On the Albert Mine, Hilsborough, New Brunswick

Abstract

The beds at this place were first noticed by Dr. Gesner*, who mentions the occurrence of bituminous shale, sandstone, and coal. They were subsequently visited by Professors Johnston and Robb, who state† that a thick bed of bitumen had been discovered, and a mining lease applied for. More recently the mineral deposit became a subject of litigation, and as the disputed right depended, or was supposed to depend, in part on its nature and geological age, scientific investigttions were made at the instance of the parties interested. The scientific testimony was of a remarkably conflicting character. Dr. Jackson, of Boston*, Dr. Percival, Dr. Hayes, and other eminent geologists and chemists maintained that the substance is a “true coal,” and that it occurs in the “true coal-formation.” The late Mr. R. C. Taylor, F.G.S.†, the well-known author of the ‘Statistics of Coal,’ Dr. Robb, of Frederickton, and others, on the contrary, held that the substance is “asphalt or a variety of asphalt,” and that it is a true vein occupying a line of dislocation. Having taken no part in the litigation of the question, and having recently enjoyed an opportunity. of examining this somewhat anomalous deposit, I propose m the following paper to state the results at which I have arrived in reference to its nature and geological age. 1. Geological position .—Accordlng to Dr. Jackson, this is in the Coal-formation. Mr. Taylor inclines to the view that it is in the Old Red Sandstone; and Dr. Percival, while regarding the deposit