162 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. 



third region more vast than the preceding, bearing an inexhaustible 

 store of fuel, all offer attractions to those, who are interested in the 

 development of our great Dominion. 



MEDICINE HAT. 



This somewhat progressive town is situated 660 miles west of 

 Winnipeg on the banks of the Saskatchewan River over which the 

 Canadian Pacific Railway passes at this place. This is about half- 

 way across the third prairie steppe. Proceeding westward by rail, 

 after a short run of seven miles the station Stair is reached, about 

 one and a half miles from the Coal Mines of that district. As yOu 

 walk from the station across the prairie, in the direction of the 

 mines, you see no indications of the great ravine, through which the 

 river passes, and from which you are but a short distance. It is 

 only when you come directly upon it, that you see the work nature 

 can perform through the agency of water. As you stand upon the 

 bank of that majestic river, 290 feet above the level of the water 

 and observe, not only the channel worn out by the river, but also 

 the immense lateral excavations made by streams no longer seen, 

 and spring freshets of modern times, you are astounded at the 

 impressive examples of denudation before you. 



There being but little solid rock in this region, running water very 

 soon wears immense cuttings through the clays. The coal mine in 

 this vicinity is not located directly on the banks of the river, but 

 on the sides of one of these great ravines leading to it. 



The following section of the deposits at this place was prepared 

 by J. P. Lawson, Esq., Manager of the Company mining coal in 

 that district. On the occasion of my two visits to this place I had 

 the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lawson who was very ready to give 

 any information sought. 



