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THE 2./^

CANADIAJN^

Itatmilist an^ (itologist,

AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

OF MONTREAL.

CONDUCTED BY A COMMITTEE OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

YOLUxAIE y.

PUBLISHED BY B DAWSON & SOX, 23 GREAT ST. JAMES STREET.

^■'"1860.

CANADIAN NATURALIST.

This Magazine will appear bi-monthly, and be conducted by the
following Committee, appointed by the Natural History Society of
Montreal :

J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.G.S., Principal of Mc Gill CoVege.

T. Stbrry Hunt, A.M., F.R.S., Chemist to Geological Survey of Canada,

E. Billings, F.G.S. Palceontologist. "

David Allan Poe, Rev. A. F. Kemp.

W. H. HiNGSTON, M.D., Correspondonding Secretary Nat. Hist. Society.
John Leeming, Recording Secretary "

Entered, according to the Act of the Provincial Parliament, in the year
One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-one, by Benjamin Dawson &
Son, in the Office of the Registrar of the Province of Canada.

CONTENTS.

PAGl!.
Article I.— On Fossil Plants from the Devonian Rocks of Canada. 1
II. — List of Plants found growing as indigenous in the

neighbourhood of Prescott ; by B. Billings, 14

III.— On the Tubicolous Marine Worms of the Gulf of St.

Lawrence ; by J. W. Dawson, LL.D., &c., 24

IV. — A Classified List of Marine Algae from the Lower St.

Lawrence ; by the Rev. Alex. F. Kemp, 30

V. — Unusual modes of Gestation in Batrachians and Fishes. 42
VI. — Description of some new species of Fossils from the

Silurian Rocks of Canada ; by E.Billings, F.G.S.. 49
VII. — Description of a new Paleozoic Starfish of the genus

Falceaster, from Nova Scotia ; by E. Billings, F.G.S. 69
VIII. — Observations on the Natural History of the valley of

the River Rouge ; by W. S. M. D'Urban, 81

IX. — Review of " Darwin on the Origin of Species by means

of Natural Selection," 100

X. — Abridged Sketch of the life of Mr, David Douglas,. . . 120
XI. — On the Silurian and Devonian Rocks of Nova Scotia. 132
XII. — Description of New Species of Fossils from the Silu-
rian Rocks of Nova Scotia ; by James Hall, 144

XIII. — New Species of Fossils from the Lower Silurian Rocks

of Canada ; by E. Billings, F.G.S 161

XIV. — Notices of the Life of the late Professor George Wilson

of Edinburgh, 177

XV. — Notice of Tertiary Fossils from Labrador, Maine, &c ;

by J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.G.S., 188

XVI.— Abridged Sketch of the life of Mr. David Douglas, 200

XVIL — A Systematic List of Lepidoptera collected in the

vicinity of Montreal ; by W. S. M. D'Urban, 241

XVIII.— Abridged Sketch of the life of Mr. David Douglas,. . . 267
XIX. — On the Track of an Animal lately found in the Pots-
dam Formation ; by Sir W. E. Logan, F.R.S., 279

XX. — Notes on the Coal Fields of Pictou ; by H. Poole, Esq., 285
XXI. — On new Lo3alities of Fossiliferous Silurian Rocks in

Eastern Nova Scotia ; by Rev. D. Honeyman, 293

XXII. — Note on a specimen of Menobranchus lateralis^ taken

at London, C. W. ; by W. Saunders, Esq., 299

XXIII. — On some new species of Fossils from the Limestone

near Point Levi ; by E. Billings, F.G.S 301

XLIV.— Abridged Sketch of the life of Mr. David Douglas 329

XLV. — A Holiday Visit to the Acton Copper Mines 349

XLVI.— Notes on the Earthquake of October, 1860 363

XLVII.— The Meteor of July 20, I860 ; by C. S. Lyman 372

XLVllL— La Verrier's Report on the Solar Eclipse of July, 1860. 376
XLIX. — On certain Theories of the formation of Mountains, . . 409
L. — Description of a new Trilobite from the Potsdam Sand-
stone ; by Frank H. Bradley 420

LI. — Notes on Birds wintering in and around Montreal ; by

H, G. Vennor, junr., 425

LII. — Notes on Aboriginal Antiquities recently discovered

in the Island of Montreal, 430

IV CONTENTS.

Eeviews and Notices of Books.

Handbook of Geological Terms ; by David Page, F.G.S., 77

Evenings at the Microscope ; by P. H. Gosse, F.R.S 78

Dura Den ; a Monograph of the Yellow Sandstone ; by the Rev.

John Anderson, D.D., F.G.S., &c., VS

Nuggets from the oldest Diggings ; or Researches in the Mosaic

Creation; by R. W. Vandyk, 79

On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selections ; by

Charles Darwin, M. A., 80

Notes of a Clerical Furlough; by Robert Buchanan, D.D.,... 159
The Life, Travels, and Books of Alexander von Humboldt.

With an introduction by Bayard Taylor, 209

A first lesson in Natural History ; by Actoea. (Mrs. Agassiz.) 209
A Manual of Scientific and Practical Agriculture for the School

and the Farm ; by J, L. Campbell, A.M., 210

The British Tortrices ; by S. J. Wilkinson, 211

The Rudiments of Botany ; by Christopher Dresser, 212

Professor Hall's Report on the Geology of Iowa, 213

Report of the Geological Survey of Canada for the year 1858, 326

The Zoologist, June, 1860. — Van Voorst, London, 328

Specimens of Marine Algae : presented to the Natural History

Society ; by Dr. Durkee, Boston, 328

Acadian Geology, and a Supplementary Chapter thereto, 450

Elements of Chemical Physics ; by J. P. Cooke, jr., 455

Salmon Fishing in Canada ; by a Resident, 457

The Glaciers of the Alps ; by J. Tyndall, F.R.S., 458

What may be Learned from a Tree ; by Harland Coultas, 459

Unity in Variety ; by Christopher Dresser, 460

Miscellaneous.

British Association for the advancement of Science, 70

The late Professor George Wilson of Edinburgh, 75

Communication by Dr. Dawson to the Geological Society of

London, 222

Distribution of Forests in North America, 223

Catalogue of Coleoptera from the H. B. Territories, 227

The Oil Wells of Mecca, 325

British Association 382

Proceedings of the Natural History Society, 408

On an undescribed Fossil Fern from the Lower Coal-measures

of Nova Scotia ; by Dr. J. W. Dawson, 460

Note on a specimen of Neaera, collected by Mr. R. S. Fowler, 461
Notes on Relics of the Red Indians of Newfoundland, collected

by xMr. Smith McKay, 462

Kingston Botanical Society, 462

The Liverpool Naturalists Field Club, 468

Correspondence.

Letter from Mr. D. W. Beadle, St. Catherines, C.W., 215

Remarks on the Fauna of the Quebec Group of Rocks, and the
Primordial Zone of Canada ; by Sir Wm. E. Logan, 472

British Association.

Report of meeting at Aberdeen, 216

Annual Report op the Natural History Society, 230

Donations to the Natural History Society of Montreal, 477

Errata, 240

Index, 480

THE

CANADIAN

MTUEALIST AID GEOLOGIST.

Vol. Y. FEBRUAEY, 1860. No. 1.

ARTICLE I. — On Fossil Plants from the Devonian Rocks
0/ Canada. By J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.G.S., Principal of
McGill College, Montreal. (From the Prcceedings of the
Geological Society of London.)

In 1843-44, Sir W. E. Logan ascertained, and published in his
Report* for the latter year, the occurrence of a series of beds of
Devonian age in the Peninsula of Gaspe, Lower Canada, contain-
ing fossil plants, apparently of the land, and some of them
evidently in situ. Nothing was done toward the precise determin-
ation and description of these remains until 1856, when Sir
William kindly permitted the writer of this paper to examine his
collection, and to describe before the American Association for the
Advancement of Science the most interesting specimen contained
in it — a fossil trunk exhibiting a very remarkable and previously
undescribed coniferous structuref . The other specimens in the
collection were so fragmentary or obscure, that it was not deemed
expedient to attempt their description before studying them (as
all fossil plants should, when practicable, be studied) in the rocks
in which they occur. With this view I visited Gaspe in the past

* Report of Progress of Canadian Geological Survey, 1844, p. 36, and
Appendix.
t Proceedings of American Association, 1856, p. 1T4.

Canadian Nat. 1 Vol. V. No*

2 Devonian Plants,

summer, and examined the localities indicated on the plans and
sections of the Geological Survey. The facts and specimens thus
obtained will probably be fully described and illustrated in one of
the forthcoming Decades of Canadian Fossils ; and in the mean-
time I propose to notice some of the species observed, which
appear to be of especial interest in the present state of our gen-
eral knowled^'C of the Devonian flora.

Before proceeding to these descriptions, it may be necessary to
state that the deposit in "which the fossils occur consists of sand-
stone and shale, of various colours and textures, with some con-
glomerate and thin-bedded coarse limestone, and a seam of bitu-
minous coal, one inch in thickness. The whole series is estimated
by Sir W. E. Logan at VOOO feet of vertical thickness. It rests
on Upper Silurian rocks, and underlies unconformably the con-
glomerates which here form the base of the Carboniferous system.
Some of the beds, especially in the lower part of the series,
contain marine fossils of Lower Devonian forms, which are now
in process of examination by Mr. Billings of the Geological
Survey. The greater part of the beds are, however, destitute of
marine fossils, and present appearances indicative of shallow water
and even of land-surfaces. Some of the species of plants occur
throughout the whole thickness; but the bed of coal and most of
the plants in situ are found in the lower and middle portions of
the series. Detailed sections and descriptions of the beds will be
found in the Report above referred to.

1. PsiLOPHYTON, gen. nov. (Figs. 1 & 2.)

Lycopodiaceous plants^ hrancTiing dicJiotomousli/, and covered with
interrupted ridges or closely oppressed minute leaves ; the stems
springing from a rhizoma having circular areoles^ sending forth
cylindrical rootlets. Internal structure : an axis of scalari-
form vessels, surrounded hy a cylinder of parenchymatous cells
and hy an outer cortical cylinder of elongated wcody cells (pros-
enchynui). Fructif cation probably in lateral masses, protect-
ed by leafy bracts.

The most remarkable and interesting plant of the formation is
one which, I believe, has frequently been observed and described
elsewhere from fragmentary specimens, but which occurs in the

Devonian Plants,

Fig. 1 a

Fig. 1 /

Fig. 1 d

Fig. 1 c

Fig. 1 6

Fig; 1 e

Fig. l.^Psilophyton princeps. a, rhizome ; 6, stem ; c, termination of
branches ; d, vernation e, fructification ; /J restoration.

4 Devonian Flants^

Gasp6 sections in a state of perfection unusual with palseozoie
plants. It is characterized by slender, bifurcating, ridged sterns^
proceeding from a horizontal rhizoma, which sends forth numerous
rootlets. The rhizomata, evidently in situ, clothe some beds of
indurated clay with a mat of creeping and occasionally bifurcat-
ino- cylindrical stems, filling the beds below with their vertical
rootlets. They attain a diameter of an inch or more, though
usually smaller, and a length of at least three feet. They are irre-
gularly dotted with minute linear punctures, the marks probably
of ramenta ; and at intervals there are circular areoles with central
pits, like those of Stigmaria, but irregularly disposed, and giving
origin to the roots, which, however, unlike those of Stigmaria,
subdivide in descending into the soil. Apart from the stems,
these rhizomata might be included in the genus Karstenia or
Halonia, or even as abnormal species in Stigmaria (iig. 1 a,).
The aerial stems vary from a fourth to a tenth of an inch in
diameter at their origin, rise obliquely from the rhizoma, and
bifurcate very regularly. The extreme points divide nearly at
rit"^ht angles, and in some, probably young, branches the ultimate
branchlets bend into a spiral curve with a somewhat unilateral
arrangement of the leaflets. In the shale overlying the small
coal-seam above-mentioned, there are immense numbers of these
little branchlets, rolled so closely as to resemble spiral shells
Thev probably indicate a circinate vernation like that of ferns.
(See figs. 1 h, c, d) The surface of the stems is very smooth and
glossy, quite destitute of scars, but marked with numerous inter-
rupted ridges spirally arranged, and sometimes seen to project a
little at the upper ends, as if rudimentary leaves. This leaf-like
character is more distinct toward the extremities of the branches;
but the leaves are not sufficiently well preserved to show anything
more than that they are slender and acicular.

The greater part of the specimens are flattened, with the epider-
mis alone preserved in a coaly state ; but a few fragments were
found with the internal structure remaining. It consists of a
slender axis of scalariform vessels, surrounded by a space now
occupied by calcspar, but showing in parts the remains of a loose
cellular tissue. Externally to this is a cylinder of well-preservedy
elongated, woody cells, without distinguishable pores, but with
traces of very delicate spiral fibres. (Fig. 2 g, h^ i, k.)

The structure and external appearance above described indicate
affinities with the Lycopodiacem^ and especially with the genus

Devonian Plants*

Fsilotum*y witb which these plants very closely correspond in all
except their rhizomes and the circinate terminations of the
branchlets. The name proposed above is intended to express this
relation, as well as the most apparent distinction between these
plants and those of the genera Lyco2Jodites and Selaginites\. To
the species above described I would give the name of Psilophy-
ion princeps. I have attempted a restoration of its general ap-
pearance in fig. 1 /.

in

Fig. 2

S

Fig. 2 h Fig. 2 i Fig. 2 k

Fig. 2 g", longitudinal section of stem, nat. size ; h, cortical cells (300
diams.) ; i, parenchyma (300 diams.) ; fc, scalariform tissue
of axis (300 diams.)

Some of my specimens appear to indicate a second species,
characterized by more robust stems, more finely ridged, and
having slender alternate branches, which bifurcate frequently and
usually bend downward. The specimens are not well preserved,
but are very distinct from P, princeps^ while probably generically
related to it. I would name this species P. rohustius.

* See Brongniart, V^g. Fos. vol. ii. pis. 6 & 11. I have been favour-
ed by Prof. Gray, of Harvard College, with specimens of P. flavidum
from Tahiti and P. triquetrum from Australia, which closely resemble
the fossils in structure and surface-markings.

t I should have preferred the term " Psilotites ; " but this has been
preoccupied by a Jurassic plant, of which, however, I cannot find any
detailed description. See linger, Gen. et Spec, &c. p. 279 ; Brongniart*
Tableau des Genres, p. 41.

5 Devo7iian Plants.

Neither of the species exhibit distinct fructification. Certain
obscurely cuneate carbon aceous"spots attached to the sides of the
branches of P. princeps are, perhaps, of this character ; and the
object represented in fig. 1 e, which appears to be thus attach edr
may be an example in better preservation than usual. It consists,
of four thick lanceolate leaves or bracts with single midrib, arising
from a flattened carbonaceous patch, which shows traces of similar
leaves on its surface. These leaves or bracts have evidently
enclosed the fructification of some lycopodiaceous plant ; and
from their association with PsilopTiyton princepSj I regard it as
highly probable, though by no means certain, that they belong to
that species.

The rhizomata of PsilopTiyton princeps occur in situ in a
number of argillaceous beds, in a manner which shows that they
crept in immense numbers over flats of sandy clay, on which their
graceful stems must have formed a thick, but delicate, herbage,
rising to the height of from two to four feet. The rhizomes and
the bases of the stems may possibly have been submerged ; but I
should infer, from the appearance and structure of the latter, that
they were rigid, woody, and perhaps brittle. In many beds in
which the rhizomes have not been distinctly preserved, the
vertical rootlets remain, producing an appearance very similar to
that of the Stigmarian under-clays of the coal-measures. Sir W,
E. Logan has noted in his detailed sections numerous cases of this
kind.

When broken into fragments and imperfectly preserved, Psilo-
pTiyton princeps presents a variety of deceptive appearances. When
perfectly compressed in such a manner as to obliterate the mark-
ings^ it might be regarded as a dichotoraous fucoid or a flattened
root. When decorticated and exhibiting faint longitudinal striae^
it presents, especially when the more slender branchlets are
broken off, the aspect of a frond of ScTiizopteris or TricTiomanites,
When rendered hollow by decay, it forms bifurcating tubules,
which might be regarded as twigs of some tree with the pith
removed. Lastly, the young plants might be mistaken for ferns
in a state of vernation. In all conditions of preservation, the
stems, rhizomes, androotlets, if separated, might be referred to dis-
tinct genera. I have little doubt therefore that many imperfectly
preserved Devonian plants of this general form, noticed under
various names by authors, may belong to this genus, and some of
them to the species above described. In particular I may refer

Devonian Plants, 7

to certain dichotomous fucoids in the genera Fucoides and Chon-
drifes ; to a plant from the Hamilton Group of New York, figured
by Vanuxem in his Report, p. 161 ; to the dichotomous roots from
Orkney and Caithness described by Mr. Salter in the ' Proceedings'
of this Society for last year; and to the bifurcating plants with
curved tendril-like brancblets figured by Hugh Miller, ' Old Red
Sandstone,' plate 7, and 'Testimony of the Rocks, p. 434. From
the description in the former work, Chap. 5, it would appear that
the author had observed not only the stems but the rhizomes with
their Stigraaria-like areoles, though without suspecting them to
belong to the same plant. I have little doubt therefore that
materials exist in the Old Red Sandstone of Scotland for the
reconstruction of at least one species of this genus. Various
fragments which I have collected induce me to believe that it may
be found also in the Lower Coal-measures.

I have noticed above the resemblance of flattened specimens of
Psilopliyton to ferns of the genus Trichomanites (Goeppert.) To
this genus, indeed, I was disposed to refer the specimens, until I
found that the internal structure was lycopodiaceous, and that the
branching filaments are true branchlets covered with minute
leaves, A comparison of the plants above described with Tricho-
manites Beinertii of Goeppert, and SpJienopliyllum {T.) hijidum
of Lindley and Hutton, will show at a glance the strong resem-
blance that subsists ; and, since the specimens on which these spe-
cies are founded do not appear to have exhibited internal structure
or venation, I think it still admits of a doubt whether they are really
ferns. By way of further caution on this point, I may remark
that in flattened stems, either of Psilotum or of its ancient
relative, the slender woody axis may leave a mark resembling the
nervure of a leaf, and thus complete the resemblance to a frond of
Trichomanes.

Since writing the above. Professor G. S. Newberry has kindly
pointed out to me the close resemblance between the first species
above described and Haliserites Dechenianus of Goeppert ('Flora
der Uebergangpgebirges,' p. 88). I can scarcely doubt that this
so-called fucoid is in reality a plant of the genus above described,
but in such a state of compression that the stem appears like a
narrow frond, and the woody axis as a midrib. As this plant is
said to occur very abundantly at certain levels in the Devonian
Series of the Rhine, if my suspicions as to its nature are correct

8

Devonian Plants*

further examination might disclose its rhizomes, leaves, or fruc-
tification.*

2. LEPIDODENDROlir. (Fig. 3.)

A single species of this genus is found rather plentifully in the
beds containing the plants just described, and is distinct from any
that I have observed in the Coal-formation. The specimens
observed were all of small size and fragmentary, nor was their
state of preservation very good, though most of them were

Fig. 3 a Fig. 3 h Fig. 3 c

Fig. 3. Lepidodendron Gaspianum. a, decorticated stem and leaves ; bj
areoles ; c, small branch and leaves.

accompanied by the leaves. In specimens about two inches in
diameter, the areoles are two lines in length and one in breadth,
and placed closely together. They are elliptical, acuminate, with
central leaf scar, the form and markings of which could not be
perceived. The leaves are thick at the base and short, slightly
ascending, and then curving downward. The branches are
slender, straight, and very uniform in thickness in the portions
observed. This plant may be identical with the L. Chemungense
of Hall, from the Devonian rocks of New York ; but I am not
aware that any specimens of that species hitherto observed show
the leaf-scars or leaves; and, when these are obtained, should the
present species prove distinct, I would name it L. Gaspianurrv\,
Its characters, as above stated, are represented in figs. 3 a-c,

* It is possible that some of the fragments, from the Devonian of the
Thiiringerwald, included by Prof. Unger in his order RhachiopteridecB
may be allied to Psilopkyton. (See Denkschr. Kais. Akad. Wissen.
Wien, vol. xi. p. 139.)

f L. (Sagenaria) Veltheimianum, another ancient and widely distri-
buted species, resembles the above in the form of the areoles and position
of the scars ; but the leaves and young branches diflFer, and my speci-
mens show no median furrow in the areoles. L. nothum (Unger) also
seems closely allied.

Devonian Plants. 9

3. Prototaxites, gen. nov. (Fig. 4.)

Woody trunks with concentric rings of growth and medullary
rays. Cells of pleurenchyma scarcely in regular series^ thich-
walled, and cylindrical^ with a double series of spiral fibres.
Disc-structure indistinct in the specimens observed.

I propose the above generic appellation for a tree having the
spirally marked cells characteristic of the genera Taxites and
Spiropitys of Goeppert, but differing from any conifer known to
me in the cylindrical form and loose aggregation of the wood-
cells, as seen in the cross-section, in which particular it more

Fig. 4 a

C

OJD

OO^

gO0

O..Qytf

[i:iii'^ri%

Fig. 5 b

Fig. 5 c

Fig. 4. Prototaxites Logani. a, cross-section, magnified 40 diams.,
showing growth-line and medullary ray ; 6, longitudinal
section (300 diams.) ; c, transverse section (300 diams.)

nearly resembles the young succulent twigs of some modern
conifers than their mature wood. A fine silicified trunk of this tree
was brought from Gaspe by Sir W. E. Logan, and was shortly
described in the ' Proceedings of the American Association ' for
1856.

10 Devonian Plants.

The specimen is nine inches in diameter, and presents through-
out a series of rings of growth, rather more than one-tenth of an
inch in average thickness. Under the microscope, the cross-
section exibits cells perfectly circular in outline, not crowded, but
becoming much smaller at the margins of the rings of growth,
where some large irregular openings perhaps represent resin-
ducts. The medullary rays are marked by clear structureless
spaces. In the longitudinal section, parallel to the medullary
rays, the wood-cells are seen to be much elongated, and to
terminate in conical points ; and their sides are covered with the
remains of a double series of spiral fibres, among which are a few
scattered roundish spots, which perhaps indicate a single row of
discs*. The cells of the medullary rays have been entirely
disorganized ; but the space which represents them in a tangential
slice, shows that they must have consisted of several rows of cells.
(Figs. 4 a—c.)

In my late visit to Gaspe, I was so fortunate as to find a second
tree of this species imbedded in the strata, though having its
structure in a less perfect state of preservation than the specimen
above described. It was in a prostrate position, the trunk lying
S. W. and N. E., in a thinly bedded, crumbling, pyritous sand-
stone. The trunk is silicified, one foot five inches in its greatest
diameter, and eleven inches in its least, the difi'erence being due
to compression ; a branch five inches in diameter sprang from its
side. On the external surface was a thin layer of crumbling coal,
probably representing the bark. No pith was perceptible ; but
there was a channel or depression along the upper surface, as if a
pith-cavity had existed and, when the wood became softened by
decay, had given way to pressure. The age of this tree, as in-
dicated by its rings of growth, would be about one hundred and
fifty years ; so that, though the tissue appears lax, it was not of
more rapid growth than in modern conifers. The growth-rings
also in the specimen previously described, as well as in this, are
well marked, indicating a decided difi'erence of temperature in
the seasons of the Devonian year. I cannot propose for this
monarch of the old Devonian forests of Gaspe a better or more
appropriate name than that of its discoverer, and shall therefore
name it Prototaxites Logani.

* This disc-like structure was first pointed out to me by Mr. Poe, of
Montreal, a very zealous and successful microscopist.

Devonian Plants, 11

With respect to the affinities of the genus, I can only say that
the markings on its wood-cells most nearly resemble those of the
two genera of fossil Taxine trees above-mentioned, which are,
however, found in much more modern geological formations.
Among recent trees known to me by specimens or figures of their
tissues, Taxus haccata and Torreya taxifolia most nearly resemble
the Gaspe fossil. In the meantime, therefore, it may be included
in the subfamily Taxinece.

I could detect no leaves or fruit likely to belong to the species ;
but this is not wonderful, since in the Coal-formation the wood of
conifers is very abundant, while their foliage is extremely rare.
Before leaving this ancient taxine conifer, it may be useful to
notice the deceptive appearances which its wood presents when,
imperfectly preserved. In some parts of my second specimen the
woody tissue has been entirely obliterated, and is replaced by a
kind of oolitic concretionary structure, apparently connected with
the presence of iron-pyrites. In other portions the wood seems
to have been resolved into a homogeneous paste before silicifica-
tion ; and this, being moulded on minute granular crystals of
quartz, assumes the aspect of a tissue of fine parenchymatous
cells — a deceptive appearance very common in badly preserved
fossils penetrated by calcareous or silicious matter. In other parts
of the specimen the cell-walls remain, but in an opaque coaly
condition, which conceals their spiral fibres and discs. I am not
quite certain that this last form may not represent the natural
state of the heart-wood of the tree. In the first specimen, ob-
tained by Sir W. E. Logan, the whole trunk appears to be well
preserved, with the exception of the medullary rays-,

4. PoACiTES, Knorria (fig. 5), Carbonized Wood (fig. 6), etc.

In addition to the plants above described, the Gaspe sections
contain, especially in the beds near the coal-seam, abundance of
what seem to be long parallel-sided leaves, with
delicate longitudinal striae, and varying from a
Fig. 5 a fourth of an inch to an inch, in breadth. Thev
may be placed provisionally in the genus Poocites,
but are perhaps leaves of Nceggerathia or Cor-
daites.

There is also in the Collection of the Geological
Fiff 5 6 Survey of Canada a remarkable fragment, covered
Fig. 5. Knorria ? with sharp, flat, angular scales. Were it not for
b, magnified. ^^^ carbonaceous character, I should be inclined

12 Devonian Plants,

to regard it as of animal rather than vegetable origin. If a plant,
it must, I presume, be referred to the genus Knorria (see fig. 5).
In the same collection is a flattened and obscurely marked stem,
from rocks of the same age at Kettle Point, Lake Huron. Its
markings are scarcely sufficiently distinct for description, but can-
not be distinguished from those of some of the varieties of
Knorria imbricata.

Another suite of specimens in the Museum of the Geological
Survey indicates the existence of a large plant, the precise nature
of which it is perhaps at present impossible to determine.
One of the specimens from Gaspe has the aspect of a long flat-
tened trunk, having in a few places the remains of a carbonaceous
coating, presenting longitudinal ribs like those of Calamites, It is
crossed at intervals by markings not quite at right angles to the
sides of the stem, each of which consists of a sharp ridge with a
furrow at either side. The specimen is four inches in breadth and
about four feet in length. Other specimens from Kettle Point vary
from five inches to one inch in breadth ; and some of them show
traces of longitudinal ribs, but others are quite smooth, or marked
only by the rhombic structure-lines of the coaly matter. All show
transverse or diagonal ridges, though some of these seem to be
merely cracks filled with mineral matter. Crushed Calamites,
in a very bad state of preservation, might assume these ap-
pearances; but, until better specimens occur, the true nature of
these plants must remain doubtful. They are very possibly of
the same nature with the Calamite-like stems described by Miller
in his 'Testimony of the Rocks,' p. 439.

In every part of the Gaspd sections, beds occur having their
surfaces thickly covered with fragments of carbonized vegetable
matter, evidently drifted by the currents which deposited the sand

composing the beds. A large proportion
of these comminuted plants belong to the
genus Psiloijhyton ; but many are frag-
ments of the wood of larger vegetables.
Nearly all are in a very imperfect state of
preservation ; and most of those that retain
the'.r structure show a scalariform tissue

similar to that represented in fio;. 6, and
Pig- 6. '' . .

probably belong to the a^lso^ Lepidoden-

Fig. 6. Scalariform tissue dron. Others exhibit elongated woody
(magnified 300 diams.) ^^^j^^ ^.^j^^^^ ^^^^^^ markings, perhaps

Devonian Plants. 13

from the cortical portion of the same genns, or possibly conifer-
ous*. Another form of carbonaceous matter, abundant in some
of the sandstones, consists of scaly fragments resembhng the
remains of decayed cones, probably Lepidvstrohi.

The great abundance of vegetable fragments throughout an
immense thickness of rock^ indicates the existence of extensive
land surfaces clothed with vegetation, though this apparently con-
sisted of but a few species. The small bed of coal occurring in the
lower p;5rt of the section, is composed entirely of irregularly lamin-
ated shining coaly matter without mineral charcoal. From its
appearance and the vegetable remains in its underclay, I infer that
it consists principally of the accumulated rhizomata of Psilophy-
to7i, in situ. Its roof-shale is filled with the Poacites-like leaves
before mentioned, and with stems of Psiloj^hyton ; and it is remar-
kable that these last are in great part coiled up in the state of
vernation, as if overwhelmed by a succession of spring floods.

5. Animal Remains, Rain-marks, etc.

The animal remains found in the plant-beds were Entomostraca
(Beyrichia), Spirorhh (resembling that of the coal-measures),
Worm-tracks, and Ichthyodorulites [Onchus and Machceracan-
thus\). In one of the beds above the coal Sir W. E. Logan found
a few brachiopodous shells, apparently identical with those at the
base of the series, and also some remarkable transversely marked
furrows, which may have been produced by worms or by marine
gasteropods.

Near the upper part of the section, where the plants become
more rare, and the rocks are more abundantly tinged with the red
peroxide of iron, the beds are plentifully and often very grotes-
quely marked with ripple-furrows, shrinkage-cracks, and current-
lines. In one or two beds there are surfaces covered with round-
ed projections resembling casts of rain-marks; and in proof that
this is their true character, the surface being irregular, we have
not only the rain-marks themselves, but the little rills formed by
the gathering drops as they rolled along, in this one of the most
ancient showers of which we have as yet any geological record.

The general character of the conditions indicated by the Dev-
onian rocks and flora of Gaspe does not differ materially from that

* Aporoxylon (Unger).

t Prof. Newberry regards one of these as identical with his MachcBra'
eanthus sulcatus from the Devonian of Ohio.

14 Catalogue of Plants.

of the Carboniferous period, though the vegetation would appear
to have been poorer in species and more exclusively Lycopodia-
ceous ; in which respects it more nearly resembles that of the
Lower than of the Middle or Upper Coal-measures. The general
history is that of a sea-bottom elevated or filled up in such a
manner as to afford sandy or muddy flats, on poi tions of which
plants grew, and on other portions vegetable fragments were
drifted, or bare surfaces were exposed to the alternate influences
of aqueous deposition and aerial desiccation, — these various con-
ditions being more or less prevalent throughout a long period,
during which the area may have been gradually sinking, to be
again disturbed and elevated at the commencement of the Carbo-
niferous period.

In explanation of the siliceous and plant-bearing character of
the Gaspe beds, as compared with their more calcareous and
marine character in some other parts of America, I may point to
their vicinity to the old Laurentian land on the north side of the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, and to the possible existence of a nearer belt
of Lower Silurian land, indicated by the unconformability, in this
part of Canada, of the Lower and Upper Silurian rocks.

In the collection of Sir W. E. Logan there are some vegetable
remains from the limestones of Cape Gaspe and its vicinity, which
perhaps indicate a still older terrestrial flora than that above de-
scribed. They afford, I think, evidence of the existence of at least
one species oi Psilophyton and one oi Nceggerathia or Poacites;
but whether identical or not with those above described, I cannot
determine from the specimens. The beds in which they occur
certainly underlie the Gaspe sandstones, and are probably Upper
Silurian.

ARTICLE II. — List of Plants found growing as indigenous in
the neighbourhood of Prescott, C. W. ; for the most part,
collected in 1859, by W. E. Billings. (Supplementary to
Article 6, "Canadian Naturalist," February, 1858.)

Ranunculace(B.
Anemone cylindrica, (Gray). Thickets; westward; common.
Hepatica triloba, (Chaix). Exposed rocky places ; rare.
Ranunculus aquatilis (L.), var. divaricatus. Ponds, &c. ; common.
" Pursbii, (Richards;. Railroad Bay j rare, but common

northward.

Catalogue of Plants, 15

Ranunculus flammula (L.), var. reptans. Ordnance lots, near Fort
Wellington ; on heavy soil, in exsiccated places ; not
frequent.
" Pennsylvanicus (L.) Flowering, August and November.

Everywhere common in moist places.

Actsea spicata (L.), var. rubra. (Michx), Woods and thickets,

affecting more exposed localities than var. alba.
Nympk(Eace(B.

Nuphar advena, (Ait.) Everywhere common in still water.

" Kalmiana, (Pursh). Nation River, and common northward.
Fumariace(B.

Corydalis glauca, (Pursh). Gneiss rocks, near Brockville ; rare.
CrucifercB.

Nasturtium lacustre, (Gray). Growing in crevices of rocks in shal-
low, running water ; rare.

Cardamine hirsuta, (L.) Wet places; common, especially in shady
swamps.

Sinapis nigra, (L.) In places where it was formerly cultivated.

Lepidium Virginicum, (L.) Waste, exposed, hard soil ; very common.

Thlaspi arvense, (L.) West end of Dibble Street; rare.
Yiolaceos.

Viola Canadensis, (L.) Rich woods, westward.
CistacecB.

Lechea minor, (Lam.) Banks of the St. Lawrence, westward.
Droseracece.

Drosera rotundifolia, (L.) Marsh near Prescott Junction ; rare.
HypericacecB.

Hypericum mutilum, (L.) In wet, sandy places ; common.
Caryophyllacece.

Arenaria serpyllifolia, (L.) A weed, in gardens and elsewhere ;
common.

Stellaria borealis, (Bigelow). Swamps northward.
Geraniacece.

Geranium Robertianum, (L.) Banks of Conway's Creeks, among
loose rocks.
Rutacets.

Zanthoxylum Americanum, (Mill.) Woods westward ; not frequent,

but abundant northward and southward.
jlnacardiace(B.

Rhus Toxicodendron, (L.) In swamps and thickets ; common.
" glabra, (L.) Northward in woods, and not often met with.
Leguminos<B,

Trifolium arvense, (L.) Conway's; not seen elsewhere.
Desmodium Canadense, (D. C.) Banks of the St. Lawrence, in

thickets ; rare.
Astragalus Canadensis, (L.) Wastes near Grand Trunk Railway
gravel pit. Common on the rocky banks of the St.
Lawrence near Brockville.

16 Catalogue of Plants,

Lespedeza capitata, (Michx). Same localities as last, and more abun-
dant.
Yicia sativa, (L.) Waste places; rare.
Lathyrus palustris, (L.), variety myrtifolius. Shaded banks along

streams ; rare.
Apios tuberosa, (Moench). Marsh near Blue Church, and common on

the banks of streams inland.
Amphicarpaea, (Nutt.) Wood and thickets ; abundant.
Rosacece.
Potentilla Canadensis, (L.) Dry, grassy places, but not common.
Eubus hispidus, (L.) Low woods ; rare, but common northward.
Eosa blanda, (Ait.) Waste places ; common, especially among rocks.
Crataegus Oxycantha, (L.) Rocky banks of the St. Lawrence, near

Brockville.
Pyrus Americana, (D. 0.) Wet woods, four miles north of Prescott.
Onagracea.
Epilobium palustre, (L.), var. lineare. Swamps and bogs ; common.
Proserpinaca palustris, (L.) Swamps northward.
Hippuris vulgaris, (L.) In shallow water, near the banks of the St.

Lawrence, Johnstown.
Grossulace<B.

Eibes hirtellum, (Michx). Common in moist places.)

" lacustre, (Poir). Close, moist woods ; common.

CrassulacecB.

Sedum Telephium, (L.) Waste places ; rare.

Saxifragacece.

Saxifraga Virginiensis, (Michx). Eocky banks of the St. Lawrence,

westward ; abundant.

" Pennsylvanica? (L.) Bog near Graveyard; not in flower.
UmbellifercE.

Hydrocotyle Americana, (L.) Moist places ; abundant.

Heracleum lanatum, (Michx). Waste places; banks of St. Lawrence

westward.
Zizia integerrima, (D. C.) Sandy banks facing southward.
Araliacece.

Aralia hispida, (Michx). Sandy hill-sides ; not common.
Cornacece.
Cornus circinata, (L'Her.) Eocky banks of the St. Lawrence, west-
ward.
" sericea, (L.) Same locality as last.

" paniculata, (L'Her.) Grand Trunk Eailway enclosures ; west-
ward.
CaprifoliacecB.

Symphoricarpus occidentalis, (R. Br.) Eocky woods, near G. T. R.

gravel-pit.
Viburnum opulus, (L.) Eare, but common on banks of streams

northward.
Triosteum perfoliatum, (L.) May be looked for here, as it occurs on

the banks of the Oswegatchie, three miles south of

Pres cott.

Catalogue of Plants,'' 17

Ruhiacecs.

Galium lanceolatum, (Torr.), G. latifolium of former Art. Common
in rich woods.
Dipsacecs.
Scabiosa atropurpurea, (L.) Grassy bank of Railroad Bay, probably
escaped from cultivation.
Composites.
Diplopappus umbellatus, (Torr. & Gr.) Thickets westward ; rare.
Solidago squarrosa, (Muhl). Rocks, banks of the St. Lawrence,
westward ; rare.
" latifolia, (L.), S. Muhlenbergii of former Art. Common in
shady places.
Rudbeckia laciniata, (L.) Grove near the Blue Church, and west-
ward on the banks of the St. Lawrence ; rather rare.
Bidens frondosa, (L.) Everywhere ; common.

" Beckii, (L.) Railroad Bay, and streams northward, but rare.
Tanacetum vulgare, (L.) Waste places near dwellings.
Loheliacece.
Lobelia syphilitica, (L.) Low grounds; not common.

" Kalmii, (L.) Banks of St. Lawrence westward, in damp soil
Mricacece.
Vaccinium Pennsylvanicum, (Lam.) Dry thickets and woods ; fre-
quent.
" Canadense, (Kalm). Moist woods and thickets ; frequent.

" Corymbosum, (L.) Swamps northward ; common.

Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi, (Spreng). Rocky banks of the St. Lawrence

near Brockville.
Ledum latifolium, (L.) Marsh near the Junction.
Plant aginacecR.

Plantago lanceolata, (L.) Fields ; rare.
LentihutacecB.

Urticularia vulgaris, (L.) Abundant in Conway's Creek.
ScrophulariacecB.
Ilysanthes gratioloides, (Benth). Marsh near the Junction.
Melampyrum Americanum, (Michx). Rocks, woods westward ; abun-
dant.
Lahiat(B.
Mentha viridis, (L.) Wet places ; not common.
Hedeoma pulegioides, (Pers.) Road-sides ; very rare.
Monarda fistulosa, (L.) Banks of St. Lawrence westward.
Borraginacece .

Lithospermum arvense, (L.) Cultivated fields ; rare.
Hydrophyllacece,

Hydrophyllum Yirginicum, (L.) Rich woods, westward ; rare.
Convolvulacece.

Convolvulus arvensis, (L.) Banks of the St. Lawrence, westward,-
rare.

Can. Nat. 2 Yol. V. No. 1.

18 Catalogue of Plants,

Gentianacece.
Gentiana Andrewsii, (Griset). Moist thickets, northward ; rare.
Menyanthes trifoliata, (L.) Marshes and swamps, northward ; abun-
dant.
jipocynacea.

Apocynum cannabinum, (L.) Sandy hill-sides, northward; rare.
ChenopodiacecB.
Chenopodium hybridum, (L.) Very common.

" Botrys, (L.) Near Grand Trunk Station ; rare.

PolygonacecB.
Polygonum Pennsylvanicum, (L.) Exposed, waste places ; common.
" hydropiperoides, (Michx). Nation river, in water; com-

mon.
" tenne, (Michx). Banks of the St. Lawrence, westward.

Fagopyrum esculentum, (Moench). "Woods and fields, frequent.
El(BagnacecB.
Shepherdia Canadensis, (Nutt.) Rocky banks of the St. Lawrence
westward.
CeratophyllacecB.
Ceratophyllum demersum, (L.) St. Lawrence River, and Conway's
Bay ; very common.
Calliirichace<2.
Callitriche verna, (L.) Ponds and small streams ; rare.

" autumnalis, (L.) St. Lawrence, in shallow water; abun-

dant.
Euphorhiace<2.

Euphorbia maculata, (L.) Railway tracks, and hard soil in open
places ; rare.
" obtusata, (Pursh). Road-sides and waste places ; very

common.
Acalyphya Caroliniana, (Walt.) Similar situations as last, but rare.

MyricacecB.
Myrica Gale, (L.) Rocky banks of the St. Lawrence, near Brockville ;

rare.
Comptonia asplenifolia, (Ait.) Woods and wastes near G. T. R'way

gravel-pit ; abundant.
Betulace<2.
Betula alba, var. populifolia, (Spach). Rocky banks of the St. Law-
rence, near Brockville.
SalicacecB.
Salix Candida (Willd). Marshes, and moist open places ; common.
" longifolia, (Muhl). Very common.

" nigra, (Marshall). Rare, but large; one tree, about half a mile
west of the town, in a swamp, measures seven feet at

five feet from the roots.
Conifer (2.

Pinus rigida, (Miller). Rocky banks of the St. Lawrence, near

Brockville.
Juniperus communis, (L.) Abundant, on the banks of the St. Law-

r'^nce, near Brockville.

Catalogue of Flaiits, 19

jlracecB.

Arissema triphyllum, (Torr.) Moist woods ; very common.

Acorus Calamus, (L.) Margin of streams, in slow-running water

common.
Typhacets.

Sparganum angustifolium ? (Micbx). Marshy places ; common.

Lemnacece.

Lemna trisulca, (L.) Conway's Creek, and in ponds and streams in

sluggish water, northward ; abundant.

" minor, (L.) Upon the surface of stagnant water, in great

abundance.
Naidacets.

Naias flexilis, (Rostk). Slow-running water of rivulets, northward.

Zannichella, palustris, (L.) Railroad Bay; not seen elsewhere.

Potamogeton pectinatus, (L.) St. Lawrence; very common.

" pusillus, (L.) Ponds, in clear water ; common.

" compressus, (Lex Pries). Grows with the last.

" perfoliatus, (L.) St. Lawrence River, and in ponds,

common.

" lucens, (L.) Nation River, in great abundance.

" natans, (L.) Railroad Bays.

" heterophyllus, (L.) "

Scheuchzeria palustris, (L.) Close swamps and bogs northward,
rather rare.
Hydrocharidace^.

Anacharis Canadensis, (Planchon). Ponds and sheltered bays of the

St. Lawrence ; very common.

Valisneria spiralis, (L.) In similar situations as last, but deeper

water, and not as common.
Orchidace<2.

Platanthera bracteata, (Torr.) Close, damp woods ; not common.

" hyperborea, (Lindl.) " " a

" psycodes, (Gray). Open, moist places.

Calopogon pulchellus, (R. Brown). Bogs northward; rare.

Liparis Loeselii, (Richard). Open places ; rare.

Aplectrum hyemale, (Nutt.) Rich, moist woods, westward ; rare.

LiliacecB.

Smilacina stellata, (Desf.) Rich, moist woods ; rather rare.

Melanthacece.

Uvularia sessilifolia, (L.) Low, moist places, in woods.
JuncacecB.
Luzula pilosa, (Willd). Pine grove, near Blue Church; not found

elsewhere.
Pontederiacecs.

Schollera graminea, ("Wild). Railroad Bay, growing with Potomogeton.
CyperacecB.
Cyperus diandrus, (Torr.) Low grounds ; common. C. inflexus of
former list,
strigosus, (L.) Banks of the St. Lawrence, westward ; rare.

20 Catalogue of Plants,

Eleocharis compressa, (Sullivant). Wet places; common.,

" acicularis, (R. Brown). " "

Scirpus pungens, (Vahl). St. La-wrence, westward ; rare.

" sylraticus, (L.) "Wet places ; common.
Eriophorum polystrachyonj (L.) In bogs, and everywhere common

arex polytrichoides, (Muhl.) Bogs ; common.

" Sartwellii, (Dew.) Grassy, wet places, northward ; rare.

" teretiuscula, (Good.) Moist places ; very common.

" stipata, (Muhl.) Common.

" sparganioides, (Muhl.) Woods and fields, in moist places;
common.

« rosea, (Schk.) " " " common,

*« chordorhiza, (Ehrh.) Grassy marshes ; common.

" trisperma, (Dew.) Woods and swamps ; "

« tenuiflora, (Wahl.) " ^ « "

" canescens, (L.) Wet, open places.

<' Deweyana, (Schw.) Copses ; rare.

" stellulata, (Good). Abundant in wet places, presenting a
variety of forms.

" sychnocephala, (Carey). The few plants I have seen of this
species were growing in somewhat dry localities.

" scoparia, (Schk.) Wet places ; very common.

" lagopoioides, (Schk.) With the last, and equally common.

" adusta, (Boott). Wastes, and along fences ; "

" festucacea, (Schk.) With the last; common.

" stricta, (Lam.) Swamps and ditches ; "

" aquatilis, (Wahl.j Conway's Creek, growing in water.

" crinita, (Lam.) Swamps and ditches ; common.

" aurea, (Nutt.) Grassy fields ; rare.

" Crawei, (Dew.) Field near Fort Wellington ; not seen else-
where.

« granularis, (Muhl.) Fields and waste places ; very common.

" gracillima, (Schw.) Fields and woods, in moist places ; common,

" plantaginea, (Lam.) Moist woods ; rare.

" laxiflora, (lasiflora). Woods and fields, in moist places ; common,

" pedunculata, (Muhl.) Rich, rocky woods, westward ; abun-
dant ; flowering in April.

" Pennsylvanica, (Lam.) Same locality as last, and in full
flower 8th May. Abundant.

" varia, (Muhl.) Dry wood ; not so common as last.

" pubescens, (Muhl.) Woods ; rather rare.

" arctata, (Boott). Woods and thickets ; common.

" (Ederi, (Ehrh.) Barren field near Fort Wellington; not common.

*' filiformis, (L.) Marshes, northward ; not frequent.

" lanuginosa, (Michx). Growing with the last, but not common.

" aristata, (Michx). Ponds, and along ditches holding water ;
common.

" comosa, (R. Brown). " " " " common,

" Pseudo-Cyperus, (L.) « « " "

Catalogue of Plants, 21

Oarex lupulina, (Muhl.) "Wet places ; common. About the latest
flowering of the Carices.
" retrorsa, (Schw.) Conway's^ Creek. Spikes sometimes pro-
fusely branched.
GrammecB.

Alopecurus aristulatus, (Michx). "Wet places, growing in water ;
common.

Agrostis scabra, (Willd). Exsiccated places ; very common.

Cinna arundinacea, (L.) Damp woods and thickets ; common north-
ward.

Muhlenbergia glomerata, (Trin.) Marsh near the Junction ; rare.
" Mexicana, (Trin.) Wastes near the Junction ; rare.

Brachyelytrum aristatum, (Beauv.) "Woods ; common.

Calamagrostis Canadensis, (Beauv.) Swamps and marshes generally,
growing in water ; common.

Poa annua, (L.) Roadside and waste places ; frequent, and flower-
ing from May to November.

Festuca nutans, (Willd). Rich woods, westward.

Bromus ciliatus, (L.) Banks of the St. Lawrence, westward ; father
rare.

Phragmites communis, (Trin.) Swamp north of Junction ; rare.

Elymus Yirginicus, (L.) Banks of streams ; rare.

" Canadensis, (L.) With the last, or in similar localities.

Aira flexuosa, (L.) Grove north of Capt. Miller's ; rare.

Millium eflfusum, (L.) Close, damp woods; common.

Panicum glabrum, (Gandin). Sandy fields, eastward ; common.
" clandestinum, (Muhl.) Waste places ; common.
" xanthophysum, (G-ray). Dry, sandy soil ; common.

Andropogon furcatus, (Muhl.) Banks of the St. Lawrence, westward-
Sorghum nutans, (Gray). Banks of the St. Lawrence, near BrockvilLe.
EquisetacecB.

Equisetum limosum, (L.) Conway's Creek and elsewhere, growing

in water ; common.
Filices.

Polypodium vulgare, (L.) Rocky woods, westward; rare, but abun-
dant on gneiss rocks, near Brockville.
" hexagonopterum, (Michx). Rich woods, westward ; rare.

" Phegopteris, (L.) "Woods, northward ; rare.

Struthiopteris Germanica, (Willd.) Damp, rich soil, in shades ;

common.
"Woodsia Ilvensis, (R. Brown). Rocks, near Brockvile.
Botryehium lunarioides, (Swartz). Mossy banks, in woods and fields ;

rare.
LycoyodiacecB.

Lycopodium complanatum, (L.) Banks of the St. Lawrence, west-
ward, and in an exposed situation.

Selaginella rupestris, (Spreng). Pine grove, westward, upon rocks;
abundant upon rocks near Brockville.

22 Catalogue of Plants,

Musci.
Sphagnum cymbifolinm, rDill.) Bogs and swamps ; common.

" cjclophyllum, (Sulliy. & Lesqx.) Moist, open places ; rather
rare.
Dicranium rarium, (Hedw.) Banks ; very common.

" heteromallumy (Hedw.) On the ground, in most places

very common.
" scoparium, (L.), var. pallidum. On the ground and de-

cayed wood ; common.
Ceratodon purpureus, (Brid.) On the ground ; very common.
Fissidens polypodioides, (Hedw.) Woods, westward ; growing on

thin stratum of veegtabie mould on boulders.
Trichostomum pallidum, (Hedw.) On the ground ; common.
Barbula unguiculata, (Hedw.) Near Railroad Bay, and clay soils ;

frequent.
Orthotrichum strangulatum, (Beauv.) Bark of Ash and other trees ;
common.
" affine, (Schwart.) Rocks, and sometimes trees ; common.

" leiocarpum, (Br. & Sch.) Trees ; rare.

" Ludwigii, (Schwaegr.) " "

" crispum, (Hedw.) Trees, very common, especially on

the Beech.
Schistidium apocarpum, (Br. & Sch.) On boulders ; common.
Hedgwigia ciliata, (Ehrh.) " "

Diphyscium foliosum, (Web. & Mohr.) On the ground, in woods.
Atrichum angustatum, (Beauv.) In woods ; very common.
Polytrichum commune, (L.) Shady, moist places; very common.
Bryum argenteum, (L.) Exposed, hard soil, rocks, &c. ; common.
Mnium cuspidatum, (Hedw.) Woods ; common.
Anomodon obtusifolius, (Br. & Sch.) Trunks of trees, in moist woods j

common.
Leskea rostrata, (Hedw.) Base of trees; common.
Neckera pennata, " Trees ; very common.

Hypnum scitum, (Beauv.) Base of trees ; common.

'^ splendens, (Hedw.) On the ground, in woods ; abundant.
" deplanatum, (W. P. Sch.) Dry woods, at the base of trees ;

rare.
" albulum, (0. Mull.) Moist woods, on logs, &c. ; common.
" Schreberi, (Willd). On the ground, in woods ; common.
" fluitans, (L.) Swamps, in water ; common.
" Crista-Castrensis, (L.) On the ground, and much-decayed

wood ; common.
" imponens, (Hedw.) On the ground, and decayed logs ; very

common.
" salebrosum, (Hoflfm.) « « " "

JhpaticcB.
Fegatella conica, (Corda). Damp woods, on the ground and decayed
logs; common.

Catalogue of Plants, 23

Scapania nemorosa, (Nees). "With moss, in moist places, on banks ;

rare.
Frullania Virginia, (Lehm.) On trees ; very common.
Radula complanata, (Dumortier). On trees; "
Philidium ciliare, (Nees). On rotten wood, in swamps ; common.

Tricliocolea Tomentella, " On the ground, in moist places ; rare.
Mastigobryum trilobatum, " " " " common.

Lichenes.

Usnea barbata, (Fr.), [Beard Moss]. Trees, rails, &c. ; common.
Evernea jubata, " " Rails, stones and trees, espe-

cially the Pine ; common.
Ramalina calicaris, (Fr.), [Beard Moss]. Trees, rails, &c. ; common.
Cetraria ciliaris, (Ach.) Trees and rails ; rare.
Peltigera aphthosa,(Hoffm.) Moist places, on the earth, among mosses

common.
" rufescens, " Moist place s, on the earth, decayed wood
common.
Stricta scrobiculata, (Ach.) Trees ; not common.

" pulmonaria, " Trees, especially the Maple ; very com.

Parmelia crinita, " Trees ; common.

" tiliacea, " " "

" leevigata, " « "

" colpodes, " " «

" conspersa, " Rocks and stones ; common,

parietina, (Fr.) Trees, &c. ; common,
stellaris, (Wallr.) Trees and stones ; common,
pallescens, (Fr.) Trees, &c. ; very common.
« subfusca, « " " "

" varia, " « " "

Stereocaulon tomentosum, " On the earth and stones, in fields ; com.
Cladonia pyxidata, " On the earth, rotten wood, &c. ; "

" gracilis, " " " common.

" cornucopioides, " " " "

" Floerkiana, " On the earth, decayed logs, &c. ; rare.

" rangiferina, (Hoffm.) On the earth, and much-decayed
wood ; common.
Biatora ocrophaea, (Tuckerm.) Trees ; common.
Lecidea enterolenca, (Fr.) " "

Opegrapha scripta, (Ach. Schagr.) Bark of trees ; common.
Pertusaria purtusa, (Ach.) " " very common.

" faginea, " Trees, rocks, &c. ; common.

Verrucaria epidermidisj (Fr.) Bark of trees, especially the Beech;
common.

Charace(B.
Ohara vulgaris. Common in bays and shoals of the St. Lawrence, in
slow or stagnant water.

<(

24 Tuhicolous Marine Worms,

In this and the article above referred to, nearly all the Plien-
ogamoiis plants in the neighborhood are enumerated, with the
exception of a few Salices and Carices, the characters of which
are too variable or obscure for me to determine them with confi-
dence. No attempt has been made to give anything like a complete
list of our Cryptogamia ; and, little else than the more common
forms are noticed.

ARTICLE III. — On the Tuhicolous Marine Worms of the Gulf
of St. Lawrence^ hy J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.G.S.

Eead before the Natural History Society of Montreal.

The legions of marine worms that haunt the borders of the
sea are not usually very attractive to amateurs, nor have they
received the attention that they merit from naturalists, yet there
are few of the humbler animals that are more remarkable or
interesting in their structure and habits. They constitute two
orders, the errantia or vagrant sea worms, and the tubicol?e or
tube dwellers. The former are the sea centipedes, sea mice, lob-
worms, mud worms, &c. ; and though some of them are hideous
in general aspect, they are all remarkable for the singular struc-
ture of their locomotive and respiratory apparatus, as well as for
many curious points in their modes of life and reproduction.
The report presented by Dr. Williamson to the British Association
in 1851, on these creatures, is one of the most interesting
zoological monographs that we possess.

The tube dwellers are simpler in the structure of their external
appendages, though these are still very curious, and they are
more sedentary in their habits; but their colour is often brilliant,
and their shells, though generally inferior in beauty to those of
the mollusks, are elegant in form, and have the advantage of
being capable of easy preservation as permanent specimens.

The tuhicolous worms constitute several well marked genera.
Some, the Amphitrites and Sabellce, construct fragile tubes of
agglutinated grains of sand, others, the Terehelloe^ are more select,
and gather around them a tube of minute shells and shelly frag-
ments cemented together, so that each of them is in his way
a sort of little concholo2:ist. Others secrete hard calcareous
tubes, which may, as in the Serjmlce, be straight or irregularly
curved, or, as in the Spirorhes, rolled into a regular spiral.

Tubicolom Marine Worms, 25

Genus Spirorhis.

A stroller by tlie sea side, searching for shells or algae, is sure
to meet with Sea weeds more or less thickly covered with little
white shells, coiled up and attached firmly by one side to the
weed. Sometimes they are so abundant that large fronds may
have as many as a hundred on a square inch. If taken out of
the sea while alive, and examined under a microscope, there may
be seen to extend from the mouths of their tubes little conical
buttons mounted on stalks, which are the stoppers or lids that
close the orifices of their dwellings. These are followed by
a group of little filaments, the gills of the animal, and amidst
them is the simple suctorial mouth. These organs are slowly ex-
tended, but very rapidly withdrawn when the animal is alarmed by
any agitation of the water or the vessel in which it is contained. If
the animal is extracted from its tube it will be found to be a little
jointed worm terminating in a point, and having at its sides
minute hooks and bristles for enabling it to hold fast by the sides
of its habitation and to ascend and descend at pleasure.

The species most commonly found on the shores of the gulf of
St. Lawrence is the Sinrorhis spirillum — Serpula spirillum
of Linnaeus. It is regularly spiral, with smooth rounded whorls,
not enlarging rapidly nor much flattened at the lower side, but
sometimes rising nearly into an erect position toward the mouth.
Its favourite residence is on the fuci in shallow water. It is
found on both sides of the Atlantic and as far north as Greenland.

On sea weeds and zoophytes from somewhat deeper water, we
may often observe another species, smaller and more delicate in
texture than >S^. spirillum, coiled less closely, and in the opposite
way, or from right to left when the aperture of the shell is held
from the observer. This is the Spirorhis sinistrorsa. It is not
noted by Fabricius as a Greenland shell, but is found on zoophytes
at Gaspe, and abounds on sea weed in deep water off" the coast of
Maine. This and the previous species are the only ones that an
observer'who confines his attention to the sea weeds of the shore

tj (At

may chance to meet with; but dredging in deep water will
procure the following species.

Sp)irorhis nautiloides, the Serjnila spirorhis of Linnaeus, is of
the same size with S. Spirillum, but is thicker, less smooth, trans-
versely wrinkled, and more flattened at the base, so that when
removed from its attachment it appears like a shell split into two
equal halves. Its whorls also are more closely united and increase

26 Tuhicolous Marine Worms.

in diameter more rapidly, so that there is a deep and narrow
umbilical cavity in the centre. It is found both on stones and
sea weeds in deep water. This is at least what I take to be the
true Seiyula spirorUs of Linnae us and Fabricius, though more
recently some confusion between this shell and S, spirillum seems
to have arisen. It was found by Fabricius in Greenland. I have it
in a collection made in Labrador by Mr. Carpenter, missionary
of the Canada Foreign Missionary Society, and Dr. Gould has ob-
tained it on the American coast. I have it also on stones from
the Banks of Newfoundland.

When old, this shell forms a few semi-erect turns, so as to cover
up the previous whorls and the umbilicus, and terminates in a
thick and slightly expanded mouth, sometimes as much as half a
line in width. So completely does the shell in this condition
differ from its immature state, that but for the appearances seen
in sliced or broken specimens, I should have regarded it as a
distinct species. A change of a somewhat similar character,
though less marked, occurs in S. cancellata, and is represented
in the figure of that species given below. Similar changes,
though with diflferences in details, occur in S. vitrea and S,
por recta.

Spirorhis carinata (Mont.) is a deep water species, closely allied
to >S^. nautiloides, if not a variety of it. It is distinguished by
a keel or ridge running along the whorls, nearer the inner than
the outer edge. In some old shells a second ridge appears, and
then the shell very closely resembles S. quadrangularis of Stimp-
son. Young shells, on the other hand, are not distinguishable from
those of the S. nautiloides. This species is not noted by Fabricius
as a Greenland shell. It abounds in the collections of Mr. Bell
of the Geological Survey, and in my own from Gaspe, where it
occurred in deep water, attached to dead shells and stones. It
was found at Labrador by Mr. Carpenter. I also have it on a
stone taken up from the Banks of Newfoundland by a fishei man's
hook, and presented to me by A. Dickson, Esq.

Sp>irorhis vitrea is like S. sinistrorsa^ a reversed species, but is
thick, semi-transparent, and has the whorls closely crowded, and
in adult shells turned up and somewhat narrowed and thickened
at the mouth. A group of these shells looks like a number of
small drops of glass that had fallen on a stone and cooled there.
Fabricius discovered this species in Greenland. It occurs in Mr.
Bell's Gaspd collection, on the Banks of Newfoundland, and fossil

Tubicolom Marine Worms.

21

in the Pleistocene beds at Montreal and Beauport. It is noted bj
Stimpson as found in the Bay of Fundy.

a.

G

Fig. 1. — Spirorhis cancellata. a nat. size ; b magnified ; c older shell
less magnified ; d, e side views.

Spirorhis cancellata is in point of ornament the prince of our
Spirorbes. It is thick, regularly spiral when young, but with the
mouth tending upward when old. Above, it has two, or, in old
shells, three strong ridges revolving with the whorls, and giving it
an elegant fluted appearance, and the outer side presents a furrow
crossed by strong transverse bars, or in other shells appears as a
regular slope wilh a series of depressed spaces at regular intervals.
The whole appearance of this shell in a perfect specimen is very
elegant, and as I have not been able to find a good figure of it in
any work that I have consulted, I have attempted to represent it in
the figures on this page. It is a reversed species. S. cancellata
abounds in Mr. Bell's Gasp^ collection. It is one of the species
found by Fabricius in Greenland and named by him, but I am
not aware that it has been met with since, until dredged by Mr.
Bell in about 60 fathoms on the Gaspe coast, where it lives
attached to the valves of dead shells. It is also in Mr. Carpen-
ter's collection from Labrador.

Sinrorhis granulata^ (Muller) resembles that last described, but
wants the ornament around the margin, having only two furrow
and three sharp elevated ridges on the upper side, and it is not
reversed. Fabricius, who found it in Greenland, states that its
animal is yellow, with a white stopper on a short stalk, and sis
respiratory filaments. It occurs, though rarely, in Mr. Carpenter's

28

Tubicolous Marine Worms,

collection from Labrador, on stones and bryozoa, and was found
by Stimpson at Grand Manan.

Spirorbis porrecta differs from the others in having only a few
spiral turns and then boldly standing erect. It is thin, shining?
and round in its tube, and from its habit of growth resembles a
serpula ; but the animal is that of a spirorbis. Fabricius very
clearly describes it as follows. It occupies when contracted only a
third part of the length of the shell, is smooth, flattened on the
abdomen and attenuated posteriorly. Its stopper is extended on
a stem and at its base are six soft, short, white, conical respiratory
processes. At the base of these the body is white, plicated, and
armed with golden setae or bristles, extending forward. The rest
of the body is blood red above, lighter on the sides and below, and
its colour can be seen through the semi-transparent shell. This
species occurs at Gaspe on Zoophytes, and is recorded by Stimp-
son as found at Grand Manan.

It thus appears that of these curious little spiral worm shells,
the precise use of which in nature it would perhaps be difficult
to point out, but which no doubt enjoy life after their fashion,
and afford food to other animals, we have no less than seven or
eight species in the gulf of St. Lawrence.

Fig. 2. — Serpula (Vermilia) serrula? a nat. size; b anterior part
magnified ; c aperture magnified.

Genus Serpula.

The true serpulse are neither abundant nor large in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence, in so far as my observation extends. The most
common species, found both in Labrador and Gasp^, is of small
size, about ^%th of an inch in diameter, wrinkled transversely and
with a distinct and strongly denticulate keel on the back. It is
adherent in its whole length, sometimes much and irregularly

Tuhicoloiis Marine Worms, 29

bent, sometimes nearly straight. It corresponds exactly with
the description of >S^. (Vermilia') serrula of Stimpson, from the
Bay of Fundy. It also corresponds with the S. triquetra of
Linnaeus and Fabricius, except in its smaller size, and more
delicate structure. In some specimens there is a structure
which, so far as I am aware, has not been noticed in either of
the above species. It consists of two lateral lobes, somewhat
more than one-twentieth of an inch in length, attached to the sides
of the anterior portion of the tube, and opening by narrow labiate
mouths on each side of the princijDal orifice, so that there ap-
pear to be three orifices close together, the central one round,
the lateral ones narrow and lunate. If the animal inhabiting
this shell has the structure of protula, one may suppose that
these lobes accommodate the lateral disk or expansion of the
thorax. As they appear only in certain specimens, they may
perhaps be connected with the function of reproduction, and be
of the nature of ovi-capsules, or they may serve to enable a
certain amount of respiration to proceed when the gills are
retracted. It would be interesting to study the living animal
with reference to these curious additions to its tube.

Serpula vermicularis is one of the shells which I have described
in a former paper as found in the Pleistocene clay at Logan's Farm,
but I have not seen it from the Gulf, nor is it noted by Fabricius.
It is round, smooth, and tortuous.

Genus Pectinaria.

A shell, probably of this genus, made up of a single layer of
grains of sand, is frequent on sandy shores. It is perhaps P.
Groenlandica Grube, P. Belgica Lam., but I have not seen the
animal.

The Serpula seminulum of Fabricius is a foraminiferous shelly
the 31iUolina seminulum described in my previous papers on
the Pleistocene deposits. The S. stellaris of Fabricius is the
Truncatulina lohaia, also a foraminiferous shell, parasitic on
shells and zoophytes, found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and in
the Pleistocene beds. Serpula contortuplicata^ a common Atlantic
species, is also noted by Fabricius, but has not been found in the
Gulf. This industrious observer has also, under the genera Sahellaj
Nereis^ and Tuhularia, several species of tube-dwelling worms^
which are perhaps identical with species of Sahella^ Amp)hitrite^
&c., described by the naturalists of the "^"^nited States, but which
have not been observed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

o

List oj tJ.e St, Lawrence Algce.

The investigations recorded in the foregoing pages originated
partly in the researches necessary to the study of the Pleistocene
fossils of the St. Lawrence valley, and partly in the interest of the
collections placed in the hands of the author by Mr. Bell and Mr.
Carpenter. The most useful guide to the study of these collec-
tions has proved to be the old work of Otho Fabricius — the
Fauna Groenlandica, a wonderful monument of painstaking and
accurate research, to which I hope ere long to direct the attention
of Canadian naturalists in a comparative sketch of the marine
fauna of Greenland, as described by Fabricius and others, and
that of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the tertiary beds on its
margin. For access to this and some other scarce books, and for
aid in the comparison of some doubtful species, I have to thank
Dr. Gould of Boston and Mr. Stimpson.

ARTICLE lY. — A Classified List of 3Iarine AlgcE from the
Lower St. Lawrence^ with an Litroduction for Amateur
Collectors. By the Be v. Alex. F. Ke3ip.
This large and beautiful collection of Algte, which we have
here catalogued according to the most recent order of classi-
fication, has been put into our hands, for the most part, by a dili-
gent and skillful collector (whose name we are not permitted to
give), for the purpose of illustrating an interesting department of
our Canadian Botany. The Lower St. Lawrence is, we believe, a
field for research which has not yet been sufficiently explored.
It has all the characteristics to render it the favorite habitat of a
very wide range of genera and species. In the colder waters of
the north shore, we may expect to find plants peculiar to the
Arctic and Sub-Arctic zones, together with those that belong to the
temperate shores of the world. Again, the somewhat warmer
waters of the southern coast, as far east as Gasp^, with their
peculiar shores and bays, will undoubtedly aff'ord forms and species
of marine plants, whose limits of geographical distribution reach far
into the warmer regions of the south. Further, the junction of
the fresh waters of the river with the salt waters of the gulf, will
be found a favorite resort for some of the more beautiful and deli-
cate species of Algae. We have as yet seen no specimens from
this middle region of our waters ; but we have no doubt that
somewhere about Grosse Isle, or on the shores of the counties
L'Islet and Saguenay, a fine and as yet unexplored field lies open
to some enthusiastic collector.

List of the St. Lawrence AIg(B. 31.

An idea is we fear somewliat prevalent that the collection and
classification of sea-weeds is an employment only for children and
idle people — that to give anything like earnest attention to this
beautiful but comparatively useless class of plants, is to mis-spend
one's valuable time. Now, we do not deny that this class of plantsj
from their rare beauty of form and colour and from the facility
with which they may be prepared as articles of ornament, has
become of late years a favourite source of amusement to young
persons, and especially to young ladies. It is, however, certain
that while they find amusement in collecting and preparing speci-
mens, they also bring their minds into contact, in a most instruc-
tive way, with some of the most interesting and beautiful forms
of Creative Wisdom. They, for example, become familiar with
colours of gem-like lustre and with varieties of form and structure,
which, for delicacy and beauty, far surpass the conceptions of
human imagination or the skill of human hands. Especially this
is the case if collectors examine and classify their specimens by
the aid of a microscope, with powers ranging from 100 to 400 diame-
ters. This will open up to them a world of wonders, and impart a
deep and delicious pleasure to all their researches. Now that good
microscopes are so cheap and so easily attainable, every collector
of plants should have one, and should make it his constant com-
panion. There is a large number of the Algae, and these too the
most beautiful and interesting, which can only be determined by
a, microscopic examination of their tissues and their modes of
reproduction.

Let not any one imagine that these plants are of no use. They
may, it is true, be of little use to us ; but it is taking a low view
of the utility of things to judge of it simply by our personal
advantage. It is admitted that we can get very little to eat or to
sell from the Algae. We would not advise any one to attempt
to make a living by collecting and preparing specimens. They
are, nevertheless, not without their use. We get iodine, one of
the most valuable of medicines, from the Fucaceae ; and the vast
quantities of sea-weeds which are cast upon our shores are used
extensively as a most excellent manure for our fields.

If we judge of the use of the Algae, not by the direct benefits
which we receive from them, but from the place which they occupy?
and the work wliich they perform in the grand system of the
organic kingdom, we shall see that these humble plants are entitled
to most honorable consideration. If antiquity is any honor in

32 List of the Si, Lawrence AlgcB,

these days, the Algas may say to their more lordly brethren of the
woods and gardens, " Our forefathers lived many ages before the
first of your tribe was born. We inhabited the shallow waters and
the shores of the most ancient Silurian seas, and, in every subse-
quent age, for millions of years, we have borne silent testimony to
the wisdom of the great Creator." Consider too, that if sea-weeds
cannot to any great extent be eaten by us, that yet the tiny
molluscs, the radiates and the smaller vertebrate fishes need food
as well as we. These plants are the sources from which very many
of them are sustained in life. Without them there would be
famine in many families of the animal kingdom.

The marine plants perform, besides, the same sanitary work in
the sea which the land plants perform on the land. Both are
most important agents in purifying the atmosphere and preserving
it in a healthy state for animal use. These apparently insignifi-
cant Alg^e are indeed most busy and benevolent creatures. They
swallow up much that is poisonous in the water, and labour hard
to keep it pure and sweet. It is well known that the carbon arising
from decaying vegetable or animal substances in water or on land,
by combining with oxygen, forms carbonic acid gas, which is both
very disagreeable to the organs of smell and very injurious to health.
Were it not then for the provision which the good Creator has
made, by means of land and sea-plants, to counteract this noxious
vapour, many parts of the sea and land would be entirely unfit
for the residence of animals. These marine plants have the pe-
culiar faculty of absorbing from the carbonic acid gas all the
noxious carbon, and setting free the healthy oxygen. They thus
decompose that injurious compound, and render the waters suita-
ble for animal life. In proof of this, we would adduce the fact,
which those who are familiar with the sea-shore may have observed,
that the Algae are constantly covered with globules of air, which,
like studs of brilliants, sparkle with great beauty, and sometimes
shine like stars. These globules are the emancipated portions of
oxygen, which, having been attracted into the bad society of carbon,
are now set free by the benevolent action of the weeds ; the result
is, that, grateful for their liberty, they shine with evident joy.

We have said enough to show that the lowly Algge are not so
useless a class of plants as some people suppose, but that they fill
an important place in the grand circle of creation ; they, too, are
evidences of that Divine wisdom which it is one of the employ-
ments of intelligent and good people to enquire into and admire. To

List of the St. Lawrence AlgcB, 33

know their character and habits is to know the wisdom and good-
ness of our Father in Heaven.

Many young collectors, and admirers of these plants more
mature in y^ars, wish to obtain a more full acquaintance with them
than that which their own unaided observations afford ; but they are
often at a loss to find out how this may be accomplished. Very few
people in this country know anything about the scientific structure
and classification of the x^lgae. It is, therefore, a rare thing to find
a personal instructor and guide. The next best thing is to pro-
cure good books ; but then, where shall we find them ? and what do
they cost ? are questions frequently put.

For the benefit of those who desire to cultivate, in a scientific way,
this interesting department of botany, we beg to say that the books
which will be of most service to them are neither difficult to obtain
nor yet very costly. The best book for this country is a work by
Dr. Harvey, of Dublin, recently published by the Smithsonian
Institution of Washington. It can be had through any bookseller
from the Messrs. Appleton, of New York, at the cost of $6. It
is a large quarto size. The plates are most beautiful, and the
classification most recent and complete. For a book of its kind
it is remarkably cheap. It is entitled ''^ Nereis Boreali-Ameri-
cana," The next best book is Harvey's "Atlas of British Sea-
Weeds,^' with the little book which accompanies it. This work
contains figures of almost every species found in the British
waters, and comprises a great part of our American plants. Its
cost is three guineas sterling in England, and though somewhat
expensive, is really a most delightful and valuable book. " Jlar-
vefs Manual of British Marine AlgcB " is a less costly book and
one better adapted for beginners, the last edition of which can
be procured for about four dollars. A smaller and more ele-
mentary work, entitled "Landshorough's Marine Algcje^'' very o-ood
and useful for beginners, may be obtained by any bookseller in this
country, from Routledge the publisher, at a cost of two dollars.
There are other books of a more expensive kind, which mio-ht be
named ; but these will enable any one to prosecute, with pleasure
and profit, the study of the genera and species of the laro-e sub-
kingdom of the Marine Algse.

The writer of this article will gladly determine any specimens
for young collectors that they may find difficult or obscure. He
will also be glad to receive for publication, in the Naturalist any

Can. Nat. 3 Vol. V. No. 1.

34 List of the St. Laiurence AlgcB.

new species that may be found in the St. Lawrence, or specimens
of Algae from the region at which the fresh and salt waters of the
river and gulf come into contact.

Having made these few observations in a popular form, for the
benefit of young readers, we shall now proceed with our detailed
catalogue of the specimens referred to : —

The references to pages and plates are all, except when otherwise
mentioned, to Harvey's " Nereis Boreali- Americana."

Sub-Class. — I. Melanosperme^ or Olive-Colored Alg^e,

Order /.— FuCACE^.

'Fucus fastigiatus, J. Ag. P. 68, pi. Ill A. North Shore of

the St. Lawrence.
Fucus nodosiis, Linn. P. 68. Abundant on all the shores of

the North Atlantic.
Fucus furcatus, Ag. P. 70. St. Nicholas, in rock pools,

within reach of the spray of high tides. This species is

obtained in Newfoundland, and is apparently rare on

our shores. Harvey says he is not acquainted with it.
Fucus vesicuhsus, Linn. P. 71. Very abundant on all the

North Atlantic shores; remarkable for its air-vessels,

which are, however, often absent.

Order III. — LAMiNARlACEiE.

Alaria Pi/laii, Grev. P. 89. On rocks near low water mark.
This species was first described from a Newfoundland
specimen, and no other locality is given by Harvey.

Laminaria Fascia, Ag. P. 91. On rocks near low water
mark. " This species is widely distributed, being found
on the Atlantic and Mediterranean shores of Europe,
and at the Falkland Islands in the Southern Atlantic."
— Harv.

Laminaria dermatodea, De la Pyl. P. 92. St Nicholas and
Point des Monts, North Shore. Newfoundland is the
only habitat given by Harvey. On rocks at and below
low-water mark.

Laminaria longicruris, De la Pyl. P. 93. Metis— a fragment
from the collection of Mr. D. A. Poe.

List of tic St. Lawrence Algcc. 35

Laminaria Fht/Uitis, Stack. Harvey's Manual. P. 31. On
rocks near low water. This plant is not found in the
Ner. Bor.-Am. Our specimen exactly corresponds with
the description of the Manual ; but Dr. Greville, Mrs.
Griffiths, and Dr. Harvey doubt whether this beautiful
plant may claim to rank as a species distinct from L.
saccharina. " The more lanceolate form, deHcate sub-
stance, and pale yellowish-green colour, constitute the
chief marks of distinction."

Laminaria digitata, Lam. P. 94. Abundant as far south
as Cape Cod.

Agarum Turneri, Post. & Rupr. P. 95, pi. V. On rocks below
low water mark, Rimouski, South Shore. This plant
is peculiar to the Atlantic and Pacific Shores of America.
Its common name is Sea-Colander.

Chorda Jilum, Stack. P. 98. Murray Bay. A young speci-
men clothed with beautiful pellucid grass-green hairs —
common on the Northern Shores of America.

Chorda lomentaria, Lyngb. P. 98. On rocks at mid-tide.
This plant is not easily distinguishable from Asperoco-
ccus echinatus. " In habit it has more resemblance to
it than to O. filum ; but the structure of the walls is
more in accordance with the latter, and it may always be
known by its constricted joints."

Order IV. — DiCTYOTACEiE.

Dictyosiphon fceniculaceus, Grev. P. 114. On rocks at low
water mark. "In a growing state every branch is
clothed with long slender pellucid-jointed hairs, which
give the plant, when seen under water, a beautiful
feathery character." — Harv.

Punctaria tenuissima^ Grev. P. 115. Parasitic on other

Algae.
Punctaria plantac/inea, Grev. P. 115. On rocks and stones.

Asperococcus echinatus, Grev. P. 117. A plant nearly allied

in appearance to C. lomentaria.
Asperococcus compressiis, Grifi". Harvey's Manual, p. 42.

Murray Bay. This plant is not included in Harvey's

36 List of the St. Lawrence Algce,

Ner. Bor.-Am. ; but it exactly corresponds with tlie
description in the Manual, and does not very much
resemble A. echinatus. After careful consideration, we
are disposed to add it to the American species.

Order V. — CnORDARIACEiE.

Chordaria JlageUiformis, Ag. P. 123. In rock pools mid-
tide, Murray Bay. This is a remarkably prolific and
robust specimen. Its branches are from 6 to 8 inches
long.

Chordaria divarlcata, Ag. P. 124, pi. XI A. In rock pools
mid-tide, Murray Bay. This is also a remarkably fine
specimen. It has shrunk greatly in drying.

Elachista fiicicola, Fries. P. 131, pi. XI B. Parasitic on
Fuci and Chordarias. Metis,

Order VI. — Ectocarpace^.

Ectocarpus hracJiiatiis, Harv. P. 138. Parasitic on Fucus
vesicidosus. Murray Bay. Also in the collection of
Mr. D. A. Poe from Metis.

Ectocarpus littoralis, Lyngb., p. 139. Abundant on Fucus
vesiculosus. Murray Bay and St. Nicholas.

Ectocarpus siUculosus, Lyngb. P. 139. On stones and other
Algae at low water mark. Murray Bay ; very abundant
and the specimens are very fine.

Ectocarpus fasciculatus, Harv. P. 141. Parasitic on Chor-
daria. We are doubtful about this species. The speci-
men is so infested with Diatomaceae, that it is very diffi-
cult to discover the fructification ; but so far as it is
discoverable, it has all the appearance of this species.

Sub-Class. — II. RnoDOSPERMEiE OR Red Alg^.
Order I. — Rhodomelace^.

Odonthalia dentata Lyngb. P. 14. In great abundance at
Bernaby Island, Rimouski, and frequently found at
Murray Bay.

Odonthalia angustifoUa, Suhr. P. 14. Abundant at Mur-
ray Bay. This is a very beautiful plant. It is not
described in the Ner. Bor.-Am. Harvey only says of it

List of the St. Laurence Algce. 37

that seemingly it is the same as 0. Kamtchatica Rupr.
In appearance it is very distinct from the previous
species. It may, we think, be added without hesitation
to the North American Algae.

Ehodomela subfusca, Ag. P. 26. On stones in sandy bays
and on Jother Algae. Point des Monts, North Shore,
Rimouski and Metis. This is an exceedingly variable
plant, the young fronds spring from the terminations of
the old, and in summer give it a very bushy appearance.
In its winter garb and in its old state, it is very scrubby
and rigid in its branches

Bhodomela lycopodioides^ Linn. Harv. Man. p. 78. The col-
lector notes regarding this plant that " though common
every where it is found in greatest beauty and size — in
large bushy fronds of more than a foot and a half in
length — at Murray Bay. Some pieces of iron removed
from a wreck at Caribou Island were perfectly covered
with this Alga." Although Harvey does not include
this species in his Ner. Bor.-Am., we cannot doubt its
identity with the British species of the name. Its pe-
culiarly graceful branches and the monoliform character
of its ultimate pinnae, which are covered with tetraspores,
distinguish it sufficiently from L. subfusca. It has no
conceptacles.

Ehodomela gracilis, Kutz. P. 26, pi. XIII. C. This plant
is remarkable for its fine pedicellate conceptacles. There
is also an entire absence of tetraspores or stichidia. The
branching is exceedingly graceful, approaching in ap-
pearance to that of R. li/cojjodioides.

Polysiphonia urceolata, Grev. P. 32. On stones and other
Algae below low water mark. Murray Bay and Metis.

Polysiphonia formosa, Suhr. P. 33. Murray Bay, Rimouski
and Metis.

Polysiphonia fibrillosa, Grev. P. 43. On stones below low
water mark, Point des Monts.

Polysiphonia violacea, Grev. P. 44. On other Algae below
low water mark, Murray Bay.

Polysiphonia fastigiata, Grev. P. 54. Parasitical on F.
nodosus. Metis and Point des Monts. The collector
remarks, "This plant makes its appearance first at Metis.

38 List of the St. Lawrence Algce.

I have seen it in sucli abundance at Nahant tliat the

sight of it here made me feel as if at the ocean side.

The plant here is smaller."
Polysiphonia variegata, Ag. ^P. 45. Metis. In the collection

of Mr. D. A. Poe.
Polysiphonia nigrescens, Grev. P. 49. In shallow rock pools^.

Metis.
Polysiphonia mgrescens, var. fucoides, Grev. On stones and

other Algas, Point des Monts.
Polysiphonia oiigrescens, var. affinis, Grev. Parasitical on Lami-

naria, Rimouski.

Order IIL — CoRALLlNACE^.
Corallina officinalis, Linn. P. 83. On stones and shells abundant^

Order IV. — SPHCEROCOCCOIDEiE.

Delesseria sinuosa, Lam. P. 93. On rocks, Murray Bay.
An exceedingly variable plant. " In deep waters th&
frond often becomes very narrow with filiform lobes
produced into long tendrils. The margin of the frond
which in most cases is merely denticulate, is occasionally
bordered with slender simple or fimbricated lacinulae,
or fringed with great numbers of minute accessory
frondlets." Harv. The fringed and narrow varieties
are very common in the St. Lawrence. The collector
notes regarding this plant, that "it is the only species
of this genus I have found elsewhere than at Murray
Bay. This place is the garden of the St. Lawrence. "

Delesseria/m&riaia, De la Pyl. P. 94. Parasitical on Chcetomor-
pha. Murray Bay. Newfoundland is the only other
locality noted by Harvey who does not appear to have
seen the plant. It is one of the most beautiful and
curious of the genus. The laciniae are densely fringed
with delicate twisted leaflets.

DoiessQrisidenficulataj'Mont. P. 94. Parasitical on (7Ace^omor^jAa»
Murray Bay, Shores of Labrador and Brandy Pot
Island. The fronds are alternately branched.

Delesseria a Za to, Lam. P. 95. North shore of the St. Lawrence,
collected by Mr. D. A. Poe. This seems a doubtful
specimen, very like D. fimhi'iata, but its leaflets are
shorter and entire on the margin. A narrower and
more distinct specimen from Kakoona is in my collection.

List of the St. Lawrence AlgCB, 39

Delesseria angustisswia, Griff. P. 95. It is doubtful whether
this be not a very extreme variety of the preceeding.

Delesseria i??//)oy?ossMm, Lam. P. 96. Murray Bay. Collected
by Miss Taylor.

Nitophyllum punctatum, Grev. P. 104. Mingan Islands. Col-
lected by George Barnston, Esq.

Nitophyllum Bomiemaisoni, Ag. Harv. Man. p. 117. Mingan
Islands. Collected by George Barnston, Esq. This
species is not in the Ner. Bor.-Am., and is new to the
American shores.

Order V. — GelidiacEuE.
Hypnea musci/ormis, Lam. P. 123. Point des Monts.

Order X. — Rhodymeniace^.

Rhodymenia ^er^wsa, J. Ag. P. 147. North shore. Harvey gives
also the Straits of St. Juan de Fuca and Greenland.
Our specimens are not more than 4-6 inches long. In
the more northern seas this plant attains the size of from
1-3 feet.

B.]iodymem?i pahnata, Grev. P. 148. Regarding this fine plant
the collector notes that it is " common on the south shore
and Murray Bay, but not a trace of it is to be found so
far north as St. Nicholas and Point des Monts."

Cordylecladia irregularis, Harv. P. 156. This plant seems to be
very abundant on both shores of the St. Lawrence, but
we are somewhat doubtful as to our determination.
Both in structure and external appearance it approxi-
mates to the description of this species by Harvey. It
is a pretty red plant and is remarkable for the secund
character of its ultimate ramuli.

Order XL — Cryptonemiace^.

Phyllophora Brodlcei, J. Ag. P. 164. In rock pools near low

water mark, Murray Bay.
Phyllophora mem?>?'a?ii/b/ia, J. Ag. P. 165. Murray Bay.

Cysiochnium purpurascejis,Kutz. P. 170. Collected at Gasp^ by
Mr. Bell, of the Canada Geological Survey. Found
also at Murray Bay. This plant is readily recognized
by the nodose swellings in the ramuli. " It is common

40 List of the St, Lawrence Alga.

throughout the north Atlantic extending on the Euro-
pean side from the glacial ocean to the southern shores
of France." Harv.
Iridaea edulis, Stack. Harv. Man. p. 150. Not described among
the American species in the Ner. Bor.-Ain., the speci-
men before us is small, but the characters are well
marked.

Halosaccion ramejitaceum, J. Ag. P. 194. Common on every
shore. Murray Bay, Point des Monts.

¥-aice\\scrm fastigiafa, Lyngb. P. 195. In rock pools near low^
water mark. Murray Bay and Metis. A robust speci-
men was collected by Mr. Bell,Can. Geo. Sur. at Gaspe.

Furcellaria divaricata, Harv. MS. Deep water, Murray Bay.
This plant is neither in the Manual nor the Ner. Bor.-
Am. of Harvey, but is so named by him in MS.

Order XIIL — Ceramiace^.

Ceramium ruhrum, Ag. P. 213. Abundant on stones and other
Algae, Point des Monts. A most Protean plant.

CevB.m.i\im fastigiatum, Harv. P. 217. Metis.

Ceramium Hooperi, Harv. MS. On perpendicular sides of
rocks. Murray Bay and St. Nicholas. Not Common.

Ceramium ^raci7Zimwm, Kutz. Harv. Man. p. 163. Collected
by Mr. D. A. Poe at Metis.

Ptilota serrata^ Kutz. P. 222. Very abundant at Murray Bay.
Ptilota elegans, Bonnem. P. 224. In the collection of Mr. D.
A. Poe. North shore.

Callithamnion Pi/laiscei, Mont. P. 239. A most beautiful and
delicate plant. Murray Bay. Our specimens are in
fine fruit.

Suh-Class III. — Chlorosperme^ or green Alg^.

Order IV. — Ulvace^.

Porphyra vulgaris, Ag. P. 53. Very abundant on the rocks of
both shores. P. laciniata is nothing more than a cleft
variety of this plant, both are used in England in the
preparation of Marine Sauce, or laver.

List of the St. Lawrence Algce. 41

Bangia /wscopwrpwrea, Lyngb. P. 54. On top and within the
seams of rocks near high water mark, Point des Monts.

Enteromorpha coinpressa, Grev. P. 57. Extremely common and
variable. Under one or other of its many forms this
species is found on all parts of our American coasts.

Enteromorpha intestinalis, Link. P. 57. In rills of fresh water
covered at high tide. Murray Bay.

Enteromorpha clathrata var., erecta, Lyngb. Harv. Man. p. 214.
In rock pools near low water. Murray Bay.

Enteromorpha clathrata, var., ramulosa, Grev. P. 57. Harv.
Man. p. 215. In rock pools. In the Ner. Bor.-Am.
Harvey agrees with Greville in considering E. erecta and
ramulosa of authors as varieties, if not also synonyms of
E. clathrata.

Ulva Linza, Linn. P. 59. Common on all the shores ; easily

known by its tapering base and linear lanceolate form.
TJlva latissima, Linn. P. 59. Verycommon. Form polymorphous;

Order VI. — CoNFERVACEiE.

Cladophora arcta Billw. P. 75. On rocks near low water mark.

Bimouski and St, Nicholas.
Cladophora ^raciZis, Griff. P. 81. Murray Bay.
Cladophora Icetevirens Dillw. P. 82. In rock pools at low tide.

Metis.

Chaetomorpha melagonium, Web. & Mohr. P. 85. In rook pools
near low water mark, North shore. This plant was for-
merly called Conferva melagonium, but Harv. in the
latest of his publications thus designates the genus.

Cha3tomorpha longiarticulata, Harv. P. 86. Parasitical on
Halosaccion. North shore.

Hormotrichum Younganum, Dillw. P. 89. From the iron bar of
a buoy, Bimouski. The plants under this genus have
hitherto been placed either in Conferva or Lynghya.

Hormotrichum CarmichwUi, Harv. P. 90. On top of stones near
high water mark, Murray Bay.

Rhizoclonium rijmrium, Both. P. 92. In seams of rocks, Murray
Bay. Also found in Greenland.

Order IX. — OSCILLATORIACE^.

Lyngbya/errz/^{?iea, Ag. P. 102. On top of rooks near low water
mark, Bic.

42 Umisual Modes of

RivuLARi^, Hass.

Raphidia viridis, Hass. Britisli Fresh-water Algae, p. 265, pi
64, fig. 3. In rock pools, Point des Monts. This
plant bears some resemblance to the Rivularia nitida
of Harvey's Man. p. 222 ; but although a salt-water
species it is yet more like the R. viridis of Hass. which
abounds in the fresh-water of the St. Lawrence.

ARTICLE V. — Unusual modes of Gestation in Batradiians and
Fishes.

[Prof. Wyman of Harvard has lately returned from an excur-
sion across North America, in the course of which he has collected
many curious facts in natural history ; among others, the follow-
ing, which we extract from a communication to the Boston Society
of Natural History.]

" Among Batrachians the circumstances under which the young
are developed, though less varied than in some of the other classes
of vertebrates, still present a considerable range. By most species
the eggs are deposited in the water either upon aquatic plants or
on the bottoms ; by others, as in Salamandra eri/thronota, they
are laid in damp places under logs or stones ; with some the
evolution of the embryo commences a short time previous to the
laying of the egg and is completed subsequently, while there are
species which are wholly viviparous.

"The most remarkable deviations from the ordinary modes are
to be found in those instances in which the eggs, after being laid,,
are ajrain brouo^ht into a more or less intimate relation with the
parent, as in the "Swamp toads " (^Pipa Americana^ of Guiana,
where each ovum is developed in a sac by itself on the back of
the female, in Notoddphys of Venezuela, where all the eggs are
lodged in one large sac, also on the back, and is analogous to the
pouch of the Marsupials, and in Alytes, the " Obstetric toad " of
Europe, where the eggs are wound in strings around the legs of
the male, who takes care of them until they hatch. •

" The species, the habits of which are noticed below, and which,
in so far as I have been able to learn, have not attracted the
attention of naturalists, adds another to the series just mentioned,

Gestation in Batrachians and Fishes, 43

though the relation of the foetus to the parent becomes less inti-
mate than in any of the preceding cases.

^'' Hylodes lineaius (Dum. and Bib.) is vejy common in Dutch
Guiana, and its peculiar habits are well known to the colonists.
The first specimen with young which came to my notice had
been preserved in alcohol, and was presented to me by Mr. G. O.
Wacker, residing at Osembo, on the Para Creek, Surinam, and
had been captured at some distance from the water. The young,
ten or twelve in number, though separated from the parent, he
assured me, when found, were attached to the back.

"In the month of May, 1857, during an excursion to the coun-^
try inhabited by the Bush negroes, above Sara Creek on the upper
Surinam River, I had an opportunity for the first time of seeing
these animals carrying their young. The grass and bushes were
quite wet from a recent fall of rain, and this seemed the induce-
ment that led them from their hiding places, for when the ground
was dry none had been seen. They were very quick in their
movements, and when alarmed went at once into the grass and
thick bushes. One of my companions, Mr. John Green, and
myself succeeded in capturing some specimens, which, as we were
just leaving the village, were placed at once in alcohol. In one
instance the larvae were retained permanently adherent to the
back of the parent, in consequence of the coagulation of the mucus
covering the surface of the body, and are still preserved in the
Museum of Comparative Anatomy at Cambridge. The young,
from twelve to twenty in number, were collected upon the back
of the mother, their heads directed towards the middle line. They
were about three-fourths of an inch in length. No limbs were
developed, though in some of them the rudiments of a leg existed
in the form of a small papilla on either side of the base of the tail.
No especial organ was found to aid them in adhering to the back
of the parent. The adhesion may have been effected by the mouth.
This is rendered probable by the fact that all of them had the
mouth in contact either with the skin of the parent or with that
of another larva. A. viscid mucus covering the integuments un-
doubtedly assisted in some measure to bring about the same re-
sults. However this may be, they retained their places perfectly
well, and were not displaced when their mother, closely pursued,
carried them through the grass.

" On dissection of the young nothing was found materially dif-
ferent to conditions of the larvae of other Anoura. The external

44 Unusual Modes of

gills had disappeared, but were replaced by internal ones, which
were arranged as. usual on three hyoid arches. The development
of the lungs had commenced, and these were represented by a
slender conical mass of cells, but not permeable to air. The
mouth was provided with finely denticulated horny jaws, and the
intestinal canal was shorter and less spirally convoluted than in
ordinary larvae of frogs and toads. The stomach was not so much
developed as to be distinguished from the rest of the intestine ;
but this last, after passing the liver, was somewhat dilated, and
contained, as was shown by the microscope, large quantities of
yolk cells which had not been absorbed and which were adherent
to its walls.

We have here then a larva, in all of the details of its structure,
especially in the existence of gills and o f a flattened tail, adapted
to aquatic locomotion and respiration, yet passing a portion of its
time at least on the back of its parent and at a distance from the
water.

I was not able to ascertain whether the eggs were primarily de-
posited in the water or not, but it is well known to some of the
colonists that after the larvae have reached a certain degree of de-
velopment they are carried about in the manner just described
and they do not know them under any other circumstances. The
existence of yolk cells in the intestine, shows that for a period at
least they may have from these a supply of nutriment. Bat after
this is exhausted, and it appeared to be nearly so in those which
I have dissected, how do tbey obtain their food ? In the absence
of limbs adapted to terrestrial locomotion can they leave the body
of the parent ? and if they cannot, do they, as in the case of Pipa
and probably in Notodelphys, depend upon a secretion from her ?

Among Fishes, as far as at present known, the external condi-
tions under which the eggs are developed are more varied than
in any other class of Vertebrates. There are scarce any known
conditions of the higher classes to which there are not analogies
at least in the class of fishes. Besides the ordinary mode of de-
positing eggs upon the bottoms, some of the Salmonidse, like the
turtles, bury their eggs, the Lampreys (Petromxjzon)^ the Breams,
(Fomotis), the Hassars (Callicthys), the Stickle-backs, [Gaster-
ostei), &c., build more or less complete nests. Among some of
the Pipe Fishes, (Syngnathidce), the eggs and subsequently the
young, are carried in a pouch analogous to that of the opossums
and other marsupial animals, and among some of the Sharks

Gestation in Batrachians and Fishes, 45

there is a vitelline placenta analogous to the Allantoidian one of
the Mammalia.*

To those species enumerated above where the eggs become
more or less intimately connected with the body of the parent
after they are laid may be added the Aspredos and some species
of Bagrus, from Guiana.

Aspredo Icevis (Cuv. and Val.), the "Trompetti" of the colonists,
is about fifteen inches in length, and belongs to a remarkable ge-
nus of Siluroid fishes, which, in addition to several peculiarities
of anatomical structure, are remarkable for carrying the eggs and
young attached to the under surface of the body. These fishes
are very abundant in the waters of the Surinam where they are
taken in the nets with other kinds. They are not used as articles
of food except by the negroes, who have a fancy for Siluroids
generally, and in consequence these are known among the colo-
nists as Ningrefisi or "nigger fish." A general account of the
internal structure of Aspredo, is given in the Hist. Nat. des Pois-
sons, by Cuvier and Valenciennes, t. xv, p. 35.

In the month of June the eggs are found adhering to the un-
derside of the body, to the ventral and pectoral fins, and extend
as far forward as the under lip, and as far backwards as the mid-
dle of the tail. In some however the distribution is much more
limited. I was unable to learn anything with regard to the transfer
of the ova from the genital orifice to the point of their attachment.
The only organ which seems in any way adapted to such a purpose
is the slender and flexible tail terminated by a delicate caudal fin.
It is possible that the eggs may be deposited on the bottom of the
river, and subsequently attached by pressing the underside of the
body upon them.

In those individuals where the ova were still in the ovary, but
approaching maturity, the integuments of the underside of the

* Prof. Owen (in Philos. Transactions, 1834,) has pointed out the vas-
cular relations of the foetal Kangaroo to the parent. The chorion is not
rascular, but the umbilical vesicle is largely provided with blood ves-
sels, and, as far as his investigations go, affords the principal vascular
surface by means of which an interchange takes place between the foetus
and the parent. The vitelline circulation then, as in sharks, is the res-
piratory circulation. The allantois of the Marsupials appears to remain
in a rudimentary condition, and does not form a connection with the
parent. Thus the vascular relation of the foetus of some of the sharks,
as Carcharias, with the parent is identical with that of the Marsupials.

46 Unusual Modes of

body gave no other indications of the changes about to take place
than of being quite vascular ; the skin was perfectly smooth, no
" pores " were visible, but a large vessel w^as seen emerging from
the region of the liver, and descending along the median line gave
oflf branches quite freely to the integuments. This may have some
relation to the future development of the pedicles which support
the eggs and perhaps to the nutrition ot the embryo as will be
adverted to hereafter.

In all the specimens which I have had an opportunity of exa-
mining, the eggs were either somewhat advanced or quite mature ;
so that no observations could be made on the earlier conditions
of the Qgg and the formation of its pedicle. The pedicle is a flex-
ible outgrowth from the common integuments, is about two lines
in length, is attached to the skin by a slightly expanded base, and
spreads out at its summit into a shallow cup or " cupule," for the
support of the Qgg* It is composed almost entirely of fibrous
tissue, invested with a layer of tesselated epithelium. In some
instances when the eggs were but little advanced, numerous fusi-
form cells were detected among the fibres. It is vascular, two or
three vessels reaching to the cup, where they ramify and form a
somewhat extended capillary plexus.

The eggs vary according to the degree of development from
the 0.09 to 0.15 of an inch in diameter, and are covered with an
external homogeneous membrane, containing minute punctiform
depressions — within this is a second, of a brownish color and com-
posed of epithelium. The embryos which were the most advanced
and just ready to hatch, had not as yet completely absorbed the
yolk, and were coiled up within the membranes, which in conse-
quence of the irregularities of the mass formed by the embryo,
had no longer a spherical form.

The eggs are retained in connection with the cup apparently
by adhesion alone, for as soon as the foetus escapes, the Qgg mem-
branes become very easily detached from the pedicle, and this
last as shown by some of the specimens undergoes absorption.

The relation of the embryo to the parent in this singular mode
of gestation cannot be determined very accurately, but the vascu-
lar plexus in the cup, seems to be more than is necessary for the
mere nutrition of the part. The Qgg increases in size during incu-
bation, those ova in which the development had but slightly ad-
vanced measuring from 0.09 to 0.11 of an inch in diameter, while
those nearly mature measured from 0.14 to 0.16 of an inch.

Gestation in Batracaians and Fishes. 47

How this increase of size of the embryo over the original size of
the egg is actually obtained I have no facts to show^, but either of
two suppositions are probable ; it may be by absorption of mate-
rials from the water which surrounds it, or from the capillary
plexus of the pedicles, and in this case in a manner analogous to
that of Pipa.

Among the Siluroid fishes of Guiana there are several species,
which at certain seasons of the year have their mouths and branch-
ial cavities filled either with eggs or young, and as is believed for
the purpose of incubation. My attention was first called to this
singular habit by the late Dr. Francis W. Cragin, formerly U. S.
Consul at Paramaribo, Surinam. In a letter dated August 1854,
he says, " the eggs you will receive are from another fish. The
different fishermen have repeatedly assured me, that these eggs
in their nearly mature state are carried in the mouths of the pa-
rent, till the young are relieved by the bursting of the sac. Do
you either know or believe this to be so, and if possible, where
are the eggs conceived and how do they get into the mouth ?"

In the month of April, 185*7, on visiting the market of Para-
maribo, I found that this statement, which at first seemed to be
very improbable, was correct as to the existence of eggs in the
mouths of several species of fish. In a tray of fish which a negro
woman ofiered for sale, I found the mouths of several filled with
either eggs or young, and subsequently an abundance of opportu-
nities occurred for repeating the observation. The kinds most
commonly known to the colonists, especially to the negroes, are
Jara-hakJca^ Njinge-njinge^ Koepira^ Makrede and one or two
others, all belonging either to the genus Bagrus or one nearly
allied to it. The first two are quite common in the market and
I have seen many specimens of them ; for the last two I have the
authorithy of negro fishermen but have never seen them myself.
The eggs in my collection are of three diff"erent sizes, indicating
so many species ; one of the three having been brought to me
without the fish from which they were taken.

The eggs become quite large before they leave the ovaries, and
-are arranged in three zones corresponding to three successive
broods, and probably to be discharged in three successive years ;
the mature eggs of a Jara-bakka eighteen inches long, measure
three-fourths of an inch in diameter, those of the second zone one
fourth ; and those of the third or very minute, about one sixteenth
of an inch.

48 Unusual Modes of

A careful examination of eiglit specimens of Njinge-njinge
about nine inches long, gave the following results:

The eo'ors in all instances were carried in the mouths of the
males. This protection, or gestation of the eggs by the males,
corresponds wnth what has been lona^ noticed with reo;ard to other
fishes, as for example, Syngnathus where the marsupial pouch for
the eggs or young is found in the males only, and Gasterosteus
where the male constructs the nest and protects the eggs during
incubation, from the voracity of the females.

In some individuals the eggs had been recently laid, in others
they were hatched, and the foetus had grown at the expense of
some other food than that derived from the yolk, as this last was
Dot proportionally diminished in size, and the foetus weighed more
than the undeveloped egg. The number of eggs contained in the
mouth was between twenty and thirty. The mouth and branchial
cavities were very much distended, rounding out and distorting
the whole hyoid and branchiostegal region. Some of the eggs
even partially protruded from the mouth.

The ova were not bruised or torn as if they had been bitten, or
forcibly held by the teeth. In many instances the foetuses were
still alive, though the parent had been dead for many hours.

No young or eggs were found in the stomach, although the
mouth was crammed to its fullest capacity.

The above observations apply to Njinge-njinge. With regard
to Jarra-bakka, I had but few opportunities for dissection, but in
several instances the same conditions of the e^^s, were noticed as
stated above ; and in one instance, besides some nearly mature
foetuses contained in the mouth, two or three were squeezed ap-
parently from the stomach; but not bearing any marks of violence
or of the action of the gastric fluid. It is probable that these
found their way into that last cavity after death, in consequence
of the relaxation of the sphincter which separates the cavities of
the mouth and the stomach. These facts lead to a conclusion that
this is a mouth gestation, as the eggs are found there in all stages
of development, and even for some time after they are hatched.

The question will be very naturally asked, how under such cir-
cumstances, these fishes are able to secure and swallow their food.
I have made no observations bearing upon such a question.
Unless the food consists of very minute particles, it would seem
necessary that during the time of feeding the eggs should be dis-
gorged. If this supposition be correct, it would give a very pro-

Gestation in Batrachians and Fishes, 49

bable explanation of the only fact which might be considered at
variance with the conclusion stated above, viz., that we have in
these fishes a mouth gestation. In the ma?s of eggs with which
the mouth is filled, I have occasionally found the eggs, rarely
more than one or two, of another species. The only way in
which their presence may be accounted for, it seems to me, is by
the supposition that while feeding, the eggs are disgorged, and as
these fishes are gregarious in their habits, when the ova are re-
covered, the stray egg of another species may be introduced into
the mouth among those which naturally belong there.

ARTICLE VI. — Description of some new species of Fossils from
the Lower and Middle Silurian Rocks of Canada. By E.
Billino^s.

(From the Report of the Geological Survey for 1860.)

In the Silurian Rocks of Canada and the neighbouring coun-
tries there are maiiy species or varieties of that group of the
genus Strophomena of which S. alternata may be regarded
as the typical form. These are all closely related and yet exhi-
bit such differences that only those naturalists who entertain
wide views upon the subject of the value and significance of
specific distinctions, would feel inclined to unite them under one
common name. The forms of this group most common in the
Lower and Middle Silurian Rocks are S. alternata^ S, incrassata,
S, deltoidea^ S. camerata, S. tenuistriata and some others to be
described hereafter in this paper. The first of these ranges
from the Chazy limestone upwards perhaps to the Niagara rocks
but is most abundant in the Trenton limestone and Hudson River
group. It is also very widely distributed, as it occurs in all
parts of the Continent, where the last two formations have been
recognized and is also found in the Lower Silurian in England
and Ireland. S. incrassata has exactly the same form as some of
the varieties of aS'. alternata but is never, as far as I have been
able to ascertain, more than half the average size of this latter
species. It seems to be confined to the Chazy and the Black River
limestone or the lower part of the Trenton, and has therefore, a
geological distribution diff'erent from that of S. alternata^ a fact
which would appear to constitute an additional ground for classi-
fying it as a distinct species. S. deltoidea is a Trenton lime-

Canadian Nat. 4 Vol. V. No. y

50 Silurian Fossils of Canada,

stone form abundant in certain localities, but not generally
distributed. Thus in the State of New York, accordino- to Pro-
fessor Hall "it abounds at Trenton Falls and at Suo-ar River in
Lewis County," but "is scarcely known as occuring in the
Chaniplaim valley."* In Canada it is found at Lachine and at
several other places, but there are hundreds of good exposures
of the rock in the Province that have been carefully examined,
where not a single specimen has been seen, although in all the
localities ;S^. alternata is more or less common. S. camerata
occurs at one spot in the vicinity of Ottawa, but I have never
met with it elsewhere. ^S'. ienuistriata may be collected in the
hard black limestone around the base of the mountain of Montreal,
particularly in the neighbourhood of the McTavish monument
and also at Ottawa and two or three other places, but does not
occur at all in the majority of the localities of the Trenton lime-
stone. These three species, therefore, must have been capable of
existing in certain places only, on the bottom of the ocean during
the period of the accumulation of this rock, while >S'. alternata^
flourished everywhere. Whether or not, therefore, they are to
be regarded as distinct species, this much at least seems prob-
able, that they were by some peculiarity in their habits or in
their organization, unfitted for so wide a range through the seas
as that enjoyed by S. alternata.

The question, whether or not these supposed species are really
distinct, cannot be answered until naturalists shall have discovered
some general law of life by an appeal to which they may in all
cases determine what is a species as distinguished from a mere
variety. It is scarcely necessary to state that such a law if it
do exist at all may remain unknown to man for ages, and in the
meantime nearly all determinations of species from varieties where
the forms are very closely related may be regarded as not
positively established. The physical geologist is more inter-
ested in the results of investigations which show that certain
forms are confined to particular geological horizons than in those,
whose sole object is to determine the exact zoological rela-
tions of such forms. If it be true, for instance, that that parti-
cular form of the genus called Strophomena incrassata is con-
fined to the limestones lying next under the Trenton in the fossil-
iferous series, it makes no difference to the geologist, whether it

* Palaeontology of New York, vol. 1, page 107.

Silurian Fossils of Canada* 51

be in reality a distinct species of itself or only a variety of some
other species. Its value to liim as a guide, while tracing out
the geographical distribution of these Rocks, is not at all affected
by the zoological question. In demonstrating the physical
structure of the country, he can reason upon varieties with as
much safety as upon true species, provided that such varieties
are confined to and consequently characteristic of particular por-
tions of the geological edifice. It is therefore, of great impor-
tance, not only to ascertain to what particular level each variety
is confined, but also to determine whether or not such species as
range through several formations exhibit any and what change
in form on passing from one group of rocks to another. Should
it be hereafter, proved that the supposed species above quoted,
constitute on purely zoological grounds, but one extensive and
variable species still it would be convenient for geological pur-
poses to have a separate name for each variety that can be shewn
to be characteristic of a particular geological horizon.

Before entering upon the description of the new species, I shall
give a general account of such characters as are common to all
the forms of the group typified by S. alternata,

Strophomena alternata, (Conrad.)

In all the forms of this important type, the convexity of the-
ventral valve has a peculiar contour which may be seen not
only in the Lower Silurian but also in the Upper Silurian and
even in such Devonian species as S. Pattersoni, S. inequii-adiataj
S. demissa, S. concava and others. That part of the valve which
is usually called the visceral disc occupies all the central region
of the shell and terminates in a point at the beak. Just in front
of the beak it forms a more or less well defined low rounded
umbo on each side of which there is a flattened or sub-concave
depression extending obliquely outwards to the margin just in
front of the cardinal angles. These latter are usually reflected
or a little curved upwards from the plane of the lateral margins.
The visceral disc is somewhat flattened, gently convex or only
slightly elevated throughout the greater part of its extent. In
tbe upper half of the shell it is bounded by the depressions that
have been mentioned as existing between the umbo and cardinal
angles, but in front and at the sides it terminates where the shell

52 Silurian Fossils of Canada*

begins to be bent down to form the deflected margin which rims
all round the edge and becomes obsolete on approaching the car-
dinal angles. This margin varies in width from one-twelfth to
two-thirds the whole length of the shell and therefore the disc
in some of the varieties occupies nearly the whole superficies of
the valve, but in others, less than half. In the very young shells
in most of the specimens that I have seen, there is no deflected
margin and occasionally adult individuals maybe found, which on
a side view give the outline of an uniform flattened arch from
beak to front. In by far the greater number of the specimens
however the deflected margin is well defined. The contour of
the front of the visceral disc varies according to the form of the
deflected margin and is thus either broadly rounded or more or
less pointed. In S. depressa, which also belongs to this group,
the front of the disc, and its sides also, are often nearly straight.

The dorsal valve is flat or only gently concave beneath the
visceral disc of the ventral valve, but all round, its curvature con-
forms to that of the deflected margin.

In the t'^ue S. alternata the areas of the ventral and dorsal
valves are inclined towards each o her at an angle varying from
75° to 80°, but this angle never amounts to 90°. It will be ob-
served that in some of the new species hereinafter described it is
greater than 90°.

The surface in most of the species exhibits two sets of radiating
strise, the larger of which are about one-twelfth of a line wide in
large specimens, and the smaller half that size, from one to ten of
the smaller between each two of the larger, the more common
numbers being from three to five. Sometimes also the shell is
marked with a series of concentric wrinkles.

Of the above characters, those which are confined to the upper
half of the shell such as the form of the beak, the umbo, the
concave depressions or hollows on each side of the umbo, and the
reflected cardinal extremities, are common to all the species and
in order to avoid repetition will not be particularly dwelt upon
in the following descriptions. The radiating striae are also very
constant in the aspect they present. The only parts which appear
to afford permanent variations of much value are the front of
the visceral disc the deflected margin and the hinge line. The
proportional length and breadth of the shell seems also to be of
much importance especially if accompanied by a variation in two
or three of the other characters.

Silurian Fossils of Canada, 53

Strophomena nitens. N. s.

Fig. 1. — Strophomena nitens. a is a section shewing the curvature and
obtuse angles formed by the inclination of the areas.

Description. — Transversely semi-oval, sides somewhat straight
for one third or a little more of the length from the cardinal
angles, and slightly converging towards each other; front angles
broadly rounded; front margin gently convex or nearly straight
for about one third the width in the middle portion. Wid h on
hinge-line from nine to twelve lines. Length from six to eight
lines.

The beak, umbo, depressions on each side of the umbo and
the cardinal angles of the ventral valve the same as in S. al-
ternata. The deflected margin forms an angle of between 100^
and 110^ with the general plane of the visceral disc, and occu-
pies on the median line (in all the specimens I have seen) from
one third to nearly one half the whole length of the shell.

The dorsal valve is quite flat, or even a little concave, just in
front of the beak, but elsewhere curved to correspond with the
ventral valve.

The area of the ventral valve lies nearly in the plane of the
lateral margin^, and the area of the dorsal valve forms with it an
angle of about 95^. The height of the area of the ventral valve
at the foramen is three fourths of a hne in a specimen nine lines
wide, and of the dorsal valve about one third of a line. Foramen
of ventral valve partly closed by a V-shaped deltidium, the lower
open part of which is closed by the strongly projecting deltidium
of the dorsal valve.

The width of the foramen is about equal to its height.

The surface is the same as in S. alternata, and, when a little
worn, presents a smooth shining silken lustre.

When compared with S. incrassata, S' alternata, S. deltoidea ,
S. camerata, or *S^. teniiistriata^ it will be seen that this species is
shorter in proportion to the width than any of theni, and also
that the inclination of the areas towards each other differs in
forming an obtuse instead of an acute angle.

54 Silurian Fossils of Canada,

Locality and Formation. — This species occurs at Charleton
Point, Anticosti, in the upper part of the Hudson River group.
Collector. — J. Richardson.

Strophomena Ceres. N. s.

Description. — Semi-oval, sides rather straight and a little con-
verging for one third their length ; front angles and margins
broadly rounded. Width on hinge-line twelve to fifteen lines ;
length ten to twelve lines.

The ventral valve varies greatly in the amount of its convex-
ity. In some specimens it is depressed convex, and these have
almost precisely the aspect of the more flattened forms of S. al-
ternata. Others are strongly convex, nearly hemispherical, uni-
formly arched from beak to front, no deflected margin distinct from
the visceral disc, the latter occupying the whole of the shell except
a small triangular space at the hinge-angles. Between these two
extremes there are individuals which present all the intermediate
degrees of convexity, and some in which the deflected margin
can be detected with a width equal to half the whole length of
the shell.

The surface is the same as that of >S^. alternata.

The area of the ventral valve is one line high in a specimen
fourteen lines wide, and lies very nearly in the plane of the late-
ral margin. The foramen is as wide as high, and closed by a
strongly convex deltidium, the lower margin of which is concave
to admit the equally convex deltidium of the dorsal valve, whose
area is almost half a line wide and forms au obtuse angle of
between 90^ and 100° with that of the ventral valve. The beak
of the ventral valve exhibits in some specimens a small round
perforation.

This species difl"ers from S. nitens ia being in general a little
longer proportionally, larger, and more uniformly convex, with
scarcely a distinct deflected margin. In S. nitens the length is
in general only two thirds of the width, but in this species it is
.-always over five sixths.

The angle formed by the inclination of the areas being obtuse
instead of acute furnishes the only character as far as I can ascer-
tain by which it can be separated from S. alternata.

Locality and Formation. — Charleton Point, Hudson River
group, and also at East Point in the Middle Silurian, Anticosti.

Collector. — J. Richardson.

Silurian Fossils of Canada, 55

Strophomena Leda. N. s.

Fig. 2. Fig. 3.

Fig. 2.—Stropho7nena Leda with a portion of the hinge area of the ven-
tral valve enlarged to shew the striated teeth.
3. — A specimen without ears supposed to be of the same species.

Description, — Shell rather small and thin, semi-oval, the front
and front angles regularly rounded, sometimes a little narrower
at the base of the ears than at one third the length from the
hinge line, the latter usually exceeding the greatest width of the
shell, and forming projecting spiniform ears. Width excluding
the ears, five to nine lines ; length five-sixths of the width ; ears
one line and a half in length each, in a well preserved specimen
five lines wide.

The ventral valve is in the small specimens, depressed convex
and nearly uniformly arched from beak to front ; the umbo well
defined, but the concave depressions on each side rather obscure ;
no deflected margin. The large specimens (nine lines wide) are
sometimes strongly convex. Dorsal valve concave, its curvature
corresponding to that of the ventral valve. Surface as in S. alter-
nata.

Area of ventral valve half a in line height in a specimen seven
lines wide, lying nearly in the plane of the margin, apparently a
little sloping outwards, forming an angle of about 100° with that
of the dorsal valve, which latter is scarcely one-fourth of a line
wide. Foramen not distinctly observed but apparently wider than
high.

The detached and empty ventral valves exhibit two rather
large triangular hinge teeth, one on each side of the foramen,
covered with stri£e on the outside in a manner similar to that of
the area of those species to which Professor Hall has given the
generic name of Strophodonta.

The spiniform ears are often either broken or worn away.

Varieties. — Several specimens nine lines wide without ears,
and others of the same size strongly convex, and with an indis-

56

Silurian Fossils of Ca?iada,

tinct deflected margin, occupying from one-third to one-half tlie
length of the shell, appear to belong to this species.

This species when the ears are broken away has exactly the
appearance of S. alternata, only that it is never more than half
the size. The characters of the hinge areas and teeth taken
together with the small size, and hinge ears are abundantly suffi-
cient to show that it is distinct from S. alternata. It is a longer
shell than S. nitens^ and is in general destitute of a deflected mar-
gin. It is smaller, thinner and less convex than S, Ceres,

Locality and Formation. — Anticosti, in strata situated from
800 to 1000 feet above the base of the Middle Silurian, and 250
feet below the rocks containing Pentamerus oblongus.

Collector, — J. Richardson.

Stropiiomena Philomela. N. s.

Tig. 4.

Fig. 4.
5.

Fig. 5.

■Strophomena Philomela.
■The same with a mesial fold.

Description. — Shell rather large ; hinge line exceeding the
greatest width, forming short rounded ears ; sides gently convex,
converging towards each othier; front margin and angles regu-
larly rounded, sometimes with a projecting lobe in the middle.
Width on hinge line from eighteen to twenty four lines. Length
from two-thirds to four-fifths the width.

In the ventral valve the umbo and depressions on each side are
well defined and exactly like those of the convex form of S. al-
ternaia. The visceral disc is moderately and broadly convex y
the deflected margin from one-fourth to one-third the whole
length of the shell, passing into the disc with a short rounded
curve. Dorsal valve with the curvature corresponding to that of
the ventral valve.

The area of the ventral valve is a little more than half a line in
height at the foramen in a specimen two inches wide, and it in-

Silurian Fossils of Canada. 57

clines a little outwards apparently forming an angle of from 160°
to I'JO^, with the plane of the lateral margins. The foramen ap-
pears to be almost completely closed, but this character has not
been ascertained with certainty owing to the imperfection of the
specimens examined. The hinge teeth are striated as in S.Leda,
The area of the dorsal valve is almost linear, or at the most not
half the width of that of the ventral valve.

The surface does not difter from that of S. alternata, so far as
I have been able to ascertain.

Varieties. — One sj>ecimen has been found associated with the
others of this species in which the length and breadth are almost
equal. It has no ears, although it is longer in proportion to the
■width, and yet it does not appear to differ sufficiently to constitute
a distinct species. Another specinaen has a rounded fold in the
front margin which becomes obsolete at one third the length of
the shell.

This species by its projeciing ears, narrow areas and striated
hinge teeth is most closely related to >S^. Leda^ from which it dif-
fers in being four times the size. It has so much of the aspect of
S. alternata, that at present we have no means of distinguishing it
from that species wiihout an examination of the hinge area and
teeth.

Locality and formation. — Middle Silurian Anticosti, associated
■with Pentamerus ohlongiis.

Collector. — J. Richardson.

The above four species, S, nitens^ S. Ceres^ S. Leda, and S,
Philomela are closely allied to S. alternata. The three following
have the ventral valve concave, and belong to a very dilferent
group, of which S.filitexta (Hall) may be regarded as a typical

form.

Strophomena fluctuosa. N. s.

Description. — Triangular, or semi-oval, usually widest at the
hinge-line, and more or less narrowly rounded, pointed, trilobed,
or nasute in front.

Dorsal valve convex, the visceral disc being in general equal
to one third the superfices of the whole valve, nearly flat, the
remainder abruptly curved down all round so that the lower
half of the length of the shell is sometimes at right angles
■with the upper half. The cardinal angles more or less com-
pressed and often a little reflected, usually forming angular or

58 Silurian Fossils of Canada,

narrowly rounded ears. Ventral valve concave, the curvature
corresponding to that of the dorsal valve.

Area of dorsal valve lying in the plane of the lateral margin,
about one third of a line high. Area of ventral valve forming a
right angle with the marginal plane, in large specimens one line
or a little more in height at the beak, and gradually decreasing
towards the extremities of the hino-e-line.

Foramen of ventral valve triangular ; the width at the base
somewhat exceeding the height, completely closed by a convex
deltidium, the basal margin of which is rendered a little concave
by the convex margin of the similar deltidium which closes the
foramen of the dorsal valve.

Pig. 6.-—Strophom.ena fluctuosa. a, section, the dotted line represents
the plane of the lateral margin, and it is drawn to shew that
the area of the concave or ventral valve is at a right angle
to it.

Surface with a set of fine rounded elevated radiating striae dis-
tant from each other usually about half a line, sometimes a little
less and occasionally one line. Between each two of these there
are from two to ten much finer striae ; the whole crossed by fine
crowded concentric lines. In most of the specimens the whole of
the upper half of the shell is covered with short undulating
wrinkles, which sometimes have a concentric arrangement and
often form concentric rows converging from the hinge-line to-
wards the centre of the shell, crossing each other. The speci-
mens from the Trenton limestone are usually without these undu-
lations, but in those from the Hudson River group this character
is prominently exhibited.

This shell is somewhat variable in its characters. The visceral
disc of the dorsal valve is sometimes confined to a small area
around and in front of the beak and along the hinge-hne, and in
such cases the deflection takes place at one fifth or one fourth the
length from the beak. Occasionally a broad rounded elevated

Sihirian Fossils of Canada. 59

mesial fold extended into a linguiform projection of the middle
of the front margin gives to the dorsal valve a trilobate character.
The area of the ventral valve is in general at right angles to the
plane of the lateral margins, but sometimes it slopes a little for-
ward. In some the hinge-line is greatly extended, the cardinal
extremities forming projecting triangular ears.

Width on hinge-line from one inch to one inch and a half-
Length variable, from two thirds of the width to four fifths or a
little more.

Stro'phomena deltoidea (Conrad) has the ventral valve convex
and may be always distinguished from this even when the hinge"
line cannot be seen by the small rounded umbo close to the beak.
>S'. camerata and S. tenuistriata (Conrad) have also the ventral
valve convex. (See Plate 31 A, Vol. I. Pal. N. Y.)

Locality and Formation. — ^Trenton limestone, City of Ottawa,
rare ; more common in the Hudson River group, Anticosti.

Collectors. — E. Billings, F. Richardson.

Strophomena Thalia. N. s.

Description. — Semi-oval or sub- triangular, often narrowly
rounded or somewhat pointed in front, hinge-line usually greatly
exceeding the width of the shell, and forming with the sides an
angle of from YO^ to 80°. Width at hinge-line from one to two
inches, length about five eighths the width.

Dorsal valve moderately convex, depressed towards the cardi-
nal angles, which are a little recurved ; umbo flat. On a side-
view the outline forms a gentle and nearly uniform curve from
the front for about four fifths the length, when it descends with
a flat slope to the beak, which it reaches at an angle of from 459
to 60O.

Ventral valve concave, the greatest depth about the middle or
a little nearer the beak.

Area of ventral valve moderate, forming an angle of about
100^ with the plane of the margin, its height in a specimen two
inches wide, one line ; foramen triangular, closed by a convex
deltidium, its width at the base about one fifth greater than the
height. The beak is not perforated in any specimen that I have
seen. Area of dorsal valve nearly in the plane of the margin, its
width about one third of that of the ventral valve.

Surface with moderately coarse radiating striae, which in-
crease both by bifurcation and interstitial addition, usually un-

60

Silurian Fossils of Canada.

equal but sometimes uniform in size, from ten to fifteen in the
width of two lines, crossed by excessively fine crowded concen-
tric lines.

This species is allied to S.fluctuosa, but diff'ers in having the
areas of the ventral and dorsal valves inclined, at an angle which
is rather less than a right angle. In its outline it forms nearly an
uniform arch instead of being abruptly bent like S. fiactuom.

The dorsal valve of S. recta (Conrad) is said to have a slight
mesial depression, while the ventral valve is flat. >S^. piano-con*
vexa (Hall) has also a slight mesial depression in the dorsal
valve, and is flat or even a little convex in front of the beak of
the ventral valve, where this species is concave. It has also a
perforated beak, and an area more approximated to the plane of
the lateral margins that it is in S. Thalia. The three species
are, however, notwithstanding these difl'erences, closely related.

Locality and Formation. — Trenton limestone, City of Ottawa.

Collector. — E. Billings.

Strophomena Hecuba. N. s.

Fig. Y. — Strophomena Hecuba^ dorsal valve.

Description. — Subtriangular with usually a linguiform projec-
tion in front. Width on hinge-line about two inches ; length
varying from a little less to a little more than the width.

Dorsal valve very convex, nearly regularly arched from beak
to front, only a small space at the hinge extremities compressed,
the whole of the remainder of the shell exceedingly ventricose,
usually a rounded fold in front which becomes obsolete at one
fourth the length, area sublinear, scarcely half a line in width in
the largest specimens.

Silurian Fossils of Canada, 61

Ventral valve depressed convex near the beak, and concave all
round near the maro^in, area about one line wide and forming an
angle of about 115^ with the plane of the lateral margins. For-
amen not observed.

Suiface marked with fine radiating striae, ten or twelve in the
width of one line, every third, fourth or fifth one of which is
twice the size of the intermediate fine ones. The whole surface
is besides (in most specimens) ornamented with indistinct con-
centric wrinkles from one fourth of a line to two hues in width.
There are probably fine concentratic striso, although I have not,
(owing to the partially exfoliated state of the specimens examined)
been able to detect them.

This species varies considerably in the amount of the convexity
of the dorsal valve and in the size of the mesial fold in front
Some have a wide flat space in the umbonial region, and in such
on a side-view, the outline of the shell rises from the beak at an
angle of about 45^ onh', while in others, which are more ventri-
cose this angle is full 60^ with the plane of the margin.

Sometimes the sides are strongly compressed, so that the shell
becomes subcylindrical and greatly produced in front, the length,
exceeding the width. In some specimens the striae are nearly all
of the same size, but in general they alternate as in the finest
marked specimens of aS^. alternata.

Resembles S. Thalia, but that species has the ventral valve
concave nearly to the beak. It is more uniformly gibbous than
S. Jlactuosa,

Locality and Formation. — Anticosti, Hudson River group.

Collector. — J. Richardson.

Dalmanites Bebrtx. N. s.

Description. — Elongate-oval, tapering from the head to the
somewhat pointed tail. Length of the two specimens examined
Ij inches each, lengih of head 5 lines, of thorax about 8 lines,
of pygidium 6^ lines.

The head is broadly rounded in front and appears to terminate
in short spines at the posterior angles. The glabella is broad in
front, narrowed behind and covered with small but prominent
rounded tubercles about \ or j\ of a line in diameter and of
which there are from 10 to 15 in an area of one line square. The
anterior lobe of the glabella is transversely sub-oval and its width
about equal to the whole length of the head. It is separated from

62

Silurian Fossils of Canada^

the posterior portion of the glabella by strong deep furrows
directed obliquely forward and outward. The distance between
the inner extremities of these furrows is about 1^ lines in a speci-
men 1 J inches in length. The second and third lobes are united
into one large obliquely triangular lobe with a small transverse
pit at the inner margin representing the second furrow. The
fourth or posterior pair of lobes are obscurely preserved in the
specimens, but they appear to be small. The neck furrow seems
to be strongly marked quite across the base of the glabella and
the neck segment rather prominent. The eyes as partly exhibited
in one of the specimens are rather small, their diameter being
one line or perhaps rather more. They appear to be distant a
little more than their own length from the posterior margin of
the head.

Fig-. 8. — Dalmanites Behryx.

The segments of the thorax are not well preserved in the spe-
cimens, but there appear to be eleven. The axis when crushed
flat four lines wide at the fifth segment and three lines at the last.

The pygidium is triangular ; the middle lobe convex, elongate
conical, and with from fifteen to twenty segments becoming
gradually more numerous in a given space as they approach the
posterior extremity. The side lobes have each about ten pleurss
all of which are distinctly grooved along the middle. The pygi-
dium appears to terminate in a rounded point a little turned
upwards. I have not seen the margin of the pygidium and have
not therefore ascertained its characters.

From the appearance of the specimens I think it almost certain
that the posterior angles of the head are produced into short
spines.

Silurian Fossils of Canada, 63

Several specimens of tlie pygidium of this rare species and one
individual nearly entire but flattened by pressure have been found
at Ottawa and are now in the collection of the Survey. I am
indebted to Col. Jewett, of Albany, for the loan of the specimen
figured. It is more perfect than any of ours.

Locality and formation. — City of Ottawa, Trenton limestone.
Occurs also in the State of New York in the same Rock.

Collector. — E. Billings.

Dalmanites Achates. N. s.

Fig. 9. — Dalmanites Achates^

Description. — Elongate-oval, posterior angles of head produced
into short spines, proportional length of head thorax and pygi-
dium apparently 5, YJ-, 5, total length about one inch and a half.

Head, excluding the spines, very nearly a perfect semi- circle,
■with a shallow concave marginal groove all round the front and
sides, and a strongly defined neck-furrow extending across at less
than one line from the posterior margin ; glabella equal to the
whole length of the head, moderately convex in front, the anterior
lobe transversely oval, twice the width of the neck-segment, not
defined at the sides in front, but confluent with the surface of the
cheeks. The anterior furrows have their inner extremities separated
by a space equal to their own length, extending obliquely out-
wards to points situated a little forward of the inner front angles
of the eyes. The middle furrows have their outer extremities
opposite the mid-length of the eyes and extend inward in a direc-
tion gently inclined forward until their inner extremities are a
little within one third the width of the glabella at mid-length
from each other. The third furrows are opposite the posterior
angles of the eyes, parallel or nearly so with the middle pair and
about the same length. The neck furrow is well defined quite

64 Silurian Fossils of Canada.

across tbe glabella. The sides of the glabella are curved a little
inward at the posterior lobes and then outwards to the outer
extremities of the anterior furrows. The neck segment is large
and has its posterior margin rather stronnjly elevated. The cheeks
are moderately tumid. The eyes are semicircular, prominent,
one fourth the whole length of the head, about their own length
from the posterior and a little more than their length from the
anterior margin ; the distance between their centres appears to
be aoout one twelfth or one fifteenth greater than the length of the
head. The surface of the glabella is ornamented with small rounded
tubercles of various sizes, the largest being about one fifth of a
line in diameter at the base and, in general, distant once or twice
their own width from each other. Surface of cheeks not yet
distinctly observed but appears to be smooth. In none of the
specimens are the lenses of the eyes preserved.

Thorax with eleven segments; axis well defined and appa-
rently as wide as the side lobes, but this character cannot be suffi-
ciently determined, as all the specimens are crushed. Length of
the thorax once and a half the length of the head.

The pygidium in the only specimen that I have seen in which
any considerable portion of it remains attached to the body, has
the posterior extremity broken away. Judging however from
the curves of the posterior margin I think it probable that there
is no terminal spine as there is in most of the species of this
genus. There are about ten segments in the axis and apparently
ten in the side lobes. If the pygidium have no terminal spine
the proportional lengths of the specimen figured would be very
nearly as follows :

Head, ...... 5 lines.

Thorax, .... TJ lines.

Pygidium,. . . 5 lines.

Total 17 J lines.

On comparison it w'll be seen that this species diff'ers from D
Behryx in the form of the glabella and in the number of seg-
ments in the central lobe of the pygidium.

Locality and Formation. — City of Ottawa, Trenton limestone,
very rare. Collector, — E. Billings.

Silurian Fossils of Canada. Q6

Phacops Orestes, N, s.

Fig. 10. — Phacops Orestes, a the eye enlarged.

Description. — Oval, about one inch and a quarter in length.
Head somewhat semicircular or sub-crescentiform, the front con-
vex and the posterior margin concave, the angles rather pointed
but not produced into spines. Glabella moderately tumid, de-
pressed convex on the top abruptly descending to the front margin,
separated from the eyes by a narrow deep furrow, the anterior
angles spreading out and becoming obsolete in front of the centres
of the eves, an indistinct maro-jnal o-roove round the front which
does not extend to the cheeks beyond the anterior angles of the
glabella. The neck segment is strongly elevated, connected with
the main body of the glabella by a narrow convex neck-like
rido-e with a small rounded tubercle on each side. All of the
glabellar furrows are but slightly impressed ; the two anterior are
situated close to the inner front angles of the eyes, their direction
forming with the longitudinal axis of the body an angle of 45° ;
they slope forward and outward and are short, a little curved and
so faintly impressed that they can be seen on very perfect speci-
mens only. The middle furrows lie in a line drawn across the
head cutting the eyes at points a little less than one fourth of
their length from their front angles; in some specimens these
two furrows appear to be straight but in others a little curved
the Convex side towards the front. The posterior furrows lie a
little behind a line drawn throuo-h the centres of the eves. The
sides of the glabella are straight or nearly fo from the tv/o neck
tubercles to the inner front angles of the eyes when they curve a
little outwards and become obsolete on approaching the ill-defined
anterior angles (of the glabella) which are situated midway be-
tween the eyes and the anterior margin.

The eyes are very large, sub-semicircular, the lens-bearing sur-
face not vertical but above sloping a little inwards, more elevated
at the anterior than at the posterior extremity ; lenses about seventy
five arranged in vertical rows in general five in each row. Length

Can. Nat. 5 Vol. V. No. 1.

6G Silurian Fomis of Canada*

of the eye lialf the length of the ghihella including the neck seg-
ment. There is a "svide concave groove around the base of the
eye outside and a narrow one behind. The cheeks outside of
the groove are smooth sh'ghlly convex and with no marginal
furrow.

The thorax consists of eleven segments, the axis semi-cylindri-
cal gently tapering backwards, about one third the wdiole width
of the thorax when the pleuiss are curved in their natural posi-
tion but one fourth less than the length of a pleuron straightened
out. The fulcrum or bend of the pleurae is distant from the
axis about one half the width of latter.

The pygidium is broadly rounded behind with six or seven
ribs on the prominent conical axis and four or five broad flat
indistinct ones each divided a'ong tlie middle in the lateral lobes.
The ribs on the axis become more and more indistinct back-
wards and those on the sides extend scarcely two thirds from it
thus leavinsf a broad smooth maroin all round.

The posterior extremity of the axis is not well preseryed in any
of the specimens that I have seen and I have not therefore ascer-
tained whether or not it is well defined or confluent with the gene-
ral surface. The surface appears to be smooth but as the best
specimens seem to have been a little worn it may be that the
glabella is tubercular. It is difiicult to get accurate measure-
ments from rolled up specimens, but the following appear to be
early the proportions as shewn in two individuals.

No. 1. No. 2.

Length of head 3 4 lines.

" of thorax 6 ? 8 ? Hues.

" of pygidium . . 2-^ 3 lines.

Total Hi 15

The width of the head measured between the posterior angles
is about twice the leno^th.

This species somewhat resembles P. SloJcesli (Milne Edwards)
but that species has the lens-bearing surface of the eye broadest
behind while in ours it is broadest in front. There are from six
to nine lenses in the vertical rows of P. Stohesii but in Phacops
Orestes only five at the most.

Locality and formation. — Middle Silurian Anticosti and Gasp©.

Collectors, — J. Richardson, Sir W. E. Losran.

Silurian Fossils of Canada, 67

Cheirurus Icarus. N". s.

Fig. 11. — Cheirurus Icarus,

Description. — Oblong oval, proportional lengths of head, tho-
rax, and p3'gidium about as 3-^-, 6, 2.

Head transversely sub-semicircular or sub-triangular, posterior
angles terminating in short spines. Glabella oblong, sides paral-
lel, obtusely rounded in front, neck segment elevated at the pos-
terior margin, neck furrow in its middle third narrow deep and
parallel with the posterior margin ; at each end for one third 'die
length sloping backwards. The posterior lobes of the glabella
transversely oval, completely isolated ; the median furrows lying
nearly in a line drawn across the glabella at mid-length, nearly
straight, at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the body, their
inner extremities separated by about one third the width of llie
glabella ; the anterior pair at a little more than one fourth the
length from the front, a litlle curved backwards and inwards.
The glabella extends the whole length of the head, being separ-
ated from the front margin by a very narrow groove only.
Cheeks depressed convex ; eyes rather small, nearly semicir-
cular at the base, situated their own lenglh from the posterior
margin and half their length from the sides of the glabella. The
neck furrow is extended in a sharp groove on the cheeks near
to and sub-parallel with the posterior margin, and appears also
to run round the sides of the head.

Thorax nearly twice the length of the glabella, of eleven seg-
ments ; the axis less than one third the whole width, gently
tapering backwards ; the pleural groove short, in length about
one half the width of the axis, crossing the pleura) obliquely out-
wards and dow-nwards at an ansfle of about 45 o.

The pygidium is about half the length of the glabella, com-
posed of three articulations, the backward curving extremities of^
which form six short obtuse points.

Surface not well preserved, but apparently somewhat smooth.

This species apparently resembles C. himucronaius (Murchison),.

68 Silurian Fossils of Canada,

but differs by having the glabella parallel-sided instead of broad-
est in front, the terminal points of the tail obtusely instead of
sharply pointed, and the eyes further forward, being opposite the
second instead of the third pair of glabellar lobes.

The largest specimen I have seen is about eleven lines in length.

Locality and Formation. — Anticosti, Iludson River group.

Collector. — J. Richardson.

Proetus Alaricus. N. s.

Fig. 12. — Froetus Alaricus, enlarged 2\ diameters.

Description. — Oval, proportional lengths of head, thorax, and
pygidium about as 2, 2, 1.

Head excluding the spines semicircular with a broad shallow
marginal groove all round ; spines extending backwards to the
sixth pleura. Glabella obtusely conical, about three fourths
the leno-th of the head, width at neck seofment four fifths the
length (of the glabella), sides parallel or very slightly inclining
towards each other for five sixths of the length, then curving
round to form the obtusely rounded front, neck furrow deep and
narrow. Eyes large, obtusely conical, half the length of the gla-
bella, their posterior angles on a line with the neck farrow, a little
more than their own length from the front margin, their bases
on the inside only separated from the glabella by an angular
furrow.

Thorax with the axis prominent, semicylindrical, gradually
tapering backwards, about one third the whole width of the
body. There appear to be ten segments in the thorax.

Pygidium semicircular with a prominent conical axis, which is
well defined at its posterior extremity and exhibits five or six seg-
ments. The side lobes of the pygidium appear to have five or
six ribs.

The only specimen I have seen is five lines in leng^i but perfect.

About the size and shape of P* latifrons (McCoy), but in that

New PdloBozoic Starfish* 69

species there is a row of tubercles along the dorsal furrows, and a
very strong one at each end of the neck segment, and, besides,
the P'labella is more narroweu towards the front than it is in our
species.

The surface appears to be smooth.

Locality and Formation. — Anticosti, Hudson River group.

Collector. — J. Richardson.

ARTICLE VII. — Description 0/ a new Palaeozoic Starfish
of ths genus Paljeaster, from JSFova Scotia. By E.

BiLLIKGS.

Pal^easter parviusculus. N. s.

Description. — The specimen is about six lines in diameter*
The ravs are two lines in lentjth and one line and a half in width
at the base, tapering at an angle of a little less than 45°. The
five oral plates are sub-pentagonal about half a line in width.
The first adambulacral plates of each pair of adjacent rays are in
contact with each other outside of the oral plates, and not com-
pletely separated as they are in P. Niagarensis, There are six
or seven adambulacral plates on each side of the ambulacral
groove in each ray, and they gradually decrease in size from the
oral plate outwards to the point of the ray. The width of the
ambulacral groove is equal to one-third the width of the ray and
consequently the adambulacral rows of plates are also each equal
to one-third the whole width of the rav. In each groove there
are two rows of small and apparently nearly square ambulacral
plates, twelve or fourteen in each row, and they seem to be con-
tinued round on the inner margin of the oral plates ; the mouth
is about one line wide.

This species differs from P. Niagarensis, (Hall), (Pal. N. Y.,
Vol. 2, page 24Y, pi. 51, figs. 21, 22, 23,) in being smaller, the
rays not so slender, and more importantly in the junction of the
adambulacral plates outside of the oral plates.

In the 3rd Decade of the Geological Survey I have defined the
genus Stenaster as difi'ering from Paheaster, by the possession of

70 Antiqidty of the Human Race,

ten oral plates instead of five. The discovery of a second species
with only five oral plates confirms the opinion there expressed
that Palceasteris a genus quite distinct from Stenaster.

For the privilege of describing this highly interesting fossil I
am indebted to Dr. J. W. Dawson, LL.D., to whose cabinet it be-
longs. It was found by the Rev. D. Honeyman, at Arisaig, in
Nova Scotia.

Locality and Formation. — Arisaig, Nova Scotia, — ^The speci-
men is a nearly perfect impression of the underside of the fossil
in a small water worn frao'ment of slate, of the lower Arisaio'
series, supposed to be of middle Silurian age.

ffliscdhiiits*

^

BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT

OF SCIENCE.

\ C— GEOLOGY.

President. — Sir Charles Lyell, L. L. D. ; D. C. L. ; F. R. S.

The Prince Consort having entered the Section Room, Sir C.
Lyell spoke as follows : —

ANTIQUITY OF THE HUMAN RACE.

No subject has lately exited more curiosity and general interest
among geologists and the public than the question of the antiquity
of the human race ; whether or no we have sufficient evidence to
prove the former co-existence of Man with certain extinct mam-
malia in caves or in the superficial deposits commonly called drift
or " diluvium." For the last quarter of a century, the occasional
occurence in various parts of Europe, of the bones of man or the
works of his hands, in cave-breccias and stalactites associated with
the remains of the extinct hygena, hear, elephant, or rhinoceros,
have given rise to a suspicion that the date of man must be carried
further back than we had heretofore imagined. On the other hand^
extreme reluctance was naturally felt on the part of scientific rea-
soners, to admit the validity of such evidence, seeing that so many
caves have been inhabited by a succession of tenants, and have been
selected by man, as a place not only of domicile, but of sepulture,

^±ntiquity of the Human Race. 71

while some caves have also served as the channels through which
the waters of flooded rivers have flowed, so that the remains of
living beings which have peopled the district at more than one era
may have subsequently been mingled in such caverns and confound-
ed together in one and the same deposit. The facts, however
recently brought to light during the systematic investigation, as
reported on by Falconer, of the Brixham Cave, must, I think,
have prepared you to admit that scepticism in regard to the cave,
evidence in :^xvor of the antiquity of man had previously been
pushed to an extreme. To escape from what I now consider was
a legitimate deduction from the facts already accumulated, we were
obliged to resort to hypotheses requiring great changes in the rela_
tive levels and drainage of valle3'S, and, in short, the whole physi_
cal geography of the respective regions where the caves are situated
— changes that would alone imply a remote antiquity for the
human fossil remains, and makes it probable that man was old
enouo;h to have coexisted, at least, with the Siberian mammoth
But, in the course of the last fifteen years, another class of proofg
have been advanced, in France, in confirmation of man's antiquity
into two of which I have personally examined in the course of the
present summer, and to which I shall now briefly advert. First,
so long ago as the year 1844, M. Aymard, an eminent palasontolo-
gist and antiquary, published an account of the discovery in the
volcanic district of Central France, of portions of two human skele-
tons (the skulls, teeth, and bones), embedded in a volcanic breccia
found in the mountain of Denise, in the environs of Le Puy en
Velay, a breccia anterior in date to one at least, of the latest erup-
tions of that volcanic mountain. On the opposite side of the same
hill, the remains of a large number of mammalia, most of them of
extinct species, have been detected in tufaceous strata believed, and,
I think, correctly, to be of the same age. The authenticity of the
human fossils was from the first disputed by several geologists, but
admitted by the majority of those who visited Le Puy and saw,
with their own eyes, the original specimen now in the museum of
that town. Among others, M. Pictet, so well known to you by
his excellent work on palaeontology, declared after his visit to the
spot, his adhesion to the opinions previously expressed by Aymard,
My friend, Mr. Scrope, in the second edition of his volcanoes of
Central France, lately published, also adopted the same conclusion
although after accompanying me this year to Le Puy, he has seen
reason to modify his views. The result of our joint examination,

72 Antiquity of the Htiman Race*

a result which, I believe essentially coincides with that arrived at
by M. M. Hebert and Lartet, names well known to Science, who
have also this year gone into this enquiry on the spot, may thus
be stated. We are by no means prepared to maintain that the
specimen in the museum at Le Puy, (which unfortunately was
never seen in situ by any scientific observer), is a fabrication. On
the contrary we incline to believe that the human fossils in this
and some other specimens from the same hill, were really imbedded
by natural causes in their present matrix. But the rock in which
they are entombed consists of two parts, one of which is a compact^
and for the most part thinly laminated stone, into which none of
the human bones penetrate ; the other containing bones, is a lighter,
and much more porous stone, without lamination, to which we
could find nothing similar in the Mountain of Benise, although
both M. Hebert and I, made several excavations on the alleged
site of the fossils. M. Hebert therefore su2ro;ested to me that this
more porous stone which resembles in colour and mineral compo-
sition, though not in structure, parts of the genuine old breccia of
Denise, may be made up of the older rock broken up and after-
wards re-deposited, or as the French say ' remane,' and therefore
of much newer date. — An hypothesis which well deserves conside-
ration but I feel that we are at present so ignorant of the precise
circumstances and position under which these celebrated human
fossils were found, that I ought not to waste time in speculating
on their probable mode of interment, but simply declare that in
my opinion they afibrd no demonstration of Man having witnessed
the last volcanic eruptions of Central France. The skulls, accord-
ing to the judgment of the most competent osteologists who have
yet seen them, do not seem to depart in a marked manner from the
modern European, or Caucasian type, and the human bones are
in a fresher state than those of the Elepkas meridionalis and other
quadrupeds found in any breccia of Denise which can be referred
to the period even of the latest volcanic eruptions.

But while I have thus failed to obtain satisfactory evidence in
favour of the remote origin assigned to the human fossils of Le
Puy, I am fully prepared to corroborate the conclusions which have
been recently laid before the Royal Society by Mr Prestwich, in
regard to the age of the flint implements associated in undisturbed
gravel, in the north of France, with the bones of Elephants, at
Abbeville, and Amiens. These were first noticed at Abbeville,
and their true geological position assigned to them by M. Boucher

Antiquity of the Human Race. 73

de Perthes, in 1849, in his ' Antiquities Celtiques,' while those of
Amiens were afterwards described in 1855, by the late Dr. Rigol-.
et. For a clear statement of the facts, I may refer you to the
abstract of Mr. Prestwich's Memoir, in the Proceedings of the Royal
Society for 1859, and have only to add that I have myself obtained
abundance of Flint Implements (some of which are laid upon the
table) during a short visit to Amiens and Abbeville. Two of the
worked Flints of Amiens were discovered in the gravel-pits of St,
Acheul — one at the deph of 10, and the other of 17 feet below the
surface, at the time of my visit; and M. Georges Poucht, of Rouen,
author of a work on the ' Races of Man,' who has since visited the
spot, has extracted with his own hands one of these implements,
as Messrs Prestwich and Flower had done before him. The stra-
tified gravel resting immediately on the chalk in which these rudely
fashioned instruments are buried, belongs to the post-pliocent
period, all the fresh water and land shells which accompany them
being of existing species. The great number of the fossil instru-
ments which have been likened to hatchets, spearheads, and wedges,
is truly wonderful. More than a thousand of them have already
been met with in the last ten years, in the valley of the Somme,
in an area 15 miles in length. I infer that a tribe of savages, to
whom the use of iron was unknown, made a long sojourn in this
region ; and I am reminded of a large Indian Mound, which I
saw in St. Simond's Island, in G-eorgia — a mound 10 acres in area,
and having an average height of five feet, cliiefly composed of cast-
away oyster shells, throughout which arrow-heads, stone-axes, and
Indian pottery are dispersed. If the neighbouring river, the Ala_
tamaha, or the sea which is at hand, should invade, sweep away,
and stratify the contents of this mound, it might produce a very
analogous accumulation of human implements, unmixed perhaps
with human bones. Although the accompanying shells are of
living species, I believe the antiquity of the Abbeville and Amiens
flint instruments to be great indeed if compared to the times of
history or tradition. I consider the gravel to be of fluviatile ori-
gin, but I could detect nothing in the structure of its several parts
indicating cataclysmal action, nothing that might not be due to
such river-floods as we have witnessed in Scotland during the last
half century. It must have required a long period for the wear-
ing down of the chalk which supplied the broken flints for the
formation of so much gravel at various heights, sometimes 100 feet
above the present level of the Somme, for the deposition of fine

/4 Antiqidty uf the Human Race.

sediment including entire shells, both terrestrical and aquatic, and
also for the denudation which the entire mass of stratified drift has
undergone, portions having been swept away, so that what remains
of it often terminates abruptly in old river cliffs, besides being
covered by a newer unstratified drift. To explain these changes I
should infer considerable oscillations of the land in that part of
France — slow movements of upheaval and subsidence, deranging
but not wholly displacing the course of the ancient rivers. Lastly,
the disappearance of the Elephant, Khinoceros, and other genera
of quadrupeds now foreign to Europe implies, in like manner, a
vast lapse of ages, separating the era in which the fossil implements
were frame i and that of the invasion of Gaul by the Romans.

Among the problems of high theoretical interest which the recent
prograss of Geology and Natural History has brought into notice,
no one is more prominant, and, at the same time, more obscure,
than that relating to the origin of species. On this difficult and
mysterious subjects a work will ^-^ery shortly appear, by Mr. Charles
Darwin, the result of twenty years of observation and experiment
in Zoology, Botany and Geology, by which he has been led to the
conclusion that those powers of nature which give rise to races and
permanent varieties in animals and plants, are the same as those
which in much longer periods, produce species, and. in a still longer
series of ages, give rise to differences of generic rank. He appears
to me to have succeeded, by his in^'^estigations and reasonings, to
have thrown a flood light on many classes of phenomena, connected
with the aifinitie?, geographical distribution, and geological suc-
cession of organic beings, for which no other hypothesis has been
able, or has even attempted, to account.

Among the communications sent in to this Section, I have re-
ceived from Dr. Dawson, of 3Iontreal, one confirming the discovery
which he and I formsrly announced, of a land shell, or pupa, in
the coal formation of Nova Scotia. When we contemplate the vast
series of formations intervening between the Tertiary and Carbo-
niferous Strata, all destitute of air-breathing mollusca, at least
of the terrestrial class, such a discovery affords an important illus-
tration of the extreme defectiveness of the o-eolosrical records. It
has always appeared to me that the advocates of progressive deve-
lopment have too much overlooked the imperfection of these records,
and that, consequ3ntly a large part of the generalization in which
they have indulged in regard to the first appearance of the different
classes of animals, especially of air-breathers, will have to be modi-

Professor George Wilson, 75

fied or abandoned. Nevertlieless, that the doctrine of progressive
development may contain in it the germs of a true theory, I am
far from denying. The consideration of this question will came
before you when the age of the White Sandstone of Elgin is dis-
cussed — a rock hitherto referred to the Old Red, or Devonian for-
mation, but now ascertained to contain several reptilian forms, o^
so high an organisation as to raise a doubt in the minds of many
geologists whether so old a place in the series can correctly be
assigned to it.

The Late Professor George WiIso7i of Edinhurgli.

"We observe with deep regret the announcement of the decease
of this excellent and able man. In the great work of wedding
science to the useful arts, and in the power of making its hardest
truths intelligible and acceptable to the common mind he has left
few equals and no superior. We copy the following notice from
the "Scottish Press":

The death of Professor George Wilson is an event with cannot
but be deeply and widely felt. By many amongst us it will be
deplored as a grievous personal loss, to the interests of science
generally, it is great indeed, but to the University of Edinburgh
it may almost be said to be irreparable. We have no wish to
magnify the acquirements of the dead at the expense of those of
the living, nor would we wish it to be thought that we write under
a sense of despondency occasioned by the removal of one who was
ao wise and kind a counsellor; but Dr. George Wilson's connec-
tion with the University and the department of science in which
he laboured so ardently until the close of his life was in one sense
so peculiar as to justify the remark we have made. The Chair
of Technology which he was destined to fill for so short a time,
was not so much created for him as by him. The foundation of
his Professorship was, so to speak, only the recognition of his
untiring efforts for the advancement of truth and the application
of science to the industrial arts. It was felt not only that he was
the best man who could be selected, but that he was the only man
who fulfilled all the conditions necessary to render such a profes-
sorship as that of Technology permanently efiective. The saying
that thoroughly original men not only make their own instru-

76 Trofessor George Wilson*

ments, but, humanly speaking, create occasion for the use of
them, was never more clearly illustrated than in the case of Dr.
George Wilson. And it is because we know that everything, or
nearly everything, connected with the position from which death
has just called him, owed its existence to his wisdom, his zeal,
and his never flagging energy that we feel his death to be so
great a public loss. It will never be possible to estimate with
anything like correctness the amount of physical and mental
labour which he endured in order to fulfil the objects contemplat-
ed in the foundation of his Professorship, and to carry out the
projected Industrial Museum of which he was appointed curator.
His duties in the class-room, arduous as they were, did not
represent a tithe of that labour. The clearness of his mind, the
warmth of his heart, the graces of his style, and the natural
buoyancy of his temperament, made his duties as a teacher seem
as light as they were pleasant. No man better knew how to
make the portals of the temple of knowledge inviting, and in a
secular as well as a sacred sense, wisdom's ways were ways of
pleasantness to him and all whom he sought to teach. Duty,
" the stern lawgiver," ever were a smile for him, and his works
abundantly prove that while he laboured as comparatively few are
capable of labouring to extend the boundaries of knowledge, he
never ceased to look forward, with the eye of steady faith, to that
state of things in which we shall no longer see darkly as through
a glass. It was his delight to think that those who reverently
sought to know something of the Creator's work here, had begun
studies that would never end, and he was wont to say that '' the
shortest lesson in heaven will teach more than the longest upon
earth.

A brief notice like this affords us no opportunity of saying
anything satisfactory as to the position to which Dr. George
Wilson attained as a man of science and of letters. But it is
scarcely necessary that anything should be said, for the sense of
his loss attests the value of his scientific labours, and his books
afford abundant evidence of the fine tone of his mind. His
" Chemistry of the Electric Telegraph," and " Chemistry of the
Stars" though scientific treatises in the best sense of the word?
are felt by those who read them to be something more than this >
they are the products of a highly poetical, as well as an accurate
and well-balanced mind. His fertile imagination, and lively
fancy, enabled him to impart not only lucidity, but attractiveness

Reviews, Sfc, 77

to themes wliicli by others have been rendered obscure and
uninviting. His delicate and often subtle humour, too, played
around such themes relaxing their gravity and lighting them up.
Above all these characteristics of his literary works, is the stead-
fast faith and deep religious feeling which pervades them. In
none is this so manifest, as in his Life of Dr. John Reid, one of
the most delightful examples of biography within our knowledge.
To Dr. George Wilson, religion was not only not a gloomy thing,
but it was the brightness of existence. It not only cheered him
in many days of prostration from severe bodily affliction, but it
was an element in almost all his studies, and a thing of his daily
laborious life. And we have reason to know, that during his last
days on earth, he felt it to be indeed the peace of God, and the
firm anchor of his soul.

KEVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Handbook op Geological Terms and Geology, bj David Page, E.G.S.,
Author of the Advanced Text Book of Geologj. Edinburgh and
London : "W. Blackwood & Sons. Montreal : B. Dawson & Son.
pp. 416, $2.

Such a Handbook as this is has long been a great desideratum
to the reading public. The " hard words and forbidding techni-
calities" of science which appear to beginners of so difficult ac-
quirement, are here explained and made intelligible in brief and
simple language. The ordinary reader will find the information
he requires, generally in the first and second sentences of a defi-
nition, while^what follows is more especially addressed to students
and other professional enquirers. This book is just the thing for
students, and for those who attend geological lectures, or read
geological books. As the first book of the kind that has yet ap-
peared, it is a most meritorious production. Although far from
complete it yet contains nearly every term to be met with in
ordinary books on geology. In no other single work can the
same information be obtained. The defintions may be received
with perfect confidence. The author is well known as a most
painstaking and careful practical geologist.

78 Reviews f ^'c.

Evenings at the Microscope ; or Researches among the Minuter Organs
and Forms of Animal Life. By P. H. Gosse, F.R.S. Neio York :
D. Appleton & Co. Montreal: B. Dawson & Son. pp. 480.

Little need be said in commendation of this new work by Mr-
Gosse. His popular writings in the department of Zoology are
so well known and highly valued by Students of Natural History,
that any thing on his favorite science, which he may now publish,
is sure to meet with a favorable reception. To open the path to
the myriad wonders of creation which, altogether unseen by the
unassisted eye, are made cognisable to sight by the aid of the
microscope is the aim and scope of this volume. The revelations
of the microscope in the department of the organic world are of
the most wonderful and interesting kind, and may well attract
the attention of all intelligent and educated persons. The staple
of this book consists of original observations by the author. He
has set down simply what he himself has seen and what may be
seen by any one with the aid of a microscope of ordinary power.
He has relieved the dryness of technical description by a. colloqi-
al and familiar style in a series of imaginary microscopical con-
versaziones. The precision essential to science has, however, never
been sacrificed. Throu2;hout the work considerable information
is given on the selecting, securing and preparing objects for ex-
amination under the microscope, which cannot fail to be highly
useful to those who have not books at hand containing special
directions on these points. In almost every instance the objects
selected for illustration are common things, such as any one with.
access to the sea-shore or country-side may easily obtain. The
book contains one hundred and thirteen illustrations, all of which,
with tbe exception of eighteen, are from the author s own pencil
They are also, even in this American edition of the work, en-
graved with much accuracy and beauty. To the young we can-
not too highly commend this book. With the aid of a microscope
its interest will be greatly increased, but with or without such a
companion it cannot fail to prove highly instructive.

Dura Den ; a Monograph of the Yellow Sandstone and its remarkable
Fossil remains. By the Rev. John Anderson, D.D., F.G.S., &c.
With illustrations. Edinburgh : Thos. Constable & Co. Montreal :
B. Dawson & Son. — imp. 8 vo. pp. 96, $3-50.

This is a truly sumptuous book which any geologist will regard
as a real luxury. The illustrations are in the highest style of

Reviews, ^'c« 79

lltliograpliic art and artistic beauty. The two finest and
largest are drawn by the f\iir hand of Lady Kinnaird, and are of
unquestionable excellence. The writer is well known as a distin-
guished amateur geologist. His name is associated with some im-
portant discoveries in this department of Science. Lately the
remarkably well preserved fossils of a district in Fifeshire, Scot-
land, called Dura Den, has attracted the attention of geologists
and led to an interesting determination of the position of the
rocks in which they are embedded. The fossils are now regarded,
on almost unquestionable evidence, to belong to the Devonian
or old red Sandstone formation. At first, from their contiguity
to the coal fields of Fifeshire^ these rocks were supposed to
have some relation to the lower members of the Carboniferous
system, but the careful examination of their fossils and the relat-
ed strata have led the chiefs of geological science to regard the
Yellow Sandstone of Dura Den, as a curious and most interesting
section of the great Devonian System. We cordially reconi.
mend this book to those interested in the progress of Geological
Science.

Nuggets from the oldest Diggings or Researches in the Mosaic Crea-
tion. By R. "W. Yandyk. Edinburgh: Thos. Constable & Co.
Montreal : B. Dawson & Son.

This is another book on the great question of the reconciliation of
the Mosaic Narrative of Creation, with the facts of physical science.
Notwithstanding the uncouth title, the book is written with much
vigour and eloquence. There is no pretension to a critical examina-
tion of the text with this branch of the subject our author does not
intermeddle. Nor does he claim any higher acquaintance with
science than that which may be obtained from a careful study of good
books. The author persuades himself that he has made a grand
discovery which removes all the difficulties which have hitherto
perplexed the wisest of men, and sheds a perfect flood of light
upon the scripture narrative. He is evidently in a very Lappy frame
of mind, and writes in a style of delightful enthusiasm. " Happy
is he who knoweth the causes of things." Our authors' idea is
that, with the exception of the very first act, which was the creation
of the substance of the universe, the whole events narrated in
Genesis i. were truly effects of the laws given to the created mass,
showing themselves gradually and in succession, and by a process

80 Reviews, Sfc.

which, if witnessed, would have appeared to be exactly the same
natural and unmiraeulous operation of cause and effect with which
we are familiar. After the first creative act, what is described is
the formation of earth and its tenants out of a disorderly mass of
matter ; and this is represented as having been accomplished by
movements within the mass itself, that is to say, by means of
second causes," This is the theory which the book works out
with some ability and ingenuity. If it is not altogether new, it is
at least modern. We cannot say we are convinced of its truth.
We have no faith in unscientific treatments of the physical phen-
omena of the universe, or in unlearned criticisms of the sacred
text. No man should attempt the discussions of the topics con-
tained in this book who has not had practical acquaintance with
the subjects which it involves. The idea of all pervading law in
the production of physical phenomena is that which Baden Powell
attempts to demonstrate with rare ability in his recent works.
We do not recognise any special feature in the " Nuggets from
the oldest Diggins" that entitles it to a very high rank in the litera-
ture of the subject on which it treats. It may be read with in-
terest by the curious, and be regarded as another addition to the
unsuccessful attempts to settle the disputed interpretation of the
Mosaic cosmogony.

Ox THE Origin of Species by means op Natural Selections, or thk

PRESERVATION OP FAVOURED RaCES IN THE STRUGGLE FOR LiFE. By

Ch. Darwin, M.A., &c., «fec. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Mon^
treal : B. Dawson & Son.

This is an abstract of a larger work in course of preparation.
It is entitled to most careful perusal. The author is a well known
and distinguished Naturalist. He has given much attention to and
spent now twenty years of his life in the prosecution of the sub-
ject of this book. The title is a good description of its contents.
It deals with questions of Natural History in a way most masterly
and profound. That its views will meet with much opposition is
to be expected. Few will be disposed to go the sweeping length
to which our author is disposed to go in the logical issue of his
theory. We merely call attention to this able work in the mean
time. It promises to create quite a furor in the minds of scien-
tific enquirers. We hope to present our readers with a thorough
review of the work either from the pen of one of the Editors, or
from the pages of one of tlie earliest scientific magazines of Europe
or America.

MONTHLY METEOEOLOGICAL REGISTER, ST. MARTINS, ISLE JESUS, CANADA EAST, (NINE MILES WEST OF MONTREAL,) FOR THE MONTK OK DECEMMER, 1859.

Latitude, 46 degrees 3] mlDutes North. Longitude, 73 degrees 36 minutes West. Height above the level of the Sea, 118 feet.

BY CHARLES SMALLWOOD, M.D., LL.D.

Barometer, corrected and
reduced to 32* F.

(English inches.)

! p. m. 10 p. m.

6 a. m.

2il. 6Sl
30. Ill
023
575
323
09a

29. 605

30. 108
177

29. 937
845
500

33.118

u

318

15

29. 930

IB

30. 138

17

233

IS

29.923

19

712

•ill

710

il

500

ti

850

43

681

M

692

25

890

2(i

628

27

30. 076

iS

460

29

JS2

ItO

29. 781

31

907

29. 520

30. 002

601

686

220

29. 934
616

30. 201
29. 950
30. 136
29. 788
603

30. 228
100

29. 937

30. 103
214

29. 782
701
6110
627
800
580
803
816 j
520

30. 270
410
269

29.710
823

I 29.568

30. 096

721

361

232

29.782

930

30.214

29. 823

30. 186

29 406

810

30. 337

201

1.39

223

lis

29.763
693
410
796
808
673
893
838
700

30. 397
633
038

29. 700
965

Temporaturo of the
Air.-F.

6 a. m.

20.2

22.3

—13.0

—3.0

H.O

26.1

35.0

—0.9

1,1

17.1

1.0

—2.0

-13.9

—2.5

11.0

18.1

13.6

18.9

21.1

30.0

20.1

6.0

6.0

-10.0

-20. 1

—6.*

—9,1

-29.2

-32.6

— 1.0

3.2

2 p. m. 10 p.m.

35.0

17.6

10.0

13.4

23.7

30 4

32.6

12,2

19.1

9.2

0.0

—6.6

6.9

8.5

19.7

23.8

20.2

20.1

38.4

341

21.1

20.1

22.8

—7.8

—0.5

5.6

— l.S

—0.5

—9.9

8.0

9.0

42.1

9.0

—3.0

10.9

24.2

39.2

37.4

3.2

19.0

1.0

13,2

-10.6

-10.0

2.8

14.3

16.1

19.1

20.1

31. 9

38.3

10.9

-0.2

19.0

-16. S

—4.0

6,6

-16,5

-23.5

-14.6

Tension of Aqueous
Vapour.

6 a. m.

.091
.084
.019
.032
.062
.140
.197
.036
.040
.084
,040
,034
,120
.032
,062
,084
.063

.154
.097
.041
.011
.024
.012
.028
.019
.007
.008
.031

p. m. 10 p. m.

.199
072
.054
.080
.117
.191
.176
.0*5
.077
.050
.051
.028
.OtS
.037
.081
100
.074
.096
.129
.155
.100
.085
.095
.021
.023
.049
.034
.034
.017
.056
.046

.261
.051
.033
.054
.123
.233
.129
.013
.081
.040
.066
.031
. 032
.041
.073
.074
.037
.093
.162
.224
.058
.031
.090
.015
.032
.018
.016
.010
.015
.051
.042

Humidity of tlie
Atmosphere.

.71
.56
83
89
98
95
84
85
91
85
84
76
S3
89
90
80
85
86
91
92
71
76
79
67
81
60
53
52

2 p. m. 10 p. m.

Direction of Wind,

2 p. m.

W. bv N.
N. hi E,
13, bv -\,
N. H. bv E.
N. E. by E,
B. a. E.
S, W.
W. by S
S. E. by E.
VV. by S.
N. E; b.y E.
W. bvS
S. by W.
N. E. bv E.
S. bv W.
N.E.

N. E.bvE.
N, B. by E.
S W.

N. E, bv E.
W. by S,
S. S.E.
S, E,
W.
S. E.

N. E. by B.
N W.
S.W.
B.S. E.
B. by N,
W.

10 p. m.

S, S. W.
E. by S.
N.E.

N. E. by E.
N. E. Ijy E.
.S. E. hv V.
W. by S.
S. B. by E.
.S. R. bv E.
S. S. W.
N. E. bv E.
.S. S. W.
N. N. W.
S. E. by E.
S.W,

N. E, by E.
N. E, by R.
N, E. by B.
S. by W.
N. E. bv E.
S.

S. S. E,
S. by E.
W..S W.
N. E. by E.
N.E.
W.

N.W.byW.
E. by S.
S.W.
W. by S,

Mean Velocity in Miles
per hour.

a. m. 2 p. m. 10 p. m

3,00
16,27
16,21
15,17
11,93
0,71
14,42
18,42
1,41
9,92
1,22
21,48
8,41
10,95
26, 96
1.00
0.00
11.41
17.20
7.40
3.30
6.99
0.33
25. 56
0.50
21.36
19 60
0.42
0.01
17.37
15.16

O.GO
4.30
4.01

12.43
8.12
3.42
4.41
2,65
4,46
1,51
2,43

15, 42
1,48
2,92
7,30
0,01
3,50

15,62
0,83
0.21

11.72
1.62
0.45
0.10
11.01
0.70

11.05
0.00
1.00
3.67
7.01

14.12
4.46
0,71

28 30
4.02
6.94

14.70
2.41
8.22

16.75
2.65
7.82
0.80
6.27
4.60
0.08

12.08

15,06
1.85
5.41

23.07
1.40
7 79
4.50
6.17
6.20
7.32
0.00
2.22
1.30
4.10

Amount
of. in
nchcs.

Inapp.

0.360
0.946

Amount
of, in

inches.

1.90

0.70
2.60
1.10

4.40
0.20
0.90
1.70

1.40

0.75
1.06

WEATHER, CLOUDS. EEMARK8, Ac, &c.
[A cloudy sky is represented by 10, a cloudless one by 0.]

Cu.Str.

Clear.
Snow.
" Verglas,"
Bain.

Clear.
Cu. Str.
Snow.
Cu. Str.
Clear.

Cu. Str,

10.
10.

Clear,
Cu, Str.
Snow.
Cu. Str.

Snow.
Clear.

10,
10.
10.

10.
10.

i.
10.

2,
10.

Snow.

Cu. F ir. 10,

Clear.
.Snow,
Kain.

Clear,
Snow.
On. Str,

Clear.

Cu, Str.
Clear.
C. Str.
Clear.
Snow.

Cu. Str.

Clear.

Cu. Str.

Clear.

Cu. Str.

Snow.

Clear.

Snow.
Clear.

10 p. m.

10, Lunar Halo.

Rain.
Snow.
0, C. Str.
Snow.
Rain.

Cu Str,

Snow.
Clear.
Snow.
Clear.

Snow.
Clear.
Clear.
Clear.
Cu,_Str.

Snow.

Cu. Str. 2. [Zodiacal Light.

Clear. Faint Aui-.Borealis. Bright

Snow.

Clear. Zodiaeal Light, bright

Snow,

Clear. Aurora Borealis.

Clear. Zodiacal Light visible.

Clear. Faint Aurora Borealis.

Clear.

Cu. Str, 10.

Cu. Str. 2.

10
10.

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 1860.

Barometer — corrected
and reduced to

32" F.
(English inches.)

a.m. 1 2 p.m. 10 p.m

29, 912

30, 210

439

29, 930

30,313

236

29, 874

697

30, 165

29, 851

649

30, 107

458

177

29, 436

304

694

805

642

560

330

691

976

970

280

914

979

775

30. 0.57

29. 320

942

30. 001
278
241

29. 926

30.298
067

29.681
630

30.049

29.V46
754

30.158
406

29. 916
220
276
710
791
710
510
311
497
918
464
314
974
709
594
880
437

30, 067

30. 09*

337

105

135

298

29. 893

583

733

30. 073

29. 750

30. 103

29.813

30. 342

29,691

319

460

785

708

756

454

680

614

,30, 029

29, 301

639

981

791

904

615

421 !

30, 239

Temperature of the
Air.-F.

6 a.m.

-12,0

-21.9

-25.4

—2.0

-14.6

8.4

19.2

32.4

21.0

31.4

33.7

—6.8

-24.6

—8.4

6.1

32.0

10.1

-12.2

2.4

24.6

28,4

21,2

18,4

20,9

33,2

20,0

—2,0

1,0

-7,4

28,4

2.0

2 p.m. ,10 p.m.

—2,1
—1,0
—14,2
10,0
8.0
24 4
33 4
38.8
28.9
36.6
19.8
15 I
-3.2
2.0
25.5
40.1
12.0
6.0
14.2
33.4
38.3
31.9
33.3
36.4
32.2
16.2
13.0
12.2
23 3
28.2
0.0

-16.9

-13.0

-6.8

—2.0

0.0

21.0

36.9

67.0

20,9

35

8.0

21,0

-8,7

7.0

32.1

33.8

0.0

3.0

17.1

29.0

31.3

29.1

20.3

35.6

22.1

6.1

7.0

0.6

22,9

28,7

-4,0

Tension of Aqueous
Vapour.

6 a.m.

.020
.009
.008
.036
,017
,057
.087
.168
.085
068
.182
.028
.009
.025
.041
.108
.034
.016
.010
.105
.129
.106
.072
.097
.179
.091
.034
.0,32
.024
.li9
.034

3 p.m.

.0,34
,028
,013
.067
,018

,123
,200
,092
,070
,02,5
,036
,111
.225
,051
,013
,007
,163
,201
,148
,162
,191
,167
.008
.054
.015
.078
.117
.032

10 p.m.

.015
.019
.02S
,02i
.031
.083
.199
.178
.085
.197
.OM
.085
.021
.019
.162
.162
.038
.OH
.078
.142
.190
.142
.0*4
.197
.081
.048
.OaJ
.0311
.09!
.129
.031

Humidity of the
Atmosphere.

6 a. m.

2 p.m.

.76

.83

.40

.68

.58

.61

84

68

70

77

88

67

83

84

92

85

78

77

93

03

91

92

81

81

60

61

80

72

74

81

89

90

78

70

70

73

86

80

SO

84

83

86

83

80

82

84

85

90

93

98

65

76

81

71

70

60

79

69

82

75

71

70

10 p. m.

.70
.70
.80
68
55
78
90
81
78
91
85
78
62
86
89
84
85

98
88
80
93
71
75

79
82
83

Ilirection of Wind.

6 a. m.

W. N. W.
W. by S.
W. by S.
N.E.
W.
S.W.

s.

S. W. by S.
W. N. W.
S.bvE.
W.byS.
N. bv W.

N. N. \y.

N. E. by E.
M. B. bv E.

w. s. w.

w.
s. s. w.

N. E. byE.

W.

W. .S. W.

N. E. by E.

W.

S. S. B.

W. by S.

W. by N,

S. S. J3.

W.

W. S. w.
W. N. W.
W. by S.

2 p. m.

10 p. m.

w. bv S.

W. by S.

N. E.bv E.

W. N. W.

S. S. W.

S.

W. s. w.

W. N. W.

N. B. by E.

S, by E.

W. N. W,

S. W. by W.

N. E. by E.

N.E.

N, W. bv N,

W.

W.

N, E. by B.

W. s. w,

S. E.
W. by S.
S. S. B.
S. by W.
N. E. bv E.
W. N. W.
S, W.
N.N. W.
W. by S.
S. by W.
S. S. W.
N. W.

Horizontal

OZONE.

RAIN.

SNOW.

Movement in
24 hours.

(In Miles,)

Mean

amount

of.

Amount
of, in
inches.

Amount
of, in
inches.

6,30

0,6
1,0
1,0
1,3
16
2,6
3,3
4,3
0,6
3,3
4,3
1,0
0,6
1.0
3.0
4.6
2.6
1.0
1.3
1.3
4.3
2,3
3,0
3,6
6,0
13
2,0
1,0
2,0
6,0
3,0

172, 60

1.30
1.51

101 70

152 SO

8,50
220, 00

0.110

Inapp.

69,10
65,90

loapp.
0,210

2,11
0.75

262 70

114 40

0,75
0.46

106 70

169 50

61 30

0,60
1,00
0.70

172 20

122 30

116 10

197 50

166, 10

19,00

0.60

0,140
0,014

132,00

0.62

84 80

291 50

0.70
1.00

453 30

WEATHER, CLOUDS, REMAREB, Ac. &C.

[A cloudy sliy is represented by 10, a cloudless oue by 0.]

Cu. Str.
Snow.
Cu. Str.

Clear.
Cu. Str.
Rain.
Clear.

Cu. Str.

Rain.

Clear.

Snow.
Clear.
C. Str.

10.
10.
10.

10.
10.

4.
10.
10,

4,
10.

4,
10.

2. p. m.

Clear.
Cu.Str.

Snow.
Clear.
Cu. Str.
Cu. Str.
Cu. Str.
Clear.
Rain.
Snow.
Cu. Str.
Clear.
Clear.
Cu. Str.
Cu, Str.
Clear.
Ou. Str.
Clear.
Ou. Str.
Cu. Str.
Cu. Str.
0. Cu.Str.
Cu. Str.
Cu. Str.
Cu. Str.
Clear.
C. C. Str.
Clear.
Snow.
On. Str.

7.
10.

10 p. m.

Clear.

Clear.

Snow.

Cu, Str.

4.

Cu. Str.

10.

Cu. Str.

10.

Rain.

Cu, Str.

ID.

Cu. Str.

10.

Cu. Str.

10.

Cu. Str.

10.

Cu. Str.

9.

Ou. Str.

10.

Clear.

Ou Str.

10.

Clear.

Clear.

Snow.

Cu. Str.

10.

Ou. Str.

2. Aurora Borealis.

Ou. Str.

4.

Clear.

Clear.

Cu. Str.

10.

Cu, Str.

8.

Clear.

Ou, Str.

10.

Clear. Solar Halo.

Cu. Str.

10.

Cu. Str.

10.

Cirri

4. Lunar Halo.

REMARKS FOR DECEMBER, 1859.

fHighcst, the 3rd day, 30'726 inches.
) Lowest, the 20th dav, 29.410
■ ) Monthly Mean, 29.971
C. " Range, 1.316
CHighest, the 1st day, 42°1.
) Lowest, the 29th day, — 32*= 6.

■ J Monthly Mean, 8 ofllj.

Thermometer .

^Monthly Range, 74 o 7.
Greatest intensity of the Sun's ra;?8, 38 °0
Lowest point of terrestrial radiation, — 36 ^G.
Mean of humidity, .808.

Rain fell on 3 days, amounting to 1,480 inches; it waa raining
S6 hours and 20 minutes.

Snow fell on 14 days, amounting to 23.87 inches; it was snow-
ing 150 hours and 30 minutes.

Most prevalent wind, the N. B. by E.

Least prevalent wind, the S.

Most windy day, the 4th day ; mean miles per hour, 15.30.

I^east windy day. the 2Sth day ; mean miles per hour, 0.14.

Aurora Borealis visible on 3 nights.

Lunar Halo visible on 1 night.

Zodiacal Light visible and bright.

The Electrical state of the atmosphere has indicated high
tension.

Ozone was present in large quantity.

REMARKS FOR JANUARY, 1860

f Highest, the 13th day, 30.455 inches.
R-irnmPfPT J Lowest, the 21st day, 29.314

barometer ^Monthly Mean, 29.H61

(Monthly Range. 1.141

(Highest, the IHth day, iG°4.
Thermnmfif pr -3 Lowest, the 3rd day. —25 ° 4.
Ihermometer. Sjionthlv Mf-an, 13^15.

(Monthly Range, 71'=' 8.
Greatest intensity of the Sun's rays, 66 °4.
Lowest point of terrestrial radiution, — 27 °1.
Mean or humidity, .78(i.

Rain fell on 5 days, amounting to 0.474 inches ; it was raining
24 hours 40 minutes.

Snow fell on H days, amounting to 11.90 inches ; it waa snow-
ing 74 hours 40 minutes.

Most prevalent wind, the W. by S,

Least prevalent wind, the E.

Most windy day, the 25th day ; mean miles per hour, 22.88.

Least windy day. the 1st day ; mean miles per hour, 0.31.

Aurora Borealis visible on 1 night.

Solar Halo visible on 1 day.

Lunar Halo visible on 1 night.

The Electrical state of the atmosphere has indicated modt-
rate intensity.

80

nal

we

the

ma

mc

sec

wil

at

W>

om

tes

tai

the

tli(

att

W

tb

tU]

tei
un
M

On

It

an
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jet
It

an

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to

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til

til

re

fr<

or

THE

CANADIAN

MTUEALIST AID GEOLOGIST.

Vol. V. APRIL, 1860. No. 2.

ARTICLE YIII. Observations on the Natural History of the
Valley of the River Rouge^ and the surrounding Townshij^s
in the Counties of Argenteuil and Ottawa. By W. S. M.
D' Urban.

(^Continued from page 276, Vol. IV)

INVERTEBRATA.

INSECTA.

COLEOPTERA.

Nearly all of the 114 species in the following Catalogue -were obligingly
determined for me by Dr. J. L. Leconte of Philadelphia. Besides those
enumerated, many others were collected, but were unfortunately lost
by the accidental fracture of the bottle which contained them.

I have added a list of 34 species, not observed in this district by
myself, but brought by Mr. Robert Bell from the Augmentation of
Grenville, and the neighbourhood of L'Orignal, on the south bank of
the Ottawa.

Cicindela longilabris^ Say. — Hamilton's Farm on the River Rouge, 2nd

September.
" vulgaris. Say. — Very abundant on sand-banks, River Rouge,

August.

* " Baltimorensis, Herbst, (repanda, Say.) — Common on sand-
banks, River Rouge, July and August.

* The larvae of this species were numerous in their burrows in the sand, by the
side of the Rouge, five miles below Hamilton's Farm, 13th August.

Canadian Nat. 1 Vol. V. No. 2.

82 Natural History of the

Lebia viridis 7 Say. — Huckleberry Rapids, River Rouge, DeSalabeTry,.

30th July.
Patrobus longicornis, Say. — Sixteen-Island Lake, &c., Montcalm, May

and June.
Platynus sinuatus, Dej. — Under dead logs, Sixteen Island Lake, Scc.j

Township of Montcalm, May and June.
" retractus, Lee. — With the last species.
" obsoletus, Say. — With the last two species.
P(Bcilus lucublandus, Say. — Under stones near the town of Grenrille,

13th May.
Pterostichus fastiditus, Dej. — Under bark of decaying logs, Sixteen Is-
land Lake, Montcalm, end of May ; Lake
of Three Mountains, end of September.
" patruelis, Dej. — River Rouge.

" caudicalis, Say. — Under stones near Grenville, 13th May.
" orinomum, Leach (vitresis, Esch.) — Township of Montcalm,

June.
Luczotii, Dej. (var. prsec?) — Sixteen Island Lake, Montcalm^

May and June.
Lc]:hoglossus 'mutator Lee. — Under stones near Grenville, 13th May.
Rembus major, Lee. — " " " "

Chlanius impunctifrons, Sar — " " " "

Cychrus (SphcBroderus) Brevoortii, Lee. — Under dead logs, Bevin'sLake,

Montcalm, 4th July.
Notiophilus punctatus, Lee. — On rocks, Huckleberry Rapids, River

Rouge, DeSalaberry, 2lrth July.
Bembidium impressum, Fabr. — On wet sand, River Rouge, 13th August.
" punctatostriatum, Say. — Very abundant on wet sand, River

Rouge, July and August.
" patruelis, Dej. — Abundant on wet sand, River Rouge, 13th

August.
" lucidum, Lee. — Under stones near Grenville^ 13th May.
jlgabus striatusi Say. — In Sixteen Island Lake, Montcalm, end of May.
Coptotomus interrogatusj Fabr. — In Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, 23rd

June.
Hydroporus proximus, Aub6. — With the last species.
Haliplus immaculaticollis, Harris. — With the last two species.

'' cribariusj Lee. — Very abundant in Sugar-bush Lake, Mont-
calm, 23rd June.
Gyrinus (several species not determined) — In various Lakes.
Dineutes (not named)— Very abundant, Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm,

23rd June.
Philhydrus ductus, Say.— In a small stream crossing the portage be-
tween Gate and Gut Lakes, Wentworth,
and in Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm.
Necrovhorus lunatus, Lee. — Huckle-berry Rapids, River Rouge, De-
Salaberry, 2'7th July.
" pygmceus, Kirby. — Township of Montcalm, 20th June.

Valley of the River Rouge, Sfc* 83

Silpha marginata, Fabr. — Abundant under putrid fish, Sixteen Island

Lake, Montcalm, 1st June.

Homalota, (not determined) — Township of Montcalm, June.

TachyporuSj (not determined) " " "

Tachinus fumipennis,Sia.y, — In bear's dung, Chain Lake, Montcalm, 17th

June.
" conformisj Dej. — Township of Montcalm, June.

Philonthus cyanipennis, Fabr. — In a fungus on a rotten tree. River Rouge,

13th August.
" (not determined) — Under stones near Grenville, 13th May.

Stenus (not determined) — Numerous on wet sand. River Rouge, Arun-
del, July.
" (not determined) — Numerous on wet sand, River Rouge, near

Hamilton's Farm, 13th August.

Oxytelus PennsylvanicuSj Er. — Common in our tents throughout the dis-
trict.

Anthohium dimidiatuin, Mels. — Township of Montcalm, June.

Platy soma par allelum, Say. — " '• "

Carpophilus rdger, Er. — " " "

EpurceOj (not determined) " " "

Cucujus clavipes, Oliv. — One specimen taken as it pitched on the mane

of a horse. Township of Harrington, loth
May.

Pediacus planus^ Lee. — Very abundant in the tents, Huckle-berry

Rapids, end of July.

Dermestes lardarius, Linn. — Observed about the provisions. Sixteen Is-
land Lake, Montcalm.

Anthrenus castanece, Mels. — Township of Montcalm, June.

Platycerus depressuSj Lee. — Near Huckleberry Rapids, River Rouge,

DeSalaberry, July.

Onthophagus Hecate^ Pz. — Near Huckleberry Rapids, River Rouge,

DeSalaberry, 2nd August.

Geotrupes Egeriei, Germ, (microphagus, Say.) Woods near Hamilton's

Farm, 31st August.

Aphodius Jimetarius, Fabr. — Abundant in cow-dung, Hamilton's Farm,

August.

Dichelonycha subvittatOj Lee. — Abundant throughout the district, June to

August.

Osmoderma scahra, Beauv. — River Rouge, July and August.

Nichius piger, Fabr. — On blossoms of Viburnum opulus, Sugar-bush

Lake, and on white clover blossoms, and
bleeding stumps of yellow birch. Bevin's
Lake, Montcalm, end of June and begin-
ning of July.

Ancylocheiramaculiventris, Say.— Near Silver Mountain, River Rouge,

12th August.

Cryptohypnus silaceipesj Germ.— Under stones near Grenville, ISth

May.

84 Natural History of the

Dolopius fucosus, Lee. — Township of Montcalm, June.
" stahilis, Lee— " « «

Corymhites triundulatus, RandalL — Township of Montcalm, end of May.

Pyractomenaangulata, ^a,y. — Common, Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, 23d

to 26th June.

Ellychnia corrusca, Linn. — Under stones near Grenville, 13th May.

* " lacustris, Lee. — Abundant in the woods of Harrington, mid-
dle of May ; Hamilton's Farm, and Lake
of Three Mountains, August and Septem-
ber.

DigraphaterminaliSj Say. — Bevin's Lake, 29th June, and 5th July, and

Hamilton's Farm, 31st August.

Eros coccinatus, Say. — Sixteen-Island Lake, &e., Montcalm, end of May.
" molis, Lee. — Huckleberry Rapids, River Rouge, DeSala-

berry, 2nd August.

Podabrus modestus, Say. — About clearings, Bevin's Lake, Montcalm, 2nd

July.

Telephorus rotundicollis, Say. — Abundant " " "

" carolinusj Fabr. — '' '• " "

" fi-axini, Say. — Township of Montcalm, June.

Anohium foveatum^ Kirby. — Abundant in a rotten tree, Bevin's Lake, 4th

July.

Cis. (not determined) — Township of Montcalm, June.

Pedilus collaris, Say. — " " "

Mordella nigricans, Mels. — " *' "

Meloe rugipennis, Lee. — Hamilton's Farm, 31st August, and Grenville,

14th October.

\Cistela (not determined) — Very abundant on leaves of Bass-wood,

Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, 26th June.
•' (not determined) — River Rouge.

Nyctobates (not determined) — Under logs on grass-land, Hamilton's

Farm, August.

Upis reticulatus, Say. — (ceramhoides, Linn.) — With the last species.

XBolitophagus cornutus, Pz. — Larvge and Pupa in a boletus, Huckle-
berry Rapids, DeSalaberry, 3rd August.

jipion, (not determined) — Township of Montcalm.

Sitona lepidus, Sch. — Near Hamilton's Farm.

Hylobius, (ja.Qa.T pineti) — Sixteen Island Lake, 1st June.
" pales, Herbst. — Township of Montcalm, June.

Tomicus, (not named) " " "

Saperda tridentata, Oliv. — Base of Silver Mountain, Rouge, 10th Aug.

Monohammus confusor, Kirby, — " " " "

* No Fire-flies were seen at night after the 19th of July. The Pupa of Ellydinia
lacustris is as luminous as the perfect insect.

t This Cistela has a very rank scent.

% These larvae were very active, wriggling about and jerking their abdominal seg-
ments with great force. One changed to Pupa, August 9 ; and a Pupa to Imago the
same day. Another was evolved 13th August.

Valley of the River Roifge, Sfc. 85

Monohammus scutcllatus, Say. — Numerous, Bevin's Lake, Yth July ; and

abundant the whole way up the Rouge, to
the eud of August.
Encyclops cceruleus, Say. — One specimen taken on blossoms of Viburnum

opulus, Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, 26th
June.
AcmcBops proteus, Kirby. — Township of Montcalm, June.
Evodinus monticola, Randall. — Sixteen-Island Lake, 30th May ; and

abundant on blossoms of Viburnum opulus,
Sugar-bush Lake, end of June.
Leptura canadensis, Oliv. — Abundant on blossoms of Spiraa salicifolia,

River Rouge, July and August.
" vittata, Oliv. — Near Huckle-berry Rapids, DeSalaberry,

15th Julv.
" pubera, Say. — Abundant on blossoms of Viburnum opulus,

Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, 25th June.
" proxima, Say. — Near Huckleberry Rapids, DeSalaberry,

26th July.
" mutabilis, Lee. — On blossoms of Viburnum opulus, Sugar-bush

Lake, end of June.
Donacia palmata, Oliv. — In blossoms of Nwphar advena, (Yellow Water-
lily), Sugar-bush Lake, end of June.
" subtilis, Kuuze, — In a small Lake near Lake of Three Moun-
tains, 14th September.
" pusilla. Say. — Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, end of June.
" flavipes, Kirby. — " " "

Syneta tripla, Say. — Township of Montcalm.

Chrysomela scalaris, Lee. — Abundant on alders throughout the district,

from the end of June to the end of Sep-
tember.
" spircece, Say. — Very abundant. Sugar-bush Lake, 25th June.
" interrupta, Fabr. — Abundant on alders, Sixteen-Island and

Sugar-bush Lakes, Montcalm, May and
June. Larva abundant on alder leaves,
June 25.
" VitellincE, Linn. — Abundant on oak and poplar leaves. Six-
teen Island and Sugar-bush Lakes, May
and June.
Systena pontalis, Fabr. — Township af Montcalm, June.
Phyllobrotica decorata, Say. — (Olivieri, Kirby,) — Very abundant on

Scutellaria galericulata and lateripolia.
River Rouge, July and August.
Adoxus vitis, Fabr. — Amongst dead leaves. Gate Lake, "Wentworth, 16th

May.
Chrysochus auratus, Fabr. — Abundant on Apocynum androscemifolium

and cannabinum, Bevin's Lake, Huckle-
berry Rapids, &c., July.
Galleruca sagittarice, Kirby. — Township of Montcalm, June.
Coccinella picta, Randall. — " " "

86

Natural History of the

LIST OP SPECIES FROM L'ORIGNAL AND THE AUGMENTA-
TION OF GRENVILLE.

Hister perplezus ? Lee.

Cymindis reflexa, Lee.
Calathus gregai ius, Say.
Platynus capripennis, Say.
Pterostichus erythropus^ Dej.

" adjunctusy Lee.
Amara angustata, Say.

" impuncticolliSf Say.
Anisodactylus Baltimorensis, Say.

" Harrisiij Lee.

'' rusticuSy Say.
Harpalus Pennsylv aniens y Geer.

" herbivagus, Say,
Chlcenius sericeuSy Forst.

" tricolor, Dej.
Acilius f rat emus y Harris.
Silpha Surinamensis, Latr.
Paderus littorariusj Grav.

ips quadrisignatuSy Say.
Cytilus variusy Fabr.
Lachnosterna fusctty Frolich.
Osmoderma eremicolay Enoch.
Photuris Pennsylvanica, Geer.
TrichodeSy Nuttaliiy Kirby.
Thanasimus dubius, Fabr.
Tenebris molitor, Lirrn.
Jpthinus Pennsylv aniens y Geer.
Orthosoma unicolory Drury.
Saperda vestitay Say.
Chelymorphacribariay Fabr.
Haltica collar is, Fabr.
Chrysomela trimaculatay Fabr.
Helodes trivittattty Say.
Hippndamia IZ-punctata, Linn.

LEPIDOPTERA.

With the exception of the Rhopalocera (Butterflies), the greater
portion of the Lepidoptera collected are stiU undetermined. Some
of the Heterocera (Moths) enumerated below, were named for me,
at the British Museum, by Mr. Francis Walker, to whom I am
much indebted. I obtained a great number of beautiful larvae in
October, but from the difficulty of transporting them from place
to place, when travelling, I failed to rear any of them. From the
end of May till August, Nbctuidce and Geometndce swarmed at
dusk in the woods, the light of our camp-fire often attracting them
in great numbers into our tents, and the numerous delicate Micro-
lepidoptera would have delighted Mr. Stainton.

Rhopalocera.

1. Papilio iumus, Linn., (Tiger Swallow-tail). Figured and
described in the " Canadian Nat. and Geol.," Vol. 2, pi. 3, p. 223.
Abundant throughout the whole of the district traversed. First
observed 30th May, at Sixteen Island Lake, Montcalm, and became
very numerous by the middle of June^ continuing so until the
beginning of July, at which time most of them were much worn, and
they disappeared altogether by the end of the month. The beautiful
apple-green larvae were very abundant at the end of August and
during the first week of September, at Hamilton's Farm on the Biver

Valley of the River Rouge f ^'c, 87

Bouge. At that time we were camped on the grass of the clear-
ino", under some scattered elm and ash trees, and the larvae, which
were numerous in the tents, appeared to have been blown out of
these trees by the high winds, and were rapidly crawling about in
search of a suitable place to spin their suspending girths, and un-
dergo their transformations. Just before assuming the pupa state,
they became dark brown in colour, with some lilac stripes and
spots. On the 31st August, I met with a larva on an alder bush,
across a leaf of which it had spun a bed of silk, and was repos-
ing upon it in its usual manner, with the anterior segments
drawn in and swollen out, so as to render the ocellated spots on
the third segment very conspicuous. When in this position, these
larvae, if disturbed, rock themselves slowly from side to side,
throwing out the forked orange tentacle, which is usually concealed
from view in the segment behind the head, emitting at the same
time a very acrid odour. The pupa is whitish-brown on the back
and abdomen, with a darker line down the sides, and the wing-cases
are dark brown, or black. This splendid butterfly frequently as-
sembles in great numbers about wounds on the roots of trees from
which sap exudes, and also about decaying fish and animal matter.
On the shores of Sugar-bush Lake in the Township of Montcalm,
on the 25th June, I counted fifty- six individuals crowded together
in a space, not exceeding six square inches, where a dead cat-fish
had lain for some time, and others were constantly ariving, flying
straight to the spot against the wind, as though they had scented
it from afar. On several occasions more than a dozen specimens
-were captured at a single grasp of the hand, having become so
gorged and drowsy with their disgusting repast, as to be unable
to fly.

2. F. asterias^ Fab. (Black Swallow-tail.) — Figured and des-
cribed in the "Canadian Nat. and Geol." vol. 2, pi. 3, p. 220. A large
black butterfly seen by myself, as it sailed rapidly through the
woods, on the borders of Chain Lake, Montcalm, 17th June, I
supposed to be this species. It was not, however, again met with,
which is not surprising, considering the scarcity of Umbelliferous
plants in this district.

3. CoUas phUodice, Godt. (Clouded Sulphur.) — Figured and
described in the " Canadian Nat. and Geol." vol. 2, pi. 4, p. 313.
Numerous at Grenville on the 5th June, but I did not observe it
again till the 30th of that month, after which it was not uncommon
:along the banks of the Kouge. At Hamilton's farm^ 50 miles up

88 Natural History of the

the river, it was quite numerous, especially in August and Sep-
tember. The last date at which I observed it there, was the 13th
September, when it was still abundant, and I then captured a
specimen apparently just evolved. I saw several individuals at
Grenville, October 14th and 18th, and on my return to Montreal on
the 19th of that month it was still rather numerous there. As the
larva of this butterfly feeds on various species of Trifolium it is
not to be looked for in uncleared districts, and in fact it is only
to be seen around clearings and open places, where the clovers have
been introduced either by accident or design.

4. PieWs oZeracea, Harris (Grey-veined White). Described in
the " Canadian Nat. and Geol." vol. 2, p. 347. Abundant through-
out the whole district. First observed near Grenville, 14th May,
and was then numerous in the woods of that township. It con-
tinued abundant up to the end of June, but was not seen after-
wards till the end of August, when I observed a few worn indivi-
duals at Hamilton's Farm. This species also, had the habit of
pitching upon the dead fish and offal lying round our camps, but
never assembled in any great numbers.

5. Danais Arcliippus, Fab. (Storm Fritillary.) — Figured and
described in the Canadian Nat. and Geol. vol. 2, pi. 6, p. 350.
A single specimen, which appeared to have been recently evolved,
was seen by myself, flying across the Rouge, a little above Silver
Mountain, on the 12th August. The different species of J.rc?e-
pias^ which constitute the food-plants of the larva, are sparingly
distributed in this district, and accordingly this butterfly is seldom
met with.

6. Satyrus^ Portlandia, Boisd. (Pearly Eye.) First seen about
the camp on the south side of Bevin's Lake, Montcalm, on the
2nd July, after which it was met with abundantly in the woods
along the Bouge as far as Silver Mountain, near which on the
6th August, those seen were much wasted, and they soon afte
entirely disappeared. The specimens collected agree tolerably ac-
curately with Boisduval's figures and descriptions of Satyrus
Portlandia. It is figured under the name of Hipparchia An-
dromacha, Hiibner, in Say's "American Entomology," vol. 2,
pi. 36, and in Gosse's " Canadian Naturalist" p. 246. In the
latter work it is spoken of as very rare in the Eastern Townships,
and Prof. T. P. Kirtland, says it is among the most rare of the
butterflies of Ohio. Being generally supposed to be a southern
species, it is not little remarkable that it should be so abundant

* (DeMs.)

Valley of the River Rovge, c^e. 89

to tlie north of the Ottawa. I have also met with it near Mon-
treal.

7. HipparcMa nephcle ? Kirby. Abundant amongst grass
on Hamilton's Farm, from the 22nd August to the beginning of
September, but all seen were much worn. It is a common species
in hay-fields at Montreal and Sorel, and is described in " Fauna
Boreali-Americana," p. 297.

8. Limenitis Arthemis, Drury. (Banded Purple). Figured in
Gosse's " Canadian Naturalist" p. 220. First seen at Sugar-bush
Lake, Montcalm, on the 26th June, after which it became the
most abundant species and continued so until the end of July, when
all observed were much worn, but linsjered on till the middle of
August. It frequently assembles in astonishing numbers round
old lumbering camps, &c., congregating about the tea-leaves
and other refuse lying about such places. On the 15th
July, on the site of a lumbering camp and timber roll-
way, on the banks of the Rouge, about three miles above the In-
dian Village in the Township of Arundel, I saw the most extra-
ordinary assemblage of butterflies I ever beheld, several hundreds
of this species being congregated together in groups consisting of
from twenty to fifty individuals in each, whilst many others flew
around and rendered it difiicult to arrive at an accurate estimate
of their numbers ; nevertheless I am convinced that I am within the
mark, when I state that there were more than three hundred as-
sembled within a space of a few square yards. This species is
very restless and active when on the ground, constantly opening
and shutting its wings, unrolling its tongue, and running to and
fro very rapidly, and even when feeding is not easily surprised.
It flies freely in cloudy weather and quite late in the afternoon.
According to Prof. Kirtland it is a rare species in Ohio.

9. Cynthia cardici, Linn. (Painted Lady). Described in the
" Canadian Nat. and Geol." vol. 3, p. 346. But one specimen was
met with, which was on the 21st August, at Hamilton's Farm,
where the common thistle (^Clrsium lanceolatum) , the food-plant
of its larva, is plentiful about the fields.

10. Vanessa Atahnta, Linn. (Pied Admiral). I observed a
butterfly which appeared to be of this species, on the 24th June,
at Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm.

11. V. Antiopa, Linn. (Camberwell Beauty). Figured and
described in the " Canadian Nat. and Geol.," vol. 2, p. 93. Rather
common at Grenville on the 13th May ; a few specimens were seen

90 Natural History of the

in the Township of Montcalm in June, and near Silver Moun-
tain on the Rouge, on the 12th of August.

12. V. Milberti, Grodt. furcillata, Say. (Forked). Common
at Grenville, 14th May, not seen again until July 10th, on the
Rouge, after which it was observed occasionally at Hamilton s
Farm, up to the 31st August.

13. F. J. album, Boisd. (Compton Tortoise). A common
species throughout the district, from the l9th May to the end of
September. I observed one near Grenville on the 18th Octo-
ber.

14. Grapta Prog lie. Fab. (Green Comma). Abundant every-
where from the 14th May to the middle of September. On one
occasion an individual of this species pitched on my hand and I
caught it between my fingers.

15. G. C. album, Godt. (Orange Comma). The species of
the genus Grapta (popularly termed Commas, from the silver
spots in the centre of the hind-wings on the under side, which
resemble an inverted comma) are so subject to variation, that it is
extremely difficult to determine them, unless they are reared from
the larvse. I, however, took several specimens of a species which
I believe to be G. C. album along the Rouge in July and
August.

16. Argi/nnisDapJmis? CvsLmer (Small Silver-spot Fritillary).
First seen at Bevin's Lake, Montcalm, 2nd July, andfrom that date
it was abundant all the way up the Rouge as far as Hamilton's Farm,
at which place, on the 25th of August, I saw a specimen perfectly
fresh, whilst many others were flying about in a worn condition.
It was very numerous on the flowers of Asdepias incamata, near
the Indian Village on the 18th July. The last date at which it
was observed by me was 12th September. I am of opinion that
Boisduval was in error in considering A. Aphrodite, Fab., and A.
Cybele, Fab. as one and the same species. There are at least
three closely allied species of Argynnis inhabiting Canada, but
nothing short of breeding each from the larvae will satisfactorily
separate them. Two of my specimens agree best with Cramer's
figure of A. Daphiis, but a third diff'ers considerably and may be
another species. They are all too small for A. Cybele, Fab.

17. A. Myrina, Cramer. (Pearl-border Fritillary). First seen
at Grenville 5th June. Common at Bevin's Lake, Montcalm, at
the beginning of July, and at Hamilton's Farm up to the 31st
August.

Valley of the River Rouge ^ ^c. 91

18. A. Bellona, Fab. One specimen taken near Mr. Thomp-
son's clearing on the Kouge, in the Township of Arundel, on the
30th June. It was not again met with,

19. Melitcea Thaws, Cramer, Oocyta, Hiibner, (Pearl-crescent
Fritillary). First observed at Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, 29th
June. In copula and rather worn 2nd July about Bevin's Lake.
A few seen a few miles up the DcTil's River, 14th July.

20. Thecla (?) A large ThecJa was seen by me at the Huckle-
berry Rapids on the Rouge, 2nd Range of De Salaberry, on the
30th July, but I failed in my attempts to secure it, and could
not recognise the species, nor did I meet with any other of this
genus.

21. Lyccena Americana, Harris (American Copper). Numer-
ous from the 21st to the 31st August, on grass-land at Hamilton's
Farm, where its food-plant, the sorrel {Rumex acetosella),
abounds.

22. Polyommatns pseudargiolus, Boisd. (Spring Azure). Nu-
merous on the 14th May, in the woods of the Township of Gren-
ville. The males were extremely abundant, congregating round
putrid fish on the shores of Sixteen-Island Lake, at the end of
May ; I saw worn specimens as late as the 2nd July, about Bevin's
Lake. When in a canoe on Sixteen-Island Lake, one of these
beautiful little butterflies pitched on my hand and remained there
for some time,

23. Pamphila (?) Two specimens of a dingy grey species of
Shipper were captured, one at Sugar-bush Lake, June 26th, and
the other at Bevin's Lake, 2nd July,

24. Pamphila (?) One specimen of a Pamphila, resembling
P.paniscus (Chequered Shipper) of Europe, was taken near Bevin's
Lake, Montcalm, 2nd July.

Two or three other species of Pamphila were taken in the
Townships of Montcalm and Arundel, and at Hamilton's Farm,
in June, July and August, which I have been unable to deter-
mine, and which are probably undescribed species.

Heterocera,

SPmNGINA.

Sphinx. I captured two species of Sphinx on the Rouge, in
the Townships of Arundel and DeSalaberry, in July, allied to S.
halmioe., Abbot and Smith, and S. gord'ms, Cramer, but not agreeing
satisfactorily with the descriptions of those species as given by
Dr. Harris in his Catalogue of American Sphinges, (Amer. Jour.

92 Natural History of the

Sci. vol. xxxvi). According to Mr. Walker, neither of tliem
is in the collection of the British Museum. Dead fish appear to
be very attractive bait for Sphinges as well as other Lepidoptera,
one of the species above mentioned having been taken whilst
hovering over a dead carp lying by the water side, and many others
were seen under similar circumstances. On the 11th August,
when camped on a low flat at the base of Silver Mountain on
the Rouge, I obtained a Sphinx larva, which from my notes, ap-
pears to have resembled that of S. Kalonice, as described by Harris
(vide Amer. Journ, Sci. vol. xxxvi, p. 295). It was light green,
with seven obHque yellow stripes edged above with dark purple,
on each side ; head yellow, with a vertical band of dark brown on
either side ; caudal horn, blue, covered with small black tubercles,
and tipped with black. It appeared to have been washed by
the heavy rain which had just fallen during a violent thunder
storm, from the soft maples [Acer ruhrimi), which almost exclu-
sively surrounded the tents, and on one of which it was crawling.
Another splendid larva was found on the 19th September, feeding
on a bush of Myrica gale, growing on the shores of Green
Lake, adjoining the Lake of Three Mountains, in the county of
Ottawa, about five miles from Hamilton's Farm. The following
is the description of it which I made at the time : '' Deep olive-
green, covered with minute spots of white, edged with black ;
seven oblique pink stripes, edged above with black and below with
pale yellow, on either side ; caudal horn, black ; spiracles, orange ;
pro-legs, yellow ; a stripe of light green on each side of the head."
The minute white spots surrounded by black, thickly covering the
whole upper surface, gave it a striking and most interesting re-
semblance to the scurfy resinous dotted leaves of its food-plant,
the Bog Myrtle or Sweet Gale. This beautiful larva changed to
a pupa which unfortunately perished during the following winter.

Smerinthus. I obtained two larvae, belonging to this genus,
under elm trees at Hamilton's Farm, on the 3rd and 4th Septem-
ber, of which the following are descriptions: No. 1, pale green,
whitish on the back, with oblique stripes of white and dark green
on the sides. No. 2, green, with oblique tuberculated stripes on
the sides, and two tubercles on each of the second and third seg-
ments,

Trochilium. On the 25th June, at Sugar-bush Lake, I cap-
tured a beautiful and apparently undescribed species of Trochi-
lium, sitting on the blossoms of Viburnum ojmlus which were

Valley of the River Rouge, S^c. 9'3

much frequented by insects of all orders. The anal tuft is deep
orange; antennae, black; expansion of thewings 11 lines; length
of the body 5 lines.

BOMBYCINA.

1. Ctenuclia Latreillana, Kirby. (Ccerulean). Described in
" Fauna Boreali- Americana," p. 305. One specimen taken on
the 16th July, near the Indian Village on the Rouge, Township
of Arundel.

2. Crocofa hrevicornis, Walker. Described in " British
Museum Catalogue Lepid. Het." part II, p. 535. Observed in
open places at Huckleberry Rapids, DeSalaberry, and numer-
ous amongst grass at Hamilton's Farm, end of July and
August.

3. Medaria Mendica, Walker. (Buff Muslin). Described in
"British Museum Cat. Lepid. Het." Part II, p. 576. Not abund-
ant in this district, but occurred near Bevin's Lake, Montcalm,
in July.

4. Arctia PartJienos, Harris (Great Northern Tiger). On the
19th July, five miles up the Devil's River, a tributary of the
Rouge, I took a fine Arctia agreeing in every respect with the
figure and description of A. Parthenos, given by Dr. Harris in
Agassiz's " Lake Superior," p. 390, pi. 7, fig. 4, with the excep-
tion that it hsiafive, instead of tJu^ee cream-coloured spots on the
costal edge of the anterior wings.

5. Hypercompa Lecontei, Boisd. (White Tiger). Occurred
at various places in the Townships of Montcalm, Arundel and
DeSalaberry, during the month of July. H. confinis and contigua,
Walker, (" Brit. Mus. Cat. Lepid. Het." part III, p. 651), appear
to be merely varieties of this very variable species.

6. Hales ido ta annuUfascia, Walker. Described in Brit. Mus.
Cat. Lepid. Het. part III, p. 733. I found cocoons of a Muff
Moth under stones, 22nd May, near Sixteen Island Lake, Went-
worth, most probably belonging to this species, which abounds
near Montreal. Mr. Walker's H. annulifascia appears to me to
be identical with SojyJiocanipa Co.ryce (Hickory Jussock Moth) of
Harris, (vide Fitch's "Noxious Insects of New York," p.
163).

7. Orgyia leucostigma, Abbot and Smith (American Yapourer).
Vide Fitch's " Noxious Insects of New York," p. 213. The
males were numerous flying in the sunshine at Hamilton's Farm,
at the end of AugTist and beginning of September.

94 Natural History of the

8. Telea Pohjpliemus, Hiibner, (Eyed Emperor). Abundant
at the end of June and beginning of July, about Bevin's Lake,
Township of Montcalm. I also found numerous empty cocoons,
near Sixteen Island Lake, "Wentworth, and at Huckleberry
Rapids, DeSalaberry, and the beautiful larva, (vide the excellent
figure in Gosse's '' Canadian Naturalist," p. 309,) was common
on elm trees at Hamilton's Farm, being full grown and spinning
up at the end of August. This fine species is therefore distributed
over the whole district traversed. These gigantic Emperor Moths
have a very strange appearance when seen against the clear sky of
a fine summer evening, as they fly over the lakes.

NOCTUINA.

1. Thi/atira scripta, Gosse. (Pink Arches). Figured in Gosse's
" Canadian Naturalist," p. 249. This most beautiful species was
abundant in the Townships of Montcalm and Arundel, at the end
of June and the beginning of July.

2. T. cymatophor aides ^ Guen. Common at Sugar-bush and
Bevin's Lakes, Montcalm, and mouth of Devil's River, Arundel,
at the end of June and July ; also at Trembling Mountain Lake,
Grandison, 7th September.

3. GrapTiipliora C> nigrum^ Linn. One specimen taken at
Huckleberry Rapids, DeSalaberry, 24th July; and another
worn one at Hamilton's Farm, 28th August.

4. G. JDahlii, Hiibner. One specimen taken near Gate Lake,
Wentworth, 17th May.

5. JEJuplexia lucipara, Linn. (Small Angleshades) — Common
in the Township of Montcalm in June.

6. Plusia mortuorum. Abundant flying by day at Hamilton's
Farm in the end of August.

GEOMBTRINA.

1. Angerona crocataria, Fab. (Lemon beauty). Common in
the Townships of Montcalm and Arundel, frequently flying by
day in July. The female of this species is much larger, and
paler in colour than the male.

2. Sicga solfataria, Guen. This lovely little moth was not
uncommon at the end of July, in the Township of DeSalaberry.
It bears a great resemblance in colour, markings, and form to
Ennonios macularia^ Harris. (Vide Agassiz's " Lake Superior,"
p. 392, pi, 7, fig. 3.)

Valley of ihe River Rouge, ^c. 95

3. Ellopia ccqualiaria. Township of Montcalm, June.

4. Nematocampa filamentaria, Gu^n. Huckleberry RapidS;
2ncl Range, DeSalaberry, 27th July.

5. Endropia tigrinaria^ Guen. Very abundant in the Town-
ship of Montcalm at the end of June.

6. Melanippe gothicata, Guen. Extremely numerous, especial-
ly in rocky woods, in the Township of Montcalm, during the
month of June. It flies in such a manner that the white bands
across the wings appear to form a complete circle in the air. It
is closely allied to M. hastata of Europe.

7. Scotosia undulata, Linn. (Scallop Shell). Common in the
end of June and the beginning of July in the Township of Mont-
calm. Those collected are exactly similar to English specimens.

PYRALIDINA.

1. Pyralis^ n. sp? Huckleberry Rapids, DeSalaberry, 27th
July. Mr. Walker supposes this to be a new species, and the fol-
lowing is a description of it : — Anterior wings, dull pink, crossed
by two black transverse lines, the first of which, situated near the
base, is straight, and has a yellow spot on the inner side, occupy-
ing the angle which it forms with the costa ; the second, situated
beyond the middle, is bent, forming an obtuse angle before it
reaches the costal margin, where it has a yellow crescent-shaped
spot on the outer side. Posterior wings, dusky- white at the base,
with a broad, pale black, sub-marginal band and crossed by two
black transverse lines. Expansion of the wings \2\ lines; length
of body 4 lines.

2. Bleptina surrectalisj Gu^n. Huckleberry Rapids, DeSala-
berry, 4th August.

3. Anania octomaculata, Linn. (White spot). One specimen
taken on the 2nd July, near Bevin's Lake, Montcalm. It occurs
also on the northern shores of Lake Superior and in Europe.

4. Hydrocampa. A species of Hydrocampa was abundant,
flying over aquatic plants in a small lake near Hamilton's Farm,
15th August.

5. Botys verticalisy Linn. (Mother of Pearl). Not uncommon
at Huckleberry Rapids, DeSalaberry, about the 1st of August.
Those collected have been compared with British specimens and
appear to be identical.

6. Euhulea. A small species apparently closely allied to the
European E. samhercalisj Sehiff., was very numerous on the bloa-

96 • Natural History of the

soms of the Easpberry, (Rubus strigosus) near Bevin's Lake,
Montcalm, at tlie beginning of July.

TORTRICINA.

Tortrix. On the 19tli July, five miles up the Devil's Eiver, I
found a mass of web, spun by larvae, over the leaves and branches
of the Indian Hemp (^Apocyniim cannahinum') , which was
full of pupge of a Tortrix, and at the end of the month, those I
collected, produced the perfect insect, but I have been unable to
determine either this or any other of my 3Eero-Lepidoj)tera.

MOLLUSOA.

Some of the Terrestrial Gasteropoda, enumerated below, were deter-
mined by W. G. Binney,Esq., of Burlington, New Jersey, and a portion
of the Fresh Water species, and the Naiades, by Dr. Isaac Lea, of Phila-
delphia. It is not a little remarkable that Unio radiatus, which, as I am
informed by Messrs Billings and Bell, is very abundant in the Ottawa
at L'Original, and at the mouth of the Rouge, is not found higher up the
latter river. Shells of the genera LimncBa, Physa and Planorbis, were
remarkably scarce in every lake except Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, and
a small lake one mile west of the Indian Village on the Rouge in the
Township of Arundel, and in fact ;it was only in places where the
water was shallow and the bottom soft that they occurred at all. The
valves of the Unio and AnodontcB were very much eroded in most of

the lakes.

G-ASTEROPOD A. ( Terrestria I.)

1. Tebennopkorus caroliniensis, Bosc. (Great grey Slug) — Common

under bark of decaying logs, &c., throughout the
district.

2. Succinea obliqua, Say. — Abundant under decaying logs on grass-

land at Hamilton's Farm, in August. It occurred
very sparingly on the leaves of bushes, in other
parts of the district.

3. Helix albolabris, Say (White-lipped Snail). — Not very common;

Township of Wentworth, Montcalm and Harring-
ton.

4. " exoleta, Binney. — Not uncommon under dead logs in the

Townships of Wentworth,Harrington and DeSala-
berry.

5. " monodon, Rackett. (One-toothed Snail.) — Sparingly met

with ; portage from the Indian Village to Bark
Lake, Arundel ; Hamilton's Farm and near the
Lake of Three Mountains.

6. " concava, Say. — Abundant under dead logs ; Townships of

Wentworth, Montcalm and Arundel. On one
occasion I found an individual of this species
devouring the animal of Achatina lubrica, having
made a hole through the spire of its shell

Valley of the River Rouge, ^c, 97

T. Helix pulchella, Miill. — Occurred under stones at Carillon, but

was not elsewhere met with.

8. " Sayii, Binnej. — Several specimens were found by myself

under dead logs in the woods near Doran's Lake,
in the 10th Range of Grenville.

9. " labyrinthica, Say. — Common under dead logs, bark of

stumps, in moss on the trunks of trees, &c. ;
Townships of "Wentworth, Montcalm and Arun-
del.
10 " alternataj Say. — Abundant throughout the district, under

dead logs and ascending the trunks of trees after
rain.

11. " s^ria^eZ/a, Anthony. — Very abundant under stones and dead

logs everywhere throughout the district.

12. " arborea, Say. — Plentiful under bark of decaying trees, &c.,

throughout the district,

13. " chersina, Say. — Common under dead logs, &c., over the

whole district.

14. " lineata, Ssij. — Abundant throughout the district.

15. Bulimus marginatus, Say. — Near Gate Lake, "Wentworth, and Sugar-

bush Lake, Montcalm.

16. Jlchatmaluhrica, Miill. — Common under dead logs near Gate Lake,

Wentworth, and Bevin's Lake, Montcalm.

17. Vertigo Gouldii, Binney. — In moss (^Neckera pennata) on tree trunks ;

Sixteen Island Lake, Montcalm.

18. Pupa (undetermined) — With the last species.

19. CarychiuM exiguum, Say. — One specimen found near Sixteen Island

Lake.

(^Fresh Water.')

20. Physa heterostropha, Say. — Pools on grass near Grenville, and Sugar-

bush Lake, Montcalm.

21. " aurea^ Lea. — Sparingly in a small lake near Hamilton's

farm.

22. " elliptica, Lea. — In a small lake one mile west of the Indian

Village, Arundel ; collected by Mr. J. Lowe.

23. " elongata, Say. — In great numbers copulating- in pools on

grass, near Grenville, May 13th.

24. Limncea reflexaj Say. — Abundant in pools of water on grass land

near the Village of Grenvile, May 13th.

25. " umhilicata, Say. — With the last species.

26. " galbauns, Say.— Abundant in shell marl from the bottom

of Eagle Nest Lake, Wentworth.

27. " plicata, Lea. — This small species was numerous on dead

leaves in Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm, June 26th.

28. " exigua. Lea. (young) — In a small lake near Hamilton's

farm.
Can. Nat. 2 Vol. V. No. 2.

98 Natural History of the

29. Planorbis frivolvis, Say. — Collected by Mr. J. Lowe, in a small lake

one mile west of the Indian Village on the Rouge,
Township of Arundel.

30. " bicarinatus, Say. — In shell marl, and living in Eagle Nest

Lake, Went worth, and in a small lake near Hamil-
ton's farm.

31. " companulatus, Say. — Pools near Grenville ; Eagle Nest

Lake, Wentworth ; a small lake west of Chain
Lake (a few dead specimens full of minute holes) ;
Sugar-bush and Bevin's Lakes, Montcalm ; the
lake one mile west of the Indian Village, Arun-
del ; and in a small lake near Hamilton's farm.

32. " parvus, Say. — Abundant in shell marl. Eagle Nest Lake,

Wentworth ; living in the lake one mile west
of the Indian Village, and in one near Hamilton's
farm.

33. " deflectus, Say. — Abundant amongst decaying leaves in

shallow and muddy parts of Sixteen Island and
Sugar-bush Lakes, Montcalm.

34. Paludina decisa. Say. — Very abundant the whole way up the Rouge

and its tributary the Devil's River. Those col-
lected are of a reddish brown colour, very unlike
the light green of specimens from L'Orignal op-
posite the mouth of the Rouge, or those from the
St. Lawrence near Montreal. They were encrusted
with a rusty-red sponge-like substance.

35. Valvata tricarinata, Say. — A few specimens found in shell marl from

the bottom of Eagle Nest Lake, Wentworth.

CoNCHiFERA (Fresh Water.')

1. Unio complanatus, Lea.— This was the only species of Unio met with.

It inhabits nearly every lake in the district and
was abundant the whole way up the Rouge as
far as we ascended. In shallow and muddy parts
of Sixteen Island Lake it attains a considerable
size and weight, but in the other lakes and in the
Rouge the specimens were generally rather small.
It was most numerous in the stream through
which the waters of Bevin's and Bark Lakes are
discharged into the Rouge, where, in shallow
places, thousands might be seen buried in the mud
with only the tips of their valves sticking out, and
as thick as they could lie together. The speci-
mens collected vary much in shape, and in the
colour of the interior of the valves, which, ex-
cept those from Bevin's Lake, have hardly any of
the beautiful purple colour generally possessed

Valley of the River Rouge, 8fc, 99

by this species as it occurs in the St. Lawrence
and Ottavra. The muskrats devour vast numbers
both of this species and of the ^nodontce, deposi-
ting their empty valves in large heaps on the
shores of the lakes and streams.

2. Alasmodon rugosus, Barnes. — One specimen obtained in the fourth

small lake* west of Balsam or Chain Lake, Lot
11, Range 3, Montcalm.

3. Anodonta cygnea ? Linn. — This species was found in almost every

lake we visited. The largest specimen met with
was obtained from a small lake occupying part
of an ancient channel of the Rouge, near Hamil-
ton's farm, and measured 41 inches in length and
2^ inches in height.

4. " edentula, Say. — One specimen obtained by Mr. J. Murray,

at the same time with the specimen of Masinodon
rugosus in the lake situated in the 11th Lot, 3rd
Range, Montcalm.

5. " fragilis, Linn. — Eagle Nest Lake, Wentworth ; Sixteen

Island and Bevin's Lakes, Montcalm.

6. " FootianOj Lea. — With the last species.

7. Cyclas siinilis^ Say. — Living in Sixteen Island and Sugar-bush Lakes,

Montcalm ; in a small lake one mile west of the
Indian Village, Arundel ; and in shell marl in
Eagle Nest Lake, Wentworth.

8. " partumeia ?^Say. — Young specimens amongst dead leaves

in ponds near Eagle Nest Lake, Wentworth ; in
Sugar-bush Lake, Montcalm ; and the small lake
near Hamilton's farm.

9. " dw&ia? Say. — In shell marl. Eagle Nest Lake, and living in

the small lake near Hamilton's farm.

ExETEB, Devonshire, January 30, 1860.

* This lake communicates by a rapid stream with Sugar-bush Lake, which is con-
nected with Bevin's Lake, aiid the latter is in direct communication with the
Rouge by a large creek about two miles in length. The difference in level between
these lakes and the Rouge is only a few feet, but there is a verj' considerable rise
between them and Chain and Sixteen Island Lakes, which also empty their waters
into Bevin's Lake, but by a very circuitous route. Bevin's Lake rises about 12 feet
in spring when the snow disappears.

100 Review of Dandn

ARTICLE IX. — Review of " Darioin on the Origin of Slides
hj means of Natural Selection^^

Nothing is more humbling to the scientific enquirer than to find
that he has arrived in the progress of his investigations at a point
beyond which inductive science fails to carry him. The physicist
finds himself in this position when required to explain the nature
of matter, or the cause of gravitation or cohesion, or the essence
of the mysterious influences of light, heat, and electricity. The
chemist is equally bafiled in the presence of those mysterious atoms
which are in all his processes, yet are not perceptible to his senses
The physiologist stands awe-stricken in the presence of a micro,
scopic cell whose structure he knows, but whose origin and won
derful vital endowments he fails to comprehend. The geologist
and the systematic zoologist are haunted in their dreams by those
multifarious species that appear and disappear, like phantoms on
the stage of geological time, yet seem so fixed and unchangeable
in existing nature. True science is always humble, for it knows
itself to be surrounded by mysteries — mysteries which only widen
as the sphere of its knowledge extends. Yet it is the ambition of
science to solve mysteries, to add one domain after another to its
conquests, though certain to find new and greater difficulties be-
yond. Hence we find every difficult problem assailed by a con-
stant succession of adventurers, some of them content cautiously
to explore the ground and prudently to retreat where to advance
is no longer safe ; others gathering all their strength for a rush
and a leap into an unknown and fathomless abyss. Both classes
do good to science. The first show us the real nature of the
difficulties to be overcome or to be abandoned as hopeless. The
second we follow to the last crumbling margin of sound fact and
deduction on which their feet have rested before their final plunge,
and thus gain an experience that otherwise we should not have
had the courage to seek.

The question of the origin of species yields in difficulty to none
of the problems to which we have referred above, and Mr. Dar-
win's book is a noted instance of the second of the methods of

* On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, or the Pre-
servation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life ; by Charles Dar-
win, M.A. 1 vol. post 8vo. pp. 502. London : John Murray. New
York: Appletons. Montreal: Dawson. 1860.

On the Origin of Species, 101

treatment which we have indicated. We do not however value
him the less on account of his boldness and rash self-sacrifice in
the cause of science. We follow him with pleasure over many-
agreeable and instructive paths not previously explored, and we
shrink back only when he leads us to the brink of a precipice,
and we fail to perceive the good land which he says lies beyond,
or to place confidence in the bridge, thinner than gossamer, which
he has woven to bear our feet over the gulf that separates the
proved ground of specific variability from the mystery of specific
difference. We regard this as the most accurate and concise
statement that can be made respecting the character of this book.
It elaborately investigates the question of variation of species, and
illustrates its laws in a very full and satisfactory manner, though
giving to some of these laws an undue prominence as compared
with others. It then attempts to apply the laws of variation to
an entirely different series of phenomena, those of specific diver-
sity, and finding some analogies between the characters that dis-
tinguish species and varieties, seeks on this ground to break down
all specific distinction in respect to origin, and to reduce all species
to mere varieties of ancient and perhaps perished prototypes.

The work thus divides itself naturally into two distinct and
quite dissimilar portions: 1st. The careful induction of facts
bearing on the nature and laws of variation, in which the author
appears in all his strength as a patient and reliable zoologist ;
and, 2nd, The wild and fanciful application of the results thus
attained to another class of phenomena with which they have no
connection except that of mere analogy. We shall endeavor to
distinguish these two portions of the work, but cannot avoid
treating of them together.

Variation occurs under two very different conditions. It takes
place in domesticated animals and plants, and in animals and
plants in a wild state. Very properly our author first examines
its conditions under domestication, in which state variation is
much more extensive and also more easily observed. The great
variations that occur in a state of domestication are no doubt due
to changed and unnatural conditions of life ; but farther than this
we know nothing of their precise causes. On this subject our
author indulges in some preliminary speculations, and tries to
rid the subject of what he terms misconceptions, some of which
are, however, only facts too stubborn to be bent to his theory.
For example, in speaking of the prevalent idea, that domesticated

1 02 Review of Darwin

animals have been chosen by man on account, among other things,
of their capacity for variation, he says : — "I do not dispute that
these capacities have added largely to the value of some of our
domesticated productions ; but how could a savage possibly know-
when he first tamed an animal whether it would vary in succeed-
ing generations, and whether it would endure other climates?
Has the little variability of the ass or the guinea-fowl, or the small
power of endurance of warmth of the reindeer or of cold by the
common camel, prevented their domestication? I cannot doubt that
if other animals and plants equal in number to our domesticated
productions, and belonging to equally diverse classes and coun-
tries, were taken from a state of nature, and could be made to
breed for an equal number of generations under domestication,
they would vary on the av^erage as largely as the parent species of
our existing domesticated productions have varied." On reading
these sentences it must occur to any reflective reader, 1st. That
savages very rarely tame animals. 2d. That if savages or others
attempted to tame animals indiscriminately, they would fail in
many cases, and these in the very cases in w^hich species could
endure little change. 3d. Animals little variable, like the rein-
deer and the camel, have little geographical range, and this just
because of the fixity or tenderness of their constitution. 4th. Even
the capacity of breeding at all under the changed conditions o^
domestication, is wanting in some species. In short, there is no
reason whatever to believe that species are equally variable ; but,
on the contrary, that they differ very much in this respect, — as
naturalists have always maintained. In the same loose way he
treats the doctrine of the tendency of varieties to revert to the
original types of the species. This, our author admits, if estab-
lished, would overthrow his whole hypothesis, and he gets rid of
it by denying the evidence of reversion afforded by so many of
our domestic animals and cultivated plants, and by farther affirm-
ing that such, reversion, if it does occur, amounts to nothing,
because produced by external causes. Certain species, by the
external causes applied in domestication, are caused to vary.
These causes being removed, as every one knows, they gradually
lose their acquired and unnatural characteristics ; but, according-
to Mr. Darwin, this gives no evidence of an original type, but only
of the operation of other causes of change, tending in some other
direction. The argument would be good if we could have
species destitute of all distinctive characters to begin with ; in

On the Origin of Species* 103

other words, if we could create species. But as the case stands,
it is a mere petitio principii.

In this way our author, in the opening paragraphs of his first
chapter, quietly ignores a number of facts essential to the validity
of the received views of species, and so leads the unwary reader
to enter on the consideration of variation with an impression
already formed that varieties and species are not distinguishable.
We take the liberty of entering on the enquiry in another spirit,
and of beginning with the fact that we have species which have
remained distinct in the whole period of human experience, and
also as far back in geological time as we can trace any of them.
This being premised, we may enquire what variations man has
been able to eflfect in those species which he has domesticated,
and by what processes ?ind under what laws these changes have
occurred.

These changes have been very great. Mr. Darwin has studied
the domestic pigeon as a convenient instance, and his investiga-
tions on this animal are worthy of all praise, and establish most
clearly the great amount of variation of which some species are
susceptible. We quote this in full, as the most valuable portion
of the book : —

"Believing that it is always best to study some special group, I
have, after deliberation, taken up domestic pigeons. I have kept
every breed which I could purchase or obtain, and have been most
kindly favoured with skins from several quarters of the world,
more especially by the Hon. W. Elliot from India, and by the
Hon. C. Murray from Persia. Many trei.tises in different langu-
ages have been published on pigeons, and some of them are very
important, as being of considerable antiquity. I have associated
with several eminent fanciers, and have been permitted to join
two of the London Pigeon Clubs. The diversity of the breeds is
something astonishing. Compare the English carrier and the
short -faced tumbler, and see the wonderful diflference in their
beaks, entailing corresponding diflferences in their skulls. The
carrier, more especially the male bird, is also remarkable from
the wonderful development of the carunculated skin above the
head, and this is accompanied by greatly elongated eyelids, very
large external orifices to the nostrils, and a wide gape of mouth.
The short-faced tumbler has a beak in outline almost like that of
a finch ; and the common tumbler has the singular and strictly
inherited habit of flying at a great height in a compact flock, and

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tumbling in the air head over heels. The runt is a bird of great
size, with long massive beak, and large feet ; some of the sub-
breeds of runts have very long necks, others very long wings and
tails, others singularly short tails. The barb is allied to the car-
rier, but, instead of a very long beak, has a very short and very
broad one. The pouter has a much elongated body, wings, and
legs ; and its enormously developed crop, which it glories in in-
flating, may well excite astonishment and even laughter. The
turbit has a very short and conical beak, with a line of reversed
feather down the breast ; and it has the habit of continually ex-
panding slightly the upper part of the oesophagus. The Jacobin
has the feathers so much reversed along the back of the neck
that they form a hood, and it has, proportionally to its size, much
elongated wing and tailfeathers. The trumpeter and laugher, as
their names express, utter a very different coo from the other
breeds. The fantail has thirty or even forty tailfeathers, instead
of twelve or fourteen, the normal number in all members of the
great pigeon family; and these feathers are kept expanded, and
are carried so erect that in good birds the head and tail touch ;
the oil-gland is quite aborted. Several other less distinct breeds
might have been specified."

" In the skeletons of the several breeds, the development of the
bones of the face in length and breadth and curvature differs en-
ormously. The shape, as well as the breadth and length of the
ramus of the lower jaw, varies in a highly remarkable manner.
The number of the caudal and sacral vertebrae vary ; as does the
number of the ribs, together with their relative breadth and the
presence of processes. The size and shape of the apertures in
the sternum are highly variable ; so is the degree of divergence
and relative size of the two arms of the furcula. The proportional
width of the gape of mouth, the proportional length of the eye-
lids, of the orifice of the nostrils, of the tongue (not always in
strict correlation with the length of beak), the size of the crop
and of the upper part of the oesophagus : the development and
abortion of the oil-gland ; the number of the primary wing and
caudal feathers; the relative length of wing and tail to each
other and to the body ; the relative length of leg and of the feet ;
the number of scutellae on the toes, the development of skin
between the toes, are all points of structure which are variable**
The period at which the perfect plumage is acquired varies, as
does the state of the down with which the nestling birds are

On the Origin of Sjpecies, 105

clothed -when hatched. The shape and size of the eggs vary. The
manner of flight difl'ers remarkably ; as does in some breeds the
voice and disposition. Lastly, in certain breeds, the males and
females have come to differ to a slight degree from each other."

" Altogether at least a score of pigeons might be chosen, which
if shown to an ornithologist, and he were told that they were wild
birds, would certainly, I think, be ranked by him as well-defined
species. Moreover, I do not believe that any ornithologist would
place the English carrier, the short-faced tumbler, the runt, the
barb, pouter, and fantail in the same genus ; more especially as
in each of these breeds several truly-inherited sub-breeds, or
species as he might have called them, could be shown him."

" Great as the differences are between the breeds of pigeons, I am
fully convinced that the common opinion of naturalists is correct,
namely, that all have descended from the rock-pigeon (Columba
livia), including under this term several geographical races or
sub-species, which differ from each other in the most trifling re-
spects. As several of the reasons which have led me to this be-
lief are in some degree applicable in other cases, I will here
briefly give them. If the several breeds are not varieties, and
have not proceeded from the rock-pigeon, they must have des-
cended from at least seven or eight aboriginal stocks ; for it is
impossible to make the present domestic breeds by the crossing of
any lesser number : how, for instance, could a pouter be produc-
ed by crossing two breeds unless one of the parent-stock possessed
the characteristic enormous crop? The supposed aboriginal
stocks must all have been rock-pigeons, that is, not breeding or
willingly perching on trees. But besides C. livia, with its geo-
graphical sub-species, only two or three other species of rock-
pigeons are known ; and these have not any of the characters of
the domestic breeds. Hence the supposed aboriginal stocks must
either still exist in the countries where they were originally do-
mesticated, and yet be unknown to ornithologists ; and this, con-
sidering their size, habits, and remarkable characters, seems very
improbable; or they must have become extinct in the wild state.
But birds breeding on precipices, and good fliers, are unlikely to
be exterminated ; and the common rock-pigeon, which has the
same habits with the domestic breeds, has not been exterminated
even on several of the smaller British islets, or on the shores of
the Mediterranean. Hence the supposed extermination of so
many species having similar habits with the rock-pigeon seems to

106 Review of Darwin

me a very rash assumption. Moreover, the several above-named
domesticated breeds have been transported to all parts of the
world, and, therefore, some of them must have been carried back
again into their native country ; but not one has ever become
wild or feral, though the dovecot-pigeon, which is the rock-pigeon
in a very slightly altered state, has become feral in several places.
Again, all recent experience shows that it is most diflficult to get
any wild animal to breed freely under domestication ; yet on the
hypothesis of the multiple origin of our pigeons, it must be as-
sumed that at least seven or eight species were so thoroughly do-
mesticated in ancient times by half-civilized man, as to be quite
prolific under confinement."

" An argument, as it seems to me, of great weight, and applicable
jn several other cases, is, that the above-specified breeds, though
agreeing generally in constitution, habits, voice, colouring, and in
most parts of their structure, with the wild rock-pigeon, yet are
certainly highly abnormal in other parts of their structure : we
may look in vain throughout the whole great family of Colum-
bidse for a beak like that of the English carrier, or that of the
short-faced tumbler, or barb ; for reversed feathers like those of
the jacobin ; for a crop like that of the pouter; for tail-feathers
like those of the fan-tail. Hence it must be assumed not only
that half-civilized man succeeded in thoroughly domesticating seve-
ral species, but that he intentionally or by chance picked out ex-
traordinarily abnormal species ; and further, that these very
species have since all become extinct or unknown. So many
strange contingencies seem to me improbable in the highest de-
gree."

" Some facts in regard to the colouring of pigeons well deserve
consideration. The rock-pigeon is of a slaty-blue, and has a
white rump (the Indian sub-species, C. intermedia of Strickland,
having it bluish) ; the tail has a terminal dark bar, with the bases
of the outer feathers externally edged with white ; the wings
have two black bars ; some semi-domestic breeds and some ap-
parently truly wild breeds have, besides the two black bars, the
wings chequered with black. These several marks do not occur
together in any other species of the whole family."

" Now, in every one of the domestic breeds, taking thoroughly
well-bred birds, all the above marks, even to the white edging
of the outer tail-feathers, sometimes concur perfectly developed*
Moreover, when two birds belonging to two distinct breeds are

On the Origin of Species, 107

crossed, neither of which is blue or has any of the above-specified
marks, the mongrel offspring are very apt suddenly to acquire
these characters ; for instance, I crossed some uniformly white
fantails with some uniformly black barbs, and they produced
mottled brown and black birds ; these I again crossed together,
and one grandchild of the pure white fantail and pure black barb
was of as beautiful a blue colour, with the white rump, double
black wing-bar, and barred with white-edged tail-feathers, as any
wild rock-pigeon. We can understand these facts, on the well-
known principle of reversion to ancestral characters, if all the
domestic breeds have descended from the rock- pigeon. But if we
deny this, we must make one of the two following highly impro-
bable suppositions. Either, firstly, that all the several imagined
aboriginal stocks were coloured, and marked like the rock-pigeon,
although no other existing species is thus coloured and marked,
so that in each separate breed there might be a tendency to re-
vert to the very same colours and markings. Or, secondly, that
each breed, even the purest, has within a dozen or, at most, with-
in a score of generations, been crossed by the rock pigeon : I say
within a dozen or twenty generations, for we know of no fact
countenancing the belief that the child ever reverts to some one an-
cestor, removed by a greater number of generations. In a breed
which has been crossed only once with some distinct breed, the
tendency to reversion to any character derived from such cross
will naturally become less and less, as in each succeeding genera-
tion there will be less of the foreign blood ; but when there has
been no cross within a distinct breed, and there is a tendency in
both parents to revert to a character, which has been lost during
some former generation, this tendency, for all that we can see to
the contrary, may be transmitted undiminished for an indefinite
number of generations. These two distinct cases are often con-
founded in treatises on inheritance."

" Lastly, the hybrids or mongrels from between all the domestic
breeds of pigeons are perfectly fertile. I can state this from my
own observations, purposely made on the most distinct breeds.
Now, it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to bring forward one case
of the hybrid offspring of two animals clearly/ distinct being
themselves perfectly fertile. Some authors believe that long-con-
tinued domestication eliminates this strong tendency to sterility:
from the history of the dog I think there is some probability in
this hypothesis if applied to species closely related together,

1 08 Review of Darwin

though it is unsupported by a single experiment. But to extend
the hypothesis so far as to suppose that species, aboriginally as
distinct as carriers, tumblers, pouters, and fantails now are, should
yield offspring perfectly fertile, inter se, seems to me rash in the
extreme."

*^ From these several reasons, namel}^, the improbability of man
having formerly got seven or eight supposed species of pigeons
to breed freely under domestication ; these supposed species being
quite unknown in a wild state, and their becoming nowhere feral ;
these species having very abnormal characters in certain respects
as compared with all other Columbidse, though so like in most
other respects to the rock-pigeon ; the blue colour and various
marks occasionally appearing in all the breeds, both when kept
pure and when crossed ; the mongrel offspring being perfectly
fertile ; — from these several reasons, taken together, I can feel no
doubt that all our domestic breeds have descended from the
Ooluinha livia with its geographical sub-species."

"In favour of this view, I may add, firstly, that C. livia, or the
rock-pigeon, has been found capable of domestication in Europe
and in India ; and that it agrees in habits and in a great number
of points of structure with all the domestic breeds. Secondly,
although an English carrier or short-faced tumbler differs im-
mensely in certain characters from the rock-pigeon, yet by com-
paring the several sub-breeds of these breeds, more especially
those brought from distant countries, we can make an almost per-
fect series between the extremes of structure. Thirdly, those
characters which are mainly distinctive of each breed, for in-
stance the wattle and length of beak of the carrier, the shortness
of that of the tumbler, and the number of tail-feathers in the fan-
tail, are in each breed eminently variable ; and the explanation
of this fact will be obvious when we come to treat of selection.
Fourthly, pigeons have been watched, and tended with the utmost
care, and loved by many people. They have been domesticated
for thousands of years in several quarters of the world ; the ear-
liest known record of pigeons is in the fifth ^Egyptian dynasty
about 3000 b. c. as was pointed out to me by Professor Lepsius ;
but Mr. Birch informs me that pigeons are given in a bill of fare
in the previous dynasty. In the time of the Romans, as we hear
from Pliny, immense prices were given for pigeons ; " nay, they
are come to this pass, that they can reckon up their pedigree and
race." Pigeons were much valued by Akber Kban in India*

On the Origin of Sjjecies, 109

about the year 1600 ; never less than 20,000 pigeons were taken
with the court. " The inonarchs of Iran aad Turan sent him
some very rare birds ;" and, continues the courtly historian, '' His
Majesty, by crossing the breeds, which method was never prac-
tised before, has improved them astonishingly." About this same
period the Dutch were as eager about pigeons as were the old
Romans. The paramount importance of these considerations in
explaining the immense amount of variation which pigeons have
undergone, will be obvious when we treat of Selection. "We shall
then, also, see how it is that the breeds so often have a somewhat
monstrous character. It is also a most favourable circumstance
for the production of distinct breeds, that male and female pigeons
can be easily mated for life ; and thus different breeds can be
kept together in the same aviary."

The common rock-pigeon is thus proved to be highly variable
in a state of domestication, so much so that naturalists not aware
of all the facts, might well be excused for concluding, as some of
them have done in the similar instances of the ox, the domestic
fowl, and man himself, that the varieties represent several distinct
species. To what then do these diflerences amount ? (1) They
are mainly in non-essential points, as colour, development o^
feather, etc., and they do not consequently interfere, to any impor-
tant extent, with the food and habits of the animal ; or if we
were to represent the matter from the opposite point of view to
that taken by Mr. Darwin, the constitution and instincts of the
species being fixed by the law of its creation, it cannot vary be-
yond these. The author is clearly wrong in stating that any of
them could amount to generic distinctions; that is, if genera are
to be based on structural differences, for of these there is compa-
ratively little, except in the one point of proportion of parts, difter-
ence in which is of specific value only, and often occurs in near
varieties. (2) Many of the differences are abnormal ; that is,
they are of the character of monstrosities, and this separates them
widely from true specific diflerences. (3) The varieties are per-
fectly fertile, which is not the case with hybrids between clearly
distinct species. (4) The cross breeds revert to the characters
of the rock-pigeon, showing that the specific type still remains
uneradicated, or that each variety is, so to speak, a hemitropic
form, which, when united with an opposite one, tends to reproduce
the original form. It follows from these results, that, however

110 Review of Darwin

likely to be mistaken for species, the varieties of the pigeon are
really something essentially different from true species, and the
same conclusion would hold with any animal that could be
selected.

We now come to the causes of variation in a state of domesti-
cation ; and here, already, in the twenty-ninth page of his volume,
we find our author leaving the basis of fact and losing himself in
the mazes in which he henceforth continues to wander. He
attributes the varieties of domestic animals to "Man's power of
accumulative selection ; nature gives successive variations ; man
adds them up in certain directions useful to him." We object to
this, as altogether a partial and imperfect statement. It is not
nature that gives the variations, but external circumstances;
while nature only gives a certain capacity to vary, the extent of
which is the point in question. Man places animals in abnormal
conditions into which their instincts and natural powers would
not permit them of themselves to enter. They vary in conse-
quence of these, sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually, some-
times from premeditated treatment, sometimes unaccountably,
sometimes in directions useful to man, sometimes the reverse.
Out of all the diversities thus produced, man no doubt selects
Avhat suits him, and keeps it, as far as he can, in the conditions
favorable to its permanence and improvement ; but such selection
is a comparatively small part of the actual cause of the pheno-
mena observed, which result really from unnatural conditions of
life compelled by man. Who selected, for example, the niata
cattle of South America, the hairless dogs of Chili, the tail-less
cats of the Isle of Man, and many other forms ?

Selection is no doubt an important cause of the continuation
and improvement of varieties, and has also, as our author main-
tains, been practised from a very remote antiquity in the case of
the more valuable domesticated animals. He might have referred
to a more ancient case than any of those he has noticed. Laban
selected all the speckled cattle from Jacob's flock, understanding
very well the principle of selection ; but Jacob was better informed
than Laban or Mr. Darwin, and not trusting to selection, but
knowing the effect of external influences and their special impor-
tance in the embryonic state, he set up peeled twigs before the
pregnant cattle, and so acting on the embryo through the senses
of the mother, produced the':variety he desired. The undue pro-
minence given to selection by our author is the main basis on
which he subsequently proceeds.

Oil the Origin of Species, lit

His next step is to establish analogies between variation and
specific difference, as observed in nature. Many species are
doubtful ; that is, naturalists are not quite decided that they may
not be varieties. This is true ; but such species are the excep-
tions, and the differences of view have arisen as much from defec-
tive observation or reasoning as from any real difficulty. Again,
in large genera the species approach each other very nearly.
This is inevitable^from the nature of the case, and though it may
cause difficulties in distinguishing them, it proves nothing as to
their not being true species. Species which range "widely also are
prone to vary, and this also follows from the nature of the case,
great range and much variability being really cause and effect,
and reacting on each other. Farther, it is stated that species
belonging to large genera are more prone to vary than species
belonging to small genera. This has not been established as a
general principle, nor, if it should be, would it necessarily bear
the interpretation put upon it. To reach the facts we must be
certain that we are comparing natural genera consisting of species
having true affinities of structure, and that all our generic dis-
tinctions are based on the same grades of difference. Further, we
must make separate lists of the genera small now but large if we
take all geological time, as for instance the genus Lingular of
genera small in any particular country, but large if the whole
world be taken ; and lastly, of genera large in some particular
region or country. This last is the only case which can fairly
test Mr. Darwin's principle, and we must say that in our limited
experience there appear to be quite as many exceptions as agree-
ments with the rule. Take, for instance, the genera SoUdago and
Aster among American plants, which, thoi^gh growing together
in numerous species, are not remarkably variable. Further, when
a generic type has proved suitable to occupy many places in a
particular country, it may well be that many of its species will
be capable of a wide range, and so variable. For such reasons
we hold that the attempt made on the ground of analogies be-
tween the species and the variety to break down the distinction
between them signally fails.

But if the reader is willing to take this for granted, Mr. Darwin
will carry him a step further. He next proceeds to maintain that in
nature there is a power of selection similar to that which the breeder
exercises — a power of " Natural Selection " not heretofore recog-
nised, and by virtue of which varieties are produced and developed

112 Review of Darwin

into species. There is here a huge hiatus in the reasoning of
our author. We have already shown that an excessive import-
ance is attributed to artijScial or human selection ; but with all
the exaggeration of its powers, it has proved insufficient to change
one species into another. The pigeon, with all its varieties, is
still a pigeon, and, according to our author's own conclusive argu-
mentation, a rock-pigeon. It is not a wood-pigeon, or turtledove,
still less a partridge or a rook. But now we are asked to believe
that those same natural courses which break down all th« breeder's
elaborate distinctions so soon as his^breeds are allowed to intermix
and live in a natural way, are themselves able to take up the work
and do still greater marvels in the way of selection. Such a doc-
trine is self-contradictory, and, we believe wholly incapable of
proof; but let us see how this is attempted :

As might have been anticipated, natural selection being either
creation or nothing, a new power is evoked as B,^primum mobile.
This is the " struggle for existence," a fancied warfare in nature, in
which the race is always to the swift and the battle to the strong,
and in which the struggle makes the strong stronger. In a pre-
vious chapter we have been told very truly that the reason why
the wealthy and skilful breeder succeeds in producing marked
races is that his animals are cared for and pampered, while the
savage and the poor man fail because their animals must struggle
for subsistence. Nature it appears takes the opposite way, and
improves her breeds by putting them through a course of toil and
starvation, a struggle not for happiness or subsistence, but for bare
existence. We can understand how this should deteriorate and
degrade species, as we know it has done in every case of the kind
that we have observed ; but how it should elevate or improve is
past comprehension. But does nature deserve to be charged with
such niggardliness, and with so concealing it that all the world
seems to be full of happiness and plenty, except where poor man
toils on in his poverty ? In looking for the proof of this strange
doctrine, we find stated in support of it only a number of isolated
and exceptional facts, many of them cases in which man inter-
feres with the equilibrium of nature ; and we have to fall back on
the general statement that the struggle for existence inevitably fol
lows from the high rate at which organic beings tend to increase
but this Malthusian doctrine, though good for a single species
viewed by itself, is false for the whole in the aggregate. Vege-
table life and the lower forms of animal life support the higher,

0)1 the Origin of Species. 113

and these supporting forms increase far more rapidly tlian those that
subsist on them. So much so, that vast quantities of organic food
go to waste, or would do so but for the hordes of scavengers of
low organization that seem specially created to gather up the
frao^ments of nature's bounteous feast. Plant life thrives on the
exhaustless stores of inorganic food provided for it by the soil and
the atmosphere. Plant life supports animal life ; but who ever
saw the floor of the ocean denuded of its algae, or the landscape
bared of its verdure by the struggle of feeders for existence, except
in a rare and exceptional case, as in a flight of locusts ? There is
always enough and to spare. Again, do the insects fail or become
scarce under the ceaseless attacks of the insectivorous birds ? Do
not Clios and Salpas and coral polyps abound almost as much as if
not preyed on by countless fishes and other animals ? The beautiful
harmony of nature provides that the feeders shall multiply more
slowly than the food, and that the food shall be kept under by the
feeders. When any form does locally multiply too far, the checks
appear, usually in the form of a diminished reproduction or in the
more rapid removal of the infirm, the sickly and the aged. When
through the slow operation of physical causes or the introduction
of new species, certain forms of life can no longer find the means of
subsistence, all the facts we know indicate their disappearance, not
their change into new forms. Nay, species verging to extinction
or struggling for existence, like the red deer of Scotland, degene-
rate rather than improve, and must necessarily do so, so long as
the laws of organic being remain what they are. In short, the
struggle for existence is a myth, and its employment as a means of
improvement still more mythical.

Were we bound to argue for such a thesis as that proposed by
Mr. Darwin, we should much rather take up our ground on the
improvement of the physical conditions of the earth, and maintain
that each species finding its means of subsistence and happiness
constantly extending, exerted itself for their occupancy, and so
developed new powers. This would have the advantage of giving
a more agreeable view of nature, and of accounting for elevation ;
as if nature, like a skilful breeder, were giving constantly better
food or pasture, instead of imitating the luckless experimenter who
strove to reduce the daUy food of the horse to a single straw.

The remarks that we have made on natural selection, and the
struggle for existence, afford a key to the whole of Mr. Darwin's
argument, which amounts to little else than a wholesale appropria

Can. Nat. 3 Vol . V. N o

114 Review of Darwin

tion of all the effects of external conditions of existence to these
supposed causes of change. We could fill pages with evidence of
the entire confusion of ideas which pervades his mind on this point,
but one extract must suffice, both as an indication of this confusion,
and as a fair example of the argument :

" How much direct effect difference of climate, food, &c., pro-
duces on any being is extremely doubtful. My impression is that
the effect is extremely small in the case of animals, but perhaps
rather more in that of plants. We may, at least, safely conclude
that such influences cannot have produced the many striking and
complex co-adaptations of structure between one organic being
and another, which we see everywhere throughout nature. Some
little influence may be attributed to climate, food, &c. : thus, E.
Forbes speaks confidently that shells at their southern limit, and
when living in shallow water, are more brightly coloured than
those of the same species further north or from greater depths.
Gould believes that birds of the same species are more brightly
coloured under a clear atmosphere, than vs^hen living on islands
or near the coast. So with insects^ Wollaston is convinced that
residence near the sea affects their colours. Moquin-Tandon gives
a list of plants which when gTowing near the sea-shore have their
leaves in some degree fleshy, though not elsewhere fleshy. Se-
veral other such cases could be given."

" The fact of varieties of one species, when they range into the
zone of habitation of other species, often acquiring in a very slight
degree some of the characters of such species, accords with our
view that species of all kinds are only well-marked and perma-
nent varieties. Thus the species of shells which are confined to
tropical and shallow seas are generally brighter coloured than
those confined to cold and deeper seas. The birds which are con-
fined to continents are according to Mr. Gould, brighter coloured
than those of islands. The insect species confined to &ea-coast&,
as every collector knows, are often brassy or lurid. Plants which
live exclusively on the sea-side are very apt to have fleshy leaves.
He who believes in the creation of each species, will have to say
that this shell, for instance, was created with bright colours for a
warm sea ; but that this other shell became bright coloured by
variation when it rano^ed into warmer or shallower waters,"

" When a variation is of the slightest use to a being, we cannot
tell how much of it to attribute to the accumulative action of
natural selection, and how much to the conditions of life. Thus,

On the Origin of Species* 115

it is well known to furriers that animals of the same species have
thicker and better fur the more severe the climate is under which
they have lived ; but who can tell how much of this difference
may be due to the warmest-clad individuals having been favoured
and preserved during many generations, and how much to the
direct action of the severe climate ? for it would appear that cli-
mate has some direct action on the hair of our domestic qua-
drupeds."

"Instances could be given of the same variety being produced
under conditions of life as different as can well be conceived ;
and, on the other hand, of different varieties being produced from
the same species under the same conditions. Such facts show
kow indirectly the conditions of life must act. Again, innume-
rable instances are known to every naturalist of species keeping
true, or not varying at all, although living under the most opposite
climates. Such considerations as these incline me to lay very
little wei2:ht on the direct action of the conditions of life. In-
directly, as already remarked, they seem to play an important
part in affecting the reproductive system, and in thus inducing
variability ; and natural selection will then accumulate all profi-
table variations, however slight, until they become plainly deve-
loped and appreciable by us."

It would be possible to fill up the remainder of our space with
the objections we have to the statements in these few paragraphs.
The scepticism as to the effects of food, climate, &c., in producing
variation, and the effects attributable to a supposed selecting power
which can merely act on such changes when previously induced ;
the failure to perceive that the adaptation of certain species to
certain conditions of life necessarily implies that if other species not
so adapted migrate within the influence of the conditions, they
must, so far as their natures permit, be influenced by them ; that
in short such variation vindicates the wisdom of the Creator while
showing that the plasticity of species may simulate in a humble
way specific distinctness ; the feeble attempt to attribute the warm
fur of northern varieties to selection, while manifestly unable to
deny that climatic influence is the main cause ; these are specimens
of a style of thought which pervades the whole book, and which
leaves the task of a reviewer hopeless, for it would require a book
as large as the original to expose the fallacies which appear in
every paragraph.

In one respect Mr. Darwin vindicates fully his well-earned

116 Review of Darwin

reputation as a scientific naturalist. He fairly and ably states the
many objections to his view that must occur to the minds of zool-
ogists, botanists and geologists, and manfully, though unsuccess-
fully, attempts to cope with them.

Such objections are, the geographical distribution of the crea-
tures supposed in Mr. Darwin's view to be nearly related by
descent, the want of the innumerable transitional forms that should
exist, the difficulty of accounting for the peculiar instincts of many
animals, the sterility of first crosses and hybrids compared with
the fertility of crosses of varieties, the want of any trace of unlimi-
ted variation in the geological succession of animals.

We shall only refer to the last of these, the geological objec-
tion. Geology he admits shews no trace of the " finely graduated
organic chain " which in his theory should connect man with the
extinct kangaroo-rat-like marsupials of the oolite and trias, and
all our existing animals and plants with the perished creatures
supposed to be their progenitors. He has but one explanation of
this, the "extreme imperfection of the ■ geological records." To
illustrate this imperfection, he refers to the immense lapse of time
involved in the geological record, to the small number of species
known compared with this great lapse of time, to the breaks caused
by the absence of fossiliferous deposits at certain periods. All
these are fair abatements from the completeness of the geological
series, and many of the remarks made on them are very valuable ;
but they do not mitigate the condemnation of the selection theory
pronounced by geology. Breaks in the geological record are usually
only local, and if general, might indicate actual destruction and
renewal of species. Though it is true that estuary and land deposits
have in most cases been preserved only in times of subsidence ;
this is not true of marine deposits, some of the most perfect of
which mark times of elevation. Moreover, in those parts of the
geological scale which are the most perfect and unbroken, there
is no graduated transition of forms. Take for instance the great
Silurian limestones of America, or the plant-bearing beds of the
coal formation. In both we find some species perseveringly
unchanged through many great deposits, and others suddenly
appearing and disappearing, and this in cases where the profusion
of specimens and continuity of formations preclude any supposition
of much imperfection in the evidence. Nothing is more conclusive
on this subject than the last of the fossiliferous deposits, next to
the modern period ; as, for instance, the Post-Pliocene clays and

071 the Origin of SjJecies, 117

sands of Canada. These belong to a period of elevation proceed-
ing gradually from tlie time of the boulder formation up to the
modern era. In these deposits we have more than stxty species of
invertebrate animals, all except one or two known to be now living
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Yet in all thia lapse of time not one
of the species has, by natural selection or any other cause, varied
more than its living relatives now do. Still further, one or two
species, as the Leda truncata and Triclwtropis arctlca, now found
only in the Arctic seas, are quite like their modern representatives
in those distant waters. They had plenty of time to vary, in
order to suit the new circumstances, but they could not. Further,
at the same time when these shells lived in the plains of Canada,
Arctic plants, conveyed probably by ice, became settled on the
White Mountains, the descendants of which still remain isolated
but unchanged. Such facts as these are conclusive, notwithstand-
ing the imperfection of the geological record on other points.

In one point our author endeavors to find support to his
views from geological evidence, in the resemblance of successive
faunas of the same locality to each other. The extinct ter-
tiary animals of South America, New Zealand and Australia,
for example, are like in type to those now inhabiting the same
regions. But then we have no connecting links, and hence it seems
more probable that successive creations were conformed to the
same generic types, because the physical conditions remained
unchanged, than that the modern sloths, for example, are degene-
rate descendants of the Megatheria. Farther, it does not seem
to have occurred to Mr. Darwin that these resemblances are
confined to the southern hemisphere. They do not obtain at all
in North America, in Northern Asia, in Europe. In these coun-
tries new types have replaced the old, and certain old species,
like the musk ox, the megaceros, the beaver, the aurochs,
have become locally or wholly extinct, instead of undergoing
change. All this has happened no doubt because the modern
conditions are too dissimilar from the ancient to permit the con-
tinuance of old forms under any variety of them, and thus new
forms have been introduced.

In his closing chapters the author endeavours to shew that his
theory accounts in a satisfactory manner for the typical likeness
of species to each other, for the curious embryological relations
of animals, and for the existence of rudimentary organs ; but all
these things are equally intelligible on the opposite view. If spe-

118 Review of Darwin

cies are parts of a plan devised by an intelligent Creator, that
plan must appear in their structures. If the plan embraces more
general and more specialised contrivances, the latter must, in
their earlier stages of growth, simulate the former. All organs,
if there is a plan at all, must appear in its different parts in
different degrees of relative perfection and complexity, and what
we call rudimentary organs are merely the lowest of these de-
grees ; not useless, for in many cases we know their uses, but of
less relative importance than in other cases.

We have in the foregoing remarks dwelt chiefly on the points
in which we believe the author to be mistaken ; but we do not
wish to undervalue the work. In many respects it is eminently
useful. It shews, in opposition to many views maintained with
much vigour on this side of the Atlantic, the great variability of
species. It imposes a salutary caution on those naturalists who
too readily admit geographical distribution as an evidence of
specific distinctness. It illustrates by a vast fund of curious fact
the obscure laws of variation and hybridity. All these pearls are
not the less valuable to the judicious reader, that the author has
seen fit to string them upon a thread of loose and faulty argu-
ment, and to employ them to deck the faded form of the trans-
mutation theory of Lamarck.

In conclusion, it is but fair to state in his own words the ulti-
mate deductions of the author, and then the opposite view, as
maintained by the greater number of naturalists : — -

*' It may be asked how far I extend the doctrine of the modi-
fication of species. The question is difficult to answer, because
the more distinct the forms are which we may consider, by so
much the arguments fall away in force. But some arguments of
the greatest weight extend very far. All the members of whole
classes can be connected together by chains of affinities, and all
can be classified on the same principle, in groups subordinate to
groups. Fossil remains sometimes tend to fill up very wide inter-
vals between existing orders. Organs in a rudimentary condition
plainly show that an early progenitor had the organ in a fully
developed state ; and this in some instances necessarily implies an
enormous amount of modification in the descendants. Through-
out whole classes various structures are formed on the same pat-
tern, and at an embryonic age the species closely resemble each
other. Therefore I cannot -^'doubt that the theory of descent
with modification embraces all the members of the same class.

On the Origin of Species, 119

I believe tliat animals have descended from at most only four or
five progenitors, and plants from an equal or lesser number.

" Analogy would lead me one step further, namely, to the
belief that all animals and plants have descended from some one
prototype. But analogy may be a deceitful guide. Neverthe-
less all living things have much in common, in their chemical
composition, their germinal vesicles, their cellular structure, and
their laws of growth and reproduction. We see this even in so
trifling a circumstance as that the same poison often similarly
affects plants and animals ; or that the poison secreted by the
gall-fly produces monstrous growths on the wild rose or oak-tree.
Therefore I should infer from analogy that probably all the or-
ganic beings which have ever lived on this earth have descended
from some one primordial form, into which life was first
breathed."

We may well ask what is gained by such a result, even if
established. The origin of species, as we now have them, it is
true is mysterious, but what is gained by reducing them all to
one primitive form ? That would be an equal mystery, more
especially if it included within itself the germs of all the varied
developments of animal and plant life. By such a doctrine also
we involve ourselves in a host of geological and other difiiculties,
and so break down the distinction between species and varieties
as to deprive our classifications of any real value. On the con-
trary, if we are content to take species as direct products of a
creative power, without troubling ourselves with supposed secon-
dary causes, we may examine, free of any trammelling hypothesis,
the law of their succession in time, the guards placed upon their
intermixture, the limits set to their variation in each case, the
remarkable arrangements for diminishing variations by the natural
crossing of varieties, the laws of geographical distribution from
centres of origin, and the physical causes of variation, of degene-
racy, of extinction.

All these are questions to be investigated apart from any hypo-
thesis of the common origin of different species on the one hand,
or of the diverse origin of individuals apparently identical on the
other ; and we cannot doubt that the results will approach to the
following conclusions. (1) That the origin of specific distinctness
lies beyond the domain of any natural law known to us. (2) That the
variations of the species are the effects of the combined influences
of its natural endowments and of external circumstances. (3) That

120 Sketch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas,

in nature specific force and causes of variation constitute antago-
nist powers, acting and reacting on each other, and thus produc-
ing an equilibrium which is disturbed only by the artificial contri-
vance of man. We are quite certain that the belief of naturalists
in these great doctrines will eventually be confirmed by Mr. Dar-
win's book, and that his failure, with all the immense mass of
facts at his disposal, to maintain the theory of transmutation, will
give an eternal quietus to the Lamarckian hypothesis ; though we
shall be quite prepared to find that for a time it may gain a wide
acceptance with young naturalists, and with those who are willing
to adopt any amount of error rather than appear not to be on
a level with the latest scientific novelties. For this signal
service to science we sincerely thank him, though we are sorry
that it has been rendered by a man whose sincerity and honesty
of purpose all who know him respect and love, and to whom
.natural science is under so many eminent obligations.

Since writinir the above, we have seen able reviews of Mr. Dar-
win's work by Prof. Gray and Prof. Huxley. Both naturalists
dissent from his ultimate conclusions as not satisfactorily proved,,
though neither, in our view, insists sufficiently on the fundamen-
tal unsoundness of the argument.

J. W. D.

ARTICLE ^.—Abridged Sketch of the life of 3Ir. David
Douglas, Botanist, with a few details of his travels and
discoveries.

The inducement for collecting the few scattered fragments that
are to be found in the following pages, is the desire to prolong
somewhat, the public remembrance of one who was warmly at-
tached to Natural History, and who also in his own short day^
largely contributed by his enterprise and unwearied spirit of re-
search, to swell the list of novelties in some of its principal de-
partments. Cut down in the prime of life, and in the midst of
his usefulness, his memory is still fondly cherished by his friends,
and his successful exertions in his sphere of labour have pro-
cured him among botanists, an undying fame. Had he lived, he
would have attained to the highest celebrity as a traveller, for
his diligence in investigating, and accuracy in observing, would"
have tended to elucidate much that is of ereat interest in the?
physical geography of the earth.

Slietch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas. 121

David Douglas, of humble but respectable parentage, was born
at Scoone in Perthshire in the last year of the last century. He
received his early education at the parish school of Kinnoul, in
the neighbourhood. He was somewhat wayward, and therefore
frequently the mark for the master's ire. Trout-fishing and
bird-nesting held out temptations too strong for the lively boy,
and such occupations often lengthened his road, if they did not
entirely prevent his march to school. His love of nature soon
displayed itself in the rearing of birds, collecting of plants, and
other such amusements. Following up these early intuitions,
employment was found) for him, first in the nursery ground and
then in the gardens of the Earl of Mansfield, at Stowe.

Here his zeal and industry were so conspicuous, that they gained
him the esteem and affection of the superintendent. After a
seven years apprenticeship in these gardens, where he acquired a
thorough knowledge of the practical part of gardening, the friend-
ship of the superintendent Mr. Beatty, procured him a situa-
tion under Mr. Alexander Stewart, who had charge of the gardens
at Valleyfield, the seat of Sir Kobert Preston near Culross. There
being at this place a very choice collection of plants, the attrac-
tions of the kitchen-garden and of out-door work, soon lost their
weight with young Douglas, who now began to study botany,
and to attach himself to the care of the exotics, of which Valley-
field could boast a magnificent display. Being very careful of the
plants committed to his care, Mr. Stewart showed him much kind-
ness, and allowed him the privilege and advantage of Sir Robert's
botanical library. Such an opportunity was not lost by the youth-
ful naturalist. The second year he became foreman to Mr. Stewart,
when upon application, he gained admission to the Botanical gar-
dens at Glasgow. This nursery of botanists was still in its in-
fancy, but advancing rapidly to high reputation under the know-
ledge, skill, and fostering influence of Professor Hooker, since
whose time, a succession of able and indefatigable Botanists have
well preserved its celebrity. The energetic working qualities of
Douglas, and his vivacity of disposition, speedily procured him
the esteem and regard of all connected with the gardens ; and the
valuable friendship of the professor, which he at this time acquired,
may be looked upon as the reward of his sterling merits. For the
Professor, now Sir W. Jackson Hooker, I have heard him express
such sentiments as a son mis-ht hold for a revered and beloved
parent. First a diligent attendant at the botanical lectures,

122 Sketch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas.

next a favourite companion of the professor during his periodi-
eal excursions through the Highlands of Scotland, his capacity
was quickly recognised hy the keen judgment of Hooker, and the
noble qualities of his mind pointed him out as one from whom
much might be expected.

Douglas was afterwards recommended as botanical collector to
the London Horticultural Society, for which he was indebted to Sir
William, as well as to Mr. Stewart, Nursery Curator of the Glasgow
Botanic Grardens, who always took a lively interest in his welfare.
The recommendation was attended to, and the first appointment
made out for the young botanist was to the United States. In
the summer of 1823, he there procured many fine plants for the
Society and added greatly to its collection of fruit trees. Pleased
with his exertions, the Horticultural Society, thought of a
wider field for their new collector, and the interior of North West
America being a region yet unexplored by any naturalist, they
wisely determined upon availing themselves of Douglas's youthful
vigour and talents in that quarter. Joseph Sabine Esquire, then
Honorary Secretary to the Society, took the most friendly notice of
Douglas, and was also highly interested in the success of his mis-
sion, and the then Governor or Deputy-Governor of the Hudson's
Bay Company, afibrded every kind assistance, and such valuable
information towards the prosecution of his labors, as to insure
liappy results.

The 25th of July 1824, found our scientific adventurer on
board the Hudson Bay Company's ship William and Anne,
fortunate in having the companionship of Dr. Scouler of Glasgow,
a younger man than himself, but ardently devoted to everything
pertaining to natural history. An extract from the sketch of his
life taken from a London botanical periodical, will give some idea
of the style in which Douglas recorded his observations on living
nature. After crossing the tropics, he wi'ites thus of the Albatross.

" While within the paralells of 50° and 60^^, I caught sixty-nine
^' specimens of JDiomeda, consisting of D. exulaus^fulginosa, and
'' chlororynclios. The last, though a smaller bird than the first,
" reigns lord paramount over the rest, and compels them all to flee
" at his approach. It is stated by most authors that these birds
'* are taken with the greatest ease during warm weather ; it was
" only during the driving gusts of a storm that I could secure them,
" and on such occasions they fight voraciously about the bait, the
" hook often being received into the stomach. The appearance of

STcetch of the Life oj Mr* David Douglas, 123

" these birds is grand and majestic ; the largest which I ever saw,
" measured twelve feet four inches from tip to tip of the extended
" wings, and four feet from the point of the beak to the end of the
" tail. As respects their flight, the same renarks apply to all the
" species. When sitting on the water their wings are raised ex-
" actly like a swan's ; when feeding they are somewhat higher, with
" a constant tremulous motion like those of the hawk tribe ; and
" when elevating themselves in the water to soar in the air, they
" first walk the water, skimming the surface with the points of
" their pinions for the distance of several hundred yards, before
" they seem able to raise themselves, which they generally do with
" the utmost grace, and with scarcely any apparent movement of
" their wings. They are of a bold and savage disposition, which
*' is especially displayed when they are captured."

At the island of Juan Fernandez he fell in with a poor sailor,
named William Clarke, who had employment from the Spaniards
who visit this place for the purpose of killing seals and wild cattle,
which were plentiful. Near the remains of an old church once built
there, Douglas writes " there is a circular oven, built of London
" fire-brick, seven feet in diameter within, bearing the date 1741,
'' and therefore probably built by Anson during his residence."

" Some pigeons of a small blue species, now occupy it as their
" cote. There were eggs in it but no young ones. I pointed it out
" to Clarke, and advised him to make use of this colony."

In the old gardens were found peaches of three or four sorts,
quinces, apples, and pears ; figs and vines were also in a thriving
state. Before leavins:, Dousrlas left with Clarke, the seeds of some
culinary vegetables, radishes being the only article of that kind
that appeared to be on the island. Douglas's eye was alive to
all that is picturesque, and his glowing description of that en-
chanting spot, is thus given with the spirit of a botanist.

^' No pen, indeed, can correctly describe the charming and rural
" appearance of this island ; the numerous rills descending through
" valleys overshadowed by luxuriant verdure, and terminating in
" dark recesses and rocky dells, where wave the fronds of Xoma^ia,
" Aspidia and Polypodia, several species of which are new and of
" princely form and growth. On the hills grow several kinds of
*' JEscallonia, BerheriSj Lobelia^ Hordeum, and Avena. During
" my short stay, I gathered seventy distinct and highly interesting
" plants. The species of birds were few and not beautiful."

Arrived at the Gallipagos, Mr. Douglas was on shore on one of

124 Sketch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas,

that group, named James island, from which he drew a fair collec-
tion of both birds and plants, nearly all of which were lost to him
in consequence of the dampness of the vessel below, and the inces- .
sant rains upon deck. Of one hundred and seventy-five species of
plants gathered, he saved but fifty, and of birds, one only remained
to him of the forty-five he had killed. This was but an earnest of
the still heavier losses he afterwards sustained in his collections.
He says of the Gallipagos : — " Their verdure is scanty as com-
' pared with most tropical countries, owing apparently to the
' parched nature of the soil, and the absence of springs of fresh
' water. The only spring I saw, was flowing from a crevice of one
' of the craters. Some of the trees attain a considerable size in the
' valleys, but they are not numerous, and with little variety of
' species. The birds, however, are abundant, and some of them
' exceedingly handsome, but so ignorant were they of man's de-
' vices, that they sufiered themselves to be killed with a stick, so
' that a gun was only needed when they sat high on the top of a
' tree or rock. Many of the small birds perched on my hat, and
' even unconsciously settled upon the gun (the instrument of
' their destruction,) which I carried on my shoulder."

One may form an idea of the difficulty of entering the Colum-
bia river in the winter season, from the fact that the AVilliam
and Anne was obliged to lay to in a tremendously heavy sea,
from the 12 th of February until the 7th of April ere she dared
to attempt crossing the bar. On the latter date, Douglas
had the happiness of passing Cape Disappointment and of
viewing from the vessel's deck the luxuriant growth of vegetation
on the banks of the Columbia, which he regarded with anxiety
as the scene of his future labors, but also with the highest satis-
faction, for there was laid before him all that mortal could desire
of beauty of landscape, and all that science might covet from any
single portion of the habitable globe.

Mr. Douglas's first excursions were made in the neighbourhood
of Fort Vancouver, and he was there at once introduced to the
modes of travelling that have to be adopted in a wild Indian country.
Of a robust constitution and merry heart, he would with the
greatest complacency wrap his blanket round him and stretch him-
self out on the beach or under a bush as if he were lying down in
a comfortable bed. In a few months he had collected a number
of plants, many of them rare and new, and had besides dried the
seeds he had 2;athered for sendinsr toEndand.

SJcetch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas. 125

In the month of October, he had the pleasure of making his
first shipment of plants and seeds for England by the same vessel
in which he had sailed from London, and the Horticultural
Society made the most of this collection.

By the skill and care applied to the raising of the seeds, the gar-
dens of England both public and private were quickly supplied
with a share of the newly introduced plants, and the finest flowers
of North-west America soon became generally distributed.

Of the mode of life which had frequently to be adopted by our
indefatigable collector, extracts from his own narrative will give the
best explanation.

" Early in the morning of the 19th July, I descended the river
" in an Indian canoe for the purpose of prosecuting my researches
" on the coast, a design which was in a great measure frustrated
" by the tribe among whom I lived going to war with the nations
*' residing to the northward, in that very direction which I in-
" tended to follow. During my stay several persons were killed, and
" some wounded in a quarrel. The principal chief in the village,
" Cockqua, treated me with the utmost fidelity, and even built me
" a small cabin in his own lodge, but the immense number of fleas
" occasioned me to remove to within a few yards of the river : still
" my friend was so much interested in my safety that he watched
" himself a whole night, at the time that he expected the war party,
^' In the morning about three hundred men, in their war garments.
" danced the war dance, and sang several death-songs, which
" caused in me certainly, a most uncomfortable sensation, and the
" following morning brought us seventeen canoes carrying nearly
" four hundred men, when after several harangues, it was mutually
" agreed to suspend hostilities for the present."

'•' A sturgeon was caught by one of my companions, which
" measured twelve feet nine inches, from the snout to the tip of
" the tail, and seven feet round the thickest part, and its weight
" exceeded five hundred pounds. Among the plants which I found
" on this occasion, were, Lupinus Uttoralis, Carex 3Ienziesiiy
*' Juncus Menziesil tind glohosus,Vaccinium ovatum, parvi/oUum
" and ovaUfoUum. I also obtained seeds of the beautiful Sjnroea
" ariafoUa, of Gicaltheria, Shallon, Rlhes sanguineus, Berheris,
" and other valuable and interesting plants."

" Before taking leave of my Indian friends, I purchased several
" articles of wearing apparel, and things used in their domestic eco-
*' nomy for which I paid in trinkets and tobacco. I arrived at Fort

1 26 Sketch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas,

" Vancouver again on the 5tli of August,and employed myself until
" the 18th in drying the specimens I had collected, and making
" short journeys in quest of seeds and other plants, my labours being
" materially retarded by the rainy weather. As there were no
" houses yet built on this new station, I first occupied a tent
" which was kindly offered me, and then removed to a lodge
" of deerskin, which soon, however, became too small for me, in
" consequence of the augmentation of my collections, and where
" also I found some difficulty in drying my plants and seeds. A
" hut constructed of the bark of the Thuja occidentalis was my
^' next habitation, and there I shall probably take up my winter
'' quarters. I have only been in a house three nights since my
^' arrival in North-west America, and these were the first after my
" debarkation. On my journeys I occupy a tent, wherever it is
" practicable to carry one ; which, however, is not often, so that
" a canoe turned upside down, is my occasional shelter ; but more
" frequently I lie under the boughs of a pine tree, without any-
" thing further."

About the end of August, while on an excursion up the
Multuomak or Willamette river, he became aware of the exis-
tence of an enormous kind of pine, by finding very large pine
seeds in the tobacco pouches of the Calapooeah Indians. When
informed by these people that the tree was very large, and that its
seeds were eaten as an article of food, he at once set about veri-
fying this information, and gave the species the name of Lam-
hertiana, so that this mighty tenant of the forest, second in size
only to the gigantic Sequoia, (the Wellingtonia of Lindley,) now
received its baptism or specific name, although, it was sometime
afterwards, before Douglas saw it in all its magnificent propor-
tions. In the month of September he visited the Cascades,
heavy rapids of the Columbia, the first from the sea, and where
the river breaks through the rocky barrier of the great volcanic
range of Mounts Rainier and St. Helen's to the north, and their
partners Hood and Jefferson to the south. After an unsuccess-
ful attempt to scale the wooded summits on the north side, he
returned, being short of food, and had two days repose ; when he oc-
cupied his time with shooting seals as they descended the surging
rapids, in quest of salmon. Starting then for an exploration of
the other side, his wishes were gratified, and he gained the up-
per wooded regions, where he was rewarded with many new plants,
and discovered the Pinus nohilis and F, amaUUsj the former a

Sketch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas. 127

spruce of much grandeur and straightness in growth, the latter
the most elegant, perhaps, of all the Silver Firs. His exertions
being thus crowned with success, the fatigued botanist turned his
steps downwards towards Fort Vancouver, in order to look after
his packages for England, of which we have already spoken.

In the end of October, although much impeded in his move-
ments, by a hurt which he had received in his knee, he was again
afloat in a small canoe proceeding towards the mouth of the Co-
lumbia. Leaving Cape Disappointment, he took the coast to the
northward, sometimes making portages, and at others keeping
with his Indian guide, in the tiny craft on rivulets skirting the
shore. At Cape Foulweather, the canoe was abandoned and a
march of sixteen miles made to gain Whitby Harbour, where the
Chiheelis empties itself into the Pacific. Here we shall take up
his own words.

"On arriving there, when we found the village deserted, I can
" hardly describe the state I was in. While my guide and the
" Indians were collecting some drift-wood, I made a small booth of
" pine branches, straw, and old mats My blanket having been
" drenched all day, and the heavy rain affording no opportunity of
'' drying it, I deemed it imprudent to lie down to sleep, and ac-
" cordingly spent the night sitting over the fire. The following day
'• found me so broken down with fatigue and starvation, and my
" knee so much worse, that I could not stir out. We fared most
" scantily on the roots of Sagittaria sagittifolia and Lupinus
" UttoraUsjCQlhdi in the Chenook language, Somuchtau, till crawl-
" ing out a few steps with my gun, I providentially saw some
" wild birds, and killed five ducks at one shot. These were
" soon cooked, though one of the Indians ate his share raw. To
" save time in plucking the fowl, I singed off the feathers, and
" with a basin of tea made a good supper on one of them. I had
'' certainly been very hungry, yet strange to say, as soon as I saw
" the birds fall, my appetite fled, and I could hardly persuade
" myself that I had been in such want."

Having procured assistance at a village on the opposite side of
the bay, he turned up the Chiheelis river, but after being three
days on this stream, he found the weather still continuing so
rainy, that he discharged his guide, and hired another Indian
with a horse to carry his luggage across to the Cowlidsk river.
This distance, though only forty miles, occupied two days, all the
low grounds being flooded with water j and the roads in the woods

128 SJcetch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas.

marsliy with incessant rain. At the Cowlidsk, lie lighted upon
a small boat, belonging to the Hudsons' Bay Company, which had
been lent to an Indian chief. In this, by using his cloak and
blanket for sail, he got back to Fort Vancouver at midnight on
the 15th of November, completely worn out, and in nearly a
famished state. The weather had done its worst, and his knee
was in a still more painful condition from the fatigue and cold to
which he had been exposed. He was now, therefore, compelled
to lay himself up in winter quarters to recruit. The months of De-
cember, January and February, were passed by him with his Van-
couver friends, his time usefully occupied in collecting subjects
of zoological interest, and working out in full the short notes he
had taken on his various journeys.

In March of 1826 the enterprising subject of our sketch being
bent on a still more extensive tour than he had hitherto made, left
his wintering station with the boats that were proceeding for the
upper Columbia. At the Chutes, or first great falls of the river,
six miles above the Dalles, the party, as was frequently the case
there, had difficulties with the Indians in passing the portage,
Douglas in his own lively manner describes the scene.

" After taking a hurried and anxious breakfast on the rocks,
" we proceeded several miles up the river, and in the afternoon
" made the portage over the Great Falls, where Mr. McLeod was
" apprized that the Indians were lying in wait with the intention
^' of attacking us, and pillaging the boats. This warning proved
" too correct, no sooner had they received the customary present of
" of tobacco, than they became desirous of compelling us to en-
" camp for the night, that they might the better efiect their pur-
" pose. The first symptom of hostile intentions which we ob-
" served, was their cunning trick of sprinkling water on the gun-
" barrels of our party, and when the boats were ordered to be put
" into the water, they would not allow it to be done. As Mr
" McLeod was laying his hand on the shoulders of one native to
" push him back, another fellow immediately drew from his
" quiver a bow and a handful of arrows, and presented it at Mr.
" McLeod. My position at the time, at the outside of the crowd
" enabling me to perceive this manoeuvre, and no time being to be
" lost, I instantly slipped the cover of my gun, which was
" fortunately loaded with buck-shot, and presenting it at him, I
" invited him to discharge his arrow, when I would return it
" with my own weapon. Just at this moment a chief of the Ky-

Sketch of the Life of Mr, David Do7igIas, 129

** ouse tribe, and three of his young men, who are the terror of
^' all the other tribes west of the mountains, and the staunch
*' friends of the whites, (as they call us), stepped in among the
" party, and settled the af&air without any further trouble. This
*' very friendly Indian, who is one of the finest figures of a man
" I have ever seen, six feet six inches high, then accompanied
*' us several miles up the river to the spot where we intended
" to encamp for the night, and was liberally renumerated by
" Mr. McLeod for his courageous and timely interference, and
*' friendship. I being King George's chief, or the " Grassman,"
*' bored a hole through the only shilling which I possessed, and
" which had been in, my pocket ever since I left London, and
*' observing that the septum of his nose was perforated, I suspended
" the coin to it by a bit of brass wire, a ceremony which after-
" wards proved a seal of lasting friendship between us."

When he had reached Fort Colville, a short distance from the
Kettle Falls, he was busily occupied for three weeks, when the lock
of his gun having been broken, he determined on wending his
way to the old, and then abandoned establishment at Spokan.
Here resided old Jacquo Finlay, a remnant of the first Rocky
Mountain Trappers, and once interpreter for the North-West
Company among the Flat-head Indians. Jacquo was also the only
craftsman who could work in good steel, within a distance of 800
miles. Starting with two youths to guide him, the traveller comes
to the Barrier river, which has to be forded in passing from Col-
ville to Spokan, and here we again take up his own description of
the journey.

" No natives being near to help us across in their canoes, my
" two young companions and I had the alternative of making a
" raft or swimming, and being all well accustomed to the water,
" we chose the latter. Unsaddling the horses, we drove them in,
" and they all crossed with safety and ease, except one poor animal
" which getting entangled by its hind legs among some brushwood
" at the bottom, struggled a long time till the impediment giving
" way he finally relieved our anxiety by gaining the other side.
*' I myself made two trips across, carrying my paper and gun the
" first time and my blanket and clothes the second ; — the latter
" articles I was obliged to hold above water in both my hands,
" a difficult and tedious process, during which, as if to render my
*' labour fruitless, it rained heavily. "When I landed, my whole
" frame was so completely benumbed, that we were under the neces-

Can. Nat. 4 Vol. V. No. 2.

130 Sketch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas.

" sity of stopping to kindle a fire, and to indulge my gnides witli
" a smoke, after which we proceeded. At night a severe pain be-
" tween my shoulders, and general chillness kept me from sleep-
" ing. I rose, boiled my kettle, and made some tea ; then dried my
^' blanket, and substituted for my damp shirt a spare one in
*' which I had rolled my plants ; but feeling no better, and being
" unfortunately without medicine, I started ou foot at a little be-
'' fore four, and driving the horses before me, got into a profuse
" perspiration which considerably relieved my sufferings.

" Near this spot was an Indian burying ground, certainly the
" most curious I had yet seen. All the property of the deceased
*' was here deposited near their graves; their implements, garments,
" and gambling articles. Even the favorite horse of the deceased
" is not spared ; it is customary to shoot the animal with a bow
*' and arrow, and suspend the skin, with the hoofs and skull, just
*' above the remains of his master. On the trees which are round
" the burying place, small bundles may be seen, tied up in the
" same manner as the provisions which they carry when travelling.
" I could not learn whether this was intended as food for the dead
'' or propitiatory offerings to the divinities. Within the grave the
" body is placed in a sitting posture, with the knees touching
" the chin, and the arms folded across the chest. It is difficult to
" obtain any information on these subjects, as nothing seems to
" hurt the feelings of these people so much as alluding to their
" departed friends."

The gun having received thorough repair, and many new
plants having been collected in this interesting locality, Mr.
Douglas returned to Fort Colville, having passed in the same
mode as before the Barrier river ; for this, however, he suf-
fered : he was two days confined to bed by fever and bodily pains,
caused no doubt by having walked so much in wet clothes. Dur-
ing the rest of the month of May he made many excursions
round Colville, and met with considerable success in collecting. He
had since his arrival discovered a new Pinus ponderosa, on which
he found the Arcenthohium xycedric, a parasitical plant exist-
ing also in southern Europe. The beautiful genus Fentstemon
was also enriched by three new species, P. scoulevj P. vetustus,
and P. speciosus.

On the 5th of June he left Colville and descended with the
boats to "Wallander, an establishment just below Lewis and Clarke's
Fork, then considered the key to the navigation of the upper Co-

SJcetch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas, 131

lumbia. On the IGth when nearly ready for his journey to the
Blue mountains we have a very amusing account of a nocturnal
visit of rats (probably the Neotoma occidentalism) to his tent.

" During the night I was annoyed by the visit of a herd of rats
" which devoured every particle of seed I had collected, ate clean
*' through a bundle of dried plants, and carried off my soap-brush,
" and razor ! As one was taking away my inkstand, which I had
" been using shortly before, and which lay close to my pillow,
" I raised my gun, which with my faithful dog, is always placed
" under my blanket by my side, with the muzzle to my feet, and
" hastily gave him the contents. When I saw how large and
" strong a creature this rat was, I ceased to wonder at the
" exploits of the herd in depriving me of my property. The
" body and tail together measured a foot and a half ; the back is
" brown, the belly white ; while the enormous ears are each three
" quarters of an inch long, with whiskers thi'ee inches in length,
" and jet black.

His journey to the Blue Mountains, occupying nine or ten days,
did not turn out so productive as he had expected. He encoun-
tered tremendous thunder-storms, his guide refused to descend the
southern slopes, declaring that their horses would be stolen, and
that they themselves would fall victims to the hatred of the Shosh-
onies, or the Snake tribe, who are always on bad terms with the
Columbia Indians. Before retracing his steps, however, he had
the pleasure of plucking specimens of that magnificent plant, the
LiLpinaster macrocephalus of Pursh, and of adding many new-
species to the genera Liipinus^ Pedicidaris^ "^ Pentstemon and
Eriogonum. The TrifoUum altisshnum and T. plumosum were
also gathered, and last, though not least, the Pceonia Brownii now
adorned his Herbarium.

On the 10th of July Mr. Douglas left Wallawalla, proceeding
down stream in a small canoe with Indians, Being unable to
procure any salmon from the natives, and his stock of provisions
entirely failing, he was for the first time reduced to the necessity
of trying Tartar fare, and had supped and breakfasted on horse-
steaks and Columbia water, when to his inexpressible joy he met,
below the Chutes, the loaded boats that were so far on their way for
the interior posts. The meeting is thus noticed.

" Having halted at night below the Great Falls of the Columbia,

" I saw smoke rising behind some rocks, and thinking it might be

* Indians fishing, walked thither in quest of sabnon. Instead of

132 Silurian and Devonian Rocks

" their savage countenances, I found, however, to my great delight,
" that it was the camp of the brigade from the sea. I cannot des-
" cribe the feeling which seizes me, when after travelling some
" weeks together with Indians, I meet a person whom I have known
'' before, or if even they are strangers, yet the countenance of a
" Christian is at such times most delightful. In the present in-
" stance I had the additional happiness of finding myself in the
•' society of those who had ever treated me with cordiality, and
'' who now seemed to vie with one another in acts of kindness to-
" wards me. Observing my dejected and travel-worn plight, one
" fetched me some water to wash with, another handed me a clean
'' shirt, and a third busied himself in making ready something
" more palatable than carrion for my supper ; while my old friends,
" Messrs. McDonald and Work, handed me those best of cordials,
'' my letters from England !

(Tb he continued.)

ARTICLE XI. — On the Silurian and Devonian Eochs of
Nova Scotia. By J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.G.S.

[Communicated to the Natural History Society of Montreal.]

In the peninsula of Nova Scotia, the formations older than the
carboniferous system, which is there so largely developed, are re-
presented by disturbed and partially metamorphosed beds, occupy-
ing a broad belt of country on the south-eastern or Atlantic coast,
and certain irregular hilly tracts in the interior. These beds
were described by me in a paper communicated to the Geo-
loo-ical Society of London in 1849, and subsequently in my
"Acadian Geology;" in which work will be found references to
the labours of previous observers. These notices were confessedly
very imperfect, owing to the difficulties of the formations them
selves, the deficiency or bad state of preservation of the fossils,
and the absence of sufficient suits of these for comparison. With
the view of remedying these deficiencies, I have embraced such
opportunities as have occurred to me since the publication of
" Acadian Geology," to study these rocks in those parts of the
country which appeared to promise the most satisfactory results.
My collections of fossils have also been increased by contributions
received from Dr. Webster of Kentville, who has long directed his
attention to the New Canaan and Nictaux districts, which I have
had the advantage of exploring under his guidance j from the Rev.

of Nova Scotia,

133

D. Honeyman,* who has carefully collected the fossils of the Ari.
saig section, and from Mr. C. F. Hart of Wolfville. Prof. Hall
of Albany, has also kindly consented to apply his unrivalled
knowledge of the palaeozoic fauna of America to the determi-
nation of the fossils, and has enabled me to publish with this
paper, his descriptions of the more important new species.

With these aids, though aware that the complete solution of
all the difl&culties of these deposits must await a systematic
and detailed survey, I hope to fix with certainty the geological
position of several important series of beds, and thus to afibrd
some data for comparison with the formations of similar age in
other countries.

Fig. 1. — Explanation of the Map and Section.

(1) Secondary Trap.

(2) New Red Sandstone (Permian or Triassic.)

(3) Carboniferous.

(4) Devonian.

(5) Middle and Upper Silurian.

(6) Metamorphosed Lower Silurian.

(7) Granite.

The numbers refer to the section and to the accompanying shades of
the map.

In my paper of 1849, 1 attempted to arrange the whole of these
infra-carboniferous rocks of Nova Scotia, in two great divisions :
(1.) The slate and quartzite formation of the Atlantic coast.
(2.) The slaty, calcareous, and ferruginous formation of the in-
land hills. The second of these groups will be found in the
sequel to include beds ranging from the Middle Silurian to
the lower Devonian. The first is certainly older, and probably of
Lower Silurian age.

* See also a paper by Mr. Honeyman, in the Transactions of the N. S.
Lit. & Sci. Society.

134- Silurian and Devonian Rocks

I. — Lower Silurian.

The Atlantic coast series, which I regard as probably of this
age, has afforded little that is new since my former publication on
the subject. It extends continously, with prevailing east and
west strike and northerly dip, from Cape Canso to the middle of
the peninsula at Halifax Harbour. Thence it continues with pre-
vailing north-east and south-west strike to the western extremity
of the province. Its most abundant rocks are coarse clay slate
and quartzite in thick beds. In some districts the slates are re-
presented by mica-schist and gneiss, and interrupted by consider-
able masses and transverse bands of intrusive granite. It has
afforded no fossils ; but it appears to be the continuation of the
older slate series of Mr. Jukes* in Newfoundland, which has
afforded trilobites of the genus Paradoxides.-f These fossils
would indicate a position in the lower part of the Lower Silurian
series, possibly on the horizon of the Potsdam sandstone or Lingu-
la Flags. If so, the Lower Silurian limestones are either absent
or buried by the unconformable superposition of the next series,
or of the carboniferous beds which in some places immediately
adjoin these older rocks.

It is however proper to state that on a comparison of these
rocks with the series of altered deposits from Eastern Canada,
collected by the Canadian Survey, and elaborately examined by
Mr. Sterry Hunt, they appear more nearly to resemble those of the
Hudson River group than any other of the series. It seems also,
that chiastolite and staurotide, which occur abundantly in some
parts of the Nova Scotia coast series, as for example, at Cape
Canseau and in Shelburne, are characteristic in Canada and New
England of altered Upper Silurian and Devonian rocks. It is
possible that this last fact may be accounted for by the local oc-
curence of some beds newer than the others ; and the characters
of the Silurian and Devonian series, as seen elsewhere in Nova
Scotia, seem at least to exclude the mass of these coast rocks from
any formation newer than the Middle Silurian.

II. — Middle akd Upper Silurian.

The inland group of metamorphic rocks is more variable in its
character, presenting many varieties of shales and slates some-

*Survey of Newfoundland.

t Salter, Proceedings Geological Society of London, 1859.

of Nova Scotia, 135

times talcose and chloritic, often coarse and arenaceous, and asso-
ciated with beds of sandstone and quartzite, and with calcareous
layers. In some districts there are also extensive beds which have
the appearaneo of interstratified igneous products both of horn-
blendie and felspathic composition. The associated igneous rocks
are granite (which appears to be continuous with that of the coast
series and intrusive), syenite, diorite, porphyry and compact fel-
spars. The more highly altered portions are penetrated by num-
erous veins of peroxide and carbonate of iron, with copper and iron
pyrites.

These beds, as well as the overlying Devonian series, have been
thrown into folds, varying in direction from east and west to
north-east and south-west, and have been at the same time
much altered and disturbed by plutonic rocks. They afterwards
suffered extensive denudation, forming both anticlinal and syn-
clinal valleys, in which were deposited beds of the carboniferous
system, and of the New Red Sandstone of Nova Scotia, a
deposit still of uncertain age.* This denudation has appar-
ently been so complete as to remove from view nearly all the softer
and least altered beds, the remains of which appear principally at
the margins of the valleys now filled by the carboniferous series.
Even in these exceptional spots they have in some instances been
farther obscured by trappean eruptions of carboniferous or later
date. The following are the principal localities in which I have
been able to obtain determinable fossils. The geographical posi-
tion of these points is noticed in the accompanying map. (Fig. 1,

p. 132.)

Arisaig.

Near this place, at the extreme northern limit of the Silurian
system on the eastern coast of Nova Scotia, is one of the most in-
structive sections of these rocks in the province. At the eastern
end of the section, where they are unconformably overlaid by
lower carboniferous conglomerate and interstratified trap,f the
Silurian rocks consist of gray and reddish sandy shales and coarse
limestone bands dipping south at an angle of 44°. The direction
of the coast is nearly east and west, and in proceeding to the east-
ward, the dip of the beds turns to south 30^ west, dipping 45°,

* See Journal Geol. Society, Vol. 4, and Acadian Geology.
fSee papers by the author in Proceedings Geological Society,
1843-4.

136 Silurian and Devonian Roch

so that the series, though with some faults and flexures, is on the
whole descending, and exhibits in succession to the rocks just
mentioned, gray and dark shales, with bands and lenticular patches
of coarse limestone, some of which appear to consist principally
of brachiopodous shells in situ, while others present a confused
mass of drifted fossils. Below these the beds become more argil-
laceous, and in places have assumed a slaty structure, and occasion-
ally a red colour. The thickness of the whole series to this point
was estimated at 500 feet. The dip then returns to the south, and
the beds run nearly in the strike of the shore for some distance,
when they become discoloured and ochraceous, and then red and
hardened ; and finally, at Arisaig pier, are changed into a coarse
reddish banded jasper, where they come into contact with a great
dyke of augitic trap of carboniferous date. Beyond this place they
are much disturbed, and so far as I could ascertain, destitute of
fossils. The alteration of the beds extends to a distance of 300
yards from the trap, and beyond this in some places slaty cleav-
age and reddish colours have been produced ; the latter change
appearing to be connected with vertical fissures traversing the
beds.

In the lower or shaly portion of the Arisaig series, the charao-
terstic fossils are GraptoUthus not distinguishable from G. clinto-
nensis, Leptoccelia (Atri/pa) intermedia, (Hall,) a new species
closely allied to L. hemispherica of the Clinton group of New
York, Atrypa emacerata, Orthis testudinaria, Strophomena
profunda, S. rugosa, Rhynconella equiradiata, Avicula ema-
cerata, TentacuUtes, allied to or identical with T. distans, Helo-
j^ora allied to H. fragills. There are also abundant joints and
stems of crinoids, and a Palceaster, the only one as yet found in
Nova Scotia, which was presented to me by Mr. Honeyman, and
has been described by Mr. Billings in the Canadian Naturalist un-
der the name of P. parviusculus. These and other fossils associat-
ed with them, in the opinion of Prof. Hall, fix the Geological
position of these rocks as that of the Clinton group, the upper
Llandovery of Murchison, at the base of the upper Silurian or
top of the middle Silurian.

In the upper and more calcareous part of the series, fossils are
very abundant, and include species of Calymene, Dalmanites,
Homalonotus, Orthoceras, Murchisonia, CUdopliorus, TelUnomya,
and several brachiopods, among which are Discina tenuilamellata^
Lingula ohlongaj Rhynconella quadricosta, R. Saffordij (Hall,)

of Nova Scotia* 137

allied to R. Wilsoni, R. neglecta, Atrypa reticularis,^ all
found in the upper part of the Middle Silurian or in the Upper
Silurian elsewhere in America. Most of the other forms are new
species, descriptions of which will be found in Prof. Hall's paper
appended to these notes. The general assemblage is on the whole
like that of the Clinton, but is of such a character as to warrant
the belief that we may have in these beds a series somewhat
higher in position, and probably of Upper Silurian age. The new
species Chonetes Nova-Scotlca is very characteristic of the
upper member.

On the whole we must regard the Arisaig series as representing
the upper part of the Middle Silurian, probably with a part
of the Upper Silurian, a position much lower than that assigned
to it in my Acadian Geology, which was, however, at the time,
based on the opinions of the best palaeontologists who had examined
specimens from these rocks. Unfortunately the Arisaig series
stands alone, wedged between carboniferous and plutonic rocks, so
that no opportunity occurs on the coast of verifying these conclu-
sions derived from fossils, by the evidence of stratigraphical con-
nection with newer or older Silurian deposits, and I have been un-
able to devote sufficient time to this object to attempt to trace the
beds in their succession or continuation inland.

V

East River of Pictotj.

The next example of fossiliferous Silurian rocks known to me
is on the east branch of the East River of Pictou, and its vicinity,
where these deposits rise from beneath the lower carboniferous
series, forming the high ground on the eastern side of the river.
The beds are here much altered and penetrated by igneous dykes,
and are vertical, with very high southerly dips and N. E. and S.
W. strike. They consist of coarse slates and calcareous bands
resembling those of the upper Arisaig series in mineral character,
and holding many of the same species, especially Chonetes Nova-
Scotica ; but we have here in addition a great bed of fossiliferous
peroxide of iron, in some parts forty feet in thickness, and with ooli-
tic structure ; but passing into a ferruginous sandstone, and associ-
ated with slate and quartz rock. The age of these rocks relatively
to the Arisaig series, it is not easy to determine. The stratigraphi-
cal evidence, though obscure, would place them in a higher position.
The fossils are in a bad state of preservation ; but in so far as

* Also Strophomena corru§ata.

138 Silurian and Devonian Rocks

they give any information, it coincides with the apparent relation
of the beds. Similar ferruginous beds occur in the Clinton series,
(the Surgent of Rogers) in New York and Canada ; and as we
shall find in the sequel, in a much higher position in the western
part of Nova Scotia. On the whole I regard the beds seen at the
East River of Pictou as belonging to the same line of outcrop
with the Arisaig series, but as containing in addition to the
upper member of that series, beds higher in the Silurian system,
or perhaps Lower Devonian.

CoBEQUED Mountains.

At the eastern end of this chain, in Earlton and New Annan,
though the rocks are generally in a highly metamorphosed con-
dition, fossils are found in a few places ; and in so far as I have
been able to determine from very small suites of specimens, are
those of the upper Arisaig series. From the apparent continuity
of strike along this long salient line of outcrop, it seems probable
that these fossils indicate the true age of the greater part of the
sedimentary rocks of the Cobequid hills ; a conclusion confirmed by
their similarity in mineral character to the altered equivalents of
the Arisaig and East River series as seen elsewhere. The
arrangement of the beds and their mineral contents in the central
part of the chain, will be found noticed in my paper of 1849,
already referred to. They are not known to contain beds of iron
ore ; but have enormous vein-like deposits of spathic and specular
iron associated with the carbonates of lime and magnesia, and run-
ning with the strike of the beds.

New Canaan.

Between the East River of Pictou, and New Canaan in King's
county, 100 miles distant, I know no Silurian beds with fossils ;
and in the central part of the province these rocks disappear
under the carboniferous deposits. In the hills of Horton
and New Canaan they reappear, and constitute the northern
margin of a broad belt of metamorphic and plutonic country,
occupying here nearly the whole breadth of the peninsula. The
oldest fossiliferous beds seen are the fine fawn-coloured and gray
clay slates of Beech Hill, in which Dr. Webster, many years since,
found a beautiful Dictyonema^ the only fossil they have hitherto
afforded. It is a new species, closely allied to D. retiformis and
D. gracilis of Hall, and will be described by that palaeontologist
under the name of D, Websteri, in honour of its discoverer. In

of Nova Scotia, 139

the mean time I may merely state that it is most readily charac-
terised by the form of the celkiles, -which are very distinctly
marked in the manner of Grajptolithus, A portion of a frond is
represented in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2. — Part of frond of Dictyonema Websterij Hall, a, portion magnified.
The Dictyonema slates of Beech Hill are of great thickness, but
have in their upper part some hard and coarse beds. They are
succeeded to the south by a great series of dark coloured coarse
slates, often micaceous, and in some places constituting a slate
conglomerate, containing small fragments of older slates, and
occasionally pebbles of a gray vesicular rock, apparently a
trachyte. In some parts of this series there are bands of a coarse
laminated magnesian and ferruginous limestone, containing fossils
which, though much distorted, are in parts still distinguishable.
They consist of joints of crinoids, casts of brachiopodous shells,
trilobites and corals. Among the latter are two species of As-
trocerium, not distinguishable for A. pyriforme and venustum of
the Niagara group, and a Heliolites allied to H. elegans, if not
a variety of this species. On the evidence of these fossils and
the more obscure remains associated with them. Prof. Ilall
regards these beds as equivalents of the Niagara formation of the
New York geologists, the Wenlock of Murchison. Their general
strike is N. E. and S. W. ; and to the southward, or in the pro-
bable direction of the dip, they are succeeded, about six miles from
Beech Hill, by granite. They have in general a slaty structure
coinciding with the strike but not with the dip of the beds, and
this condition is very prevalent throughout this inland metamor-
phic district, where also the principal mineral veins usually run
with the strike. The beds just described run with S. W. strike
for a considerable distance, and are succeeded in ascending order
by those next to be described.

ni. — Devonian.
It is probable that Devonian rocks, in a metamorphosed state

140 Silurian and Devonian Rocks

are extensively distributed througliout the districts now under
consideration ; but the only localities in which they have been
clearly recognised, are along a line of outcrop on the northern
margin of the hilly region westward of New Canaan. The first
and most important of these exposures is at

NiCTAUX.

At this place, 20 miles westward of New Canaan, the first old
rocks that are seen to emerge from beneath the New Red Sand
stone of the low country, are fine-grained slates, which I believe
to be a continuation of the Dictyonema slates of Beech Hill.
Their strike is N. 30 to 60 E., and their dip to the S. E. at an
anMe of 72^. Interstratified with these are hard and coarse
beds, some of them having a trappean aspect. In following these
rocks to the S. E , or in ascending order, they assume the aspect
of the New Canaan beds ; but I could find no fossils except in
loose pieces of coarse limestone, and these have the aspect
rather of the Arisaig series than of that of New Canaan.
In these, and in some specimens recently obtained by Mr. Hart,
I observe Orthoceras elegantulmn, Bucania trilohita, Cornulites
Jiexuosus, Spirifer rugcecosta f and apparently CJionetes NbvaSco-
tica^ with a large Orthoceras^ and several other shells not as yet
seen elsewhere. These fossils appear to indicate that there is in
this region a continuance of some of the upper Arisaig species
nearly to the base of the Devonian rocks next to be noticed.

After a space of nearly a mile, which may represent a great
thickness of unseen beds, we reach a band of highly fossiliferous
peroxide of iron, with dark coloured coarse slates, dipping S. 30° E.
at a very high angle. The iron ore is from 3 to 4j feet in thick-
ness and resembles that of the East River of Pictou, except in
containing less silicious matter. The fossils of this ironstone and
the accompanying beds, as far as they can be identified, are
Spirifer arenosus^ St7'ophodonta magmjim^ Atrypa unguiformis,

* There is in the iron ore and associated beds another and smaller
Spirifer as yet not identified with any described species, but eminently
characteristic of the Nictaux deposits. It is usually seen only in the
state of casts, and often strangely distorted by the slaty structure of
the beds. The specimens least distorted may be described as follows :
General form, semi-circular tending to semi-oval, convexity moderate ;
hinge line about equal to width of shell ; a rounded mesial sinus and
elevation with about ten sub-angular plications on each side ; a few
sharp growth ridges at the margin of the larger valves. Average dia-
meter about one inch ; mesial sinus equal in width to about three plica-
tions. I shall call this species, in the meantime, S, Nictavensis.

of Nova Scotia. 141

Stro]jTiomena depressa^ and species of Avicula, Belleroplion^ Favo-
sites, Zaphrentis, &c. These Prof. Hall compares with the
fauna of the Oriskany sandstone ; and they seem to give indubita-
ble testimony that theNictaux iron ore is of Lower Devonian age.

To the southward of the ore the country exhibits a succession
of ridges of slate holding similar fossils, and probably represent-
ing a thick series of Devonian beds, though it is quite possible
that some of them may be repeated by faults or folds. Farther
to the south these slates are associated with bands of crystalline
greenstone and quartz rock, and are then interrupted by a great
mass of white granite, which extends far into the interior and
separates these beds from the similar, but non-fossiliferous rocks
on the inner side of the metamorphic band of the Atlantic coast.
The Devonian beds appear to dip into the granite, which is in-
trusive and alters the slates near the junction into gneissoid rock
holding garnets. The granite sends veins into the slates, and near
the junction contains numerous angular fragments of altered
slate.

Westward of the Nictaux River, the granite abruptly crosses
the line of strike of the slates, and extends quite to their northern
border, cutting them off in the manner of a huge dyke, from their
continuation about ten miles further westward. The beds of slate
in running against this great dyke of granite, change in strike
from south-west to west, near the junction, and become slightly
contorted and altered into gneiss, and filled with granite veins ;
but in some places they retain traces of their fossils to within 200
yards of the granite. The intrusion of this great mass of granite
without material disturbance of the strike of the slates, conveys
the impression that it has melted quietly through the stratified
deposits, or that these have been locally crystallised into granite
in situ.

Moose River.

At this place the iron ore and its associated beds recur on the
western side of the granite before mentioned, but in a state of
greater metamorphism than at Nictaux. The iron is here in
the state of magnetic ore, but still holds fossil shells of the same
species with those of Nictaux.

Bear River.

On this stream, near the bridge by which the main road crosses
it, beds equivalent to those of Nictaux occur with a profusion

142 Silurian and Devonian Rocks

of fossils. The iron ore is not seen, but tliere are highly fossil-
iferous slates and coarse arenaceous limestone, and a bed of gray
sandstone with numerous indistinct impressions apparently of
plants. In addition to several of the fossils found at Nictaux,
these beds afford Tentaculites^ an Atrypa, apparently identical
with an undescribed species very characteristic of the Devonian
sandstones of Gaspe, and a coral which Mr. Billings identifies
with the Pleurodictyum p'ohlematicum^ Goldfuss, a form which
occurs in the Lower Devonian in England, and on the continent
of Europe.

Westward of Bear Eiver, rocks resembling in mineral charac-
ter those previously described, extend with similar strike, but in
an altered condition, and in so far as T have been able to ascertain,
destitute of fossils, quite to the western extremity of the peninsula,
where they turn more to the southward, and are as I suppose,
repeated by a sharp synclinal fold, after which they are succeeded
by the Atlantic coast series, consisting of quartzite and clay
slate, with chlorite and hornblende slates at Yarmouth and its
vicinity, and further to the S. E. of mica slate and gneiss.

General Remarks.

The above facts show that we can recognise among the partially
metamorphosed sub-carboniferous rocks of Nova Scotia, forma-
tions ranging from the Middle Silurian to the Lower Devonian
inclusive ; but of a more argillaceous and less calcareous charac-
ter than the series occupying this position in the mainland of
America. The principal masses of plutonic rock associated with
these beds, and especially the granite, are of newer Devonian
date ; but there is evidence of igneous eruptions as far back as
the beginning of the Upper Silurian, and of the continuance or
recurrence of such action as late as the carboniferous period. In
and near the non-calcareous Lower Silurian series, granite prevails,
almost to the entire exclusion of other plutonic rocks. At a
greater distance from these, the plutonic rocks penetrating the
Upper Silurian and Devonian series, though apparently of nearly
the same age with the granite, are principally syenite and green-
stone.

With respect to the general arrangement of the formations,
though I cannot venture to speak with confidence on this point,
with reference to a district so much disturbed, and which 1 have
been able only very imperfectly to explore, I may suggest, as at

of Nova Scotia. 143

presenr the most probable arrangement, that represented in the
little section attached to the map. The coast series would thus
belong to an anticlinal, bringing up Lower Silurian rocks. On
these, in proceeding to the north-west, rest middle and upper
Silurian and perhaps Devonian beds in a metamorphosed condi-
tion, which along the northern margin of the metamorphic dis-
trict rise again with an opposite dip, at Arisaig, East River, New
Canaan, &c., forming a trough, the middle of which, in the east,
is divided by a secondary anticlinal and filled with carboniferous
rocks, but in the west is occupied with a great mass of granite
into which the beds appear to have sunk in the direction of their
dip. Beyond the northwestern edge of this trough, the Silurian
beds probably again dip to the northward, but are hidden by
carboniferous deposits, and reappear in another anticlinal with
east and west strike in the Cobequid Mountains.

Rocks similar in character and relations to those above described
are extensively distributed in the Island of Cape Breton and also
in New Brunswick, but I have no detailed knowledge of their
distribution. The formations described in this paper, represent
in age, and resemble in their state of alteration, many portions of
the metamorphosed Silurian and Devonian rocks of New England
and Eastern Canada. In the latter, the relations of the intrusive
granite and the middle and upper Silurian rocks as described by
Sir William Logan, and as I have observed them in a few locali-
ties, strikingly resemble the phenomena observed in Nova Scotia.

I have no doubt that a detailed survey of these rocks in Nova
Scotia and Cape Breton, would develop many curious and intri-
cate disturbances, and might also ascertain the presence of mem-
bers of the Silurian series, now supposed to be absent, but which
may be only obscured by denudation. In the mean time local
observers can do much to increase our knowledge of these rocks
by carefully collecting the few fossils that remain unobliterated in
the semi-metamorphic beds, and the above remarks may serve to
guide such explorations, and to enable geologists to speak with
more confidence than heretofore of the older palaeozoic rocks of
an important region of eastern America.

144

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia,

ARTICLE XII. — Descriptions of New Species of Fossils from
the Silurian Rocks of Nova Scotia. By James Hall.

1. Crania acadiensis. N. sp. Fig. 1.

Circular or broadly sub-oval, moderately convex, the greatest
convexity near the apex ; apex obtuse.

Several casts show a central elevated area, with strong muscu-
lar impressions ; the more elevated portion being surrounded by
a flattened border, which is radiatingly striate.

These specimens are casts which appear to be of the ventral
valve; and the form of the nmscular impressions is so character-
istic of the genus that I can have little hesitation in thus referring

them.

2. DisciNA tenuilamellata. Var. suhplana.

Shell broadly elliptical, or suborbicular, externally depressed,
apex subcentral ; surface marked by thin sharply elevated lamellae.

This closely resembles the Niagara species of New York, but
may be distinct. Should further examination prove it a distinct
species, the name D. suhplana may be adopted.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 5.

Fig. 4.

3. Chonetes Nova-Scotica. N. sp. Fig. 2.

Shell semielliptical, width varying from once and a half to
nearly twice the length. The ventral valve variably convex, and
often showing a flattened or slightly concave space down the
middle of the shell ; cardinal margin ornamented by four or five
minute spines on each side of the beak ; cardino-lateral margins
often a little wrinkled ; surface finely striated, strise flexuous,
dichotomising and increasing by interstitial addition, so that
there are more than one hundred on the margin of the shell ;
strise increasing in size below the umbo ; concentric strise fine,
close, rounded and slightly undulating.

Dorsal valve moderately concave ; strise much stronger below
the middle of the shell and sometimes bifurcating toward the
margin.

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia, 145

This species resembles in form the Chonetes cornuta of the
Clinton group of !N'ew York, but is a much larger and more ven-
tricose shell ; the striae are proportionally less numerous and
more closely arranged, the interstices being less than the striae,
while in the C. cornuta the interstices are wider than the striae,
and the latter increase only by interstitial additions below the
middle of the sheU. A stronijer and more elevated stria often
marks the median line from beak to base of the ventral valve.

4. Chonetes tenuistriata. N. sp. Fig. 3.

Shell semi-oval, twice as wide as long ; ventral valve moderately
convex, hinge line equalling the width of the shell ; surface
marked by fine, even, closely arranged striae, which apparently
increase only by interstitial additions, and are not flexuous.
The number of striae on the margin of the shell is nearly one
hundred.

This species is more finely striated than the preceding, the

striae not flexuous, more even, and in shells of equal size much

more numerous. This species is somewhat larger and more

closely striated than the C. cornuta of the Clinton group of New

York.

5. Spirifer rug^gosta. InT. sp.

Shell somewhat semi-elliptical ; dorsal valve very convex, with
the mesial fold depressed along the centre ; ventral valve with a
wide deep mesial sinus ; plications six or seven on each side of the
mesial fold and sinus, strong, and much elevated, subangular,
crossed by numerous strongly elevated, lamellose, imbricating
concentric striae.

The specimens examined are almost all imperfect casts, some
of which preserve the impression of the strong concentric striae,
and in one or two specimens an impression of the shell reveals the
streno^th of the surface markings.

In many respects this species resembles the S. perlamellosa of
the lower Helderberg group in New York, but the mesial elevation
of this species is flattened or depressed, a character never observed
in New York specimens.

6. Spirifer subsulcatus. N. sp.

Shell semi-elliptical, hinge line equalling or greater than the

length of the shell below ; plications five or six on each side of the

Can. Nat. 5 Vol. Y. No. 2.

146 Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia,

mesial fold ; mesial fold somewhat flattened or very slightly roimd-
ed on the summit ; plications rounded ; surface concentrically

lamellose.

The specimens are all casts, or impressions of the shells.

They bear some resemblance to S. sulcatus of the Niagara
group, and are intermediate between that species and the S. cyclop-
iera of the Lower Helderberg group.

1, Tremastospira Acadia. N. sp. Fig. 4.

i ■

Shell wider than long ; beak of the ventral valve produced and
incurved ; mesial depression marked by a small fold on each side^
which originates about one-third of the length below the beak and
continues to the margin ; sinus bounded on each side by a more
strongly elevated plication, beyond which are six other plications
on each side.

Surface marked by fine concentric stri?e.

This shell is referred to the genus Trematospira from external
characters alone, which are unlike Bhynchonella proper, and the
shell is not a Spirifer.

8. Rhynohospira sinuata. N. sp.

Shell ovoid, ventricose beak of the ventral valve incurved ; a
mesial sinus beginning a little below the beak ; surface marked
by about eight or nine simple scarcely subangular plications on
each side the mesial sinus.

Surface marked by concentric lines of growth.

This species differs from the R. formosa of the Lower Helder-
berg rocks of New York in the plications being more slender, in
the more defined sinus of the ventral valve, and the continuation
of the two small folds in the sinus nearly to the beak.

9. Rhynchoneila Saffordi.

Shell varying in form from ovoid to globose. Full grown spe-
cimens usually wider than long, and sometimes becoming ex-
tremely ventricose, so that the diameter across the two valves
much exceeds the length. Ventral valve depressed convex, with
the beak minute, closely incurved ; dorsal valve very ventricosey
most prominent toward the front. Cardinal slope a little de-
pressed, sides rounded, and the front in direct line flattened but
not depressed. Surface finely plicated, plications little elevated^

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia, 147

rounded or scarcely subangular, about five or six depressed in the
flattened sinus of tlie ventral valve and a corresponding number
raised on the flattened mesial elevation, which rises abruptly
though usually but slightly above the lateral portions of the
shell. From ten to fourteen plications mark the surface on each
side of the mesial fold and sinus. Plications in front marked by a
sharp groove along the centre, and those of each valve deeply
interlocking.

This species resembles the i?. nucleolata of the Lower Helder-
berg rocks of New York, and in some specimens it approaches to
H.ventricosa, but is always much more finely plicated than either.
It closely resembles the E. Wilsoni of Europe in its general form,
but the plications are more rounded and somewhat coarser, and
while in that species the sinus causes no depression in the ventral
valve below the general surface of the shell, in ours there is an
abrupt depression as well as a slightly abrupt elevation on the
dorsal valve, while there is no similar feature in the R. Wilsoni*

The Nova Scotia specimens are in all respects identical with
those from Tennessee.

The geological position of the specimen from Tennessee is in
rocks of the age of the Lower Helderberg group, associated with
Pentamerits galeaius, P. Verneuili, Spirifer macropleura^ Spiri-
fer perlamellosay Spirifer cyclopteray and others.

10. Leptocelia intermedia. Fig. 5, N. sp.

Shell concavo-convex ; outline semi-elliptical, cardinal extremi-
ties rounded, and the hinge-line a little shorter than the greatest
width of the shell ; ventral valve moderately convex, carinate in
the middle by a strong plication, with six or seven smaller ones
on each side, the lateral ones slightly curved towards the outer
extremity. Dorsal valve concave, with a broad shallow mesial
sinus, the margins on either side being bent a little upward, giving
a sinuous outline to the margin of the shell ; surface marked by
fine concentric striae.

This species resembles the L. hemispherica of the Clinton group
in New York, in general form, but the hingeyine is shorter and
the extremities rounded ; the mesial elevation consists of a single
strong plication, while in L. hemispherica the surface is regularly
plicated, with the central one sometimes a little stronger than
the others.

♦Sowerby, M. C, vol. ii., page 38, says : The " sinus at the front, al-
though deep, does not alter the evenness of the surface."

148 Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia.

11. MODIOLOPSIS ? RHOMBOIDEA. N. Sp. Fig. 6.

Shell sub-rhomboid, rounded in front, wider and obliquely trun-
cate behind, hinge-line slightly ascending from the anterior end ;
beaks subterminal, posterior umbonial slope obtusely subangular
below, anterior to which the shell is flattened ; basal margin nearly
straight, the shell gradually widening behind and the posterior
basal extremity abruptly rounded. Surface evenly striated con-
centrically.

Anterior muscular impression very strong, posterior muscular
impression less strongly defined, but still very conspicuous and
sub-duplicate ; palleal line simple, nearly parallel to the basal
margin, strongly and almost equally defined in all parts of its
length between the two muscular imprints.

This shell bears some resemblance to M . primiffenius, but is less
ventricose in tlie middle, and the sub-angular umbonial slope ia
not so well defined in that species.

12. MODIOLOPSIS SUB-NASUTUS. N. Sp.

Shell elongate sub-spatulate, tlie length being more than twice
"the greatest width hinge-line ; sliglitly ascending posteriorly ;
beaks sub-anterior, the anterior end very narrow, gibbous on the
umbones, with a sub-angular ridge on the umbonial slope which
extends to the postero-basal angle ; basal margin nearly straight,
the posterior end somewhat flattened and obliquely sub-truncate
at the extremity ; surface marked by concentric lines of growth.

This shell bears a close general resemblance to M. nasutus of
the Trenton limestone, but a careful comparison shows it to be
wider and more abrupt at its posterior termination, while the
direction of the striae of growth is very distinctive, these marks
being regularly curving toward the posterior end in M. nasutus,
while in this species they are abruptly bent at the postero-basal
angle, and again on the cardinal side, corresponding with the
truncate posterior extremity of the shell.

13. Clidophorus cuneatus. N. sp.

Shell ovoid, gibbous in the middle and on the umbones, gra-
dually declining behind ; beaks anterior, sub-terminal ; anterior
•end broadly rounded, the posterior end narrower and sub-acute,
posterior umbonial slope marked by an obtuse rounded ridge,
(which extends to the posterior extremity, and below this an unde-

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia.

149

fined sinus which, expanding, extends to the postcro-basal extre-
mity, while a less defined ridge bounds this sinuosity on its
anterior side ; surface marked by fine irregular concentric striae.
In the casts of this shell there is a strong linear straight clavi-
cle, extending from a point just anterior to the beak two-thirds
across the valve.

Fig. 6. Fig. 1. Fig. 8.

14. Clidophorus concentricus. N. sp. Fig. 7.

Shell sub-equilateral, very broadly oval-ovate, the anterior end
the broader ; height nearly four-fifths the greatest length ; anterior
side a little shorter and more broadly rounded at the extremity ;
a slight depressed sinus on the posterior umbonial slope, which is
more anterior than in the preceding species. Surface marked by
even band-like concentric striae ; shell thin ; a linear curving cla-
vicle extends from the cardinal line just anterior to the beak
more than half way to the base.

The prominent points of distinction between this and the pre-
ceding shell are the nearly central beaks, the band-like striae, and
the curving clavicle with the broad and nearly equal extremities
of the valve.

15. Clidophorus erectus. N". sp. Fig. 8.

Shell somewhat rhomboid-ovate, the height and length about
equal ; umbones prominent, beaks nearer the anterior end, some-
what curved and elevated ; posterior cardinal line curving, with a
scarcely defined ridge along the umbonial slope ; basal margin
strongly rounded, sinuate on the postero-basal margin and regu-
larly rounded, with a scarcely defined ridge extending down the
slope just anterior to the clavicle. Surface finely striated concen-
trically, a slightly curving clavicle extending from the cardinal
line nearly two-thirds the distance to the anterior basal margin.

This species differs from the preceding in the equal length and
breadth and consequent greater proportional height, in the sinu-
osity of the postero-basal margin, and more abruptly-rounded
basal outline, and the curving forward of the beaks.

150 Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia*

16. Clidophorus elongatus. N. sp. Fig. 9.

Shell sub-elliptical, length about twice the height, beaks much
nearer to the anterior end, which is narrowly rounded ; umbones
rounded, prominent ; a defined gradually widening depression
extends from the umbo to the posterior basal margin, causing a
straightening or slight sinuosity in the edge of the shell ; a defined
ridge along the posterior slope between the sinus and the cardinal
margin. Surface very finely striated. A slender clavicle extends
from the anterior cardinal margin a little more than half-way to
the base, and curving slightly forward.

This species differs externally from all the others in the greater
proportional length and in the rounded umbones.

The C. cuneatus of the same size is a stronger and proportionally
higher shell, having a less defined sinus on the posterior slope, and
a much stronger clavicle.

Fig. 9.
1*7. Clidophorus semiradiatus. N. sp.

Shell somewhat oval-ovate, length about one third greater than
the height.

Surface marked by fine concentric band-like strife, and the
posterior slope by flattened dichotomized radiating striae, the two
sets of striae gradually dying out at their junction. A faint line
anterior to the beak marks the place of the clavicle.

18. Clidophorus nuculiformis. N. sp.

Shell nearly equilateral, subventricose, height and length as
seven to nine. Anterior end rounded, basal margin regularly
curved ; posterior end sub-acute, a slight flattening or depression
along the posterior umbonial slope, and between this and the car-
dinal line a narrow ridge. On the anterior slope there is a de-
pressed line almost parallel to the cardinal line, marking apparently
the course of the clavicle. Surface marked by fine concentric
striae.

This species resembles in form the 0. concentricus in its equila-
teral form, but the fine unequal concentric striae and the difference
in direction of the clavicle are sufficient to distinguish it.

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia. 151

19. Clidophorus subovatus. N. sp.

Shell, broadly oval or ovate, moderately and evenly convex ;
beaks near the anterior end ; umbones moderately elevated ; a
scarcely defined depression extending from the umbo towards the
postero-basal extremity ; anterior extremity rounded, posterior
extremity unknown (? regularly rounded) ; clavicle extending half
way from the anterior cardinal margin to the base of the shell.
Surface marked by fine unequal sub-lamellose striae.

This shell is larger and more regularly convex than any of the
others here described, and more inequilateral than any except the
C, cuneaius.

20. NucuLiTEs [Orthonota] carinata. N. sp. Fig. 10.

Shell extremely elongate, nearly three times as long as wide ;
sides sub-parallel ; hinge line straight, beaks appressed, sub-an-
terior, the anterior extremity rounded ; posterior extremity obli-
quely truncate, longer on the hinge line than on the basal margin.
Surface marked by a sharp carina which extends from the umbo
obliquely to the postero-basal angle, the space anterior to this car-
ina marked by distinct elevated lamellose striae, and intermediate
finer ones. The space between this and the cardinal line smooth
and slightly depressed. Cardinal line anterior to the beak show-
ing six or seven crenulations. A strong clavicle extends from the
anterior cardinal line with a gentle curve nearly to the base of
the shell.

Fig. 10. Fig. II. Fig. 12.

This shell presents characters not before observed combined in
one species. It has the general form of Ortkonta, while the
crenulated cardinal line and the anterior clavicle are characters of
Nuculites. The shell is readily distinguished from species of either
genus heretofore described. The Orthonotae, yet known, have
the surface marking much less sharply defined.

21. Tellinomya Attentjata. N. sp. Fig. 11.

Shell elongate, narrow, more than twice as long as high, an-
terior end short and rounded, beak elevated, situated a little in

152 Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia,

advance of the anterior third, posterior end narrow and abruptly
rounded; basal margin slightly curved, and impressed posterior
to the centre ; posterior cardinal line straight but gradually de-
clining ; contour evenly convex. Surface concentrically striated,
shell thick.

This shell resembles the T. machceriformisj bnt the anterior
end is proportionally longer and more regularly round, the pos-
terior narrower and more attenuated, and the convexity of the
shell much greater. It is much smaller and proportionally more
elongated than the T. nasuta of the Trenton Limestone.

22. Tellinomya angustata. N. sp.

Shell elongate, narrow elliptical, more than twice as long a&
wide, beaks fully one third from the anterior end. The anterior
and posterior ends similar and equally rounded ; basal margin
regularly curved without indentation or sinuosity. Surface even-
ly convex and very finely concentrically striated.

23. Leptodomus, (Sanguinolites,) aratus. N. sp.

Shell rhomboid-ovate, ventricose, beaks at the anterior third of
the valve, incurved and pointed forward, umbones gibbous, a
slight depression from the umbo directly to the base of the shell
leaving a slight impression in the central margin ; posterior slope
sub-angular, the angle not defined ; anterior slope with a defined
angular ridge which borders a large cordiform liinette ; anterior
sharply rounded ; basal margin nearly parallel with the hinge
line, curving upwards at the posterior extremity, and somewhat
obliquely truncated from the cardinal line. Cardinal line straight
posteriorly, with a wide and deep ligamental area. Surface
marked by strong unequal ridges and furrows parallel to the
basal margin, which become obsolescent on the posterior cardinal
slope.

It is scarcely possible to refer any fossil with satisfaction to the
genera Sanguinolites or Leptodomus of McCoy, since the group-
ing of species under these names appears to us to comprise a
heterogeneous assemblage in either case. Our shell corresponds
in its external features with Leptodomus costellatus of McCoy, so
far as the general form, surface markings, ligamental area, etc.
and is doubtless generically identical with that shell.

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia, 153

24. MfiaAMBONlA (?) CANCELLATA. N. Sp. Fig. 12.

Shell sub-ovate, widening posteriorly ; beak anterior incurved,
umbo gibbous, with a gibbous umbonial slope on the posterior
side, which is scarcely diverging from the cardinal line ; posterior
extremity rounded, the basal margin arcuate, with a slight im-
pression anterior to the middle, the anterior end a little gibbous.
Surface cancellated by concentric and radiating elevated striae.

It is not possible from the specimen before me to refer this
species satisfactorily to any known genus.

25. Megambonia striata. N. sp.

Shell somewhat oval, the basal and cardinal lines nearly parallel ;
beak sub- anterior, small ; umbones convex, scarcely gibbous ;
umbonial slope regularly convex, below which is a slight depres-
sion reaching to the postero-basal margin ; posterior end rounded,
fthe longer part of the curve on the basal side. Anterior end
short and narrow, somewhat abruptly rounded. Surface marked
by regularly radiating rounded striae with faint concentric lines
of growth.

This diflfers from the preceding species in being less gibbous,
in the more nearly parallel cardinal and basal lines, in the direc-
tion of the umbonial ridge, and in the stronger radiating strise.

24. AvicuLA HoNEYMANi. N. sp. Fig. 13.

Left valve : body of the shell obliquely ovate, convex and
somewhat gibbous towards the umbo, anterior wing small round-
ed, posterior wing large triangular, obtuse at the extremity, ex-
tending two-thirds the length of the shell. The line between the
wing and body of the shell well defined by a slight abrupt de-
presssion along the junction. Surface marked by rounded radiat-
ing strise which are interrupted by fainter concentric undulations
or lines of growth ; the wing is marked only by concentric
striae.

This species bears some resemblance to A. emacerata of the
Niagara and Clinton groups of New York ; but its form is slightly
more oblique, and the wing is marked only by concentric striae,
■while in the New York species the radiating lines on this part
are stronger than the concentric ones.

154 Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia.

25. MuRCHisoNiA Arisaigensis. N. sp.

Shell teretely conical, volutions about five, gradually increasing
from the apex, rounded with a slight angulation or carina in the
middle. The surface is unknown and the angular band on the
volution is the only means of determining its generic rela-
tions.

This differs from any of the described species of Murchisonia
from American localities.

26. Murchisonia aciCulata. N. sp.

Shell slender, very gradually tapering, volutions about six or
seven, the last ones moderately ventricose, aperture elongate-oval
or ovate, rounded at the anterior margin, columella plain ; volu-
tions marked by a distinct band along the centre, and a sub-sutu-
ral carina marking the upper side of the volutions; surface

striated.

Fig. 13. Fig. 15.

Fig. U.

ii

2?. HoLOPEA REVERSA. N. sp. Fig. 14.

Shell small, sinistral ; spire depressed, volutions about three ;
the two first small and gradually expanding, the last one rapidly
expanding and ventricose ; aperture wide expanded ; suture im-
pressed. Surface unknown.

This shell has the general form of Holopea, but I have seen
only a single specimen, which is a cast. It is remarkable and
readily recognised from the sinistral spire.

28. Orthoceras punctostriatum. N. sp. Fig. 15.

Shell slender, very gradually tapering, almost cylindrical;
Septa distant about one third the diameter. Siph uncle central;
section circular. Surface very finely striated with unequal undu-
lating strisG, the interstices between which, are punctse which are
oblong indentations often becoming confluent.

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia, 155

This species is remarkable for its extremely gently tapering
form ; the fragment of more than an inch long, showing scarcely
a perceptible diminution in diameter. There are twelve and a
half chambers in the space of one inch. The surface markings
are peculiar, and among the species of the genus known to us
constitute a distinctive character.*

Fig. 16.

29. CoRNULiTES rLEXUosus. var. gracilis.

This fossil resembles the one in the Clinton group of New
York, but is somewhat more slender, and the annulations a little
more closely arranged. The specimens from the rocks of New
York present some variation in form, and the comparative dis-
tance of the annulations. None of them, however, are so slender
as the Nova Scotia specimens.

30. HoMALONOTus Dawsoni. N. sp. Fig. 17.

Caudal shield somewhat parabolic, obtuse at the extremity, very
convex, width at the anterior side greater than the length of the

* The Arisaig beds afford at least three other species of Orthoceras.
Cne, the largest of the three, has a marginal inflated siphuncle, and the
septa about one-eighth of an inch apart, for a specimen two inches in
diameter. It tapers very gently, and in all the specimens found is ellipti-
cal in its cross section. It occurs in the upper series. A second, found in
the lower series, is marked with strong annulations placed closely to-
gether. A third, occurring in the upper series, and discovered since
the specimens were submitted to Professor Hall, is a very beautiful
species, apparently new, but closely resembling O. perelegans, Salter,
of the Lower Ludlow formation. It is cylindrical, but slightly flattened ;
septa very convex and one-twentieth of an inch apart in a specimen half
an inch in diameter ; siphuncle central. Surface with slight rounded
annulations from one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch apart, and covered
with delicate transverse stria, scarcely visible to the naked eye, and
about sixteen in a line. Under the microscope the striae appear as thin
sharp parallel curved ridges, the spaces between being finely granulated
and wider than the ridges. I would name this species 0. elegantulum. —
J. W. D.

156 Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia.

axis. Axis wider than the lateral lobes, distinguishable (in casts)
from the lobes by a bending of the ribs and a scarcely perceptible
depression along that line ; annulations abruptly prominent ; seven
on the lateral lobes and nine on the axis, the anterior ones bend-
ing slightly backward at the line of division between the axis
and the lateral lobe ; each successive one bending more and more
abruptly till the last one approaches a rectangular turn ; the whole
curving gently forward at their extremities, and all terminating
abruptly before reaching the margin. Behind the seventh annula-
tion the axis is marked by two more annulations, leaving nearly
one-fourth of its length smooth.

This species is described from the casts and impressions of the
caudal shield, so that the crustaceous covering is unknown. It is
readily distinguished by the broad not prominent axis, the rect-
angular direction of the annulations on the axis, and their abrupt
bending at the lateral furrow. An impression of a few imperfect
annulations of the body shows that they are strongly elevated,
much more so than in any known American species.

31. Calymene Bltjmenbachii. var.

Caudal shield somewhat semicircular, axis very prominent,
marked by about seven annulations, lateral lobes marked by five
ribs the four anterior ones bifurcating. Surface granulose. The
specimens are not sufficient to make any satisfactory determina-
tions regarding specific difierences.

Fig. IT. Fig. 18.

32. Dalmania Logani. N. sp. Fig. 18.

The specimens are two or three imperfect cephalic shields, one
preserving the palpebral lobes, and others consisting principally of
the glabella, with two or three parts of caudal shields. There is
a fragment of a cheek which may be of this species. Cephalic
shield somewhat semicircular. Glabella ovate, wider in front and
truncate behind, depressed convex ; occipital ring narrow, pro-
minent ; occipital furrow bending a little forward in the middle
and curving gently backward in the middle of each side, and

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia. 157

again turning forward ; posterior furrows narrow and sliarply im-
pressed, each one extending about one third across the glabella
and curving forward at their outer extremities ; central furrow
linear, obscure, having a direction transverse to the axis ; anterior
furrow obscure oblique to the axis, linear, extending to the margin
of the glabella a little forward of the eye ; frontal lobe regularly
rounded anteriorly. A fragment of a cheek in the same associa-
tion is broad, produced posteriorly in a short strong spine, and
marked by a broad sub-marginal groove. Caudal shield somewhat
semi-elliptical, convex, acute behind, axis very prominent, rounded
and marked by about eight annulations, which are gently curved
backward at the extremities ; lateral lobes with six simple flat-
tened ribs which terminate in a thickened border, and separated
from the axis by a strongly defined furrow ; extremity abruptly
pointed.

The glabella of this species more nearly resembles Phacops in
the general form and faintly impressed furrows, of which the pos-
terior one is conspicuous. The form of the palpebral lobe, and
the absence of tubercles at the base of the glabella, together with
the form of the caudal shield, ally it with Dalmania, and it may be
compared with D. Phillipsi of Barrande, but has a more pointed
caudal shield, and the cheek, if correctly referred, is prolonged in
a posterior spine.*

33. Beyrichia pustulosa. N. sp. Fig. 19.

Yalves unequally semi-oval, a little more than once and a half
as long as wide ; surface marked by three prominent ridges ; cen-
tral, anterior, and posterior. The central one is' a single oblong
oval tubercle which is directly transverse to the dorsal margin and
a little nearer the anterior side. The anterior ridge consists of a
single highly elevated, rounded or papillose tubercle near the dor-
sal margin, and an elongated elliptical tubercle placed obliquely
near the antero-ventral margin, and in older specimens sometimes
swelling and spreading over the margin. The posterior ridge
rises near the dorsal margin, and making a slightly broader curve
than the posterior end of the valve approaches the ventral margin
at the centre : the ridge is high and angular with a small prominent

• Attached to a fragment of one of these trilobites is a small Spirorbis.
It is dextral, with two to three turns, and rounded concentric wrinkles
on the last whorl. — J. W. D.

158 Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia.

tubercle at the dorsal extremity, and from four to six smaller
spine-like tubercles along its curve. The central ridge or tuber-
cle is separated from the lateral ridge by a distinct furrow, and
its continuation from the base of the tubercle passes between the
lower ends of the two lateral ridges. Ventral and lateral mar-
gins with a narrow thickened rim.

This species resembles very nearly the l^. tuherculata of Klo-
den, as described and figured by Mr. T. Rupert Jones. In our
specimens the dorsal angles are more rounded ; the posterior ridge
at its base is never extended beyond the middle of the valve, and
is marked on its crest by several small spine-like tubercles. The
anterior ridge is usually more extended along the ventral margin
in our specimens, aud the furrow is better defined, while the
tubercles are never flattened above or overhanging the base as
shown in the European specimens. Smaller specimens, which ap-
pear to be the young of this species, present some slight variations
of surface markings, but show less difiference than the young of
B. tuherculata.

Fig. 19. Fig. 20.

34. Beyrichia eqilatera. N. sp. Fig. 20.

Nearly equilateral, very convex, marked by three smooth or
nearly smooth ridges. The central ridge is an oblong tubercle
reaching from near the dorsal margin a little more than half way
to the ventral margin. The posterior ridge is a little larger, but
scarcely differing in form from the anterior one, its ventral ex-
tremity terminating beneath or a little in advance of the middle
of the central tubercle. The furrow is narrow but well defined
on the two sides of the central tubercle, and becoming shallow in
its passage to the marginal furrow ; ventral and lateral margins
thickened.

35. Leperdita sinuata. N. sp.

Minute sub-ovate, anterior end narrow, dorsal line one-third
shorter than the length of the valve ; an extremely minute tuber-
cle near the anterior end. Centre extremely convex or ventricose ;
ventral margin near the posterior end a little sinuous, or indented
from the inner-side. Surface smooth under an ordinary lens.

Silurian Fossils of Nova Scotia, 159

Two specimens only of this species have been observed, both of
them having the same dimensions.

36. Tentaculites distans. var.

The specimens under examination do not present any important
points of difference from those of the Clinton group in New York,
In the Nova Scotia specimens there are numerous annulations
near the apex, which are not observable in the New York speci-
mens.

37. Helopora feagilis, var. acadiensis.

The specimens under examination offer no very important dif-
ference from those in New York, and as the Nova Scotia examples
have been more or less compressed and worn, they are scarcely in
a satisfactory condition for nice discrimination.

All the above fossils belong to the Arisaig series of Mr. Daw-
son's paper. Nos. 4, 10, 30, 36 and 37 appear characteristic of
the dark and olive shales of the lower member, in which are also
StropTiomena profunda^ S. ruffosa, Orthis testudinaria, Atrypa
emacerata, Khynconella equiradiata, Graptolithus Clintonensis,
and crinoidal columns ; also a Modiolipsis allied to 31. subcari.
natus. The remaining species are in the coarse limestone and
reddish shale of the upper member, in which are also StropTio-
mena corrugata, Atrypa reticularis , Rhynconella neglecta^ Lin-
gula ohlongaj Bucania trilohita, and a Chmtetes or Steiwpora
similar to that of the Clinton formation. Cornulites flexuosus is
almost the only species which occurs equally in both groups of
beds. Some of the CUdophori are also found in both groups.

REVIEW.

Notes of a Clerical Furlough, chiefly spent in the Holy Land, with a
sketch of the voyage out in the Yacht "St. Ursula." By Robert
Buchanan, D.D. Third thousand. Glasgow, Blackie & Sons:
Montreal, B. Dawson & Son. pp. 437, with illustrative maps.

This book is written by one of the most esteemed and accom-
plished ministers of Glasgow, Scotland. It is the fruits of a
voyage in the private yacht of Mr. Tennant, a wealthy manufao-

160 Review,

turer of tliat city. The incidents of the voyage are most agree-
ably related. The party landed at Alexandria in Egypt, and
visited Cairo and the Pyramids, of which places the author gives
most graphic descriptions. Returning to Alexandria, they went
on to Jaffa — the ancient Joppa, the port of Palestine. From that
place they journeyed to Jerusalem, At every prominent place,
vivid and most interesting descriptive accounts are given of the
physical appearances of the country, together with interesting
notices of the historical events associated with the localites. In-
stead of entering Jerusalem by the Jaffa Gate, the travellers took
a detour to the Mount of Olives, which after much fatigue, they
reached at night-fall, and spent a cold and comfortless night in
an upper room in the Mohammedan Mosque. This, however, was
the finest point for viewing the city and its environs. In the
morning they descended the Mount, and wended their way along
the road which the Saviour frequently traversed on His journeys
to and from Jerusalem. The remarkable spots on this route, and
the language of Scripture which they illustrate, are carefully
noted. We have read nothing more artistic and eloquent than
the descriptive parts of this entrance into Jerusalem, Having
spent some time in the sacred city, and having visited the Dead
Sea and the River Jordan, our travellers extended their journey
northward through the classic ground of Samaria, on to the
sacred Sea of Galilee. Here, with loving reverence and deep
emotion, they linger among the scenes in which so many of the
Lord's wonderful miracles w^ere wrought. They went on to Lake
Merom and the sources of the Jordan ; and visiting Damascus,
they then crossed the range of Lebanon, and examining the ruins
of Baalbec, passed on to Tripoli, where they embarked again
for home. "While this book aims only at a familiar narrative of
•what was seen and experienced in Palestine, it yet exhibits an ex-
tensive and accurate erudition. If not so elaborate, it is as
accurate and critical as Stanley's. In his powers of impresssing
the prominent features of a scene, with its most interesting
accessories, vividly upon the mind of the reader, Dr. Buchanan
excels any of the late writers on the Holy Land. We know of
no more fascinating or delightful book of travels than this is, and
would specially recommend it as most suitable for the family
library.

A. F. K.

MONTHLY METEOEOLOGICAL REGISTER, ST. MARTINS, ISLE JESUS, CANADA EAST, (NINE MILES WEST OF MONTREAL,) FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, I860.

Latitude, 45 degrees 32 minutes North. Longitude, 73 degrees 36 minutes West. Height above the level of the Sea, 118 feet.

BY CHARLES SMALLWOOD, M.D., LL.D.

Barometer— corrected
and reduced to

(English iiichcfl.)

6 a. m. I 2 p. m. 10 p. m.'

30.143
130
470
141
014

29.380
600
860
667
604

30. 102
005

29.642

30. 017
252

29.424

894

801

874

076

f.76

1)G1

30.2+1

29. 979

30. 321

157

30. 205
280
300
197
003
29. 320
629
874
109
897
914
729
680
864
041
422
799
614
340
650
754
462
028
682
827
30. 164
29. 960
30.300
030

SO. 173

260

201

053

20.840

375

860

899

068

30. 131

29. 862

974

701

142

846

689

876

374

771

664

950

297

320

779

971

30. 090

29. 901

30. 260

29. 054

Temperature of the
Air.-F.

25.0

-11.6

1.0

1.0

—5.6

33.0

30.1

20.6

18.2

4.6

—13.3

—1.1

15.1

—1.1

—8.1

20.0

—13.0

-19.2

8.9

1.0

26.0

17.2

35.4

16.0

10.4

3.7

15

20.1

21.7

—5.2
12.1
16.8
17.9
28.7
40.9
33.2
26.8
38.9

1.0
—4.1
18.0
31.9
16.9

7.0
25.8
12.6

4.0
12.9
25.3
49.5
42 4
38.1
21.1
25.0
22.7
46.1
28.4
32

10 p. m.

-11.1

2.1

3.2

10.9

30.8

37.0

23.4

18.6

37.7

—5.0

—1.0

11.0

23.1

1.0

6.5

10.3

-7.2

3.1

6.4

28.3

31.0

39.9

34.2

15.1

13.2

19.0

39.0

21.1

31.6

Tension of Aqueous
Vapour.

.010
.116
.032
.041
.029
.168
.118
.091
.088
.038
.012
.023
.070
.028
.018
.091
.019
.008
.051
.030
.111
.076
.183
.059
.052
.030
.072
.091
.106

2 p. ui. LO p. m.

.026
.039
.053
.068
.129
.212
.170
.105
.195
.031
.035
.082
.148
.065
.036
.123
.039
.038
.054
.111
.272
.261
.223
.064
.094
.079

.015
.038
.0.12
.057
.161
.199
.100
.093
.209
.022
.036
.051
.106
. 0.33
.037
.051
.019
.036
.037
.135
.113
.231
.191
.061
.059
.087
.301
.111
.180

Humidit.v of the
Atmosphere.

6 a. m.

2 p. m.

.64

.70

.66

.67

.70

.68

.85

.67

.81

.80

.88

.83

.88

.87

.84

.75

.90

.80

.73

.71

.49

.66

.68

.83

.81

.80

.66

.62

.68

.66

.84

.88

.74

.51

.40

.73

.78

.71

.69

.81

.81

.78

.80

.96

.91

.95

.65

.66

.71

.63

.69

.65

.82

.84

.85

.82

.86

.88

.55
.73
.80
.79
.90
.90
.60
.60
.90
.63
.84
.70
.85
.70

.97
.73
.74

.84

Direction of "Wind.

6 a, m. 2 p. ni. 10 p. ra.

N. E. by E.
N. 13. b.v E.
N. E. bv E.
N. E. bv E.
S. E. by E.
S.byli.
W.

s.w.
s. w.

W. by N.
W. S W.

N. E. by E.
S. S. E.

w. s. \v.

N. N. E.
E. by S.
W.
S.W.

N. E. by E.
S.byE.
S. W. bv S.
N. E. by E.
S. S. W.

w. s. w.

S. V. by S.
W. by N.
N. E. by E.
N.E.
N. E. by B.

.s. s. w.

E. by E.
N. E. by E.
N. B. by E.
E. by S.
S. by B.
W. by S.
W. S. W.
S. W. bv S.
W. N. W.
W. S. W.
S.W.
S. by W.
W. S. W.
N.B.by E.
S, by E.
W.

N. E. by E.
W.

S. by E.
S. by W.
S.lyE.

s. s. w.
w. s. w.

S.W.
S.W.

S. E.
N.N. E.
N. E. by E.

N. E. byE.

N. B. by E.

S.E. bvE.

E. by S.

S.W.

S.W.

W. S. W.

S.W.

N. N. W.

N. E. by E.

S.W.

W. N. W.

W.

N. N. B.

W.

W.

N.E. byE.

W. by N.

S. W. by S.

S. 8. W.

S.E.

W. S. W.

W. S. W.

W.

S. S. B.

S. by W.

N. E. by E.

N. E. by E.

jSd

0.52

1.90

42.60

100. 10

136. 20

261.00

67.70

17,90

655. 10

117.70

146.90

6.90

106.70

151.40

223. 00

67.00

110. 60

639. 60

12:S. 20

103.10

69.80

111.60

397.40

91.80

87.00

26.10

201. 00

127.30

OZONE.

Mean
amount

of, in
inches.

5
0.5
1.5
2.5
2.6
6.3
4.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
3.3
4.0
3.3
3.3
6.0
(1.6
3.0
3.3
1.6
1.3
7.6
6.6
4.0
3.3
4.6
8.0
6.0
10.0

Amount
of, in
inches.

Inapp.

liiapp.

Inapp.

0.295
0.147

Inapp,

"o'.iii

Amount
of, in
inches.

WEATHEB, CLOUDS, EEUARKB, &C.&C.

[A cloudy sky is represented by 10, a cloudless one by 0.]

Inapp.
Inapp.

0.60

Inapp.
Inapp.

7.90

Clear.
Uazv.
Cu. Str.

loo

6.10
1.10

10.
10.

10.
10.

Clear.
Snow.
Clear.
Cu._Str.

Clear.

Snow.
Clear.

Snow.
Cu. Str.
Cir. Cum.
Cu. Str.
Clear.
Cu.Str.

Clear.
Cu. Str.

2 p. m.

10 p. m.

Clear.
Cirri
Cu. Str.
Clear.
Cu. Str.

Clear.

Cu. Str. 10.

Clear.

Cu. Str. 4,

SliRht snow

Clear.

C. C. Str. i.

Snow.

Clear.

Cu. Str. 10

Clear.
Cu. Str.
Cirr. Cum.
Clear.
CuStr.

Lunar Halo.

2.
4.
10.

10.
10.

10.
4.
10.

Clejir.
Clear.

Slight Rain.
Clear.
Snow.

Cu. Str. 10.
10.

Clear.
Clear.
Clear.
Clear.
Snow.
Clear.

Clear.
Bain.

Cirri 2

Clear.

Cu. Cu. 4.
Cu. Str. 10.
4.
Bain.

Zodiacal Light.
Imperfect Lunar Halo-

Aurora Borcalis.

Aurora Borealis.
Cu. Str. 10.
Clear. Splendid Aurora Borealis.
Cu. Str. 2. Aurora Borealis.
Cu. St. 10.
Clear.

Cu. Str.

10.

4.

10.

10.

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 1800.

Barometer— corrected
and reduced to

sail F.
(English inches.)

6 a.m.

2 p.m.

29.715

29.583

125

610

30.102

431

29.300

434

768

500

856

722

8M

600

353

256

452

462

348

301

517

440

669

625

976

850

971

797

30.017

662

130

747

050

994

169

939

29. 920

492

351

012

479

627

327

318

541

321

126

080

211

231

679

632

767

617

361

350

601

400

671

183

162

28.714

29. 533
30.043
29. 087
7.59
612
901
420
620
479
451
601
870
914
790
911
942
949
932
479
309
621
500
329
210
600
829
610
471
514
161

Temperature of the
Air.- P.

32.1
32.3
21.3
31.0
11.1
8.3
19.1

16.0
20.0
18.9
11.4
13.4
24.4
29.0
31.1
30.1
30.0
39.0
BO.O
10.1
6.4
21.1
19.0
23.6
13.1
34.6
17.0
21.2
33.0

2 p.m.

35.0

41.3

32.4

34.0

26.8

27.0

38.2

42.8

32.1

28.4

33.0

26.9

35.9

41.0

49.6

57.9

64.1

62.0

60.0

39

24.0

20.9

31.0

62.0

34.0

36.2

40.0

36.1

33.7

52.6

61.1

34.8
32.2
39.2
31.1
10.9
20.9
34.4
36.7
21.6
21.1
38.3
37.0
22.7
31.0
36.1
46.0
39.4
37.6
49.0
37.0
17.0
17.3
23.6
26.1
31.6
26.3
33.0
26.9
27.6
40.0
45.0

Tension of Aqueous
Vapour.

6 a.m. 2 p.m. 10 p.m.

.168
.175
.090
.155
.007
.057
.077
.136
.123
.070
.090
.087
.056
.052
.105
.129
.155
.148
.148
.201
.106
.048
.049
.080
.081
.100
.060
.14«
.078
.100
.182

.201
.328
.156
.170
.123
.099
.201
.230
.143
.129
.113
.112
.170
.190
.290
.313
.362
.331
.317
.233
.094
.096
.141
.131
.155
.149
.182
.170
.162
.382
.383

.196
.165
.301
.080
.018
.085
.190
.181
.090
.080
.138
.129
.079
.112
.177
.311
.190
.178
. 223
.199
.068
.078
.100
.117
.119
.117
.156
.115
.123
.221
.251

Humidity of the
Atmosphere.

6 a.m. 3 p.m.

1.00
.87

.87
.69
.86
.85
.79
.82
.79
.76
.80
.71

.87

.95

.7S
.85
.75
.70
.79
.71
.73
.80
.M
.73
.71

Du-ection of Wind.

N. B. by E,

W. S. \1

N. E. by B.

8. by V>.

S. W. by S.

S.E.

N. N. E.

8. B. by E.

N. W.

E.

W.

N. B. by E.

S.W. bvS.

S. W. by W,

S. W. by S.

S. by W.

8. by E.

E.

E. by N.

S. S. E.

W. bv S.

W. by N.

S.W.

s. s. w.
w. s. w.
w.

S. W. by S.
S.

s. s. w.

KS.S

64.00

251. 30

118.80

147. 60

165.00

121.70

157.70

146.60

137.10

654.40

451.80

211.80

172.20

9.70

2.20

0.80

1.00

0.00

0.00

1.00

,133.90

306.30

65.90

220. 80

161.90

176. 10

90.80

194. 00

21.60

2.10

152. 00

Mean

amount

of.

10.0
7.0
13
1.3
3.0
3.0
3.0
l.t
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.6
0.5
10
1.5
1.5
1.3
3.3
3.0
4 3
2.0
2.3
1.0
2.3
3.3
3.8
1.0
1.0
1.3
4.0
2.0

Amount,
of, in
inches.

Inapp.

Amount
of, in
inches,

Inapp.

0.11
Inapp.

1.00

Inapp.

Inapp,

0.61
1.38

Inapp.
1.10

"WEATHER, CLOUDS, REMAEKS, &-C. &C.

[A cloudy sky is represented by 10, a cloudless one by 0.]

10.
10.

Cu.Str.

Clear.

Cu. Str.
Clear.
C. Str.
Clear.

Snow.

Clear.

Cu. Str. 10.

Clear.

Cu. Str.

Snow,
Clear.
Cu. Str.
Snow.
Cu. Str.
Clear.

Cu. Str.
Clear.
C. C. Str.

10.
10.

2. p. m.

10 p. ui.

Slight raic

Rain.

3u. Str.

C.

:lear.

"

9.

:u. Str. 10.

Snow.

Clear.

Cu. Str. 10.

31 ear.

Dlear.

Snow.

Rain.

3u. Str.

9.

Su. Cir. 4.

"

10.

CuStr. 10.

"

10.

Cu. Str. 10.

31ear.

Clear.

Cu. Str.

10.

Clear. Faint Aurora Borealis.

Clear.

Clear. Aurora Borealis.

Clear. Aurora Borealis.

Clear.

Clear. Aurora Borealis.

Clear. Aurora Bor. Solar Halo.

Clear. Aurora Borealis.

Clear. Axirora Boreahs.

Bain.

Cu. Str. 9.

Snow.

Cu. Str. 10.

Cu. Str.

10.

Cear.

Clear.

C ear. Aurora Borealis.

C. C. Str.

S

Cu. Str. 10.

Snow.

Cu. Str. 10.

Cu. Str.

4.

Cu. Str. 10.

Clear.

Clear.

Cu. Str.

4.

C. C. Str. 9.

10.

Clear.

Clear.

Clear.
Clear.

REMARKS FOR FEBRUARY, 1859,

("Higliest, the 3rd day, 30-470 inches.

Barometer \ iv"^"!?*,' Hi® 23r^ ^^' 29-028 "

-J Monthly Mean, 29.813

Rantre, 1.412

C Highest, the 21 st day. 49 ° 5.
1 Lowest, the l8t clay, —25= u
■ 1 Monthly Mean, 15 o 70.

Thermometer,,

LMontiiiy Eange, 74o b!
Greatest intensity of the Sun's rays, 68 ° 1.
Lowest point of Terrestrial radiation, —27 ° 4.
Mean of Humidity, .751,

Rain fell on 7 days, amountinR to 0.610 inches; it was raininK
S9 hours and 65 minutes. "*

Snow fell on 8 days, amounting to 15.60 inches ; it was snow-
ing 48 hours and 25 minutes.

Most prevalent mud. the N. E. by E.

Least prevalent wind, the S.

Most windy day, the 10th day ; mean miles per hour, 28.30,

Least windy day, the 2nd day ; mean miles per hour, 0.18.

Aurora Borealis visihle on 4 nights.

Lunar Haloes visible on 2 nights.

The Electrical state of the Atmosphere has indicated mode-
rate intensity.

Zodiacal Light visible. Venus prevents an early or well
denned view.

(Highest, the I8th day. 30.159 inches.

Barometer ■<5v'*"'^fV ^!?P ^^^^ **ay, 28.714 "

IMonlhly Mean, 29.662 "

( Monthly Kange, 1.445 "
f Highest, the 31st day, 61=*1.

Thermometer. -^fefV ^fe ^***o^.*^V^,°3-
J Monthly Mean, 30° 53.

I Monthly Range, 52 o 8.
Greatest intensity of the Sun's rays, 83 °0.
Lowest point of terrestrial radiation, 8*0.
Mean of humidity, -813.

Rain fell on 3 days, amounting to 0.378 inches ; it \vzs raining
23 hours 10 mmutes.

REMARKS FOR MARCH, 1860.

Snow fell on 10 days, amounting to 4.10 inches ; it was snow-
ing 43 hours 1 minute.
Most prevalent wind, the \V.
Least prevalent wind, the E.

Most windr day, the lOth day ; mean miles per hour, 27.26.
Least windy day, the 10th day ; calm.

Crows first seen on the 1st day.
Song Sparrow {Frangilla melodia) first heard on 10th day.
Distant Lightning on the 5th day.
"Wild Geese {Anser Canadensis) first seen on 27th day.
Aurora Borealis visible on 8 nights.
Solar Halo visible on 1 day.

Tho Electrical stato of the atmosphere has indicated rather
feeble intensity.

THE

CANADIAN

MTUEALIST AND GEOLOGIST.

Vol. YI. JUNE, 1860. No. 3.

ARTICLE. XllL—JSrew Species of Fossils from the Lower Si-
lurian Rocks of Canada. By E. Billings.

(From the Re-port of the Geological Survey for 1860.)

Straparollus Circe. N. s.

Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3.

Fig. 1. — Straparollus Circe. Front view.
2. — Vertical view of the spire.
3. — View of the umbilicus.

Description. — Depressed conical, heiglit a little more than half
the width, apical angle about 125*^; apex rounded, not acute;
whorls four or five, with a nearly circular section ; umbilicus
deep, conical, extending quite to the apex, about one third the
width of the shell. Aperture nearly circular, the height slightly
exceeding the width, scarcely indented by the preceding whorl
Surface nearly smooth. Suture distinct.
Can. Nat. 1 Vol. VI.

162 Silurian Fossils of Canada.

Width of the only specimen examined eight lines ; height fire
lines ; width of aperture three lines.

This species closely resembles the original Straparollus
Dionysii upon which Montfort established the genus. It also
approaches Euomphalus cT/clostomus, (Hall). Geology of Iowa PL
VI. fig., 6 (Hamilton Group Iowa).

Locality and Formation. — Pauquettes Rapids, Ottawa River,
Black River, and Birdseye. (very rare).

Collector. — Sir W. E. Logan.

Straparollus Eurydice. N. s.

"\ ;^;lV^^, |ft||;f

Fig. 4. Fig. 5.

Fig. 4. — Straparollus Eurydice. Front view.
5. — Side view.

Description. — Conical, apical angle about 60°, rounded not
acute ; height and width about equal ; whorls five, with a nearly
circular section, uniformly ventricose ; suture distinct ; umbilicus
small, deep, one sixth the width of the base of the shell ; the body
whorl obtusely carinated close to the edge of the umbilicus ; the
aperture nearly circular, its height slightly exceeding the width.
Surface with obscure lines of growth, which cross the whorl a
little obliquely from the suture downwards and backwards ; a few
wide shallow undulations parallel with the lines of growth.

Height seven lines ; width the same ; width of aperture three
lines, height three and a half.

Locality and Formation. — Pauquettes Rapids, River Ottawa,
Black River, and Birdseye.

Collector. — Sir W. E. Logan.

Straparollus asperostriatus. N. s.

Description. — Shell small, depressed-conical ; apical angle be-
tween 80° and 90° ; whorls about three with a nearly circular
section, regularly ventricose above ; obscurely carinated along the
middle on the underside, suture distinct, umbilicus about one
fourth the width of the shell, penetrating to the apex ; aperture
circular. Surface with strong sharply elevated lines of growth,

Silurian Fossils of Canada. 163

wliich on crossing the wliorl are deflected gently backwards until
on approaching the base of the body whorl, they turn a little for-
ward and pass vertically into the umbilicus. There are six strias
in the width of one line. Width of only specimen seen five lines,
height four lines ; width of aperture two and a half lines.

This species differs from S. Circe in being much smaller, and in
having the surface so strongly striated as to present a pecu-
liarly rough file-like appearance ; only one specimen has been col-
lected, but as it exhibits the aspect of a mature shell, I am in-
clined to think the species is small.

Locality and Formation. — Pauquettes Rapids, Ottawa River,
Black River, and Birdseye, (apparently rare).

Collector. — Sir W. E. Logan.

The following species of Pleurotomaria have been usually
referred to P. lenficularis, (Sowerby) but they all appear to be
distinct from that species.

Pleurotomaria Progne. N. s.

Fig. 6.
Fig. 6. — Pleurotomaria Progne.

Decription. — Lenticular ; about one inch and a half in width ;
spire depressed conical, apical angle about 140°, seldom more but
often a little less ; surface of spire presenting an uniform nearly
flat, smooth slope from the apex to the margin, the sutures in
perfect specimens being scarcely distinguishable although in casts
of the interior they are somewhat strong and deep. The margin
is narrowly rounded and does not exhibit the acute edge possessed
by such species as P. qualteriatus. On the under side the whorls
are uniformly depressed convex and the base, or all that portion
of the shell which lies below the margin, is usually nearly double
the bulk of the spire. When perfect the umbilicus is completely
closed, but in the casts of the interior, there is a small perforation.
The aperture is transversely sub-oval, scarcely sub-rhomboidal

164 Silurian Fossils of Canada.

and in perfect specimens the width must be nearly twice the
height. There are about four whorls. The surface appears to be
nearly smooth, but as the only specimens with the shell preserved,
that I have seen are silicified, they do not exhibit it perfectly.

This species differs from all those described by Hall in the
Palseontology of New York in having the umbilicus closed and
from the P. lenticularis and P. qualteriatus of the European
authors, not only in the same respect, but also in having the mar-
gin rounded instead of acute.

Locality and Formation. — City of Ottawa; near Montreal;
Belleville ; Trenton, and numerous other localities in Trenton
Limestone ; good specimens extremely rare.

Collectors.— ^iv W. E. L. ; A.M. ; J. R. ; E. B.

Pleurotomaria Americana.

P. lenticularis ?— Hall, Pal. N. Y., p. 172.
Not P. lenticularis. — Of European Authors.

Fig. 7.

Fig. Y. — Phurotoraaria Americana. A section through the umbilicus.
General form same as P. Progne, (see fig. 6) from which
species it only differs in having an open umbilicus.

Description. — Lenticular, one or two inches wide ; whorls four
or five, nearly fiat above, elevated into a depressed conical spire
with a nearly smooth continuous slope from the apex to the mar-
gin ; the latter obtusely rounded. On the under side the whorls
are moderately convex, forming a depressed conical base, the bulk
of which is always somewhat greater than that of the spire. The
umbilicus penetrates to the apex, and is in general somewhat less
than one third of the whole width of the shell. The aperture is
transversely sub-rhomboidal, the width about one third greater
than the height.

The surface is rarely preserved, but from such fragments of the
shell as I have seen it must be nearly smooth or at least very
finely striated.

Silurian Fossils of Canada, 165

This is the most common species of Pleurotomaria in the
Trenton Limestone, and is I have no doubt the same as that
figured by Prof. Hall in the work above cited, but surely it can-
not be the European species P. lenticularis to which it has been
referred. That species has a sharp edged margin. There are several
European species under the name P. lenticularis^ but it is the
Silurian form to which I refer.

P. rotuloides. — (Hall) has not the smooth spire, and concealed
suture of P. Americana^ and there is no other in the Palaeonto-
logy of New York, to which this species can be compared. It
may be that P. Progne and P. Americana should be classified as
one species, but at present I think the great difference in the um-
bilicus is sufficient to separate them.

Locality and Formation. — Trenton Limestone at Ottawa,
Montreal, Beauport, Trenton, Belleville, and St. Joseph's Island,
Lake Huron. Good specimens exceedingly rare.

Collectors,— ^ir W. E. L.; A.M.; J. R.; E. B.; R. B.

Pleurotomaria Helena. N. s.

Fig. 8.
Fig. 8. — Pleurotomaria Helena.

Description. — Sub-lenticular, with an elevated narrowly round-
ed margin ; spire depressed conical ; apical angle varying from 110°
to 125°, apex rounded not acute ; whorls about four, the last one
rather strongly concave on the upper side, the others only slightly
so. On the underside of the shell the whorls are moderately con-
vex, and the umbilicus closed. The aperture is a little wider than
high, the upper part of the inner lip slightly indented by the
body whorl, the lower half somewhat vertical, but rounded, the
lower part of the outer lip from the umbilicus to the margin of
the whorl gently convex, the portion above the margin concave.
In most specimens the suture is enamelled, the shell appearing to
be continuous from the apex to the margin, but in some, especially

166 Silurian Fossils of Canada

those which are a little worn, it can be more rr less distinctly-
seen ; the last whorl usually drops a little below the margin of the
next preceding, but even in such instances the suture is not very
distinct. In the specimens from shaly rocks no surface markings
are visible, but in those from the sandstone of Anticosti, the
striae are distinctly visible curving backwards from the suture to
the margin. They are very fine in general, but there are occasion-
ally a few coarse ones at distances of half a line or thereabouts
from each other. Width from ten to fifteen lines ; height a little
variable; usually about three fourths of the width.

This species is evidently allied to P. calcifera, but differs there-
from in having no umbilicus.

Variety. — Associated with the specimens upon which the above
description is founded are several others which have the last whorl
on the underside obtusely angulated at about two thirds the width
from the outside, this angulation forming the edge of a shallow
concave umbilicus, about one third of the whole width of the shell
but which does not appear to penetrate the spire more than half
the depth of the last whorl.

One of these specimens is nearly two inches wide, with the
strongly elevated margin forming a spiral ridge quite to the apex,
this character giving to the spire a more distinctly turretted aspect
than is exhibited by the specimen above figured. It may be that
these should constitute distinct species, but the fact of their hav-
ing been found associated together both at Lake Huron and Anti-
costi induces me to regard them as only varieties.

Locality and Formation. — Cape Smith, Lake Huron ; Hudson
Eiver Group ; and also in the same formation at Anticosti.

Collectors. — J. Richardson and R. Bell.

Ophileta Ottawaensis. N, s.

Description. — About one inch wide ; whorls four or five ; an
elevated sharp margin all round ; spire concave more or less de-
pressed below the plane of the margin ; underside of whorls regu-
larly ventricose; umbilicus wide, shallow, concave, exposing all
the whorls, occupying all the space within the outer whorl. Sur-
face not observed.

Width of largest specimen seen fourteen lines ; width of last
whorl at the aperture five lines ; depth of same four lines ; depth
of concavity of spire in the centre nearly one line ; of umbilicus
rather more than one line. The depth of the concavity of the

Silurian Fossils of Canada, 167

spire varies greatly. A small specimen eiglit lines wide consisting
of three wliorls lias the spire full two lines depressed below the
margin the lower side being nearly flat.

Fig. 9. Fig. 10.

Fig 9. — Ophileta Ottawaensis. Front view partly shewing the depres-
sed spire.
10. — View of the base. The specimen figured has the whorl more
slender than they are in the majority of the individuals.

In the geology of Kussia plate 23 Figs. 2a 2h De Verneuil and
De Keyserling have figured a species almost identical with this,
but they regard it as only a variety of Fleurotomaria qualteriatus.
It appears to me however to be a distinct species. We have in
the Trenton Limestone a number of species oi Pleurotomaria and
in some localities the individuals (although rarely perfect) are not
uncommon. Yet I have never seen any specimens that could be
considered as intermediate forms between the one here described
and those which belong to the group of P. qualteriatus.

This species differs from 0. compacta Salter principally in having
the umbilicus concave instead of flat.

Locality and Formation. — City of Ottawa, Trenton; not com-
mon.

Collector. — E. B.

Bellerophon Argo. (N. s.)
Description. — Lenticular ; from half an inch to an inch and a-half
in diameter, (usually about one inch) ; the dorsum with a rounded
edge and the sides rather strongly and uniformly convex. Whorls
three or four, each concealing about two-thirds of the one next
preceding it. Umbilicus small, exposing all the whorls in a series
of rectangular steps. Aperture not expanded, triangular, indented
on the ventral side to about one-third its height by the dorsum of
the penultimate whorl, the two sides gently convex uniting at
the dorsal angle at about 80^ or 90^. Surface apparently not
striated but often exhibiting some rough transverse undulations.

168

Silurian Fossils of Canada*

Diameter of a specimen of the ordinary size fifteen lines ; thick-
ness in the centre seven lines ; width of that portion of the umbi-
licus which is formed of the last whorl three lines ; of the portion
included in the penultimate whorl one line and one fourth ; width
of aperture at the base eight lines ; height about the same. A
small specimen nine lines in diameter is four lines and a-half in
thickness at the centre ; umbilicus two lines wide ; aperture five
lines wide at base and the same in height.

Locality and Formation. — This species occurs at Pauquettes
Rapids in the Black River and Birdseye Limestone and also at
Lake St. John at the same level.

Collectors. — Sir W. E. Logan. T. Richardson.

Bellerophon disculus. N. s.

Fig. 11. Fig. 12. Fig. 13.

Fig. 11. — Bellerophon disculus. Front view.
12. — Bellerophon Argo. Front view.
13. — Side view of the latter.

Description. — Lenticular ; compressed ; greatest thickness at the
umbilicus about one fourth the diameter ; the dorsum acutely ?
angular ; the sides gently convex next to the umbilicus, becoming
somewhat flat or very slightly concave towards the circumference.
Whorls two or three each concealing rather more than half
of the one next preceding it. Umbilicus small exposing all the
whorls in a series of rectangular steps. Aperture triangular, not
expanded, indented on the ventral side to about one third its height
by the preceding whorl ; the two sides gently convex uniting at
the dorsal angle at an angle of about 50°. Surface apparently
nearly smooth.

Diameter of the only specimen examined one inch ; thickness at
the umbilicus three lines ; width of umbilicus four lines.

S'lhirian Fossils of Canada.

169

This species agrees exactly with B. Argo in all respects ex-
cept in being only one half the thickness and in having the umbi-
licus a little larger. It is also closely allied to B. acutus Sowerby
but that species is, according to Sowerby and McCoy only six or
seven lines in diameter and nearly half as much in thickness.

Locality and Formation. — Blue Point Lake St. John's. Black
River and Birdseye Limestone.

Collector. — J. Bichardson.

Bellerophon Charon. N. s.

Fig. 14.

Fisr. 15.

Fig. 14. — Bellerophon Charon, Side view.
15. — Front view.

Description. — Sub-globular with a widely expanded aperture;
diameter about an inch. Whorls about three each concealing
half of the one next preceding it. Dorsum broadly rounded ; a
scarcely perceptible angulation along the median line, on each side
of which, especially towards the aperture the shell is in some speci-
mens very slightly flattened. The umbilicus is deep, penetrating
to the centre, exposing all the whorls, the inner ones only obscurely
seen, owing to their being imbedded in those preceding them. The
sides encircling the umbilicus narrowly rounded, not angular. The
aperture is very much expanded transversely, widely auriculated
on each side, the width being about three times the height ; the
ventral side indented by half the thickness of the preceding whorl
and the dorsal border apparently with a wide though not very deep
emargination. The surface apparently nearly smooth or only
very finely striated.

Diameter of a nearly perfect specimen, measured from the mid-
dle of the dorsal lip through the aperture to the opposite side, one
inch ; width of aperture at base sixteen lines ; height of aperture,
five lines ; width of last whorl at the entrance of the aperture, five
lines ; diameter of umbilicus, three lines. A cross section of the

170 Silurian Fossils of Canada*

wliorl would be elongate sub-oval (or owing to the indentation
caused by tlie preceding wliorl, reniform) in the proportion of
about two and a half to five.

Allied to B. rotundatiis, (Hall) but that species according to the
figures has the umbilicus full half the whole diameter, and the
whorl angulated at the sides. In this species the umbilicus is
about one fourth the whole diameter, and the whorls rounded at
the sides. The aperture also in B. Charon must be proportionally
much wider.

There appears to be some variation in the proportions of dif-
ferent individuals of this species, but as most of the specimens are
mere fragments, the amount cannot be determined at present.

Locality and Formation. — Pauquettes Rapids, Black River,
and Birdseye Limestone.

Collector, — Sir W. E. Logan.

Genus Piloceras (Salter.)
PiLOCERAS (Salter) Quart. Jour. Geo. Soc. vol. 15, p. 376. 1859.

This genus consists of short, thick, curved Orthoceratites, with
a very large siphuncle, the smaller extremity of which is, for a
short distance, filled with a solid secretion so organised as to exhi-
bit the appearance of several hollow cones inserted one within
another.

The specimens upon which Mr. Salter founded the genus were
imperfect and did not exhibit the true septa, but there are now
in the collection of the Greological Survey of Canada two frag-
ments of difibrent individuals of a species of this genus, with
several of the septa well preserved, so that there can be no doubt
of their existence. The discovery of these fossils, and also of
Maclurea Atlantica in Canada, furnish an interesting additional
proof of the value of organic remains in establishing the equiva-
lency of widely separated deposits of rock. When Sir R. I. Mur-
chison, in 1857, announced that certain beds of limestone in
Scotland were of the age of the Calciferous Sandrock and Chazy
formations of Canada and New York, the only evidence consisted
of a few imperfect fossils, among which were an Ophileta, consi-
dered by Mr. Salter to be either identical with or closely allied to
the Canadian 0. compacta, together with a Maclurea of a new
species and several Orthocerites, resembling in aspect those asso-

Silurian Fossils of Canada*

171

ciated with the genera Opliihta and Maclurea in this country.
Their Maclurea PeacJiii has a long spiral operculum, very unlike
anything then known on this side of the Atlantic, and it was not
suspected that the genus Plloceras would ever be found here at all.
But we have now not only a species of Piloceras (from the Cal-
ciferous Sandrock) but also Maclurea Atlantica (from the
Chazy) which latter species has an operculum almost identical
with that of 0. PeachiL When it is considered that evidence of
this kind as it accumulates increases in its demonstrative power in
a much higher ratio than do the mere number of the species (or
the facts which constitute the data) the correctness of the view
that the Scottish and Canadian rocks above referred to are of the
same age, cannot fail to be perceived.

Piloceras Canadense. N. s.

Fig. 16.

Fig. 16. — Side view of the solid portion of the siphuncle shewing distance
of tlie septa.

Description. — Of this species we have, besides several detached
siphuncles, two fragments, each exhibiting some of the septa. The
form, as nearly as it can be determined is that of a short thick
curved Orthoceratite. The length of the largest specimen
appears to have been about ten inches, and the diameter at the
aperture four or five inches. The transverse section is oval, the
narrowest side being that of the concave curvature. The siphun-
cle of one specimen is, at two inches and three-fourths from the
apex, seventeen Hues in diameter in the dorso-ventral direction,
and fourteen lines in the transverse direction. On the surface of
this specimen there are, on an average, six septal rings in the
length of one inch. Judging from the appearance of another spe-

172 Silurian Fossils of Canada.

cimen, the position of this siphuncle would be close to the ventral
side of the shell. Another siphuncle about the same size shows
seven septal rings to the inch. In a third, consisting of a portion
of the larger extremity of an individual which, when perfect, must
have been at least nine inches in length, there are six septa partly
preserved apparently those next the aperture. They are dis-
tant from each other about five lines, the whole being com-
prised within a length of thirty lines. The shell where these
septa are situated is at least four inches in diameter in the
transverse direction, and the siphuncle about two inches. The
edges of the septa, in crossing the ventral or concave side, make
at the surface a short curve towards the apex, but on the siphun-
cle the septal ridges cross from the dorsal to the ventral side ob-
liquely, so that on the ventral side they are somewhat nearer the
aperture than they are on the dorsal side.

The above are all the details of this species of any importance
furnished by our specimens. On comparison with Salter's P. in-
vaginatum, it will be seen that the septal rings do not cross the
siphuncle in the same direction as they do in ours, and further,
that that species is more broadly curved.

Locality and Formation. — Mingan Islands, Calciferous Sand-
rock.

Collectors. — Sir W. E. Logan. J. Richardson.

Cyrtoceras exiguum. N. s.

Fig IT. Fig. 18.

Fig. It. — Cyrtoceras exiguum. Outline of a specimen. The dotted
lines represents the supposed outline of the smaller extre-
mity.
18. — A specimen shewing the depth of the chamber of habitation
and five of the air chambers.

Description. — Small, slender, slightly curved ; section circular.
One of the specimens examined is three lines in diameter at the
aperture and apparently a little less at one line and a half above.
The shell then expands to a diameter of four lines at the distance
of five lines from the aperture. It then tapers to two lines at a

Silurian Fossils of Canada,

173

length of thirteen lines ; thence to the apex unknown, but proba-
bly terminated at a length of eighteen or twenty lines. One side of
the fragment is nearly straight. No septa or siphuncle observed
in this specimen, but the form alone is sufficient to distinguish
the species from any other known in the Lower Silurian of this
country. Associated with the one above described was found an-
other fragment ten lines and a half in length. Width at aperture
three lines ; diameter at five lines from aperture four lines ; length
of chamber of habitation five lines and a half Next to the cham-
ber of habitation five of the septa are preserved and they occupy
a length of exactly five lines ; the siphuncle not visible.

Locality and Formation. — Near L'Orignal, Trenton limestone.

Collector. — R. Bell.

Pragmoceras pr^maturum. N. s.

Pig. 19.

Ficr. 20.

Fig. 19. — Phragmoceras prcBmaturum. Aperture of a specimen.
20.*-Side view of a different individual.

Description. — Ventral aspect with the convex curvature ; dor-
sal aspect concave ; section oval narrowly rounded on the ventral
aspect; depressed convex on the sides and broadly rounded on the
dorsum. In the first inch and a half of the length the ventral
side forms a curve of which the radius is about one inch ; the re-
mainder of the curve to the apex unknown. The aperture is
broadly rounded on the dorsal side; at about one third the dor-<
so-ventral diameter it begins to contract ; at two thirds its diame-
ter its transverse width is about half its greatest width ; thence to
the ventral margin the sides are sub-parallel, gradually approach-
ing each other ; the ventral margin narrowly rounded. On a side
view the dorsal two thirds of the aperture is obliquely truncatedi

174 Silurian Fossils of Canada,

towards tlie apex wliile the ventral tliird slopes so as to form an
obtusely rounded right angle with the dorsal two thirds. The
aperture is thus obscurely trilobed, the ventral lobe being the smal-
lest and forming a deep narrow sinus in the ventral margin. At
the aperture the greatest transverse width is six lines in the spe-
cimen on which the species is founded ; the dorso-ventral diameter
eight lines. At seven lines (from the most prominent point of
the aperture on the side) we find the greatest transverse diameter
which is here seven lines and a half and the dorso-ventral diame-
ter nine lines. At the length of one inch and a fourth the
dorso-ventral diameter is reduced to between five and six lines.
The remainder of the specimen is not preserved. The depth of
the chamber of habitation is ten lines. The first five septa occupy
six lines of the ventral margin, but at the middle of the lateral
aspect four lines and a half, Siphuncle about one line in diame-
ter and apparently in contact with the shell along the median line
of the ventral side. The surface of the shell is covered with fine
stride or rather small smooth continuous wrinkles which encircle
the tube following the curves of the aperture. These wrinkles
vary in size, but in general there are five or six in the width of
one line.

The majority of the species of this genus have the siphuncle on
the inside or close to the shell on the side of the concave curva-
ture. M. Barrande, however, has one species P. perversum in
which it lies close to the outer curve,* The aperture is not so
strongly trilobed as it is in Upper Silurian and Devonian species.

I believe this is the only Phragmoceras known in the Lower
Silurian Rocks.

Locality and Formation, — The specimen figured was found on
Le Cloche Island, Lake Huron, in the Black Eiver Limestone.
Two other fragments have been collected, one at La Petite Chau-
diere Bapids and the other at Pauquettes Bapids, Ottawa Biver,
in the same formation

Collectors. — Sir "VV. E. Logan, B. Bell, E, Billings.

Orthoceras tener. N. s.

Descrij^fion. — Small, section sub-oval ; broadly rounded on the
•dorsal and very gently convex on the ventral aspect ; sides nar-

* See translation of Barrande's note on the Silurian Cephalopoda of
Bohemia, Jour. Geo. Soc. Vol. X. Translations p. 21.

Silurian Fossils of Canada, 176

rowly rounded. Siplmncle very small, close to the ventral margin
sliglitly dilated between the septa ; of these latter there are six in
three lines where the transverse diameter of the shell is five lines.

The dimensions of the best preserved specimen that I have seen
are as follows. Length of specimen twenty-two lines ; transverse
diameter of aperture seven lines ; dorso-ventral diameter of aper-
ture five lines ; depth of chamber of habitation, twelve lines ;
transverse diameter at smaller extremity of specimen four lines
nearly ; dorso-ventral diameter three lines nearly. In the length
of twenty-two lines measuring from the aperture this specimen
tapers three lines in the tranverse diameter and one line in the
dorso-ventral diameters. The width of the siphuncle between the
septa is about three-fourths of a line ; its passage through the
septa is a small circular aperture scarcely one third of a line in
diameter. At the smaller end of this specimen the greatest trans-
verse width is about one fourth the dorso-ventral diameter from
the ventral margin. The aperture is more nearly a regular oval.
The siphuncle is in the middle of the ventral aspect. The shell
is gently curved towards the dorsal side.

This species is related to both 0. xijjMas and 0. Jiastatum,
(Report for 1856, p. 318 and 333) but the proportions are very
difierent. In 0. xipkias the two diameters of the aperture are
to each other as 7 to 3, but in 0. tener they are as 7 to 5. 0.
hastatum tapers at the rate of about 4 lines to the inch, while in
0. tener the rate is scarcely two lines.

Locality and Formation. — Black River limestone. Pauquettes
Rapids.

Collectors. — Sir W. E. Logan, E. Billings.

Orthoceras pertinax. N. s.

Description. — The specimen on which this species is founded
is two inches and five lines in length ; nine lines in diameter at
the larger and seven lines at the smaller extremity ; section cir-
cular ; septa distant three lines at the large end and two lines and
a-half at the small end. The siphuncle is moniliform its centre
distant two lines from the marsrin where the diameter is seven
lines ; the expansions are sub-globular and about two lines or a
little more in their greatest diameter. The septa have a convex-
ity equal to about half their distance from each other and they
cross the tube obliquely so that their edges at the surface on the

176 Silurian Fossils of Canada.

dorsal side are full half the distance between them nearer the
aperture than they are on the ventral side.

The probable length of this Orthoceras judging from seve-
ral imperfect specimens which I believe to belong to the species is
from one foot and a half to two feet.

The surface exhibits some indistinct flat longitudinal ridges,
each about one third of a line wide and half a line distant from
each other.

Locality and Formation. — Pauquettes Kapids, Ottawa River,
Black River limestone.

Collector. — Sir W. E. Logan.

Orthoceras rapax. N. s.

Description. — Large, section circular, septa distant a little less
than one fourth of an inch where the diameter is between five and
six inches. Siphuncle large, marginal very nearly in contact with
the shell on the ventral side. The rate of tapering appears to be
about one inch and a half to the foot. The depth of the chamber
of habitation is about one half greater than the width of the aper-
ture.

Of this species we have portions of two individuals. One is a
fragment of the oral extremity entirely deprived of the shell, and
exhibiting a good cast of the interior of the chamber of habitation.
The following are the dimensions. Length fourteen inches;
diameter at aperture six and a half inches ; at fourteen inches from
aperture, four and three fourths inches ; diameter of siphuncle one
inch and three fourths at the broken or smaller end of the speci-
men ; the first twenty one septa occupy a length of four inches
and seven eighths.

The second specimen is fifteen inches and a half in length,
and tapers from six inches to four as nearly as can be determined.
In the first five inches of the smaller extremity there are twenty
septa ; in the next inch five ; in the next inch and a half twelve,
and in the remainder from four to seven in the inch.

The distance of the septa is thus variable in the same specimen,
but judging from the general appearance of the two examined, my
present impression is that the average distance must be from two
and a half lines to three lines, or a little less than one fourth of an
inch at a diameter of from four to six inches. The proportional
distance of the septa to the diameter of the shell therefore
would be about as twenty to one.

Notices of the Life of Professor Wilson, 177

This species clearly belongs to the same group with those which
Professor Hall has figured under the name of Endoceras protei-
forme, in the 1st Vol. of the Palaeontology of New York. But on
measuring the figures in that work it will be seen that the pro-
portional distance of the septa to the diameter of the shell in that
species is between four and eight to one or six to one on an ave-
rage while in this species it is twenty to one.

Locality and Formation. — The specimens were procured at
Kingston in the Black Biver Limestone.

Collector. — The specimens were collected by Col. Gordon, B.A.
and by him presented to the Geological Survey.

ARTICLE XIV. — Notices of the Life of the late Professor George
Wilson of Edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh has lately sufifered severely by the
death of several of its most distinguished teachers. The depart-
ment of science has been specially unfortunate. Since the death
of the venerable Jamieson, Professor Forbes, whose fine genius and
extensive erudition gave promise of an illustrious life, has been
laid in the sepulchre of his fathers ; and ere yet his country, and
we may say the world of science, had ceased to mourn for this
most gifted of her children, another equally honorable and beloved
has been laid in the dust. The name of Professor George Wilson,
whose recent appointment as Regius Director of the Industrial
Museum of Scotland and to the professorship of Technology in
the University of Edinburgh was hailed with so much satisfaction
by all who had any acquaintance either with his personal char-
acter or numerous contributions to literature and science, will we
are sure be held in lasting and affectionate remembrance.

The most complete notice of his life and works which we have
yet seen is that contained in the February number of the North
British Review. The article is preceded by a list of no less than
sixty eight of his writings. They comprise original papers on
chemistry, biographical sketches of men eminent in science, seve-
ral contributions to popular and scientific literature with four
poems published in Blackwood's Magazine. The ability, research,

Can. Nat. 2 Vol. V.

178 Notices of the Life of Professor Wilson,

and true genius which all those writings display, will ever give
the name of George Wilson a high place among the illustrious
dead We are sure it will be grateful to those of our readers
who may not have access to other sources of information to be
ut in possession of the following particulars of his history.

Dr. Wilson was born in Edinburgh, on 21st February 1818;
and was thus, at his death, in the forty-first year of his age.
" His parents were highly respectal>le, though not in such an
elevated station as to diminish the credit due to his own exertions
in attaining the position which he ultimately reached ; but it
deserves to be noticed, that he may be included in the number of
distinguished men who have been in a great degree indebted for
the development of their talents to the maternal character and
influence."

His father, Mr. Archibald Wilson, was a wine merchant in
Edinburgh, and died about sixteen years ago. His mother, Janet
Aitken, who is still living, was the youngest daughter of a land-
surveyor in Greenock. She was a lady of great intelligence and
piety, and she devoted much attention to the education of her
children. There were eleven of the family; but of these only
three now remain, — a son, Dr. Daniel Wilson, the well-known
author of "The Prehistoric Annals of Scotland," at present Pro-
fessor of English Literature and History in the University of
Toronto, — and two daughters. From his childhood, George was
distinguished by many noble qualities — great truthfulness, self-
sacrifice, delicate sense of honour, and generous feelings.
Studious, and with a marked love for books, he gave early promise
of great mental ability.

In 1822 he commenced his studies in a private school, and in
1828 he entered as a pupil of the High School, under Mr. Ben-
jamin Mackay, an able classical teacher. He was always among
the first five in the class, and was remarkable for his general
hnowledge — a quality which was exhibited during life, and which
seemed afterwards to fit him specially for the situation he occu-
pied in the University. So warm were his aff"ections, and such
his power of attracting others, that from his boyhood onwards no
one was more generally beloved. While at school, in 1828-29,
he and his brothers formed among their companions a " Juvenile
Society for the Advancement of Knowledge." They met once a
week in his father's house, when papers were read on natural

Notices of the Life of Professor Wilson, 179

history, meclianics, astronomy, etc. Minutes of their proceedings
were kept by his brother Daniel. His mother presided over th^
youthful assembly, and usually wound up the evening by giving a
verse from Proverbs.

Wilson remained at the High School until he was fifteen. On
leaving it he selected Medicine as his object of study, and com-
menced by becoming an apprentice in the laboratory of the Royal
Infirmary, where he remained for four years. The suffering and
distress which he witnessed during this period, made an indelible
impression on his very sensitive nature, and had a saddening effect
on his mind. Many are the stories which might be told illustra-
tive of his sympathy with the patients, and his eager desire to-
relieve them.

He entered the University of Edinburgh in 1834, passed as
surgeon in 1838, took his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1839,
and wrote a thesis " On the Certain Existence of Haloid Salts of
the Electro Negative Metals in Solution." After taking his degree,
chemistry became his favourite pursuit. He had studied the sub-
ject assiduously under Dr. Hope and Mr. Kenneth Kemp; and in
1836-37 he had been engaged for eighteen months as chemical
assistant in Dr. Christison's laboratory, which was at that time
the best school of analytical chemistry in the University. His
first lectures on chemistry were given to private audiences, in the
drawing-room of his father's house, in 1837. In a MS. journal
kept by hira, we find the following entries : — "September 20thj^
1838" — " I meet with scarcely one lady in ten or fifty, who has
sufficiently cultivated her natural intellectual powers." . . . "This
winter shall see me do my utmost to suggest an improvement
among my own small circle."

" May 1 839. Following out the proposal to amend the subjects
of ladies' conversation and study, I assembled some of them in
my father's house, and delivered a course of prelections on che-
mistry, especially the chemistry of nature. This was in the win-
ter of 1837-38, so that I was then not nineteen. The majority of
my audience were older than myself by a year or two. I was
greatly praised and encouraged, most kindly listened to, and
assisted in many ways, especially by J. M'G., a generous, unselfish,
happy fellow, without whose aid I should have come on very
poorly. This course, which began in October, was first interrupted
by the illness of my sister, and afterwards by the mournful indis-

180 Notices of the Life of Professor Wilson,

position of my cousin C. ; so tliat only ten or twelve lectures were
given.

Subsequently to this Dr. Wilson went to London, and entered
the laboratory of University College, under the superintendence
of Professor Graham, now Master of the Mint. There, with Dr.
Lyon Playfair, Mr. James Young of Glasgow, Dr. Livingstone, the
African traveller, and other zealous students, he carried on his
chemical pursuits for a period of six months.

He began to lecture publicly on chemistry in Edinburgh in
1840. About this time, however, his health began to suffer, appa-
rently in consequence of excessive exertion during a pedestrian
excursion in the Highlands with a cousin. His first course of
lectures was arranged when he was confined to bed, and he was
scarcely convalescent when he commenced the session of Novem-
ber, 1840. His health continued broken after this. An attack
of rheumatism was followed by disease of the ankle-joint, which
ultimately called for amputation. This was performed in January
1843, by his friend, and afterwards his colleague, Professor Syme.
Amputation seemed to offer the only hope of relief, and Mr. Syme
proposed disarticulation. Accordingly, he performed this oper-
ation ; and as the articulating surfaces of the joint were everywhere
divested of cartilage, rough and carious, instead of removing the
malleolar projections separately, he exposed the bone suflBciently
to saw off both together, with a thin lamina of the tibia connect-
ing them. This was the first instance in which Professor Syme
amputated through the ankle-joint for disease of the joint. It is
therefore interesting in the annals of surgery. The case proceeded
favourably. The feelings which Dr. Wilson experienced previous
to the operation, and during its performance, are graphically por-
trayed by him in a letter on " the Anaesthetics of Surgery," which
he addressed to Professor Simpson, and which is published in
Simpson's Obstetric Works, edited by Drs. Priestley and Storrer,
Vol. H., p. '796. He contrasts the condition of patients in his day,
before the use of chloroform, with their state at the present
time : —

" Several years ago," he says, " I was required to prepare, on
very short warning, for the loss of a limb by amputation. A
painful disease, which for a time had seemed likely to yield to the
remedies employed, suddenly became greatly aggravated, and I

Notices of the Life of Professor Wilson, 181

was informed by two surgeons of the higliest skill, who were con-
sulted on my case, that I must choose between death and the
sacrifice of a limb, — and that my choice must be promptly made,
for my strength was fast sinking under pain, sleeplessness, and
exhaustion. I at once agreed to submit to the operation, but
asked a week to prepare for it, not with the slightest expectation
that my disease would take a favourable turn in the interval, or
that the anticipated horrors of the operation would become less
appalling by reflection upon them ; but simply because it was so
probable that the operation would be followed by a fatal issue,
that I wished to prepare for death, and what lies beyond it, whilst
my faculties were clear and my emotions were comparatively
undisturbed. For I knew well that if the operation was speedily
followed by death, 1 should be in a condition, during the interval,
in the last degree unfavourable to making preparation for the
o;reat chano^e."

During the interval, he diligently and prayerfully studied the
Bible, and at the end of a week the operation was performed.
There were no anaesthetics in those days, and the operation was a
very painful and somewhat tedious one. Not being gifted with
great physical courage, he was one of those to whom cutting,
bruising, burning, or any similar physical injury, eren to a small
extent, was a source of suffering never willingly endured, and
always anticipated with more or less apprehension. He states
that he could never forget the black whirlwind of emotion, the
horror of great darkness, and the sense of desertion by God and
man, bordering almost upon despair, which swept through his
mind and overwhelmed his heart. Chloroform would have been
the greatest boon to him. From his relations he concealed the
impending operation, fearing that the expression of their grief
would shake his resolution. They were not aware of what had
happened until the surgeons made it known to them. " During
the operation," he continues, "in spite of the pain it occasioned,
my senses were preternaturally acute ; I watched all that the sur-
geons did with fascinated intensity. I still recall with unwelcome
vividness the spreading out of the instruments, the twisting of the
tourniquet, the first incision, the fingering of the sawed bone, the
sponge pressed on the flap, the tying of the blood-vessels, the
stitching of the skin, and the bloody dismembered limb lying on
the floor." He then dwells on the value of ancesthetics, and con-

182 Notices of the Life of Professor Wilson.

clades tbus : — " The sum, you will perceive, of what I have been
urging is, that the unconsciousness of the patient secured by
anaesthetics, is scarcely less important than the painlessness with
which they permit injuries to be inflicted on him."

Forbes was an older student than Wilson, and had attained
eminence as a rising naturalist before their acquaintance began.
He was a genius in science who had the wonderful power of
attracting followers, and of stimulating to exertion. Forbes' influ-
ence told in no small degree on the mind of Wilson, who afterwards
undertook to write his Biography. This work occupied his leisure
hours ever since the lamented death of his friend ; but we fear
that little more than half the task has been completed. In a MS.
note-book, the chapters of the Life of Forbes are sketched out
thus : —

1. Isle of Man. 2. Boyhood and School Life. 3. London
Artist Life. 4. The University of Edinburgh. 5. The Student
Life of E. F. 6. The Sea Naturalist. 7. The Mediterranean
Cruise. 8. The London Chair of Botany. 9. The Geological
Survey. 10. The Edinburgh Class of Natural History. 11. The
Artist and Litterateur. 12. The End. 13. Epilogue. — Of these
the first five chapters are ready for the printer, and the sixth seems
also to be finished, though not copied out. As the materials have
all been accumulated, it is earnestly hoped that the work may be
completed by other hands.

Up to manhood the vigour and elasticity of his health was
unusual ; but from the year 1842 to the end of his career, a thorn
in the flesh never ceased to buftet him. It was during this illness
that his attention was specially directed to matters of eternal mo-
ment. The bed of affliction was made to him a blessing. The
chastening of the Lord was for his profit. There happened at
that time to be a student at the Divinity Hall who became
acquainted with Dr. Wilson, and was a constant visitor at his
house. This was the present Rev. Dr. Cairns of Berwick. The
friendship which sprung up between Dr. Cairns and himself was
of the warmest kind, and continued throughout the remainder of
life. Their fellowship was cemented by holier ties than any of a
mere earthly nature. Dr. Wilson always regarded Dr. Cairns as
his spiritual father, whose counsels encouraged him, and whose
ministrations at the hour of death helped to cheer his spirit.
What he owed to God's discipline during his life was ever grate-
fully present to his mind.

Notices of the Life of Projessor Wilson, 183

His recovery from his severe illness was tedious, and lie was
rendered unfit for public duty for some time. His father died very
suddenly in April 1843, and this added not a little to his sufferings.

The commencement of Dr. Wilson's career as a lecturer was
thus also that of his ill health. His weak body seemed often to
be sinking into the dust, while his noble spirit ignored its fetters,
and seemed to rise above the feebleness of the flesh. For fifteen
years he continued to teach as a private lecturer, and he acquired
eminence and celebrity. In 1844 he was appointed by the Direc-
tors of the School of Arts their lecturer on chemistry ; and in the
same year, with the sanction of the Highland and Agricultural
Society, he became lecturer in the Veterinary College of Edin-
burgh. Between 1844 and 1852 he continued to deliver regularly
nine lectures on chemistry every week during the six winter
months, and at a later period of his history he even delivered
thirteen.

Dr. Wilson had a peculiar power of making science- popular,
and describing intricate subjects in such a way as to make them
plain to a common audience. His inventive powers in illustrating
his lectures were remarkable. His graceful diction and aesthetic
taste, combined with his play of fancy and of genial wit, gave
peculiar attractions to hisprelections, and crowded audiences hung
on his lips whenever he appeared in public. In the Academic
Hall, the Philosophical Institution, the learned society, and in the
miserable lecture-room in the Cowgate or the Canongate, he was
equally at home and equally successful.

The attention which he devoted to economical science, and to
the applications of chemistry, pointed him out as the man best
qualified to occupy the situation of Director of the Industrial
Museum of Scotland. In the autumn of the same year he was
chosen by the Crown to fill the newly-insLituted chair of Techno-
logy in the University of Edinburgh.

The duties of this unendowed chair he fulfilled with the greatest
ability and success. Although the class was not demanded for
any academic honours, and was not included in any curriculum of
study (except that of the Highland Society), still the talents of
the Professor secured a large attendance. At the time of his
death (although the entrance was not completed) the number of
pupils was eighty-four, embracing students from all the Faculties
and many amateurs. Nothing could more plainly indicate the

184 Notices of the Life oj Professor Wilson,

value put on liis lectures. In his inaugural lecture be considere
tte subject, What is Technology ? and he thus writes : "Techno-
logy is the sum or complement of all the sciences which either
are or may be made applicable to the industrial labours or utilit-
arian necessities of man. While the subject has a connection with
various subjects already taught in the University, it steers a course
distinct from all, has a province of its own, and will not, when
properly handled, interfere with the duties of any other professor."

The full course of technology embraced three sessions, in each
of which certain of the industrial arts were made the subject of
lecture, which were not discussed in the other two. The course
was divided into Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal Technology.
Under the first were included the relation of the atmosphere, the
ocean and tributary waters, and the earth, to technology; and
among special subjects, fuel, building material, glass and glass-
making, pottery, earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, metallo-
techny, electrotechny, and magnetotechny. Under the second or
Vegetable Technology, were considered : saccharoamylaceous sub-
stances, sugar-making, albuminous substances and fermentations,
distillation, wood and wood-fibres, textile tissues, bleaching, dyeing
calico-printing, paper-making, scriptorial or graphic industrial arts,
caoutchouc, gutta-percha, and the resins, fats and oils. Under
the third section, or Animal Technology, were included the me-
chanical application and chemical products of bones, ivory, horns,
hoofs, tortoise-shell, shells, and corals; skins, tanning, fish- scales ;
hair, fur, wool, bristles, quills and feathers, animal refuse.

The lectures were fully illustrated by experiments and drawings,
and by specimens from the natural history collections and the
Industrial Museum. Occasion was taken throughout the course
to visit various manufactures.

Besides occupying these important positions in the University
and in the Museum, Wilson was also an active member of many
societies, and contributed papers to their Transactions, as will be
seen by referring to the list of his publications. He was twice
elected a member of Council of the Royal Society of Edinburgh ;
he was a member of the Council of the Chemical Society of Lon-
don ; a member of the Chemical Committee of the Highland and
Agricultural Society, and one of the examiners for the Agricul-
tural Diploma ; an honorary member of the Pharmaceutical
Society of Great Britain ; and he had been twice president of the

Notices of the Life of Frofessor Wtlson, 185

Royal Scottisli Society of Arts, and for some time editor of its
*' Transactions."

A growing holiness, sweetness, and patience, bad been marked-
ly visible in Dr. Wilson of late years. In times of sickness and
dangerous illness, there was ever a serene calmness and cheerful-
ness, that seemed greatly to aid recovery. His patient endurance
of suffering was remarkable. Patience wrought experience, and
experience hope — even that hope which maketh not ashamed.
He was always ready for his great change. About six months
ago, when saying good bye on a morning visit to a friend, he said,
" I am trying to live every day, so that I may be ready to go on
an hour's notice." To another he used the remarkable expression,
" I am resigned to live."

His feeble health at the commencement of the Session 1859
was ill calculated to fit him for the arduous duties he had under-
taken, and there seemed to be in his own mind a feeling that he
was not likely to survive long.

In the last few days of his life his serenity was more obvious
than at any previous time. So well was it known that, living or
dying, he was the Lord's, that the anxieties of a death-bed season
were as much lightened as is possible in this life. His death was
more like a child going to sleep than anything else.

He commenced his lectures in November 1859 with high pros-
pects of success. His introductory lecture was characterised by
his usual felicitous illustrations, and the class-room was crowded
to the door.

His last illness began from exposure to cold and wet in a ma-
nufactory in the west, on the morning of Friday, 4th November.
He had gone there to acquaint himself with the particulars of a
Court of Session case relating to the dyeing mauve-coloured silk.
On the morning of Friday, 18th November, he complained of a
pain in his side, but he treated it as a pleurodynic attack, and
went to lecture as usual. He was, however, much exhausted ;
and in spite of this he continued to write letters, receive visitors
and make business calls, and he even ventured to give a second,
lecture in the afternoon. This seemed to prostrate him complete-
ly, and he had to apologise to the class for taking a seat in place
of standing during the lecture as usual. When he reached home
he was scarcely able to get up stairs to bed, from whence he never
rose.

186 Notices of the Life of Professor Wilson.

On the morning of Tuesday, 22d November, there appeared to
be a slight alleviation of symptoms, but it was a temporary rally.
Ere long it was evident that he was sinking. He was peaceful
and happy, when he breathed his last.

The respect and affection with which he was regarded were
well shown in the public funeral, which was attended by Professors
of the University, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council, the
Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, members of the Royal So-
ciety, Royal Scottish Society of Arts, Royal Physical Society,
Botanical Society, Philosophical Institution, School of Arts, Mer-
chant Company, Chamber of Commerce. His friends, the Rev.
Dr. Alexander and the Rev. Dr. Cairns, officiated on the occasion.
His remains were interred in the Old Calton Burying-ground on
28th November, and his funeral sermon was preached by Dr.
Alexander, in the Music Hall, to an overwhelming audience, on
4th December — the text being, " Blessed are the dead that die in
the Lord," Rev. xiv. 13.

While Wilson's lectures threw a genial light on the facts of
science, his writings contributed not less to extend and popularise
them. Everything he touched became instinct with life, and was
impressed upon the mind of the hearer or reader by associations
of the most pleasing and lasting nature. His collected writings
will undoubtedly be an important contribution to literature.

" The effort of his life." Dr. Cairns remarks, " was to render
science at once more human and more divine. His heart was
strung throughout in sympathy with the touching prayer of the
Novum Organon^ that all science may become a healing art ; and
his last public office was regarded by hitn with special affection,
as ministering to industrial progress and happiness. No scientific
writer of our day has so habitually and lovingly quoted the Bible,
from his essay on Dalton, whom he represents as proving that
God literally ' weighs the mountains in scales, and the hills in a
balance,' down to his last paper, which closes with marking the
identity of Professor Thomson's astronomical proof of the evanes-
cence of the heavens with the words of the 102d Psalm. He
hoped to live to write a 'Religio Chemici,' corresponding to Sir
Thomas Browne's ' Religio Medici,' and embracing amongst other
topics of discussion the doctrine of the resurrection."

" To have moved, amidst the altitudes and solitudes of science
with a humble and loving heart ; to have spoken out words on

Notices oj the Life of Professor Wilson. 1 87

the sacredaess of medicine as a profession and scientific life in
general, more lofty than have alraost been heard even from the
pulpit, and to have illustrated them in practice ; to have enforced
the subjection of all knowledge to one Name, the highest in earth
and heaven ; to have conquered by faith in a life-long struggle
with pain and suffering ; and to have wrought out the work of the
day placidly and devoutly till the night came; — these, in any, and
especially in the leaders of science, are processes and results
greater than can be described in the transactions of any society,
or preserved in any museum."

AVc conclude these notices from the North British Review with
a beautiful tribute of affection from the pen of his brother Dr. D.
Wilson of Toronto, published in the *' Canadian Journal," for
March.

" Death has been busy of late among Edinburgh men whom I
counted my personal friends. Dr. Samuel Brown, Professor Ed-
ward Forbes, and Hugh Miller, have followed one another to the
grave within a brief period, and ere the past year drew to a close.
Dr. George "Wilson was added to the number of those who live
only in honored memory. Dying at the early age of forty-one,
when a career full of rich promise appeared only opening before
him, and his mind seemed to be ripening in many ways for a great
life-work : those who knew his capacity and his genius regard all
that he had accomplished as insignificant indeed when compared
with what he would have done if spared to those years in which
men chiefly fulfil the promises of youth. Yet what he did accom-
plish, amid many and sore impediments to progress, is neither poor
nor of small amount. Nor is it a light thing now to remember
that one whose years of public life have been so few, and even
these encroached on by the ever increasing impeiiments of failing
health, has been laid in his grave amid demonstrations of public
sorrow such as have rarely indeed been accorded, in that native
city of his, to Edinburgh's greatest men. This was due even
more to the genial kindliness and worth of a noble Christian man,
than to the unwearied zeal of a popular public teacher, and an
enthusiastic student of science. His loss to his university is great,
but to his friends it is irreparable. In him the faith of science,
and the nobler faith of the Christian, were blended into perfect
harmony : for no doubt springing from half-revealed truths of
science ever marred the serene joy of his faith while looking at

188 Tertiary Fossils of Canada, ^r.

tlie things which are not seen. Prejudice and falsehood, ignorance
and vice, were felt by him to be the common foes of both ; and
pardon me, if I add, that no man I have ever known carried more
genially and unobtrusively, yet more thoroughly, his earnest
Christian faith into all the daily business and the duties of life.

When a man of such genuine kindliness and worth is suddenly
called away in his prime, with still so much of his life-work
seemingly waiting its accomplishment, it is as when a brave vessel
founders in mid-ocean. The wild eddy of the troubled waters
gathers around the fatal gulf, and a cry of sympathetic sorrow
rises up as the news is borne along to distant shores. But the
ocean settles back to its wonted flow where that gallant bark went
down, and the busy world soon returns to its old absorbing occu-
pations. But there are those to whom that foundered bark has
been the shipwreck of a life's hopes ; and to me the loss of my
life-long friend and brother will make life's future years wear a
shadow they could never wear before."

ARTICLE XV. — Notice of Tertiary Fossils from Labrador ^
Maine, <£'c., and Remarks on the Climate of Canada in
the Newer Pliocene or Pleistocene Period. By J. W.
Dawson, LL.D., F.G.S.

{Read before the Natural History Society.)

I am indebted to Capt. Orlebar, R.N., for a small collection of
fossils from the vicinity of Tertiary Bay on the coast of Labrador
a locality in which similar collections were made several years
since by Adm^ Bayfield. They occur in clay a little above high
water mark ; but the species present indicate a considerable
depth at the time of the deposition of the bed in which they are
contained, so that it cannot properly be regarded as merely a
raised beach. The species contained in the collection are as
follows; those found in the newer Pliocene of Canada bein^
marked with asterisks.

Balanus porcatus.^

Spirorhis vitrea, attached to shells.*

Sp. carinata.

Buccinum undatum.^

Tertiary Fossils of Canada, Sfc. 189

Aporrhais occidentalis.

Natica, (fragment probably oi N. Clausa.)*

Saxicava rugosa, var. Arctica.^

TelUna proximaj (calcarea) ^^

Astarte elliptica, •

Rliynconella psittacea.^

Echinus granulatus.

Hippotlioa catenularia, (attached to shells) *

Lepralia pertusa.^

L. (not determined.)

Cytliere.

The greater number of the above species have already been
recognised in the tertiary clays of Canada ; * but the following
exceptions are deserving of notice.

Spirorbis vitrea^ has not been named in my previous papers ;
but I now find, on comparison with the specimens from Labrador
and recent examples from Gaspe, that it is this and not Spirorbis
sinistrorsa as previously stated, that occurs in the tertiary beds at
Montreal and Quebec. It is at present a deep water species in
the Gulf of St. Lawrence and on the banks of Newfoundland.
Spirorhis carinata has not previously been observed in the ter-
tiary beds ; but is common on the coast of Labrador and Gaspe.f

Aporrhais occidentalis, the American representative of the
^* Pelican's-foot Spout-shell" of Britain, and remarkable in the
adult state for its singularly expanded outer lip, is a deep water
shell somewhat widely though not very abundantly distributed
on the American coast. I have specimens from Labrador, Sable
Island, and Portland, where a very fine living specimen was
dredged for me last summer by Mr. Ferrier.

Saxicava rugosa, occurs in the Labrador collection under the
form described as S. Arcticahj Forbes and Hanley. This form
is not prevalent though sometimes seen among the Saxicavoe of
the St. Lawrence valley deposits, and at present is I think found
only in deep water. The intermediate specimens prove it to be
merely a variety of the common species.

Astarte elliptica is the common Astarte of the Gulf of St.

* See papers by the author in Canadian Naturalist, Vols. 2 and 4.
t See paper on Spirorbes of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in last number
of this Journal,

190 Tertiary Fossils of Canada, ^c,

Lawrence at present. Great numbers have been dredged by Mr
Bell on the coast of Gaspe in about 60 fathoms. Along with
them are found a few specimens having the characters of the
typical Astarte sulcata of Great Britain, and others having the
charactei's of A. compressa^ a species much more nearly related
than the others to the fossil A. Laurentiana, though quite
distinct. I can recognise in the collections made by Mr. Bell and
myself all the above species or varieties, and in addition the A»
Arctica, which I have found only in the pleistocene beds near Port-
land. A. Laurentiana and A. Arctica are without doubt distinct
species from Sulcata, but different views have been entertained
as to the others. The distinction based by some authors on the
crenulated or smooth margin, and on which the species A. Scotica
and A. Danmoniensis have been founded, is evidently worthless,
depending as it does on age ; but the distinctions of external form
and marking are apparently constant at all ages, and do not shade
into each other. Althouoh therefore Dr. Gould and Mr.
Stimpson retain the name sulcata for all our American forms, I
think it admits of a doubt whether the same distinctions made by
Forbes and Hanley in Britain do not hold here. Mr. P. P. Car-
penter when in Montreal very kindly went over my collections
with me, and expressed himself satisfied that we have the forms
recognised in Britain as elliptica, sulcata, and compressa^ what-
ever their specific value. My impression at present is that com,'
jpressa is a good species, but that sulcata and elliptica as we have
them may be varieties of one. It is curious that while A. Lau-
rentiana prevails exclusively in the St. Lawrence deposits, the
modern species is found at Labrador ; and very possibly, especially
when we regard the more inland position and greater elevation of
the former, this indicates a difference of age in the deposits.

The clay attached to and in the interior of Capt. Orlebar's spe-
cimens is very rich in the minute Foraminifera. It contains
specimens of all the forms found in the clays of Montreal and
described in my former papers, and in addition the following:

Fotnlina ohlonga, Fig. 1.
Bulimina pupoideSy Fig. 2.
B. auriculata f

OrhuUna universa,
Textularia variahilis, Fig. 3.
Nonionina Lahradorica, N. sp. Fig. 4.
Truncatulina lohata Fig. 5.

Tertiary Fossils of Canada, Sfc,

191

All of these except one are well known living species, and all
except Textularia variahiUs have been found in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence. This last statement however could not have been
made but for specimens obtained from clay taken up by the
sounding lead off the coast of Anticosti, from depths varying
from 144 to 313 fathoms, and for which also I am indebted to
Capt. Orlebar. In these soundings there also occur Globigerina
hulloidesa species world-wide in its distribution, and Nodosaria
pyrula, neither of which have as yet been found in the tertiary
beds of Canada. AVith these recent shells there is a Cythere like
C. angulata of the British seas, and numerous spicules of spon-
ges; there are also immense numbers of the round perforated
silicious shields of Cosa'/iocZisci apparently the C. lineatus &T\d C.
radiatus of Ehrenberg. It is a remarkable and at present unac-
countable fact that while in the pleistocene beds there is a
great abundance of foraminifera, sporge spicules, and valves of
cythere, imbedded in calcareous clays like those of the deep sound-
ings of the Gulf, the Coscinodisci and other diatoms are absent
or at least have not been recognised.

Fig. 1. Fig. 2.

Fig. 1. — Rotalina ohlonga.
2. — Bulimina pupoides.
3. — Textularia variabiltis.

Fig. 3

Truncaiulina lohata. The last species in the list is a little
parasitic foraminiferous shell adhermg to shells, stones, and
zoophytes. It abounds in Mr. Bell's and Mr. Richardson's recent
collections from Gaspe, and since I observed it in Capt. Orlebar's
collection, I have found it also at Montreal. It is the Nautilus
stellaris of Fabricius.

The Nonionina which I name N, Labradorica^ and which is
found both recent and fossil, is a very beautiful species. It is
pel fectly equilateral, smooth and remarkably white and lustrous^
It is most readily characterised by the great expansion of the last
chamber, which spreads laterally and extends in two lobes on

192

Tertiary Fossils of Canada, Sfc,

either side of the earlier whorls. When seen from one side it
resembles Rotalina turgida, for which indeed I mistook it at
first ; but when viewed in front it is seen to be equilateral and to
have the characteristic septal aperture of Nonionina. It is about
^qual in size to iV. umhilicatula, and has the last chamber
inflated even in young shells.

Fig. 4. Fig. 5.

Fig. 4. — Nonionina Labradorica, N. sp.
5. — Truncatulina lobata.

The Foraminifera from the deeper parts of the Gulf are usually
of small size, and this applies also to those from the pleistocene
of Labrador.

In the past summer another deposit of pleistocene shells was
discovered by Sir W. E. Logan at the Mingan Islands, Labrador.
The specimens obtained from it consist of 3Iya arenaria and
Tellina proxima in hard sand, and have the aspect of a littoral
deposit corresponding to the " saxicava sand" of the vicinity of
Montreal.

2. Portland, Maine.

In last August I enjoyed some opportunities of examining
the tertiary deposits at and near Portland, and also at Pond Cove,
Cape Elizabeth, where a small patch of this deposit occurs nearly
at the level of the sea. At the south end of the city of Portland,
in a deep railway cutting, the tertiary beds are well seen, and
consist, in ascending order, of boulder clay, fossiliferous stratified
clay and sand, and stratified sand and gravel. These beds appear
to be very irregular, being entangled in ledges of metamorphic
rock, which sometimes rise through them. The distinction between
the deeper water and shallow water parts of the deposits is in

Tertiary Fossils of Canada, ^c, 193

consequence less strongly marked than at Montreal, but is indi-
cated by beds containing Mytilus edulis alone, overlying those
which contain shells characteristic of the open sea. At Cape
Elizabeth the pleistocene clays occupy depressions between ridges
of slate. At the only place where I observed fossils, the deposit
is a hard gray stony clay containing a mixture of deep sea and
littoral shells. The bivalves are mostly in detached valves and
often on edge, as if the bed had been subjected to the pressure of
ice after its deposition.

The fossils observed in the above mentioned beds are as fol-
lows, — those common to Portland and the St. Lawrence valley
being marked with asterisks :

Balanus crenatus,^

Fusus decemcostatus, (var. horealis,)

Buccinum undatum^^

Fusus scalar i/or mis J

Natica clausa,^

Mytilus edulisj^

Mactra ovalisj

JSaxicava rugosa^

Astarte elliptica,

A, corwpressa^

As arctica,

Tellina proxima^'^

Fecten Islandicus,^

Mya truncata^

Nucula Jacksoni,

Aphrodite Groenlandicay

Lepralia variolosa^

L. Belliij^

Memhranipora, (undetermined.)

The assemblag^e of shells in the above list cannot be said to
indicate any very great change of climate, though more like that
of the Gulf of St. Lawrence than of Portland at present. With
the exception of Astarte arctica not now found on the Ameri-
can coast, and Nucula Jacksoni which is possibly extinct, they are

* A new species, now living in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and de-
cribed in the Report of the Geological Survey of Canada for 1858.

Can. Nat. 3 Vol. V.

194 Tertiary Fossils oj Canadat Sfc,

all common American species. It is curious that in the collections
of the Canadian Geological Survey, the group of shells obtained
by Mr. Bell and Mr. Richardson in dredging on the north coast
of Gaspe in about 60 fathoms, is almost precisely that of these
Portland beds.

On comparison with the St. Lawrence teitiaries, it will be seen
that 8 out of 19 species are distinct. It is further to be observed
that Fusus decemcostatus replaces the closely sWied F. tor natus.
that Saxicava rugosa is much less abundant, that modern
Astartes appear instead of A. Laurentiana, and that Mytitus
edulis isof large size and of the ordinary form. These differences
are however probably nothing more than the effects of the more
oceanic position of the Portland beds, as compared with the
old inland sea of the St. Lawrence valley, and it will be observed
that in respect to the Astartes the Portland beds correspond
with those of Labrador. The less elevation of the Portland beds
however renders it probable that they are somewhat newer than
those of the St. Lawrence valley and of Lake Champlain.

In the cabinet of Dr. Jackson of Boston, I had an opportunity
of examining a collection of about 14 species obtained by him
from the beds on the Pressumpset River, described many years
ago by Professor Hitchcock and Dr. Jackson. In this collection
while several of the shells found at Portland are absent, I found Leda
Portlandica, ^ Nucula proxima, Terehratula septentrionalis^
My a arenaria, and the carapace of a crab.

3. OCCURRENCE OF FRESH WATER SHELLS IN THE PLEIS-
TOCENE BEDS.

I owe to the kindness of A. Dickson, Esq., additional collections
of the fresh water shells and the sands containing them from Paken-
ham,f together with a communication from a gentlemen of that
place giving a section of the deposits as seen in a deep road
cutting. The arrangement is as follows in descending order :

Sand and surface soil, about, 10 feet

Clay, 10 «

* Dr. Gould informs me that he is now satisfied of the correctness of
the identification of this shell by Mr. Wood with the species L. truncata
of the British Pleistocene and of the artic seas, where it has been found
living.

t See my paper, Canadian Naturalist, Vol. IV.

Tertiary Fossils oj Canada^ ^'c» 195

Fine gray sand (shells of Valvata, (fee.) 2 inclies

Clay, 1 foot

Gray sand, laminated {Tellina Greenlandica),.. 3 "

Clay, 8 "

Light gray sand (Valvata, Cyclas, Paludlna^

Planorhis and Tellina)^ 10 "

Clay, 1 foot 2 "

Brown sand and layers of clay, [Planorhis and

Cyclas), 4 "

The species were the same with those described in my previous
papers, and the only marine shell is Tellina Greenlandica^ a
species now found farther up in our estuaries than most others.

Mr. Dickson informs me that a similar case occurs near Clar-
enceville, about four miles from the United States frontier, and
at an elevation of about ten feet above Lake Charaplain. Speci-
mens from this place contain large shells of Unio rectus and U.
venfricosus, the latter with the valves cohering, and a Lymnea.
Intimately mixed with these in sandy clay are valves of Tellina
Groenlandica and 3fya arenaria.

I record these facts, without pledging myself to the conclusion
that these deposits really mark the margins or river estuaries of
the old Pleistocene sea of Canada ; though they will certainly bear
that interpretation. In farther connection with these facts, and
in relation also to the question why marine fossils have not been
found west of Kingston, Mr. Dickson informs me that fossil capelin
are found on the Chaudiere Lake, 183 feet above Lake St. Peters,
on the Madawaska 206 feet, and at Fort Colonge Lake 365 feet
above the same level, a very interesting indication of the gradual
recession of the capelin spawning grounds, from this last high
elevation to the level of the more celebrated locality of these fossils
at Green's Creek. Farther, throughout the Counties of Renfrew,
Lanark, Carlton and Leeds, the marine deposits rise to an ele-
vation of 425 feet, or nearly the same with that which they reach
on Montreal Mountain ; but while this elevation would with the
present levels of the country carry a deep sea to the head of Lake
Ontario, no marine fossils appear to have been found on the banks
of that lake. Was the depression of the later pleistocene period
limited to the country east of Lake Ontario, or have the marine
deposits of the upper St. Lawrence hitherto escap??d observation

196 Tertiary Fossils of Canada, ^c.

or been removed by denuding agencies. The question awaits
further explorations for a satisfactory answer.

In the mean time it is certain that the boulder clay and
deposits corresponding in arrangement and mechanical character
to the Leda clay and Saxicava sand of the Lower St. Lawrence
exist in these more western regions, though they have not been
found to contain marine fossils.

4. CLIMATE OF CANADA IN THE PLEISTOCENE PERIOD.

The climate of this period and the causes of its difference from
that which now obtains in the northern hemisphere, have been
fertile subjects of discussions and controversies, which I have no
wish here to re-open. I merely propose to state in a manner
level to the comprehension of the ordinary reader, the facts of
the case in so far as relates to Canada, and an important infe-
ence to which they appear to me to lead, and which if sustained
vvill very much simplify our views of this question.

Every one knows that the means and extremes of annual tem-
perature differ much on the opposite sides of the Atlantic. The
isothermal line of 40° for example passes from the south side of
the gulf of St. Lawrence, skirts Iceland and reaches Europe near
Drontheim in Norway. This fact, apparent as the result of obser-
vations on the temperature of the land, is equally evidenced by
the inhabitants and physical phenomena of the sea. A large pro-
portion of the shell fish inhabiting the gulf of St. Lawrence and the
coast thence to Cape Cod, occur on both sides of the Atlantic,
but not in the same latitudes. The marine fauna of Cape Cod
is parallel in its prevalence of boreal forms with that of the south
of Norway. In like manner the descent of icebergs from the
north, the freezing of bays and estuaries, the drifting and pushing
of stones and boulders by ice, are witnessed on the American coast
in a manner not parallelled in corresponding latitudes in Europe. It
follows from this that a collection of shells from any given latitude
on the coasts of Europe or America, would bear testimony to the
existing difference of climate. The geologist appeals to the same
kind of evidence with reference to the climate of the later tertiary
period, and let us enquire what is its testimony.

The first and most general answer usually given, is that the
pleistocene climate was colder than the modern. The proof of
this in Western Europe is very strong. The marine fossils of this

Tertiary Fossils of Canada, Sfc, 197

period in Britain are more like the existing fauna of Norway or
of Labrador tlian the present fauna of Britain. Great evidences
exist of driftage of boulders by ice, and traces of glaciers on the
higher hills. In North America the proofs of a rigorous climate
and especially of the transport of boulders and other materials
by ice are equally good, and the marine fauna all over Canada
and New England is of boreal type. In evidence of these facts
I may appeal to the papers and other publications of Sir C. LyeU
and Professor Ramsay on the formations of the so called glacial
period in Europe and America,* and to my own previous papers
on the tertiaries of Canada.

Admitting however that a rigorous climate prevailed in the
pleistocene period, it by no means follows that the change has
been equally great in different localities. On the contrary while
a great and marked revolution has occurred in Europe, the evi-
dences of such change are very much more slight in America.
In short, the causes of the coldness of the pleistocene seas to
some extent still remain in America, while they must have dis-
appeared or been modified in Europe.

If we enquire as io these causes as at present existing, we find
them in the distribution of ocean currents, and especially ;n the
great warm current of the gulf stream, thrown across from Ame-
rica to Europe, and in the Arctic currents bathing the coasts of
America. In connection with these we have the prevailing wes-
terly winds of the temperate zone, and the great extent of land and
shallow seas in Northern America. Some of these causes are
absolutely constant. Of this kind is the distribution of the winds
depending on the earth's temperature and rotation. The courses
of the currents are also constant, except in so iar as modified by
coasts and banks; and the direction of the drift-scratches and
transport of boulders in the pleistocene both of Europe and Ame-
rica, show that the arctic currents at least have remained un-
changed. But the distribution of land and water is a variable
element, since we know that in the period in question nearly all
northern Europe, Asia and America were at one time or another
under the waters of the sea, and it is consequently to this cause
that we must mainly look for the changes which have occurred.

* Lyell's travels in North America, Ramsay on tlie glaciers of Wales,
and on the glacial phenomena of Canada. See also Forbes on the fauna
and flora in the British Islands, in Memoirs of geological surrey.

198 Tertiary Fossils of Ca?iadaf ^c.

Siicli changes of level must, as has been long since shown by
Sir Charles Lyell, modify and change climate. Every diminu»
tion of the land in arctic America must tend to render its climate
less severe. Every diminution of land in the temperate regions
must tend to reduce the mean temperature. Every diminution
of land any where must tend to diminish the extremes of annual
temperature ; and the condition of the southern hemisphere at pre-
sent shows that the disappearance of the great continental masses
under the water would lower the mean temperature but render
the climate much less extreme. Glaciers might then exist in
latitudes where now the summer heat would suffice to melt them?
as Darwin has shown that in South America glaciers extend to
the sea level in latitude 46° 50' ; and at the same time the ice
would melt more slowly and be drifted farther to the southward.
Any change that tended to divert the arctic currents from our
coasts would raise the temperature of their waters. Any change
that would allow the equatorial current to pursue its course through
to the Pacific or along the great inland valley of North America,
would reduce the British seas to a boreal condition.

The boulder formation and its overlying fossiliferoiis beds
prove, as I have in a previous paper endeavoured to explain with
regard to Canada, and as has been shown by other geologists in
the case of other regions, that the land of the northern hem-
isphere underwent in the later tertiary period a great and gra-
dual depression and then an equally gradual elevation. Every
step of this process would bring its modifications of climate, and
when the depression had attained its maximum there probably
was as little land in the temperate regions of the northern hemis-
phere as in the southern now. This would give a low mean tem-
perature and an extension to the south of glaciers, more espe-
cially if at the same time a considerable arctic continent remained
above the waters, as seems to be indicated by the effects of ex-
treme marine glacial action on the rocks under the boulder clay*
These conditions, tactually indicated by the phenomena them-
selves, appear quite sufficient to account for the coldness of the
seas of the period, and the wide diffusion of the gulf stream caus-
ed by the subsidence of American land, or its entire diversion into
the Pacific basin*, would give that assimilation of the American

* This is often excluded fi-om consideration, owing to the fact that
the marine fauna of the gulf of Mexico differs almost entirely from that
of the Pacific coast ; but the question still remains whether this diffe-
rence existed in the later tertiary period, or has been established in the
modern epoch, as a consequence of changed physical conditions.

Tertiary Fossils of Canada, ^c. 199

and European climates so characteristic of the time. The climate
of western Europe in short, would under such a state of things be
greatly reduced in mean temperature, the climate of America
would suflfer a less reduction of its mean temperature, but would
be much less extreme than at present ; the general effect being
the establishment of a more equable but lower temperature
throughout the northern hemisphere. It is perhaps necessary to
add that the existence on the land, during this period of depres-
sion, of large elephantine mammals in northern latitudes, as for
instance the Mammoth and Mastodon, does not contradict this con-
clusion. We know that these creatures were clothed in a manner to
fit them for a cool climate, and an equable rather than a high tem-
perature was probably most conducive to their welfare, while the
more extreme climate consequent on the present elevation and dis-
tribution of the land may have led to their extinction.

The establishment of the present distribution of land and water,
giving to America its extreme climate, leaving its seas cool and
throwing on the coasts of Europe the heated water of the tropics,
would thus affect but slightly the marine life of the American
coast, but very materially that of Europe, producing the result so
often referred to in these papers, that our Canadian Pleistocene
fauna differs comparatively little from that now existing in the
gulf of St. Lawrence, though in so far as any difference subsists
it is in the direction of an arctic character. The changes that
have occurred are perhaps all the less that so soon as the Lau-
rentide hills to the north of the St. Lawrence valley emerged from
the sea, the coasts to the south of these hills would be effectually
protected from the heavy northern ice drifts and from the arctic
currents, and would have the banefit of the full action of the
summer heat, advantages which must have existed to a less extent
in western Europe.

It is farther to be observed that such subsidence and elevation
would necessarily afford great facilities for the migration of arctic
marine animals, and that the difference between the modern and
newer pliocene faunas must be greatest in those localities to which
the animals of temperate regions could most readily migrate after
the change of temperature had occurred.

It has been fully shown by many previous writers on this sub-
ject, that the causes above referred to are sufficient to account for
all the local and minor phenomena of the stratified and unstra

200 STietch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas,

tified drifts, and for the driftage of boulders and other materials,
and the erosion that accompanied its deposition. Into these
subjects I do not propose to enter; my object in these remarks
being merely to give the reasons for my belief stated in previous
papers on this subject, that the differencG of climate between
pleistocene and modern Canada, and the less amount of that diffe-
rence relatively to that which has occurred in western Europe,
may be explained by a consideration of the changes of level which
the structure and distribution of the boulder clay and the over-
lying fossihferous beds prove to have occurred.

ARTICLE 'X.Yl.— Abridged Sketch of the life of Mr. David
Douglas J Botanist ^ with a few details of his travels and
discoveries,

{Continued from last Number.')

Turning with the boats as far back as Wallawalla, Douglas
proceeded on horseback to the Fourches de I'Eau claire, up the
south branch of the Columbia about 150 miles. The party
which he accompanied thither came this length for the purpose of
trading horses, but getting into difficulties with the Shohoptins,
or Nez-perces Indians, and Mr. Douglas finding that little new
could be obtained in that quarter, his steps were bent right north
to Spokan House, where he was again kindly welcomed by the
old hunter Jacquo Finlay. After parting with Jacquo, in crossing
the Cedar river lying between Spokan and the Columbia, his
horse stuck in the mud, and in the struggle to get extricated the rider
was struck a sharp blow that threw him headlong into the water.
This misfortune cost him his knapsack, which contained all the
seeds he had collected, and his note-book, which were lost in the
stream. In this trim he pursued his route, reaching Fort Colvile
on the 5th of August, where he found Mr. John Dease in charge.
An account of a fray between the natives, viz, the Kettle Falls
Indians, and a portion of the Cootanies Tribe, who had come to
this quarter for the purpose of fishing, is thus given by Douglas. —

" The parties met to day stark naked, at our camp, painted
" some red, some black, others white and yellow, all with their bows

Sketch of the Life of Mr. David Doiiglas. 201

" strung, while those who had guns and ammunition, brought their
" weapons charged and cocked. War caps, made of the Calumet
'' Eagle's feathers, were the only particle of clothing they had on.
" Just as one of these savages was discharging an arrow from his
" bow, aimed at a chief of the other party, Mr. Dease hit him
" such a blow on the nose as stunned him, aad the arrow fortunately
" only grazed the skin of his adversary, passing along the rib op-
"■ posite to his heart, without doing him much injury. The
'' whole day was spent in clamour and haranguing, and unable to
" foresee what the issue might be, we were prepared for the worst.
" Mr. Dease, however, succeeded in persuading them to make
" arrangements for peace, and begged this might be done without
" delay on the morrow, representing to them how little they had
^' ever gained by their former wars, in which they had mutually
'' butchered one another like dogs. Unluckily for me, my guide,
" the Wolfe, is equally wanted by his party, whether to make war
" or peace, therefore, I am obliged to wait for him.

On the 19th he bade adieu to Mr. Dease, taking horse
to Okawyan, where he procured a guide and small canoe. Soon
after embarking, in descending a rapid, he took the precaution
of walking along shore, carrying with him his papers, plants, seeds,
and blanket. While thus occupied, the canoe in descending was
struck by a surge in the rapid, and emptied of all its contents ex-
cept a little dried meat which had been fixed in hard, in the nar-
row part of the bow. Deprived thus of cooking utensils, or any
of the slightest comfort or convenience in the shape of travelling-
appointment, he pursued his course to Wallawalla, where finding
a fresh guide, he continued onward and, after some trouble, as well
as assistance from Indians, landed on the first day of August on
the Beach above Fort Vancouver. This journey is thus closed
very expressively in his own words. —

" In poor plight, weary and travel-soiled, glad at heart, though
" possessing nothing but a shirt, leather trousers, and old hat, hav-
" ing lost my jacket and neck-kerchief, and worn out my shoes, I
" made my way to the fort, having traversed eight hundred miles
" of the Columbia valley in twelve days, unattended by a single
" person except my Indian guides."

His collections were now shipped for England, consisting of a
great mass of dried specimens of plants besides Zoological subjects.
The seeds which he had forwarded these two first years on the

202 SJcetch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas.

Columbia, to the Horticultural Society, were the means of intro-
ducing to the knowledge of gardeners above 160 new flowers and
plants, all interesting, many of utility, others of uncommon splen-
dor and beauty. Among these were 14 species of currant, 5 of
Raspberry and 2 of Berterry, while the flower garden bloomed
with 2 new species of Brodicea, 2 of CalocJiortiis, 3 of Caprifo-
lium, 3 of ClarJda, 2 of CUntonia, 5 of CoUonia, 3 of Collin-
sia, 3 of Eutoca, 5 GiUas, 24 Lupines, 5 of 3Iinculus, 10 of
(EnotJiera, 13 of Penstemon, 6 of Potentilla, and 3 of Spirea,
besides many single species of other genera — altogether an acces-
sion to the shrubbery and flower-garden which must ever be highly
appreciated. On the 15th of September Mr. Douglas accom-
panied a trapping party to the southward or the Umptqua coun-
try, with the view principally of procuring cones and seeds of the
large pines there growing in the greatest perfectioUc At this time
the Umptqua river was but little known, and only occasionally visit-
ed by interpreters or clerks of the Fur trade, for the purpose of bar-
tering with the natives. The mode of travelling suited the bo-
tanist well. He had time to look about him, and gather much in the
Willamette valley. A month elapsed, but on the 16th of October
he arrived on the heights overlooking the Umptqua, the last days
having been occupied in passing amongst timber of enormous
growth and through thickly wooded forests where the path was
frequently obstructed by fallen trees, measuring from 200 to 250
feet in length. Here first commences the district of the Califor-
nian laurel, the Oreodapnue Calif ornica, which perfumes the air
in every direction with its odours. Our Adventurer did not
reach the wished for groves of Pinus Lamhertiana without risk
and danger. Having obtained a guide in the person of a youth
who had been brought from the southward as a slave, he started
from the trapping camp on the 18th, next day, however, having
fallen into a gully in pursuit of a wounded deer, he was so much
stunned and hurt as to be obliged to return to camp. Whence he
again sallies on the 23rd, in pursuit of the great Pine. Proceed-
ing due south, we find him on the 25th of the month not far from
the object of his search, but very disagreeably lodged as his
journal thus shows. —

'' Wednesday the 25th. Last night was one of the most dread-
'' ful I ever witnessed ; the rain falling in torrents, was accom-
" panied by so much wind as made it impossible to keep in a fire ;

SJcetch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas, 203

" and to add to my miseries the tent was blown down about my
'' ears, so that I lay till daylight, rolled in my wet blanket on
*' Pteris aqidlina, with the drenched tent piled above me. Sleep
" was of course not to be procured ; every few minutes the falling
*' trees came down with a crash which seemed as if the earth
" was cleaving asunder, while the peals of thunder and vivid
" flashes of forky lightening produced such a sensation of terror
" as had never filled my mind before, for I had at no time exper-
" ienced a storm under similar circumstances of lonliness and un-
" protectedness of situation. Even my poor horses were unable to
" endure it without craving, as it were, protection from their master
'' which they did by cowering close to my side, hanging their heads
^' upon me and neighing. Towards daylight the storm abated,
" and before sunrise the weather was clear, though very cold. I
" could not stir without making a fire, and drying some of my
" clothes, every thing being soaked through ; and I indulged
" myself with a pipe of tobacco, which was all I could afibrd.
" At ten o'clock I started, still shivering with cold, though I had
" rubbed myself so hard with a handkerchief that I could no
" longer endure the pain. Shortly after I was seized with intense
" headache, pain in the stomach, giddiness and dimness of sight.
" All the medicine I had being reduced to a few grains of calomel,
'' I felt un wiling, without absolute necessity, to take to this last
" resource, and therefore threw myself into a violent perspiration
" by strong exercise, and felt somewhat relieved towards evening,
" before which time I arrived at three lodges of Indians, who
" gave me some fish,. The food was such as I could hardly have
" eaten if my destitution were less. Still I was thankful for it,
" especially as the poor people had nothing else to ofier me ; the
" night being dry, I camped early in order to dry the remaining
" part of my clothing."

" Thursday the 25th. Weather dull, cold, and cloudy. When
" my friends in England are made acquainted with my travels, I
" fear they will think that I have told them nothing, but my
" miseries, This may be true, but I now know as they may do
•• also, if they choose to come here on such an expedition,
" that the objects of which I am in quest, cannot be obtained
" without labour and anxiety of mind, and no small risk of
" personal safety, of which latter statement my this day's adven-
" tures are an instance. I quitted my camp early in the morning

204 Sketch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas*

" to survey the neighbouring country, leaving my guide to take
" charge of the horses until my return in the evening, when I
" found that he had done as I wished, and in the interval dried
" some wet paper which I had desired him to put in order.
" About an hour's walk from my camp, I met an Indian, who on
" perceiving me instantly strung his bow, placed on his left arm a
" sleeve of Racoon skin, and stood on the defensive. Being quite
" satisfied that this conduct was prompted by fear, and not by
'' hostile intentions^ the poor fellow having probably never seen
" such a being as myself before, I laid my gun at my feet, on the
'' ground and waved my hand for him to come to me, which he
" did slowly and with great caution. I then made him place his
" bow and quiver beside my gun, and striking a light gave him a
" smoke out of my own pipe, and a present of a few beads.
" With my pencil I made a rough sketch of the cone and pine
" tree which I wanted to obtain, and drew his attention to it?
" when he instantly pointed with his hand to the hills fifteen or
" twenty miles distant, towards the south ; and when I expressed
" my intention of going thither, cheerfully set about accompany-
" ing me. At midnight I reached my long-wished-for pines, and
" lost no time in examining them, and in endeavoring to collect
" specimens and seeds. New and strange things seldom fail to
" make strong impressions and are therefore, frequently over-rated ;
" so that lest I should never again see my friends in England to
'' inform them verbally of this most beautiful and immensely
" grand tree, I shall here state the dimensions of the largest I
" could find among several that had been blown down by the
'' wind. At three feet from the ground its circumference is 57 ft*
" 9 inches ; at 134 ft,, 17 ft. 5 inches ; the extreme length 245 ft.
" The trunks are uncommonly straight, and the bark, remarkably
" smooth for such large timber, of a whitish or light brown colour,
" and yielding a great quantity of bright amber gum. The tallest
" stems are generally unbranched for two thirds of the height
" of the tree ; the branches rather pendulous with cones
'' hanging from their points like sugar loaves in a grocer's
'^ shop. These cones, are however, only seen on the loftiest trees,
" and the putting myself in possession of three of these, (all I
" could obtain) nearly brought my life to a close. As it was im-
" posible either to climb the tree or hew it down, I endeavoured
" to knock of the cones by firing at them with ball, when the re-

Sketch of the Life of Mr, David Douglas, 205'

" port of my gun brought eight Indians, all of them painted with
" red earth, armed with bows, arrows, bone tipped spears and flint
'^ knives. They appeared anything but friendly. I endeavoured
" to explain to them what I wanted, and they seemed satisfied
" and sat down to smoke, but presently I perceived one of them
" string his bow, and another sharpen his flint knife with a pair of
" wooden pincers, and suspend it on the wrist of the right hand.
" Further testimony of their intentions was unnecessary. To save
'' myself by flight was impossible, so without hesitation I stepped
*' back about five paces, cocked my gun drew one of the pistols
'' out of my belt, and holding it in my left hand, and the gun in
" my right, showed myself determined to fight for my life. As
" much as possible, I endeavoured to preserve my coolness, and
" thus we stood looking at one another, without making any move-
" ment or uttering a word, for, perhaps, ten minutes, when one,
" at last, who seemed the leader, gave a sign that they wished
" for some tobacco : this I signified that they should have, if they
'' fetched me a quantity of cones. They went off immediately
" in search of them, and no sooner were they all out of sight, than
'' I picked up my three cones and some twigs of the trees, and
" made the quickest posssible retreat, hurrying back to my camp,
^' which I reached before dusk, the Indian who last undertook to
" be my guide to the trees I sent off before gaining my encamp-
" ment, lest he should betray me. How irksome is the darkness
" of night to one under my present circumstances ! I cannot
" speak a word to my guide, nor have I a book to divert my
" thoughts, which are continually occupied with the dread lest the
" hostile Indians should trace me hither and make an attack ; I
" now write lying on the grass, with my gun cocked beside me,
" and penning these lines by the light of a Columbian candle,
*' namely, an ignited piece of rosiny wood. — To return to the
" tree which nearly cost me so dear, the wood is remarkably fine
" grained and heavy ; the leaves short and bright green, inserted
" five together, in a very short sheath ; of my three cones, one
" measured fourteen inches and a half, and the two others are
" respectively half an inch and an inch shorter, all full of fine
'' seed. A little before this time of year, the Indians gather the
'' cones and roast them on the embers, then quarter] them and
' shake out the seeds, which are afterwards thoroughly dried and
pounded into a sort of flour, or else eaten whole.

206 Sketch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas,

" Friday the 27tli. My last guide went out at midnight in
" search of trout, and brought me home a small one, which served
" for breakfast. Two hours before daylight he rushed in with
" great marks of terror uttering a shriek which made me spring
" to my feet, as I concluded that my enemies of yesterday had
" tracked out my retreat. • He, however, gave me to understand,
" by gesture that he had been attacked by a grizly bear. I
" signed to him to wait till daylight, when I would go out and
" look for, and perhaps, kill the creature. A little before sunrise,
" Bruin had the boldness to pay us a visit, accompanied by two
" cubs, one of last year's brood, and one of this ; but as I could
'' not consistently with safety receive these guests before daylight,
" I had all my articles deposited in the saddle-bags, and driven
" upon one horse to a mile distant from the camp, when I returned
" mounted upon the animal, Mr. McLoughlin had given me, and
" which stands fire remarkably well, and found the bear and her
" two young ones feeding on acorns under the shade of a large oak.
" I allowed the horse to walk within twenty yards, when all three
" stood up and growled at me. I levelled my gun at the heart of
" the old one, but as she was protecting her young by keeping
" them right under her, the shot entered the palate of one of
" these, coming out at the back of the head, when it instantly fell.
" A second shot hit the mother on the chest as she stood up with
*' the remaining cub under her belly, on which abandoning it, she
" fled to an adjoining hummock of wood. The wound must have
" been mortal, as these animals never leave their cubs until they
'' themselves are on the point of sinking. With the carcase of
" the young bear I paid my last guide, who seemed highly to prize
" the reward, and then abandoned the chase, deeming it only pru-
" dent, after what happened yesterday, to retrace my steps towards
" the camp of my friends. So I returned crossing the river two
" miles lower down than formerly, and halted at night in a low
" point of wood near a small stream.

" Saturday and Sunday, the 28th, and 29th. Both these days
" being very rainy, as the day before also was, and having very
" little clothing, I made all the exertion in my power to reach
" Mr. McLeod's encampment near the sea. It was impossible to
" keep myself dry, and the poor horses were so fatigued that I
" was obliged to walk all the way and lead my own by the bridle,
" the road becoming continually worse and worse from the floods

Sketch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas, 207

" of rain. On Saturday niglit I halted at my second crossing
" place, but could procure no food from the Indians, the bad
" weather having so swollen the rivers, as to prevent their fishing,
" I boiled the last of my rice for supper, which gave but a scanty
" meal, and resuming my march, the next day, proceeded pretty
^' well till, reaching the wooded top of the lofty river bank, my
'•' jaded horse stumbled and rolling down, descended the whole
'' depth over dead wood, and large stones, and would infal-
" libly have been dashed to pieces in the river below, had he not
" been arrested by getting himself wedged fast between two large
" trees that were lying across one another near the bottom. I
'' hurried down after him, and tying his legs and head close down
" to prevent his struggling, cut with my hatchet through one of
" the trees, and set the poor beast at liberty. I felt a great deal
" on this occasion, as the horse had been Mr McLoughlin'spres-
" ent to me, and was his own favourite animal. Reached the camp
'' at dusk, where I found only Michel La Framboise, our Chenook
" interpreter, and an Indian boy, who told me that the savages
" had been very troublesome ever since our brigade of hunters
" left him some days before. The former kindly assisted me
" to pitch my tent, and gave me some weak spirits and water, with
" a basin of tea, made from a little that he had brought from Fort
" Vancouver, and which greatly refreshed me."

Soon after this, messengers having to be dispatched to Fort Van-
couver, Mr. Douglas took advantage of the opportunity and ac-
companied them homewards. After twelve days travelling under
the disadvantage of hunger cold and rain, he reached Fort Vancou-
ver, on the 20th of November, although, not without losing
the greater part of his collection in crossing the river Sandiam,
a tributary of the Willamette, then swollen with rain. Fortu-
nately, with other rarities, the pine cones were saved.

It was at this period I had the pleasure of making the acquain-
tance of Mr. Douglas. Having crossed the Columbia, I arrived
in this month of November at head quarters, and soon found the
man of science to be one of the heartiest, happiest mortals in our
little society. He now received letters from England, consolotary
to him in every respect, and the sense of inward satisfaction, as
well as the bright gleams cast on his spirit, by the cheering words
of those he loved and respected in his native country, brought out
in full glow the warm effusions of a pure and honest heart.

208 STcctch of the Life of Mr. David Douglas.

The Spring of 1827 was severe, and mucli snow had fallen.
The consequence was that many horses died at Fort Vancouver,
and we were visited by the various species of beasts and birds of
prey that abound in that country. Most conspicuous among
these were the California vulture. This magnate of the air
was ever hovering around, wheeling in successive circles for
a time, then changing the wing as if wishing to describe
the figure 8 ; the ends of the pinions, when near enough
to be seen, having a bend waving upwards, all his move-
ments, whether of soaring or floating ascending or descending, were
lines of beauty. In flight he is the most majestic bird I have seen.
One morning a large specimen was brought into our square, and
we had all a hearty laugh at the eagerness with which the Bo-
tanist pounced upon it. In a very short time he had it almost in
his embraces fathoming its stretch of wings, which not being able
to compass, a measure was brought, and he found it full nine fee*
from tip to tip. This satisfied him, and the bird was carefully
transferred to his studio for the purpose of being stufi"ed. In all
that pertained to nature and science he was a perfect enthusiast.
It has been frequently matter of surprise how quickly these
birds collect when a large animal dies. None may be seen in any
direction, but in a few minutes after a horse or other large animal
gives up the ghost they may be descried like specks in the aether,
nearing by circles to the prey, when as yet one would not suppose
the effluvia from the carcase had reached above a hundred yards.
This renders it probable that their sight as well as sense of smell-
ing is very acute, bnt that the latter can guide them entirely with-
out aid from the other, I am certain, as I have started them from
carrion within the edge of a forest under bushes which must have
precluded the possibility of their seeing the carcase before they
alighted on it.

March of 1827 arrived, and we were obliged to part with our
agreeable companion. On the 20th of that month he left us to
proceed to England by traversing the Rocky mountains in Lat. 54o
in company with the Hudson's Bay party, which was accustomed
to cross annually to York factory with Spring despatches.

(jTo he Continued,^

Reviews and Notices of BooJcs, 209

REVIEWS AND NOTICES OF BOOKS.

The Life, Travels, and Books of Alexander von Humboldt. "With an in-
troduction by Bayard Taylor. New York, Rudd & Carleton ;
Montreal, B. Dawson & Son, pp. 482.

This is a very able and interesting account of the life and
labours of Humboldt. The author's signature is R. H. S., why
the full name is concealed, we cannot tell. The task undertaken
by him or her, is ably executed. Those who wish to know what
Humboldt did, and the foundation upon which his great fame
rests, will find the information desired in this volume. It does
not profess to be a biography of the great naturalist and philos-
opher, but it is a sketch taken from the most authentic sources of
the course of his life, from the cradle to the grave. It tells us
how and where his youth was spent, at what universities he stud-
ied, who were his teachers, what his favorite pursuits, his early
employments and thirst for foreign travel. A brief notice is given
of his travels and researches, in company with the botanist
Bonpland, in the regions of South America, during the early part
of the nineteenth century. It traces the course of Humboldt's
travels through Russia to the Ural Mountains, and through
northern Asia to the mines of the Altai. Finally, the author gives
a brief account of the character and cost of the great works
prepared and edited by Humboldt ; and concludes with agreeable
notices of his last days. The name of Humboldt has become a
household word in Europe and America. He is everywhere
known and acknowledged to be the prince of Modern Science.
For those who have not much leisure to peruse the works and to
make themselves familiar with the scientific researches of the late
Baron von Hu;nboldt, we would recommend the perusal of this
volume. It is agreeably written, and is worthy of a place in the
study or the family library. A. f. k.

A first lesson in Natural History. By Actcea. (Mrs. Agassiz.) Boston,
Little, Brown, & Co. Montreal, B. Dawson «fc Son. Illustrated,
pp. 82.

This little book has been prepared by its amiable and accom-
plished Authoress in the hope that it may be interesting to
Can. Nat. 4 Vol. V.

210 Reviews and Notices of Boohs.

children. Its aim is to make them acquainted with some of the
curious aud wonderful forms of animal life which are to be found
on the sea shore. Having been revised by Agassiz himself, there
is the best guarantee that its facts may be im^^licitly relied upon.
Children may, therefore, be assured that strange as these stories
are, they are all perfectly true. The four chapters into which the
book is divided treat in succession most pleasantly of sea-Anem-
ones and Corals ; Coral Keefs ; Hydroids and Jelly-fishes ; Star-
fishes and Sea Urchins. They are addressed in the form of
stories to two children, and are so plain aud clear, and yet elegant
in their language, that they may easily be understood and appre-
ciated by very young persons. "We are sure that this will be a
favourite childrens book. Although intended for the young, it
may yet be read with profit by fathers and mothers. It is beau-
tifully printed and the illustrations are good. We trust that the
authoress may be induced to continue these stories, as they seem
to us well-fitted to turn the attention of the young from frivolous
and hurtful tales to the healthy and delightful pursuit of Natural
Science. a. f. k.

A Manual of Scientific and Practical Agriculture for the School and
the Farm. By J. L. Campbell, A.M., Professor of Phys. Science,
Washington College, Va., with numerous illustratiors. pp. 442.
Philadelphia, Lindsay & Blakiston. Montreal, B. Dawson & Son.

This book has been written to supply the rapidly increasing
demand for scientific information applicable to the daily business
of agriculture. The chief purpose kept in view in its several
chapters has been the preparation of a Manual which might serve
as a guide to the young in the acquisition of the sciences per-
tainining to agriculture. None of the systematic books hitherto
published on this subject were adapted to the necessities of the
Southern and Western States of America. This unoccupied place
the present publication is intended to fill. The plan is both sim-
ple and complete. It embraces in well digested and clearly
expressed paragraphs all the subjects which pertain to the science
of farming. The first chapter contains definitions and illustrations
of terms, and the twenty-five following embrace the leading facts
and principles of chemistry, geology, vegetable physiology, prac-
tical treatment of all kinds of soils, and the various cereals, root^

Reviews and Notices of Booh. 211

and plants, with which farming on this continent is conversant.
The history and property of manures, and the application of fer-
tilizers is carefully treated. The planting and culture of com,
wheat, oats, potatoes, hay, beans and peas, tobacco and cotton,
are the topics of successive chaptors. And finally root-crops, to-
gether with the leading facts of animal physiology, and the
selection and care of stock, receive careful attention. The Ap-
pendix contains a list of chemicals and apparatus, with tables of
money and weights and measures. The wood-cut illustrations
are worthy of all praise. The style is highly finished, clear, and
forcible. We regard this book as one of a high order of excel-
elnce, and which might wnth advantage be in the hands of the
young farmers of Canada. a. f. k.

The British Tortrices. By S. J. Wilkinson. (Van Voorst.) —
The great barrier to an exhaustive study of the animals of the
British Islands is its insects. Hence we find naturalists who are
tolerably conversant with our Vertebrate animals, our MoUusca
and Radiata, who scarcely know a single insect. On the other
hand, the naturalist who ventures on the insect kingdom is irre-
deemably committed to its study. A lifetime is quite insufficient
to get through its various groups. He begins with the beetles,
and there he sticks : he does not even become an entomologist ;
he is the student of a group, and is dubbed a coleopterist. Thus
we have works devoted to his use, and a ' Coleopterist's Manual '
to guide him in his studies. If betakes up butterflies and moths,
the same affluence obstructs his progress. He becomes a lepidop-
terist, or a micro -lepidopterist; and only by this exclusive atten-
tion to a branch can he expect to aid in the development of the
science of Entomology. The same is true of the other great
groups of insects, of Diptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, and the
rest. Thus it is that the reputation of men who have spent a
lifetime in the study of animal habits and forms, and made for
themselves an undying fame, is scarcely known to the public at
all. The amount of accurate observation, logical generalization,
and scientific thought, expended on insects alone, is probably as
great as that in all other departments of Zoology. Although its
practical value may be thought less, it is, nevertheless, in this
group of animals that some of the great laws of animal morpho-

212 Reviews and Notices of BooJcs,

logy have been most successfull}'^ worked out, whilst the hosts of
those little creatures that dwell in our forests, live in our fields
become the pests of our houses, our beds, and our food, give a
practical value to the knowledge of their habits, which cfinnot be
claimed by animals of greater size, and which are more easily
observed. The work before us is an illustration of the generally
unappreciated labours of the entomologist. There is a little group
of moths whose caterpillars swarm in our gardens, attack our
beans and peas, and twist themselves curious homes in the leaves
of our limes, laburnams, and other trees. These are the larvae of
the " British Tortrices." Many of them have been figured and
named, but no complete work descriptive of them existed, and
Mr. Wilkinson has in this volume supplied the want. He has
described, with great accuracy, from original specimens, three
hundred species of these insects. As this has been done with the
skill of a master, the work must take its place beside the great
descriptive works devoted to other families of insects. To the
reading public such a work presents no attractions. In passing
from page to page it looks like a wearisome repetition of nearly
the same forms ; but let no one despise who cannot understand,
for in these descriptions lies the very soul of zoological science.
Without an accurate apprehension of individual forms, there could
be no general law of form, and the great science of Morphology
would cease to advance. Every now and then, however, amid the
dreary waste of description, we get a pleasant peep into the
entomologist's way of life. We find his favorite caterpillars
feeding on the ferns of Wimbledon Common, the oaks of New
Forest, the hawthorns of Epping Forest, the birches of the banks
of Dee, or the heather of Scotch mountains. These "habitats"
are suggestive of pleasant rambles amongst the forests, rivers and
mountains of our island ; and we cannot but feel that such pur-
suits must have an invigorating influence on the mind and body,
in addition to their importance in contributing to the advance-
ment of human knowledge. — Athenceum.

The Rudiments of Botany, Structural and Pkysiological. By
Christopher Dresser. (Virtue.) — This very modest title intro-
duces in many respects one of the most complete works on struc-
tural botany in our language. Mr. Dresser is Lecturer on

Reviews and Notices of Books?^ 213

BotaFij, and Master of the Botanical Drawing Classes in the
Department of Science and Art ol the Privy Council for Educa-
tion. In this capacity he has frit the want of more copious illus-
trations than ordinary botanical manuals supj)ly. lie has accord-
ingly endeavoured to supply this want, and lias produced a work
which, f >r completeness and beauty of illustiation, has certainly
no rival. The work is more particularly devoted to structure,
and the physiological remarks are everywhere only secondary and
incidental. It is written in the form of simple propositions easily
comprehended by the student, and every detail of the structure of
plants is copiously illustrated by oiiginal drawings, or by wood-
cuts from works of acknowledged excellence. As the work is
written for Art students, it has been evidently the object of the
author to divest his illustrations of the mere diaivrammatic form
which they assume in most works on botany, and in this, we
think, he has to a large extent succeeded. To say that all the
drawings are of equal excellence would be doing injustice to those
which are executed with gieat tru