STRENGTH OF THE SALT SPRINGS. 



295 



to 35 gallons of brine.* Mr. Donald Gunn, of Eed Eiver 

 Settlement, says that in the dry season 24 gallons of brine 

 from the Winnipego-sis springs will produce one bushel 

 of salt. 



The value of the salt trade in the United States may be 

 inferred from the following statistics : — 



Bushels. 



In 1840 the quantity of foreign salt imported was . . 8,183,203 

 In 1850 „ „ . 11,224,185 



In 1857 „ „ 17,165,704 



The value of the foreign salt consumed in 1857 

 amounted to nearly 2,000,000 dollars, and the value of 

 foreign and domestic salt exported from the States during 

 the same year was 230,000 dollars. 



The most eastern exposure of the Devonian Series, 

 recognized by fossils of that age, occurs on Thunder 

 Island, St. Martin Lake ; the most westerly exposure is 

 seen on Moss Eiver, and it is between these two points 

 that, as far as known, brine springs are most numerous. 

 Barren areas surrounding brine springs are of frequent 

 occurrence at the foot of the range of hills from the 

 Eiding Mountain to the Pas. In a country nearly hori- 

 zontal, where the attitude of the rocks conforms to the 

 general surface, it will be at all times very difficult to 

 determine the precise line of junction between succeeding 

 series, and fortunately in the present instance the brine 

 springs, which undoubtedly have their source in Devonian 

 rocks, afford an excellent guide in determining the out- 

 crop and extent of the series. 



As far as my observations enabled me to judge there is 

 no difference in the general aspect of the country occupied 



* The History, Commerce, Sources, Manufacture, and economical Value 

 of Salt consumed in and exported from the United States ; by William C. 

 Dennis, of Key West, Florida. Patent Office Report, 1857. 



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