Salt.

In our last issue we gave some account of the great salt-beds of the counties of Huron and Bruce, having an aggregate thickness of 126 feet of pure rock salt, with the dolomites of the Guelph formation, underlying them, still untried.

Since then Mr. Attril has been engaged In the tremendous task of sinking a shaft 12 feet in diameter to these beds, which are at a depth of from 1,000 to 1,400 feet, for the purpose of mining the salt, and bringing it up in masses, which process is estimated to cost from one-third to one-half that of the present one of evapora- page 52 tion. After pursuing this attempt to a depth of 270 feet, Mr Attil was reluctantly compelled to desist by the quantity of water, and proceeded to Belgium for the purpose of obtaining machinery which will render boring possible under water. The result is awaited with very great interest, and with the best wishes for the success of the enterprising gentleman, whose determination will surely be rewarded.

Nova Scotia.

Summary, 1877.

Comparing this summary with that of the preceding year, its general appearance is not unfavorable.