[Bixs] INTERESTING PROBLEMS IN NEW BRUNSWICK GEOLOGY 33 



as to the correctness of the former determination of this area. At a 

 point a few miles west of Fredericton, also, Dr. Bailey claims to have 

 quite recently found graptolites of upper Silurian age. The tendency 

 of these two new discoveries mil be to place a portion at least of these 

 two areas in the Silurian system. On the other hand, it is claimed 

 by the local geologists that graptolites of Cambrian age have been found 

 m some parts of the more northerly or Canterbury area,. The evidence 

 as to the actual age of this supposed Cambrian fossil is at present far 

 from conclusive, since it has not yet been carefully studied. Further 

 detailed work is therefore required in this area to arrive at a, satisfactory 

 solution of the problem as to the exact horizon of these slates and 

 associated strata. As in Charlotte county fossils capahle of deter- 

 mination are rarely met with. 



In the northern and central portions of the province our know- 

 ledge of the geology is much less complete than in most of the southern 

 half. Much of the interior is accessible only with great difficulty, and 

 chiefly by canoes on the larger streams, or along certain trails or lumber 

 roads, since large areas are as yet entireh^ unopened for settlement. 

 From investigations made in 1879-80, however, a fairly a[ccurate map 

 Avas constructed and published, on which the principal geological 

 features, in so far as could then be ascertained, were laid down. 



The principal lines of traverse across the northern area between 

 the St. John and the Bay des Chaleurs is along the Tobique and 

 Xipisiguit rivers. These streams head in close proximity to each other 

 about midway across this part of the province. Along the former the 

 geological formations are comparatively easy to determine, consisting 

 of a large area of upper Silurian slates and limestone, extending thence 

 north to the Eestigouche river, which marks the boundary of the pro- 

 vince in this direction. These rocks are overlaid by lower Caxboniferous 

 conglomerate and sandstone, with which are associated beds of gyp- 

 sum. To the south of this are ridges of volcanic rocks, which underlie 

 the Carboniferous basin. They consist for the most part of felspathic 

 rocks, with a, considerable development of green diabase, forming what 

 is locally known as the " Blue mountains." 



These volcanics extend eastward to the right hand branch of the 

 Tobique, which joins the main stream at what is called Nictor forks. 

 On this branch they cut across the Silurian limestone and slate, and 

 alter these along the contact. Farther east in the direction of Xictor 

 lake, which is at the head of the left branch of the Tobique, a number 

 of hills are seen, some of which probably represent the highest land in 

 the province. These hills are also in part felsitic. As a whole, in 



Sec. IV., 1905. 3 



