54 
Geology. 
it is obvious that there had been no melting of the base at the ex- 
tremity to counteract the effects of an advance had there been 
any. At the extremities of several other glaciers, phenomena of 
similar import were observed. The very firm impression was 
given by such physical signs that the average rate of movement 
of the glaciers of the region was very slow. At the head of the 
gulf, however, there are a few glaciers, among them notably the 
Heilprin, which produce large icebergs and which must there- 
fore be wide departures from the prevailing slowness of motion. 
The difference in the rates of motion of different parts of the edge 
of the great ice-sheet are remarkable and must be carefully con- 
sidered in forming an opinion respecting the average rate. 
GLACIAL DRIFT ON ABANDONED TERRITORY. 
The amount of drift on the territory once occupied, but now free 
from ice, is notable much more for its scantiness than its abun- 
dance. On Disco Island it was found to be very limited, except 
along the immediate fronts of the present glaciers. In the Ingle- 
field district there are at some points very considerable accumula- 
tions of drift within a mile or two of the present ice-front, but at 
the same time much of the territory between the ice-front and the 
sea bears a very scant covering of drift. No great moraines were 
seen, nor any thick mantles of drift. The valleys in front of the 
glaciers are well floored with glacial wash, but even here the rock 
occasionally appears. Considerable delta-fans project into the 
gulf, but none of them exceed half a mile in depth. 
Consonant with this scantiness of drift, the topography of the 
border-land shows only moderate evidence of glacial subjuga- 
tion. It is mildly rounded, but not greatly molded. 
DISCOVERY OF A DRIFTLESS AREA. Quite to my 
surprise, I found upon the east side of Bowdoin Bay a driftless 
area lying immediately adjoining the present great ice-cap. The 
driftlessness of the area is firmly attested by several lines of ob- 
servation. There was an absence of transported material upon it. 
The surface was notable for the exceedingly angular, ragged dis- 
integration of the harder belts of rock that protruded above the 
average contours. It was also notable for the deep disintegra- 
tion of the gneiss between these protruding ragged portions. 
