2 INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. 



given bed lie above or below the great coal formation or other 

 geological horizon but they make known also many interesting 

 facts with regard to the climatic relations of the Past, and serve to 

 explain to some extent the embryology and development of existing 

 forms. Finally, with the information obtained from these prelimi- 

 nary sections, the reader may turn with profit to the study of our 

 local geology. 



In accordance with these views, the subject-matter of the present 

 treatise is discussed under the following sub-divisions : 



I. The Distinctive Characters of Minerals. 

 II. The Minerals of Central Canada, or Provinces of Ontaric 



and Quebec. 



III. Rocks and Rock-producing Agencies. 

 IV. Fossilized Organic Bodies. 

 V. The Geology of Central Canada comprising the Sub- 

 divisions, Characteristic Fossils, Economic Materials, and 

 Distribution, of the various Geological Formations oc- 

 curring within the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. 



