ESKAR EXCAVATION IN NOVA SCOTIA. PREST. 35 



being a very noticeable feature in the landscape. The sur- 

 rounding country, especially to the north, is only moderately 

 covered by glacial debris. 



The eskar material is evidently reworked drift. Like 



other eskars, its varied character and peculiar form are its 



most striking features. They have been the 



Character cause of much speculation as to origin and mode 



of Material of deposition. This eskar shows evidence of 



, extreme changes in the conditions governing its 



deposition. Rapid evasion and quiet sedimentation are 



evident within a few feet or even inches of each other. A 



glance at the cross section will show the relation of these beds 



to each other. 



Beginning at the bottom of our excavation we find what 

 appears to be a somewhat modified boulder clay. The 

 depth of this could not be determined without a 

 Sequence pump, as the soil contained a large amount of 

 of deposits water. Above this a layer of fine clay, passing 

 into a red bed of much worn rocks. No. 3, 

 cemented by iron oxide. These indications of a rapid current 

 and mineral precipitation are followed by an intensely black 

 deposit of rocks, gravel and sand, No. 4. This has apparently 

 been blackened by a precipitation of manganese oxide in 

 addition to iron. This passes gradually into 

 Metallic another layer of red iron cemented rocks, No. 5. 

 precipitate Xhese last three beds seem to have been the 

 product of one period of rapid water transporta- 

 tion. This question of mineral precipitation needs a more 

 thoro and detailed investigation than I had time to carry 

 out; but the modus operandi is probably the same as that 

 which fills our brooks with bog iron and manganese. 



On this iron cemented bed of coarse material is laid a 

 thick bed of well- assorted gravel, graded to a wonderful 

 degree of perfection. One would think that human intelli- 

 gence had been used in the process. It is the thickest bed 

 in the section. Its sides, especiallj'" on the south, was eroded 

 before the next bed, No. 7, was laid down, This consists of 

 rounded rocks, gravel and sand, evidently deposited by a 

 very rapid, but at times a variable current. It also sufifered 

 erosion, before the next bed, No. 8, was laid down. 



