HONKYMAN — ON THE HISTORY OF A BOULDER. 325 



formation exhibits many oscillations of level, alternations of water 

 and land, aquatic Fanna and terrestrial Fauna and Flora, periods of 

 vegetation of tropical character and marvellous luxuriance, forming 

 beds of coal varying from extreme thinness to enormous thickness. 



After the formation of these beds, there appear to have been 

 troublesome times, especially in the vicinity of our boulder posi- 

 tion. These times have left enduring memorials in the adjoining 

 Carboniferous area, the Pictou Coal Field. The map of the Geo- 

 logical Survey of Canada indicates a network of faults and troubles 

 in this locality. 



One consequence of all this appears to have been a limitation of 

 conditions favorable to the formation and distribution of the deposits 

 of the Triassic Era ; as the only area possible from the boulder point- 

 of view, is that of Prince Edward Island. 



In this Triassic region, there lived, died, and were buried, Di~ 

 nosaiirs — -formidable reptiles, having ** ornithic or bird affinities;" 

 one of these the Bathygnathus horealis — Leidy — has left a jaw 

 armed with formidable teeth , to tell of its existence and character. 



Dreadful shakings are now felt — the earth reels and staggers — 

 volcanic thunders are heard in the west. The western Triassic - 

 region is convulsed, lavas are poured over it throughout a length 

 of 189 miles, forming trappean mountains throughout, among which 

 Blomidon stands conspicuous. All becomes still and silent. From 

 this time our boulder would seem to have had a respite from trouble 

 for a long, long period. 



Nova Scotia is at rest while Europe, Asia, and other parts of" 

 America, are sinking and rising, becoming sea bottoms and dry 

 land, in numerous alternations, being alternately peopled by mon- 

 sters of sea and land — becoming their cemetries, and then their 

 monumental mountain elevations * 



Now — 



" Like a whirlwind o'er the deep 

 Comes desolation's blast." 



It rains, it snows, it hails ; it snows, it rains, it hails ; it hails, 

 it snows, it rains ; it freezes, — long, long winters, — short, short 

 summers,— alternations interminable,-— glaciers, wide spread and- 



I 



