400 On Metallic Minerals. 



In one instance a second layer of ore was found beneath 

 the first, where there are alternating thin strata of clay, 

 such an occurrence is not unlikely to exist. 



As to the quantity of ore to be obtained, it is not possible 

 without instituting an actual survey for the purpose, to 

 obtain any other information than that of the most general 

 description. The individuals best informed on the subject, 

 believe it to be in considerable abundance, if not on the 

 land leased by Government, on the adjoining seigniories of 

 Cap de la Magdelaine, Champlain and Batiscan. The 

 seigniory of Champlain belongs to one of the proprietors of 

 the iron works, the Honble. Mathew Bell, but the other 

 two either are or Avere the property of the Crown. — 

 Hitherto when one deposit of bog ore has been exhausted 

 another has been readily found by probing the ground with 

 a short pointed piece ofh'on, when if ore be present it is 

 ascertained by the gritty metallic sound returned. The 

 nature of much of the land in these parts swampy, cold, 

 barren and covered with soft wood, are signs of the proba- 

 bility of its frequent occurrence. Where hard wood prevails 

 ore is not found ; hemlock, spruce, sapin and cedar 

 accompany it — white pine is not found in abundance where 

 ore occurs. 



The credulous workmen are said to be alarmed by the 

 ignis faf mis which is sometimes seen floating over the bogs 

 in this part of the country. The appearance of this meteor 

 should rather be welcomed as a favoraljle omen than other- 

 wise, as it certainly proves the presense of phosphoric acid, 

 one agent, probably by which the iron ore was originally 

 dissolved, and removed from in some cases remote situations 

 to others, where under a new form it can be readily worketk 

 The ignis futuus is ascribed to a mixture of liy<lrogen 



