120 Macfarlane on the Primitive Formations 



wild and rugged nature. The Fjelds, consisting of quartz rock, 

 sometimes present massive peaks, rising in the shape of terraces 

 one above the other ; which latter form is caused by the outcrops 

 of the highly inclined quartz beds. Goustaijeld itself, is a huge 

 peak, rising to the height of 7000 feet, and presenting from a 

 distance, a peculiar furrowed appearance, the cause of which is 

 thus explained by Keilhau : — "The upper part of Goustafjeld is 

 formed of two varieties of quartzite, one of which is the prepon- 

 derating, and the other the subordinate constituent. The former 

 belongs to the purer varieties of the quartzite, and resists de- 

 composition. In the latter, which easily disintegrates to a 

 coarse sand, particles of feldspar are more or less abundantly 

 disseminated. From that part of the mountain where these rocks 

 are found in situ, which is about 300 feet perpendicularly beneath 

 the sharp ridge forming the summit, going upwards,there is observ- 

 able only a succession of very regular beds, having a dip of from 

 20° to 30°. The mountain is here so sharply peaked, that the beds 

 crop out, as well on the side of the direction of the dip, as on the 

 opposite side. If now the relations of the rocks were as usual, 

 the feldspathic quartzite would be found to form more or less 

 isolated layers, between the strata of the preponderating rock ; 

 but in place of this, the feldspathic quartzite extends in an entirely 

 opposite direction through the mass of the prevailing rock. It 

 goes right across the strata, and that without in the least (like 

 veins) interrupting the continuity of the several beds, because 

 these otherwise diflferent rocks, at their junction, run into each 

 other, the pure quartz gradually becoming feldspathic. The con- 

 sequence of this remarkable relation is very striking. On account 

 of the feldspathic quartzite being so easily disintegrated, and the 

 pure variety, on the other hand, resisting so well, there are 

 produced, where the former crops out, cuts on the ridge, and fur- 

 rows on the sides of the mountain. On account of the height of 

 the mountain (7000 feet), these furrows remain filled with snow 

 throughout the whole year, and are recognisable from a great dis- 

 tance. Thus GoustaiJ^ld preserves the marked features which 

 distinguish this surprisingly furrowed peak, for those who view 

 it from the heights of Hallingdal or Hadeland." 



" It is a characteristic trait of this group, as well as of the other 

 sections of the country, analogous with it in geological character, 

 and worthy a mention at the outset, that it is especially well sup- 

 plied with copper ores."* This great prevalence of cop- 

 * Gese Norvegica I, 441 . 



