48 



genitor. Siaoe the latter is nothing l)ut the ground grit of the former, 

 it is immaterial whether we say there is a blending of two periods, or 

 the full age and chronicled history of the Archa?an alone. Tiiis history 

 may be epitomized as follows : 



a. The earth's foundation rocks were formed during the nrst geo- 

 logical period. 



h. In many parts of the world the earth building went forward. 



G. Various courses of material, called stratifications, have been 

 •deposited upon these foundation stones. 



d. Many parts of the old formation rock were never utilized for 

 building purposes ; as the Laurentians of the Ottawa District. 



e. As they wei-o not built upon they were left unprotected. 



/. The warring elements during many cycles of time have con- 

 tinued to grind these foundation stones to powder, which still lies at 

 their base in the form of sand plains. 



Passing forward to another part of this sul>ject, we acknowledge 

 frankly that there are serious diiScultios staring us in the face. The 

 changes of the water level are necessarily linked with the different 

 sand plains. It is absolutely essential to have different kinds of 

 measurements for our work, such as present water depths, mountain 

 heights and water levels as compared with the sea. The length and 

 bi'eadth of rivers, lakes and plains are also needed. 



Anyone knows that the acquisicion of all these and many other 

 measurements involve much labour, time and expense. Few earnest 

 students of nature are blessed with all the requisites for accurate 

 observation concerning much of vast importance. Besides, the time 

 mai'ks of the Ottawa Valley are very indistinct. Their language is 

 scarcely known as yet, and is hard to master. One kind of measure- 

 ment alone is left us, and that may give ns some help when acquired 

 and used. This is space and lineal measurement. We venture to 

 express an ardent wish that before many years have passed away a 

 tabulated list of careful observations and measurements may be obtain- 

 able. In this connection we deem it quite in place to suggest that 

 the Government establish a meteorological station at the Chapeau, and 

 also at DesJoachims. We think, moreover, that the weather gangers at 

 these stations should be required to give extensive and accurate lists of 

 actual measui-ements of heights and distances. 



