Recent Acquisitions at the Geological Museum

Abstract

THE Geological Museum has recently put on exhibition two new dioramas illustrating the occurrence and exploitation of gold ore at the Lake Shore mine in the Timiskaming District of Ontario. This mine is the largest gold producer on the American continent, and one of the most important in the world. One of these dioramas introduces a new technique, in illustrating the geological structure to a depth of 4,500 feet, as well as the general surface topographic features. The dioramas have been presented by Mr. Harry Oakes, who originally staked the property. Among other recent additions to the collections are a jade hei-tiki, carved by the Maoris, the gift of H.M. Queen Mary; a very extensive collection of polished Italian marbles, presented by Mr. Percy C. Webb; and a magnificent group of deeply coloured amethyst crystals from Brazil, loaned by the managers of the Royal Institution. The Geological Society of London has presented a group of large pillars of basalt, from the Giant's Causeway in Antrim; an Ichthyosaurus from the Lower Lias of Barrow-on-Soar; a very fine slab of Wenlock Limestone with Periechocrinus moniliformis, etc., collected by the late Earl of Dudley; and a beautiful specimen of Pentacrinus briareus Miller from the Lias of Lyme Regis, collected by Sir H. T. de la Beche, the first director of H.M. Geological Survey. Within recent months, the Museum has added to its permanent exhibits on economic geology displays on abrasives, moulding sands, refractory materials, and other subjects of industrial interest.