Mineralogy and Geology of Nova Scotia. 299 
ty. Its specific gravity being 4.00 it contains by calculation 
according to Rinman’s method, fifty per cent. of metal; a very 
near approximation to the truth, as proved on assaying the ore in 
a crucible, and duly allowing for the carbon combining with it in 
the process. It abounds with fossil remains ; and some specimens, 
in which they are the most numerous, contain lime in the state 
of carbonate, readily effervescing with acids. It contains besides 
a portion ofalumine and silex, which in smelting perform the func- 
tion of a flux. 
Among the fossils discovered in this ore, the most numerous 
are the tellenite, pectinite, and terebratulite. Those observed 
less frequently are small lenticular shells, resembling the nummu- 
lite, as figuredin Parkinson’s “ Outlines of Oryctology,” (Plate VI. 
fig. 5;) and also very distinct impressions of encrinites, which, 
instead of occurring in crylindrical columns as is ordinarily the 
case, are formed of a series of circular joints or vertebrae, that are 
smaller at one extremity than the other, so that the fossils as- 
sume a conical form. (See Parkinson’s ‘‘Organic Remains,” 
Vol. Il. p. 164.) The old name of “Screw Stone” we 
found had been applied to these fossils by the people in the 
neighbourhood, who, struck with the singular appearance of 
these relics and those accompanying them, evincing, as they 
thought, a former life, had carefully preserved some of them, in 
the hope of perhaps learning something of their history. These 
fossils are not confined to the ore alone, but may be seen in al- 
most every slate stone scattered through the adjoining fields ; and 
should the ore at this place be explored to any extent, doubtless 
a far greater variety of these entombed relics will be brought to 
light, and furnish the collector with many rare productions of the 
ancient world. 
