332 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



formation. It is smaller than the common form. In our tabnlar 

 list of the older formations given last year, page 150, this grit, with 

 the two other formations discovered in Maine, will be found given. 

 It is singular that so many of the rocks found fossiliferous in 

 Maine thus far should belong to these three successive belts, viz., 

 the Lower Helderberg, Oriskany and Caudi-galli groups. 



At the extremity of the north-west arm of Moosehead lake we 

 found ledges of an argillo-micaceous schist, supposed to belong to 

 the Oriskany standstone, but without fossils. It is inclined 50° S. 

 W. Owing to the supposed superior importance of other districts 

 in the State for geological research, we were compelled to pass by 

 the exploration of Moosehead lake this year, but hope to be per- 

 mitted to resume its exploration another year. It seems to present 

 subjects of unusual scientific interest, as the glimpse we have had 

 seems to indicate. The first voyage of our survey across its waters 

 proved the existence of a new formation in the State — the Oris- 

 kany — and the second expedition across its waters, accidentally 

 stumbled upon another fossiliferous member, the Cock-tail grit. 

 Neither of these voyages were anything more than reconnoissances, 

 and hence we may expect other important scientific discoveries 

 there when its exploration shall be commenced in earnest. Moose 

 river should be explored in connection with it. 



A very few more facts respecting the alluvial geology of Moose- 

 head lake will be found given in the section entitled Surface 

 Geology. 



Ill, Geology of the west Branch of Penobscot River and of the 



River St. John. 



The first work performed by the Scientific Survey the past sea- 

 son was the exploration of the west branch of the Penobscot river 

 above Chesuncook lake, and the upper portion of the river St. 

 John. We started the day after the ice disappeared from Moose- 

 head lake, while the snow was still lying upon the ground in 

 many places. This early start was necessary in order to avoid the 

 annoyance of the black flies, which are the most troublesome the 

 first part of June. As Mr. Goodale has written some account of 

 the natural features of the country over which we travelled, with 

 some botanical and historical notes of our progress, we will insert 

 his report before speaking of the geology of the route. 



