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PEOCEEDIKGS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



[Apr. 10,; 



stratified. Some of these strata and those called " blue marsh " are 

 composed in part of plants still undergoing decomposition and ex- 

 pelling carburetted hydrogen. These strata are sometimes 12 feet 

 beneath the surface, and interlaid with beds of alluvium, which, when 

 their layers are exposed, display with beautiful distinctness the tracks 

 of the numerous wading birds that frequent the shores. It is almost 

 unnecessary to add that sea- alluvia never accumulate above the 

 highest tide-mark. 



On the southern side of this Province, where it meets the Atlantic, 

 the old fishermen universally report the effects of uplifting at certain 

 places where they have been wont to anchor their nets and boats in 

 pursuing their avocation. Off the harbour of Halifax, and Sambro 

 Lighthouse, a submarine elevation appears to be advancing. A few 

 years ago a steamer was wrecked in breakers six miles south of 

 the lighthouse, after a gale of wind : breakers at that place were 

 unknown before. Recent soundings also show a shallowing of the 

 water. 



Cape Breton. — In the Island of Cape Breton, situated at the 

 entrance of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (and which the writer had an 

 opportunity to explore under the patronage of the late noble Earl of 

 Dundonald), several upheavings and depressions of the land were 

 observed, not dissimilar to those already mentioned. Among the 

 latter is that of the ancient city of Louisburg, which forms an inter- 

 esting feature in Colonial history. This place was once the strong- 

 hold of France in America, and has one of the finest harbours in the 

 world. It was well fortified; and a population of 20,000 souls 

 was contained within its walls. It was taken from the French by 

 4000 provincial troops, under Colonel Pepperall, in 1745. After- 

 wards Great Britain restored it to France. In 1758 it was again 

 captured by General Amherst. The place was defended by 3000 

 men, six ships of the line, and five frigates : in this action the 

 brave General Wolfe won an early distinction. The inhabitants of 

 the city were dispersed; and the British Government expended 

 .£40,000 in blowing up the fortifications. The city is now occupied 

 by six families of poor fishermen; two stories of the hospital remain, as 

 do the foundations of the Governor's house and other public buildings, 

 with much of the massive masonry of the bomb-proofs and bastions. 

 Among the ruins are seen fragments of exploded shells and other 

 missiles, mingling with the crumbling bones of the killed. Had 

 Louisburg continued to exist up to the present time, its abandonment 

 would not have been the less certain ; for the sea now flows within 

 its walls and overflows sites that were formerly inhabited. Its sub- 

 mersion is plain and distinct. The rock upon wbich General Wolfe 

 landed has nearly disappeared. The waves break against the south 

 wall, which they have undermined and thrown down. The higher 

 parts of the fortress afford shelter for sheep ; but each succeeding 

 tide flows freely into the northern side of the deserted city. The 

 lands westward also bear testimony to an extensive submergence. 



Prince Edward's Island. — The fertile Prince Edward's Island is 

 situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, fifty miles eastward of the 



