GEOG^OSTICAL OBSERVATIONS,
BY JOHN RICHARDSON, M.D.,
AND SURGEON TO THE EXPEDITION.
I n the following paper I have aimed merely at a very general account of the
different rock formations that presented themselves on the line of our journey.
To have given a satisfactory account of the structure of so large an extent of
country, would have required not only a much better acquaintance with
geognosy than I can lay any claim to, but that I should have turned my un-
divided attention to that object. Whilst we travelled in canoes, which
includes the greatest part of our journey, and nearly the whole of the season
in which the ground was uncovered, my opportunities of making collections
in Natural History were limited to the short halts it was necessary to make for
the needful refreshment or repose of the men—a further delay being incompatible
with the attainment of the main object of the Expedition. The want
of opportunity for observation it was impossible to remedy, but I was desirous
of compensating for my own inexperience in geognosy, by making as extensive
a collection of specimens as circumstances would permit. Beyond Fort
Enterprise, however, the want of means of transport prevented me from even
making an attempt at collection. Those specimens that were obtained to the
southward of that place have been submitted to the inspection of Professor
Jameson, and I feel happy in an opportunity of acknowledging a small part of
my obligations to that distinguished mineralogist. His zeal for the promotion
of science led him to take an early and deep interest in our proceedings, and
his endeavours to serve us have been unwearied.
The western shores of Hudson's Bay between the 56 and 58 parallels of 3 S