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Oi'/iiu'arately, giving at the same time the « lot and range, or the name of the mine at which it occurs, so that those interested in this science may have an opportunity of testing the merits of this paper, as well as forming an introduction to the minerals of our neighborhood. We shall first consider the metallic minerals, foremost of which is native gold. Native GoLl. — The only instance of the occurrence of this metal is based on tlie authority of the late ]\Ir. H. G. Vennor, who obtained a specimen from Capt. Cates of the Peche village. It was said by the latter gentleman to have been picked up during a journey through the woods on the east side of the Gatineau river, in the township of Wake- field. The mineral, which I had the pleasure of seeing, consisted of fine visible native gold in a ferruginous quartz, associated with green apatite. This specimen assayed, gold, 1 1.725 ozs. to ton, silver, .52.323 ozs. to ton. 2 Lead and Zinc. — The only representatives of these metals observecJ in our district are the two sulphides, galena and blende. These minerals are found associated in a greyish-white crystalline garnet that occurs in lenticular masses in a crystalline limestone on lot 6 of the Ist range of Wakefield. The blende, which is in black, shining cleavable masses, is often so intermingled with the galena as to give, ai>parently, more prominence to the latter mineral, a feature that must ever be guarded against by intending .speculato)s. Copper. — The only mineral i-epresenting this metal is the yeilow* suli)hide (chalcoj)yrite) found in specks and small imperfect crystals in some of the veins of the apatite mines. Iron. — Under this heading we shall, for the sake of convenience, include both the oxides and sulphides of this metal, viz , magnetite, hematite and varieties, limonite, pyrite auJ pj rrhotite. The magnetic oxide, or magnetite, is found in more or l.ss quantity in the above townships. The more workable deposits, however, so far as our present knowledge goes, lie in the township of Hull, where mining operations have been carried on at intervals for the last thirty years. The oi*e coming from these mines is coarse in texture and is often traversed by veins of red hematite, besides occasionally enclosing scales of graphite and mica. Lenticular patches of this ore occur in a dark green pyroxenite on the south half of lot 7, in the 1st range of Wake- field, and also on the north half of the same lot it fills a vein in lime- stone. The outcropping portion is highly crystalline, and owing to the crumbling nature of the walls good crystals often variously modified may be obtained. The variety known as specular iron ore occurs at the Haycock location in Templeton and Hull. According to Dr. Harrrington it is in parallel beds in a highly feldspathic gneiss. This ore is often mixed with the magnetic oxide, and often to such an extent as to almost wholly replace the former. A white granular apatite, and a trans- lucent variety of greenish fluor are often associated. The finest crystal of specular iron found in Canada came from these mines. The next iron ore noticed (although probably not in suflScient quantity to be available for practical purpose.?) is a vein of limonite of about 1 foot wide, resulting from the alteration of iron pyrites I r J 3 Flanking this vein is a less altered ,>yrito„s snbstunoo enclosi.. hhick shining crystals of tourmaline. The variety bog iron ore is found in several phioos in To.npUton and Hull. But the area covered by this mineral has vet to be ascer- tamed. We no«r come to the two sulj.hides of . ron, pyrrhotlte and pyrite The former, by fa. the more uncommon, o.curs i.i small veins and masses in some of the apatite mines. TJie la.ter is much more abun^ dant, and is rather an objectionable than a desir. bio s ibstance. It frequently permeates apatite deposits., oftei to such extent as ' to detract greatly from the commercial vHue of the latter. In some of the apatite mines, large bedded masses of this miner. 1 occur, enclosing various minerals, the most noticeable of which are ci vstals of apatite and scapolite with their angles more or less rounded. At other times It IS evenly distributed through largo deposits of apatite. To enume,- ato all the physical ch.a-acters exhibited by this mineral would be both endless and useless. I shall therefore select from a few places, this mineral that offers various physical characters. At Haldane's mine in Wakefield, large bedded masses of pyrites were penetrated in sinking their deep pit, often enclosiug rounded green crystals of apatite, and a rusty brown scapolite. During the progress of oxidation of the pyrites, the latter mineral (scapolite) only, is affected, the apatite in all case.s retaining its original color, even when [.artly liberated by the disinte- gration of the pyrites. This locality has afforded f.-ou. tiu.e to ti.ne tine brass yellow cry.stals of this mineral, exhibiting such faces as the' cube, octahedron, dodecahedron and other modified forms. ' At McBryde's Mine, in the same townshij,, this nuueral is foun.l u.ssociated with blende, galena, garnet, S^c, in bron/.e-brown n.asses, which might, at first glance, be taken for pyrrhotite, b,.t which, however', is not magnetic. At the Jackson Hae Mine in Templeton, large quantities of this mineral have been extracted, graduating in color from a brass-yellow to almost grey. Sometimes thin coatings entirely envelope apatite crys- tals. ' " _ Molybdenum.-The sulphide of this metal (molybdenite) has been d*4#«b«^ in snjall foliated masses »t McBryde's Mine in Wake, field. This mineral, until within the last few years, conmianded a very high i)rice ; even as much as |4 per pound being paid for it. At pre- sent it is scarcely saleable at any i)rice. It was formerly iised in the production of a blue color for calico printing, wliioh is now superseded by the bright and less expensive aniline colors. Graphite or Plumbago, — This mineral bears a strong resemblance to the above mentioned molybdenite, physically, although to the ac- customed eye it presents some points of diflfeience ; its lustre is scarcely ever as bright, and does not give the peculiar greenish streak on porce- lain. But I doul)t whether those characters would bo conducive to its ultimate recognition. And I think, ])erhaps, in all cases it would be better, at least more reliable, to test it chemically. The disseminate Apatite. — Tlie elucidation of all the characters, physical as well as mechanical, that so consiucuously characterize this important min- eral, must necessarily be attended with many theoretical ideas which will ever present themselves to the practical observer. It is a stupid idea, and yet lather a prevalent one, that the various j)roduots in nature must conform to the formuhe laid down by man. As practical observers can we reject such chains of evidence, linked as they may be by actual facts, because intricate nature will not divulge her secrets to an imagin- ative mind, T say no. If the existing laws that govern the chemical nature of minerals are not conformable with man's ideas, then all I can say is, so much W(3rse for the man. For assuredly, the various grada- tions that mark the progress of alternation and dissemination of minerals will ere long (assisted by the all powerful microscope) crush out of ex** istence many wild and exaggerated theories. So leaving the origin of this mineral (apatite) to the investigators of the near future, we will pass pn to some of it^ physical characters. No mineral in the Ottawa dis- trict is perlmps better known, 0H{)ecially the freshly fractured gpeci- mens. Outcropping veins or beds nre seldom so conspicuous, being generally made ap|)arent by a wJntish weathering, and might easily be passed over unnoticed. The similarity existing between pyroxene and apatite has often been the cause of much ann-ynnce to the pseudo miner. The mineral, locally known as phosphate, is found of almost all shades of coloi-, from white to almost black, passing through various shades of green, red, yellow, and blue, the last color being by far the most uncommon. Small prisms of this color aie sparingly dispersed through a disintegrating coarse crystalline lime- stone on the south half of lot 7, range 1, of Wakefield. The yel- low variety occurs in crystals two inches in length, associated with oblique rhombic prisuis of pyroxene, on lot 14, range 1, in the same township. The black, or dark-greenish variety is fotnul in nuggets of a slaggy appearance, with jjitted surfaces, at the Jackson Ilae Mine in Templeton. The white is generally confined to the granular varieties, known as "sugar phosphate," but rarely occurs in a state of absolute purity, being more or less mixed with the coarse cleavable mineral. A dark -green granulai- \ariety, impregnated with iron pyrites, forms a laige deposit on lot 12, range 1, Wakefield. The green and red varieties may be regarded as the predominating mineral, and in many of the mines the two colors are interblended, which feature may continue through the entire mass. At the Jackson Rae Mine in Tem[)leton, and at a pit known as the " Spring' Mine," a quantity of a beautiful, translucent, sea-green apatite has been extracted comparatively free from foreign inclusions. A very pure i eddish mine- ral, assaying as high as 86 per cent of tribasic phosphate of lime, occurs in bedded ma.s.ses at Gemmill's Mine in Wakefield. A block, estimated at 4 tons, was blown out by a single blast from one of the masses. *' Moore's Mine," in the same township, is remai-kable for the abundance of crystals that have been extracted during the last four years. Huge cr3^stals, hundreds of pounds in weight, have been met. with imbedded in a pink cleavable ealcite. When visiting this mine two years ago, a beautiful vein of inter- locking crystals of a translucent sea-green color, had been developed. The gangue formerly, surrounding these crystals had beeg dissolved tq e the depth of one foot, giving groat prominence to these forms. But owing to their frangibility and easy cleavage, they could rarely be removed intact. We may certainly infer from this that the phosphate mineral is le.s8 acted ufion than the surrounding limestone, and yet, if those crystals are entirely liberated and eximsed to a moist atmosphere they soon undergo disintegration. The rounding of the angles of these crystals has drawn forth many theories respecting their disfigurement, fusion being offered as ai. explanation by some mineralogists, whilst others attribute it to a sol- vent action. Now, whether we adoi)t the igneous theory, or that of par" tial solution, serious objections may aiise to I'efute either. Itx tho first instance, minerals easily fusible and yet preserving their sharpness of out- line, are found associated with rount-ed crystals of a less fusible ai>itite. Than again, we meet with rounded crystals of pyroxene (although much more rare) imbedded in limestone, also enclosing rounded crystals of apatite. Now, it is hard to understand how the apatite and pyroxe.e alike should be attacked by the action of a solvent, when the latter mineral ia almost insoluble. Some aluminous varieties are, however, decomposed with great difficulty by sulphuric acid at the temperature of 2i50*^ c. It frequently happens that crystals of apatite a.ssuming sharp angles are indiscriminately mixed with others that have f)eeu rounded, imberlded in the same limestone. On the other hand it rarely happens that crystals lining tho walls uf fissures have their anglts rounded, although frequently one or more of their faces are obliterated or otherwise contoited, probably due to an interrupted crystalization. Bent or broken crystals that have been recemented are of common oc- currence. The same crystals often enclose calcice, and others again have cavaties extending the whole length of the crystal, are entirely empty, or contain a rounded pebble of cleavable calcite. . _ = ,^:,j I should like to engage your attention for a few moments on the occurrence of this mineral in Hull and Wakefield. At an opening known as the " Gow Mine," in Hull, a pit has been sunk 150 feet in limestone, parallel to the wall of a large fissure which may be said to characterize this band for several miles, it being made the more con- spicuous by the abundance of crystals everywhere adorning it^ walla. r S' the Sovcral mines havo boon estahlishoil ou Uuh bami with gratifying ro- snits. Tho apatite, which is mostly of the greenish vaiioty, rnns in most cases confoiiuably with the limestone, akhougli some amall veins wore seen inferaecting it. Tho aggrogato yioltl of this band in the town- 8hi|) of If nil iuay be ronghly placed at 4,500 tons. We also find this mineral an ingredient of the orthoclase band running throtgh this town-ship, and like the latter, characterized in places by a contact wall covered with crystals of pyroxene, apatite, phlogopite, &c. T am not aware of any remunerative mines situated on this band. Many atteiipts have been made to work the small veins that occur at places, but have generally resulted in failure. At Haldane's Mine, in Wakefield, a pit lias been sunk 125 feet, on what appears to be a vein, cutting the stratification, of a dark-green granular apatite, impregnated with pyritea, also often enclosing epidote, Bcapolite, pyroxene, &,c. The latter mineral is frequently of a caver- nous nature, in which case the cavities are filled with chaba/ite and a silky tibrous mineral resembling natrolite. At Wilson's mine in the same township a fine granular, strongly coherent, . iddish apatite, mixed with a gre^a, cleaval/e variety filled a vein 12 Inches wide in gneiss, which, however, became "nipped" at no considerable depth. In following some of the crystal beds at "Moort's Mines" large *j-2« cavernous "luf^" were struck, walled with beautiful crystals of pyroxene, phlogO[)ite and apatite. One of these oaves was 30 feet long, 6 feet in width and 8 feet in height, roofed with a pink crystalline limestone, studded with green crystals of apatite standing out in relief on its partly dissolved surfaces. The following statistics for the three township? may be summa- rized as follows: — For the township of Hull, up to the present time, between 5,000 and 6,000 tons have been extracted. Wakefield has probably afforded between 8,000 and 9,000 tons, and Templeton between K),G00 and 17,000 tons. The total output of all the mines in Canada for this year (1884) is 22,143 tons, extracting 1,790 tons supplied by the Perth and Kingston district, we have 20,353 tons, the product of the Ottawa county for one year. We now come .to the anhydrous and h ydrated silicates, of which we have about 30 representative minerals. I I : i I \ I l Tho first of these we shall notice is the fibro-tabuhir Wollastonito ojcurring on lot 7, range 1 of Wakefield, in small delicate pink crystals, but which, however, soon fade on exposure. This mineral also occurs in large, fibrous masses in a dark sky-blue calcite at the same locality. A similttr mineral occurs on lot 14 of the same range, enclosing an amber-colored garnet and i>ri3ms of a brown or greenish idocrase. Pyroxene. — This mineral, either massive ov crystallized, may be n^garded as the most common associate of the apatite deposits. Now, under this heading, we have a uuraber of varietie.';, but until more extended research shall have established their authenticity it will be better to retain the general name of pyroxene. The massive variety, wliich is mostly of some shade of green or grey, comprises large areas of rock masses, which may conform to the general deposition or cut it. No attempt can or will be made, with our limited space, to enu- merate every physical character offered by this mineral. But we will select such illustrations as ma ffer the widest points of difference. On lot 1), range 13, of HuJ, crystals of a grayish or grass green color, often doubly terminated, occur in a band of pink limestone, making up one-half its v chime. They vary in size from 1 oz. to many pounds in weight. Good crystals ar^ often found in the soil, that have been liberated by solution. The largest and finest crystals of this mineral are found at Moore's Mines, in Wakefield. Their planes, how* ever, are rough and dulled by an incipient decomposition, a defect more than counterbalanced by their sharpness of angles. These crystals frequently attain an enormous size, often enclosing portions of calcite, phlogopite and apatite, and like the latter mineral are often found bent, and sometimes broken and recemented. On the 7th lot of the first range various modified forms of the four-sided prism occur in a crystalline limestone, and by extended replacements of their basal edges produce such forms as the octahedron with rhombic bases. Other complicati )ns exist, such as the enlargement o^ one set of faces at the expense of others, giving rise to very unsymmetrical shapes. Their color is white and translucent, their opacity depending on the advance- ment of decomposition that so conspicuously in places mars their exterior lustre. On this same lot a mineral is found, having the crys- talographic form of pyroxene, exhibiting every hardness between 8 and K 2. In the vioiiiiLy of some lenticular patches of a serpentinous mineral iine inclined square prisms of pyroxene are associated with a scaly white garnet, and although their external planes are converted into an unctuous steatitic mineral their internal fracture are vitreous ; gener- ally semi-transparent to translucent, of a greenish white color. Tliose crystals are built up of thin laminje, parallel with their lateral planes, in the direction of which they cleave with great facility. The dark green lamellar variety occurs in patches in a massive scapolitic rock on lot 7, range 7, of Tenipleton, and at the same locality in calcite veins, crystals with rounded angles, often semi-translucent, are frequently met with. Fine crystals of a black color are said by Or. Harrington to occur on lot 13, range 11 of Tenipleton. The mineral umlite, also mentioned by the same gentienian, is found in many places in Templeton, whore it ajiparontly forms a transi- tory mineral between pyroxene and hornblende. Hornblende, altiiough a common associate of the apatite veins, is " nevertheless never as constant as the latter mineral (pyroxene). Inde- pendent of the extensive rock masses wherein this mineral forms a variable ingi"e lient, it may be said to be confined to mixed veins, com- mingling with such minerals as apatite, pyrite, pyroxene, epidote, scapolite, &c. The crystallised varieties are seldom observed in the apatite veins, although remarkably fine prisms often occur in close con- nection. Oil lot 12, range 10 of Hull, dark green translucent prisms nearly 4 Indies in length are interspersed through a band of pink limestone. Thny are also met with in radiating groups in cavities in a pyroxene rock. A pale green translucent variety, occurs in modified rhombic prisms on lot 17, range 1 of Wakefield. A greenish gray fibro-bladed variety in reticulating masses occurs at one of the openings at Gemmill's mine in the sauie township, associated with apatite and occasionally enclosing ferruginous prisms of zirc t. A broken section of the latter mineral measured half an inch by a quarter. The fibrous variety actinolite may be frequently met with. On the 12th lot in the 12th range of Templeton, a bluiah, fibrous, partly altered hornblende occurs on tlie walls of an apatite vein. A white fil>rous tremolite is found in the neighborhood of OKI Chelsea, in white crystalline dolomite. n if : f ^ 4a^c£ S 10 Oaiaet. — This iniuoml, until within the Inst two oi' thi^c years, wa«t regarded as a rare occurrenoe in this neighbourhood, being principally confined to small crystals, distributed through the laurentian gneisses. In the vicinity of the Baldwin Mines in Hull, the precious variety, ])ro- bably aimandiue of a blood-red color, in lamellar masses, often an inch or more across, occurs in a schistose Jock. A massive variety of a dingy i-eddish-brown color occurs on lot 18, range 2, of Wakefield, in a vein cutting; the stratification. Crystals shoving rhombic faces sometimes an inch or more across, are associated with crystals of epidote and stilbite in the more cavernous portions of the vein. The above garnet was mined to the extent of about two tons, in supposition that it was apatite. A red variety of tNis mineral occurs — according to Dr. Harrington — on lot 12, range 12, of Templeton. An amber- colored garnet, probably essonite, occurs on lot 14, range 1, of Wake- field. This locality a few yeai-s ago afforded some handsome crystals having been extracted for aj)atite. A certain gentleman on hearing of the occurrence, with an eye to dollars and cents rather than national development, obtained, either by gifti or purchase, nearly all the out- put. I am told some of these crystals measured three inches across, all of which were sold in the States. This locality has since been visited by dealers from Philadelphia and New York, who have now almost ex- hausted the mineral. These crystals occur in a bed of woUastDnlte, with brown prisms of idocrasn ; sometimes the latter mineral is im- bedded in the former. Occasionally patches of a translucent scapolite are entirely enveloped in a coating of garnet. Notwithstanding its high lustre and bright color, it could not be applied to any ornamental ues, owing to the grains constituting the crystals, being so loosely co- herent. I' A few miles west of this locality, on lot 6, in the same range, handsome crystals of a lime garnet, occur in a band of crystalline lime- 8t ue, associated with pyrite, galena, sphalerite, wollastonite and py- Y' ^ene, forms exhibiting the faces of the rhombic dodecahedron and tiiapezahedron being common. IcOif^m of the latter are often extended almost to the obliteration of the former. Their color varies from white,- or almost colorleps, to dark-green, passing through wine-yellow, sul- phur-yellow, and purple. One perfect crystal from this locality would w w weigh about one pound, being of a dark -green color, translucent only on the edges. One of its planes was penetrated by an octahedron of grey pyroxene. The white variety attains even a much larger size, and crystals as large as a cricket-ball may be frerpiently iLot with. On the next lot, 7, a garnet a{)parently containing much more iron, fus- ing to a black glass, occurs in a band of disintegrating limestone, and, like the latter I'ock, is rapidly losing its cohesive properties A portion of a large crystal obtained near the surface could not have weighed less than five pounds originally. Its color is more of a brownish tinge, and it is seldom as bright in lustre. A. peculiar white scaly variety in crystalline masses, more or less mixed with a serpentinous min- eral (its line of contact being often difficult to discern) occ\irs in close connection with the above. It sometimes exhibits one or more rough faces, which are invariably altered to a steatitic minei-al. Chrome Garnet. — Beautiful little dodecahedrons of this mineral occur in small groups, or attached crystals, in a hne granular grev pyroxene, on lot 29, in the 4th range of the same township. Zircon.— Fine specimens of this mineral have been fouad at vari- ous times during the development of the apatite deposits in tlie aV»()ve townships. A crystal 15 inches in length is said to have been found bv a miner on lot 23, range 13, of Temi)leton. who, being doubtful of its nature, broke it up to satisfy his inward cui-iosity. You may imagine the poor man's feelings when he was told that he had just let slift through his fingers $200. One crysti\l preserved from this locality, now in the possession of Mr..]. G. Miller, measures four and a hnlf inches laterally and one inch across the faces. Anotlier crystal from Gemmill's Mine in Wakefield k said to be six inches in length. Small crystals may frequently be found in calcareous portions of the pyroxene rocks. On lot U, range 1, of Wakefield, crystals from a quarter to an inch in length occur in a thin layer of shaly limestone that is intercair ated between beds of woUastonite. At Haklane's Mine, in the same township, minute pink semi-transparent prisms occur in pyroxene. Idocrase. — Handsome crystals of this mineral aie found in Teiu- pleton and wakefield. Brownish-netl slightly modified prisms, un inch in diameter, occur on lot J, range 12, of the former township, and on lot 14, raftge 1, of Wakefield, brownish and greenish piisips oft^n ov^r an inch in diameter, occur in n wollftstonite lock, 12 ij • Caxoclasite. — In this connection may be nientioneJ a mineral that has been described by Prof. Lewis, of tlie Academy of Natural Sci- ences, Philadelphia, as caxoclasite. This mineral occurs in blue calcito on lot 7, range 1, of Wakefield, in square prisms with their solid angles unsymetrically truncated. Its color is white, generally more or less stained with oxide of iron, lastre resinous, some^imes inclining to pearly, opaque. i :!;•:• , The name chosen would imply that the mineral in question h.\s a poor cleavage, whereas it has none. Then again, in the analysis given by the same gentlemati, two or three per cent, of phosphoric add was determined. Perhaps Mr. Lewis did not observe the minute prisms of green apatite that sometimes penetrate this mineral, and from which source, no doubt, his phosphoric acid was obtained, . ^^ ? ',j«' wm * Scapolite. — This mineral may be regarded as one of the most con- stant associates of the apatite deposits, generally ocouri'iug in bedded masses, sometimes alternating with hornblende, producing a banded structure of several feet in thickness. . , At times masses of this mineral are made up of aggregations of huge but rough crystals of a grayish white color. However, some good examples of crystallized forms are met with in many places in Wake- field and Templeton. For localities in the latter township I would refer to Dr. Hai-rington's report, 1877-78. He says the finest crystals occur on lot 14, range 12, and on lot 23, range 13; crystals over one foot in length, although externally rough, are frequently met witli. On lot 7, range 7, of the same township, a thick bed of grayish white scapolite was penetrated, enclosing patches of a lamellar dark green j)yroxene and green apatite. On lot 10, range 10, a beautiful translu-- cent variety occurs, and which assumes a pink color on exposure. In the township of Wakefield, on lot 17, range 1, fine square prisms' sometimes modified, of a grayish white color, occur, coating an out- crop of the massive variety. On the next lot, 18, range 2, a grayish* translucent massive variety is interstratified with hornblende. On lot 7, range 1, doubly terminated prisms with rough exterior planes are liberated from a disintegrating limestone. On lot G, range 2, a trans- lucent canary yellow cleavable variety occurs, but how associated T did ^ot ascertain, t ij k.! 15 \.S Jl Wilsonite. — This mineral is now generally believed to be an altered scapolite, and may often be observed forming a neuc!eus in masses of the latter mineral. Good illustrations occur at many of the Koapolite localities. Ei)idote. — Independent of the occurrence of this mineral in the stratified rocks of the neighborhood, we meet with it in crystals lining cavitie.s, besides forming an ingredient in many mixed veins. On lot 18, range 2, of Wakefield, dark yellowish green crystals, from a six- teenth to an inch in length, line cavities in massive garnet. At Hal- dane's mine in Wakefield large quantities of a greenish crystalline epid te were extracted, as.sociated with pyrite, &c. Occasionally ter- minated square prisms of a light yellowish green color, enclosing dis- seminated [>yrites, are embedded in a grayish green granular apatite, and are apparently pseudomor[)hs after scapolite. In the township of Templeton this mineral occurs on lot 9, range 10 and lot 23, range 13. Mica. — This name will be retained to include a number of doubt- ful minerals, all of which have one perfect basal cleavage. Besides being disseminated through the schistose and gnelssic rocks it often constitutes large volumes in some of the phosphate veins, either dis- tributed in small scales through extensive masses of apatite and pyrox- ene, or forming large aggregations, sometimes affording plates two feet square in a calcareous gangue. ' ' '. > ^ ; *" .s j The mica fever, so prevalent in all jiarts of the Dominion, does not seem any milder in this neighborhood. The imwavering enthu- siasm after marketable mica, encouraged by flattering reports, of irre- sponsible persons, will always remain a source of dubious speculation with the far-seeinir capitalists. We shall not attempt to deny that unlimited quantities of this mineral are found in the above townships, but with one or two exceptions I have rarely met with plates sutti- ciently transparent, or free from included minerals, or from contortion, as to be available for commercial purposes. On the south half of lot 10, range 10, of Templeton, plates two feet square were taken cut during the development of an apatite deposit. These i>lates were perfectly free from folds or inclusions, transparent enough in thin laminae, but yet unsaleable because they would not stand the so-called New York fire test. Yet this same mica has been exposed to the heat of an ordinary n i /■ 14 stove for the last two years, ami althougli it became slightly discolored it nevertheless compares favorably with some grades of the commercial article. At Chitty's mine in Wakefield, great quantities of this mineral were met with, capable of sixpplying very Urge plates, although occa- sionally marred by lateral joints. ^ ^ What this mineral lacks in a commercial point of view is more than counterbalanced by tie magnificent prism ? available to the scien- tific world. For symmetry of form the crystals lining the walls of fissures, or enclosed in limestone, are not rivalled in the Dominion. At Moore's mine, in Wakefield, prisms over a foot in diameter with lateral planes \arying from an inch to a foot or more, stand out in relief on the dissolved surfaces of the limestone. Thin plates of this mineral are remarkable for showing in a strong degree the asterism or radiating star when viewed through a transparent plate of it. This is due, according to G. Rose, to intersecting minute crystals of biotite, but considered by Tschermak to be some undeter.nined substance. More recent investigations have put forth rutile as the inclusion. This peculiarity does not extend to all our micas alike, as nonasterintcd varieties are frequently associated with the asteriated. Neither is it confined to any particular color, as the pearly white and the black both exhibit these optical characters. Prisms of the black variety often exhibit lateral cleavages, which are easily obtained, breaking up into rhombic forms. On lot 7, range 1, in the same township, a pearly white sometimes tinged with a copper red color occurs in a bed of lime- stone often holding concretionary inclusions of calcite. These ci'ystals, which aie sometimes' twinned, are peculiarly characterized by a phos- phorescent light that glows momentarily when the plates are suddenly ))arted. Large aggregates of these crystals are sometimes met with, where one-half the prism.s, laterally, are transformed in a slightly micaceous steatitic rock, the unaltered portion having thin films of carbonate of lime inteJT^olated between the lamina^ Oligoclase. — A mineral occaring in veins in a gray pyroxene rock on lot 16, range 12, of Hull, has been referred by Mr. Hoff'mann to oligoclase. It is often beautifully crystallized, of a slightly translucent white color, weathering to an opaque milky white. Aibite. — This mineral is mentioned by Dr. Harrington as occyr-,, i^ng i}t several places in Templeton. No locality being cjted, it js i la possible this name may be applied to nm\)y of our local foUlspara, but until analysis shall have established their projierties it will bo better to refer to them under the geueiiil heading of feldspar. •^^'^Aftf i^i^im 'es distributed in crystals through various vein-stones. Rude crystals of a brownish color occur in many places in the township of Templeton. In Hull, lot 12, range 13, imperfect crystals of this mineral are so abundantly distributed through a pyroxene rock as to make up one-half its bulk. The finest crystals I iiave observed I IP Nil Hi in Lliese townships, occur on lot 7, range 1, of Wuketield, in a band 6f limestone. They are clove brown in color, Honiotimcs measuring two inches acrosH. A little south of this locality, on the same lot, crystals of a light cinnamon brown color are profusely disseminated through a dark cleavable pyroxene. The latter rock is cut by quartz also thickly studded with these crystals, A few hundred yarda north- east from the latter place lenticular patches of a crystalline titanite of a dark brownish black color are enclosed in pyroxene^ .'.ffiH'" u ?.«':Huni This mineral is also said, by Mr. Frank Adams, to occur in crystals in a disintegrating dyke in Hull, j;,,,, ; v, V» :■> ' «vsir» ■. '^« -» Tourmaline.— This mineral, of a black color, may frequently be met with, either enclosed by or investing the rocks of the neighbor hood. Black, lustrous crystals, variou-ly modified, occur in a pinkish calcite at Wilson's mine, in Wakefield, and in apatite on the next lot 17, range 1. Large radiating and reticulating masses invest the sur- faces of a syenite, on lot 18, range 2. The interstices formed by the crossing of the prisma are occasionally filled with crystals of while The finest crystals of this mineral observed in this neighborhood occur .sparingly on lot lo, range 12, of Hull, investing a hard grey pyroxenite. They are generally less than an inch in length, exceed- ingly blight in lustre. Their form is hexagonal, capped with ))lanes of the rhombohedron. Tiiis mineral has been observed at several places in Templeton. .^.^ma. ;.fc,^>6i>^ivv| , :;.««i^i>£v i^.^^v>.fe)iftW;'Vf? ytldi-'ij'/iV': i-n;*.;] .-v.-'^fii-i fum.^. Having now reached the end of the anhydrous silicates, I will briefly allude to hydrous compounds. .,„.,t r^T*:*! jv 'jo p. • .J Talc. — A mineral having the as[)ect of talc, occurs in small foliated masses of a silky lustre, enclosing a nucleus of calcite at McLaurin's mine in Templeton. /Mik^: !:4teatite. — A mineral of the nature of steatite has been observed in seveial places in the above townships, forming small bedded masses- One of these is on lot 7, range 12, of Hull. On lot 7, range 1, of Wakefield, crystals of a yellowish steatite (pseudomorjihs after pyrox- ene) occur in a coarse disintegrating crystalline limestone* '1 la iil,;; Serpentine.— This mineral is more confined to the limestone bands, tiii'ough which it is distributed in grains, bands and lenticular mas.ses. I I I 1 17 Its color varies from u light yellow to a dark greon, often revealing a sharp conchoidal fracture. In the neighborhood of Chelsea, serpentine limestone is interstratified with other bands enclosing apatite crystals. In the same limestone bands of a semi-fibrous yellow variety occur, resembling the structure of hornblende, and possibly pseudomorph after that mineral. On lot 7, range 1, of WakeSeld, large lenticular masses of a translucent green serpentine occur in limestone. It breaks with a sharp conchoid; fracture, and is occasionally marred as an orna* mental stone by inclusions of a foliated graph i to and largo masses of a white micaceous-looking garnet. ■•:,:; ovcrv*',;*-*.-"., ^ . -.v-i ..n;. We now come to the sulphates, of which wo have but one repre- sentative, in the form of Baiite, or sulphate of barytes. This mineral is used extensively for the adulteration of white-lead, which, by aftbrd- ing a wjjite powder when ground, together with its high specific gravity and cheapness, is offen made to replace 75 per cent, of the lead, and although tho bulk may bo increased, the body of the paint is impaired. A vein of this mineral, often veined with green fluor, was worked j»ome years ago in the township of Hull. Another deposit of this min- eral is on lot 12, range 12, of Temploton. It occurs in white lamellar bedded masses in gneiss. The appearance or overlying portion is more or less colored by the oxidation of soniri furruginous mineral, and is greatly mixed with calcite. i -i > ..» ■ Carbonates. — Of this group, like the sulphates, we have but one member in the form of limestone, or calcito, Independent of the ex- tensive beds of amorphous and crystalline limestone that so character- ize this neighborhood, more especially the western portion, we find bands of a more cleavable nature cutting through the pyroxenic strata, forming the gangue of apatite and other minerals. On lot 7, range 1, of Wakefield, a beautiful dark-blue cleavable variety is associated with woUastonite, and on the same property a translucent, green, cleavable variety, often exhibiting large cleavage planes, enclose garnet and pyroxene. Numerous other localities in these townships have afforded forms of the dog-tooth spar and other combinations. . ;. .. • . ..?..» ,- ' vj'- x .. > v Flourids. — Fluorite, or fluor-spar, may frequently be noticed amongst the associated minerals of the apatite veins. On lot 13, range 13, of Hull, small semi-transparent greenish cubes occur in a limestone, and on lot 10, range 14, octahedrons of the same color have been found. It is also frequently met with in small quantities of a blue, violet or pui'ple color. Anhydrous Oxides. — Independent of those members of this group already mentioned under iron ores, we have spinel and rutile to notice. The former occurs in cubes, sometimes more than an inch I ■J- 19 luo ihotn- ange l,of ne repre' I mineral y aflbnl- i gravity lead, and m paired. worked this ni in- lamellar is more J, and is but one the ex- laracter- ive find ; strata, leavable 'perty a ileavage ities in i other noticed >, range lestone, found . olet or )f this itile to a inch § • ••Ji-oss, in a band of limostont, on lot 7, range 1, of Wakefield. These crystals vary from a dark-green to a light lavender blue, and may be more rarely observed in semi-transparent crystals of a piuk color, con- stitutfag the spinel ruby. These crystals are built up of graiuilar conchoidal fragments, which are often transparent. Some of these cubes when broken are found to contain a nucleus of a black, vitreous color, having the hardness of about four, and easily fusible before the blow-pipe. Another instance of the alteration of this mineral was observed in the same region where a group of these crystals weio partly converted into a steatitic mineral. Crystals of spinel from the size of a pea to that of a bean are distributed through a grev pyroxfue rock that extends over many acres. Rutile. — Is found in small red goniculated crystals in hmiU' on lot 12, range 12, of Templeton. Silicon Group — Quartz. — This mineral, not only forms one of the commonest constituents of our rock masses, but tills miinv of the veins that traverse them. It sometimes encloses such minerals as apatite, pyroxene, titanite, &c. A vein of this nature occurs 0,; lot 18, range 2, of Wakefield. Crystals of this mineral are by no means common ; however, a few good forms have been met with in Templeton and Hull, of such shades of color as smoky-brown or amethystine, and colorless., , Jasper. — This mineral occurs in a bed 2 feet in thickness, overlain by gneiss, on lot 15, range 10, of Hull. It varies in color from a dark- red to a chocolate-brown, sometimes mottled with yellow, and is sus- ceptible of receiving a high polish, comparing favourably with similar specimens from Lake Superior and Nova Scotia. It is occasionally marred by inclusions of hard foliated masses of mica and crystalline specular iron. Agate. — A yellowish-brown chalcedony alternating with bands of' quartz may be referred to this mineral, occurring on lot 17, range 9, of ► Templeton. i/ Mr. W. L. Scott asked what Mr. Willimott's opinion was respect- ing the nature of caxoclasite, whether he agreed with Mr. Lewis as to its composition ; also why the barite shaft on the road to Kings moun- tain, which had been visited en pmaant on one of the club excursions had been abandoned 1 ] 20 The lecturer Imcl never visited the locality of the oaiito shaft, and could not say why it had been abandoned. He did not agree with Prof. Lewis in thinking that caxoclasite contained phosphoric acid. Mr. Lawson hail not caught the lecturer's idea respecting the rounding of the angles of pyroxene and a|)atite crystals. Ho com* l)atted the theory of igneous action and favored that of solution, Mr. I^awson considered the objections to the igneous theory satif.ictory, and did not think the lecturer had made out his case against the theory of solution, which appeared to be, that, as rounded crystals o' pyroxene wore fouml with similarly rounded crystals of apatite, the modification in eacli being evidently due to the same cause, and as pyroxene was totally insoluble, the rounding could not h;ive been effected by a solvent. Mr. Lawson thought that water at very high temperatures could dissolve almost anything. Mr. W. P. Anderson" understood that the mica of this locality was phlogopite, which contained a small quantity of water, and was in consequence less refractory than muicovite, the chief commercial variety. He hail been informed that muscovite was found in the Malta v/^a district, and wished to know if such were the case. The lecturer hud no doubt of it, as he had specimens probably referable to that variety. In reply to Mr. Small, the lecturer stated that his a[)atite statistics were derived from the export returns, and consequently were exclusive of the quantity mined and awaiting shii)ment, as well as of the 800 tons used in the Brockville Chemical Works. ,. . .^ Mr. Lawson asked what the New York lire test for mica was? Mr. Willimolt was not certain, but thought it was merely resistance to a blow-pipe flame. It was recognized as the standard of value in Canada. Muscovite was untouched by the Idow pipe flame. In a discussion on apatite it was elicited that nothing less than 70% material paid, although arrangements were reported as being in progress for shipping 65% stuflT to England for treatment by a new process. Members of the British Association had informed Prof,]* Macoun that the refuse of the Templeton mines was superior to any- thing worked in England, and that in the future middlings would bo of great value. Mr. Lawson stated that untreated apatite was proving in the long run superior to superphosphate, t • 21 I ,,i Mr. Wii.LiMorr thought this probublo hoeauuo in its notion it wouUl rt'8omble tho valuab'e fertilizer ground bnnea. j «- , -. ^«i .. ... In reply to Mr. Fletcher, who asked if there was any official stafcemetit on tho point, Mr. Small cited tho r<'port of tho Dopartinont *^f Agriculture on tostn made at the Agricultural ('allege, Gut'lph, showing that good elTects followed its use in tho third year after a|>[tH- cation when applied to root crops, but noi- to cereals. He found this opinion endorsed in leading Scotch agricultural papors, antl stated there was a large demand for tho ground, untreatod apatite in Bjigiuui to fertilize the .sugar beet farniM. .... », ., . . . . , ,„..^ „. Mr. Fletcher thought if this were true the farms in the apatite district should ba particularly fertile, v/hioh, from what- he had seen in this district, did not appe\r to be the case. . . Eev. Mr. Marsa.v instanced some particularly fertile patches on the upper Oatinea,u, which had been worked for wliirty years without manuring and still remained fertile. Tlus success he attributed to the vicinity of pho.sphate deposits. Hi; thought the two theories as to tho best means of using the phosphate reconcilable. Rjots roqiiiro little phosphate, while fruits must have it. In spi'ing it is found that all the phosphorus in a plant is contained in the root, in July it is in the straw, while at harvest time it has found its way into the fruit ; conse- quently cereals would require it in such a form as would favor rapid assimilation, while root crops could get it from the more slowly disinte- grating ground apatite. In the reports of tho French agricultural schools preference was given to the raw material, and the French news- papers were advising the same treatment. The lecturer's remarks on all points he considered most exact. He (Father Marsan) had studied the reighb'-hoo.l of the Desert, which was very similar to the formation at Chelsea. No tract is so uniform as the crystalline limestone band. The observations of tho survey had extended GO miles up the Gatineau ; 90 miles farther up the river the same foimation was found. He had found gold on Trout Creek, which empties into Kagle River. Although the geological formation would lead one to expect its existence he had paid little attention to the fir-st reports of its presence, because farmers often confused mica and pyrites with the precious metal, and would show him finds of these glittering deceivers, but when he hnd an opportunity he brought a sample of sand to the College laboratory and found traces of gold in it; he had, however, been unable to obtain any sand since in consequence of the water being too high whenever he passed. Respecting the apatite deposits he had reached the conclusion that they diminished In number and quantity as the Ottawa basin was left "^ehind. Prof. Macoun said that from a botanical point of view there were advantages peculiar to each method of applying apatite, aa annuals required phosphorous supplied rapidly and would benefit from super- phosphate, while biennials would require it principally the second yeai" as a constituent of their large crops of fruit. fc i. ■S' '• fc