1.38 Mineralogy and Geology of apart of Nova Scotia, 



tain range, except that they probably originated from the 

 unfathomable depths of the Bay of Fundy, which is com- 

 pletely skirted, on either side, with trap rocks. 



If we were biased in favor of any theory of the earth, when 

 exploring these formations, it was for that of Werner ; and 

 becoming satisfied of tlie insufficiency of the Neptunian 

 method in accounting for the phenomena observed in the 

 North Mountains, and the appearances assumed by the 

 neighboring strata, we were induced to allow the superiority 

 of the igneous theory, as taught by Hutton, Playfair, and 

 Daubeny. 



In treating of the South Mountains, we shall perceive the 

 necessity of an amalgamation of both theories, to explain the 

 relations of that range to the North Mountains. 



Partridge Island, situated near the village of Parsborough, 

 and six miles from Cape Sharp, is the next place to be de- 

 scribed. In crossing the Basin of Mines, after passing the 

 majestic Blomidon, this island is the first elevated object that 

 meets the eye. It consists of amygdaloid and columnar 

 greenstone, which, on its south-west side, presents a precipi- 

 tous and overhanging front of about two hundred and fifty 

 feet, rendering precarious the situation of those who may 

 pass beneath its brow. Stationed near the verge of this pre- 

 cipice, the visitor beholds beneath him rugged, insulated tow- 

 ers rising abruptly from the sea almost to a level with his 

 own standing, and having withstood the frequent commo- 

 tions of the sea, which during the stormy winter months is 

 thrown among them in the most frightful billows, yet remain 

 as firm and immoveable barriers to resist the force of these 

 repeated attacks, and prevent the more rapid decay of the 

 island. Their summits are crowned with a thin but luxuri- 

 ant soil, from which spring up a few scattered hemlocks and 

 a low underbrush, which nearly obscures the face of the 

 rock, but at the same time furnishes the sea bird a safe re- 

 treat beyond the reach of any invader. But at low water a 

 scene of a different character is presented. The visitor, now 

 on the shore beneath, beholds the stupendous objects above 

 him. The towers and precipice seem more lofty than be- 

 fore; and, in addition to the wildness and picturesque beau- 

 ty of the scene, the naturalist will find before him a field so 

 richly stocked with interesting minerals that he will delight 

 to remain on the spot and gather these objects of science. 

 (See plate II.) 



