III —TuHEr UNDEVELUPED CoaL FIELDS oF Nova Scotia. BY 
EK. GIvpin, Jr., Lu. D.,-F. R.S.C., Inspecror of MINES. 
(Read 10th February, 1896. ) 
The question of the possible discovery of new coal fields in 
this province is interesting from both a scientific and a practical 
standpoint. At present the growth of our coal industry is 
measured by the home demand. The Maritime Provinces take 
an amount which is steadily, if not rapidly, increasing, as new 
manufactures are started and firewood becomes scarcer. ‘Che 
Newfoundland demand will not, so far as can be seen, increase 
rapidly, and moreover, competition is threatened by the island 
deposits. The trade of the St. Lawrence appears at present 
practically secured to Nova Scotia, and will grow proportionately 
to the development of that important section of the Dominion. 
Ottawa and Montreal appear to mark the western limit of the 
trade. The inauguration of any policy by which our coals can 
be pushed further westward against the competition of United 
States coals rests with the deepening of the canals and the assist- 
ance of the Federal Government. 
If an outlet be obtained in the New England States the 
development would grow apace. 
We have the subject presented from a practical standpoint. 
What are the possible reserves beyond those deposits now being 
worked ? While the present mines can be extended in the worked 
and adjoining seams to meet a demand many times larger than 
the present, the enquiry is still pertinent. If there is an assur- 
ance that outside of the present development there are other 
tracts that may be drawn upon when needed, the confidence and 
credit of the province are increased. The assurance of unlimited 
supplies of fuel, even though we sigh now for larger markets, 
advertises us abroad and encourages capital to examine our 
resources of other minerals, and generally to consider more 
favorably our aspirations for investments of capital. 
(134) 
