14 The Aincrican Geologist. "^^'^'' ^^*^"'- 
The Halifax Formation 21 
Distribution 21 
Character of sediments 1.. 22 
Continuity of strata 23 
"Banded Argillyte division" 23 
Erosion from top of series 24 
Thickness 24 
Conditions of deposition 25 
Evidences as to depth of water during deposition 26 
Texture of sediments 26 
Limest jnes 26 
Cross-bedding 26 
Ripple marks 27 
Conglomerates 27 
Origin 29 
Pre-Meguma continent unknown 29 
Problem of dimensions 29 
Area and time of erosion represented 32 
Pre-Meguma land 32 
Position 32 
Rock composition 33 
References 34 
In the first paper the Hmits of the gold-bearing metamor- 
phic series of Nova Scotia were sketched roughly, and a no- 
menclature proposed for the series and its two subdivisions. In 
the present paper and those following, these formation names 
will be used without further explanation. The metamorphism 
of the sediments will be treated in a later paper. 
TJic Goldciivillc fonimfioii . 
Definition . — The division of the jNIeguma series into two 
formations depends upon a sudden change from strata pre- 
vailingly gray and dark green in color in typical regions, and 
largely siliceous in composition and arenaceous in texture, to 
superjacent conformable beds wliich are for the most part lead 
colored or black, in some places light gray and light green ; 
and almost wholly argillaceous in character. The change is 
so abrupt as to be readily recognizable, whether the base of the 
Halifax formation be black or green. 
Distribution. — The Goldenville formation furnishes the 
ground upon which the upper member is laid in east-west 
S3-nclinal bands, in surface distribution . This results from its 
position below the other and its greater thickness, from the 
shape and persistence of the folds throughout the series, and 
from the superior resistance of its rocks to erosion. Only a 
few localities arc l-mown in which it forms isolated patches sur- 
rounded by Halifax slates. In the east the most interesting; 
is the Caribou mining: district, which is located at the summit 
