GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE. 373

I have been able to obtain, I may remark, that almost all the rocks named in the discordant nomenclature of Werner, are found in this island.

Among the primitive rocks, granite prevails in the peninsular country south-east of the Bras d’Or; and it probably forms the nucleus of the Highlands be- tween this inlet and the Gulf of St Lawrence. Sienite, trap, mica, clayslate, and occasionally quartz, also appear on the Gulf coast.

Primitive trap, Sienite, mica-slate, and clayslate, show themselves, together with transition limestone, greywacke, gypsum, and coal, generally in all parts of the island.

The class of fleetz rocks appears, however, to be the most numerous; and coal exists in such abun- dance, that persons unacquainted with geology have stated seriously to me that they considered this mi- neral formed the base of the whole island. Coal, in a field, or fields, of vast extent, abounds in the south- eastern division of the island, surrounded by car- boniferous limestone, new red sandstone, &c. The quality of this coal is excellently adapted for com- mon fire-places.

The eXtent or quality of the coal fields north of the Bras d’Or, have not been ascertained. Gypsum occurs in great plenty along the shores of the Bras d’Or, at the Gut of Canseau, on the Gulf coast, and in some other parts of the island.

We may conclude, from the strongly saturated salt springs which are found in different places, that the rock-salt formation is extensive. Iron ore, in various