.n^ .vvj V\^-^-.o. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) I -^ LO LL 1.25 M. ill 1.6 Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 l\ L1>^ :\ \ "% .V #.v^. CIHM Microfiche Series (IVIonographs) ICIVIH Collection de microfiches (monographles) Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques nr> Technical and Bibliographic Notes / Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the test original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usua' method of filming, are checked below. Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ □ Coui'erture endommagee Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restauree et/ou pelliculee j I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque Coloured maps/ Cattes geographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relie avec d'autres documents n D n D Q Tight binding may caus-: shadows or distortion along interior margin/ D D along interior margin/ La reliure serree peut causer de Tombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge interieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear with'n the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutees lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela etait possible, ces pages n'ont pas etc fi'mees. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplementaires: L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a eti possible de se procurer. Les details dr cet exemplaire qui sont peut-£tre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la methode normale de filmage sont indiques ci-dessous. □ Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur □ Pages damaged/ Pages endommsgees □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaurees et/ou pellicultes Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages decolorees, tachetees ou piquees □ Pages detached/ Pages detachees 3wth rough/ ransparence I i Trar □ Quality of print varies/ Qualite inegale de rimp I [ Continuous pagination/ I I Cc pression Pagination continue eludes index(es)/ Comprend un (des) index Title on header taken from:/ Le titre de I'en-tete provient: □ Title page of Page de titre □ Caption of issue/ Titre de depart d< issue/ de la livraison depart de la livraison I I Masthead/ Generique (periodiques) de la livraison This Item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est f ilme au taux de reduction indique ci-dessous. ^OX 14X 18X 12X 16X 20X :6x 30.x ; 24 X 28X 32 X T'^e copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: National Library of Canada L exemptaire fikm6 fut reproduit grSce d la g6n6rosit6 de: Bibliothdque Rationale du Canada The images appearing hr)re are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front covt^r and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover wher^ appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — ^ (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method : Les images suivantes ont dt^ reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettetd de I'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprim6e sont film6s en commen9ant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une er^:^reinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second piat, odion le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — ► signifie "A SUIVRE ", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Stre film6s i des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est filmd d partir de I'angle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut an bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire, Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 32 X 1 2 3 4 5 6 L i«4 //i^tyf'Jiy CHA^Jc^nl^uM^ cf ^Au ^Z/y^ ' MAi^flTOBA WINNIPEG. TRANSACTION 15. — SEASON 1884-5. (JLCANINGS PROM OLTeR©PS OP SILURIAN Strata in tiiq Rqd Rjvqr Yalley." -HY- J. H0YES PANT0i^, M.A. A Paper Read before the Society on the Evening cf 27th November, 1884. WINNIPE(; : I'kimki) uy Wai.kich S: May, 322 Main .Strket. ;;^'-/^.;i' -!> -.,;■■ - .-^ I I..JI Y '^'f?-»<- ■ f •;fiy-^ 'I't'f^ vfiiSL. , ■.'■•, -U l''r- GLEANINGS FROM OUTCROPS Of Silurian Strata in the Red River Valley, Manitoba. Early in the autumn of 1883 I made my first visit to Selkirk for the purpose of examining rocks exposed in that vicinity. To my surprise I found the remam-^ of primeval life exceedingly numerous in the rock that was beine quarried. Struck with the profuseness of fossils, I at once concluded that the Silurian strata of the Red River Valley would afford prolific results if made an object of .-esearch. My oreupation during the summer of 1883 was such that I was unable to make but a few visits to neighboring exposures. But the presenc year (1884) brought more leisure for scientific research, better opportunities and greater facilities for a thorough examination of these strata. Resides, a personal ex- amination of the various outcrops described in this paper, on which occasions I have had excellent opportunities to examine the rocks in situ, there has also been examined a very large quantity of stone brought to Winnipeg from the quarries and used both for ordinary building purposes and as stone to be " dressed " for ornamental work. The " dressing " of these stones has opened up a treasure-house of fossil wealth. Many of them in the rough are very large, and require to be split up into smaller pieces before being dressed. As these have been opened, some most interesting specimens of primeval life have been revealed. Nearly every day during the presient summer the buildings in course of erection have been visited, a,,d scarcely has a single visit been made without some information gained regarding the Silurian fossils of these rocks. In placing the results of my investigations before you, I purpose describing grouijs of outcrops that are somewhat uniform in their lithological and pal^on- tological characters, and enumerate the fossils found in them. After which to give some conclusions arrived at from the considf-ravlon of the whole The accompanying sketch map represents the location of the seven outcrops de- scribed in this paper. ^ (A sketch map s/Hm>in,£; t lie position of the exposures was on exhibition.) EXPOSURE 1. This quarry, situated on the east side of the Red River about 21 miles northeast of Winnipeg, is but a short distance from Selkirk station, on the Canadian Pacific Railw.ay, and about one-half mile from the river The ex- posure is not very extensive as yet, the quarry being opened but a compara- tively short time. As you approach this place from the station you perceive that there is a slight elevation, well defined in the vicinity of the outcrop Looking at the face of the rock you observe that the strata are covered with about four feet of loose drift in the southern part, but full ten in the northern. In this are numerous boulders, a few gneissoid, but most of them the same material as the solid rock, and of a more or less angular nature. The strata on the east side is quite horizontal, but on the west very much tilted. There appears to be a break through the centre of the quarry, indicating a marked upheaval at one rime. This likely took place after the glacial period, for the glacial drift is deposited quite irregularly over the disturbed rock. On the west side there are immense fragments lying at an angle of 4.')" with vacant spaces like caves below them. From the raised appearance of this part it seems as if the apparent mound over the quarry has had its origin in this upheaval. Fossils appear after the first layer of rock is removed. No part of the quarry as yet seems more prolific than another. The layers of rock are about 2 feet thick, and exposed to a depth of 12 feet. Neither from personal observation nor from questioning the workmen have I been able to ascertain that certain fossils characterise particular beds. The most casua' observer could not fail to observe the fossils on the stones of this place. Remains of Cephalopods Corals and the genus Receptacullites are seen on every side, the last being ex- ceedingly common. The Cephalopods are numerous and large— several 5 to 7 inches in diameter have been observed. The rock from this place is largely used in Winnipeg for ornamental stone Being comparatively soft it "dresses" readily and takes a good finish and when byrnt produces a very white lime. It is of a greyish white color £;nd effer- vesces strongly on treatment with cold Hydrochloric acid. It presents a pe- culiar mottled-like appearance which adds much to itsbeauty as an ornamental stone. This strange mixture of brown and white is difificult to account for. In some cases it appears as if its origin might be due to seaweed remains. Often the colored portion approaches the color of yellow ochre and seems strongly imnregnated with iron, while the intervening spaces are more or less colored. So marked is this mottled condition that the stone from Selkirk dis- trict can be distinguished at onre from the rock described in a subsequent part of this paper. Of the various exposures visited this has afforded the best results, and as already remarked the fossils cannot be connected with particular beds but are found within a thickness of 10 feet. In several of the thick fragments of rock though no lines of stratification can be seen, still in many cases they readily split. When this is done peculiar markings are frequently observed. These appear to be the remains of plant-life. Portions of stems can be made out, but the whole are in a confused condition and no definite characters are discernible. Notwithstanding fossils are numerous in this lime- stone and in many cases their generic characters easily observed yet we often find the specific comparatively r bscure and difficult to identify. EXPOSURE 2. This quarry is about half a mile northwest of No. 1, and situated nearer the town of East Selkirk on the west side of the Railway track. Here the rock is not so near the surface as in the preceding, but covered with about 20 feet of drift material which renders it more difficult to quarry the stone. The drift \^ full of large boulders of the same material as the solid rock below. the northern, lem the same The strata ilted. There ing a marked L-riod, for the le of 45" with :e of this part )rigin in this of the quarry about 2 feet I observation that certain :ould not fail Cephalopods last being ex- -several f) to lental stone, ish and when 3r and efifer- esents a pe- ri ornamental account for, :ed remains. s and seems nore or less II Selkirk dis- subsequent ded the best ith particular of the thick till in many e frequently )ns of stems no definite in this lime- 'et we often lated nearer Here the th about 20 stone. The rock below. It 111 tal^e" out and shipped to the city. Only a few feet of the solid rock has been worked, and though many fragments are lying about, yet they do not appear as prolific in fossils as at the rock at the former quarry. ,. h''^''?"f '' r^^ '""T ^' ^'■■"'^y described in general appearance, but is said to be slightly softer and preferred by stone-dressers. EXPOSURE 3. This outcrop is situated on the west bank of the Red River a short distance south o what is krown as the " Stone Fort," and about 4 F mi es soutS of the peaces already referred to. Here the rock is on the^banT of the rTve 5 feet above the water level. About 15 feet of dn// overlies the stone. Thi rock while to a great extent it resembles in external characters that from ex- posures 1 and 2 seems to be harder, but breaks very readily, and in some cases presents a conchoidal fracture. u msume cases A large quantity of this stone was quarried during the past winter and con- veyed to Selkirk to be used in the erection of the provincial asylum I had an excellent opportunity of examining this stone on the asylum grounds, where large quantities of it was lying. Whether the fact of its being qua rild n winter affected its condition I am not prepared to say, but it certainly possessed some characters differing much from the rock at East Selkirk The stone Th??- J'p""""'''' " I '';y 5"? '"'^ '° ^"^^ ^"d much superior to any of the Red River stone they had dressed. ^ Very little could be seen at the quarry. The surface had fallen into the ex- cavation during the spring and covered up the rock, but during several exam- inations at the public buildings some very fine specimens were Obtained Fos- sils were very common and peculiar in as much as they were in some cases like those found at Stony Mountain in an entirely difTerent kind of rock thus forming a sort of transition between the rocks at Selkirk East, * miles further down the river, and those of the mountain situated several rfiiit • west of it This is an important point and well worthy the attention of future investigators" Orthis testudinana, chastetes lycoperdon and one imperfect specimen of the genus Rhynchonella, common fos..i]s at Stony Mountain, were found at this Several masses of a coral apparently of the genus Diphyllum were found here only. Crinoid stems and some fragments of Polyzoa were also observed I was very much surprised at the results obtained from this outcrop, for I had found none of the above mentioned at either of the East Selkirk exposures and am inclined to corjsider this a connecting stratum between those of Stony Mountain and East Selkirk. oiuny Mr. McCharles of Winnipeg, has found specimens of the genus Spirifera here, but as the stone containing them was a rounded ■ fragment it may have come from elsewhere, probably the Deronian rocks, supposed to lie west and north of this part. '^ " EXPOSURE 4. This is still farther south, being about four miles up the river mty numerous limestone boulders are found. In this vici- These are much the same in character as the rocks of the preceding quarries. They are frequently collected by farmers in the neighborhood and used in making lime. At places near the water's edge the rock appears, and fragments which have' been scattered along the river, and more or less waterworn, often show very well defined fossils, especially of the genus Orthoceras, much "weatnered" and very distinct. No large exposurs occurs in any part like those of outcrops 1, 2, 3, as no stone is {juarried at present in this district, but it is evident from the innumer- able limestone boulders scattered along the river that rocks in situ are not far below the surface. These exposures show that this band of mottled whitish grey rocks extends at least in width for a distance of 8 miles, and that this rock is very uniform in its external character. The following is a list of fossils obtained from the outcrops referred to as Exposures 1,2 3, 4. Although I have had access to Hall's admirable works on Silurian fossils, and reports published by the Canadian Geological Survey, I am at a loss to identify many of the specimens found in the rocks of these outcrops near Winnipeg. PLANT^E. 1. Palaeophycus. — Though not well defined in specific characters, it can be readily recognized as plant remains. * PROTOZOA. 2. Receptaculites. — This genus is one of the most common fossils at these exposures. They vary from 5 to '0 inches in diameter. There is scarcely a large stone but shows several specimens. In every case the specific characters are very obscure. Although I huve seen innumerable speci- mens none as yet have been observed that gave the least indication "of a great central cavity," as stated by Billings in his description of this genus. Every one is circular, none less than "> inches in diameter and usually about 7-9 lines thick. Thf- external and internal integuments are distinct and the peculiar tubular skeleton very marked. The rhomboidal plates are readily perceived and the rounded protuberance on the lower side easily seen. It is difficult to get complete specimens out of the rock, as they almost in- variably break up owing, no doubt, to their djscoidal form and comparative thinness. The species common here is likely Receptaculities Oweni, (Hall.) 3. Stromatopora rugosa (Hall) — A specimen some 5 inches in diameter seems to be of this species. 4. Stromatopora. — An entirely different form from the preceding also occurs. In this the laminaj numbering 4 to the line are well marked, and present a wave-like appearance. Three distinct crests are shov/n in on ? sper'men On the surface above these are several apertures, around which the laur- 'm£e present a serifs of concentric rings. This wave-like arrangement has been observed on several specimens, and seems to be a characteristic of the species. ig quariies, d used in vhich have" show very ireatnered " 2, 3, as no e innunier- are not far ed whitish at this rock 'erred to as able works cal Survey, cs of these 3, it can be Is at these : is scarcely ;he specific -able speci- ication "of ion of this ameter and ;uments are rhomboidal 1 the lower almost in- :oniparative 1.) neter seems also occurs, ind present \: spec' men ch the laur- igement has acteristic of 8. Stromatopora.— Another form which in some respects agrees with the de- scription of S. mammiliata, by Nicholson. On the surface are conical elevations, and the whole covered wite stellate markings. CCELENTERATA. • 6. Columnaria alveolata (Hall).— Very common and in large masses. 7. Halysites catenulatus (Linnaeus)— .Mso common. Some specimens very arge. over a foot in diameter. A variety of this species with small coral- lites has been found., 8. Columnopora cribriformis (Nicholson).— Quite common. The lace-like structure of the corallites and stellate appearance on the surface make it one of the most beautiful corals found in the Selkirk limestone." 9-11. Zaphrentis,— Common in three forms. Each likely represents a different species. One shows a distinctly quadrilateral outline in a transverse sec- tion. Another exhibits a short but expanded cup, while the third is much longer and tapers more gradually to a point. 12. Heliolites pyriformis (Hall).-Bears a marked resemblance to one species found at East Selkirk. 13. Tetradium fibratum (Stafford). — Very well marked. 14. Chaetetes lycoperdon (Hall).— Found only at exposure 3. 15. Diphyllum.— Also restricted to the same place. Large masses found 16. 17. Besides these, two other species of coral seem to be present or allied to Favosites, the other to Syringopora. This gives us at least 12 species of coral from the Selkirk rocks, and there is no doubt others will be ob- tained on further investigation. ANNULOIDA. 18. The only representatives of this subkingdom are fragments of Crinoidal stems, which resemble those of Schizocrinus nodosus (Hall.) ANNULOSA. Several fragments of trilobites :.; .e been obtained. These appear to be the remains of at least fsur species. 19. Cheirurus.— A well defined glabella. 20. Illsenus. — Several pygidia and a few body segments. « 21. Platynotus Trentonensis (Hall).— Several heads found resemble those of this species. 22.— Phacops.— The specimen obtained bears a close resemblance to the cephalic region of this genus. MOLLUSCA. This subkingdom is sparingly represented in numbers except among the cephalopods, which are exceedingly numerous and very large forms, some several feet in length and nearly a foot in diameter. 23. Several fragments of forms belonging to the Polyzoa. 24. Strophomena alternata (Conrad).— Several. 25. Leptaena sericea (Sowerby). — Found at the " Fort." 26. Strophomena teunistriata (Hall.) 27. Orthis testudinaria (Hall). -Peculiar to the Lower Fort. 36 28. Rhynchonella increbcscens (Hall.)— Found at the same place. 29. Pleurotomaria subconica (Hall.) 30. Pleurotomaria umbilicata (Hall.) 31. Murchisonia bellicincta (Hall.) 32. Murchisonia subfu.siformis (Hall.) 33. Maclurea.— Several specimens have been found by the writer. One of these is very large and well i)reserved. Its widest diameter is d}4 inches. Frorn the lowest and perfectly flat side to the summit of the convex is 2}4 inches. Of the others none exceed f) inches at the widest point. 34. Orthoceras. — This genus is represented by several species in the Selkirk limestone, some of which are very large. One found is lOj^ inches wide at the well marked body chamber, i);j inches in length. Thirty-six segments are in view in a space of 13 inches. At the last of these the specimen is 8 inches wide. This seems to be complete, and differs markedly from other forms in which the segments diminish in size until the fossil tapers to a point and presents a wedge-like form. Large fragments of this genus are common. 35. Ormoreras. — Several beaded siphuncles, apparently of this genus have been found. Cyrtoceras. — This genus is represented by several fragmentary specimens which show a distinctly curved form. The largest is 8 inches along on convex side, 5}<^ on the concave. They are readily distinguished from the large forms of Lituites 3 and 4 feet in length. 37. Phragmoceras Hector, (Killings)— A specimen in the wi iter's possession closely resembles this. 8 segments are distinct. The siphuncle is read- ily seen on the concave side and the large chamber well defined. But there is no indication of ihe peculiarly contracted aperture of the shell. This may be a different species but it seems to resemble this more than others examined. 38-39. Lituites — Some very large specimens have been found which appear to be of this genus. Two species at least are represented. One closely al- lied to, if not L. undatus, the other L. convolvans of Hall. Oneof these ,, specirr.ens is 36 inches in circumference. The diameter of the shell at the body cavity is a'-^ inches. Septa distinct after a thin striated cover- ing is taker, off. This shell-like covering is invariably found on the specimens, but often cracks ofTwhen trimming the rock. These large forms are the most imposing cephalopod fossils in the Selkirk stone. None were observed by m j till this summer, when several have been discovered. It is difficult to get these out of the rock. Several times when stones have been split one of these large coiled up forms has appeared with distinct convex surface in view, lead to believe that with a little care the whole could be taken out as a cast from its bed. I have been disappointed to find that the imbedded portion is so thoroughly connected with the rock that it cannot he dislodged from the matrix without injury. The only way to secure a good specimen when a portion of it is seen in re- lief IS to take the fragment of rock in which it is found. ler. One of s O'a inches, le convex is St point, the .Selkirk inches wide . Thirty-six of these the Ttis in which i presents a genus have y specimens es along on 3 and 4 feet s possession icle is read- fined. But [if the shell. s more than :h appear to e closely al- One of these the shell at iated cover- is, but often Dst imposing mi till this these out of large coiled to believe 3m its bed. i thoroughly trix without seen in re- 40. Endoceras-Many siphuncles of this genus have bccn obtained, and some egments. fragments of very large forms. Several of the siph.mclcs a^e sUion o/'/h ' ?" d,ameter. and in the segments obtained the Lccen tr.c po- sition of these IS distinctly seen. A large specimen of this genus was fr.-i'. .V'^Tr^"''?"'"^^^"^'^'^' ''■^^'•'^^^ i"'l'erfect it was oveTa eet n leng h and .i ' , inches i„ diameter. The segments werr well de- hned and the s.phuncie was distinctly colored dark brown, while The rest of the fossil had the ccmmor. color characteristic of this lime tone In some ol he specimens the peculiar form of the septa resembling r;eries of funnels placed one within the other is quite dis' inct. EXPOSURE 5. t rr. Z^ "°T ^'''' ^'■°!]' exposures seen on or near the banks of the Red River U whT- ^''""' ' "^l"'"'''^ ^'■"'" "• '^'^'^ «■•«' I ^'^'-^l' direct your attention ^ IS what IS known as Stony Mountain, of which the following is a sketch alfoullin!) ^'^ '^ ^^'"^ ^^'""''''" '""' '" ^'^•/"■^'■^'■-«. ^^^«W its position At this place, located 13 miles north-west of Winnipeg, an excellent exoosure ofsilurian strata occurs. The so-called mountain Lands like an isK of limestone raised above the surface of the surrounding prairie some gS feet The preceding exposures have ail been more or less on the leverand have come into view by removing the drift deposit and quarrying into the rock but st: :rthtrtirthT;o;k;^^^^ '^'^ -'-^ ^'^ '-^■> -^ '^^ -^ ^X It is several miles in circumference and resr ., m outline the shape of a horse-shoe. 1 he west and north sides are quit, .ep, and along the escarn ments the exposed edges of the strata are easily observed, while t^hc- east grad- ually slopes to the prairie level. There is every appearance of the v e t ^sSe having a one time been almost vertical, the work of some great denudan- agent. Whether water as a wide river extending between thif and SonewaU where the rock seems to be nlso worn away on the side nearest sLy En am moved on with a strong current and eroded this side of the rockf or tSat It was worn away by the action of a glacier is a matter for conjecture So oe cuhar IS this isolated patch of strata that some have even thought it was not^S suu, but to have been moved by some great force to its present posiUon The moreen is examined the more likely it appears to have bien the £ork o?denu At the southwest corner of the mountain the rock reaches the surface Mid SAllislen ""' ' '" '"'"''^ ''' '"^'""^^ ^"^"'^^ '^^ limekilns of Mr: These show a fine exposure, which supplies an excellent condition for ex amination. The rock face is several hundred yards in lengthTand in some" p^^ces over 6 feet in depth. layers of jointing and stratification rrndT' co.x.i^aiuUve y easy to quarry. As the face is cut down and removed the drift" thn? ^uT '° M '"'' '^ ^'^'■"r" '"'" '^' '^"^"y' ^"d new rock worked out d hat there ;s seldom more than IG feet of rock, chiefly in layers about 3^ee° thick, in view A few boulders appear in the drift, principally gneissoid The rock surface after the drift is removed shows exceUent tLes^of gSi sit 8 running in a N. N\V. direction. There is a slight dip of the strata to the southeast. The hme from this stone, though not so white as that obtained from the Selkirk, has the reputation of being much stronger and better suited for building purposes. The rock is very hard and flinty, and is not affected by cold Hydrochloric acid, but on heating violent effervescence takes place. Two distinct kinds of rock are observed at the escarpment on the southwest side : one the hard dolomitic limestone of brownish-grey color, about 40 feet thick ; the cither a reddish-grey liiueslone with clayey partings, about 10 feet thick. This layer effervesces with cold acid. It is very fossilifcrous, and contains a great many brachiopod shells. The upper and hard rock contains very few fossils. Those found are chiefly cQjal and very obscure, and usually present a somewhat rusty appearance. The small rusty-like cavities seen in this laver almost invariably contain the obscure remains of coral which seems allied to the genus Favosites. In some parts of this upper layer the rocks have quite a rusty ajjpearance, but in others the stone is a light clay c olor, and of a hard compact nature. _ The stone from these quarries above the reddish layer is used in large quan- tities for building, but owing to its hardness it cannot be " dressed " as readily as that from Selkirk. Consequently the city obtains most of the ornamental stone from Selkirk, and the building fmm Stony Mountaip. The following is a vertical section of the rock as observed during the digging of a well at the southwest part, upon which the Provincial Penitentiary is located : — ' 1. 20 feet solid hard stone like that at the quanies. 4 " thin layers of the same. " solid rock. " thin and broken. " yellowish rock quite ochreous. " reddish layer full of fossil shells. " a mixture of yellow and red containing some flinty material. Quite close to the west .side of the escarpment some 300 yards from the peni- tentiary another excavation was made and the red rock was again found to occupy a position about 40 feet below the surface. It is from the de- bris thrown out of this that the writer obtained his specimens. Fossils are very readily found at this place. 'I'he weather acts upon the soft stone and separates them out in a very fine siate of preservation. This re- sults from the fossils being composed of much harder material than the depos- its Ki which they are enclosed. Small fragments of stone only a few inches in length will sometimes be found with six or seven very complete forms of differ- ent species. These are chiefly shells in striking contrast with the corals and Cephalo- pods of Selkirk reck. Following along the escarpment on the west side you can trace this reddish deposit quite easily. The action of the weather reddens it and when pulver- ized as it i^; in some places ivhere the path touches, it is very like red ochre anu the small shells found in this dust are also red. Some of the hard rock has a most peculiar appearance, filled with cavities which present conditions as if derived from heai. Put by far the greater part of this stone is a fine grained compact hard rock. 2. i. 4. 5. 6. 7. 2 6 8 10 60 he strata to the s that obtained d better suited I Hydrochloric stinct i again found > from the de- ns. 3 upon the soft on. This re- han the depos- i few inches in forms of differ- and Cephalo- ;e this reddish when pulver- ;e red ochre, he hard rock t conditions as 5 a finegrained 9 EXPOSURE 6. Lying about 8 miles south of the outcrop just described another slight ele- vation above the praine level occurs. Approaching this from the east a smiu k " Num Toi! ■; "'"•;"?;" '''''"« ""^^^'^^ ^''^'^^ ^^^'-'■-^ P-i' e around it^ Numc.ous laruc boulders, prmcipally gnessoid lie on this elevation Good exposures of rock are .shown at thi. place, where quarries have been opened rom which stone has been quarried in considerable quantities for the manu facture of hme and building purposes. About 5 feet of loose drift overlies the solid rock. This contains nuite a number of large hmestone boulders. The stone is very hard, °nome cases almost flmty and m many respects the same as that of the upper layer a'ex posuref, It shows little or no action on treatment with cdSacd but on Fossils are comparatively scare There are many obscure remains which are, no doubt corals, some allied .. Zaphrentis and' some to Favosites In ikelv nir t'k ^^'''' ''■' '^'""^ '"'''' ^PP^'^^^ ^" be the remains of plan s erab e fSnth es' Th" "'" ^"'' "'''"'^' '"'^ ''' ^""^^'^'"-'^ f°""d in conS diameter '^''"■'"' '''"'' ''"'y ^■"""^ ^ ""^^ '° ^" ^"^h in They are found in a layer about 7 feet below the surface of rock This tone ,n,some parts shows a very distinct green coloring 'maUer which in several cases, coated the stemlike remains. ' At first it was thought this might be caused by a fungus, although it seemed almost incred.be thni such could find its way to this lay -r so ff below the surface. Examma-ion does not seem to bear out this .supposition AnTnher shown r. r? '''' '^ "'f'' \' ' ''^^'' ^""^f"""'^' ^^"^ chemical tests have shown his to be a mistake. It may possibly be a silicate of iron. The coior! ng matter is quite thin and does not extend into the portions upon which °ti^ ound. It has been observed to coat several of the stem-like fissilsraLd also .n some cases to form a more or less expanded appearance, but alway in com" paratively small patches On one occasion a coral was found coated wi?hthl same. Ihe quarrymen speak of having f und a "green snake^ oetWfi^H in the quarry, an^l maintain that there is n^o doubt but it was snake. 'tHs Lw has been one of these colored stems, and bears out my own experience S the coloring matter is frequently associated with these fossils ^''''^"''"'^^ ^'^^^ Ihe layers in the quarry are quite horizontal and show no signs of distur bance. I he following is a vertical section of the last quarry opened :- 1. 4 feet loose material with limestone boulders. 2. }4 foot showing glacial stri.x'. l''^' ') l'^ '\"^ ''' ^'^"^ '" thickness, and of yellowish color 5. I feet thick, l.ossils in the vicinity of this layer, especially below. 0. 6 test, with stemhke impressions, most cnmmonli; ca^t- ', ^ 'J. 3, ];4 and 1 1^ feet, layers of hard rock. '' Some of the thicker layers thin out towards the east. The surface layers are easily broken. Even the solid rock below is readily worked. There is no appearance of the r. dd sh fossilifcrous layer of Exposure 5 in this quarTy It likely underlies the rock at a greater depth than' what has been expS ^' 10 Fossils obtained from the reddish-grey deposit iO feet below the surface at Stony Mountain : — PLANT^E. 1. Palaeophycus.— Obscure markings of plant life. C(£LENTERA'rA 2,3. Cl-a;tetesdelicatulus (Nicholson) and C. lycoperdon (Hall.)— Especially the latter are represented here. 4. Ptilodictya acuta (Hall.)— A few specimens. 6. Streptelasma corniculum (Hall.)— Very common. 6. Zaphrentis.— A species comparatively common and characteristic In out- line resembles Zaphrentis, but possesses a marked tri-lobed appearan-e On the curved side a transverse section is convex, but on the "outside a distinct ridge is shown marked off by depressions along each side This IS no exceptional character, for the writer has obtained several specimens usually about three inches in length, and all possessed the unitorm tri- lobed condition. 7. Fayosites.— In hemispherical nr.asses, but the walls of the corallitesso indis- tinct that no mural pores are discernible. Several fragments have been found which are iikefy of this species. Some smail forms have been found which i)ear a marked resemblance to 8. Favistella favosidea of Hall. These usually occur in small, irregular masses. ° 9. Represented by Crinoid stems obtained at Selkirk. ANNUI.OIDA. . These are smooth in contrast with those f:^und showing the eyes ANNUl.OSA. 10. Cheirurus icarus (Billings.)— CHabella found. 11. Calymene Blumenbachii (Brogniart.)— Head distinctly. MOLI.USCA. l!i. Orthis testudinaria (Dalman.)— Exceedingly common. 13. Cithis subquadrata (Hall.)— Common. 14. Rhynchonella capax (Conrad.)— Very numerous. 15. Strophomena nitens (Billings.)— Common. 16. Strophomena Hecuba (Billings.)— A well defined specimen. 17. Strophomena.— A smooth form but quite different from utVe/is. It is larger, more convex and not so well defined. Several have been found all of uniform cliaracler. ' 18. Murchisonia gracilis (Hall.)— Several specimens. There are also a larger and coarse- species of this genus common. 20. Fleurotomaria.— Members of this genus common. the surface at 11.)— Especially ristic. In out- ed appearance, the outside a ch side. This eral specimens, le uniform tri- rallites so indis- ints have been ms have been mall, irregular •asl with those iving the eyes nitens. It is ; been found, re also a larger 11 21. Ormoceras.-The beaded siphuncie of a member of this genus. 22. Cyrtoceras.-.The fragment of a curved cephalopod. Six segments are cTvrd Vor ^f'heTT, •: 'T '"?^-^A \"', ^'^••^^"^^^' outlin'Etes" cu.ved form of the shell, and no doubt belonging to the genus mentioned. FOSSir..S IROM THK UPPER BEDS OK STONV MOUNTAfN. verl%l'e[ychTrrcl'r^^^^ ^- '^^'^^-^ ^^^-^^ fossils have been obtained which, no duubt, bebng to the inti^esUnK eenus- be'eTfoun'^"'^"""''' '"^ '^ ^^" "^'^^ «^ ^^^^ severafspSefs hLe EXPOSURE 7. This is found at Stonewall, 20 miles northwest of VVinnipec, and is consider ably higher than the "mountain" of Exposure 5, though it does no rfse abruptly above the surrounding district. Here a large quarry has been opened up which covers an area of four acres. Traces of glacial action are verv marked upon the surface. Stria' running in a N. NW. di.cc ion ae seen h°;r"Vrh\r^ ^^^v^'^^'"'^' ^^^^ '^^- '""^^ ^^«"^" observe? coudnotfa it" be attracted by the uniform markings. 'J'he floors of several cellar. ,, t)^« village near by also afford examples c,f striated rock. ' '^^ Here the drift, which is about seven feet deep, has been removed and foun- dations bu.lt upon the solid rock. The cellars under the buildings have floods glacSract'io'n '' "' ''"''''' ^'''^'' '""^^^^^'"^ '" ^ '"-' strSng manner Thej/nVj? is in the same direction as at the quarry, N. NW The stone from this place ,s entirely different from what has been^ descrn)ed t is Tard and cherty, very white and effervesces but slightly on the additkm of co d aAd When burnt it produces an exceedingly white litne, largely used by pla^terefs for finishing. Although apparently c:ontainir.g numerous fossils, they are re stncted to but few spaces The strata of this outcrop show no dp present a very uniform condition wherever they were examined. No coIoriS ma Uer is observed in the upper layers as in much of the rock at Exposures Tand 6 This quarry, having been worked for considerable time, there is an excellent seEr;;;irott' ^°^ °^^"^*"^' ^ -^^'-' section/ which •;:; bTrlpr Layers. 1. 2, 3. 4. 5. 6. North Side. 1>2 feet loose material. 1 foot rock. 1 n 2 M 1^ 1 , 3 , South Side. 1 foot loose material; ^/i feei rock. Very uniform in 2 i character. 3}4 „ much broken & in thin layers ' . •'' " light red color, contains numerous 4 feet, quite red and hard, but when specimens of coral exposed to the weather breaks ^ , , . "P- It contains no fossils. On the south side the layers are much thicker than those on the north, and 12 more rock is thus exposed. At this part there is a large open well, on tlie sides of which the nature of the stone can be perceived. This enables the oberver to see more rock than in other parts of the quarry. Farther north on the ridge another exposure occurs. Here, layer 5 of the south side reaches the Surface, and on one side of the ridge at this quarry where a well was dug, the first rock met after passing "the drift, 28 feet deep, was the red layer 7, although the level of the surface was comparatively uniform. This seems to indicate denudation of the upper strata probably by a river or glacier passing between this place and exposure .'), (Stony Mountain) which would form an opposite bank for the mighty stream. Whatever fossils occur in this white limestone of Stonewall they are difficult to secure except in small pieces on account of the stone being so hard and sharp. The shells are very obscure, and though remains of primeval life are comparatively common, yet well defined specimens are rare. The following embrace the principal fos- sil types found by rhe writer in the clear white limestone of this place, more interesting for the evidence of glacial action it displays than fossils it contains : 1. Pai£Eophvcus.— Innumerable remains of plant-life are present. These are usuiUy smooth and of uniform character, sometimes 2 or .'3 feet in length, but never showing a branched form or surface markings of any kind. 2. Favosites. — Corals of this genus are very common. Mural pores and tabu- lae are well marked. Although specimens are numerous still it is difficult to obtain anything more than a small fragment. 3. StrophoniCha.— Several imperfect specimens found. 4. Murchisonia.— One very interesting specimen of this genus was obtained. 5. Pleurotomaria. — This genus is represented by small forms. Further investigation of this hard flint like stone will likely be rewarded with several forms, but there will always be more or less obscurity about them, in striking contrast with those obtained in the soft stone of Selkirk and the readily "weathered " of the lower layer at Stony Mountain. This completes the description of 7 exposures of Silurian strata in the Red River Valley. These present four groups of rocks possessing marked differ- erces in their lithological and palseontological characters, and may be repre- sented in the following summary : — .SELKIRK ROCKS. EXPOSUSES 1, 2, 3 AND 4. STONEVV.'XLL. EXPOSURE 7. Condition Action of cold acid Color Fossils Types Compartively soft ;Condi(ion |Hard and cherly. Effervesces readily :| Action of cold acidJSIight effervescence .Mottled light grey Color .Very white. .. Very numerous .1 Fossils ISeveral Corals and Cephalopods. . . iTypes jCorals [ . STONY MOUNTAIN. EXPOSURES 5 AND 6. Condition Soft Action Cold Acid ' Lower Beds. Color . . Fossils Types . Strong effervescence. Reddish grey Abundant Brachiopods Upper Beds. Very hard None, or very little . Clay, and yellowish. Few Corals )en well, on the rhis enables the' ', layer 5 of the ' at this quarry le drift, 28 feet IS comparatively ata probably by Stony Mountain) Whatever fossils secure except in The shells are atively common, the principal fos- his place, more ssils it contains : ent. These are .'5 feet in length, )f any kind, pores and tabu- still it is difficult was obtained. )e rewarded with about them, in c and the readily 'ata in the Red ; marked differ- inay be repre- \LL. :7. nd cherly. . . ;ffervescence. hite , 13 The relative position of these beds apparently seems to be in the following order, the lower mentioned first :— 1, Selkirk ; 2, Reddish layer of Stony Mountain ; 3, Dolomitic layers of the same ; 4, Stonewall. Regarding the geological horizon of each, it is difficult to arrive at a con- clusion further than that the fossiliferous are decidedly Lower Silurian. The Selkirk rock has a most comprehensive group of fossils, there being repre- sentatives of several beds, but taking them as a whole the Trenton fossils are best represented. The rocks at Lower Fort Garry seem to indicate a trans- ition bed between those of East Selkirk and the lower layer at Stony Moun- tain. They contain forms common to both. The fossils of the lower layers at Stony Mountain bear a marked resemblance to those found in the Hudson River group elsewhere, while the higher dolomitic beds and those of Stonewall probably border on the Niagara formation. From these rocks upwards of 50 species have been obtained belonging principally to the Corals, Brachiopods and Cephalopods, together with some doubtful forms, such as Receptaculites, Beatricia and Stromatopora. The number and variety of fossils from these exposures indicate rich results to future investigators, and it is hoped will occupy the attention of members of the Historical and Scientific Society from time to time. r, e . ih.