. The Canadian journal ; a repertory of industry, science, and art ; and a record of the proceedings of the Canadian Institute. REPORTS ON TORONTO HARBOUR. 17 pies. A barrier may have then existed at its outlet, where probably the Thousand Islands are now seen, over the top of which the primeval St. Lawrence flowed; this great river, rushing over the barrier with tremendous velocity, would, through course of time, wash away its softer parts, and leave standing those numerous isolated roclts and picturesque islands which, now covered with foliage, adorn so much the landscape of that section -of
. The Canadian journal ; a repertory of industry, science, and art ; and a record of the proceedings of the Canadian Institute. REPORTS ON TORONTO HARBOUR. 17 pies. A barrier may have then existed at its outlet, where probably the Thousand Islands are now seen, over the top of which the primeval St. Lawrence flowed; this great river, rushing over the barrier with tremendous velocity, would, through course of time, wash away its softer parts, and leave standing those numerous isolated roclts and picturesque islands which, now covered with foliage, adorn so much the landscape of that section -of the country. If this be not the ap- proved way of accounting for the lowering of the level of the waters, a gradual upheaval of the land generally, or even a subsidence of the ocean may be brought forward ; it is for our present pur- pose, however, to enter into a geological disquisition on this point, if we allow that the whole of the country bordering on Lake Ontario was at one time submerged under (he same extensive sheet of water ; and that the level of this great lake, or it may be this arm of the ocean, was through course of time depressed, and its outline contracted until it was reduced to the present Ontario. A supposition so strongly sup- ported by the discovery of several ancient beach lines, terraces and parallel ridges in the vicinity of Toronto and other parts of the country, at various, but corresponding levels, that it may, without much diffi- culty be admitted. As the land gradually emerged, its appearance would be bleak in the extreme ; a flat or but slightly undulating surface unbroken by rivers or ravines, and uncovered, for a length of time with vegetation ; on the ancient shallows of the great lake various kinds of plants would, through course of time, take root, grow up and wither; the continued reproduction and decay of which would gradually coat the surface with organic matter, and thus enriching the soil, enable it to produce more luxurian
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