III. THE UNDEVELOPED COAL FIELDS OF NOVA SCOTIA. BY 

 E. GILPIN, JR., LL. D., F. R. S. C., INSPECTOR OF MINES. 



(Read 10th February, 1S96.) 



The question of the possible discovery of new coal fields in 

 this province is interesting from both a scientific and a practical 

 standpoint. At present the growth of our coal industry is 

 measured by the home demand. The Maritime Provinces take 

 an amount which is steadily, if not rapidly, increasing, as new 

 manufactures are started and firewood becomes scarcer. The 

 Newfoundland demand will not, so far as can be seen, increase 

 rapidly, and moreover, competition is threatened by the island 

 deposits. The trade of the St. Lawrence appears at present 

 practically secured to Nova Scotia, and will grow proportionately 

 to the development of that important section of the Dominion. 

 Ottawa and Montreal appear to mark the western limit of the 

 trade. The inauguration of any policy by which our coals can 

 be pushed further westward against the competition of United 

 States coals rests with the deepening of the canals and the assist- 

 ance of the Federal Government. 



If an outlet be obtained in the New England States the 

 development would grow apace. 



We have the subject presented from a practical standpoint. 

 What are the possible reserves beyond those deposits now being 

 worked ? While the present mines can be extended in the worked 

 and adjoining seams to meet a demand many times larger than 

 the present, the enquiry is still pertinent. If there is an assur- 

 ance that outside of the present development there are other 

 tracts that may be drawn upon when needed, the confidence and 

 credit of the province are increased. The assurance of unlimited 

 supplies of fuel, even though we sigh now for larger markets, 

 advertises us abroad and encourages capital to examine our 

 resources of other minerals, and generally to consider more 

 favorably our aspirations for investments of capital. 



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