Geology and Natural History. 477 



would be from 10 to 20 miles in width. Indeed, it was difficult 

 to know when the mainland was finally reached. Even then, 

 when the explorers ascended a mountain they could see many 

 channels of the sea running in all directions among the high hills. 

 Besides the channels and those separating the islands, a number 

 of large fjords running far inland were discovered and explored. 

 These geographical conditions are due to the geological structure 

 of a great development of crystalline rocks, their extensive ero- 

 sion and partial submergence. Dr. Bell does not recall such a 

 striking example of this kind of topography in any other part of 

 the world. The northeast coast of Georgian Bay resembles it in 

 some respects on a small scale, but here glaciation has reduced 

 the general surface to a low level and a comparatively even out- 

 line." 



He also explored inland at one point sufficiently far to locate 

 two great lakes whose southern shores came within 50 or 60 

 miles of Hudson Strait. The party returned to St. John, N. B., 

 in the latter part of October. h. s. w. 



2. International Geological Congress. — The International Geo- 

 logical Congress for 1897 took place at St. Petersburg from Aug. 

 28th to Oct. 5th and in point of view of attendance was the most 

 successful yet held, several hundred geologists from all parts of 

 the world being present and taking part. The session was 

 opened by the honorary president, the Grand-Duke Constantine, 

 and those portions of each day which were devoted to delibera- 

 tions were divided among the different fields of geologic activity. 

 It cannot be said that any large result followed immediately from 

 these conferences but great moderation and caution were shown by 

 the delegates and the exchange of views will undoubtedly be 

 beneficial to geology in the future. The discussion of the ques- 

 tion concerning stratigraphical nomenclature and classification 

 resulted in a general understanding that it was yet too soon to 

 decisively act upon this subject and in the meantime the histori- 

 cal method is recommended as being the most proper ground. 

 In petrography practically the same result was arrived at, the 

 petrographers declining to commit themselves at present to any 

 definite classification but expressing the view that the science had 

 progressed far enough at present to warrant the introduction of 

 some simple group names to be used by the field geologist, and 

 in mapping. The Congress recommended the establishment of 

 an international station for the investigation of the sea bottom. 



Dr. Hauchecorne and Dr. Beyschlag were placed in charge of 

 the commission for the geological map of Europe. The invita- 

 tion of the French geologists was accepted and Paris named as 

 the place of meeting in 1900. A committee was appointed to 

 report on the advisability and possibility of the establishment of 

 an international journal devoted to the interests of petrography, 

 especially for reviews. 



A number of interesting exhibits were shown, among them that 

 by the Imperial Geological Survey of Japan being, perhaps, the 

 one that attracted the most attention. 



