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Mapa. plataa. charts, stc.. may ba filmad at diffarant raduction ratios. Thoaa too larga to ba antiraly includad in ona axpoaura ara filmad baginning in tha uppar laft hand comar, laft to right and top to bottom, as many framas as raquirad. Tha following diagrams illustrata tha mathod: Las cartaa. planchas. tablaaux, ate. pauvant Atra filmte i daa taux da rMuction diff^rants. Lorsqua la document ast trop grand pour Atra raproduit an un saul clichA. il ast filmi i partir da I'angia supAriaur gaucha, da gaucha h droita, at da haut an baa, mt pranant la nombra d'imagaa nAcassaira. Las diagrammas suivanu illustrant la mithoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 it f'ff' '"^Jik^ f»E€OiVD REPORT ON THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE PROVINCE m NEW-BRUNSWICK. m \ 'A ABRAHAm CfESiVER, PROVINCIAL GEOLOGIST, &c. A SAINT JOHN: PRINTED BT RBKRT OHUBB, MARKIT-Rarth. con- ►f the capa- ed be- ar his 'e also oilS) a rience - Isope- those lat the wledge leglectr }, Mfhat lerable in the were those irtions, lointed lies re- principle. These conditions can be overcome by the addi- tion of the matter required in the first case, and by producing 5uch a chemical decomposition in the latter, as shall render the poisonous matter inert. These are objects to be gained only bv the sciences of geology and mineralogy. 1 he soil of New-Brunswick is extremely variable in its composition, having been produced by a variety of causes, and from many different kinds of rocks ; therefore it is more necessary that it should be cultivated with an extensive view of all the facts connected with its former and present condi- tions. To this inductive knowledge experiments should be added to afford those practical illustrations which unite in the mind philosophical reasoning with absolute demonstration. Feat is abundant in this Province, and most of its varie- ties will afford manure ; but it sometimes happens that the low situations where it is accumulated have been exposed to the earth containing much iron, and where the salts of that metal render it unfit for that purpose. Such peat may be known by its ocarey appearance, and the presence of " bog " and "shot" ore. '. • - "* Sir Humphrey Davy seems to have been the first who endeavoured to discover, by the aid of chemistry, the manner in which manures act upon the soil, and the influence they hold over its productions ; and although his labours have rendered an important advantage to agriculture, there is a wide field unexplored in this department of physical science. Oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon are the principal simple ele- ments entering into the composition of vegetables. Nitrogen, potash, lime, sulphur, and magnesia are sometimes procured from the sap and solid parts of plants. The peculiar pro- cess by which these kinds of matter are drawn from the earth seems to be placed beyond the reach of human observation. There are, however, some reasons for believing that heat, light, and electricity are the principal but silent agents by which the earth produces both the lofty oak and the blushing rose, and is covered with a green mantle, affording life and nourishment to innumerable creatures upon its sur- face. All the elements of vegetables have been found in the soil beneath them. It is by adding manure that a more abundant supply of those elements is afforded, and conse- quently a more luxuriant growth is the result of their appli- The different kinds of manure, many of which are abun- dant in the Province, might be applied with the greatest pos- sible advantage to the soils of every county ; but of all these 2 X. the excremeutitious matter of stables forms almost the only kind used in the country.* Some of the foregoing substances will be noticed in this Report, but as it cannot embrace a particular description of the varieties, application, and uses of manures in general, it is intended to give such an account adapted to the Province as early as possible, and one that shall be founded on a course of analytical and experimental examinations. The subject of agriculture has already engaged the at- tention of Your Excellency, and the different branches of the Legislature ; and the Counties of Northumberland and Char- lotte, by their Agricultural Societies, have sustained under circumstances of discouragement those enlightened views, which, by being more extended, will prove of vast advantage to the rural industry of the Province. An enquiry will naturally arise, what advantages have already accrued from the geological exploration of New- BruuLwick ? In this early period of the survey it will not be expected that every useful discovery, or the confidence of the public in the success of mining should be such as to have any great influence over the resources of the country. The recent difficulties in monetary affairs in the United Stales and the British Provinces, have much retarded the progress of successful enterprise, and English capitalists hesitate to ap- ply their funds for any object in New-Brunswick, until the disputed line between this Province and the United States shall be adjusted, for it is evident that the Colony would suf- fer a great loss were the Americans allowed to extend their eastern boundary upon her soil. But, notwithstanding these obstacles to the immediate extension of foreign and domestic capita], the beneficial results of the labour of a single season, are such as indicate a certainty of the final utility of the en- * The different kinds of manure may be classed as follows :- /'Limestone, I Marl, MiNEaxL— < Marly clay, I Alluvium of the sea, (marsh mud,) ^Alluvium of rivers, (mould.) Sea-weeds, Vegetable— J ?®?'' Ashes, Sooi. Akimal-^ a Excrementitious matter, Fish, Shells, Bonos. XI. terprise. The application of marl and lime to the soil has already commenced. The excellent quarries of granite on the Saint John have been opened by Messrs. Wetmore, and from the cheapness, superior quality, and beauty of the rock, it will evidently be extensively used. Hitherto the granite employed in the Province has been imported from Nova-Sco'- tia ana the United States at a great expense.* During the last year the coal and iron of Queen's County have been applied for ; also, leases for coal and other minerals in the County of Westmorland. Petitions have also been laid before the Provincial Government for coal and other minerals discovered during the past season. Inde- pendent of the survey, the Gloucester Mining Association, from the exertions of William Stephens, Esquire, has been successful in exploring for copper ore in the County of Gloucester, and a bed of manganese is worked at Quaco, where it had been discovered many years ago. The discovery of the W^estmorland Coal Field, and the explorations of its boundaries, and the out-cropping of the coal itself along an extensive tract of country, as detailed in this Report, scarcely require a remark. It may, neverthe- less, be affirmed, that few examinations in any part of the world have produced more important results under similar circumstances. A more general spirit of enquiry has become manifest throughout the Province ; and we have devoted much time, patience, and labour in examining a variety of specimens from different quarters. Only a few of these have been found to be worthy of notice. Many individuals have suffered much disappointment when informed that the objects of their search were of no practical value, and made acquainted with the fact " that all is not gold that glitters." Even in this case it is hoped some good has been performed by correcting errone- ous opinions, and by directing the attention of individuals to objects of real value. The ** mineral or divining rod," invented by the Druids to awe their superstitious followers, has been introduced into the British Provinces from the Eastern American States, and has found its votaries even among persons otherwise intelli- gent. The power of divination contained in two small phials and fixed on pieces of whalebone, and borne along by the ♦Since the above was in the press we have been informed that two gentlemen from the United Staies have leased these quarries to obtain materials to rebuild the wharves and buildings consumed in the late conflagration at Saint John. XII. seventh son of the seventh son, lias been c idered iniullible in the discovery of concealed money and kinds of miner- als. Indeed there are instances of ruinoas sacrifices of time and money having been made by persons who have bowed down to this shrine of superstition and folly. A number of communications have been received from scientific societies and distinguished individuals in Great- Britain and America. In almost all these a degree of in- terest in the Geological exploration of New-Brunswick is expressed in terms highly commendatory of the Provincial Government, and gratifying to the person to whom the charge of the Geological survey has been committed. Specimens of the different rocks, minerals, and fossils have been carefully preserved : a collection of the minerals will be laid before Your Excellency with this Report. The Geological Map of the Province has been commen- ced, and is advancing towards completion. It was intended to devote a part of the present Report to Economic and Agricultural Geology ; but, upon conside- ration, it was deemed most proper to treat of those parts of the subject at the close of the survey. The discovery, by Captain Ruel,* of bones of a large fossil Elephant, which had been mistaken for wood, and sold in the market for fuel, gives a new and most inte- resting feature to the Geology of New-Brunswick. These bones are now in my possession, and such information has been obtained as will probably lead to the recovery of the skeletons of these gigantic animals, which have long since ceased to exist upon the earth. The following details will exhibit more fully the disco- veries of the past season, and the vast importance of the Geological exploration, as one of those wise and judicious acts which have ever characterised Your Excellency's admi- nistration. * The writer begs to express his thanks to this Gentleman fur the relics referred to; and also to Dr. Lawrence Van Busuirk, for his .aid ia exploring the coast The wgod cuts are by the talented Mr. Toler. OEIVERAL REIUJlRKS. 5CO- ithe lOUS imi- In the first Report of the Geological Survey of New* Brunswick, it was stated chat there is a moderately elevated range of mountains, extending from Shepody Bay, in the County of Westmorland, to the County of Charlotte, on the American boundary line. The base of this range is at an average distance of fifteen miles from the Bay of Fundy, and its course is north-east and south-west. But this line is not perfect and direct, for having reached the entrance of Belleisle Bay, it diverges to the southward, crosses ihe peninsula of Kingston, and then resumes its former course. This chain of mountains and hills may be said to termi- nate at Shepody, in the County of Westmorland, unless it be admitted that a mountainous district extending from Cape Chignecto along the Cobiquid mountains, to the District of Pictou, Nova-Scotia, belongs to the same chain, an opinion we have adopted from the general agreement in the charac- ters of the rocks entering into its composition. It is true that an interruption to the continuity of this elevated tract occurs at Chignecto Bay, where the chain is broken, and its parts separated to the distance of thirty miles ; but this is by no means an uncommon circumstance, and ad- mits of an explanation by a reference to the volcanic character of the country where this broken tract is situated. We have now con^pleted the examination of this mountainous and broken district, from the State of Maine along the Bay of Fundy side of New-Brunswick, and directly across Nova- Scotia, to the Straits of Northumberland, (a distance of two hundred and twenty miles,) and have had every evidence to establish the belief, that the rocks forming each lofly peak and mural cliff were produced by similar causes throughout; and although those causes have long since ceased to act, the testimony of their former existence remains unefTaced. The rocks constituting this range of high lands, are siicTi' as are believed by almost every geologist, to be of volcanic origin ; a doubt on this subject cannot remain in the mind of the unprejudiced, after their characters are fully examined, and the general appearance of the country where they are situat- ed, is compared with the theatre of volcanoes still in operation. Referring only to New-Brunswick, an extensive granitic ridge is seen extending from the Chiputnecticook River, and Lakes, to the River Saint John, opposite the entrance of Bel- leisle Bay. It becomes narrower as it proceeds to the east- ward, and the perfect granite composed of mica, feldspar, and quartz, is discontinued at the above place. In the County of Charlotte this granite is met on its south side, by an exten- sive tract occupied by syenite. The two rocks are associated in a most irregular manner, and frequently pass into each other by such gradations as prove their intimate relation with each other, and the identity of the forces exerted to produce their eruption. All of these rocks are penetrated, and apparently have been broken through by enormous masses of trap, which form veins and dikes, from half an inch to a hun- dred fathoms in thickness, or occupy overlieing sheets seve- ral miles in circumference. The syenite proceeds onwards in an easterly direction, and forms a remarkable belt across the peninsula of Kingston, between the Belleisle and Kennebeckasis Rivers. It then forms the broken tract of country in the neighbourhood of Loch Lomond and on the old Shepody Road, until it reaches Shepody Mountain, where it is terminated or met by rocks of a sedimentary character. In this part of the country it will not average more than twelve miles in breadth, and fre- quently approaches the coast within a distance of four miles. The physical features of this syenitic district, are peculiar- ly characteristic of the volcanic origin of its rocks. In the bold outline, and precipitous mountain — the narrow ravine, -walled in by steep cliffs, venting the torrents of the hills from cataract to cataract, we see those distinguishing marks of for- mer terrestrial disturbance, which time itself has refused to remove. The next class of rocks in regard to geological situation^ and relative age, comprises the limestone described in our first Report, and extended across the entrance of the St. John, eastward, to Hammond River, where they meet the syenite, mnd disappear so far as our knowledge extends ; for the lime- stones appearing still farther eastward and in different parts «f the country submitted to the examination of the present tion^ lour }hn, lite, imc- larts Isent year, are of secondary formation, and are difierent from the <:onipact crystalline rocks in the vicinity of Saint John. In the order of succession, the slate, greywacke, and greywacke slate occupying a considerable portion of the County of Char- lotte, and crossing the harbour and entrance of the River St. John, appear on the eajst side of the harbour and are termina- ted in ^n easterly direction near Loch Lomond. They reach northward to the Kennebeckasis, and southward as far as Emerson's Creek. Both the schistose rocV , and the limestone dip towards the south east, and the syenite forms an anticli- nal ridge against which they rest. Since we have discovered the remains of moluscous ani- mals, fossil trees, and anthracite among these slates, their com- parative geological age is more readily determined, and they may therefore be clasised in the s'lurian group of Mr. Murchi- SON. "We do not, however, see'^any propriety in applying a lo- cal term to a class of strata abundant in every quarter of the globe. We have the same right to our Nerepis, Mispeck, and Quaco rocks, as our contemporaries across the Atlantic have to their Ludlow, Wenlock, and Cargdic rocks. It is high time a, better nomenclature was introduced into the science. The greywacke, and slates of this group, also appear on the coast of the Bay of Fundy, between Great Salmon River and Salisbury Cove. They are here accompanied with a soil argillaceous limestone, and serpentine, but wherever they have been found in this part of the Province they are injected with dikes of trappean rocks, and have suffered much from causes already briefly mentioned. We now come to take a cursory view of the Goal Dis- tricts in that division o^the Province to which the labours of the present season were devoted. The first of these was ob- served to embrace the m hole of Capes Meranquin and Enrage ; but these are small portions of the Cumberland coal field in Nova-Scotia, and at present require no further consideration. Commencing at Shediac, tne coal field of the County of Westmorland extends along the eastern shore as far as Tedish River, then running along an irregular line southward it ap- proaches the fertile villages of Sackville, and meets the new red sandstone near Dorchester Island. A line drawn from Shediac to the Petitcodiac, about ten miles below **The Bend," will mark its northern side. This tract of country embraces that part of the coal field which is situated on the east side of the Peticodiac, except a small group of strata, observed near the road leading from Bay Verte to Sackville. The coal field then becomes more narrow, and, crossing the \' cX-.' 4 River, maintains an average breadth of (en miles westwanf, until it reaches Sussex vale; hr~^ its extremity is forked: one branch is curved towards this uorth-vest, until it meets the source of Studholm's Mill-stream, the other becomes very narrow and disappears beneath the conglomerate, a few miles westward and southward of Sussex Church. About eight miles north of Shepody the coal strata meet the sye- nite. In this neighbourhood they cross the sources of Tur- tle Creek, and Coverdale River. At the head of Pollet river they are overlaid by the new red sandstone, and conglomerate. The -e rocks also meet and conceal the bituminous strata alongthe whole line of their northern side. The whole lencth of this coal field is upwards of seven- ty miles, its average oreadth, estimating the area on each side of the Petticodiac, is about seventeen miles. The out-crop- pinc; of the coal has been discovered at a number of places within its borders, and the examinations which have been made, and the facts disclosed by them, will not only prove of freat importance to the county of Westmorland, but to the *rovince in general. The remaining part of the country explored, is composed chiefly of new red sandstone, and conglomerate, containing numerous deposits of gypsum, limestone, and rock salt, with mineral springs. The boundaries of each of these formations have been laid down as accurately as circumstances would admit, on a map of the Province, and a geological map is advancing towards completion which will, at the close of the geologicu survey, represent each of the formations belonging to the countnr, and their geographical situations. Ine geological map, however, cannot be made perfect in the present state of the country, for at this time there is no correct geographical survey of the Province extant. The density of me forests in the interior, is unfavorable to trigo- nometrical operations, and frec^uently it is impossible to as- certain distances, without incurring an expense not warranted by our instructions. v A description of the physical and agricultural features of the country explored, has been deferred until each forma- tion is brought under particular consideration, and local de- tails have been g^ven of each peculiar district. The divi- sion of the Province under consideration, and comprising the field of geological exploration during the past year, is situated eastward of the St. John. A line drawn from She- diac to he entrance of Belleisle River will mark its northern 5 » aide. Its eastern limits are lixed at Cupe Tormentine, and its southern side lies olong the shore of the Bny of Fundy and the Nova-Scotia boundary, or isthnus between the Cum- berland Basin and the Gulph of St. Lawrence. The length of this tract is about one hundred and thirty miles, and its mean breadth forty-five miles. It embraces the counties of St. John, King's, and Westmorland. The whole of this di- vision has been as carefully explored as the circumstances would admit of, except the peninsula of Kingston, which we were unable to visit until the season was too far advanced. An extensive tract along the line of the out-cropping of the coal also remains to be submitted to a more accurate and mi- nute survey than was allowed by our time after that line was discovered ; and we hope during a part of next summer to devote that time and labor to its valuable deposits their impor- tance invites. The discovery of fossil trees, accompanied with anthracite coal, in the greywacke system near St. John, also opens another wide field of enquiry ; but the cold storms and frost of the autumn compellea us to retreat when we had scarcely entered upon the threshold of this interesting part of the country. The descriptions will be given first of the coast beginning at St. John, and proceeding to the eastward. The eastern coast of Bay Verte and Shediac will then be noticed, and lastly the interior. It was proposed to give a description of eaph of the for- mations referred to in the present Report by itself; but this plan would render the descriptions less useful to persons who reside in the immediate vicinity of useful minerals, and who are aided in their researches, by details of places with which they are familiar. General observations on each class of rocks will be gi- ven with a view of the agricultural and physical features of the country. tngo- to as- ranted SAli\T JOII.\. < '- The belts of limestone described in the first Report, cross the river and extend along the broken and hilly tract situated between the city, and the entrance of the Kennebeck- asis. The first of these belts has been broken through by the river at its narrow outlet, directly opposite the Mills of Messrs. EvERiTT, and those of the St. John Mills and Canal Com- pany, and forms the overhanging cliffs above the Falls. It is about a furlong wide, and reaches to Marble Cove, a place of security for large rafts of timber, floated down the river, and secured here until a favourable opportunity offers to give them a passage through the Falls to the numerous lum- ber-yards at the extremity of the harbour. Proceeding in a north-east by north direction, it then passes beneath the new Church at Portland, and may be seen in the uneven land northward of the estate of Henry Gil- bert, Esquire, and along the road leading to Hammond River. Another remarkable ridge of this rock rises ab- ruptly at Portland, and forms the site of Fort Howe, occu- pied by a small part of the garrison. The limestone of this hill contains several veins of gra- phite, or plumbago, one of which is on the north side of the main street, and is upwards of four feet in thickness. This graphite is too impure for the manufacture of lead pencils. It is occasionally used for varnishing stoves, and lessening friction, and may at some future period afford an article of limited export. Interstratified with these two belts of limestone, there are strata of greywacke, and very frequently masses of trap rock, containing the sulphuret of iron in very small grains. This mineral, wherever it is exposed to the weather, is decompos- ed. The oxygen of the atmosphere unites with the iron, and forms the peroxide (common rust) of the metal, which is sometimes several inches in thickness. It has been said by some persons that these ferruginous masses would afford good iron ore, but both the iron pyrites and the peroxide are unfit / ra- the This mcils. |ening le of Ire are Irock, This ipos- and kich is |iidby good unfit \ for the manufacture of iron. Other strata (layers) extend from the main river nearly parallel to the Kennebeckasis, and frequently contain thick beds of calcarious breccia. Of this breccia, large masses may be seen along the shores, and over the country southward, where they have been transported by causes to be noticed hereafter. Very frequently strata of this calcarious formation have a peculiar curled or waved appear- ance, and the lamina forming even the most compact parts oi' the rock, are folded over each other in such a manner, that when the rock is polished it has the appearance of curled ma- ple, and a beautiful clouded marble might be quarried in situ-* ations where the frost and other meteoric agents have not des- troyed the solidity of the rock. The breccia is also very beautiful, and after it has received a polish resembles mosaic pavement. The limestone is met on its south-east side by slate, and greywacke ; these rocks are exposed on the side ' 16 The sandstone strata containing this lignite, dip in op- posite directions, being met by the new red sandstone on one !-'ide and trap on the other. They have also been mueh frac- tured from the upheaving of the contiguous rock, and appear in a situation very unfavorable to the existence of true coal. Between three and four miles farther northward, and at this distance from the shore, the sandstones and shales of the coal measures crop out to a limited extent, and are seen dipping beneath the red sandstone already mentioned. The indica- tions of coal here are much more favorable than at any other locality on this part of the coast. At three different situations near the " Head," the are- naceous (sandy) rock contains a considerable quantity of the sulphate of lime. This mineral covers the rocks with beau- tiful and regular crystals, often of a thickness of two inches. Large groups of these crystals were removed from the clifT by the hand alone. They are interesting specimens, be- ing daily formed by nature, and by a process unknown in the arts. The trap forming " Roger's Head " presents a cliff two hundred feet high, rising perpendicular from the sea. This cliff has been rent asunder from the top to the bottom, and the lines of fracture are seen passing obliquely up the preci- pice. The rock is an extremely compact greenstone, that sometimes passes into a light red trap, from the predominance of feldspar and the oxide of iron. Both of these varieties are associated with amygdaloid, having its cavities filled with green chlorite. These rocks extend a mile eastward of " Roger's Head," where they are met by secondary limestone. Immediately upon the limestone the new red sandstone appears again, re- posing in unconformable strata upon the calcareous rock be- neath, and dipping to the northward at an angle of 40*^. The limestone apparently dips to the southward, but it has been too much disturbed to ascertain its true inclination. Between the limestone and the sandstone, there is a thick stratum of calcareous breccia, composed of nodules of the former rock, cemented together by the latter. The following wood cut (see Fig. 3.) represents the cliff where these rocks meet ; the disturbance produced by the uplifting of the trap is manifest. { •ir'. It'. .• JV ) / 17 Fig. a. ;, I "^'.dlr^' '/, r rjl f V a. Trap. h. Limestone. c. Conglomerate. d. New Red Sandstone. thick >f the Now it is evident that after the limestone was formed, pieces were detached from its strata, rounded by attrition in water, and deposited over its surface ; afterwards the sediment of which the sandstone is composed covered these pebbles, and the breccia was produced. Then the strata of sandstone were laid on beneath the water, and finally the upheaving of the trap forced each of these beds from their original hori- zontal position into the situations they now hold. It is sel- dom these different^eological effects are seen more clearly portrayed than they appear in the cliffs of Quaco. Two isolated masses of trap, called " Adara and Eve," stand in advance of the precipice, where large cavities and archways have been scooped out by the violence of the waves, and where the sound of the voice is echoed back from the projecting masses of rock overhung with a low underbrush and the wild flowers of the forest. The trap rock may be ridge passmg seen again, forming an extensive and elevated through the western part of the settlement, and at the point near the Light- house, where it is again met by the limestone and covered with the red marly strata of the upper group. The Light-house is situated upon a low reef of new red sandstone that defends the harbour during certain winds. Between it and Roger's Point the rocks are covered partially with a thick bed of diluvial sand and gravel, remarkable for being regularly stratified with alternate layers of coarse and fine sand. The new red sandstone and sometimes the detritus co- vering it in this neighbourhood contain the black oxide of Manganese. The most extensive deposit of this ore, so far as it has been discovered, is situated near the Light-house c u and in a bed about twenty feet obove the tide. The ore is mixed with the red rock to the thickness of six feet, and was formerly collected in considerable quantities on the beach, having fallen from the clilTs above. Messrs. Randal and Alexander have opened this bed of ore, by making a deep excavation from the surface above, and at the time of our visit to the spot, a hundred barrels of the Manganese had been shipped by them to the United States, while a number of men were employed in raising fresh supplies. The above gentlemen were also exploring for ore on the farm of Mr. Brown, where a deep excavation had been made in the side of a hill, covered with debris containing loose pieces of the oxide. It may be presumed that this excavation ' Is made too near the trap rock to be attended with success, and the detached pieces mixed with the soil are only indica- tions of the existence of the ore farther northward. It also occurs on the farm of Captain McLean, and else- where. Quantities of this ore have been shipped from Qaaco during the last thirty years, but its use in the arts is too limi- ted to offer a demand for any great supply. This ore is the peroxide of Manganese : every eighty-eight parts, when ex- posed to a red heat, give eight parts oxygen, and eighty of the deutoxide remain. It is well adapted for the preparation of oxygen gas, stnd other purposes in the arts. Quaco Bay terminates in a large brook called the Creek, which passes through a tract of marsh of inferior quality. This settlement was first made by officers and soldiers of the King's Orange Rangers, who, at the close of the American revolutionary war, sought a home here. Of these, Mr. Springstead and Mr. Welch are the only survivors., The harbour is almost surrounded by a flourishing settlement and a number of fine farms. The soil in general is sandy, and might be rendered very fertile by the employment of lime and marsh mud, for manure. At Big Creek and East Creek the sandstone, of a bright red colour, is immediately succeeded by a conglomerate com- posed of globular masses of quartz, trap, and syenite, vary- ing from the size of a musket ball to the largest cannon shot. This rock is very perfectly stratified, and lies conformable to the substrsila of new red sandstone, being strongly contrasted with it by its colour and the coarse quality ot its materials. Its position proves that it was formed before the level of the nandetone was changed, and the cause that gave origin to these strata of cemented pebbles might have been a cnange in the force, or direction of the turrcnt of water beneath r t t I] fi a C( ai 4< la m tl 19 to which both rocks were deposited i'rom drift and sediment&vy matter. Were the loose beds of stratified sand and gravel, now- covering the surface in broad belts, consolidated, they would with difficulty be distinguished from the conglomerate be- neath, and the identity of the operations that collected their several mineral ingredients is evident. , , , But these beds of stratified sand, and gravel, commonly called detrituSf are placed in a horizontal position, and occu- py a high mound between the creeks, and also a number of elevations in this district, while the solid strata beneath, dip from the horizon at an angle of 25°. Thus it is evident, that a change in the level of the country was eilected, previous to the collecti(m of the superficial sandy layers ; while at the same time, the sources whence the materials of each bed were derived, continued unchanged. This settlement has been surveyed by persons who plac- ed implicit confidence in the virtues of the " mineral rod," and ihere are many pits opened in the earth where money was superstitiously believed to have been concealed. These deposits of new red sandstone and conglomerate, are met about nine miles north of Quaco, by the syenite, and eastward by the older slates, and limestone. The beds of brooks afforded us the only opportunity of examining the rocks itt situ. A number of the principal streams were fol- lowed several miles, but between them, strata may hereafter be found unlike those now hanging over the deep vaults, and piled in majestic grandeur alon ; the tortuous channels of the descending rivulets. Even in these remote places, new set- tlements are springing up, and the lumbermen having found their way into the back woods, supply yearly the timber for many fine ships. But the narrow trail of the axeman, and the hardy ox amidst the w"I groves, is seldom deeper than the snow that covers the earth in winter, or the green moss, supplying with moisture, and covering the roots of the trees in summer. In this district the conglomerate, and red sandstone, nr^ frequently interstratified, and the firm, silicious, (sand}',) and argillaceous (clayey) beds are laid upon each other in suc- cession. At Tooley's Point the former is both underlaid and overlaid by the red strata, dipping north at an angle of 40°, Although these beds do not succeed each other in regu- lar order, it may nevertheless be stated that the conglomerate most frequently forms the lower portions of the deposit, and the upper strata of red caudstona contain beds of limestone, so gypsum, and rock salt. It is evident that these two rocks were formed by similar causes, and during the same geologi- cal era. The beds of conglomerate, were produced oy cur- rents of water, and before the pebbles entering into their composition were reduced to sand, or those currents had in some degree subsided, they found a resting-place. The mate- rials of the sandstone on the other hand, were longer expos- ed to the action of water, aiid were therefore reduced to fine sediment; and the interstratification would arise from any change in the configuration of the surface, or direction and force of the current. Facts explanatory of these fonner con- ditions of the rocks, may be observed at the mouths of large rivers and estuaries, washed with violent tides. East Quaco Head is a steep cliff one hundred and fifty feet high. There are here a number of strata of soft slaty clay, alternately laid with the beds of red rock. They con- tain the remains of marine plants similar to those observed at St. Andrews. At Fuller's Creek two miles further eastward, the new red sandstone terminates, and the older slates and limestone, broken through and changed by enormous masses of trap rock, and serpentine, occupy almost the whole of the shore eastward to Salisbury Cove, near Cape Enrage. The sandy strata of Quaco and other places, where the group extends, will afford good freestones, the rock is mo- derately compact, admits of being cut, and hardens when ex- posed to the rays of the sun. It is, however, inferior in beauty to the sandstones of the coal measures, to be noticed hereafter. The slate at the creek is argillaceous (cWey), and its colors vary from a light t lue to a dark red. The planes of cleavage are oflen remarkably crooked and uneven, the rock having the appearance of being submitted to sudden move- ments before it was consolidated. It frequently contains graphite and cubic crystals of iron pyrites. This rock is as- sociated with a slaty limestone, in which argilite (clayslate) and the lime are mixed in indefinite proportions. Narrow veins of calcareous spar (carbonate of lime) intersect these strata in all directions, and frequently the rhombic crystals of this mineral cover the sides of the fissures with beautiful in- crustations. The rocks disintegrate very rapidly before the waves, ever dashing against the leaning precipices, and the broken masses piled in wild confusion along their front. With these there also appears a fine talcose slate, of a light green color, and readily separated into thin leaves not thick- of hi n er than common wrapping paper. Chlorite siate in small quantities was also observed at several localities. All of these schistose rocks have been, forced from be- neath, by whole mountains of trap and serpentine ; of this there can be no doubt, as the slates are seen shelving from the sides of each eruptive mass, and remarkably fractured at the lines of contact. The serpentine is of a dark green color, and contains a large quantity of magnesia. Frequently, also, it is magnetic. Surveyors therefore should not be surprised if their compas- ses are much affected in the neighbourhood of these volcanic productions. Farther eastward this rock contains schorl, amianthus, and nsbestus. Numerous and large veins of quartz, coated with bright green chlorite, penetrate the slate and trap. Several narrow veins of the specular oxide of iron were also observed, but none of them are sufficiently thick to admit of being worked with advantase. The features of the country where these rocks are situa- ted, are very different from those of the new red sandstone. The lofty and abrupt hills are separated by deep and narrow ravines, and the parallel ridges of slate may be distinguished at a distance, from the rows of cones, composed of serpen- tine and trap, and which are truly characteristic of the vol- canic character of the country, at the period when they were raised. These facts are well illustrated by nature near Great Salmon River, the site of a superior set of mills, owned by Messrs. G. D. Robinson & Co. The following wood cut (see Fig. 4.) represents a number of these cone-shaped mountains, as they appear near the shore. Fig. 4. uns as- ite) row kese Is of in- Ithe Ithe >nt. Ick- Half a mile eastward of this river, a detached portion of the sandstone formation may be seen at the foot of a high hill. Its strata have been elevated on one side, and depres- $1$ sed oil the other ; and the characters of their mineral ingre- dients changed, by their proximity to masses of igneous origin. The deep chasms and open fissures, the results of for- mer volcanic disturbances, are now partially filled, and the precipitous sides of the cliffs, are skirted with thick beds of wer landstones in this part of the coal field, are of a dark red or chocolate color, and might in some instances be mis- taken for the newer sandstones above them. These choco- late colored strata are also exposed at Cape Meranguin and Westcock, being associated with the lower rocks of this coal basin, along its northern side to the distance of twenty-four miles. These strata are very conipac\, fine-grained, and very superior for buildings, as they resist the vicissitudes of the weather, and become very hard by being exposed to the rays of the sun. The changes of level these rocks have suffered are dis- played in a singular manner at Cape Enrage. At a narrow and tleep cove westward of the Light-house, the strata are resting upon their edges, and appear to have been separated from each other ; their flat sunaces are now placed along the sides of a narrow and deep fosse filled with sand and gravel. At other places a few strata are seen in separate groups vvhich appear like walls built by the mason, on parallel lines. These results were evidently produced in consequence of the strata separating from each other at the time they were up- lifted. At the village of New Horton a singular Island has been evidently formed in this manner, and it can scarcely be doubted that these phenomena have resulted from the prox- imity of these sandstones to the trap, and serpentine, which are known to be of volcanic origin. NEW HORTON. New Horton is a thriving settlement on a part of the low lands situated at the foot of Shepod\ mountains. It contains a tract of excellent marsi), and is covered with a fertile soil derived from the marly and silicious sandstones beneath. At this place the strata of the coal series dip east- south-east 30°. An extensive flat separates the village from Grindstone Point, where the lower sandstones emerge from beneath the red rock, appearing at the bottom of the estua- ry, where a bar of sand extends outwards connecting the Point with the main land. Near Cape Enrage, at New Horton, and Grindstone Point, many of the strata will aflfbrd excellent building-stone of different shades of blue, red, and chocolate color. Quar- ries of grindstones have also been opened at the above pla- ces, to supply a constant demand from tlic United States. The grindstone strata are however much harder than those 2S the It th a ones east- from from stua- tlie stone ?tone ^uar- pla- Itates. those of tiie North and South Joggins ; coqsequently the expense of cutting is increased, ana the effect ot sharpening edgetj tools is much diminished. i'i GRINDSTONE ISLAND. Grindstone Island is an inconsiderable gropp of strata, situated about two miles eastward of Grindstone Point, and at the entrance of Shepody Bay. The grindstone quarry at the Island had been worked to considerable extent, but in consequence of " running out," as it is called by the workmen, or suddenly passing into a rock of b.' quality, all operations at the quarry have oeen disconti'ju the Island there are several ^"' .. nf" narrow seams of coal. 7 . '' west, and the dip south 40°. ^ careful examination w.' .^ ' mentioned places, and althc ' I the south side of t red shale, with f the strata here is "- ' .4iis and the before .iti».si are indications of coal at several localities, no out-cropping of any practical value was discovered on the shore. These sandstones abound in the remains and impressions of various kinds of tropical herbage. Some of these are merely casts of the original plants. In other instances those plants have been converted into coal and lignite ; again, others are fossilized in part by the surrounding rock, coal, sulphuret of iron, and sometin^es sulphate of barytes. Wherever they appear, the rocks contain more than an or- dinary portion of iron, in some of its different combinations. Large trees have been thus changed (ind appear in the cliffs along the shore or scattered in broken masses on the beach. One of these remarkable relics appears on the north side of Grindstone Island, at the top of a cliff about fifty feet high. As this cliff is inaccessible, this fossil tree could not be measured ; it was estin^ated to be about two feet in diameter at ijts largest extremity, and about forty feet of its length is now exposed. How far it extends into the rock is uncertain. It is, however, a most majestic fossil plant, but from the constant breaking down of the cliff, it will, before maiiy seasons pass away, roll from its rocky bed, and be dashed upon the solid pavement over which it now holds a precarious situation. Several branches extend from its smallest extremity iqto the strata. Some of these had fallen — were removed and Ji?ive been carefully examined. The tree belongs tp the D 26 dicotyledonous order of vegetables, but of a species unlike any to be found in a living state. Several other trunks and branches of less dimensions may be seen at this spot, and the remains of a variety of small plants, and leaves resem- bling those of the palm, may be collected from almost every rock on this side of the Island. To these we shall advert hereafter. The following wood cut (see Fig. 5.) represents the cliff where the fossils were observed, and the way the largest of them are situated. Fig. 5. a. Largest fossil tree. &, and c. Other fossil trees, d. Branches of fossil trees. SHEPODY. It has been alfeady stated that there is an extensive ridge of syenite, reaching from the river Saint John in a north-east direction to Hopewell, where it terminates. This ridge at its eastern extremity, where it borders on Shepody Bay, is surmounted by a thick deposit of conglomerate form- ing Shepody mountam. Following along the base of this mountain, the new red sandstone was found to extend west- ward to Salisbury Cove. It had been reported that some kind of ore had been found in this neighbourhood, and upon examination it pro- ved to be the gray oxide of manganese. We first observed this ore in the loose detritus on the farms of Mr. Thomas Calhoun, and James Brewster, Esquire, at a part of the village called German Town. A number of large pieces ^7 Ice id nd n- ry Bit Its :he Itrces. isive lin a !*his )ody irm- this rest- )een Ipro- Irved ^MAS the leces were picked up in u field of potatoes, where they were mixed in the soil. A large mass had formerly been seen near the road, but it has disappeared either by rolling down the side of the hill into a pond, or by the hands of persons who supposed it contained a large quantity of silver. The ore is of a superior quality, and evidently abundant. The inhabitants of the village having been made acquainted with itf uses and value will continue to examine its situation, and explore more widely than we were permitted to do from the lateness of the season at the time of our explorations in that quarter. Shepody River follows the course of a belt of new red sandstone in the direction of Salisbury Cove, which it nearly approaches, terminating in a beautiful lake, three miles long and half a mile wide. This lake abounds in fine trout, and openings are being made between it and the sea, and through sunken bogs at the head of the marsh, to allow the tide to flow in and cover the sunken tracts with alluvium. The tract of country on the above rock is of moderate height and very uneven, being furrowed with deep ravines and abrupt hills. The soil in general is of a superior quality, and such farms as have become unproductive fi'om long culture, might be cheap- ly renovated by the use of lime and marsh mud for manures. It was observed that most of the higher grounds were covered with a sandy soil, and there is a general deficiency of clay and alkaline matter. The application of alluvium from the marshes, and lime are therefore especially required, to render such lands productive, and such as will fairly try the experiment may be assured of their success. Limestone was observed jutting out from beneath the soil on land belonging to S. G. Morse, Esquire, where it is probable a large quantity might be procured. There are no less than five thousand acres of marsh on the Shepody River. Many acres of this fine alluvial tract remain unreclaimed from the sea. Such portions of it as have been diked are of a good quality, afibrdmg the best kind of hay and crops of wlieat. It i . u remark applicable to all the marshes of this coun- try, that after they are diked and drained they have a tendency to settle and become lower than the banks of the rivers, where the alluvium is rising and becoming more and more compact. The marsh adjoining the upland we found in several instan- ces to be six feet lower than the banks of rivers daily receiv- ing alluvial matter from the tides. From this circumstance the inner margin of the marsh is overflown with fresh water rluring a considerable part of the season, :iik1 is therein' rep* uered \9orthIess: The best remedy for this efiect would be to allow the sea to flow in again over certain tracts for a few seasons. This would raise and renovate the sunken ground, and entirely destroy the poisonous pldnts now cover- ing many of the lots. This plan might be effected by throw- ing up dikes from the upland to the present barrier against the tides, and thus tract after tract might be redeemed. The inuddy water of the Bay being introduced and undisturbed by currents, would deposit its sediment equally according t6 its depth ; and as the lower tracts would be covered deeper than the higher ones, they would receive the greatest share of alluvium, and be raised to the common level. Few Parishes in the Province appear to be in a more thriving condition than Hopewell. The broad marsh on each side of the Shepody River is skirted with fine farms, and a large and rapidly increasing population are clearing higher up the slopes, the bases of which are closely occupied by the older inhabitants and their senior descendants. Sheltered ftom tiie bleak northern blast by the highlands in the rear, and possessing a rich soil, this extensive settle- ment, with its new villages, presents a wide rural plain. Its mavshes are protected from the fury of the waves by Grind- stone Island and Point, and the coming tide that drives the herds of swine from the creeks, does not disturb the droves bf cattle and sheep feeding securely within the dikes. Such as are fond of fine scenery will find a view from the moun- tain extremely interesting, as it commands A sight of a wide range of the eastern district of New-Brunswick, a part of Nova-Scotia, and, of a clear day, Prince Edward Island, with numerous bays, rivers, and villages of the most picturesque and pleasing varieties. There are many traditionary stories of money having been buried at the foot of the mountain, by Pirates and French Acadians, the latter having been the first inhabitants of Shepody ; and a number of pits have been opened by visi- tors from other parts of the country, to recover concealed treasures. It is to be regretted that there are persons in the Province who still believe that there are virtues in the " mi- neral rod," even in those used in the United States, and thus seek for money that has never been lost. With the assistance of S. G. Morse, Esquire, we made an excursion from Shepody to the head of Turtle Creek I^ir. EzR^A Styles, and Mr. George Rogers having kindly Volunteered for guides. The trap and syenite in the neigh- bourhood of Hammond River, and composing the broken ■i 2^) lands northward of Saint Martins, were found to )?xtend to the Parish of Hopewell, where they are discontinued. At this place those rocks form a chain of high hills and a broken tract of country ten miles wide. This chain is terminated by Shepody mountain, which is about ten miles in circumfer- ence at its base, and is the highest land in any of the eastern counties of the Province. This mountain is composed chief- ly of conglomerate, ivhich appears to have been elevated by the uplifting force that accompanied the formation of the volcanic rocks in its neighbourhood. Our instruments for taking heights had been injured by an accident, and therefore the altitude of the mountain could not be determined. It will be ascertained at a future period. Along the elevated ridge of trap and syenite there are some excellent tracts of table land, thickly covered with a heavy growth of beech, birch, and maple, ^he soil in gene- ral is scanty, but of good quality, a circumstance which may be attributed to the potash contained in the feldspar of the rocks beneath. The lofty trees of the forest wete observ- ed to have their tops and largest branches much broken and decayed. This effect was produced by a gale of wind, that swept over the mountains in the winter of 1835, at a time when the trees were loaded with the solid ice, accu- mukted from a freezing mist. CAPE MERANGUIN. ving and tants visi-^ ;aled the mi- thud The new red sandstone of Sackville extends to within 'six miles of the extreme point of Cape Meranguin, and, cros- sing the peninsula, reaches along the shore of Shepody Bavi to Point Gilbert. Its strata repose directly upon those of the coal measures to which it is unconformable. In general the rock is of a bright red color, and is composed of fine siliceous particles mixed with mica, and firmly cemented with the oxides of iron ; occasionally it passes into a dark chocolate colored /ock, and in a few places it is purple. Nu- merous quarries of excellent building stone might be opened along these shores ; for the sandstone resists all atmospheric changes, and the frost. It should nevertheless be taken from situations above the tide, as the salt water hastens its decom-^ position. An excellent quarry of the chocolate colored va- riety has been opened at Grindstone Point, by Mr. Andrews, and a quantity of superior freestone is annually shipped to th^ United States from that nlace. 30 At PoiHt Gilbert a quantity of limestone was observed Scattered in large masses on the shore. It is derived from a bed of that rock situated in the sandstone, and jutting out at the cliffs, rising perpendicularly above high-water mark. How far it is continued eastward is unknown. " Grand Tasse" is a considerable Bay southward of the Point. There is here an extensive deposit of gypsum, situ- ated immediately upon the shore. Plaster has been shipped from this locality to the United States, and notwithstanding the trade in that article is at present very limited from this quarter, this deposit of gypsum is a valuable part of the mineral wealth of the county of Westmorland. This sul- phate of lime frequently contains large and transparent crystals of selenite, and near its junction with the subjacent sandstone, specimens of phosphate of lime were procured. A quantity of superior flag-stones was shipped to New- York from a quarry near the gypsum, during the present season. A he general course of the strata is west-north-west, with a dip of 28° north-north-east: both the course and inclination deviate at different situations. The Cape, to the distance of six miles on each of its sides, is composed of sandstones and shales, belonging to the coal measures of Cumberland. The shale (slate clay) is most frequently of the red and blue varieties, and often con- tains clay iron stone balls. The course of these strata is east 10° south, and the dip is south 10° west, at an angle of 42° ; from these facts it is evident these strata belong to that coal basin, the principal area of which is situated on the east side of Cumberland Bay, where the rocks have a similar dip, and follow nearly the same course. The strata on each side of the Bay are also identical in their chemical components, and general charactera. There are no less than nineteen strata of coal at the South Joggins of Cumberland, and it was inferred at the time of our explorations in Nova-Scotia, that some of these might be found on New-Brunswick side ; but, upon a close examination, their original situations were found to be occupied by the Bay itself, and the outcroppings which were at a for- mer period continuous from one side to the other, have been removed, and now have their remaining portions buried be- neath the waves of the sea. Upon the causes that have con^ tributed to destroy so large a tract of country, as that now forming the site of Chignecto Bay, we do not at present stop to speculate. There cannot, however, be any doubt, that the sea, which has made such vast inroads into this coal basin> 31 or- een be- on^ ■now itop the sin> has, ill its turn, been driven back by the collections ot'nllnviun> on the Tantamar and other adjacent strenms, and the sites of the great tracts of marsh, the lakes and extensive peat bogs reaching twenty-four miles into the interior, were once wash- ed by the saline waters of the Bay of Fundy. We have on another occasion observed that there is a coal district of great magnitude, extending from Cape Breton, across a part of Nova-Scotia, into New- Brunswick ; and the examinations of every season, illustrate more clearly this interesting and important fact. But it must not be under- stood, that the coal strata themselves follow a direct course, and are perfectly continuous throughout this vast area. This coal field embraces within its limits, a number of separate and distinct basins, which contain coal to a greater or less amount. Coal appears on both sides of the Memramcook River, Peticodiac River, and ten miles north of Shepody ; but the strata show by their contrary inclination and different courses, that they form no part of the Cumberland series, and there- fore they should be considered apart from them. It is evident that the western margin of the Cumberland coal basin is fixed at Cape Enrage, New Horton, and She- pody, having within its limits Cape Meranguin, Grindstone Island, and Grindstone Point. The east side of Cape Meranguin is called the North Joggin, in contradistinction to the South Joggin, on the op- posite side of the Bay. It is indented with a number of notches or " jogs" a" they are called by the inhabitants ; fron^ this, the term Joggin (jog-in) has probably been derived. At Slack's Cove, and Desk's Cove, a number of strata of sandstone afford exccllent^-gtlhdstones. They are like those of the opposite shore, in Nova-Scotia, and supply the best stones for cutting and polishing the metals ever found in America. The rock la of a gray color, and is composed of fine angular grains of quartz and feldspar, with a few shin- ing spangles of mica, and an argillaceous cement. The reefs are broken at low water, and masses of rock are secured to large boats ; at high water they are brought to the shore, where they are cut by the workmen with great facility, into grindstones from four to eight feet in diameter, and from six inches to a foot in thickness. These are called " water stone," and are extensively used in the United States, for grinding down and polishing all kinds of cutlery. Other grindstones of less dimensions, are made from the locks sir tuated above the tide. These are used for more commoq (l>.cii S!3 purposes. The price of each stone delivered on the shore, is from two to three shillings.* They are sold in the United States from six shillings and three pence, to nine shillings per stone. The trade is, therefore, profitable. We were unable to ascertain the exact nqn)ber of grindstones shipped from this part of the Province ; but from the most correct infor- mation received, it will exceed fifteen thousand per annum. The same strata also afford the best materials for architectural purposes, the rock above the sea being durable, and capable of bearing the designs of the sculptor. They are therefore valuable for the supply of the Province and its foreign trade. * A stone liy measureir.ent is two feet in diameter, and four inches thipl(. : . '■^■'- ■■/ -'.•■;. ■:•■ .:.; ; 'i '; , I - ■:;.^^:; >■ ' . - . ■ ' . , '■■-■, -. 1 ■•' , ■ 1 ' , ^ , ■.'•'""' i, ' ■ ,.'., If:: ;-,>-",;;.'_>-(:U ;■ „■•:. ^^■■'■■ • i ' . t ,' ! ^ '''.•. •!■> fr: ; ■v-<'t'i-.?f"' " ''^ ■•'i^:.<: ' < ' " ^ '.. [■•.:r--:\:n ■ • . .' . ■.' .' '; *>-. ** . t, - ■',• -;'.ii^ r'j f.-i > '■'■ ' -i ;:! : M, •' ' ! •' v.-:: /■•I.^.f^ ■ fyA'.:^: > V /■ • ., i-'nliiim '.','- :':-\\ < ,'_^^■■' • '. ' '■ '■' -< ' ' ' '. *.'■ 7 .' , ■,-.*=.>i- *;,;>•/; ••■ I L ' r FOS^IL^ ; t ck ; only sil state, from Chignccto Bay, no less than four inches nnd a half inches in thickness. This shows how favorable the cli- mate and soil were at former periods in the history of this earth, to the production of these vegetables. Besides these we have two species of Sigillaria, (Brong- niart), which, if not altogether different fn m any described by fossil botanists, are very rare. (See Figs. 8 and 9.) Fig. 9. The trunks of these plants are from one to three feet in dia- meter, and must have been from forty to sixty feet high. The scars on the stems are in parallel rows on the fiutings, and the sections of the vessels leading to the leaves, are still visi- ble. There can be but little doubt, that these vegetables were arberescent ferns, but they have no successors on the earth in its present state, that can vie with them in grandeur and beauty. CactcBf and other plants common to coal formations may be collected at many places along these shores,but we forbear entering upon a minute description of them, as it would ex- ceed the limits intended for this report The fact that coal is of vegetable origin, is now esta- blished and believed by every geologist who has impartially examined its relation to the ancient vegetation of the earth. And its situation in separate troughs or basins, offers an ex- planation of the manner in which the vegetables it was deriv- ed from were accumulated. Near Cape Enrage, there arr. two strata of black, shaly limestone, containing the remains of fresh water muscles. At the South Joggin, on the Nova- Scotia side of the Bay, there are three strata exactly similar in their characters and organic remains. These strata are 36 placed one ubovc another at a distance ol' several hundred feet, and at the latter place, two strata of coal of considera- ble thickness, are interposed between them. Thus it appeai-s evident, that this coal basin had successive deposits of mine- ral and vegetable matter spread over its surface, and that there were periods when moluscous animals were permitted to occupy its whole area, without being disturbed by those violent causes by which other succeeding strata were formed ; and it also appears evident that this b^sin was a lake, and not open to the sea, as all its fossil shells belong to fresh water species. The characters of the fossil animals, and more especially the flora of the carboniferous period, lead us to infer, that the waters of the ocean and lakes, and also the climate were much warmer, and less variable than that of the latitudes where coal strata are abundant. The existence of large tree- terns, which may be called the descendants of those now found in a fossil state, still growing in hot and humid cli- mates, confirm the opinion that the temperature of the at- mosphere and ocean, have been reduced in northern latitudes. If it should be observed that most of the plants of which the coal was evidently formed, have become extinct, and there- fore should not be referred to, in supporting this argument, yet the whole of their character^, when viewed generally, are such as prove the warmth of the climate when and where they flourished. Under all these circumstances it is exceedingly difHcult to avoid looking backward into time, and taking a view of the condition of the earth at that period when the materials for fuel were produced, and laid up in nature's vast store-house, to supply the wants of man, who appears to be among the latest occupants of this planet. When the present growth of vegetables, covering the dry land of this district, is compared with the fossil flora of the rocks beneath, a contrast the most remarkable and pe- culiar, cannot fail to strike the mind of the observer. The remains of large tropical trees not only appear in the cliffs of the shore, but their colossal trunks, broken by the fury of the waves, are scattered in fragments along the beach, or appear like massive columns whose summits are scarcely un- covered by the greatest retreat of the tide ; and thus the ter- restrial changes to which they have been exposed, have bu- ried them beneath the water of the bay, or lifted them to the tops of the cliffs, where they are ready to fall from their sepultures, and disappear before the never-ceasing attrition of the bca. In the steep eiiibunkiiieui lie buried the tuttv f)alm, and aiuacarian pine, that flourished in u moist und leated atmosphere ; while on the Kurthce, the hemlock nnd the hardy spruce of humbler growth, seem to uiock the grandeur of their predecessors, over the graves of which they bid defiance to the winter's snow and frigid vapours. At Cape Meranguin, and near New Hoi ton, the cliffs at some places arc covered with the sulphate of iron, pro- duced by the decomposition of the sulphuret of that metal, and the quantity is sufficient for the manufacture of copperas upon a large scale. In one instance the sulphate of lime m small crystals was observed by the Hon. Judge Parklu, with whom we had the pleasure of making our last visit to this interesting locality. the of pe- rhe tuffs furv I, or jun- Iter- Ibu- to lieir lion -5 f ' ,5 *■■ Action of the sea on the coast. -•". I ■■■• v-'lK About ninety miles of coast besides estuaries, nnd in- ^lentntions, are, in the district under consideration, exposed to the action of the sea ; and an opportunity is thereby af- forded for observing the influence of the tides and waves upon the rocks of the shore. From Cape Mispeck to Cape Enrage the ordinary rapidity of the tide is from three to four miles an hour. At Sliepody Bay and Cumberland Basin, its velocity is much increased ; and in the mouths of the Peticodiac, Memramcook, and Tantamarre, it runs at the rate of ten miles an hour. But notwithstanding this constant current along the line of coast, its effects in abrad- ing the rocks are limited to those of a sofl and yielding na- ture, and the range of strong eddies, where the water is urged upon the naked strata with violence. • The configuration of any coast depends upon the hard- ness of the rocks exposed to the sea, which wears out the most yielding parts into harbburs, bays, and coves, while tho more compact masses are left, forming capes and headlands. At every situation in the above distance, these observations will apply, due allowance being made for the variable pdwer of the waves, and the entrance of rivers. It might be sup- posed that low sandy shores would suffer most from the ac- tion of the sea, but such is not the fact ; in those instances the waves throw up a barrier of sand and shingle, upon which their force is broken, and the dry land is thus defend- ed from encroachments. Along the shore under consideration, the Bay is bor- dered in general by steep cliffs, these by being undermined by the waves fall down, and the rubbish forms a slope, de- fending the precipice until it is washed away, when the same process is repeated. The falling of the cliffs is far more common in the spring, when the rocks which have been rent asunder by the expansion of the water freezing in winter, are loosened when the ice dissolves, and they therefore fall head- long in enormous masses to the beach below. It is to the formidable action of the breakers, however, that the great S9 ac- ices (Iclnpidntion of the shore may be chielly lucribeil. Even ii; calm weather, the ground swell, us it is coiinnonly culled, tails heavily upon the beach, or against the rocks, breaking the largest stones into pebbles, and grinding the pebbles into sand. During gales this action is greatly increased, and the dissolving rocks render the water turbid several miles from the land. This effect is also produced by landslips, where largo collections of rock, gravel and soil, covered perhaps with trees^ become loosened by the escaping frost, or the breaking out of a spring, and (ire launched downward to the beach, or into the water of the bay. From these combined causes, and others which might be mentioned, the shore at many places is rapidly wasting away, and the sea is making annu- al encroachments upon the land. In other instances, the united powers of the tide and waves wear out rude caverns, and with uncouth sculpture, form isolated blocks, which at a distance resemble the work of art. The following wood cut represents two of these outliers, as they appear at Cape Muzzle at the entrance of the PetitcojLliaQ. (See Fig. 10.) Fig. 10. ;at The sediment produced by these operations on the sea coast is transported by the tides to the banks and mouths of the rive^si issuing from the low grounds, and thus the ex- tensive marshes of Westmorland and Cumberland have been formed, and are daily increasing in magnitude. These are the means by which not only the geographical features of a coun- try are changed, but its agricultural character is improved by these operations of nature, which from the naked sterile rock, produces a fruitful soil, and whole tracts of arable land are de- posited along the vallies, to feed < the cattle of a thousand hills.' . '^.t. :■..■■,..,- lBXrLOR4TIO.\ ■rr OP T»R IXTRRIOIl PARTS OF THR DISTUtCT. Having given an aocoiint of the different formations, as they appear on the coast of the Bay of Fundy and Chignecto Bay, and the minerals contained in them, we now proceed to the examination of the interior of the district submitted to exploration during the past year, and the description of th« various minerals contained in it, with due attention to the soil and the proper mode of its improvement. The deep fosse that separates the limestone of Saint -John from the peninsula of the City, extends eastward about four miles. The calcareous rock pursues its ordinary -course in a north-east direction, and is seen on the main road, on both sides, at Robinson^s Inn, where, as usual, it is accom- panied with trap rock forming naked and steep hills. Near Ferquson's Inn thes" rocks are met by the granitic and syer.i- tic ridge already described, which, from this place, extends in a north-west direction acrt)ss the peninsula of Kingston to a mountain, improperly called the " Devil's Back," on the west side of the Saint John : eastward, it occupies the high lands between Hammond River and Quaco. The limestone also tppears at several situations between Saint John and Ham- mond River, where the formation is terminated. HAMMOND RIVER. Hammond River, after running in a south direction about three miles, passes through a fine belt of interval^ skirted with some good farms. It is then seen rushing through a narrow gorge in the limestone a mile above the bridge* The syenite is met by new red sandstone a short distance from Gondola Point, on the Kennebeckasis; from 41 / tlience the latter formation, accompanied with conglomerate, runs on a course parallel to Hammond River, towards Sussex. At the farm of Mr. Sherwood, one mile south of Ketchum's Inn, the limestone forms bold cliffs on each side of the narrow opening where the river passes. On each of its sides there is a belt of syenite. Its strata are nearly per- pendicular, and are frequently intersected and separated by dikes of the hornblende rock. — Fig. 1 1 represents two of these dikes, with veins branching off in different directions. Fig. 11. a. Trap Dikes. b. Limestone. An excellent marble might be quarried in the high hill at Mr. Sherwood's farm, and many of the strata where they have not been fractured in the vicinity of the dikes would sup- phr Iprge slabs. The syenite and trap are seen on both sides of the river as far eastward as Titus' Mills, twelve miles from the bridge, where it meets the new red sandstone and con- glomerate of the Parishes of Hampton and Sussex. By ex- aminations made in a northerly direction from this river, the latter rocks were found to occupy a large tract of country, and north-easterly they overlie a part of the coal field of Westmorland. About four miles farther eastward, at the farm of Mr. William Ganter, and on lands owned by Robert Payne, Esquire, the sandstone contains beds of gypsum and lime- stone. The gypsum is of an excellent quality, and being F m surrounded with a dense forest and at an excellent site for mills, it might be calcined and ground upon the spot. Im- mediately by the side of the road there is a small pond, hav- ing in its centre an isolated mass of gypsum. The water of this pond was discovered to evolve sulphureted hydrogen gas, an effect evidently produced by the decomposition of the sul- phate of lime, and perhaps the sulphuret of iron contained in the earth. As this gas is very inflammable, it would not be surprising if the surface of the water at certain seasons of the year would be covered with a flame, if heat were applied to it. The above deposit of sulphate of lime reaches a mile farther eastward, where it again appears above the common level of the tract. Its situation may be alwayo known by the presence of deep pits commonly called " Kettle Holes," which give a peculiar aspect to all plaster districts. These deep cavities are formed by the decomposition of the gypsum in the earth, and hollow caverns are formed beneath, while the soil remains unbroken. In these instances they frequently break in and inhume animals, and sometimes man himself. We have found pits of this kind a hundred feet deep, and not more than ten feet in di" eter. Lofty trees sometimes slide from their foothold inu ::i and disappear, or only have their tops left above -r* nd. In general, however, where the country is uncleared, they are choked with rubbish. The limestone is a dark brown slaty rock, reposing upon a bed of conglomerate, and containing the remains of two species of marine shells. It is covered at many places with a fine black marl, derived from the rock beneath. This will be found a cheap and excellent manure, and, with the lime- stone, offers great advantages to the settlement in its neigh- bourhood. The liver pursues its course in a north-east direction, passing througn a narrow tract of intervale of excellent quality, which is spread along the bottom of a deep valley, walled in by lofty hills of the most imposing aspect. Al- though the lands on each side of this stream are elevated, the mountains of syenite and trap, diverging away towards the coast, may be readily distinguished at a distance from the more oval and undulating hills of conglomerate and sandstones seen stretching away towards Sussex Vale. The whole surface of the country here, is broken and uneven. In the inhabited portions of it, luxuriant fields are frequently seen at the base of some perpendicular cliflj and almost overshadowed by the lofly trees clinging to (be neighbouring slopes. The inhabitants seem to have s i r o e if 43 torn md ind J are m\ to lave sought conceuliuent between the hills which send back the echo of their voices, as they pass the liiendly salute across the river. The soil, wherever it is derived from the conglomerate, is stony and gravelly. The sandstone yields a red loam, and both are highly productive when they are properly cul- tivated. The debris covering the syenite, is more scanty, notwithstanding there are some tracts of good land situated upon its surface in this quarter. Excellent freestones may be quarried from the red rock. Southward of Mr. Can- ter's farm, and at several other places in this district, there Is a fine white sandstone, composed of siliceous particles strongly cemented together, and capable of bearing the vio- lence of the wenther. This rock has been mistaken for gra- nite, and is used for millstones, buildings composed of it would be white, and resemble those built of some varieties of marble. Neither the limestone nor the marl have ever been used for manure. And many farmers suppose their lands do not require the application of any foreign substance ; but they may be assured that by a judicious management of the limestone, marl, and sometimes peat, to be found in their neighbourhood, their crops might be greatly increased. Following the Hammond River still farther eastward, the soil becomes more sandy and meagre. At a new village called the Irish Settlement, sixty miles from Saint John, on the old Shepody Road, the syenitic rock would be distinguish- ed from any other by the appearance of the inhabitants living upon its surface, as their labours to procure a crop far exceed those of settlers upon the more fertile sandstone and con- glomerate. We visited three Salt Springs in the Parish of Hampton, and others are said to have been found in the forest border- ing on the river. In every instance they issue from the new red sandstone, and evidently from deposits of mineral salt con- tained in that rock. The water by evaporation yields a very pure chlorate of soda, (common salt,) but as none of these Springs differ in any important particular from those of Sus- sex Vale and other parts occupied by the same formations, it is unnecessary to give particular details of them, those Springs being described more perfectly. Almost all the high hills in this neighbourhood are com- posed of conglomerate, large boulders of which are scattered over every part of the country. From the top of every ciifl" enormous masses have been broken oif and rolled downwards into the valleys. There are certainly no causes now in ope- w ration that would separate these huge blocks from the parent rock. It is only to the former influence of powerful currents that these phenomena can be attributed, and the evidences of these currents still remain engraved on the hills. Excursions were made into the wild forest on each side of the Hammond River, and the facts observed were only such as coincide with the statements laid down. The line of junction between the schistose rocks appear- ing at Saint John and along the coast eastward to Emerson's Creek, and the syenite, was found between Hammond River and Loch Lomond, and other lakes in that quarter. The marking of this line upon the geological map, now in pro- gress, is rather an arbitrary act, as it is exceedingly difficult to determine where it should be drawn, from the interruption of vast masses of trap rock which have obliterated the true line, and produced a confusion in each formation by distort- ing their borders. In such situations a considerable tract has a most broken and uneven character, being occupied with steep precipices, sharp naked hills, and deep oval cavities of various dimensions. Such of these cavities as become dry in the summer season, appear to have been produced by the fal- ling in of the rocks, while the hills on the other hand were evidently raised by protrusion. Several inconsiderable collections of quartz rock were observed in this quarter. Some of these cross the road be- tween Saint John and Quaco, with colors of the purest white deepened to a bright red. In this rock we found numerous indications of copper : the sulphuret and carbonate of that metal were found in small veins in situations adjacent to the trap : a specimen of the latter ore yielded sixty-five per cent, of pure metal. It Is ' y no means improbable that after this ranee becomes cleared of its timber and the rubbish on its surrace, a profitable vein of copper ore will be discovered. The irregular depressions at the bases of the sharp coni- cal hills are frequently the sites of lakes. The largest of these is Iioch Lomond, which is surrounded by high hills and naked cliffs affording some bold and romantic scenery. Large and rounded masses of rock are scattered over the surface, and the soil is composed chiefly of sand and gravel. Wherever there are any considerable collections of detritus, their surfaces are level and they are covered with a growth of hardwood. In the neighbourhood of Loch Lo- mond there are several fine farms on these beds of debris, while in situations where they arc absent, spruce and cedar Are the prevailing trees, nnd peat bogs are numerous, v 4^ HAMPTON. )ni- kese Near the Hammond River Bridge the new red sandstone commences and continues eastward. It is here, as usual, in- terstratified with and frequently overlaid by the conglomera; <: belonging to the formation. Its general dip in this quarter is north-west 50°, and the course is north-east. At a few places it will supply good freestones, but in general it is too coarse or slaty for that purpose. It should be observed here that the syenite southward forms an anticlinal ridge, the strata of Hampton dipping in one direction, and those on its southern side, dipping in an opposite one from the chain of high lands already noticed. Whether the sandstones and conglomerates were formed after the elevation of this chain, or had their strata uplifted by the disruption of the syenite, is a question not to be answered without deep re- search ; the facts, however, as they have been observed rather lead to the conclusion that the latter is the more correct view of the case. The sandstone and conglomerate appear frequently at the surface, forming broad shelving masses. The soil is some- times scanty, but in general very productive. On the oppo- site side of the Kennebeckasis, there ix a peculiar bold and undulating chain of high hills composed of trap rocks. This chain of hills appears like a majestic wall thrown upon the mar- gin of the river which separates these two classes of rocks. — Viewed from any of the higher grounds of Hampton, the im- posing hills of Kingston with their steep cliffs and deep ra- vines, and skirted with a continued line of fine farms stretch- ed along the side of the river, afford a most interesting and pleasing prospect. The whole tract of country extending from Hampton and Norton, on the south-east side of the Kennebeckasis, and reaching to Sussex, is composed of the red sandstone and con- glomerate. The former rock agrees in its general characters with the same formations in other quarters, and yields, when exposed to meteoric changes, a most fertile soil. The con- glomerate is composed of pebbles and occasionally large boul- ders of trap, quartz, and other rocks firmly cemented. It resists disintegration with great obstinacy, and supplies a soil less productive than othei* strata associated v/ith it. At the Mill Stream both limestone and gypsum are deposited in con- nexion with these rqcks, and might be employed with advan- tage in the agriculture of the new settlements springing up in this part of the country. HUBWH.ltJUIM' WHi 4G SUSSEX. The groat eastern road of the Province follows the di- rection of the Kennebeckasis until it reaches the head of the Petitcodiac, which it crosses near its source, and then runs along the nortli side of the latter stream to the " Bend," a distance of a hundred miles from St. John. The low grounds through which these rivers pass are like a deep channel open- ed among the hills. At the branching off of the lesser streams of the Kennebeckasis, the new red sandstone forms an exten- sive level area called Sussex Vale, a tract not rivalled in the Province in beauty and fertility. Near Roach's Inn, at the entrance of the valley, the limestone may be seen forming the side of a steep hill, and possessing characters like that of Hammond Iliver. The calcareous rock appears again a quarter of a mile eastward of the church, cropping out in a shelving ridge on the farm of Mr. Corey. Its structure is slaty, and the only organic remains found in its strata were a few small tubipores. The outcropping rests directly upon a coarse conglomerate belonging to the new red sandstone group. It may therefore be considered equivalent to the lias limestone of Europe, as it is placed in the same geological position. The conglome- rate situated beneath this rock extends in an easterly direc- tion on the north side of the stream which passes through the Dutch Village, wl' ire it forms an almost perpendicular cliff three hundred anu fifty feet high called the " Bluff'." From the summit of this cliff" the attention is immediate- ly directed to the beautiful villages and luxuriant intervales beneath, where the rocks of the red marly group, true to their geological characters, have, from the natural observation of the inhabitants, directed them to cultivate its surface which is covered over with rich meadows and fertile cultivated fields. The Bluff is the extremitv of a chain of hiijh hills runninij from it eastward. Piccadilla, four and a half miles from the church, is of still greater altitude. The basset of the limestone is fixed some distance with- in the outer margin of the conglomerate, a result that would have followed the uplifting of the rocks by a force applied from' beneath. It is however more probable in the present instance, that the features of this district have been greatly modified by cur- rents of water which have washed the tops of die highest hills, and were capable of producing similar features. Each of these formations at this place, runs south-east, and dips north- 47 Inmg the that icur- vhest :hof jrth- east, at an angle of 24°. The " Bluff" has heeu a favorite resort for operators with the " mineral rod," and strange sounds and apparitions are reported to have been seen and heard at the cliffs. Those who hope to find a gold mine here bj' the aid of divination may depend on certain disappoint- ment, and little will be heard during the summer months, more terrifying than the notes of the beautiful songsters of the inland forest. Limestone occurs at several other situations in this neighbourhood, and may be calcined at a cheap rate. In a low meadow but a few hundred yards from the limestone, some beautiful crystals had been acci- dentally found. Upon examination, they proved to be the sulphate of lime, and a number of large and perfect spe- cimens of that mineral, were removed from the sand where they were formed. We are indebted to Mr. Hallett for a single group of these crystals, which weighs upwards of a hundred pounds. This crystalized sulphate appears most frequently in the decomposed vegetable matter of the surface, and in a fine sand immediatelv beneath it. It is somewhat singular, that these crystals are now in the act of forming, and the calcare- ous mineral is daily collecting on the roots of trees, and olher vegetable productions in the bog. It is curious to observe compact mineral matter, collecting on plants that have not ceased to live. Almost all the crystals contain fme sand, and this shews how powerful the force is, whether electrical or otherwise, which embraces the siliceous particles, and brings them into an union vvith the lime, with which they are only mechanically associated. The decayed roots of the pine, fir, and hemlock, are daily becoming encrusted and clothed with crystals of the most perfect geometrical figures. The mine- ral itself is evidently derived from a depo sit of gypsum, si- tuated at the margin of the meadow. In many of the bogs ami swamps of Sussex Vale, there are extensive deposits of bog iron ore. On the farm of Mr. John Jeffries, and other lands adjoining, there are accumu- lations of this ore of great thickness. The oxide of iron contained in the sand, and derived from the decomposition of pyritous iron, is washed from the uplands, and during the summer months appears in a brown and yellow coating upon the stagnant waters and moist cavities, where the only drain- age is that afforded by the evaporating power of the sun's rays. These oxides of iron finally become consolidated, and from their annual increase, they are in many places ten feet in thickness. 48 The changes prodaced by the operations of nature, are truly remarkable. First, the iron mixed witli sulphur through the agency of volcanic heat, is converted into iron pyrites. This from being exposed to the oxygen of the air and water, produces the oxides of the metal, which by time and pressure, become consolidated. There can be no doubt that many cut the compact ores, of the older rocks have been formed in this manner. Finally the art of man is exerted to restore the me- tal to a pure state, and he throws charcoal into the furnace to absorb the oxygen : the sulphur having already entered into new combinations, and the inert matter having passed through many changes, is at last placed along the railroad — forms the piston of some mighty engine, or forsooth, the polished blade that glitters in the sunbeam, amidst the pomp and pride of war. The iron of Sussex might be worked with advantage, being of a good quality, and situated where wood for fuel is abundant. Also its proximity to a part of the coal field, to be noticed hereafter, offers another inducement to any who may engage in its manufacture. The bogs also abound in the brown, yellow, and red oxides of iron, which will afibrd ochres for pigments. A large quantity of gypsum appears, forming a long ridge, reaching from the base of the Bluff in a northerly di- rection, and meeting the limestone on one of its sides. But the localities of these minerals are too numerous in this quar- ter to require particular description. Three miles eastward of the church, two salt springs rise from the new red sandstone at the foot of a gentle de- clivity, near the great road. The quantity of water supplied by each spring, is about fifty gallons per minute. Every hun- dred gallons yield by evaporation a bushel of salt, which is very pure and free from earthy matter. A small quantity of the sulphate of magnesia was discovered in the analysis of this water, but it is of no practical importance, and too scan- ty to produce any sensible effects on the production of the springs. Salt has been manufactured here on a small scale, the process is evaporation by boiling in iron vessels, and fif- teen bushels have been the average produce per day. But the establishment seems to be neglected, and the buildings are falling mto decay, circumstances arising from the low price of foreign salt. There can be no doubt that the beds of salt communi- cating their propertit^^ to these springs, might be found by judicious boring, and should the M'ants of the country ever 49 require it, an inexhaustible >uppljr of this necessarjr mioerat might be procured. Sussex Vale, at its eastern extremity, is divided into two branches ; one going in the direction of Salmon River, and the other following the course of Smith's Creek. At the bi- \ furcation, a steep mountain of conglomerate, called Mount ' Pisgah, separates one part of the valley from the other. The f scenery of this district is extremely beautiful. The great Valley, with its fertile fields and meadows, shaded by stately elms, and bordered by the thickset alder ; its pastures sloping^ down the sides of the hills, surrounded by several bold eleva-| tions, intersected by deep ravines and rapid brooks, afford a' most pleasing landscape. The rocks of the lower ground are chiefly concealed beneath beds of diluvial sand and gravel, having very fre- quently a fine alluvial covering. The soil is a fine dark red loam, frequently mixed with sand, and sometimes with marly clay. The rains washing the beds of limestone, gypsum, and other rocks, bring down an annual deposit of mineral manure, which is spre'id by the freshets of spring over all the low lands. The earth thus renovated, produces fine crops of wheat, and ," il the vegetables of the climate. Even in this fertile part (tf the country, there are but few farms that would not be much improved by the use of lime for manure. The soil, at a number of places where it is washed by the rain descending from the gyp> am and limestone, is already suffici- ently mixed with the calcareous mineral ; but the unyielding clay and light sand, require its application. The indications of coal in this quarter will be noticed when the coal district -of Westmorland is considered. PETITCODIAC RIVER. The new red sandstone and conglomerates of Sussex, meet the sandstones of the coal district on the old road across the portage ; and the latter rocks were found to extend north- ward, to the sources of Studholm's Millstream. The differ- ent quality of the soil on the carboniferous rock is very re- markable. The rocks of the red marly group are covered with a fertile loam, producing groves of hard wood, while the grey sandstone possesses a meagre covering, and is occupied with red pine, fir, and spruce. Afler crossing the poirtage, the high lands skirting the valley diverge northward on the one side «nd southward on the other, and the country is low and 1«?«1. I^rom theM facts it will be observed that the great valley of the Kennebeckasis extends in a north-east direction until it meets the valley of the Petitcodiac, and thus a long belt of low land is extended across this part of the country^ where it is evident the sea had access at some former period in the history of the earth. The new red sandstone possessing the characters of that rock, as they have been already described, occupies the whole tract of country from the Portage to the Bend, and to a dis- tance of ten miles southward from the river where it is associ- ated with the conglomerate, and reposes upon the rocks of the coal measures. In this tract it was not found to con- tain any limestone or gypsum. Northward, the same rock extends to a ridge of conglomerate, reaching eastward to Moncton, and these formations were found to continue in a north-east direction to Shediac, being again met by coal measures in that quarter. After leaving the Portage the western extremity of the Petitcodlac passes through a tract of fine intervale enclosed between high embankments that appear to have been washed by the river at some former period. The stream is now confin- ed to more narrow limits, and its former bed is almost filled with alluvium. The same observations were made in other parts of the district under consideration, where the alluvial mud brought downwards by the rivers or inwards by the sea, forms extensive marshes and intervales. In the deepest parts of these intervales and marshes, the trunks and branches of large trees still remain undecayed. At the upper part of the Petitcodiac large oaks have been dug up and found fit for use, having only parted with their outer por- tions, called the sap. These trees had been evidently buried during a number of past centuries, and have been preserved by some unknown principle in the alluvium. This river is navigable for vessels of a hundred tons, thir- ty-three miles from its entrance, and the tide flows inland thirty-six miles. At the Bend, the stream having entered from the southward, turns suddenly to the westward at a distance of twenty miles from its mouth. At this place the tide flows in and ebbs off in six hours, running at the rate of seven miles per hour. The flood tide is accompanied by a tidal wave called the borej which at high tides is five and some- times six feet high. The rushing of this overwhelming wave produces a noise like that of a number of steam-boats in operation, and is one of the most interesting spectacles the country affords. The salmon and shad, urged forward 51 by the sweeping current, to avoid the Ibrce of the stream, leelc the shallow water near the shores, where they are discovered by their wake, chased by wading sportsmen, and fairly caught. At low water extensive flats are laid bare ; these are composed of fine shingle and quicksands, which, with the bore and rapid tide, have been the cause of several ship- wrecks. The danger to vessels arises from venturing too early on the flood and too late on the ebb tide. In the flrst instance they overrun the tide, and are stranded in the quick-" sands ; in the second, the tide leaves them before they arrive in deep water. When thus situated, if they resist the fury of the Ifore, the water washes the sand away from the leeward side — they roll over before the current — breaking their masts, and finally, filling with shingle, they are buried in a sandy grave. The bore is much higher and more violent in some parts of the river than in others, — a circumstance probably arising from the configuration of the shore and the bottom of the river. At the Bend there is a considerable village. The soil is chiefly of two kinds, the sandy and the clayey. Lime, if judiciously applied, would greatly improve both varieties, and the admixture of marsh mud would increase the fertility of fields where the clay is absent. There are large tracts of marsh on each side of the Petitcodiac, of which a portion has been diked and is under cultivation. The northern side of the coal district in this quarter was observed about ten miles from the entrance of the Petitcodiac, The rocks of the new red sandstone group, again cover a part of the coal field at Belleveaux village, on the east side of (he stream, and occupy a large tract in the township of Hope- well, having the conglomerate of iShepody Mountain on the southward, and the syenite westward. At the latter place, and near the farm of John Edgett, Esquire, the new red bandstone contains thick deposits of gypsum and limestone, which extend in a westerly direction several miles. The gypsum is a ver}' pure white sulphate of lime, and is situated so as to admit of transportation from the river. The lime- stone is of the same variety seen at Sussex Vale. At the Cape, a high clifl' four miles above the entrance of the river, a grey sandstone of this group reposes upon strata of soft marly clay. This rock is worked by the French in- habitants for grindstones, the only instance seen in the Pro- vince of strata belonging to the newer sandstone being used for that purpose. Its dip is south by west 10^, and is almost Wuwu'i 52 directly opposite to that of strata belonging to the coal niea-> •ures beneath, and those of the eastern side of the Petitcodiac. A fine magnetic iron sand is washed from the strata of the cliff, and may be collected on the beach below. It is an ex- cellent blotting sand. Near the out-cropping of the coal-bearing strata, ond at the Belleveaux village, there are two mineral springs, the waters of which are so similar in their characters that they do not require a separate analysis. There is also a spring of mineral water on the farm of Mr. Stephen Smith, within sixty yards of the line separating Hopewell from Hillsboro.' In the water from each of these springs sulphureted hydrogen, and carbonate of magnesia have been detected ; but we have been unable to obtain it sufficiently pure, and before it had undergone decomposition, to decide correctly upon its pro- perties. There are also large tracts of marsh on this part of the river, and the uplands in general are of a superior quality. Wherever the gypsum and limestone are present the features of the country are uneven, and its fine scenery is greatly im- proved in districts where the calcareous compounds seem to have been collected after the strata of the sandstone had been laid beneath the ancient sea. SHEDIAC. Our labours were next directed to the exploration of the country eastward of the Petitcodiac, and the coast between Shediac and Cape Tormentine. The new red sandstone forms a large tract reaching northward and eastward from the Bend. This rock meets the coal series on an irregular line from where it crosses the Petitcodiac, and runs in a north- east direction to the south side of Shediac Harbour. The country on its surface is very low and level, not averaging more than twenty-five feet above the level of the water of the Straits of Northumberland. Its strata are nearly horizontal, and have not suffered from the volcanic forces which have evi- dently been powerfully exerted in other parts of the Province. The rock is covered at many places with thin beds of sand and clay, and boulders of sandstone are common. Among these are rounded blocks of granite often of considerable di- zuensions. It is known that the current of water which trans- ported these detached masses from their native situations 6ow- ed from the north toward* the south, and it is therefore some- 53 the ital, levi- Ince. land long dP. ins- low- Ime- what difficult to explain how these boulders of granite have been brought to their present situations, as no granitic rocks are found nearer than those of the District ofGaspe, which is separated from this part of the Province by the Bay Chaleur* and a distance of one hundred and fifty miles. But boulders are found under similar circumstances in other parts of the world, and there can be little doubt of their origin, however far they may have been driven from their birth places. The soil of this part of Westmorland varies from a stiff clay to a light gravel and sand, containing a large quantity of mica. Under proper cultivation it will be found highly productive ; but iiitherto the attention of the inhabitants has been directed to the timber, formerly abundant, and they have not availed them- selves of the substantial advantages arising from agriculture. Wq were unable to discover any limestone contiguous to She Jiac, and it appears to be absent in every part of this level district. Oysters are abundant on this shore and their shells are used for manure. Small quantities of marine plants are also appll d to the soil. Besides these, excellent manure might be prorrted from the small creeks and ponds filled with sedi- ment frum the in^iux of the sea. It has been proposed to open a Canal between this place iind the Petitcodiac, and the importance of uniting the waters of Northumberland Straits and the Bay of Fundy has claimed the attention of those who are interested in the prosperity of the British North American Colonies; and indeed the dis- tance, (which will not exceed fifteen miles,) the nature of the vock to be excavated, elevation of the country above the sea, and every circumstance connected with the enterprise are most favorable to the success of the undertaking; and an abundant supply of fresh water to fill the Canal can be obtain- ed from the streams along its site, should it be required. The tide at Shediac rises, upon an average, only four feet, and the time of full sea is extremely variable, it being influenced by the winds in the Gulph of Saint Lawrence, which frequently produce a high water of four days' duration along the coast, and a low water of an equal length of time. A question has arisen in regard to the currents which would be produced in a Canal where the tide would rise fifty feet at one of its extremities and only four at the other. By observation we found that when it is half tide in the Petitcodiac the water is very nearly on a level with the water in Shediac Harbour, and therefore in a Canal opened between these two places there would be a current from the river towards the harbour at high water, and at low water there would be a current in the oppo- M •ite direction^ provided there were no high grounds or locks to oppose such currents.* The Harbour of Shediae is safe and convenient for ships oflarge size. It is, however, a fact which should not be over- looked, that the numerous beds of oysters along the coasts are constantly lessening the depth of the sea and slowly filling up the bays. There are in the settlement upwards of two hun- dred families of French Acadians. The front of the harbour is occupied by English inhabitants, and the whole appear in a very thriving condition. At the entrance of the Harbour there are two beautiful Islands composed of sandstone. On the smallest of these, there are the remains of a fortification ai>d breastwork, which were thrown up by the French immediately after the taking of Quebec by General Wolfe. Several pieces of large fossil trees were observed on the shore. They had been brought to the Island from the coal field southward, by the ice. We are much indebted to Dr. Theal and other respectable in- habitants, for aid during the explorations in this quarter. The indications of coal at Shediae will be noticed in the ac- count of the Westmorland coal field. EASTERN COAST OF WESTMORLAND. Kouchibouguas is a small river about seven miles east- ward of Shediae. The sandstones of the coal measures ap- pear along the banks of this stream, and crop out from be- neath their red marly covering at numerous localities on the surface. Proceeding along the coast the soil becomes more light and sandy. It is, nevertheless, very fertile under proper cultivation. Lime prepared from oyster shells is used for manure and with great advantage; the quantity, however, de- rived from this source is insufficient for the laud under culti- vation, and the marsh mud, abundant on the 5>ides of the small creeks and rivers, might be cheaply and profitably applied to all the sandy soils. On the shore there are walls of blown sand and gravel thrown up by the sea. The winds and waves, *The tides rise in llic Petitcodinc ns follows: Al i lie *' Fend"— common tides 82 feet 8 inches? highest tides, 2S feet 8 inches. At Doiidicstcr Island: common tides, 36 feet; highest lides, 4i feet.— It is three hours fluod hefore the tide leaehes the Bend, and from riishinij nlons^ the river to the distnnce of twciuy miles it rises higher here nhove the lowest level of tlie sea at Griiulstono Ishind, than it does at gorchestcr Islniid. The difi'eronce of llie level hetween Grindslone Island and ilia end mny be estimated m foilowit— pominou liiitis, 'Ij fgot 4 iuchos; bighcal tides, jl7 f proaching when a whole line of coast will become unnaviga- ble. The small rivers and creeks emptying into the Bay be- come entirely dry during the summer months. Both the Gaspereau and Tignish were found dry in the month of Au- gust. These and other rivers have singular embankments thrown up on their sides by the force of the ice in the spring season. They are several feet high, and ref!:emble the breast- work of a fortification, or what are commonly known by the name of ** running dikes." Common tides at the Bay Verte rise seven feet. The harbour is very shallow and much ex- posed to easterly winds. The new red sandstone extends from Bay Verte to Cum- berland Basin, and forms the narrow peninsula connecting the Province of New-Brunswick with Nova-Scotia. It has been proposed to cut a Canal across this peninsula, and there- by open a communication between the Bav of Fundy and Gulph of Saint Lawrence ; and so far as the materials to be removed are concerned in this important enterprise, the situation is most favourable — but the shallowness of the Bav and the de- ficiency of water along the line, are circumstances which should be duly considered when this site is compared with that offered between the Bend of Petitcodiac and the Har- bour of Shediac, the distance at both places being alike. The rocks of this isthmus are covered with a red sandy loam, and consequently a fertile soil. At Joli Cceur settle- ment the rocks of the coal series appear, but over a wide area Co the eastward they are covered with the red marly strata and detritus. SACKVILLE. The greater part of the cultivated portion of this Parish is composed of new red sandstone, which meets and overlies ft part of the coal field to the northward. This rock is here peculiarly undulated on the surface, and the numerous oval mounds, with gentle slopes, add much to the natural beauty 57 oFthis fertile and closely populated part of the county. Ne\V settlements are yearly springing up in the interior, and the whole face of the country proclaims the success of agricul- ture, and the comfort of its inhabitants. It should, however, be remarked, that many farmers seem tardy in improving their natural advantages, and their farms do not possess that neatness which is indicative of taste and well-directed indus- try. The residence of the Hon. Judge Botsfobd, at West- cocic, is almost unrivalled for beauty of scenery. At this de- lightful spot, industry, directed by good taste, has been ap- plied, and the earth pours forth her bounties to its hospitable and benevolent proprietor. The most abundant soil at Sackville is a li^ht red sandy loam, sometimes mixed with clay or alluvium. It contains less mica than the soil farther eastward, and is highly pro- ductive. A great improvement in agriculture appears to be advancing in this quarter, from the practical experiments of the Hon. William Crane, who has introduced peat for manure, and the use of composts.* The best growth of wheat and potatoes we observed in the County was the second crop from land manured with this compost. It is therefore obvious how much the produc- tions of the earth may be improved both in quantity and qua- lity by a proper management of the soil ; but we must defer entering upon this part of the subject until the Agricultur- 1 Geology of the Province shall be considered. The Tantamar Marsh is situated on both sides of a river of that name. It is about thirteen miles long, and, upon an average, four miles wide, being one of the most extensive col- lections of fertile alluvium in America. This vast collection of alluvial matter has been produced by causes still active in this part of the Province. Large tracts have been rescued from the sea by dikes thrown up on the margin of the river, and produce excellent crops of wheat and hay. But the quantity of these productions would be increased, and theii" * The compost made by this gentleman consists of alternate layers of peat, barn manure, straw, &c. thrown up in oblong heaps about ten feet wide and four feet high, in the barn yards, in the following order : Peat, 9 inches. Barn manure, .... 9 inches. Peat, rushes, flags, - - - 9 inches. Barn manure, .... 9 inches. Lime, 4 inches. Saturated soil of the barn yards, - 9 inches, for a coveriug. The peat is taken from a bog near the barns. It is composed of sphagneout plants and flags. ft quality improved, by draining the land vrliere they grow — an object that has been much neglected hitherto, from the great quantity of marsh owned by each proprietor, and the low price of hay. A number of Islands, formerly surrounded by the sea, are now enclosed by the alluvium. Of these, Cole's Island is a peculiar instance. The inlets and indentations of the sea have been filled with sediment, and it is only at high tide^ the ocean attempts to regain its former boundaries. From the rapid falling of the alluvial matter from the wator, the banks of the rivers and creeks are higher than parts more remote, and adjoining the upland, which are fre- quently in a boggy and sunken state. An ingenious and highly commendable plan has been successfully employed to reclaim these morasses. It consists in opening a free com- munication for the sea to enter through the running dikes along the banks, and overflow the low tracts. The water, loaded with fine sediment, is admitted at high tides, and pe- riodical layers of new alluvium are thus collected. The sphagneous and fresh-water plants are destroyed by the saline water of the sea, and the ** dismal swamp " is converted into a luxuriant meadow. These same channels also give exit to the fresh water when the tides are low. The Hon. William CnANC and Judge Botsford are now opening new canals for the purpose of renovating the swamps in their neighbour- hood. Thomas Robson, Esquire, and other Commissioners of Sewers are also engaged in opening a canal on the Tanta- mar to Tolar's canal, which, by being extended in branches, will drain a chain of lakes and allow the alluvium to flow in. At the head of the Tantamar Marsh there is a tract of peat bog, flciiting bog, and small lakes, not less than eight miles long, and, upon an average, three miles wide. The whola site of tliis extensive area was once open t j the sea ; but from the vast quantities of alluvial matter formed from the decomposing rocks along the coasts of Chignecto ^ay, and brought inward by the tides, the mouth of the es . lary now occupied by the great marsh has been iilled up, and the small streams have contributed to the production of lakes which now occupy the lower parts of ihe country. Mineral matter, in a finely divided state, is swept up the river by the rushing tide, but before it is transported beyond a certain distance it falls, and the tide, having reached its highest ele- vation, retires : hence it may be perceived why n:arshes ac- cumulate at the entrance of rivers, (where the violence of the tides and waves is not such as will prevent the collection of alluvid matter altogether,) and why parts more remote from 69 in. of the places where alluvium is formed arc not covered with such deposits. From the rising of the marsh in parts bear the entrance of the river, and the natural barrier thus thrown up^ these lakes and bogs have been formed, and theh' surfaces are sometimes ten feet lower than the alluvium fronting the sea. The same fact may be observed, but on a smaller scale, at the Aulac and Amherst rivers. All these bogs and lakes might be reclaimed by the means alrei^y mentioned. For- tunately the Tantamar has not been obstructed by ** Arbi- teaux," like some of the fine risers of Nova-Scotiai, where all opportunity of redeeming some of the low lands is lost, and the navigation of many fine ttreams has been thrown away. Large trees of different kinds, collections of shells, and bones of fish, are found buried at different depths in the marsh. The vegetable productions have evidently been drifted, and marine animals have been covered in this recent deposit. The rapidity with which the alluvium collects is proved by the discovery of pieces of cord wood of peculiar dimensions, and which are known to have been cut by the French in the early settlement of the country. An Indian harpoon, and other relics of the untutored aborigines, were found at a depth of ten feet below the surface. It has been remarked, by persons of observation, that the tides in the Bay of Fundy are gradually rising, and ac- cording to our own enquiries into this subject, during the last twenty years, they have attained a greater annual elevation in the Basin of Mines, and other parts of Nova-Scotia, during that period. In the great marsh of Westmorland, there are layers of stumps standing in their natural positions, and situ- ttted above each other in the alluvium in a manner that proves the fact of their having been buried from time to time, and succeeded by new races. These circumstances can only be observed near the margin of the upland, where the vegetables of the soil, above the tide, appear to have been driven back by the advancement of the sea. DORCHESTER. le- ac- the of ■rom Leaving Sackville and proceeding towards Doichusier, the new red sandstone is met by the rocks of the coal mea- sures about three miles westward of the church. It is diffi- cult to determine the limits of these two classes of rocks in this quarter, on account of the great quantity of locse detri- tus srjiread over the surface. 60 In the principal village of Dorchester, the gray sand- stones interatratined with conglomerate appear at the sur- face, and form long parallel ridges. The strata run North 68° East, with a dip of 85° South West. There are indica- tions of coal here, over a considerable area, and the remains of plants were found at several localities. At Robb's Mill, new red sandstone and indurated clay repose on the conglo- rn'ornte, in unconformable strata. The soil in general is san- (ij y und requires the application of lime. The sandstones ihave bsei> used i i erecting some of the fine buildings of the village, and whei; carefully selected, will be found to resist the changes of the \7eather. There are several thousand acres of marsh on the Memramcook, which have been formed in the manner alrtn. >.. ■'-• ! WEi$T]!IORIi4i\l> COAL riELD. Having now given an account of the different iormations of the district submitted to exploration during tlie season, and the minerals contained in them, without particuhir refer- ence to the eastern coal district of the Province, we pro- ceed to the details of SHch facts as have been obtained re- lative to this important bituminous deposit. It has been deemed necessary to enter upon this part of the subject apart from any other, from the peculiarity of the formation, and its vast value to the country. The great extent of this district, the short space of time which could only be devoted to its survey last season, the wil- derness state of the principal part of the surface, and the li- mited means afforded, have not allowed us to complete the examination of tliis coal field, and at least the labor of ano- ther year M'ould be required to finish such a survey as its great importance demands. Such facts, however, as have been discovered, are faithfully recorded, and it is presumed that they are of such a nature, as will lead to the full deve- lopement of this valuable bituminous deposit, by nn accom- plishment of the survey and the employment of the valuable mineral matter it has already exposed, and by which a compe- tition has arisen among the inhabitants of the Province for the profits attending its exportation. Coal as it is found in the earth appears in beds, inter- stratified with sandstone, shale, limestone, and sometimes clay iron stone. BeneRth these strata there frequently occur a coarse sandstone and conglomerate, called the Millstone grit, and a peculiar calcareous rock, called the carbon ifei'ous or Mountain Limestone. All the different members of this group are found deposited in basins, troughs, or other depres- sions in the earth, where frequently they have been broken by volcanic and other causes of terrestrial disturbance. Of the whole mass of these rocks, coal, even where it is abundant. 62 forms but a sinuU pruportton. For exninple, in the north of Enghmd, the coal-benring strata have been estimated to be 3000 feet thick, bul the strata of coal varying from twenty to thirty in number, when taken together ai'c not more than sixty feet in thickness. By a reference to our first Report, it will be seen that the coal measures of Sunbury and Queen's Counties, repose upon the mountain limestone, the mountain limestone upon the old red sandstone, the old red sandstone upon the slate, and the slate upon granite, according to the regular order of superposition ; but in the Westmorland coal field, all the rocks from the Millstone grit downwards to the granite, so far as the coal field has been explored, appear to b« absent, and along the southern side of its range, the carboniferous strata rest upon syenite. Facts of a similar nature have been observed in England and other countries. There is great difficulty in fixing the bounds of the coal field of Westmor- land, on account of a part of its surface being covered with new red sandstone and other deposits of more recent forma- tion, the strata of which thin off in such a manner as to leave the line of demarcation obscure. We have endeavoured nevertheless to define the boundaries of this coal district as accurately as possible, and trust they will be found suiHcient- iy correct for all practicable purposes. It has been stated that, beginning at the Harbour of Shediac, the Westmorland Coal Field reaches along the shore eastward to Tedish River. It then extends along an irregular line, southward, until it approaches the village of Sackville, and proceeding in a westerly direction, it meets the new red sandstone near Dorchester Island. A line drawn from Shediac to the Pelitcodiac, about ten miles below the Bend, will mark its northern side. As it has been already remarked, this tract of country embraces that part of the coal district which is situated on the east side of the Pelitco- diac, except a small group of strata observed near the road leading from Bay Verte to Sackville. The coal field then becomes more narrow, and, crossing the river, maintains an average breadth of ten miles, as it proceeds in a westerly di- rection until it reaches Sussex Vale : here its extremity is forked : one branch is curved towards the northwest, until it meets the source of Studholm's Millstrcam ; the other be- comes very narrow and disappears beneath the conglomerate a few miles southward and westward of Sussex Church. — We have here preferred a repetition to making a reference to what has been already stated. 63 Tlie longest iliiimetcr of this coal field is itpwartls of seventy miles, and it will avernge seventeen miles in brendtli. It is by no means certain that coal is contained in every part of the area included within these limits, but as the outcrop- ping of the bituminous strata has been discovered at a number of situations, it is evident that it embraces vast quan- tities of coal, and is of the highest importance to the Pro- vince. In giving details of the carbonaceous deposit we com- mence at its western extremity, and proceed along its surface toward its eastern termination en the Straits of Northumber- land. It will not be expected from the limited time devoted to the exploration of this coal field that n full and perfect account of its extent, contents, and value can be given, at present. The labors of a single Individual, whose assistants could perform little beyond the aid of being guides, and dis- charging only a mechanical duty, require an application dur- ing a much longer time than has been employed in the sur- vey of this district where even the beds of rivers and creeks are frequently so much obstructed as greatly to retard his progress and increase the fatigue of exploring a tract but partially inhabited. We nevertheless proceed to give such facts as have been discovered in confidence of receiving that support these pursuits so much require. The rocks belonging to the Westmorland Coal Field were first observed between the upper settlements of Ham- mond River and the Kennebeckasis, where it enters Sussex Vale. Here they dip beneath the more recent formations of new red sandstone and conglomerate already described, and which rest upon them uncomformably, and the detritus com- mon to the surface. After passing round a considerable area the lines indicat-* ing the boundaries of this formation proceed in an easterly direction towards the Parish of Salisbury. On the road leading southward, and immediately after ascending the higher lands of Sussex, the sandstones and shales appear and ars intersected by the small streams passing downwards to the river. These rocks were examined at the farm of Mr. Allen Sheck and other localities, and their bituminou» characters distinguish them from any other in this quarter. At the latter place there is a stratum of impure cannel coal about three feet in thickness, and from the quantities of this kind of coal mingled m ith the debris of the surface it is evident that it exists in much greater quantities, and of a quality more pure in situations now concealed by beds of sand and ('A other detrital matter. The carbonaceous stratum burns very freely, and contains a very considerable quantity of bi'^Mmert. IJut the quantity of ashes after combustion is almost e(iual in bulk to the quantity of the coal used, notwithstanding its specific gravity is much diminished. The ashes contain much carbonate of lime and will be found excellent for manure. This stratum is overlaid by a fine micaceous sand- stone and reposes on argillo-calcareous shale. Both the sandstone and shale were observed to contain numerous remains, and impressions of the plants belonging to the coal period. Large cacti and calamitcc with the relics of leaves of other plants are widely disseminated through the rocks, which also contain carbonaceous and bituminous matter throughout a wide range. The strata apparently dip to the north-east and from the anticlinal ridge already mentioned, but from the rubbish on the surface, which still remains uncleared of its timber it is impossible to give an accurate account of their position without incurring a greater expense than our instruc- tions would warrant. The same kinds of sandstone and bituminous shale were followed in a north-easterly direction to the extremity of the Dutch Village where they appear in the sides of deep ravines and brooks and also in large pieces mixed with the soil. — From the agreement in their mineralogical characters, and inclination of these rocks, so far as it has been ascertained, it is evident that they belong to one and the same deposit. — The sandstones and shales have one peculiarity, which is indeed common to the whole coal field, namely, that of con- taining a larger quantity of calcareous matter than is usual. — The outcropping of the coal may therefore be considered as having been ascertained extending in a north-east direction from the starting point and along a distance of six miles.- - And although the largest and most important beds of coal remain undiscovered from circumstances already noticed, yet an advancement is made towards their developement. The rocks of the carbonaceous series continue their course eastwardly, and, at the sources of the Kennebeckasis and Petitcodiac, form an elevated ridge branching off to the north-west, and meeting the conglomerates in that direction. They may be seen on the old road called the Portage, and are crossed by the new road at the base of the hills. Few indications of the coal itself were observed in this part of the coal field, for the dense forest, decayed vegetable matter, and diluvial detritus conceal the strata beneath ; detached pieces of sandstone and shale are however scattered over the surface $$ uiid fiequeiitiy bear tlie impressions or relics of vegetable! belonging to the coal period. Tiie new red sandstone was found reposing unconform- ably upon the carbonaceous rocks on the farm of Mr. Col- PiTTS, ten miles soutiiward from where the Pollet River empties itself into the Petitcodiac. Fifteen miles from the mouth of the former stream small seams of coal appear in its bed. The strata here dip northward at a small angle. Coal also is found two miles farther southward and mixed with the gravel and sand, having evidently been transported from the outcropping of some vein in this vicinity, and by the same causes that produced the detritus where it is buried. At this place the shale and sandstone are interstratified with layers of limestone, and the whole series is succeeded by a coarse conglomerate forming the more elevated and broken land farther southward. The coal appearing in small quantities on the surface at the head of Pollet River is of the bituminous and common variety, and that it is abundant in the concealed strata beneath appears very evident, but the almost horizontal position of the rocks, and the wilderness condition of the country render its discovery very difficult without resorting to boring. Here also the sandstones contain the relics of plants be- longing to the bituminous rocks, and the casts of leaves, trunks, and branches still remain in the solid materials of the earth. This river is also walled in by alluvium, bearing in its natural state majestic elms and an abundance of " bush cran- berries," and wild currants. Cultivation has scarcely been extended to this remote part of the county, and the rapid stream rushing from the lakes of the mountains still abounds in fine salmon. These remarks are also applicable to Coverdale River and Turtle Creek. These streams terminate in this part of the coal field, and are crossed by ils strata about ten miles southward of the Petitcodiac, and the same indications of coal exist eastward to the main River. It was not whhout considerable labor that the boundary of the coal field in this quarter, was ascertained. A few inhabitants are scattered along the intervales, but the higher ground remains covered with an unbroken forest. Our next effort was to intersect the coal field from the southward, and to ascertain as far as possible its extent in that direction. Having explored the outcropping as it ap- pears at Sussex and the indications offered at the Dutch Vil- lage, Pollet River, and Coverdale River, it was hoped that I GO .iV r.ll. L-n the same line as it proceeds towards tlie Memramcook, .;• i«u 68 the coal Held we had described in letters addressed to Your Exce]lenicy» by permission, in 1837. Coal, shale, sandstone, and clay iron stone appear on the side of the river, where they form a low cliff, directly above high water mark. The first stratum of coal is near a small brook, and is twenty in* ches thick. The second is about eighty yards farther south, and is twenty-two inches in thickness. This stratum is imme- diately succeeded by argillo-calcareous shale, capable of com- bustion. Forty yards still farther, south, there is another stratum, four feet in thickness, and superior in quality to any other at present discovered here. Another small seam is par- tially covered by the mud near the margin of the marsh. The course of these strata is east by south, and the dip is south by west 35°. The rocks belonging to this carbonace- ous deposit, are succeeded by a thin formation of limestone, forming a ridge running parallel to the sandstones west- ward* This coal has the hardness of anthracite, but possesses most of the common properties of the bituminous mineral. It ignites readily, and burns with a white lambent flame. — When it is first taken from the earth, it is very hard, and slightly sonorous, but by being exposed to the weather for any considerable time, it decomposes, and crumbles down in thin scales. It is of a dark brown color, and the best kind is streaked with solid bituminous matter, yielding an odor when rubbed, like that of carburetted hydrogen. It retains the heat a long time after the flame has subsided ; but the quanti- ty of ashes produced is very great, and contains a considera- ble quantity of the carbonate of lime. The ashes of the most impure kinds will afibrd excellent manure, and the rock contains enough bitumen for calcination. A pound of the best coal from this place yields four cubic feet of carbu- retted hydrogen gas ; it is therefore like that north of Shepo- dy admirably adapted for lighting cities. The calcareous nature of the shale and coal are some- what peculiar, but they merely show, that during the time of the drift and deposit of the detrital matter now forming these beds, that lime ' was abundant then at situations from which the clayey shales of the coal basin were derived. Also the bituminous and carbonaceous matter widely mixed in these strata, are but proofs of the dissemination of the vegetable productions whence the coal itself has had its origin. All of these rocks are characterised by the presence of vegetable re- mains, sometimes scattered;, and at others collected into lay- ersy sufficiently thick now to afibrd coal. The admixture of GO |e re- lay- ire of argiliflceous and calcareous matter with the coal, is only th^ result of more active operations at this place, than in situa- tions where the materials of the coal were more quietly laid down, and consequently were less exposed to become mixed with drift and sedimentary matter. The alteration in the character of these beds, which in their early periods of formation were evidently fine sediment, produced chiefly by the action of water, and vegetables^ brought downwards from the sites where they flourished by the same active agent, may either have been the result of gradual changes in the order of geological events, or sudden catastrophes that affected the condition of a witle area, com- mon both to the original materials of the coal, and the impu- rities now mixed with it. If we consider the various facts connected with the carbonaceous strata as they appear in this quarter, we are irresistibly led to reflect upon the causes by which they have been produced. And it is only by refering to operations still going forward upon the earth, that we can explain the phenomena, however weak these operations may appear, when compared with the results of those which have so much added to the comfort and happiness of mankind. The coal, with its accompanying strata, may also be found on the opposite side ol the Memramcook. It was ob-* served here, by taking the course of the strata, and may be seen on the farm of Mr. Taylor, a short distance northward of the Court-house, at Dorchester, where the shale has been excavated in the repair of the turnpike. The same indica- tion's also appear at several places in the woods between Charters' Inn and Shediac, where the rocks are often beau" tifully decorated with the fossil flora of the carboniferous pe- riod. A small quantity of coal had been discovered about four miles from the mouth of the Shadouac river, and upon exami- nation, the Westmorland coal field was found to extend to the south side of the harbour of Shediac. The dip of the strata at this place is north 25° east, 7°. An unsuccessful at- tempt was made to find the outcropping of the coal which is evidently deposited in this part of the district, but from the small angle of t!«e dip, the coal will not probably be found without boring through the upper strata. Besides this cir- cumstance, the rocks are fre(]uently concealed beneath a thin deposit of new red sandstone, and the common detritus of the surface. It is evident that by boring in a situation judicious- ly chosen, the coal strata might be found ; and which, from their proximity to the harbour, would prove most advantage^ X '0 oils to this portion of the Province. From tliis source, Que- bec, Montreal, nnd the steanj naviijiition of the Gulph of St» Lnwretict', njij^ht receive their supplies of fuel, and another important motive be offered for opening a canal between two of the most extensive and valuable bays of the North Ameri- can continent. The various shales, sandstones, and calcareous beds composinir what is <:2;eneral!y termed the coal formation have been most frequently preceded by thick deposits of other de- trital rocks interposed between these and the still more anci- ent accumulations of solid matter which surround the globe, and very generally the mountiiin limestone and old red sand- stone are seen cropping- out beneath the coal series at some places along its margin, but the latter rocks have not been discovered in any part of l!vo district under consideration, so liir as it has been explored. It is probable that where they exist, tiiey are buriecl beneath the new red sandstone andcon- srlomerate that evidently overlies larife tracts of the coal field. Another peculiarity is manitest in the junction of the carbon- aceous strata wiili the syenite and trap north of Shepody. Upon a line explored to the distance often miles where these rocks meet, tliey appear to be in immediate contact. But whedier the trap anil syenite have been elevated by volcanic edorts since the rocks oi the coal series were laid, or existeil prior to the deposits now resting upon them, are circumstan- ces n})on which we cannot decitle in the present state of our knowleilge. If, however, the volcanic rocks possess the greatest antiquity, those causes which produced intermediate strata at other situations, have not been in operation here, or those rocks might have been worn away during a period that elapsed between the uplifting of one and the deposit of thti other. Of the importance of the examination made during the past season, in reference to cual only, it is almost unnecessary to make n remark. In a new country, where the progress of improvement is often retanled from the want of sufficient means to bring natural resources into operation, and where more or less timidity will exist, when a large capital is recjuir- ed for the accom})lishment, even of objects known to be of the highest importance; the discovery of such natural resources may not always be viewed in their true light. But when coal is considered in reference to its value, and the services it is capable of performing by the agency of steam, and as being the prime mover in the arts and manufactures, the indications of its existence in any country will be hailed with pleasure by 71 so or the isary 'ss oi' cient lere uir- tlie irces coal it is eing tions e by its inlinbitants. '^I'liat there is an abuiulatice uf [his useful mineral in New-Brunswick, is now no longer problematical; lor it may be seen in thick strata exposed to the lioht of clav, and only requires a moderate degree of enterprise to bring it to bear upon the demands of the country, and tlie support of those national energies it is capable of sustaining. As an in- stance, it may be mentioned, that from the ktiowledge of the existence of deposits of coal, capable of yielding gas in large quantities, a proposition has already been made to light the city of St. John from this source; nor can the time be far distant when other and more important objects will be gained from the mineral wealth of the Province. But we defer en- tering widely upon this subject until we come to treat of the Agriculture and -Economic Geology of New-Brunswick, a work which is advancing as rapidly as our present duties will allow. The physical features of the country occupied by this coal field are very difl'erent from those of other formations, and its agricultural character being established by the mi- neral composition of the subjacent rocks, may be tlistin- guished from any other, and should receive the attentive consideration of those who fix their residences upon its surface. Instead of the red marly loam belonfying to and daily forming from the decomposition of the more recent deposit, the rocks of the coal series, are frequently covered with a thin soil, chiefly composed of silicious particles, and beds of blue stiff' clay, which in their natural state are very unproductive. There are, however, large tracts which have received their covering from the drift uiatter of the new red sandstone, and are thereby rendered more fertile. The general course of the strata of the new red sand- stone and conglomerate, is from the south-west towards the noith-east, and the country occupied by those rocks appears furrowed, or thrown up into ridges, extending in those direc- tions. It is true that each mountain and hill is intersected by deep ravines, which have apparently been produced by causes not regular in their effects; but in general, the ranges of the hills and vallies along their sides, are parallel to the course of each formation, having been established by uniform geological laws. Jn all countries, the courses pursued by rivers are much affected by the direction of the strata over which they pass. But seldom will the hydraulic channels transmitting the fresh water from the mountains towards the aea be found more obedient to this law, us they proceed lengthwise the outcroppings of the rocks. 72 No sooner does the Saint John itself descend into th« primary and trappean rocks of Greenwich and Kingston, than its course is changed. Its branches, Salmon River, Wasliadeinouk, Belli-sle, Kennebeckasis, and Hammond Ri- ver, flow in from the north-east, and parallel to the strata of the formations over which they pass. The same observations will apply to the Miramichi, Richibucto, and the lesser streams of the Straits of Northumberland. But in the coun- ty of Charlotte, where the rocks are generally of the unstra- tified varieties, the rivers run at right angles with the coast, and flow along the depressed tracts between the mountains, produced by volcanic agency. These are facts of much im- portance in the study of geology, and a knowledge of them, derived from geography, is often an important guide ; and from them it may be seen how much the navigation of any country depends upon its rocky structure. From these and similar facts it is also rendered perfectly obvious, how wisely the operations of nature are balanced and adjusted by the Great Artificer of the l/niverse. I have the honor to be. Your Excellency's most obedient ' *, *' And very humble servant, ABRAHAM GESNER, ■ Provincial Geologist. Saint JohUy N. B., January 20, 1840. ^ : ^.-•.j ' I I . r «,■;■*■.. GliOSS^ARY OF GEOLOGICAL AND OTHER SCIENTIFIC TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT. , . i (from lyell's principles of geology.) ,- >, : Alga. An order or division of the cryptogamic class of plants. The whole of the sea-weeds arc comprehended under tliis division, and tne application of the term in this work is to marine plants. Elym., alga, sea-weed. Alluviai,. The adjective of alluvium, which see. Alluvium. Earth, sand, gravel, stones, and other transported matter which has been washed away and thrown down by rivers. Hoods or other causes, upon land not pcrmant-n^/i/ submerged beneath ine waters of lakes or seas, jfitym., oUwo to wjch upon. Amoephous. Bodies devoid of regular form. Amygdaloid. One of the forms of the Trap rocks, in which agates and simple minerals appear to be scattered like almonds in a cake. Akthuacitg. a shining substance like black lead : a species of mineral charcoal. Anticlinal Axis. If a range of hills, or a valley, be composed of strata, which on the two sides dip in opposite directions, the imaginary line that lies between them, towards which tlie strata on each side rise, is called the anti-dinal a^is. In a row of houses with steep roofs facing the south, the slates represent inclined stnla dipping north and south, and the ridge is un east and west anticlinal axis. Akenaceods. Sandy. Etym., arena, sand. Argillaceous. Clayey, composed of clay. Elyni., argilla, clay. Augite. a simple mineral of a dark green, or black tulour, 'vhich forms a constitu- ent part of many varieties of volcanic rocks. Basalt. One of the most common varieties of the Trap-rocks. It is a dark green or black stone, composed of augite and felspar, very compact in texture, and of considerable hardness, often found in regular pillars of three or more sides, called basaltic columns. Remarkable examples of this kind are seen at the Giant's Causeway, in Ireland, and at Fingal's Cavp, in Staffa, one of the Hebrides. The term is used by Pliny, and is said to come from basal, an iElhiopian word signify- ing iron. The rock ofion contains much iron. Bitumen. Mineral pilch, of which the tar-like substance which is oAen seen to ooze out of the Newcastle coal whcii ou the fire, and which makes it cake, is a good example. Eiym., bitumen, pitch. Bituminous Shale. An argillaceous shale, much impregnated with bitumen, which is very common in the cool measures. Boulders. A provincial term for large rounded blocks of stone lying on the surface of the ground, or sometimes imbedded in loose soil, different in composition from the rocks in their vicinity, and which have been therefore transported from a distance. Breccia. A rock composed of angular fragments connected together by lime or other mineral substance. An Italian term. , Calcareous Rock. Limestone. Etyiii., calx, lime. Calcareous Spar. Crystallized carbonate of lime. Calcedony. a siliceous simple mineral, uncrystallized. Agates are partly com- posed of calcedony. Carbonate of Lime. Lime combines with great avidity with carbonic acid, a gaseous acid only obtained fluid when united with water,— and all combinations of it with other substances are called Carbonates. All limestones are carlionates of lime, and quick lime is obtained by driving off the carbonic acid by heat. Carboniferous. A tcfm usually applied, in a technical sense, to an ancient group of secondary strata ; but any bed containing coal may be said to be carboniferous. Etym., carbo, coal, and /ero, to bear. Chert. A silicinus mineral, nearly allied to calcedony and flint, but less homoge- neous and sim])le in texture. A gradual passage from chert to limestone is not uncommon. Clinkstone, called also phonolito, a felspalhic rock of the Trap family, usually fis- sile. It is sonorous when struck with a hammer, whence its name. Coal Formation. This term is generally understood to mean the same as the Coal Measures. There are, however, "coal formations" in all the geological pe- riods, wherever any of the varieties of coal iorms a principal constituent part of a group of strata. 1 .1 74 CoNFOBfiiABLE. Wbeii llie planes of cue set of strata are generally paruUei tv those of another set which arc in contact, they are said to be coiiforniabie. CoNQLOJEEATE OB PuDDiNcsTONE. Rounded water-wom fragments of rock or pebbles, cemented together by another mineral substance, which may be of a stliceous, calcareous, or argillaceous nature. Etum., con, together, fflomero, to heap. CoNiFEB.E. An order of plants which, like the fir and pine, bear cones or tops in which the seeds are contamed. Etym., conus, cone, and Jcro, to tear. Cbateb. The circular cavity at the summit of a volcano, from which the volcanic matter is ejected. Eli/in., crater, a great cup or bowl. Cbop Out. A miner's or mineral surveyor's term, to express the rising up or expo- sure at the suri'ace of a statum or series of strata. i , Debbis. a term applied to the fragments or rcmdins of disintegrated rocks. Debbitus. See " Debris." Delta. When a great river, before it enters the sea, divides into separate streams, they often diverge and form two sides of a triangle, the sea being the base. Tho land included by the three lines, and which is invariably alluvial, was first called in the case of the Nile, a delta, from its resemblance to the letter of the Greek ■ alphabet which goes by that name. Geologists apply the term to alluvial land formed by a river at its mouth, without reference to its precise shape. Denudation. The carrying away by the action of running water of a portion of the solid materinls of the land, by which inl'erior rocks are laid hare. Eti/m., de- niido, to lay bare. Dikeo. When a mass of the unstratified or ignedus rocks, such as granite, trap, and . lava, appears as if injected into a great rent in the stratified rocks, cutting across the strata, it forms a dike ; and as they are sometimes seen running along tho ground, and projecting, like a wall, from the softer strata on both sides of them having wasted away, they are called in the north of England and in Scotland dikes, the provincial name for wall. It is not easy to draw the line between dikes and veins. The former are generally of larger dimensions, and have their sides parallel for considerable distances ; while veins have generally many ramificutious, and and these ofien thin away into slender threads. Diluvium. Those accumulations of gravel and loose materials which, by soma f;eologists, are said to have been produced by the action of a diluvian wave or de- uge sweeping over the surface of the earth. Etym., diluvium, deluge. Dip. When a stratum does not lie horizontally, but is inclined, it is said to dip to- wards some point of the compass, and the angle it makes with the horizon is called tho angle of dip or inclination. Earth's Crust. Such superficial parts of our planet as are accessible to human observation. EscABrMENT. The abrupt face of a ridge of high land. Elym., escarper, French, to cut steep. Estuaries. Inlets of the land, which are entered both by rivers and the tides of the sea. Thus we have the estuaries of the Thames, Severn, Tay, &c. Etym., (cstus, the tide. Felspar. A simple mineral, which, next to quartz, constitutes the chief material of rocks. The white angular portions in granite are felspar. This mineral always contains some alkali in its composition. In common felspar the alkali is potash ; in another variety, called Albite or Cleavlandite, itis soda. Glassy felspar is a term applied when the crystals have a considerable degree of transparency. Com- pact felspar is a name of more vague signification. The substance so called ap- pears to contain both potash and soda. Felspathic. Of or belonging to felspar. Ferbucinous. Any thing containing iron. Etym., f err um, iron. Floetz Rocks. A German term applied to the secondary strata by the geologists of that country, because these rocks were supposed to occur most frequently m flat horizontal beds. Etym.,Jlotz, a layer or stratum. For-mation. a group, whether of alluvial deposits, sedimentary strata, or igneous rocks, referreit to a common origin or period. Fossil. All minerals were once called fossils, but geologists now use the word only to express the remains of animals and plants found buried in the earth. — Etiim.,fc3si.lis, any thing that may be dug ort of the earth. FossiLiFEBOus. Containing organic remains. Gabnet. a simple mineral, generally of a deep red colour, crystallized ; most commonly met with in mica slate, but also in granite and other igneous rocks. Gbolooy, Geognosy. Both mean the same thing; but, with an unnecessary degree of refinement in terins, it has been proposed to call our description of the structure of the earth o-co^nos)/, {Etym.,frea, earth, and firinocso, to know,) and our theoreti- cal speculations as to its formatioa ^co/ojt/, {Etym., lo^s-os, a discourse.) 75 Crahitk. Au unstratifled or igneous rock, generally tuuiui iiift riur to or assovialtil with the oldest of the stratified rocks, and suinetimeii pencirat itig tticrn in the lorui ot (likes and veins. Jt is usually uoinposvd of three simple minerals, felspar, quartz, nnd mica, and derives its name Jrom having a coarse a-ranular structure ; granum, Latin for grain. Westminster, Waterloo, aud Loudon bridges, and the paving- stones in the carriage-way of the Loudon streets, afi'ord good examples of ihs most common varieties of granite. Oreesstose. a variety oftrap composed of hornblende and felspar. Gbeywacke. Gi-auwackc, a German name, generally adopted by Geologists for the lowest members of the secondary strata. The rock is very often of a grey colour, hence the uamc, ^rau, being German forgroy, aud wacke being a provia- cial miner's term. HoBKOLENDE. A simplc mineral of a dark green or black colour which enters large- ly into the composition of several varieties of the trap rocks. HoHNSTONE. A siliceous mineral substance, sometimes approaching nearly to flint or common quartz. It has a conchoidal fracture, and is infusible, which distin- guishes it from compact felspar. Lacustbine. Belonging to a lake. Etym., lacus, a lake. • ' Landslip. X portion of land that has slid down in consequence of disturbance by an earthquake, or from being uadermined by water washing away the lower beUai which supported it. Lava. The stone which flows in a melted state from a volcano. LisNiTE. Wood converted into a land of coal. Ehjin., lignum, v.'ood. Loam. A mixture of sand aud clay. Mammoth. A» extinct species oi {he elephant (E. prlmig'eniiis), of which the fos- sil bones are frequently met with in various countries. The name is of Tartar origin, and is used in Siberia for animals that burrow under ground. Marl. A mixture of clay aud limu ; usually soft, but sometimes hard, in which case it is called indurated marl. Mica. A simple mineral, having a shining silvery surface, and capable of being split into very thin elastic leaves or scales. It is often called talc, in common life, but mineralogists apply the term talc to a different mineral. The brilliant scales in granite are mica. Etym., mlco, to shine. Mountain Limestone. A series of limestone strata, of which the geological posilioa is immediately below the coal mciuuires, and which they also sometimes alternate. New Ked Sandstone. A series of sandy, argillaceous, and oueii caicaveous strata, the predominant colour of which is brick-red, but containing portions which aro of a greenish grey. These occur often in spots and stripes, so that the series has sometimes been called the variegated sandstone. Tiie European formaiioa so called lies in a geological position immediately above the coal measures. Old Red Sandstone. A stratified rock bclringing to the carboniferous Group. Ouganic Remains. The remains of animals aud plants {prganlztd hoAins) found in a fossil state. Oxide. The combination of a metal with oxygen ; rust is oxide of iron. PoaPHYBV. An unslratificd or igneous rock. The term is as old as the time of Pliny, and was applied to a red rock with small, angular, white bodies diffused through it, which are crystallized felspar, brought from Egypt. The term is hence applied to every species of unstratified rock in which detached crystals of felspar or some other mineral are diffused through a base of other mineral composition. — Elym.,'[)orphyra,^nr\i\e. Pyrites (Iron). A compound of sulphur and iron, found usually in yellow shining crystals like brass, and in alniosi every rock straiified and unstratified. The shining metallic bodies, so often seen in common roofing slate, are a familiar ex- ample of the mineral. It is derived from a Greek word meaning ^jc, because, under particular circumstances, the stone produces spontaneous heat, and even iu- flammaliun. ftuAiiTZ. A German provincial term, universally aflopted in scientific language, for a simple miucral composed of pure silcx, or earth of flints ; rock crystal' is au ex- ample. Red Mabl. A term often applied to the New Red Sandstone, which is the princi- pal member of rLe lied Sandstone Group. Sand Stone. Any stone which is composed of an agglutination of grains of sand, whether calcareous, siliceous, or of any other mineral nature. Schist is often used as synouimous with slate ; but it may be ^cry usefnl to distin- guish, between a schistose and a slaty structure. The grami^i omrimary sc/iisti, aa they are termed, such as gneiss, mica-schist, and others, .auuut (it split into an iudefioxte number of parallel lamiuoi, like rocks which kavc a uue slaty cleav- % M 76 ■sd. The uneven schistose layers of inico-schist and gneiss are probably layers of deposition which hare assumed a crystalline texture. Schistose Rocks. See " Schist." Beams. Thin layers which separate two strata of greater maffnitude. Secondary Strata. An e.ttensiye series of the stratified rocks which compose the crust of the globe, with certain characters in common, which distinguish them from another series below them called primary, and from a third above them called tertiary. Sedimentary Rocks, are those which have been formed by their materia!s having been thrown down from a state of suspension or solution in water. Sbhpentine. a rock usually containing much magnesian earth, for the most part unstratified, but sometimes appearing to be an altered or metamorphic stratified rock. Its name is derived from frequently presenting contrasts of colour, like the skin of some serpents. Shale. A provincial term, adopted by geolocists, to express an indurated slaty clay. EtVTn., German scfialen, to peel, to split. Shingle. The loose and completely water- worn gravel on the sea-shore. SiLEX. The name of one of the pure earths, being the Latin word for JKnt, which IS wholly composed of that earth. French geologists have applied it as a generic name for all minerals composed entirely of that earth, of which there are many of different external forms. Silica. One of the pure earths. Elym., sile.v, flint, because found inthatiuinenil. Siliceous. Of or belonging to the earth of flint. jE/ym., si/cj:, which see. A sili- ceous rock is one mainly composed of silex. Stratified. Rocks arranged in the form ot strata, which see. Stratification. An arrrangement of rocks in strata, which see. Strata, Stratum. The term stratum, derived from the Latin verb struo, to strew or lay out, means a bed or mass of matter spread out over a certain surface by the action of water, or in some cases by wind. The deposition of successive layers of sand and gravel in the bed of a river, or in a canal, affords a perfect illustration l)olh of the form and origin of stratification. A large portion oT the masses con- stituting the earth's crost are thus stratified, the successive strata of a given rock, nreservin"[ a general parallelism to each other ; but the planes of stratification not being perfectly parallel throughout a great extent like the planes of 'cleavage. Syenite. A kind of granite, so called because it was brought from Syene in Egypt. Talus. When fragments are broken off by the action of the weather from the face of a steep rock, as they accumulate ai its foot, they form a sloping hvap, called a talus. The term is borrowed from the language of fortification, wnere talua means the outside of a wall of which the thickness is diminished by degrees, ns it rises in height, to make it the firmer. Tertiary Strata. A series of sedimentary rocks, with characters which distin- guish them from two other great series of strata— the secondary and primary, which lie beneath them. Thermal- Hot. Etym., thermos, hot. Trap and Trappean Rocks. Volcanic rocks composed of felspar, augite, and hornblende. The various proportions and state of aggregation of these simple minerals, and difference in external forms, give rise to varieties which have foceiv- cd distinct appellations, such as basalt, amygdaloid, dolorite, greenstone, and others. The term is derived from trappa, a Swedish word for stair, because the rocks of this class sometimes occur in large tabular masses, rising one above another, like steps. Tufa, calcareous. A porous rock deposited by calcareous waters on their expo- sure to the air, and usually containing portions of plants and other organic sub- stances incrnsted with carbonate of lime. The more solid form of tlie satme de- posit is called "travertin," into which it passes. ToPA, VOLCANIC. See " Tuff." Tuff or Tufa, volcanic. An Italian name for a variety of volcanic rock of an earthy texture, seldom very compact, and composed of an agglutination of frag- ments of scorix and loose matter ejected from a volcano. U"NcoNFOttMADLE. See " Conformable." Veins, Mineral. Cracks in rocks filled up by substances different IVom the rod:, which may be either earthy or metallic. Vems are sometimes many yards wide; and they ramify or branch off into innumerable smaller parts, oAen at slender as threads, like the veins in an animal, hence their name. Zeolite. A family of simple minerals, including stilhite, mesotype, analcime, and some others usually found in the trap or volcanic rocks. Some of the most com- mon varieties swell or boil up when exposed to the blow-pipe, and hence the name of geo, to boil, and lithoa, stone. kjren e the from ailed iTir.g part tificd e the slaty rhich ineric ny of leral. L sili- strew y the ers of ration con- rock, tn not oe in e face lied a talus , as it listin- mary, i, and itnple oceiv- , and se the above expo- c sub- iie de- of an frag- ! rock, wide; der as e, and L com- iiame