JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 41 
upon by all the writers consulted as new Niagara species from the 
description given. 
It seems quite erroneous to suppose because the modern Lattice 
Sponges (Luwplectil/a), etc., are dredged from a considerable depth, 
that this is a certain indication of the existence of the Hamilton 
representatives under similar conditions. At first sight it seems quite 
natural to arrive at this conclusion, but we are compelled to suppose 
it to be erroneous when we recall the various organic remains which 
are found associated, not only with this particular class, but likewise 
with the graptolites, which also are supposed to indicate by some a 
deep sea habitation. Several years ago a geologist from the States, 
on examining a few Sponges and sections of the same, expressed 
this opinion, remarking these, unlike the colored Lingule of the 
Clinton series, indicate deep water in the Silurian Sea. The writer 
regrets he was unable to acquiesce in this opinion, and ventures to 
submit the reason for your consideration. 
The Niagara Sponges and their sections so numerous in our 
local chert beds are chiefly confined to the upper portion, or in 
other words some 8 feet, which were ground down and disappeared 
in “The Great Ice Age,” when land ice pushed down with irresisti- 
ble force from the north, pressed on in invading this locality. That 
it did not possess a universal equal crushing power is certainly 
shown, since we find undisturbed chert beds. East and west of the 
Niagara escarpment layers of rock material in precisely the original 
position they occupied before the invasion of this northern avalanche 
of snow and ice, shod with the material incorporated in its progress, 
and bearing on its surface where disappearing the combed-out frag. 
ments of our Canadian Highlands, scattered far and wide. As 
objects, even intelligent farmers may perceive are absolutely un- 
known to them as quite foreign to the locality. With these rounded 
weather-worn or water-worn boulders, as paleontologists we have 
little to explain. They hold no fossils, and undoubtedly if such 
ever existed in the far-off time when deposited their disappearance 
may easily be accounted for. It is from the part of the chert beds 
(8 feet) removed from the escarpment near the city, but occupying 
their original position still, at the rock cutting beyond the reservoir, 
that the sponges are obtainable. Very rarely you find any under- 
neath. Associated with them you will find impressions of shells 
