some white quartz distributed through it irregularly, with thi< suj nrc o* copper and iron. A wall of a hard fine-grained rock, of a dark greyish colour on fracture, but weathering a rusty brown, supports the lode on the east side, which, jutting out into the cove and forming a small reef, displays yellow copper ore on its upper surface to the water's edge. On tlie west side of the lode the rock is of a dark green colour, very hard and compact, and slightly calcareous, with thin irregular seams of serpentine. Westward from Burton's Cove and Pond the rocks of the coast are much disturbed by intrusions of syenite, one part of which, at the entrance of Nipper's Harbour on tlie west side, and immedi- ately north of that part called "the Cove," has a width of from 7 to 10 chains, the dyke bearing a general course about S. 50° W. The continuation of this intrusive mass is seen also on the eastern side of Nipper's Harbour, with a width of from 3 to 4 chains, cut- ting through the strata in a course about N. 38^^ E. Tlie prevail- ing colour of the intrusive masses is red, and they weather very red, making a conspicuous contrast with the dark-coloured rocks on either side. The constituents of the rock are chiefly red feldspar and quartz, the former preponderating, the latter in small trans- lucent grains, with a small proportion of a greenish mineral, probably hornblende. On the north side of the syenite at Nipper's Harbour the rock is a dark grey quartzite in heavy beds, inter- stratified with silicious slates of the same colour, with epidote generally disseminated, all weathering in shades of brown, drab, or IlEPORT FOR 18G7. 131 black. These rocks, the stratification of which is very distinct at some parts, appear to butt against the syenite at nearly right angles, presenting a westerly dip at a high angle. The rock of the southern point of Nipper's Harbour, as exhibited on the south side of the cove, is a soft greenish slate with calcareous veins, which probably may belong to the serpentine division of the group. At the head of Nipper's Harbour, by the entrance into the Salt Water Pond, the rock is of slaty sLucture, of a greenish or greyish colour on fracture, weathering a dark rusty brown, very fine grained and silicious. The low clififs on each side of the entrance to Salt Water Pond are considerably stained by green carbonate of copper ; and yellow copper and iron pyrites are pretty thickly disseminated in the rock. The main mass of intrusive syenite already mentioned can be traced in its easterly course from Nipper's Harbour, running a little to the northward of Pitman's Bight, on to the north-western side of Burton's Pond, with tributary dykes of similar character, but of more moderate width, radiating from it on the south side towards the sea, cutting through the stratified deposits, sometimes at right angles and more frequently obliquely to the strike. Bear- ing generally in a north-easterly direction, the intrusive syenite appears to make towards the Bed Cliflf Hills, on the northern side of the Red Cliff* Pond. The Red Cliff" Hills are of a pale pinkish feldspathic rock, showing no evidence of stratification, and are sepa- rated from the slates, which occupy the ground between them and the lake, by a great vein of white quartz, sometimes 6 or 7 feet thick, from which many others reticulate ; and they are bounded on the north side by a set of schists, mostly of a yellowish or drab colour, which extend through the country across the watershed. Still farther on to the north-eastward, on the path leading from Shoe Cove to La Scie, about half-way between the two places, pale red feldspar rock comes up, in dome-shaped masses, protruding through dark blue clay slates over a breadth of about half a mile, which, running on north-easterly, would probably terminate some- where near the Middle Bill of Cape St. John. Of the country to the eastward of Beaver Cove Pond little can as yet be said, as hitherto the exploration of that part has been limited to an excursion across the peninsula from Shoe Cove to La I, m ■I' -ns Fi w 132 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. *H Scie. From the brook at the head of Shoe Cove the path leading to La Scie follows a general course about N.N.W., and the distance in a straight line is a little over 3 miles to the head of La Scie Harbour. The portage crosses over an elevated broken country, the maximum height of which was found by aneroid to be about 500 feet above the sea, and the average probably about 400 feet, the hills partially clad with the usual evergreen trees, and the lower parts and hollows interspersed with numerous ponds and marshes. Between the high land and the head of La Scie Harbour there is a considerable area or flat land, extending in a north- easterly and south-westerly direction, at the foot of the hill ranges, which is chiefly marsh, but with spots of considerable size of good soil, quite capable of being cultivated to advantage and pro- ducing spontaneously in many places an abundance of excellent grass. The rocks exhibited in the coast cliff's to the north-eastward of Beaver Cove are probably lower in stratigraphical position than the lowest of the section a, h, e; hat they are all so much disturbed, and the difficulty of approach to them is so great, that it was found to be impossible to effect more than a casual examin- ation while passing along in a boat. A large amount of the strata appeared to consist of quartzite or diorite, probably both, and small bands of red jasper are numerous. At Capelin Cove, which is about half-way to the brook at Shoe Cove, a narrow valley cuts into the country from the sea-shore, bearing about north-west, where there was supposed to be a fault running in the same direction. On the north side of this valley some parts of the rock are of a pale reddish colour, assuming a syenitic aspect, and this is confusedly mixed up with slates and hard beds supposed to be quartzite ; but it would require much further investigation to determine what the value of the fault may be, or to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion as to the stratigraphical detail ; nevertheless, there is reason to assume the probability of there being an upthrow of considerable extent on the north-east side, shifting the upper rocks of the section to the northward, which otherwise might have been expected to make their appearance somewhere not very far from Capelin Cove. At the mouth of the brook in Shoe Cove the rock is a green chloritic slate, with some soft shaly strata, which is overlaid on the shores of the pond just above the outlet by strong bunds of diorite cut up by 1 f 4 V, I ■Si REPORT FOR 1867. 133 numerous veins of white quartz of various thicknesses, the largest observed being about 3 feet across. The general dip of these rocks is northerly. Bising the hill, about half a mile north from the sea-coast, a set of pale grey, slightly calcareous and finely micaceous slates were crossed, dipping northerly about 45° towards the hill ; and these are succeeded by some soft shaly strata, amongst which some masses of serpentine were observed with cream or drab-coloured slates, holding green specks and patches of chrome, and occasionally a few red jaspers. These were over- laid by dark bluish clay slates, which cap the ridge at the highest elevation. This accumulation of strata from the sea to the top of the hill was assumed to be equivalent to the upper part of the section above the base of/. Northward, from the crest of the hill range, the country is more or less occupied over a breadth of about half a mile by syenitic rock, apparently cutting through clay slates, as already stated ; but beyond that distance slate of a dark blue colour was the only quality of rock observed till within about a quarter of a mile of La Scie, where the rock surrounding the harbour was found to be gneiss. The colour of this gneiss is for the greater part red or pink, the chief constituent mineral being red or pink feldspar, but there are also portions of a grey colour on fracture which weather brown or blackish. Neither mica nor hornblende is largely disseminated in this rock, and when either or both are present they seem to be arranged in thin parallel seams, corresponding with the layers of different colour and quality. Kesting apparently unconformably to this gneiss, a little to the eastward of La Scie Harbour, a great mass of stratified quartzite,* mostly pure white, with occasional bands of a pinkish colour, and alternating layers in smaller proportion of dark-coloured or blackish chert, is brought in, in the form of a narrow elongated trough, the axis of which lies as nearly as possible due east and west, in a distance a little over a mile, and with a breadth varying from a few chains to upwards of a quarter of a mile ; the rocks on the north and on the south sides dipping generally at a moderately high angle towards the centre. At the eastern extremity of this is' t I i * From information received on a former occasion, this quartzite was supposed to be white crystalline limestone, but the place was not visited personally until the present scuson. 134 GEOLOGICAL SUllVEY OF NEWi^OUNDLAND. II trough a small rapid brook cuts a deep and narrow gorge through the quartzite, and displays blackish or dark grey slate on its bed and banks ; >vhile another isolated mass, corresponding with the rock of the trough, comes in, forming the nearest high laud, in a sort of round patch to the eastward. What the age of either this gneiss or the overlying quartzite may be, it is impossible in the meantime to state with any degree of certainty, and much more investigation will be required to eluci- date the subject. It is obvious, however, that the mineral character of the rocks on the north side of the peninsula, so far as at present known, differs materially from those on the south side ; and it has been shown that there is evidence of a great intrusion running nearly parallel with the s )uth coast line between Nipper's Harbour and Cape St. John ; but whether this intrusion has been the means of bringing up lower strata on the north side, or whether the strata on that side is contemporaneous or higher in the geological section, in a metamorphosed condition, than that on the south, there is as yet no data on which to found an opinion. From the above statements it will be perceived that the mineral-bearing portion of the formation in which the Union mine is situated runs in a general direction nearly parallel with the south coast, but coming out upon it near Nipper's Harbour ; and that the presence of metallic ores are more or less indicated at many parts in nearly the same relative position to the serpentines as they are at Tilt Cove. As, therefore, your Excellency was pleased to express a desire that I should suggest a plan upon which the grants of mineral lands should be distributed, I beg leave to propose the following, as what I conceive to be the most equitable, and which your Excellency will find illustrated upon the large map for approval or modification.* Taking Beaver Cove Head, on the east side of Beaver Cove, as a starting-point, the bearing along the coast from there to the Nipper Islands off Nipper's Harbour is S. 60° W. from the true meridian. Taking this line as a base, a line may be drawn astro- nomically N. 30° VV. (or at right angles to the base) for 4 miles or more, as occasion requires, and the whole area blocked off into squares of 1 statute mile each. The coast frontage may then be registered as concessions or ranges, numbering 1, 2, 3, &c., while ■^ MS. maps at fe'rown Land Office, St. John's, Jiiii REPORT I'OR 1807. 135 the intersected country will be divided into lots numbering 1, 2, 3, &c., inland. A licence ^»' search upon this plan ought to be confined to 1 mile of frontage and 3 or more miles inland, as the case may be, and the square mile selected for grant, finally, should be one of the blocks on the same concession. In cases where broken frontage occurs, special allowance might be made in tb*? grant for deficiency of superficial area, but the licence should apply to the concession indicated only, nevertheless. A right of way to the nearest harbour should be reserved to every lot, and the lines of road determined according to the physical character of the country. Where natui al facilities for travel offer by lakes or ponds, tlie right of navigation in such waters should apply to all locations connected with a common harbour. To provide against probable inaccuracies in the surveys (either of the coast or inland), the headlands, or other prominent or well-marked natural features, as near as possible to the parts where the lot-lines strike the coast on the plan, should be specified, whence the terminal boundary of such and such a lot and concession can be fixed and the divisional lines be drawn, blocking the country olf in areas of a square mile, more or less, each ; and all surveys must be made astronomically, as in many cases through the mineral country the local attraction is so great that the magnet is perfectly useless, and can only lead to errcr. In laying off mineral lands in other parts of the province, it seems to me to be advisable that a similar system should be adopted to that proposed for the peninsula of Cape St. John, modifying the bearing of the lines of survey to accord, as fairly as possible, with tlie strike of the mineral-bearing strata, or the run of mineral veins or lodes ; as by such means an ample area for any mineral adventure will fall to each grant without risk of undue monopoly falling to the lot of any party in particular. In conclusion, I have to inform your Excellency that I already possess some data upon which to found further geological informa- tion relating to parts of the islands visited in previous years ; but as there are many points which require much more extended in- vestigation, before the structure of the country can be sufficiently understood, I have considered it prudent to reserve entering into minute details for the present, in the hope of, within the ensuing season, being enabled to gather much more knowledge of the sub- f !i m III 136 GKOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ject, and afterwards having all my facts, together with my collec- tion of specimens, referred to Sir William Logan, under whose iupervision they will be satisfactorily examined. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray. His Excellency Anthony Musgrave, Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &c. &c., St. John's. \mm ( 137 ) CHAPTER VIII. report for 1868— distrihution of the formations in the peninsula of avalon, with sections; an account of the economic substances, &o. also a measured section of the carboniferous rocks on the western coast, between the great and little codroy rivers. May it pleask your Excellency, — I beg to submit for your consideration the foil owi tip; con- densed Report of the progress made on the geological inv( stigation of this island during the past year, and hope that the same will meet with your Excellency's approval, and that the prosecution of such researches may prove eventually to be conducive to the material prosperity of Newfoundland. "My labours during the past year have been exclusively con- fined to the regions surrounding Conception, St. Mary's, and Pluceutia Bays, the object being to ascertain with some degree of certainty the peculiarities of geological structure throughout these parts, which have hitherto, as I have remarked in previous reports, been very imperft ctly understood ; and I beg once more to reiterate that it can only be by a thorougli knowledge of the geographical distribution of the geological formations, and the production of reliable maps and sections, that the mineral import- ance of the country can be satisfactorily exhibited before the world at large, or in any degree properly appreciated. Since my return to St. John's, I have been daily busily en- gaged in the construction of maps of the above-named bays, in connection with certain surveys of my own ; which operation has been much facilitated through the kindness of Captain Kerr, E.N., of the Admiralty Coast Survey, who permitted me to take tracings from his original manuscripts. The maps referred to are all laid down to a scale of 1 inch to 1 statute mile, corresponding with others previously submitted, my design being finally, when the country is more perfectly explored and examined, to produce one 1 Mi 138 OEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ! I ^1 i! general map on a scale of one-fourth the size for the use of the Government; while any smaller scale may be adopted at a future time for publication or circulation. A large collection of fossils and minerals has been made, which, for the want of a more convenient place, is now deposited at my own premises. These must necessarily be submitted to pala;onto- logical and chemical examination previous to entering into par- ticulars respecting them, and I am in hope that such assistance may be obtained early in the ensuing spring through Sir W. E. Logan. While examining the coast of Placentia Bay, I considered it my duty to make a partial survey of the La Manche mining location ; a plan of which, with as much detail as I was able to collect, is now in process of construction on a large scale, and which I hope to have the honour to submit when completed. A collec- tion of some beautiful and interesting minerals was also made from the same location. From the heights over the La Manche mine, a system of triangles on the most prominent points and conspicuous mountains was commenced, which was finally extended far into the interior ; which proved of great service, in fixing the position of my obser- vations when back from the coast, and checking the same by taking frequent observations of the sun and stars to determine the latitude. I was indebted to Mr. John English, of Branch, in St. Mary's Bay, for a very useful general sketch of the topography of the peninsula between St. Mary's and Placentia Bays, which I have since introduced on ray own map and made to ft the scale. I •I Of the Sequence and Distribution of the Formations. Although much of the country is still insufficiently explored, and many of the minuter details but imperfectly followed out, the evidences collected during the season seem nevertheless clearly to indicate the greater and more important features of structure presented over the peninsula of Avalon; and to show that throughout that region, and probably for a great distance westward from it on the mainland, there are no rocks of more REPORT FOR 1868. 139 3lored, bd out, Itlieless ires of show listance more recent date tban the lowest members of the Sihirian system dis- tributed over the surface. A great intermediate formation is interposed between the Laurentian gneiss (the lowest of all recognised sedimentary de- posits) and the Lower Silurian strata, which spreads over by far the greater proportion of the peninsula, and for a long distance beyond ; the gneiss of the Laurentian series coming to the surface on the axis of anticlinal folds or brought up by great faults, and in the case now to be considered is flanked or at times surrounded by rocks of a totally different lithological character, whicli, from many of its characteristics, I have long considered would prove to be the equivalent of the Huronian system of Canada. The region in question in particular, and probably the whole island in general, seems to be ranged in an alternation of great anticlinal and syn- clinal lines, independent of innumerable minor folds, which pre- serve throughout a remarkable degree of parallelism pointing generally about N.N.E. and S.S.W. from the true meridian, corre- sponding with the strongly marked indentations of the coast, as M ell as the topographical features of the interior. One such great anticlinal form occurs within the region examined this year, with a corresponding synclinal ; the axis of the former was found to be more or less overlaid unconformably by rocks containing fossils of Lower Silurian age, none of which were of less remote antiquity than such as are attributed to the horizon of the Upper Potsdam group. The axis of this anticlinal runs in a moderately straight line from Cape Pine on the south coast, to Conception Bay, the Laurentian gneiss forming a nucleus to that part of the peninsula, and coming up from below the intermediate series, occupies more or Ic of the surface from the vicinity of the Renews Butterpots to the shores of Conception Bay between Holyrood and Manuel's Brook. The newer or great intermediate series, which flanks this Laurentian nucleus, was fouuc: on the peninsulas of St. John's and Ferryland to show a general dip to the eastward, although making many minor undulations; while on the peninsula between Con- ception and Trinity Bays the inclination is reversed, being nearly uniformly westerly, making many repeti+ions of the same strata however, as on the opposite side of the fold. Corresponding with m m w "^p m 140 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. m I'l IM >i! this great anticlinal, the measures of the intermediate rocks, as seen at parts of the eastern coast of Placentia Bay, appear, by the generally eastern dip which they present, to indicate the axis of a synclinal trough to run from Trinity Bay in the direction of St. Mary's Bay. In Placentia Bay, gneiss is once more brought to the surface apparently by a great dislocation, where it forms a high and rugged range of hills and mountains from the Bagged and Merasheen Islands to Glode Sound in Bonavista Bay, and occupies a breadth of country between Black River and Piper's Hole of upwards of 7 miles. This range of hills is flanked to the westward by rocks of the intermediate series, the general attitude of which, becoming nearly horizontal or gently undulating on their course westerly, spreads over a vast area of country, exhibiting in that direction, as viewed from the higher elevations, a great plain as far as the eye can reach, broken only by one or two lofty isolated peaks (called tolts), which rise abruptly for a height of upwards of 1000 feet over the general level. Eocks of Lower Silurian age were found reposing on the upturned or corrugated edges of the older systems, usually in depressions on the axes of undulations, frequently in a perfectly horizontal attitude, and, with but few exceptions, rarely showing a dip from the horizon of more than 10° or 12°. These are arranged in the form of elongated narrow troughs, extending lengthways in the same direction as the axis on which they rest. The region examined would thus appear to be exclusively composed of the lowest members of the Palaeozoic series ; the newest of which is distinctly unconformable with the other two, and which contains organic fonns recognised as belonging to the lowest parts of the gro at Silurian system. The order of superposition would thus be in the ascending order : — 1. Laurentian series. 2. Intermediate ditto — Huronian. 3. Lower Silurian ditto — Potsdam, Upper and Lower, or Primordial. In describing the character and distribution of these for- mations, I shall for the present confine myself as much as possible to generalities, reserving the more minute particulars until the collection of fossils and minerals has been properly REPORT FOR 1868. 141 examined, when 1 shall be prepared to report more fully with confidence. 1. Laukentian System. This system is extensively displayed in Newfoundland, and has materially contributed to produce the remarkable geographical and topographical features which the island presents. Coming to the surface in a succession of parallel anticlinals, all trending about N.N.E. and S.S.W., at intervals more or less widely apart, gneissic rocks form the principal ranges of hills and mountains from one side of the island to the other (which, it is supposed, will all or chiefly prove to be of Laurentian age when more fully examined). In a report of mine addressed to Sir W. E. Logan, in 1865, a description is given with some detail (see Eeport for 1864-65) of the distribution and general charact?'. of these Laurentian rocks in the great northern peninsula; and further observation has tended to confirm what from the first was suspected, namely, that the same formation extends in a tolerably straight line from that peninsula to Cape Bay, constituting the Long Eange mountains. Subsequent observations, together with information from reliable sources, seem to show that the same or similar gneiss is several times repeated between the western and eastern shores, two of which repetitions came within the region of last summer's exploration, as already stated. The gneiss of the Conception Bay anticlinal was first observed immediately above the bridge over Manuel's Brook on the Bay Eoad, the valley of which brook nearly marks the eastern boundary of the formation, bearing in a general course a little eastward of south (true). The rock in the bed of the stream is mostly of a pale red or pinkish colour, rather fine grained generally, hard and com- pact in texture, bearing much the aspect of syenite, the layers of stratification very obscure. The hills, however, which rise imme- diately to the westward of Manuel's Brook display a variety of lithological character, having some heavy masses of a greyish quartzite, with some hard silicious slate, intermingled and entangled with the gneiss, giving ample evidence of stratification, although much contorted and broken. From Manuel's Brook, the high land to the westward appears to be all or chiefly of this formation, till within a short distance of L ; I 1^ H r f 1 ll I W ; 1 .Ml 8' i 142 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. 'r ^1 1 \\\ : ' i I I ! ^ Holyrood at the head of the bay, and it will probably be found on further examination to extend in a sontlierly direction, forming a belt of greater or less breadth, througli the lieart of the St. Jolm's peninsula to the Renews Butterpot, where it would appear to terminate, and which, according to Professor Jukes, is of syenite and porphyry wrapped around by the St. John's slates.* Great masses of granite or syenite are intruded through these rocks at various parts, one conspicuous instance of which occurs at Indian Brook, a little westward of Kelligrews, near tlie head of the bay, where a beautiful and endurable quality of building stone can be easily procured. The syenite of both the Holyrood and the Renews Butterpots is probably also intrusive. In Placentia Bay, where the second great exhibition of gneiss occurs, a great intrusion of granite was observed to run through Sound Island on its western side from end to end, in a course about N.N.E. (true), striking the mainland opposite, and thence on to the valley of Black River. From Black River to the westward the coast sections and mountains are of gneiss, showing many intrusions of eruptive rocks, to the extreme head of Piper's Hole; and there is a fine display of the formation in the rapids and falls of the Piper's Hole river for about 2 miles up its course, at which distance the gneiss was observed to terminate, and is succeeded by slate and quartzite, supposed to be about the base of the succeed- ing series. The breadth of country occupied by the formation, at this part, would thus be on an average about 7 miles, where it forms a range of lofty and precipitous mountains trending in the direction of Clode Sound in Bonavista Bay. In their southern course the same rocks appear to run along the Ragged Islands and the western shores of Merasheen Island, and thence beneath the waters of Placentia Bay. In mineral or lithological character these rocks do not appear to differ in any great degree from those of the Laurentian series, described in my Report of 1864-65, p. 5, as occurring on the great northern peninsula, although peculiarities may be found to exist, when placed in the hands of a chemist or mineralogist, which I have been unable to detect. In the meantime, therefore, I would beg to defer entering into minute mineral description, until an opportunity offers of submitting the specimens collected * See Jukes'd ' Geology of Newfoundland,' p. 64. i REPORT FOR 1868. 148 to chemical analysis. On page 9 of the Report already referred to, an account is given of the economic minerals known to exist in rocks of Laurentian age in Canada, and that there these minerals or metallic substances are usually found in connection with great masses of crystalline limestone. It is also recorded that, with the exception of some small indications of specular iron and copper pyrites, no metallic ores had been seen in that formation on the northern peninsula. Hitherto the only evidence I have had of the presence of the part of the system to which the crystalline limestones belong, in Newfoundland, has been in the valley of the Codroy River and on the southern side of St. George's Bay ; frag- ments of white crystalline limestone, spotted with graphite, having been frequently seen in the former, while at the latter magnetic iron was found with labradorite. The remarks applied to the rocks of the northern peninsula, probably apply with equal force to those of Conception and Placentia Bays. m let: Iby appear series, on the found alogist, erefore, ription, jllected 2. The Intermediate System. Supposed to he the equivalent of the Euronian of Canada. Early in the year 1864, when on a visit to Topsail in Concep- tion Bay, I was immediately struck by the abrupt change of strati- graphical character which presents itself on leaving the cliffs of the mainland and approaching the sea margin ; and it occurred to me at once that the rocks skirting the shore and forming islands in the bay were of a different age to those of the mainland, and further that the former rested uncouformably on the latter. The rocks of the cliffs and mainland generally were observed to be all more or less altered, and usually greatly tilted, sometimes quite vertically, or contorted in such a manner as to present a variety of dips in different directions ; whereas the formation which skirts the shore showed but little disturbance, except where brushed up against the rocks of the cliffs, afterward sloping at a very moderate angle towards the sea. These first impressions have now been fully con- firmed by the investigations of last summer, the newer formation having been repeatedly seen in Conception and Placentia Bays reposing on the upturned edges of the intermediate series; and farther, the collection of fossils made during the season at various L 2 m its m '•) ! ii;: 144 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. parts, but in particular at Great Bell Isle in Conception Bay, tends to prove that the more recent of the two sets of rocks lies at the very base of the Lower Silurian system. It thus became obvious, that to whatever group or system already recognised the older of the two formations might be regarded as equivalent, there was at all events a vast difference in age between them ; and I have all along been inclined to suspect that careful investigation would prove the lower slates and sandstones of St. John's to belong to the horizon of the Huronian system in Canada. Lithological resem- blances alone may be admitted as of secondary importance in com- paring rocks situated geographically very remotely from each other ; but no one could fail to observe that such resemblances did exist, in some parts of the formation, in a very high degree, and that many of the mineral and stratigraphical peculiarities which apply to the Huronian rocks of Canada will likewise apply to those of the peninsula of Avalon. Recently, however, a great step in advance has been made, by the discovery of organic remains within these older rocks, which, until last summer, were supposed to be barren of such contents. The Rev. Mr. Harvey of this place had the good fortune to find the first well-defined specimen of these organic forms ; and they, with others subsequently obtained, will doubtless be of inestimable service in finally settling the question of horizon. I have long had some obscure forms in my possession, collected in the neighbourhood of St. John's, which were suspected to be organisms of a low type, but which I could not venture to pronounce to be such without palseontological reference. Since Mr. Harvey's discovery I have obtained many more, all apparently of the same low order of existence ; some of them so much resembling forms described by Sir Roderick Murchison, Jukes, Salter, and others, as peculiarly Cambrian, that there seems but little reason to doubt that the rocks of Avalon are the representatives of that system.* In order to make the relation and succession of the formations intelligible, I have constructed two sections, supposed to intersect the country, — one from St. John's, at the entrance to the harbour, * The fonns in question were Bupposed to resemble the Oldhamii of Bray Head, but were pronounced upon examination by the late E. Billings to be undeterminable. He doubted their organic origin altogether. At a later date, however, fossils of a very low type were found, which Mr. Billings describes and names Aspidella terra- novica and arenicolitei. REPORT FOR 1868. 145 to the northern side of Great Bell Isle in Conception Bay; the other from the cliffs at Topsail Head, across Bell Isle, and on to the islands of Harbour Grace. Referring to Section 1, the order of superposition in the lower formation would appear to be as follows, in the ascending order, the base being at Portugal Cove in Conception Bay ; but as there are many repetitions of the same strata, and a large portion of the country is concealed by superficial deposits of gravel and boulders, the statement here given must be regarded only as an approxima- tion to the reality : — Foet. a. Diorites, quartzites, and jaspery bands — some of the latter of a reddish colour with hard greenish slates. At Topsail there is probably some additional lower strata, and there is one very remarkable stratum or vein of vitreous white quartz, which runs parallel with the stratification, and exposes a thickness of from 10 to 12 feet, but may be more, the unconformable rocks occupying the margin between it and the shore 1300 b. Slate conglomerate and slate without pebbles, the matrix of the conglomerate chiefly of a dark greenish colour and trappean aspect, enclosing pebbles of quartz, many of which are white and some grey, syenite, red and brown jaspers, slate, and occasionally drab-coloured or yellowish chert ; vertical cleavage sometimes observable, and at times cutting indifferently through both pebbles and matrix, whilst at other times the pebbles are loosely im- bedded and break out whole from a blow cf the hammer 1650 c. Green, purple, pinkish or red slates in frequent alternations ; the texture of these slates is generally extremely fine, and in some cases they approach in hardness to jasper or chert. The fracture is often conchoidal, and the im- l^erfect cleavage imrallel with the bedding ; but in many instances the rock has a good cleavage, oblique or at right angles to the stratification, and is well adapted for roofing purposes. The exix)sed surfaces weather for the most part of a yellowish white. The fossil forms, supposed to be of the genus Oldhamia, were found in these slates towards the top 3300 d. Dark brown or blackish slat«s of St. John's, with ripple mark very distinctly displayed upon some surfaces, and in which some obscure organic remains have been found resembling the fossils found in c, and another supposed to be the shelly casing of some description of Annelid.* Arenicolites. i i HI Mi i iii I 146 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. lilt nil Fc«t. The cleavage of this slate is sometimes very regular, oblique or at right angles to the bedding, but in parts it also cleaves parallel with the stratification. Towards the top there are frequent layers of hard, fine-grained, greenish sandstone interstratified, not usually over 6 or 7 inches in thickness 2000 Signal Jlill Sandstone, e. Greenish or grey fine-grained sandstone, very hard, with conchoidal fracture ; difficult to work, but used to a large extent as a building stone, in beds varying from 1 to 3 feet thick 1300 /. Dark red sandstone, hard and tough, in strong, massive, irregular beds, from 2 to 3 feet thick, passing into a fine conglomerate at the top ; the whole reticulated with veins of white quartz 1320 g. Ked conglomerate, the pebbles of which are chiefly white quartz, but with occasional pebbles of brown or red jasixsr, syenite, or gneiss and slate. The pebbles vary in size from a pea to a 6-lb. cannon ball 500 Total .. .. 11,370 By far the greater portion of the whole peninsula of Avalon is occupied by the members of this great system. It extends from the shores facing the Atlantic in the districts of St. John's and Ferryland, entirely across the peninsula at its northern extremity, and into the interior farther south over a breadth in many places of 10 or 12 miles, the general dip being towards the sea. The upper parts or Signal Hill sandstones of Jukes (e, /, g of the section) hold the coast for the most part from Torbay to Cape Broyle and Ferryland Head ; the strata, between the former and latter of these places, showing a repetition of undulations which were long since described in detail with great accuracy by Professor Jukes.* The slate (o of section) keeps the coast exclusively to the southward to Cape Eace, and round to the westward to Trepassey. At Cape Pine, and on the western side of Trepassey Harbour, the rocks of the clifl's are of a more massive character, and are probably the equivalents of a or 6 of the section, and at the former place these can be plainly seen, when off the coast, to roll over in an anticlinal form, and the dip on the west side to become south- westerly. The axis of this anticlinal would thus run from Cape • See Jukcs's ' Geology of Newfoundland,' p. 62. fl ~iri*iiiiti,iii)«iM, IIEPORT FOR 1868. 147 Pino in a direction a little east of north into Conception Bay, flanking the Lanrentian nucleus of the peninsula on the west side, as it does on the east and south. In the hed of the biook in the eastern cove of Holyrood, at the head of Conception Bay, the rock is slate with a good deal of quartzite, the latter often of a yellowish colour, with surfaces occasionally pitted over by rounded water-worn holes. Westward of the brook the sharp conical hills of Holyrood appear to be chiefly porphyritic, but in parts show a stratified structure. Wheq, the stratification is visible, the strike appears to be nearly true north and south and the attitude vertical, intersected also by cleavage or joints nearly or quite at right angles. These rocks were sujiposed to be the equivalents of a of the section, but may possibly be somewhat lower. At Holyrood South Gut the rock is chiefly diorite or porphyry, with much epidote and chlorite, and some occasional bands of quartzite, the prevailing colour of the whole reddish or dark brown, which are succeeded to the west- ward by a mass of slate, seen upon the road for the greater part of the way to Harbour Main. At Holyrood South Gut, where some indications of copper present themselves, an attempt at mining has been going on for some time, but the result hitherto does not appear to have been successful. Between Salmon Cove and Cat's Cove a mass of syenite presents itself, which was supposed to be intrusive, and the rocks of the peninsulas on either side of Castries Bay are much altered, mostly assuming the character of porjjhyry or amygdaloid. At Burke's Point, however, in Collier's Bay, the rock is evidently a conglomerate, being composed of a greenish and reddish crystalline matrix, with rounded pebbles of various colours from 1 to 5 inches in diameter inlaid, giving the smooth water-worn surfaces a rude resemblance to mosaic. On fracture the rock breaks indifferently through pebbles and matrix. Approaching towards James's Point, the rock passes into an amyg- daloid containing numerous small white specks or crystals, supposed to be of feldspar. The cliffs on the western side of Collier's Bay approaching Turk's Gut are also either of amygdaloid or porphyry, the general colour being usually green but spotted with red, or of a greenish grey with spots, patches, or strings of white calc-spar, epidote likewise being diffused somewhat largely; but the hills inland, which range towards Brigus, are chiefly of slate with bands m m n ii Mi m ii 148 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. It > i ?tl! of quartzite, which, striking exactly parallel with the indentations of the coast, dip at a very high angle to the north-west. Among the amygdaloids and porphyries of this part of the coast, there aro frequent indications of the presence of copper ore, — usually in the form of a grey sulphuret. Mining has been attempted at Turk's Gut and at Cross Gulch, near English Cove ; but both places have long since been abandoned. The country between Holyrood and Collier's Bay would thus appear to represent the basic rocks of the section, in no case bringing in higher measures than the lower parts of c, but repeating the same strata either by undulation or dislocation several times. Between Bull Cove in Collier's Bay and Brigus Harbour the lower members of the formation were seen, consisting in great measure of quartzite with slate, in many parts thickly reticulated by white quartz veins, dipping in a north-westerly direction from 65° to 70^ ; and these are overlaid towards Brigus Harbour by alternations of reddish and green slates, showing a corresponding dip. At Brigus the country shows a set of sharp, bold, precipitous, parallel ridges, divided by narrow valleys, running generally about N. 42° E., S. 42° \V., showing escarpments to the south-east, the rocks dipping north-west from < 45° to 50°. The rock of these ridges is chiefly a greenish or grey clay slate, frequently somewhat silicious, enclosing occasional solid bands of grey quartzite. In certain parts of their run these slates have a regular and perfectly parallel cleavage, striking N. 14° E., S. 14° W., and quite vertical, in which cases they appear to be of a quality well adapted for roofing, or other economic purposes. Following the western shores of Conception Bay, from Brigus to Carbonear, the whole country appears to consist of the middle or upper members of this formation, division c occupying the greater amount of surface, coming up in a succession of undulations corre- sponding with the curiously indented features of the coast, but invariably presenting a north-westerly dip, frequently at a higli angle. The high land between the North and the South Gut at the head of Bay-de-Grave was not visited, but from the massive character of the beds, seen from the road, they were supposed to belong to the upper members of the section, probably e and /. The coast to the northward of Carbonear I as yet have had no opportunity of examining. but reference to Professor Jukes's REPORT FOR 18G«. 149 ' Geology ' will bIiow that the slaty parts of the formation occupy the country in that direction as fur as Flamboro' Head and Bay- de- Verde, where they are seen to pass below the sandstones and conglomerates of Signal Hill. This latter feature I observed myself in 1864, and was then inclined to suspect the occurrence of a great anticlinal axis running about the centre of Conception Bay, and that the Signal Hill rocks outside of Old Perlican wore about to make a sharp turn to form a synclinal in Trinity Bay. On crossing the country from Holyrood to Salmonier, and thence on to St. Mary's Harbour on the east side of the bay of that name, the rocks were found to resemble those of this forma- tion at one or other of its divisions, the slaty parts of o being most largely developed south of Salmonier; but a great tract throughout the region is concealed below marshes, barrens, or woods. The same remarks apply equally to the country between Salmonier and Colinet; but on approaching towards the latter place a change of formation was observed which will be described hereafter as forming a part of the succeeding series. Crossing over to Placentia Bay, a succession of the lower members of the formation was observed in Great Placentia Harbour. The northern side of the north-east arm of that harbour consists almost altogether of porphyry, with epidote largely dis- seminated, and intersected by cupriferous quartz veins; but at the Seven Islands the rock is a greenish or dark grey slate with bands of greenstone or diorite, which show a dip to the south- eastward of about 60^. On the north side of the same arm, towards the head, there is an exposure of hard red slate, with some bands of quartzite ; while on the south side, and nearly opposite, the rock is a dark green slate, both dipping nearly in the same direction, a little southward of east, at a pretty high angle. The southern shore of the north-east arm is of diorite, with small calcareo- quartzose veins, which occasionally hold galena, together with a brown or yellowish-green mineral, supposed to be blende. At tho point of the peninsula between the north-east and south-east arms, immediately opposite the Town Point, tho rock is a hard, dark red slate, interstratified with beds of compact reddish and dark grey quartzite, which is again overlaid by green silicious slate. There are also some alternating bands of red, purple, and green beds, upon some surfaces of the latter of which peculiar markings were I M1| m 11 150 (JEOLOOICAL SUllVEY OP NEVVFOUNDI.AND. i observed in high relief, which possibly may be of organic origin. Tlie dip of these beds is S. 40° E. < 30^ IJetwten thve, ) s 4 )0 LO .00 19G 80 47G lyry of side of |he bay, fold of md was woods, reen the longer tion was Bivers. the sea, over a fine cascade of 40 or 50 feet, above whicli, after passing several smaller falls and rapids for a short distance up its course, the stream becomes smootli and deep, and continues so for many miles, bearing upwards in the direction of Trinity Bay. At the lower fall there is a disturbance observable in the cliffs, and there is difficulty in consequence in determining whether the rocks at that part belong to the upper or tlie lower series ; but in the salt- water arm below, the resemblances of the beds are so strikingly similar to the Kelly's Island group (P, k), that little or no doubt can be entertained of their identity. At the head of the great fall, just above the bridge, the rock is composed of hard massive beds of a greenish or grey sandstone, some of which are upwards of 3 feet thick, with divisions of a reddish shale, which dip S. 72" E. < 26". These are overlaid by thin alternations of sand- stone and arenaceous shale of not more than an inch in thickness up to the edge of the cascade, which is an enormous bed of sand- stone from 4 to 5 feet thick. Numerous veins of white quartz run in the strike of these beds, and they are intersected by a vertical cleavage at right angles to the dip. Ascending the valley of the river, the rock, where exposed, was found usually to be a grey or greenish slate in nearly a horizontal attitude, till about 2 miles up the course of the river, where a set of beds of grey fine-grained sandstones occur about 12 feet thick altogether, which dip about N. 50° W. at a very low angle. Above this sandstone the only rock that was seen from 3 to 4 miles further north was some horizontal slate or shale. In the salt-water arm below the fall, the strata consist of red and green shales, with beds of grey or greenish sandstones, vary- ing in thickness from 2 inches to a foot, or 18 inches, and one remarkable bed of black shale, about half-way between the falls and the outer end of the arm, contains a set of concentric con- cretions of sandstone, of precisely the same description as the bed noticed in the Kelly's Island section. At the outer end of this arm the rock is a red shale with beds of calcareous sandstone. These rocks show a succession of gentle undulations, on the bankg of the arm, and the red shales outside slope at a low angle to the westward. At the mouth of the Colinet Biver, which falls into Colinet Bay, about half a mile east from the Bocky Biver Arm, there are a few exposures on low cliffs, not often exceeding 5 or 6 feet high, of greenish shale dipping south < 5°. 162 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEVVFOUNDLANP. Following the western coast of St. Jfnry's Bay, southwards from Colinet, we find at Jolin's Pond, near tho entrance to North Harbf)!!!', a set of greenish shales corresponding with those at Colinet, in which some obscure organic forms occur, tho shales intersected by small veins of pure white calc spar; and farther south, at Cape Dog, on tlie east side of the cove t)f that name, tho rock is a soft red and green shale, holding Paradoxides, and having associated thin bands of a greeniwh-grey or red limestone interstratifieti. Large angular boulders of red fossiliferous lime- stone are strewn along the beach also at Cape Dog, derived doubtless from more massive beds of that rock outside in the bay. At this place the shales dip to the south-east, but towards the extreme point of Capo Dog they become much twisted and dislocated by an intrusion of amygdaloidal trap, rendering the normal dip difiicult of detection. On the west side of Cape Dog Harbour tho rock is a dark blue or blackish shale or slate, with emooth glossy surfaces, which shows a dip to the north-west; but here again there is much disturbance from the intrusion of trap dykes of vesicular character, the vesicles filled with white calc spar ; one of the dykes is cut by a vein of calc spar holding minute specks of copper ore. The state of the weather whilst I was at Branch prevented the examination being continued along the coast between that place and Cape Dog; but I am inclined to suppose, from such information as I could obtain, that it is chiefly or altogether over- laid by members of the upper formation. The cliffs of the sea- shore at Branch, and on the banks of the river, varying in vertical height from 30 to 50 or 60 feet, are composed of variegated red, green, and purple soft slates or shales, which at the top pass nearly altogether into red slates, the general dip of which is N. 75^ W. < 7°. These shales are intersected by a cleavage parallel with the strike of the bedding, N. 15° E., S. 15° W., which, cutting the strata obliquely, underlies in the same direction < 65°. Another less regular cleavage intersects both the bedding and the oblique cleavage at right angles, dividing the rock into splintery fragments, so remarkably fragile that there is difficulty in procuring a specimen of any required size or shape. These shales are filled with the fossil Paradoxides Benneiii; but it is nearly impossible to break out an entire specimen, in consequence of the manner the rock is cut up by the above-mentioned cleavages. KEPORT FOR 1808. M Tho fossils are usnally more or less distorted, lying irregularly qnitt! piirullol witli the bedding, and chitfly in the green and puijilo parts, but sometimes in the red, in whieh case it was observed that the spot snrronndiiig the fossil had invariably tho grei'ii tinge. The shales hero were observed to be traversed by a 8ft of parallel trap dykes, running N. 53° W., S. 53" E., one of the largest of which was found to be 10 feet wide. Both dykes and strata appear subsequently to have been broken by small faults, rarely exceeding 20 or 30 feet, throwing the whole upwards towards the north-east. The strata are slightly altered at the contact, becoming harder, but very brittle, and often of a brownish colour. No solid beds of limestone were seen anywhere near Branch, but lar^e angular blocks are abundantly strewed over tlie beach, only to be seen at low tides. These consist of a red limestone with fossils, among which the obscure form of i, shell resembling a Lingula was found at one place near Beckford's Point, Oil the uortii side of the roadstead. At Branch Head there is some black shale containing spherical-shaped concretions, some- times as large as an 18-lb. cannon ball, but often of much smaller size. Bound the head the red strata again come out in the coves, dykes of greenstone forming the principal projections, until getting to the south side of Gull Cove, when strata resembling those of Branch Head are reintroduced, holding similar concretions and nodules, and containing some solid beds of a black colour and very fine texture, said to be used as hone-stones. A small trough of what was supposed to be the Kelly's Island portion of the formation was likewise seen on Holyrood Pond on the east side of St, Mary's Bay. The lower beds consist of green shales with hard, green, compact sandstone of from 1 to 10 inches thick, dipping S. 70° E. < 15°, advancing on which dip to the northward the strata accumulate in alternating beds of shale and sandstone, some of the latter upwards of 3 feet in thick- ness and terminating in a cliff of sandstone in strong layers, divided by red and greenish shale. Beyond this cliff, the measures are turned up in a synclinal form, and dip N. 80^ AV. < 40°, the lower strata coming up in succession to the nortliward ; and it seems probable that this dip continues up to or beyond the head of the pond to a spot called the Bed Ground which may be supposed to represent lower measures corresponding with the variegated slates. ■t ill 164 QEOLOOICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Ill ' Another busin or trough of the lower portions of the upper formation spreads over a considerahlo area of the poniiisnUi on tho eastern shores of Plar-ontia liay, the connection of whi(!h with tlie older series has already bti*n dt'scribwl. Tho lowest members observed here were some red and green strata, holding numerous yellow-weathering calcareous nodules, with bright red and green slates. These are overlaid by a mass of limestone, in which the red colour still prevails, cresting tho higher elevations insidj the sea-cliffs near Distress Cove. The limestone is in very massive beds, sometimes upwards of 3 feet thick, and is in some parts very silicious. Obscure fossils, all fragmentary, abound la these lime- stones, although it is doubtful if any liavo been procured suffi- ciently well defined for identification. The total thickness of tho limestone at Distress is probably between 150 and 200 feet; it dips down at a gentle angle to tiie eastward at its outcrop near the sea, but reappears again about 2 miles inland with an opposite dip, indicating a narrow trough, tho interval being filled up by red and green slates. A dyke of greenstone, about 3 yards wide, was observed to cut through the formation, following the course of the Distress River, tho bearing of which is N. 80° W. Tho overlying red slate or shale is displayed over a much greater extent of country than the limestone, the latter generally being concealed below a great accumulation of broken debris of tho superior rock, which from its fissile nature is easily broken and distributed. The slates were seen to cap the higlier country north of Distress as far as the valley of Angle's Brook, where the older formation comes through, and again from the north side of Angle's Brook as far as Gooseberry Cove, generally in nearly a horizontal position, or dipping at a very low angle in various direcitions, but chiefly to the north-west. Near Patrick's Cove on a high eleva- tion the dip is W.N.W. < 12°. At this part the colour of the rock is chiefly a bright red, spotted or patched with green, and is of harder quality than usual, splitting into thin and regular slaty slabs of less than an eighth of an inch thick, in the direction of the cleavage, which runs nearly at right angles to the stratification N. 10° E., S. 10° W., underlying westerly 58°. The formation was again recognised at Come-by-Chance Inlet, where it comes against the older series, between 1 and 2 miles north of Come-by-Chance Head ; but here the immediate junction REPORT roll 180H. 165 apper m tho ,h tlie mbers iiorous green ch the dj the [lassive ts very ) lime- l sufli- c)f the feet; it jp near )ppo8ite . up by la wide, 3 course V. The greater y being of the en and •y north lie older Angle's irizontul ions, but |h eleva- of the I, and is ar slaty etion of iification ee Inlet, 2 miles [junction is intercepted by an intruwion of trap disturbing both formationR, and the upper rocks are tilted all tho way up the inlet at a very high angle, averaging < 62°, and pointing more or less to south- eust. The h)we8t beds consist chiefly of grey or greenish impure limestone from 4 inches to a foot thick, alternating with green shale, very much corrugated towards tho outcrop, and intersected by veins of white or pinkish calc spar. In conseque!\ce of the frequent interposition of trap at this part occasioning great con- fusion, the exact superposition of the strata is very difHcult to unravel ; but the next beds, apparently ascending, are a set of very red and partially green nodular limestones, in beds from 3 to G inches thick, the nodules varying from 1 to 6 inches in diameter, associated with bright red shales. Following tho coast northwards of the nodular limestone, after jiassing an interval chielly occupied by eruptive greenstone, with some hard altered sandstone (which may be of the older formation), showing a northerly dip, a cliif of nodular limestone of red and green colour is met with dipping S. 5U° E. < 62°, on the surfaces of which many organic renuiins are distributed, usually however very obscure.* The latter beds strike along the shore to the northward, outcropping occasionally on the western bank of the river, striking towards tho eastern elopes of Powder-horn Hill. The variegated rocks of Come-by- Chance Inlet are also exposed less perfectly here and there on the east side, with an opposite dip ; but at one place, about half a mile above the bar, a clilf of a loose conglomerate protrudes through tho otherwise flat left bank, the age of which is very uncertain. The shores of Trinity Bay I was unable to examine ; but according to Professor Jukes t the variegated slates may be seen at the head of Bay of Bulls' Arm, resting on the Signal Hill sandstones. Whether the formation extends unbroken across the isthmus, or is interrupted by other rocks constituting the high dividing ridge, was not ascertained. Another trough of the same formation, in which the variegated slates make a very conspicuous figure, is ably described by Professor Jukes, as extending from Heart's Desire to Tickle Harbour, at the extreme head of Trinity Bay4 Bed and grey limestones with obscure fossils were seen for the last time proceeding westerly on the east side of North Harbour, ♦ Aruheocyathua ? in great a'^i'adanco. t See Jukes's ' Geology,' p. 90. Tbid., p. 73. mt n I'L * .1 166 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. in a mass aboat 20 feet thick, underlaid and overlaid by thin greenish bands of impure limestone and green shiile dipping north- west at a high angle. On the west side of the liarbour the rocks are much disturbeil, and the cliffs exhibit rumerouK intrusions and dislocations. The strata west of tlie western head of North Harbour chiefly consist of pale yellowish steatitic or talcoid slate, in some parts passing into impure serpentine, which on the east side of the exposure were found to dip N. CO" W. < 62°. These slates everywhere present a shrivelled or co;rugated surface, are soft and greasy to the touch, and are generally more or less spangled over by minute green spots of a mineral supposed to bo chrome. White quartz veins run in all directions through these slates, but j)revail in the -direction of the strike of the bedding. In some of these veins some small specks of yellow copper pyrites were detected. Iron pyrites, mostly in minute cubes, is abundant both in the beds aud in the veins. Portions of tliese slates seem capable of being utilised as hone-stones, and will probably be found a good material for jetting the liner sorts of edged tools. Advanc- ing across the measures on Sound Island westerly, the dip continues nearly in the same direction, but the rate somewhat increases, becoming nearly vertical, until 3nally, at Maggotty Cove, at the north extreme of the island, it butts up against a mass of granite, and is no more seen. It would require much more extensive and careful investigation than my time or means could afford to bestow upon one locality, to work out all the complicated details of stratification at this part with such accuracy as to determine the exact horizon to which the Sound Island skates may be attributed ; yet, taking their position with regard to the limestone as a guide., together v.ith the mineral and lithologioal characters presented, it seems probable that they may prove to be of the age of the Quebec group, in one or other of its subdivisions, and it may be remarked that a parallel instance of dislocation was described in last year's Report upon the Cape St. John peninsula, where the rtcks of that group w-^re found to be out jff by an intrusive mass of syenite succeeded by gneiss. The sketch here given of the stratigraphical arrangement was deemed necessary, not only on account of the geological interest involved, but also to illustrate the distribution and position of formations which may be found hereafter to be sources of great ; 1 v i i K um L i um nmKmmimmmmm IlEPORT FOR 18G8. 167 minora! importance. The I'isemblance the formation I liave for the present designated the Intermediate System of Avalon, bears generally to the description given of the gold-bearing rocks of Nova Scotia, is too striking and marked to be overlooked, and the inference is that on further inquiry it will prove to be of the same horizon. So far as I know, as yet, the age of the Nova Scotia gold-bearing rocks has never been satisfactorily determined ; altiiough it has for some time past been treated of as Lower Pilurian. Here, on the other hand, I tliink I have made it plain that the Lower Silurian rocks are unconformably related to the rocks supposed to be the equivalents of those of Nova Scotia, and should future investigation di:lunds), they are displayed at other parts of the province under very difterent circumstances, and will in all probability be found in some parts of their distribution to be auriferous as well as the inferior formations. Indeed, traces of gold have already been found in (piartz veins REPORT FOR 1808. 169 wlio cnttinp^ Silurian rocks, as I took care to show in a pamphlet I published in London nearly two years ago, in the ' Journal of the Society of Arts.' The curious corabinaticn of metalliferous snb- si'inces in that part of the Lower Silurian system known as the Qv.ebec group, and tlio mineral condition that that part of the foimation usually assmies in this island, seems to indicate the Possibility that gold will hereafter be enumerated amongst its metal- liferous products. Among my collection of quartz, I have some ^rom veins near the serpentines of the Cnpe St. John peninsula, which may, when analysed, throw some light upon the subject. There are numerous strong well-defined quartz veins in the immediate neighbourhood of Tilt Cove, already so celebrated for its v ist ^ 'posits of cop[)er and magnetic iron. A thorough inves- tigation wonld in all probability be found in some parts to add the presence of the precious metals to the long list of other interesting minerals of the vicinity, known at the present time. 'I tl^ in this riitively lIs), they ifterent parts of niations. t/ veins Copper. The ores of copper are of frequent occurrence, often in the form of grey sulphurets, in the veins or dislocations of the intermediate scrips, Jlany small openings have been made at various parts of the formation from time to time, with the view of mining, where such indications present themselves ; but I am not aware of a single instance where the enterprise has proved remunerative. These experiments, however, have only been conducted on the very smallest scale, and it may be that were a more vigorous and skilful system followed, in some cases the ore might be worked with profit. I have already sliown that the i-ocks have many of the characteristics of the Iluronian system in Canada, in which the well-known Bru(!e and Wellington mines of Lake Huron aro situated, and which, in consequence of the frequency of its cupri- ferous veins, has been termed the lower copper-bearing series of Canada. It seems therefore highly probable that, by judicious selection of localities, and energetic npplication of skilled labour, copper may be mined in some parts of the region with advantage. As I have often remarked before, however, I still incline to the bvdief that the great copper deposits will be chiefly found in rocka of the age of the Quebec group, and especially in close association 'i|i 170 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. with the serpentines. It will be gathered from the preceding pages that, according to my present views, the formations in the south-east end of the island, are all lower in geological horizon than the rocks of the Quebec group, unless we except a limited portion in Placentia Bay, of which Sound Island is a part, as of that age; and I have further shown that the lower or intermediate series being repeated to the westward, and lying on the whole moderately flat, probably extends to a great distance in that direc- tion from Piper's Hole River. These views are in some measure corroborated by the observations made many years ago by the enterprising traveller, W. E. Cormack, who, in describing the mineral character of the country, nearly due north from Bay D'Espoir, and near the very centre of the island, says: — "The mineralogical appearances here were altogether so singular that I resolved to stop a day or two to examine them. All the highest parts of the ridge were formed of this metallic rock, and were extremely sterile. The otber rocks were noble serpentine, varying in colour from black, green to yellow, and from translucent to semi- transparent, in strata nearly a yard wide, steatite or soapstone, verde antique, diallage, and the other magnesian rocks. Sterile red earthy patches, entirely destitute of vegetation, were here and there on and adjacent to the ridge, and in these lay heaps of loose fragments of asbestos, rock-wood, rock-cork, rock-leather, rock-horn, and stones light in the hand, resembling burnt clay, cum multis aliis ; the whole having the appearance of heaps of rubbish from a pottery, but evidently detached from adjoining strata and veins." Here then are all the conditions of the Lauzon division of the Quebec group, the acknowledged great metalliferous zone of North America, and probably its nearest outcrop going from ea.st to west, or it would hardly have escaped the eye of such a vigilant inquirer as Mr. Cormack. It would be highly desirable that the survey should be extended through this region, by the way of the Bay D'Espoir, thence across the island to the Bay of Exploits, by which means, in addition to wliat has already been ascertained, a goii general knowledge of the character of the whole island will be accomplished. The following are some of the instances of the presence of copper ore in Conception Bay : — At Holyrood South Gut a disli ca- tion or fault runs S. 35° W., N. 35° E., intersecting jx>r[ihyry and il 1 % ■"1 REPORT FOR 18G8. 171 the ?nce of iislca- trv and H quartzite with much epidoto and chlorite, nearly along the course of the brook, in which the grey snlphnret of copper was found di'='setninated, and the rock stained with green carbonate of copper. There did not appear to me to be any well-defined vein filling up this dislocation, although masses of quartz are contained in it; and a specimen was shown me by Mr. Fitzgerald which was moderately well sprinkled over by the yellow sulphuret of copper. A shaft had been sunk upon this dislocation, and a party was employed at the time of my visit in continuing the excavation ; but the prospects of the mine did not appear to me very en- couraging, and I have not learnt that there has been any improve- ment since. At Crow's Gulch, near Enj^lish Cove, on the west side of Collier's Bay, an indication something resembling the last men- tioned was visited, which had several years ago been partially opened but abandoned. The dislocation in this case intersects the porphyry of the coast, running N. 67° W., S. 67° E. Some beautiful specimens of grey and variegated copper ore were observed in the crack ; but here, as in the former place, there did not appear to be any well-defined vein. Another place where the presence of copper ore had induced an attempt at mining is at Turk's Gut, also upon the west shore of Collier's Bay. Here the lode is tolerably well defined, cutting amygdaloid in a course S. 45° E., N. 45' W. The amygdaloid here is intersected by numerous veins of calc* spar, which are often thickly speckled with copper, chiefly of the grey or variegated ores, A drift had been driven upon the main vein or lode at a height of 113 feet above the sea-Ievel, for about 30 yards, and a shaft sunk about 20 fathoms deep, but thie results do not appear to have been satisfactory. On the north side of the uortli-east arm of Placentia Bay, a vein of white quartz (rom i to 5 feet wide displays tlio grey sulpliuret in considerable profusion sprinkled irregularly through the mass ; and the cracks in the rock on either side are occasion- ally stained with green carbonate. The vein cuts through por- phyi*y running N. G0° W., S. 60° E., urulerlying north-easterly, and is traceable for about a quarter of a mile on that course from the shore. This vein had at one time been drifted on for some 70 or 80 feet at one place, and a shaft sunk upon it for 14 or 15 feet ^^1 172 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. III at another; but being without profitable results was abandoned. Altliough abandoned, tlie little excavation hitherto made can hardly bo said to have proved the vein ; and it is not improbable that in some parts of its course, especially where intersecting veins, of which there are several, come in contact, a profitable amount of ore might be brought to the surface. There are several places in both Plarentia and St. Mary's Bays, where the ores of copper are displayed in the intersecting veins ; but although such indications are numerous and the ore of a rich quality, it does not usually appear to be persistent, but rather to occur in isolated masses, rarely in such abundance as to justify the large outlay requisite for the development of a mine. The presence of the ore, however, is so general in the veins of the intermediate system as to constitute a characteristic ; and it may happen, as was said before, that when the country becomes better known and opened up, mine^ may spring into existence of as much importance as the Bruce and Wellington in the sister province. Lead. It has already been remarked that calcareous veins are of frequent occurrence throughout the distribution of the interme- diate system, and that many ( these are charged with galena, together with other ores. The most notable instance of this sort is the La IMunclie mine in Tlacentia Bay, but there are many others at various L calities in Placeutia, St. Mary's, and Conception Bays where the indications are such as to warrant a fair trial. A short account of the La Manche mine was given in my Report for 1860. During th>e past season more particulars regard- ing that locality 1 ave been a.'^certained, which will be illustrated upon the plan I am now const ruiiing. The statistics of the mine are nearly as follows : — The works wer^ rirst oaBMrnenced in 1857 by Messrs. Ixipley and Co., under wheise najae anl title the mine was carried on lor the first tew years of its existence, when it p^issed into other hands, who assumed the title vf the Placentia Bay Lead Company : and finally it was once more transferred in 18G3 to a third company, termed the La IManehe 'tfinin''- Company. The combined operjuicas cd the three several companies ha"e [•roduced the results here ^Hmm^ nearly up to the present time. UK PORT FOR 18G8. 173 llipley on lor ir hands, Ly ; and jompauy. lies ha^e Itiine. Length of adit level, commencing at the sea-shore, a little over high-water mark, 1555 feet. Six main shafts have been sunk upon this adit, and a considerable amount of stopeing has been done between No. 1 shaft called Cooper's 75 feet to water-level. No. 2 „ Taylor's 110 „ No. 3 „ McConachie's 95 „ „ by 6G „ below „ No. 4 „ Kelly's 114 „ No. 5 „ Cohu's 120 „ „ No. 6 „ Hunt's 110 „ „ According to a calculation made upon the spot, somewhere about 537 cubic fatlioms had been excavated by Messrs. Eipley and Co., yielding 1800 tous of ore, or at the average rate of nearly 3 '4 tons to the cubic fathom. The Placentia Bay Company excavated about 379 fathoms, which produced 450 tons of ore, or at an average of 1*18 per fatliom; while the present company, between January and June in 1867, seem only to have made an average of 1580 lbs. to the cubic fathom, or not greatly exceeding half a ton. The total amount raised seems to be altogether about 2350 tons of ore, but the works have been lately carried on very languidly, and only to the extent of a sufficiency to pay working expenses. About 25 tons of ore have been taken from trial pits outside the works, in addition to the above. At the time of my visit, there were only 25 men employed about the works. In making the above calculation the vein was taken all over at 3 feet wide, which is about the average, but it frequently is much thicker, and occasionally is upwards of 7 feet. The course of the lode, as traced along the surface from the shore, is : — Ist. N. 54° E. 23 • 00 chains. 2nd. N. 65° E. 21 • £0 „ to the brook which it crosses. 3rd. Ditto lO'OO „ 4th. N. 82° E. 20-00 The six principal shafts are sunk upon the first bearing, where the vein maintains, on the whole, a tolerably straight course. The vein is intersected by a cross course near the fourth shaft, running N. 19 E., where the ore was found in considerable abundance. ISome rich bunches of ore were likewise found in pockets, where the vein shows itself on the right bank of the stream in the second 174 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. bearing; and on the third bearing several trial shafts were sunk, from each of which more or less ore was abstracted, the general character of the vein being but little changed, except in the fact that it decreased in width and was never over 2 feet in thickness. From the end of the third bearing the vein is concealed by marshy and bushy ground, but I found by costeening at the end of the fourth a calcareous vein, which was supposed to represent the lode, of only 6 inches in thickness. Whether the vein widens again in its course to the eastward, or whether it wedges out altogether near this part, can only be proved by close inspection of the ground and a system of costeening at intervals along the surface in the direction of its course, which, judging from the tendency apparent in all the courses so far as traced, would be nearly due east. Although no great metalliferous indications were observed in the calcareous veins which intersect the strata at Isle Bourdeaux and Come-by-Chance Head, it is not improbable that some of these, upon closer inspection and trial, might prove of importance, as the conditions are similar to those of La Manche, and the rocks are of the same formation although higher in superposition. I was informed that some calcareous veins were known to intersect Long Island, near Harbour Buffet, which contain galena, but these I had no opportunity of examining. On the eastern shore of St. Mary's Bay several indications of the presence of lead were seen, sometimes associated with specks of copper, iron pyrites, and blende. One of these is situated about a mile and a half from the village of St. Mary's, on the south- eastern side of the harbour. The rock is chiefly thiu-bedded quartzite, divided by layers of a greenish arenaceous shale or slate dipping S. 60° E. < 38 , and the largest or main vein, which intersects the strata, varies in thickness from 3 to 8 inches ; it is of white quartz, spotted through with small cubes of galena, asso- ciated with blende and specks of copper pyrites. The run of the main vein bears S. 76° E., N. 76° W., the attitude vertical, but the strata near this are reticulated by numerous small quartz veins, in which iron pyrites are thickly disseminated. The low cliffs and ledges along the shore here are much stained of a rusty brown colour, and a ferruginous deposit may occasionally be seen along the banks, derived from the decomposition of iron pyrites. IJK-rORT FOR 18C8. ITf) link, loral 1 fact mess. irsUy if tho ) loclo, aiu in ^etlier of tUo luvface idenoy ly due :ved in irdeaux jome of ortauce, le rocks tion. I intersect ut these itions of specks ed about south- ■bedded or slate , which les ; it is ma, asso- n of the ical, but 11 quartz The low f a rusty ^ be seen pyrites. Some strong quartz veins also were seen to intersect the cliffs near the extreme point of the peninsula dividing St. Mary's Har- bour from Mai Bay. The rock here is quartzite and slate, dipping from S. 45° E. < 45° to S. 65° E. < 60°. The largest veins, one of which was foimd to bo 6 feet thick, run nearly due east and west. Some tbin calcareous seams, and occasionally patches of calc spar, occur here also irregularly. An opening had been made upon this large vein some time since, and near the top of the cliff, which is very precipitous and about 149 feet high, the remains of a rude forge were discovered, which it was supposed had been erected for the purpose of smelting; but the only substance perceptible that had been submitted to that process appeared to me to bo chlorite. Iron pyrites there are in abundance both in the beds and in the veins, and some small specks of yellow copper were now and then detected, but I did not perceive any metalliferous indications of great importance, whatever the result of more extensive trial might produce. A little over half a mile from the Town Point, at the entrance of Placentia Bay, on the south-east side of tho north-east arm, some small calcareous veins intersect the cliffs, which hold galena. Where this was chiefly observed, the rock, which is a diorite, appears to have been affected by a double dislocation, the one intersecting the other so as to cut' out the upper part of the cliff in the form of a wedge. In the cracks thus produced the lead runs sometimes in the solid form of prill ore, from 1 to 3 inclies thick, and also in disseminated crystals through the calcareous matrix. The general bearing of the lode appears to be about N. 70° W., S. 70° E. Another vein of similar character, abc^ -J or 8 inches thick, occurs nearly opposite the town, a little way inside of the entrance to the south-east arm and running N. 51° E., S. 51° W. The rock here is in hard, green, very compact cherty beds, varying in thickness from 1 inch to a foot, which by the vein dip S. 40° E. < 28°, and show a cleavage or jointed structure nearly at right angles to the dip, underlying at a very high angb. easterly. Sliould the course of this vein continue as indicated on the shore, it would intersect the vein seen on the north-east arm at about 60 chains, and should that prove to be the case, the intersection would be well worthy of being fairly tested for the metal. N 2 176 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. From tho numerous indications presented, at different parts of the province and in different fjccdogieal positions, of tho presence of lead ore, wo may fairly infer that it will, in process of time, become an important material among tho economic resources of the country. Manganese. The only form in which I have seen this material in the province is as wad or bog ore, and never hitherto in sufficient abundance to be economically valuable, although such may be the case at parts unknown. The presence of this mineial was observed on several occasions near the junction of the unconformable Lower Silurian with the older rocks, especially where a subsequent dis- turbance had dislocated or fractured the strata at the junction, such as at Topsail Head or on the shores of Placentia Bay. It was generally seen in a tufaceous state, scattered over the ground in these localities, or mixed up with the crushed materials in small fragments in the neighbourhood of the fault. The pebbles of the brooks on the peninsula between St. Mary's and I'lacentia Bays are frequently, or it may be said generally, encrusted by a thin film of this substance, and the low marshy banks often display black earthy spots, probably deriving the colour from the same. Bog iron seems to be usually associated with the manganese, small tufaceous masses of which were seen on a few occasions while crossing the same peninsula. Manganese is chiefly used for bleaching purposes, and is in great demand in Great Britain. It is also used as a dye, and in the colouring of glass and earthen- ware. Building Stones. Granite. — The granites and syenites of the Laurentian series are in many parts of the handsomest and most durable description, and their distribution throughout the island cannot fail to prove of the highest advantage hereafter should any great public works, such as railways or canals, be carried on. In my Keport for 1866, p. 97, the granites of La Poile and Rose Blanche are mentioned as affording this material to a boundless extent and of the most beautiful quality. Following the prevailing strike of the forma- tions generally, the granites, which form the remarkable tower- REPOIIT FOR 1808. 177 •ts of i^enco tim<\ jes of n the liciciit bo the served Lower nt cUs- mction, ay. It ground in small is of tV.e Jays are a film of y black e. Bog small while used for ain. It eartheu- ns series are »tion, and ve of the irks, such 66, p. 97, ioned as |the most le forma- >le tower- like peaks and the elevated ritlges between the Orand and Kcd Indian Ponds, aro probably an extension of tlie granites of La Poile and lloso Blanche, and must necessarily intersect the country about the head waters of the Exploits, whore, in the event of a railway being constructed across the island, much if not most of tho bridging would bo required, and the material of the finest descrip- tion producible on tho spot. A beautiful description of grnnito was also observed at Black River, at the head of Placentia Bay, and this also appears to extend in the strike of the mountain chain towards Clode Sound in Bonavista Bay. Rocks of this character also abound in Conception Bay, and fine varieties of granite, syenite or gneiss, may be quarried in unlimited extent at many places between JManuel's Brook and Holyrood, as also between Salmon Cove and Cat's Cove. Sandstone. — The grey or greenish variety of tho Signal Hill sandstone is used, to a considerable extent, for building purposes near St. John's. The handsome building, now in progress, of St. Patrick's Church, at Eiverhead, is an example. The sand- stones of Kelly's Island are already known, and are mentioned in the Report for 1806, together with sandstones fit for building purposes observed at other parts of the island.* Roofing Slates. Slates of excellent quality occur in division c of the inter- mediate system, and are known and have been partially worked at different parts of the island. The formation, being the supposed equivalent of the Cambrian system of Great Britain, in which the celebrated slates of Carnarvonshire are situated, may be regarded as the horizon in particular where tliat most useful material will be found. It ought to be observed, however, that the economic value of a slate very much depends upon the direction of the cleavage. When the cleavage coincides with the bedding, which is often the case, the rock is comparatively worthless as a roofing slate, although sometimes useful for flagging; whereas, when the cleavage is oblique or at right angles to the bedding, it frequently yields the best of material, splitting into smooth and regular plates. r Seo Report 18GG, p. U7. ^^. ^ \ ^> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V. ^ '^ /. .^/ ^.^ /■_ 1.0 I.I 1.25 " IS 1110 ifi^ U il.6 Hiotographic Sciences Corporation V ^ '^ <> «fc V <^ c> 23 WIST MAI . STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 "H 178 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. m often less than the eighth of an inch in thickness, on which the planes of stratification may be seen by palpable lines of discoloiv ation. By careful and proper selection of locality, I have very little doubt that good slates might be worked to advantage in the neighbourhood of St. John's and at many parts on the western side of Conception Bay. The ridge which terminates at Brigus Head seems to be capable of yielding a good slate at several parts within its range ; and on that ridge, on the sea-shore, a slate quarry was opened several years ago, I believe, by Mr. C. F. Bennett of this place. The quarry has, however, been long abandoned, not, I imagine, from the deficiency of material, but from want of a remu- nerative local deciand. Limestone. It has already b?im stated that the beds of the intermediate system are rarely fou' .d to be calcareous, although calcareous veins frequently intersect them. It follows as a matter of course that throughout the great area which the formation occupies, material sufficiently pure for the purpose of burning into lime need hardly be expected; but as the system which follows contains bands of limestone at its base, the rock may frequently be found available for economic purposes near the junction. Such is the case at Topsail Head ; at the points near Harbour Main ; at Brigus South Head ; and probably some of the points farther north in Concep- tion Bay ; at and near Cape Dog, in St. Mary's Bay ; at D'Espoir ; at Come-by-Chance ; at North Harbour, and possibly at Bed and Fox Islands in Placentia Bay. In all these parts (except the latter two, which were not visited, and which consequently are uncertain) limestone abounds ; but much of it being very silicious, it would require to be carefully selected for the purpose of burning. The limestones here mentioned are frequently capable of taking a high polish and affording handsome marble, the colours which prevail being red, green, black, and drab, often all blended together, and giving a beautifully variegated surface. A specimen from Topsail was sent to the Paris Exhibition in 1867. SidpJiate of Baryies, or Heavy Spar. This mineral was very frequently found in veins intersecting the intermediate system. It occurs at Topsail Head, where the REPORT FOR 1868.— APPENDIX. 179 K the colop- very in the nside Head within ry was of this not, I kremu- nediate IB veins rse that naterial i hardly t)ands of .vailahle case at South Concep- Espoir; Red and ept the jntly are silicious, Mirning. of taking rs which together, len from veins however appeared to be small. The largest vein that was observed was on the coast of Placentia Bay, near Gross Point, not far from Distress, which is about 3 feet wide; its course lying about north-west and south-east, and aittitude nearly vertical. At La Manche mine and neighbourhood, this substance is frequently found associated with the calcareous veins. The usual colour is a dull white, but it is often tinged with pinic, and can easily be dis- tinguished from calc spar and other minerals by its great specific gravity. For its economic value or importance, see pp. 458 and 770 of the * Geology of Canada,' 1833. Whdslom or Hones. The talcoid slates of Sound Island appear in some parts of their distribution to contain a material well adapted for such purposes. I have a specimen, among my collection, of this description, but as yet have been unable to test its value by actual experiment. Honestones of superior quality are obtained in some parts of Eastern Canada from the slates near the serpentines, and the rocks of Sound Island are supposed to be of the same horizon. Should this stone prove equal in quality to that in Canada, it may be found in Sound Island in inexhauatibie qvantiiy. I have the honour to be. Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexamdeb Murray. To His Excellency The Governor of Newfoundland. APPENDIX. SECTION OF THE CARBONIFEROUS MEASURES OF THE WESTERN COAST OF NEWFOUNDLAND. I HAVE hitherto deferred the publication of this section, in hopes of having an opportunity of further examining the coal regions, and especially of following the outcrops of the r^orkable seams, which may shortly become of vast commercial importance. The unfortunate accident I met with in 1866 rendered me incapable 180 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. m !■! of walking into the interior at that time; but previous to that occurrence, I had made a careful examination of the coast north of Cape Ray, and surveyed the Codroy Valley, and also some of the country on the south side of St. George's Bay. These surveys having been duly mapped upon an intelligible scale, and the geo- logical features recorded thereon, it immediately suggested itself to me, that if there werf any workable seams at all, they must be found in the neighbourhood of the great fault I described as running from Trainvain Brook diagonally Eicross the island to White Bay,* and that if so, a considerable segment of the trough they lay in would be cut off by the upthrow on the south-east side. Taking the position of the seam Mr. Jukes records as having seen as a starting-point, I traced its probable outcrop upon the map, guided by the features I had ascertained upon the coast and tbe valley of the Codroy. The result has been highly satisfactory ; as I am assured by Professor Bell, who has since visited the spot, that were he to map the outcrop that he had followed on the ground, he could hardly have come nearer the reality. The summing up of all the evidence gathered in the St. George's Bay region come.* to this : — An anticlinal affects the coalfield, running from Cape Anguille towards the head of St. George's Bay, and divides it into two troughs ; the trough on the south-east side of the anticlinal, in which the workable coal is situated, extending towords the base of the Laurentian mountains; whilst the trough on the north- west side, which probably contains considerable additional higher measures, and may have additional coal seams also, is under the sea. The lower measures, as may be seen by the coast section, are barren of workable seams; resembling the lower measures of Cape Breton in that respect, of which they are undoubtedly the equivalents. To show the enormous importance of the existence of even one solitary seam of workable coal, I have made the following calculation of what might be expected within the area supposed to be underlaid by the one shown on my map. Taking the area of the plane of the seam at 38*4 square miles, and its thickness at 3 feet, there would be 54,720,000 chaldrons of coal, or 1,425,000 chaldrons per square mile. It is true a great part of this would ♦ CLhp. v., Report 1800, p. 90. REPORT FOR 18G8.— APPENDIX. 181 if even llowing Ipposed lie area lickness ViS.OOO would be inacceflsible, on account of its great depth, if the strata are turned up at a sharp angle to the horizon ; but on the other hand, as seems very probable, it may be found that a set of minor dis- locations occur, running more or less parallel with the great one, and upthrowing the strata in the same direction ; and, if so, the same seam would in each case be repeated, and so more and more of it would be brought towards the surface, and within workable depth. In addition to the coal itself, beneath each workable seam, there is usually a bed, sometimes of great thickness, which is well adapted for fireclay ; and kidney ironstone often occurs in parallel strata. It will be seen by reference to my Report of 1807, that magnetic iron may also be found in close proximity to the coal- field of St. George's Cay. The coast section between Cape Anguille and Codroy Island consists of masses of sandstone, coarse conglomerate, and thin beds of limestone with Mack shale. The thickness of this mass of strata was not accurately ascertained, in consequence of the frequency of the contortions rendering it very difficult to determine. It is very considerable, however, and was supposed to represent the formation known in England as the Millstone Grit, or lowest portion of the Carboniferous series. The rocks which succeed these measures are of great economic importance, as the zone in which great masses of gypsum occur. They are also exhibited in a very disturbed and corrugated state, the corrugations being most eminently conspicuous near the gypsum. These seem to be arranged nearly in the following order : — AsCENDINa. Mill 1. Red, green, and jet black carbonaceous shales and marls, with great masses of gypsum • 140 2. Tliin-bcdded impure limestone and calcareous shales, which occasionally contain fossil shells, resembling those found iu 1866 in the coal strata at Port-a-Port, and numerous remains of plants t 110 3. Gruj calcareous shale, with thin beds of impure limestone .. 132 4. Greyish micaceous, and sometimes calcareous sandstone, in beds from 6 inches to a foot thick, in which obscure com- minuted and carbocised remains of plants are numerous.. 300 682 * For further dcscriptiun, see Report 1866, p. 87. t See Note, Report 186.5, p. 68. "W"l ■ 182 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. Between Stormy Point and the mouth of the Oreat Codroy River the rock is concealed beneath a thick deposit of superficial drift; but there is a fine display of the measures on the coast between the Great and Little Codroy Rivers, the strata of which are as follows, in the ascending order : — Dip S. 42^ W. < 23". 1. Red and green arenaceous shale, with thin bands of variegated red and green sandstones, from 2 to 6 inches thick 6 2. Concealed strata, probably similar to the above .. .. 10 8. A bed of fine conglomerate, pebbles chiefly of white quartz, and some of gneiss and red feldspathic rock, in a matrix of sand with much mica in small scales 4 4. Green arenaceous shale 4 6. Fine conglomerate, not well seen 6 6. Strata concealed 35 7. Brown and greenish shaly sandstone, the upper part a coarse shale of a greenish colour and very micaceous, slightly corrugated 11 8. Red and green shale 57 9. A band of fine conglomerate, of similar quality to the last 2 10. Green shale, with large concretions of sandstone, of spherical form, from 6 inches to a foot in diameter .. 3 11. Green shale, with two thin beds of conglomerate at the top, each about a foot thick 9 12. Conglomerate beds, interstratified with greenish arena- ceous shale and sandstone, beds of conglomerate and sandstone from 6 inches to a foot thick .. .. 43 13. Red shale 7 14. Concealed strata say 6 15. A strong bed of bard grey sandstone, with some scattered pebbles of quartz 16 16. Green arenaceous shale, with a bed of shaly and very micaceous sandstone at the top, which contains obscure impressions of carbonised plants and ixitohes of coal 16 17. Green arenaceous shale, coarse in texture, passing into beds of flaggy sandstone, with bands of green sand- stone from 4 to 6 inches thick 26 18. A bed of rather coarse conglomerate, the matrix of course sand, loose and shaly 5 19. Green coarse-grained arenaceous shale, with conglomerate beds from 1 to 2 feet thick 9 20. Thin-bedded flaggy sandstone 8 21. No rock exposed, a sand beach say 17 Carried forwanl 283 G REPORT FOR 1868.— APPENDIX. 183 l^eut In. 283 6 1 44 6 20 21 8 2 Brought forward 22. A bed of red shaly or flaggy sandstone 23. Alternations of green and red marly shale, only partially exposed 24. Beds of conglomerate in a green arenaceous matrix, the conglomerate beds from 1 to 3 feet thick 25. Green and brownish-grey sandstones; some surfaces displaying a very distinct ripple mark ; some beds very thin and shaly, others from 2 to 6 inches thick 26. Conglomerate, in a matrix of arenaceous shale, with some hard brownish-grey beds of sandstone from 8 inches to a foot thick 27. Brown sandstone, parted by dark grey arenaceous shale, with some obscure carbonised impressions. Beds from 6 to 18 inches thick, last irregular. All these strata are very micaceous 28. A bed of dark brown sandstone, partially conglomerate, the upper part of which is black from the presence of a mass of carbonised and comminuted plants and colouring matter 29. Brown and green sandstones, in beds from 6 to 18 inches thick 30. Red marly shale and thin irregular layers of red sandstone 31. Red marls with thin layers of red or greenish sandstone 32. Brownish-grey sandstone, r&hlish at tbn base, much iron-stained, numerous impressions of plants, with nests and patches of coai 33. A bed of brown sandstone 34. Qrecn and reddish marls, with some thin beds of sand- stone, generally about 6 inches thick 35. A bed of black carbonaceous shale crowded with car- bonised impressions and patches of coal 36. Green shale 37. Mottled red and green coarse micaceous sandstone 38. Red marls 39. Brown ferruginous sandstone 40. Black carbonaceous shale 41. Green arenaceous shale, with concretions of sandstone , generally flattened on lower surfaces, and sometimes on the upi)er ones ; varying in thickness from 6 inches to a foot. Rough irregular surfaces on the sandstone, crossed by a cleavage at right angles to the bedding 42. Green and reddish shale, showing minute corrugations 43. Brown and reddish shale, with sandstone in thin beds.. 44. Green and reddish sandstone and arenaceous shale 46. Mostly concealed up to French Pilots* Lauding, say .. Carried forward 667 10 4 38 3 2 6 11 C 1 2 2 32 2 6 6 11 18 18 16 10 I I T u i 184 GEOLOGICAL HUltVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. From the entrance of Godroy River to the brook at French rilots* Landing. Dip S. 77° W. < 25°, at the latter place : — * Feet. Feet. Brought forward < .. .. 6(i7 46. Qreen micaccouH sandstone in IxmIs from an inch to a foot thick, divided by green marls, numurous obscure impressions of plants 5 47 Ited maris and thin-bedded sandstones 57 48. Fine conglomerate, and green and brown ferruginous sandstone and shale 20 49. GreciiiHh and drab-colo\ired arenaceous shale, with beds of brown sandstone GO CO. Red lumdstone and red marl alternating; the sandstone beds irregular in thickness, thinning and wedging out with layers of elementary bedding 35 51. Green sandstone and green marly shale, as before .. 40 62. Beds of green and reil shale, with some concretionary beds of sandstone and conglomerate at the top ; the measures striking with the coast 30 53. Red and blackish shale 15 64. Green shale with conglomerate on the top in a crumbling shaly bed of 2 feet thick 25 — 287 Up to the point where Stormy Point bears N.24°W.:— 65. Drab-co1oured,brown and green, coarse-grained micaceous sandstone 40 66. Red marls and reddish and green sandstone in thin beds 25 — 65 These last beds appear to be rolled over again near the brook. South from A. the succession is as follows: — 57. Grey sandstones in rather heavy beds— one about 6 feet thick 30 68. Red marls 20 59. Brownish ferruginous sandstone, in strong irregular beds, cut up by elementary layers, and generally soft or incoherent 35 GO. Red marls 25 Gl. Strong beds of grey or brownish sandstone, from 1 to 2 feet thick, which towards the water's edge are occasionally worn into pillar-like forms 35 62. Red marls and sandstone in thin beds, not often over 6 inches thick 60 Carried forward 205 919 y RKPORT FOR l(?fl8.— APPKNDIX. 185 Feet. Feet, Brought forward 205 919 (i3. fircy Bandstoncs similar to No. 61 25 64. Red nmrlH 20 65. Rrown rerru^^itiouH gandatone, lower beds heavy, from 1 to 3 feot thick, upper beds thin and flajngy .. .. 30 C6. BcdH of black argillaceous and carbonaceous shalo or chinch, with layers of coarse brown sandstone, con- taining numerous patches of clay or shale. One bed of clunch about 2 feet thick. Vegetable impressions 15 67. Brown ferruginous sandstone 30 68. Red sandstone and marls, the sandstone chiefly in beds from 6 to 18 inches thick 80 69. Red marls 60 — 405 A fault occurs at 69, and the strata are repeated from 61, giving au upthrow of from 200 to 300 feet : — 70. Strong beds of brownish sandstone, from 1 to 3 feet thick, parted by red arenaceous shalo 30 71. Brown ferruginous sandstone, upi)er beds thin and flaggy, with thin partinp of black argillaceous shale 25 72. Reil marls, with some bands of black shale, and thin irregular bands of sandstone 10 73. Alternations of drab or brownish sandstone, and grey or greyish shalra, one bed of sandstone 5 feet thick .. 50 74. Red marls, and thin hard bands of flne-grained pinkish and green sandstone 15 75. Blackish shale with thm bands of grey sandstone .. 10 76. Red shales and marls 20 77. Thin-bedded grey sandstone 10 78. Red shales and marls 15 79. A strong band of grey sandstone 7 80. Red marls 30 81. Green sandstone, sometimes worn into pillar shapes .. 20 82. Red marls and drab-coloured and mottled sandstone .. 60 83. Grey and reddish sandstone 25 84. Red marls 10 85. A strong irregular band of greenish or mottled sand- stone, wedging in with red shale 7 86. Red marl and red arenaceous shale 17 87. A massive bed of grey or greenish sandstone . . . . 12 88. Irregular beds of brownish crumbling sandstone .. .. 7 89. Red marls with thin beds of green or red sandstone ..30 90. Grey or greenish sandstone, with some layers of black and reddish argillaceous shale 20 01. Red and green argillaceous shale 25 Carried forward 465 1324 :..,;! 186 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Feet. Brought forward 455 02. Browniah and grey sandstone, in thick but irregular layers, fine shaly conglomerate at the base. Beds cut up by layers of elementary deposits 20 93. Reddish marls and sandstones, marl predominating. Some blackish or brown shale between the beds of sandstone, which run from 6 inches to 2 feet thick or more. Occasional beds of fine conglomerate among the red and green arenaceous shale, near the base .. 25 94. Red marls, with thin-bedded sandstone and fine layers of black argillaceous shale from 6 to 8 inches thick .. 26 95. Black and reddish marly beds, the upper pert mostly red ; the black beds holdint; regular layers of calca- reous nodules, varying in size frum that of a pigeon's egg to 6 inches in diameter 60 96. Grey coarse-grained sandstone in a succession of strong beds,— one about 7 feet thick, intersected by cleavage at right angles to the bedding, and overlaid by thin flaggy layers. Obscure carbonised remains .. .. 25 97. Green, blackish, and brown arenaceous shales, with large spherical concretions of sandstone 25 98. A band of variegated sandstone, partially conglomerate 7 99. Blackish shales, with brown sandstones— mostly black shale about the middle part 60 100. Thin-bedded grey sandstone, with red and green shale 36 101. Thin-bedded green and reddish flaggy sandstone .. .. 15 102. Red and brown shales, with some beds of brown sand- stone 70 103. A considerable portion of coast mostly covered with drift material, where the strata are not exposed, and the thickness not established, probably nothing. No. 104 being a repetition. 104. Red marls, with some thin beds of sandstone .. .. 40 105. Brown, moderately hard, strong beds of sandstone .. 20 106. Black argillaceous shale, surmounted by red marls and beds of brownish sandstone 30 107. Brown and reddish sandstone, divided by thin layers of black, brown, or reddish argillaceous shale .. ..25 108. Strong beds of brown sandstone 15 109. Red marls 20 110. Irregular beds of brown or dark grey sandstone .. ., 15 111. Green and red variegated shale 5 Total thickness between rivers Strata between Codroy and Stormy Point .. Feel. 1324 — 982 230G 682 Exclusive of the Cape Anguille strata. 2088 ( 187 ) CHAPTER IX. i REPORT FOR 18C9.— COPPER LODES OF B0NAV18TA BAY — SURVEY OF TERRA NOVA RIVER — MR. JAMES P, IIOWLEY APPOINTED ASSISTANT GEOLOGIST — HIS REPORT ON COAST OF TRINITY, PLACENTIA, AND ST. MARY'S BAY, &c. — EXCURSION UP BAY EAST RIVER. St. John's, Nswroi-NDLAKD, 1st Fdiruary, 1870. May it please your Excellency, — In presenting the following Report of progress made on the geological survey of this province, I beg leave to premise the subject by intimating that in the meantime I am necessarily obliged to confine myself to generalities, or a simple history of the manner in which I have been employed, as there are many matters of reference requiring to be thoroughly investigated and explained before it would be prudent to enter into minute geological detail. The assistance, in particular, to which I refer, is that of the palaeontologist and chemist ; but there is also the paramount necessity of having a correct geographical map con- structed upon a good scale, before it is possible to make the structural arrangement intelligible, even to myself, or to present any part of the country in section. With these ends in view, a very considerable collection of fossils and minerals was sent to Sir William Logan last spring, who has since kindly placed the former in the hands of E. Billings, Esq., palaeontologist to the Geological Survey of Canada, the latter being referred to Dr. Sterry Himt for analysis ; and I have now in my possession many more such specimens, ready to be sent to Montreal for the same purposes by the earliest opportunity. A letter recently received from Mr. Billings informs me that my fossil collection has been his study for several months, and that it contains many forms not hitherto known, having many new species and a few new genera 188 (JKoI/)GICAL SUUVKV OK NEWFOUNDLAND. rti among thorn, to which ho haa provi8ionally given names, and that the whole are seomin^ly typical of the rrimonlial Silurian ago. This fact is satisfactory, as it goes fur to corroborate the correct- ness of the views I expressed as regards tiio general structure, in my Itoport of last year. Among tlie minerals referred to Dr. Hunt there are samples of quartz from various parts where the precious metals were suspected to exist, as well as ores of sundry sorts from different localities ; but of these I have not heard any particulars as yet, further than that they were now being attended to. With regard to the construction of a map ; the plan I have adopted has been to lay down the coast from the latest and most accurate surveys, on the scale of 1 inch to 1 statute mile, to be filled up by my own surveys of the interior. These I propose to reduce to a scale of 4 statute miles to 1 inch, to form one grand map ; and finally, still further to reduce to a suitable smaller scale for publication and general circulation. Besides the surveys made by myself during the first three years of this investigation, which have been already reduced to the 4 miles to 1 inch scale, plans have been drawn upon the inch scale, ti).ken from Captain Kerr's most recent manuscripts, of a part of Placentia Bay, St. Mary's Bay, and Conception Bay ; and I am now constructing a similar plan of Trinity Bay, from the same officer's original survey. All of these, with the exception of Trinity Bay, were placed for reduction in the hands of Mr. liobert Barlow, Draughtsman to the Canadian Geological Survey, and are no doubt progressing, although it may still be some time before they will be sufficiently far advanced to draw the geological boundaries thereon. At page 44 of the ' Report of the Select Committee upon the Geological Survey of Newfoundland,' held last session of the Provincial Legislature, it will be seen that the scheme for carrying on the exploration of 18G9 was proposed to be, by entering the interior from the Bay D'Espoir and to emerge at the Bay of Exploits, or some part of Notre Darae Bay ; and for this purpose I had engaged four Indians from Conne River, procured canoes, and otherwise provided and equipped myself, when a desire was expressed to me on the part of the Government that I should visit REPORT FOR 18R0. 180 )on the of the arrying ing the Bay of (urpose canoes, lire was lid visit Bi)navi8ta Bay in tho fintt ploco, in ordt^r to obtuin some reliable facts regarding the existentu? of copper Itnlos in that region, which wore at that time oxoitin;; c nHidi>rable public interest. This vvos accordingly dono ; and being d«>HiruU9 to make the moxt of what at all times is but a limited season, I madu an attempt to reach the central part of the islaml I)y the valley of the Terra Nova Uiver, a largo stream which discharges itself into Bloody Bay, Bonavista Bay, but was compelled to return in consequence of the inipra(;ticable character of the Htream towards its upper waters for the navigation of canoen, and the extreme diilicnlty of {K>rtiiging through a country at all times rough, but now almost i.| lifo inaccessible from the fallen timber, the result of a succession of conflagrations, which have devastated the region over an enormous area. Returning from this expedition, I crossed from the Terra Novn Lake to Clode i'^'.)., 1 1, and thence proceeded to extend tht examination from that part towards Green's Pond in Bouaviata Bay, my object being finally to transport myself from the luttei place, with all my equipments, with as little delay as possible to Bay D'Espoir, where I hoped still to have a commencement made of the originally proposed survey. In consequence of the absence of any direct communication between those parts, however, a good deal of delay and inconvenience was experienced before I arrived at my destination, and the season being by that time well advanced, I was unable to effect more than a limited preliminary survey in Bay D'Espoir, and make a hurried excursion thence into the interior for 40 or 50 miles by the valley of Bay East Brook. Having engaged Mr. James Howley to act as my assistant during the season, I directed him to examine the rocks and collect specimens at various parts of Trinity and St. Mary's Bays, and to mark the boundaries of the different formations expected to be met with at these parts, while I proceeded into the interior. These duties Mr. Howley has performed very creditably. The facts he has ascertained, together with the fossil remains and mineral specimens he has collected, will be of great service in mapping the distribution of the formations, and may lead to information of much importance in the development of economic Q ' T^T 190 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. ! if: if!!' materials. Mr. Howley likewise examined a section of country between Holyrood in Conception Bay, and Bay of Bulls on the Atlantic Coast, for the purpose of ascertaining the vidth of the Laurentian gneiss, mentioned in my Beport of last year as forming a nucleus to that part of the peninsula of Avalon. As the special object of my visit to Bonavista Bay was to examine certain localities, to which the means of conveyance was furnished by parties interested in the same, and I being quite unprovided with any independent means of transport, except by two small birch-bark canoes, it was out of my power to accomplish more than a very superficial survey of the shores and islands ; and much closer and more extended observation will be required before the true structure can be represented ; yet the strati- graphical and lithological evidences at the various parts visited, are such as to leave little doubt on my mind that the greater part of the whole region is occupied by rocks of the same age as those described in last year's Keport, under the heading of " Tlie Intermediate System of Avalon." This remark, however, does not apply to the northern shores and some of the islands off it, which from Freshwater Bay to Cape Freels are of gneiss or granitic rock, and are supposed to be of Laurentian age. By the kindness of Mr. Noonan, agent at Green's Pond for Messrs. Brooking and Co., I was conveyed from that station, with my party and equipments, to the Inner Gooseberry Islands, which I proceeded to examine, and was afterwards forwarded on by Mr. M. Carrol to Pitsound Island, f.nd thence through the islands of Bloody Beach to the head of the Middle Arm of Bloody Bay, at the entrance to the Terra Nova Kiver, the course of which was afterwards surveyed. Survey op Terra Nova River. The courses and distances followed on the ascent of this river, all minor turns excepted, together with the rise in falls, rapids, or currents, are represented in the following table. All the bearings are from the true meridian. REPORT FOR 1869. 191 Connes. DiaUnct-B. •nd for |ii, with which on by islands lay, at ,ch was Es river, [pids, or tarings l8t. S. 32<'W. .. 2nd. S. 14">W. .. 3rd. N. 75°W. .. 4th. 8.18" 30' W. Sth. S.61°W. .. 6th.S.43«W. .. 7th.S.45«E. .. 8th. 8.45° E. .. 9th. 8. 67° 30' W. 10th, 8.63° W... 11th. 8.67° W... 12th. 8.43° W... Total .. .. mill. cbs. 3 73 1 70| G0| 1 20 1 55 3 62 1 1 0/ 3 70\ 1 70 4 40 8 40 34 Riseln Feet. 12 Still / water.\ 8trongr currenti 134 Still water, 2 25 299 Hemarks and Particulani. From Garden Point at entrance on right side to junction of Maocles Brook on left side. The rise i& nearly all within the lower mile, where there is a small chute with strong rapids. This bearing forms the chord of a bend in the river, up to an abrupt turn northerly. Biver mokes several sharp turns in this course. Total rise over the head of the lower mpids to the first still water above the lower groat fall, including an allowance of 1 foot for current in the steady )mrts. Very strong rapids, and a succession of small chutes along this course. The lower purt of this course is still water, but the last mile is rapid. Course terminates at a pool below the Grand Falls. From the still water in pool bulow the Grand Falls, to the still water at the head of all the falls and rapids. The main cascade is 45 feet. Biver serpentine, making several turns, wide and with marshy banks. Esitimated rise on the smooth water above the Grand Falls. The course terminates at the small island at the lower end of Terra Nova Lake. From island at foot of Terra Nova Lake to the entrance of main river above. From tlie outlet into Terra Nova Lake to the foot of a succession of cascades; the river making many minor turns in its course ; generally flowing with a swift current, and very rapid approaching the falls, where our survey of the main river terminated. From the island at the foot of Terra Nova Lake to the mouth of the north-west brook, the bearing is N. 86° 30' W., 3 miles 38 chains. The junction of the main brook, at the end of the 11th coarse was found, by mer. alt. of the sun, to be in latitude 48" 27' 39". The principal tributaries of the river are the Maccles Brook, Pitts' Pond Brook, and the north-west brook of Terra Nova Lake. Maccles Brook is a fine stream, which alls into the main river at the end of the first course, flowing from the north and north-west. It is said to proceed from an extensive sheet of 2 192 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. water called Maccles Pond, about 3 miles north-west from the lower great fall. Pitts' Pond Brook joins tlie main river on the ri^ht side, about a mile and a half below the island at the foot of the lake. The stream is insignificant of itself, but it proceeds from a lake called Pitts' Pond, of considerable area, which is important as affording water communication to within about 2 miles of the sea at Clode Sound, and was the route by which we reached the latter place. The courses, &c., along the route are as follows : — Courses. Oistances. niRC In Feet, -rj. Remarks and Particulars. l8t. 8. 49°E. .. 2nd. 8. 55° 30' E. 3rd. 8.35° W. .. 4th. 8.64° W. .. mU. cliH. 68 4 16 50 1 30 »1 •■ ( From the junction on Terra Nova River to the outlet from Pitts' Pond. Along the main bmly of Pitts' Pond to a point on the ea8t<'rn shore near the Iiead. Up a bay towards tlie outlet of a smuU brook. Up the brook and along the. course of a small pond called Col)bler's Pond, to its head. Total .. ,. 7 4 10 1 To head of Cobbler's Pond— 284 feet over sea- level. The north end of the bay below Cobbler's Pond was found to I . in latitude 48^ 27' 13". From a point on the south-east side of Cobbler's Pond, about 55 chains below the extreme head, a bearing S. 84° E. 2 miles 5 chains reaches the shore of Clode Sound, about a mile above Platter Cove. Character of the Valley of the Terra Nova Eiver. The lower reaches of the river, below the lower great fall, flow for the greater part through a flat or undulating plain, sometimes of considerable width, of good soil, well adapted for agricultural settlement. The soil generally is light, being chiefly of sand deposited upon a subsoil of either blue or yellowish clay ; but the spontaneous growth of birch and bushes, flowers and mosses by which it is clothed, are fair indications of its capability for pro- ducing many of the necessaries of life, under cultivation. That such is actually the case is sufficiently obvious, as may be seen on the small clearings on the shores of the bay, and at the mouth of REPORT FOR 1869. 193 tae river, where, although the system pursued is of the rudest and most primitive imaginuble, it still yields fair crops of oats, grass, and various vegetables. At one time, not veiy remote, the whole of this part of the valley was densely clad with fine forest trees, but a succession of devastating fires, of which the most recent was in 1867, has made sail havoc among the timber, and left only limited tracts, or small isolated patches here and there, as repre- sentative of the past, which support a mixed growth of pine, spruce, balsam-fir, tamarack, white birch and poplar, sometimes of good size and quality. Above the lower great fall, the country becomes broken and irregular, rocky hills rising on either side not to any great height, but for the most part very rugged and precipitous, with occasional limited moss-covered sandy plains between the ridges. The timber here, as elsewhere, has at many parts been swept away by fire, and such as remains is of dwarfed size and scantily scattered over the surface. Some good flats occur upon the margin of the river, between the two great falls, but they are very limited in extent, both in length and width, and are frequently to some extent marshy, and not sufficiently elevated over the bed of the river to afford facilities for drainage. Occasional patches of good light land also occur in the region surrounding Terra Nova Lake, and there is a considerable area of that description immediately south of the lower end and on the western side of Pitts' Pond ; but on the same side of the latter pond, towards its south-west extreme, the country is nearly all marsh, while on the opposite or north-east side, abrupt hills rise, thickly covered by stunted timber, where the destructive influences of the great fires have not reached. A range of low, rugged, and abrupt hills, which rarely attain an altitude of more than 300 feet above Pitts' Pond, or between 500 and . 00 feet above the level of the sea, constitutes the watershed between the streams falling into Bloody Bay on the one hand, and Clole Sound on the other ; and the width of this dividing ridge, from the south-east extreme of Pitts' Pond to another considerable sheet of water called Duusford's Pond, the waters from which are discharged at Bread Cove> Clode Sound, is scarcely half a mile. To the westward, towards Cobbler's Pond, the hills of the watershed die down, and the highest elevation between the latter pond and Clode Sound is ilf 194 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. probably not more than about 400 feet above the sea, and is chiefly occupied by ext«n8iye marshes, alternating with low rolling ridges of rocky ground, which, except where denuded by fire, are covered with light stunted timber. Of the Bocks and Associated Minerals. The northern shores and islands of Bonavista Bay present nearly an unbroken front of granitic rocks from Cape Freels to Freshwater Bay. At first sight, as at Green's Pond, where much of the rock is granite, hard, solid, and compact, of a grey colour, containing large crystals of whitish feldspar, the impression is suggestive of the mass being intrusive ; but closer inspection discloses facts which point to a diflferent origin. Many of those masses, where the planes of bedding are externally imperceptible, will be found on being broken and closely examined, to have their mineral constituents arranged in parallel lines, the micaceous layers in particular being occasionally distinctly traceable in long thin streaks; and it was observed, moreover, that the masses alternate with distinctly bedded gneiss and mica slate ; or, in other words, that the formation is an alterod sedimentary deposit, cut through, however, frequently by granitic veins, mostly of a pale pinkish or flesh-coloured feldspar and quartz. A very minute description of these rocks is given in Mr. .Tukes's 'Geology of Newfoundland,' p. 97, to which I beg to refer without further comment or quotation. It has already been suggested that the formation is of Laurentian age. In veins of white quartz, which are usually small but numerous, small quantities of metallic sub- stances were frequently detected, among which were grey sulphuret of copper, specular and magnetic iron, while small pink garnets were often found, chiefly in the micaceous parts of the rock. At several places on the northern shore, where tliis gneiss is distributed, the lower and flatter parts are often spread over by a deposit of very fine white clay, which appears to be of the quality of kaolin, a substance which, under favourable circunistauces, would be very valuable for the manufacture of porcelain. These clays are of recent formation, and have been derived from the feldspar of the rocks upon which they repose. Amethystine quartz crystals are abundantly sprinkled through these deposits, which have been REPORT FOR 1869. 195 removed from crevices and drusy cavities in the granitic rocks, and are displayed in place at many parts of their run. The rocks of the Gooseberry Islands, Bloody Beach, and Bloody Bay, are chiefly of slate, with quartzites and diorites, and a mass of slate conglomerate at or near the base, intersected by intrusions of granite or syenite, trap, and quartz veins. It has already been stated that the lithologicdl resemblance these rocks bear to those of tlie intermediate system of Avalon is so striking as to leave ^ittle doubt of their identity, and the inference is still further borne out by the geographical position they occupy between the gneiss of the north shore of the bay and the Palaeozoic formations (to be mentioned hereafter) of Trinity Bay. The horizons of these rocks are supposed to be equivalent to the divisions h and c of the section of last year's Report. The southern inner Gooseberry Island is of a hard, black or dark green or bluish clay slate, with a mass of interstratified por{)hyry overlaid by a band of diorite, which runs from end to end of the island, and passes on in its course to Columbia Island ; the general dip of the whole of which is nearly north-west, the rate of inclination varying from 40° to 53^. The cleavage planes are usually coincident, or nearly so, with the bedding. This mass of strata is intersected by a series of small dislocations, nearly at right angles to the strike, their bearing being N. 38° W., which are usually filled up with veins of quartz and calc spar holding the ores of iron and copper. These veins vary in width from less than an inch to upwards of 2 feet, and at some parts of their course are almost altogether constituted of a solid, dark grey, granular iron ore, together with copper pyrites, sprinkled through the adjoining quartz and calc spar. It was observed that the calcareous portions of the veins were mostly limited to the parts where they inter- sected the porphyry, where many reticulating veins of calcareous quality also formed droppers to the main veins. The main veins, however, seem to maintain throughout a decided parallelism, in which case no two of them are likely to intersect each other, a position in which metalliferous lodes are often importantly developed. The aspect of the iron ore, of which mention has been made, appearing in some respects to differ from any with which I was familiar, I was induced to send a specimen of it to Dr. Sterry Hunt for analysis, whose reply I have not yet received ; but an in 196 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. nnalysis by Messrs. Bath, of Swansea, kindly furnished by Smith McKay, Esq., M.H.A., who had sent specimens of the ore to England some time previously, gives the following results : — Silica 5-0 Iron 39-0 Arsenic 33'0 Copper 0"b Lirne I'O Sulphur 20-0 Silver 2*72 oz. to the ton. Gold "' a trace. Although the presence of the precious metals in this ore is unimportant as to economic value, the fact of their being present is in itself interesting, as it may justly give a reason to infer the possibility that the formation may prove to be sufficiently auriferous or argentiferous in some parts of its distribution lo be remunerative. The rocks whicli constitute the islands of Bloody Reach and Bloody Bay are chiefly of slate, with diorites and quartzites, and are likewise supposed to belong to the divisions h and c of last year's section. They exhibit many undulations along their course, and are frequently violently dislocated along the line of strike, which occasions many repetitions of the same strata. Similar disturbances are manifested in a high degree also among the islands and peninsulas to the southward of Bloody Bay, where the middle divisions of the intermediate system are most extensively displayed, until reaching the southern shores of Clode Sound, where there is a groat development of red sandstones and conglo- merates, representing the Signal Hill rocks, e,f, g.* The slates and associated rocks of Bloody Bay strike up the Terra Nova River, and are more or less exposed on its banks, or at moderate distances back from them, to within 3 to 4 miles below the upper great fall, where they arc interrupted by an intrusive mass of granite. They come in again in considerable volume on the south side of Terra Nova Lake near the outlet, whence striking generally in a S.S.W. direction, they leave the valley of the river, the rocks of which were found to be of gneiss or granite, to the farthest parts reached. The granite met with * These are more probably Primordial. REPORT FOR 1869. 107 Inisive lie on thence (valley Hss or with below the Grand Falls, seems to be a huge dyke, nearly a mile in width at some parts, which bearing nearly due north and south, forms the islands on Pitts' Ponci, and thence runs on to Clode Sound. The veins of quartz with which the formation abounds in nearly every part of its distribution, run in some cases exactly parallel with the strike of the stratification, and at other times intersect it transversely ; but the larger and better defined usually correspond with the strike of the beds. In nearly every instance these veins are more or less impregnated with the ores ot coppor, specular iron, and iron pyrites; but although the presence of these ores is so persistent as to be a characteristic of the formation, I have not yet seen nor heard of a single instance where the indications were such as to warrant a large outlay of capital with a fair prospect of a remunerative return. Indeed, such places as have already, to a small extent, been tested, do not appear to me to have been judiciously selected in the first place, and have in every instance one after another been abandoned, in consequence of the insuffi- ciency of the material produced, to pay the working expenses. Such has been the case at Pitts' Sound Island, and at the mouth of the Terra Nova Brook, where, like many other places occupied by the same formation in Conception and Placentia Bays and other parts, notwithstanding the many beautiful specimens procured of various rich ores of copper, not one of all the localities that have been tried has yet proved suflSciently encouraging to establish a mine. The attempts hitherto made at mining operations in these rocks seem invariably to have been upon quartz veins, where the surface exhibited perhaps a little more than ordinary indications, especially of the grey or variegated ores of copper; while the great longitudinal dislocations, where the master lodes might with reason be expected, have been ignored altogether. At Pitts' Sound Island, for example, there are at least two such faults, running from end to end of the island, where copper ore is clearly indicated on the adjacent rocks where they are exposed, by the presence of green carbonate ; but as the faults run for the most part along wet or marshy spots or in the beds of rivulets, a con- siderable amount of costeening might be requisite to prove the ground ; and it is probably to this want of natural exposure that the neglect is to be attributed. itil 198 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. I On the north side of Lakeman's Island, a set of strong qnartz veins may be seen cutting the strata transversely, all of which exhibit beautiful specimens of the variegated sulphuret of copper, in bunches, small strings and spots, besides specular iron and iron pyrites in some profusion ; but the quantity of ore, judging from the external display on the surface, is certainly insufficient to be remunerative. These veins, moreover, are not seen upon the cliffs of the south side of the island, from which circumstance it may be inferred, either that they thin out altogether, or are cut off by one of the longitudinal faults already referred to. On the right bank of the Terra Nova Kiver, about half a mile up its course from the mouth, an opening has been made on a quartz vein running in a fault, and cutting tlie strata, which include another vein of quartz, at nearly right angles. At the point where the quartz veins intersected each other, there is said to have been a good display of copper, and a shaft was sunk 24 feet in depth ; a surface drift was also cut 36 feet in length by 12 feet in width, from which a few tons of ore were extracted, chiefly from the shaft. The shaft, however, being close to the bank, was shortly inundated by the uaters of the river, and had to be abandoned. The surface drift appears to have been intended to follow the course of the fault, which is indicated by a slick-in-sided wall on the west side, until it should reach the intersection of a great quartz vein, about a quarter of a mile back from the river. This quartz vein is a very conspicuous one, running exactly on the strike of the strata, and is at many parts upwards of 8 feet thick ; it may be easily traced for upwards of a mile. It appeared to me, however, on examination, to be singularly barren of any ore what- ever, except some cubical iron pyrites, which occurs at intervals, rather than regularly along its course. Some few small openings had also been made along the run of the fault, but I could perceive no indication of ore worthy of attention. The superficial deposits of the Terra Nova Valley are often very ferruginous, containing an ore of tlie quality of bog or tufaceous iron, to a remarkable extent. The sandbanks of Terra Nova Lake, of the lakes and ponds surrounding it, and of the river below, are cemented in some cases so rigidly by this irou ore, as to assume the appearance of a solid sandstone; and springs of chalybeate REPORT FOR 1869. 199 it rceive water issue from beneath these deposits at many parts of the country. In the event of this region becoming inhabited, this ore can hardly fail to be of economic importance, although the de- struction of the forests, which might have supplied the necessary fuel for smelting and other purposes, will doubtless be grievously felt. The same valley contains a thick deposit of clay, usually of a blue, but sometimes of a yellowish colour, which is doubtless capable of being brought into use for the manufacture of bricks. Haviug instructed Mr. Howley to examine the coast of Trinity Bay, while I proceeded into the interior, he accordingly began his work near Cape J3onavista, and with a few unavoidable interrup- tions, followed it round as far as Hant's Harbour on the eastern sliores. While on this excursion, he visited Smith's and Random Sounds, Bay of Bulls' Arm (whence he crossed to Come-by-Chance in Placentia Bay), and several other of the principal great inlets. The following is a general summary of the information collected by him on that occasion. Between Cape Bonavista and British Harbour (the latter being about 6 or 7 miles above Bonuventure Head), the rocks of the coast consist exclusively of the upper and middle members of the inter- mediate system ; the slates and quartzites of divisions e and d of last year's section, surmounted by the sandstones and conglomerates of Signal Hill, e,f, g being again and again brought to the surface by a succession of undulations, and occasionally being repeated by a series of transverse faults, which usually run in a north and south direction. Veins of white quartz are abundant in this region as elsewhere in the same formation, the most regular and best defined of which run exactly parallel with the stratification. Many of these veins are charged with the ores of copper and with galena, and are particularly alluded to in that respect, as occurring in close proximity to Cape Bonavista, and in the neighbourhood of Catalina. The pyritiferous character of the slates of the latter place has long been known ; the cubical crystals of large size and brilliant aspect having attracted attention, and acquired a local reputation as Catalina stone. A collection of quartz from sundry of these veins was made to be submitted for chemical analysis. At or near British Harbour there is an evident change of 200 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. formation, and it would appear that a large tract of country to the westward of that part, including the whole or the greater part t)f Bandom Island, is spread over by rocks which, judging from the resemblance the fossils collected from various parts of the dis- tribution bear to tljose lately described by Mr. Billings, are chiefly or altogether of Primordial Silurian age. The same formation further seems to occupy the west coast of Trinity Bay, from Eandoin Sound to Bay of Bulls' Arm, on the western shores of which the older slates with the Signal Hill rocks again come up, and hold the coast to the southward to the ncigiibourhood of Chance Cove. At Tickle Harbour wo again come upon the upper formation, which, according to Jlr. Howley, occupies the whole or most of tiio coast, nearly to Old Perlican, forming a trough, the lower members of which rise with a westerly dip on the eastern shores, and with an easterly inclination on the peninsula between Tickle Harbour and Cottiers Bay, the higher measures in the centre being concealed below the watera of the bay. On both sides of Chapel Arm the strata are disturbed and altered by intrusive trap, sometimes rudely columnar, running on the axis of the trough. The trap, which is described as chiefly greenstone, comes out on the shore in a succession of dykes, the intervals between being filled up with a black shale, in which some fossils were found. Some of the trap also appears to be amygdaloidal, the cellules filled with pure white calc spar, in which patches and large fragments of black shale, together with great spherical concretions, are caught and mingled up confusedly with the igneous mass. In consequence of the numerous and complicated folds by which these rocks are aflTected, together with the frequent dislocations and intrusions of trap, cutting up and throwing different parts of the formation into juxtaposition, J\Ir. Howley was unable to ascer- tain the thickness of the various strata of whidi it is composed ; but the order of superposition seems upon the whole tolerably clear, and will probably be found to be nearly thus, in the ascending order : — 1. Red, green, and brownish sandstones with flaggy or slaty divisions, and beds of conglomerate. 2. Black shales or slates. Obscure fossils. 3. Reddish or grey concretionary limestone. Obscure fossils. REPORT FOR 1869. 201 4. Red nnd Rrcen nrcnacoons Hlntc8 and windstoneH, with 1x'<1h of liinestono/ the Btronjrer and more prominent of tho luttor of which arc towardM the top, and are usually of a bright red colour. FohhIIh. 5. Red and green, sometimes blue or purplish slates, with an oblique and perfect cleavage, frequently of excellent quality as a roofing slate, and quarried for that purixmo at some parts. The slates in some caws arc overlaid by a band of compact whitish quartzite, which jiosses upwards into a reddish sandstone. G. Argillaceous shaloa 8ucceedeg to refer. The cliief object in view was to reach the serperitiiie region described by 3[r. W. C. Cormack, which there is good reason for supposing will prove to be the equivalent of the Quebec group of rocks, and to follow out their distribution ; but the season being far advanced by the time I reached tlie Bay D'Espoir, the examination was necessarily incomplete and cursory, although useful as preliminary to a more regular and systematic survey. In order to be prepare 1 to carry out snch a survey as early as possible during the fnllowing season, my canoes were left f(jr rejiair (which they much needed) with the Indians who had been in my employ, at Conno ; while niy camp equipage was left in charge of the agent of ^Messrs. Newman and Co. at (Jav.ltois. As I consider that a careful survey of this inte- rior region will prove of essential importance in deve!'M)ing the geological structure of the Island, I beg most respectfully to recom- mend that the line of route pro[)osed in the first instance for the operations of 18G9 bo followed up in 1870. The route that was travelled commenced by making a portage p 206 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. of between 3 and 4 miles, from the head of Bay D'Espoir in a westerly direction, to a hirge slieet of water l '"y^ i" ''« '««' letter and not be able to arrive at a conclusion sufficiently well grounded ust,fy the mapping of a single square mile." And alin Mr sideration may be g.ven m ten lines of one of our reports." 1 beg further to call attention to the first i,ara<^raoh in th„ trJialT ''"^'^ °f "■» Select cCX'e Geological Survey, where it is recommended that a "suitable S'"J::esTT"' 1 T"*" ''' "'« "^P-"-" - "t- nltbeen r 1 '• "^^ """"• »P^eimens," which hitherto has wtate I„°^ i-r"*,'" ""-^"^l-^ee my office is within my private dwelling, while the hu"; of the collection (excepting the specimens which were sent to Canada) are deposi ed n an „ut h use 01 my premises. By being furnished with a suitable oZl where maps couhl be exhibited and illustrative specimens an^^ed access being free to all who took interest in sue i Zer a L pubuf^o^ t °'""'"' '"°"'^'«" "'«>" ^o -0-~d Z tC mZ if "" °l'P."t"»ity«f j-lging for themselves of the amount oi labour requisite to carry out such an investirration in" Zr^f '"■ "T '"' °' *«'™"' >"" -e My in a wild and unopened country like Newfoundland. With much respect, I have the honour to be. Your lixcellency's most obedient servant, To His Excellency Col. Hill, C.B., Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &o. &c. wmi 210 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER X. REPORT FOR 1870. — SURVEY OP BAY EAST RIVER — MR. HOWLEY'S EXAMINATION OF SUNDRY PARTS OF THE COAST. Geological Survey Office, St. John's, Newfoundland, 1871. May it please your Excellency, — The extended means which were so liberally granted for the proseu^iition of the Geological Survey, last session of the Legis- lature, by the recommendation of your Excellency and the Executive Council, have enabled me to make more rapid progress in the investigation during the late season than was possible in the same space of time any previous year. The field work whicli has been accomplished is of considerable extent, and will, it is hoped, be found both interesting and important ; while the ac- quisition of a building in which to establish an office, and wherein to deposit a collection of specimens, has placed the Survey in a position to be useful as a public institution, either as affording information respecting the resources of the country, or instruction to those who may feel an interest in matters of scientific inquiry. The collection, however, which has been made from time to time on the several explorations, has now accumulated to such dimensions as to require much more room for exhibition than the building it is now deposited in is capable of affording; and as such a collection is a most important auxiliary in studying out the structure of the country, as well as an illustrator of what has been ascertained, it is most highly desirable that some suitable place should be appointed to receive it. Of fossils alone there is now a large collection, the classification of which, arranged so as ^r lopresent the age or stratigraphical position of the several ; -ntlons to which they belong, is one of the first and most IV ' ary steps in forwarding a geological investigation. ^■.'r reference on some points, and assistance in various ways, 1 hjv. hitherto been much indebted to Sir W. E. Logan, ^iMiMiiiiiiii:. J I. KEPOirr FOR 1870. 211 such than and out bas table [•0 is so as reral most rays, 3[r, Selwyn, aud the officers of tbe Geological Survey of Canadu generally, and especially to j\Ir. Billings, the palreontologist of that institution, for having examined and named most of the organic remains that had been collected previous to the year iust expired, and who also has supplied me with a small but useful arrangement, classified and catalogued, of the typical forms of organisms belonging to the successive epochs as diaplayed in Canada, which for comparison and illustration are of great value. To K. C. Selwyn, Esq., the present Director of the Canadian Survey, I am much indebted for the magnificent geological map of Canada, which was most kindly and considerately presented to me, and which I had the honour to exhibit in the early part of last year before your Excellency and the Legislature. Various samples and specimens of ores and minerals have also been referred to Dr. Sterry Hunt, of the Canadian Survey, for examination and analysis, which, as far as his time would permit, have been kindly attended to, and the results of some of those inquiries are now in my possession ; but the time that necessarily elapsed before such specimens reached their destination, were examined, and finally returned, was found to be so very incon- venient, that I felt justified in availing myself of the services of Mr. R. C. Hennessey, at present residing in St. John's, to make such chemical assays as I considered immediately necessary. Notwithstanding tlie advance that the Survey has made up to the present time, there is still much to be accomplished before it would be either prudent or expedient to attempt to enter upon a condensed report of the whole subjc^ct. The field work must still be extended over a vast area of country ; a general map, with all the ascertained facts recordel thereon, must be constructed ; sections drawn to represent the structural arrangement ami sequence of the formations ; besides many other matters of detail, involving much labour, study, and time. The present Report, which I now have the honour to lay before your Excellency, must therefore be, in common with those which preceded it, a simple history of the manner in which the investigation has been conducted during the past season, with such conclusions as may have been arrived at from the evidences observed. To render geological subjects properly intelligible, many illus- trations arc absolutely necessary, and there being no means of 212 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. getting such executed either on wood or stone in St. John's, I have been obliged heretofore, wherever a drawing was indis- pensable, to have the necessary work done at Montreal, under the superintendence of Sir WiUiam Logan. Tiiis has been, and still is, a most formidable inconvenience, as through the medium of those illustrations a lengthy and wordy text is avoided, and the subject-matter made clear and explicit. As stated in my Report of last year, my intention is, eventually, to have a map of the whole Island constrncted, which will include my own and all other surveys that can be procured, upon a scale of 4 miles to 1 inch; but as I have in the meantime, through the kindness of Staff-Commander Kerr, R.N., been supplied with a general map of the coast survey, I have been engaged for some time past in reducing my topographical plans upon it, and colour- ing in the geological formations, so far as ascertained, which will be useful for present purposes, and will be to some extent a guide for future explorations. The staflf appointed to carry on the investigation for the past year was arranged into two parties ; one under myself, consisting of an assistant and five Indians, with whom and with tliree canoes I proceeded into the interior of the country from the Bay D'Espoir,* and by the valley of the Bay East Eiver, as proposed in last year's Report ; while the second party, under Mr. James P. Howley, who was provided with a small vessel and crew, and a miner, was directed to examine certain parts of the coast, and make collec- tions of rocks, ores, and fossils. Survey of the Bay East Riveu, its Tuibutauies, AND the Surrounding Country. This survey was effected in the same manner as those of former years, by measuring distances along the course of the streams or along the shores of the lakes by Rochon's micrometer telescope, the bearings being taken at each measurement by prismatic compass, a pystera of triangulation being kept up * Usually called Bay Despair, but I have preferred to adopt the original word as more applicable. REPORT FOR 1870. 213 by up word tlirongliout by thoodolito or pocket sextant, while checks wore kept upon tlin whole by frequent observations for latitude and variation of the compass. The Bay East Kiver is one of the largest and most important of the south-flowing streams of the Island, draining an area of nearly 720 square miles of country. Rising in about the latitude of 4&= 30', and between the meridians of 5U° and 56^ 20', it falls into the Bay I'^ast Arm of J3ay D'Espoir, about latitude 47° 50', and longituile 55'' 57'. At pages 205 and 206 of last year's Report a brief description is given of tlie character of this river and the region through which it flows; but the statements in that Report were the result of such observations only as could be made during a hurried excursion at a late season of the year, or founded upon information derived from the Indians. The more careful survey that has been accomplished since has proved some of those state- ments to be somewhat inaccurate, as tlie following topographical detail will show. As stated in the Report referred to, the river consists of a chain of lakes, of which Long Pond is the lowest, linked together by rapid streams. The lower or extreme southern end of Long Pond is in latitude 47° 58', very nearly on the same parallel as the extreme head of Bay D'Espoir, and 5 miles 60 chains due west from the latter. From this point the stream issues, flowing with great velocity in a nearly duo south course to the sea at Bay East Arm, the head of which, according to the coapt survey map, is in latitude 47° 50'. This would make the distance between the outlet of Long Pond and the sea 9 miles 16 chains in a straight line, instead of between 2 and 3 miles, as stated in last year's Report; but as it would appear, according to some observations taken by myself, that the northern coast of Bay D'Espoir is placed somewhat too far south upon that chart, the direct distance in reality probably does not exceed 8 statute miles. Long Pond, as its name implies, is long and narrow, of a somewhat serpentine form, bearing from the outlet to the extreme head about north by east.* The total length of the lake is 9 miles 40 chains in a straight line, the width varying from less than a quarter of a mile to upwards of a mile, the average being about 60 chains, which would give a superficial area of a * All bearings are given from the true meridian. f ■is fmim 214 GEOLOOICAL SUUVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. little over 7 square miles. The height of Long Pond ubove the sea was found by aneroid to be 523 feet. The main river enters the lake on the western side, about equidistant from each of its extreme ends, and its upward course bears, exclusive of sinuosities, a little west of north for between 2 and 3 miles, above which it bends sharply round again to the southward for about a mile, when it expands, still bearing in a southerly direetio*^ into Soulis Pond, which lies nearly parallel with the southern end of Long Pond, a low range of hills dividing the two. The area of Soulis Pond is about 3^ square miles, and its height above the sea is 550 feet. A broad and very rapid stream of only a little over half a mile in length falls into Soulis Pond on the south-west side (about 3 miles from the lower end of the lake), which joins to i3razil Pond, the next of the suite ascending. The course up Brazil Pond is N. 30" W., and the total length from foot to head a little over 4 miles, the width varying from under 10 chains to upwards of 85 chains, or at an average of 46 chains. The area would thus be about 2^ square miles. The height of the level of Brazil Pond above the sea is 575 feet. The next expansion pro- ceeding upwards is known as Little Burnt Pond, which is connected with Brazil Pond by a sinuous stream of about a mile and a half along its course, and falls into the latter on its western side, a little over a mile from its extreme northern end. The course up Little Burnt Pond is nearly due north, and the distance from foot to hoad is 2 miles 70 chains. The area of Little Burnt Pond is a liltle under 2 square miles, and the height of its surface above the soa is 586 feet. The river falls into Little Burnt Pond at its extreme northern end, and is the connecting link between it and Bound Pond, one of the largest of the suite. The course of the stream is first due north for about 50 chains, and afterwards north-west for about 50 chains more to the still water of the lake above. The stream is extremely rapid, and is broken at one place by a succession of chutes which altogether fall from 20 to 30 feet. Round Pond is entered by a long and narrow arm, bearing due north for about 8 milea, beyond which it opens out in a fine sheet of water, of a rudely elliptical shape over the main body, but indented by numerous extensive bays and coves, and picturesquely dotted over by many islands of various sizes. The superficial area of the KEl'OUT FOR 1870. 215 ., one due ibout fcream Ion of md is xbout ot a by over \i the whole ia about 11 square miles, and the height above tlie sea was computed to be 681 feet. The following courses along tlie bed of the stream above Hound Pond, exclusive of minor turns, reach to Pipe-stone Pond. No. Course 1 2 3 4 5 IloarInK of (JimrKe. N. 18° E. West Nortli N. 72° W. N. 15° W. IMslance. tnilcfl. elm. 1 5 1 to 4 30 2 10 3 72 Romarkx. From outlet into Round Fond up to a bend in tlio river. Above the first bend up a shiillow arm uf still water, witli low marshy ishinds, the river coining in at about 85 cliains on the north side. From river junction of No. 2, strong rapids and chutes alternating with long reaches of still water ; a largo tributary joins on left side within the flrst mile. From tirminiition of No. 3, river rapid at some parts, but in gre.t part still water. From torniinatinn of No. 4, open and still water, ultirnating with very strong rapid.-* and trlinteH. This course terminates at the outlet of Pipe- stone Pond. From the end of the last course a bearing S. 46° W., 50 chains, reaches the junction of the main river, which flows into Pipe- stone Pond at its south-western extreme. The lake stretches away to the northward, and is divided into two expansions, of nearly equal size, about the middle, by a narrow channel. The general bearing from the south-west end is N. 16° E., 3 miles 50 chains to the northern angle of the lake, where a tributary falls in from the north. The area of the two expansions is con- siderably under 1 square mile, and the aneroid gave the elevation of the lake's surface to be 823 feet. Following the main river above Pipe-stone Pond, the general course is near.'y due west, and the distance rather under 2 miles to Petiwickpegh, or Great Burnt Pond, above which and to the westward there are two more large lakc^^, connected by short and rapid streams, known as Wachtewbeesh, or Crooked Pond, and Island Pond. A stream falls into the latter from the northward, the sources of which are interlocked with some of the tributary waters of the Exploits ; while another comes in at its south-west angle, which leads to waters falling into Meelpegh, one of the great lakes visited by Cormack, and supposed to be the head §1 ^' 216 GEOLOGICAL SUHVKY OF XRWFOUNDLAND. wiitoM oftlu) liittlo Rivor, which falls into tho sea butwoen Capo La Jluno and White Boiir Bay.* Another lake of tho system, called Elnuchciheesh Gospon, or Indian Sit-down Pond, lies inunodiutely west from and parallel with Pipe-stono Pond and tho nppcr reach of tho riv<'r (No. 5 course). Tho length of tliis lake is 5 miles 40 chains, and its average width ab mt 50 cliaius; tho area of surface about 3 "4 square miles, Tho npi)er end bears due east from the north end of Pipe-stono Pond, at a distanv;e of 2 miles, and its waters are discharged by tho chiintiel of a small stream flowing south- east from its southern extromo, into tho itiain rivt-r near tho termination of No. 8 course. The tributaries which fall into titis river are very numerous, and some of them are sufTiciently largo to admit of partial canoo navigation when in good order, affording convenient communica- tion towards the head waters of tho streams wliich discliargo themselves at various parts of the coast, both to the north and to tho south. One of tlioso comes in at the extreme northern end of Pipe-stone Pond, which, bearing upwards in a northi.'rly and north- easterly direction for a few miles, and sweeping along the base of the Jamieson Hills of Corraacik, leads to tlio summit level within a very little distance of one of the feeders of tho Exploits. The latter river is frequently visited by the Indians in deer-skin canoes and flats by this route, and also by tho route from Island Pond. . s . - Another important tributary joins the river on the left side, a little under a mile from the 3rd course above Round Pond, which in ordinary seasons is navigable for canoes, with the exception of a few short portages, to a suite of small lakea a' its head, the lower of which is called Newfoundland Dog Pond, and from whence a portage of 1 mile over a level but marshy •.vr.utry, terminates on one of the sources of the Gander River, i'lom this source, which * In cnnscqiinncc of the almost uninterrupted drought that lind prevailed tlirougli- out tho Hummcr, tho rivers wore by tho time wo had surveyed Pipe-stono Pond so reduced in volume as to be in many parts nearly dry, and utterly unfit for canoo navigation, wliich compelled us very reluctantly to return without having accom- plished tlio survey of tlie upficr lakes. This will account for tho area and height of those not being given. Great Burnt Pond was reached on foot ; and judging by the rate of the current and the rise upon some of the falls and rapids, its surface in probably nothing less than 70 feet over the level of Pipe-stono Pond, or 000 feet above tho level of tho sea ; and the level of Island Pond may bo fully 950 feet. IfKl'OllT FOU IH70. 217 or also consists of a string of siimll j) >n(is, tiio (i.viioi' ronto nsually is porfeot, with tlio cxccj)!!!*!! of a ffw portai^iH towards tlif Jippor end, to tlie sea at (landcr Vmy, Notro Datiio Day. It was by tliis route tliut the survey was iiitcndod to bo conductod, wliioh would liavo ('oinpl(!t(fd ou(i Kot'tioii of tli'' Isbmd from suiith to north ; but as the (Jaiiihir Kivor provocl upon reaching it (which wo (h'd on foot) to 1)0 in tho same dry condition as the streams wo had left, and with the pros|)oct of having to carry our canoes and baggage for nearly 10 miles, tho schonio had to bo abandoned. I have been thus particular in f from e-stoiie ar Mount Pond where the bark of some treer. was large enough for the con- struction of Indian canoea. As this region o\ er an extensive area gives evidence of the presence of metalliferous ores of value and importance, the means by which those may be d'jveloped and utilised, remotely situated as they are from the cotst, is i matter for consideration. The construction of a road or telegraph line intersecting the Island from shore to shore is the first step that suggests itself to the trnveller, as likely to lead to that end, as there are unusual facilities for such a construction directly through the mineral country, which would also give direct communication from south to north. Such a public work could scarcely fail to be an essential element towards the future progress of the colony. The route, which is now constantly travelled by the Indians in their migra- tions between Bay D'Espoir and Hall's Bay, and which journey they perform in about eight days, has probably advantages for road-making not possessed, for the same distance, by any other part of the country. After ascending the heights at the head of Bay D'Espoir, a set of barrens high and dry over the level of the great plain, with only a few interruptions in certain depressions, is followed on a course N. 10° to 15° W. to the head of New- foundland Dog Pond, and close to the source of the Gander Kiver. From this point the watershed is kept, which divides the tributary waters of the Exploits and Gander Rivers to the valley of the main Exploits. According to the accounts given by the Indians, the Exploits River, below where the route strikes, is at all times navigable for canoes, and is only interrupted by one portage not over a mile long to its outlet into the sen. The banks of the river also are described as affording good ground for the pedestrian from the sea to the Red Indian Pond. Another route frequently travelled by the Indians to the Exploits is from Piper's Hole, at the head of Placentia Bay; but as the course of that route traverses obliquely over a succession of ridges with lakes, rivers, and marshes lyinj^ between, where much bridging and other work would be necf^ssary in constructing a road, it must bo considered as inferior f,nd more expensive than the former route would be, which keeps nearly on a level all the way, and where bridging would be to a large extent avoided. While my own attention was turned to the examination and i 220 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. survey of which the above is a general outline, Mr. Howley was directed to examine various parts of Fortune Bay, Langlois Island, of the Miquelon group ; the shores between Point Hay and Cape Chapeau Rouge ; certain parts of the shores of Placentia and St. Mary's Bays ; and, finally, to proceed to Trinity and Con- ception Bays; the ultimate object being to determine the boundaries of the Primordial Silurian rocks of those regions, and to ascertain the relation that formation bears to the formations above and below, at the different localities. Independently of the geological importance of obtaining correct information regarding the distribution of the Primordial Silurian group, the boundary lines of that formation may be taken also as including the lands best adapted for agricultural pursuits, in those sections of the Island over which its strata are spread. In my Report of last year, at page 205, it was remarked that the soil of the country occupied by rocks of this age was in nearly every case found to be of excellent quality, and that the land was usually level or gently undulating, while at some parts it was almost altogether unencumbered with boulders. In a great measure this character applies to all the detached superficial areas that have since been examined ; and as the cultivation of the soil may become shortly a most important industry, I am desirous to en 11 your Excellency's attention to the highly im- prudent and unsatisfactory manner tliat is adopted at present in settling upon some of these lands. In former reports I have frequently urged that a systematic plan for laying off Crown lands should be adopted, wherever the nature of the country was susceptible of improvement, wlietlier fur the imrpose of farming, lumbering, or mining ; and the experience of this year more than ever convinces rae that unless some moans are shortly taken in this direction, the province will eventually suffer an irretrievable loss by the sacrifice of its be.st and most available lands, in indiscriminate and injudicious distribution.* My attention has been partii'ularly called at the present time to this subject, by the representations of my assistant, Mr. Howley, whose statements regarding the capabilities of the * In my evidence before tlio Select Coinmittco of the House of Assembly, I pro- posoil n princi/'lf for Inyiiig oft" lands. See the llcpurt of the Select Committee uiwn Uic Gtologioal Survey, pp. 38 iind ;VJ, a.d. 18G9. UEPORT FOR 1870. 221 ^ley was Langlois May and 'lacentia ind Con- line the ons, and rmations ibtaining ■iinordial be taken pursuits, ) spread, ked that e was in . that the )me parts n a great uperficial ivation of ry, I am ighly im- u'csent in ystematio over the etlier for xperi«,'nce lie means ventually and most tion.* present assistant, OS of the nibly, I pro- lUiittcc upon country in some parts of Trinity Bay, and especially in the vicinity of Eandom Island and Smith's Sound, are worthy of serious con- sideration. Mr. Howley states that the soil in Random Island, west from Snook's Harbour and the mainland opposite, between Foster's Point and George's Brook, at the head of Smith's Sound, is rich and deep, and almost entirely unencumbered with boulders. The surface is gently undulating, and is never more than from 80 to 100 feet above the sea-level ; it is thickly wooded by timber of remarkably tiqe quality, which is fit for all the purposes required in pursuing the occupations either of farming or fishing. The land is very easily reclaimed ; all that is required being to remove the timber and introduce the plough, when it can immediately be brought into cultivation. There is always a great accumulation of seaweed along the shores, which, together with fish oflfal and other manure, would make rich compost. As it appears to be probable that the geological formation of this part (Primordial) extends entirely across the peninsula to Goose Bay, Bonavista Bay, Mr. Howley is of opinion that a corresponding amount of good land may be found more or less over the same area. In a'ldition to the superior quality of the soil, the same neigh- bourhood possesses sundry other peculiar advantages ; it contains an ample supply of building stone, limestone, flags, slates of an excellent description, and brick clay, which is also fit for coarse pottery, added to all of which, water power for driving machinery may be easily procured from tiie numerous streams that fall into the Sound. It is frequently urged (but chiefly by those whose experience is limited to the open coast) that the climate of those regions is unfavourable to agricultural pursuits being carried on advantageously. By Mr. Howley 's account these representations are not quite in accordance with fact. He states (and he has also the authority of several residents for so stating) that the climate at the head of the Sound accords with that of the interior, and is free from the influence of fog, which may often be seen blocking up, as if by a wall, the open bay to the eastward ; while immedi- ately around, and to the north and west, is a clear transparent atmosphere, with a warm and genial temperature. In proof of this being the case, Mr. Howley mentions having seen tobacco experimentally grown in the open air, which came to available maturity. 222 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ml Mr. Howley then remarks that these manifold advantat^es have attracted a great number of people to those regions, who come to settle or squat upon the shores year by year, and who pick out the most available spots for a combination of fishing and farniing, in utter disregard to the value of the back country, or the means by which it is to be entered. No spaces are left for roads, or any attempt made at order in establishing boundary lines of property ; consequently the whole rear country will probably long remain unoccupied, as settlers who might otherwise take up those lands for the sole purpose of farming, would naturally reject even a free grant of such when they find themselves deprived of access to the seaboard, and forced to make their boundaries con- form with those of their irregular predecessors. Distribution of the Formations. By far the greater part of the southern part of the Island between Cape Eay and the extreme head of Fortune Bay is occupied by rocks of a gneissoid character, with granite, syenite, and trap. The prevalent character of the gneiss seems to be of the orthoclase variety, described in the * Geology of Canada,' p. 474. The colour most usually displayed is red or reddish, but it also is at some parts grey and sometimes whitish. In some cases the gneiss is micaceous, at others it is hornblendic, and frequently a combination of both qualities, while those minerals are nearly or altogether absent on many parts of its distribution, and the rock approaches the character of felsite. Garnets of large size are sometimes found in the gneiss, especially in the micaceous or hornblendic varieties, some of which may occasion- ally be fit for gems.* Large masses of a black hornblendic rock were observed confusedly entangled with the gneiss at the western end of the Island, and particularly near the Dead Islands ; but that mineral quality does not appear to be in such volume farther east. Quartzites also are frequently banded with the other crystal- line rocks, often revealing the stratification where it would other- wise be difficult to detect. In the explorations of last season, from ♦ The locality in particular where these large-sized garnets have been found ia near Port-aux-Basque. Many of them liave a diameter of one-third of an inch or more. REPORT FOR 1870. 223 vantages oDs, who and who ling and untry, or e left for lary lines probably take up lly reject jrived of iries con- le Island ) Bay is , syenite, to be of Canada,' disli, but In some die, and minerals ribution, irnets of y in the 3ccasion- idic rock western ids; but e farther crystal- Id other- son, from en found is an inch or Mai Bay, at tlie head of Fortune Bay on the east, to the Kameo and Burgoo Islands on the west, nearly the whole coast was found to be of gneiss, intersected by various intrusive rucks ; and at both the latter places the rock is a whitish coarse-grained granite. The colour of the gneiss westward of Mai Bay is for the greater part a flesh-red or brownish. Mica is rare, and when present in the minutest scales, while hornblende is not abundant ; but there are associated strata where mica and hornblende, or both, form the chief constituents, in which cases tlie colour is blackisli or grey, and these are always characterised by the presence of minute pink garnets. There are also masses of granitoid gneiss of a very coarse texture, containing large cleavable crystals of whitish or pink feldspar, combined with translucent quartz, mica, and horn- blende, the latter black, or of a bottle-green colour. At St. John's Head, Fortune Bay, a section of three massive beds, eacli about 10 feet tiiick, is as follows, ascending on a dip east, < 56", the lower bed coming in contact with a d}ke of feldspar porphyry, which has disturbed both the gneiss and a newer conglomerate, to be described hereafter : — 1. A very compact quartzite, reso-mbling chert of a pale drab colour, with numer- ous black or dark biownish spRcks or crystals, some of which assume a lenticular form, and small crystals of iron pyrites ; the planes of stratilieatiou are very distinctly marked by alternating layers of lighter and darker colour. 2. Pale pinkish gneiss, with very small giains or specks of translucent white quartz, and small cubes of iron pyrites, which are arran^^ed rudely parallul with the stratification. 3. Bright brick-red felsite, in which some small crystals of quartz are disseminati'd, and contains isolated crystals of iron pyrites. The interior country and peninsulas between j\lal Bay and Pass Island, with the exception of some of tiie extreme points, are occupied by gneissoid rocks, corresponding to the descrii)tions given above, the hornblendic gneit^s being most conspicuously displayed at Pass Island, where a portion of the strata consists of black hornblende and white quartz in nearly equal proportion, which contain a great profusion of very minute rose-coloured or pink garnets. To the northward gneissoid rocks were observed on both sides of Hermitage Bay, and at Gaultois on Long Island, there is a good display of coarse granitoid gneiss, with largo Q 2 11 224 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. !!■ ' t crystals of feldspar combined with quartz and hornblende, and occasionally mica. At Gaultois the gneiss is intersected by numerous small feldspathic dykes and white quartz veins, which on some parts of the cliffs on the sea-shore may be seen reticulat- ing ill all directions, cutting up and shattering the strata into blocks of all sizes and shapes. The dyke at St. John's Head, which may be taken as a representative, ia mineral character, of the principal intrusive masses of the region, is a feldspar porphyry, the base being a red feldspar, mottled with yellowish spots of a soft decomposing mineral (probably feldspar), varying in size from mere specks to angular or rounded patches, with a longer diameter of nearly half an incli ; coarsish grains of translu- cent white quartK, and a black or brown material, which is very soft, and yields e-isJy to a sharp-pointed instrument, in small dots or crystals. Proceeding to the north from Gaultois, by the Long Island Channel, tlr tuutortec! rrneiss, with many granite intrusions, occupies the bhoit . foi between 3 and 4 miles, at the end of which distance a change takes place, and the bands exhibit alternations of very fine-grained grey gneiss, in thin and regular layers, the planes of which are covered by scales of silvery mica, together with very regularly bedded mica slates, compused of large scales of silvery mica and white quartz in thin interstratified layers, lleddish or brown garnets are plentifully distributed through the micaceous rocks. The dip, where these slaty alterna- tions were first seen on the east side of Long Island, was due north, < about 60°, but at the small cove on the north side of the Island, near Eagle Island, they dip N. 25° W. < 15°. The precise relation that this latter gneiss bears to the former has not yet been satisfactorily ascertained, the contact at the places visited being very obscure ; but judging from the attitude and distinctive qualities of the two sets of strata, it may be presumed that the formations are of different ages, and probably unconformable. On Eagle Island a dark grey, very fine-grained sandstone cornea in, conforming in dip and strike exactly with the gneiss and mica slate of the north shore of Long Island. Those sand- stones are of very fine texture, and contain minute scales of mica, diffused through the rock irregularly ; while passing upward on the same dip to Isle Bois, wo find bods of the same quality inter- REPORT FOR 1870. 225 stratified with beds of black plumbaginous or earbimaceons slate. These slates, with their incluiled beds of saudston >, have a wide s})read over the regions around the head of the B:iy D'Espoir, the prevailing dip being at a low angle to the northward, or, as at Bay llotti, oceasionally horizontal. At some parts, doubtless, the same rocks are very much disturbed, and the cliffs display numerous sharp folds and corrugations, as well as repeated dis- locations ; but at the same time the average dij) is not high, and the thickness is probably by no means excessive, though it is very difficult to determine, in consequence of the frequency of repetition. From Isle Bois these strata strike on a north-easterly course through Eichard's Island and up '.ho valley of the Little Eiver, spreading over the region to the northward and north-west towards the head of Bay D'Espoir. The slates at some parts of their run are softer than at others, and pass into a black argillaceous shale. At Bay Rotti the surfaces of the slate are of a fibrous silky texture, smooth and glossy, soft and unctuous to the touch, black and shining, while the arenaceous beds which here are rarely over a few inches thick, and these very thinly laminated, are frequently characterised on the surfaces by long, glistening, fibrous crystals of peculiar forms, the terminal ends of which resemble the point of a fine camel-hair pencil, and multitudes of almost niicro- seopically small garnets. At Richard's Island a great part of iho rock is soft and earthy, and with this a jet-black charcoal-like plumbaginous material is associated, which has been repeatedly removed by the nearer r(>sidents, and used for polishing stoves and such like purposes. The cliffs at Conne or Crow Head rise nearly vertically to upwards of 400 feet above the sea, and exhibit a series of dislocations apparently with upthrows on the north side. The strata of these cliffs are of similar character to those of Islo Bois and Richard's Island, with perhaps a preponderance of the more silicious or arenaceous qualities; but immediately north from Conne Head, and towards the entrance into Conne Arm, the slates, with thin-bedded sandstones of Bay Rotti, are exposed, striking north-easterly up the arm. At this p »int some surfac.s displayed a set of obscure forms, somewhat resembling fucoids, but they were by no means sufficiently distinct to be identilied with any degree of certainty. The same surfaces are thickly covered by minute garnets, and small specks of mica are generally diffused through 226 OEOLOGICAL SURVEY OV NEWFOUNDLAND. the rock. At the Indian village of Conne a loose slab of thla- bedded sandstone wns found, lithologically resembling the inter- stratified beds of Isle Bois and other parts, but without garnets, which was covered with organic remains supposed also to be fueoids. Following the strike of the measures from Conne Arm by the valley of the South-East Brook, on a course about N. 70° E. for 3 miles, an exposure is met with on the telegraph line between Conne and Little Rivers of a pale yellowish or cream-white slaty rock, which on fracture has sometimes a very pale sea-green tinge, associated with the black slates. A specimen of this rock was submitted to Mr. Hennessey for analysis, who found it to be a silicate of alumina, with traces of mngnesia. Advancing northwards towards the head of Bay D'Espoir, the measures become more altered, and at some parts are very much disturbed. The cliffs between Conne Arm and the upper bay con- sist for the most part of brown, grey or yellowish, thin-bedded, hard, flaggy sandstones, with divisions of black or dark grey slate ; while those within the bay, on both sides, particularly on the north side, are chiefly of a hard, black or dark grey, sometimes silicious clay slate, which, from its jointed structure and cleavage, splits freely into rhomboidal prism Many of those appear to be of a good quality to be used as whetstones. Quartz veins are exceedingly numerous in this formation, many of which run quite parallel with the beds for long distances, while the fissures occasioned by folds and dislocations are invariably filled with quartz, which is often charged with metalliferous ores. Of the latter, the sulphurets of copper, lead, and iron are the most frequent, disseminated in specks, isolated crystals, and patches. At Big Barbe Head, near the upper part of Bay D'Espoir, a strong quartz vein, or rather a cluster of veins, which fill up the cracks and crevices where the rocks are much contorted and broken, con- tain these ores in considerable abundance. Tlie main vein, which runs upon the axis of a sharp corrugation, and is about 3 feet thick, is slightly calcareous, and in it a small leader of prill galena was struck, about half an inch thick, mixed up with carbonate of lime. Small spots of copper and iron pyrites are diffused through all the droppers and reticulating veins, as well as the main vein. A series of similar veins was observed on the point of the peninsula of the mainland opposite the western end of Isle Bois, all containing the s REPOHT FOR 1870 227 ores of copper and lead; aud these ores are likewise indicated, nioie or less, at muny other localities within the bay ; from which circumstance it is not unreasonable to infer that possibly some locality may yet bo discovered within the region where load or copper may be worked with advantage. J3et\veen ihe Bay D'Espoir and Long Pond the rook of the country is for the greater jiart concealed below a great accumula- tion of peat or forest, but on the barrens, which rise over the eastern sliore of Long Pond, some slates are exposed with inter- stratified thin beds of quartzite or altered sandstone. IMiese strata display a more altcrtd appearance than those of the sea-shore. The rock when broken has a greenish cast, is of a very fine texture, and some of the harder beds have a conchoidal frac- ture. They weatlier of a dark dull brownish colour, except where fire has overrim the ground, when they assume a pale grey or whitish aspect. The surfaces and outcropping edges of the slates are wrinkled, and break into splinters. On Long Pond, black or very dark grey slates, with compact and hard dark-grey sandstones, are exposed at intervals, striking exactly with the trend of the lake from head to foot, and dipping to the westward. Very minute scales or grains of mica are diffused through these strata, and on a few surfaces of the sandstone obscure organic remains were found, supposed to be fucoids. Near the lower end of Long Pond, on the eastern side, some large angular blocks of a very crystalline rock of magnesian quality were observed, which, although differing entirely in mineral character to the rocks in place close by, seemed nevertheless, from the great size and number of the masses and their sharply angular edges, to have been transported from no great distance. On fracture these blocks are of a pale green and white, with many bright green crystals ; but the exposed surfaces weather of an umber or bright reddish brown, which descends into the stone for the eighth of an inch or more. The bright green crystals appear by an analysis by Mr. Hennessey to be pyrosklerite, or a silicate of alumina and magnesia, combined with chromium. The dip of the rocks on the western side of Long Pond is usually north- westerly, the rate of inclination very variable. Near where the river enters, and up the lower reaches, it varies from being nearly vertical to almost a horizontal attitude ; the bed of the stream intersecting the rocks obliquely, and the strata accumulating until 228 GKOI.OGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. reaching tlie rapids at the great bend, where from the evidences obtained on the lakes above, they appear to be cut off by a great mass of granite.* The granite then forms a great belt running in nearly a straight lino, but varying in width, from the Witch-hazel Hills to the Partridge-berry Bange, at the head of the Gander River, occupy- ing the country around Soulis and Brazil Ponds ; while at a little distance north-east of the latter pond, slates are again brought in. There are not many exposures above Brazil Pond, either on the river or on Little Burnt Pond, the shores and bed of the stream being mostly covered over by a great accumulation of boulders or very coarse shingle. At the rapids between these two ponds the rocks are crystalline and micaceous, in solid hard beds sometimes nearly a foot thick, on the surfaces of which rudely hexagonal prismatic crystals of staurolite were observed, of a blackish or brown colour. Bould srs and fragments of a micaceous and gneissic rock, with crystals ol staurolite, are profusely scattered over the shores of the lakes above, and over the surrounding country ; and it was noticed that those boulders were always intermixed with fragments of serpentine and magnesian slates. On the river between Little Burnt Pond and Round Pond some of the strata are of gneissic character, consisting of fine grains of quartz and horn- blende, with mica in very small scales. These gneissic beds are associated with slates and quartzite, some nacreous or chloritic strata, and a few interstratified layers wliich are slightly cal- careous. At the falls the prevalent dip is north-west, but the strata are greatly disturbed. The cracks and fissures are lined with white quartz. At the entrance to Round Pond the dip is north, < 60'^ ; but farther up, where the lake opens out above the southern arm, the dip is easterly, < 60°. Above this the rock is granite, mostly of a blackish grey colour, which constitutes another belt or ridge running from the White Hills in a north-easterly 1 I * I have indicated the granite as intrusive provisionnlly only, as tliere is no direct evidence to show that it has had a sedimentary origin. At all the places where the rock described as gi-anite was seen, it is minemlntjically a true granite ; hut as perfectly Bimilnr rocks have frequently been found to bo only massive beds of metamorphosed strata, such as at Green's Pond (see Report for 1869, p. 194), it is by no means im- probable that such may be the case in this region, and that they are in reality Laurentiiin gneiss, brought into their present position and relation with the newer fornialions, on the axes of undulations, or through the agency of great dislocations. RErORT FOR 1870. 22! t direction, forming the islands of ItouDcl Lake, and bearing for the Partridge-berry Hills. The north shore of llonnd Lake exposes strata of very hard com- pact quurtzite in hiyers, varying from 1 to 7 inches thick, asso- ciated with black :^r dark grey silicious splintery slate dipping N. 30^ W. < 63^. These are overlaid by slates, which apj>ear to bo magnesian ; the colour of the rock when fresh broken has a greenish tinge, apparently from the presence of chrome, but it weathers of a reddish brown, and is very ferruginous. A ridge of this slate rises in a marsh a little way back from the left bank of the river, and strikes straight up the north-west arm, showing itself at inter- vals along the shore, and at the falls of the brook which runs in at its extreme western end. The rock of the country to the north and nor+h-east of this ferruginous ridge, and between it and New- foundland Log Pond and River, is in a great measure concealed below a great accumulation of bog and marsh, or thickly strewn over by boulders and debris, showing itself only in a few of the more elevated peaks and hummocks, where altered rocks of a slaty structure, dark green on fracture and weathering white, are exposed in corrugated strata, reticulated by white quartz veins ; but at the outlet of Newfoundland Dog Pond there is an exposure of serpentine in a baud of about 30 feet thick. The strike of the serpentine here is about E.S.E. and VV.N.W., with a northerly dip ; but judging from the number and angular form of the fragments of that rock, on and over the banks of the stream below, it would seem to run parallel with and not far from that brook, crossing the main river near its junction with the marshy basin above liound Pond, where green chlorite slates are exposed, dipping at a high angle to the northward and striking towards the north-west angle of the basin. From the exposure at the outlet from the Newfound- land Dog Pond the serpentine in its easterly course probably strikes up the pond for a mile and a half or 2 miles, when making a sudden bend, and striking off in a westerly direction towards tl.c outlet of the stream from Elnucheibeesh Gospen, between which and the main river it rises in the mountain chain of the Jamieson Hills ; then striking almost due north to Mount Cormack, and bearing for the great Exploits River. The whole of the Jamieson hill range is constituted of one or other of the varieties of opliiolite, described in the * Geology of 230 OKuLOGICAL SUIIVKY OF NKWFOUNDr,AND. ml Canada,' pp. GOS-9. Tlio stratificition is distinctly niarkod in Bome cases, while in others it is obscure. The hills present a bold and sharj) escarpment to the eastward ; and the shores of Elnuch- eibeesh Gospen expose a black fibrous slate dipping towards the hills, and passing below the serpentine ; between Elniichoiljcesh and Pipe-stone Ponds the thickness of the strata, unless there are repetitions which it would be difiicult to perceive, cannot be under and probably is over 1000 feet. The black rock at the base of the section is occasionally in compact layers of about half an inch thick, and presents a fibrous structure, at nearly right angles to the stratification. The exposed surfaces are sometimes sprinkled over by minute specks, probably garnets. The escarpment above ex- hibits the outcropping edges of great beds of serpentine, varying in tluckness from 4 to 8 or 10 feet. Some of these massive beds are hard and finely crystalline, always of a greeiish colour, but sometimes very dark; at other times they are feort and can be cut readily with a knife ; while another variety is coarsely crystalline, contains pyrosklerite and diallage, and is of great specific gravity from its metalliferous contents, which appear to consist of chromic iron, magnetic iron, arsenical pyrites, and pro- bably nickel ore. Towards the top of Sit-down Hill there is a great amount of piciolite running through the rock, which breaks out in long fibrous crystals, the surfaces of which are some- what opalescent, usually of yellowish green, and sometimes of an approach to cobalt blue. Thin seams of asbestos with white quartz veins are also frequent. A lower ridge runs parallel with the principal hill range, and nearer Pipe-stone Pond, of a greenish-grey dolomite, rather coarsely crystalline, which effeivesces feebly in acid. All these rocks weather a bright reddish brown which penetrates the rock, when long exposed, to the depth of a quarter of an inch or more, and the hills composed of them are more than usually sterile. Immediately to the westward, and in front of the range of ophiolites, a set of silicious slates with interstratified quartzite and diorite, with heavy beds of an altered conglomerate, compose a belt of country between Pipe-stone Pond and Great Burnt Pond. A bed of conglomerate, 8 or 10 feet thick, with diorite, crosses the river about half a mile above its junction with Pipe- stone Pond, which is traceable on or near the banks of the main river, down to the turn near the end of the 3rd course, and below ii.,,ja ii liu i i i / i !Lrii.i« llKl'OIiT von 1870. 231 tlio junction of tlio streiun from Elnncheil»c'C«li. The miitrix of tliiw bund of con^lonu-rato is fiiicly crystiiUino, resembling tlie tiiorito with vvhieli it ih associated ; the pebbles, wliicli arc for the most jnirt well rounded, are chictly of quart/, with many also of granite and gneiss, and some of black slate ; the latter are frequently angular. Another bed of conglouierate, about 3 feet thick, and of similar composition to the one just described, was observed on a small inlet at the extreme head of the north-west arm of Round Pond, while the nortliLTu shore of the same arm was strewed over with huge boulders of conglomerate, togetlier with many of smaller size of serpentine and other magnchian rocks. The relation of this conglomerate with the sei pontine is by no means clear; the position the 3-leet bed occupies would appear to place it below them, unless it is brought there by the agency of a dislocation, perhaps conneiited with the granite protrusions near by. The distribution of erratic boulders throughout this region, appears in some cases to afford a tolerably trustwortli indication of the rock below ; although such evidence cannot always implicitly bo relied upon. Tims it was found that where the serpentine range sank beneath the plain, angular fragments of the rock were numerously scattered about, and with these countless numbers of micaceous bouldei'S with staurolite of all sizes. Granite, syenite, and fj-aeissoid boulders are perhaps the most abundant of all the erratic masses everywhere, and of the largest size ; but these were usually more or less rounded, while the boulders with staurolite, and those of seipentiiie, wei-e almost always anguhu*. The stauro- lite rock was found most abundantly in the country between Hound I'ond and Newfoundland Dog Pond, where it was supposed the j)arei)t rock might outcro]^, and where, assuming the dip to bo northerly, it would pass bidow the ophiolites. On Pipe-stone Pond some fragments were found of a compact white or cream-coloured limestone, which apparently came from no great distance, although the parent bed could nowhere be discovered ; and on Hound Pond on the north shore some angular boulders were picked up of a pure white crystalline carbonate of lime. On the connecting stream between Pipe-stone Pond and Great liuriit Pond, and approaching the latter, it was remarked that the loose fragments of the magnesian rocks had disappeared, and the boulders mostly or altogether were of granite and gneiss. 232 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. I'll The many points of resemblance in the above description of the serpentine range to tlie rocks wliicli constitute the Lauzon division of the Quebec group at other parts, forcibly suggests that horizon as its proper place in the geological sequence ; and in common with tliat group its members contain metalliferous ores of various kinds of great economic value. Chromic and gnetlc iron are more or less disseminated all through the lormation, and lumps or masses of the former ore are strewn upon the shores of Pipe-stone Pond and in the hollows between the ridges of the Jamieson Hills, which have been removed from their original beds by disintegration of the enclosing rock, and the action of running water. Copper is occasionally indicated by the stains of the green carbonate ; arsenical iron pyrites abounds ; and the ores of nickei and cobalt were suspected to be present, particularly in the coarsely crystalline variety, with diallage and ]»yrosk]erite. Unfortunately, the condition of the rocks generally is unfavourable for the preservation of organic remains, and none whatever have yet been discovered throughout the region, with the exception of the obscure forms already mentioned to have been found near Conne in the Bay D'Espoir, and on Long Pond. Assuming, however, that the opbiolites 'ire of the age of the Lauzon division of the Quebec group, the plumbaginous and other elates, with their associated strata, would represent the Levis division, and possibly a portion of the Calciferous, the base of the whole resting directly upon Lourentiun gneiss without the inter- position of Primordial or Intermediate strata, which appear to terminate to the westward with Fortune Bav. Of PiiiMOitDiAL Silurian and Belated Foioiations. Bocks of Primordial Silurian age were found in detached patches occupying areas of various extent at sundry parts of the coast as far west as Fortune Bay, and upon the Island of Langlois of the Miquelon group. The spread of those rocks in Trinity, Coucoptiuu, St. Mary's, and partly in Placentia Bays, with their relation to the iuferio"- formations, has already been described in the Eeport of last year. At those parts the Primordial formation was found in unconformable contact with the Intermediate system, or resting directly on Laureutiau gneiss ; most frequently in the wmm REPORT FOR 1870. 233 '6' .'riiiity, their bed in mutioii ystem, in tlio former position, wliich also appears to be the case in its western extension. It would be premature, however, to state the age of the lower formation Ju the latter, as an ascertained fact, before those regions are much more extensively and thoroughly examined. Suffice it to say, then, that the Primordial Silurian of Fortune Bay rests, with one or two exceptions, upon rocks unlike in most respects to the lianrentian system, but witli some characteristics peculiar to the Huronian or Intermediate; which may, until further evidence is obtained, be provisionally classed as of Huro- nian age. On the east side of Fortune Bay, between Point May and Grand Bank, Primordial strata were found to be underlaid by reddish altered sandstone, sometimes conglomerate or breccious passing into porphyry. These rocks were observed to strike into the country, east of Point May, and to come out upon it again north of Grand Bank, whence they occupy the coast as far to the north as Little Garnish, and probably beyond. In their south- western strike they were seen on the Island of St. Pierre, thus forming the south-eastern rim of a trough, the north-west edge of which rises on the southern part of the great Miquelon Island, and on the Island of Brunet. The Cape and northern extreme of the great Miquelon is gneiss, supposed to be of Laurentian age, while Langlois Island is of undoubted Primordial strata, corresponding with the fringe of mainland facing the sea north of Point May. The subordinate sandstones and conglomerates, at the localities just mentioned, were supposed to represent a portion of the Signal Hill rocks, probably ff of the section in Report for 1868 ; but at Long Harbour, at the head of Fortune Bay, some slates were met with resembling & or c of the same section. SEuch of the interior of the peninsula appears to be of felsite or feldspar porphyry, a great part of which is intrusive. jMr. Howley describes the most prominent feature of the region to consist of a range of hills, constituted of rock of that description ; \»Aiich coming to the sea at Capo Chapeau Kouge, bears for the isthmus which connects the peninsula with tlio mainland, and thence towards Sr,und Island and the country near Piper's Hole, in Placentia Bay. The age of the rocks which occupy the eastern side ot the Cape Chapeau Rouge range, and which take up the shores of Placentia Bay, we are still without sufficient data to establish ; 11 234 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. yet there are some points of resemblance in lithological character, to certain members of the Quebec group, which must not be over- looked. Moreover, although there is much disturbance and con- fusion throughout all the region, and a regular and successive sequence nowhere to be found, there are, nevertheless, some important facts which tend to indicate a higher position to those strata than that of the Primordial. Thus it has been shown in my Report for 1868, at page 165, that while Primordial rocks are exhibited at Come-by-Chance, on the east side of North Harbour, the western shores of North Harbour and Sound Island, are talcoid or chloritic slates (which, judging from the direction of the dip, overlie the former), resembling the rocks near the horizon of the Quebec group. In the same manner small outliers of the Primordial strata have been recognised on some of the islands and points farther south, as at the entrance to Paradise Sound and on Eed Island, and are suspected also to constitute a portion of the Merasheens ; while at Audearn the rocks are red, green, and purple slates, and at Mortier Bay limestone is met with, interstratified with very micaceous incoherent sandstone, and conglomerate beds. At Cook's Lcok-out, directly north from Mortier Bay, a greenish drab-coloured talcoid or chloritic slate, resembling the Sound Island slate, flanks the hill, which is of felsite. At Burin also a mass of limestone occurs, with diorite below, and a succession of green and reddish slates with some thin calcareous strata above, which in some instances are slightly unctuous to the touch, from the presence apparently of chlorite ; at others becoming arenaceous, very fragile and incoherent when exposed to the weather. These rocks abound in iron pyrites, and their decomposition seems at many parts to yield a yellowish or red ochre, by which the clifls and rocky surfaces are frequently stained. On the coast of Burin the attitude of the strata is vertical, or nearly so striking about east and west, but the general dip is north-west. Assuming, then, that the formation on the east side of the peninsula is of the age of the Quebec group, the intrusion of Cape Chapeau Rouge may represent the direction of a great fault, with an upthrow on the west side, causing the repetition of the older strata at Fortune Bay. All the above remarks must be received as merely suggestive, REPOIIT FOR 1870. 235 Itive, for throughout this complicated region, until it is more thoroughly examined, no certainty can be an-ived at, nor would it be prudent to express an opinion too confidently upon structure where so much obscurity and confusion prevail. In consequence of the many rumours that have been circulated as to the presence of a very valuable ore of silver at Little L wn, I directed Mr. Howley to pay special attention to that part of the coast, and to collect as many specimens of various qualities (particularly where there might happen to be metalliferous indi- cations) as possible, in order to ascertain the facts connected with such statements, and the grounds upon which they were founded. Some years ago a specimen of this ore was presented to me by a gentleman of this place, which I afterwards put into the hands of Dr. Sterry Hunt, of the Geological Survey of Canada, for analysis, who pronounced it to be a pure sulph-arseniet of silver (ruby silver) coated with chloride of silver (horn silver), giving 65*28 per cent, of the metal. Another specimen was referred to Dr. Sterry Hunt at the same time, of lead ore said to have been derived from the same place as the silver ore ; in which, however, no appreciable trace of silver was discovered. The gangue of the latter was green fluor spar. Mr. Howley describes the country around Lawn as consisting almost entirely of reddish f&lsite or feldspar porphyry, with occa- sional broken and shattered masses of stratified rock, sometimes occupying an area of about an acre, but more usually less, and at other times in great fragments caught in and surrounded by the igneous or intrusive rock. These stratified fragmentary patches are of black slate, containing numerous nodules of iron pyrites, dull white and reddish limestone, red and green slate, all of which have a Primordial aspect, but are apparently destitute of fossils. On the east side of Little Lawn Harbour, Mr. Howley found an opening about 30 feet above the water, 8 feet high by 4 wide, which had been driven into the cliflf for about 30 yards. The design of this opening appears to have been, to follow a vein of fluor spar containing galena and zinc blende, with the expecta- tion of striking the silver ore ; but failing to find the latter, and the lead and zinc being apparently insufficient in quantity to be remunerative, the place was abandoned. The main vein of fluor spar, with its metalliferous contents, 236 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. runs in a fissure which intersects greenish slate and porphyry, bearing in a tolerably straight course through both about south- east ; while smaller veins of the same mineral character are rami- fied or reticulated from it on either side. The fluor spar is arranged in the crevices which contain it, in isolated detached masses of various sizes, the interstices between which are filled up with crushed debris, derived from the rocks on either side. Tliese masses are sometimes of considerable size, being upv ards of a foot in length, with the whole width of the fissure, and present a foli- ated or lamellar structure upon being broken, in layers of different shades of green and white ; others are small and concretionary, the concretions formed of a series of concentric layers of the same colours. In either case, the centre part is always of the darkest shade, and is a bright sea-green, while the outer layers become paler in colour towards the exterior surfaces which are white. It was found, with few exceptions, that the zinc ores were almost exclusively disseminated in the middle or darker green parts, while the galena was distributed along with and parallel to the external layers. The width of the main crevice varies from 6 to 2 inches. The walls are polished and furrowed. Several specimens from this locality, selected from a large collection made there, and now deposited in this OflSce, were sub- mitted to Mr. Hennessey for analysis, whose results prove the existence of bismuth * and cadmium to be combined in traces with the ores of lead ; and of cadmium and iron with those of zinc ; but in no case any trace of silver. This circumstance is remarkable, as the ores of lead are frequently, if not most usually, more or less argentiferous ; and, moreover, it may be observed, that not- withstanding a most careful search having been made over the ground by Mr. Howley, he failed to perceive the smallest remnant of any substance bearing a resemblance to the precious ore. Primordial Silurian Formation. At page 157 of the Keport for 1868, a section of this formation is given, as exhibited in Conception Bay, showing an accumulation * This valuable metal is used for various purposes as an alloy. With tin and mercury in about equal proportions it forms mosnic gold. With certain proportions of tin and lead plumbers' solder is manufactured, ond stereotype plates are cast. It is also the base of u cosmetiv known as pearl powder. 5. •I l[ /2 - ^^ I =3: III I! .1 U5 I Co CO s c/> (fl k J- ^^ &f? 6_ r- C a o w r- C •31 > -0 30 i o o > I— if? > > s o o n Column of Silurian — Primordial Strata fill" JjL :l ■life ?;^>i^^#^^^iii^i^i^v;i^v<^ ai ci I. Section of the Slate Quarries, Smit HorizonLal aiuL vertical scaJe, 400 (i,b,c,(i,e, Pviiiiordial .Silurian, liiee, p.2o6).^L,sen W SL II. Section near the Mouth of Little Salmo '■^';S~^^ii?i• lloriionlaJ and veriiral sca/s. WO f. f, g, k, i J, I, null, Prinwrdial Silurian (See ji.Z^WfS III. Section at South Head of Brigu n m, I j X h ; fforlzontal and vertical, scale-, 400 f,(l.h. i,J, I. m,. n,. Frimordial Silurian. (Seep.Z36kB.Burouii ^iMORDiAL Strata — Scale 80 Feet to One Inch. :l , H ■ h' ■ r ; ■ i 1 ■ ...,^.,\\^X^:^\>^\^.s,^ V-^\.>>.SX>V.\..^>>X^.^..\ T1 "■"^nf f Ik iil-:^ ii;i,', K'l'iJiH, ■ I'll Ai Ci ►a 4--U'l*" kUJillilil ATE Quarries, Smith's Sound, Trinity Bay. and vertical soale, 400 feeb to one iiLchy. Uirian. i.Ses p.2o6).5L,sea. level. L,'H,easL (uui west. II. JTH OF Little Salmonier River, St. Mary's Bay. ojtd vcrliral scaU. 200 kd to om utdi. ial Silui'iaii(Se£jrZ:i6>^l, sea leA'eJ . E,W, east and wtusl. III. UTH Head of Brigus, Conception Bay. m. I J i h ff /' JI I and vertical, senile., 400 feet to one vu-h ian. (Sej^'p.ZSet.B.BiirouiMi. SL.^tvi level. E,W,ea*t and west. ^ III. Section at South Head of Brigus /I Tit I J t Ti g HoHwTiUd and vfrUc/jl smU, 400 1 tgji, hi I, m. n. Fvimordiai SUiu-ian. <.Seep.236)Jf..mwojiia7 Section at Blue Pinion Heac ^a . cvjrg'"'-- — ! ° ^- '='• ^^^^'- Jlorizfmt/ily 7LgU>mirate; ej\(),h.i,j. PvmujrdiMl SiLuriany. (See III. fH Head of Brigus, Conception Bay. Tih I J i. Ti 9 f ^ and vfrtic/il scale., 400 feet to one' iiwh in. fSe^-p.Z36).:ff..HuroTdan. Sl,sea level. E.W.eoAt and weal. r Blue Pinion Head, Fortune Bay. md vertical scale, 100 feet to one, inch. uwrdial Sihwi/ui. (, See j).Z36).2>l, sew level. H,S, rivrik and south. F Salmon River, Head of Belle Bay, Fortune Bay. ght j <^ and, vertienl scale, HOO fejei to orw irwK. inujrdial Siluriaro. (See p.ZS6).G, GramU. SL. sea. Uvel N. S, iwrth and soiUJo. RErOET FOR 1870, 237 of strata amounting to 3880 feet. Since the date of that Report, it has been discovered that the formation is widely distributed at other parts of the country, in greater volume than in Conception Bay, or displaying portions which in that bay are either concealed below its waters, or altogether absent. The whole accumulation, were it found consecutively at any one place, would, by such additional strata, apparently swell the volume to a thickness not under 6000 feet The annexed column represents the order of sequence and superposition of the different members of the formation, with their approximate thickness, so far as has hitherto been ascertained. It may be observed that there is a discrepancy between the super- position, as given in this column, and the section given tit pages 200 and 201 of last year's Report, in which the workable slates are placed as No. 5, or directly below the strata of Bell Island. The more careful examination of the late season has unravelled some of the difficult complications which led to this error the previous year, and seems clearly to place the workable slates as shown in the column, or about the horizon of No. 2 of Report for 1869. Descending Obder. Feet. Brown and black micaceous shales, with grey micaceous sand^ stones of Bell Island, Conception Bay. Organic contents are: two species of Lingula, four species of Palceophycus, Eophyton Linnceanum (Torrell) and another Eophyton. Cruziana sfm?i)?tca to (Salter), and some others. Cone-in- Cone is also frequently met with. Exposed also at Random Sound, Trinity Bay, and in smaller volume at the southern part of the peninsula of Cape St. Mary .. .. 476 Red and green sandstones and slates, with some calcareous beds at the base, partially seen at Little Belle Island, Conception Bay, but for the greater part concealed below the water. Estimated thickness 1426 , Kelly's Island sandstones and shales, given in detail in Report for 1868, p. 28. A few fucoids were the only fossils observed in this division.* Thickness 720 . Black slate or shale. At Fortune Harbour this division was iom\di to cQu\.&\rx Paradoxides Bennettii. Thickness .. .. 150 * Many fossils have been found about the middle part of the Kelly's Island section since, among which Cruziana and two or three species of Lingula occur. B 238 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Fett. 0. A bed of dark grey limestone. Fossils consist of broken frag- ments of trilobites and shells, among which latter a Lingula was observed. Thickness 5 «. Red, green, and black slates, or shales, which occasionally pass into a finely laminated argillaceous shale, as it Topsail Uend. This division is exhibited at Branch, and many parts of St. Mary's Bay, and also at Fortune Harbour and Lan^lois Island. The fossils are Paradoxides Bennett ii, Conoeephu- lites gregnnus, and probably some other spec'es not yet ' recognised. This division abounds in trilobites which are often greatly distorted and cut up by the cleavage, which is transverse to the bedding. ThickneiiS 1045 TO. Hard thick bods of grey and sometimes reddish limestone of Topsail Head, seen also near Brigus South Head, Conception Bay, and at Little Salmonier River, St. Mary's Bay. The supposed equivalent was likewise found in Smith's Sound, Trinity Bay. The fossils are usually obscure, and ia a fragmentary state. Two species of ConocephaUtea have hven recognised by Mr. Billings, and a small fragment supiwstd of Paradoxides from a^ loose stone found at Topsail Head ; also Salterella and Crania Lahradorica, Thickness at Top- sail Head 100 1. Red, green, and blackish argillaceous slates. This division is seen at Brigus South Head, at Little Salmonier, and at Random and Smith's Sound. It is seen also at some parts of Fortune Bay. A margin of the shore west of Manuel's Brook, Con- ception Bay, exposes the upper part occasionally ; a few remains of trilobites were found at Random Island, one of which resembles Bathyrua gregariua (Billings). Thickness 250 Jc. Conglomerate of Manuel's Brook, not recognised elsewhere. Thickness 50 j. Red and green argillaceous shales or slates. Thickness, Brigus South Head 150 * i. Red and flesh-coloured limestones, in which some obscure fossils have been found, and an Archeocyathua detected by Mr. Billings. Thickness 20 * k. Red slate 30 * ^. Thin bed of impure red limestone 10 */. Red slate 40 e. Red, green, and grey sandstones, with occasional beds of con- glomerate. The upper beds flaggy. Towards the base the beds are compact, and vary in thickness from 1 to 3 feet. The lower strata pass i' to a whitish, sometimes tinged pinkish quartzite. On some of the surfaces obscure forms supposed to be fucoids were found, and peculiar mark- * These strata ore met with at Distress, Bt. Mary's Bay, Little Salmonier River, Brigus Head, and Random Island. REPOUT FOR 1870. 23!) inf^s resembling annelid tracks, seen on the cast end of Random Island, and tho mainland between it and Bay RuUh' Arm ; and altto on the (southern port of the iwninsula of Cape St. Mary's. Probable thickness, about (Jrecn and reddish-brown or purple slatts, with smooth and' regularly parallel cleavage, independent of the bedding, splitting into slabs under half an inch thick. This is the position of tlie workable slates of Smith's Sound and Raudum Island. Thickness A bed of impure flesh-coloured limestone (ireen slate, same character as (/ Hard, dark greenish-grey sandstones with slaty divisions, the sandstone beds varying in thickness from 4 inches to 1 foot. This part of tho formation has only been seen in Trinity Bay, and the thickness at Random Island and Smith's Sound was estimated to be about t'Ltt. r50 137 3 10 GOO Total 5972 f r'er, It will be seen that the lower measures (a) of the section, so largely represented in Trinity Bay, and also the superior strata below (j), which is partially recognised in the St. Mary's |>eninsula, are nearly altogether wanting in Conception Bay ; and, moreover, it may be remarked that the junction of the sandstones at the base of the series with the rocks of the Intermediate system (between which there is a considerable lithological resemblance) has nowhere been clearly made out ; still, the evidence taken at the several localities where the formation is displayed, goes strongly in support of the structure being in reality as given in the column. In Trinity Bay the section, although affected by disturbances, seems to be nearly complete, while on the St. Mary's peninsula the strata between d and the upper part of n, inclusive, are found in conform- able succession. At Brigus and at Harbour Main, in Conception Bay, some beds of red sandstones, representing the upper part of e, were found at the base of the group, overlaid by slates and lime- stone representing /, art of the formation has been reeognised on both sides of Random Island, on the south side of Kandom Sound, and at 13ay Bulls' Arm. It [)rubably also, judging from the strike of the measures, will 248 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. \H < if:^ 1^ be found at other places in the interval between the two latter places, particularly in the neighbourhood of St. Jones and Deer Harbours. But while the horizon of the slates may be better developed in Trinity Bay than elsewhere, it is not limited alto- gether to that region. At Keels, in Bonavista Bay, an outcrop is reported ; and the red slates westward of Gooseberry Cove, in Placentia Bay, are now supposed to be their equivalents. Further- more, I perceive, by my field-notes of 1866, in describing the coast of Avalon, it is remarked that " a change of formation was observed to take place in the neighbourhood of Ferryland, and that at Renews there were found to be large masses of red slate strewn over the ground, apparently not far removed from their original position, which had a smooth and perfectly regular cleavage, nearly at right angles to the plane of the bedding." This part of the country has not yet been examined, but the circumstance just mentioned, together with the accounts of some of the residents, give reason to suppose that an outlying patch of the formation is to he found there, and with it some portion of the workable slates.* At page 178 of my Keport for 1868, mention is made of a slate of economic value occurring near Brigus, in the older or Inter- mediate system, which, although doubtless a very serviceable material for many economic purposes, is, nevertheless, of inferior quality as a roofing slate 1 those of the higher formation. The cleavage of the former is less perfect, it splits less finely, and consequently is heavier, and it is more or less affected by rectan- gular joints, which necessarily limit the surfaces. Limestone is another substance which must be universally admitted as an indispensi*blc necessary wherever a dwelling of any description is to be enacted. Beds of limestone, as our column has shown, are abundant in the Primordial Silurian formation, especially amimg the middle and upper members, and it is perliaps owing to the calcareous quality of these strata, that the •■perior quality of the s«ti over the areas they occupy is espei ially to be attributed. Besiii»8 die ordinary uses, such as for building and burning, the limestones of the formation are suitable in many cases for (uniamental purjxises as a marble. It would be superflmius in the meantimo to enter into further * These have oinicc been ^iruved to be of IntermeiliHte or Huvoniun age. REPORT FOR 1870. 249 two latter and Deer be better »ted alto- outcrop ia Cove, in Further- ibing the ation was 'and, and red slate om their regular edding." but the of some patch of a of the a slate Inter- iceable nferior The y, and ectau- detail regarding other economic materials, which have been repeatedly mentioned in former Keports. The position, uses, mineral qualities, and all other particulars of such, will, I trust, in course of time find their proper places in the pages of a condensed report of the whole subject. A tracing from the manuscript map of the region surveyed, upon a scale of 4 statute miles to 1 inch, accompanies this Report, which, together with the illustrations introduced with the text, are requisite for its elucidation. These, with permission, I shall order to be cut, the former on stone, the latter on wood, to illus- trate the report in pamphlet form, which will be published hereafter. With very much respect, I beg to subscribe myself. Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray. To His Excellency Col. Hill, C.B., Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &c. &c., St. John's. srsally )f any •Junin ation, it IS t the Jally ding umy tht^ 250 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER XI. REPORT FOR 1871.— SURVEY OF EXPLOITS RIVER AND RED INDIAN LAKE — MR. ROWLEY'S EXAMINATION OF THE COAST OF EXPLOITS BAY, GANDER BAY, &0. Geological Schvey Offiob, St. John's, Newfoundland, 1872. May it please your Excellency, — The investigationa of the Geological Survey, during the past year, have been directed to the examination of the regions around the great Bay of Notre Dame, and more particularly to the Bay and Kiver of Exploits, the latter of which was carefully surveyed ; and I now have the honour to submit the following Report of progress, for the information of your Excellency and the Legis- lature. Being provided with a vessel and crew for the coastal service, and with canoes for the ascent of the river, I proceeded, with Mr. J. P. Howley as my assistant and a party of Indians, to Twillin- gate, in the early part of July. After having made a partial examination of the coast near Twillingate, and of New World Island, in order to ascertain the geological structure and probable succession of the formations distributed over that region, I left Mr. Howley with the vessel to continue the examination of the coast, while I surveyed the River and Valley of Exploits. In the present Report geological detail is not particularly entered into, as the subject requires being studied out with great care in all its bearings previously to giving it publicity ; and for that purpose, as I had the honour to inform your Excellency in my communication of the 4th January last, a map is now being constructed upon a scale of 4 miles to 1 inch, on which it may be rendered intelligible, and from which I hope, during the present year, to be enabled to produce a condensed general REPORT FOR 1871. 251 description of all that has been ascertained since tlie survey commenced. A great addition was made during the season to the collection of illustrative rocks, minerals, and fossils, which, when properly arranged in the museum, will be found not only of the highest value for geological reference, but also as a means of directly affording information to persons interested in the production of various economic materials, or to those desirous of enlightenment on geological subjects. Geographical Description op the Bay and Eiver of Exploits. The Bay of Exploits, properly so called, forms a deep bight on the south coast of the great Bay of Notre Dame, between North Head on the west, and Farewell Harbour at the entrance to Dildo Run, on the east. It is deeply indented by numerous arms, and inlets, creeks, and coves, of which the greatest is the inlet leading to the entrance of the Exploits Eiver. Within the area encompassed by the shores of the bay, there are innumerable islands of various sizes, of which New World Island is the largest, which, with the islands of Twillingate, Black Island, and Exploits Burnt Island, also of large size, strike across the entrance of the Bay of Exploits, forming a barrier or breakwater to the sea on the north, and facing the Bay of Notre Dame. Exploits Burnt Island is the most westerly of those islands, and between it and North Head is the main channel of approach to the bay within, and to the Exploits River. There is also an approach from the eastward of New World Island by the Dildc vuu, but the navigable channel of that passage being exceedingly narrow, and its intricacies being very great, from the numerous islands and rocks with which it is crowded, it is rarely frequented, except by boats or craft of small size and light draught of water. Exploits Burnt Islaud is situated in lat. 49" 30' N., and long. 55° 4' W., and from it the general course of the main channel is a little to the westward of south from the true meridian, to the entrance of the Exploits River. In following up the channel, several large islands are passed, the chief of which is Thwart 252 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. i Island, on tho eastern side ; but the water is deep all along, and there is no impediment to the navigation, for vessels of any size, until reaching Peter's Arm, where there is good anchorage. Opposite the northern end of Thwart Ishind, a narrow isthmus of only about half a mile across separates the Bay of Exploits from New Bay, the extension of which to the north forms the great promontory terminating at New Bay Head and North Head. The entrance to the Exploits Kiver is at Wigwam Point, in lat. 41)" 5' N., long. 55° 19' W., nearly at the south-western extreme of tho long arm already indicated. Immediately opposite this entrance is Norris Ai-m, stretching for about 6 miles a little north of east, with an average width rarely exceeding half a mile, at the head of which another considerable stream falls in from the eastward. Taking its rise near the south-western angle of the Island, and within a moderate distance of St. George's Bay, this magnificent river, with its numerous tributaries, drains an area of probably little under 3000 square miles.* The large lake mentioned by Cormack, and named by that intrepid traveller " King George the Fourth's Lake," is said to be on its waters, and to be accessible by canoes by the river's course, although with many portages. As in our expedition, however, we were unable to proceed beyond the Bed Indian Lake, in consequence of the dilapidated state of our canoes when we reached its upper extreme, the upper part of the river remains still unexplored, and little dependence can be put upon the description given by the Indians. The upper extreme of the Ked Indian Lake is in lat. 48° 32' 30" N., long. 57° 9' W. The tabular arrangement of the courses, distances, and rise on the ascent of the river from Wigwam or Sandy Point to the head of the lake, given below, may be found convenient as reference in connection with the following description.f ♦ Probably nearer 4000 square miles, as shown by Mr. Howley's Survey of 1875 of tlie upper waters. t The courses and all bearings are giveu from the true meridian. REPORT FOR 1871. 253 Tabli 1 OF C!onR8E8 Ascending the Rivbr aito Lake. Total rise No. Counen. DIatanccg, Rl«<> In Feet. over !{l|(li-»'ater Rfinarlu, y the courets), 100 miks 14 chains. The ascent of the river by canoe or light boat, although not difficult, is tedious, as there are many strong rajtids to encounter, and several falls and chutes, over which portages have to be niude. The first of these obstructions is at the Bishop's Fall of 19 feut, above which, but particularly for 6 or 7 miles above the junction of the Great Rattling Brook, tiie river is more or le^.s rapid iill the way to the Grand Falls. The Grand Falls consist of a siicets- sion of chutes (one of about 30 feet), and violent rapids, soniewliat over a mile in length, nnd giving altogether, from bultoni to tDp, a rise of 145 feet. At a short distance above the Grand Falls, . 8 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I jffiiM \m AM m m M 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 < 6" — ► Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIK jTREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^ V iV \\ o^ 4 ^ i SM GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. m\ 11 1^ there is an abrupt chute of 15 feet, and above it the river continues to be rapid and turbulent, till reaching the smooth water of a lake- like expansion at the mouth of Rushy Brook. The ascent from Bushy Brook is but slightly impeded by rapid water, the current being moderate for upwards of 9 miles ; but at this part the river attains, occasionally, a great width, being sometimes upwards of a mile from bunk to bank, with many islands and gravel beds between, and is frequently so shallow as to render the passage of canoes extremely difficult. Above this expansion, or, more cor- rectly, from the mouth of the Ques-a-wet-quek Brook to the junction of the Ba !ger Brook, the river is continuously more or less rapid, and tliere is a chute at one place of about 4 feet, where a portage is maile. Above the Badger Brook tlie current is for the most part always strong, and there are several interruptions from falls or raj ids between it and the Red Indian Lake. Above the termination of the 11th course, there is a sharp fall of 27 feet ; while on the 1.5th course there is a chute of 5 feet, over both of which canoes and baggage must be carried. The lake itself, as sho>vn in the courses given above, is 32 miles 60 chains long, from the inlet to the outlet; but there is an additional 4 miles in the total length, by including the north- east arm, which turns abruptly round in a north-easterly direction from the outlet, making it altogether nearly 37 miles from end to end. The width of the lake varies from half a mile to rather over 3 miles, being narrow at either extreme, and moderately wide about the middle, and contains an area of about 64 square miles. Buchan's Island, which is situated at the north-west angle of the lake, is the only island it contains, cxceitting a few insignificant islets in the south-western arm, and at the junction of the Upper Stream. The principal tributaries to the Exploits River below the lake are, the Great Rattling Brook, Chute Brook, Sandy Brook, Aspen Brook, Badger Brofik, Eh-quet-eg-a-weh or Noel Paul's Brook, and Harpoon Brook, while there are four large and important streams, which pour their tribute into the lake itself. In addition to those enumerated, the lake and river receive the waters of many smaller tributaries, too numerous to be separately deocribed. The Great Rattling Brook takes its rise in the central part of the Island, at an inconsiderable distance north or north-easterly REPORT FOR 1871. 255 ontinues if a lake- jnt from 5 current the river ards of a i\e\ beds assage of Qore cor- k to the • more or et, where ent is for jrrnptions 3. Above »f 27 feet ; Br both of ove, ia 32 but there the north- direction om end to ather over itely wide lare miles, olo of the significant the Upper w the hike ok, Aspen il's Brook, important n addition rs of many ibed. ral part of th-ea8t?rly from the Jamieson Hill range, and the waters of the Pipe-stone Pond branch of the Bay East River (see Rejwrt of 1870), and flows generally in a north-easterly direction to its confluence with the main river. The Indians report the head waters of the opposite flowing streams, as being in close proxitnity, and a canoe route by their course as being practicable. The upper reaches are represented as consisting of lakes or smooth water over long distances; but the lower parts, for many miles, as exceedingly turbulent, neces- sitating ix)rtages at many places, and as diflieult and dangerous for canoe navigation generally. The Chute Brook and Sandy Brook flow in a north-easterly course, draining a wide and generally level or undulating country, and join the main river on its right side ; the former at the Grand Falls, the latter at the expansion of still water above Rushy Brook. Aspen Brook takes its rise on the eastern flank of the Hodge's Hill range of mountains, and from wide and extensive marshes ; and flowing southerly, falls on the lelt side into the still water of No. 7 course. Badger Brook is a fine stream, easily navigable for canoes over many miles of its course. It joins the main river, on the left side, at the great bend where No. 10 course terminates. The ascent l)ears from the junction north-easterly for between 2 and 3 miles, at the end of which distance it divides into two branches of nearly equal size; the one bearing upwards nearly due north, the other still maintaining a north-easterlv direction. The former of tiies^j branches is reported to take its ris(i from two jiaraliel lakes, called the "Twin Ponds," about 24 miles due north from the confluence with the main river, and to maintain an almost straight course, expanding frequently into long but narrow lakes, for its entire length. The water of the ''Twin Ponds" is also said to have an outlet at the northern extreme, which, flowing northerly, joins tho waters of a north-flowing river, which finally terminates at the head of Badger Bay. Tlie north-eastern branch rises in the fl;it regions north of Hodge's Hill, and being turbid and sluggish for many miles of its course, is easily ascended by canoes. Eh-quet-eg-a-weh o^' Noel Paul's Brook comes In on the right side, at the end of the 13th course. It supplies a considerable body of water, draining a great tract of country ujion the northern s 2 266 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. m ride of the watershed, between the Bay East Biyer and the Exploits. According to the Indians, the stream proceeds from a lake, which, resting exactly on the watershed, has outlets flowmg in opposite directions, the south falling brook being discharged into Grooked Pond, of the Bay East River. Harpoon Brook falls in on the right side, about 2^ miles below the Bed Indiun Fond. Its sources interlock with some small streams, which discharge their waters into Island Pond, the highest of the Bay East suite of lakes ; and its course, sweeping along the base of the range known as the Harpoon Hills, meanders in a north-westerly direction to the junction. At the head of the north-east arm of the lake a fine stream falls in, by the course of which there is an established canoe route, frequently used by the Indians, to Hall's Bay. The upward course is north-east for many miles, the brook flowing through a very level country, but it finally turns to the northward, bearing for the mountain range which separates the waters of the Exploits from those of Hall's Bay. The head waters of the south brook of the latter are said to approach the sources of this stream so nearly as to render the portage from the one to the other a matter of no great difficulty. At the time of our visit the brook was so reduced in volume as to be inaccessible at some parts for canoes, a circum- stance, however, which, according to the Indians, only occurs in very dry seasons. Another fine brook falls into the Bed Indian Lake on the south side, about 4 miles above the outlet of the river. The Indians describe it as proceeding from a large lake, known to them as Yictoric Lake, which bears nearly due south from the outlet, and is distant between 20 and 30 miles. A narrow watershed separates the tributaries above this lake from those that discharge into Island Pond, at the head of the Bay East Biver. On the north side of the lake, nearly opposite Victoria Brook, a stream empties itself, by three separate channels, which unite about a mile back, and form a large rapid brook. It takes its rise on the southern slope of the mountain range, between the Exploits waters and the Grand Pond, and flows through a barren waste until within a few miles of the outlet. The brook on the south side of the south-west arm, being a mere mountain torrent, is valueless for communication by canoe ; REPORT FOR 1871. 207 but a large body of water is discharged through its channel, being apparently the main drain of a system, dispersed through the mountainous tract of country westward from Victoria Lake. The main river valley from Bed Indian Lake downwards, is nearly for the whole distance a level or gently undulating country, broken only by occasional abrupt hills or rocky eminences, and densely wooded for many miles back, from either bank of the stream. The only mountain that attains great altitude, anywhere near the river, is Hodge's Hill, the highest summit of which was found by triangulation to be 1830 feet above the level of the sea.* Where the mountain reaches this altitude, it rises almost pre- cipitously from the level plain of the north-east branch of the Badger Brook, bearing from the outlet at the end of course No. 10, N. 48° E., 9 miles. From this point a range, high and bare, runs south-easterly, decreasing gradually in elevation as it approaches the river, below the con6uence of Aspen Brook. The peak of Hodge's Hill is the most northerly of the three " Tolts " mentioned in my Report of last year. On the northern side of the Bed Indian Lake, below Buchan's Island, the land rises gradually from the shore into an alternation of rolling barrens and marshes, each range of hills attaining successively a higher elevation, advancing towards the mountain ranges of the Grand Pond. Those latter, striking in a south- westerly direction, approach the shores of Bed Indian Lake, above Buchan's Island, and run, within a moderate distance from the margin, towards the head of the lake, thence up the valley of the Upper Exploits waters, pointing towards the "Long Range" south of St. George's Bay. The highest and most prominent of this range near the lake, are " Halfway " and " Notched " moun- tains ; the altitude of the former being 1400 feet, and the latter 1555 feet above the sea. An isolated range of rugged mountains rises over the comparatively low country between the Victoria and south-west arm waters ; the highest elevation of which was found to be about 1220 feet. The forests of the Exploits Valley consist of pine, spruce, balsam-fir, tamarack, white birch, and poplar. On the lower reaches of the river and tributaries, below the Grand Falls, pine is * Subsequently Mr. Howley in 1875 made the height to be over 2000 feet by aneroid. gtiliWiiiiilwiMiiWI J w I r , 268 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. or has been abundant, some of it apparently of good quality for conversion into ordinary lumber ; but there are extensive areas, especially near the Great Ilattlint^ Brook (3rd course), where the timber lias been completely swept away by fire. Moreover, on the more accessible parts of the region, many of the most valuable trees have disappeared, having been culled out long since to supply logs to a saw-mill, which formerly was in operation near the outlet of Peter's Brook into Peter's Arm. The enterprising firm of Winsor and VuUance, however, who have now established a steam saw-mill on the coast, between Peter's Ann and Wigwam Point, still procure a large supply of material from these reaches, many piles of which were observed on the banks of the river, awaiting a freshet to be driven down to the sea. Between the Grand Fulls and Badger Brook, at many parts, on both sides of the main river, pine was observed to fiourish luxuriantly, much of which appeared to be of excellent quality, being often of fair diameter, straight and tall. These reaches also display a fine growth of othor varieties of timber, and at some parts, especially about the forks of the Sandy Brook, white birch often attains a very large size ; thii being one of the few localities where the Indians procure bark capable of being used for the construction of canoes. Above the junction of Badger Brook the surface of the country is excwdingly level, over a very wide area on both sides of the river, up to the upper fulls, and is densely covered by forest of the usual varieties ; but the trees at this part are for the greater part small, being the immature successors of the ancient forest, entirely destroyed many years ago by fire. The character of the country, between the upper falls and the Bed Indian Lake, differs in some degree from that below, the surface is more irregular and rocky, and low rounded hills ri^e at a short distance from the river on either side, but the whole region is still densely wooded, and good pine and other timber is nut infrequent, being remnants of the old forest which had escaped the great conflagration. On the flats near the northern margin of the Bed Indian Lake, particularly at the outlets of the larger brooks, pine and spruce trees of large size, straight and tall, were frequently observed ; but back from the lake the timber is of stunted growth and of REPORT FOR 1871. 250 little value, scattered in detached woods over the burface of the great marshes and barrens. The southern side of the lake is densely wooded to the water's edge, and the country inland appears to be all forest for many miles back, broken only by occasional marshes or swamps, which occupy the lower grounds between the ridges. The Indians who have visited the Victoria Lake, state that good pine and spruce are abundant on the lower reaches of the brook. It has already been stated that the land throughout this ' dley is generally level or gently undulating; and it will be perceived that the quality of its spontaneous production may fairly be taken as indicative of a fertile soil. The width of this fertile belt of land varies at different parts of the river, but taking it to average about 2 miles on either side (and it probably is much more), there would be an area of reclaimable country of about 280 square miles, or 179,200 acres, exclusive of the country around the lake, much of which is also available. At the mouth of the river, the recluimable land extends to the northward for about 5 miles, terminating with the northern arm ; and there are large tracts around Norris' Arm, and on the valley of the Little Battling Brook, which are capable of cultivation. The fertility of the soil, at this part of the region, i? amply testified wherever cultivation lias been attempted, producing roots, potatoes, grass, and other crops of the finest description, while as a grazing or stock-raising country it can hardly be surpassed. The surface soil is generally of sand or a sandy loam, which at the upper part of the valley is underlaid by a drift of clay and gravel, while at the lower parts the subsoil is tenacious bluish or drab-coloured clay, which is occa- siunally slightly calcareous. No observant person visiting the valley of the Exploits could fuil to be impressed with the manifold advantages it presents for the prosecution of industrial pursuits, such as lumbering and agri- culture. With a splendid river, abundant timber, and a fertile soil, the region that is now a wilderness, might, by energy and enterprise, be soon converted into a thriving settlement, main- taining a large population. The first step likely to lead to this desirable end is evidently to open out a road, parallel to the general course of the river, into the interior. The difficulties attendant upon such a work are apparently not groat for many MO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. PI ! ! miles, oRpeciuUy on the south side of the main stream, wliere the only obstruction of any consequence are the crossings of the tributary brooks, where, however, material is always neiir nt hand for tho construction of bridges If the Indian statements ore to be relied upon, such a line of road might be extended up the upper valley of the Exploits, without incurring any serious engineering difficulties, until reaching the head waters of the river, among the Long Range of Laurentiau mountains, where tho watershed would be crossed, and a descent made by one of the valleys to St. George's Bay. 8uch a medium of communication, together with the route, suggested in last year's Iteport, from Bay D'Espoir, would bring into connection all the most im|xirtant districts of the Island, whether for mining, lumbering, or agriculture. Should it be deemed advisable to open up this country at some future time, I would respectfully refer your Excellency in Council to the views expre»;sed regarding settlement upon wild land, in my answer to query No. 4, on page 39 of the Report of the Select Committee of the House of Assembly, upon the Geological Survey. To the principles there laid down I still adhere, and refer to them, on the present occasion, to urge the necessity of adopting some systematic plan for the disposal of such lands, either by licence or grant, to future applicants. If the experience of other countries may be admitted to act as a guide to the means of progression in this, it will be found that the pioneers of the forest will, in most cases, be the lumber-men, whose operations will lead eventually to permanent occupation, and settlement upon the lands. But, as stated in the Report above alluded to, the area required for a timber limit is very different from that required for an agricultural lot, of which the recipient would obtain the fee-simjUe. If it be desirable that the manufacture of lumber should bo encouraged at all, the limits must be extensive fur each licence, and boundaries accurately defined ; in which case it will be to the interest of tho parties holding such licence, to economise and protect the timber : whereas, if confined to lots of small dimensions, which by no possi- bility could yield a remunerative supply for even the smallest description of saw-mill, they must either abandon the work, when the stock is exhausted, or cut down and remove indiscriminately all that comes within their reach, without regard to proprietor- ship, whether public or private. Again, it has been shown that :'«iif«ni>. inwiitiijitnurniiif ■paiiMlliA» ^ ii t i III ' ■ 'MH i ^-' ' ■ ''"• ■— ^j-^-***^ REPORT FOR 1871. 261 extensive groves of pine occur on each side of the river above the Grand Fulls. Now, were lumbering on a large scale encouraged, tliero can scarcely be a doubt but that a prosperous trade would spring up there, giving employment to hundreds of men, many of whom would ultimately take up agricultural lots, and settle upon the land. It has, indeed, been urged that the Orand Falls present an obstacle to getting lumber down to the sea ; but this is by no means insuperable, and with ample means and proper appliances would bo easily overcome by the construction of slides or tram- ways, such as may be seen at all such obstructions on every tributtry of the Ottawa and elsewhere. Gander Bay and Biveb. While Mr. Howley was engaged in examining the coast of Gander Buy, he took the opportunity of ascending the Gander River, and making a partial survey of its course, for about 15 miles above the tide-water. The ascent is represented as bearing nearly due south for the lower 2 miles ; above which it bends to S.S.E., and becomes rapid for a mile, and then to open into a wide expan- sion containing numerous islands. In this last course the current is strong all the way, and there are three rapids of considerable velocity, which altogether give a rise of about 15 feet. Tlie course then bears up about south by west, passing through a group of islands for 2 miles, above which, on the same bearing, the river lH3come8 open and wide for between 7 and 8 miles, contracting at an abrupt turn to the westward, a little above which the measure- ment terminated. This bend is in lat. 49° 5' N., and long. 54° 33' VV. The upper waters of the stream, which were struck during the survey of 1871, are in lat. 48° 18' N., and long. 55° 52' W., from which it will be obvious that the general course of the river to the end of Mr. Rowley's survey is nearly north-east, and the distance between the two points, in a straight line, between 70 and 80 miles. One of the largest lakes in the Island is known to belong to these waters, the entrance to which, by the course of the river, is said to be about 30 miles above the outlet into Gander Bay. The country on both sides of the Gander River and its estuary is repreiented to be level and richly clad with timber, over a very great area. Forests of pine are said to be of vast extent, con- ■ ■■a.-iiaii?F,t?isi(, i 262 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. taining trees of remarkable size and valuable quality. The coast settlers, who frequently ascend the river to the Gander Lake, state that the same character equally applies to the whole region, at least as far as the lake, and probably farther, and there being no impediments of any consequence to the navigation all that distance, an incalculable supply of lumber might easily be driven down to the sea. There can be little doubt about the capabilities of a very great area of the Gander River country for settlement ; the timber bears ample evidence to the fertility of the soil, while the level character of the surface offers every facility for constructing roads in nearly all directions. Mr. Howley represents the intervening bays and arms between Gander Bay and Exploits Arm, to present in many respects the same evidences of fertile soil as those seen upon the Gander River, and is of opinion that there is no im- portant physical difficulty to be encountered in establishing direct communication by road between the two extremes. mi Distribution of the Fobmations. In former Reports I have shown the existence of two deep parallel depressions running diagonally across the Island; the one by tiio main valley of the Humber and Deer Pond, the other by the Grand Pond waters and the Indian Brook to Hall's Bay. The courses given of the valley of the Exploits and Red Indian Pond will be seen to form a third geographical feature corresponding with the other two, while the general course of the Gander River constitutes a fourth. In the central parts of the two former depressions, a trough of the Carboniferous formation was found to be spread over a wide area of country, supported upon a base of Laurentian gneiss, the eastern boundary of which runs along the eastern shores of the Grand Pond. It was in a great measure to determine, with some degree of accuracy, the true eastern boundary of this important formation, that the survey of the Exploits was resolved upon, as there were reasons to suspect the probability of another outlying patch or detached trough being brought in, occupying the lower grounds of that valley. Another important matter in view was to ascertain the run of the metalliferous rocks of the Jamieson Hills, which, as suggested in the Report of last nEPORT FOR 1871. 268 year (1871), might reasonably be expected to exhibit themaelves ut some part of the Exploit;) Valley. The evidence obtained in the course of the survey has not verified either of thoae anticipations; but has shown that the geological formations which occupy the valley and lower features of the main river, below the Hod Indian Pond, are of older date than the coal lueasurea, and more recent than the Quebec group, as shall be presently explained. The rocks most extensively exhibited on the coasts and islands of Notre Dame Buy, bear, in lithological character, a general resemblance to those of tiie Quebec group, consisting of magnesian strata in a large degree, associated with quartziten, diorites, con- glomerate, and slates. There may, however, bo present other members of the Lower Silurian or cdder systems, connected with these, which, in the absence of organic remains, are exceedingly difficult to identify. Resting unconformably upon these strata, more recent forma- tions are spread over a largo area in the Bay of Exploits, and for many miles up the Exploits Valley, and are foimd also in some detached outlying patches at thw western parts of Notre Dame Bay. These in many parts abound in fossils, often in a good state of pre- servation, most of which are typical of the lower part of the Upiwr, or upper part of the Middle Silurian system.* Of still more recent date, there is a great display of igneous or eruptive rock of various mineral qualities, which ha^ greatly dis- turbed and altered the sedimentary formations for the whole length of Exploits Kiver and lied Indian Pond, and at many parts of Exploits Bay. For convenience, in the meantime, in describing the geology of this section of country, I shall describe the rocks under the denomination of the Lower and Upper formations. Lower Formation. Many of the characteristics usually found to prevail in the Quebec group of rocks, are displayed in the coast cliffs of the * Tliere are many more fossils still to bo examined from vitrioua parts of the region, which may prove the existence of an older horizon than thobo mentioned hero, particulars regarding which will be given hereafter. The structure is too com- plicattd at some parta to describe with any degree of certainty in the meantime. 264 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWPOUNDLANn. Twillingate IslandM, whero the strata aro in great part uf tnagnosian quality, aMsooiuted with qnartzito and diorito ; but the disturbances which have affected the formation lioro, and indeed over the whole region, are so very great, that it is almost iin|><>8Hiblo to ascertain at any part tlu Huper|M>sition, sequence, or vertical thickness of the mass, with any degree of accuracy. Taking tho section exposed in Wild Cove, of the Northern Twillingate Island, as an example, the appurcntly lowest stratum is an impure serpentine, of a dark green colour on fracture, weathering a rusty brown, or sometimes yellowish, occasionally streaked or patched with epidoto, from 20 to 80 feet thick. This is succeeded by a massive irregular bed of conglomerate, the matrix of which is a pale yellow, or whitish, very cryHtalline dolomite, containing rounded pebbles of opaque white quartz, which vary from the size of a pea to that of a hen's egg, and some fluttened pebbles of dark green slate. The exposed surfaces of this lost stratum weather always a bright ochreous yellow. The conglomerate is then overlaid by a mass of soft shaly rock, very unctuous to the touch, o^ a pistachio green colour, and otherwise resembling an impure serpent'ue. It weathers blackish green, and is sometimes mottled by dark, rusty, reddish spots, and is some- times found to contain concentric concretions, somewhat in the form of a flattened sphere. Tliese strata are intersected by nume- rous small veins of white quartz and bitter spur, and the ores of copper and iron, especially the latter, in the form of pyrites, are of frequent occurrence. Tho corrugations by which these rocks have been affected are so sharp, and the repetitions so frequent, that they may be seen rising up and passing down in a succession of folds, for a long distance along the shore, and thereby must occupy a considerable area of surface, although the total thickness is by no means great. In the eastern bight of the same cove, some hard compact beds of a greenish-grey quartzite, from 1 foot to 18 inches thick, were observed to alternate, with rocks of dioritic character, in thick strata of a blackish-green colour in the mass, abundantly marked and mottled with epidote. The surfaces of the quartzites occasion- ally weather a pale pink or rose colour, while the diorites weather black or very dark brown. A surface on one of these beds gave a dip S. 12° W. < 60". Following the coast of Wild Cove to the HWi tammt IIEPORT FOR 1871. 265 eastward, the whole of the abr.vo strata soem to be again bronght to the BurfiAce by a transverse ot north and south fault ; and towards thu point a dolomitic conglombrate was observed to pass between two masses of impure serpentine, which was underlaid by quartzites, divided by partiugs of greon nacreous slate. A complete overturn is conspicuously displayed at the eastern point, near which a trap dyke, about 4 feet thick, was seen to intersect, running nearly due north and south. Passing round the headlands of the greater Twiilingate Island, Baccalao, and the north point of New World Island, the cliffs present a scene of confusion and disturbance that defies description. The rocks aro shattered, twisted, and contorted into every conceivable form, while great faults occur rep i iedly, bringing remote members of the formation into close juxtapo,ition. For the most part, the strata of these cliffs are of hflHer quality than those seen on the Northern Twiilingate Island, i iJ so far ar could be asc'i't' ;ned, they seemed chiefly to be compos ' of quartzit«s, diorit«8, ar-l slate. These characteristic? tommue in a gcoater or less degree until entering Goldson's Arm, New World Island, where the unconformable conglomerates and sand- stones of the upper series are brought in. The north-western shore of Goldson's Arm constitutes the south-eastern boundary of the older formation, the cliffs of which are of diorite, magnesian slates, and a pale yellowish dolomite at the base, which is interstra- tified with bands of blcod-red jasper, from 6 to 7 inches thick. These strata are nearly vertical, tlie inclination generally towards the north-west. The resemblance, in many respects here observed, particularly in the presence of red jasper, suggests the probability of this mass of strata being the equivalent of the lower measures, exposed on the northern side of Notre Dame Bay, between Tilt Cove and Snook's .\rm. The south-eastern boundary of the formation is well marked in a low depression of the land, running from the head of Goldson's Arm, in a remarkably straight course, south-west, to the head of Indian Cove, on the main tickle ; thence it strikes in the same direction across Friday's Bay, southward of Trump Island, crosses the north-west peninsula of New World Island to liuke's Arm, and nms in the direction of the Sugar Loaf, south from Sampson's Island. Here tV.e course runs below the sea, and is probably in- terrupted by a mass of syenite, which was found to form Swan and I ^ 266 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Long Islands, and bearing thence about south by west, touches the western shore of Birchy Island, and of the Burnt Arm. On the western side of the syenite, the formation is aga'n recognised at South Head ; it occupies the whole of Thwart Island, and thence runs along the main shore of the northern arm of Exploits. From such evidences as have been ascertained, it seems probable that the terminal outcrop turns to the northward and north-west, at no great distance from the northern arm, and bears generally for the southern shores of Hall's Bay, where it comes against gneiss; but further investigation is still requisite to determine many points in this connection. Proceeding to the westward, Mr. Howley had not an oppor- tunity of closely examining the coast sections until reaching Triton Island, although he has little doubt, from the aspect and condition of the exposures observed from the vessel, that the rocks are all or chiefly of one horizon. The strata of Triton Island, near Triton Harbour, consist of dark greenish slates, with beds of quartzite, mottled with epidote, some of which are 2 feet thick, and bands of red jasper, from 6 inches to a foot thick. Veins of white quartz and bitter spar are frequent. The attitude of the strata is almost always nearly vertical ; but it appears, as at Twillingate, to be frequently repeated by a series of sharp corrugations. On the north side of Pilley's Island, the rock is principally a soft, crumb- ling, greenish slate, with occasional beds of a pale yellowish dolo- mite. These are thickly reticulated by small veins of white quartz and bitter spar, and the cliflfs arr much stained by green carbonate of copper. At Sunday Cove Island slates and dolomites are again exposed, with a mass of diorite, apparently at the base, which indicates tlie presence of copper, with iron pyrites to a large extent. At one place a metalliferous belt, of from 10 to 12 feet thick, was observed in the slates, with occasional interstratified layers of solid iron pyrites, from half an inch to 3 inches in thickness, in which yellow copper is disseminated in patches and specks. A little dis- tance from the metalliferous belt, a quartz vein, about 2 feet thick, intersects the strata running east by south, in which copper ore is thickly disseminated. It was observed that the ore was chiefly diffused through a thickness of about 6 inches on the south side of this vein, as far as it could be traced, which, however, was not far, >«! REPORT FOR ?871. 267 as it runs from the shore into a dingle or notch in the cliff, and is concealed below debris. Portions of the formation are exhibited on the northern head of Hall's Bay, on Little Bay Island, Little Bay Head, and all the points of Three Arms of Green Bay. On these noi-them points there would appear to be a preponderance of strata of a slaty character over the other usual material, some of which was remarkable for a concretionary structure. Iron pyrites abounds in these slates, and the cliifs are in many places streaked with car- bonate of copper, while the ores of that metal are represented as having been observed in considerable profusion at various parts of the Three Arms, and at the northern head of Hall's Bay. During the season's explorations, the only exposure that was recognised, as part of this formation, southward from the boundary already indicated, was on the Gander lliver, about 12 miles up its course, where a small section of serpentine composes the bank, from 5 to 6 feet high, extending for about 150 yards along the western shore. The area occupied by members of the formation at this part has not been ascertained ; but the gently undulating natdre of the surface of the country around is strikingly dis- similar to the features usually presented by the series, and it was supposed that the section in question might be of very limited extent, and was brought to the surface o.u the axis of an undulation, protruding through the lower measures of the unconformable and superior formation. Upper Formations, Trap Dykes, and Overflows. These formations appear to be distributed in tlie form of a rudely elliptical trough, with many irregular and deep indenta- tions on either side, extending from the vicinity of Kagged Harbour, on Sir Charles Hamilton's Sound, on the north-east, to the Victoria Brook, on Red Indian Pond, to the south-v'est. The northern outcrop runs in an irregular line through the Indian Islands, south oi Fogo, towards the Change Island Channel, makes ap. abrupt turn to the northward by the Change Islands, and is recognised again at Herring Head, on New World Island, striking south-westerly towards Goldson's Arm. Thence the contact with the inferior rocks is tolerably well marked to the northern arm of 268 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. Exploits. Nearly the whole valley of Exploits appears to be spread over by one part or another of these formations ; but the breadth of area on the northern side of the river is more limited than that on the south, as the final outcrop on the former side appears to run in a moderately straight line, from the northern arm to the confluence of the Badger Brook, and thence on to the north-eastern arm of the Bed Indian Pond. The southern boundary has not yet been traced out; but the level character of the country on the bouth side of the Exploits Biver seems to favour the pro- bability of the formation being extended over a great area in that direction. The most southern outcrop seen on the Gander Biver is between 7 and 8 miles up, within a short distance of the exposure of serpentine, whence the general strike would carry it roughly parallel with the main shore, towards the coast opposite the Penguin Islands, where it rests upon Laurentian gneiss. The evidences, so far, tend to show that while the formations butt up against the Quebec group on the northern and southern sides of the trough, they overlap the junction of the latter at the eastern and. western extremes. The central part of tin's elongated trough has been greatly disturbed for the whole length of its course, from the head of the Bed Indian Pond to the Dildo Bun, where vast dykes were seen to cut through the strata at very many parts, while great areas are spread over by overflows of trap, or breccious intercalations. These eruptive masses appear to run diagonally across the trough from Dildo Bun to the north-east, bearing for the northern end of Change Islands and the north-western head of Fogo ; thence on to the small islands beyond, in the same direction, where they probably come in contact with a portion of the lower formation, at no great distance from its junction with the Laurentian gneiss and granite, of which the greater part of the Island of Fogo is formed. By a glance at the map it will be immediately perceived that the course of this igneous action runs in a remarkably straight line north-east and south-west, and has, doubtless, given origin to the peculiar geograpliical features the region presents, and to the depression of the Exploits Valley. Moreover, the exact parallelism which obtains in this case, with the other main topographical features to the north and to the south, may be presumed to indicate that similar agencies were in active operation at the same REPORT FOR 1871. 269 or a subsequent period along the lines of all these great valleys. In the valleys of the Grand and Deer Ponds the evidences appear to show that such movements were in operation at all events at as late a date as the Carboniferous period. The base of the Upper and unconformable formation consists of conglomerate and sandstones, with slaty divisions, which, at Goldson's Sonnd, seora to come against the older and altered rocks in a slightly oblique direction, as if brought into their present position by a fault, the lower beds dipping about S. 55° E. < 24°. The lower conglomerates are of a reddish general colour, the matrix being constituted of fine reddish sand, sometimes slightly calcareous, which encloses well-rounded pebbles of quartz, red jasper, green jaspery slate, and fragments of magnesian rocka. The pebbles are not usually large, the largest being about the size of a hen's egg. The strata in ascending succession are "iMll of conglomerate character, but the colour gradually passes into grey, and there are numerous pebbles of gneiss and syenite mingled with the other qualities, and they are frequently characterised by the presence of hard, blue, or blackish cherty concretions, which weather a bright yellow, are sometimes concentric in structure, and of an elliptical shape. The islands of Goldson's Sound expose an alternation of conglomerates and red sandstones, with dark grey slates, which are themselves occasion- ally finely conglomerate, and were found to contain numerous stems of encrinites. Tiie dip of the slates is S. by W. 80". In front of the encrinal beds, on the long projecting point between the Arms of the Sound, and on the islets at the head of the northern arm, some strong beds of coarse conglomerate are exhibited, which are overlaid by black or dark grey slates, with thin beds of grey sandstone, of from 1 to 6 inches thick. The conglomerate is often very calca eous, and frequently contains irregular intercalations of limestone. The dip of the^e rocks is S. 20^ E. < 60°. Both the conglomerates and associated beds above the encrinal slates were found to be very fossiliferous, and in their strike up the southern shore of the eastern arm, were there found to pass beneath another mass of coarse conglomerate, which forms the escarpment to the hills, which strike in the direction of the point between Pike's and Little Cobb's Arm. The total thickness of this part of the formation, from the junction with the T 270 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. older group to the last-meutioned conglomerate, was estimated to be about 2000 feet. The fossils recognised in the strata alluded to, appear to be types of the Middle or Upper Silurian series, or about the horizon of the Llandovery group of the British Survey. Some of those previously collected were referred to Mr, Billings, of the Canadian Survey, who identified the following genera and species : — Favositea Oothlandica, Heliolitea'i Zaphrentia helUsriata, an encrinite referred to the genus GlyptocrinuB, a coral referred to the genus HeliophyUum, Orihis ruida, Lepteena sericea, or perhaps Tranaveraalis, ventral valve of an ortbis like 0. Davidsoni, Strophomena rhomhoidolia, Atripa reticularis, Stricklandinia lens, Modiolopais, Amhionychia, a trilobite, genus Encrimirua; and some others not determinable. The conglomerates of the escarpment above mentioned are succeeded by a set of slates which are occasionally sh'ghtly micaceous, with beds of quartzite from 2 inches to a foot thick, the strata of which run out upon the coast on the south-east side of Goldson's Sound, usually called Burnt Arm, at the head of which arm the slates pass beneath a mass of limestone, with black slate and trap breccia. At this part trap intrusions are met with, and the strata are violently disturbed, and altered in some parts in such a degree as to assume somewhat the aspect of the inferior formation ; but the occasional presence of fossils, amongst which was one resembling ZaphretUis, and some Encrinitea, was supposed to indicate a horizon of later date than the Quebec group. Following up the section across New World Island to Cobb's Arm, the strata appear to be folded over by sharp undulations, the axes of which run north-east and south-west, and at Great Cobb's Arm, the limestone with black slate, and trap breccia is largely exhibited, the fossiliferous slates coming in at the upper part of the arm, and apparently passing below. Beneath the limestone at Cobb's Arm a set of jet-black shales were found to contain Grapiolitea, and the limestone is succeeded above by a set of grey calcareous slates, with occasional beds of pale grey sandstone. These extend across to the southern shores of the Island at Dildo Run, where they come against the trap in a vertical attitude. Among the fossils found in these slates, which were generally rather obscure, was one very much resembling Discina REPORT FOR 1871. 271 Pdopea (page 51, " Palaeozoic Fossils," * Geological Survey of Canada '), and some well-marked fucoida. In the eastern prolongation of the trough, beyond the belt of trap, limestone with slate make at some parts a great display. The greater part of the Indian Islands is of slate, much of which is black, with smooth silky surfaces, and a cleavage parallel with the bedding, and occasional beds of grey arenaceous rock inter- stratified. The general strike is east and west, the strata inclining to the south at a very high angle or vertical. The southern shore of the Eastern Indian Island is skirted by a grey, shrivelled, calcareous slate, which is intercalated by irregular or lenticular masjics of limestone, which in their western strike are more fully developed upon Yellow Fox Island. Here the calcareous masses range from 10 to 30 feet thick, and contain abundance of fossils, chiefly corals and encrinites. The structure of the limestone intercalations is slaty, and it was found that the base of the lowest band was thickly sprinkled throughout with coarse, globular- shaped grains of sand of a brick-red colour. On the south side of Yellow Fox Island the slates alternate with thin beds of slaty limestone from 4 to 5 inches thick, which are filled with broken stems and fragments of encrinites, together with a few remains of corals resembling Zaphrentis, and others more obscure. A spiral univalve also was found at one place, at the eastern end of the same island, resembling a Murchisonia. The rocks exhibited on the Indian Islands rise again on the south side of the synclinal, and appear to have a considerably wide spread over the region between Ragged Harbour and Gander Bay. They were also observed upon the Gander River, and probably occupy a great area between that river and Exploits Arm. Between the northern arm of Exploits and the mouth of the river, the coast displays sections of considerable volume, consisting of sandstones, conglomerates, and slutes, representing the measures seen at Goldson's Arm. The exposures between the Northern and Peter's Arms are in a disturbed condition, being cut up by several greenstone dykes. Here the same strata are several times repeated by a succession of undulations, dipping in opposite directions, north or south ; but between Peter's Arm and Wigwam Point, the dip is moderately regular and always to the soutliward, T 2 i 272 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. varying in the rate of inclination from 40° to 80°. There appeared, however, to be evidence of a repetition of strata at one place, by means of a transverse fault, with an upthrow on the south side, allowing for which, the thickness of the accumulation is nothing less than 2300 feet. The lower measures of this section are less of conglomerate character than the equivalent at Goldson's Sound ; many of the beds are very calcareous. The colour is in great part of various shades of red, passing into brown or greyish. Many surfaces are very distinctly ripple-marked, and the thicker and more shaly beds always exhibit the elementary layers of deposition, usually called false "bedding. The only fossils that were recognised in these arenaceous rocks were fucoids ; but at the top of the section, near Wigwam Point, and at Norris' Arm, a mass of conglomerate, with calcareous intercalations, contains organic remains in pro- fusion, of types exactly corresponding with those already enumerated from Goldson's Sound. The conglomerate, with fossils and calcareous intercala ions, comes out on the left bank of the river at Martin Eddy ^'oint, about 3 miles above Wigwam Point, where it dips N. 65° W. < 65°, while on the opposite bank the dip is south-westerly ; but at the turn of the stream, opposite Jumper's Brook, an intrusive mass of trap reveals the cause of the disturbance, by which or similar agencies the strata have been affected more or less for the whole length of the river's course. Running nearly with the river's bed, this trap cuts through the arenaceous deposits, and gives rise to a set of short folds, or wrinkles, on either side of the iqtrusion, which are beautifully displayed at the Bishop's Falls, where the axes of the corrugations run N. 65° W., S. 65° E. The prevailing colour of the sedimentary rocks is reddish ; but there are portions that are grey, and others greenish, and some parts are micaceous. The lower beds at Bishop's Fall are slaty in structure, with thin interstratified layers of sandstone, the whole overlaid by strong massive beds of sandstone, with partings of green and greyish arenaceous slate. The surfaces of both the thick and the thin beds are nearly always ripple-marked ; but although some obscure forms, which may have had an organic origin, were frequently perceptible, no fossils were discovered sufficiently well defined to be identified. At the lower part of the Grand Falls a great dyke of green- REPORT FOR 1871. 273 stone, from 40 to 50 feet wide, intersects a set of slates and quartzites, running a little obliquely across the river S. 49° W., N. 49° £. The rock? on each side of the dyke are much altered near the contact ; arc hard, compact, and brittle, and break with a choncoidal fracture. At a little distance from the intrusion, there are some reddish strata of a slaty structure, and a few beds of conglomerate ; but the mass consists chiefly of black ferruginous slate, containing small lenticular fragments of limestone, of a dark blue colour and very tine texture, which weather a bright yellow, and thin bands of from half an inch to 1 inch thick of black chert. At the top of the Grand Falls the red sandstones are again displayed, dipping S. 76° E. < SO"", with great regularity ; but above at the chute, great disturbance is once more manifested, and another trap dyke, about 20 feet thick, runs across the river, N. 18° E., S. 18° W. The rock exposures above the chute consist in a great measure of trap breccia, containing angular fragments of slate, some lime- stone, and not unfrequently pure white calc spar, the latter some- times in small thin seams or veins, and also in masses filling up cavities. There are also exposures of a bright sea-green slate, a little below liushy Brook, above which the rocks are concealed upon the river for several miles. At the chute below the con- fluence of the Badger Brook, the banks exhibit strata of a like description to the above, associated with sandstones and con- glomerates, dipping northerly, above which more slates with thin layers of compact sandstone, from 1 to 2 inches thick, are brouglit in, and accumulate upon a dip < 50°, for about 300 yards. The surfaces of these slates weather black or dark brown, and are fretted by numerous, usually small, circular holes, some, however, upwards of 6 inches in diameter. Above the Badger Brook, a set of very ferruginous slates, with intercalations of limestone and bands of black chert, occupy the banks, nearly all tlie way to the upper falls, where they are exhibited in great disturbance, and brought into coatact with compact strong beds of quartzite, by dislocations. In the slates Graptolites were found in certain zones in great profusion. Masses of limestone are intercalated, both with the graptolitic slates and the more solid rocks below ; in the first case, in lenticular forms of various thicknesses from 3 inches to 3 feet ; in the second, in 274 GEOLOGICAL SUUVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. the form of elongated flattened spheres^ or in nodules ; while some beds are speckled by small white spots of carbonate of lime. Some surfaces were found to be covered by fucoidal remains. Obscure forms, suspected to be corals, were observed with the calcareous masses, and occasional beds were ripple-marked. The graptolitic slates and associated strata, striking up the river, were recognised at several parts between the upper falls and Bed Indian Pond; and Anally, near the entrance to the Victoria Brook, where some strong bands of limestone constitute a part of the section, displayed in a series of acute corrugations ; but at the lower part of the lake the rocks are of intrusive greenstone or trap breccia. A dyke of uncertain thickness runs into the lake at the upper end of the north-east arm, bearing for and reappearing at the western end above Buchan's Island, where it assumes a columnar basaltic character, the columns mostly pentagonal in shape, and [inclined to a nearly horizontal position. Thence it runs near the margin of the lake in the direction of the Upper Valley, and at the foot of the Laurentian hills, immediately inland. Coarsely breccious rocks, which are often very calcareous, occupy the shores on each side of the dyke at the lower end of the lake, in which irregularly shaped masses of white, and sometimes pinkish colon -ed, carbonate of lime were often found to occupy the cells and cavities, while large angular fragments of quartzite and slate are bound together by a trappean paste. It was occasionally observed that a structure resembling a coral {Favosites ?) occurred in the calcareous portions of the breccia. Some isolated patches of the formation were observed on Long Island, Little Bay Island, and at Hall's Bay Head, in Notre Dame Bay. On Long Island the strata consist of black slate, which some- times holds spherical concretions, overlaid by a thick bed of lime- stone, holding encrinites, which is succeeded above by sandstones and conglomerates. These were found to occupy the narrow isthmus between Cutwell's Harbour and Lush's Bight, in the form of a trough, Avith the longer axis bearing nearly east and west, flanked upon each side by great masses of porphyry, which con- siitute the rest of the island. Some small trap dykes run nearly in the strike of the strata, intersecting them obliquely. The central part of Little Bay Island appears to be composed of porphyritic trap, with a great amount of feldspathic rock, 11 REPORT FOR 1871. 275 while some Eite of lime, lal remains, ed with the irked. Tiie river, were Is and Bed ;he Victoria ite a part of ; but at the reenstone or I the lake at reappearing t assumes a intagoual in Thence it f the Upper immediately jT calcareous, jr end of the 1 sometimes ► occupy the [lartzite and occasionally ?) occurred ed on Long '^otre Dame ivhich some- )ed of lime- r sandstones the narrow in the form it and west, which con- I run nearly 3 composed athic rock, probably a volcanic ash, in which obscure lines of stratification were sometimes visible. On the east and on the west side of the island strata of conglomerate and sandstone come abruptly against these rocks, the latter apparently having protruded through and on the east side overturned the sediments, which dip towards tliem. The conglomerate is usually very coarse, and sometimes brecciated — fragments of angular rock, consisting chiefly of j)orphyry, often upwards of 2 feet by 1, being frequent, while at other parts of the same beds the pebbles are small and distinctly rounded. The sandstones which succeed tlie conglomerate beds are of fine grain, very compact, and of a bluish-grey colour, and are frequently cliaracterised by small seams and nodules of white and occasionally pinkish calc spar. A small islet off the north- west angle of the island exposes several layers of limestone, some of which are pure white, resting upon beds of compact sandstone or quartzite, and is overlaid by 10 or 15 feet of conglomerate with arenaceous slaty divisions. Fossils are abundant in the limestone, although usually obscure ; among which are several turbinated shells, one resembling a Pleurotamaria ? an Orthocera, and encrinite stems. At Hall's Bay Head rocks of the Upper series come in contact with the lower formation, where the junction is marked by a dingle or depression running across the point, bearing north-west and south-east. Between the dingle and the headland is all occupied by members of the Upper group. The strata are con- glomerates, slates, and sandstones, the upper beds of which are coarsely conglomerate, and appear to correspond with the con- glomerates of Little Bay Island.* Economic Materials. The frequent occurrence of the ores of copp«>r in the rocks of the older series, and especially near those of magnesian quality, favours the probability that some localities will be met with in the region of Notre Dame Bay, where mining operations may be advantageously pursued ; but it must be borne in mind that the extraction of metalliferous ores is at all times very uncertuin, and invariably, even under the most favourable circumstances, * More particulars regarding tlicse rocks, and of the traps, &c., of the region gincrjilly, will bo given hereafter, necompanied with a miip of illustrations. I I I i (■ 270 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. atteuded with great expense, before a remunerative return is possible. Many futile attempts have already been made at certain parts of Notre Dame Bay and elsewhere, to open up copper mines, which have, one after the other, been abandoned, not so much on account of the absolute absence of the expected ore, as by the indiscriminate and unsystematic manner in which the experiments were directed. If grantees of locations were to make accurate superficial surveys of their grants, and to lay down every par- ticular correctly on a plan on a good scale, as their preliminary step, they would save a vast amount of trouble in the future, whether the adventure proved successful or otherwise, and they would be enabled to represent the circumstances intelligibly to other interested parties. Hitherto considerable sums of money have been uselessly expended in sinking shafts and driving drifts, apparently without any consideration as to local peculiarities or geological distribution ; whereas, had correct superficial surveys been made in the first instance, the probable cost of which would be infinitely less than experimental openings^ the facts afterwards recorded on paper would be found to guide subsequent operations, in the conduction of underground excavations, or be of a nature to deter proceeding further in a process which must terminate in inevitable loss. The indications presented at the Twillingate Islands, at Sunday Cove Island, Pilley's Island, the Three Arms of Green Bay, and other pai'ts, may be in many cases worthy of a fair trial ; and a plan of the selected ground, upon a scale of, say 4 chains to 1 inch, accompanied with profile sections, would probably show whether the outlay of extensive excavations would be warrantable ; nevertheless, the diffusion of metalliferous ores, whatever their mode of occurrence, is almost always so fickle and inconstant that no foresight is capable of determining the eventual result with certainty. Building material of various qualities abounds in Notre Dame Bay and adjacent regions, some of an enduring and elegant description, and conveniently situated for shipment. The syenite of Long Island, Exploits, may be particularly recommended as one of these ; it is a feldspathic rock of a reddish colour, fine grained, and compact, but being regularly divided by rectangular joints, may be easily quarried out in blocks of any required dimensions ; REPORT FOR 1871. 277 return is at certain per mines, > much on as by the Lperiments e accurate every par- reliminary he future, , and they jlligibly to of money i^ing drifts, liarities or al surveys hich would afterwards operations, i nature to rminate in at Sunday [1 Bay, and ial ; and a chains to )ably show irrantable ; ever their inconstant tual result otre Dame id elegant 'he syenite ided as one xe grained, ular joints, mensions ; many such are already to be found naturally removed and strewed upon the beach. There is good anchorage close by, or in a cove at Swan Island immediately opposite, where the material might be shipped without danger or inconvenience. Similar rocks occur on Swan Island, Red Ochre Island, and on Birch Island. On the islands in Dildo Run, especially on Dunnage, Shell- Bird, Dog, White, and Chapel Islands, there are varieties of porphyry of an excellent description for building purposes. Many of these are of a dark-grey general colour, a/.d are very hard, but appear to dress well, and make a handsome and lasting material. Porphyries also occur on liong Island of Notre Dame Bay, and the neighbouring islands. A grey micaceous sandstone is represented on the eastern side of Change Islands, as being a good building stone; as are also some of the gneissoid beds and syenites of Fogo and the Wadhams. Among the sandstones of the section between Peter's Arm and Wigwam Point, some beds are remarkably well adapted for build- ing purposes ; particularly near the base of the section at Peter's Point, where some bands of the strata are of a yellowish-grey colour, in solid beds of from 10 to 18 inches thick, slightly calcareous, which dress with great ease and give a handsome surface. This rock, running up into a clifif close by the water's edge, would be easily quarried, and is most conveniently situated for embarka- tion. The thin beds of the same section are in many cases well adapted for flagging. Exposures of limestone occur at Great Cobb's Arm and Burnt Arm of Goldson's Sound, in New World Island ; at the Salt-pans in Friday's Bay, Lush's Bight on Long Island, and Little Bay Islands of Notre Dame Bay. At Great Cobb's Arm an almost unlimited supply may be derived from the cliffs of the sea-shore alone, where, indeed, it is already partially quarried, and has proved by actual experiment to be of excellent quality for all the ordinary purposes of lime. Schooner loads of this limestone aro annually transported to St. John's, where it is burned and used to a considerable extent. By careful selection, blocks of good building stone might be taken from these limestones; but the strata being usually considerably shattered by disturbance, it would involve some di£Bculty to procure such material in large quantity. 278 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. nPrr and the same objection applies to its economic valno as a marble, although it appears in many cases to be susceptible of taking a high polish. A stratified drab-coloured clay occupies the banks of the lower reaches of the Exploits Kiver below the Bishop's Falls, which appears to be well adapted for the manufacture of bricks. The river is navigable for small vessels or large boats as far as Jumper's Brook, where the tidewater terminates. Many parts of both sides of the main river below Jumper's Brook are well situated for the establishment of brick yards, and timber for fuel is everywhere omply abundant. Specimens of the ores, and all other mineral substances of economic value, may be seen at this office, and further particulars regarding their distribution, &c., explained on the map. I have, &c., • (Signed) Alexander Murray. To His Excellency Colonel Hill, C.B., Governor of Newfoundland, St. John's. ( 279 ) CHAPTER XII. REPORT FOR 1872.— AVALON PENINSULA — MR. IIOWLEY'8 SURVEY OF ROCKY RIVER, Ac. Qkolooioal Scbtbt Ornoi, St. John's, 1873. May it please your Excellency, — I have the honour to submit for your consideration tho following Report " fV»e progress made upon the geological survey for the year 1872. As much time and attention was required for the necessary equipment of the Museum, and subsequently for the arrangement of the geological collection, the field work for the season was restricted to the examination of certain parts of the peninsula of Avalon, and a portion of Trinity Bay, in order to be within reach of communication with St. John's, where these duties frequently demanded my presence. A topographical survey of the Rocky River and some of its tributaries was also effected, and has been laid down on a scale of 1 inch to 1 mile. In accordance with an understanding entered into with your Excellency and Council in the early part of the year, I have been engaged for some time past in drawing up a general condensation of former Reports of progress, which, when completed, I hope will be found useful and instructive, as throwing some light upon the geographical character as well as the geological structure of this large and important island, hitherto almost unknown ; and which may hereafter be of service in the development of her material resources. The condensed Report will be accompanied by a map, reduced from the most recent surveys of the coast, and from my own surveys of the interior, to a scale of 25 miles to an inch; and it is also intended to be illustrated by some vertical sections showing the geological arrangement across certain districts of country, and by drawings of the more characteristic fossil forms representative of the several formations. The map is now in the hands of Mr. E. Stanford, of Charing Cross, London, to be engraved 280 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. on copper. The secti'^ns and fossils I hope to have done on stone and in woodcuts at Montreal, under the superintendence of Sir William Logan.* The inconvenience felt from the absence of any reliable plans of the topography of the country, whereon to delineate the geology, has been frequently dwelt upon in former Keports, and as this defect applies equally to the peninsula of Avalon as to the remoter interior, I considered it advisable to use all my available spare time in triangulating in the most prominent geographical features in the neighbourhood of St. John's, and in measuring the public roads by bearings by compass and paced distances. Starting from points of the coast fixed by the ofiScers of the Admiralty survey, the points brought in by the triangulation were made to act as checks upon the paced distances, and the whole so far as done, when plotted to scale, produced a tolerably accurate and satis- factory result. This survey, while essential for the correct repre- sentation of geological detail, will be found very useful for other general or local purposes, and I intend, with the approval of your Excellency and Council, to extend such like surveys upon ev^ry convenient occasion. The purpose of my visit to Trinity Bay was to ascertain as accurately as possible the boundary lines between the Hurouian series of rocks and those of Primordial Silurian age, which forma- tions had already been recognised by ]Mr. Howley in the year 1869, and partially traced out. Moreover, there being reasons to suspect the existence of mineral deposits which might prove of importance, acted as a further incentive to explore those regions with as much care as time and circumstances would permit. By following the shores of Trinity Bay south from Heart's Content, an opportunity was afforded for marking the junction of the two above-mentioned formations at various parts between that port and Tickle Harbour, where the outcrop of the upper series terminates in that direction ; and, finally, for examining the subordinate rocks exhibited in the cliffs and mountains between Tickle Harbour and Kantera Cove. The discovery of fossil forms in the Hurouian rocks of St. John's, which were recently examined and described by Mr. Billings of the Geological Survey of Canada, is not only a new and interesting * The map was published in 1873, aud a second edition since that date. REPORT FOR 1872. 281 geological fact, but is also of much value to the explorer while following out the structure, as it appears to mark a particular zone or horizon of the formation which is limited to the subdivision d of No '^ section of my Report for 1868. The survey of the Rocky River waters was entirely trusted to Mr. Howley, after I had fixed the position of certain starting-points in the neighbourhood of lirigus, and I am pleased to have it in my power to inform your Excellency that the result of his work is highly satisfactory. Drainage, &c., Central Avalon. Of the numerous streams which flow into Trinity, Conception, Placentia, and St. Mary's Bays, and drain this great peninsula, three of the most important and most accessible fall into St. Mary's Bay. These are the Salmonier, the Collinet, and the Rocky Rivers. The former is probably the largest outlet for the waters of the eastern half of the peninsula, while the two latter, which run parallel to, and with but a narrow watershed between each other, drain a very large, if not the greater part of the central area. Several ctreams also discharge their waters into Trinity and Con- ception Bays, among the chief of which are the Dildo River of Trinity Bay, the Spaniard's Bay River of Conception Bay, and the two brooks which fall into the latter bay, one into the Northern and the other into the Southern Gut. With the exception of the Salmonier, the head waters of all these streams interlock with each other, in many cases being but short distances apart, but flowing in contrary directions. These waters take their rise upon an elevated plateau, extending lengthwise north and south over a large area, which is bounded c i the west by the hill ranges of Placentia, and on the east by those of Conception Bay. Tiie maximum height of those sources is between 300 and 400 feet above the level of the sea, from whence the rivers flow through narrow valleys enclosed between rounded ridges, mostly parallel to each other, which rarely attain an elevation over about 300 feet above the general level of the plain. A great part of this plateau consists of wide marshes or barrens, sparsely timbered or utterly bare, but there are also large tracts of coimtry covered by forest, where the timber occasionally reaches a medium size. The facili- ties for canoe navigation, together with the central position of the I ' 282 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ' ,r'i 1, ir Eocky Eiver, were inducements to select that stream for special survey and examination, of which the following is a description. The tabular form given below of the general courses and distances between marked points on that survey, commencing at Brigus Harbour, will be found of service in following the further detail.* No. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 CourBC. S. 61° W. S. 54° W. N. 58° W. N. 88° W. S. 24° W. B. 81° W. N. 87° W. N. 82° W. S. 66° W. S. 17° E. S. 28° W. S. 19° W. South Dietancc. mis, cbs. 4 40 2 60 34 78 3 35 35 40 40 * 70 56 1 13 3 75 7 37 Height above High- water Mark. feet. 45 351 288 280 246 246 189 126 Remarks, &c. fFrom Bea-lcvel at Brigus to Mackiiisou'a farm, \ upon the Telegraph line. /Along the Telegrapii line to end of portage to \ Battin's Pond. To Battin's Pond, head of Hodge Waters. From Battin's Pond to iulet of Level Pond. iFrom Level Pond, along a suite of lakes to tho outlet of Brigus Grand Pond, at the crossing of Telegraph line. /From outlet of Brigus Grand Pond to inlet of \ Hodge Water Pond. Across Hodge Water Pond to the outlet. /From outlet of Hodge Water Pond, across Nu- \ cool-minni-guloo Gospen. iFrom outlet of Nu-cool-minni-guloo Gospen, along general course of Hodge Water River to inlet to Taboo-minnigu-guloo Gospen. /From inlet to Taboo-minnigu-guloo to outlet of \ Tseist-minnigu-guloo Gospen. IFrom outlet of Tseist-minnigu-guloo Gospen to outlet of WegedigulsilxK) Gospen. The Big Barren River falls in on the south-east side of Wagedigulsiboo. i General course of river from outlet of Wage- digulsiboo Gospen to tho forks of main brook of Kocky River. To the falls of Rocky River. The top of the falls is from 20 to 25 feet above high-water mark. The average height of the cliffs below the falls is from 40 to 50 feet. The Bio Barren Branch of same River, a.scendino. N. 85°E. 35 2 21 S. 27° B. N. 45° E. N. 31° E. N. 11° E. 1 70 4 15 48 189 230 233 240 246 /From outlet of Wagedigulsiboo to inlet of ditto \ from Big Baoren Brook. /From mouth of Big Barren Brook, straight course \ up the stre.im, to outlet from Tusem Gospen. iFrom outlet of Tusem Gosp<^n to iulet into Mestiguc-gundaly Gospen; general course of river and ponds. / General course up Big Barron Pond to head, at I end of portage to Hodge Water Pond. Portage to south-wtst end of Hodge Water Pond. I • The courses given in the table are oil from the trne nioridinn, and indicate tlio straight directions and distaticos from one point to nnother without reference to roads, sinuosities of rivers or lakes, or irrogulurity of stuiiu-cs. REPORT FOR 1872, 283 inlet of ditto The waters of the Kocky and Collinet Rivers combined drain an area of about 100 square miles. The former is supplied through the channels of three main branches, namely, the Hodge Water, the Big Barren, and the Main Brooks, besides many tribu- taries of smaller size. The Hodge Water, which is the largest of these three branches, takes its ultimate rise in a small pond of about 2 acres area of surface called Battin's Pond, to which there is no visible inlet. From this source the stream flows westerly, as shown in course No. 4 of the table, into Level Pond, of about 4J acres area, whence turning southerly, and occasionally opening out in a succession of small ponds, varying in size from 1 to 5 acres, it expands at length into Brigus Grand Pond, a long but narrow sheet of water, with a very irregular contour of coast, having an area of about 42 square acres. The next large expansion to the westward of this latter pond is Hodge Water, from whence this branch of the river derives its name, and which is situated as shown on the 6th course. It extends with many indentations on the eastern and western shores, and with several small islands dotting its surface, for about a mile and a half to the northward of course No. 7, and has a total area of about 37 square acres. The lower ponds indicated in the table upon the Hodge Water branch vary in size from about 2 to 13 acres area of surface. The Big Barren branch proceeds from a long narrow lake called Big Barren Pond, known also to the coast settlers as Ocean Pond, the northern end of which is, as shown in the table, within a little more than half a mile from the south-west end of Hodge Water Pond. The area of Big Barren Pond is nearly 100 acres, and there are three other expansions on the stream below before reacliing the junction, with surfaces of from 2 to 8 acres. The so-called Main Brook joins the river at the termination of course No. 12. The ascent bears north-westerly for a little over a mile, at the end of which a brook of good size falls in from tho northward, the main branch making a sharp turn southerly just above the junction for about a mile and a half, above wbicli tlie U[)ward bearing is westerly for a few miles, finally sweeping round to the north-west and north to the head waters. The course of this branch is represented to be very I'apid generally, en 1 to be interrupted by numerous falls. The interlocking of the hydrographic features of the region already spoken of, is remarlvablo. The Collinet and Goulds Rivers GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. !l7i i 8! are said to take their origin within little more than a mile of each other, and between 2 and 3 miles to the eastward of Big Barren Pond, the former flowing southerly and emptying into St. Mary's Bay, near the debouch of the Eocky Biver; while the latter flowing north-easterly, discharges into the Southern Gut in Conception Bay. To the westward of the Rocky Itiver on the other hand, the north flowing streams are the Dildo, Spaniard's Bay, and Northern Gut ; of which the Dildo is the largest, and empties into Trinity Bay ; and the south flowing, the western tributaries of Rocky River and the North Harbour River of St. Mary's Bay. The Dildo River, according to the descrip- tion given by the Indians, rises within a little over 6 miles from the northern parts of St. Mary's Bay, and sweeping to the west- ward of the main brook of Rocky River, and passing on its course within about a mile from the head waters of the Spaniard's Bay River, finally falls into Dildo Arm. The Spaniard's Bay and Northt^rn Gut streams rise in close proximity to each other, and iflow in a general parallel direction to their outlets in Conception Bay. Upon the latter stream a large lake is represented to exist, known as Snow's Pond, which is situated about 2 or 3 miles north-west from the head of the Hodge Water system. The general level character of the country on the eastern side of the Rocky River is favourable for the construction of a line of road, by which direct communication would be effected between St. Mary's and Conception Bays. The most direct line for such a construction would run on a course a little eastward of north from Rocky River bridge to the bt nd of the Big Barren Brook below the little lake called "Tusem Gospen," where the stream would be crossed, and thence north-easterly along the ridge which divides the waters of the Big Barren and Hodge Water branches, to tap the Telegraph line at the southern end of Brigus Grand Pond. Probably a communication might also be contrived between St. IMary's and Trinity Bays, by following the west bank of the main brook of the Rocky River and along the watershed of the Dildo, to the Telegraph line about 2 miles east of Spread Eagle Peak. Although the general character of the country through which this survey runs, possesses no especial agricultural advantages, there are, nevertheless, many spots where the soil is rich and deep, and which might be reclaimed with advantage. Such, "9 REPORT FOR 1872. 285 for example, is the valley of the Goulds Brook, which falls into the South Gut on the north side of course No. 1 of the table ; at the termination of which course the beautiful farm called "the Goulds," the property of Mr. Makinson, is situated. Intie[)en(lently of various crops yielded to a superior system of cultivation at this farm, I was informed that in tlie year 1871 there were no less than 500 tons of hay harvested, much of which was the indigenous produce of the low lands. Mr. Makinson is the possessor of from 2000 to 30U0 acres of land in one block here, heavily timbered with spruce, fir, and yellow birch, over a large area. He maintains a large stock of well-bred cattle, and several horses, besides sheep, pigs, and poultry. There are other farms in the same locality, similarly circumstanced in regard to agricultural capability. AfttT leaving the valley of the Goulds Brook, following the Telegraph line, as on course No. 2, the country '^^ imes rugged, scantily timbered, and much encumbered by boulders ; characteristics which obtain over the greater part of the surface on the eastern side of the upper lakes, including the Brigus Grand Pond, the Hodge Water, and Big Barren Pond. On the western side of Brigus Grand Pond and north from Hodgo Water, there is an extensive tract of well-timbered country, and occasional spots capable of improve- ment, although usually more or less strewed over with boulders. The tract between the Big Barren Pond branch and the Hodge Water Kiver is mostly marsh, with ridges of lighter timber of the usual varieties, until reaching the lake above Wagedigulsiboo, where the aspect of the country assumes a more fertile appearance, and the trees of the forest, although nowhere large, are of fair size and quality, consisting of pine, spruce, fir, and yellow birch. Much of the lower valley appears to be of good soil, especially near the forks of the Rocky main brook, where it consists of a deep sandy yellow loam, free from large boulders, and producing many stout sticks of spruce, &c., the best of which, however, wherever easily accessible, have been already culled out, and driven down the river to the settlements in St. Mary's Bay. Distribution of the Formations. The stratigraphical relation between the Huronian series of rocks with the group at the base of the Silurian system, hitherto 286 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. distinguished as Primordial, has been described in former Reports ; and in that for the year 1868 a section is given of the succession and superposition as displayed between St. John's and Great Bell Island in Conception Bay. In the Report for 1870 a more detailed section of the Primordial Silurian group will be found, giving the sequence as nearly as could be ascertained at the time of the whole development of that formation, by coincidence of structure and superposition, as exhibited at the various localities of its distri- bution. Although further research may demand some modifica- tion of the structure represented in those sections, as well as in the contour of the boundary lines, as formerly described, they will be found suflBciently accurate as general reference for present purposes. Since the date of those Reports a varied collection of fossils has been submitted to the palaeontologist of the Geological Survey of Canada for examination, who recently sent me a very interesting account of his results, some of which will be quoted below. It has already been stated at the beginning of this Report, that fossils have at length been discovered in the Huronian rocks of Newfoundland, they being also the first and only organisms yet identified within those ancient sediments. In a pamphlet entitled " Additional Notes on the Taconic Controversy," Mr. Billings thus describes this fossil, with a drawing of the same, taken from a small slab found at St. John's, Newfoundland. Aspidella Terranovica, spe. and gen. nov. "These are small ovate fossils, 5 or 6 lines in length, and about one-fourth less in width. They have a narrow, ring-like border, within which there is a concave space all round. In the middle there is a longitudinal roof-like ridge, from which radiate a number of grooves to the border. The general aspect is that of a small Chiton or Patella, flattened by pressure. It is not probable, however, that they are allied to either of these genera. " Associated with these are numerous specimens of what a^ pear to be ArenicoUtea spiralis, a fossil that occurs in a formation lying below the Primordial rocks in Sweden. Those fossils were first discovered by A. Murray, Esq., F.G.S., in 1866. Other specimens were collected by Capt. Kerr, R.N., Mr. Howley, and Lieut. REPORT FOR 1872. 287 Reports ; accession reat Bell ) detailed iving tlie the whole :ture and its distri- moditica- well as in ibed, they [or present a of fossils ical Survey interesting low. leport, that an rocks of nanisms yet ilet entitled filings thus :rom a small 1 length, and Lv, ring-like Ld. In the Ihich radiate 3ct is that of iot probable, I what aipear Imation lying Tils were first ler specimens and Lieut. Robinson, R.N. They occur near St. John's in the Huronian. A more detailed description will be given hereafter." The vertical range of this fossil, as far as yet ascertained, is limited to the slates (cZ) of the section (1868), which immediately underlie the Signal Hill group (e,/, g), and upon which tho town of St. John's stands, where it was first discovered. In the course of our survey during the past year, similar organisms were found in equivalent strata in Trinity Bay, at several parts of the valley of the Eocky River, and at Ferryland, showing its wide range laterally; in some cases literally covering extensive surfaces of the rock with forms large and small, while in others they were found scantily sprinkled here and there in isolated individuals. The exact line of contact between the Huronian and the more recent system of rocks in Trinity Bay, is often obscure and difficult to detect, being frequently concealed under a mass of worn debris, the common ruins of both ; but the boundary is generally more or less distinctly indicated by a cut or depression of the land, where the escarpment of the newer system faces towards the land, and the strata of which it is composed dip towards the sea. The resemblance that exists in lithological character between the upper strata of the one and the lower strata of the other, is apt in many cases to be very deceptive, especially in the absence of organic remains, or where the exposures are of limited volume ; and hence it is that the presence of the Aspidella is frequently of marked value as an indicator of the horizon, no forms bearing any resemblance to that fossil having ever been recognised in the rocks of the upper series, nor are they as yet known to exist in any of the strata, by which the slates {d) are underlaid. Taking then the horizon of the Aspidella slates as a starting-point in the section, we find them exposed at the head of New Harbour, in Trinity Bay, dipping from S. 30° E. to S. 45° E. < 30° to 35°. Tlie slates are overlaid here by a few beds of greyish compact sandstone, with one of coarse grain or fine conglomerate, which may be taken to represent the base of the Signal Hill rocks, at e. In their northern strike these rocks, with a portion of the green and purple felsite slates below, the equivalents of c were recognised at the head of Hopeall Bay, dipping in a southerly direction ; and at the rear of the harbour of Heart's Content, the division c is repre- u 2 I f iiil..iU i 288 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. m\ ' i. sented by a great mass of corrugated slates, which constitute the hill ranges. The southern strike of the same rocks would carry them to the head of Dildo Arm, near the exit of the river, but that arm was not visited, and the whole of the outer coast from Heart's Content to Tickle Harbour exhibit portions of the newer formation, to be mentioned hereafter. The rocks of the western coast of Trinity Bay, between Tickle Harbour and Bay Bulls Arm, and which constitute the isthmus that joins the peninsula to the mainland, are classed in former Reports as of Huronian age, and all the evidence yet produced favour such a conclusion ; still there are differences in lithological condition of a very distinct character, which must not be overlooked. These differences seem to have arisen from intense volcanic agency, which at various periods has affected the whole of the western part of the peninsula, to a much greater extent than is usually per- ceptible over the eastern parts. Huge intrusive dykes of various quality intersect the formation, and the strata are in large part made up of great beds of scoriaceous conglomerates or breccias, volcanic ash, and other igneous products interstratified with green or reddish felsite slates, and some cream-coloured, wrinkled, finely micaceous or probably talcose slates, which are slightly greasy to the touch. Similar slates to these last are mentioned in my Report for 1868, p. 152, as occurring in the neighbourhood of the La Manche mine, flanking the eastern and south-eastern sides of the hills of that location, which are of greenstone or porphyry. The run of the great intrusive masses varies from N. 20° W. to N. 30° W. ; the strike of the stratification is N. 33^ E., S. 33^ W., the strata frequently folding over and dipping alternately north- westerly and south-easterly, but prevailing in the latter direction and usually at a high angle, in the neighbourhood of Rantem Cove. A very remarkable mass of rock constitutes the cliffs from the outer or south-eastern point of Chance Cove to the western side of the Great Lagoon, usually called the Broad of Tickle Harbour.* Its position and ruu seem to indicate an intersection of the stratification being N. 20° W., and it displays a thickness at Chance Cove Head of from 10 to 12 chains. The prevaih'ng colour is a reddish brown, but at many parts it beooraes variegated * Mentioned in note, p. 202, Report 1869. 4- REPORT FOR 1872. 289 stitute the rould carry Br, but that rom Heart's : formation, ;veen Tickle sthmus that ner Reports favour such al condition iked. These anic agency, the western 5 usually per- :es of various in large part 3 or breccias, ratified with red, wrinkled, are slightly mentioned in jhbourhood of i-eastern sides or porphyry. N. 20° W. to ., S. 33^ W., rnately north- itter direction xl of Rantem le cliffs from o the western oad of Tickle intersection of a thickness at he prevailing nes variegated by tints of green, bright red, and bright yellow. In mineral character it is everywhere very ferruginous, and the greater body of the rot'k is soft, splintery and fragile, without any signs of stratification. In some parts masses of serpentine are enclosed, and small quartz veins with thin strings of asbestos are frequently met with, while the cracks and fissures are often filled with steatitic clay. Epidote is abundantly distributed through the mass, and sometimes occurs in bands from 4 to 5 inches thick. Stains of the green and blue carbonates of copper were observed also at several places, and particularly on the cliffs near their termination by the long beach of the Broad.* From Chance Cove Head the run of this mass carries it outside of the coast in the direction of Master's Head ; and inside of the exposure at the same head, the rocks are concealed beneath a level tract and large basin or lagoon divided from the sea by a modern beach ; but on the middle head between Chance Cove and Little Chance Cove, an altered breccious or conglomerate rock is exposed, the matrix of which is of a dark green colour, highly crystalline, and rather coarse in grain, which encloses numerous fragments of red jasper, white quartz, and other pebbles. The pebbles of this rock where seen in place are for the greater part angular and of small size, but it seems, judging from the character of the many boulders strewed around the point, to pass into a con- glomerate, where the pebbles, many of which are of red and brown jaspers, are well rounded and often as large as a cricket-ball. In its southern run the mass dies down at the western corner of the long beach of Tickle Harbour, running apparently under the flats on the western side of the Broad about S. 15° E. ; and there being a space of nearly a mile where the rocks are altogether concealed, between its last southerly exposure and the outcrop of the lower sandstones of the Primordial series, the relation or mode of junction remains still uncertain. The lowest exposures of the Primordial Silurian group come out at the points and along the shores on the eastern side of the Broad, and at the entrance by the settlement, where they consist of a sot of sandstones and shales with irregular conglomerate beds, representing the division a of the section, * Tlie serpentine rocks alluded to here must not be understood to represent the scrpeutines of the Quebec group. The position they occupy indicates a lower horizon, and the mineral condition generally is dissimilar. 290 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. mm I- . 00 ■4J i-H O V •'« >-> I. o a page 239, Report of progress 1870, of which the following is the succegsion ascending : — 1. Grey aud greeniBh-grey sandsU^neii, with somo bcfls of a ptirplo' colour, iu strata varying in thickness from 4 inches to upwards of a foot. 2. Dark fjrcy or bluish arenaceous shales with one or two irregular beds of fine conglomerate, holding Ilurunian pebbles of green felsite slate, quartz, and trap, and beds ol prey sandstone. 3. Reddish, purplish, and grey sandstones, generally in strong beds of from 8 to 12 inches, and with slaty partings. The upper members of this section hold the western shore of the peninsula, presenting a low dip to the eastward as far as Privet's Cove, where a set of variegated slates representing h, c, d, strike in front into the land. The strata above a to the top of d accordingly have a breadth here of a little upwards of a mile, but as the average dip does not exceed 15^, and they are affected by several gentle undulations, the total thickness probably does not exceed 700 feet. These are succeeded by a great accumulation of sandstones (e) with some massive beds of conglomerate, which occupy the greater part of the whole breadth of Tickle Harbour Point, and were estimated to contain a volume of about 1200 feet. The sandstones (e) are succeeded by a strong stratum of reddish limestone, with some red slate {f,g,h), altogether about 35 feet thick, which was found to cap the hill over Collier's Cove, in Collier's Bay ; the summit of which was found by aneroid to be 315 feet above the level of the sea. This limestone is the centre of a trough, the underlying sandstones coming up from below it in Collier's Bay with a north-westerly dip, and afterwards folding over again in an anticlinal form, are repeated in the peninsula between Collier's Bay and Long Cove. The strata exhibited at Chapel Arm seem to include all the subdivisions of the section above h to p, but having been the seat of great disturbance from the intrusion and overflow of igneous matter is much faulted and confused. The black slates (p) here may be seen at many parts in broken, angular, and fragmentary masses of various sizes, crowded with crushed and distorted fossils caught in and fused solidly into the trap, giving evidence of intense igneous action at a period subsequent to the consolidation of the sedimentary deposit with its organic contents. The dykes which were seen to intersect kr*. ! REPORT FOR 1872. 201 the strata bearing generally about south by west, are for the most part a coarsish crystalline greenstone, but sometimes passing into a rather compact basalt, which in some cases assumes an obscure columnar structure, the columns usually in a horizontal position, or inclined at a nioderato angle. Much of the trap with wiiich the fossiliferous slates are intermingled is vesicular, with cavities filled with white calc spar ; and on the west side of the arm there is a rock characterised by containing a set of roimded masses resem- bling septaiia, some of which are a foot or upwards in diameter. Northwards from Chapel Arm the black slates are displayed at Black Point, near Shoal Harbour, and finally at Highland Cove ncnr Long Point, in each case underlaid by the variegated rocks ; and at the latter place thoy exhibit a beautiful example of a sharp synclinal, where the mass of strata, upwards of 200 feet in thick- ness, is symmetrically folded and repeated within a distance of between 600 and 700 feet. The black shales at the base of this small exposure are crowded with broken fragments of Paradoxides. This exposure was observed by Mr. Jukes many years ago, and is represented in the drawn section. No. 5 of his Report, but he seems not to have detected the presence of the organic remains which at that distant date would have given a clue to the horizon. For further description of the structure in this region, see Report for 1869, pp. 200, 201. On palajontological grounds, Mr. Billings is disposed in the meantime to draw a marked distinction between the upper strata of the section, namely, the subdivisions (r, s) and the lower mem- bers, in consequence of an apparent hiatus or break in organic development, between the Paradoxides beds and the fossiliferous strata of Great Bell Island in the Conception Bay section. The lower measures, that is from q downwards inclusive, he appears to regard as the equivalent of the lower Lingula flags of Great Britain, or the Menevian group of Salter and Hicks; while the upper parts contain forms in some degree considered typical of the horizon of Upper Potsdam. Among the fossils Sir. Billings received from me for examina- tion, taken from the lower measures, he has described and figured the following: — Obolella miser, nov. spe. from Chapel Arm ; Strapa- roUina remota, nov. spe. from Smith's Sound; Hyolithes excellens, nov. spp. from Smith's Sound ; Agraulos socialis, nov. sp( . from 292 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND, Ghapol Arm ; Agrauloi ttrenuuB, nov. spo. from Topsail Head and Brigus ; Agrauloa ajJUniB, nov. spe. from Branch ; Sohnophura communit, nov. spo. from Chapel Arm ; Anapolenus venustus, nov. Bpe. from ChajKjl Arm ; Paradoxides tenitellua, nov. spe. from Chapel Arm ; Paradoxides decorus, nov. spe. from Chapel Arm ; and a new genus, fyhidea, of which a species was found in tho limestone of Topsail Head. The fossils thr.t have been examined from the Bell Island strata (a), together with some from the same horizon in Random Island, consist entirely of Lingula, Cruziana, and Fucoids. Among the latter Mr. Billings says " are some fine specimens of Eophyton, a genus first discovered on this continent by Mr. Murray." Those described are Eophyton Linnteanum (Torrel), Eophyton Jukeai, nov. spe., Anthraria antiquata, nov. gen. and spe., Lingula Murrayi, Lingtdella affinis, Lingulella spism, n\l nov. spe., and Cruziana aimilia. Among the economic products of the regions described above, the ores of lead and copper were observed at a few localities, although in no case were the indications such as to warrant much extensive experiment in mining. Small cubes of galena occur in calcareo-quartzose veins in the rocks near Eantem Cove ; and in the middle cove of Eantem a fault was observed running S, 84° W., on which an opening had at one time been made, among the refuse from which, some very small metalliferous fragments were found. It setms probable enough that these and such-like dis- locations may be contemporary with, or belonging to the same system as the well-known lode at La Manche, in which case further examination along their run loay discover places worthy of fair trial. Rumours are current amorist the settlers of the presence of lead ores near this part of the coast, but little reliance can be placed in such, as those who profess to be well informed, carefully avoid entering into particulars, especially as regards locality, when inquiries are made by a stranger, whose ulterior purposes are invariably looked upon witli suspicion. Near the entrance to the Tickle Harbour, tlie lower Primor- dial rocks are folded over in a gentle anticlinal form, the axis of which is penetrated by a set of veins partially calcareous, which contain specks and crystals of galena, copper, and iron pyrites in considerable profusion. The course of these veins would carry REPORT FOlt 1872. 293 Lead and nopleura itu8, nov. pe. from ye\ Arm; id in lUe 3II Island i Random J. Among Eophyion, r." Those uhesi, nov. I Murrayit Cruziana, ibed above, IT localities, rrant much !na occur in ,)ve ; and in gS.84°W., among the ments were ch-like dia- ,0 the same which case aces worthy tiers of the ttle reliance .1 informed, as regards lOse ulterior wer Primor- , the axis of leous, which iron pyrites would carry them across the point into Tickle Harbour, a little east from the houses of the settlement, whence they would strike the mainland again near the point at the entrance of the narrows. The same bearing strikes across the Broad in the direction of the outlet of the river, at its southern extrcuie, where the junction of the older and newer formations might be expected to occur ; a position where, should the veins bo found to intersect, would bo favourable hr the development of the metallic ores. The position of the slates which strike into the country at Privet's Cove places them about the horizon of the workable slates of Smith's Sound and Bandom Island, and it is quite probable that they occur in that locality ; still, as unavoidable circumstances prevented the possibility of having that locality specially examined, no further particulars can be given in the meantime. In my Report for 1870, at page 243, and under the head of economic materials, some remarks will be found upon the pro- bability of the equivalents of the auriferous rocks of Nova Scotia being extensively developed in Newfoundland. Since that Report was written, Mr. Selwyn, the Dire(;tor of the Dominion Geological Survey, has issued a Report, 1870-71, upon the gold-fields of the sister province, from which I quote the following paragraphs, page 269. Speculating upon the probable age of the auriferous rocks. Ml'. Selwyn says : — " My first impression of them, formed after personal examina- tion last summer, and based upon mineralogical and stratigraphical considerations only, was that they represented the groups known in Britain as the Harlock grit or quartzite, and the Lingula-flag series ; the former mapped as Cambrian by the British Survey, and the latter as the lowest member of the Silurian system. " In confirmation of this view, I subsequently detected in the grey, sandy, and flaggy pyritous slates at the Ovens Bluffs, in Lunenburgh County, numerous specimens of the genus Eophyion, regarded by Mr. Billings as characteristic of the Primordial Silurian epoch. This genus is common in the sandy dark slates of the city of St. John, New Brunswick, in rocks hitherto referred to the Quebec group, on the Island of Orleans, and in Newfoundland. In all these localities it is accompanied by other well-marked Primordial Silurian forms, which further diligent search will doubt- less also disclose in Nova Scotia." HI •ii ii; !^ • fi ^'' :i '!;■ 294 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Mr. Selwyu afterwards quotes Mr. Billings' remarks upon the distribution of the fossil Eophyton Linnseanum. " In Sweden, where the Eophyton was first discovered, it occurs in the rock long known as the fucoidal sandstone, which imme- diately underlies the alum slate ; this latter formation is un- doubtedly the representative of the Lingula flags of Wales. " In Newfoundland it was discovered by Mr. Murray on Great Bell Island, Conception Bay. It was there associated with two species of Lingula, a Cruziana, closely allied to, if not identical with G. semi^Ucata (a Lingula-flag species), and several fucoidal forms." The circumstances recorded above then, undoubtedly tend to show that the equivalents of the gold-bearing rocks of Nova Scotia have a wide spread iu this province, and the mineral condition at various parts of their distribution is such as to favour the pro- bability that the precious metal exists; but this is still to be proved, and were it even established as a recognised fact, it by no means necessarily follows that the extraction of the metal is to bo attended with remunerative success; more probably it might be found that the successful experiments were the ex- ception rather than the rule, as they generally have been else- where. Upon this and kindred heads, Blr. Selwyn remarks, at page 277 of his Report, under " Causes of failure," thus : — "Among the causes which may be considered as most pre- judicial to the permanent and healthy progress of mining industry, the following may be mentioned. They are not in any way especially characteristic of Nova Scotia, but prevail more or less in every mining region of which I have any knowledge, particularly in the early years of their development. " 1st. The rash expenditure of capital in the purchase of I'liing rights respecting the actual value of which nothing is known with certainty. "2ad. The hasty and inconsiderate erection of costly ma- chinery for mining and treating the ores, before their quantity or probable value has been determined. "3rd. The attempts frequently made to enhance the value of the stock by declaring dividends, sometimes paid out of capital, but often by means of a process commonly kno^vn as * ^iching the eyes out of the mine,' or in other words, selecting all the rich REPORT FOR 1872. 296 )on the b occurs imme- is un- n Great vith two identical fucoidal r tend to va Scotia idition at tlie pro- ;ill to be ;act, it by ) metal is •obably it e the ex- jbeen else- imarks, at most pre- industry, any way or less in avticularly the value of capital, ficliing the 11 the rich material to secure a few high yields which are far in excess of anything likely to be tlie future average." KocKS 07 Rocky River Survey. The rocks of the region around Brigus have been described in tlie Report for 1808, p. 148. Their place in the section of that year is chiefly in the division c of the Huronian system, with some beds of 6 nearest tlie shores of the bay, where the uncon- formable Primordial rocks butt up against them. There is a wide interval of ground where the strata are concealed below a great accumulation of drift with many boulders, to the eastward of Battin's Pond, which is probably all occupied by the division d, and some loose fragments of slate w^ere observed in the connecting brook between Battin's and Level Ponds, which resemble the Aspidella slates of that division, while on Level Pond the greenish- grey sandstones of e are brought in, presenting a dip S. 70° W. < 26°. On the Brigus Grand Pond, and the Hodge Water pond and river below, small sections of the same division (e) are exposed on the banks, usually dipping at a low angle to the northward, until within about 2 miles of the Taboo-minnigoo-guloo, where, upon a small pond off the right bank of the river, some loose frag- ments of slate, ripple-marked, and exhibiting the characteristic fossil Aspidella, indicated the probable position of d, while about a mile above Taboo-minnigoo-guloo division e is again repeated, dipping S. 70° W. < 11°. The sandstones (e) continue to exhibit themselves in a succession of gentle undulations until getting down to the junction of the main brook, where disturbance is suddenly manifested by the slates {d), showing a dip N. 93° E. < 75°, in close proximity and in front of some sandstones, supposed to represent the higher measures, dipping in the same direction, and indicating an overturn. The interior plateau thus appears to be the centre of a trough of Huronian rocks, of which the highest measures are the lower members of the Signal Hill sandstones. The exposures on the main brook above the forks, which are alternations of slate and sandstone, give further evidence of dis- turbance, and are occasionally interser.ted by greenstone dykes; the intensity of movement apparently increasing towards the west- ward, and probably connecting with the movements that have affected the rocks of Tickle Harbour and Chapel Arm. * n ■''-■■"■iWIPtllH 296 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. I The Aspidella slates with several beds crowded with the fossil are well exhibited below the forks, and continue to hold the surface, making a series of undulations, until getting about a mile below White Hart Brook, or about 4 miles above the falls at the outlet of the river, where they are succeeded by the green sandstones of e, which here are vertical, striking N. 36° E., S. 3(5° W. Farther down the stream they resume a more horizontal attitude, and may be seen at intervals dipping alternately towards north-west or south-east to within about a mile above the falls, where they rest upon the northern flank of an anticlinal axis of the Aspidella slates. The sandstones (e) are afterwards repeated on the south side of the anticlinal, and continue to present themselves at intervals to the falls. In the Keport for 1868, at page 161, a description of the rocks below the falls of Rocky River will be found ; and it may be per- ceived that there was a difficulty at that time, as there still is, in determining the exact point of junction there between the upper beds of the Huronian and the lower ones of the Primordial series. There is, however, very little doubt that the shales seen at the mouths of the CoUinet and Rocky Rivers are of the latter horizon, although late experience in the lithology of that formation would suggest a lower stratigraphical position than was supposed at the time that Report was issued. Contrary to expectation, no outlying patches of Primordial age appear to be left in the country passed over by the survey; the whole mass, which probably at one time was united, from the southern to the northern bays, having been swept away by denu- dation. From what has been said above, it may be inferred that the regions passed over by the survey, are not generally of a character to give much promise of the presence of metallic ores, although the more disturbed country farther west, being a continuation of the rocks of the isthmus of Avalon, may upon closer research be found to be metalliferous. The sandstones are in some cases well adapted for building, and in others would answer a good purpose for flags; but the material of the greatest economic value, as belonging to the formation at this part, is a hone-stone, which in texture and quality rivals the far-famed oil-stone of Turkey, for the purpose of sharpening the finer description of edged tools. It REPORT FOR 1872. 297 3 fossil urface, below outlet ones of rarther id may ivest or ley rest a, slates. side of rvals to be rocks r be per- till is, in le upper al series, n at the • horizon, on would id at the is chiefly to be found near the base of the Aspidella slates (d), and near or at its junction with the inferior member (c), where, by careful selection, it might be produced to almost any extent. In a former Keport a suggestion is oflfered of the probability of the slates at Ferryland proving to be an outlying patch of the workable Primordial slates of Trinity Bay, but further in- vestigation has shown that such is not the case. The slates of that region are of Huronian age, belonging to the horizon of d, (section of 1868), near the base of a set of slates, covered on some surfaces by Aspidella Terranovica, which are again overlaid towards the coast by the Signal Hill sandstones. The lower beds present a cleavage, independent of the bedding, at right angles to the planes running on the same strike ; but the stone is very brittle, and not generally well suited for any economic purpose. I have the honour to be. Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray. His Excellency Col. S. J. Hill, C.B., Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &c. &c., St. John's. irdial age •vey; the Ifrom the I by denu- that the Icharacter although luatiou of search be jases well purpose value, as which in [irkey, for tools. It n n if •^^mmmmmm 298 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER XIII. REPORT FOR 1873.— DESCRIPTION OP THE COUNTRY SURROUNDING ST. GEORGE'S BAY, DIVIDED INTO THREE AREAS — DISTRIBU- TION OP THE CARBONIFEROUS FORMATIONS IN THE SAME REGION, &o.— LETTER TO SIR STEPHEN J. HILL, DATED MARCH 9th, 1874. Geological Scratjy Office, St. Joun's, Newioundland, March dth, 1874. May it please your Excellency, — In the letter dated the 3rd of October last, which I had the honour to address to your Excellency, an abstract was given of the proceedings of the Geological Survey, during the summer and autumn of 1873. The purpose of the season's exploration was especially to ascertain the extent and productiveness of the coal-field of St. George's Bay ; in following out which inquiry I have been enabled to determine, with considerable accuracy, the general structure of the Carboniferous formation as developed in Newfoundland, and its relation to the subordinate older systems. Several new and important facts were also ascertained regarding the distribution of the Lower Silurian series of formations which are extensively displayed over the northern part of the district ; but minute particulars regarding these, I shall defer giving for the pi'esent. The defects and inaccuracies of the old coast cliarts I took occasion to mention in the letter already alluded to; which, together with the absence of any topographical detail whatever throughout the region explored, involved the necessity of making the surveys spoken of through the same medium. These surveys are plotted on a scale of 1 mile to 1 inch ; and on the map I have drawn in the geological features, to show the position and relation of the different members of the Carboniferous formation, I have particularised the areas over which workable seams of coal are most likely to occur. This map is further reduced to a scale of 4 miles to 1 inch, and on the latter some surveys of REPORT FOR 1873. 299 NDING TRIBU- 1 SAME MARCH h, 1874. had the sn of the Bar and jially to Id of St. enabled ucture of and, and new and itribution [tensively minute •esent. Its I took which, whatever if making be surveys [\e map I lition and formation, seams of lluced to a lurveys of former years are also entered, the whole comprising the country on the west side of the meridian of 58° W. longitude, and south of the Bay of Islands to Cape Ray. Tracings of these maps I have now the honour to submit to your Excellency with this Report, trusting that the information contained therein may, in some degree, encourage a spirit of enterprise and progress, and lead to the development of these fine regions. The map on the smaller scale, I intend, with the approval of your Excellency in Council, to have lithographed and published, without delay, as the facts recorded thereon will probably be of themselves sufiSciently intelligible for all immediate purposes. Geoouaphical and Agricultukal.* The Long Range mountains, which terminate in their southern course at Cape Ray, run in a north-easterly direction, and in a moderately straight line towards the head of the Grand Pond, and on to the Humber Kiver below Deer Pond ; their north-western flank forming the boundary of the area to which the attention of the Survey has chiefly been directed during the late season. The whole region, roughly estimated, contains an area of about 1824 square statute miles, and may be thus subdivided : — Sq. miles. 1st area. South-east side of St. George's Bay, inclusive of the Codroy valleys 816 2nd „ Country between the west coast and the Long Range mountains, south of the Bay of Islands, to the north shore of St. George's Bay 720 3rd „ The Port-a-Port ijeninsula 288 1824 The main coast line of St. George's Bay, between the Little Baracliois in Flat Bay and Fishel's Brook, is for the greater part composed of abrupt banks of modern drift, rising to an elevation which varies at certain points, from 100 feet to upwards of 180 1 feet in height. Farther south the drift banks are inter- rupted by sections of the Carboniferous rocks jutting out through ♦ All courses and bearings are taken from the true meridian, t Ilobinsou's Head reaches to 275 feet. ;l 300 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. them, still maintaininf^ great uniformity of elevation ; but south- westward of Crabb's Brook, the rocks almost exclusively occupy the coast to Cape Anguille. Between this south-western part of the coast and the Great Codi'oy River, the character of the country differs essentially from that farthor to the north-east, in being mountainous, forming a range which derives its name from the Cape at its western extremity. This range is shaped somewhat rudely to resemble an isosceles triangle, the base of which is the coast between Cape Anguille and Codroy, while the apex reaches to a point midway between the coast and the Long Range mountains, and within about 3 miles of the course of Crabb's Brook, where it is locally known 'va " The Highlands " of St. George's Bay. The highest sumii.'ls ti. le Cape Anguille range reach an elevation of 1200 feet or more, and are in many parts abrupt, and even pre- cipitous ; bii' they materially differ in their contour and general aspect from the .. jge ■ ii.asses of the Long Range, by being smoothly rounded in form, and by carrying more or less vegetation to the highest parts. Innumerable small streams, which take their rise from lakes and lakelets among these mountains, pour their waters in picturesque cascades over the lofty cliffs which bound St. George's Bay ; while many more flowing in the opposite direction join the waters of the Great Codroy River, or fall into the sea between its outlet and Codroy Island. North-eastward from the terminating point of the Cape Anguille mountains, the whole country between the coast and the Long Range is of a flat or undulatory character, densely covered with forest-trees, except in such oarts as have been swept by fire or occasional tracts of marsh. Tne trees of this forest consist of white and yellow birch, spruce and balsam fir, poplar and tamarack or larch. There is however, little or no pine. The only parts where that timber was observed to grow were on a few spots near the banks of the Flat Bay Brook, and an occasional spot in like manner in the valley of Fishel's Brook. Much of the timber of this great plateou is very large. Trees of yellow and white birch are frequently met with, and particularly on the river flats, having a diameter of 3 feet, and even more, many of which are tall and straight, resembling the hard-wood forest-trees of Canada ; spruces, balsams, poplars and tamaracks also reach a maximum size, and seem to be of excellent quality. The ground is often rEPOllT FOR 1873. 301 I it south- lupy the t of the country in being from the somewhat lich is the reaches to Qountains, )ok, where Bay. The X elevation i even pre- ,nd general ^ by being 3 vegetation which take ntains, pour cliffs which ithe opposite fall into the f the Cape joast and the isely covered swept by fire est consist of md tamarack le only parts ew spots near I spot in like the timber of d white birch r flats, having ,'liich are tall 'S of Canada ; L a maximum round is often covered densely by a creeping bush, a species of yew, generally known as ground hemlock in Canada, where it abounds ; all amply testifying to the excellence of the soil upon which they grow. The higher parts of this plateau rarely exceed from 300 to 400 feet above the beds of the streams. The drainage is mainly effected through the channels of the rivers surveyed and represented on the map, namely, the Little Barachois and Flat Bay Brooks, which fall into Flat Bay; the Fishel's, Eobinson's, Middle Barachois, and Crabb's Brooks, which empty directly into the Great Bay: and the Great and Little Codroy Rivers, which fall on the southern side of Cape Anguille, The two former and the two latter of these streams, with their valleys, were described in my Report for 1866, while the surveys of the remainder were accomplished during the late season's investi- gation. All these streams take their rise among the barren wastes of the Long Range mountains, but the lower reaches of each, for distances varying from 12 to 20 miles, flow through richly-wooded and fertile valleys intersecting the plateau just described. These valleys and much of the higher lands now primeval wilderness appear to be in nearly every respect well adapted for agricultural settlement. By deducting the tract occupied by the Cape Anguille range of hills, amounting to 256 square miles, which is too high and too steep for ordinary tillage, although well suited as runs for sheep or cattle, the remainder of the block, viz. 5G0 square miles, is certainly to a large extent reclaimable, and there can be but little doubt that the construction of roads, which must necessarily be the consequence of occupation, togetlier with the clearing of the forest, will lead to mineral discovery of vast importance to the colony. With the exception of the Codroy Rivers, which flow in a valley between and parallel to the two ranges of mountains, the Long Range on the south-east and the Cape Anguille range on the south- west sides, the courses of the streams run nearly at right angles to the strike of the mountains, bearing generally a little to the north- ward of due west Near the parts where they debouch from the mountain gorges, there are usually long stretches of still water lying at an elevation of between 400 and 500 feet above high-water mark ; below which they rush rapidly with few intermissions of steady,* although without any falls above 2 or 3 feet in height, for * A common local term for still water. ^WMiHihiii^U:^. 302 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. h the remainder of the distance to the sea. In their meanderings, the banks of these rivers display aUernately bold rocky cliffs and low alluvial flats; the foi-mer occasionally, as in Fishel's Brook, rising perpendicularly from the river to the height of 100 or 150 feet. In common with all mountain torrents, these streams rise with wonderful rapidity every rainfall ; but the supply is as readily exhausted, and the normal state is shallow, rendering canoe navigation always precarious and often impossible. Water power, for the purpose of driving machinery, could be obtained at almost any point desired ; the low-lying flats offering every facility for building or mill sites. Our second geographical area forms a nearly rectangular block, bounded on the west by the coast of the mainland of Port-a-Port Bay ; on the east by the valley of Harry's Brook and the marshes which flank the mountains of the Grand Pond ; on the north by the southern coast of the Humber Arm ; and on the south by the north shore of St. George's Bay. Besides a considerable portion of the coast, Harry's Brook and a part of the Kiviere Blanche wei e surveyed. A very large portion of th:. area is mountainous, and among the mountains are some of the highest summits I have yet met with in the Island.* Viewed on a bright summer's day, from the deck of a vessel, the beauty of the scene presented by the laud features upon all sides is very impressing ; yet at the same time a conviction will almost inevitably arise that, after all, such beauty, in a material sense, is a delusion, and that the whole region is nothing more than a vast inhospitable desolation. Such, however, upon nearer inspection, proves to be very far indeed from being the case. Tracts of considerable extent upon the coast, and nearly all the valleys of the principal streams, bear a soil of the most fertile description, which is even already shown by the few and rudely cultivated spots here and there, where the produce in grass, green crops, and even cereals, are all first class, both in quantity and quality. And this in a country where there is no evidence of the existence of a plough, a harrow, or a wheeled vehicle of any kind whatever ! ♦ I allude to tlio "Blow-me-down" hills, which were found by triangulntion in 186G to be 2085 feet high, where they rise sharply over the Humber Arm, There are probably higher peaks inland. REPORT FOR 1873. 303 nderinga, jUffa and ['a Brook, ,f 100 or e streams ipply is as ■ring canoe ter power, 1 at almost facility for rrnlar block, Port-a-rort Lbe marshes he north by louth by the able portion Jlanche were J, and among lave yet met lay, from the by the land game time a such beauty, ,le region is ich, however, •om being the aid nearly all ^e most fertile and rudely . grass, green quantity and idence of the le of any kind triangulation in [ber Arm. There Indian Head ia a bold rocky promontory on the north side of St. George's Bay, being the prolongation of an isolated or detached range of Laurentiau mountains which protrudes through the level Carboniferous country by which it is surrounded. The coast on either side of this promontory is low and shelving, with broad beaches of sand and gravel, which extend to the eastward as far as the main gut of St. George's River ; and to the westward to the Riviere Blanche. Southward of the gut the coast line is also low, with boggy banks to the outlet of the Little Barachois. West- ward from the Riviere Blanche the shores are bounded by abrupt banks of stratified drift, with occasional small protruding out- crops of the rocks up to and around the point on the eastern side of the Gravels. The east coast of Poit-a-Port Bay, north from the Gravels, presents abrupt rocky sections of moderate height, succeeded by long stretches of low beach and boggy banks, with wide lagoons at tho entrances of the small streams, until getting near to Bluflf Head, where the cliffs rise grandly to the height of 1000 feet, almost vertically from the water's edge. At no great distance back from the coast north of the Gravels, a range of Silurian mountains rises to an average height of from 000 to 1000 feet, which, striking obliquely into the interior on a bearing about N.N.E., forms the watershed which divides the west-falling rivers from those of St. George's Bay. The most important of the former of these are Fox Island Brook, Louis' Brook, and the Coal * Rivers, but there are innumerable streams of smaller dimensions to be seen trickling down the sides of the mountains, which uniting in the deep gorges pour their ac- cumulated waters in an impetuous torrent into the lagoons, or come tumbling over the steep cliffs into the sea. Our time would not permit making surveys of any of these rivers, but from the evidences visible at their outlets, and such information as could be derived from the inhabitants, there can be little or no doubt that large tracts of extremely fine land extend up their valleys for many miles. The richness of the soil at this part of the coast is probably due to the calcareous material derived from the adjacent mountains, together with the disintegration of the trap- pean rocks of which the subsoil is composed. We were surprised to perceive that the little Fox Island lying out in the bay, which, ! * Afterwords called Serpentine River. X 2 304 GEOLOr.ICAL SURVEY (»F XEWFoUXOLAND. "t ill I II: ■1 !:■ as seen at a distance, wns conceived to be a more barren rock, ^^a3 covered over three-fourths of its area with a soil of the richest description, and that the gardens of the two fumilits of poor fisliermen who inhabited it were producing crops of potatoes, peas, and hay, which for luxuriance and vigorous growth, although the mode of culture was of the very rudest, could hardly be surpassed. lliviere Blanche is a stream which falls into St. George's Cay about 3 miles north-west from the Indian Head promontory. The name given to the stream is by the request of the Ilev. Thomas Sears, V.A. (who takes a great interest in the country, and this part of it in particular), in compliment to the members of a family culled LaBlanche or White, who have been occupants of the lower pat of the valley for many years, tlio original patriarchal squatter of whom is still alive, with children, grand- children, and great- grand-children, amounting in all to 178 souls, all of whom have been raised upon the soil. The river was measured about 6 miles along its course. A block of rich flat land, supported upon members of the Carboniferous series, is shut in, as it were, by the Silurian mountains on the north and west, and by the Indian Head range on the east, which is chiefly drained by the Kiviere Blanche aforesaid, and Romain's or Kippen's Brook. The area of the block is between 30 and 40 square miles, or about 22,400 acres. The whole of this area (excepting the small clearings at the mouths of the streams) is densely covered with forest of large and vigorous growth, with abundance of yellow birch, spruce, fir, and other trees, but scarcely any pine. The surface of the land slopes gently upwards towards the mountains, the higher parts apparently seldom much exceed- ing 500 feet above the sea. The river is rapid throughout, with short intervals of still water ; the rise upon the stream to the end of our measurement being 372 feet. The sources of Harry's Brook take their rise about 10 miles south-west from the outlet of the Humber River, where it joins the southern arm of the Bay of Islands, upon the southern flank of the mountains which constitute the watershed. Two branches, of which the larger and main stream is the eastern, flow nearly parallel to each other, each having lakes or ponds at the head, into a fine expanse of water called St. George's Pond ; whence the r HErOllT FOR 1873. 805 1 rock, wfts tho richest x-B of poor ,f potatoes, us growth, ouM Uarilly eorge's Buy promontory, of the Rev. the country, the members en occupants tho original Uhen, grand- . to 178 souls, :he river was k of rich flat series, is shut )rth and west, ^ich is cliiefly Romain's or ween 30 and le of this area he streams) is growth, with js, but scarcely Inwards towards much exceed- roughout, with earn to the end labout 10 miles where it joins southern flank Two branches, Lrn, flow nearly is at the head, ad; whence the general course of tho stream is south-westerly, although with many sinuosities, to its outlet near the main gut of St. George's Kiver. At the he>»d of the eastern branch there is a lake called by the Indians Eh-quodeg-a-weh Gospen, which, according to tho register of the aneroid, reaches the altitude of 824 feet above the level of the sea, and has an area of surface amounting to upwards of 9000 square chains, or nearly 2 square miles. A straight lino S. 69° W., 4 miles from the outlet of this lake, reaches the north- eastern angle of St. George's Pond. The other upper branch flows from a suite of small lakes, the largest of which is known as Little St. George's Pond, the straight course being S. 63° W., 3^ miles into the north-west angle of St. George's Pond. The litad waters of this last branch are divided by a mountainous watershed of not over 2 miles, from the head waters of the Coal River. The extreme length of St. George's Pond is about 7 miles, and its average breadth somewhat exceeds 1 mile, expanding at parts to fully 1§ of a mile. The area of sur- face is consequently a little over 7 square miles, or say 45,000 square chains. About 3 miles below the outlet of St. George's Pond the river is joined on the right side by a stream of con- siderable volume, flowing from the westward, which probably takes its rise among the Indian Head hills ; and at about 3 miles farther down by a straight course, it is joined on the left side by another tributary called Spruce Brook, which heads to the east- ward within a mile of a stream also called Spruce Brook, described in my Report for 1865, which falls into the Grand Pond. There are several other smaller tributaries of less importance. The valley of Harry's Brook, above the western fork, is rugged and barren for the greater part, and much of it hilly or moun- tainous; the mountains north of St. George's Pond reaching an elevation of 1556 feet above the level of the sea. Below the junction of Spruce Brook patches of good land begin to appear, chiefly on the right bank ; and back from the lower reaches on the same side, there is a broad tract of very good country. The islands and low banks near the outlet are of the best of soil for grass meadows. To the south-east of Spruce Brook nearly the whole country is spread over by vast marshes which extend up to the flanks of the hills on the south-west side of the Grand Pond. The third geographical area, or Port-a-Port peninsula, is still 806 GEOLOGICAL SUIIVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. it I Ifj only very partially 8unreyevliicli, however, seems only to be a modification of the old surveys of Captain Cook, and bears the date of 1784. Much of the peninsuhi is high and hilly, with rocky precipitous clifTs facing the sea on nearly all sides, but especially on the south and west coasts. There are, however, numerous patches of very fine land, and particularly around tho sliores of the Western Bay, where it extends nearly uninter- ruptedly up to the foot of a conspicuous and isolated hill called Bound Head, which rises abruptly over the north-western shore. As the mineral indications observed seem to favour the probability of the peninsula becoming a mining district in course of time, these patches of available agricultural land can h>'!>''cely fail to become of great value. The vast importance of these regions as an agricultural country, setting its probable mineral value aside altogether, may in some degree be understood by supposing the whole available area to be blocked off in lots of 100 acres each, and each lot to be occupied by one person; there would then be 3o84 settlers on the south- east side of St. George's Boy ; 224 on the Eivibre Blanche and Komain's Brook block ; and 820 (at least) upon all the remainder. If we further suppose that each settler has a family of five members, there would then be a population of 20,640 souls. To establish such a settlement is surely a matter well worthy of public consideration ; but to do so in a manner that will be mutually of advantage to the occupiers and to the country at large, great care must be taken that the land is subdivided systematically, and on the same general plan, whether the purpose of the holder of property be mining or agriculture. In this connection I need only once more refer to my answer to query 4, put by Mr. Finsent, President of the Select Committee of Inquiry, to be found on pages 38, 39 and 40 of the Keport, dated 1869 ; where a system or principle is propounded which I see no occasion materially to alter or modify. One of the greatest difiSculties to be contended against in settling and advancing the St. George's Bay country is the lack of harbours, or places of security of any kind for vessels to take shelter, or to land and embark cargo. The only harbour in all REPORT FOR 1873. 807 extendotl )d on tho ;er, seems Cook, aud and hilly, . sides, but , however, iround tho y uninter- hill called item shore, probability se of time, cely fail to ral country, aay in so"^® ,e area to be be occupied n the south- Blanche and remainder, mily of five souls. To 11 worthy of ;liat will be country at subdivided rhether the [culture. In ly answer to Committee the Beport, ^ded which 1 against in |y is the lack IssL-ls to take iibour in all the region, properly so called, is at Sandy or Harbour Point, at the entrance to Flat Bay, where vessels of all sizes can find a safo and commodious anchorage. The buys of Port-a-Port are no doubt also safe from heavy seas and strong winds to a certain extent, being more or less Inndlocked on all sides, but the approach to the bays from without is difficult and somewhat dangerous; the long low points, namely, Long Point and Shoal Point, being scarcely perceptible in thick weather, or in an ordinarily dark night. Small vessels find harbour during the summer months in the little cove on Codroy Island, and larger ships often anchor in the roadstead outside, but neither can be admitted as good at any time, and in the stormy months of autumn, winter or spring, are simply impracticable. Small vessels and boats can, at the same season, find access into many of the Barai hois or Lagoons, at the mouths of the larger bvouks by entering at high tide; but either exit or entriince during strong winds is frequently impossible, and a delay of ii week is by DO means a rare occurrence. Were the country settled and mining operations going on, it appears to me that a canal might be cut through the gravels of Port-a-Port with immense advantage. The two bays are there on^y divided by a beach not much over a quarter of a mile across altogt ^her, the greater part of which is occupied by a salt-water pond, vhich rises and falls with the tide. A breakwater built out from the western point on the St. George's Bay side, would secure that part from the violence of south-west or southerly gales ; while very little artificial protection would be requisite on the Port-a-Port side, to render it safe as an anchorage, and from the wash of the sea. By such a construction ingress and egress would be easily eflfected at all times, thereby often avoiding the long and tedious voyage round Cape St. George. But a matter of, if possible, even more importance to the welfare of a young agricultural settlement than harbours, is land communication by means of main lines of road; and I would strongly urge the propriety of reserving certain portions for that especial purpose. On the map, it will be seen, a " proposed line of road" is indicated, which if opened out might become a part of a main leading artery throughout the province ; and probably may bo found hereafter to be the line of all others best adapted I !i ■" jjLiAw*ia ta tt *; j^2^j2I3^niBHBH 308 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. lif ' I mt^ for the construction of a railroad. Leaving the shores of St. George's Bay at the Seal rocks, nearly opposite to Sandy Point, the road would follow nearly a straight line to strike the still water of Flat Bay Brook, below the Cairn Mountain ; whence it would strike in a westerly direction, running nearly parallel with the mountain range and crossing the several streams near their still expansions, up to Bobinson's Brook, where the valley being open and wide, it would bear off to the south-eastward, cross the mountain range, and finally slope downwards into the valley of the Exploits. From Robinson's Brook the road might be ex- tended south-westerly to strike the valley of the Great Codroy River near its upper forks, and thence down the same valley to the sea. There are many reasons for preferring this line as a leading artery to any other. In the first place, the slope is very gradual all the way, and some parts are on a dead level, until turning up the valley of Robinson's Brook, where the rise is less abrupt, and the valley more open, than at any other approach to the Long Range mountains, and these must be encountered somewhere if a main road is to exist at all. In the second place, an important item of expense in such structures, as bridges, viaducts, and other buildings will be greatly lessened, and moreover be more per- manent than elsewhere ; as the force of the great masses of ice which are borne down by the turbulent torrents would render all structures "nsecure that might be thrown across them farther down, unless by suspension, which would involve generally, par- ticularly at the outlets of the streams, too wide a span to be recommendable, if practicable. In the third place, the line in- dicated would pass through a rich and fertile country in all directions, with the exception of tht crossing over the belt of mountains, and would form a base of communication from which tributary roads might be extended to every available portion of the Island. As regards local roads, particularly v/ithin the region of the first area, I need only repeat the wonls used on a former occasion, and often quoted since, to be found on the 39th page of the Report of the Select Committee. Let parallel divisional lines be drawn at right anglco to the general trend of the coast at 1, 2, 3, or 4 miles apart, and produced until they tap the main line near the foot of REPORT FOR 1873. 309 the fflouDtains ; let these lines ngain be intersected by other lines at right angles at certain intervals, thereby subdividing the land into rectangular blocks, which can be further subdivided in the same manner, according to the purposes or requirements of the proposed occupiers. That some systematic plan such as the above, and as I have frequently had occasion to recommend before, must eventually be acted on, I feel very confident; otherwise all attempts at settle- ment will be frustrated, the holders of licences and grants will be involved in ceaseless litigation, and progress and civilisation will be retarded for years to come. The Carboniferous Series of Newfoundland. By a glance at the geological map of Canada it will imme- diately be observed that a vast area of the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is spread over by members of this series; and further that the geographical position, where similar measures have been recognised in Newfoundland, is suggestive of the latter being the prolongation of a great elliptical-shaped trough extending from the former, the centre of which is con- cealed beneath the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It may also be perceived that while in New Brunswick the formation extends in a uniform imbroken sheet over the surface, it becomes broken and patched in Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. The symmetry of the ellipse, moreover, will be seen to be broken near its centre at the Magdalen Islands, where a part of the lower members of the system come to the surface, indicating the axis of an anticlinal fold, bearing in the direction of St. George's Bay. Proceeding from the westward, this fold would thus appear to be the first of a series of disturbances, which increase in frequency farther east, and which are intensely developed in Newfoundland. The contemporaneity of the Carboniferous rocks of the hitter with those of the mainland is manifested by the same want of conformity with the older and supporting forma- tions, and the almost exact resemblance which obtains in mineral, lithological, and fossil characters throughout the stratigraphical sequence, from the base upwards; but the accumulation in the Island would appear to be in considerably less volume than ou tho i 11 >.n 810 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. mainland ; and so far as our researches will permit the expression of opinion, it seems that it is in the upper members that the Newfoundland series is principally wanting. The south-eastern boundary of the formation may be traced from a little way north of Cape Ray along the north-west flank of the Long Range of Laurentian mountains, up to the extreme head of St. George's Bay, where, although concealed from view, it was supposed to cross over, and making a further stretch beneath the marshes to the northward, finally sweeps round in a westerly course and crosses Harry's Brook below Spruce Brook, where it rests upon strata of Lower Silurian age. Its course westward is then in- terrupted by the protrusion of the labradorites of the Indian Head range; but westward from that range the whole of the flat country is supported by Carboniferous rocks, which rest upon the upturned edges of Lower Silurian strata, displayed in the mountains which bound the plain, and on the coast of Fort-a- Port Bay. Irregular patches of the formation are then found farther west in Port-a-Port Bay, and a strip is displayed along the outer coast of the Long Point peninsula of the same, while to the northward it is recognised in the valley of the Coal Eiver. For convenience in describing the distribution of the series, I have divided it into five members, distinguished by letters, from a to e, inclusive, the general vertical section of which is given below, in descending order. Corresponding letters will be found on the map. Feet. e. Green and red sandstones, with brown and black carbona- ceous shale, and brown and drab-coloured clays. Fossil trees and flora abundant. Coal seams with underclaj's holding Stigmaria 1000 d. Brown and reddish sandstones and conglomerates; brown, blackish, and greenish micaceous^ and arenaceous shale. False bedding in sandstones and ripple-marked surfaces frequent. Fossil plants, among which Sigillaria and Calamitea are frequently met with. Thin seams and nests of coal 200O c. Variegated red, green, and dral>coloured marls; red, green, and brown sandstones, which are frequently calcareous ; beds of bluish and grey limestones, some beds apparently magnesian, and many contain a profusion of organic remains, marine shells, &c., carbonised plants in the arenaceous strata. (Salt springs frequent L!000 REPORT FOR 1873. 311 Feet. I, Groat tnasses of gypsnm, with green and brown argillaceous shale; red marly shale; bands of black or dark grey limestone, and occasionally jet-black shale 150 a. Very coarse conglomerate com(X)sed of great boulders and pebbles of Laurentian and Silurian rocks, cemented in a matrix of greenish-coloured sand ; great lenticular inter- calations of sandstone with coarse arenaceous shale ; large fragments of magnetic iron ore ; passes at the top into a brownish-grey flaggy sandstone with brown and greenish shales which underlie the gypsum 1300 Total 6450 The lowest division (a) forms the axis of a broad anticlinal, which, commencing at Cape Anguille, rans nearly parallel with the Long Eange mountains, and with the trend of the sea-coast, up to and across the main gut bearing northwards on the east side of the valley of Harry's Brook. This conglomerate is of very irregular thickness in the different parts of its distribution, and appears occasionally to be absent altogether. At Cape Anguille it was seen only on the south side, associated with beds of dark grey sandstone, in which some few tangled bunches of vegetable remains were observed, with black shale and some bands of black limestone, fhe latter occasionally striped with thin seams of snowy gypsum. The Cape Anguille mountains have as yet been only partially examined, and further investiga- tion is necessary before the structure can be given with precision ; but the inference to be drawn from tlie facts ascertained is, either that the broad belt tbey occupy consists of a series of sharp con- tortions of this division, or that tlie higher parts are protrusions of the unconformable lower formations, which probably in this case are of Lower Silurian age. At the Middle Burachois Brook the division sinks below the succeeding band (6), which is there spread widely over the surface; but it rises again at Robinson's Brook, about 3 miles up its course, and continues to occupy its banks for nearly 2 miles farther, folding gently over ; showing a dip on the north side S. 65° W. < 15°, while on the south side it dips S. 19° E. < 13°. The thickness exposed here would appear to be nearly 1300 feet. But the best exhibition of the division is at Fishel's Brook, where it rises from beneath the great masses of gypsum about 2 miles up the stream, in vertical cliffs from 100 to 150 feet high, which form the banks for upwards of a mile and a i| ^^ 812 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ' half. At the junction with the gypseous mass on the northern side, the dip is N. 21° W. < 21°, upon a set of greenish -grey flaggy sandstones, some layers of which are slightly calcareous; and those are immediately underlaid by the coarse conglomerates, which maintain a nearly uniform dip, N. 42° W. < 13°, for about a mile upwards, where the strata become horizontal. This would give a thickness of about 1179 feet. The conglomerates hold this horizontal attitude for nearly half a mile, and then bend over gently, and present a moderate but irregular dip S. 6° E. At a sharp bend of the river here the strata were observed to be affected by a set of small parallel dislocations running S. 41° W., with the upthrows upon the south side, and underlying south-easterly, the value of which varies from 15 to 20 feet. At each of these faults there are small trickling springs of saline water ; and at the end of the section, about half a mile farther up the stream, there is a strong saline spring, which bubbles up through the soil, a little way back from the right bank of the river. The sources from whence the materials of this conglomerate have been derived are very obvious; and it is interesting to observe the exact resemblance which exists between the solidly cemented masses of the rock and the superficial boulders and pebbles recently brought down by ice and the stream from the same mountains, which gave origin to the base of the Carboniferous formation in the same locality. The greater proportion of these boulders and pebbles are derived from Laurentian rocks, the former often 2 or even 3 feet in diameter ; but there are many of Lower Silurian age also of very large size, consisting of bluish- grey limestones, which frequently exhibit characteristic fossils, chiefly fucoids, and occasionally univalve and bivalve sliells and corals. The larger boulders are invariably rounded, and among them there are frequently to be found great masses of magnetic iron. Among the smaller and medium sized rocks are fragments of white crystalline limestone, slate, trap rocks, and red jaspers. The same division (a), with its characteristic conglomerate, is again largely displayed farther north, on the banks of the Flat Bay Brook, where it appears to spread out over an area of about 4 miles in width, making a series of undulations, up to within a short distance '^f the mountain range, where it is turned up with a reverse dip, against the great fault of which mention was made in REPORT FOR 1873. 313 lorthem isb-gvey ;areou8 ; merates, ar about is would lold this r gently, larp bend y a set of aptbrows value of Its there id of the a strong way back glomerate resting to he solidly Iders and frona the boniferous 1 of these rocks, the are many of bluish- ic fossils, shells and nd among magnetic fragments jaspers. )merate, is the Flat of about within a up w ith a made n\ my Report for 1866. Northwards from Flat Bay Brook the strata aro concealed, the surface of a wide extent of country being flat, covered with forest or marsh ; but the conglomerates were recog- nised on the banks and bed of Harry's Brook, 3 miles below Spruce Brook, in a nearly horizontal attitude, striking towards the Indian Head mountains. The conglomerate of the division is not very distinctly dis- played in any part of the western or third area, except at Red Island off the coast, north from Cape St. George, which is entirely composed of it, and where it lies in nearly horizontal strata, with a gentle dip, of not over 100 feet in a mile, to the northward ; the cliffs on the southern side being about 200 feet high, and those at the northern extreme about 100 feet, the beds traceable from end to end. In 1866 a conglomerate was observed upon the mainland, nearly opposite to the island, to come against the Silurian lime- stones by a fault, which was supposed at the time to be of Car- boniferous age, and the impression was further confirmed by the presence of some Carboniferous limestone fossils near the spot, which seemed to have fallen from the cliffs above ; but the un- fortunate accident, by which I was temporarily rendered helpless, prevented the thorough examination of that part which is still required. From information received during the season, there appears to be a strip of Carboniferous rocks running along the coast of the Long Point peninsula, which butts up against Lower Silurian strata, indicating a fault which would run in nearly a straight line from the cliffs where the fossils were observed on a bearing about north-east towards Long Point. The succeeding division (6) represents the position of the great masses of gypsum which are developed more or less, and in many instances in enormous volume at one part or another througliont the country, wherever the Lower Carboniferous rocks are exposed. In my Report for 1866, the division is thus described : — " The coast southerly from Codroy Island displays cliffs of red and green marls, with thinnish beds of black or dark brown, some- times nodular limestone, associated with which are vast masses of gypsum. The strata very much corrugated, contorted, and broken, especially at the immediate contact with the gypsum, which some- times contains great fragments of beds of limestone, enclosed within the gypseous paste." (■ ^ i I I ■MM 814 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. These gypseous measures are then represented in the same Beport to be repeated by a succession of sharp folds, and were seen to cross at Byan's Brook with the associated limestones, striking up the valley of the Codroy Biver on the south-east side of the Gape Anguille moimtains. On the northern or north- eastern side of the great anticlinal, masses of gypsum with limestone and red and green shales are known to run out near Cape Frior, but seem usually to keep inland, flanking the moun- tains at the Highlands, thence striking north-easterly through the flat lands of Crabb's Brook, cross the Middle Barachois, where, spreading over a considerable area, they form a flattened dome, concealing the subordinate conglomerate. In its northern ex- tension the division was seen in the bed of Bobinson's Brook following the course of division a on the northern side of the anticlinal, whence it strikes generally, but with a northerly bend for Fishel's Brook, rising there in magnificent snow-white clifis upwards of 100 feet high, and forming a well-marked ridge on either side of the river. On the southern side of the anticlinal the gypsum is not so largely or so clearly developed, but its presence is nevertheless frequently indicated by broken fragments scattered on the surface over the top of the conglomerates, and by brine springs, which seem to be a mineral characteristic of this part of the formation. Farther north, near Cairn Mountain, enormous masses of gypsum come abruptly against the great fault, or are overturned with the subordinate conglomerate in contact, showing a reserved dip. Still farther north, fragments of gypsum were observed along the lower reaches of Harry's Brook, where, from the apparently horizontal attitude of the subordinate strata, it was supposed that the division would occupy a tolerably wide area. At the mouth of Kippen's or Bomain's Brook another great mass of gypsum forms a cliff, which was described in my Beport for 1865, from which I quote the follow- ing paragraph : — " On the north side of St. George's Bay, between the narrow isthmus of Port a-Port and Bomain's Brook, thin flaggy beds of sandstone, some of a red and others of a greenish colour, come against a mass of limestone strata (Lower Silurian) by a fault. Between the exposure of these rocks and Bomain's Brook a great accumulation of drift material, consisting of clay, gravel, EEPORT FOR 1873. 315 ) same d were jstones, ith-east ' north- oa with ut near I moun- agh the , where, i dome, lem ex- 3 Brook ) of the rly bend ite cliffs ridge on mticlinal , but its ragments a, and by ic of this fountain, he great aerate in ragments Harry's |e of the [d occupy JRomain's hich was le foUow- le narrow iggy beds Ih colour, [an) by a I's Brook ^y, gravel. and sand, rises in bold banks over the shore, concealing the older rocks; but the sandstones again appear inside of Bomain's Brook, associated with a great mass of gypsum. In this case the gypsum apparently protrudes through tlie sandstone beds, which are brushed up against its sides, and it forms a cliif of itself for some 8 or 9 chains, with a height in some parts of about 60 feet on the left bank of the stream." Smaller masses of gypsun.. were observed inside of Port-a- Port Bay, but as these appear to occur at a higher horizon, and in the succeeding division (c), will be referred to farther on. Although the great masses of gypsum appear to be mainly confined to the horizon here attributed to them, and although in some instances, as at Fishels Brook, the mineral is continuous in large volume, running parallel generally with the rest of tlie for- mation for considerable distances, the conditions under which it occurs in relation to the associated rocks, differs in no essential degree from descriptions given of peculiarities attributed to the same substance in other countries. In every instance wherever a contact of the mineral mass was observed with the shales or lime- stones, the latter were found to be bent, broken or corrugated, or bruslied up against the sides of the former, as if the gypsum had been injected or pushed through the associated rocks, in some cases, as at Codroy, enveloping and bearing along great broken fragments of the more solid strata. Whatever the true explana- tion of this phenomenon may be, one given in the * Geology of Canada,' p. 352, 1863, seems in this instance to me to be the most applicable : — " Certain appearances of disturbance in the gypseous rocks of the Alps have been explained by supposing that the sulphate of lime was at one time in the form of anhydrite, which by absorbing water was converted into gypsum with a large increase of volume, uplifting the strata around." The succeeding division (c) is largely developed on both sides of Cape Anguille, on the north side of which it occupies the whole or the greater part of the coast between the Cape and Fishel's Brook, and is also exhibited in deep sections on the banks of the several streams. The most perfect and uninterrupted section was found on the banks of Fishel's Brook, which consisted of the following strata in descending order. )i 316 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. if, 2. 3. C. 7. 8. 9. 10. IL 12. 13. 14. 15. Soft reddinh and dark arenaceous shale holding nodules of Feet, sandstone, the colours alternating ; the red in ribbon-like stripes 7 Variegated red and green arenaceous rocks, more coherent thiin the above 1 Bright red marls, yielding ochrous earth, and a substance like red chalk 26 Coarse browish-yellow sandstone, with narrow red stripes, and occasional rounded pebbles or concretions of sandstone 56 Thin-bedded red and green sandstone with red and green marly beds, mostly marl at the base 11 Variegated pale red and olive-green limestone, probably magnesian, in beds of from 8 inches to 2 feet thick ; of fine texture, and probably capable of taking a high polish 10 Not well seen. Chiefly red and green sandstones and marls ; conglomerate near the base 200 Grey, black-weathering, magnesian limestone; nodular or concretionary; bituminous, giving a foetid odour when struck with the hammer 22 Red and green calcareous sandstones 15 Beds of grey magnesian limestone, varying from 2 to 10 inches thick, contains many fossil shells, one supposed to he a. Bellerophon 20 Red and variegated marls, calcareous sandstones, and thin beds of limestone or dolomite 342 Blackish-grey magnesian limestone in teds from 3 to 14 inches thick, parted by divisions of blackish-blue shale. Fossil shells abundant, among which were recognised the following : — Froductus cora, a Naiadites, a Bhynchonella, Avictdopecten, Tirebratida sacculus, a Natici^sis, &c. .. 28 Red and green marls, not well seen 25 Alternations of brown sandstone, with brown and red arena- ceous shale, which contain spots or bunches of carbonised and flattened plants. Some of the shales are striped with thin black carbonaceous layers 370 Brown, reddish-brown, blackish, and green marls or marly shales, with beds of brown and red sandstone ; some of which are calcareous or dolomi tic 740 Total thickness on Fishcl's Brook above the gypsum .. 1873 In. On the sea-coast at Rattling Brook, southward of Fishel's, the stratum of magnesian limestone, No. 8, of the above section, crops out, and near it some masses of gypsum are seen along the shore, which seem to be nearly associated, the superior strata of sand- stones and marls coming out at intervals farther north. These strata are again recognised on the coast north of Bobinson's Head, REPORT FOR 1873. 817 28 25 370 isheVs, the ition, crops the shore, a of sand- th. These son's Head, near the summit of a voluminous section, where the strike carries them towards the mouth of Red Brook on the north ; but to the south near tlie bend of the bay, they are cut off by a north-west and south-east fault, with an upthrow on the western side, and they reappear near the outside part of Robinson's Head. A band of limestone or dolomite, representing No. 10 of the Fiahel's section, crops out on the north side of Crabb's Brook, dipping N. 77° W. < 54°, which contains, amongst other fossils, a Bellerophon ? a RhynchoneUa,&nd Terehratula sacculua ; and on a hard siiicious and calcareous rock below the limestone one or two surfaces were crowded witii a multitude of small shells, supposed to be a species otNaiadiies. On the west side of Crabb's Brook a series of red ard variegated red and green marls, representing No. 7 of the section, come in dipping N. 64° W. < 60°, which are overlaid by coarsish brown or brownish-red sandstones containing irregularly scattered pebbles of small size, and chiefly of quartz, in the upper beds, with some beds of a brick-red colour, and coarse red and green arenaceous shale. The thickness of the accumulation here above the limestone appears to be nearly 500 feet ; the upper beds probably repre- senting some higher strata than No. 1 of the Fishel's Brook section. On the south of Cape Anguille a corresponding section is exhi- bited on the coast, between Codroy Island and the mouth of the Great Codrcy River, a general description of which will be found in my Repo/^ for 1866, at page 87. The thickness in that Report is given as 682 feet, but the deficiency (if there really is any) may be accounted for by supposing the strata wanting to be concealed below the superficial material which covers up the whole country between Stormy Point and the Great Codroy River. • ■ Limited sections of the division are exposed on the banks of the lower reaches of the Middle Barachois and Robinson's Brooks, the prevailing dip being northerly in both cases, but the strata are affected by folds which cause repetition ; in the former, a little over a mile up its course, and within 3 miles on the course of the latter, below the outcrop of the gypseous band, division h. On the south side of the anticlinal, on the Middle Barachois, the measures display a prevailing south-easterly dip in disturbed strata, the angle from the horizon being usually high, and sometimes 318 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. vertical near the base of the section ; and within a short distance o£ the gypsum a remarkable band of a very foetid bituminous lime- stone crops out from among red and variegated marls and sand- stones, which is crowded with fossils of a peculiar character. The forms in which these occur are extremely various, and it is doubt- ful whether they are to be considered of vegetable or animal origin, although there appears to be every reason to suppose that the bituminous character of the rock is due to their presence. The most usual form is imperfectly cylindrical, resembling an elon- gated cone, not unlike a Belemnile, truncated at the smaller end ; but they are also often bent, and sometimes rounded, in which case they resemble tlie exterior form of a convoluted shell. I have been unable, however, on examination of a great many individual speci- mens, to detect any approach io internal structure in any one of them. This limestone was seen on the Middle Barachois on both sides of the anticlinal ; on the north side, cropping out about 2 miles up its course, and on the south side about double that distance, where, coming against the Bobinson's Head fault, it is thrown forward about a quarter of a mile on the east side, and reappears about that distance farther up the stream. The division c of the formation is again 'exhibited in fthe lower reaches of Flat Bay Brook, and on the shores of Flat Bay, where a bituminous limestone, supposed to be the equivalent of the rock described above, crops out from amongst red and variegated shales. On the south-east side of the anticlinal in Flat Bay Brook region the rocks above the gypsum are entirely wanting, being cut off by the Great Fault.* On the north side of St. George's Bay the members of division e are but indifferently displayed, their place'-in the coast section between Komain's Brook and Riviere Blanche being concealed by superficial deposits ; but portions of it were readily recognised by the fossil contents, as well as by lithological character, in Port-a- Port Bay, where they are let down by a series of dislocations into juxtaposition with Lower Silurian strata. As these faults appear in some cases to have given rise to lodes holding the ores of lead in * Patches of the Carboniferous series may poeaibly still remain among the moun- tains between Flat Bay Brook and Grand Pond, the latter being the nearest point where the formation is at present known to cxiat REPORT FOR 1873. 319 istance 19 lime- l sand- .. The doubt- animal )8e that 56. The in elon- Ler end ; lich case avebeen lal speci- y one of , on both at about uble that lult, it is side, and pd in fthe Flat Bay, entof the ariegated ay Brook being cut jf division st section Icealed by Ignised by in Port-a- lations into llts appear I of lead in ig the moun- Inearest point considerable quantity, and possibly other valuable minerals, they shall bo more particularly alhided to hereafter. The division d apparently suoceerla the foregoing quite con- formably, but is distinguished from it lithologically by the absence of calcareous strata, and the great predominance of arenaceous rocks, which constitute the greater part of the whole accumulation. TIjc facts throughout seem to bo in almost complete accordance with the section given by Mr. Richard Brown, of the Capo Breton coal-field, whose nomenclature would place the above divisions h and c as representative of the Carboniferous limestone; while division d would be on the horizon of the Millstone Grit, above which he places the coal measures proper, or the horizon where seams of that mineral are found to be productive. Whether the analogy of conditions continues in the upper strata of this province, still remains to be proved ; but as there are evidences highly in favour of the probability, it is obviously of the utmost importance that the structure should be most closely investigated, and every eiTort made to arrive at certain conclusions as to the position and distribution of workable seams of coal. The seam long ago observed by BIr. Jukes, and which has often before been referred to by myself and others, crops out on the right bank of the Middle Barachois Brook, on a bearing from the entrance S. 65° E., 8 miles 55 chains; about 3 miles below which the lower rocks of division d cross the river with a south-easterly dip, upon which they gradually accumulate, advancing upwards in the order given below in an ascending section : — Feet, 1. Conglomerate, with hrown and grey sandstone; the latter ^ frequently holding scattered rounded pebbles chiefly of white quartz ; very micaceous, the mica in rather small silvery or pale yellowish scales ; dark bluish-grey micaceous sandstone more compact than the above ; black carbonaceous shale at the top 320 2. Coarse grey micaceous indstonc in cliffs, with black carbona- ceous shale, bundles of carbonised plants, calaraites, and other vegetable remains. Much false bedding in the coarse sandstones ; surfaces of some beds ripple-raarked 30 3. Massive beds of dark grey micaceous sandstone with layers of conglomerate, pebbles small and rounded, rarely larger than a hazel nut. Stems and branches of Sigillaria and Lepido- dendroH, thin seams of coal one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch thick 180 Y 2 320 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. FMt. 4. Blue or puri)le-c:iourcd clay beds, filtcrnating witli brown nnd grey micaceous sandHtoncH ; flne-grained fiireeniHh Rand- stoncs at tho toj), iiitcrutratificd with slaty arenaceous shale. Much false lit'dditif? 4fi2 6. Finely micaceous and arenaceous blnish-^Tcy sliito 132 6. Beds of fine-Rrained grey or greenish Baudstone from 6 to 18 inches thick, alternatin;? witli hluo or jmrple clays, and coarse flaggy arenaceous shale ; Htems of Siuillaria are very frequent in tho sandstone, and thin IkhIh present surfaces covered with carbonised renmins of plants 368 7. Orecn and reddish purple-coloured, very micaceous sandstone, with thin beds of arenaceous shule 100 1587* The measures of the above accumulation were found in toler- ably regular succession up to within about half a mile of tho out- crop of tho Jukes' scam, where they become disturbed, and are broken by a fault running N. 61° E., S. 61° W., on the southern side of which the strata are thrown into a vertical attitude. The strata on the north side consist of rotten soft brown and black car- bonaceous shale, with a great quantity of coaly matter and obscure remains, some resembling Stujmaria, overlaid by coarse reddish sandstone ; then more clunch and crushed carbonaceous material up to the dislocation. Above, or eastward of the foult, a set of red, flaggy, micaceous sandstones strike along the course of the river, N. 31° W., S. 34° E. ■ . • . > Over the red sandstone the section continues upwards as follows, on a dip N. Gl° E. < from 56° to 65°. Feet. In. 1. Green, striped and spotted with red thin-bedded sand- stones 90 2, Strong irregular beds of coarse brown sandstone with spherical concretions of sandstone ; much false bedding ; and beds of coarse arenaceous shale 40 3. A layer of soft browa argillaceous sbalo or clay with Stig- maria '^ 4, Coal, 1 foot 3 inches; coal in thin layers alternating with thin layers of argillaceous and carbonaceous shale, 2 feet f S.iuches. (Jukes' seam) 6 * The equivalenta of this section, as exhibited between the Great and Littl Codroy Rivtrs, was given in detail in on Appendix to my Report for 1868, when tho thickness was estimated at nearly 3000 feet. It is not improbable, however, that it was somewhat overestimated, in consequence of repetitions of titrata by a succession of parallel dialocatious not clearly revealed. KEPOUT von 1873. 821 Foot. III. 5. BInck nnd brown argillaceous shah filled with romalnn of ferns, &c 2 0. Alternations of reddish arenaceous shale and bods of red sandstone 30 7. Grey, rcddish-weatherini^', finely laininatcil sandstone, dividing into layers from a cjiiarter of au inch to C inches thick 30 8. ('onceakd, HUjiposed to be red and fi;ri'y arenawous ahttlo .. 20 9. Red, greiiiish, and grey arenaceous shale, and beds of grey sandstone SH 10. Green argillaceous shale with .S'<«(/m«/v'a 2 11. Coal.. .. 16 12. Dark brown or grey argillaceous shale with ferns .... 10 Total 255 5 The beds which underlie the Jukes* coal seam strike across the river, bearing about south-east ; but they gradually bend round and recross it, striking easterly, with a dip a little westward of north, at a pretty sliarp angle. Farther up the stream the rocks of the same division present a variety of dips from north-west to north-east, usually at a very low angle, and occasionally for long stretches in perfectly horizontal strata, until getting a little over 3 uiik'B above the position of the coal outcrops, where some red. conglomerates and sandstones, with green shales, containing car- bonised plants, come up, which were supposed to represent the horizon of No. 1, division d. Above this exposure the river be-' comes still, and the surrounding country flat for about a mile and a half, where no rock is exposed; but at the end of that di.>5timce the rocks reai)pear in a highly disturbed state, indicating the proximity of the Great Fault. The first rock observed at this part of the river section is a very dark brown or grey sandstone, which strikes across the river in a vertical attitude, bearing N. 10" W., S. 19° E., but some higher beds which succeed dip N.71°E. < 70^ These are succeeded by some red and green sandstones, very much contorted, which form a sharp synclinal at an abrupt bend of the river, above which the rocks are again concealed. Tlie brown sandstones come up again about a mile and a quarter above tlieir first out- crop, dipping in the opposite direction ; and a mile farther up fragment^ of gypsum were found on the banks and bed of the stream, i'he character of these rocks, together with the presence of gypsum, was supposed to indicate their horizon as belonging to 11 ■ 322 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. j!; H division e. A little beyond the gypsum, cliffa of contorted gneiss rise boldly from the banks, the river above cutting through a gorge of the Laurentian mountains. The upper reaches of Eobir.son's Brook are generally unfavour- able for obtaining a section of the formation in regular sequence, the bed of the river being thickly pared over by a great accumu- lation of boulders and rolled stones, while the banks are for the most part low, and composed of drift. After crossing oyer the basic conglomerate on the anticlinal axis, no rock is exposed for nearly a mile on the ascent oi the stream ; that is, about 6 miles in a direct line from the entrance, where some strata of fine conglo- merate, with coarse red and green micaceous sandstones, cross the river, supposed to be about the horizon of No. 1, division d. Some small outcrops, usually of red or green sandstones, often vertical, are then seeu occasionally in the bed of the river above ; and at 9 miles in a straight line from the mouth a seam of coal, bearing on its strike S. 16° W., crosses the fitream. A fortunate accident alone led to the discovery of this outcrop, as it was so completely enveloped in an accumulation of houlders, that it would certainly have been passed over unobserved, but for the removal of the loose stones, for the purpose of procuring a satisfactory dip upon some adjacent rocks whose bare edges alone cropped through. About a mile and a half below the place where the coal crops out, a set of coarse red sandstones, some beds of conglomerate, or sandstones with scattered pebbles, overlaid by thin-bedded or flaggy red and grey saudstones, whose surfaces were often thickly covered with carbonised remains, dip nearly due east, <" 30°. A little higher up the stream the rock is a very soft red argillaceous and arenaceous shale, mottled and spotted with light green. These latter rocks seem to overlie the coal, and to lie in the centre of a synclinal fold, the seam coming out from under its eastern edge, which dips N. 75° W. < 59°. The plac i of the seam on the west side of the trougli would accordingly be a little westward from the soft red east-dipping rocks mentioned above. Directly above the coal seam some thin beds of black carbonaceous shale were found to contain numerous fragmentary remains, amongst which some small and obscure forms were supposed to resemble scales of HylonomV; as represented in Dawson's * Acadian Geology.' The thickness of the coal scam, judging from the dip of the rocks on either side. • i ■sm REPORT FOR 1873. 323 and the surface which was uncovered — viz. about 6 feet — appears to be about 4 feet The mineral seemed to be homogeneous throughout, without any shaly divisions ; it is very bituminous, bums with a clear flame like cannel coal, leaving a residue of white ash. The seam rests on an argillaceous rock with StigrrMria, but the roof was not distinctly seen. Ascending the stream above the coal crop we find a repetition of the strata soen on the west side of the synclinal, among the h igher of which are beds of carbonaceous shale with Stigmaria. The outcrop of coal upon Robinson's Brook bears frr;?. the uppermost outcrop seen on the Middle Barachois N. 30° E., distant 1 mile 70 chains ; which being nearly on the strike of the rocks, it may fairly be assumed that the seam on the former is either the continuation of that on the latter, or else another very nearly on the same horizon. The exposures higher up Robinson's Brook are still obscure, and for the most part they present a westerly dip, sometimes to the northward and at others to the southward of west, the angles from the horizon varying from 21° to 31°; but about 3^ miles above the coal outcrop some strata are brought in, which so exactly resemble the soft red and spotted shales which overlie the seam, that they were supposed to be identical. Farther up the stream, moreover, near the end of our survey, some lower strata, resembling No. 1, d, come up with a north-westerly dip, < 41°. From these premises it was inferred as probable that a fold or fault on the western side of the soft red rocks, brought in the upper strata with the coal, which may form a second trough at no great distance from the Great Fault. The lower members of e or upper of d were recognised on Fishel's Brook, between 7 and 8 miles up its course, where the dips indicate a synclinal form, but without bringing in the higlier measures. This synclinal line corresponds in bearing with that seen upon Robinson's and the Middle Barachois Brooks, and is probably near its north-eastern extremity ; in which case the coal seams, with the asaociated strata, will terminate before reaching Fishel's Brook, and will form the inner ellipse of a narrow elongated trough, lying about north-east and south-west, with the extreme points respectively at the Middle Barachois, and a little south- west from Fishel's Brook. 324 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ti! As the upper measures of division e of the section are nowhere exposed to view, we have as yet no correct data for the determina« tion of its thickness ; nor is it possible to define the bounds or width of the trough which contains it, as the country is at present circumstanctd, without actual experiment by boring; still the evidences, so far as ascertained, tend to show that the central trough above dobcribed is not likely to prove over 2 miles across at its widest, and is most probably a good deal less ; so, assuming that the average width is about 1 milt-, and the average dip towards the centre about 30°, the total thickness would amount to 1320 feet. As the limits between d and e, however, are arbitrf-ry — the separation being chiefly founded upon the presence of the most prominent coal seams — probably some of the upper strata of d might be included in the division. In consideration of the analogy which has been shown to exist in the Newfoundland and Cape Breton coal-fields, a review of the equivalents, as given by Mr. Kichard Brown, of the coal measures at Sydney, Cape Breton, may be of interest. Section of Coal Measures between Cranbemry Head and Stubbert's Point, Sydney Harbour, Cape Breton, by Bicuard Brown, Esq., r.G.S., &c. :— Descending Order. Strata Coal, Cranberiy Head seam Strata Ft. In. Coal 2' Clay 2 Coal 8 Strata Coal 2 Softshalo 8 Coal 3 Strata Coal 2 O^i Clay 2 Coal 6 Clay 1 Coal 3 6j Strata liower Cranberry Head seam . . Sthata. Ft. In. 21 7 ■ • 15 8 2 245 8 8 17 3 Coal. Ft. Id. 3 8 10 5 i Lloyd's Covo seam 3 6 250 3 H EEPORT FOR 1873. Coal 7J Clay .. .. .. .. sjChapelPoint • Coal 4) upper seam.. Strata Coal ,, I 4\ Clay 4 Coal 5 (Chapel Point Fireclay 2 sf lower seam Coal 04) Strata '* . Coal '.' _" " Strata Coal '.* ;■ " " " ' Strata 325 Above Sydney main seam Quarry seam Coal, Sydney main seam .. Strata Coal ■■ " Strata Coal Strata « , Ft. In. Coal ..0 2^ Carbonaceous shale ...0 1 Coal 3 Carbonaceous shale .. 2 Coal 3I Strata Coal ' ** \ " " " Strata Coal 5) Carbonaceous shale .. 2} Coal ■ 1) Strata ^ Coal *.' " " Strata Coal .'* o" gj ^''*J^ 1 Indian Cove seam Coal 4 Strata '' Coal '[ " Strata Coal .. .. ,'' '[ ' Strata '* '[ " Coal Strata Strata. Ft. In. 106 11 2 9 21 6 162 8 178 9 43 i 12 1 130 ii 3 76 9 46 2 26 10 120" 4 1 61 9 21 11 20 10 8 11 Coal. Ft. In. II 2 1 3 4 1024 .6 14 6 6 9 4 8 4 6 1 3 4 8 11 1 4 7 •".W 326 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. ■i: 1 ! Stbata. Coal. Ft In. Ft. In. 73 9 2 Strata Ft. In. Coal 1\ Shale 3 Coal 2 Shale 2 Coal 2 Fireclay Coal 110 1 2 Stony scam .. 2 10 3 Carbonaceous shale .. 2 Clay 2 Coal 1 3 Carbonaceous shale .. 3 Coal 2/ Strata 1 10 Coal 2\ Shale 1 Coal 1 Shelly seam .. 7 5 Carbonaceous shale .. 6 Coal 2/ Strata 65 2 72* 5 Coal 1 Strata, with traces of ( x)al in three places elusive of Sydney main seam Strata below, and in 786 6 21 11 Strata above .. 1024 6 14 6 Total strata and coal.. .. 1811 36 5 The above section accordingly shows favourably for the pro- ductiveness of the lower part of the division ; the aggregate of coal being nearly 22 feet in the lower strata of 787 feet thickness, as against 14.6 in 1024.6 feet of the upper measures. It will be observed by reference to the map that isolated and elongated troughs of division e are represented by dotted lines between Fishel's and Flat Bay Brooks ; as also south-west of the Middle Barachois, towards the forks of the Grreat Codroy River. These representations are purely theoretical, and only intended to be somewhat of a guide to more minute examination hereafter, or to point out the positions where explorers in search of the mineral might apply the test of the boring rod with a reasonable prospect of success. The only indications of the presence of coal that I have seen in the Flat Bay Brook country were in some small fragments of the mineral mingled with the cravel, on the beds of the small REPORT FOR 1873. 327 brooks which fall into the river on its left side ; and as the banks of these brooks display no lengthened sections of the rock, and the interior between the streams is wholly enveloped in drift covered by forest or marsh, I see no means of arriving at a satisfactory conclusion in regard to productiveness, but by actual experiment. Another important development of the divisions d and e occurs in the valley of the Riviere Blanche, where the section exhibited was estimated to reach about 550 feet in thickness ; but there are grounds in support of the probability that the total amoiut of accumulation considerably exceeds that amount ; which additional strata may possibly include seams of available coal. The lowest exposure of the rock is at a bend of the river about half a mile above the junction of the branch which joins from the north-east, or a mile due north from the sea-beach near the outlet. The strata there are coarse-grained micaceous sandstones, passing occasionally into conglomerates with many small rounded pebbles of white quartz, sometimes in layers, or scattered irregularly through the mass, alternating with beds of drab-coloured clay, and coarse micaceous and arenaceous shale. The attitude of these rocks is not far removed from horizontality ; but the prevailing inclination by a series of observations appears to be nearly north- east, at an angle averaging from 7° to 9°. The strike consequently exactly coincides with the course of the river, which bears upwards north-west. The sandstones are everywhere crowded with car- bonised and comminuted plants, and in the clays some forms resembling broken fragments of Stigmaria were seen. One surface of sandstone, about 2 miles above the junction of the north-east branch, is strewed over with trunks, limbs, and branches of Car- boniferous trees; so that, as seen from 21. little distance, the appearance of the ground reminds one of a windfall or drift of modern wood upon a beach of sand. One trunk of a tree about a foot high, with a part of its roots attached, was observed to stand erect, or vertical to the plane of the bed ; the rest were prostrate. An ancient log lay close by, 10 feet long by 2 in diameter, and near it lay a broken fragment with a bifurcation, 3 feet long and 1 5 inches thick. Another log partly imbedded measured 30 feet ; while innumerable smaller limbs, branches, and stems were scattered over the surface or protruded through tlie beds. The 828 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. erect stump was cylindrical in shape; the prostrate logs and' branches flattened. The interior' structure was usually replaced by a sandy mud, sometimes enclosing woody fibre converted into coal ; while the exterior was always of coal, where not exposed to atmospheric influences. The interior structure of some smaller remains of trees was found converted into a curiously radiated, crystalline, jet-black calcite, with bark of coal, and interstices filled with a black calcareous mud. Over this remarkable bed there is more sandstone and arenaceous shale, both showing much false bedding, intercalated into which is an imperfect bed of coal, irregularly underlaid by a thin layer of clay not over 1 inch thick. The thickest part of this mass of coal is from 14 to 15 inches, but it thins out entirely, wedging into the sandstone, at the distance of 15 paces in one direction ; while in the other it can be seen for a few yards striking obliquely into the bed of the stream. About 10 chains across the strike above this intercalation of coal, the banks of the stream expose some more sandstones dipping about north-east, < 5°, at the end of which distance a seam of coal 6 inches thick crops out on the left side, underlaid by clay holding Stigmaria, and overlaid by a bluish shale, in which beautiful impressions of ferns and other vegetable remains were found in profusion. The highest exposures seen on the river are about 30 chains across the strike, higher up the stream, which at an angle of 5° would accumulate about 174 feet of superior strata ; although the banks bt ng chiefly of drift, the rocks are not clearly exhibited. Sigillaria and other plants occur in the highest beds seen. The banks of the stream above the termination of our survey, consist of stratified gravel and sand rising to the height of 50 or 60 feet; which accumulation is spread far and wide over the greater part of the area enclosed within the mountains, while the surface of the land, which is very level, is covered with dense forest. In such a country natural exposures of the older stratifi- cation need scarcely be expected; and there is no manner of arriving at a satisfactory conclusion in regard to the productive- ness or otherwise of that strata, except by actual experiment. Should the dip last seen on the river be constant at an angle of 6° for a distance of 2 miles, there would be an additional accumu- lation of 870 feet ; but, on the other hand, if the measures are turned up with an opposite dip, within that distance, or should KEPORT FOR 1873. 829 rs and' placed d into )8ed to mailer diated, U'stices >le bed r much of coal, 1 thick, les, but tance of m for a ation of dipping seam of by clay jeautiful 'ound iu about at an strata ; clearly est beds of our leiglit of over the while h dense stratifi- auner of ductive- eriment. le of accumu- ures are should 8, they become flat, it must be obvious that the accumulated thickness will be proiwrtionally less, according to the circumstances. Central or Grand Pond and Humber Eiver Trough. Although the region of the Grand Pond is beyond the limits of the season's survey, I consider a few remarks necessary in explanation of certain views regarding it, which have been sug- gested by a revision of the work of former years as compared with present experiences ; and this is so much the more important, as a new light is now thrown upon the structure and distribution, by which I am enabled with more confidence to speculate upon the probabilities or possibilities which may attend further and more minute investigation, especially in regard to economic results. Upon carefully comparing the fossil contents and stratigraphical character of the rocks of the interior with those of the coast and river sections of St. George's Bay, it would appear that in the former the lower members a and h are ^^early or entirely absent ; while the middle or upper part of c constitutes, on the Grand Pond, the base of the series. The succeeding division d is largely displayed upon the Grand Pond, and a part of division e is recognised at the north-east end of the lake by the presence of fossil trees, and seams of coal. The measures are on the whole moderately flat, except near the junction with the Lauren tian rocks, where they are often turned up at a high angle by dislocations. On the Grand Pond the lower measures strike across the lake at the northern end of the great island, the sandstones of d succeeding upon both shores, which on the south-east side butt obliquely against a mass of trap, running in a north-east and south-west fault. On Deer Pond a conglomerate was seen at the base of the formation, which in 1866 was supposed to be on the horizon of a division, but the character of the associated rocks, the fossil contents of the sandstones, and the apparently total absence of any representation of the gypseous division, seem to place it as more nearly equivalent to the upper part of e. The sandstones of d are displayed extensively in the valley of the Humber River, but being nearly quite flat, except where disturbed by dislocation, the thick- ness is not easily ascertainable; and it is doubtful whether or not the upper strata of e are brought in at all. •M|iPt«<" 830 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. In my Report 1865, p. 64, the presence of small seams of coal is mentioned, as having been noticed in the valley of Coal Brook near the north-east angle of the Grand Pond ; and at the end of the same paragraph it is remarked, " That if workable seams of coal exist in the central trough, the country where such may be expected to be found will be in the region between the Humber and Sandy Pond, where there is ample room to bring in a large accumulation of strata, &c." I am still of opinion that the region there referred to is situated more favourably than any other in this respect; although the recent discovery of a seam 17 inches in thickness on the Coal Brook, leads me to suppose it by no means improbable that larger and more productive seams may be discovered, by trial with the boring rod, near the banks of the Main Brook, or near the northern shores of the Grand Pond. Faults. It may be observed, from what has been stated in the preceding pages, that great disturbances must have taken place since the coal period, to bring the different members of the formation into the contact displayed along the lines of junction with the Laurentian and Lower Silurian rocks, to have occasioned their frequent vertical attitude; and to have brought beds of the same series, remotely apart in stratigraphical order, into juxtaposition. It is remarkable also, that notwithstanding these disturbances, no direct evidence of volcanic or igneous action has 'hitherto been perceived in any part of tlie region ; the trap which occurs on the Grand Pond, and against which the Carboniferous rocks abutt, being apparently of older date, although in all probability indirectly the cause of the dislocation. The prevailing direction of tliese dislocations is more or less nearly north-east and south-west, corresponding with the general parallelism of the great geographical features, to which in many cases they may have given origin. There are, however, many faults which run obliquely or at right angles to this course, and some curious effects of the intersection were observed at one place, which shall be described presently. In my Report for 1866 a great fault is represented as inter- secting the country from near Cape Ray to White Bay; more REPORT FOR 1873. 881 or less general many faults d some , which 8 inter- move evidences of which were afforded again this season by the atti- tude and abrupt termination of the several members of the Car- boniferous group at the upper parts of the rivers surveyed, and near the foot of the mountains. There seems also to be good ground for suspecting that a bifurcation of this fault takes place near the mountain gorge of the Middle Barachois, which probably communicates with the trap and fault on the south-east side of the Grand Pond, and JBnally follows the depression of the Indian Brook towards Hall's Bay ; maintaining almost a straight course for the whole distance. From the place of the supposed bifurca- tion the more northerly fault runs across by the still water reaches of the river, at the foot of the mountains, keeping a straight course up to the expansion of Flat Bay Brook, at the Cairn Mountain, and a few miles beyond, where the last great mass of gypsum was seen in contact with the Laurentian hills ; a little north of which, near the Little Barachois, a second bifurcation appears to take place, the most westerly fault running on the eastern side of the valley of Harry's Brook, being observable in the Silurian strata around Es-que-dege-weh Gospen, at the head of the eastern branch, bearing thence towards the lower reach of the Humber Biver. The eastern branch of the fault is the one alluded to in the Beport of 1866, as striking upon the south-east side of Deer Pond, and thence up the valley of the Humber Kiver to White Bay. The east and west bays of Port-a-Port are separated by a long low peninsula called Shoal Point, which is represented on the map as being supported by a portion of division c. The shore of the East Bay between the neck of the peninsula and the Gravels, is indented with a succession of coves, each of which affords remark- able examples of those intersecting dislocations by which the Carboniferous rocks have been let down amongst strata of Lower Silurian age ; and which are perhaps worthy of especial notice, in an economic point of view, from the circumstance of their containing deposits of metallic ores, which may prove of great value. On the shores of St. George's Bay, about a mile and a half from the eastern outer point of the Gravels, a fault was observed where some red or brownish sandstones of the lower Carboniferous formation are brought into abrupt contact with a set of hard whitish mottled with red sandstones, supposed to be of Potsdam 882 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. 1' age. Bearing on a course N. 85° W., this fanlt runs obliquely across the pond at the Gravels, entering on the west side in a depression between exposures of limestone beds, which contain many fossils distinctly typical of Calciferous age. The effects of this dislocation are then seen at the heads of the successive coves westward of Shag Point, where the Carboniferous limestones, with red marls, sandstones, and shales are let down in confused and broken strata, amongst the beds of Lower Silurian, which latter hold the outer coast line, dipping with a regular and gentle slope northerly towards the bay. From the cove, now known as Lead Cove, about half a mile west from Shag Point, the fault bears a little southward of west, its effects being similarly shown at each of the succeeding indentations, and finally coming out on the coast at the bend of the bay, on the east side of the Shoal Point peninsula, where the newer formation is exposed at intervals, striking along the shore.* At each of the aforesaid coves the effects of further dislocation are plainly manifested in the cliffs of both Silurian and Carboniferous rocks, where the faults which are frequent, and all rudely parallel, run nearly due north and south, or at right angles to the break just described. The relative age of the two sets of disl*jcations is difficult to determine, but the impression left by a careful examination of several coves was that the north and south running faults were the older, while the great east and west fault was the means of pro- ducing the confusion and anomalous position in which, in some instances, the more recent formation appears to underlie the more ancient. The Calciferous rocks are cavernous, in many cases bein^ worn out by the action of the sea for considerable distances, and some beds have a tendency to wear into peculiar forms, sometimes assuming a grotesque resemblance to a colossal human figure. The process of disintegration which has produced and is still pro- ducing these effects seems to be to wear the edges of the fissures and dislocations by which the rock has been previously intersected, first into concave surfaces resulting in pillar-like masses, which subsequent action has modified into all manner of shapes. A pillar-like bed may be seen, with concave sides, overlaid by one * The western extension of this fault is supposed to run for the head of the west bay, and probably thence across the peninsula; but all that part requires more investigation. REPORT FOR 1873. 338 liquely le in a contain fects of e coves 3s, with sed and b latter le slope as Lead bears a at each on the al Point utervals, Dves the he cliffs* ts which orth and fficult to lation of were the 3 of pro- in some ;he more les being ces, and imetimes figure, still pro- fissures ;ersected, )S, which ,pes. A by one lof tbe west luires more worn round with a conyex edge like a huge cheead. At other times several beds are piled over one another, all with convex edges ; others are worn concave on the lower surfaces, and these ogain piled up like inverted plates ; while others take a pyramidal or conical form resembling a nest of weights. In short, there is no end to the fantastic forms produced, all of which are being gradu- ally undermined, and will eventuiiUy disappear, to be succeeded by a newer set, carved out by the same process. One cavern among these rocks is with some diiiiculty accessible from its exit on the shore, bearing in a westerly direction for 120 feet ; another is wide and open, and can be followed at low water for about 30 yards; while many more, in an incipient state, may bo seen wherever the same beds are exposed.* We can readily suppose rocks having these tendencies to have been hollowed out in remote times into vast subterranean caverns by the erosion of running water, or by the action of the sea working through fissures and cracks, thereby undermining the unconformable Carboniferous, and then horizontal strata, in which case the superincumbent mass, thus unsupported when affected by a slight dislocation, would inevitably be precipitated in a confused and broken state into the abyss below, producing the anomalous attitude in which we now find the newer and older formations to come together. That much of the disturbance here is local seems evident, seeing that while the Carboniferous rocks are broken, twisted, and corrugated, the underlying Lower Silurian beds, on both the north and south sides of the fault, are but very slightly affected by the movement, and dip at a very gentle angle and with perfect regularity to the northward. Moreover, judging from the amount of Carboniferous strata as exposed in the cove sections, and the position the sup- porting rocks display, the collapse probably did not occasion over 100 feet, at most, in vertical fall together.t The interstices and fissures occasioned by these cracks and dislocations are usually filled or lined with calc spar, generally in ♦ Some of these caverns in Silurian limestone are thickly encrusted with a calcareous mud, which contains many characteristic Carboniferous marine fossils; from which circumstance it may be inferred tliat they were worn out previous to or contemporaneously with the older Carboniferous time; and that the fossils have been washed into their preseiit position by the waves of a Carboniferous sea. t See Figures 1, 2, and 3, 4. i^l nil 384 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. large coarse crystals frequently of scalenohedral form, with which galena is abundantly disseminated ; while huge masses and balls Fio. I. Before diitlocation, Zi L. S.West. / C / C/ C f Fio. 2. After dislocation. 0. Enst L. S. S j^c'f C f Fm. 3. Before dislocation. C. denuded. L. S. West. c j'\ c Fio. 4. After dislocation. C. denuded. C. denuded. , Sea f lottom. L.S.\ North. C. Carboniferous ; L. S. Lower Silurian ; c, Caverns worn in L. S. ; c', Caverns filled with C. ; /, Faults. 4 ' iJ IIEPORT FOB 1873. 335 2 L.S.West. or uoduloB of iron pyrites, probably mispickol, were found imbedded in limestones, clearly characterised by the presonoo of many typical Carboniferous fossils, such as Terehratnla sacculuB, lihynchonella, Conularia planioostata, and many othera. Altlioiitly against a fault T REPORT FOR 1873. 339 greenish rlaid bv Bceiidiiig Feet. 10 15 6 10 20 18 20 : 16 115 derived of trap, tlie next hin beds :ed to bo lip green ess, over t a fault running N. 21° E., which - ^parates them from a mass of sandstone and eonglomerate. The sandstones of tliis s(>ction are of a greenish- grey colour, in beds from 6 inches to 1 foot thi<'k, having con- glomerate beds intcrstratifled of 1 foot to 18 inches in thickness, which prevail towards the top. The total tliickness exposed hero amounts to 274 feet, beyond which there is a long stretch of sand- bedch, where the rocks are concealed. The outer point beyond, about 3 miles north-east from the Gravels, exposes cliffs of coarse grey or greenish-grey sandstone with conglomerate beds, which are also frequently barred or striped with irregidar bands of dark grey nodular limestone. The conglomerates contain pebbles of limestone, and occasional beds have many fragments of black shale or slate; the matrix appears to be oliiefly of particles of fi'l'lspathic and quartzose sand, probably derived from Laurentian rocks ; and many of the pebbles are coated with green carbonate of copper. Drusy cavities in the rocks are lined with crystals of calc spar. At the end of the section the sandstones are quite vertical, but a little way beyond more red shales come in dipping N. M'' W. < 54'', upon which they, with alternating green shales, accumulate 500 feet in thickness. Red, black, and green shales are then exposed in very contorted strata for 248 paces nearly across the strike, up to an exposure of corrugated thin beds of limestone, interstratified with jet-black shale or slate, with which there are occasional bands, 2 or 3 inches in thickness, of solid iron pyrites. These last measures continue to be obscurely exposed for about a mile to the bend of the shore about 4 miles from the Gravels, beyond which there are no exposures on the coast till passing Fox Island Brook. An amorphous mass of rock runs for about a mile northerly from Fox Island Brook, forming a low cliff along the shore. Portions of this rock are brecciated or concretionary, but it is also irregularly striped with red and green jaspery bands, and patched with a red and white limestone or dolomite, and some black earM y trap-looking slightly calcareous rock, probably a diorito. The whole of this mass scorns to 1x3 more or loss calcareous, and the interstices of the innumerable cracks and fissures are invariably filled with calc or bitter spar. These reticulating veins are often tinged with green carbonate of copper, and thin films of metallic copper are fretpiently found lining the fissures, which 840 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. in ii i I ■ probably give rise to the stains. Towards the end of the exposure a hard, brittle substance, resembling jet, reticulates through the rocks in a blackisli-grey calcareous or magnesiau earthy rock. It is crystalline with a conchoidiil fracture, shining black in colour, and very pulverulent. Small strings and patches of calc or bitter spar are combined with these reticulations. About a mile of sand-beach succeeds the aforesaid cliCTs, in which no rock is seen ; but towards the bend of the coast approaching Bluff Head, red and green shales are again exhibited, which show a dip N. 76° E. < IT, of which about 50 feet of thickness is displayed in the cliff j and in section across the measures at low water 350 feet more, or about 400 feet in all. The shales are then succeeded by massive beds of conglomerate, with calcareous pebbles, overlaid by a great accumulation of sandstone, Avith some red and gi-eeu shales interstratified, which crop out at intex-vals along the coast. The sandstones are folded over at one place, and can be seen at low water dipping in opposite directions ; they are obviously dislocated several times by small faults, ana are otherwise more or less irregular ; but as in the northerly part of the section the slope is jjretty uniformly towards north-cast, with an average inclination from the horizon of not less than 45°, there is room to bring in a thickness of upwards of 18U0 feet. Beyond the little brook which falls about half a mile south-west of Bluff Head, some thin beds of limestone run out at intervals, and one great bed of limestone conglomerate, north of which a mass of trap breccia intervenes between it, and an accumulation of arenaceous shale, succeeded by more sandstones. The breccia, which extends to and is more laigely displayed on Fox Island, consists of an enormous aggregate of angular fragments of syenite, black chert, red jasper, trap, and slate, cemented together by a bottle-green silicious paste, which is sometimes slightly calcai'cous. The whole of the south shore of Fox Island is of this rock, but the northern parts appear to be chiefly or altogether of green- stone. On the main shore, immediately north from tlio breccia, are the arenaceous s-iales, which are very micaceous, tlividing into fine soit laminie not thicker than brown i)a[)er. Over these are a scries of i)alo grey yellow-weathering sandstones, in beds of from 1 foot to 18 inches in thickness, succeeded by tine conglomerates and more sandstonco in very massive beils, sometimes 10 or 12 feet J REPORT FOR 1873. 311 thick, between the divisional planes. The exposed siirfoces of soTae of these beds are curiously honeycombed by little cells about an inch in diameter. These sandstones were supposed to be a repetition of those last seen farther south ; luey come close up to the foot of Bluif Head, which is of serpentine, but the manner of junction is very obscure, and there is evidently a fault running south-east between them and the mountains. The serpentines of Bluff Head are for tlio most part of a blackish or dark bottle-green colour, and with them are associated greenish diorites, chloritic slate, and masses of a brownish-red coloured limestone which is intersected and spotted by pure white calc spar, associated with green chlorite. A rude and corrugated semblance of stratificatiou is observable at some parts of the lUuff Head section ; tho purer serpentine being at the base overlaid by a thick stratum of soft chloritic rock, above which is a thick mass of impure serpentine with a slaty structure to the top of tho cliff. Seams of asbestos are frequent in the serpentines, usually not over one-eighth of an inch thick, but larger veins occur occasionally, some of which may prove of economic importance. Portions of the serpentine weather of a deep rrussian-bluc colour, other portions are of a rusty red, while a pale yellowish-green obtains where the rock assumes the structure of picrolito. Stains of tho green and blue carbonates of copper were seen among tho rocks at some parts, and at one place on the north side of the head some cubical crystals were found in a small fissure, which were supposed to be arseniate of nickel. As our survey of this part of the coast terminated at r)liiff Head, nothing certain can be said of tho succo-*sion farther north ; but from information received, there would appear tt) be another great development of sand>4tone before reaching the outlet of ('oal Itivcr. \Vhether this sandstone is a repetition ot" the rocks seen south of liluff Head, or higher strata, can only be proved by further and closer exauiinfition. From what I could harn from those who had visited tho \\'estern Day, which I was unable to do, the graptolitic :rown in his work u[)on the Sydney coal-field. Comparing the column of strata as found at Lingan, on the one hand, and at Low Point on the other, m\\ 344 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. I J Mr. Brown says, " From No. 1 to No. 5 (in the two sections) the agreement is perfect, although the thickness in the intervening strata in the Low Point is nearly four times greater than in the Lingan section." Again, he says, a little farther on regarding the coincidence of the two sections, " The exception just men- tioned occurs in the Lingan seam No. 5, consisting of two beds of 3 feet, and 5 feet 8 inches of coal, separated by only one inch of shale at Indian Bay, which is represented by the 3-feet and the McGillivray 5-feet seams, separated by 138 feet of sJiole, upon the Low Point shore." Further, he says, " Having an in- stance of an increase of twenty-eight feet in half a mile before us, it is not unreasonable to assume that the same bed of shale has increased to 138 feet in a distance of seven miles." To these remarks a footnote is added which is worthy of quotation, as showing the necessity of experiment, particularly in an unknown and totally wild country : — " One of the most remarkable instances of the splitting of a coal seam occurs in the northern part of the South Staffordshire coal-field, where the several beds of the thick coal, or 10-yard seam, have been split into nine distinct seams; the highest and lowest being separated by 240 feet of sandstones and shales, within a distance of five miles." Another example may be quoted of similar occurrence upon this side of the Atlantic, and upon what may be considered the same great coal-fields as that of which the Newfoundland series forms a part : — " The coal measures of the Albion mines, Pictou, consist of the same materials, and contain many of the fossil remains with those of the Joggins, but they differ in the arrange- ment of these materials and fossils. Instead of a great number of thin beds of coal and bituminous shale, we have here a few beds of enormous thickness, as if the coat-forming processes, so often interrupted at the Joggins, had been allowed to go on for very long periods without interference." * With respect to the contracted size of the productive areas, it has been shown in preceding pages that on the south side of St. George's Bay the dips are usually high, and that consequently a great accumulation of strata will occupy but a short distance across the measures, with which measures seams of coal in all probability are interstratificd ; while on the north side of the * See DawBou's ' Acadian Geology,' p. 318, IlEPORT FOR 1873. 845 esses, 80 bny, where the dips are at a low angle, there is ample room withiu the Carboniferous ground to bring in a thickness of up- wards of 1000 feet. Coal is reported to exist in the valley of the Coal River, and a seam of nearly a yard thick is said to have been seen about 14 miles up the stream. As our survey did not extend to this part, no particulars can be given ; but judging from what could be seen of that valley from the tops of the mountains of the water- shed, I conceive there can bo very little room for a largo accumu- lation of coal strata, and that workable seams are likely to be of very limited extent. , Salt. , From the frequent occurrence of brine springs throughout the Carboniferous regions, and especially near the gypseous division (b), there is every reason to believ>> that salt may be manufactured to a large extent, and become an article of commerce. Moreover, it seems by no means unreasonable to suppose, from various cir- cumstances that have been observed, that the mineral may still exist in the solid form at some parts, which the use of the boring rod may eventually prove. On the Middle Barachois Brook, about 5 miles up its course, the water running from the left bank for nearly a mile, is so strongly impregnated with salt as to be quite unpotable, while the rocks near by were encrusted with fine crystals of the mineral. Salt was also seen on the upper reaches of the same river encrusting the strata. The basic con- glomerate strata on Kobinson's Brook is likewise so encrusted; and on the north side of the anticlinal, near the left bank close by an exposure of the gypsum, in a deep conical depression, with a strong spring bubbling up in the ce 'ro, the water was found to be slightly brackish, being there diluted by the waters of the stream. It has also been stated, when describing the distribution, that saline water was found to proceed from the small faults in the basic conglomerate at Fishel's Brook, and that at the soutliern termination of division a, on the same stream, a strong saline spring bubbles through the soil. Between Flat Bay Brook and the hills near Cairn Mountain, a set of great cavities, resembling inverted cones, were observed in 1806, and spoken of in the lleport for that year. These are situated very near to the "T^ s i III 346 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. position of tlie great mass of gypsum, and supposed to have at ono time been reservoirs of crystalline salt, long since dissolved. Similar depressions occur also close by the gypsum at Rouiain's Brook. In the east Bay of Port-a-Port, alxjut a mile west from Lead Cove, a mineral spring issues from a fault in the strata, which is supposed to possess medicinal qualities of a high order; and is resorted to by the nearer inhabitants as a specific for many diseases. A sample was tnken for analysis, but as yet I have had no opportunity of having it submitted to that test. Within half a mile from the spring, some small masses of gypsum pro- trude through the beach. Several similar springs were met with in the valleys of the Brooks of the 1st area. Gypsum. This mineral is perhaps distributed more profusely and in greater volume in the Carboniferous country of the 1st area than in any part of the North American continent of the same extent. The enormous develojjment of it at Codroy, the Highlands, Middle Barachois, Robinson's Brook, Fijjhel's and Flat Bay Brooks, are evidences of the persistency with which it preserves its place in the stratigraphical sequence ; while the more isolated masses of Harry's Brook, Remain's Brook, and Port-a-Port Bays, are instances of its presence on the northern side of St. George's Bay. As an article of export, the great objection which presents itself is the absence of secure harbours ; Codroy and Sandy Point being, as already sliown, the only safe places to embark cargo ; but its value for agricultural purposes, were the St. George's Bay regions settled, cannot be overestimated. In order to show the value and importance of gypsum, as also the various purposes to which it is applied, I quote the following from the ' Geology of Canada,' chap. xxi. p. 763 : — *' The amount of gypsum raised from the various quarries on the Grand River is about 14,000 tons, which is for the most part employed for agricultural purposes, and is consumed in Wester ix Canada. The price of the crude gy[>sum <\t the mine is about $2 per ton ; but when ground for use at the mills in the vicinity, it is sold at from $3 ' 50 to $4. Much of the gypsum is white and RE POUT FOR 1873. 347 pure, und is well fitted for the purposes of cement and stucco. The quality whieli is used for this purpose sells, when ground, at from §5 '50 to $7 per ton; and when calcined, at $16 per ton. Large quantities of gypsura are brought to the Lower Canada market from the Magdalene Islands." These particulars apply as far back as the year 18G3 ; probably the consumption at the present time is much greater, and the price higher. All the varieties spoken of, are to be had in abun- dance in the gypsiferous deposits of Newfoundland Lead. The ores of lead were frequently met with in the cracks and crevices of the Silurian rocks of Port-a-Port, or 3rd area; but the largest surface development that was seen was among the crushed and shattered Carboniferous strata, where they were let down by dislocation, as has already been stated, when treating on faults. The opening which was commenced at Lead Cove, on the property of the Hon. C. F. Bennett, was, at the time of my visit (July 1873) entirely among the dislocated Carboniferous rocks where the greatest display of galena was at the intersection of the oast and west, with the north and south faults. A shaft was then being sunk, and an adit driven near one of these intersections, but neither was suificiently far advanced to prove the mine, or to determine with certainty the direction the principal ore-bearing part of the lode would tend. The impression left on my mind was, and still is, that the most productive, and certainly the easiest worked part, will be found to be among the more super- ficial Carboniferous rocks, although the ore may prove to be more solid and compact in the dislocations of the inferior strata. m Magnetic Iron Ore. In my Report for 1866, at page 94, a notice is given of the presence of magnetic iron ore at the Cairn Mountain, near Flat Bay Brook. Hitherto I am iinawaro of this ore having been struck in any great mountain mass, although, from the persistency of its appearance on the surface in angular fragments, and in the form of magnetic iron sand, together with its frequent presence ■ > .\ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 I.I '- li^ j||||2.2 2.0 L25 i 1.4 1.6 X'V'^ '^r Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ,\ V •1? :\ \ ^ ■!»;?« IT ^^^^ 848 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. in the basic Carboniferous conglomerate division (a) in rounded boulders, I have much confidence of its existence, as such, along the range of the Laureutiun hills. i i ■ * 1 1 t i i j i Various Useful Substances. The other economic substances of the region are building stone, liincGtone, grindstones, whetstones, red and yellow ochre, petroleum, peat, and shell marl. The sandstones of the coal measures are often of an admirable quality for building purposes, and usually easily worked ; while others are probably well adapted for grindstones and whetstones. Ex*?eUe!i . examples of the latter description were observed on the G/and Pond. The limestones of the same system are occasionally fit fur burning into lime ; but in many instances they appear to be mapnesian, and consequently may not be well suited for appli- cation to t!io soil. The Silurian limestones on the north side of the bay, altliough not invariably, are generally capable of being used for all the purposes for which that rock is required. Par- ticulars regarding these and other mineral substances, \i;!l be found in my Eeport for 1866, from page 95 to page 101 inclusive. Little more can as yet be said in regard to the more valuable metalliferous ores, further tlian has already been stated in de- scribing the distribution of Lower Silurian strata, where it has been shown that the altered rocks of the Quebec group are largely developed. The indications of copper and nickel that were ob- served, although not sufficient to warrant outlay in mining, are still important enough to deserve attention, and encourage close investigation; while the vast development of the serpentines and associated rocks at Bluff llead, is on example of the usual mineral condition of the great metalliferous zone of North America. Reports were current in the St. George's Bay country of metallic silver having been discovered on the northern shores between the Cape and Ship Cove ; but there is much reason to doubt the accuracy of these statements. That silver may exist in combination with the lead ores of the country is highly pro- bable, uud that native silver may exist is at least possible ; but if 1 may be permitted to judge from the character of some REPORT FOR 1873. 349 specimens which were put into my hands as such, the fact is very questionable. These specimens are evidently an alloy or artificial combination, worked up with a design to imitate a natural pro- duction ; but in which, so iar as I have been able to ascertain, not a trace of silver appears to exist. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray. His Excellency Colonel Hill, C.B., Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &c. &c. Geoloqical Survey OrricH, St. Joum's, March 9th, 1874. 5[.\Y IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, — In laying my Report upon the proceedings of the Geological Survey for 1873 before your Excellency, I beg leave particularly to draw your attention to the first and last parts of that document, namely, in the first place to the account given of the agricultural capabilities of the regions explored ; and, secondly, to the descrip- tion given of the mineral economics distributed over the same areas ; as I feel convinced that much of the future progress and prosperity of this island will depend upon the system that is adopted, and means taken for the development of these resources. And in this connection, I hope it will not be deemed beyond the limits of my proper province to suggest, with all deference and respect, that some change should be effected, as to the disposal of wild lands for mining or other purposes. As the law stands at present, if I am rightly informed, a grant of land of one square mile, ostensibly acquired for mining, implies also the possession in fee-simple of the surface; whereas, an agriculturist or a lumberer is restricted to an area of 50 or 100 acres. My idea is, that a mining right should be altogether exclusive of any claim whatever to the surface, unless it is also specifically taken Jip for the purposes of agriculture ; and, then, on the same terms that it would be by any other ordinary settler. In more advanced countries the agriculturist precedes the ini:'*>r, and the latter is oonipelled to remimerate the formor foi surface damogo done in 2 A 350 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. I i t pursuit of mining operations. Here the case would be reversed in order, but the miner, if he owns the surface, would still be proportionally the loser, by the deterioration of the surface by his own works, which would probably interfere with the disposal or improvement of the land. My belief is, that if large blocks of this territory were per- mitted to be sold to wealthy capitalists under certain restric- tions whose interest would urge them to foster emigration and cultivation of the soil, a very few years would be required to convert the present wilderness into a flourishing settlement. I have the honour to be, Tour Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murbat. His Excellency Colonel Hill, C.B., Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &c. &c. ; ( 351 ) CHAPTER XIV. BEPORT FOB 1874.— SURVEY OP THE GANDER BIVEB AND LAKE — LETTER ADDBESSED TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIB STEPHEN J. HILL, K.C.M.G,, &o. &c.— MB. HOWLErS SUBVEY AND EXAMINA- TION OF POBT-A-POBT BAY AND PABT8 OF ST. GEOBQE'S BAY. Gbologioal Si'BVEY Ofpiob, St. John's, FAnuury 27 13 14 15 16 17 18 Courses. S. 22° 30' W. S. 3G° E. S. 42° W. S, 70° W. 8. 22° W. 8. 25° W. Wo»t. 8. 41° W. S. 83° W. 8. 28° 30' W. 8. 07° W. 8. 87° W. 8. 38° 30' W. 8. 64° W. 8. 19° 30' W. 8. 84° 30' W. 8. 41° W. 8. 8° W. Distance, Riae in Foct. Remarks, &c. mis. clis. I 1 70 I 2 25\ 1 16/' 36 64 20 45 2 1 1 20 1 30 1 50 3 20 ••( 15 20 6 2 1 1 35 2 65 1 24 •■{ 10 30 39 ; 75 From entrance from buy to end of tido-wator. Rapids and current ; Btroue rapids through a group of islands approachiug the first pond. Across tlio first pond. Up first |K)nd to tijo narrows, where there is a very slight current. Up second pond (o wlicro current begins. Along main clianncl, and strong current. Through a group of islands; strong current reaches to the right side of Round Fond. Obliquely across Round Pond to left side. Up Round Pond to lower end of a group of islands where current begins, (icnoral cour^ic through the islands: pretty swift current. General course to the eastern projecting point of fourth pond. To the middle of the fourth pond. Up fourtli pond to lower end of a group of islands. Up swift current through islands. 8wift current. Swift current most part of this course. In this courijo tliere are a sueccbsion of small chutes or strong rapids. Alocg a succession of rapids to the level and outlet of the great lake. Tr)tal di8tan<^o by courses, and rise from tho entrance at Gander Bay to tho outlet of the great lake. IIEPOUT FOll 1874. 858 cro there is a From the outlet a narrow arm bearing a little westward of south about 4 milus iu length, with an average breadth of half a mile» leads to the {rreat body of the lake which lies transvertiely to the general coiirse of the river ,below. A prominent point called King's Head divides the narrow arm of the outlet from the great eastern arm. From King's Head the western portion of the lake bears south-westerly, where, at its widest part, it is nearly 3 miles across ; but this expanse is divided by a peninsula and a group of islands on the south side, forunng the approach to the main river on the north-west side, and the south-west arm on the other or south-east side. From King's Head a bearing S. 33° W., 3 miles 00 chains, reaches the extreme end of the ))eniusula, the islands lying on the north-west side of the line, from which point the main river arm bears upwards S. 73° W., about 4J miles, with a breadth varying from a mile and a half or upwards to a little less than a mile, finally reacliing a group of low, flat islands at the outlet of the main river. From the point of the peninsula S. 24° £., 1 mile 33 chains, reaches the entrance to another large branch of the river called the south-west branch, the course passing diagonally across the south-west arm, which carries an average width of a little over 1 mile. At King's Hot d the entrance to the great eastern arm is rather over a mile widi', and the bearing up it is N. 81° E. for 11 miles, along which course the width varies from a mile to upwards of one mile and a quarter ; and at the bend, at the termination of this distance, it widens to nearly 2 miles. The next bearing up the same arm is S. 39° £., 6 miles; then east 5 miles 60 chains; uuii finally S. 56° £., 2 miles and 25 chains to the extreme eastern end, where a good sized brook fulls in from the south-eastward. The width of the luke in these last courses varies at different parts from a little over to something under a mile until taking the final turn, from whence it contracts gradually towards the eastern termination. According to our survey, the eastern extreme lies iu lat. 48° 51' N., long. 54° 22' W., nearly. The surface area of Gander Lake is between 40 and 50 square miles. In my letter of November 26th, 1870, it was also shown that I failed to strike soundings with 57^ fathoms of line, until reaching near to the eastern end, where bottom was struck at 51 i fathoms. Since that letter was written I have received a coil 7-' '/ 854 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. of salmon twine, 90 fathoms in length, which I aAsnme to be the depth found by a trapper I engaged to try the soundings ; but this person, being unable to read or write, sent no further par- ticulars. There are some curious phenomena observable upon this lake, dependent in all probability in a great degree upon its vast depth. According to the Indians and trappers who frequent the region, and who usually spend more or less of the winter months there, the surface is seldom frozen over during these months, and it is not until late in March or in April, when all the minor ponds are about to break up, that a thin pellicle of ice is formed extend- ing from shore to shore. At that time, while the ground is saturated by the melting snow and falling rain, and every tributary swollen to its utmost capacity, pouring great volumes of chilled water on to the still surface of the lake, it seems probable enough that this excessive supply may form an upper stratum which, before amalgamating with the warm strata below, gets: caught by a sharp frost, while many more degrees of lower temperature would be unavailing in the formation of an ice sheet, when the natural and normal circulation was uninterrupted. I was also informed that the river was unencumbered by ice rafts as other rivers even in the greatest freshets, notwithstanding that there are distinct evidences of the great lake rising above its normal level fully 9 feet, and this statement seems to be verified by the absence of any appearance of ice-grinding on the trunks of the trees, or of undermining of the banks, as is usually seen on all rapid streams. While on this lake we were much struck by observing an irregular or spasmodic rise and fall of the water's level, without any apparent atmospheric cause. With a very steady barometer, and during an interval of calm and hot weather, the level of the surface was noticed to vary some 5 or 6 inches in the course of the day ; and I observed on one occasion, at the entrance to the main river arm, that the current ran towards the river at the rate of about half a mile an hour. Charles Francis, the Indian guide, who was then in my employ, told me he had often witnessed this phenomenon, and that at the extreme eastern end of the lake he had once perceived a rise and fall in one day of fully a foot. The main branch of the river at the extreme western end of REPORT FOR 1874 855 the lake bears upwards S. 28° W. for 5 or 6 miles, beyond which the general course is probably a little more westerly until reaching the head waters on the eastern side of the watershed of the Bay East River. See Report, 1870. The south-west branch bears upwards from its outlet into the lake, very nearly due south, and was followed and measured for over 5 miles ; but it appears to maintain the same bearing upwards for many miles farther. According to my Indian informant, the distance from the part we reached to the sources would take three days to travel following the valley, which may fairly be taken to represent a distance of between 80 and 90 miles ; the lower part of which meanders in a southerly direction, as already stated, while the upper reaches bend south-easterly, encircling the tributary waters of the Gambo, as well as the minor streams which fall into the eastern arm of the great lake. The principal tributaries of this great river in succession upwards are, Belman's Brook, Weir's Brook, Island Pond Brook, Joniton's Brook, Miller's Brook, Joe Batt's Brook, Home Brook, and the Salmon River, below the lake ; and falling into the lako there are Square Wigwam Brook, Careless Brook, Hunt's Brook, Charlie's Brook, Joe's Brook, the North-East Brook, and the brook which falls in at the extreme eastern end. Besides these, there are innumerable minor streams and rivulets which fall either into the lake or the river below. stem end of GEOQRArniCAL. Following the course of the river upwards, the valley on cither side presents alternations of extensive low-lying flats and gently swelling hills, covered with dense forest from bottom to top. In some cases the flats are wet and marshy ; and on the sides of the hills the bold outline of a rocky cliff" occasionally presents itself, but by far the greater portion of the surface is composed of detrital material, surmounted by a clayey and arenaceous, or sometimes marly soil. Belman's Brook joins the river on tho left side of the 5th course of the table, and Weir's Brook falls in a little higher on the opposite or right side, both streams pro- ceeding from lakes of considerable area some miles inland. The highest land seen in the valley is within the lower forks of these ]^-f f»Tt^SI 856 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. » ! i| streams, where a range of hills, densely wooded to the summitfi, rises pretty abruptly, especially on the southorn side, to an elevation of about 400 feel over the level of the first pond. The timber of these lower reaches of the valley consists of the usual varieties of hardwood and evergreen trees, and amongst the latter pine and white spruce are very abundant, although not usually of very large dimensions, many of tlie more valuable trees near the banks having either been culled out or ruthlessly wasted, in a manner which I sliall take occasion to mention at another place. Above the jimction of these brooks, the surface is everywhere gently undulating and covered with forest, pine trees increasing in size and number as the ascent is made, until reaching Home Brook, which falls into the fourth pond on the left side, where a wood of white birch has replaced the original forest, long since swept away by fire. Some very largo pines were observed on the reaches between Round and Fourth Ponds, groves of which timber are in ample abundance on both sides of the stream. A strip of white birch, which marks the course of a former fire, continues up the left side from Fourth Pond to the lower arm of the great lake, but amongst it and all around many stately pines still remain un- scathed. Joniton's, Miller's, and Joe Batt's Brooks fall into tiio main river on the right side between Ilound and Fourth Ponds. They aro each streams of moderate size, and flow for the greater part through a densely wooded and generally level coimtry on the northern side of the watershed between the river and the eastern arm of the groat lake. The largest tributary is the Salmon Kiver, which joins about a mile below the outlet of the lake on the left side. It takes its rise in a multitude of small ponds and tarns to the northward of the Blue Mountain Tolt (to be described hereafter), the streams from which unite before entering a lake about 3 miles from the outlet, from whence it flows rapidly due cast to its junction with the main river. Square Wigwam Brook and Careless Brook fall directly into the lake from the westward, the former joining at the northern or lower arm, the latter on the main western body of the lake. A fringe of densely wooded country, varying in width from less than a mile to about 3 miles, skirts the north-western shore of the lake from the entrance to the main river to Salmon River. This belt of wooded country is for the greater part level or imdulating, of a good light nEPOllT FOn 1874. 867 Buil, and woU Buppliod with pino, spnico, and hardwood ; but, Luyond it to the north^westwurd, the charactur entirely changes, and a wide expanse of barrens and marshes succeeds. Hunt's lirook, Charlie's Brook, and Joe's Brook fall into the eastern arm of the lake on the south side, the waters of the former stream interlocking with the sources of the Qambo. The North-Eost Brook joins on the north side at the bend near the eastern end of the arm, and proceeds from a large luke about a mile and a half inland? its course marking pretty nearly the boundary which divides the forest from the burnt lands. From the midst of the grout plain north-west of the main river and arm, a series of isolated mountain peaks arise, among which the most marked and conspicuous is the Blue Mountain Tolt or Mount Peyton,* the summit of which probably commands the finest panorama in the island. Two other peaks called the Big Luok-out and the Little Look-out, are also well-marked features, although of much less altitude, and were found very serviceable OS points in the triangulation. From the entrance to the main river a bearing N. 36' W., a little over a mile, reaches the summit of the Little Look-out, and the same bearing for 6 miles farther reaches the summit of Mount Peyton. The Big Look-out bears from the Little Look-out N. 13'^ W., 3 miles. Aluunt Peyton rises to an altitude of about 1G70 feet above the level of the sea, towering majestically over the vast barrens and marshes, which are dotted over by innumerable ponds and tarns, the sources of many streams flowing in different directions. The northern and north-eastern sides of this mountain {)rescnt a nearly perfectly perpendicular face of some 700 or 800 feet sheer down to the general level of the plain, while the southern and western flunks slope abruptly but accessibly, and are partially and irregularly spotted with copse-like groves of stunted timber, through which, however, fire has made sad havoc. From the base of the mountain the Little Itattling Brook of the Exploits takes its rise in one of the larger ponds, the stream from which can bo seen from the summit wending its way to the westward ; the upper waters of the brooks of Burnt Bay, Indian ♦ Called in Iionour of John Peyton, Esq., J.P., oa overlooking the ocene of many of his youthful culventurea duriug the days of tho now extinct race of Ikuthicb or Utd ludiund uf Ncwfouudlaud. TrTF* 358 GKOLOGICAL SUnVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. 1 Arm, and Loo Bay are visible to the northwanl, whilo trending easterly are the waters of the Salmon Uiver and CnruloHs Brook of the Gander. The scene which presents itself on all sides from this isolated summit is indoscribahlv grand. Looking to the westward, the valley of the Exploits can be traced, with Hodge's Hill giving out its sharp and rugged outline to the nky ; to the northward the Bay of Exploits is spread out like a map, with its innumerable islands and peninsulas ; and away across the Groat Bay of Notre Dame, till the faint loom of the hills of Cape St. John bounds the horizon on the one hand, and the distant jioints of the Fogo Islands break the uniformity of the ocean expanse on the other ; to the eastward lies the green valley of the Gander, whose waters glisten here and there through the dark foliage of the forest wending their way to the sea ; and the serpentine form of the eastern arm of the lake can be followed by the eye, stretching its silvery waters away towards Bonavista Bay ; to tlie south oast He the rich alluvial burnt lands of the south-west branch and of the Upper Gambo ; while far to the southward and south-westward the prospect is bounded by the hills of the watershed of the south- flowing rivers. The ultimate sources of the main river rising at no great dis^ tance from the bead of Bay D'Espoir, and flowing thence in a gene- rally north-ctvst course, must make a total length of not less than 100 miles in a straight lino from its head to the outlet of Gander Bay; while the length of the south-west branch which interlocks with the head waters of the Gambo and the Terra Nova Rivers, cannot be much under 80 milen, following its sinuosities where it enters the great lake. The country drained altogether, consequently, would appear to bo between 2500 and 2700 square miles.* Of this great expanse of country, a very largo proiwrtion, particularly eastward from the main river, is of rich anutarii>s of the Uambo, struck upon tho great lake near J«m>'s Brook, whence it crossed uninterruptedly to the sea at Bonavista Bay. Tho result of partial nres is ubservablo besides at several other parts of tho lake and river shores, which, in almost every ca8<», could bo traced to the remains of a shed, or what had lx>en the temporary hai)ita« tioD of a trapper. Notwithstanding that great damage has, in this woy, been inflicted over a largo area, were tho conntry now occupied by lumberers or settlei-s, a very lavre proportion of tho timber might still bo utilised, as wo found up on several trees, that they were still sound and solid, though dead ; and even if imfit for lumber or spars, millions of rds ot tho Iv i description of firewood might there bo readily procured. Within this region there prolwbly is nearly, or quite, TOO square miles admirably adapted for the pursuits of agriculture, and not a very much smaller area still covciod with pine and spruce, where a groat trade in lumber might bo prose* ii^ecl with profit to adventurers and immense advantage to tho country at large. Were tho tracts surrounding tho head waters of tho Gambo and the south-west branch to bo taken into account, I have little doubt the area would bo extended to 1000 pcjuaro miles. In order to illustrate this, I have shown upon the map a systematic plan for subdividing the land, the surface of which is laid ofl" in blocks of 6 miles sqiiare, each containing an area of 30 square miles. Of these suppose 20 to be reclaimable, there would be a total of 720 square mih s. The plan adoftted in the construc- tion of this map was to take the meridian of Suit Island as a base- line upon which the whole system of blocks is erected. Following this meridian from Salt Island southerly, it will strike the eastern arm of the Great Lake on tho north side about 2 miles west from the mouth of the North-Eust Crook, and on the south side at the entrance to Joe's Brook ; thence continuing southerly to near the parallel of 48° 49' N. lat. This parallel then forms a rectangular base up to about the longitude of 55° 1' W. These two lines being * il 360 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. each divided into lengths of 6 miles, and lines extended from each subdivisiou to meet similar subdivisions on the respective parallels and meridians north and west, form the groundwork of the whole area.* For further subdivision it will be perceived that the northern boundary of blocks 1 and 2 is on the parallel of 49° 15', which crosses the river close to the termination of the tide-water, and that the meric^ian of Salt Island, 54° 29', intersects this line very close to the right bank at a point where a path was cut some years ago, known as Knight's Road. These blocks show the principle upon which lots for settlement ought to be arranged. First of all, the block is cut up into single square miles, and then again each mile is divided into six lots or equ. I areas of 100 acres, leaving a balance of 40 acres as a reserve for local roads in every mile. In order to give the lots a fair proportion of frontage to the river, the concessions include one mile of distance upon a parallel of latitude, while the lots are one-sixth of a] mile upon a meridian of longitude. At the south-western extreme of the plan, No. 25 block is similarly subdivided as another example, and the same system can be applied, as be (^ adapted to the peculiarities of the various localities, over tl" wh^le of an extended area. Each block is intended to represent a township, and the dividing lines between them are supposed to be reserved as main lines of road. As each lot, except where the frontage is broken by the river or lake, is supposed to be 100 acres of land, there will be an overplus of acreage in each unbroken township of 1520 acres which would be a reserve for local roads. As nearly the w' lole of the area lying between the eastern arm of the lake and the main river, and a great extent of country on the north-west side of the latter, as well as on the south side of the lake, and for some distance up the south-west branch, is thickly grown over by magnificent pine and spruce, I cannot conceive any better possible plan for gradually improving the surface of the country and preparing it for regular s. ttlement than by encouraging the introduction of capital to be applied towards utilising these splendid forests of timber. Nor is the value of the timber the sole consideration, for it * It will bo nbeerved that by this process no allo^vunce is made for the con- Tcrgcnoe of tlie meridians ; but the cousoqueat different size of the blocks, in reality, ia nevertheless iuconsiderablo. REPORT FOR 1874. 361 will most assuredly be found that the opening up and settlement of the country will primarily be brought about by the operations of the lumberer, legitimately or otherwise, and many of those employed in clearing the forest will be among the very first per- manent occupiers of the soil. With the timber trade, cattle, horaes, and sheep will speedily be introduced ; grain, grass, and roots will be cultivated ; while labour will be in such demand that there need not be an unemployed hand throughout the year, from one end to the other of the colony, and beggary ought to utterly disappear from the land. Much has been said, and nearly as much published, about tlie propriety of letting out these vast lands as timber limits, which, according to some economists, ought to be reserved for the exclusive uses of fishermen. In answer to such objections, I am prepared to show that hitherto no fishermen have ever visited the parts I especially refer to for any purpose beyond procuring a supply of fur or venison; and such visits frequently, if not invariably, terminate by setting fire to the woods, and destroying more or less valuable timber. Next, I maintain that not only would the revenues of the colony be largely increased by the introduction of the lumber trade, but the fishermen themselves as a body would be those of all others who would reap the most benefit by it. It would (and it will) give ample employment to hundreds who would otherwise be idle, and would bring comfort and independence to many destitute, who, but for such occupation, would be seeking for charity ; and finally, millions upon millions of feet of lumber will be saved and turned to account, instead of being, as hitherto, ruthlessly wasted or destroyed. This last assertion regarding waste is founded upon testimony that defies contradiction, and upon facts which I have myself witnessed; and here is an example which will apply generally : — A fisherman requires a spar for one purpose or another, and he straightway goes to the woods to' procure one. In making his selection of the particular kind of tree which he requires, he cuts down, let us say as an average, three trees (fre- quently, however, many more) and, after fixing upon his quarry, he '-etires for that day. On the next or some future day he returns to dress up the selected tree, which will occupy time according to circumstances ; and finally, he makes another trip, which may or may not b' the last, accompanied by friends or 362 GEOLOGICAL SUIIVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. !^ 1 1 1 i M L^.. neighbours to help him to drag his spar to the river's banks or to the sea-shore. Now, in such a case it must be clear that at least two trees for one are wasted, which may fairly be considered as equivalent to nothing less than 1000 feet of lumber. Next, the questidered as Next, the itablished, adjuncU„ e requires nufacturer 3 no value lumbering iber limit, said town- t with the put up for lent of any jettlement ; be allowed tt the block tain 23,040 upon the bages to be her conve- compensate lue of such of growing 1 for lumber ir 14 inches, a of a local contain 216 ble of main- a population , each of the e of oxen for is would give 160 sheep to *^ a township, exclusive of stallions, bulls, rams, &c., which to a great extent might be used in common. With the almost un- rivalled capabilities the country possesses for grass growing, breeding and rearing of stock can hardly fail to become one of the great future industries of the province. The total rise on the river to the level of the Great Lake has already been shown to be about 75 feet ; and, as a great part of the natural course ia still and moderately deep water, the impedi- ments to the navigation of vessels, drawing from 5 to 6 feet, might be easily overcome by the construction of five or perhaps six locks. The positions of these would be situated thus : one at the foot of the rapids just above the tide-water, of say 18 feet, and another near the head of the large island in the lower group, of 18 feet more, which would rise to the level of the first pond. The next would be at the head of the second pond, of 7 or 8 feet, to the level of Bound Pond. The level of fourth pond would then be reached by another lift of about 8 feet at the head of Bound Pond. Lastly, one of 24 feet at the head of fourth pond, or two of 12 feet, the upper of which to be situated abreast of the lower chute, would rise to the level of the lake. By clearing out a straight channel at the shal- lower parts, and building slides over the stronger rapids, all diffi- culty in driving timber to Gander Bay would cease. In the event of the lands being opened up as timber h'mits, small steam vessels will inevitably be required for towing logs, anu for other purposes on the lake. For these, good harbours can be found in the northern or lower arm at the entrance to the main river at Careless Cove, and at the south-west arm ; but to reach the river mouth of the latter a channel must be staked ofi", as a large portion of the arm is very shallow. Hunt's Gove is also a well-sheltered place from all except strong northerly or north-easterly gales ; and there is an excellent harbour at the extreme eastern end of the lake, where there are also two c ves admirably adapted for booming in logs. As the distance from the eastern head of Gander Lake to Freshwater Bay does not at most exceed 9 miles, and the maxi- mum height of the land between does not appear to be over 150 or 200 feet above the sea, a tramroad might be laid without great diflSculty, by which a large amount of timber or other produce might be transported to Bonavista Bay ; while a saw-mill on the largest possible scale, at or near the outlet of the Gambo, would, in '&. nl m 364 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. I have every reason to believe, be in a position to carry on a most prosperous business. Should the suggestions I have ventured to offer be carried into effect, and the regions I have attempted to describe be opened up to trade and settlement, I propose, with your Excellency's permis- sion, to give the district or county the name of Hill, in honour of your Excellency's administration as Governor of the colony. Geological Features. In my Report for 1871, while reviewing the facts ascertained in the region of Sir Charles Hamilton's Sound, mention is made of the occurrence of a set of wrinkled and altered calcareous slates at the Indian Islands which contain fossils, chiefly corals and encri- nites, apparently typical of a horizon near the top of the middle or base of the Upper Silurian system. It is also remarked, at page 32 of the same Beport, that the rocks of the Indian Islands form a synclinal, and rise again on the south side of the strait, spreading over a wide area between Ragged Harbour and Gander Bay. Cor- responding rocks with fossils come up at Bussey's Point on the west shore of Gander Bay, but the rock is there so highly altered as to render the organic contents extremely obscure ; and those that could with any certainty be i'lentified were the remains of items of encrinites, some of which were of large size. Above this point no fossils whatever have been discovered to give a clue to the geolo- gical horizon, either in the bay or river, but the lithological resem- blances and many characteristics are still preserved in most of the exposures on the river and at several parts of the great lake. At Salt Island and the shores abreast, the general strike of the rocks is nearly north-east and south-west, and the attitude either vertical or dipping at a very high angle towards the south-east. These rocks consist of blackish and dark grey slates, with occasional strong beds of fine conglomerate, most of which are more or less calcareous. The strike carries these strata obliquely across the course of tho river, but they turn more southerly at the lower rapid or " Bread and Cheese Point," where the dip is S. 62° E. < 70°. Following the river upwards, slates continue on the right bank, where they exhibit several sharp folds and undulations on a general strike nearly north and south ; but the left side of the river REPORT FOR 1874. 365 r on a most ;arried into , opened up cy's permis- 1 honour of lony. jcertained in is made of ious slates at Is and encri- he middle or ■ked, at page lands form a lit, spreading 3r Bay. Cor- it on the west altered as to d those that lis of items of this point no to the geolo- ogical resem- ,n most of the eat lake. At 3 of the rocks sither vertical i-east. These ith occasional more or less ely across the he lower rapid 02° E. < 70°. le right bank, ulations on a ide of the river at the rapids of the islands is crowded with hnge masses of a hard crystalline yellow- weathering rock, apparently a dolomite, while tho exposures a little higher up and upon the same shore of first pond consist of dark green, hard epidotic rock, frequently breccious which weathers brown, with diorite. The character of the exposure on first pond bears a general resemblance to members of the Quebec group, as described in former Reports ; but above that pond the slates have more generally the aspect of those at the mouth, and theue continue uninterruptedly up to the chutes at the upper rapids, where diorites and some very hard altered sandstone or quartzite come in. The slates were observed to be everywhere very ferruginous, and many surfaces were seen speckled in a remarkable manner by small dots or cavities, encrusted with per- oxide of iron ; while others were scored by a set of well-defined line?, as perfectly parallel to each other as though they had been drawn with a rule, and likewise so speckled. With these, fine con- glomerates occur, which are always slightly calcareous. King's Head and the northern shore opposite as far as Careless Cove present abrupt or precipitous cliflEs from 20 to 30 feet high or upwards, consisting of very ferruginous slate with bands of cal- careous conglomerate and some altered sandstone, innumerable white quartz veins, much iron-stained, running in the strike. Great masses and many nodules of radiating iron pyrites are associated with these rocks. On the southern side of the lake, between Hunt's Cove and the south-west arm islands, the shore consists of low cliflfs of mica slate, the surfaces of which are smooth and silky, with numerous quartz veins running for the most part in the strike. These rocks are greatly corrugated, but their general strike from the islands of the south-west arm is nearly south up the valley of the south-west branch of the river. On the east side of Hunt's Cove there are some fine-grained bluish or blackish clay slates, mixed up with the soft silky mica schists, which aro probably suit- able for hone-stones. These run about north-east and south-west with a north-westerly dip, and appear to be underlaid by mica si ate of a coarser quality, which shows itself a little to the eastward, apparently striking for a slightly projecting point upon the north side of the lake, a little over halt- way between King's Head and tho great southern bend. Immediately west from this point, some red slates show themselves on the banks, succeeded by green, and 2 B ' ! 866 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. f red and green alternating, the latter colour prevailing towards King's Head ; but to the eastward of the same point the shore is occupied by diorlo^s, serpentines, and chloritic rocks for the next two miles, at the end of which contorted and coarsish mica schists again crop out. Farther up the lake micaceous slates still prevail, many surfaces of which are characterised by the presence of crystals of staurolite, precisely resembling the slates of the country near Hound Pond of tLe Bay East River.* These or similar slaty roekd with some quartzites and dioritcs occupy the northern shores of the eastern arm, nearly all the way to the entrance of the North- East Brook, and also for some distance on the south side, but a marked change takes place on that side about 2 miles west from the mouth of Joe's Brook, where the rock is a fine-grained granite. The points on both sides eastward of the two above-named brooks, display sections of corrugated and contorted gneiss, which I have no doubt to be of Laurentian age, connecting with the Laurentians of the northern seaboard of Bonavista Bay. The barren country on the north-west side of the main river, extending across from the Little Look-out ^ > Mount Peyton, and probably for some distance beyond, seems to be entirely composed of a homogeneous red felsite, in which no stratification is observ- able at any part of its distribution. The rock disintegrates freely where exposed to the weather, and at the summit of Mount Peyton and other of the higher elevations is rented by parallel joints into great cubical-shaped blocks; while the sides are thickly strewn over by broken and worn debris. The whole region around Care- less Brook and Cove is covered by a thick deposit of a brick-red sand derived from this rock. It will be perceived from the above statements that the struc- tural evidences, so far as they go, seem to indicate the probability that the rocks so largely distributed over the lake and river country are of two horizons ; ons apparently representing a portion of the Quebec group, the other a continuation of tho middle or U^.'^^r Silurian slates of the Bay of Exploits and Sir Charles Hamilton's Sound ; but as those evidences are mainly dependent upon minora- logical or lithological character, at all times unsatisfactory where there is obscurity in the stratigraphical sequence, it will be advis- : * See page 231, Report for 1870. ^ ,. - . REPORT FOR 1874. 367 able to defer expressing too confident an opinion upon these points for the present, trusting that further investigation may lead to more definite and decided conclusions. The gneissoid rocks which bound these formations on the east, there is very little doubt, are of Laurentian age, corresponding with those described in my Report for 18G9, p. 194 ; but the amorphous red rock which bounds them on the west I am now more inclined to consider as a vast intrusive mass, intersecting the country diagonally in a north-east and south- west direction, probably connecting with the granites and syenites of Round Pond and the Partridgeberry hills to the south, and those of TiOng Island and other islands of Exploits Bay to the north. Should the proposed railway survey be carried through towards the Exploits in the direction I have indicated as probably the most favourable line for construction, much of the present doubt which prevails regarding our geological information will, in all likelihood, be removed, and fresh light be thrown upon our knowledge as to the presence or absence of metals or minerals of economic importance. Economics. . The presence of serpentines on Gander Lake may be taken as favouring the probability that some of the more valuable metallic ores may exist in the neighbourhood ; but with the exception of great quantities of sulphuret of iron, none were met with on our survey. Some of the quartz veins in the ferruginous slates have somewhat an auriferous aspect, and may be worthy of thorough in- vestigation. Some specimens were collected for analysis, but no opportunity as yet oflfered, of having them submitted to a chemical test. Bog iron ore was observed scattered in tufaceous masses at several parts of both the river and lake. A beautiful grey granite can be procured at sundry parts of the eastern arm, towards the head of the lake, especially at the mouth of the brook next west from Joe's Brook, and also on the south shore directly opposite the North-East Brook. The stronger beds of sandstone and the conglomerates will be found serviceable for ordinary rough building, and can be conveniently procured for con- structing locks or other buildings on the river. Near Hunt's Cove some of the harder beds interstratifled with 2 B 2 368 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. §1 the slates, seem to be of an excellent quality for whetstones ; and good flags are not uncommon amon(^ the same strata. Should a survey be instituted for the purpose of laying off these lands for lumbering limits and settlement, I have no doubt that one of the first results will be to greatly extend our knowledge of the general structure of the country, and to further the develop- ment of its mineral resources. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Mubrat. His Excellency Sir Stephen J. Hill, C.B., K.C.M.G., Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &c. &c., St. John's. I » LETTER OF A. MURRAY, ESQ., P.G.S., DIRECTOR OF THE GEOLO- GICAL SURVEY, TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR STEPHEN J. HILL K.C.M.G., C.B., UPON THE RESOURCES OF THE INTERIOR OP NEWFOUNDLAND. Geological Survey Office, St. John's, Nov. 2m, 1874. May it please your Excellency, — As the investigations of the Geological Survey during the past season have revealed certain facts regarding the natural resources of the Island, which may prove of the highest importance to its future prosperity, I beg leave to submit the following outline of the late proceedings of that Survey for your Excellency's consideration. In order to economise time, our operations were divided, and two parties formed, one of which was conducted by my assistant, the other by myself. I instructed Mr. Howley to continue the survey of St. George's Bay and Port-a-Port country which was commenced last year, while I proceeded to Gander Bay, for the purpose of examining and surveying the valley of the Gander Eiver, and the country surrounding its great inland waters. The result of both these surveys will be more fully given in the Report I am now engaged in preparing, to lay before the Legislature. The entire coast of Port-a-Port Bay was re-surveyed by Mr. Howley, all previous representations of which were very greatly in error; he measured all the principal streams in the same REPORT FOR 1874. 369 region, and connected the whole upon a continued series of triunglos from the heights and most conspicuous points. He also surveyed Crabb's Brook and the coast-line, for a considerable dis- tance, on the south side of St. George's Bay, and made an exami- nation of the Cape Anguille range of hills; and finally he examined the coast sections between the Great Codroy River aud I'ort-au-Busque. His work has materially advanced our know- ledge of the true geological structure of those regions, which hitlierto was very obscure ; and he has made a most valuable collection of fossils and minerals to illustrate the same, which are now deposited in our museum. My own operations on the Gander Eiver country have added another prominent geographical feature to the map of Newfound- land, aud another step has been made in advance towards attain- ing a general knowledge of the distribution of the geological formations. The Gander River drains an orea roughly estimated of about 2500 square miles. Tlie lower reaches proceed from a great lake of a serpentine form, extending in an east and west direction lengthwise, between the meridians of 54° 21' and 55° W. longi- tude. The width of the lake varies at diflferent parts from 1 to upwards of 3 miles, and its surface area amounts to between 40 and 50 square miles. This great lake is fed from the south-westward aud the southward by two large streams ; one, which is called the main river, taking its rise at no great distance from the head of the Bay D'Espoir, aud connecting with the waters on the eastern side of the watershed of the Baie D'East River, described in my Report for 1870 ; while the other, which is known as the south-west branch, flows through a vast table-land which extends towards the waters which fall into Bouavista Bay, apparently encircling the whole of the Gambo and its tributaries. Busidcs these two streams, tliere are innumer- able minor brooks and rivulets which add their tribute on all sides. The normal surface of the lake is only about 70 feet above the level of the sea, and it is easily accessible for canoes or small boats at all times by the river's course, the only iuterruptious being a set of rapids a little below the outlet of the lake, and another sot not far above the tide-water of the bay, neither of which, however, involve portaging or difficulty of any kind whatever. Long stretches of still water, commonly called ponds by the trappers, constitute the 11 lim 870 OEOLOOICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. '■'] i greater part of the river's course, and these are connected by gentle currents, wliich, but for the shallowness of the water, which sometimes spreads over an immense width, would be scarcely per- ceptible. As to the lake itself, one very remarkable feature is the enormous depth of the main body, of which I attempted to get soundings, but failed to strike bottom with 67^ fathoms of lino, and it was not till getting nearly to the extreme eastern end that I at length got soundings of 51 fathoms. Except where partially denuded by fire, the whole valley of the river, the shores over the lake, and the banks of the tributaries, are all densely clad by forest, amongst the most conspicuous trees of which are pines, to all external appearance of the finest description. Below the head of the first pond, or for about the first ten miles from the entrance, much of this valuable timber has been culled out for local purposes by the residents on the sea-coast, but above that part they still remain in all their pristine vigour, even close to the banks. Upon the south-west arm, and at various parts of the lake, groves of pine may be seen where the average girth of the trees is not much if anything less than 9 feet, and where many individual trees will reach to 11, 12, and even 14 feet. On about 1 acre of surface I measured fifteen or twenty trees, the diameters of which varied from 2^ to 4^ feet, and these, moreover, were straight, tall, and sound, with stems running up symmetrically, for upwards of 50 feet, without knot or branch. What the entire extent of this timber country may be, it is impossible to state with accuracy without making a survey for that especial purpose ; but from what I have seen on the surveys I have already made, and from all that I could gather from the Indians and trappers who frequent these regions, I conceive there must be an area of not less than 500 square miles, worthy of being laid out as timber limits, where an immense lumber trade might be carried on successfully. It is true that over a large tract great destruction has been occasioned by fire, and this is particularly the case on the great plateau of the south-west branch, whore the timber was formerly of the very hist quality ; but were the land taken up even now, it would be found that many of the trees, though dead, are still sound and fit to be utilised, while the evident fertility of the soil would amply repay the nolders of the land, when the supply of its indigenous produce was exhausted. REPORT FOR 1874. 871 The natural facilities for carrying on lumbering operav.ions in this country could liardly be exceeded. A channel might easily be cleared out at cumparutively small cost in the shallower jtarts of the stream, by which logs could bo rafted or driven to the sea at Gander liay; and by the construction of three or perhaps four small locks, steamers or craft of considerable size migl t have ingress to the great lake. From the eastern end of the lake to the seu at Freshwater, Bonavista IJay, the distance does not exceed 9 miles, and the maximum level of the land between, being appa« rcntly not much over 150 f«.'^t, a tramroad might be built without more difficulty than that oc:::asionud by clearing up the surface where it would pass through. The eastern termination of the lake is well suited as a harbour, and the coves at its head are admirably adapted for booming in timber. Water power can be obtained at numerous places on both sides of the lake for driving machiuery, where saw or grist mills might be erected ; and hardwood fuel can be obtained in ample abundance at many parts for steam power when required. Large steam saw-mills, at Freshwater in Bonavista Bay on the one hand, and at the head of Gander Bay on the other, might be in constant operation for years to come, and thousands of people might be usefully and profitably employed. Were the country once opened up to the lumber trade, and the great lake used as a means of communication, not only the timber of the Gander waters, but that also from the heads of the Gambo would come to its shores, to find its way ultimately to the sea, either by the river or the tramroad as circumstances might require. The establishment of the lumber trade in these regions, however, would only be a preliminary movement towards the ultimate perma- nent settlement of the laud. The soil over an enormous area is rich and fertile, the surface level or gently undulating, and roads could be easily constracted in almost all directions. That this country is capable of raising all or most of the cereal crops in ample abund- ance, I see no manner of reason to doubt ; and for the produce of roots or grass it could hardly be excelled. Were means taken to settle this region in a regular and systematic manner, by laying oflf townships, intersected by reserves for roads, as in Western Canada, a very few years would be required to turn it into a great grazing country, where cattle and sheep would be raised for exportation. I am at present engaged in constructing a map of the country p m 872 GEOLOaiCAL SUnVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. referred to above, upon a scale of 1 inch tu 1 milo, upon whic}i when completed I intend to represent full particulura, together with a pliiu I should recommend for the subdivision of the land. I hope uhortly to bo enabled to furnish your Excellency witli a tracing from this map, which I apprehend will be more intelligible than any written description. Mr. Ilowley is alHo similarly employed in mapping out his work in St. George's 13ay and Port-u-l'ort. As these latter are the only correct representations of the 'joast-line over yet produced, and the surrounding regions are likely to become im- portant as mining localities, I intend with the approval of yonr Excellency in Council to publish these plans upon a reduced scale of 4 miles to 1 inch, upon the surface of which all details, topo- graphical and geological, will be represented. I have the honour to bo. Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander JMubhay. To Ilis Excellency Sir Stephen J. Hill, K.C.M.G., C.B., Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &c. &c. ! ! if : 1 J i REPOUT OF J. P. IIOWLEY. Geological Survey Office, March Kith, 1875. Sir, — My investigations during the past season have, in accord- ance with your instiuctious, been chiefly directed towards the Peninsula and Bay of Poit-a-Port, together with a large portion of the mainland on the eastern side of the same bay. A portion of the southern coast of St. George's Buy ond the interior country between it and the Codroy Iliver were also examined towards the end of the season. As the purpose of the examination of the Port-a-Port country was to gain an accurate knowledge of the geological structure, and particularly the distribution of the Lower Silurian formations so largely developed in these regions, a careful topographical survey of the whole coast and the principal rivers was found to be abso- IlKFOKT roU 1871. 373 Ititely roquisito, as tbo inuccumeios of the uld clmrts ami itluna of tluwo purtH worocvon luoro coiiHpicuous uiul eiubarnMsin<{ tliun tlioHo of St. Georgo's liuy, of which you muko moution in your UejK)rt fur 1873. Our moasuiements anil benrings wore taken ns in formor yonre by I{ochon*8 microniotcr teloscopo and priMmiitic conipusH, but tho whole work was kept in chock by a connoctetl system of trianj^u- lation with a good theodolite on all tho principal elevations and conspicuous points, the result of which, when plotted to a scale of 1 inch to 1 mile, has proved very satisfactory. Besides the whole inner coast of the bay, tho courses of two of the principal brooks w<'re scaled, viz. those hitherto known as Fox Inland Ikook antl Coal lliver, tho former for between 13 and 14 miles, tho latter for nearly 20 miles. Several minor brooks also on both sides of tho bay were ascended as far as practicable, and fro(]uoiit excursions nade to tho tops of the higher mountains and across various pi its of the peninsula. IJeturning homewards in the fall of the year, I measured tho coast-lino on the south side of St. Georgo's Bay between Cral)b'8 Brook and tho "Highlands," a distance of 8 miles. Crabb's Brook was dialled for 16 miles, 4 chains, and 41 links ; an excur- sion was made on foot across the Cape Anguille range of hills from the Highlands to tho Great Codroy lliver, and finally the coast was examined southward from the Codroys to Capo Kay, where my season's field-work ended. Since then, as you aro aware, I have been engaged in mapping these particulars. This extensive topographical work, while indispensable for the correct representation of geological detail, necessarily occupies much time which might be otherwise spent in the more appropriate ojjcration of following out tho structure, and had I been snpi>lied with an accurate map to record tho observed facts iii)ou from timo to time, tho results of the season's work might have been much more extensive ; nevertheless, I hope you will find upon a strict scrutiny of the map and sections I now beg to submit for your inspection, that a considerable step has been made in advance towards a correct knowledge of the geology of the country. I*J.; i 371 ; . K 1 ■ \ i . ? i i : 1 .1 i: 1 i 'Mi i GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Geogbaphical and Aqricdltural." A glance at the map will bIiow that the peDinsuIa of Port- a-Port is connected with the mainland merely by two narrow beaches of coarse gravel, with a salt-water pond within, which, by a depression of the surface of about 12 or 14 feet, would be alto- gether submerged, and the peninsula would become an island, as it evidently has been at no very remote date. The name by which the locality generally and the small settlement here is distin- guished, viz. "The Gravels," is derived from the existence of these beaches. In your Eeport for last year, the construction of a canal through these Gravels was recommended, tho necessity for which was still more forcibly impressed upon my mind while in the neighbourhood last summer. By such a construction in many cases a voyage of nearly 100 miles would be saved ; it would afford a safe retreat for fishing and other craft in both bays, uud iu the event of raining operations proving successful in the vicinity, will be almost oi altogether indispensable. At the instigation of the Very Rev. Thomas Sears, P.A., an attempt was made by some of the residents at the Gravels to effect an opening between Port- a-Port Bay and the pond through the northern beach ; but, owing to want of funds or lack of energy or encouragement, was finally abandoned. It is said that some of the older inhabitants remember the existence of an opening through the southern beach from St. George's Bay, sufficiently large to admit the entrance of large- sized fishing skiffs into the pond, but which was finally closed up by the wreck of a small vessel in the gut while endeavouring to reach the harbour during a storm. A similar instance of the extinction of a boat harbour occurred about twenty-five years ago at no great distance from the Gravels and by the same means. A large vessel, driven to seek for shelter from a gale of wind, and misled by the charts, which represented a harbour on the western side of Indian Head, stood for the channel and struck there, and soon became a total wreck, which, obstructing the free ingress and egress of the sea, occasioned the silting up of the entrance altogether, which is now obliterated, the former harbour being a detached pond. A right-angled triangle, of which the northern shore of St. * AU bearings are from tho true meridian. REPORT FOR 1874. 375 ula of Port- two narrow n, which, by uld be alto- in island, as ,me by which re is distin- existence of construction thj necessity f mind while istruction in ed ; it would L bayb, auv. iu L the vicinity, instigation of aade by some between Port- i; but, owing it, was finally nts remember 1 beach from anoe of large- ally closed up deavouring to stance of the •five years ago ne means. A } of wind, and »n the western jck there, and e free ingress ' the entrance rbour being a shore of St. ■'M George's Bay would be the base, between the Gravels and Gape St. George, and the extreme end of Long Point the northern apex, will enclose the whole of the Port-a-Port peninsula or third area of your Report for 1873, inclusive of the eastern and western ba}d. These two bays are formed by a long low point called Shoal Point, which juts out nearly at right angles to the trend of the southern shore of the bay, and almost in a due north and south line. The land area, including Bed Island, which lies off its western shore, is about 157 square miles. The bays of Port-a-Port are bounded on the north-west side by a strip of land between 2 and 3 miles across at its base, where it leaves the main body of the peninsula at Black Head in West Bay, which runs thence in a north-easterly direction, tapering gradually as it approaches its termination in a low ledge of rock called Long Point in lat. 48" 47' 12" N., long. 58° 46' 23" W. The hypothenuse of the triangle aforesaid faces the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with a distance in a straight line from Long Point to Cape St. George of 32 miles ; while the base from Cape St. George to the Gravels, drawn direct, measures 26 miles. The middle or Shoal Point, which divides the East and West Bays, extends, as already stated, due north 6 miles from the mainland on »he south side. It is low and flat, covered for the most part with peat bog, and a shoal projects from its termination fully 3 miles out into the bay. The general trend of the eastern coast of Port-a-Port and beyond, although interrupted by pimdry curves and indentations, is about N. 20° E. from the Gravels to South Head of the Bay of Islands. Near the former place the coast is bounded by cliffs, aver- aging 30 or 40 feet in height ; but farther north the shore is low and shelving at many parts, with wide lagoons and boggy and marshy banks, which are formed at the outlets of various streams ; and there is a wide extent of flat land in the vicinity of Fox Island Brook. Following the coast northerly from Fox Island Brooic, cliffs of moderate height alternating with sand-beaches are met with imtil approaching Bluff Head, when they become lofty and precipitous. Bluff Head itself rising almost vertically from the shore to an altitude of 1600 feet. These lofty cliffs continue un- interruptedly to Lewis Brook, but beyond it they are of moderate height, and the land near the shore is flattish or undulating till reaching the entrance to the so-called Coal River. Wii- I' |i; < i n I s til !■>■'.' It I- . ■ 1: I ^^^^'^i 876 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. The mountain range, locally known as the Lewis hills, which terminates on the coast at Blufif Head and Lewis Brook, strikes obliquely into the country, thence in a north-easterly course, bearing towards the Blomidon range on the south side of the Humber Arm. Immediately north from Coal River a set of bare and peaked hills rise abruptly from the shore, frequently reaching an altitude of upwards of 1000 feet, and the whole coast continues of the same rugged and precipitous character till reaching South Head at the entrance to the Bay of Islands. The east and west bays of Port-a-Port are eligible as harbours during the summer months; but the wide expanse of surface, especially of the former, renders them unsafe in boisterous weather, especially during northerly or north-easterly gales. At a place called Piccadilly, within the western bay, however, there is a secure harbour at all times and in any weather. The principal streams which empty into Port-a-Port Bay are Fox Island or Bennois Brook, Blufif Head Brook, Lewis Brook, Molly Ann's Brook, Rope Cove Brook, and Ooal River, all falling in on the east side, besides several minor rivulets; while a few moderately large-sized streams and several minor ones fall into West Bay. Of these, Bennois Brook and Coal River, being the largest and most important, were surveyed. Bennois Brook takes its rise in a series of small streams among the Lewis hills, which, uniting in a deep gorge, flow south-west for 8 miles in nearly a straight line, at the end of which it turns sharply to the west, running generally on that course, but with many sinuosities, 6 miles more, when it enters the sea. At the upper part of the last course the river is very narrow, rapid and broken by small falls, and is enclosed between high rocky cliflfs: but the valley widens rapidly on the descent, and at the outlet there is a triangular area of flat land of about 60 square miles. Serpentine River * takes its rise about 2 miles north of Little George's Pond of Harry's Brook, described in Report for 1873. It flows thence in a straight line north-west by west for 8 miles i i -1 'i ■i ■) ■ 1 t ! i M i i M i^ * I propose to call this stream " Serpentine" instead of "Coal Eiver," as being inore appropriate. The latter term has douhtless been given under the erroneous inipresiiiou tiiut coal existed in the valley, which it does not ; but the course of the stream being sinuous, and tlio nature of the rocks through which it flows being nittgncsian, renders the term " Serpentine " peculiarly applicable. REPOBT FOR 1874. 377 lills, which >ok, strikes rly course, ide of the set of bare ly reaching st continues jhing South as harbours of surface, •ous weather, At a place :e is a secure Port Bay are Liewis Brook, sr, all falling while a few »nes fall into er, being the Brook takes hills, which, J in nearly a to the west, y sinuosities, r part of the ken by small ut the valley }t there is a lorth of Little port for 1873. 3t for 8 miles 1 Kiver," ftfl being der tl»o erroneous t the course of the ich it flows being into a large expanse, entering at the eastern end, which I have named Serpentine Lake. This lake lies nearly upon the same course lengthwise, and is 5 miles 30 chains long by an average width of 70 chaina Its surface area may be about 3000 acres. From the outlet of the lake the general course is nearly north- west for 6 miles, but in this course it makes no less than thirty sharp turns in the upper five miles, and is mostly still water, which at some parts is very deep ; the banks being low and composed of yellow clay, fine sand, and gravel. Within the lower part of the same course there are two falls of about 10 feet each, and several small chutes with shallow water. From the end of the last course the stream turns abruptly S.S.W., in which direction it flows for 1 mile 60 chains; and thence, turning due west for 2 miles 20 chains, it finally reaches the sea. The lower course of the stream is navigable for small boats and canoes for only about half a mile at high water, above that distance it being shallow and rocky, and broken by many rapids and chutes. This stream receives tribute from four brooks of considerable size, and several smaller ones. The two principal of these join near the outlet, and not far above the tide-water, coming from opposite directions ; the one on the north side flowing through a low flat valley bounded on each side by lofty hills, which extend across to York Harbour, Bay of Islands. The one on the south side proceeds from the Lewis hills. The largest of the upper tributaries takes its rise amongst the Blomidon range, and flows rapidly along the south-western flanks of the same, its lower courses being generally parallel with the river but running in the opposite direction, falls into Serpentine Lake at its lower extremity. The fourth tri- butary joins on the left side about half-way between the great bend of the river and Serpentine Lake, flowing northerly from the Lewis hills. A large portion of the peninsula, and by far the greater part of the mainland on the eastern side of the bay, is high, rugged and barren, and there are portions, more especially where the rocks are magnesian, where the vegetation is either very scant or absent altogether. The other mountain summits also, although calcareous, are usually bare, but the flat country where the sub- soil is a combination of the ruins of arenaceous, calcareous, argillaceous, and trap rocks, is often rich and fertile. This is m '(Mr 378 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. notably the case over a large tract of the peninsula around West Bay, and at the head of East Bay. It was estimated that there may be in the peninsula alone, nearly 100 square miles of area available for agricultural pursuits. In the region surrounding West Bay a tract extending over at least 45 square miles is Lvel, densely wooded, and is intersected by several brooks of good size. At some abandoned clearings near the sea-shore, the rank luxuriance of the grass that grew there was most remarkable; while the timber produced over the other parts of the area was of good quality, consisting chiefly of white spruce, balsam fir, and yellow birch (commonly known as witch-hazel). Pine was not observed, and if it exists is scarce. The valley of Bennois Brook contains an area of about 60 square miles, at least one-half of which might be reclaimed ; but there is a good deal of marshy ground over the remainder. The country is well timbered by the usual varieties of trees ; and on the lower reaches of the river and the numerous islands near its outlet, there are very fine groves of poplar, and a species of ash resembling the American white ash, a tree unknown on the eastern side of the Island, which may probably be found service- able timber for various purposes. The only other parts where this peculiar species of ash was observed to grow were on Serpentine Eiver and on Harry's Brook of last year's survey. The valley of Serpentine River, like that of Bennois Brook, is very wide at the entrance, but it contracts rapidly as it approaches the mountains. The whole area within the hills is about 58 square miles, inclusive of the flat marshy land, which stretches across to the Bay of Islands, and the narrow fringe which skirts the mountains towards Lewis Brook. Much of these lower lands are of good soil, more especially on the banks of the river, and along the base of the mountains, where the surface is generally level and dry. In addition to the usual varieties, pine and tamarack may be enumerated amongst the indigenous timber. These latter trees, although less abundant than the othera, are nevertheless in considerable quantity, and some of the former reach a great size. I measured one pine which had a circum- ference of 12 feet, and there are many varying from 2^ to 3 feet in diameter. ■ i I EEPORT FOB 1874. 379 South Shore op St. Georoe's Bay. In common with the other larger rivers of which a Report was given last year, Crabb's Brook takes its rise among the Long Bange mountains. It issues from the mountains in two large streams leaping and foaming over precipitous falls and masses of fallen rock, through deeply cut gorges with high perpendicular cliffs on either side until reaching the level country at the base, where they unite, and thence flow in a general course about north- west by north for a distance a little over 16 miles to the sea. The length of this river along its course from its exit to the moun- tains is somewhat less than that of the streams surveyed last year, partly in consequence of its being less sinuous, but more parti- cularly from the circumstance of a bend to the westward occur- ring in the Long Range near where the river debouches from the mountains. The valley "^ Crabb's Brook is generally level or gently undulating, and is densely covered by the prevailing forest timber, much of which, particularly the yellow birch, is of large size and apparently of excellent quality. The soil e .^ears at all parts to be even superior to that seen on the banks of the brooks examined last year, and for about 8 miles of the lower reaches the stream passes through a wide expanse of level country, with many low flat islands in its midst, all of which when cleared yield spontaneously the most luxuriant crops of wild grass, which are naturally irrigated annually by the freshets of spring. Proceeding along the coast of St. George's Bay from Crabb's Brook southerly, we come to a stream called River Brook at the end of about 2 miles. This also takes its origin among the mountains of the Long Range, and flows generally parallel with the other streams, passing by the north-eastern end of the hills of Cape Anguille in its course towards the sea. About 2 miles above its outlet it expands into a large pond or lake. Southerly from River Brook and between the coast and the north-western slope of the Cape Anguille hills the country is locally known as the "Highlands." The term is appropriate, as the scenery of the back country is quite of the Highland type ; and the inhabitants (if the coast at that part are descendants of the Scottish Celts, who If 880 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ■■i II! il r > IJ still retain the language of their ancestors. This fringe of the coast from Crabb's Brook southward for over 8 miles, is a splendid tract of agricultural land, level, dry, and free from marsh. Grain crops and grass flonrish luxuriantly wherever grown, and, as an instance of its capabilities as a grazing country, I was informed by one of the residents that he had cut hay off one field for twenty consecutive years without ever having broken up the ground since the time of first clearing. The ascent of the Cape Anguille range was made by a very rough footpath, which leaves the coast between 3 and 4 miles southerly from River Brook, and is used by the respective inhabitants of Codroy and Channel on the one hand, and those of the Highlands and Crabb's Brook on the other, as a means of intercommunication. It follows the line of the coast for about 2 miles where the ascent is gradual and the country comparatively level ; and then turning off about S.S.E., strikes up the slope of the mountains, reaching, in a little over 2 miles, the sources of a small stream and a wide marsh, having there attained an altitude of 1706 feet above the level of the sea. Following the same course, still ascending for 3 miles more, the maximum elevation is reached, which, according to the readings registered of the aneroid, was 1862 feet. From this point the descent was made in a general S.S.W. course about 9 miles to the valley of the Great Codroy River, which was struck upon the northern branch about 2 miles above the main fork. See Report 1866. The sides of this range of hills are frequently densely wooded, with the usual varieties of timber, but towards the top the trees become more or less stunted or dwarfed, while the extreme summits, which are in some cases level over wide spaces, are usually either bare or grown over only by low ground spruce, through which the effects of fire are but too perceptible. Towards the coast on the north-west side, and the Codroy valley on the other, the flanks of the hills are very steep, and sometimes precipitous, but the general contour is nevertheless rounded and smooth, offering a marked contrast to the neighbouring bold and rugged outline of the Long Range. The numerous little brooks which abound on both sides of the watershed, taking their origin from the ponds, tarns, and marshes among the mountains, have cut |£I2i| REPORT FOR 1874. 381 deep precipitous gorges in their courses, particularly towards the outlets, which are frequently impassable, rendering a considerable detour inland unavoidable to get from bank to bank. The table-land on the summits of these hills, although too lofty and exposed for ordinary tillage, seems nevertheless to bo very well adapted for grazing ground, especially for sheep, and the wild grass which grows spontaneously in many of the little glens and sheltered places is of a very luxuriant description. Distribution op the Formations. In last year's Beport, beginning at page 335, a general outline is given of the distribution and succession of the Lower Silurian strata, as developed in the country surrounding Port-a-Port Bay. These have now been more fully investigated in detail, and the result has thrown much light upon the obscurity which hitherto has prevailed regarding the general structure of the entire region. In the Beport just alluded to, the lowest measures exposed at the Gravels are described under the head of Potsdam and Calci- ferous formations, in one very regular section of 1594 feet thick- ness. The lower measures were supposed to be of Potsdam age, from the strong lithological resemblance they bear to rocks of that age at other parts of their distribution, rather than palseonto- logical evidence, fossils being either absent or too obscure for satisfactory identification. But the succeeding beds, which follow with perfect regularity, are, especially towards the top of the series, well charged with highly typical organic remainfl of the true Calciferous. According to the estimate made this season, the total thickness of the two groups taken together cannot be much under 3000 feet. On the eastern side of the bay, north of the Gravels, the following section of the Calciferous rocks was measured in the ascending order, on a general dip N. 31° W. <21°:— Section No. 1, Feet. In. 1. Thick-bedded light grey limestone, with thin shaly divi- sions, occasional beds of pale drab close-grained arenaceous limestone, sometimes tinged with red ; obscure fucoids at base 100 3 2 C hi I r iiii ■■' ^ ■ J. : 882 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Keel. In. 2. Alternations of thick-boddcd grey limestone and thin nodular beds, divided by greenish shaly layers; many obscure fossils exposed on weathered surfaces of harder beds. Several turbinated shells, probably Macluria, with OrthtB, Lepttena, Encrinite ttemt, and large Orthoeeratites, could be recognised. The surface of one bed is entirely coveied with obscure fucoids, weathering reddish, and standing out from the bed; while the surface of another bed weathers into large rounded and flattened concretionary forms 383 3. Simi'ar alternations of thick-bedded grey limestone and thin irregular beds, with shaly divisions; the latter becoming more frequent towards the top. Some of tho thicker beds are more or less arenaceous. The upper- most strata exhibit the peculiar weathering described at page 333, Keport for 1873, which appears to be charac- teristic of these higher beds. The fossils are similar to those of No. 2 489 5 Total 972 8 Besting upon No. 3 of the above, are the shales and limestones of the Levis division with their characteristic fossils, a section of which has already been given in your Report for last year at page 337, as follows : — Section No. 2. Feet. 1. Grey bituminous limestones, with partings of black or grey shales 4 2. Thin beds of bituminous limestone, alternating with black or dark grey shale, mostly shale at top, in which many fossils occur ; Lingula, Obclella, some Trilobites, simple and componnd Oraptolites 6 3. Dark blue earthy bands of limestone, from 5 to 6 inches thick, with black or dark grey shales alternating in about equal proportion. Upper part filled with fossils, chiefly Oraptolites 23 4. Black shales with numerous Oraptolites 40 6. Dark grey calcareous sandstones, in beds of from 6 inches to a foot thick 20 6. Coarse grey brecciated limestone or conglomerate with calca- reous sandstones again on top 30 Total 123 The last beds. No. 6 of the section, hold the coast northerly for a distance of 1 mile, dipping N. 60° W. < 27°. They then turn HEPORT for 1874. 383 Feet. Jn. I B 8 o d d 10 r- at to 383 489 5 .. 972 8 ind limestones is, a section of r last year at Feet. or grey black or y fossils )inpo«nd •• •• 6 ) inches in about , chiefly •• •• 23 • • •• 40 nches to •■ •• 20 h calca- ■ • •• 30 • • •• 123 ,8t northerly for i^hey then turn into tlie land with a more northerly dip, and are succeeded by red, green, and black shales, with occasional beds of grey sandstone and thin bituminous and conglomerate limestones, all more oi less disturbed by small faults, the shales at one place exhibiting most extraordinary contortions. The succession in ascending order from No. 6 of section No. 2 is as follows. The thicknesses are only approximate, and may be somewhat underestimated : — Section No. 3. Average dip N. 30" W. < 26". Feet In. 1. Greenish-grey and drab shales, with a few thin shaly beds of gray sandstone interstratified near the top 164 1 2. Beds of greenish-grey fine-grained sandstone, from an inch to a foot or more in thickness, with shaly divisions at base. Some of the thin beds hold a few simple Orap- tolites 47 2 3. Loose, splintery, dark greenish shales having very black glossy surfaces, somewhat disturbed 50 4. Dark greenish, hard, cherty, nodular shales, with irregular splintery cleavage 70 5. Greenish-grey, red and blackish shales, often faulted, and otherwise disturbed in places ; exhibiting similar black- ened and polished surfaces to those of No 3. These shales are characterised by numerous nodules, and large masses of cubical iron pyrites 573 3 6. Greenish-grey rather coarse-grained sandstone 25 7. Red, green and blackish shales, with two or three beds of greenish-grey sandstone interstratified at nearly equal intervals ; much confusion prevails amongst these shales caused by several small faults 400 8. Bed and green slates, alternating in nearly equal propor- tions, considerably harder than any of the preceding shales. The cleavage is at right angles to the bedding, and they break into innumerable long, thin, sharp splinters. They are seen at first in a horizontal position, but become suddenly disturbed towards the tv^p. (See Fig. 6, page 338, Report for 1873.) It is impossible to arrive at a conclusion regarding the thickness of these slates. It can, however, hardly be less than 150 9. Red, green and blackish shales, often finally laminated, with a few thin beds of bituminous limestone interstrap- tified near the base, and some conglomerate limestone near the top; with a few thin beds of sandstone. (See Section at page 337, Report for 1873.) Several smaller faults occur here 230 2 2 r^v 7^' Ml III)- mm- M ii .; 1 i 884 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Fe«t. In. 10. Fine and coarse grained grccntsh-grey sandstonoa and flno conglomerates, in beds of from 6 inches to a foot or more in thickness. The conglomerate beds are chiefly composed of fine quartz and grey limestone pebbles, with numerous angular grains of red feldspar, and occasional fragments of black shale, cemented together in a matrix of fine green sand. Some of the fine beds hold numerous spherical concretions of similar sandy material, but harder 11. Loose red, green, and dark brown shales, much broken and often concealed ; not less than Thin irregular beds of grey bituminous limestone, from 1 to 6 inches in thickness, with partings of dark brown tiind jet-black bituminous shale sometimes finally lami- nated. Iron pyrites thickly disseminated, and occurs occasionally in thin strata of 2 or 3 inches in thickness. Strata a£fected by a series of complicated folds. Thick- ness doubtful, but probably about 250 300 5 500 12, Total 2759 11 Following the shore northerly, a great gravel beach with low, flat, and often marshy country inland succeeds, and extends for a distance of over 7 miles to the mouth of Bennois Brook. There is no rook exposed in place on the shore in all this distance, except one small detached outcrop of grey sandstone near the middle of the sand-beach of " Three Guts Cove." The next coast exposure occurs on the north side of Bennois Brook, referred to and par- tially described at page 339, Beport 1873. Some parts of this exposure are amygdaloidal in character, the cavities being filled with green chlorite or white calc spar. Patches and strings of white calc spar, and some of white quartz, reticulate through the entire mass, which, when intersecting or associated with the dioritic and doloraitic rocks, very frequently contain native copper in small lumps and strings. In the quartz veins the metal was usually in thin films, while the green and blue carbonates stain all the rocks indifTerently. The jet-like material relerred to in last year's Eeport appears to be pure crystalline bitumen. The whole or greater part of Fox Island is composed of trap- pean rocks, as described at page 340, Beport 1873. The coast exposures at the entrance of Bennois Brook, on the REPORT FOR 1874. 880 north side, are brought in contact with a set of greenish and blackish shales by a fault which runs into the land nearly due east. These shales exhibit themselves in considerable disturbance near the contact, but farther north they are overlaid by strata of sandstone and shale in very regular succession, forming cliffs of from 40 to 50 feet in height, which extend to the southern point of Broad Gove near Bluff Head. Near the base of these sandstones there occurs a set of grey bituminous limestones and shales, supposed to be a repetition of No. 12, section No. 3 ; in which case it would appear that the succeeding beds of sandstone overlying are higher measures, which will give an additional volume of upwards of 1800 feet of thickness^ making a total of 4621 feet. The following is the measured section in ascending order, dip east, < 66°:— Section No. 4. Veet. In. 1. Greenish-grey sandstones, and red and green arenaceous shales, priocipally sandstones at hase ; sometimes coarse- grained approaching fine conglomerates, and holding pebbles of opaque white quartz, and red feldspar, in a green sandy matrix. Supposed equivalent in part of Nos. 10 and 11, section No. 3, about 400 2. Brown and black bituminous shales, with interstratified thin beds of grey bituminous limestone, much corru- gated and faulted, say 300 3. Greenish-grey, fine-grained, slightly micaceous sandstones in thick beds, with occasional thin arenaceous shaly divisions ; spherical concretions imbedded in the sand- stone of the same material, but much harder than the general mass ' .. 234 6 4. Red and green arenaceous shales, with occasional inter- stratified thin beds of grey sandstone, and one or two thick beds of fine-grained red sandstone at the base .. 560 9 6. Coarse-grained grey sandstone, or fine conglomerates, with a few thin shaly divisions. The conglomerates are chiefly made up of worn quartz pebbles about the size of a swan shot, and grains of red feldspar, with occa- sional fragments of black shale in a matrix of fine gr^en sand 330 6. Alternations of red and green arenaceous shales, with a few beds of grey sandstone interstratified. The shales at the base are generally green, the red occurring in the middle ; while green and red alternate at the top 405 Q f-l T, ■ ' I' li I MS 4 886 GEOLOGICAL 8UUVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. 7. CuarHo and iiao grained Bandntoni'H, ur wiiulHtoncH and cun- glumeratoti in thick beds, witii a fuw tiiin shaly divi- ■ionB. Tho gunural cbarautor of tltvsu gaudntoncH curroBponda very nearly witli tlioHc of No. 5 of thiu ■eotion rect ia. 830 7 Toial 25G1 4 From No. 3 to No. 7 of this section, the description coiresponds with No. 10 of section given at the coast near Hawkes Bay and southern arm of Bonuo Bay.* A gravel beach conceals the rocks for about a mile within Broad Cove, but at the northern point a great mass of trap breccia of similar character to that of Fox Island comes in, running in the direction of Blufif Head. On the north side of this trappeau mass, a portion of the sandstones and shales already mentioned is repeated in very disturbed strata, forming a small wedge-like trough, which occupies about half a mile of the shore. At page 340, Beport for 1873, it will be seen that a fault is suggested as occurring at the immediate junction of the latter sandstones with the rocks of Bluff Head. The run of this dislocation is about due east, and on this course between the sandstones and the serpentine rocks of Bluff Head, a large mass of brecciated trap is interposed, which in some cases was found intercalated with the latter, all of which are much altered and in great confusion. At Bluff Head the rocks consist of dark grey dioritej purplish limestones or dolomites, and dark green chloritic and slaty ser- pentine, confusedly jumbled up with trap, breccia, and greenstone.j At the outlet cf Bluff Head Brook, just north of the Head, a purplish-coioured dolomite or limestone of a brecciated structure rests upon sandstone, which is itself underlaid by bituminous lime- stones and shales, Jb; resenting the beds of No. 2 of section No. 4 south of Broad Covt;. These strata of sandstones, &c., come to the surface ou tbj axis of a small sharp anticlinal fold, tho mere apex of which is exhibited peeping out from below the dolomite. The lowest member of the magnesiau group here is, as before * Seo pp. 291-293, ' Geulogy of Cuua. \i N . ji> ' W. < 22°, and towards the extreme of Long Point the dip is N. 15° W. < 23°. The limestone beds are constituted almost wholly of organic remains, crowded with Encrinites mostly fragmentary, together with numerous corals, OrthocercUiies, univalve and bivalve shells. The lower beds are sometimes almost entirely made up of spherical-shaped corals (?)* standing out in relief from the surfaces, at a distimce of a foot or more apart, giving the rock a coarse concretionary aspect. Kising on the strata these spherical forms become less numerous, but abundant and well-preserved organisms continue throughout. This fauna has already been referred to Mr. Billings for identification, who has no hesitation in declaring it to be typical of an age, nothing older than the Birdseye and Black Eiver groups of New York and Canada, and conse- quently the highest member of the Lower Silurian system yet recognised in Newfoundland.! On the north-west side of Long Point, facing the Gulf of St. Lawrence, higher measures are exposed dipping N. 15° W. < 18°, ♦ See Report 1873, p. 342. t Some Graptolites found on the upper falls of the Exploits River, and a few fossils at certain parts of Notre Dame Bay, appear to be of Hudson River group types. Organic remains are also known in some neighbouring localities, characteristic of tiie middle Silurian nge ; but the precise horizon of the former fossils still requires confirmation. REPOllT FOR 1874. 396 which consist of beds of greenish-grey, compact arenaceous lime- stones, with thin divisions of arenaceous shale. Some of these strata are flaggy, and very evenly bedded in layers of 2 or 3 inches in thickness. The surfaces of the flags are often covered with fucoidal remains, and on one bed a series of deep grooves, some upwards of 2 inches in width, were seen, sometimes running for several yards in a moderately straight line, at others in a zigzag course and occasionally in a curve, intersecting and crossing each other in all directions. The uppermost beds of all, only visible at low tides, are thin-bedded limestones crowded with Brachiopoda, chiefly of the genera Orthis, Leptxna, and Strophomena. The total thickness of this liong Point group of strata, although not positively ascertained, would appear by the dips upon each side and the breadth of the peninsula to be about 800 feet. At a place called Shoal Cove, about 8 miles from the extreme end of Long Point, on the gulf side, rocks of the Lower Carboni- ferous horizon form a narrow strip along the shore south-westwards to a place called Three Eock Point, where they run out into the sea. These strata consist of red micaceous sandstones and conglo- merates, with a few thin beds of limestone which contain Carboni- ferous fossils. Farther south the basic conglomerate comes in on Eed Island, as shown in your Keport for 1866, while the fossils of the Carboniferous limestone were recognised at a point nearly oppo- site on the mainland, close to a fault, where the unconformable strata are brought into abrupt contact with the Silurian. About 3 miles inland from West Bay, on the banks of the streams, coarse conglomerates were found overlaid by fine-grained micaceous sandstones in a nearly horizontal attitude, which may belong to the base of the Lower Carboniferous, equivalents of the conglomerates of division a of last year's section, page 310. From the flat character of the country surrounding these exposures, it was inferred that they spread over an extended area, although the slight incline they show to the horizon would be unlikely to bring in any of the succeeding higher members of the formation. General Structure — East Side of Port-a-Port Bay. The facts ascertained, as already represented in the description of the coast and river sections on the east side of Port-a-Port Bay, 396 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ■ i ii 1: '1 seem to point to the conclusion that the Silurian formations are arranged in a series of sharp antich'nal and synclinal folds, ranging generally about N. 22° E., 8. 22° W. ; the whole mass of strata having, towards the close of the later deposits or subsequently, been affected by vast igneous intrusion, and become much dislocated by a set of great parallel or nearly parallel faults, the general trend of which is north-east and south-west. At the summit of the whole series is a great volume of igneous u,nd magnesian rock, consisting of various diorites, serpentines, and chlorites, which our evidences seem to indicate to be lapped over the inferior strata unconform- ably, and to come in contact with different members at different places. In former Reports allusion has been made to the presence of calcareous strata of Potsdam and Calciferous age, as coming into direct contact with Laurentian gneiss at the head waters of the two Spruce brooks ; that is, the stream which falls into the Grand Pond on the one hand, and into Harry's Brook on the other. These rocks, in their northern strike, cross to the eastward of St. George's Pond (of Harry's Brook), and thence on to the Humber River, where it enters the arm ; and southerly they point for the main gut of St. George's Bay, where they pass unconformably below the coal measures. The axis of the main anticlinal appears to run nearly on a line between the outlet of Riviere Blanche and the head of Serpentine Lake, the southern projection of which points straight down the Bay St. George in the direction of the Magdalen Islands. At the coast between Indian Head and the Gravels the Silurian strata are mostly concealed below the unconformable coal measures, but beyond and north of the Carboniferous patch the calcareous lower rocks rise in a mountain range, and are probably wrapped over a nucleus of Upper Laurentian, connected with the labradorites of Indian Head. From this central anticlinal a set of parallel wave- like undulations extend on either side, which, to the eastward, finally terminate against the Laurentian hills of the interior ; and to the westward are recognisable towards the coast of Port-a-Port Bay, in the repetition of the higher formations. The Gravels sec- tion of Potsdam and Calciferous strikes into the mainland in a lofty mountain chain, bearing generally nearly north-east (but making several curves in its course) towards Serpentine Lake, at REPORT FOR 1874. 397 ations are ,8, ranging 1 of strata mtly.teen located by ral trend of the whole , consisting r evidences unconform- at different presence of coming into aters of the ,0 the Grand jther. These St. George's imber River, for the main )ly below the arly on a line .f Serpentine ght down the mds. At the ian strata are neasnres, but careous lower •apped over a ftbradorites of parallel wave- the eastward, interior; and jf Port-a-Port e Gravels sec- mainland in a orth-east (but intine Lake, at which lake the rocks forming the range roll over, dipping easterly, and the eastern flanks of the hills strike for the mountains on the west side of St. George's Pond ; the latter and the valley of Harry's Brook lying on the axis of a trough. On the west side of the cen- tral anticlinal, between the mountain range and the coast of Port- a-Port, there appear to be two anticlinal and two synclinal lines, with many subordinate folds within ; the axis of the former keeping the Levis formation to the surface ; while the troughs are occupied by the great mass of sandstone and shale of section No. 4. The disturbed condition of the strata on the upper reaches of Bennois Brook distinctly indicates the existence of a great fault running through the country in the direction of Serpentine Lake ; and at about 2 miles above the forks, the break in the Calciferous moun- tains which there cross the river, shows a displacement of upwards of 1000 feet, with a downthrow on the north-west side. At this place the calcareous range comes in close proximity to the serpen- tines of the Lewis hills on the north-west side of the fault, which is suggestive of the want of conformity and overlapping of the latter formation. The junction of the strata of section No. 4 with the serpentines, is obscured at Bluff Head by the presence of a great mass of trap, where also the igneous rock is intercalated with the ophiolites ; but farther to the northward the sandstone group was invariably seen to pass below the serpentines, which were wrapped over the former in a confused and irregular mass, the points of contact dif- fering at different parts in such a manner as could only be ac- counted for by supposing the ophiolites to be unconformably related. In your notes for 1866, similar relations are recorded as having been observed in the Bay of Islands, where the sandstones of Harbour Island and the mainland opposite were seen to pass below the serpentines of the Blomidon mountains ; and they also seem to be in accordance with the description given of the rocks of Bonne Bay, by James Richardson, of the Geological Survey of Canada, in 1862 * In the peninsula of Port-a-Port, or third area, the axis of an anticlinal is indicated at Piccadilly, where the Calciferous comes out sharply, with the succeeding Levis formation flanking it on * Seo ' Geology of Canada,' p. 293. 398 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND, 1 j ■ - ■ -i! i J il '' 1 I 1 either side. The upper members of the latter formation have already been shown to occupy Shoal Point and a large extent of country on the mainland at West Bay, having at tijoir summit a vast mass of sandstone corresponding with the sandstones of No. 4 section, which are abruptly brought against a set of very fossili- ferous limestones by a fault. These limestones appear by their organic contents to be about the horizon of the Birdseye and Black River or Trenton groups. Tlie metamorphic rocks, so largely dis- played on the east side of the bay, however, are apparently wanting, or at all events have not as yet been seen ; and a ques- tion arises whether their horizon is above or below the aforesaid limestones. Possibly this problem might be solved by a careful stratigraphical survey of the south-west end of the peninsula, which still requires more minute investigation. A great centre of volcanic at^tion is indicated along a line north of Fox Island, and on the coast to the South Head of the Bay of Islands, from which dykes radiate in almost every direction ; while the scoriaceous, breccious, and amygdaloidal sheets which are found interstratified or intercalated with the ophiolites, may be the result of outpourings of lava from volcanoes, and of contempo- raneous origin ; but whatever age these intrusions may eventually prove to be, they are evidently Pre-Carboniferous, as while dykes have been found to intersect all the lower strata, as shown in the di'tiiils alivady related, they were in no case found to extend into the Carboniferous series, although in several instances their courses pointed directly in the direction in which the various patches are situated. The following is a list of the principal intrusions and masses of trap that were observed, giving the geographical position and the courses. No. Character. Width, &c. Locality. Direction. Dyke Dyku and fault . i \ Dyko ! Trap and bnccia (Trap, breccia, and f Extending 1 mile |\ chloritcs, &c. . \ alongshore .. 18 feet 6 „ (?) .. 12 , The whole island /Near Black Head, /Run N. 10° E., •• \ West Bay .. t_ S. 10° W. W. Bide Piccadilly {%yo;W., Head of East Bay l^ Vox Island Run 8. 3.5° W., N. 35° E. /Trending N.E. t and S.W. /Mouth of Bennois /General run N. { Brook .. .. \ 75° E. REPORT FOR 1874. 399 ition have I extent of summit a es of No. 4 ;ery fossili- ar by their 3 and Black largely dis- apparently and a ques- \\e aforesaid by a careful le peninsula, g a line north of the Bay of ection; while ts which are es, may be the of contempo- oay eventually 13 while dykes 3 shown in the to extend into 33 their courses ,U8 patches are No. 10 Clmmcter. Width, fcc. (Oroatmaaa green- stniio, brucciu, &o. Dyke of diorito . (■Dyko of groon-j \ stone . , . . / j Dyke of green- < stuno and brec- cia Trap, breccia, 4o. 100 feet .. .. Width unknown 700 feet .. .. I A uelt upwards I of 2 miles wide Ixjcallty. DlufTIIoad fl mile N. of Bluff ^ Head Drook .. 1 1 mile below the forks of Bonnois I Brouk .. Rope Cove Head From mouth of Ser- pentine River towards Boutii Head, Bay of Islands .. Direction Strike E. and W. I Run E. and W. Run 8. 18° W., N. 18° E. (Run N. G0° E., \ S. G0° W. Run N.E. and S.W. Faults. 1. Bringing down the fossiliforous limestonns of Long Point against the sandstones of Black Head. West Bay, Port-a-Port, runs N. 54° W., S. 54° E. 2. Two parallel faults on west side Piccadilly, run S. 30° W., N. 30° E. 3. At Small Cove, 14 mile north of the Gravels, east side Port-a-Port Bay, runs S. 54° E., N. 54° W. 4. Two parallel faults about 14 chains apart, one at the base of the corru- gated shales, and the other at the sandstone Bluff, about 3} miles uortb of the Gravels, run N. 75° E., S. 75° W. 5. Great fault of Bennois Brook, N. 30° E., S. 30° W. 6. On mainland opposite Fox Island, E. and W. Carboniferous Formation. At page 333 of last year's Report, an account is given of the manner in which members of this group became entangled with imd let down among the Silurian strata at the coves in the East Bav west from tlie Gravels. These, with some small additional patches of the lower measures occupying limited areas of the peninsula, are all that a great denudation has I'jf if the forma- tion to indicate that it must at one time have spruud far and wide over a great space, and probably far beyond its limits now covered by the sea. The rocks composing the sections at the coves con- sist of pale cream-coloured limestones, fine-grained greenish-grey and reddish micaceous sandstones, and red and green marls. The 2 D 2 •m I: 400 OEOLOOICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ^Iff I ! m limestones are frequently filled with beautifully preserved fossil shells, from which large collections have been made at dilTerent times, and are now deposited among tlin collections at tills place. For a description and identification of these fosHils, the Survey is indebted to the kindness of Mr. T. B. Lloyd, who, while employed exploring for the Newfoundland Land Company, made a collection of the various species found in this locality, wliich were eventually referred to the eminent palujontologist, 'riioimis 'son, Esq., F.ll.S., on whose authority the following list is given :—8pirifera ffhihra, RhynchoneUa pleurodon, Streptorhynchm crenistoria, var. senilis ; Product as undatua, Prodtictus semireticulaius, var. Martini, Terehratula saecuhis or hastuia, and a variety of other fos^^ils. We are further indebted to Mr. Lloyd for permission to quote some remarks made upon these fossils by Mr. Davidson, which are extremely interesting, us showing the close analogy which existed contemporaneously in organii 'ife upon what are now the nearest extremities of Europe and America : — " The Carboniferous lime- stone of Newfoundland appears to bo exceedingly fossilifcrous, and to entirely agiee with a similar rock found in Yorkshire and else- where. The species of Brachiopoda it contains, judging from the siiecies sent, are tew in numbers, but very abund" "n specimens. They are all well-known British forms, and will ie found de- scribed and figured in my great work on British fossil Brachiopoda." The position of these fossiliferous beds in these exposures appears to be near tlie base, and they are associated with a con- fused mass of shale and marl, in whidi some thin layers of carbci- aceous material or impure coal can be traced occasionally, making zigzag line!^ in the face of the clilTs, which indicate the corruga- tions. Nodules and small strings of snowy gypsum, together with irregularly formed masses and balls of iron pyrites (probably mis- pickel), are frequently met with, while the cracks or fissures are usually filled with a red or yellowish ochreous clay. Carbonised and comminuted remains of plants are seen scattered over the surfaces of the sandstones, occasionally aggregated in nests or patches of coal. The coves west from the Gravels, in which the Carboniferous strata are let down among the Lower Silurian rocks, are six in number, the fifth of which, called Jack of Clubs' Cove (from the occurrence of a remarkable figure there displayed by the peculiar UEI'OUT FOR 1874. 401 wearing of the beds of Silurian liniostono), is ;{ miles distant. The sixth and last is half a mile farther west, and t\w Carbonilcrous measures thfre seem squeezed up, as in a narrow fissure between two walls of Lower Silurian strata, the lattt;r dijjpinjjf on either side, with a moderate and perfeetly regular aiij^le to the north. Half a mile west from the last cove, Carboniferous strata an* met with, Consisting of limestone and marls with gypsum, which rest unconformahly upon the basset edges of the Calciferous and Levis ro(!ks. Among the beds of the latter there is a dark grey caleareo- arijnaeeous baud, whieh weathers yellowish, the sm(»oth surfaces of wliich are often sprinkled over with a largo Lvi(/ulu, the dark colour of the shells contrasting strongly with the light shade of the weathered rock; and on the same surfaces some very perf.ct small TriloUtea occur, whieh appear to he allied to the genus Ampijx. The Lingula strongly resemble Lingula nympha. Palteozoio fossila, page 214. At the junction of the older and newer formations, the mineral spring mentioned at page 346, Report 1873, is8U(>s. The Carboni- ferous patch here occupies about a mile of the shore, and probably extends about an equal distance inland, or possibly iarther, over the level tract which there is of considerable area. A little distance westward from the spring some small masses of gypsum protrude through a beach of marly clay. On the western side of this patch some fine-grained, greenish-grey, finely micaceous sand- stones come out, the surfaces of which are sjjecdiled with obscure carbonised remains of plants, supported upon a very coarse loosely aggregated conglomerate, chiefly made up of boulders and pebbles, derived from the Calciferous formation. The occurrence of another patch of Lower Carboniferous has already been indicated ab being spread over an extensive tract a few miles into tho interior of tho peninsula, back from the shores of West Bay,* and another has also been shown to exist as skirting the outer coast of Long Point. The rocks between Crabb's and River Brooks are principally red and green slightly micaceous sandstones, marls, and limestones, members of division c of last year's section. The dip of these * Too littlo of those sandstones are exposed for identificaticm without fossils. It is not at all improbable tliey may prove to bo a continuation of the sandstones seen oil the shores of West Bay. w 402 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. » ,ii rocks is N. 49° W. < 46°. Beyond River Brook there are no exposures for about 4 miles, the cliffs facing the bay being of superficial drift; but at that distance a great mass of gypsum comes out, underlaid by red and green sandstone and marls. Farther south-west similar masses of gypsum and associated rocks are repeated several times in the distance of 2 miles, and at one place within the last half mile, an enormous mass of limestone about 20 feet thick, almost entirely composed of fossil shells of one species, Terebratula sacculus (?), stands up vertically from amongst red marls, with huge cliffs of gypsum rising on either side. Some beautiful examples of crystalline gypsum, or selenite, were found in these gypseous cliffs, sometimes running in veins, and at others in patches. Coming up from below all the above strata are sand- stones corresponding with the top of division a, which rise in nearly a vertical attitude, forming high and precipitous cliffs, striking in the direction of Cape Anguille. The rocks at the entrance to Crabb's Brook will be found described at page 317 (last year's Report) ; but on ascending the stream there are no exposures, until getting about 3J miles up its course, when some bright red marls, red sandstones, and fine reddish conglomerates were seen dipping S. 65° W. < 36° A little fartlier up, where the river makes an easterly bend, a bed of grey rough nodular limestone comes to the surface with a corre- sponding dip, and therefore seemingly passes below the former exposure, in which, however, no fossils were detected. These seem to belong to the upper part of division e. Higher up the stream no exposures are seen for another mile, the first beds that crop out being tine-grained, thin-bedded, grey micaceous sandstones, inter- stratified with black and dark grey carbonaceous and finely micaceous shales. In the shale numerous Stigmaria rootlets and beautiful impressions of ferns, some supposed to resemble Odonto- pteris, were found. The sandstones contain carbonised impressions of plants. These beds are succeeded above by rather c vse- grained light reddish sandstones holding numerous fossil trees and some impressions apparently of Sigillaria, together with many small nests and strings of coal. The whole is overlaid by thin beds of fine-grained red sandstone and shale, and the total thick- ness of the exposure seems scarcely to exceed 100 feet. The fossil and mineral character of these last-named beds seem to place P REPORT FOR 1874. 403 lere are no ay being of of gypsum and marls. )ciated rocks 3, and at one of limestone shells of one rom amongst side. Some B, were found and at others rata are sand- ^vhich rise in iipitous cliffs, will be found ascending the li miles up its ones, and fine W. < 36° A bend, a oed of 3 with a corre- ow the former Tlese seem up tlie stream s that crop out ndstones, inter- 3ns and finely 'ia rootlets and isemble Odonto- ised impressions rather c rse- 1 fossil trees and her with many verlaid by thin the total thick- feet. The fossil seem to place them about the horizon of the upper part of division d or lower part of e. Although the section exposed to view at this place is limited, there is room to bring in higher measures between it and the mj'jdle Barachois Brook, which is distant a little over 3 miles ; and as it is with these divisions that workable seams of coal may reasonably bo. looked for, should experimental boring be adoT)te(l, that portion of the country is well worthy of a fair trial.* The next rocks exposed up the course of the stream, and about 20 chains distant from the end of the last section, are red and green marls with gypsum, in all respects resembling division h, beyond which there is an interval of about a mile blank of any exposures, and then another exhibition of marls and gypsum, underlaid by red and grey sandstones with coarse reddish con- glomerate, dipping N. 75° W. < 31°. These latter, which corre- spond with division a, then occupy the banks for 3 miles higher up the stream, exhibiting gently undulating or horizontal strata, the gypsum and marls coming in for the third time at the end of that distance, which are succeeded farther up by the lower rocks of division a showing themselves occasionally for a few miles farther. On the upper reaches no exposures whatever are met with until approaching the gorge in the Long Kange mountains, where cliffs of hornblendic gneiss cross the river, dipping N. 79° E. < 60^. The Cape Anguille mountains display very little rock in place except in the gorges of the brooks on either side, their flanks being covered with forest, bush or marsh, and the summits by dwarfed trees, or grass and loose debris. The sections on the brooks in each case bear the characteristics of division a, while the loose rocks scattered over the surface at the higher elevations seemed, with the exception of a few boulders of gneiss, to be derived from the same source. At one r,'(ace, nearly midway between the coast and the Codroy River, in tlie bed of a brook called Folly's or False Gulch, a few beds of red and grey sandstones crop uj), which were supposed to belong to the same division. * At first sifrlit these upper rocks of e were supposed to be brought down ngainst those of c I'Y a fault, but tliuro api)ears to bo some reason to suspect that the rela- tion here is rather duo to some slight want of conformity ; and if so, the Newfound- land scries will still further accord with tlie dititril)utiou \a Cape Breton, where the officers of the Geological Survey have lately begun to consider the Millstone Grit as being dejiosited uueouforumbly on the Carboniferous linicstouo. 404 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. The evidences so far as ascertained seem to lead to the conclusion that the wliole or greater part of the Cape Anguille range of hills are of Lower Carboniferous age, consisting in the main of the division a which is folded over in an anticlinal form, bringing in the succeeding divisions h and c on the flanks, as exhibited on the coast of St. George's Bay on the one hand, and on the Great Codroy River on the other. The nature of the nucleus of this great fold is still undetermined, and the unconformable relation of the series to all the older formations renders suggestion of probabilities purely speculative; but it is possible that some information may be gathered upon this point by a careful study and survey of the cliffs between the Highlands and Cape Anguille, which has not yet been accomplished. Judging from the attitude the rocks, where seen, are found to assume, it is possible that within the nine miles traverse of the anticlinal there may be several minor folds or wrinkles repeating the same strata again and again ; but we have hitherto failed to find an instance of protrusion of an older rock, or intrusion of a newer or igneous one.* In your Report of last year, at page 315, attention is called to the disturbed state displayed in the strata in all cases near the gypseous outcrops, and a suggestion is there made that the move- ments may, with great probability, be attributed to an expansion having taken place in the conversion of an original anhydrite into gypsum by the absorption of water. In every case where this mineral was observed during the late season, the same phenomenon occurs, a notable instance of which is in one of the coast exposures at the Highlands, where the great mass of fossililerous and un- altered limestone is brought into a vertical attitude between two great masses of gypsum seemingly witliin a sharp fold. This is an example on a large scale similar to that represented in your Report for 1866, at page 87, near Codroy.f It is unnecessary to enter into detail respecting the strata * The absence of rocks of igneous origin in the Carboniferous series of Newfound- land is the more remarkable, as it would appear that in Nova Scotia there are evidences of active volcanic operation during that period, and especially toward:^ its close. t For instructive information on natural chemical reactions, a perusal of a pamphlet entitled " Some Beactions of the Salts of Lime and Magnesia, and Forma- tion of Gypsum and Magnesian Rocks," published by Dr. Stcriy Hunt, F.R.S., in the ' American Journal of Science and Art,' vol. xxviii., 18.59, will be found in- valuable. D. REPORT FOR 1874. 405 lie conclusion •ange of hills main of the , bringing in ibited on the on the Great icleus of this lable relation suggestion of e that some careful study Jape Anguille, n the attitude ble that within ay be several iiu and again ; otrusion of an on is called to cases near the ;hat the move- I an expansion anhydrite into ise where this le phenomenon joast exposures erous and un- e between two Id. This is an rented in your ting the strata ieries of Newfound- Scotia there are pecially towards its ns, a perusal of a gncsia, and Forma- jy Hunt, F.R.S., in , will be found in- exhibited on the banks of the Great Codroy Eiver, as a full description has already been given of that country in your Report for 1866-67, and a detailed section will be found in the Appendix to the Report for 1868, a map of whicli on a scale of 1 inch to 1 mile is now deposited in this office. It will be seen by reference to these Reports and map, that the upper Carboniferous measures, the equivalents of d and e, keep the whole coast between the mouths of the Great and Little Codroys, with a moderately regular dip nearly all the way, pointing towards the Laurentian mountains. The great fault described in Report for 1866, probably runs out at or very near the outlet of the Little Codroy ; where, however, the strata are concealed under a great accumulation of sand ; and no rock is seen in place following the coast theiice southerly until reaching Trainvain Brook, where the lower Carboniferous con- glomerate and sandstone (a) is found resting on gneiss, and dipping N. 58° W. < 60°. From Trainvain Brook, southerly, the rocks are of gneiss, bearing the usual characteristics of the Lower Laurentian series. Economics, Copper. Native copper occurs very frequently in the manner described in giving an account of the distribution, among the Ophiolites of the Lewis hills, Bennois Brook, and Serpentine Eiver ; but it is remarkable that except in stains of green and blue carbonate, or perhaps occasionally in the form of red oxide, the ores of that metal were nowhere met with. Notwithstanding that, so far as our examination goes, such is the case, the mineral and lithological character of the magnesian group of rocks may fairly be considered as favourable to the probability of metallic ores existing at various parts of the country occupied by thera ; although the physical difficulties to be encountered in exploring the regions render it next to impossible for the explorer to examine all parts with such minuteness as to be enabled to discover and describe their position definitely. Unless stumbled upon by accident, nothing short of an experimental survey, conducted on skilful engineering principles, a necessarily costly and tedious process, is ever likely to develope 406 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. m^ these hidden resources satisfactorily, and adventurers may be prepared for the expenditure of large sums of money before being in a position to open up a mine. Nevertheless, the fact that rocks of the same mineral quality as those so largely displayed over the region are known elsewhere to be almost invariably metalliferous, is sufficiently encouraging to attract attention ; and there is every reason to suppose it probable that within the vast range of their distribution, which extends almost iminterruptedly to Bonne Bay, many mining localities may eventually be established. Lead. The manner of occurrence of the ores of lead at various parts of the peninsula of Port-a-Port is pretty fully given at pages 335 and 347, Report for 1873. At Lead Cove, where mining continues, a large amount of galena has been turned out from the crushed and broken Carboniferous rocks, through which the ore is very generally disseminated, but it being distributed through the muss in small crystals and rarely occurring in the form of prill, some difficulty and considerable loss is anticipated in the separation of the ore from the matrix. It seems highly probable, however, that a more solid and permanent lode may be struck in the subordinate Silurian rocks, when the upper and broken Carboniferous masses are worked through, the thickness of which cannot be very great. At page 335 of the Report just referred to, a set of parallel dis- locations are shown to exist intersecting the Lower Silurian strata in which galena is often found in the form of prill ore, a good example of which was seen on the west side of Piccadilly in a fault of the Calciferous rocks, where the ore runs in solid bunches from 2 to 6 inches thick in a matrix of calcareous spar. A similar vein was seen cutting the Calciferous beds on the west side of Lead Cove, and many indications are known and many more reported, as intersecting the same formation on the southern shores of the peninsula as well as on the mainland of the second area. That the lead veins of the region are destined to rank high amongst the mineral products of the country, I see no reason to doubt ; but it is scarcely necessary to state at the same time, that much more development must take place before such a result can be viewed in the light of certainty. At a place called Red Rocks, between Trainvain Brook and 15EP0RT FOR 1874. 407 Cape Ray, solid prill galena was observed in quartz veins, the veins cutting the gneiss of the Long Kange. Removal of the detritus, which to a great extent conceals the ground where the veins present themselves, will be required, before it will be possible to determine with any degree of certainty the character of the lode. The external appearances seem to warrant fair trial. The following is a list of the places where indications of the presence of lead have been seen or reported. Those on the north side of St. George's Bay were seen by Mr. John Milne, F.G.S., to whom I am indebted for the information : — 1. A headland east of the Gravels beach near the fault, Report 1873. 2. In the limestone (Potsdam) west of the Gravels. 3. At Man-of- War's Cove. 4. At Perraway's Cove. 5. A cove adjoining the above. 6. At Abraham's Cove, west side of " Jerry's Nose." 7. At Ship Cove, with iron pyrites and silver reported (douht/ul). 8. Lower Cove ; small veins. 9. At Piccadilly ; a fairly promising lode. 10. Smelt Brook ; small veins. 11. Jack of Clubs' Cove, disseminated in Carboniferous. 12. Bellman's Cove. 13. Cove next adjoining 12 ; east from it. 14. Lead Cove, where the ore Is worked as already stated. 15. Red Rocks, shore near Cajw Ray in quartz veins. n Brook and Iron Ores. The frequent occurrence of boulders of magnetic iron, and in the form of sand, was alluded to in last year's Report. Boulders of this were frequently seen on the east coast of Port-a-Port Bay in the beds of the several streams, and more particularly in the Bennois Brook, where they were very numerous. The sources from whence this ore is derived are most probably to be sought amongst the Laureutian hills; but whether it has in this case proceeded from the central anticlinal, where the Labradorites are supposed to come up, or been drifted from the coast of Canadian Labrador where it is well known, and to some extent worked in the manufacture of iron, is doubtful. The immense importanc3 of its presence in these regions cannot be gainsaid, and seeing tiiat there is every reason to believe that the Laurentiun hills of Newfoundland are only a repetition or extension of those upon the His 408 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. north side of the Gulf, similar substances may in all justice be reasonably expected. For a very full history of iron ores generally, their sources and the modes of deposit in the form of iron sand, I would refer to the very able Report of Dr. Sterry Hunt, F.R.S., p. 245, * Keport of Geological Survey of Canada — years 1866-69, inclusive.' For an account of the iron sands, see same Eeport, p. 261. Iron Pyrites. Solid bands of iron pyrites were observed among the Lower Silurian shales on the east side of Port-a-Port Bay, varying in thickness from 1 to 2 or 3 inches, and the same substance is very generally disseminated through all the metamorphio rocks of the region, probably in some cases in sufficient abundance to be of economic importance as a sulphur ore. It also occurs in huge masses and nodules among the Lower Carboniferous rocks, par- ticularly where dislocated and near tlie contact with the Silurian strata. At Bennois Brook, iron pyrites is very abundantly scattered along the banks and bed of the stream. It also abounds in loose fragments and in nodules on the shores of Shoal Point, and at the head of West Bay. Ochres. Eed and yellow ochres (peroxyd of iron) are abundantly found in the cracks and fissures of Carboniferous sandstone and marls. They are frequently used by the coast settlers as paint. Shell marl was seen at a few places, which is also used as a white- wash. Petroleum. The source of the petroleum of Shoal Point appears to be in the bituminous limestones, No. 4 of section No. 4, which rocks being largely distributed over the region, the substance may reasonably be looked for at many otlier parts. At Shoal Point the beds of limestone are rarely over a foot thick, and these, where broken, exhibit small drusy cavities filled with petroleum, while the exposed surfaces are pitted with small cells, encrusted with bitumen. The exudation which percolates through the sand possibly might be retained to some extent by means of a coffer- dam to exclude the action of the tides. REPORT FOR 1874. 409 Peat. The immense extent of surface covered over by great deposits of peat is worthy of attention, as affording a ready supply of fuel for household and other purposes. Nearly the whole of Shoal Point is spread over by it, in thickness of from 6 to 8 feet ; and the low parts on the east side of Port-a-Port Bay are similarly supplied. The banks of St. George's Bay between the Gut and the Little Barachois, and also at the Seal Rocks, are of peat, which extends back over a large area ; and the cliffs facing the bay on both sides ar^ often capped by a covering of the same material. Oypsum. The enormous development of gypsum within the Carboniferous areas of St. George's Bay was represented in last year's Report, p. 346. Many or most of the exposures of this material are un- favourably situated for exportation, in consequence of the lack of harbours ; but some places are sufficiently accessible nevertheless. At Komain's or Kippen's Brook, vessels can anchor with safety during the summer months within a very short distance of the shore ; and were a road constructed, as suggested in last year's Report, the great masses near the Cairn IVIountain would become available and within easy reach of St. George's Harbour. Salt The rocks and clays associated with the gypseous masses on Crabb's Brook, about 4 miles below the gorge where it leaves the Laurentian hills, were found to be encrusted with salt in a similar manner to that described in last year's Report, and the water issuing from the banks was brackish. It is imnecessary to repeat what has already been stated with regard to other economic substances, in your Report for last year and for 1866, to which for further information I beg to refer. I am, your most obedient servant, James P. Hovvley. To Alexander Murray, Esq., F.G.S., Director of the Geological Survey, St. John's, Newfoundland. .hi 410 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUi^DLAND. it CHAPTER XV. in BEPORT FOR 1875. — SURVEY OP THE UPPER WATERS OP THE EXPLOITS RIVER — MINERAL AND OTHER RESOURCES IN NOTRE DAME BAY, &c. Geological Subvey Office, Bt. Jam's, February 2dth, U7G. May IT PLEASE YOUR Excellency, — I have the honour to inform you that during the past year (1875) the geological survey under my direction has made con- siderable progress, both as regards the immediate purposes of the investigation and towards acquiring a knowledge of the geographical features of the Island, which hitherto have been either quite un- known or greatly misrepresented. In consequence of my services having been required by the Government for special purposes, not immediately connected with the geological investigation, and I having had to frame three special reports thereon during the season, I have been unable to fulfil my intention of surveying and examining the Gambo country; neither have I, as yet, had time or opportunity for studying out the relations of structure as revealed by the collections and surveys of the late and former years. This Keport, therefore, must be considered as merely preliminary, giving simply a general outline of the information acquired, to be followed, as soon as circumstances will permit, by a detailed geographical and geological history. In this latter connection my thanks are due to Mr. E. Billings, palaeontologist to the Geological Survey of Canada, and to Principal Dawson, of McGill College, Montreal, for descriptions given of a collection of Silurian and Carboniferous fossils, which were forwarded to Montreal for identification, and were returned in November last. These fossils have proved not only of high scientific interest, as throwing some new light upon the fauna and flora of those periods, but will be of infinite practical value in developing the relation and sequence of stratification of the mineral-bearing formations. I have also to thank 31 r. C. Bowring, M.H.A., for kindly forwarding REPORT FOR 1875. 411 a collection of specimens illustrative of the roclvs of Newfoundland to Professor Maskelyne, of the British JIuseum, for which I have been promised in return an arranged suite of illustrative minerals. These, when received, will form an important addition to the present collection, as aflfording opportunity for the study of mineralogy, and ready reference for the identification of crystalline forms. The frequent and favourable indications of the presence of metalliferous ores in Notre Dame Bay, and the successful raining operations already in progress there, having of late attracted much public attention both here and abroad, I considered it my duty to make a re-examination of certain parts of that bay, in order to become acquainted with any new or previously undiscovered facts bearing upon the position of these mineral deposits, and to see conclusively how far my anticipations of former years were corroborated. For these purposes, after having started Mr. C. H. McLeod upon a meridian line as a basis for laying off timber limits on the Gander River, I visited certain localities in the Dildo Run, several of the various arras and inlets of Exploits Bay, Sunday Cove Island, Little Bay Island, the western arra of Green Bay, and finally made a rough survey of the Betts Cove location and mines. This latter operation, although by no means perfect, was satisfactory, inasmuch as it proved the position of the mine to be almost exactly on the line I drew on a map of my own con- struction in 1867, to show the probable position of the ore-bearing strata, guided as I then was by the presence of the great bands of serpentine. At a later period, having been requested by the Government to survey the south-west arm of Green Bay, in order to rectify certain dispute^ connected with the location of mineral lands there, an opportunity offered of extending the examination in that direction, and of inspecting the work commenced by the Hon. E. White. Without going into a detailed account of the physical structure, which is reserved for a future occasion, I feel called upon to state that the experience of the late investigation convinces me more than ever that many of the northern parts of this island, and the great bay of Notre Dame in particular, are destined to develope into great mining centres, should capital and sicilled labour be brought to bear in that direction. The frequent repetition of the *>-}\ 412 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. ;).i! Hi. mineral-hearing strata associated with serpentine, chloritic slates, and diovitcs, maintaining a nearly uniform character throughout their distribution, and invariably exhibiting metalliferous indica- tions, all seem to warrant the expression of such an opinion ; although at the same time it must not be taken for granted that every individual spot where indications of this nature present tliemselves should necessarily prove of equal productiveness. Although for the present it is premature to enter particularly into structural detail, perhaps a few hints upon that subject for the benefit of future explorers may be acceptable, and esjiecially as applied to Notre Dame Bay. In many of my former Reports it will be found that in describing the position of the metalliferous deposits, I had observed that they were invariably found amongst strata nearly related to or associated with serpentine; consisting largely of chlorite slate, diorites, and dolomites. In the Notre Dame region these strata appear to be repeated over and over again by a series of great undulations, the axes of all of which point in a general north-east and south-west direction ; with many minor and complicated folds, twists, and breaks within. Apparently beneath all these there are a series of slaty rocks with bands of red jasper and occasional strata of altered conglomerate, which sometimes assume a basaltic character, with a rudely columnar structure. The whole mass is intersected by great intrusions of a granitoid rock, in some cases probably gabbro, and by dykes of greenstone and other forms of trap. Some of these granitic intrusions are of a bright brick-red colour, and chiefly composed of orthoclase, others are pinkish, and many are grey, in some parts a pure granite. The traps are often jet black, or nearly so, and coarsely crystalline ; they are also irequently of a rusty brown colour, weathering to a yellowish tinge, soft and earthy, giving an argillaceous odour on fracture. The ores of copper, usually sul- phurets, are found disseminated or in layers with iron pyrites in the chlorite slates and dioritic beds ; but the more solid and valuable ores are concentrated in the folds and dislocations (particularly in the magnesian portions), by which the formation has been affected. The ores are also of frequent occurrence in white quartz veins near the same horizon. The surface rock where these deposits exist is usually of a reddish rusty-brown colour, scored by remark- able minute reticulations, which weather in relief, giving a marked REPORT FOR 1875. 413 % mid popuHar aspect which once seen is easily recognised, and may Horve as a pretty trustworthy guide to explorers in making pre- liminary examination of the ground. In addition to tho ores of copper, ores of nickel, magnetic, oliiomic and specular iron, lead and sulphur ores in abundance occur, and traces of the precious metals have occasionally been found by analysis, always near the same horizon. The usual form of the nickel ores is tliat of arsenical or copper nickel, but it also occurs as millerite, or nickel pyrites; and as cloanthite (?) or an allied species, Mhich is of a steel-grey or pale ruby-red colour. These nickeliferous ores have hitherto only been discovered in Morkable quantities at Tilt Cove, but small specimens have been seen at several other places, and they have invariably been found by analysis to bo present in the serpentines. In my first Report for 1864, at page 35, will be found these words : — " The investiga- tions made by Dr. T. Sterry Hunt, the chemist and mineralogist of the Geological Survey of Canada, have shown that traces of chromium and nickel appear to be almost universally diffused in the serpentines of tho Quebec group in Canada, and in the United States; and analyses made by him of several specimens from Pistolet Bay and Little Bay indicate that the serpentines of New- foundland will not be an exception. It is, therefore, reasonable to expect the occurrence of these metals in available quantities in the island." At Tilt Cove a considerable amount of nickel ore has already been extracted from the mine and exported to Swansea, where a portion was found to yield about 24 per cent, of metal to the ton of ore, which, at the valuation of (51. sterling per unit, gave the handsome return of 141 Z. sterling per ton. It has been found that the matrix of these nickel ores is usually calcareous, and that a mass of steatite or soapstone is in close proximity. The ore-bearing parts of this group of rocks, marked also by the presence of serpentine, soapstone, or magnesite, show them- selves at each of the projecting peninsulas which separate the minor bays of the Great Bay, and also on the group of large islands off the entrance to Hall's Bay. They were recognised in the south-west arm of Green Bay, at the western arm, and the southern arm, in Little Bay and Hall's Bay; and also in Sunday Cove, Pilley's and Triton islands; in each case giving fair metallic indications well worthy of being carefully tested by experiment. 2 E i m m m < fMllf ' M 414 OEOLOOICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. It was further observed, however, that the same rocks became barren of ore, or at all events it was more widely disseminated, wh/^n they came in contact or nearly approached the granitoid intrusions; which latter appear to be destitute of mntalliferous material, except iron pyrites, which mostly occurs in intersecting quartz veins. It is much to be regretted that the late marine survey so admirably accomplished upon the eastern coast as fur as the Twil- lingate islands by Captain Kerr, B.N., and his assistants, was not carried on to the Bay of Notre Dame ; as many parts of the coast both of the mainland and of the islands, as laid down upon the old charts, have recently been proved to be inaccurate to a grave extent in the detail, and in some cases even in the position of well- marked headlands. By the system which has been adopted fur laying out lands for licences of search for mineral and mining grants, this defect is likely to lead to serious consequences; as these erroneous representations have hitherto supplied the only data for blocking off the lots, many of which will be found upon actual survey to interfere with each other, and occasionally in con- siderable parts to be non-existent as dry land altogether. The method adopted for the distribution of these lots, I have long and frequently taken occasion to show, was upon a bad principle, and one which must sooner or later inevitably lead to inextricable confusion and litigation ; engendering a mischievous tendency to frustrate the advancement of an industry which ought to be encouraged by every possible means, as one of the very first importance towards tiie future well-being of the colony. Already disputes have arisen, and many more are likely to arise unless some speedy remedy is supplied to counteract the effects of this glaring evil ; and the only means by which this can be done, so far as I can see, is to block off those portions of country not already under licence or granted, in the manner I recommended in my Keport for 1867, and again in my evidence before a select com- mittee of the House of Assembly in 1869. T^ ii u, any cir- cumstances each individual licence or grni ady issued should be properly and carefully surveyed, oi .ow to be si ^iciently evident ; and in making those surveys ti jtosition of each starting- point must be accurately fixed from some protnin id natural feature, and not merely be dependent upon the termination of a neigh- w. TIEPORT FOR 1878. 415 rocks became disseminatetl, the granitoid metalliferous n intersecting ino survey so ir as the Twil- itantfl, was not ts of the coast a upon the old a grave extent sition of well- en adopted for al and mining nseqnences; as >plied the only be fotind upon .sionally in con- Itogether. The [ have long and 1 principle, and to inextricable )U8 tendency to h. ought to be the very fiist )lony. Already to arise unless e effects of this D be done, so far of country not •ecommended in iro a select com- u any cir- rly issu»«l should be 8v ^iciently of eacli ritarting- naiural feature, ion of a neigh- bouring location which may or may not bo correctly established. In ease of one location interfering with another, which will no doubt frequently happen, I would suggest that preference of right over the spooifiod area should be given according to priority of date of the title-deeds held by the respective parties. To acconjplish such surveys as I recommend, will require the services of competent surveyors, as the so-called surveys of locations made hitherto are more apt to mislead than to convey any definite idea of the real boundaries, or the areas those boundaries are suppose to contain. The only instrument used, that I am aware of, by the present Deputy Surveyors is the compass, trusting entirely to the needle, an imperfect instrument at best, but worse than useless in a country where local attraction of the magnet is the rule rather than the exception, and which at some parts prevails to such an extent as to render its use for any practical purpose impossible. At Tilt Cove, for example, I found the deviation so variable, that at no two stations which I took up on my triangulation was it the same ; and at one point, namely on Ciistlerock Pond, I found its intensity so great as to make a difference, within 6 or 7 paces, of no less than (50°. At the same time tlie captain of the mine who, for want of a proper dialling instrument, had used the needle in his underground work, found it so impossible to reconcile it with his surface plan, that he had recourse to making a rough estimate of his angles by means of a common foot rule in preference. The serpentine and associated rocks almost invariably contain more or less magnetic iron, and many of the trap rocks and diorites are themselves magnetic; consequently the needle is affected according to the intensity or proximity of those materials wherever the metalliferous strata occur. In my recent survey of the south-west arm of Green Bay, this local attraction was observ- able at several points ; and the result of four separate observations, taken at the point called Nicky's Nose, was to show a local devia- tion from the normal variation of about 3°. Suppose then a line were to be run by compass due south from this point for 1 mile, the termination of that line would be nearly 5 chains out of its true position; and even that amount of error could not be relied upon, unless it were proved that the local deviation was constant over the whole distance. 2 K 2 \ 416 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND, Mr. Howley's Survey. Mr. Howley baving been instructed to make a survey of tbe upper valley of tbe Exploits River, in continuation of the survey made by myself in 1871, left St. John's with a crew of three Indians by the s.s, Leonard on 27th June, and landing at Twillingate (or Toulingnet) on the 1st July, he then proceeded to Upper Sandy Point by a small sailing vessel, where he arrived on July ?/rd. Here he expected to meet two more Indians who engaged to cross over by land to meet him from Bay D'Espoir, but they failing to arrive, he was compelled to engage two others, residents at Wigwam or Upper Sandy Point, to convey his stores and camp equipage up the river. The Bay D'Espoir men, how- ever, arrived shortly after he had left, and overtook him at Badger Brook, about 35 miles up the stream, and thus his party was com- pleted. While at the latter place, Mr. Howley took the oppor- tunity of measuring up the brook as far as it was accessible for his canoes ; and afterwards by ascending to the summit of Hodge's hill he obtained a magniKcent view of the surrounding country, and was enabled to get a series of angles all round, many of which were upon well-marked points, partially or fully determined on our former surveys. Prominent among these points was Mount Peyton, or the Blue Mountain Tolt, from the summit of which a set of observations was taken by myself in 1874, while engaged in surveying the Gander country. Mr. Howley then proceeded with all possible dispatch up the stream to the Ked Indian Lake, and there commenced his survey by measuring the Victoria branch of the river, which he as. jnded on foot about 31 miles. Thence he crossed over the country direct in a course about N. 30" W., to the upper part of the Red Indian Lake, which he struck nearly oppo- site the point where my survey terminated, and from which he took his departure for the survey of the Exploits proper. This stream Ii.- followed, after having completed the survey of the lake, which terminates 9 miles above Station H of my former survey, for about 72 miles along its course. This distance includes two Jakes of considerable «ize, viz. Lloyd's Pond and King George IV. Pond, which were also minutely surveyed in detail. He ascended all the more prominent hills bordering on the valley, from whence ho was enabled to connect the triangulation, and to get bearin{>;s NP. REPORT FOR 1875. 417 I survey of the i of the survey )f three Indians at Twillingate eded to Upper he arrived on -e Indians who ly D'Espoir, but \ge two others, jnvey his stores spoir men, how- i him at Badger party was com- took the oppor- iccessible for his amit of Hodge's nnding country, 1, many of which terrained on our nts was Mount nmit of which a ifhile engaged in , proceeded with idian Lake, and ictoria branch of Jes. Thence he !^. 30" W., to the ick nearly oppo- from which he ;s proper. This rvey of the lake, y former survey, ice includes two ving George IV. 1. He ascended ley, from whence I to get bearings upon other important geographical features. From the banks of the river, 23 miles above King George IV. Pond, the measurciuent was continued across the country to Lapoile, the distance traversed in an air line, to his junction at high-water mark, with Captain Oilebar's survey at the head of the main inlet of Lapoile Bay, being 20 miles. He then recrossed to King George IV. Pond, and thence, having portaged over to the Victoria oranch, he continued his course down the latter stream, passing through and surveying the Great Victoria Lakt), until he joined the work previously accomplished. The total distance measured upon the Victoria branch, including tlie length of the \a.V% was about 03^ miles, x-'inally, Mr. Howley returned to the Victoria Lake, whence he crossed the country to the head waters of the White Bear Bay, and descended ulti- mately to the coast by the valley of Grandy's Brook, arriving at the telegraph station there upon the 27th of October. Geographical Description. The complicatioii of the drainage waters at the south-western angle of this island, forms a very remarkable geographical feature. The main drainage of the region flows to the north-east by the Exploits Kiver, over a distance of nearly 200 miles in an air Hue, while the south falling stieams, which are numerous and large, take their rise in many cases, in close proximity to the waters of the Exploits, and on the same level, and thence find their way in turbulent torrents to the sea in a straight distance of sometimes less than 20 miles. The tributaries of the Ex[)loits which How into the main river from the westward interlock with the Great Codroy and the various rivers of St. George's Bay. The main river or Exploits proper takes its rise in the country lying iu the forks of the eastern and northern branches of the La[)oilo, and at a distance probably of not more than 12 miles in a straight course irom the sea-coast, and not less than liJOO feet above the lovel of the sea. On its way downwards, near wliere the surveyed lino passed, the water whicli drains into the north branch cif the Liipoile on the one liand, and those which full into the Exploits on the other, were found to be within a few yaids. The general course of the Exploits downwards from that point is a little east- ward of north* for ab*nt 8 miles, and thence nearly duo oast ♦ 13cariu''8 arc all from tho true meridian. ^1 418 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. about 9 miles till it enters King George IV. Pond ; but in those distances there are many sinuosities and sweeping bends in getting round the mountain ridges and spurs. King George IV. Pond, (known to the Indians by the rather appropriate name of Cross Pond, from its greater length lying nearly at right angles to the general course of the river), is of an irregular shape, being in- dented by many bays and coves; it contains an area of about 8 square miles, and lies 1237 feet above high-water mark. From this lake the course of the river is remarkably straight in a north- easterly direction, till it joins the Red Indian Lake at the end of upwards of 40 miles. Sixteen miles above Red Indian Lake the river expands into Lloyd's Pond, which is 6 miles long by an average breadth of about three-quarters of a mile, with an area ot nearly 5 square miles, and at an elevation of 620 feet above the level of the sea. By my estimate in 1871, the height of the surface of Red Indian Lake was placed at 428 feet ; but by the levels brought up by the Railroad Engineers, from St. George's Bay, it was found to be 481 feet. The Victoria branch of the Exploits takes its origin between the White Bear and Grandy's Brook waters, which interlock each other, and the eastern branch of the Lapoile, and it flows generally nearly parallel with the main river to its junction with the Red Indian Lake, about 4 miles above the outlet. South-west from that junction at the end of 47 miles, the river expauds into a magnificent sheet of water called Victoria Lake, which is 16 miles long by a breadth of about three-quarters of a mile. Its whole area, including a bay about 3 miles long and over three-quarters of a mile wide, is nearly 20 square miles, and its elevation above the sea is 1160 feet. At the divide, and indeed throughout the whole region south from King George IV. and the Victoria Pond, the country may be described as one vast desolation of bare rock, being covered only on the leveller parts by marsh, or occasionally near the lakes and watercourses by the thinnest of soil, supporting only deformed and stunted bushes. Indeed, so destitute was the country passed through by the party between the head waters of the Exploits and Lapoile Bay, and also between the Victoria Lake and Grandy's Brook, that at most parts neither poles nor brush could be procured ^D. REPORT FOR 1875. 419 but in those nds in getting rge IV. Pond, Dame of Cross angles to the ape, being ia- area of about mark. From Tht in a north- 3 at the end of idian Lake the es long by an with an area of feet above the height of the !et ; but by the m St. George's origin between I interlock each f flows generally u with the Red south-west from expands into a hich is 16 miles aiile. Its whole three-quarters elevation above ole region south 16 country may c, being covered y near the lakes y only deformed ! country passed of the Exploits ke and Grandy's ould be procured for constructing a camp, and the only firewood to be obtained consisted of the small gnarled bushes that were sprinkled here and there. A lofty range of rugged and precipitous hills separates the two main branches of the Exploits, which rises abruptly from the right bank of the main stream, but slopes more gradually towards the Victoria, where at some parts a fringe of well-timbered land occupies considerable areas back from the left bank of the river. This range averages a width of about 5 miles, some of the highei elevations upon it reaching to a height of over 2000 feet above the level of the sea. A gorge is cut through this range by the main river between Lloyd's Pond and Red Indian Lake, which thence bears away north-easterly towards Lobster House and the adjacent heights south-east of the Grand Pond. A narrow fringe of interval land occurs on the main river below Lloyd's Pond, which widens at the confluence of the small tributaries; the country on the north-west side rising very gradually, and giving a tolerably level surface up to George IV. Pond. For about 16 miles up the valley of the Victoria branch of the Exploits the ground is irregular and rocky, and tlie river much broken by falls and rapids ; but above that distance the country greatly improves, and a large tract, well wooded, generally level and covered by a good soil, prevails nearly up to Victoria Lake. This level and reclaimable land seems to extend to the eastward with few interruptions to the Great Rattling Brook, as shown by Mr. Austin's description of the line he ran upon the railway survey ; and it appears probable that a similar character will be found to exist, to a large extent at least, between that line and the bank of the main river. (See my Report for 1871, upon the Exploits country,) In describing the view from the summit of Hodge's hill, Mr, Howley says, that while the regions towards the north and east, and also to the north-west, consist chiefly of maishes and barrens, scattered over partially by woods, the country away to the southward and on the southern side of the Exploits, presents an unbroken dense forest in a series of gentle undulations as far as the eye can reach. Mr. Howley also describes the country he crossed on his expedition from the Victoria River to the head of the Red Indian Lake, as well timbered throughout, although 'Am i \i 420 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. very elevated at some parts, his sammit level reaching 1600 feet, while Gostigan's Pond, a large lake which lay in his track, was 1200 feet above the level of the sea. By reference to my Report for 1871, upon the Exploits below the Red Indian Lake, at pages 257-259, it will be seen that a very great part of the lower valley is described as being well wooded, generally level or gently undulating, and usually of a fairly produc- tive soil. From what Mr. Howley has ascertained, and from the description given by Mr. Austin'sparty of the country passed through by the railroad line, between the upper end of the Red Indian Lake and the Great Rattling Brook, there would appear to be a tract of land, more or less reclairaable, at least 50 miles long by an average width of 15 miles, which would comprise an area of about 750 square miles. If to that we were to allow, say 50 square miles of similar country for the lower Exploits valley, Peter's Brook, and Norris' Arm, there would be 800 square miles upon the Exploits alone, more or less capable of supporting settlement. The pine timber, spruce, tamarack, and birch, over extensive areas is reported to be of excellent quality and vigorous growth, and all of these might become available were those regions opened out by main lines of road, for the construction of which no perceptible difficulties present themselves. In Report for 1870, at page 230, it is shown that the mineral character of the rocks over a wide area immediately south from IMr. Austin's line at the Great Rattling Brook, is indicative of the presence of various metallic ores ; and at page 219 of the same Report, communication thence with the coast at Bay D'Espoir is suggested by means of a road being laid out along the route followed by the Indians between the latter and the Exploits. The telegraph line here hinted at appears at length about to become an accomplislied fact; and if that means of communi- cation is duly followed up by establishing a good main line of road, a great step in the direction of enlightened progress will be secured, aflfording means and opportunity for the development of the varied and valuable material resources of the country. The tracing which accompanies this Report is a reduction from surveys made by Mr. Howley and myself to a scale of 4 miles to an inch. Upon it will also be found the routes followed by the Railroiul Engineers between St. George's Bay and Come-by-Chance REPORT FOR 1875. 421 in Placentia Bay ; Mr. Ramsey's Section A and Mr. Lynch's Sec- tion C, being reduced directly from their actual survey; while Mr. Austin's Section B (whose plans were not placed in my hands, as were the others) is fairly approximate. It has been found upon plotting that the result of all these separate and independent surveys is very satisfactory. With the exception of an apparent slight discrepancy in longitude, where in the extension of the sundry surveys our protraction brings us out to the coast in Exploits, all our evidences point to almost absolute accuracy ; but seeing that the charts of that region, which are the only data we possess for such longitude, are known to be in considerable measure inaccurate (as I have already stated), it still has to be proved whether this error has crept into our own work, or is due to the original survey of the coast. The error now alluded to amounts to between one and two minutes of longitude, our protraction being to that extent west of the longitude laid down on the chart; but the result of a great number of observations taken for latitude throughout Mr. Howley's and my own surveys, all of which agree with the positions found by protraction, goes far to show that the latitudes given on the chart of Exploits Bay are placed too far south by upwards of one minute. In order, therefore, to make the surveys of the interior harmonise with the published coast maps, we have lengthened our lower reaches of the Exploits to the longi- tude there given ; while we have retained the latitudinal position as found by ourselves. It will be seen that the map is made to embrace the whole width of the island, between the Bay St. George and the eastern coast, and that portions of the southern coast are introduced from the accurate coast surveys of Captain Orlebar, E.N., and W. F. Maxwell, Esq., R.N. This area includes the work accomplished by the Geological Survey at sundry times, and to be found described in the Reports for 1870, 1871, 1873, and 1874, to which, for further information, I beg to refer your Excellency. The survey for 1875 has already been described geograpliicully at a previous part of this communication, and some reference to the same subject will also be found in my summary Report upon the survey of the Kail- road Engineers. As regards the distribution of the geological formations throughout the regions last explored by Mr. llowley, they will be found indicated also upon the surface of the maj); ill! r-fF^ ^miffmtmmiim m 422 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. but before entering particularly into a detailed account of these phytiical characteristics, much more careful study of the specimens collected, and of all the facts which have been ascertained, than we have as yet been able to bestow upon these subjects, will be required. With the exception of the ores of iron, which probably will be found to exist at certain parts of this same region, and possibly apatite or phosphate of lime, I am not in the meantime disposed to consider its mineral capabilities of much importance. I have the honour to be. Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray. To His Excellency Sir Stephen J. Hill, C.B., K.C.M.G., Governor of Newfoundland, &c., St. John's. ( 423 ) CHAPTER XVI. ■■H REPORT FOB 1876. — RETROSPECTIVE REMARKS — LIST OF MS. MAPS —MR. HOWLEY'S SURVEY OF THE UPPER GANDER, AND GAMBO WATERS. Geological Scbvey Office, December 29«A, 1877. May it please your Excellency, — The progress made upon the survey under my direction in recent years, especially as regards geographical and topographical detail, has been so extensive, that a new edition of the small-scale map published in 1872 has become a necessity for public informa- tion. A paper, dated 13th October, 1873, shows that a second edition was then contemplated, which, being now accomplished, I beg to lay before your Excellency in hopes of approval.* A * Geological Map of 1872-3. -The frequent demand that has been made for information upon the general structure of this island has induced me to if sue a limited number of copies of this map for present reference, which it is to be hoped will be found useful and instructive. I think it advisable, however, to let it be publicly understood that the present issue is only a first and by no means perfect edition, and that a future edition, which will accompany a report of all that has been ascertained by the Geological Survc^ since its first inception, and will contain many additions and modifications, both in topography and geology. In the meantime I have the satisfaction of being able to state with confidence, that in regard to geographical detail, both of the contour of the coast and of the interior topography, this is by far tho most accurate map extant. Through the kindness of Staff-Commander Kerr, R.N., Lieutenant Maxwell, R.N., and the other officers of the Admiralty Coast Survey, I was permitted to have access to all tho most recent work done in their office, which was carefully reduced to this small scale, and comprises tho eastern and south-eastern coast, between Notre Dame and Placentia Bays ; while the western and south-western coast was reduced from the surveys of Captain Orlebar, R.N., Captain Clone' of the French Imperial Navy, and my own. The topography of tho interior (i. e. all within tho coast-line) is entirely the result of my own labours, or done immediately under my direction. With regard to the distribution of tho geo- logical formations, it will be clear to any one at all conversant with the difficulties attendant upon drawing in boundary lines with accuracy, especially in wild, unknown, or unfrequented regions, that many alterations and modifications will hereafter be necessary before the map can be considered by any means complete ; nevertheless, I feel tolerably stire that the approximation is such as to be of considerable service for present purposes, and will be a useful guide for future and more minute investiga- tion of details. The colour and number representing Lower Laurentiau will require modification in soveial parts, as will also the Coal Measures, and probably the Middle 424 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. comparison of this new map with the former issne will readily show the amount of addition and modification the original plate has undergone. In the meantime, moreover, the accumulation of manuscript maps upon various scales in this office has become so cumbrous and voluminous, that an index map was felt to bo absolutely required. In order to expedite the engraving and colouring of this map, it wo^ evidently desirable that I should bo on the spot when tlie work was to be executed, to supervise these operations, as otherwise (the plate being in England), proofs after proofs would have to cross and recross the Atlantic, involving much loss of time, causing a good deal of extra expense, and probably at last proving unsatisfactory. I accordingly proceeded to England in the month of May last, and immediately on arrival in London, put myself in communication with Mr. E. Stanford, of Charing Cross, who had executed and still retained the original copper-plate, and to whom I gave the necessary instructions for a new engraving, with tracings from all the additional works accomplished. This map comprises all the most recent coast surveys, taken directly from the original manuscripts of the Admiralty Surveyors, several coast surveys of considerable extent made by ourselves, and the whole of the geographical features of the interior country, which have been surveyed iu connection with the geological investigation. The line of survey for a railway as run by transit and level by the Kail way Engineers, iu 1875, is also correctly represented. All these surveys wore first reduced from scales of various sizes, to a uniform scale of 1 inch to 1 statute mile ; then again to a smaller scale of 4 statute miles to 1 inch ; and finally, to the index size of the present publication ; all of which work was draughted in this office, the manuscripts being filed and labelled, ready at any time for ins[)ection. In order that and Upper Silurian ; and I observe that by some inadvertence, a wrong colour has been introduced upon the north side of Smith's Sound, in Trinity, which, instead of being Trap or Syenite, is Priinordu'' Silurian. An extensive survey of the Carboniferous country surrounding St. George's Bay was made during the past summer, which I shortly intend to publish on a scale of 4 miles to 1 inch. Much of the coast-line at these parts being found to bo very defective upon the older maps, was re-surveyed, and many of the most important rivers were dialled, while the wliole was brought into connection by triangulatiou. All these alterations and corrections will appear in the new map, together with some most important facts which were ascertained with rcgivrd to the distribution of the coal measures. — Alexanuek Mubuay, REPORT FOR 187G. 425 the public may be made aware of the existence of such documents, I subjoin a list of the MSS., with the scales of each, to which nny person can have access for reference at any time in weekdays, while the officers of the survey are in St. John's. Manuscript Maps at Geological Survey Office. Inches. 1. 2. 3. 4. *5. *6. *7. ♦8. ♦0. *10. *11. 12. 13. rAUTICULARS. Original survey of a part of the peninsula of Cape St. John to Notre Dame Bay 4 SCAtES. SUtuto Miles. to Part of the alx)ve No. 1 Coast near St. John's Harlwur, road surveys, &c. South-west arm of Green Bay Peninsula of Cape St. Mary .. Part of Placentia Bay from Little Placontia to Come- by-Chance Coast-line between Capo Spear and Killigrcws Head, Conception Bay, with roads, &c. , Conception Bay Trinity Bay Peninsula of Cape St. John Gander Bay Gander Lake and Rivers, county of " Hill," &c Gander Rivers above the Lake and tributaries, with Gambo Ponds, rivers and tributaries 4 2 2i 1 14. number Rivers, Deer Lake, &c 1 15. St. George's and Port-a-Port Bays, with rivers, &c. .. 1 St. George's Harbour and Flat Bay, Indian Head, &c. 1 Codroy Rivers 1 Peninsula of Port-a-Port, coloured I Southern co.ast between Burgoo and Little River .. .. 1 Exploits River, Victoria River and Lake, and traverses across from ditto to Lapoilo and Grandy's Brook .. 1 Piper's Hole and part of Placentia Bay 1 Rocky River, with part of Trinity, Conception, and St. Mary's Bays 1 Western coast from Cape Anguille to Cow Head, Grand Pond, Indian River; Exploits River and Red Indian Lake ; coast of Notre Dame Bay to White Bay, &c. 1 West coast from Cape Ray to Bonne Bay, Codroy River, Flat Bay and Brooks; Humber River and Grand Pond 1 Bay East, Terranova and Piper's Hole Rivers .. .. 1 Coast of St. George's and Port-a-Port, with surrounding country 1 Port-a-Port Bay, with serpentine rivers 1 16. 17. 18. ♦19. 20. 21. 22. 23, 24, 25. 26. 27. 4 4 4 4 If! in 426 GEOLOOTCAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. SCAlKfl. Pabticclars. Inches. ^111"^' 28. Bonavistti Bay nnd part of Notre Dame Bay, Tcrranova, Gambo and Gander Rivers 1 to 4 29. Gander Lake and Lower River, laid oft' in townwhipH .. 1 „ 4 ♦30. Notre Dame Bay 1 » 4 31. Indian River and Grand Pond 1 „ 4 32. General Map of Newfoundland in skeleton 1 „ 4 33. General Map under construction 1 „ 7 t34. CaiKj Breton Island 1 „ 7 35. Original small-scale General Map 1 „ 25 Inches. Clialns. 36. Original survey of Tilt Cove location 1 „ 4 37. Plan of levels of No. 36, scale 20 feet to 1 inch. 38. Original survey of Tcrranova mining location .. .. 1 „ 4 39. Plan and section of Harbour Grace Lighthouse Island 1 „ 2 In addition to which there are many tracings taken from original surveys upon various scales. N.B. — The coast surveys marked * are reductions from the Admiralty surveys. Copies executed elsewhere than in this office are marked f. . While in England, I had an opportunity, long wished for, of having several of my most necessary surveying instruments repaired by the maker, H. Porter (late Gary), of London, which after upwards of twenty years of constant service they greatly required. Before leaving St John's, I sent the following letter of in- structions to my assistant, Mr. James P. Howley, whose report upon the country he examined and surveyed is appended. GEOLOCiicAL Survey Office, St. John's, May 1st, 1876. My dear Mr. Howley, — Until the season opens sufficiently for carrying on operations in the field, I wish you to employ yourself in arranging the specimens in the museum, and getting them cata- logued in the same way as was done formerly. Any alteration that may have been made to bo notified in the general catalogue. The specim'^ns collected during last season must be labelled ans'' i assurance. • f v a 18 the country sur- ere, as everybody every tree of any the late Governor 4th January, 1875, ruction perpetrated ^hat is termed ton le statements there tain Howartb, R.N,, iv addressed to the April 26th, 1875, this wasteful and to the limits (what- awed territory, but undisputed British at a certain Captain on that river, and tie same ; and it is ig on at the Gander limits, the evident interests of the lessees would be sufficient protection against such unjustifiable abuses. Mr. Howley's Eeport shows that the fertile lands of the Gander extend over a large area, above as well as below or on the banks of the great lake, especially in the valleys of the south-west branch and some of its tributaries ; and it further shows that there is an area of at least 300 square miles, where pine, although si'orched by fire, still stands in a perfectly sound condition, ca|iable of yielding an enormous supply of excellent timber. At page 363 Keport for 1874, the remarkable facilities for connecting (Zander Lake with Freshwater of Bonavista Day, by means of a tramroad, were adverted to ; the only difficulty which then presented itself for such a construction being the fallen and burnt timber which encumbered the ground. This tract of about 9 miles was crossed by Mr. Howley, as will be seen in his Eeport, who found that the whole, or nearly the whole of the encum- brances occasioned by the first fire had been swept away by a more recent conflagration, and left the ground clear of all obstruc- tions. He crossed by the valley of a stream, known as the Middle Brook of Freshwater Bay, on the waters of which he found a fine pond ; and at or near the outlet into the salt water, a good site for a saw-mill. He also represents the soil of the valley of Middle Brook and between the pond and Gander Lake to be, for a great part, of very good quality. Geological IMemouanda. At page 865 of my Report for 1874, the presence of serpentine, chlorite slate, and diorites is shown to occur upon the Gander Luke, associated with mica slates ; a great thickness of the latter apparently underlying the former. There is much obscurity, however, as to the structural relation of these rocks; and the total absence of organic remains renders the recognitiou • >f horizon })' rplexingly difficult to determine ; yet the lithological reseni- hlauces appear still in favour of the probability that the magnesian portions are representative of a portion of the Quebec group. The colour of the magnesian rocks varies from a very dark green, through all shades of green to nearly white ; and they are fre- (piently characterised by the presence of a fibrous serpentinised uctinolitc, sometimes exhibitiug Rno veins of chrysolite. Grains of 434 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. magnetic and chroraio iron occur or-casionally, and portions are more or less calcareous. It may now be observed that similar relations of strata are recordel at p«gc 32 of my Ileport for 1864, where a great mass of mica slate is described as having been seen to underlie the serpentine and associated rocks at Little Bay near Terra Nova mine ; and that the resemblance which exists in the characters exhibited at the two widely separated localities seems to warrant the suggestion that they are probably of the same age. On the western and northern parts of the island, we liave in former Reports shown tolerably clear evidence to prove that a great accumulation of magnesian rocks with serpentine rests unconformably upon strata containing abundance of fossils, re- presentative of the Calciferous and Levis formations, which want of conformity, if admitted in the case of the Gander country, might explain the apparent absence in that region of the sub- ordinate Lower Silurian members. It will be seen by jVii. Howley's Report that a set of rocks, similar to those of the lake, were observed and traced for a long distance up the valley of the Upper River ; and in my Report for 1870 I have described the occurrence of like strata on the valleys of the upper waters of Bay East River. The evidences of geological age in all these cases are extremely obscure ; but such as we iiave been able to procure, show at all events with some degree of certainty (what- ever horizon may be assigned to the serpentine group) that a mass of Upper or Middle Silurian strata, corresponding with that seen at Gander Bay and some neighbouring islands, runs up the valley of the Gander, and immediately overlies the group. At one place Mr. Howley found some very obscure fossils in these latter rocks, one of which bore a resemblance to a Petraia, a form of very common occurrence in rocks of Upper or Middle Silurian age in New World Island. On the other hand, the black slates of Bay D'Espoir and of Long Pond on the Bay East River, which are supposed to represent the Levis formation, seem to be repeateti on the north side of the granite or gabbro of Round Pond, and again at the lower end of Elnuchib' ish Gospen, where a black fibrous slate passes below the massive beds of serpentine which form the hill range. These latter beds are characterised by the presence of hronzite, pierolUe, chromic and magnetic iron. Copper and iron pyrites have been foimd in the chlorite slates of tiie group within the same regions, which although unimportant in UKl'OUT FOU 1876. 435 pen, where a black tliGinst'lves, further than as illustrativo specimens, may lead to viihiable developments. The more valuable ores hitherto dis- covered upon this island, notably those ot copper, nickel, and cliromic iron, have usually been found to be closely associated witli serpentinous rooks; and the presence of such rocks has frequently instif^ated close inspection of the ground, resulting in the discovery of satisfactory metallic indications ; and I have very little doubt that were access to the interior regions as easy of accomplishment as it is to the sundry parts of the sea-coast, similar experiments would be equally successful. Indeed, the cuttings and excavations which would necessarily be made in constru'-ting roiuls, would almost with certainty occasionally expose mineral deposits, and give good structural sections, which otherwise might never be observed except by mere accident. Ingress and egress to and through all those regions is not only possible, but may be obtained with the greatest ease, by the construction of a few miles of road from Freshwater to the Gander Lake, and the establishment of a small steamer on the lake itself; which would give access at once into the interior for nearly 50 miles. Thence a road might be made to run between the two upper branches of the Gander, passing through the fertile tract and into the mineral district, to tap at the most convenient part of Division B of the Railway Survey, from which point the original alif^ment for the railway could be followed through the island to St. George's Bay. From such a trunk line subsidiary roads might be bnilt to connect all or most of the available parts of the island, wliother mineral or agricultural ; nnd especially those of the river and estuary of Exploits, where a largo population might bo nuiin- tained as farmers, having a read> market for their surplus produce in the mining districts of Notre Dame Bay. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray. To His Excellency iSir John llawley (ilover, (r.C.M.G., (Jovernor of Newfouudlauil, Ac. * 436 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLANP. ni MR. IIOWLEY'S REPORT. Geological Survey Office, St. John's, Febrmnj \st, 187tj. Sib, — I beg to submit the following Report of my season's ex- ploration on the Gander and Gambo Rivers iu connection with the geological survey of the Island. The instructions received from you in tlie month of ]\Iay last directed mo to proceed as soon as the season was suflSciently advanced and the navigation clear to Gander Bay, ascend the river to the Great Lake, and thence make a survey of its upper waters as far as practicable. This being accomplished, the Gambo River was also to bo surveyed by effecting a jwrtage to some part of its waters from the most convenient point on the Gander River or Lake. Owing to the unusual quantity of field ice in Notre Dame Bay, especially on its southern side, which rendered the approach to Gander Bay out of the question, I was forced to delay my departure till the last week iu June. I _^left St. John's in the steamer Tiyer on the 27 th, accompanied by one Indian, and arrived at Twillingate in due time. Here a small schooner was engaged to convey myself and stores to Gander Bay, which we reached on the 4th of July. At the latter place I was joined by two more Indians from Bay D'Espoir. After some little delay iu packing our provisions, repairing canoes and arranging the camp equipagr, I hired a fourth man (a resident of the place) to com- plete' my crew, and start* d up the river on the 8th. On reaching the great lake we immediately proceeded to the mouth of the main inflowing river where our season's operations were to cora- menee. The river being exceedingly low at this time, it became quite evident that its ascent would be a matter of no little difficulty, and that our canoes could only be availed of to a very limited txtent. We accordingly prepared for a long journey on toot by leaving behind all unnecessary provisions, clothing, instru- ments, &c., which were secured in a strongly-built cache un an iisland in tho river. The ascent of the main river was long and tedious. We suci'eede of my season's ex- iu connection with month of ]\[ay last m was sufficiently ay, ascend the river of its upper waters [, the Gambo Eiver I to some part of its nder River or Lake. .'.e in Notre Dame dered the approach orced to delay my St. John's in the y one Indian, and small schooner was ider Bay, which we vce I was joined by ome little delay in irranging the camp the place) to com- 8th. On reaching the mouth of the ;ions were to cora- his time, it became natter of no little ivailed of to a very a long journey on IS, clothing, iiistru- built cache <»n an and tedious, ^Ve auoes, very lightly iiipelled to abandon entirely on loot, currying camps, bedding, provisions, &c., all on our backs. The survey terminated at an elevated bare ridge, 01 miles above the lake, iiiid known to the Indians as Burnt Hill. This hill is only distant about a day's walk from Bay D'Espoir, on the southern c last. Tiie termination of the Railway Survey line of Division B, central interior, was reached about 48 miles above the lake. Having again returned to the mouth of the river, I made the ascent of Mount Peyton, from which a set of angles was taken, anil a splendid view of the surrounding country obtained. We next proceeded to the south-west arm of the lake, and commenced tlio survey of the South-west Gander River. After ascending this river a distance of 11 miles 58 chains, it splits into two streams, one branch, which appeared to bo the })rincipal, con- tinuing in a south-westerly direction parallel with the main Gander River, while the other, whieh I have named Dead Wolf Kiver, comes from an easterly direction. This latter was first lollowed to its head waters iu the hope of finding an easy portage thence to the Gambo ; but the riv(ir soon entered a great moun- tain range known as the Middle Ridge, became veiy narrow and tortuous, with numerous falls and cataracts, while its bed for miles was choked with boulders and huge angular fragments of granite, rendering it utterly impossible to proceed with the canoes and provisions. While surveying this branch, the heat which was every day increasing reached a climax, and was excessive in the extreme. To add to the intensity of the natuial heat, a great fire was raging somewhere to the west of our position, the smoke from which for some days was occasionally almost suffocating. Fortu- nately a change of weather and heavy rain, on the 16th of August, extinguished the fire and greatly tempered the atmosphere. On returning to the forks of the river it was found that our stock of provisions was all but exhausted. I was therefore obliged to dispatch one of my men back to the lake for a further supply to enable me to carry out the survey of the western branch. I had previously sent another of my men to the eastern end of the hike for the purpose of ascertaining the possibility of making a jiortage thence to Freshwater Bay, and if so to clear away any existing obstructions. In the meantime I pushed on with the two remaining men up the river and reached some 14 miles above t'lo fork, when I was com[)elled, very reluctantly, to abandon the I ' < 1: 1 !; ; i 1 i 1 ( i 1 i r 1 i 1 •> 1 ■ 1 4;]8 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. survey and retreat in haste to the lake. This was caused by the entire failure of our provisions, and the non-arrival of my niesHongcr who had been sent down to procure an additional supply. We found on our return that he had been seized with an illness resembling paralysis and was unable to walk. Ho had reascended the river for some distance, but finding his illness was by no means subsiding, and fearing he would be unable to reach us, he finally retraced his steps to the lake. The season was now drawing on, and as I had not yet heard from my other man as to the prospects of our getting across to Gambo, I concluded to push on to the eastern end of the lake and ascertain the character of the ground to be crossed, for myself. On my way downwards we met the man returning and were rejoiced to learn that the diffi- culties in the way of transit were very trifling. Starting from the extreme eastern end of Gander Lake, we made a portage of about 4 miles over a level country lately swept by fire, to a large pond called Butt's Pond, the water from which flows into Freshwater Bay where it is known as the Middle River. Our canoes were thence passed down lightly laden on this stream to within less than a mile of the salt water. The portiiging of the remaining baggage was a work of considerable labour, but was accomplished without any great dilficulty or delay. We reached Freshwater Bay on the 28th of August, and lost no time in refitting for the survey of the Gambo ; but the progress of our work was much interrupted by the wet, cold, and stormy weather of the month of September. Having surveyed the two Gambo Ponds, Lower and Upper, the Riverhead Brook was first followed for a distance of 4 miles, but beyond tliat distance the river was found impracticable for canoe navigation. It flows along the eastern flank of the Middle Ridge Mountain Range, and for over 3 miles of its course is walled in by perpendicular cliffs which form a fearful chasm, throu"^h whieli the water foams and tumbles with terrific fnrv. The Triton River, which is the main branch of the Gambo, was next surveyed to the forks, a distance of nearly 20 miles above the upper pond. Here it splits into two branches of small size. Neither of these being of much importance, 1 did not continue the survey beyond the forks, where the season's field- work terminated. f ^DLAND. his was caused by non-arrival of my )Curo an additionnl been seized with an to walk. Ho bad ding his illness was be unable to reach rhe season was now my other man as to I concluded to push in the character of way downwards we learn that the diffi- Starting from the 5 a portage of about 5 re, to a large pond ws into Freshwater Our canoes were •eam to within less g of the remaining it was accomplished llErORT FOU 187G. 431) af August, and lost but the progress t, cold, and stormy Lower and Upper, listauce of 4 miles, impracticable for ank of the Middle s of its course is a fearful chasm, th terrific fury, ich of the Gambo, f noarly 20 miles branches of small Ttance, 1 did not the season's field- IIyduograpiiy of the REOioy. The drainage of the country lying between tlie Great Exploits Kivcr and the eastern seaboard is mainly effictod through tho (lander, the Gambo, and the Terranova Rivers. Of these tlio riiinder with its tributaries alone drains an area of little less than 4000 square miles, and is consequently equal, or nearly equal, in the volume of water discharged ultimately into tho sea, with the Great Exploits River. At page 252 Report for 1871, I perceive you there estimate that the drainage of the Exploits covered an area of a little under 3000 square miles ; and at pii;:o 358 Report for 1874 you i)ut the area drained by the Gander at 2700 square miles. The surveys accomplished by myself since those dates, viz. of the upper waters of the Exploits in 1875, and the upper waters of the Gander last stmimer, tend to show that in both cases you have underestimated the extent of the drainage systems, which together occupy an area probably little under 8000 square miles. The main branch of the Gander River takes its rise on the western side of the range of hills known as the Fox Ridge, from some small mountain tanis not far from the head waters of the Great Rattling Brook of the Exploits, situated in about 48° 30' north hit., and 55° 49' west long. Thence flowing southerly it makes a great sweep around the south-west end of the Fox Ridge, becoming gradually expanded in its course by contributions from various small tarns and rivulets, the drainage of the marshes, till reaching the base of a hill known as Burnt Hill, when its course flows generally north-easterly but with many sinuosities to its junction with the Great Lake. A little to the westward of Burnt Hill it re( eives a small tributary which takes its rise near New- foundland Dog Pond on the Bay East River, and mentioned in your Report for 1870. P. r n-al other large tributaries join the river on either side between Burnt Hill and the lake. The principal of these are Maurice Lewis Brook, Nibnosseguuanjeech, Upper and Lower Gull Brooks, and Island Brook on the south side ; Fox Hill Brook, M'-skeguum, Miguel's and Cooper's Brooks on the north side. For a distance of 30 miles above the lake the river is wide and shallow with a gentle easy flowing current all the way, the banks on either side being often flat or sloping gradually upwards. Many islands or intervals occur especially at its outlet into the p^— i^ III 440 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. lake, where a delta of about 3 miles in extent is cut up into u group of islands. A little over 30 miles, two chutes occur about a mile apart ; but beyond the upper of these nearly to the end of my measurement it continues to flow gently and evenly, devoid of rapids or even of strong currents. The river was at its lowest during our visit, owing to the long continuance of great heat and dry Aveather; but it usually is very low during the summer months, in consequence of the absence of large ponds and lakes to act as feeders. There are occasions, however, especially in the early spring and late fall, when the river, swollen by melting snows and long continuance of heavy rains, can hardly be excelled for canoe navigation or the rafting of timber. The following tabular arrangement of courses and distances ascending the river from the lake, will give a more concise idea of its general character. TaDULAK AnUANOEMENT OF COUBSES AND DISTANCES. Apiiroxl- No. Course. Oistttuce mate rise 1 in Kpot. Kcniarks, &c. mls.clis. (From point south-sido ontranco to inain rivtr 1 S. 48° W. 1 15 5 1 tlirough group of islands to point of Luug 1 Island, very gentle current. 2 S. l'J° w. 5 18 15 JFrom end of Long Island to bend of river, \ marly btrnight ; smooth current. jTo another bend of rivur, partly confliieil 3 S. 00° w. 1 25 10 1 between cliffs, where there is a deep hole uf 1 water and a ratlier strong current. 4 S. 21° W. 1 15 G Nearly straight, wide and shallow. 5 S. 52° W. 1 45 7 Through islands and shouls. S. 37° W. 1 5 Ditto ditto. 7 S. G7° \V. 75 3 ^Forms a curve; Island Brook comes in about ( balf-way on eastern side. 8 S. 21° W. 40 2 Struigiit course, gentle current. !) S. 00° w. 1 60 9 Through group of islands. 10 S. 50° W. 1 40 9 fTo point of small islanil, Cooper's Brook comes \ in about half-way on west side. 11 S. 25° W, 35 2 Straight along main channel. 12 S. 51° W. 1 7(J 10 Through group of islands and shoals. 13 s. o°w. 1 00 8 Along main channel shallow, gentle current. 14 s. 311° ^y. 1 5 Makes a curve, smooth current. 15 S. 18° K. 25 1 Straight; gentle current. 1(5 S. 03° V/. 1 Forms a considerable curve. 17 S. 1(,° w. 1 5 Nearly straight, wide and shallow. 18 y. 50° w. 1 28 7 Perfectly straight along centre of channel. 19 S. 80° W. 1 55 8 J Through group of islands to mouth of Lower \ Gull Brook. Along centre of channel Ihrongh a group of 20 N. 58° W. 2 20 20 islands and over first chute, to month of ( Small Brook, strong currents and rapids. NDLANI). lit is cut up into u • cliutes occur about aearly to the end of lid evenly, devoid of r was at its lowest le of great heat and luring the summer 3 pouds and lakes to ir, especially in the swollen by melting 1 hardly be excelled urses and distances more concise idea of Distances. rlc3, &c. 3 entninco to main rivur slamla to point of Luug nirrent. [aland to bond of river, loth current. river, jiurtly cniifuicil thtro is a deep hole d oiifi; current. mi\ shallow, houls. d Brook comes in about side. current, ids. ud, Cooper's Brook comes west side, lannel. ids and shoals. allow, gentle current. current. .t. ;urvc. .nd shallow, centre of channel. tnds to mouth of Lower nel through a group of rst cliute, to mouth of currents and rupids. RErOUT FOll 1876. 441 Taiiilak Ariianoement op CoinsEs and Distances- continual. 21 22 2:i 24 25 2ti 27 2.S 21) ;w 31 ;-i2 33 34 ;!o lit) 37 38 .39 40 41 42 43 44 43 4G 47 48 411 50 51 52 53 54 C'onrBC. Is. 57'!!0'W. S. 10° K. S. GO' W. S. 87" W. S. 55° W. N. 40° W. S. 80° W. N. 51° W. s. 2;j° w. S. 8"^ .10' E. S. 3-)° VV. S. 22° K. 8. 3°W. s. 3r.io'w. S. 10° E. s. :!i° w. S. 71° W. S. 23° 30' W. 8. 60° W. S. 55° W. N. G4° \V. 8. CC° W. S. 30° W. S. 80° W. 8. 30° \V. 8. C4° W. X. 54° W. 8. 44° W. S. 3°W. 8. 35° E. South. S. 30° W. 8. C°E. S. 51° W. 8. 10° W. I ilHtanco mis. c'lis, 1 G -45 1 30 G8 55 50 70 52 50 2fi 50 1 12 1 47 2 24 G3 40 50 45 70 2 20 30 1 55 45 45 G8 1 35 1 IG 1 1 30 1 35 GO 30 1 20 1 20 Gl 7G Approxl- tniit'' rise 111 1-i.ft. 4 12 5 4 5 G 5 5 3 5 17 18 2G G 5 8 G 10 25 20 5 G 10 15 4 18 12 20 23 8 5 25 Homarku, &c. Rattling strong current, hut flowing very regularly. 498 540 10.38 75 1113 To foot of second chute. fOver second chnto to sharp bend, rapids tiiid \ strong current. Along centre of channel, very straight. |A slight curve, gentle current, river wide and \ shallow. fQeutle bend, high bluff of serpentine on ca^t \ siflo. Straight course, gentle current. Forma a curve, ditto. To mouth of INIiguel's Brook, ditto. Along centre of channel, nearly straight. Ditto ditto. A slight curve. 1 Nearly straight. I Pretty strong (fionllo turn, serpentine cliff on 1 current. \ right side. j Very straight, gentle current. To mouth of Upper Gull Brook, Slight curve. \ Ditto. Nearly straight. To end of burnt woods. Nearly straight. To termination of railway line, Division B. ^Rather crooked. M'-skeguum Brook comes in on north side, and Nibnossoguuanjeeck on south side. Imliau mail route to Ex|>liits crosses the river near the month of the hitter. Forms a curve. Fox Hill Biook comes in on the north side. (Through n group of islands where there is a \ pretty swift current. (To sharp angle, serpentine cliff on right side, \ pretty strong current. Ditto ditto. I?"tlier crooked, pretty strong current. Ditto ditto. Ditto ditto. To mouth of JInuiice Ix'wis Brook. Sli„^htly curve rlM 1 runiarks. 1 In Kc>.t. ■Ills. CllN. 1 jFmm a point on the north side of tlio Gnml>o 1 8. 34° W. 1 ?,0 4 I liivcr at ita junction with tito bay, to tlio 1 first bend. Uiver pretty wido. 2 8. 13° W. 1 30 G |To outlet of FifHt Pond purtly tlirougli iHlnndx, \ niuuii oncundicred with Imuldcrs. 8 8. 18° W. 5 35 , , ' Up centre of Firttt Pond. 4 8. «2° W. 3 , , To head of ditto. 5 S. 44° W. 1 7 5 ' Tlirouh'h Straits to Second Pond. « 8. 84° W. 35 To body of Second Pond. 7 8. (!l° W. 1 2 48 , , Up centre of ditto. 8 8. 85° 30' W. 4 47 , , To mouth of Rivfriicad Brook. 9 8. 73° W. 2 43 , , From No. 7 to mouth of Triton River. 10 8. G2° W. 4 10 30 JAlong general course of Triton Kivt.r to blmrp l\ bend. River extremely tortuous. 11 8. 77° W. 1 5 25 .38 Along general course of river. 12 8. f.7° W. 1 1 72 15 Ditt;able for craft of a moderate size for 20 miles up its course, to the head of tlie upt)er pond. This work accomplished and a saw-mill erected at the entrance to Triton River, the lumber (which is now chiefly obtained from tho valley of that stream) could be shipped and forwarded direct to the coast and to the sea. Triton Kiver is small, but exceedingly well adapted for lumbering purposes. There are no obstructions of consequence up to the forks, and it has been ascended during tho spring months by tho settlers with their punts, in search of spars, for 15 miles above the lake. From the forks upwards the branches of tho river become very small. The main one follows a general south-west course for some 10 or 12 miles, when it opens into a small pond called Little Gambo Pond. Tho upward course of the other branch is in a southerly direction for about 8 miles, within which distance it makes three small ponds, and its sources are separated from a tributary of tho Torranova River by a very narrow watershed. The lliverhead Brook, which rises among the Middle Ridge IMountains, and between the two branches of the South-west (Jander, follows a nearly parallel course with the Triton River ; but it is so extremely rugged as to be utterly valueless for any practical purpose. 2 a ^ itiPHai M 446 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. If I may seem to Iiave been rather prolix in thus describing the geography of the Gambo, it is because little has hitherto been known concerning it, except to the settlers in the vicinity of Freshwater Bay. I have frequently heard the Gam bo confounded with the Gander BiVi^r The similarity in name and the close relationship of the two no doubt have caused this, but it will be seen by the foregoing, that although their head waters are fre- quently in close proximity, they are nevertheless entirely and distinctly separate watercourses. :# W. Lumbering and Aqricultukal Resources. So much has already been written upon this head, especially in yoar exhaustive Report for 1874, that it would almost seem superfluous to add thereto. My observations during the past season, however, being more particularly directed to that part of the Gander country above the lake, which you had then only an opportunity of seeing and judging of from a distance, warrant me in going still further into details. In doing so I may have occasion to repeat in some measure what has already been written, but I think circumstances generally necessitate such repetition, more especially since there seems to be a disposition on the part of some individuals, and frequently by persons whose opinions are likely to be taken authoritatively, to decry every statement re- garding the natural capabilities of Newfoundland in general. Notwithstanding eveiy assertion to the contrary, there is within the immense region drained by the Gander and Gambo Rivers a vast area of country capable of being easily reclaimed, and con- verted from its present state of wilderness into agricultural settle- ment. If only one-half the almost useless labour now expended in the vain endeavour to convert the barren rocks of the sea-coast into farms and gardens was directed in a legitimate manner to the opening up and settlement of these more promising districts, a very few years would suffice to show not only the capabilities of the so:I, but the advantages generally to be derived by the people from the cultivation of the land. The country lying above the Great Lake, and forming the valleys of the two rivers, presents everywhere a gently undulating sunace, rising to a moderate height in its more elevated parts, and MHk REPORT FOR 1876. 447 sloping gradually and with beautiful regularity down to the iver's banks on either side. For a di^tAnce of 30 miles above the lake, and at the least 2 miles on tt.e western side of the main, and eastern side of the south-west rivers, 'the country is of this character, giving a block of 30 miles long by 10 wide, or an area of 300 square mile?, covered with a rich deep-yellow sandy loam. Nearly every acre of this 300 squiiro miles is well adapted for agricultural purposes, while the whole is, or was, at one time densely timbered with magnificent pine, spruce, fir, and white birch. The islands or intervals in the rivers, especially near their outlets, are periectly level and covered with exceedingly rit-h and deep alluvial soil. Many of these flats are of considerable extent, and for the most part they support a large growth of timber, while a luxuriant crop of wild grass flourishes around the banks and on the lower levels. Much of the country surrounding the Great Lake is also well adapted for settlement, and the advantages of having a frontage on this future great highway will still more enhance its value. On ascending the main riv jT a little over 30 miles, or to the farthest limit of the pine forest, the character of the soil and timber changes very quickly. Although the country still con- tinues flat for a long distance, with few elevations exceeding 100 or 150 feet above the general lovrel, the rich alluvial land with dense forest is succeeded by extensive tracts of barren and marsh, interspersed with scattered patches of wood of very inferior quality ; nevertheless, there are still many hundreds of acres capable of being reclaimed, and a great portion of the remainder seems well adapted for grazing purposes, while much of the timber is sufficiently good to render it a valuable adjunct in agricultural or mining industries. Following the Dead Wolf branch of the South- west River, and entering upon the flank of the Middle Ridge, a very rugged district is met with which supports only a stunted growth of black spruce and fir. Here marshes and barrens extend over great areas, while the more elevated summits are for the most part bare, or covered scantily with scrub-bushes. Some gotd tamarack was observed to grow along the river banks and near the edges of the marshes. Much of the space between the head waters of the South-west Gander and the Gambo is of this descrip- tion ; but on crossing the ridge and falling into the valley of the 2 o 2 448 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. latter, it begins to improve again. The timber on the Qambo, especially in the valley of the Triton River, is very fine. Pine is abundant, and though not generally so large as that of the Gander, is of excellent quality. The white birch, spruce, and fir along the banks of the river are remarkably fine ; indeed I have seldom seen finer in any part of the island. The land available for general agriculture in the valley of the Gbtmbo is not extensive, being chiefly confined to the alluvial flats on either side of the river. These, however, are frequently richly luxuriant, as testified by the indigenous vegetation ; especially in the valley of Triton River, where they are generally upwards of a mile in width, extending from the outlet into the upper pond to the forks. The land sur- rounding the Gambo ponds rises very abruptly from the water's edge, and although for the most part densely wooded, is much encumbered with boulders, and the sides of the hills often present bare rocky precipices. Spots of limited area, nevertheless, are to be seen here and there, which might be reclaimed, and become an important auxiliary to lumbering enterprises. From careful examination of the forests at many difierent points, and particularly as regards the limits of available pine, I iieel myself in a position to furnish the following estimate of the area supporting that timber, with tolerable confidence : — Square Miles. Area of pine lands on the lower valley of the Gander River and north side of the lake 200 Valleys of the Main and South-west Rivers ahove the lake .. .. 300 Country along the south side of the Lake, and across to Fresh- water Bay 200 Valley of the Gambo and Triton River, with their tributaries, about 150 Total 850 I conceive it probable that still further investigation may bring the total area up to 1000 square miles. Most, if not all the pine here referred to, is of the white variety, Pinua strobus, probably the most valuable species for the manufacture of lumber. I did not myself observe any other variety, but I was informed that the pitch pine, Pinus rigida, exists in small quantity on Parsons' Brook, one of the tributaries of the Gambo. Enormous destruction has been eflfected at nearly every part of REPORT FOR 1876. 449 the island from time to time by fire. Evidences of great oonflft* grations of very early date are occasionally encountered, which may have originated with the wild aborigines long before the days of Sebastian Cabot, or may have been occasioned by lightning, or spontaneous combustion ; more probably one of the latter causes, as it is contrary to the habits or evident interests of the savage, to vilfnlly or carelessly destroy the forests, from which he derives his subsistence. On the other hand, the more recent destruction is in many cases clearly traceable to the most culpable n^leet, on the part of trappers, lumber explorers or " rhytulerst' in omitting to extinguish their camp fires, or smoke heaps, which tliey had used to drive off flies. The more ancient of these conflagrations is recognisable by the present growth of a young and vigorous forest, surrounding the decayed or decaying trunks of large trees, whose charred limbs and stems remain as an indelible evidence of the manner of their destruction. One of the most disastrous of the more recent fires happened about eight years ago. It originated near the main Grander liiver, about 40 miles above the lake, and then swept nearly the entire space between the two rivers, until checked by the intervention of the Great Lake, which saved the lower valley. One stripe of this fire cTf^ssed the South-west River a little above the forks, and pursuing an easterly course, ran through the country a few miles back of the sfmthem shore of the lake, struck it at its eastern extreme, crossed to Freshwater Bay, and thence laid waste the entire northern side of Bonavista Bay. Another stripe of the same fire ran down the west sifle of the main branch of the Upper Gander, swept over Mount Peyton, which it laid bare, thence struck northerly, finally reaching the shores of the Bay of Exploits, where Messrs. Winsor and Tallance's saw-mill was caught in the flames and burnt to the ground. Several fires of less magnitude have occurred since that great conflagration took place in parts of the same region, still further enlarging the burnt area, which, taking it altogether, cannot be less than 2000 square miles in extent. The value of the enormous amount of timber destroyed by these dreadful conflagrations is Ijeyond calculation. Millions of magnificent trees, especially the spruce, fir, and birches, have disappeared or been rendered utterly useless. The pine, however, though scorched does not appear 1 I ; > 450 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. otherwise to be much injured so lon|^ as it remains standing. I have examined hundreds of trees which, though stript of their leaves and bark, and bleached hard and white by long exposure, seem never- theless to bo in perfectly sound condition. The fact of its being so sound and thoroughly seasoned, occasioning considerable loss of weight, and rendering it so much more buoyant in the water, would, it appeared to me, greatly counterbalance any other defects it may have sustained. In conversation with some experienced lumberman from New Brunswick, whom I met at the Gumbo River, engaged in erecting a saw-mill for Blr. John Murphy, I was glad to find my opinion in this respect fully borne out ; and I learnt further from the same source, that while in New Brunswick burnt pine is rendered almost useless in two or three years by a species of boring insect, the Newfoundland pine is, or appears to be, entirely free from the pest. From my own observation of numerous trees, in no one instance did I detect any injury resulting from the pre- sence of insects, which fact ought to be appreciated by those about to engage in lumbering operations. The only objectionable feature to the utilisation of this burnt timber, is the fact of its being hard to cut or saw. This disadvantage should not, however, cause its entire rejection. While thus endeavouring to show the adaptability of this burnt pine for economic purposes, it should be particularly borne in mind that although a very great portion of it is in sound condition, it cannot bo expected to remain so for a much longer period. Constant exposure to the elements must ere long cause it to decay. Most of the other forest trees, the spruces, firs, nnd birches, have succumbed and fallen to the ground, where they lie piled upon each other in heaps, and are fast crumbling to dust. Many noble pines also fall us the roots loose their hold in the ground, a sudden squall of wind laying them prostrate, and occasionally the eft'ect produced by a singletree of great bulk giving way in this manner is to carry several others along with it, making a gap of several hundred yurds in extent. Some thousands of fine trees must be thus lost each year, and no doubt the number is at a con- stantly increasing ratio. When once laid prostrate, very few years suffice to render the timber valueless. The moisture which appears to take so little effect upon the trees while standing erect, has full power over them when on the ground; it soaks into every crack und fibre, producing rapid decay, finally to rot like their fellows. ti nEPORT POn 1876. 401 Thus an enoruious amount of waste is going on and increasing annually, all or most of which might be chocked and turned to account, by leasing the land judiciously as timber limits; thereby encouraging commercial enterprise and introducing capital and skilled labour. To illustrate the probable loss of wealth caused by every year's delay, let us suppose that 3000 trees capable of yielding 1000 feet of lumber each are every year thrown down, and that three years on the ground are sufficient to render them unfit for marketable produce. In the first three years there would be 3000 trees entirely gone, and every year afterwards 3000 more, or altogether in nine years say 21,000. This would represent 21,000,000 feet of board which, valued at say 20 dollars per thousand feet, would g»ve a total waste up to the present time of 420,0U0 dollars; and thia probably is very far below the reality. Further, as the waste is constantly going on at an increasing ratio, it follows tliat in five or six years hence it will have then doubled or trebled the above aniount. In order then to utilise what is still available of this burnt pine, no time should be lost, first in extending the base line commenced last year by Mr. McLeod to the southern side of Gander Lake, and secondly, in giving every facility necessary towards lumbering operations on a large scale. In a letter I had the honour of addressing to the Hon. Receiver-General in August last, from the Gander liake, I entered pretty fully into particulars as to the character and quality of this pine, and of the country generally. I also made a suggestion that all lie* nces or grants for lumbering purposes should, in the first instance, be confined to the burnt district, which suggestion I see no reason as yet to alter. It must be obvious from the foregoing that while the greater portion of the burnt timber is still most valuable, every year's, or even every day's delay, in turning it to account, lessens not only its quantity but its quality as an economic material, while reserving such timber for future purposes must necessarily be futile. A reservation of ten or twelve years more will render most of it utterly valueless. Reserve the growing pine, if desirable, which cannot deteriorate so long as it escapes fire, but will on tiio contrary increase in value and dimensions. In reference to Mr. McLeod's base line, I was much struck while on the Gambo River with the immediate necessity of i1 r 'I if I hi 452 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. continuing it from the Oander Lake into the Gambo country. I find by my survey that an extension of the line from the mouth of Joe's Broolc, on the soutli side of Oander Lake, would strike across the Upper Gambo Pond at its widest part, and exactly 73 chains oust from the mouth of Triton Kivor, dividing the lumbering district of tlie Gambo into two nearly equal portions. Were a separate line established for the laying off of the latter, it could not be moie favourably situated. The present system of lumbering as practised on tho Gambo, where two large saw-mills are nuw in operation, and where timber is cut indiscriminately over ot least 100 square miles of country, I think should at once cull for interference un tho part of the Government, but I leave it to yourself more fully to explain the disadvantages likely to accrue from such a mode of procedure, and more strongly to urge the application of a more legitimate system for the apprupriutiou of all this valuable Crown property. i i Geological Description. In the following account of the geology of the region, I have given tho details in section as observed on the banks of the rosj)ectivo rivers, or tho country adjacent to these rivers ; as it was found impossible to truce out the boundaries of formations with any satisfactory result through the intermediate lands. The difli- culties attendant upon such a thorough investigation are manifold, and the limits of a single season are altogether insufficient to such a task, ])articularly when the geographical features (which must ever be the base of all geological examination) had still to be laid down. It may be seen in the geographical description I have given of the coimtry, that much of it is covered up with drift, forest, or swamp, in which sections of the rock are but rarely exposed, and when they do come to the surface they are usually remotely apart. Then, again, all the rocks of the region are so highly metamorphosed, and the mineral characters of the various groups or formations frequently found so much to resemble one another, that it is difficult to distinguish them even in hand specimens. Under these circumstances I saw at once I should be compelled to adopt the sectional mode of examination on the rivers, even had I been supplied with a geographical map I ,■ : % flu i'i KEPOUT FOR 1870. 458 which, as hitherto, had still to be constructed. The topography and river 8<>ctionB being now pretty correctly eHtablishcd, an approximation to the structure can be arrived at, and th«> difHciilty of following out the details at some future time is reduced to 4 minimum. Following the main Gander River for the first 80 miles abovo the lake, the rock exposure* met with are chiefly hard greyinh micaceous slates, with which are oconHionnlly intcrMtratifitul l>ods of greenish-grey sandstone and oonRloraerato. About a mile and a half from the outlet a small outcrop of th«>He Hhitos occurs, di|>ping N. 72^ E.* < 50°. No exposure is then Hoin for a distance of 5 milef), when similar slates make their appearunc ■ in a vertical attitude, striking N. 7" K, S. 7" W. A mih; iind n quarter beyond this they form low cliffs on both s'uhs of the river for a short distance. Fine-grained greenish-grey micacee sand- stones are here interstratifled with the slates all vertical, an- 1 striking N. 42" E., W. t2° W. A little over a mile from this lalttM outcrop, a ""^ry fine bluish-grey silky-micacoous slate conie.s out on the left side of the river. This resembles the mica slute of tli" point and islands between the two arms of the hike, and is pro- bably identical. It is much corrugated, and is intersected by numerous small quartz veins running in the strike, which is alxmt N. 84° W. Tlie hard grey slates are occasionally met with above this in low outcropping ledges, always vertical, and striking obliquely across the river. Four miles above Cooper's Brook, thick beds of rather coarse conglomerate are met with, overlaid by beds of hard grey sandstone, alternating with greenish arenaceous slates at the top. The pebbles of the conglomerate are chiefly of red jasper, green chert, with grains of white quartz cemented in a matrix of rather coarse greenish-grey sand. The pebbles rarely exceed the size of a rifle bullet. Irregular masses of dull white calcareous matter are not uufrequent in the rock, and several small cavities, where some such material had been weathered out, were also observed. Some of these latter cavities seemed to have contained fossils, one obscure form resembling a Petraia being found, while other organisms were suspected, although never sufficiently well preserved to be identified. Litho- 1I : n .1; !■' ! * All bearings arc from the true meridian. 454 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. logically the rock resembles the Herring Head conglomerate, and is probably of the same horizon. At this exposure the strata are again vertical, striking N. 3° E., S. 3° W. About a mile and a half farther up, the same conglomerates again make their appearance in a small outcrop dipping N. 62° W. < 40°, and they are seen for the last time near the mouth of Lower Gull Brook, where the dip is N. 31° W. < 39°. No other exposures occur up to the'first chute, where beds of greenish-grey sandstones and slates strike across the river dipping N. 52° W. < 55°. Similar rocks form the second chute nearly a mile beyond. At the latter the dip is N. 55° E. < 60°. Two intrusive dykes of a dark grey syenite cut the rocks here between the two chutes, one running N. 60° W., the other N. 15° W. They do not appear to cause any great disturbance or alteration except at their immediate contact. What the exact age of these rocks may be can only be conjectured for the present. The striking lithologioal resem- blances, especially of the basic sandstones and conglomerates with the rocks of New World Island, and the presence of fossils although obscure, seems to indicate the horizon of the upper part of the Middle or lower part of the Upper Silurian series. At a bend of the main river, 2| miles above the upper chute, at the end of the twenty-tilth course (see table of courses and distances, p. 441), a high bare bluff occurs, rising steeply from the south side of tlie river to a height of over 200 feet. The rocks forming this bluff present a perpendicular cliff to the river about 30 or 40 feet high, and consist at the base of a macs of incoherent serpentines and chloritic slates, confusedly combined, where the layers of deposit are only to be distiugnished by some bands of an opaque white or yellow-weathering picrolite. running apparently in the planes of the bedding. Tlie rock in some parts is reticulated by minute thread- like veins of a greenish silky asbestos. Much of it weathers a pale yellowish brown, or orange yellow on the exposed surface, but on fracture it is generally of a dull earthy dark green colour, with shades of light green hero and there. Other portions of the cliff display serpentine of a dark bottle-greea throughout, very inco- herent, and exhibits a smooth glistening soapy surface on fracture. The top of the bluff is composed of a dark grey crystalline rock, exceedingly hard, and weathering dull white. From its remark- I ■I REPORT FOR 1876. able weight, this rock was supposed to contain an ore of iron disseminated through it. Stains of green carbonate of copper were ol)served at one place. The strike of these rocks is about north-west and south-east. Three-quarters of a mile beyond the bluff a set of dark blue chloritic slates underlaid by beds of hard grey quartzite crop out, dipping S. 25° E. < 56^ Similar slates and quartzites hold the river's bed for about a mile beyond Miguel's Brook, where a considerable exposure occurs, the dip here being N. 18° W. < 32\ About 3 miles farther up stream the serpentine rocks are again seen to form a high cliff for half a mile or more, and thence a bare yellow-weathering ridge strikes a long distance inland, in a direction about N. 73° E. The ser- pentines at this part are very similar to those below, but have in addition a band of a steatitic character loosely aggregated, of a slaty structure, and holding irregular strings and lumps of pale yellow-weathering picrolite. But the greater portion of the exposure consists of a dull green earthy rock in thick beds, which weathers yellowish brown, and is seamed with thin strings of asbestos, while the bedding is generally separated by small bands of picrolite, or occasionally by nearly pure serpentine varying from a quarter of an inch to an inch in thickness. These latter bands generally weather out in relief, and are of a pale blue colour on the exposed surface. The bottle-green ser- pentine, with the smooth glistening fracture, is also well dis- played, and seems to occupy a superior position to the former. Dark blue very ferruginous chloritic slates, intcrstratified with dark grey fine-grained sandstones or diorites, underlie the serpentines. Some of these bands are exceedingly hard, assum- ing the character of grey quartzite, while bcth sandstones and slates are thickly impregnated with iron pyrites. About half a mile back from the river to the eastward, a hard crystalline white rock, which weathers a deep rusty red, apparently a dolomite, forms a bare ridge, and appears to surmount the whole mass. The strike of this latter can be distinguished for miles by its brick-red colour. Its exposed beds display remark- able honeycombeu surfaces, where the cavities, apparently weatber-worn, sink several inches into the stone. Irregular veins of milk-white quartz stand out in relief from the deeply weathered surface of the rock. The fraci.rc exhibits the effect 456 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. of weathering for half an inch or more, the colour becoming gradually of a paler shade as it penetrates the stone, while internally the rock presents a dull white colour, streaked with grey, with occasional shades of pale yellow or green. The surface of the country here is exceedingly bare, the few stunted trees and bushes which once existed being entirely swept away by fire. While in this desolate region, I was particularly struck by the frequent occurrence of isolated level spots of sand and gravel, sometimes several hundred yards in circumference, which, from the regularity displayed in the soparation of the coarser from the finer material, and the manner in which the former was arranged, might be imagined to have beeu eflTected by human agency. These were formed occasionally in almost uniform straight ridges of nearly equal breadth protruding through the sand or finer gravel, while at other times they rose in circular walls encircling the same; and in other instances the coarse material formed a curiously complicated netM'ork, the finer deposit being enclosed by the mesh-like ridges of the former. Another small outcrop of the serpentines takes place about a mile farther on the same side of the river. Chloritic slates, diorites, and quartzites then succeed for a long distance. These are ften much corrugated, and form a succession of low sharp undulations. The slates generally vary in colour from dark blue to grey and nearly black, occasionally greenish or slightly purplish, and are frequently very ferruginous. Some of these strata are arenaceous, rather compact and flaggy, while others are close-grained, have a fine slaty cleavage parallel with or slightly inclined to the bedding, and occasionally they exhibit a finely laminated and fibrous structure. Quartz veins occur in many places, running parallel with the bedding. Iron pyrites in minute specks is thickly disseminated through these latter, as well as the greater portion of the slates. The general strike is about N. 18° W., S. 18° E. Two miles beyond the termination of Division B of the Kailway Survey, a mass of coarse brecciated trap strikes across the river, bearing N. 76° E., S. 76° W. Two and a half miles farther up, the serpentines again appear in con- siderable volume, forming a high broken cliff on the south side of the river, and exposures continue ar short intervals apart for nearly 2 miles more. These rocks spread over a large area, and REPORT FOR 187fl. 457 becoming ne, while ked with n. The IV stunted ept away 'ly struck sand and ce, which, e coarser e former )y human uniform ough the circular le coarse the finer mer. e about a ic slates, b. These low sharp dark blue slightly of these ilo others I with or y exhibit occur in pyrites in latter, as strike is ination of )recciated V. Two ir in con- th side of apart for area, and are seen to cap many bare elevated ridges to the eastward of the river, the strike continuing in the same direction. In a few instances they were found to vary somewhat in character from the maguesian rocks farther down the stream, especially on some of the exposed ridges back from the river. While the dull green earthy, yellow-weathering rock forms the greater portion of the exposures, a coarsely crystalline rock of a green colour weathering rusty red, the crystals of which were supposed to be pyroxene, is associated with it. Near the apparent base of the serpentines, a set of dull white weathering bands are interstratified, vsorae of which when broken present a soft, milk-white colour, tinged with spots of pale olive green. In texture these beds are finely granular, and they display a brisk effervescence under an acid. The green stain is probably derived from the presence of chrome, nickel, or copper. The serpentines are only separated by about 100 yards of low, marshy ground, from a ridge of coarse grey granite. Beyond the last-mentioned ridge to the termination of the measurement, the rocks are all granite. Burnt Hill is entirely of granite, and the mass strikes thence N. 12^ W., S. 12° E. Farther, the features displayed in the country stretching towards the head waters of the Gander and Bay East Rivers, on the one hand, and away towards Fortune Bay, on the other, appear to indicate the con- tinuance of an uninterrupted range of granite, or rocks of a granitic character, over a vast region. The constituents of the rock, when examined, were found to be generally an aggregate of rather coarse-grained opaque white quartz, pale flesh-coloured feldspar, and scales of blackish or brownish mica. It disintegrates freely when exposed to the action of tlie atmosphere ; and the surfaces, particularly where fire has run, weather a dull greyish white. Large boulders and innumerable fragments of mica slate, generally of a steel-grey colour, are s^^-^ttered over the surface, which probably are derived from the lower or depressed j,'rounds, where the solid rock is concealed below an accumulation of peat bog or drift. The relative position these mica slates hold to the serpentines, or the relation of the granite to either, was not ascertained with certainty, and requires further and more extended investigation ; but the impression made by the apparent mode of its occurrence at various parts of its distribution seems to accord with the opinion ^§ H ■lis ■m «.•{ -'?!' 458 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. expressed in the Report for 1874, that it is intrusive; and if so, consequently may probably prove to be of later date than the Quebec group, or even perhaps contemporary of Middle Silurian. The resemblances in mineral and lithnlo investigation has hitherto been held some- what in abeyance, partly from our time being" almost entirely occupied in mapping and reporting upon each season's labours from year to year ; but partly, and perhaps chiefly, from want of space whereon to place our material for inspection and study. This latter defect being now remedied, by a small addition which has been added to this building, by order of the Government, I shall exercise my best endeavours to have the whole collection in such order during the present winter months, as 'to serve our own purposes for further study, and to be of interest or instruction to all persons who may be inclined to visit and inspect the museum. In conclusion, I cannot refrain from expressing to your Excellency my regret that I was provided neither with means nor authority to form a special collection of geological, mineral, and other specimens, for the purpose of representing the resources of Newfoundland at the approaching great International Exhibi- tion to be held at Paris ; as I feel confident that a display could be made which would draw attention from the European public to the colony, and be a proof of its capabilities, which have hitherto been unknown or ignored. I have the honour to be. Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexamdeb Murray. To His Excellency Sir John Hawley Glover, G.O.M.G., Governor of Newfoundland, &c., St. John's. APPENDIX. Singe the map of the survey has been completed on a scale of 2^ inches to 1 mile, it has been discovered that a base line, bearing exactly parallel with the general trend of the coast, can be drawn passing over or close to some of the most conspicuous fixed points of the triangulation. This line is drawn from Captain Maxwell's station on Shoe Cove Head at the eastern extreme of the survey, to Hammer Head, over Bogue's Harbour, D. 1 held some- lost entirely ion's labours 'rom want of and study, dition which jverament, I le collection as 'to serve interest or . and inspect ng to your with means cal, mineral, he resources onal Exhibi- iisplay could san public to lave hitherto REPORT FOR 1877.-APPENDIX. 469 passmg within a few chains of the cairn erected on Betts Head. In Its western extension the same line strikes a fixed point on the extreme west angle at the entrance to the north-west arm of trreei ^ay. The bearing of this base line is N. 58° E., S. 58° W and I should strongly recommend that the side lines of all the mining grants should be drawn at right angles to that course : that IS to say, N. 32° W., S. 32° E., from the true meridian. This direction slightly alters the descriptions I gave on the tracings xf ^.o*^ ^^^^ sketches, where the bearings of the side lines are N. 34 W., 8. 84° E. ; but while it in no degree affects the interests of proprietors of grants, such a plan will be found of inestimable value foi laying off lands in future, which would all be drawn upon parallel lines. It would be, moreover, most higlily recom- mendable that such a base line should be actually run by survey and marked from end to end by cairns, posts, or painted cliffs ; by which moans the relative position of any part inland could be readily determined. The Tilt Cove locations, represented on the new map in red lines, are according to th« original descriptions. The him lines ax-e drawn to show the effect which would be produced by making the lots conform with the other lots, and on parallel lines. Alexander Murray. BB Murray. n a scale of a base line, le coast, can conspicuous drawn from the eastern b's Harbour, p*> 470 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER XVIII. REPORT FOR 1878. — CONTINUATION OP COAST SURVEY OP NOTRE DAME BAY ~ EXAMINATION OF NORTH SHORE OF CONCEPTION BAY — MINING, &c. Geological Survey Office, St. John's, January 21th, 1879. May it please your Excellency, — In my Report upon the proceedings of the Geological Survey, for the year 1877, I had the honour to inform your Excellency that the duties of the department had been diverted frc ji the usual course of investigation, and were almost exclusively directed towards making a coast survey of Notre Dame Bay. During the year 1877 the survey included all the details of the northern shore of the Great Bay from Beaver Cove Head to the entrance of the south-west arm of Green Bay ; also of the western, middle, and southern arms of Notre Dame Bay, terminating at Little Bay Head, the northern point of Little Bay. In the fall of the same year Mr. Howley surveyed the entire coast of Sunday Cove Island. The year just passed (1878) has also been chiefly devoted to a continuance of the same service, by desire of the Government, and the survey has now been extended with all the details of the coast, and a large proportion of the numerous islands as far as Badger Bay. During the early part of the season (1878) the middle and south-west arms of Green Bay, which hitherto had been omitted, or only partially sketched in, were surveyed with every detail ; and while in that locality our time was largely occupied in laying oflf mineral and agricultural lands, by special request of the Government ; some description of which will be found farther on. The term Green Bay is frequently, indeed always locally, applied to the whole of the great bay of Notre Dame ; but more properly, and to avoid confusion in geographical description, is, or REPORT FOR 1878, 471 OF NOTBK ONCEPTION CE, ,j 21th, 1879. ical Survey, Excellency 3d frc .u the rely directed During the irtliern shore ranee of the middle, and \ Little Bay of the same »unday Cove y devoted to Government, letails of the ids as far as middle and been omitted, every detail; ))ed in laying quest of the d farther on. ways locally, le; but more cription, is, or ought to be, limited to the great inlet which leaves the great body of the bay, between Rogue's Harbour and Green Bay Island, and penetrates for many miles into the mainland. This great inlet may be described as consisting of Greon Bay proper, tlie north- west, middle, and south-west arms ; the latter of which is but an extension of the former of minor width, while the two former cut into the land at right angles or obliquely to the northern shore. All these arms have been surveyed, and are now laid down upon the general MS. map ; but it was to the south-west arm that our attention was more particularly called, in consequence of the mineral indications presented there, which have since begun to be developed, with every prospect of forming a nucleus for a great mining industry. Description of South-west Arm. A line drawn from the eastern head of Rogue's Harbour to the channel of Green Bay Island will nearly represent a true meridian. From about mid-channel on this line, which is about 3^ miles long, a bearing from the meridian of S. 62° W., 1\ miles, will reach the western head of Middle Arm. The western point of North- west Arm is a little under 3 miles north-east from this point, whence the inlet falls back into the land northerly for about 2 miles, where a fine stream falls in from the north. Safe and land-locked harbours can be made on either side of the North-west Arm; and Jackson's Cove, immediately opposite on the south shore, is a good anchorage, especially for small vessels. Eastward from the North-west Arm, and between it and Rogue's Harbour, is Stocking Harbour, which affords excellent shelter, but is chiefly adapted for the smaller class of vessels. The Middle Arm is a wedge-shaped inlet, lying nearly due east and west, about 3 miles long ; which being open to easterly gales is not favourably situated for harbours ; but a good anchorage in ordinary weather can be found on the north side near the head. At the extreme head a wide but very shallow lagoon is enclosed within low sandy points, the bar between which is nearly dry at low water. A fine stream falls into this lagoon at its extreme western end. Between the meridional line from Rogue's Harbour to Green 472 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. Bay Island channel, and another meridional line from the western head of Middle Arm to Bircliy Head, about a mile and a half west- ward from Jackson's Cove, contains Green Bay proper. The latter line, which also forms the entrance to South-west Arm, is under a mile in length, whence the inlet stretches in a very straight course for about 7 miles south-westerly, with a breadth varying from a mile to a mile and a half, where it bends to the southward round Mansfield Point. The Battling Brook falls in at the north-west angle of the arm, and is distant from Mansfield Point about a mile and a half. The bearing from Mansfield Point to King's Point, near the extreme head of the arm, is S. 32° W., a little over 2^ miles ; but the main body of the arm lies nearly due north and south. Immediately south of the Battling Brook the coast-line bends round and forms an open cove, at the southern angle of which another fine stream falls in from the westward. The coast then, on the west side of the arm, runs with a few gentle sweeps nearly due south to King's Point. The eastern coast of the arm from Mansfield Point curves gently inwards to Conglomerate Point, where the width from shore to shore is little over three- quarters of a mile, and thence sweeping easterly about half a mile, meets the outlet of the so-called South Brook, where the width to King's Point is 1 mile 23 chains. From the mouth of South Brook the coast runs south-westerly in nearly a straight line for about 3 mile 28 chains ; beyond which it bears off westerly for nearly half a mile; then northerly for about the same distance, and thence with a few bends easterly to King's Point, forming a fine cove. In common with most of the great fiords, the country is densely wooded on both sides of the South-west Arm, and affords a pleasing contrast in its landscape scenery to the bleak and desolate shores of the Great Bay. The northern shore rises in bold rocky preci- pices, sometimes of great height, over which the sides of the hills are clothed with a dense green foliage nearly to the extreme summits, which are bare, or only scantily covered by grey moss. On the south side the shore usually presents a cliff, less high and more broken than on the north side, while the land beyond swells into a series of rounded hills and ridges, densely covered with forest, except where here and there a landslip, at some of the steeper parts, has laid the rock bare. Farther up the arm above REPORT FOR 1878. 473 the western [ a half west- The latter n, is under a might course ying from a hward round le north-west about a mile King's Point, a little over lue north and he coast-line lern angle of I. The coast gentle sweeps it of the arm Conglomerate e over three- it half a mile, ! the width to uth of South aight line for westerly for ame distance, nt, forming a tttry is densely rds a pleasing esolate shores rocky preci- 3S of the hills the extreme )y grey moss, less high and jeyond swells covered with some of the be arm above Mansfield Point, the scenery changes from the hitherto abrupt and mountainous character to that of a gently undulating plain, densely covered by a stout growth of mixed timber on both sides ; and finally, after rounding King's Point, a land-locked cove is entered, surrounded by an extensive area of level land supporting a splendid growth of the ordinary forest trees. To any one in search of the picturesque, this great inlet has many rare attractions, in the ever-varying outline, and diversified scenery it presents on all sides. Bounded on the north side by a succession of lofty and nearly vertical cliffs of variegated rock, standing out in bold contrast from the bright green of the woods above ; through which and above all the hoary peaks and extreme summits of the hills are occasionally seen to peer; — on the south side the gently swelling hills and valleys richly carpeted by a luxurious growth of mixed forest timbei* : and finally at the upper arm, the extensive soft green plain, suggestive of cornfields and farm lands, with the sharply-cut outline of the distant mountains which form the background, all combine to give a succession of landscape? an artist might revel in, and scenes to charm the tourist or traveller. The cove inside of King's Point (which for convenience we shall call King's Cove), although limited in extent, is nearly p rl'ect as a harbour in every respect. The northern half, which includes an area of about 4i^ acres, is perfectly sheltered from all winds, and the soundings and holding ground are all that could be desired. In the little vessel that I was on board of there, we dropped our anchor in 6 fathoms, within 20 fathoms of the beach, which is of sand. The southern half, although exposed to the northerly strip of the upper arm, is nevertheless a secure anchorage, as the heavy seas that roll into the outer arm with easterly gales are eifectually broken at IMansfiold Point. Copper mining being now nearly established as a settled industry in the ^outh-west Arm, the importance and value of King's Cove cannot be overrated ; and that, not only as the best and securest of harbours for vessels bound to or from the mines, but as the very best terminus for a road or railroad, which will connect the eastern and western shores of the island. Although anchorage can be obtained at Yellowfox Cove, and at several parts near the south shore of the lower arm, in moderate weather, 474 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. II these in no case are worthy of being recognised as harbours, being all more or less insecure in stormy weather, particularly with easterly winds. The depth of the water in the middle of the arm below Mansfield Point is enormous, and soundings have been had at many parts within a hundred yards of the south shore of upwards of 90 fathoms. Above Mansfield Point the water gradually shallows ; the lead carrying from 12 to 10, and finally to 6 fathoms, approaching and entering King's Cove. During the season, Mr. Charles Harvey, guided by instructions from me, as to the route to be followed, surveyed a line for a road from King's Cove to Bay of Islands, which passes over a level, and in many cases a fertile country, nearly the whole distance; crossing the central Carboniferous trough about its widest part, the whole measured distance being about 100 miles. In my Keport for the year 1865 I attempted to draw attention to the facilities that exist for communication between the eastern and western shores, by the natural depressions which intersect the island letween HalVa Bay and the Bay of Islands ; and at the same time pointed out the probable existence of tvorkable coal in the region surrounding the northern end of the Grand Pond. I have also repeatedly represented that, in consequence of the surface of the ground being thickly covered by drift and dense vegetation, out- crops of the rock were rarely to be seen, or where seen at all, only to a very limited extent, it would therefore be advisable to have the area known to be spread over by rocks of Carboniferous age, tested for coal with the boring rod. This experimental operation is now imperatively called for, as much of the future progress of the country will depend upon the result. That the rocks which occupy the region in question are, as represented in my geological map, of Carboniferous age, there is no doubt whatever ; and that there is Coal associated with these rocks is also perfectly well known ; but as the mineral, so far as my experience goes, only shows itself in very thin irregular seams, varying from 3 to 17 inches in thickness, or in broken fragments among the debris .xlong the shores, its importance as an economic product cannot be proved without actual experiment. No one who has seen the country through which Mr. Harvey's isurvey passes, can hesitate to pronounce much of it as admirably adapted for settlement, while the forest around is still capable of REPORT FOR 1878. 475 yielding abundance of good timber, notwithstanding the reckless destruction to which a large proportion of it has been exposed ; and in addition to these advantages, should coal seams of workable thickness be met with in the central Carboniferous trough, with copper and lead mines in operation on each side of the island, the construction of a railroad to connect all the varied industries that will be called into existence, becomes a paramount necessity. In consideration of these views, I feel constrained to urge upon the Executive Government the necessity of extreme caution as to the disposal of these lands, either as grants or licences, as the acquisition of such property by persons interested only in making profitable speculation will assuredly retard the general development so much to be desired. In accordance with instructions I received at St. John's, I laid ofif three settlement lots, intended to contain an area of 100 acres each, but which, in consequence of broken frontage, only contain 272 acres altogether. These were laid off from a base line across King's Cove, bearing from King's Point S. 45° W. (true), 48 chains. This base was divided into three equal parts of IG chains, whence divisional lines were drawn at right angles for the required distance inland. Excluding the portions which lie in the waters of the cove, occasioned by the irregularity of i'ront- age, the lots, which are marked and picketed on the ground, contain respectively 89, 83, and 100 acres, nearly all of which is level, heavily timbered, excellent agricultural land, with beautiful streams of water intersecting, and numerous apparently perennial springs. As there is an extensive back country capable of being reclaimed, between King's Cove and Indian Brook, and much of the land on both sides of the arm above Eattling Brook and Mansfield Point might be profitably brought into cultivation, I should recommend that these latter tracts be laid off for settle- ment purposes, while the whole of the 272 acres laid off by mo should be reserved as a town plot and subdivided into building lots, of not more than one square acre each. Under such circumstances, and with the prospect of a large mining population to supply with produce, the settlement of this country, especially along the line of road, may be considered as assured, and from what has been stated it will be obvious that King's Cove is probably destined to become an important V I I' : I: 476 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. terminus, particularly should a railroad be resolved upon, for which it is in all respecta admirably situated. Should seams of coal be discovered by tlie boring rod in the Grand Pond region, of sufficient thickness to be profitably worked, I conceive that a railroad will be found the best, and in the long run the most economical means of bringing the various industries into con- nected operation; and even should the central coal basin prove unproductive, there is still the field of St. George's Bay to be tested, where I have reason to believe a few seams exist well worthy of a trial ; whence the mineral could easily be transported to the terminus at the Bay of Islands by steamers ; while at the same time the agricultural and horticultural produce of that fertile region would be conveyed by the same means. In the meantime the large and rapidly increasing mining population, which in Notre Dame Bay at the present time amounts to about 5000, and probably by the year 1884 will be 20,000, are entirely supplied with all the necessaries of life, as well as a large amount of lumber for building, from abroad ; all of which might be produced in the country close by, and par- ticularly along the line of road across the island, so that it must clearly be of the first importance to the enterprising capitalists so largely interested in mining adventure, to forward the readiest and best means of communication without delay; and it is to them rather than any other body that we must look to carry out a scheme which eventually must result in enormous benefit to the colony at large. I believe that data could be obtained to show that the cost of freight alone to the mining proprietors, under the present system, would in a few years be nearly sufficient to cover the expense of building a railway on the line already indicated, without taking into consideration the inconvenience and risk that would be avoided by its means when once established and in working order. Mineral Lands. In order to lay down the boundary lines of certain mineral grants, I re-surveyed the reach of South-west Arm between Birchy Head and Mansfield Point, marking and picketing the dividing lines of each lot, from the coast, as nearly as possible to accord HE POUT F01{ 1878. 477 I upon, for Id seams of 'ond region, jeive that a a the most s into con- basin prove Bay to be 9 exist well transported while at the uce of that sing mining iresent time L884 will be 38 of life, as I abroad; all by, and par- that it must capitalists so the readiest and it is to o carry out a enefit to the ned to show ietors, under sufficient to line already venience and established •tain mineral ,ween Birchy the dividing ble to accord with tho descriptions furnished by the Survfyor-^jeneral's office. Of these lots there are three, of which two are adjacent, the divisional line running from the Nuked Man rock due south magnetic, or S. 33° 30' E. fri»m tlie true meridian one mile. Tiie eastern boundary of the third location comes tfj tlie shore a little way inside or west of Birchy Head, and was marke^l by jjosts and pickets so as to embrace an equal area with the others of one square mile of surface. A plan with descriptions of those locations was furnished to the Executive in September last. While I was thus engaged, Mr. Howley proceeded with the coast survey south of Little Bay Head. An account of his labours will be found ai>pended, by which it will be seen, that during tho last two seasons, the geological survey has furnished data for a reliable map of the whole coast of Notre Dame B:iy from Shoo Cove, near Cape St. John, to Badger Bay on its southern side, including many of the islands; which work has siu'-e been pro- tracted on a scale of 2^ inches to 1 mile. With such a map, I can see no reason why the system I recommended eleven years ago for subdividing the land for licences and grants should not now be adopted ; the want of which has already occasioned so much con- fusion and litigation. It is true that the evil has extended so far that discrepancies and irregularities exist which can never here- after be remedied ; but it is still possible to block off unoccupied or unclaimed lands, in such a fashion as to prevent confusion hereafter. For instance ; — suppose the region between Notre Dame Bay and the Exploits River to be all unoccupied ground ; let the whole area be blocked off upon the map in single square miles; the lots ranging from north to south to be marked by letters A B C, &c., while from east to west they will be numbered 1, 2, 3, Sec. An applicant for a licence of search upon such a plan would then indicate the ground lie desired to examine, by applying for lot A 1, A 2, A 3, and so on, instead of producing a s<^^Tap of f>af)fr with some unintelligible strokes scrawled over it, which professed to bi>, and have hitherto been received, as descriptions of localities. The lessee would then have the privilege, as before, of selecting one out of the three square miles as a grant ; while the Government on one hand, and the lessee on the other, would liave no difficulty in determining the exact position of the respective lots on the natural surface. 2 I iii;;f! ' ii I 478 OEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. For the present, I consider it advisable to abstain from going into details of structure, distribution, mineral and litlio- logical elmracters, as regards the metamorphic rocks of the region imtil more thoroughly investigated. The subject is one of much interest, but is surrounded by many difficulties, some of which are so formidable that it would be hazardous to express ve.^ confident opinions before all the circumstances of the case are fully studied out. The general structure and distribution of the formations as given in former Eeports, and ilhistrated on my small-scale geolo- gical map, I have hitherto 'bund no occasion to materially alter, althougli as every year produces some new facts relating to one or other of these formations, a certain modification of former views may eventually bo required. As there will probably be a great demand for information regarding the mining regions hereafter, I beg to suggest that the map of Notre Dame Bay, as laid down by the geological survey on a scale of 1 inch to 1 mile, should be lithographed and published without delay. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray. To Ilis Excellency Sir John H. Glover, G.C.M.G., Governor of Newfoundland, &c., St. John's. REPORT OF J. P. HOWLEY. Geological Suhvey Office, St. Jonn'B, February 28th, 1879. Sir, — Early last spring and previous to setting out on our usual field labours, the Government requested that I should proceed to Conception Bay to examine the north shore thereof, the reported existence of copper at some parts of which having given rise to the supposition that deposits of this and other mineral economic sub- stances might be found in available quantities. On my return from this expedition I furnished you with the following Report for the information of the Government : — BEPORT FOR 1878. 471) stain from and litho- tho region le of much if which are .^ confident illy studied rmations as scale geolo- jrially alter, Qg to one or ormer views information rest tliat the •al survey on ad published nt, ER Murray. CE, ary iSth, 1879. on our usual d proceed to the reported en rise to the economic sub- )n my return ng Keport for Geological SrnvET Office, 8t. John's, Afs suflScient ttle. It is, [lard labour might be I independ- of course lalf-starved nd then to the greater istroyed by to go long farther for er will in a craft large in Trinity merely felt, f fifty tons nds are off lost places. ;ions, every Instances ;s returning of weather REPORT FOR 1878. 483 to run for Carbonear or Harbour Grace, whore weeks sometimes elapse before they can again approach the shore to land their cargoes. In conclusion, I world add that as the cultivation of the land (such as it is) appears to be the only auxiliary to the fisheries, its encouragement is very dosirab'e in order to enable the inha- bitants to maintain themselves in some degree of comfort and independence. I have the honour to be. Sir, Xour obedient servant, James P. Howley. To Alexander Murray, Esq., C.M.G., F.G.S., Director Geological Survey. Introduction to General Report. In the month of June last I left St. John's in company with yourself and party ^or Notre Dame Bay, to continue the trigono- metrical survey of the coast-line commenced last year. But before entering upon the principal portion of the work it was necessary to revisit Green Bay, in order to complete the surveys of the Middle Arm, and the upper portion of the south-west arm of that bay, whicli unavoidably were left unaccomplished last year, Tiiis work concluded, we next proceeded to Little Bay to resume the survey at the headland of that name. After establishing a true meridian line at Wild Bight, Little Bay, and fixing the position of Little Bay Head by a series of triangles, the survey was thence continued along the coast without intermission to the eastern head of Ba'lger Bay. This extensive portion of the bay, which, besides many minor arms and creeks, includes the following important inlets, viz. Little Bay, Hall's Bay, Rabbit's Arm, Sop's Ann, and Badger Bay ; all of which were instruuientally surveyed in detail, by continuous measured lines from pjint to point of the shore, and a regular connected system of triangalation. Sunday Cove Island partly surveyed last year, Pilley's island, and a great portion of Triton Island were also included. The latter part of the work, especially in the neighbourhood of these great islands, was of a it m m 11 -(■^ '^ ■ n 484 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. very intricate character, owing to the many narrow crooked channels studded with islands on every side, which involved a con- siderably increased amount of instrumental work. I took occasion wliile in this neighbourhood of sounding tlie depths of water in several of these channels, with a view to ascertaining whether navi- gation was practicable for large craft between the islands and the mainland. To the southward of Pilley's Island it proved to be perfectly feasible though rather intricate; but in Sunday Cove Tickle there is a shallow bar extending across at its narrowest part, which would not admit of craft drawing over 6 feet of water passing through at any time. The discrepancies of the old coast chart, so frequently alluded to, were at some parts more palpable than any hitherto met with. The defects in the general outline of the coast, and in the positions of the principal headlands, were less obvious than in the details of the arms and bays. These latter were invariably exaggerated both in length and breadth, while some important localities were placed several miles out of their true positions. In other cases deep indentations were merely represented by a slight curve in the shore, while several islands and rocks were entirely omitted. Grave errors were also detected in the soundings, which have heretofore deterred vessels from approaching the narrow tickles south of Pilley's Island. Depths of 16, 21, and 22 fathoms were found where the chart represents but 2, and from 5 to 11 fathoms in places barred off as inaccessible. In one case a dangerous rock is placed upon the chart, where careful soundings, which were borne out by the testimony of the settlers in the vicinity, failed in finding any such obstruction. The inutility of such a map, either for the purposes of naviga- tion, for the representation of geological structure, or as a base for laying off mineral and agricultural lands must be quite obvious. Its adoption hitherto for the latter purpose has led to much con- fusion and been the cause of great annoyance and inconvenience to the Government, by giving rise to disputes in reference to boundaries of mineral locations. Already the map of last season's work has been found serviceable in several instances to rectify some of these errors. Should our mining development continue to increase at its present rate, the value and importance of a correct map cannot, I think, fail to be generally recognised. REPORT FOR 1878. 485 The principal purpose for which this survey of Notre Dame Bay was undertaken, having for its object tlie correct delineation of the coast-line, whereon the numerous mining licences and grants could be properly laid down, it became absolutely necessaiy to devote all my time and attention to the topographical portion of the work. It was consequently out of my power, especially in such a complicated region, to bestow on the details of geological struc- ture that degree of careful study which the subject at all times demands. Many valuable facts were, however, observed and noted, which may be the means of throwing some light upon the problem not yet satisfactorily determined regarding the exact horizon of the cupriferous formation. The discovery of fossils (GraptoUtes) during the season, in strata of black shale, so intimately connected with the series, is a matter of considerable interest, and may lead upon further investigation to very important structural determination of facts. As regards the metalliferous deposit^!, the opening of several new mines will afford opportunities oi more minute investigation into their various characteristics. Although having much in common, there are nevertheless in many instances certain peculiarities not only in the manner of deposition, but also in the character of the ores, which must not be overlooked. To those who are interested in mineral development, a thorough knowledge of these facts may prove of essential service as a guide to future exploration and suc- cessl'ul mining ; while to a great extent the expenditure of much capital upon unprofitable locations may be avoided. Before venturing to speculate upon what may or may not bo the precise geological structure of the rocks of the region in question, or giving an account of their mineral character as displayed at various parts of their distribution, much more minute and extended investigation will be required; and care- fully measured sections must be drawn to illustrate the rela- tive details and manifold disturbances by which they have been effected. I shall therefore confine myself for the present to a general description of the geographical features so far as the work has progressed, adding any information of an interesting cha- racter as I proceed, especially in relation to the various mining localities. \m \ 486 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. GEOaRAPHIOAL FEATURES. The north shore of Notre Dame Bay extends in a pretty- straight line and on a general bearing from the true meridian about S. 54° W., taking the South Bill of Cape St. John as the starting-point. The course indicated above, after crossing over the projecting points of land in the first half of the distance, runs out into the water at Beits Cove Head, and again strikes the land at the southern point of the middle arm of Green Bay, where it terminates in a total distance of 30^ miles. Proceeding west- ward from Cape St. John, Shoe Cove, a wide open bight, is the first indentation met with. It has no harbour, affords but little shelter to craft of any size, and is only resorted to in the summer months by the fishing boats from various parts of the bay, whose crews are engaged in prosecuting their calling on the banks and shoals lying off the cape. There is little or no soil about Shoe Cove, the character of the surrounding country being elevated and barren in the extreme ; consequently the few permanent residents live almost exclusively by fishing during summer, and seal hunting in the winter months. Lofty mural cliffs bound the coast between Shoe Cove and Cape St. John, presenting a bold front to the ocean, which at times beats against them with such terrific violence that there is no venturing within miles of the land. Beaver Cove, a small insignificant fishing station, is situated 2^ miles west of Shoe Cove. A little over a mile farther west, or just 8 miles in a direct line from the South Bill, Tilt Cove is reached, the locality of the well-known Union mine. It is a narrow nook walled in by high vertical cliffs, which, on its eastern side, rise abruptly to a height of nearly 500 feet. A pretty sheet of fresh water, Winser Lake, surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills, lies just behind the narrow beach at the head of the cove, which less than 3 chains in width separates it from the salt water. The mine bluff, a low- rounded, bare-topped hill, whose exceedingly ferruginous brown- coloured surface at once betokens the presence of mineral matter, is situated on the western side near the foot of the lake. Honey- combed by numerous drifts and stopes, and open cuttings on the top in the process of mining the ores, the bluff has undergone con- siderable alteration since the opening up of the mine. Directly in rear of this bluff, and attaining a height of 516 feet above high- REPCiiT FOR 1878. 487 n a pretty le meridian John as the easing over stance, runs ces the land ay, where it 3ding west- ight, is the s but little the summer bav, whose ) banks and about Shoe ilevated and nt residents seal hunting >ast between o the ocean, iolence that iver Cove, a kvest of Shoo miles in a the locality availed in by bruptly to a ter, Winser ; behind the 3 chains in jluif, a low- Qous brown- eral matter, :e. Honey- tings on the ergone con- Diiectly in ibove high- water mark, is Murray's Look-out, one of the most prominent summits in the immediate neighbourhood of Tilt Cove. Bennett's Look-out rises on the opposite or eastern side of the pond, to a height of 496 feet, while the ridge known as McKay's Hill, at the head of the lake, is scarcely under 500 feet. There is a narrow fringe of level land close to the margin of the lake, around which a good road has been constructed. The neat-looking cottages of the miners situated along the upper side of the road, with the manager's house and gardens, add much to the natural pic- turesqueness of the place. For a full description of the mine and the various operations connected with its earlier development, a reference to your Report for 1867 will be found suflScient. The country surrounding Tilt Cove is nigged and broken in outline, affording varied and often picturesque scenery. Long Pond, situated about half a mile west from the mine, together with its immediate surroundings, presents in the latter respect a most delightful picture. The hill ranges are for the most part bare of vegetation, while a scanty growth of timber is met with only in the ravines, forming the lower levels. Wild Bight, a little over 2 miles west of Tilt Cove, is, as the name implies, merely an open bay, which facing eastward, and ex- posed to the full force of the Atlantic, affords no shelter to vessels or craft of any kind. At the extremity of the point of land extending eastward on the south side of the Bight, Round Harbour is situated, a small but very snug nook, having a narrow entrance to the oval-shaped basin inside, which renders it a secure resort for all ordinary sized coasting vessels. Snook's Arm is the next indentation, extending inland from Round Harbour about 2J miles in a north-westerly direction. It is one of the deepest inlets on the north shore of the bay, but owing to the straightness of its shore-line, does not offer a very safe retreat in bad weather. At its extreme head, close to the eastern side, shelter can be obtained under most circumstances, but the water is very deep close in shore, and there is little room for a vessel to swing. Vertical cliffs present themselves on either side of the arm, those on the western side being very abrupt, attaining at Snook's Head a height of nearly GOO feet. This conspicuous promontory, standing out from the general trend of the coast, is T 488 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. distinctly visible from most parts of the bay. Snook's Arm and Red Cliff ponds, very picturesque sheets of water, are distant, the former about one, and the latter a little over 2 miles north-westerly from the head of the arm. The country in their vicinity partakes pretty much of the same character as that in the neighbourhood of Tilt Cove, being perhaps somewhat more wooded. Red Cliff Hills, whose bare rocky summits rise immediately north of the lake of the same name, form the central ridge and watershed of this part of the peninsula. Between Snook's Head and Betts Cove, a distance of 4J miles in a direct line, no place of any importance occurs ; the coast is very rugged f^nd precipitous. Wild Bight, the second of the name, another e\DOsed bay, lies on the western side of Snook's Head. IiiPitn ^'' ying Ground, having a settlement consisting of three or four families, is situated about midway between Snook's Head and iictU Cov-^- Bobies Cove and Buttonhole Cove are merely insiguificaut croeke. Betts Cove, the celebrated locality of the Betts Cove mine, de- mands special notice. The cove itself is about 30 chains wide at its entrance, but narrows quickly towards its extreme head, which only attains a breadth of 3 chains. It is about three-quarters of a mile in length, and has a slight curve towards the west. Perpen- dicular, sometimes overhanging, cliffs rise from the water's edge on either side ; those on the eastern side being particularly grand and imposing. The debris derived from the disintegration of their summits frequently forms a sloping talus towards their base, hiding the lower portions from view. This is constantly being added to by fresh material falling from above, which renders them dangerous to approach. A few chains back from the head of the cove, another towering mass of rock stretches obliquely across, and trending westward, leaves a narrow ravine in which the busy little town is situated. A small stream rising from some ponds in the rear meanders through this ravine, which supplies the town with fresh water. Another little brook, or rather torrent, pours down a ravine on the eastern side of the cove, which, being provided with a wooden shute, affords great facilities to the shipping collected here during the summer for obtaining an abundance of pure, wholesome fresh water. Two substantial wharves are ranged along either side of the REPORT FOR 1878, 489 cove where several large vessels can lie at a time, ample means for securely mooring them being provided, such as piers, cliains, and stout iron ringbolts fastened into the solid rock. These and other necessary appliances render the naturally exposed and other- wise poor harbour quite secure in all ordinary weather. A largo iron buoy, anchored in the centre, adds greatly to the facilities for securing and warping in the shipping. The principal buildings, including a large shop and store, in which is the business and post- office, the neat cottage of the manager, and a number of other houses and stores, constitute the first row around the head of the cove. Immediately behind these are situated the barracks, the residence of the unmarried officials, a long low building, in which are also located the surgery and dispensary. Various other build- ings, including miners' houses, boarding-houses, and a number of outhouseg, occupy the background. The large new smelting works, with its six cupell blast furnaces, was erected last year close to the water's edge on the western side, at the outer extremity of the principal wharf. On the same side, higher up on the hill, and enclosed in large wooden buildings, are the two old rever- beratory smelting works. Attached to one of these is a labora- tory, fitted up for the assaying of all ordinary minerals. The tramway leading from the mine passes close by these latter build- ings, where for the last 300 yards it is inclined at on angle of 20 degrees. There is also a hoisting apparatus here attached to the smelting works, consisting of a stout iron wire rope, securely fastened to a bolt in the wharf and again at the top of the cliff. A large iron- bound oak tub is made to travel along this wire rope, by means of a pulley or sheeve, being hoisted from above by a small steam engine. Coal, brick, and other materials for the use of the furnaces are thus easily and rapidly conveyed from the wharf below. The mine is situated just three-quarters of a mile west from the cove in a direct line. There is a good road leading to it, which, after winding up the ravine for a quarter of a mile, is turned suddenly back at a very sharp angle by a projecting spur from the hills, and after various bends and curves reaches the works in a distance of some 86 chains. A handsome wooden church and commodious hospital stand close to the roadside near GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. the first turn. Other buildings are met with farther along, and on approaching the mine itself there is quite a large collection. Lofty peaks rise above the genoral level on the north side of the roa'estern Arm, who appear in rather poor circumstances, having no land worth speaking of to cultivate, and therefore being entirely dependent upon the pre- carious shore fishery. The eastern boundary line of tho Ungucs's Harbour mining grant cuts across this arm, including about 15 chains of its western end. Two shafts have been sunk in the low ground near the head of the arm, from which several Ions of fine yellow sulphide of copper were raised ; while about a quarter of a mile back a drift has been made in the hillside, towards tho south-west, bounding tho narrow depression extending westward from the arm on its south side ; but at present the work is suspended. The outer shore line for over 2 miles farther fo the entrunee to Stocking Harbour is pretty straight and regular, with low clifls facing the sea. Stocking Harbour has a wide open entrance, with three or four small islands stretching across. Tiie safest anchorage is in a cove on the eastern side. There is a long narrow inlet on the western side of the harbour, with a salt-water lagoon extending half a mile or more still farther inland ; but this arm is almost completely barred off by sunken rocks lying in the centre of the narrow entrance. There are a few inhabitants residing here, but the place has a very uninviting appearance. This harbour is fairly within Girten IJay proper, the extreme eastern point of which, on the south side, bears from tliM entrance to Stocking Harbour 8. 48° E., true ; distant 2^ miles. From this latter point. Green Bay, which includes three large arms, viz. North-west Arm, 3Iid(Ile Arm, and South-west Arm, stretches first westerly nearly 7 miles, then south-westerly 11 mile.s to its extreme head. The two first-named arms are situated on the north side of the bay, about 2 miles apart, North-west Arm being about an equal distance to the west of Stocking Harbour. It has a comparatively narrow entrance, but expanding 2 K li 494 OEOLOaiCAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ■ I jnndo into a wide picturesque basin forms an oxoellent harbour in all weathors. The soil being pretty good in some parts of the arm, and an abundance of timber in the noiglibonrhood, a numljcr of persons have been attracted hither, most of whom have nice clearings and appear to be comfortably settled. Nicky's Nose, a remarkable headland, is situated on the south side, nearly opposite to the entrance of this arm. Middle Arm, facing exactly eastward, is a very straight indentation, tapering gradually towards its head, from whence a narrow gut leads into a wide shallow lagoon, which is again separated from a fresb-water pond inside by a very small space. The arm is much exposed, affords but little shelter, and is rendered bleak and uninviting in appearance by the bare-tctpped and rugged outline of the hills, which rise to conpid^, .^ble elevations, and the abruptness of the shores on either side of it. Jackson's Cove, the only harbour on the south side of the bay, is nearly opposite Middle Arm. The land around the cove is low, and the soil of good quality. There are several settlers, who live principally by the produce of their small farms, and appear to succeed, and to be in comfortable circumstances. Jackson's Cove is probably destined to become a thriving place, from its proximity to the new mines recently opened up in South-west Arm. Between Jackson's Cove and the eastern point of Green Bay there are five other exposed coves, three of which are inhabited, viz. Taylor's Cove, Jerry's Cove, and King's Cove. There is excellent soil in each of these, but they afford no shelter as harbours. South-west Arm, the most important and extensive of the three arms of Green Bay, is simply the prolongation of that bay after it begins to contract in width. Middle Arm Point, on the north side, and Birchy Head on the south, may be said to form the entrance to this arm. Starting from a point midway between these, the following courses and distances would' lead up the centre of the arm : — S. 47° W., true, 7 miles 20 chains to Mans- field Point , thence S. 10" W., true, 2 miles 30 chains ; tlience S. 55° W., true, 1 mile to the head of the arm. It averages only 60 chains in width between Birchy Head and Mansfield Point, but widens out beyond to about a mile and a half, contracting again towards the extreme head. The shores of the arm to Mansfield Point are tolerably straight, and no indentations of any importance IIRPOIIT rOR 1878. 40S occur on either mh\ those on the north hoinpj for tho most part precipitous, and riHing into btiro-toppeil bleak hills of coiisidcniMo elevation. On the south side, on the contrary, they are low and densely wooded, ex(!opt at Naked Man, situated nearly midway between Birchy Head and Mansfield Point, where th(7 rise pretty steeply to heif^hts of 300 and 400 feet, but are still wooded to their summits. Naked Man is a solitary outlying pillar of roclc, stand- ing upright at a distance of several yards from the cliff, and so situated at the northern bend of the shore as to render it a con- spicuous object, visible for long distances up and down the arm. This has lately become a place of note, from the fact that two very promising mining locations, both bi'ing actively worked at present, are situated on either side of a lino runnin": south majruotic from the Naked Man Rock. Operations were cominenc(>d on both during the past summer, and so far with apparent success. A new English company have taken up the easternmo-t location, and were engaged during our visit in driving a tunnel into the hillside from near the water's edge, so as to tap tlio mineral-bearing band, which strikes down a ravine running obliquely to the trend of the shore. The object of this tunnel was twofold ; first, to prove tho band at a low level, and secondly, to save tramming over the steep and uneven surface. Three shafts had been previously snnlc on ti e band from above by the owners of the proi)erty, J\[essrs. White and Browning, from which much good ore was extracted. The western location is now in the hands of the Bctts Cove Company, and the woik is being rapidly pushed forwai'd. Already several houses and stores have been erected, and a tramway having a very steep grade was in course of construction during my last visit in October 1878. Much of the ore found here is of a superior quality to that usually met with in other parts of the bay, yielding, as I was informed, 26 per cent, of pure copper. Recent accounts from this quarter, which may be relied upon, are of a most favourable character. There are three other mining grants on tho south side of the bay, — one at Nickey's Nose Head, one between Birchy Head and Naked Man, and the third between Naked Man and Mansfield Point. On only one of these, that between Birchy Head and Naked Man, has any attempt at mining been made. A large 2 K 2 ( 'M i * ■ 1 il ::;( A 1 i: ' < 496 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. store, several houses, &c., have been erected on this property, and a good road constructed from the waterside to the mine, about a quarter of a mile in length. Two or more shafts have been sunk in a vertical stratum of chloritic slate to depths of 30 or 40 fathoms, from which several tons of ore were extracted ; but the work has been suspended since the spring of 1877. At the extreme head of South-west Arm there is an excellent harbour, formed by a low projecting point on the north side, known as King's Point, where the water is deep close to the beach, which is admirably situated for the construction of wharves and piers. The soil on this point is of excellent quality, and the same character applies to that of the country surrounding the head of the arm, and for several miles westward. A few settlers have recently established themselves at King's Point who are commencing small clearings. There can be little doubt that the mineral developments, abundant timber, and good agricultural lands of Green Bay, and more particularly those of the South-west Arm, are destined to create it an important locality at no vemote period. A narrow and shallow strait sep'trates Green Bay Island from the eastern point of the bay. This island has an area of about 1000 square chains, but being for the most part barren and exposed, is not inhabited. The Three Arms, properly so called,* viz. "Western Arm, Middle \rra, and Southern Arm, are three long inlets, situated between Green Bay Point and Little Bay Head. Western Arm is 7 miles long, but very irregular in breadth, varying from 20 to 60 chains. Harry's Harbour, on the north side, is the only inhabited place in the arm, and is separated by a very narrow neck of land from Jerry's Cove in Green Bay. Bear Cove, near the head of the arm, is a very picturesque place, and the soil aroind its shores is of good quality. A road leads hence across to Jackson's Cove, three-quarters of a mile distant, along which route the land is low, and covered for the most part with excellent soil. From the bottom of Walsh's Cove, on the south side of the arm, a path a quarter of a mile in length crosses to the head of * Much confusion frequently arises by confounding these with the Three Arms of Green Bay, just described. Properly speaking, they are the Three Arms of Notre Dame Bay, or simply the " Three Arms." REPORT FOR 1878. 497 Middle Arm. This arm is only about 2i miles deep, and quite narrow. A Iot^^j island lies partly in the entrance, having a navigable channel on either side, with a safe and commodious harbour at the npper part of the arm above it. There are several inhabitants in this arm, who chiefly reside upon the island, and appear in good circumstances. Another large island, Innis Island, and some smaller ones, lie just in front, which help very materially to break the force of the sea as it heaves in from the open bay outside. The mining grant owned by Mr. James Norris of this place, occupies nearly the whole of the little peninsula on the north side of Middle Arm. A Mr. Brown, of Nova Scotia, having leased the property, was employed while we were there in sinking a shaft just above high-water mark, with the intention of drifting under water, after reaching a depth of about 45 fathoms, to inter- cept a band containing copper which was observed at low tide ; but I understand the place has since been abandoned. The Southern Arm, which is pretty straight and narrow, and about 6 miles in length, is separated from Middle Arm by a long, tapering, spear-shaped point of land. It has for its southern boundary the north shore of the Little Bay Head peninsula, which is for the greater part extremely precipitous. There is an island in the centre of the arm, and immediately opposite on the south side is the narrow entrance to Shoal Arm, a round lake-like basin, but owing to its shallow entrance not available as a harbour, except for craft of very small draught. Southern Arm is destitute of inhabitants ; the barrenness of its soil not oflfering any induce- ment to settlers, while it has too long an indraft for the purposes of fishing establishments. Two good-sized brooks flow in at its extreme head, between which at about a mile and a half inland, a very conspicuous mountain, known o.s the Blow-me-down, raises its bare-peaked summit high above the surrounding country. Tliere is a good deal of fair timbi.r covering the surface of the country in and about these arms, and westward towards the south-west arm of Green Bay. The most conspicuous feature in all the upper part of the bay is Little Bay Head, the eastern extremity of the peninsula above named. Its beetling cliffs, whose jagged ledges form a nestling place for the cormorant and various other sea-birds, rising verti- cally from the water's edge, are crowned on their summits by ■PI'P'^K t i' I , : ! 498 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. sevpral elevated ridges, of which Hare Hill is the most prominent. The latter is visible for long distances, and was of essential service as an object for the triangulation from all the points on the north shore of the bay. Little Bay is a deep inlet, situated between Little Bay and Uall's Bay Heads. It has a wide open mouth measuring over 4 miles across, but about half-way up the bay it suddenly contracts to less than half a mile. Otter Island, nearly a mile and a half long, by half a mile wide, lies just in front of the narrows ; its tapering wedge-like western end projecting so far inwards as to leave but a narrow space on either side between the island and the main. These are known as the Northern and Southern Otter Tickles. Inside the islauJ the bay continues very contracted but irregular in width. Shell Bird and Woody Islands occupy re- spectively large portions of two of the more expansive parts of the arm, which again at its extreme head expands slightly ; the total length of the bay being nearly 9 miles. Four miles inside of Little Bay Head, on the north side of the bay, is the first indeutation, called Wild Bight. It is merely an open cove facing the east, with a long projecting point on the south side, ofif which lie a couple of rocky islands. The inner part of the cove, owing to its long indraft, affords some shelter to small craft, and is a fairly good harbour in summer time. There is some nice land, and the half-dozen families residing in the cove appear pretty well to do. Four miles farther, on the same side of the bay, is another open cove called Indian Bight, which has recently become known as the locality of the " Little Bay mine." The mine is situated on the point of land between the Bight and the Northern Otter Island Tickle. The extraordinary development displayed at this place in a short time is worthy of more than a passing notice. On the 27th day of July last I arrived at Indian Bight while prosecuting my survey of Little Bay, and camped on the unoccupied beach. The place had never been inhabited, and presented at the time as wild aud forlorn an appearance as any in the Bay of Notre Dame. The mine had just been discovered, and I had the pleasure of accompanying the first exploring party who visited it. A tramp of a quarter of a mile through the woods and marshes brought us to a depression, in which a low swampy morass and a string of small tarns occupied the lower ground, D. REPORT FOR 1878. 499 it prominent, ential service on the north btle Bay and jasuring over inly contracts le and a half narrows; its nwards as to dand and the uthern Otter tntracted but s occupy re- 3 parts of the ,ly ; the total th side of the It is merely point on the . The inner ne shelter to time. There g in the cove same side of t, which has 3 Bay mine." le Bight and development more than a ed at Indian i camped on ihabited, and lice as any in icovered, and ig party who le woods and ovv swampy wer ground, with a bare ridge of rock on either side. Close by one of these tarns, on the south side of the depression, an exceedingly ferrugin- ous mass of chloritic slate rock, frequently stained witli the green carbonate of copper, was seen to butt up against the rock wall. An inspection of the place soon proved that the copper stains were indicative of something more than the mere presence of the ore, especially when several pieces of slate, well charged with bright yellow copper sulphide, were quarried out. The character of the ore-bearing stratum, and the manner in which the ore was distributed, together with its position in the formation, gave fair promise of its becoming eventually a valuable mineral property. Shortly after leaving, to proceed southward, a few miners arrived, and immediately commenced operations on the mineral band. My next visit to the same place was on the 6th of October, after terminating the survey for the season, and I was not a little astonished to observe the changes that had taken place during the short interval between these visits. The level space in rear of my former camping ground was now occupied by a pretty little town, which already boasted three regularly laid out streets, cut through the woods parallel with the shore, along each of which a range of comfortable houses were rapidly being constructed for the accom- modation of the minerii, now numbering over 500 individuals. At the waterside stood a large well-built store with a fine wharf in front, close by which was the shop and office ; and in rear of these again the manager's and oflSeials' temporary residence. A fine new house, prettily situated amongst the trees on the north side of the cove, and destined for the permanent residence of the manager, was in course of construction ; besides two others for the principal officials. A wide track cut through the woods leads to the mine, from whence a well-constructed tramway, three-quarters of a mile in length, conveyed the ore to the shipping wharf on the opjwsite side of the peninsula in Otter Tickle. Here a large iron steamer was rapidly loading, this being the second cargo shipped wp to date. Near the wharf stood one or two more buildings, and the foundation of a large new smelting establishment was already laid. The mine itself partook more of the character of an open quarry than otherwise. So fur, all the ore had been taken out from near the surface, by blasting and quarrying down the sides 1 500 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. i i : I of the bluff in huge masses ; long drills, making holes of 8 and 10 feet, being used for the purpose. The greater part of tlie ferruginous cliffs had disappeared, and a wide level space now occnpied the place where it stood. The morass and one of the small tarns had been drained and partly filled up with the refuse material from the mine, which was fast converting them into dry land. Into the vertical wall, which now fonned the southern boundary of the depression, some half-a-dozen drifts had just been commenced ; while in front, along the strike of the mineral band, and again on the top of the ridge, men were busily engaged sinking shafts ; these being the preliminary operations for obtain- ing sufficient space underground previous to the setting in of winter. Some 3000 tons of ore had been produced from the mine up to this time, and since my return home I have learnt that the total amount shipped up to the end of the year reached no less than 10,000 tons ; or an average of 2000 tons per month, since the inception of the mine, just tive months previously. Such extraordinary activity on the part of the Betts Cove Company, who have leasel the property, is mainly due to the skill and enorgy displayed by their indefatigable manager, Mr. Francis Eilershausen, wliose dashing enterprise and admirable administra- tion has given the mining interests of Newfoundland an impetus which may produce results rivalling any known in the greatest mining regions of the globe. Operations were also commenced during the year upon another mining location, at a place called Shoal Arm in the inner part of Little Bay, by Captain Brown, of Nova Scotia; but as the place did not prove very promising, it was abandoned before I left the bay. Directly opposite Otter Island, on the south side of Little Bay, a deep bight, wide and open at first, but gradually contract- ing, and finally turning sharply to the westward, affords a safe retreat for small vessels, and is known as Little Ward's Harbour. It is uninhabited at present, but upon a former visit in 1871 there were then two resident families. A narrow isthmus, less than a quarter of a mile in width, separates this place from a long shallow and "•vegular salt-water lagoon, which has its entrance on the north side of Hall's Bay. From this isthmus the land widens fD. REPORT FOR 1878. 501 oles of 8 and : part of tlie il space now id one of the ith the refuse iem into dry the southern had just been nineral band, sily engaged IS for obtain- setting in of the mine up irnt that the iched no less month, since ! Betts Cove e to the skill Mr. Francis administra- 1 an impetus the greatest ipon another e inner part but as the before I left le of Little lly contract- fords a safe d's Harbour. 1 1871 there less than a rom a long entrance on land widens out eastward, forming the peninsula of which Hall's Bay Head proper is the elevated north-eastern extremity. Immediately in front of the open mouth of Little Bay, and scarcely a mile and a half distant from Hull's Bay Head, lies Little Bay Island, which in point of businebo, number of inhabitants, &c., has the largest settlement in this portion of Notre Dame Bay, and is well known as a port of call for the mail steamer. The island is very nigged, but possesses an excellent land-locked harbour. It was not surveyed this season, but several points were fixed on the triangulation. The fine inlet of Hall's Bay, over 19 miles in length, and with an average width of fully a mile and a half, is nearly equal to Green Bay in size and importance. It is so straight that a course of S. 55^ W., from the true meridian, may be steered up its centre, from a point 6 miles outside, which would clear all obstructions till it strikes Dock Point, within 2^ miles of the extreme head. The shore on the north side is at first bold and precipitous, rising at Indian Head, the first headland inside Hall's Bay, to a height of 455 feet ; but beyond, westward, the lofty precipices give place to low cliflfs, with occasional intervening gravel beaches. Three miles west of Indian Head is the entrance to Salt-water Pond, already mentioned, the outer part of which being wide and deep, and containing several small islands, offers abundance of room and good shelter, being in fact the only safe harbour in Hall's Bay. The shore, hence to the mouth of Indian Brook, a distance of nearly 9 miles, presents an almost unbroken front. Bob's Head is a bluff on the coast about 2 miles west of Salt-water Pond, opposite which, on the south side, is a place called Boot Harbour, where a man named Thistle has recently established a shingle mill, and is doing a thriving trade. Mansfield Head, a very prominent point on the south side of the bay, lies 2| miles west of Boot Harbour. The shores for some distance on either side of Mansfield Head are very bold and jagged, but, like those of the north side, they tone down to low sloping banks towards the head of the bay. At the mouth of Indian Brook, which is wide and shallow, fairly secure harbours are obtainable inside the western ends of two small islands lying across the open entrance. On the easternmost of these islands a large steam saw-mill, the property of Mr. Udell, of Harbour Grace, is erected ; but was not in operation during the summer. m^^ 602 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. ! I The beautiful stream of Indian Brook, taking its rise some 40 miles in the interior, and flowing through a narrow fertile valley, is the largest river in this section of Notre Dame Bay, and has long since attracted attention. In your Report of 1866 a description of the valley will be found, and particulars related regarding its capabilities as a lumbering and agricultural district. Two other considerable streams flow in near the head of the bay ; West Brook at the extreme western end, and South Brook about 2 miles from the head on the south side. Between these two streams a bold projecting point of land, called Wolf Head, divides the upper part of the bay into two open coves. Several very fine tracts of land occur along the shores of this portion of Hall's Bay, but especially at the mouths of the three above-named rivers, that of West Brook in particular, where for several miles back it is quite level, and the soil of excellent quality. Not long since the whole country on either side, and for many miles into the interior, was covered with a dense growth of the usual forest- trees down to the water's edge ; but recent fires have swept over and destroyed a very great portion of this valuable timber, ruining, moreover, in no small degree, the picturesque eflect an evergreen forest usually preseuts. Only some half-dozen families at present reside in Hall's Bay, most of whom are Micmac Indians, who live chiefly by hunting and furring in the interior. The Hall's Bay mining location, the only one on which any attempt at mining has been made, is situated on the north side, about 2 miles below Indian Brook. It commences at a little cove called Island Kock Cove, but the mine itself is nearly a mile back from the shore. Several shafts have been sunk upon the ore- bearing rock by the Betts Cove Company ; but the result, so far, though giving fair promise, has not hitherto proved altogether satisfactory. Sunday Cove Island is situated in the entrance or mouth of Hall's Bay. Its form is long and wedge-shaped, bearing some- Avhat of a rude resemblance to a human leg and foot. Its greatest length is 6^ miles, lying east and west, true ; and the widest part across, which is on the eastern coast, lies north and south 4 miles 50 chains. The main entrance to Hall's Bay, usually called the Ship's Hun, is on the northern side of Sunday Cove Island, while D. REPORT FOR 1878. 503 ts rise some arrow fertile me Bay, and t of 1866 a liars related ural district. of the bay ; Brook about ?n these two Wolf Head, es. Several is portion of ibove-named everal miles r. Not long y miles into usual forest- B swept over iber, ruining, an evergreen I Hall's Bay, by hunting which any north side, a little cove a mile back on the ore- esult, so far, altogether )r mouth of aring some- Its greatest widest part nth 4 miles called the 3land, while a smaller but very picturesque channel, called Sunday Cove Tickle, is accessible for boats and small craft, where there is perfect shelter at all times, although it is unfortunately too shallow at its narrowest part to permit the passage of vessels drawing over 5 feet of water. The island shore of tlie Tickle is tolerably regular and merely indented with a few small coves, but on the opposite or mainland side two large arms, viz. Shoal Arm and Woodford's Arm occur, besides Nipper's and Stag Coves, all of which are good harbours. Sunday Cove Island is for the most part rugged but densely wooded. Chaney or Chinese Head, on the north side of the island, is a very prominent headland, its lofty, vertical or over- hanging cliffs displaying to an unusual extent the remarkable concretionary or semi-columnar aspect so often met with in the cliffy throughout the region. There are some nice patches of land on the island, and two considerable settlements are situated, one on either side of the northern projecting point, which are connected by a fair road across the island three-quarters of a mile long. Many indications of copper have been met with in the numerous bands of chloritic slate which occur on the island. The whole island is at present held under lease by Captain Cleary, of St. John's, who has been diligently engaged in mining adventure for some years on the locality; but though many promising ore-bearing bands were discovered, no well-defined deposit has as yet rewarded his pcnsevering efforts. An archipelago, or great group of islands, lies in front of Hall's Bay, comprising, besides the numerous smaller isles and islets, three large islands, viz. Pilley's, Long (sometimes called Ward's Harbour Island), and Great Triton Islands; while the smaller group, called the Stag Islands, lies well out in the bay to the north-east of Long Island. The positions of many points within the group have been fixed on the triangulation, and portions of Pilley's and Great Triton Islands were surveyed, but the details are still incomplete, as my time was fully occupied in minutely surveying the mainland. Long Island Tickle or Reach is that fine navigable passage lying between Long Island, Pilley's, and Great Triton Islands. It is usually adopted by the northern mail boat coming up and fTT" 604 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. !-• ,vr I ',\i Pi! 1 i t ! ), .^ I going down the bay, between Exploits and Little Bay IslandiL I'iliey's Tickle, which separates Pilley's and Great Triton Islands, is a narrow, tortuous channel, and only navigable with difficulty towards the southern end, owing to a number of shoals and rocks. South from Hall's Bay, or rather Sunday Cove Tickle, the shore of the mainland is much indented by small coves and creeks. Hayward's Head, a bluff round-topped jutting point, connected by a narrow isthmus, lies on the south side of the entrance to the Tickle, and has Hayward's Bight, a wild exposel cove, on its western side, and Devil's Cove on the eastern. South of the latter two other small coves occur, Hayward's Cove and Bear Cove. Opposite the point which separates these two coves, and about midway between it and the western shore of Pilley's Island, there is a large island called Hayward's Gull Island. The beautiful inlet of Babbit's Arm, which is the most impor- tant in this neighbourhood, lies just south of Bear Cove. It is entered by a narrow channel, in the centre of which stands a small island ; but the arm expands within, producing a wide and pic- turesque basin, with a great diversity of shore line, presenting alter- nate steep rocky cliffs and bluff points with low flats of good land, especially on the southern and western sides. Three or four families occupy tuese intervals, and have commenced clearing the ground, the soil being apparently of excellent quality. Within three-quarters of a mile of the head of the arm, and connected by a path cut through the woods, there is a charming sheet of fresh water, locally known as Rabbit's Arm Pond, but which I have re- named Crescent Lake, from its crescent-like form. I took occasion, while at Rabbit's Arm, to survey this lake, as it probably may shortly become a place of importance, owing to the recent discovery of copper near its north shore. The property is held by Captain Cleary, who, at the time of ray visit, was engaged costeening the surface, which is covered not only with dense forest, but also with a considerable deposit of drift soil. Although the general cha- racter of the rocks in the vicinity, as well as that of the ore itself, differed materially from other deposits in the bay, the indications were nevertheless so promising that I felt quite warranted in ex- pressing a favourable opinion of the prospects of the place, and am happy to learn that recent accounts fully justify that opinion. Mr. Ellerohausen, who has leased the property, has now between mmtim BtBMfeatMMHH REPORT FOR 187P. 505 Bay Islandti. iton Islauds, th difficulty i and rocks. Tickle, the 1 coves and tting point, side of the kvild exposed the eastern, d's Cove and e two coves, e of Pilley's si and. most itnpor- Cove. It is ands a small ide and pic- lenting alter- >f good land, iree or four clearing the ty. "Within onnected by eet of fresh h I have re- lok occasion, obably may nt discovery by Captain teening the ut also with general cha- le ore itself, indications inted in ex- place, and lat opinion, ow between 1 thirty and forty men employed sinking trial shafts, and otherwise preparing for more extended operations in the spring. A telegram from hira, a few days since, addreraed to Capt^iin Cleary, to whom I am indebted for its publicity, is to the following effect : — " Babbit's Arm turning out well, Xo. 1 ore yields 27 • 7, expect to have 500 tons out by the spring." Tiie north shore of Crescent Lake is for the most part low, sloping gently upwards from the water's elge into a hilly back- ground, while the southern shore, on the contrary, presents a bold mural front for the greater part of its extent. A large stream enters the lake on the south side, about a mile and three-qwarters from its western end, which is navigable for canoes for a distance of 10 or 12 miles. Another smaller str<^m also flows in at the western end, while the lake discharges itself in a fine river only some three-quarters of a mile long at its extreme south-eastern angle. This river, which might easily be ntiide available for lum- bering purposes, with very little expense, and can be navigated at any time by canoes or flat-bottome 1 boats, does not, as might be inferred, debouch into Rabbit's Arm, but into Step's Arm, farther south. The entire country for many miles l-ack is densely wooded ; pine, spruce, fir, birch, and aspen being abundant, and frequently of exceUent quality. The character of the conntr)-, in several places dong the shores of the lake, together with that of the indi- gi'iious produce of the forests, give promise of a soil of good quality. Altogether the place is most favourable in evr-ry respect for the successful development of mining, lumbering, agricultural, and kindred enterprises. A long, jagged peninsula extends eastwanl from Rabbit's Arm about 3 miles, which, passing south of Pilley's Island, leaves a channel averaging about a quarter of a mile in width. Three small coves, known as Hammer Cove, 3Ieas3e* Cove, and Tilley's Cove, occur on the north side of this peninsula before reaching Pilley's Island. The narrowest part of the channel, between Pilley's Island and the mainland, which has a low rocky islet in its centre, is called Flap Rock Tickle ; while at the eastern ex- tremity of the peninsula another wider channel, leading out into Sop's Arm, occurs, known as Raft Tickle. This latter is bounded on its eastern side by a high wooded island named Pretty Island, .:3 606 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. which also gives its name to the narrow strait that separates it from the south-west end of Great Triton Island. The space enclosed within these tickles, and between these great islands and the main, is studded with several small islands and islets, while rocks and shoals are also of frequent occurrence; there is nevertheless a navigable channel through which those acquainted with the intri- cacies of the locality are in the habit of passing with their bouts and schooners. I have ascertained by sounding that it is quite feasible for, and might be availed of at times, our coastal steamers, especially in the spring, when the outer part of the bay is liable to be jammed with ice, cutting off, or at all events rendering hazardous, all approach to the ports of call within. When entering from the open Bay of Notre Dame outside, the southern shore of Great Triton Island may be kept close aboard, and followed at a distance of 200 or 300 yards. This side of the island is very straight, trending about west by north magnetic, and is for the most part bold, being free from outlying rocks and shoals. On approaching the western end of the island, Pretty Tickle is brought open, bearing north-west by north; when the following table of courses and sailing directions, if strictly adhered to, would bring a vessel through in safety : — Sailino Dibeotioms. No. Course. Distance. N.W. by N. N.W. by W. J W. W.N.W. i W. mis. cbe. 46 20 68 Remarks. Steer carefully through the centre of Pretty Tickle, directly for b low island rock which seems to bar it across inside, till within a distance of about 150 yards of the rock, or till the extreme western end of Great Triton Island is brought well open. A very narrow passage is now perceived between the island rock and the north side of Pretty Island. By keeping tlie bold shore of the latter close aboard, and steering very carefully, or in the case of a steamer going at dead slow speed, this most intricate and siiallow part of the whole route (having but 5 fathoms at half tide)* may be easily cleared. Once past this diflQculty, Fox Island, now open to the westward, can be run for without hesitation. Nearing Fox Island, the course should be shaped so as to pass a little to the south of it, or between it and another small island close by. There is no danger here, the narrowest part of the channel having 10 fathoms of water. • On no account should any attempt to pass the rock on the nortli side Ix! made. side Ix! made. REPORT FOR 187ft. Sailimo Directions— cOTUiniwJ. 507 No Courso. N.W. } N. N.W. by W. J W. N.N.E. } E. Distance, mlfi. chH. 71 30 3 20 Remtrks. ^Wheii tho western end of Fox Island is brdHRht fairly open nmidships, and Flat Rock Tieklo clearly expDsed to view, a striiiRht course inUHt then be steered directly fi>r tlie most southerly point of Pilloy's Island, which will just clear tho northern end of tho Flap Rock at about tiO yards distant.* Onoo Flap Rock is passed, off which there aro 10 fatlioms of water, tho course must be (luickly altered, and the vessel's head hauled off to tho westward so as to slcar the point of Pilley'« Island, which bting passetl, no further danger need be apprehended from rocks or other obstruc- tions. A wide, open waterway now leads around the south-west end of Filloy's Island, and when its western side is brought wdl open, and the wide pa-ssago between it and Huyward's OuU Island fully exposed, the vestsel is headed to tlio ' north. This course passes Hnyward's Gull Island to tho east, giving it a good btrtli, and leads on towards Sunday Cove Island. It will also clear a danger- ous rock lying off the most westerly point of Filley's Island. If it should be preferable, as it most probably would be, to take the Raft Tickle instead of Pretty Tickle when approaching from outside, and thus avoid the narrow and shallow passage referred to in No. 2 course, it would be only necessary to pass south of Pretty Island until the wide channel of Raft Tickle is brought open at its western end. Then Fox Island and the smaller islands near it (see map) are seen distinctly ahead through the open Tickle. By steering for the centre of this smaller island, bearing north by east magnetic, a clear passage will be found till the island is close aboard, which may then be passed on either side in perfect safety ; and the course, No. 4, from Fox Island, resumed as before. The bearings given in the above courses are all magnetic, the average variation of the needle here being about 32" west. But I would not recommend trusting entirely to the compass, as it could hardly be depended upon to act sufficiently quickly in the short turns. Close attention to the directions and landmarks given will be found to carry a vessel through, and no danger need ever be apprehended from the action of heavy seas. • The southern side of Flap Rock must by all means be avoided. 608 ''N GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. The south she; 3 of Pilley's Island, which bounds tho nortliern side of Flap Rook Ticklo, and extends eastward in lino with Pretty Island, has two or three deep indentations. Of these Suit Pond is a remarkably picturesque place. It has a very narrow entrance, but expands within, opening out into a wide basin, from whence extend on all sides deep coves and intricate creeks ; while a num- ber of small islets, distributed about the inlet, lend a charming effect to the scene. The largest of these groups I have named Liufield's Islands, after a young man who built a schooner here last winter. An isthmus of a couple of hundrod yards only in breadth separates Salt Pond from the head of Bumblebee Cove, a deep bight extending westward from Pilley's Tickle. A mining grant, owned by Mr. Good follow and others of St. John's, is situ- ated on the north side of this latter bight ; and there is a second grant held by the same parties in Pilley's Cove, near the north-east angle of the island, just at tlie entrance to Pilley's Tickle. No work has as yet been done on tho former of these, but a trial drift into the face of a cliff, stained with green carbonate of copper, on the south side of Pilley's Cove in the latter, failed in striking a supposed lode or mineral-bearing band. Sop's Arm, a deep and important indentation of the general shore line, lies immediately south of the tickles and islands above described. It may be said to commence at the western point of Badger Bay, from whence it extends south-westerly nearly 6 miles, and is divided at its upper end into three separate smaller arms, viz. Western Arm, Middle or Tommy's Ann, and Northern Arm. It is bounded on the northern side by Great Triton Island, Pretty Island, and the peninsula projecting eastward from Rabbit's Arm. Western Arm, the largest of the three minor arras, is sepa- rated by a long tapering point from IMiddle Arm. Its shores are tolerably straight on either side, for the most part bare and rocky, with little or no soil; and there is an island of nearly half '•> '"^ in length, almost in the centre. A nice stream flows i ic western end, coming from a number of small ponds in i rear. Middle Arm is about the same length as Western Arm, but \ 1 a charming have named chooner here ards only in lebi'e Cove, a \ A mining olin's, is situ- •e is a second the north-east 1 Tickle. No it a trial drift of copper, on in striking a f the general islands above tern point of arly 6 miles, mailer arms, id Northern 'liton Island, rom Rabbit's rms, is se{)a- s shores are e and rocky half SI Nvs i ae in I rear. bm, but \ ory jiaily on the vertical cliffs ^ive place to the middle there is a long, low island, and somo island rocks. This is the arm which, at its western end, receives the waters of the largt^ river flowing from Crescent Lake. Northern Arm cuts into the land opposite the southern point of Middle Arm. It is about a mile long, has several small inlets near its entrance, and is only sepa- rated by a strip of land some 6 chains in width from Tilley's Cove on the north side of the peninsula. There are no inhabitants in any of these arms ; the character of the soil, except in a few iso- lated spots, being very inferior, while extensive fires have swept over the country to the south and west, destroying the entire dense forest which at one time flourished. Towards the eastern extremity of the land, on the south side of Sop's Arm, there is an indentation of nearly a mile in depth, forming a capital harbour, and known as Burton's Cove. The Sugarloaf, a remarkable cone-shaped island, is situated about half a mile to the eastward, opposite the entrance to this cove. The Duck Islands are a large group lying close in shore abreast of the western point of Badger Bay. The largest of the group is a high, wooded island, nearly a mile long, and is only separated by a very narrow passage from the mainland of the point. The mouth of Badger Bay, facing the north-east, measures 3J miles across from the northern end of the larger Duck Island, to the extreme eastern point of the bay. Front the latter point the bay stretches away to the south-west a little over 9 miles, and is indented towards its head by three arms and several small coves. The western shore runs nearly straight for the fii-st 3 miles, terminating in Julie's Harbour, a small but very safe little nook. A wild exposed cove, east of Julie's Harbour, forms the head of the Western Arm, which is separated by a long tapering point from Shoal Arm, being the fourtli of the same name mentioned in this Report. Shoal Arm stretches south-westerly somitliing over 3 miles, contracting about midway to a width of only 6 chains. Inside this narrow strait it expands again into a wide shallow lagoon, which is generally about half dry at low tide. Good shelter for small craft can, however, be obtained close by a little island just inside the Narrows. A nice stream flows in at the head of tL arm, and there is a small extent of level land near its mouth where the soil is of fair quality. The southern shore, outside the Narrows, trends away eastward for a mile and a half, then sweeping 2 L m' (!':f'l :lfK4 li I 1 i M ■ . i . : 510 GEOLOGICAL SURVKY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. round to the southward, produces another open bight called Beaver Gove. Several small inlands, and one largo one named Gull Island, a mile and a half long, by three-quarters of a mile wide, are situated close by the shore oft the most northerly bend between Shoal Arm and Eeaver Cove. An extremely bold head- land, three-quarters of a mile wide, forms the projection between Beaver Cove and Wild Bight, this being also the fourth of that name in the upper portion of the bay alone. Wild Bight is the deepest indentation, as well as the most expansive of the three arms, and is in reality the extreme head of Badger Bay. Its shore line is more or less abrupt, and the country in the vicinity partakes almost of a mountainous character. The entire eastern shore of the bay, which is very straight, presents a similarly abrupt and frequently precipitous outline. There is but one small break in the cliff, a mile and a half from the eastern point, called Locke's Harbour. Small schooners can ride here in safety during ordinary summer weather. Three good-sized brooks flow into the head of Wild Bight, of which Pinney's Brook, on the western side, is the largest. The brook on the eastern side of the bight tumbles over a high cliff, and produces a pretty cataract, which is split into threo distinct channels by projecting points of rock. There are no inhabitants in any part of Badger Bay. Its natu- rally rugged and uninviting appearance is rendered all the more desolate from the forest having been entirely demolished by fire. Although Great Triton Ipland, which stretches across Badger Bay, would appear, from its position, to aflord shelter within, the b/ePidth of the strait, which is ove* 2^ miles, together with the wide and open entrance of the bay itself, reduce the appa- rent advantage to be derived to a minimum ; hence the effects of north-east gales are severely felt, even at the extreme head of Wild Bight. With Badger Bay th ■> season's survey terminated. By refer- ence to the map accompanying this Report, I apprehend that no dijBficulty will be experienced in following out the descriptions given. If I should appear to have Ix^en unnecessarily minute in this description, I beg to remind you that in a mineralised region such as this, the metalliferous ores may be discovered in raany remote and hitherto unknown localities, raising them at once into places of importance. The merest islet or t-ock, the most wild and lND. I bight called ge one named rters of a mile lortheily bend ely bold head- Jction between fourth of that I Bight is the } of the three ger Bay. Its in the vicinity entire eastern milarly abrupt le small break called Locke's aring ordinary to the head of rn side, is the tumbles over plit into three/ REPORT FOR 1878. 611 uninhabited creek or cove, or the shores of the most lonely and unfmiuented lake in the district, may contain their minerlir posits. As an example I need only cite the case of the Little Bay Indian Bight mine. The name of this locality was unknown except to some ten or twelve persons, previous to the .liscovery o the mine seven nionths ago, while at the present time it is nearly as weU known and as celebrated as Betts Cove or Tilt Cove In conclusion, I beg to state that the work of the two last seasons, of which the foregoing is a description, has been nlotted on a ^le of 2i miles to an :ncl. which was subsequently reduced to a scaleof 1 mile to an inch, to correspond with the other manuscript maps of the Geological Survey. *^«»uuiH.ripi, I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, James P. Howley. To Alexander Murray, Esq., C.M.G., F.G.S., Director Geological Survey, St. John's. ' Jay. Its natu- 1 all the more lished by fire. 8 Badger Bay, r within, the together with uce the appa- the effects of head of Wild 3d. By refer- hend that no 5 descriptions ily minute in ralised region Bred in raany 1 at once into nost wild and 4 2 L 2 '|ii! 512 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER XIX. REPORT FOR 1879. — BORING OPERATIONS NEAR THE GRAND POND — SURVEY OP THE WEST BRANCH OF THE HUMBER RIVER, &a St. John's, December 26 1 No. Fonnatioiu Bore A. Thickness of Drift. Dentil of Sure. 1 2 8 4 /Supcrflclall \ or Drift f Soft sand Hani sand Brown coarse sand Loote gravel ft. in. 2 9 27 3 nis. It. in. AND, ave way ; while gB outside, too ts occasioned a A, where the r, having bored t. Mr. Cooper irst set of tabes ia on the spot ng which were !e-head for the Br, Mr. Cooper are is a charge REPORT FOR 1879. 515 >d * ». a. .260 hes long, not imns that the c of the river I Grand Pond, et; while the » outlet, in a it bank of the 8 only a little baving failed at the joints, oulders, from to a scale of ^presented by , as also the Ickncsa Drift. i. in. 2 ) 9 7 i Depth of Bore. nis. It. in. No. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 3!) 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 5; 57 Formation. (Superficial! or Drift f {Carbon- iferous II II II II II •I II >• II II i> 11 Bore A. Soft sand Sitnd and mud Sandy clay and bouldera White sandstone Ditto with argillaceous be. well-marked turn of the river, about 3 miles above the falls. I pon this line squan- blocks are raiscil on the east and on the west sides, each containing an area of 3r» square miles, or 24,040 square acres. These primary blocks are subdivided into single square miles, to be di,-tiriguished as concessions and ranges; the dividing lines of the former being arranged by numbers, 1, 2, 3. &c., and running due east and west ; while the dividing lines of the latter are represented by letters A, B, V, &c., and running due north and south. Tho ranges will be PFflPW^T" 530 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. :| t 1 :i. 1 i i : i- 1 'f 1 " 1/ i 1 ' i i R further particularised as east or west, as relating to the meridian of King's Point. The single mile block range A west, concession 3, and a part of concession 4, being situated round the harbour of King's Cove, is subdivided into four parts designated on the plan as (a) (h) (c) and (d) ; the first of which, viz. (a) is a strip of about 4 chains wide surrounding the harbour, which I propose to be held in reserve for public purposes ; the remaining three lots, which will contain an area of about 150 acres each, to be sold as agricultural lots. All range and concession dividing lines to be reserved for a width of at least 1 chain, or 66 feet, for local roads, which process will reduce the mile area to 624 acres. This will give four lots of 151 acres each, which are represented on the plan by north and south parallel lines, and numbered from No. 1 to No. 48 west ranges, and from No. 1 to No. 24 east ranges. The blocks where the lot lines are drawn out upon the map show the position of such portions of country as appear to be best suited for early settlement; of which altogether there appears to be an area of about 60 square miles, or say 38,400 acres. That a very large proportion of this extensive area is capable of reclamation, and if properly cultivated, made to yield almost every kind of agricultural produce, appears to me to be beyond doubt; and nothing is ^^ore likely to be conducive to the general improvement and eventual prosperity of the country and the welfare of its peoph- than permanent settlement on the land ; but there are diflioulties in the way of that most desirable result, which mr.st be overcome before advance in that direction can possibly take place. First of all, in order to be in a position to dispose of Crown l^nds like other colonies, complete revision or re-modelling of the existing land laws is imperatively required ; and, in particular, the present system of granting so-called mining licences of search over 3 square miles of country with exclusive privileges over the whole area, must be abolished. As the law now stands^ the whole face of the country may be sprea* i over with those mining licences, upon which agriculture is virtually pro- hibited, settlement obstructed, and general improvement rendered impossible: all for the very questionable probability uf soiae small spot U})on the surface. supj>osed to exhibit indications of mineral substances, uitimat. ly leveki^ng into a mine. A time ought to D. he meridian , and a part iing's Cove, as (a) (6) (e) chains wide n reserve for i contain an . lots. served for a hich process 3 four lots of y north and '^0. 48 west )locks where position of ^d for early ! an area of KEPORT FOR 1879. 581 be specified by day and date, when all such licences or grants of and shall finally terminate; and all future concessions of either licences or grants of land shall bo determined by the position thoy occupy upon the map, which will be laid oflF in blocks of, as nearly as possible, a square mile each, and approved of by the Surveyor- General. ■' I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, . Alexander Murray, Director of Geological Survey. To the Hon. W. J. S. Donnelly, Surveyor-General, St. John's. a is capable 4eld almost • be beyond the general ;ry and the e land ; but rable result, irection can position to revision or y required ; tiled mining ;h exclusive As the law i< 1 over with rtuiilly pro- ■ut rendered ' sorss? small of mineral ic ought to 532 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. CHAPTER XX. 5 I' ' i ; 1 ' ' SPECIAL IlEPORT UPON THE DISCOVERY OP GOLD NEAR BRIGUS, CONCEPTION BAY, DATED OCTOBER Stii, 1880. St. John's, NEwrorNDLAKD, October 8th, 1880. May it please your Excellency, Reports having been circulated for some time past that gold had been discovered in quartz veins in the regions near Brigus of Conception Bay, I considered it my duty to make a personal examination of the ground, and to have portions of the veins tested by blasting, under my own immediate supervision. These rumours of the presence of the precious metal have naturally had the effect of inducing people to make applications at the Surveyor-General's oflSce for licences of search over the supposed auriferous area, amongst whom, Mr. J. W. Foran, of this place, was one, who displayed to me some beautiful small specimens of native gold, and kindly engaged to guide me to the spot where it was found.* Accordingly, in company with Mr. Foran, I proceeded to Brigus on Monday, 27th of September, and on the afternoon of the same day visited the locality upon which he holds his claim. Here I selected and marked out a series of spots upon the quartz for trial ; and on the following day, which proved a rainy one and unfit for experimenting, I inspected another area about 2 miles south-west from the former place, and nearly in the strike of the quartz- bearing strata, where I found the rocks with their reticulations of quartz veins to be nearly identical in all respects. This latter place is known locally as Fox Hill, and from it sundry specimens * In my Report for 1868, p. 167, 1 endeavoured to draw attention to the qtiarU veins iit sundry places in the peninsula of Avalon, from the resemblance I jierceirwi in the rucks they intersect to the recognised auriferous strata of Nova Scotia, bul it is only within the last twelve months that any attempts liavo been made to prort; the ground. — A. M. ID. EAR BEIGtB, 80. EWFOrNDLASD, ith, 1880. last that gold ear Brigus of ze a personal e veins tested 3 metal hare 3 applications irch over the Foran, of this lall specimen* le spot where ded to Brigus of the same aim. Here I artz for trial ; and unfit for es south-west f the quartz- ticulalions of This latter ry specimens on to the quartz lance I jiereeiTed ■)va Scotia, but il a made to prore REPORT FOR 18801 533 of gold are said to have been taken, one of which is in my posses- sion. It was not till Wednesday, the 29th, that we were able to reach the spots I had first indicated for ex|i^riment, and tlien it was with no small dilHculty that we found our way throii^'h llio dense fog which prevailed. The place where I tinally dutermined to try the first blast is situated near the 6o<-aJled Bri;^'U8 Look-out, about equidistant from two peaks, each a triai.gulatiun-point of the Admiralty Surveyors, the height above the sea being marked on the chart respectively 408 and 413 feet- By the first blast from 2 to 3 cubic feet of rock was removed, all of which was carefully broken up, washed, and examined; which operation finally resultel in the display of ten or twelve distinct " sights " of gold. In one fragment about 5 lbs. weight, largely charged with dark green chlorite, the gold shows itself in three places distinctly, while many small specks are perceptible by means of a good lens. The fracture of a fragment of milky white and translucent quartz, which was broken off the large piece, revealed two patches of gold, both of which together, if removed from the matrix, would probably produce about 1 dwt. (penny- weight) of the metal ; whilst several small masses or nuggets were found adhering to the small broken fragments of quartz at the bottom of the pail in which the rock was washed, the largest of which contained about 10 or 12 grains of gold. From some specimens in which no gold was perceptible to the naked eye, and which I had selected for analysis, I found amongst the dust at the bottom of the bag in which it was carried a small nugget weighing 3 grains. X second shot was tried on the saaie lead at a few yards distant from the first, but owing to our imperfect implements, it failed to blow out more than a few poun^ls of njck in which no gold was perceptible. In the sp=>cimen I procured from Fox Hill, the metal occurs thickly in the i. Lmtest specks, scarcely if at all perceptible to the naked eye, but readily recc^ised under the lens, where it chiefly surrounds a small patch of chlorite. The rock formation intersected by these aoriferous quartz veins is of Huronian or Intermediate age, belongiag to Division C of Report for 1868, or the group of strata next below the Aspidella slates of St. John's. The group consists chiefly of greenish fine- grained felsite slates, which, judging by the weathering of the 2 N 534 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEWFOUNDLAND. exposed surfaces, are also magnesian and ferrnginous. The cleavage is exactly coincident with the bedding, and the slates occasionally split into very fine laminnj, but frequently into strong stout slabs, which are used to a considerable extent at Brigns for paving, for hearth-stones, and for building foundations and walls. A dip taken on the beds just in front of the place where the gold was found was N. 56° W. by compass, or N. 88° W. from the true meridian, < of inclination 45°. Parallel joints intersect the strata bearing S. 80° W. magnetic, or S. 48° W. true. By the side of the road at Brigus, the dip on some strong slabby beds was found to be N. 42° W. magnetic, or N. 74° W. true, < of inclination 40°. A rough and huramocky belt of country from f to 1 mile wide, which forms the nucleus of the peninsula between Bay-de- Grave and Brigus Harbour, is thickly intersected by reticulating quartz veins, varying in thickness from less than an inch to upwards of a foot, which often appear to ramify from a central boss or great mass of quartz, often extending over many square yards, and usually forming low, isolated hummocks or hills. The general run of the belt is as nearly as possible north-east and south-west from the true meridian, having been traced in a south-west direction from Brigus Look-out as far as Fox Hill, and, as I am informed, can be traced for several miles more in the same direction. Thus, although many of the veins, both small and large, may be seen for considerable distances to run exactly parallel with the bedding, the network of the whole mass runs obliquely to the strike of the beds, which are also minutely intersected by the smaller veins crossing and reticulating in all directions. I nowhere observed anytliing to indicate a true fissure vein, and consider these with gold as altogether veins of segregation. The resemblance in general character of the strata with their included auriferous quartz veins in Newfoundland to those of Nova Scotia, must strike any one who has visited the two countries with the purpose of studying their geological features ; and I venture to say that the description given of the latter country by Dr. J. W. Dawson miglit, in many respects, equally apply to the former; although, according to that author, the auriferous country of Nova Scotia is supposed to be of Lower Silurian age; while that of Newfoundland is undoubtedly uucontormably below the Primordial IIEPOUT FOR 1880. 535 lous. The the slates into strong ; Brigns for I and walls, re the gold m the trno it the strata i side of the as found to ation 40". to 1 mile en Bay-de- retienlating to upwards OSS or great yards, and general run h-west from st direction a informed, tion. Thus, be seen for le bedding, rike of the laller veins re observed these with I with their ose of Nova mtries with I venture y Dr. J. W. he former; try of Nova ile that of Primordial I group, whidh, with abundant oharactoristic fossils, skirts tlio slioros of Conception Bay. Without presuming to oft'or an opinion as regards the age of the Nova Scotian strata, the fact of the resem- blances is suggestive. Chlorite is profusely disseminated through the quartz veins, filling up cracks and drusy cavities ; and it was observed that the visible gold was always in or near a patch of clilorite. Some specimens which were procured at the place of trial presented small cubes of galena, minute cubical iron pyrites, and, in a few instances, small crystals of sulphate of copper, together with specks or grains of gold. That a large area of coimtry in the regions referred to is auriferous there can scarcely bo a doubt, although nothing short of actual mining and practical experience can possibly prove what the value of the produce may be, or whether the prospects of obtaining a remunerative return for the necessary outlay are favour- able or otherwise. The 8[)ecimens which have been obtained, although an unquestionable evidence of the presence of the precious metal, cannot by any means be taken as indicative of a certain average yield ; indeed, to quote the words of Dr. Dawson, from his 'Acadian Geology,' p. 62(5, where he says: "It is not easy from mere inspection of the vein-stone to predicate as to its value, since the gold is usualhj invisible to the eye ; " and again, at the following page, when treating of the characteristics of tho Waverly Mine, he says, " visible gold is rare in this vein at present, the greater part being in a minutely disseminated and invisible state." An analysis of quartz collected, in which gold is imperceptible to the naked eye, ma) aid in revealing some evidence of its constancy, and may throw some light upon the possible average of superficial contents over certain areas under similar circumstances; but it may safely be predicted that the irregu- larities of distribution, so conspicuously displayed by the veins on the surface, will extend beneath it, and that it will bo mainly on the stronger and more persistent bands, where intercalated with the strata, that mining .vill extend to any considerable depth. The indications of gold in this country, then, arc certainly sufficiently favourable to merit a fair trial ; and there are good ri>asons to hope and expect that ample capital applied to skilled >ll IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 I?? I.I ^ IIIIIM 12.0 #4 1.25 1.8 U III 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTEK, N.Y. M580 (716) 872-4503 536 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OP NEWFOUNDLAND. and judicious labour may be found remunerative to future adven- turers, while a new industry will be added to give employment to the labouring population of the island, and possibly bring this despised and but little known colony into more promirence and consideration abroad than it hitherto has enjoyed. I have the honour to be, Tour Excellency's most obedient servant, Alexander Murray. Ilis Excellency Sir John H. Glover, G.C.M.G., Governor of Newfoundland, &c. &e. &c., St. John's. n LONDON : l*8INTED BV KI>WARD fTAMFOHD, 65 CUAHINQ CU08S, 8.W.