Mineralogy and Geology of Nova Scotia. 287 
from the opposing rocks, quietly on the shores of Cumberland 
Basin, and thus fortifying the isthmus in its weakest point. The 
inhabitants assist the process, securing by dykes the soil deposit- 
ed on their lands, and profitably use the bounties heaped at their 
doors by the tumultuous sea. 
From the shores of Chignecto Bay the sandstone and slate, 
forming the county of Cumberland, extend to the waters of the 
Gulf of St. Lawrence on the north, and, stretching eastwardly 
towards the county of Sidney, constitute a part of the districts of 
Colchester and Pictou, and include all the coal measures of these 
districts. The interior of Cumberland county was not examined 
by ourselves, but we were credibly informed by intelligent persons 
residing there, of the extent of the sandstone district as represent- 
ed on the geological map accompanying this paper.” 
Salt springs have been found in various places near the shores 
of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. One of the most important exists 
near the river Philip. The brine of this spring contains a much 
larger proportion of salt than the water of the ocean, and it has 
been economically obtained by evaporation of the water. In the 
year 1811 large quantities were manufactured at this spring. A 
spring also occurs at Pictou, which was advantageously worked 
* For the more extended eastern boundaries of this rock, as exhibited on this 
improved map of the country, we acknowledge ourselves indebted to the observa- 
tions of Messrs. Smith and Brown of Pictou. The structure of the eastern parts of 
the Province having also been examined by these gentlemen, we gladly avail our- 
selves of this opportunity of referring the reader to their remarks contained in 
Volume II. of Mr. Halliburton’s History of ‘* Nova Scotia.” Our observations, in the 
few instances in which they relate to the same localities, will be found to agree, if to 
this remark we make a single exception, to be considered in a subsequent part of 
this paper. 
