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PRINTED BY BARNES AND COMPANY, PRINCK WILLIAM STRUT. 1860. 14646;- 7I u I-' , UJ PREFACE In Docciuber last, the President aiul Directors of tbe Saint John Mechanics^ Institute proposed two prizes of Fifteen Guineas and Ten Guineas, respectively, for the best Essays upon the subject : " New Brunswick as a Home for Emigrants : with tlic best meavs of promoting Immigration^ and developing the resources of the Protmice,^^ The Essays were to be delivered on or before the first day of March last ; and no less than eighteen were sent in as competitors for the prizes. It was determined that a committee of three gentlemen, uncon- nected with the management of the Institute, should be appointed to act as examiners of these Essays, and judges of their merit8. William Wright, Esq., LL. D., Advocate General, the Hon. John W. Weldon, and the Rev. William Scovil, A. M., acceptea- ratt's Kuropti t'roiii Ainerica. At lonj^tli, in tlio l.'Uli cuutury, till' overlaiul joiirnev of Marco l*olo to India, and tlio infor- mation ho thus ol>taiiu'd of a })raoticahh' route to that coun- try hy water, followjjd hy the discovery of tlio Mariners' Cvomjmss, and the revival of letters, infused new lile atid anihition into the more enli;jjhtcned minds of the; people «>f Southern Europe ; and in the Huccceilinjx century new en- terprises wore pidjected, with the view of cxteiidin;; nautical •nscovenes. 'A' hen the nuii'iniM' found that hy tlu; aid otthe coJn|)as9 he could conduct his vessel with nnerriiii; certainty — in fair or fold weather — hy dav orhv nii^ht — tue fears he •h d rely :in<,' lornieriy experienceU ;;ra(lually (lisapiM-areil ; and rt> upon this new »jjui«le, ho no lon^rer ti'uidly crei)t alt)np^ tlu most frewn seas. Thr discovery of the (/ape of (iood Hope hy IJartholomew Dia/., in the year 1 tSil, settled the (piestion of reachini^ India hy water. Ahout this time, Uliristopher Columhus, animated with the spirit of other discoverers, concoivod tlie i2, Columbus set sail, with three small vessels, and after a weary passauje, which quite exhausted tho patience of his sailors, ho had the satisfaction of landini^ upon an Island, now known as San Salvador, one of tlu^ Balnuna Islands, whicli he imaji^ined belonged to tho coun- try ho was in quest of. Previous to this bold enterprise, America was unknown to Europeans, with the exception of Greenland, wliicli was discovered by a Norwegian naviga- tor near tho close of tlio tenth century. Five vears after It the discovery of Cohunbus, an expedition was fitted out l)y Henry VII., under the direction of John Cabot, who disco- vered the Labrador coast, and is said to have visited Prince Edward Island, which he named St. John, and landed upon the Eastern shores of this and the adjoining Colonies. Eng- land therefore claimed the Northern part of this continent by tho right of discovery. It is unnecessary for our present purpose to trace the various events which have since taken place in the coloni- zation of North America, eventually resulting in the pre- Afi \ ffM^re FOR r>fi«;uAN rr<. I it' i ]>on»l(irniico of the Aiitrlo-Saxoii race. Otir olijcrt in, tn treat of ^* N^iir tii^disirlrk (tM utc far Kmigrniitu ; //;/// ihi' hrnt m^anff nf jo'otnofifn/ Iimniyratitv^ and dtr^lajNuj L rorifnr This vfiliuibic nj)])(Mula«;e of tlio IVitiHli Crown mav «lat<' it« political liintorv from rho voar 17^J^, when tlic lirst iin- |»ortant ]M»rnianorjt sottlcmciit wan niaf pioneers to this then wiMerness cninitry, that in the ff»ll<»\vin^ yi'nr, New l>rnns- wick (which had previousily been indnded as a ]>!irt <»f Nova Scotia) was constituted a sepaiate Trovince. Thus a eentnry has not elapsed pince the lirst reirular setth^nient was made on our shores hy HritisliBuhjects; anarts of it, where primeval nature reigned in all her majestic solitude, fertile lields and luxuriant crops give convincing proof of the active hand of man. Still, much remains to be done in order fully to develop the latent resources of the land in which wo live ; and this brings us to consider, in the iirst place, " Neio Brunswick as a Home for Emigiantsr In taking a letrospective glance at what has already been accomplished in the settlcnent of the Province and the development of its capabilities, we may be encouraged for the future. The increase in the populatic u has rapidly gone on, under every form of administration and variety of cir- cumstance, since its original colonization by Europeans and their descendants, uniil the present time. From the first great impulse given to its settlement in 1783, when about live thousand Loyalists landed upon its shores, down to our own day, the public records shew a remarkable increase in population and wealth. In the census taken in 1824, the total number of inhabitants in New Brunswick was set down as amounting to 74,170 souls ; in 1834, to 119,457 — being an increase of upwards of 45,000 in ten years. From 1884 to 1840, a period of six years, the increase was over 34,000, tlie number in the latter years being 154,000 ; while in 1851 (the last census taken), the population amounted to 193,800 — an increase of nearly 40,000 in eleven years. With the increase of population, trade and commerce have expanded, and new sources of industry and enterprise have been developed. In 1«'^51, the number of Saw Mills in the Province amounted to 584, employing 4,300 persons. There were also in operation 2()1 Grist Mills ; 125 Tan- neries; 11 Foundries; 5,475 hand looms, manufacturing 622,237 yards of cloth ; 8 P)reweries, producing over 100,000 gallons of malt liquor ; besides various other factories and manufacturinir establishments. », 1 AS A HOME FOR EMIGRANTS. ITie number of acres of land then cleared in tlie Province was 643,954, being 217,343 more than in 1840. Tliis quan- tity of land produced 225,093 tons of Hay 206,635 bushels of Wheat, 74,300 1,411,164 Barley, Oats, 689,000 62,225 Buckwheat, Tndian Corn, 42,663 Peas and Beans, 539,803 2,792,394 47,880 Turnips, Potatoes, and Other Roots. It also supported 106,203 neat cattle ; 50,955 cows, from which 3,050,939 lbs. of butter were made ; besides 22,044 horses, 168,000 sheep, and 47,932 swine. The increase in stock during these eleven years was very considerable in all descriptions except swine, the number of which had decreased from 70,765 in 1840, to 47,932 in 1851. This falling oft' in the raising of pork may be attributed to the failure of the potato crop, owing to the disease which appeared in this esculent in 1845, and extended over Europe and America. These returns are sutficient to convince tno most skeptical of the agricultural resources of the Province, and its adaptability for th^^ raising of live stock. The improvements thus commenced have steadily pro- ceeded, although we are without official information to shew the actual increase in the population, in live stock, or in the quantity of additional land cleared since 1851, but that it has been very considerable there arc numerous witnesses to be found on every side. Tliere is no surer evidence of the advancement or retrogression of a country than is pre- sented in its trade returns, and comparing them with various periods of its historj'. If we take the year 1851, and compare the Custom House returns of that year with those of 1858, (which was an uniavourable one in the commercial world), we lind a marked expansion in the commerce of the country. Of the principal products of our forests, there were exported in these yeai*s the following quantities : — 1851. 1858. Timber, 168,062 tons. Timber, 85,546 tons Deals, 179,810,000 feet Deals, 208,785,000 feet 10 NKW BRUNSWICK. 1851. TJoarda, Scantling, and Plank, 21,000,000 foot. Sawed Laths, 4,r.52,000 Shocks, in No., 2'.),480 Mayts & Spars, in No.. 7,831 Shingles, 80,03f),000 1858. Boards, Scantling, and Plank, 27,008,000 feet. Sawed Laths, 29,9O0,Ooo S' '^oks, in No., 12:5,747 sts & Spars, in No., 0,452 r, ungles, 4'J,180,(»0u In {iddition to tlic above, largo quantities of other product:? of tlie forest were exported, but those einnnerated are sutH- cient to shew a steady increase in tlie articles requiring skilled labour and improved machinery. The construction of vessels is another important branch of industry in New IJrunswick, but (like our lumber mar- ket), it is greatly affected by tlie demand in the ])arent country. In seasons of prosi)erity, when trade is brisk and 8hip})ing in re(|uest, the greatest activity is manifested in this department of colonial enterprize. In the year 1851, the number of vessels constructed in the Province amounted to 87, with an aggregate of 34,850 tons. In 1858, the number built and launched amounted to 75, comprising 26,203 tons. There were also on the stocks building, at the close of the latter year, 75 vessels, measuring about 42,155 tons. The excellent materials of which our vessels generally are constructed, and the science and iidelity displayed in their proportions and workmanship, have obtained for them a high character abroad ; and in the performance of distant voyages, they have frequently exceeded the clipper ships built in the United States; while for preserving their cargoes, they are justly celebrated: consequently, the number of vessels built under contract in our ports, and sold in (rrreat Britain, has been increasing for some years past. The fisheries also form a sure and lucrative branch of trade in New Brunswick, the prosecution of which is natu- rallv attractins: greater attention. No countrv in the wc>rld 18 more favoral)ly situated for prosecuting this business ; and throuorhout all time, as lon^ as fish inhabit the sea and mankind the land, it can never fail to be followed with success. The watei's of the Bay of Fundy and those of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence wash the shores of our Province along its southern and eastern fronts, throughout their whole extent ; while numerous estuaries, harbours and rivers, con- necting with the ocean along this extensive line of coast, abound with fish of the finest qualities for food. AH A HOME F()« KMIGRANT:*. 11 In tlic very able Fishery Keports ofM. 11. Pcrley, Esq., the various descriptions of fish which frequent our shores are minutelv ilescribed, as well as the time of their approach, their habits, and the best method of taking them; the most vahiable for connncrce being salmon, shad, cod, pollock, hake, halil)ut, mackerel, herring, etc., while the numerous streams and lakes which abound in the interior are filled with a variety of the most delicious })an-fisli. During the fishing season, the fishermen along the coasts and in the rivers, and the anglers in the brooks and lakes, have only to cast their nets and lines in order to secure a large catch to reward their toil or gratify their sport. Of the various kinds of shell-fish to be found along our coasts, the oyster and the lobster are tlie most worthy of l)eing nientioned; the former are raked at all seasons on tlu; eastern shores of this Province, and along the coasts of Prince Edward Island, and from their large size and deli- cious flavour, they are highly esteemed. In the summer season, lobsters are caught in large quantities, by all who take the trouble to ])repare the simple apparatus necessary for their capture. Thus, the varieties of fish most necessary for the support of man are to be obtained in great abun- dance in our markets. That the value of the deep-sea fish- eries is yearly becoming better understood, and greater diligence manifested in their prosecution, may be inferred from the fact, that in 1851 the value offish exported from New Brunswick, amounted in sterling money to £38,071, and in 1858 to £51,064. Notwithstanding that the development of the resources of New Brunswick has steadily increased. Emigration to its shores has gradually declined, witlun the past few years, until it has now nearly ceased. This unfavorable circum- stance may be attributed to several causes. The valuable gold discoveries along the Pacific shores of this continent and Australia, have recently attracted the attention of intending emigrants, as aflbrding prospects for a very speedy realization of their ardent hopes — competency and indepen- dence. New Zealand, also, is becoming known as a field for emigration, owing to its salubrious climate, and the fer- tility of its soil. Thus the surplus population of the Mother Country no longer confine their aspirations to the Atlantic 12 NEW BRUNSWICK J shores of America, but base their hopes of success wherever the prospects appear most inviting. It is true, that favorably situated as New Brunswick is, there should be no obstacles to materially retard its full development. Placed in a commanding position on the eastern portion of the American Continent, — connecting with Nova Scotia by a narrow isthmus on its south-eastern extremity, with Lower Canada on the north-west, and with the United States on the west and south-west, — it holds a position for trade and commerce which can never be abne- gated. But if its geographical situation had not been so prominently marked and well defined, as regards its con- nection with the people who inhabit other portions of North America, its natural resources would always render it a thriving, and, consequently, an important country. Fer- tility of soil, and healthfulness of climate, are the great objects to be considered by intending settlers to any land, as without these two paramount advantages, every effort of man will be in vain. In these respects New Brunswick is most fortunate ; situated in the north temperate zone, be- tween the parallels of 45 and 48 degrees of latitude, it pos- sesses a most healthy, though rather rugged climate, and offers great inducements for successfully cultivating the soil, while its numerous ports and harbours afford every facility for shipping its products to the best markets. Al- though not a mountainous country, it presents in many parts elevated ranges of the finest land, and in others, large tracts of intervale, which produce luxuriant crops of grass with little care or preparation in these rich alluvial deposits. The opinions expressed by scientific men who have visited New Brunswick have been so highly eulo- gistic, that many might be inclined to call in question the veracity of their statements. Professor Johnston, who travelled through a very considerable portion of it in 1849, in hia Ileport to the Government, gives a most glowing description of its general features, and its adaptation to sus- tain a numerous population, lie commenced liis researches by viewing New Brunswick geologically, and classed the variety and productiveness of its soils under five different heads, according to their adaptability lor culture; but as the geology of the Province is even as yet very imperfectly known, his calculations will only give us an approximation + AS A HOME FOR EmORA^TTS. 13 •ever ;k is, full the cting stern with ds a bne- ■ to the true state of its geological formation. He estimated that the best, or No. 1 soil, which consists of intervales and marsh land, will produce 21 tons of hay, equivalent to 50 bushels of oats, per acre ; No. 2, two tons of hay, or 40 bushels of oats, per acre ; No. 3, IJ tons of hay or 30 bushels of oats, per acre; No. 4, one ton of hay, or 20 bushels of oats, per acre ; while No. 5, in its present condition, appears Incapable of cultivation. In the course of his enquiries. Professor J. collected statistics from the various Counties, shewing the quantities of various kinds of produce to the acre raised throughout the Province. Taking the highest and lowest quantities, he arrived at the conclusion tliat the general average per Imperial acre, amounted as follows : — Per Acre. Weight per Imhel. Wheat, 20 bushels. 60 ll-181bs. Barley, 29 " 50 Oats, S4 " 88 Buckwheat, 33f " 48 8-11 " Rye, 20i '• 62i Indian Corn, 41} " m Potatoes, 226i " 63 Turnips, 456 " 66 *' Professor Johnston then draws comparisons between the productiveness of New Brunswick and that of the rich agri- cultural sections of the Western part of the State of New York and of Canada West, which are greatly in favonr of this Province. It must be admitted, however, that the cultivation of wheat, rye, and some other descriptions of grain enumerated by him, is in a state of infancy in this country, and it would be unfair to draw general deductions from sources so comparatively limited, or to attempt to place New Brunswick in a position unwarranted by nature. ITie sections in which wheat has been cultivated by our farmers' are small in extent, but it is satisfactory to know that it can be grown with great success. At the same time, it would be unjust to attempt to raise expectations which may fail to be realized. Professor Johnston tells us that he does not " dwell on the very favourable," in this respect, and excuses himself from any imputation of over- estimating New Brunswick, as a grain- growing country, by saying : — *' Before quitting this topic, nowever, I may be u NKW ma NSWICK, excused for observing, that I do not pei*8onally vouch for the accuracy of the New Brunswick returns," as his infor- mation was obtained from private sources, and not from public documents. There are few countries in the world famed for producini: all that is required for the sustenance of its inliabitants, although some are more highly favoured than others. On this continent the soil and climate are greatly diversified, and while some portions will only produce wheat, as a sure and sufficient crop to remunerate tlie agriculturalist, others will bring forth other kinds of produce in abundance, more recpiired for the support, health and comfort of man and beast. So far as Professor Johnston's observations extend, relative to the raising of root crops in New Brunswick, he has no doubt approximated very nearly to the truth. It is admirably adapted for the raising of these esculents, and experience has shown that they can bo produced in great abundance. Potatoes, turnips, carrots, beets, parsnips, and various other kinds of vegetables, reach perfection in every part of the Province, and the hay crop has never been known to fail generally. New Brunswick is, therefore, well adapted for raising stock, and must, in the course of time, become one of the finest countries in the world for sustaining animal life. A country rich in natural resources, oiBfering inducements for speculation in various branches of business, while pos- sessing a very limited population, is not calculated to have its agricultural capabilities very speedily developed. Man- kind, in general, look more especially to the realization of present hopes, than in trusting to future advantages. What- ever occupation appears for the moment to bring in the largest amount of money, is therefore the more readily entered upon, no matter what risks may attend it. As the forests of New Brunswick aflford an unlimited supply of the finest timber for ship-building purposes, and for transpor- tation to distant markets, in various forms of manufacture or preparation, this business has been largely entered upon, to the exclusion of agriculture. The cultivation of the soil has, therefore, occupied only a secondary consideration in former years. When we reflect upon the imperfect system of agricul- ture which has been pursued in New Brunswick, and the AS A HuMK F()U KMKrilANTS. 15 >ucli foi- ls inf'or- ot from )ducini: bitiints, rs. On 3 reified, 3 a sure , others 3, more an and extend, 'ick, he I. It is its, and a great ips, and ri every ir been erefore, >nrsc of )rld for ements le po8- :o have Man- ition of What- in the readily As the ' of the anspor- 5ture or pon, to he soil tion in gricul- nd the little care or attention bestowed npon the raising of live stock, or in prepariu*^ the soil for the reception of seed, and witness the results which have been produced, no intending emigrant need hesitate a moment in his selection of a future home for himself and his family. If the soil and climate were not well adapted for producing the necessaries of life, the large yield of various descriptions before referred to, would never have been realized. Distracted as the atten- tion of settlers has been with a speedy realization of wealth piisented by lumbering opeiatious, the hardiest of our po- ])ulation have forsaken the ease and immunity from labour which they might enjoy on their farms during the most inclement season of the year, and leaving the quiet of home, have spent the winter campaigning in the forests, felling the trees, and conveying them to market ; while in the spring when they should be preparing to plough and sow, they are engaged in stream driving, to the neglect of farming operations. It is impossible for any settler to •combine two interests so widely different as farming and lumbering. If he applies his mind to one of these pursuits, it must be to the detriment of the other. As the lumber business is precarious in its nature, depending upon the state of the markets in the United Kingdom, some seasons abundantly remunerate the toil of the lumberman, and thus encouraged, he obtains larger supplies, and prepares for -more extensive operations in the lumber woods; but one unsuccessful season, arising either from a depression of wood ^oods, or from his inability to get his timber and logs to market, on account of the lowness of the freshet on the breaking up of winter, will not only seriously embarrass him, but may even sweep away the reward of all his toil. It will thus be seen that the lumber business is uncertain in its nature, and, therefore, should not be largely entered upon by the practical farmer. Not so, however, with agri- culture. There is not to be found a single instance in the whole Province, where an immigrant to our shores, who has directed his attention to the cultivation of the soil, and has exercised prudence and diligence, has not only become independent, out affluent in his circumstances. The first year in this country is the most toilsome and forbidding, as the settler has many obstacles to encounter in his new home J but afVer he erects his habitation, clears a few acres, 16 NEW BRUNSWICK, observes the fruitfiilness of the land, the healthy nature of the climate, and sees his children crowing up around him, possessed with lb Kjreatcst of all earthly blessings men- tioned by Horace, M sound mind in a healthy body." he feels rewarded for all his exertions and privations. This is the sentiment of thousands of immigrants from England, Ireland, and Scotland, at the present moment. The rich- ness of the soil, the high prices obtained for all descriptions of agricultural produce, and the very small amount of direct taxes, combined with the great security of life and property, all conspire to render a residence in New Brunswick for the working man desJIrable, almost beyond that of any other portion of the British dominions. No fevers, or other malignant diseases, are indigenous to the Province, which are so fatal to settlers in some of the more western regions of this continent; but nature seems to have marked this as a climate for attaining a high state of both mental and bodily activity. Latterly more care and attention have been bestowed upon the cultivation of the soil, which may be mainly attributed to t); e influx of immigrants, skilled in husbandry, from the Parent Country ; and through the instrumentality of the Agricultural Societies, established in the various Counties, the best descriptions of implements have been introduced, so that nothing but labour is wanting to make this Province, in a great degree, self sustaining. But it will require time to accomplish so desirable an object, as may be gathered from the fact, that in 1858, no less than 226,()40 barrels of wheat flour were imported, the value of which was £214,842, sterling ; besides 21,51 8 barrels of corn meal, valued at £16,658, sterling; 67,152 bushels of wheat, valued at £17,173, sterling ; 303,205 lbs. of butter and cheese, valued at £10,492, sterling, and lesser quantities of other farming produce. The value of the various kinds of animals imported in the same year amounted to over £20,000, sterling; and of cured meats, to £32,000, sterling. It will thus be seen, that great improvements are yet required to make New Brunswick independent of other countries for its supplies of agricultural products. In order to accomplish this much desired object, we must have an increase of population ; and this brings us to the second AS A HOME FOR EMI0UANT8. 17 ire of him, iiien- ." he 'his is land, rich- itioua direct perty, ck for other other which egiona thi8 as il and 5towed nainly andry, ntality various e been ) make But it ject, as is than ahie of of corn wheat, er and [ties of inds of [) over 32,000, ire yet [' other Q order lave an second topic under consideration, namely — " The lest ffieaM of jtromothuj Tm7ni*^ until Ikj luis oonipliud with I he terms ol'sjde. Ill :i new eoantry, the hind iir-t cliosen is tlie most con- venient to the Jijirbours, sind nhm^ tlie lianks of rivers, creeks, and water eonrses, assneh situations allbrd the most >j>e,edy and the cheapest means of reaching a rnaiket. ihis Province l)ein'!; tamed for its water comniuni(;atioii, lh(! hind adjacent has been the lirst seh'ctcd, and most fre- i|!ientiy witii tJie view of ol)taininos^ihU^ (Jonse([uently the hjts iiave been laid out without anv ren-ard ti» rei;idaritv. Another evil wiiicdi has too loni; been permitted to I'xist, is the im[)erfect mode adopted in surveying wild lands. The usual practice is by the com- |)ass, winch mu->t necessarily be del'cctive, not only on ac- count of the var ation of the nuignetie needle, which points dilferently at dill'erent places, but is also known to vary no less than four degrees in a deean)|)v ».m the Lintiiml that many ut tlio principal purchases hav^' hcvn made on Hpc'cuiation, and as in >nmo <>f tlio ('ountics there is no ta\ on land thus hehl, and in others the amount k'^■ied is \i:v\' trivial, porsons tints purcliMsini^ arc oncourair^'d to retain possossion, with the hoj)e <»f realizing' laiiic amounts on the Kums ori;:;inally invested. Since tho comnu'nci'meiit ecially as rcLjaids tho sottlenientoftho country, l)y directing' a healthy stream r)f innnii^ration to its shores. In order to accoMiplish this object, united action is necessary. I*owerf'ul politicid anta- gonisms may have rendered leicislation on the vai'ious schemes pro[)Osed from time to time ditlicidt of success, and hencjo perhaps tho departure of so many immi«z:rants to other lands. In the united Province of Canada, two plans were recetitly adopted for encourai^inuj colonzation. 'i'hat in Canada Kast was to make a nuinl)erof roads through certain districts of wild land, and sell the hinds frontini^ thereon u]>on very easy terms of credit. In Canada West, several lines of lonii' roads have been made, and free ^n-ants ofl'ejid on certain condi- tions, but the free i>:rant system has been disa]»pioved of. and was abolished in isr)i>. Themakiui' of lon<' roads throuirh forest lands is not onlv an expensive undertakinL'", but lai-<;'e fi^rants arc re(pn*red to keep them in re}wiir, while they militate a*i:ainst a principle which should always be koj)t in view — regularity and density in settlements. The plan to puj-sue, as oti'ering* tlie r actual Hct- tlemeiit, or whicli mav hereafter be surv( ^ 'h1. btcwudlv, that a pri(^e ho juit upon tho lot^, and tln' settler ]>ermitted to t'itkii poHsession at once, ujjon complyin^jf with the tenna of sale, without competition or delay. All wild lands aro set uj) at a uniform ju'icc of 3s. currency per aero. Mo distinction is made as to locality, (juallty, or any other con- Bideration. Thus so^no iots would bo cheap at £Y or even £i) per acre, in thv 'i | ri vtivo state, wdiilo othei's mif^ht bo dear atiJs. ])or irre. in Canada tho prices of laud for set- tlement var^ tVw a )-. to Ts. ()<1. per acre, being much lower than th »sn ' ; >ther wild lands in their respective neighbour- lioods,. w/ion not t(Ui€)t hfj actual settlers, Tho same system mi«j^hl bo adopted with advanta^^e in Now Ijrunswick. After tiie lota are surveyed and marked out, and roada made to them, they could then bo valued, and a price put upon each lot, whi(di should be disposed of, on application, as speedily as any other commodity. Iluving performed this part of their duty, the Government should then adopt such means as they deem most prudent for conveying in- formation to intending emigrants in the Parent Country. The situation of the Province — tho nature of the soil and climate— tho certainty of numerous families from tho same neighbourhood being able to settle together — the geological features of the country, as far as have been ascertained — the best mode of clearing wild lands — the cheapest and most direct way of reaching New Brunswick — together with ad- vice respecting the class of intending emigrants most requir- ed in the ProNince — would no doubt prove of much beneiit, ,' ■■• tend , .atly to its ponnanent advancement. At the sauie time, care should be taken not to flatter the country too highly, and thus convoy false impressions abroad. It lias been frequently the case that what are called Guides for Emigrants^ are likely to lead the emigrant tr^ imagine that on leaving home, ho is to reach an El Dorr do, where AS A HOME FOR KMTORANTfl. 21 little labor or exertion will bo required on liia part. This lias very often been the ]>ractiee in new countries, and has caused a correHpondinp; amount of disappointment. J.and Agojicit's are very liaolc to adopt this Gourse, by ]»aintinp everything' with a f'nuf«ur-du-r(hS(\ A truthful picture of the countiN should be placed before the intendinp^ settler, and In; w»»uld then be made aecpiainted, as far as possible, with its advantarmod as to tho descri])tion of labour he will first have * > ju "I'orm. As most settloi-s from tho Old Coun- try .M'c nc ao(j; iiintcd with the use of the axe, the clearing of a -tingli. ;• • 'f wild land would bo a difiicidt task — • while one ns 1 tho country could perform tho work in from twot(» weeks, according to the growth of tlie tim- ber, which i> upon tho quality of tho soil. It has therefore b^ . oi sidered unwiso for tho newlvarrived im- tk- or no means, to venture on settling upon industrious, ho will find employment in til he becomes familiar with tho country, placed in a position to work with advant- er of Agriculture for Canada East, in his •omarks, that " Experience now teach e? " that newly am ed emigrants, unaccustomed to tho use of " the axe, and aliic. ignorant of the effects of our climate, " and tho rotation uf crops, have little chance of immediate " success in settling upon wild lands, unless possessed ofsuf- " ficient capital to enable them to employ labourers, or pay " during the first year or so for the experience which others " can furnish." The same observations may apply to New Brunswick ; but as our climate is not so rigorous as that of Canada East, and the soil ii: general is better adapted for cultivation, the settler in this Province will not be compelled to undergo tho same amount of hardship. The immigrant, however, who niigvant, wit! wild lands, various ways and ^\ '11 thus i age. The Min lieport in l&o> 22 NEW BKUXSWICK ? possesses some money need not hesitate to take iij) his resi- dence at once upon wild lands, as he can always em])loy the skilled labour of the country to clear his first acres. As- t- sumin:ricultural Societies will convey to him every informa- tion. AVc therefore deem it unnecessary to dwell longer on this head. It will thus be seen that the capabilities of New Bruns- wick are great, recpiiring only the hand of industry to turn them to good account, and this leads us to the third and last portion of our subject — " The iJeveloimuj of the lu- sonrces of the Pi ovince.^^ That "population is wealth" is a generally received axiom, which admits of no dispute. The finest soil will forever re- main unproductive unless cultivated, and this necessarily presupposes industry. Man was never intended to be idle, not oven in his primeval state. The progenitors of our race. in the hap]u'ness of their first estate, were connnanded to " l>e fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it" : and dominion was given over everything ani- nuite and inanimate. This command was not revoked even after the first act of disobedience, which " Ih'ought death into the world, and all our woe, with loss of Eden" ; but has remained in full force to the present time, and will ever continue to be a law of our nature. It therefore follows that not only individual efforts, but sound legislation should be directed towards giving an impetus to those branches of business which promise the best and safest returns. As the aiijricultural resources of the Frovince are universally acknowledged to be good — its forest limited only l)y its boundaries, affording the basis of an extensive trade in ? t lOITl, / r re- irilv idle, •ace, ' i AS A IIOilE FOR EMRJKANTS. 23 f ^ sliipbniUHug and liunl)erin2^ — ifsliarbours numorous and safe, and its waterconi'ses al>undant, furnishin*]: anijile I'aei- litics for nianutacturinr cstaMislinients — while its mineral resources (wliicli are as yet very imperfectly known) cannot ■ be jnstly eL4iniated ; but as far as lliey have been devclojx'd, the projectors have in per, iron, gypsum, and other valuable deposits are known to exist in various sections, and in two of the Eastern Counties (Albert and Westmorland) mines of extraonlinary richness aro boini>: worked. Buildint^ stone is also to be found in abundance, and some of our iinest public and jn'ivate edi- iices have been constructed of the various descriptions fpiarried in the Province. ]\linini^ leases are granted on iiar,y terms, and recently some praiseworthy enter] )rise8 have l)een projected ; but as they are of an individual or private nature, and depend upon the jud<»;ment of tlie parties themselves, without any correct geological information at hand to guide them, it would be almost increddjle if in some instances they should not be disappointed in their ex- pectations, owing to the little knowledge they possess of geology. In Canada, Sir William Logan has been eni- jiloyed for several years past, at the expense of the Govern- ment, in making accurate geological surveys of the wdiolo country; and if the same course should be pursued in iS^ew Brunswick, there can be no doubt that it would be attended with the best results, as the information thus obtained would not only facilitate persons desirous of engaging in mining operations, and contribute to their success, but at the same time add to the wealth of the Province. If the mines al- readv beino; worked in Albert and Westmorland, and those now about to be opened, should prove as extensive as is anticipated, in a very few" years the exports from these two Counties alone, will amount in value annually to the whole sum now sent abroad for breadstuff's. The quantity of Al- bertite (from wliich Paraffine Oil is manufactured), taken from the Company's Pit at Hillsboro' in 1859, amounted to 15,000 tons. It is worth, on the wharf, $15 por ton, which would make the total vabie raised, amount to j^225,000, or £50,250. The dividend declared to the stockholders for the past year, was LIO per cent, on the paid up capital stock. As the shares in this valuable mine are principally held by 24 NEW BRUNSWICK, i i i i I I r r S' r J^. ti tl w tl; la so w! m pr 110 in "J sul ms aft int lias coi: tha be bus the ack boil capitalists in the United States, the profits are not retained in the Province. Now, if we had a scientific man to ex- amine and report upon the i»;eological features of the country, • tiiero can be no doubt that much good would result froin lii.s labonrs — our mineral wealth would become better known, and our people placed in a position to reap the benefits which naturally belonfj to them. As Railways arc a necessity of t-he age, and no country will long remain satisfied without them, Kew Brunswick is not likely to be behind in these important undertakings. In fact, she cannot be, even if it were her desire, ller geographical position forbids it. Canada is stretching her Grand Trunk J^ine, upon which she has expended several millions of money, towards the New Brunswick frontier, with tlie determination of having speedy communication with the Atlantic, over British territory, at all seasons of the year. Consequently she must connect with one of the two lines of Kailway now being constructed in this Pro- vince, viz., the line irora St. Andrews towards Woodstock, or the one from St. John to Shediac. Her people are also looking forward to its extension across this Continent to the shores of the Pacific ocean, and no doubt the day is not far distant when the Imperial Government, from reasons of sound State policy, will be induced to further the under- taking. As New Brunswick is within ten days' sail by steamer of the Parent Country, the emigrant has not to undergo a wearisome voyage to reach his destination ; and when he is correctly informed as to the soil and climate, he will readily perceive the advantages presented for enjoying in his new home both health and comfort. Although the winters may be much colder than those to which he has been habituated, yet they are more bracing. When his work for the summer and fall is over, and his stores gathered into barns and cellars, the snow descends and robes the earth with a mantle of spotless white, protecting the grass and other roots from the effects of the frost. He is then enabled to travel in every direction with great facility through fields and across the frozen lakes and rivers, thus being placed in a position to reach the best markets with safety and celerity. Snow is here considered the poor man's manure, and it is re- markable with what rapidity the tender blades spring forth AS A HOME FOR KMIGRANTS. 2r) G not retained ic man to ex- of the country, lid result from ccomo better I to reap the nd no country V Brunswick is undertakings, r desire. Iler stretching lier )ended several swick frontier, communication t all seasons of vitli one of the ed in this Pro- rds Woodstock, people are also is Continent to bt the day is not from reasons of •ther the under- sail by steamer ot to undergo a and when he is I, he will readily ying in his new the winters may )een habituated, : for the summer into barns and til with a mantle other roots from ded to travel in fields and across ced in a position celerity. Snow re, and it is re- ades spring forth on its c]lsap[>earanc(\ Vegetation is therefore much more rapid in this country tliun in England. Another advantage presented to tlie settler in New Brunswick from the Ihiti.sh Isles, is, tliat he comes among a people who are cha^'ac- tcrized for their frank and genial feelings. iJe is not going among a race alien to those principles in which he has been nurture;], but to a country where the inhabitants possess a lively regard for the land of their lorefathers, and where he may enjoy every social, political and religious privilege. It remain^!, however, for the Government and Legislature to do tlioir duty, by enacting the best local regulations for settlement, as then there could be no obstacles, however remote, in the way of intending settlers. Improved regula- tions for the settlement of wild lands are very generally deemed necessary, as well as a stop being put to speculations in them. In order to etlect the latter, a tax should be placed upon land which the holders sulier to remain unimproved. Every man holding more than one hundred r^cres, who neither settles nor cultivates the land, should be taxed. Thus the industrious settler who improves his own land, and consequently increases the value of that of the wealthy speculator in his neighbourhood or district, would not be compelled to bear aU the local burdens, although it is true that, comparatively speaking, they are light. This is a matter deserving of serious consideration, and the adoption of the plan here projiosed, would not only check excessive speculation in wild lands, but also lighten the taxes of the thrifty settler, by helping to provide him with better roads and schools. It is not merely necessary for the people of this Province to be told that they live in a land teeming with all the ele- ments of wealth and greatness ; — they must be made known abroad, in order to be understood and appreciated ; and if sufficient pains were taken to disseminate correct informa- tion throughout the Parent Country respecting New Bruns- wick, there can be no doubt that the patriotic object which the President and Directors of the Saint John Mechanics' Institute had in view in proposing the present theme for competition, would be most fully realized. f T,m rrc^iacnt and Bircotors of the Meoakics' I.Bfn-TB liavo to express tboir regvot for the ,ay, -hich occurred shortly after the arrangements for .ts pub- lication had been completed. As the Editor for many years of the New Brunswlchr, news- paper, Mr. Till had displayed much ability ; and, by his generous disposition and upright character, had deserved and won the re- (vard of all wlio knew liim.