H3 



Superficial Deposits. 



The area is for a considerable part drift-covered. These 

 drift deposits consist largely of stratified clays, sands and 

 gravels of post-Glacial age ; and in addition there are patches 

 of morainic material. Sections of stratified clay, overlain 

 by sand, are well exposed on the Mattagami river, north of 

 Pigeon rapids, and along the shores of Night Hawk lake. 

 Most of the islands in this lake have a rocky shore line, but 

 are capped by stratified material. Where the soil has been 

 removed the rocks are seen to have been intensely glaciated. 

 The fine-grained greenstones have well preserved the 

 scratches and grooves produced by glaciation. On several 

 islands were noted two sets of striations, S. 15° W. mag., 

 and S. mag., the latter representing the later ice move- 

 ment. Owing to the lack of drainage, much of the 

 country, though higher than the rivers and lakes, is very 

 wet, but i would be suitable for agricultural purposes if 

 properly drained. For a description of the agricultural 

 possibilities of the country the reader is referred to reports 

 by Mr. A. Henderson.* 



Forest Fires. 



During the past two years forest fires have greatly 

 ravaged the area around Porcupine. About the middle of 

 May, 191 1, a fire completely destroyed the surface workings 

 and buildings of the Hollinger mine. From that time forest 

 fires were burning in the area until the middle of July. On 

 July 2nd, the buildings of the Dome Extension and part of 

 the townsite of Pottsville were destroyed. 



The greatest fire of the year occurred on July nth. 

 when, after a prolonged dry season, a hurricane from 

 the southwest brought up a fire which did the greatest 

 damage. The surface workings and buildings of 

 the Dome, West Dome, Vipond, Standard, Preston East 

 Dome, North Dome and several other properties were 

 entirely destroyed. The town of South Porcupine 



was completely wiped out, and almost all that part of 

 Pottsville which escaped the fire of July 2nd. The north 

 part of Porcupine (Golden City) was also destroyed. This 



* Agricultural Resources of Abitibi, Bur. M.'n., Vol. XIV. (1905); 

 Idem Vol. XV. (1906). 



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