SOURCE OF ST. PETER's RIVER. 141 



The rock contains nodules of silex of a colour which va- 

 ries from an ash-gray to a light black ; it is pellucid. In 

 some cases it assumes the characters of a Lydian stone. 

 We observed throughout the mountain many points of iron 

 pyrites ; in some cases also, a little copper pyrites was 

 seen. The sandstone is formed of rounded grains of feld- 

 spar and quartz. We incline to the opinion that this is a 

 transition rock, from the absence or great scarcity of or- 

 ganic remains ; we sought in vain for them ; it is probable 

 that a more minute search would disclose some. We saw 

 small nodules which, at first sight, were considered as pro- 

 bably of an organic nature, but upon closer investigation 

 they did not justify this belief. The seams of the slate are 

 lined with calcareous and ferruginous incrustations; the 

 latter appear to be in great measui'e derived from the de- 

 composition of the iron pyrites. While descending the 

 river in our canoes, near Bad Portage, we observed the 

 compass vary much ; the north pole pointed to the south- 

 east; this continued for a few moments, and induced us to 

 believe that we were then near to a bed of iron ore, which 

 influenced our instruments. 



The great mist which arises about the falls, and proba- 

 bly also the nature of the rock, produce a fertile soil, sup- 

 porting a fine forest of large hazel, spruce, tamarack, red or 

 pitch pine, white pine, larch, &c. The cottonwood was 

 observed on the 12th, for the first time on our return. The 

 aspen had been seen on the 7th, while crossing Frenchman's 

 Portage. The bushes consisted of pembina, raspberry, 

 &c. besides which there was an abundance of whortleberries, 

 &c. The scented grass grew very thickly near the place, 

 and its perfume added to the pleasure we experienced 

 while contemplating the falls. As we passed the portage 



Vol. II. 19 



