17 



It will be observed that I have made no reference to 

 chemistry or the ethnology of our native races. Of the for- 

 mer I do not feel qualified to write, the latter is not only out- 

 side the scope of this paper, but much too large a subject to be 

 handled now. 



In conclusion, I must express my obligations to the vari- 

 ous friends who have assisted me in the preparation of this pa- 

 per, both the officers of the Geological Survey, Dr. Fletcher, 

 and some of my co-workers in this Province. If I have inad- 

 vertently omitted to mention any name that deserves a place 

 in this record of workers, I must beg the indulgence of the 

 reader. I am quite aware of much imperfection in this paper, 

 prepared as it has been amid the pressure of many duties, and 

 am sorry I could not do the subject more justice, 



I shall, however, be glad if this poor effort contributes in 

 any small degree to arouse and keep alive any interest in the 

 subjects of which it treats, in this land of great possibilities 

 and opportunities to the student of Nature. 



