1886.] 319 [Annuil Meeting. 



so-called Potsdam sandstones and limestones of the Canadian sur- 

 vey. The observations made at these points indicate a fauna quite 

 distinct from those of any of the limestones or slates of the west 

 coast of Newfoundland. The absence of Cephalopoda and the 

 prevalence of primitive forms of Archeocyathus show the rocks to 

 be probably older than those of the Quebec group at Port au Choix 

 and other localities. The primitive sponges, or Archeocyathi, 

 have here replaced corals completely, and may be described as 

 reef-builders, since numerous hummocks and masses and parts of 

 the strata are formed entirely of their remains. Immediately be- 

 low these limestones, and conformable with them, lie the red sand- 

 stones, several layers of which are perforated with Scolithus bur- 

 rows. 



The geological evidence brought forward by Sir William Logan 

 in the report of Canadian geological survey, 1863, to prove that 

 the straits of Belle Isle have been partly formed by a synclical 

 valley, appears to us to be very defective. It is more in accord 

 with the evidence to consider that the whole of northern New- 

 foundland was once much more elevated, and has been sunk by 

 faulting until at the straits the Quebec has been brought clown to 

 the same level as the red sandstones of the opposite Labrador 

 shore. The origin of the straits would in that case be considered 

 as due to the changes of level produced by one or more of the 

 same great series of parallel faults already traced by Richardson, 

 Murray and Ho wley along the west coast. These run parallel with 

 the axis of the straits, and seem to account fully for all the phe- 

 nomena. 



Observations were made upon the raised beaches and terraces 

 which occur along the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador ; 

 and here, as well as at Anticosti and the Mingan islands, the marks 

 of the recent elevation of the land are abundant. 



Report of Edward Burgess, Secretary. 



The following report is respectfully submitted. 



Membership. 

 The Society has lost during the past year three Associate 

 Members by death, and four by resignation, while four have been 



