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1 2 3

La\

REPORT

OF THE

SURVEYOR GENERAL OF NEW BRUNSWICK

UPON THE PRESENT STATE OF THE

CROWN LANDS,

..I

1 1

With suggestions for their more efficient and ready settlement, and for rendering
that branch of Public Property more advantageous and profitable as a

Source of Revenue. * ^

Laid before the Home of Assembly by command of His Excellency Sir Edmund *i

Walker Head^ Baronet^ Lieutenant Governor y ^c. Sfc. ^c.

^ '

%*''•'*.* ^

FREDERICTON:

J. SIMPSON, PRIMTBR 10 THH QOEBN's MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

1849.

5 I

1 it

-T^S77Hr^W,'!PPJIl'"fllV"'*.HVy'.'l"W"!ip«-''V' -.■■ .i^^l^i'i-Twrppw^^^i- t^apjun^iij^iwif^ii' . .1. iM*

REPORT

OF THE

SURVEYOR jENERAL OF NEW BRUNSWICK

UPON THE PBESKNT STATE OP THE

CROWN LANDS.

Surveyor Generals Office^ 'Ith February ^ 18-19.
May it please Your Excellency,

in November 1847, I was called upon by His Excellency Sir Willian) Cole-
brooke, to submit to him a Report on the state of the Crown Lands of this
Province ; which Report was laid before the Honorable the House of Assera-
bly on the 28th January, 1848, and with that document I believe Your Excellency
is already acquainted.

As the time however appears to have arrived when the voice of those will be
heard who desire to promote the Agricultural Interests of the Province, and
render it less dependent on Foreign Countries for Bread Stuffs, I trust I may
be excused, if, in submitting to Your Excellency this Report of the transactions
of the Land Department during the past year, I shall exhibit some statistics con-
nected with the improvement and permanent settlement of the Province; and
should my remarks be considered as scarcely belonging to me officially, I have
to crave Your Excellency's indulgence, and if it be a fault, that it may be attri-
buted to the love I bear the Province, and not to any attempt impertinently to
interfere in matters which do not strictly appertain to my office.

The transactions of this Department may be classed under three heads, viz : — ■
Lands, Timber, and Minerals.

The number of Pelitioi?s received for the purchase of Land from 1st January,
1848, to Ist January, 1849, is 9C9, which on an average of 100 acres each,
would comprise 96,900 acres. Of this number 838 have required to be surveyed
at the expense of the applicant, of which 510 are not yet returned as surveyed,
and consequently no further action has been had upon them. The total number
of acres which have been surveyed within ihe year is 31,350, at a cost to the
applicants of £831, averaging about 6^d. an acre, or £2 14 2 per lot of one
hundred acres, a sum far exceeding that for which the same work could be per-
formed by the Government under h systematic arrangement of Survey.

Having so frequently entered my protest against the present mode of allowing
every person to cause a survey to be made of Crown Lands in any shape and in
any position he may see fit, upon which, in too many cases, no money is paid
into the Revenue, I have nothing more to urge at the present moment beyond
the assertion, that the man does not live on the face of the earth who can cor<
rectly compile those surveys; and the truth of this will one day appear.

The whole quantity of Land purchased during the year 1848 amounted to
26|761i acres, of which, 14,777 acres have been paid for in full, and upon which
£1,789 19 3 have been received; leaving U,98<i acres which have been sold
under the Instalment system, and upon which 4473 3 4 have been received.

(2)

I feci it my duty at this place to state that no less a sum than J£22,831 13 3
appears by the books of my Office, to be still due upon previous Land transac-
tions, but many of the original purchasers (I have reason to believe,) have aban-
doned the land and left the country, and yet their names still remain on the Books
and Plans of this Office as having a claim to the land in question. The area
covered by their claims cannot be less than 150,000 acres.

In addition to the above quantity of Land, most of which is held in breach of
the conditions of purchase, I have to Report, that from Returns made to me, I
estimate that no less than 1,G00 heads oi" families have taken unauthorized pos-
session of Crown Lands, comprising an extent of 168,000 acres, which at 33.
per acre, may be reckoned at ot25,290.

These two items therefore present the sum of j£48,121 upon which but little
interest is paid, and only a small portion of the principal to all appearance will
ever reach the Provincial Chest.

I am far from wishing to deal harshly with actual Settlers upon the waste lands
of the Crown, and I would cheerfully bestow fifty acres upon every man who is
or should be willing to become an actual and permanent Settler; but while I
would extend this consideration to the bona fide Settler, I cannot think that it is
dealing fairly with the man who purchases and pays the whole amount down, agree-
ably to the Government Regulations of May 1843, to allow nnauthorized posses-
sion of any extent of the Crown Lands; because it is in fact lowering the value of
the Land to him who bought and paid for it according to Regulations, to permit
its gratuitous occupation by another who sets laws and regulations at defiance.

It is, I am aware, a difficult question to deal with, but it is equally certain that
the longer its settlement is delayed, the more embarrassing will it become.

The great impediment to the due administration and management of the Crown
Estate for some years past has appeared to me to have been the dread of incurring
expense, because, however judicious the expenditure ma} be, objections are
easily raised, and the measure is condemned before its results could possibly be
ascertained ; hence, the reluctance of the Executive Government to embark in
any general and extensive measures for the amelioration of the Province, as con-
nected with its Wild Lands, and the settlement of the Wilderness, is attributable
to the labour of the Squatters, and those few Settlers who are honest enough to
pay for the land they have purchased and occupied.

It may be considered as a fact, that this Province presents eight millions of
acres of vacant Crown Lands, of unexceptionable quality, fit for Agricultural
purposes; and the question has to be determined whether this valuable estate shall
be thrown open to improvement by a judicious expenditure of the Public Money
in Roads and Surveys through the most eligible tracts, so as to connect distant
settlements, and encourage the occupation of the intervening spaces, or whether
the mere Squatter shall be permitted to continue, in point of fact, the chief engi-
neer of the Province, for it is undeniable that wherever these poor people settle
there the Bye Road Money soon finds its way.

It is right that the poor man should receive all the assistance that the Public
Funds are able to afford in improving that heme in the wilderness in which he
must suffer so many bitter privations; but while the Crown Estate has been given
up to meet the expenses of the Civil List, the public at large have a right to
demand that those resources should be duly cared for, judiciously developed, and
fairly administered for the general good.

It has ever appeared to me to be unreasonable to suppose that a vast estate,
comprising an area equal to that of Ireland, can possibly be advantageously and
propel ly managed without the annual expenditure of a considerable sum of money;
and experience has shewn that when the expenditure was the greatest, the Reve-
nue was also in the same proportion.

( 3 )

That the Province is worthy aud capable of great improvement, will not, I
trust, be disputed, and tl)at being conceded, it becomes a duty to enquire how
those improvements can be most beneficially and economically effected.

T have always been of opinion that the first step in the improvement of a
Wilderness Country should be the construction of Roads from one Town to
another, or from one Settlement to another, as nearly in a right line as possible,
having regard to the quality of the Land through which the Road should pass.
With the view of acquiring all the information in my power, to enable the Exe-
cutive Government to deal with the question, I addressed the accompanying
Circular Letter to many of my Deputies, requesting information on the subject;
and herewhh I have the honor to append the fund of information I have received,
accompanied by a Map, more clearly to set forth and elucidate their views.

I am fully aware of the difficulties which have ever presented themselves in
endeavouring to improve the Country by any regular and systematic outlay of
Public Money, the beneficial results of which may be deemed remote. Yet,
it appears to me, that a valuable and extensive tract of Land, lying between
Boies Town and Dalhousie, and between the Grand Falls and Newcastle,
must remain an uninhabited Wilderness fur ages, unless aided by some such
means. The distance from the Grand Falls to Newcastle may be estimated at
120 miles, and a Road could be opened from one point to the other, for about
«-Ei25 per mile, or £15,000 for the whole distance. By connecting these two
important sections of the Country, a heilthy stimulus would be given to both,
and the increased value of the Land would soon repay the cost. But if only
£5,000 were expended, and persons taking up land on the Road should be per-
mitted to pay for the same by work upon the Road, allowing every alternate Lot
to be reserved for sale by cash payments, I cannot but think that the Road could
be so constructed, and the adjoining Land be so improved, as really in a few
years to leave a balance in favour of the undertaking.

The importance of connecting the upper part of this Province with Miramichi,
vvould also, I think, be apparent, and productive of much good.
->;[; It may not be out of place here to stale my opinion, that the low price of the
Crown Lands, instead of tending to settle the Country, is really productive of a
very opposite effect, so far as inducing Emigrants of any capital to proceed to
New Brunswick. Little is known of this Province in Britain beyond the fact
of its exporting large quantities of Timber, and having to depend almost entirely
for its bread stuffs upon a foreign country. It can therefore be scarcely expected
' that any of the surplus Agricultural population, possessing any capital, should
resort hither. We have no Agents in any of the Shipping Ports, or elsewhere,
to explain to the people that we have millions of acres of excellent land in a
healthy climate, open for their exertions. . ,,. ;

It would almost appear that we require no addition to our Agricultural wealth,
and that our prosperity is insured so long as the Lumber Merchant can keep his
British creditor contented, by shipments of Timber and Deals. To whatever
extent the Province m^ in years past have benefited, (and I fully admit that
benefit has accrued to a certain extent,) yet to make that trade our sole depen-
dence, is in my humble opinion, folly in the extreme. It is with the view
therefore of enabling the Executive Government to develope the Agricultural
resources of the Province, that I have so far ventured to dilate upon the capabi-
: lities of New Brunswick.

As I before observed, we have eight millions of acres of good Land to be turned
to account. The question would naturally present itself, How are we to raise
funds to improve this domain.^ I should say that there could be no difficulty in
raising one or two hundred thousand pounds upon security of this very Estate^

and by the judicious expenditure of that money, ttie v&Iae of the Whole cotlld be
so increased as to enable the Province to repay the debt and interest. ''^ ^j^.u-m
The Timber Licences for the past year, and which will expire on 1st May
next, cover an area of 2,167 square miles, at an average rate of I6s. SJd. per
mile, producing to the end of the year £1,992 8s. The highest rate paid for any
one lot was £20 Is. per square mile, being a Licence for nine square mil^s,
situate on the left bank of the River Saint Croix, about 26 miles above Saint
Stephen. The quantity of Land under Licence iii 1847, was 6,360 square
miles, which produced the sum of £3,585 7 9, the highest price paid per square
mile being £5, the whole quantity averaging only 10s. 5|d. per square mile. By
the above Your Excellency will perceive that the system of Auction has this
past year produced some beneficial results, having increased the rate from lOs.

jj to 16s. S^d. per square mile, although only 68 lots were contested.

The Export Duty Act, intended to alleviate all the evils under which the
Province suffered, has, to a great extent, proved highly injurious to the Trade.
The Auction system in previous years has only been so in name, as the cases are
rare where the Revenue has derived any benefit therefrom; and as in the per-
formance of my official duty, I never could reconcile it to my ideas of common
sense, that 640 acres of well Timbered Land should be permitted to be worked
over for twelve months for 10s., so I have always considered that a most
pernicious stimulant was thereby given to the speculator in the Lumber Trade.
The simple question may be asked, would any man in his senses so dispose of
his private property, and if not, why should the Public Lands be so dealt with.'
The Lumber Trade should not be the only branch of industry receiving such
protection, which, in practice, has proved injurious by enticing into the woods a

J larger amount of men and money than the Market could possibly remunerate.

jl I pray Your Excellency's pardon for these remarks, which, perhaps, may be

considered as inconsistent with the subordinate duties required of a Surveyor
General, but I wish to raise my humble voice, now that the opportunity ofiers,
of correcting the evil ; for past experience has convinced me, that should such
an improvement take place in the Lumber Market at Home as would present the
least prospect of profit, vast numbers of persons would again rusn into the woods,
in the vain hope of recovering what they had lost. Again the Market would be
overstocked; and again the same results would occur.

Independent of the prejudicial effects of the Export Duty Act, it is unjust
in its operation, for whatever may be the intrinsic value of the commodity, the
duty is the same. If therefore the Export Duty is still to continue, I cannot but
hops that some more equitable scale may be established; for while the large
Square Timber could well bear a much higher rate, the Deals can hardly pay even
six pence per thousand superficial feet of one inch thick, ••'■i ■ .-'-^f- "

Numerous objectiotis have been raised against the roantter in which the Crown
Estate was managed previous to the year 1837. A reference to the accompany-
ing Statement of Receipts for the last twenty years, will at least show that
the Revenue for the first nine years, viz : from 1st January, 1829, to 81st
December, 1837, amounted to £203,719, while that derived from the same
source for the eleven subsequent years, has onl^ reached the sum of £145,357.
The Mining transactions of this Department may be stated to be twenty three

I Leases now extatit, viz : — One in Gloucester, four in Carleton, two in York, two
in Sunbury, si^ in Queens\ one in Northumberland, two in Kent, one in Saint
Jdhn, one in Westmorland, one in Albert, arid tWo in Charldtte. The whole

I halve realized the sum of £366 lOs. Two rights only were sold during the last
yeir, on^ for ^36 and the other for i£5. AH th^e Leases are held strtiject

J to the Regulations wliich exited at Ifae i&rtnl f«friOds \^hOn th«y i^r^te taken otit.

(5)

'1 'M"w).v'a(P",«H^i

I believe the Province of New Brunswick possesses vast wealth in her Minerals,
and that in the course of several years, a large Revenue will be derivable from that
source. Coal and Iron of the be3t quality, as also Flumbago, Salt and Silver,
have already been discovered, and only require the application of capital to work
them to advantage. But I respectfully state my opinion, that for the next fifteen or
twenty years, the utmost liberality should be extended to those who are willing to
commence such enterprises; and I cannot conceal my belief that if the owners of
all granted Lands in the Province were allowed five years in which to make
discovery of any Minerals within their respective Grants, and permitted the
right or pre-emption of taking out a Lease for one hundred years upon certain
conditions, that it would prove highly beneficial to the Province, and be received
as a boon by the grantees of ths Crown; as serious complaints are made by these
people that the Crown should lease the Minerals of their Land, not considering
that this right of the Crown is expressly reserved in the Grants under which their
titles are derived.

Although the Revenue collected for the past year does not equal that of former
periods, yet the whole result of the proceeds of the Casual axxd Territorial
Revenues from 1837 to the end of 1847, I am happy to say leaves the Province
nothing to complain of, but really exhibits a balance in favor of the Province after
the payment of the Civil List, as will appear by the annexed Statement taken
from* authentic documents ; neither can I entertain the slightest doubt that, under
proper management, the Territorial Revenue of the Province would be far more
than equivalent to the sum granted for the Civil List.

Herewith also I have the honor to transmit the detailed Accounts of this
Department for the past year, which I trust will prove satisfactory.

I have the honor to be ' ' . lu

■ /'fV. '" "^ ,' Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
-C^^'lv/i. .";!l!,h>..;. ■;,.:' .v, i\ .,. ; f . THOS. .BAILLIE, Sur. Gm,

Hit EzMlWaej Sir Edmund W. Head, Bart.
Littttenant Qovarnor, t(c. Itc. kc.

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"*^' Circular to Deputies respecting the formation of Roads, *•'*'

i.ur o, I ,.. ,, , ,. . ', .„ .. . Settlements, &c.

■^ ■ *■' • ^' ' Crown Land OJice, 16M iVbuemier, 1848.

Sir, — The importance of greater attention being paid to Agriculture in this
Province has now become so apparent, tliat I consider it my duty to subiLit to
the Executive Government the propriety of opening up various parts of the coun-
try for settlement. The practice which has prevailed for some years past, of
allowing every person to select his own Land, without reference to any general
plan or system by which the country at large would be benefited, in the forma-
tion of Roads to connect the different Settlements, has always oppeared to me
very objectionable.

While using my best endeavours, liowever, to supersede a system which 1
consider so pernicious, it may be considered my duty to suggest some more bene-
ficial plan.

My experience has taught me, that in connecting, by Roads passing through
good Land, two or more Settlements already formed, you add to their prosperity
— induce the occupation of the intermediate space — and give a superior charac-
ter to the whole.

I am desirous, therefore, of receiving from you recommendations having those
objects in view ; and in doing r o, you will state particularly the Settlements you
propose to connect ; the length ot Roads necessary for that purpose ; the quality
of the Land ; and the probable expense to be incurred in making the connections ;
with the number and extent of the Bridges which will be necessary, and the
probable cost of construction.

In order to identify your interest with your recommendation, I beg to inform
you, thdt should you be employed to make the survey of any number of lots of
Land on such lines of proposed Road, I should recommend that you would not
receive pay for your services until oj-e half of the Lots should be taken up.

In forwarding recommendations of this nature, I do not think it necessary that
the Roads you propose should be in a straight line from one Settlement to another,
because I consider the quality of the Land the primary object, and to that, of
course, you will pay particular attention. I also wish that you note, at the same
time, any other good tracts of Land which you can recommend, and which you
think, if surveyed, would soon be occupied.

1 should wish to receive these suggestions from you by the 20th of December
aext.

I have, &c.

(Signed) THOMAS BAILLIE, Sur Gen.

KING'S COUNTY.

Deputy Fairweather's Report.

Springfietdy 8th December, 1848.

Honorable Sir, — In obedience to your Circular of the 1 6th ultimo, I beg
leave to transmit you the following Report thereon :—

Your views relative to the importance of a greater attention to Agriculture in
this Province, and your su'^gestions of a more beneficial plan of settling Crown
Land, I perfectly comcide v> ith. The connecting, by Roaas passing through good
Land, two :-^ more Settlements, is of vital importance to the new Settler — is the
mainspring of encouragement to occupy and settle the intermediate space, even
If the Land, in part, should be of an inferior quality.

(7)

Kini;*s County does not embrace any large tracts of good Land unoccupied ;
the largest tract lies between the Road formerly opened between the Head of
Mill Stream and New Canaan Settlement and Spring Hill Settlement ; there is
good Land on both sides of tliis Road ; the distance between those Settlements
is about 8 miles, and embraces Thorn's Brook, &c. &o. In many parts of this
tract there is good Land for gricultural purposes, and in other parts the Land
is of an inferior quality ^ but there can be no doubt, that in case those Settlements
were connected by good Roads, eventually the whole would be occupied. There
is also some good Land between the Baskin Settlement, north east of Dutch
Valley, and the Mechanics' Settlement. As I have never explored this section
of country, all the information I possess is derived from other sources. 1 am also
informed there is good Land north east of the old Shepody Road, and also south
east thereof, extending nearly to the Bay Sliore, but I am unable to give any
correct statement thereof. ,. .,, , ,,; , ;.,,

W "nr Wr

t . : ,'i All of which is respectfully submitted, &c. ?

(Signed) SAMUEL FAIRWEATHER,

Local Deputy/, Ktng^s.
Honorable Thomas Baillie, Surveyor General, &c. &c. &c.

i/.f\i

SAINT JOHN.

Saint Johti, 29th November, 1848.
Deputy Cunningham's Report.

Sin, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular letter of
the 16th instant, to which I now proceed to reply.

At the eastern extremity of the County of Saint John a considerable Stream,
called Goose River, empties into the Bay of Fundy ; at its mouth there is a good
Harbour, well sheltered, where vessels can lie at all times in perfect safety.
There is in this harbour an admirable site for Shipbuilding, and it would form a
good station for prosecuting the Fisheries in its vicinity.

I propose that a Road should be laid out from this harbour, up the Valley of
Goose River, and wholly on the western side of that River, to the southern range
of Lots in the Mechanics' Settlement.

From the Harbour to a point on the Shepody Road, where my survey in 1842
connected with that Road, is about 12 miles, in which distance no Bridge would
be necessary.

After leaving the sea coast the Road would pass along a table land, covered
with heavy timber, and possessing a deep soil of good quality. The country is
well watered, and in every respect fit for settlement and cultivation.

At about half the distance from the Bay to the Shepody Road, the Road I
propose would intersect and cross a new Road running easterly from the Lon-
donderry Settlement to Shepody, and a communication would thus be opened
with both those Settlements.

The proposed Road would be of great advantage to the Mechanics' Settlement,
by opening a short and easy communication with the sea, at a safe harbour.

In the southern ranges of the Mechanics' Settlement, the best land in that Set-
tlement is to be found ; b«t very little of it has yet been taken up, owing to the
want of access ; as this fine tract would be laid open by the proposed Road, it
would soon be sold and settled, while the whole Settlement would be benefited
in every way.

I may mention, that I recently left the Harbour of Saint John at 10 o'clock,
A. M., in a pilot boat, and with a moderate breeze reached the anchorage at
Goose River at 6 P. M. - v : ^ia^KiT<;Kfisrjjii:i i^i^eijywt i,v/a'?v«uj;fp«*» piwr^-**.'-

i^^

(6)

m ■

. t

The advantage of such a water cotamutiication between the Ci«;y of Saint John
and the Mechanics' Settlement, as Well as with all the test of th^ Wilderness
country in its vicinity, cannot be too highly appreciated. ' • '

I have reason to believe that a similar line of Road from the Month df PoiAt
Wolfe River, up the Valley of that River, to the interior, might be laid out With
great advantage, but as it is not within my District, I merely allude to it.

There is considerable vacant Land at the western extremity of this County
ad yet alrtioSt unexplored and unknown. As there are no Settlements with
Which it could be connected adv ntageously, 1 am Unable at present to make
any recommendation respecting it.

My experience in Land Surveying leads me to concur most fully in your views
of the most objectionable practice of permitting individuals to select Land Under
Warrants of Survey after the fashion now in use.

Instances have come under my notice, where a party, by selecting 100 acres
of choice Intervale Land on the banks of a River or Stream, has so located it as
to prevent the sale of any Land in the vicinity, or the formation of a Settlement
in an eligible situation.

The party thus securing the first 100 acres, virtually obtained the control of
the whole District ; such practices cannot be reprehended too strongly.

I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN CUNNINGHAM.

The Hon. Thomas Baillie, Sur. Gen.

i:m

!5!

^ i

I
I

ALBERT COUNTY.

Deputy Stiles' Report.

Hopewell, December 8, 1848.

Sir,— In]conformity with your Honor's commands, respecting a Circular dated
the 16th day of November, 1848 —

There is no part of the County of Albert where a Road would be of more im-
portance than from the Shepody Road, to commence near where the Road from
Salmon River comes into the Shepody Road, and extending north to Coverdale
River, a distance of about five or six miles, as the land is very level, and of an
excellent quality for settling, and it would open a short and convenient commu-
nication for all the Settlers in the Parish of Elgin to the County Buildings, and
also to the Shepody River and Salmon River, where it is navigable for vessels
all seasons in the year. There would be no Bridges of any consequence, or Very
little swampy Land, and the Road might be made on a north line till it comes
near the banlcs of the Coverdale, and the Lots laid out east and west ; and I ani
of an opinion that this Road might be made for about £100 ; and if once opened,
it would be immediately settled, and would be of more benefit than all that con-
templated litie of Road from the Ferry Point to the Mechanics' Settlement.
And as the Road :rom Hopev^ell to Hammond Riwr runs so near the heads of
the Streams leading fiom the Bay Shore, to clear the vaults, that there is nothing
to prevent running a number of Roads back on a north line to the Covetdale
River, through a large level tract of Land, and the best Land for settling in the
County ; and if Roads were once opened through thffe tract, I think it would be
immediately settled, aS the Land to the north of the Road leading from Hopewell
to Hammond River, near the Coverdale River, is far superior to the Land ion
that Road ; and if laid out with Roads running north am' s^nth, would be ^uite
convenient to Harbours on the Bay Shore, and won»d 'wnnect the Parish of
Elgin to Harvey and Hopewell, and shorten the distance abeut 40 miles firom
the Road no^ travelled round by Hillsborough,

ba
th(

CO;

(9)

The opening of a Road from Point Wolf, down the Bay Shore, to connect'
with the Road leading up the Bay from Quaco, would open a Road to the Har-
bours, and then by extending Roads noith between the Streams, would open
Roads through a large tract of Wilderness Land, which, I think, would be shortly
settled, as your Honor will see, by the Land on the Bay Shore from Roshea to
Point Wolf, as fast as the Road is made down the Shore, it is immediately
settled, as a great part of the Land is of good quality for settling.

The old system of laying out Roads is for a few Settlers to go into the Wilder-
ness, and take up their Land, and then mark out a Riad to the nearest Settle-
ment they can get, and then call upon the Commissioners to establish the same,
without any reference of opening Roads for other Settlers, when, if the Roads
were properly laid out by the system proposed by your Honor, it would open
Roads for other Settlers, and prevent the great waste in expending the public
money by so many different alterations, as your Honor will see pointed out
in my Report on Roads in February 1847.'

1 have, &c.
(Signed) REUBEN STILES, Local Deputy.

To the Hon. llianas Baillie, Sur. Gen., he. &o. &c.

CARLETON COUNTY.

Deputy Harley's Report.

Grand Falls, December 20, 1848.
The Honorable Thomas Baillie,

Sir, — In reply to your Circular of the 13th November, I beg to acquaint you
that I have endeavoured to obtain all the information that I possibly could,
respecting the New Settlements of this locality — •

1st Settlement commences about 2 miles above the Grand Falls, on the
easterly side of the River Saint John, on the 2nd and 3rd tier of Lots.

2nd Settlement, 6 miles above the Grand Falls.
3rd Settlement, 1 4 miles above the Grand Falls.

20 miles above the Grand Falls.

26 miles above the Grand Falls.

32 miles above the Grand Falls.

4th Settlement,
5th Settlement,
6tk Settlement,

From the superior quality of the excellent tract of Country lying between the
Ist and 4th Settlements, I have every reason to believe that the intermediate
spaces will be taken up before twelve months. Frosi what I can learn, we shall
have the greater part of young Frenchmen, (who are now living on the American
side,) locating themselves on our back Settlements.

The intervening Rivers between the Ist and 4th Settlements are the Sagasse
and Grand River. To bridge Grand River would cost about £200, and Sagasse
about £100; and opening 20 miles of Road from the Grand Falls to the 4th
Settlement, 12 feet wide, from the roots of the trees upwards, would average
about Is. 6d. ner perch, is equal to £480 for 20 miles. It would not bo necessary
to bridge the above Rivers until the Lands were settled about three tiers deep.

In all my tr^^velling through the interior of this Province, particularly in the
north eastern part of it, I have not met with such a large tract of beautiful
country as that lying between the Salmon River and Green River, extending
back about from 10 to 15 miles, thence extending itself on a parallel course with
the River Saint J ohn upwards r ^ 30 miles. A llo wing a fifth of this tract for waste
Land, which may not be, pt jbably, fit for settlement, it would be capable of
containing 2,300 families, giving to each family 100 acres. * * *

( 10)

\\\

In order to afford a facility of improvement in this section of the country, it
would be essentially necessary to bridge the main River Saint John, about
200 yards below the great pitch of the Grand Falls, the cost of which would be
amply paid in a very short time by the sale of the Crown Lands, and the other
additional revenues that would arise therefrom.

# # ^ 1 have, &o. : ■

(Signed) MICHL. HARLEY,

D. L. Surveyor.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY.

Deputy Carrutiiehs' Report.

Bat/inrst, 8M December, 1848.

Sir, — In reference to your Circular of 16th November last, the receipt of
which I have the honor to acknowledge, I beg to state that the evils flowing from
the present scatter'ng mode of settlement, and the benefits to be derived from
concentration, have been generally admitted on all hands. The appropriations
for Roads are generally found insufficient to complete the necessary communica-
tion for any one new Settlement, vvhile partial attempts are made to many.
This is found a great obstacle to the favorable progress of new Settlers.

If a system of concentration be adopted in Gloucester, I would recommend
the following tracts, as they possess the advantage of rich soil and convenience
to market, viz: —

A line of Road from Teague's Brook, connecting the Settlements on the Bay
shore with the Settlement on the Innishannon Brook, and thence to the upper
part of Caraquet Settlement, would pass through a fine rich tract of country,
and if surveyed, would be speedily occupied. Distance from Teague's Brook
to Smith's, on the Innishannon, 6 miles ; thence to the Caraquet Settlement about
7 miles. This Road, if opened, would form the great Road of Communication
from Bathurst to the Ports of Caraquet and Shippegan. The Bridges required on
this line would be sn)all in extent, three in number, and probable cost, £40. The
Land extending south from the Innishannon, and the south branch of Caraquet to
the Pockmouche River, are of a superior quality, and I think if a portion of
them were surveyed, would soon be occupied. The Road leading from Smith's,
on the Innishannon, to the Bay shore, passes through a good tract of Land, and
if surveyed, would readily be occupied.

A prolongation of the line of Road leading through the Rose Hill Settlement,
on the south side of the Tattagouche River, would open up a fine tract of country,
being only a short distance from the Town of Baihurst. If surveyed, this tract
would be settled at once ; only one small Bridge would be required— cost, £6 to £8.

A disposition seems general, to settle the District of Land stretching from the
Nigado River to the Saint John's Settlement in rear of Green Point ; this is
also a desirable tract of country, and doubtless would be speedily settled, if
communication through it was opened up, distance four miles ; a Road night also
connect this tract with the Bay shore, distance two miles. One bridge only would
be required across the Elm Tree River— probable cost, £20.

From the Anderson Settlement, in rear of Belle-dune, a Road may be extended
to connect with the Settlements west of the Line dividing the Counties ; this
would open up a good tract of Land, and induce to the settlement thereof--
distance 4 miles.

A line of Road from Smith's, on the middle River, passing through block 12,
range 14, on Little River, thence on to the Pabineau River; thence extending on
towards the Big River of Nepisiquit, would open up an excellent tract of
Country for Settlement.

( n ) j

Good Roads equal to any in the Province, stumped, levelled, and properly
thrown up, or turnpiked, 20 feet in width, can be made through all the aforesaid
tract of Land, at the rate of from 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. per rod.

I would most respectfully suggest as the best mode to effect concentration,
that Applicants for tjand should be confined to the Districts laid off for the
purpose, by refusing the accommodation of paying by instalments all persons
elsewhere.

I am, &c.
(Signed) iMATTHEW CARRUTHERS.

The Honorable Thomas Buillie, Surveyor General, &o. &c. &c.

SUN BURY COUNTY.

Deputy C. L. IIathevvay's Report.

Maugerville^ 5th November, 1848.
The Hon. T. Baillie, Surveyor General, &c.

Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's Circular
of the IGth November last, requiring information and recommendations of the
best probable method of settling the ungranted Lands for i\gricultural purposes.
Having been employed in surveying and exploring the Forest to a considerable
extent for the last Jiirty nine years, and having from early life taken much
interest in an improved system of Agriculture, I have witnessed with much
regret the eflfect of that bad system, which you, by experience, have found so
objectionable.

J shall endeavour to conu.^.f' my recommendations to such as may be advan-
tageously attended to for the future Agricultural interest of the Country,
consistenily with its ordinary means.

As the most of the surveys have been made along Streams which were only
navigable for Timber driving, and the Lots laid out in a hasty manner to save
expense, Surveyors have generally had but a limited means of acquiring a
knowledge of the interior, or of the exact distance from one Settlement to the
other, which is best ascertained by the condensed plans in the Surveyor General's
Office.

Roads through good Land will certainly facilitate the settlement of the
Country ; but I have observed along some of the (irreat Roads barren Land has
been settled, merely because there was a good Road to it, and afterwards
abandoned on account of its sterility.

The Road from the mouth of Nashwalk to Little River, is settled on the rear
of the Lots of the old Grant, and some are settled on Lots more recently surveyed,
while there is much better Land for settlement on the third tier of Lots back
from the Road. From this Settlement, 1 would recommend a Road to be
opened to the Peoniack Settlement, distant probably about 4 miles ; from the
Penniack to Little River, distant, probably about eleven miles, ending at or near
the Smith Settlement, at Hungry Brook, and nearly parallel to the present Great
Road ; and to intersect this Road, I would recommend one from the Mii.son Little
River to Bear Brook, probably about nine miles, and ultimately, to extend to the
Fork Stream, between which and Bear Brook, is an excellent tract of Land for
Agricultural purposes-

Along these Roads, 1 would recommend laying out Lots of one hundred acres
each, twenty chains in width, with frequent Roads along their Lines, where a
second tier of Lots may be desirable.

If one or all of these Roads were opened, these Lots would be purchased by
industrious labourers, who would earn the means of purchasing the Land by
labour on the Ro(<ds.

■ 'I

"llH

( 12)

Having seen so much greater evil arise from orooked Roads tfian siraiglit oneef,
I would recommend all Roads in the interior to be laid out, either parallel, or
at right angles, to other Roads, and on straight Lines, only to be departed from
through extreme necessity.

The Roads here recommended would be through Land generally very le/el,
not intersected with large Streams requiring expensive Bridges, and pass through
many good tracts of Land fc Agricultural purposes, which, with its proximity
to Fredericton, and other local advantages, surrounded on three sides by Mills
and Manufacturing Establishments, and no part of :t more than ten miles from
an old Settlement, affords a field for improvement seldom equalled in other parts
of the Province.

A Road opened from the N. W. Branch of Oromocto River to the Cork
Settlement would be of great benefit to both Settlements, by opening a commu-
nication between tliem through much good Land fit- for cultivation. It has
proved a great drawback on the benefit of Emigration to this Province, that
most of the Capitalists among the Emigrants, if they were only able to purchase
a Pedlar's pack, have preferred speculation to Agriculture, and while the farmers
could only afford £2 per month, the Lumberers would give £4 to migratory
labourers, thus sending the specie out of the Province, and fixing the rate of
wages far above its real value.

I think it might be useful in each new Settlement, to give a good tract of
liand for a large Farm to individuals who should receive a Grant, gratis, upon
condition of making certain specified improvements in a given time.

Such a sy.stem might encourage Capitalists to undertake, and would have a
salutary influence in any Settlement. The wages earned in cultivating such a
Farm, would be expended in purchasing small Farms in its vicinity, and the
Settlements increased. Schools and Public Establishments would increase, afford-
ing contentment, and encouraging enterprise.

But unless Roads are opened there will be no Schools, and if no Schools, a
discouraged Peasantry will desert their locations, or otherwise, deserted by their
posterity as soon as they are able to leave an unpromising home, they will be
left in poverty a tax on their neighbours.

I find in all our new Settlements, they require first encouragement, next
instruction in Agriculture, and then prosperity invariably succeeds.

The former method of granting a location ticket has proved a bad one. In
addition to the ordinary disappointment of a new Settler, the consciousness of
his still being in debt for his Land is a great tax on his comfort, and has frequently
induced him to abandon his location.

I know of many other good tracts of Land for Agricultural purposes, above
and below the Grand Falls and some in the County of Saint John, all which will
probably be described by Surveyors from those places, but I know of no other so
de£3rving of immediate attention as those I have first described.

All which is respectfully submitted by your Honor's obedient servant,

(Signed) C. L. HATHEWAY, D, L. 1$,

WESTMORLAND COUNTY.

Deputy WiLMOT's Report.

SaHshury, 12M December ^ 1848.

Sir,— Your Circular of the 16th tiltimo duly came to band, and its contents
noted.

} cannot but coincide with you in the opibion, that it is highly necessary that
some measure should be adopted to direct the atteiftidn of the peopte to Agiri-
culture ; and it appears to me that no Boherae can be prOseoQted Witii 80 hk a

( 13)

ptoejpeot of a happy result, as the opening of Roads through good Settlement
Landi and, when practicable, to connect Settlements already formed.

The first two Settlements 1 would recommend to be connected, are what are
called the " Steves' Mountain Settlement," and the " M'Lauchlan Road
Settlement." The former of these Settlements is in the second tier of Lots, on
the Petitcoudiac River, on the north base of the Grants to Christian and
Frederick Steves, in Moncton. The latter is in the neighbourhood of the
M'Lauchlan Road. It would take about fourteen miles of Road to make this
connection, and about SSs. per mile to make the survey. Though I have never
travelled this route myself, I have collected my information from such respectable
authority, as to induce me not to hesitate in recommending the Land. There
will be no considerable expense in the forming of Bridges, as there are no con-
siderable Streams to cross.

The next two Settlements I would recommend the connection of, are the But-
ternut Ridge, and that part of the North River Settlement which is situated
on the north base of the second Division of Lots on that River; about three
miles would make this connection. No Streams to cross, consequently no
Bridges required ; about 25s. per mile will make the connection.

There is a considerable tract of Land, of a good quality, lying on the south
side of Nevers' Brook ; for a description of this Brook, 1 would refer you to my
Return of Steves' and Boyd's Mill Reserve. This tract is about 10 miles long,
east and west. A Road 4 miles in length would reach this tract of Land, com-
mencing at the North River Bridge on the Albert Settlement Road, and extend
north.

I am, &c.
(Signed) S. S. WILMOT, D. S.

Honorable Thomas Baillie, Sar. Gen.

YORK COUNTY.

Deputy John Davidson's Report.

Dumfries, December 20, 1848.

Sir, — In reply to your Circular of the I6th of last month, I have to state, that
in addition to my own information on the subject, I have made inquiries of those
that I thought it likely I could get information from, who do not know of any
Land there would be a prospect of being generally settled beyond those I pre-
viously recommended surveying between the Howard Settlement and Eel River,
which I have surveyed, and looked out a suitable line of Road, which might at
an expense of £30 or £35 put in suitable hands, cut the Road out 10 or 12 feet
wide, and fix the bad places, that you might ride from the Howard Settlement
to the Mill on Eel River, a distance of between 6 or 7 miles, which would be a
great advantage to both Settlements.
• # #

I am, &c.
(Signed) JOHN DAVIDSON.

Deputy M'Lean'S Report.

Nashwaaky Deceihher 14, Is-fe.

I^IR, — In compliance with your request, t should recommend that a Road be
opened, commencing at or near Wm. M'Leod's, on the Miramiohi Porta|;e, and
to extend in an easterly direction to the third tier of Lois in blook one, distance
ftboQt one and a quarter miles ; there i£l about eight one hundred acre Lots sur-
veyed, some of them improved upon. The Land good ; about £40 would open a
Road, as th^ LaiKd is level, and no Bridges to be made.

( 14)

2nd. — To commence at or near Alex. M'Pherson^s. and to extend eastward,
passing along or near the upper line of Lands granted to Alex. Campbell, in
block No. 2 ; thence to continue on to the third tier, distance about four miles ;
thence to extend Roads north and south at the commencement of every tier , by
that means you would open into a fine tract of Country, where many Settlers
would be acconmiodated ; a road could be made for about £40 per mile, as there
would be no Bridges of any size to be made, and the land level.

3rd. — It would be well to extend the Durham Road a few lots further back ;
there is a good Road as far back as Lands granted to Fowler ; £30 or £40 laid
out would be the means of encouraging more Settlers, as the Land is good.

4th. — It would be advisable that a Road be opened on the lower side of what
is called M'Lean's Brook, as there are a number of Settlers in that direction,
and good Land, where many more may be accommodated ; the Banks on the
Brook being so high, renders it impossible to get to the Durham Road ; this
line may be extended 8 miles back, as the greater part of the Land is good full
that distance back. It would be worth £40 per mile to make a Road on this
line ; there would be no Bridges of any size.

I am, &c.
(Signed) ALLAN M'LE AN, Z^. Z. ^S.

The Hon. Thomas Baillie, Sur. Gen.

tie

RESTIGOUCHE COUNTY.

Deputy James Montgomery's Report.

Dalhoiisie, Decern fjcr 13, 1848.

Sir, — In answer to your Circular of tiie 16th November, requesting informa-
tion with regard to opening up certain good tracts of Land, and connecting,
by Roads passing through one or more Settlements, I would recommend the
following, viz : —

The Road commenced between Rorety and Russell, Belledune Settlement, to
be continued on the course of the front Lots to rear of same ; thence running a
true south course through a tract of Land between Elm Tree and .lacquet
Rivers ; from information I have had, I am led to believe this tract of Land is
from 10 to 14 miles deep, of the very best quality.

The Road commenced between Ultican and Quinn, to be also continued on the
course of front Lots to rear ; thence due south, crossing the above tract at two miles
distance from Rorety's Road, and a Road on the west side of Armstrong's
Brook, at two miles from Ultican's, on the same course as the above mentioned
Road. These, in connection with a Road from Elm Tree in a westerly direc-
tion towards Jacquet River, would open up and cause to be settled a large sec-
tion of country. Although there is some parcels of Land between Jacquet and
Charloe Rivers, I could not in the mean time recommend any Road that would
forward settlement, and ultimately be beneficial, as this is for the most part rough
in front, and the mountains in some places extend a considerable distance back.

I would recommend the continuation of the Road between tlie sec ond and third
tiers, Colebrooke, in rear of Campbelltown, and thence through a valley back
of the flat Lands towards the mouth of Upsalquitch ; this Road would open up
a very extensive and valuable tract of Land, and I feel satisfied the Road itself
would ultimately be of the very greatest importance, as being a more direct line
than the present Road along Shore. I would further recrmmend a line to be
opened from Marl Lake Road west, bv magnet, passing two miles back of the
Forks, Eel River, between tlie 4th and 5th concessions, Colebrooke, (and two
miles distance from the Road between the 2d and 3d concessions) extending to
Christopher's Brook, and to connect with Dalhousieand Campbelltown, by com-

( 15 )

Dieting the Roads already commenced between Searle and Davis, at Eel River*
Forks and to Lilly Lake, till they cross the two last mentioned jRoads. This, I
am satisfied, if opened up, would all be settled ii; a few years, and from the fact
of its being very superior Land, would become one of the most flourishing Set-
tlements in the Province.

I would also suggest the valley of Christopher's Brook as a suitable place for
a Road, extending towards the mouth of the North West Upsalquitch ; this, I
am informed, is an excellent tract of Land, and if a Road were formed in this
direction, it would not only settle the Land in its immediate vicinity, but also cause
Settlements on the various Branches of the Upsalquitch above it, more particularly
on the south east, near which River the Land is good, and especially towards
the head of Charloe and J ..cquet Rivers.

I cannot, without exploring, say anything about the number of Bridges that
would be on these Lines, consequently I can give no accurate statement of the
cost of making the Roads, but would say that a good Line of Road can be made
for £120 per mile, exclusive of Bridges,— say for cutting out and stumping 320
rods, 30 feet wide, at 5s., and for turnpiking, 2s. 6d., is ... £120
Allow extra per mile for Bridges, ... ... ... 10

£130
This being the amount of outlay required, allow me further to state the probable
amount of profit likely to accrue to the Government.

Allowing 121 chains, or 50 rods front, for 100 acres, there will be 1280 acres
in a mile, at 2s 5d. the price pur., when paid down, is £154 I5s., from which
subtract the cost as above, leavers the sum of £24 15s. ; say further, for commis-
sion and all other charges, £10, and you have still the sum of £14 15s. per mile
profit.

While I acknowledge the value of opening up a Country for settlement, by-
making Roads through it, 1 n ould also suggest the propriety of a regular explo-
ration previous to marking out any Road, as it has been found by experience in
this part of the Province, that, .with false ideas of economy, those who have had
the expending of sums of money on Bye Roads, have commenced a Road without
any kind of Survey, and totally ignorant of the description of Land beyond, or
practicability of carrying a Road through it, their knowledge being altogether
confined to the place of beginning ; this is frequently the result, no doubt, of a
desire in the Cttmmissioner to accommodate and favour certain parties from pri-
vate reasons ; it thus follows, that often Roads are only made a short distance
and abandoned as useless ; or if continued, the alterations and windings in order
to make it useful require a larger sum of money than would have made a good
serviceable Road originally, had it been surveyed ; by these means large sums
of public money are annually thrown away uselessly : even this has been the
case to a great extent on the Great Road in this County, the money expended
on it these few years back for alterations, would, I am convinced, have paid for
surveying and opening up a better Line. s/t

I would beg leave further to observe, that under the present system the sale of
Crown Lands does not nor ever will, in my opinion, pay for opening Roads
through the Country. Whereas were an efficient exploration made, and Roads
layed oflf in suitable localities, only the sale of the Lands would not only make
the Roads, but in all probability, as I have shewn, leave an overplus.

There are also many Settlers and others desirous of obtaining Land, so poor
that they cannot procure money by any means, however willing, to pay for their
Grants ; those persons would gladly avail themselves of the chance of Road
making, were the proceeds of their labour to go towards the payment of their
Land. By exploration, the cost of making the Roads, the number and cost of

•!'■

( 16)

Bridges, Sec. could be pretty accurately ascertained, and the Line given in Lots
at a valuation, or to the lowest bidder, among those settling on the Land bordering
on it.

I enclose a Tracing herewith, shewing the extent and connection of the pro-
posed Line of Road.

I have, &c.
(Signed) JAMES MONTGOMERY.

Honorable Thouias Baillie, Sarveyor General.

QUEEN'S COUNTY.

Deputy Colling's Report.

Gagetotvn, December 21 j 1848.
The Honorable Thomas Baillie,

Sir,— In compliance with your Circular of the 16th November last, wherein
you express a desire that I should recommend any District in this County where
I consider it would advantage and promote the settlement of the Country, by
connecting Settlements, and to open the Wilderness in Districts where the Land
is fit for cultivation, as an inducement for Emigrants to remain and settle in the
Country —

I have long been of the opinion that nothing would promote more to the settle-
ment of the Province than that judicious explorations should be made of the
Wilderness Land, and where they are found of a good quality, and fit for culti-
vation, that main Roads should be laid out to induce and enable the Emigrants,
or in fact any other Settler, to enter the wilderness, and then, as the htinA is
occupied, to open cross Roads leading to other main Roads or Settlements.

The Line of Road I would recommend, with every prospect of your approval,
would be to commence at or about Picket's Cove, W^ashademoak Lake, from
thence to the north Forks, Canaan River, near Taylor's Mill, the distance wiU
be about five and twenty miles, course about east (Mag.), it will go through a
fine ridge of ungranted Land ; of my own knowledge, I shall say four fifths will
be found fit for settlement, generally very level, no streams of any consequence,
except a few brooks, therefore requiring no Bridges of any amount, except one
on the north Forks, and it could be built for £20 at the outside, at least 1 was
informed that Mr. Price or Mr. Clarke, some time agc< had offered to build one
for that sum. This Road will connect the different Settlements on the Grand
Lake with those of the Washademoak Lake, Canaan River and Settlement,
which would be of the greatest advantage and convenience to the Inhabitants of
those Settlements ; also opening some very convenient and good Land for settle-
ment. Picket's (Jove also, at the present time, stops, or nearly so, the commu-
nication on that part of the side of the Lake, the Cove being too wide, and not
sufficient travelling to pay for keeping a regular Ferry, and there being as yet
no Road, not even a path round it. The line of Road 1 recommend would make
an excellent connection here. I also think, by referring to a plan of this part
of the County, you see it embraces more advantages than mere local ones ; it
seems to me to be a more direct and nearer route than the present unfinished
one from the Bend of the Petitcodiac to Fredericton, by Coal Creek, Salmon and
Newcastle Rivers, &c., without the disadvantages and expenses of the Ferries,
Bridges, &:c. on that route, the line I recommend not having a single Ferry or
Bridge except the Bridge on the North Forks. You wish also I should give an
estimate of the expense. I must say I have not been much engaged in Road
making, bat have always taken an interest in the subject, and have been in the
]iabit of seeing Roads let, and inquiring what such and such Roads havecos|;. I
bave Been very good Roads, well formed and tumpiked, that Major Foshay has
Jafgnifdme he had got done at 28. 6d. per rod from the stnrop ; he had the treea

taken out by the roots, and the ground levelled the first year, at, I think, some-
thing less than Is. 3d. per rod ; the second year he had it formed and turnpiked
for abont the same money ; it is ge.ieraliy considered the best and most economical
plan not to work or turnpike till the second year, as the soil works easier, tne smaller
roots decaying, &o. &c. I have also enquired of some experienced Road makers,
who tell me they have no doubt but the Road on this Line would be done at 28.
6d. per rod ; it is generally not heavy timbered ; but say Ss. 6d. per rod, including
bridging, (but not the one or. the North Forks,) will be fifty six pounds per mile ;
so twenty five miles will be fourteen hundred pounds ; but call it £1500, to in-
clude the Bridge at the Porks ; then, taking this outside estimate, it will not
take half of the ungranted Land on this Line to pay for the making and bridging
of this Road, allowing eight Lots to one mile, of one hundred acres each, eighty
rods front ; so twenty five miles will give two hundred Lots, at fifteen pounds per
Lot, (the present upset price,) will give three thousand pounds, more than dou-
ble the amount that would be required for making and bridging the Road. As
for the question in a general way, whether the Land will pay for the making of
the Roads, I think, admits of no doubt* There are two instances of it paying
the Government well in this County, I mean the Nerepis Road— Great Road
between Fredericton and Saint John— for one ; how quick were Settlements
made after this Road got into operation ? wljich neither could nor would have been
the case if no such Roads had not first been made. The other instance is more
recent, viz ; the Road on the County Line between this County and Sunbury,
extending from the River Saint John to the Nerepis Great Road, through the
Victoria Settlement. I think I am very safe in saying there would not have been
one hundred acres tal^ien up, at least in this County, if that Road had not been
previously made ; now there are several Settlers there who have bought and
paid the whole amount for their Land, and applications monthly for more in each
County ; for instance, this present month there are six hunared acres in this
County, and five hundred in Sunbury, advertised for sale next month, the appli-
cants in both Counties being respectable farmers' sons, the most ef whom will
pay the whole amount down. Not having the proper documents to refer to, I
eannot say for a certainty, but I am sure there must already have been more
money paid for Land in this Settlement already than has been expended on making
the Road.

You also wish me to point out any other tract of good Land, if surveyed, that
would soon be occupied. I have no doubt, if a connecting Line was extended
from the Settlement on the Gagetown Road to the Sunbury County Line Road,
fifty chains S. W. of the Spry Grant, so as to admit Lots on each side of the
Road ; also the vacant Land between this Spry Grant and the aforesaid County
Line Road, I know there is some good Land which would be immediately taken
up, the lines of the Spry not being known, applicants dont like to apply for it upon
an uncertainty*

As 1 expect to be at the Office in a week or two, T shall be happy to give you
personally more particulars, and explain myself more plainly than I can by writing.

With the greatest respect, &c.
(Signed) JOHN COLLING, Dep. Sw.

To the Honorable Thos. Baillie, Surveyor General, Fredericton.

Deputy Kerr's Report. ,„,.,., i ,.

Fredericton^ December 10, 1848.
Sir, — In compliance with a Circular received from you, of the 16th Novem-
ber, 1848, 1 beg leave to state, that I and several individuals have explored the
Queen's Lake Settlement, in the Parish Pennfield, Charlotte County, and I am
of opinion, thai if there was encouragement in opening out a Road through this

■: f..

f f'

^art of the Province, it Would be settled. A great part of the Timber is the oW
growth of hardwood, some excellent Spruce Logs, and some parts a little stoney,
but I think not discouraging to Agricultural pursuits. The Line of Road neces^
ear/ to be opened in order to get to Saint John, on a course south, 50^ or 55'^
E. to intersect the Nerepis Road between Grand Bay and Mather's old esta-
blishment, which is a distance of about 8 miles ; no Bridges of importance except
small ones ; thence from the Queen's Lake Settlement, north about 5 niileSv to
the interior of Craftville Settlement ; thence northeasterly, until it intersects the
Road leading from Nerepis Road to South Branch of Oroniocto, near the Patter-
son Settlement, distance about 4 miles, expense of connection about 20s. per
mile, opening and repairing said Line of Road, about 4s. per rod. 1 am pre-
pared to comply with the terms of the Government in making the conneclioD.
, ) I have, &c. ' '

(Signed) JAMES KERR, Dep. Sur.

P. S. — I will take two hundred of Land in payment.

(Signed) . J..K.

Honorable Thomas Baillie, Surveyor General, &c. &c. &c. ' *.."'-

Deputy Snell's Report.

Grand Lake^ Queen' 8^ 9lh December ^ 1848.

Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular of the
16th ult., desiring me to furnish you with information on the following heads :
1st. The different Settlements which might be connected by Roads, passing
through good Land. 2d. The length of Road necessary for that purpose. 3d.
The quality of the Land, and the probable expense of making the connections.
4th. The number and extent of the Bridges which will be necessary, and the
probable cost of construction. Further wishing me to state any other good tract
of Land which I think, if surveyed, would soon be occupied.

In obedience to your instructions, I would recommend that the Grand Lake
and New Canaan be connected by a Road leading from the Upper Settlement of
Cumberland Bay to the Forks of Canaan. The length of Road to pass through
good land, would be about 16 miles, and the expense of making, about £1,200,
there being no Bridges of any consideration on this proposed line.

I would also recommend that the Gaspereaux Settlement and Salmon Creek
be connected by a line of Road commencing near the upper Gaspereaux Mills,
and crossing the North Branch of Salmon Creek, the distance being about 6 miles,
the expense of connecting, including Bridges, would be about £500, and the Land
is of a superior quality. 7 " • ' ' * ■^' •

I would recommend that the Gaspereaux and Cain's River be connected by a

line crossing the Gaspereaux about 12 miles from the Mc ith, which would paM

through good Land, forming a convenient and extensive Settlement ; I think the

i distance would be about 20 miles, the cost of connection would not exceed £100

per mile, including the Bridges.

I would particularly recommend that the Salmon River and Richibucto be
connected by a line crossing the Big Forks Stream, about 10 miles from the
Mouth, thence running a little to the eastward and crossing the Little Forks*
From my knowledge of this tract of Land, 1 am aware that a line might be ex-
plored, passing through large tracts of excellent Land ; but as this proposed Road
, has been recently explored by Mr* Beckwith, I consider it unnecessary to make
any further remarks.

I would recommend that the front Land on the southeast side of Salmon River,
to the Mouth of the Little Forks, be surveyed for Settlement, this Land would
soon be occupied, and a survey would prevent squatters from improying on Land

so inegularly.

-•i^J^ji!^, ^^s-^^fi^*!sm(i.'-i%mti^'$*-:^i**i^* m

JMtwtMP-^HJ-.*,.

( 19 )

There is also an excellent tract of Land situate between Salmon River and
Coal Creek, extending up Stream about 20 miles, which I think, if surveyed,
would soon be occupied, and also prevent squatters from settling irregularly, as
they now are.

Having recommended the above tracts of Land to be surveyed for Settlement,
without any regard to my own personal interest, I beg leave to remark, that I
am highly pleased with the idea of having the present pernicious system of sur-
veying superseded by a more beneficial one, yet I despair of ever seeing the
County settled under the present system of disposing of the Crown Lands. [
would recommend that labour performed in opening the Roads, and clearing a
certain quantity of the wilderness lands be a sufficient remuneration (under pro-
per system,) to entitle the hardy and industrious Settler to a grant of a certain
quantity of Land. •;',

I am, &c.
(Signed) ROBERT SNELL, Deputy.

Honorable Thomas Baillit, Surveyor General, &c. &o. &c.

KENT COUNTY.
Deputy Douglass' Report.

. .,• Bitctouchct December 7 1 \8iS.

Sir, — In answer to your Circular of the 16th of November last, I beg leave
to inform you that in the District in which I reside, I know of no Settlement
tliat is not connected either to the Buctouche or the Cocagne by Roads already
made, but they are of a very inferior quality.

There is at present no inducement for young men to enter on agricultural pur-
suits, on account of Roads not being opened through good Lands. They say a
mere line will not entice us to enter into the forest to take up Land, but if Roads
were once opened so that we could immediately improve it, we would take plea-
sure in purchasing.

There are several good tracts of Land, through which, if Roads were opened,
would in a short time be taken up, and would no doubt make extensive settle-
ments.

I am not much acquainted with the vacant Crown Land lying between the
Cocagne and Buctouche Rivers. All the information I can give you respecting
it, I have received from men who have travelled those woods in search of lumber.

There are four sites for Roads to which I would call your attention ; (the
accompanying plan will elucidate more clearly.)

The 1st. On the south side of the Cocagne River, from S. Cormea's grant to
J. Griffin's grant in Irish Town.

2nd. On the northern side of the same River, commencing at the rear of R.
M'Lelland's grant, and running a direct course till it meets with the M'Lauchlan
Road, at the same distance from the River.

3rd. To commence at the St. Anthony's Settlement, and running parallel to
the last mentioned line, so that two ranges of lots may be contained between.
.,{ The 4th. On the south side of the Big Buctouche River, commencing at the
rear of Thos. Bechard's grant, '(Lot 43,) thence till it strikes the M'Lauchlan
Road about one mile south of the South Branch. All the above mentioned sites
would be the continuations of other Roads already made, and would pass through
excellent Land. .;; • '■■

With respect to the expenses that would be incurred I have no idea. The
Bridges over the small streams would be insignificant, and men's wages at the
present would be at a very low rate.

This move that your Honor has now in contemplation, if carried into effect,
will give general satisfaction, and as for the pay, should I be called upon to make

»;rr •*''•

(20)

the survey, I think myself botind to agree with your wishes so iiEur as I have it
in ray power so to do.

I am, &c. l-.'U-. '

(Signed) ROBT. DOUGLASS.

Hod. Thomas Baillie, Sur. Gen., &c. &c.

: !

Deputy Layton's Report.

Michibucto, Wth December j 1848.
To the Honorable Thomas Baillie, Surveyor General, ^

Sir, — I have the lienor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular bearing
date the 16th November last, in which I am directed to transmit to you my
recommendations and suggestions for connecting Settlements, &c., in this Dis-
trict : —

In obedience to which, 1 beg to suggest the prolongation of the Road already
laid out in the Louisburg Settlement on the South Branch of Saint Nicholas to
the Cockburn Road- I cannot speak from ray own knowledge of the quality of
the Land through which it would pass, but have every reason to believe from
reports which I have heard, that the tract is a very eligible one. There would
be nothing but small rivulets to cross, requiring no Bridges of any magnitude ;
the probable expense of construction would be very difficult for me to estimate*
as so much must depend on the manner in which they are to be built ; but I am
of opinion that it might be opened eight feet wide, levelled, and made passable
as a winter Road, at an average cost of £40 per mile. This Road will be in
ilength three and a half miles, thus requiring the sum of £140.

It will be seen, upon reference to the sketch which accompanies this, that a
Road has already been surveyed by me, connecting that part of Louisburg which is
is on the West Branch of the Saint Nicholas with the Cookburn Road, also that a
Road has been surveyed joining together these two Settlements, and which I have
particularly to recommend should be prolonged so as to connnect with the Settle-
'inents on Mill Creek, Buctouche. Such a Road will ere long be made ; but
if left to Bye Road Commissioners, with their present system, it cannot be
expected that they will make anything of it but a bungle. The length of this
Road would be four miles, and would require about £160 to make it passable as
a bridle Road, running in its whole distance through an entire tract of excellent
Land. From this point a very advantageous connection might be made with the
Great Road at the Chockpish Settlement, which would also pass through an
entire tract of good Land.

I have made the above recommendations with a full conviction of their great
irtility. One evil only will arise, an evil which is more or less felt in every Settle-
ment throughout this part of the Province. I allude to "forestalling ;" for no
sooner is a Settlement formed, or a road opened, than these forestallers pounce
upon the best and most convenient tracts, and keep them in reserve for their
children, thus profiting by the toil of the poor Settler, and retarding the general
progress, by preventing others from becoming Settlers in consequence of there
being no vacant Land adjoining the Settlement. I beg to suggest, for your oon-
viderstion, that if some measures could be devised to check this forestalling, that
the real settlement of the Country would the <*by be very much acoelerated.

I know of other good tracts of Land in this District, but which are as yet too
remote from other Settlements to be thought of at present. <>'«> ^v.- .- > ^> ,> ^v

I have, &c.
(Signed) J. G. G. LAYTON, Z>. ^s

To the Hon, Thomas Baillie, Surveyor General, &c. i(c. &c.

lai

(21 )

Deputy Merzerall's Report. ^ '<• I ' '

RichibuctOy 15M December, 1848.

Sir,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular of the
16th November last, and beg leave to submit the following suggestions : —

Although 1 have had no opportunity lately to make myself acquainted (^Ith
the general locality of the interior part of this County, yet I remember when
running son^a of the meridian lines for the late W. J. Lay ton, in 1886, that I
passed through some fine tracts of Land. The greatest part of the Country,
however, is unfit for Settlement, being cut up with thick spruce barrens and
cedar swamps.

There are no remote Settlements of any note in my District, the Settlers con-
fining themselves chiefly to the banks of the different Rivers and their tributaries.
The greatest obstacle which prevents parties from going farther up the Country
to settle, is the want of Roads to encourage them to do so.

I have conversed with several person? lately ; a the subject of laying out
Roads, &c., as p.-oposed by you, and I am glad to find that they are mutually in
favour with the plan.

I would suggest that if a Road be run due west from the Post Road, about
one mile south of Martin Flanagan's, for about five miles, and Roads laid off north
and south, at proper distances, laying out lots, would pass through good Land,
and would connect a fine ridge of hard wood Land that lies south of the Bay du
Vin River with the Post Road.

That a Road be run west from the Mill on the Little Black River, (Kouchi-
bouguac,) until it would strike the Post Road, laying off lots as the Land would
suit ; it would also connect the Settlement on the Black River with the Post
Road.

That a Road be run westerly from the upper Settler on the north side of the
Kouchibouguac River, and lloads to run north and south between Tweedie's and
M'Innis' Brook, would pass through good ridges of Land*

That a Road be run on the south side of the Kouchibouguacis River, com-
mencing at the upper Settlement, running up Stream until it would cross the
eastern meridian of Range 10 of " Lay ton's great Survey," and thence Roads
to run north and south, laying off lots as the Land would permit.

That a Road be run westerly from the upper Settlers on the south side of the
Aldouane River, for about two miles, passing through a hard wood ridge, which
is already applied for.

That a Road be run westerly from the upper Settlers on the north side of the
Molus River, for about seven miles, and Roads to run north and south, at proper
distances, and laying out lots as the Land would permit.

That a Road be run westerly from the upper Settlers on the sont!. side of the
Bass River, for about five miles, crossing the above mentioned meridian, and
Roads to run north and so^th, at proper distances, and laying off lots as the
Land would permit, would go through good ridges of Land.

Th<? expense of running these difibrent Roads would not be so much, as some
of the lines of '' Layton's great Survey" would in many instances answer, by
retracitig them, and replacing the boundaries of the lots where they have been
cut and knocked down by lumbermen.

The expense of the Bridges would also not be as would be imagined, as iki%
largest Rivers the Roads would cross do not exceed one chain in width.

I have, &c.^
(Signed) r PETER MERZERALL,

Dif» SurvetforK
To the Hod. ThonM BaiUi«, Sar. Gen., ^c. Ice. ft^e. -

'■>'

V'fte .'w

^3f;'.> i<u '^'^

(22)

NOETHUMBEBLAND. s

■i./'

Wii:

Deputy James Divip son's Report.

Miramichif December 4, 1846.
SiRj — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular of the!
16lh ultimo, requiring me to furnish you with infornnation as to good tracts of
Land ior settlernert, &c. There is an excellent tract of Land in rear of the
granted Lands from Burnt Church to Neguac, extending back towards Stymist's
Mill Stream, and easterly to the granted Land on the west side f Tabusintack
River. There is also a good tract of Land on the north side of Little Tracady
River, above the head of the tide, extending upwards, and back towards Poc-
mouche River. There is also an extensive tract of good Land between Poc-
mouche River and the south branch of Caraquel River, extending from the upper
Settlement on Caraquet River, I think, to the Bathurst Road; and if a Road
were opened from the upper Settlement on the south Branch of Caraquet to the
Bathurst Road, about eleven miles south of Bathurst, it would pass through a
%ie tract of Hardwood Land. The whole distance would be about twenty four
miles, and I am not aware of any Bi Iges, except small ones, that would be
require*? in the whole distance.

I have, &c.
(Signed)

Honorable Thomas Baillie, Sur. Gen., &r. &c. &c.

JAS. DAVIDSON,

Dy. Snrveyor.

Deputy C. J. Peters' Report.

Chatham, 13/A December ^ 1848.

Sir, — In reply to your Circular of the I6th ultimo, I beg to state that T agree
with you in the importance of attention being paid to Agriculture in the present
depressed state of business of all kinds in this Province. I also agree that the
system of each person being allowed to select his Land without reference to any
general plan or system by which the country at large would be benefited, and
cause the Roads to be laid out to the best advantage, both as to the best ground
for making them, and also going through the best country for settlement, and at
the same time fronting as many lots as possible on said Roads, instead of having
to make Roads as at present in many cases where there are but three or four
settlers, which takes more money out of the Public Chest than the purchase of
the. Land brings in to it.

There can be no doubt that by opening connecting Roads passing from one
Settlement to another, and aiso through good Land for Settleuient, you add to
the prosperity of the country, and induce people to go back and settle, knowing
that they have or may depend on having a good Road to their places.

The best way in my opinion this could be done, would be to explore and mark
out the best lines of Road that can be found from one Settlement to another (as
was the case last year, from Dixon's Ferry to Curry's, at Bartibog, where the
whole of the good Land that was vacant was immediately applied for, tc Iront
on the Road) and through some of the best tracts for settlement that might be
approved of, and after making a Plan of said Road, the Deputy to mark out on
the Plan his idea of the most approved way of layin? out the lots, to be submitted
to the office for approval there, in case of application for Land, or the Govern-
ment should wish to lay the whole in lots agreeable to that plan, or to any alter-
ation ihsy may think proper to make, this would remedy the present evil, and
enable you to have the lots laid off as regular as the nature of the Land would
permit ; there are large tracts in this as in all other Couaties that it would be

( 23 ) i

Useless tt) lay out lots on, and in some cases the Road must cross them; but by
picking the best lines, most of the lots would have some good land.

The plan I should recommend, if it could be carried into eflect, would soon
bpen abd settle large tracts in this quarter, which I do not think, from the great
scarcity of money and means of getting it amongst the middling and poorer classes
that would wish to settle, can do sok without someihing of the kind being done,
viz: Instead of insisting upon the applicant paying for a lot; he may want in
money, at JEi2 down, or £15 by instalments, and afterwards calling on the Pro-
vince to make Roads for him; let the lot be sold at Public Auction to the
person that will make the greatest number of rods of good turnkipe Road 23
feet wide, and not less than 80 rods for each 100 acres, except when there
is any heavy Bridge to be made in such plaoe as shall be pointed out at time of
sale. This you would get hundreds to do, when they could not pay two pounds
in cash. The same distance of Road, if made by the Commissioners of Bye or
Great Roads, would cost not less than £20 for 80 rods. This would open the
country for settlement without having to draw any money out of the Public
Chest, and enable those that have money to buy for money when there is good
Roads, and those that have not money to 7 / for their land by labour, and pay
for their grant, instead of paying one instalment as many now do wiih difficulty,
and allow the remainder to stand with the interest accumulating on them yearly,
and others from want of means to pay one instalment, settle without paying any-
thing, and are better off than those that pay, as they have no interest to pay.

The Road I should recommend to be explored in the first place, would be the
continuation of the Road through the Wilfield Settlement, crossing Black River
below the mouth of Vondy's Brook, and to extend to the upper settler on Bar-
nabie's River, a distance of about six miles from where the Road is passable in
Summer ; there would be but one Bridge of any note across Black River from
this Road. Roads could be laid off, in several directions, through fine land for
settlement, say between Barnabie's River and the Bay du Vin River, near the
Mouth of Big Hole Brook, and from thence to the Richibucto Road, also to
extend up the several Branches of Barnabie's River, and to the fine tract of land
on Sabbie's River, called the Dundan Ridge ; the East Branch of Barnabie's
River has great advantages for settlers, having large and fine intervales in addition
to its fine uplands.

• * •

I am, &c.
(Signed) CHARLES J. PETERS.

The Honorable Thoiua!3 Baillie, Surveyor General, Fredericton,

Deputy Price's Report.

Ludlow, 20th December, 1848.

Sir, — In pursuance of the suggestions contained in your Circular of the 16th
November last, I proceeded to explore, in a summary manner, such ungranted
Lands in this part of the County of Northumberland as appeared to me to afford
the greatest facilities for successful settlement, should any suitable measures be
adopted by the Legislature to make them at once available for that purpose ; and
beg nf .' to recuiumend to the consideration of the G<^vernment, the advantages
that would attend the connecting, by a Road, the large tracts of excellent upland
and intervale which are situated on the small streams on the northerly side of
the South Weit Branch of the River Miramichi, between the Settlement in the
vicinity of the Land Company's Village of Campbell and the scattered Settle-
ments on the Bartholomew'^ and Dungarvon. In no part of the County of*
Northun;berland is there so large a quantity of good Land as is situated on thift

(24 )

']i

route, and as a great part of it lies at an easy distance from the Capital of the
Province, and from the Port of Miramichi, it could not fail, if once properly
opened up, to become in a few years a flourishing Agricultural District. I have
for the present, (being j'ort of time,) examined more particularly the Lands
lying between the lot occupied by John Small^ near the western extremity of the
Bredalbane Settlement, as marked on the accompany ing sketch, and the lot
granted to Michael Carmody, one of the most westerly Settlers on the South
West Branch Miramichi. Througli the whole of this distance, as marked out
by me for a Road on the enclosed sketch, I find, with very trifling exceptions,
excellent Land for settlement, and a good line for a Road. The part of this
District which I conceive to be the most worthy of immeuiate attention, is an
unbroken tract of upwards of four thousand acres of upland of the best quality,
extending from the Grant to Carmody to the north west angle of the Reserve to
R. Hayne on Porter's Brook. The growth on this Land consists of nJaple, a&h,
elm, and birch, slightly intermixed with cedar and other soft wood trees ; it is
exceedingly well watered, has a south east aspect, and is, on the surface, com-
paratively free from stone. Wherever stone appears, it is silicons limestone.
The Road through it would cost sixty pounds per mile. A short Road to connect
this tract of Land with Boiestown is desirable, and 1 have explored a route for
thac purpose, four and a half miles in length, on which there would be required
eighty feet of Bridges. This line could be completed for forty pounds per mile.
These Roads need not be turnpiked more than twelve feet in width, and where-
ever the Land is level and dry, notlmg more would be necessary for the present
than to clear out and level to that width. On the whole route to Small's, ninety
feet of low Bridges would be sufficient, with the exception of mere drains. The
Road from Small's to Doak's Mills is already made in part, and hereafter, as
means were forthcoming, the main line might be connected with the Road coming
out to Bartholomew's Mills, or it might cross to the north side of the Dungervon,
where there are large tracts of good Land, and connect with the highway at
Indian Town. The upper part of it would be a suitable route for a Road leading
to Dalhousie, which, to avoid the broken highlands to the northward, would,
whenever made, require to be taken below the Falls on Dungarvon.

On the south side of the Miramichi River, there are also numerous detached
tracts of good Land in the rear of the Betts' Grant, between Doak's and Boies-
town Mills, on which Settlements are slowly forming, even under the present
defective system.

T regret to say that it is out of my power to make surveys of Settlement Lands,
without a prospect of early payment for my services, but being a practical
farmer, and well acquainted with whatever tracts of good Land are in this part
of the County, and moreover, as my interests are in a great degree dependent on
the future agricultural prosperity of Northumberland, I should be careful, if
employed in Surveys bjr the Government, to make a selection of the best Lands
with which I am acquainted. . ',

I have &f .
(Signed) ' JAMES L. PRICE.

Honorable Thomas Baillie, Sarreyor Qenoral, &c. &o. &c.

i'\ "

l^v;-''-^^ « - - ;;' -n t,v CHARLOTTE COUNTY. ' \^^,..., ,.,.,

">ii

Deputy Wm. MahoOd's Report. •; >,', /,,,r ,, f..- =, f... ,»♦

t ; , . s {,; Saint Jndrews, December 18, 1848.

Sir,— In obedience to yoiir Circular, dated the 16th November last, directing
me to recommend you places, where, if Roads were opened, the Lands abutting
thereon, would be likely to be soon settled ; —

r,;.M

(25)

.if
mds

There are several extensive tracts cf good Land in this County, if through
which Roads were opened, would soon be settled upon ; and I believe that it is
for want of Roads that they have not been settled upon before this time. How-
ever the people in this County do not seem to be much inclined to settle upon
new Lands (witness the few Sales of Crown Lands which nas taken place in this
County for the last two years,) and where they have settled, they do not improve
very fast.

The extensive trade in Cedar Shingles which is carried en at Saint Stephen's
and Calais, lias very much injured the settlement of the surrounding country.
The Merchants and Traders there encourage the Settlers to manufacture these
Shingles, for winch they generally pay them in goods and provisions ; this is
apparently an advantage to the Settler, as it would seem to be an easy means of
providing provisions for the first year, but in the end it is ruinous to his farming
interests, as the Merchant generally manages to get the Settler into his debt so
that he (the Settler,) is obliged to continue the manufacture, to keep his credit
good, even at times when he ought to be either sowing, or securing his crops, and
leaving him but very little time to clear and improve his farm.

This Trade has also caused the (^rown Lands within 25 or 30 miles of Saint
Stephen's, to be all pillaged of the very fine Cedar Timber it contained, thereby
rendering it of much less value when purchased for actual settlement.

There is one tract of Land which 1 wish particularly to bring und-^r your notice ;
it is situated to the north and west of Canoose River, and i^ bounded on the
north and west by the Hiver Saint Croix ; it contains a large quantity of good
Land enough to form a Parish of itself. There is a new Settlement on the
Canoose River on the continuation of the Oak Hill Road, and a Bridge was built
over the Stream at this place last Summer, and should this Road be continued
on northerly along the east side of Captain Spearman's grant, and then in nearly
a direct line to the little Falls on the Saint Croix River, below Porter's Meadows,
where a Bridge could be constructed at a small expense across the River, it
would in that distance pass tiirough large tracts of good Land, and all the
travelling from Saint Stephen and Calais to the Great Lakes, and to the Settle-
ments on the American Townships on the opposite side of the River, would pass
along it ; it would be a complete thoroughfare. And after it would be opened,
then branch Roads to the gooi^ Land east and west of it could be made, and a
connection made with the Woodstock Road ; then the whole tract would be settled.

The distance of the proposed Road from the new Bi' over Canoose, to the
Little Falls, is about lOg miles, with no Bridges excepting across Rills.

Estimate of Construction.

Exploration to be thoroughly done would cost about, JE20

Clearing, grubbing and levelling, 18 feet wide, (10^ miles)

3,360 rods ^ 3s. 504

Commission at 6 per cent, on £504, 25 4

I-

Total,

JE649 4

I do not make any estimate of the cost of the proposed Bridge over the Saint
Croix, at the Little Falls, as I imagine i'; would be built by the subscriptions of
the people on the English and American sides of the River, for their own accom-
modation, and also of the lumberers whom it would accommodate.

There are two tracts of Land on the cast and west sides of the Woodstock
Road, which was formerly laid out for the Highland Society, to which I would

( 26 )

recommend Roads being made. In that, on the east side, there two persons
already settled, (R. King and F. Kain) who have a Road partly opened on the
south lines of lots D and 20, in block H. If this Road, which is about U miles
long, was made, and from the front of No. 30, in the same block, a Road be
extended up northerly, parallel with the Woodstock Road, it would pass through
some excellent Land. To clear and grub it, would cost about 2s. 6d. per rod«
It might be extended northerly three or four miles.

The tract on the west sWe of the Woodstock Road would be intersected by
the Reserved Road laid out between the lots surveyed for R. White and
Joseph Meredith, to be continued west from the Woodstock Road about two
miles; this line has been already run, and lots fronted on it. It would cost
about 2s. 6d. per rod.

On the west side of the Digdeguash Kiver, there is now a Road made as far
north as the place where this new Road from Saint Stephen to Brockway's
crosses that River, and from that place there is a Winter Road on the same side of
the River to Walton's meadows. I would beg to recommend that this Road be
opened as far as the Connick Dam, a distance of about four miles, as it passes
through good farming Land. The cost of clearing, grubbing and levelling would
be about 3s. per rod.

There is another tract of good Land lying between the new Road from Saint
Andrews to Fredericton and the Settlement on the Flume Ridge, which tract is
called " The Little Flume Ridge," through which, if a Road was made, would
connect those Settlements, and be a great benefit to both. It would probably
cost 2s. 6d. per rod, with a Bridge over a branch of Trout Brook, which would
cost about £10. The distance is about three miles.

I do not recommend any of those tracts with any view of surveying ihuro, as
the conditions you mention are not very tempting, and I hope you will pardon
rae for recommending that these Roads should be at first thoroughly explored,
not in a flying kind of a manner as is usually done, but with a view to there loca-
tions in such places as never afterwards requires to be altered, and one pound
spent in this manner, may afterwards save hundreds. That the Roads be then
opened, and afterwards the lots be laid out on them, to suit those who would wish
to settle; and the money contemplated to be expended in surveys, be laid out in
opening the Roads. The Lands would then be more open to inspection, and
would thus settle faster than in any other way.

I have, &c.
(Signed) W::. MAHOOD,

Local Deputy y Charlotte County »
Honorable Thomas Baillie, Surveyor Geueral, &c.

JosEPHus Moore's Report. i ..

•' ' Saint Davidf January \&h, \Qi9.

S<U, — Having observed, by the Journals of the House of Assembly, measures
pi:t forward by you, having for their object to facilitate the settlement and
improvement of the Province by opening up highways, thereby connecting the
different points by the most direct and feasible lines for that purpose, —

I beg to submit, for your consideration, two lines of Road — First, starting from
the Woodstock Road, on the east side, near the junction of the Baillie Settlement
Road, and about sixteen miles from the Village of Saint Stephens, thence about
a north east courFe, crossing the Digdeguash at Connick's Dam, to the foot of the
Magaguadavic Lake, thence connect the Burgundy and Lake George Settle-
ments. This lice would pass over as fine a tract of Land, situate in the
neighboarhood of upper Trout Brook, and Davis' Brook tributarief» and oa tht

ires
md
the

( 27 )

west Bide of the Magaguadavic, as our County affords. Perhaps no line in tbik
quarter would afford better Land for settlement than now liesJ shut up for the want
of a Road on and in the neighbourhood of the line above proposied.

The second line 1 would propose is the extension of the Road leading from
the Village of Saint Stephen's, through the Oak Hill Settlement, to the Canoose
Stream, where now is a good substantial Bridge, thence exteri through the blook
of Land granted J. M. Spearman, Esquire, to the Little Falls on the Rivet Saint
Croix* A bridge at this point would connect with the Settlements on the western
side of Chipetnecticook Lake, and the Settlers now in that quarter, (our neigh-
bours of Maine,) would find a market at the least eight miles nearer to travel
this line, than the Road they at present travel through their own territory. It is
also a fact, that from the Canoose to the Little Falls, also lies a large tract of
excellent Land for settlement, and like many other tracts, lies shut up for the
want of a highway. I would further remark, that with regard to the distance of
the first named line, from the Village of Saint Stephens t'> the Burgundy and
Lake George Settlements, is probably short of sixty five liles, of this sixteen
miles is now made. The second through Oak Hill to the Little Falls, is about
thirty miles, sixteen of which is now made.

Having had some experience in Road making for a few years, on this point I
would beg to state, that 1 have adopted a new plan, that is, instead of making
Turnpike Roads through wilderness Land with the spade, my method is first
to extend and open up the whole line by grubbing out about 26 feet wide, Bridge
the Streams, overcome the bogs and swamps, leaving the hard ground to be turn-
piked, by the process of the plough, first plough and then harrow and level the
face of the Road, after which, turnpike, when you have a Road that will settle
even without any of those hills and hollows which are sure to make their appear-
ance in a short time on all Roads made with spades through the wilderness ;
beside the advantage of having a turnpike thus made, you will open up the- whole
line, making it quite a passable Road, by the first process of grubbing, &c., and
also you have one other advantage, which is not least, by this method, you are
enabled to judge more correctly of the best points to lead water free from the
Road. In my humble opinion, Roads may be opened up on this plan, and
eventually turnpiked at a saving of twenty per cent, to the public, when you
take into consideration the workmanship and durabilicy compared with the spade
Road. If these remarks of your humble servant will any way aid your
exertions to promote the public good, will much gratify yours most respectfully,

(Signed) JOSEPHUS MOORE.

Hon. Thomas Eaillie, M. P. P.

P. S.— I expect a heavy falling off of the Revenue, which may retard public
improvement — but is there no remedy ? I should remark that I met with William
Todd, Esq., of Saint Stephen, on the Woodstock Road, he then told me, if the
Government would sell him wilderness Land, (not on the Woodstock Road,) he
would advance money to complete that Road at once. If the Lands could thus
be disposed of, public improvements might yet proceed.

(Signed; J. M.

li.

1. .^ ■':}:'. .i^l

". '■

. (28)

Memorayidum of Receipts in the Crown Land Office on Account of the

Casual Revenue.

Year.

Timber.

Land.

Total.

1829

£9,717 12

£402 io

£10,120 8 8

1830

9,308 6

2,888 6

12,196 12 9

1831

8,748 11

3,907 7

12,655 18 8

1832

8,646 12

5,980 12

14,627 4 11

1833

8,945 14

9,855 5

18,800 19 9

1834

15,052 18

5,858 9

20,911 7 10

1835

15,293 7

26,649 10

41,942 18 5

1836

16,173 18

30,450 7

46,624 5 6

J : 1837

10,324 8

15,515 6

25,839 14 4

1838

11,993

4,545 3

16,538 3 10

1839

12,269

3,908 5

16,177 5 7

1840

18,512

3,414 15

21,926 15 6

1841

15,753

3,555 10

19,308 10 11

" 1842

6,631

1,935 6

8,566 6 10

' ' 1843

14,543

1,925 11

16,468 11 2

-, 1844

4,613 16

3,234 3

7,848 6

1845

4,779 13

7,839 8

12,619 1 4

•'?•'• 1846

6,445 14

4,545 11

10,991 5 11

•"■'-■ 1847

3,585 7

6,773 17

10,359 4 11

1848

, . . ,1.* *; v /

1,992 8

2,561 5

4,553 13 7

',' Total,...

£203,329 10

£145,747

£349,076 10 11

1829 to 1837, inclusive,

£102,211 9

£101,508 1

£203,719 10 10

1838 to 1848, inclusive,

£101,118 1

£44,238 19

£145,357 1

Memorandum of Amounts
Casual Revenue

Amount paid the Province

j-xjrih i

Do.

do.

Do.

do.

Do.

do.

Do.

do.

Do.

do.

Do.

do.

Do.

do,

do.

Do.

do.

Do,

do.

paid the Province Treasurer
since the passing of the Civil

Treasurer in 1838,
1839,
1840,
1841,
1842,
1843,
1844,
1845,
1846,
1847,

on Account of

the

List Act.

£84,437 4

26,096 12

24,299 15

21,974 12

14,277 15

21,580

16,726 14

30,912 9

30,264 I

26,053 5

£296,622 10 10
De I; amount paid for Civil List 1 years, (a) £14,500 a year, 145,000

Export Duty on Timber received in 1844, and included above,
Do. do. 1845, do.

Do.

do.

1846.

£1 51,622 10 10

£8,856 18 3

20,129 14 5

15.646 14

, ' ""7^7^*3^^^ ^T^ i^jv^. >• I

irr