256 THE CARBONIFEROUS SYSTEM. 



inches. The bed immediately overlying them is filled with prostrate 



Fig. 78. — Entomostraca from tlie Loicer Carboniferous Coal Formation. — Nat. size 



and magnified. 



(a) Cythere. (6) Leperditia Okeui. (c) Beyrichia. {d) Estheria. (e) Leaia Leidii. 



and flattened branches of trees of the same kind. This is the oldest 

 fossil forest yet known in Nova Scotia, perhaps in the world. Small 

 reptiles tenanted these forests, for Sir W. E. Logan found in 1841 a 

 few footprints of a small creature of this class — the first ever found in 

 rocks of so great age. Coprolites, or the fossil excrements of fishes — 

 small bivalve crustaceans — Leperditia Okeni, a Beyrichia, a Cythere, and 

 an Estheria* — and trails, resembling those made by worms on muddy 

 shores, are also very abundant at Horton Bluff (Fig. 79). There are 



Fig. 79. — Casts in Sandstone of Trails of Worms in Clay. — Halfway River. 



* In the figure (Fig. 78) I have endeavoured to represent these species, and have 

 added the beautiful Leaia Leidii^ of which I have specimens from rocks of this age 

 at the Strait of Canseau, and which Mr Hartt has found within the limits of the district 

 now under consideration at Parrsboro'. I am indebted to Professor Jones of Sandhurst 

 for the determination of these Entomostrac^ns. 



