THE STONE AGE IN NOVA SCOTIA.—PATTERSON. 241 
Coming more particularly to our Nova Scotia kitchen mid- 
dens, it must be noticed that in no case, so far as I am aware, 
have they been examined with the care with which scientific 
men have treated those in other countries. Besides, the ground 
has in most cases been ploughed over, in some instances fre- 
quently, thus changing its condition from what it was when 
abandoned by the Indians. But they will still amply repay 
investigation. The majority of the implements in my collection 
have been obtained from one to which I wish more particularly 
to refer. 
It issituated on the farm of the Rev. A. P. Millar, Merigomish, 
in the rear of a point projecting from.the south side of the har- 
bor. One has only to look round to see that the spot has been 
selected with a skilful reference to the circumstances and wants 
of the people of that time. It was close upon the waters of the 
harbor then teeming with fish, and not far from the open Gulf. 
The creeks and small islands around swarmed with wild fowl, 
while behind them was the forest abounding in game. The 
point has an elevation of perhaps 40 or 50 feet. It has been 
wearing away, and was probably higher in former times. Being 
also then covered with wood it would still better serve as a shel- 
ter from northerly winds. From the point the ground slopes 
gently to the south till it is little above high water mark. On 
the face of this slope over a space of perhaps three quarters of 
an acre are found the shells and other refuse of a Kitchen mid- 
den. At the foot there is a little stream, which would have 
afforded fresh water. Where it reaches the shore a little cove 
makes in, which would have suited admirably for drawing up 
their canoes, and it may be observed that in digging at the point 
there was found pieces of partially decayed birch bark, which 
had been covered by earth washed down from the higher ground. 
The layer of shells and refuse referred to is on the level only 
from six to eight inches deep, where the ground had been cut 
out by a small run of water from twelve to fifteen, and it thins 
out to nothing at the outer edge. The shells were mostly if not 
entirely the common oyster (Ostrea Virginiana) the quahog 
(Venus purpurea), the clam (Mya Arenaria) and the mussel 
