THE KSKERS OF NOVA SCOTIA. PREST. 391 



Crevasse Theory Supported bij Facts. — Thousands of pages 

 have been written on the origin of eskers without one theory 

 accounting for all the facts. But in the crevasse theory we 

 have a simple explanation which is supported by every 

 known fact. 



Investigation Needed. — In offering to- the Institute this 

 explanation of the origin of these curious gravel ridges, I 

 may be calling for criticism, and rightly so, as there are 

 many points needing investigation and comparison which 

 my limited leisure prevents me from carrying through. 

 I know that in advancing this theory of origin I am going 

 counter to the opinions of many men of distinguished repu- 

 tation including Nansen, Nordenskjold, Pearj^, Stone, Wright, 

 Winchell, and a number of others. But these opinions 

 conflict largely with the evidence as now understood, and 

 which has been brought forward to support them. Their 

 several varied theories show selections from the most plausible 

 but still unsatisfactor}^ opinions. While such doubt exists 

 there is room for investigation. 



Former Estimates. — I am encouraged in advancing this 

 opinion by the fact that in 1894 in a paper read before the 

 Institute I claimed 28,000 feet as the least thickness of the 

 gold-bearing formation of Nova Scotia. That statement 

 has been completely verified by the labors of Mr. Faribault 

 of the Canadian Geological Survey. But another distinguish- 

 ed worker on that survej^ sent me a post-card criticism, with 

 the remark that I would change my opinions with more 

 years and experience. 



Is This Theory New? — -With this lesson to encourage me, 

 I have ventured this theory of the origin of eskers; however, 

 I cannot say positively that it has not already been given in 

 detail in some of the columinous literature relating to the 

 Glacial Geology of Europe. 



In the question of the nature and origin of eskers we have 

 a large field for investigation which will take many years 

 to exhaust. No excavations have been undertaken here 



