Geology of SpUzhergen. 309 



this would seem to imply that its aspect resembles that of one 

 of the combustibles of the coal-formation.* 



The different localities which I have just mentioned are si- 

 tuated on the western coast, which is the most frequently 

 visited, but which, according to all appearance, is not the rich- 

 est in sedimentary deposits ; for it is partly formed of the chain 

 of crystalline rocks, of which I previously spoke, whilst, as we 

 proceed towards the east, the country becomes lower and more 

 flat. 



The SE. part of Spitzbergen is formed by a large detached 

 island called Stans-Foreland. According to Professor Keilhauy 

 the western coast of this island presents, between the 77th and 

 78th degrees of latitude, a granular trap-rock, covered by al- 

 ternate beds of fine sandstone, arenaceous slaty marl, compact 

 siliceous limestone, and trap. Tins formation appears to ex- 

 tend to the 80th degree of latitude, and it probably prevails 

 over the greatest part of Eastern Spitzbergen. 



According to the observations of the same geologist, Cherrij 

 or Bear Island^ situated between the coast of Lapland and 

 Spitzbergen, is entirely composed of secondary sandstone, and 

 horizontal shelly limestone (Calcaire coquUlkr.) This sand- 

 stone contains a bed of coal from 2 feet to 4 feet in thickness. 



According to Captain Scoresby, lead-ore has been found in 

 the same island in veins at the surface, as well as specimens of 

 native silver, and coal of a good quality. 



It would be very interesting to have a good collection of the 

 formations of which this island is composed, and which is per- 

 haps only an intermediate link connecting the sedimentary for- 

 mation of the Stans-Foreland with that in the environs of Alten 

 in Lapland. 



How curious it would be to find madrepores in the limestones 

 of Cherry Island and of Spitzbergen ;t and to discover stems 

 of Equisitacece and arborescent ferns associated with the beds 

 of coal of these frozen regions. The discoveries made at 



* In the Appendix to Captain Parry's "Attempt to reach the North 

 Pole," it is stated that the only coal lie met with in Spitzbergen, was 6roicn 

 hqqX. — Bd'iU 



t In the collection of rocks presented to us by Captain Parry from Spitz- 

 bergen, we foimd madrepores in the limestones, as stated at page 227 of 

 « The Attempt to reach the North Pole."— JEyit. 



