tion, which are stated by Barrande to consist chiefly of graywackes and grits (" quartzites "). Lastly, there are indications that e 1 is superimposed unconformably upon d 6, in which case the interval between the second and third faunas may have been an enormously long one, and some intermediate deposits may be missing.)

The above definitive introduction, constituting the first phase of the third or Upper Silurian fauna, must have taken place during the deposition of the band e 1, the basement band of the superior division, which agrees lithologically with the colonies in being composed of graptolitic schists with calcareous concretions, alternating with sheets of trap.

It is clear that the interpretation of the facts rests chiefly on the hypothesis of migrations. Most geologists now admit the doctrine of migrations, and Bohemia more than any country presents us with proofs of its truth.

Thus, M. Barrande has shown that the Bohemian basin of Silurian times was separated by natural barriers from the contemporaneous ocean which covered the great northern zone of Europe and America. This is shewn by the specific differences between many of the forms (such as the Cephalopoda) of these areas; but the occurrence of some species common to Bohemia and Northern Europe has also shown that there must have existed temporary communications between these different regions. Further, M. Barrande has shown Mem. sur la Reapparition du genre Arethusina, 1868,) that although the colonies are the most striking examples of the intermittent appearance of species in Bohemia, there exists besides in the same basin a considerable number of species equally intermittent, and belonging to different classes of fossils. This was particularly shown by the occurrence of four Trilobites and one Cephalopod, which existed in d 1, at the commencement of the second fauna, completely disappeared during d 2, d 3, and d 4, and reappeared in d 5 at the close of the second fauna, their reappearance coinciding precisely with the introduction of the colonies into the basin.

Both these circumstances can be explained by the same hypothesis, namely by supposing a temporary communication to be formed between the Bohemian basin and other seas. This hypo

thesis would not only explain the reappearance of the above-mentioned species after the lapse of a vast period of time, but would also allow of the almost inevitable introduction of various other new forms into the same basin at the same time.

We have, then, on the one hand, the fact that the Silurian basin of Bohemia was isolated and separated from other regions, over which successively existed the three general faunas characteristic of the Silurian period (with the Upper Cambrian). On the other hand, divers well established facts demonstrate the coexistence of a certain number of identical species on corresponding horizons in countries geographically widely removed from one another. This co-existence can only be explained by the effect of migrations.

We may suppose, therefore, that the repeated introduction into Bohemia of species which are equally characteristic of the colo nies and of the third fauna, may be explained by having recourse to the phenomenon of migrations. We may also suppose that the intermittent appearance of the colonies may be attributed to oscillations. of the land during the last phases of the second fauna, the occurrence of such oscillations being testified by the frequent intercalation of traps in the beds in question (viz. in d 5). Lastly, we may define the phenomena of colonies sisting in the co existence of two general faunæ, which, con-sidered in their entirety, are nevertheless successive."

66

as con

THE WHALE OF THE ST. LAWRENCE.

By DR. J. W. ANDERSON, President of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.

In the early history of Canada, the whale and walrus fishery of the Gulf of St. Lawrence was of no inconsiderable influence, giving employment to many of the Basque and Breton fishermen, and being one of the best nurseries for French seamen In later times when the walrus had become entirely extinct, the whale fishery was prosecuted with energy by the Canadians, especially of the District of Gaspe; and Bouchette, writing in 1832, says: "The whale fishery is carried on with some success by a few active and enterprising inhabitants, who are almost exclusively employed in this kind of fishery. Four or five schooners, manned each with from eight to twelve able and skilful persons, are occupied in whaling during the summer months. This business yields about 18,000 gallons of oil, which is principally sent to Quebec.

The number of hands employed in reducing the blubber to oil, preparing casks, and other incidental labour, may amount to about 100."

Mr. Frank Austin, a few years ago, read a paper to the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, on "Some of the Fishes of the St. Lawrence." In this paper, published in the "Transactions" for 1866, it is stated that it gave profitable employment to a good many schooners of from seventy to eighty tons burthen, each manned by eight men. Each schooner carried two boats, twenty feet long, narrow and sharp, with a pink stern. There were two hundred and twenty fathoms of line to each boat, and the proper supply of harpoons and lances. The species caught was that commonly called the Humpback, and each on an average produced three tons of oil. The mode of capture was somewhat different from that practised by the whalers who resort to Davis' Straits and Greenland, and it is said that any active man, accustomed to the management of boats, could soon become proficient. When approaching the whale in the boats, the men used paddles instead of oars, finding that less noise was made, and that they were thus surer of their prey. It would appear that the whale of the St. Lawrence was even more easily captured than that of Greenland, being if anything more timid and stupid when once harpooned, for sometimes within fifteen minutes after they had been struck, their huge bodies rolled like helpless logs on the water. The oil yielded in 1864 by the Gaspe fishery was of the value of $17,000. We have no means at hand to say what the returns have been since then, but we have reason to fear that like the porpoise fishery, the capture of the whale has not received that attention which it deserved, and that unless new life be imparted, it will altogether cease to be prosecuted as a regular and remunerative branch of national industry. The valuable walrus fishery was lost by ignorance, which led to the complete extinction of the animal in the St. Lawrence. The whale fishery stands a chance of abandonment from apathy.

We were struck on reading Sir Richard Bonnycastle's book, published in 1845, by remarking the number of whales which he saw on his voyage up and down the St. Lawrence, between Gaspe and Kamouraska. Certainly they do not now frequent the St. Lawrence in such abundance.

In the Canadian Magazine, vol. 1, page 283, will be found as follows:-" About the middle of September (1823) a large whale

205 found its way up the St. Lawrence till nearly opposite the village of Montreal, where it continued to play itself for several days, not being able, from the shallowness of the water, to navigate its way down the river. Having attracted the notice of the inhabitants, several enterprising individuals put off in boats with some whale-fishing materials in pursuit of it; and at last after nearly a week's exertion it was harpooned by Captain Brush of the Tow steamboat. It was immediately dragged ashore, and exhibited in a booth fitted up for the purpose, for the gratification of the inhabitants. It was found to measure forty-two feet eight inches in length, six feet across the back, and seven feet deep. It has since been conveyed to Three Rivers and Quebec for the same purpose."

Early in August of this year (1871) two whales were seen sporting on the shores of the Gulf, and a Mr. Chabot, and an Englishman, who claim to have invented a gun harpoon (on Capt. Manby's principle), brought their gun to the shore and discharged the harpoon. As the whale instantly disappeared, and as the rope returned to the shore without the harpoon, they were under the impression that the whale had been struck. Some days afterwards, the government steamer Druid' being down the North Channel, saw something on the beach at St. Joachim, which they thought at first was a boat, but on nearer approach it was discovered to be a whale. Ropes were attached to the jaw and tail, and the huge animal was towed to the Police Wharf at Quebec, where for a few days it was visited by thousands, but becoming extremely offensive, and the weather being very hot, the Mayor very properly ordered it to be removed. It was sold by auction, and purchased by Mr. Gregory for $260, and was then towed to 'Patrick's Hole,' close to the Church of St. Laurent, where Wolfe's army first landed, and there beached and preparations made for fleching it.

I had not an opportunity of seeing it at Quebec, but through the politeness of Mr. Gregory, who gave me a passage, I had the satisfaction of seeing it at 'Patrick's Hole.' On approaching the beach we saw a number of the inhabitants around it, and on our nearer approach, our nostrils informed us that it was not the Guard's bouquet which made all the women have their handkerchiefs at their noses!

I was not prepared to find so huge an animal. It was supposed that the two whales had been a female and its calf, and I was in

formed that it was the calf that had been found. It turned out to be an aged male, apparently of the species Balana Mysticetus. I measured it as carefully as I could, and satisfied myself that it was sixty-five feet in length. The back was black, the belly furrowed, presenting exactly the appearance of a clinker-built boat, and each furrow alternately black and dingy white. The baleens of one side had been lost by being caught on the rocks while it was being hauled ashore, but the other though it had been removed from the jaw, was quite perfect, till the visitors began to appropriate its plates. With the permission of Mr. Gregory I secured a few plates. I never had an opportunity of seeing so large a whale before, though I saw the skeleton of the whale stranded on the beach of Portobello, near Edinburgh, in 1829, and purchased by Dr. Knox. I concluded after a careful examination that it answered fully the description given by De Kay, as follows:

Nat. Ord. Cetacea; Genus Balana; Species, Balana mysticetus. Right or common whale. Characteristics, black, occasionally varied with white or yellow. Gape of the mouth, arched, with about 600 lamina of whalebone. Length, forty to sixty feet. Description: body thickest in the middle, a little behind the fore paws; somewhat furrowed, tapering towards the tail. Head large, somewhat triangular. Opening of the mouth large, with a few scattering hairs on the end of the jaws. Eyes very small, and placed near the corners of the mouth. External jaw exceedingly minute. Spiracles two, oblong, adjacent, slightly largish in front. Palate and sides of upper jaw with two rows of whalebone from ten to thirteen feet long, and generally curved longitudinally, and giving an arched form to the roof of the mouth. Each series consists of three hundred or more laminae of whalebone, the interior edges of which are covered with a hair-like fringe. Swimming paws rounded, somewhat pointed, 7-9 feet long with a width of 4-5 feet, and situated about two feet behind the angle of the mouth. Tail very broad, notched in the centre, curved on the edges, and pointed at the tips. Colour: blackish throughout, occasionally with a small space under the body, and a larger space on the lower jaw, whitish grey or flesh colour. Very old individuals become varied with white, black, or piebald. Weight from 60 to 100 tons. It is presumed to have a gestation of nine months, produces one at a birth, which it suckles for about a year. It exhibits great maternal fondness,