GEOLOGY AND SCENERY OF NORTHEAST COAST 127 
the old glacial floors. At the close of the Ice Period, how- 
ever, the whole of the Labrador stood some hundreds of feet 
lower than it now stands with respect to the level of the sea. 
During the thousands of years which have since elapsed, 
the land has been slowly upheaved to that amount. All 
along the existing shore an irregular belt of land so emerged, 
and now bears with marvellous distinctness the traces of wave- 
action far above the present level of the Atlantic. Probably 
nowhere in the world are there more beautifully preserved 
relics of ancient shores. The absence of forest that might 
cover the records and the recency of the uplift contribute 
to the perfection of the display. We must add thereto 
the fact that it is precisely in just such a coastal region, 
exposed, as it was, to the full force of the ocean’s swell 
and the gales of a North Atlantic, that we should expect 
old shore-lines to be well marked. With truly dramatic 
force Nature has fulfilled the expectation and so afforded 
every observer on the Labrador a never failing source of 
interest and instruction. 
Again let it be called to mind that the study of any geo- 
logical fact in Labrador has a twofold significance. Many 
a stage in the physical evolution of the peninsula, or many 
a striking element in the landscape or underground struc- 
ture, is worthy of wonder and interpretation for its own 
sake — yet still more worthy if it be viewed as a sample 
of the structure, scenery, or stage of development that 
belongs to the earth’s crust asa whole. Much of the rugged 
beauty and charm of colour of the Labrador shore are due 
to the thorough washing, wearing, and frettingof the rocky 
hills as they emerged from beneath Atlantic waters in recent 
times. The beauty and charm gain in meaning and power 
