52 



each other, so that it was unsafe to infer thit the tops of present sand 

 hills had at some past time been beneath the surface of the waters.* 



Prof. Macoux drew attention to the effect of sand plains upon 

 temperature and rain fall. He had frequently noticed on the great 

 plains of the Northwest that clouds in passing over tracts destitute of 

 vegetation, and consequently radiating much heat were rendered 

 invisible and dispersed, but when carried over wooded regions, again 

 ;ip|)eared and were frequently precipitated in refreshing rains. 



Dr. May (Ontario Education Department) congi-atulated the 

 snembers on the activity of the ('lub. He corroborated the statements 

 of Prof. Macoun, and made special reference to the injury co i tin u ally 

 being done to the country by the reckless devastation of the forests, 

 which were now known to be sd necessary in equalizing the water 

 supply. 



Dr. p. J. WiCKSTEED stated that his own observations sustained 

 the theory advanced by Mr. Odium as to the extent of the country 

 oace covered by the Ottawa River, or rather by the chain of lakes or 

 expansions, at one time connected by that river. In October last, while 

 on a lecturing tour in aid of church missions, he had spent some days 

 in that district. The line of travel from Westmeath to Rockingham 

 does not deviate much from a due southwest course, or one at right 

 angles to that of the i)i"e3ent Ottawa River. The distance between these 

 paints is, as the crow flies, about 40 miles, but by the stage route 65 

 miles. At Westmeath, on the Lower Allumette Lake, (an expansion 

 of the River Ottawa) there lies to the west, the large Allumette Island, 

 (evidently an ancient sand bar or shoal) dividing the river into two 

 parts. To the north, and distant about six miles is seen the high 

 Quebec shore of the river. From Westmeath to Beachburg, seven 

 miles, the soil is light sand, deposited by the mighty river once flowing 



* Mr. Anderson appears inclined to think that his reference to '• the Sand 

 Hills of the Assiniboihe Valley" is suffi icnt to throw some doubt on ni}' explana- 

 tion concerning the sand formations. Having travelled on foot over the 

 Assiniboine sand hills, as well as the Ottawa plains, I may state there is a 

 marked difference. Any person who wishes to examine closely will find that the 

 Assiniboine hills are free of stone, boulders and drif', whereas the Ottawa sand 

 plains are well^dotted with all these, showing r'^mains of pine roots, knots and 

 branches, cedars and various other rvmnunts of Jioated matter. But when hills of 

 sand are formed by wind currents, boulders ani otlier heavy materi il will be 

 absent. (Note by Mr. Odium.) 



