72 



and numerous varieties of shells. These served to tell the age of the' 

 rocks in which they were found. There were fossils found which' 

 belonged to the Trenton formation, and many rocks, especially those 

 around Prof. Saunders's house, showed evidence of the Black River age. 

 The outcrop last referred to, had been puzzling for a long time, as the 

 dips in the strata exposed, varied very much and went in every direction. 

 A large shell belonging to the genus Macihi-a had been observed that 

 afternoon and other genera which showed that Black River limestone 

 occurred there. Reference was then made to the newer series of rocks^ 

 namely, those belonging to the latest periods in the history of this' 

 continent. Overlying the old Trenton and Black River rocks could be' 

 seen large accumulations of boulders of all sizes, rounded, smooth and 

 polished pebbles, which show indubitable evidence of the action of glaciers,- 

 which were pi-evalent at that period in the world's history. The 

 '^ gieat ice age " then prevailed over this part of the continentj and was 

 followed by a great submergence of the continent on account of the 

 superincumbent weight of the great ice sheet. The sea encroached 

 upon the land, and marine deposits were made. Several species of 

 marine shells had been found by the speaker on the farm, which were 

 easily recognized as being quite similar to others now found living in 

 the Gulf of St. Lawrence, along the Labrador, Newfoundland and 

 Greenland coasts, as well as elsewhere. This period of submergence, 

 or flood, was followed by another of elevation, and the marine condition 

 of affairs, which at one time prevailed on the farm, were changed and 

 dry land appeared the deposits of this post-tertiary sea forming 

 the soil, which is now under cultivation. The continent was still rising, 

 as far as could be judged, along the shores of the St. Lawrence. The 

 presence of raised beaches was a good proof of it. The most recently 

 formed beds were caused by the wind and overlaid all the others. 

 These were still going on. The light sandy soil or loam so widely dis- 

 tributed on the farm seemed to contain a good deal of vegetable matter, 

 whilst the underlying clays afforded heavier soil. The geology of the 

 farm was interesting and many points were well worthy of careful 

 study. Mr. Ami thanked the members for listening to him so atten- 

 tively, after which Mr . Boardman arose and proposed a hearty vote of 

 thanks to Prof, and Mrs. Saunders for th.ei;.' hospitality and kindness. 



