On the Geology of Cape Breton

Abstract

I Propose, in the following pages, to give a slight general sketch of the geology of Cape Breton, from notes made at various times, some so far as 15 years back, and collected more with a view to professional pursuits, than for the purposes of geological research. The island of Cape Breton is separated from Nova Scotia by the Gut of Canso, and is about 120 miles in length from north to south, and 90 miles wide from Scatari on the Atlantic shore to Port Hood on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A range of highlands, commencing at Cape North, continues to St. Ann's on the east shore, and to Margarie on the west shore, both distant from Cape North about 60 miles, and presents, with few interruptions, bold and precipitate cliffs to the ocean. These highlands attain their greatest elevation near the shore, constituting a table-land from 15 to 20 miles in breadth, and 600 to 1000 feet in height, in most places incapable of cultivation. Part of this table-land is covered with a stunted growth of spruce and fir trees, and the remainder is principally rocky and barren moorland, which affords a scanty supply of moss for a few herds of wild deer. From Margarie to Port Hood the country is elevated, but undulating, being intersected by several small rivers running through valleys of great fertility.