172 DR. JOHN SCOULER. which could only be obtained by more extensive observa- tions. However, the knowledge I have been able to acquire is, I think, decisive as to the geological features of the country in the vicinity of the sea, and to render it probable that a similar range of calcareous formations exists towards the Cascades at the distance of a hundred and fifty miles from the sea. What is made certain by the fossils of the coast is, I think, made equally obvious with regard to the interior from its calcareous tufa and abundant saline springs: namely, that all the rocks of this part of the country be- long, or are subordinate, to the magnesian series. Saline springs are by no means uncommon through the country, and I succe[e]ded in procuring a quantity of water from one of them. 22d. We have now so completely ransacked the neigh- borhood of Ft. George, that very few new plants now at- tract our notice, and our impatience is obliged to wait till the progress of spring lays open more plants to our curi- osity. In this delemma I set out in quest of animals and was tolerabley successfull. Among the wood [I] found two very line species of land [illegible^ & in the water near the margins of the river I detected abundance of a beautifull fluviatile Turbo furnished with an operculum, & with very deap ribs. In the same situation I obtained a fine species of Astacus, that takes up his abode under stones in the same situation with the Turbo, which seams to form his principal food & in his turn is devoured by the ravens, which are very abundant along the beach. 29th. This morning I set out on a visit to Ft. Van- couver, & I undertook this with the more pleasure, as I had every reason to believe the vegetation would be con- siderably different from that of the coast. Our party consisted of 5 canoes, superintended by Mr. McKay. As the wind was favourable we made rapid
