Georgian Bay Fuels Kleen-Flo Furnace and Stove Oil The Best Heating Oil Available 51 Great North Road Parry Sound - Phone 746-9801 North * Star Try our Borden's Yogurt GEORGIAN BAY CREAMERY 2 Bowes St. 746-5201 SECOND SECTION THE PARRY SOUND NORTH STAR, Thursday, May 5, 1977 - Page 13 Removal of dead tree uncovered Ice Age phenomenon in Humphrey by Helen Crawford HUMPHREY TOWNSHIP - A rare geological phenomenon exists in the Parry Sound area, on the property of Mr. Stan Hunziger, of Humphrey Township. This is a natural excavation in solid granite rock, 1372 feet deep and 5 feet in diameter, known as a "pothole". It is only through a series of coincidences that this phenomenon become noticed. Mr. Hunziger discovered the hole when he removed a dead tree growing from the spot, twenty years ago. When the roots of the soft maple tree wer pulled away, the edge of the hole became visiable. He was curious, so began to dig in the area. To his surprise, a completely circular 5 ft. wide indentation became evident. Mr. Hunziger relates how, as he dug, he uncovered numerous boulders and cobbles, all rounded smooth. Not knowing what he caused this unusual feature, he continued digging until he reached a cup-shaped bottom thrity inches wide at a depth of 13 1/2 feet. A neighbor, Mr. Mills, contacted a professor of geology at Western University, who subsequently visited the site and identified the oddity as a "pothole" This rarity is a result of glacial fluvial action. One hundred thousand years ago, during the ice age, this area, known as the Cambrian Shield, was covered by ice one to twomiles in depth. One theory is that the pothole was caused by ice melting, and the water flowing down through a tunnel in the ice. This water carried boulders and stones down to the bedrock and caused a swirling action in the rock. The abrasive action of the stones caught up in the swirling water drilled a hole in the granite. In the northern Hemisphere, water always spins clockwise, known as the "coreolis effect", and this fact is evident by the marks on the walls of the pothole. The fact that this occurence is located on a hill makes it even more unique, since most other discoveries have been formed in already existing depressions. Mr. Hunziger, a locomotive engineer, who has lived in the area since 1947comments that numerous spectators from all over Canada and the United States have visited the site. He has given away most of the polished stones as souvenirs. Despite all the visitors, Stan Hunziger is very hospitable, remarking to this reporter, "Come back anytime and bring your friends." (Special thanks to Brock University geology student, Bruce Schell, for bringing this story to light and giving technical assistance.) A geologist identified the 'pothole' as having been formed in the Ice Age when this area was covered with ice one to two miles thick. Marks on the side of the hole show the swirling, abrasive action caused by stones whirling in water and boring into the solid granite bedrock. This 'pothole' is considered particularly unique since it was formed on a hill and not, as usual, in a depression. From the Ice Age. Caused in lce Age Unique discovery Stan Hunziger of Humphrey Township squats beside big 'pothole' he discovered acciden- tally on his property twenty years ago. The hole worn in solid granite measures five feet in diameter and is 13 1/2 feet deep. It has been the object of much interest by geologists. Photos by Helen Crawford. High school presentation of Carousel promises to be great entertainment Here comes Broadway! Well - not really, but the cast of performers in 'Carousel' are good substitutes. Again this year, we are fortunate to have had an active drama group and many of your favourite stars are returning to entertain you. Such acting enthusiasts as John Lee, Janet Mclsaac, Annette Culp and Kim Spinney are highlighted (not to mention many new and familiar faces) in this musical drama. The play, by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is set in New England in the late 1800's. The main plot involves a working-mill girl, Julie (Janet Mclsaac) who falls in love with Billy, a ne'er-do-well (John Lee). Julie and Billy endure many hardships and struggle through infinite conflicts. Julie's best friend, Carrie (Dawn Callan) and her lover Enoch (Andrew Park) are contrasted with Julie and Billy and provide considerable humour. Other major characters are Nettie Fowlers, played by Anna Palamar, Mrs. Mullin (Annette Culp) and Jigger Craigin, portrayed by Kim Spinney. Such noted teachers as Mr. Maule, Mr. Stone and Mr. Mintz are featured in small roles. Piano accompaniment is supplied by Laurel Pollard, a recognized pianist who divides her musical talents among many local programs. There are many sub-plots and anti-climaxes, leading to consistent intrigue and suspense. The play is highly emotional, particularly the last scenes. 'Carousel' is a two-act play lasting approximately two and one-half to three hours. There certainly is no shortage of acting or musical talent in the Parry Sound area even though some of the first-rate performers from last year's feature, "The Mikado" were unable to return. The play is directed by Mrs. Dixon again this year, and the play's success will be not only owing to the fine quality of the performers, but also to Mrs. Dixon's supreme efforts for perfection. Many people have contributed considerable time and effort to the production of this play and this will be evident in the faultlessness of the performers and sets. 'Carousel' will to introduced to the public on May 12, and will continue on May 13 and 14 with one showing nightly at 8:00 p.m. in the High School auditorium. Mini-flower show planned for Horticultural meeting PARRY SOUND-The arrival of spring resulted in a well-attended meeting of the Horticultural Society on Wed., April 27th,. There wre two new members present, Mrs. Gertrude Malkin and Mrs. Beth Dwinnel. The guest speaker, Rev. M. Wilkinson, showed slides of wildflowers, most of them from around our own district. Many of these wildflowers were familiar to us all, but others were new to many. One should take time to wander through our woods now and then and discover some of the natural beauty that grows around us. ON Wed., May 25th at 8 p.m. the Society will be holding its regular meeting plus a Mini -Flower Show of spring flowers. Guest speaker for the occasion will be Mr. Jack Taylor, past president of the Ontario Iris Society. The public is invited to attend this meeting. On Sat., May 14th, 2 - 4 p.m. the Society will be holding its Geranium Tea. This takes place at the United Church Hall and tickets are available at the door and from most members. Plan to attend and have a cup of tea and some goodies with friends, then go home with a fresh, new geranium. What could be more enjoyable on a spring afternoon? The bake sale held last month was a complete success. Thanks to all who helped in any way and also a special thank you to Mr. Terry Campbell of Woodhouse Furniture for allowing and Society to use the front of their store for the sale. A final reminder to members of the Swap Night at Mrs. Middlekoops on Thurs., May 19th at 7 p.m. Local teachers at conference PARRY SOUND-Three area teachers were among 300 women teachers who attended a meeting of the Federation of Women Teachers' Associations of Ontario in Toronto recently. The three R's were examined by delegates who participated in workshops on various aspects of the language arts including reading, early identification of reading problems, grammar, listening skills, creative drama, oral language skills, creative writing, phonics and children's literature. Keynote speaker was Dr. Ouida Wright, newly appointed assistant superintendent in the Toronto school system, who is an authority on the teaching of reading. The three teachers who attended the conference from the West Parry Sound area were Carol McCabe and Lorraine Nason from Humphrey School and Kay Ironside from William Beatty School. Local vocalists win first prizes ORILLIA-Three students from the studio of Winifred Laird (R.M.T.) Parry Sound, won first prizes at the Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival held on April 25. Terri Jackson won the girl's solo 10 and under class by doing Spring Magic. Andrea Milne and Margaret Snider won first prize in the girl's vocal duet, 14 and under class, with The Dream Seller. The following are the results of the Festival: Girl's Solo, "Fairings", 14 and under, Andrea Milne - 76; Rose-Marie Middelkoop - 75. Girl's Solo, "Snowie the Snowman", 10 and under, Terri Jackson - 80; Lisa Young - 80. Girl's Solo, "Footprints in the Snow", 14 and under, Andrea Milne - 81; Rose-Marie Middelkoop - 80; Margaret Snider - 80. Girl's Solo "The Fairy Cobbler", 16 and under, Heather Kerr - 81. Girl's Solo, "Spring Magic", 12 and under, Terri Jackson -85. Girl's Solo, "Folk Song" own choice, 16 and under, Heather Kerr - 79; Susan Daley - 77. Girl's Vocal Duet, "Rain in May", 13 and under, Rose-Marie Middelkoop and Nancy Wilkins - 88; Andrea Milne and Margaret Snider - 88. Girl's Vocal Duet, Own choice, 14 and under, Andrea Milne and Margaret Snider - 86; Rose-Marie Middelkoop and Nancy Wilkins - 82. Girl's Vocal Duet, Twilight Shadows, 15 and under, Heather Kerr and Cindy Jacklin - 80. Also, one piano entry, grade 5. Examination piece. Scott Hilts came in 3rd with 85. The highest mark being 87. Forest tent caterpillar may strike again says Min. of Nat. Resources PARRY SOUND-An outbreak of the forest tent caterpillar, which caused wide spread defoliation in the Parry Sound area last year, is expected again in 1977. We are within the twelfth recorded outbreak in Ontario since 1834. Outbreaks occur approximately every ten years, somewhere in Ontario. The largest outbreak occurred during the years 1948 to 1956, when caterpillars infested most of the province. Outbreaks normally last three to six years, depending on weather conditions and other natural control factors. The adults of the forest tent caterpillars are buff-brown moths with three dark bands on each forewing. The months are normally in flight for a two week period sometime during July. After mating, some 150 eggs are laid by female moths on small branch tips in one-half to one inch bands that completely encircle the branch and are covered with a dark-coloured, gluelike substance. After the developing caterpillars are fully formed inside the eggs, they enter diapause and overwinter. In late April or early May, when the initial bud development of the host tree commences, the tiny caterpillars hatch and feed openly in colonies on the unfolding leaves. These forest tent caterpillars do not form distinct silken tents as does the eastern tent caterpillar. The forest tent caterpillars are gray-blue with a broad blue band along each side and a row of keyhole shaped white markings along the back. During rest periods, the caterpillars often cluster in masses on the bole of the host tree. After some six weeks of feeding and four accompanying molts, the caterpillars reach a final length of approximately two inches. During epidemics, the caterpillars leave the host tree and wander in search of food, feeding voraciously on the foliage of poplar, sugar maple, oak, ash, birch and other deciduous trees and shrubs. It is estimated that a full grown caterpillar may consume up to fifteen leaves each day. Soon the caterpillars spin yellowish cocoons. The first signs of cocoon spinning indicate that wandering and defoliation will soon cease as most of the caterpillars spin their cocoon and disappear at much the same time. The pupa is formed within the cocoon and about two weeks later, the buff-coloured moths emerge to commence the life cycle again. Fortunately, the caterpillars seldom kill the trees, even when the forest is completely defoliated. Trees usually produce a second, yet less dense set of leaves, in five or six weeks. A recognized forest tent caterpillar problem may be dealt with in three ways: by removing the egg bands prior to hatching, by spraying with insecticide or by avoiding activites in the problem area and letting nature take its course. Removal of the egg bands is only practical where a property continued on pg. 19 A fully grown forest tent caterpillar Photo courtesy Natural Resources