IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V. {./ 4 ,*\^ 6 Ja 1.0 1.1 11.25 12.8 ■^ Uii |2.2 S lia 12.0 U 11.6 ^ .^^ '/r # » HiotDgraphic Sdences Corporation 33 WiST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MSSO (716)S72-4S03 4 %" CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiquas Technical and Bibliographic Notas/iyotas techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. □ Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ n D n n D Couverture endommagie Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurie et/ou pellicul^e I I Cover title missir>g/ Le titre de couverture manque I I Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relit avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serr6e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intirieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajouties lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas iti filmtes. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl6mentaires; T tc L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a iti possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique. qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mithode normale de filmage sont indiqu6s ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagies Pages restored and/oi Pages restaurtes et/ou pellicultes Pages discoloured, stained or foxe< Pages ddcolordes, tachetdes ou piqu6es Pages detached/ Pages d6tach6es I I Pages damaged/ I I Pages restored and/or laminated/ rri Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ I I Pages detached/ / Showthrough/ Transparence r~1 Quality of print varies/ Quality intgale de I'impression Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du materiel suppltmentaire Only edition available/ Seule Mition disponible T P o fi O b4 tti si 01 fii si 01 D Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partieilement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont dt6 filmies A nouveau de facon d obtenir la meilleure image possible. T» s^ Tl w M di er bfl rl« rei m( This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filmt au taux de reduction indiqui ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X y 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here he* been reproduced thanke to the generoeity of: Douglas Library Queen's University The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in Iceeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the bacic cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol ^^- (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: L'exemplaire filmA f ut reproduit grice A la gAn^rositA de: Douglas Library Queen's University Les images suivantes ont At* reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la ntittetA de i'exempleire fiim«, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverturn en papier est imprimte sont filmte en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la derniire page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration. soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmte en commen9ant par la premlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la derniire image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole -^ signifie "A SUIVRE". le symbols y signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc.. peuvent fitre filmfo d des taux de reduction diffirents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul cliche, ii est film6 A partir de I'angle suptrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la hfiAthode. ^ ■ t a 3 1 2 3 4 6 e \c;?l^/6ul^,6^■ The EDITH and LORNE PIERCE COLLECTION of CANADI ANA ^eerCs University at Kingston Ehiqbation is a iubj< important points of v ant with the institut tribate » human po] measure of relief ap of some partiouUur co At present, as is w of the earth's surfae peopled, although ft means of sustaining tion. Assuredly, if 1 and if accordingly it as many as possible, that the spreadine o countries, where thej object justified equa feeling. If, again, 4 country be straitenet proportion to space, regulations which, fr hope of seeing quic is furnished why mei From one cause o of considerable inte; Bome years has beei is not necessary here be allowable to presi tries chiefly resortec may be useful to p country, and at th« remain some know many of their frien moved. In drawin mated by an extren BO that no one shall with respect to so i tion. If, therefore, our pages, it must the original reportc the subject, and to There are three attention of emign nada and the other rica; the United St hold out similar a( in Australia, Van At present, our at and the other Briti CANADJ North America, the distance of S< on the opposite sh conUnent IS much miles in length fi across from east t) CHAMBERS'S INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE. CONDUCTED BY WILLIAM AND ROBERT CHAMBERS, EDITORS OF CHAMBERS'S EDINBURGH JOURNAL, EDUCATIONAL COURSE, &o. Number 17. New and Improved Series. Price l^d. o EMIGRATION TO CANADA, AND OTHER BRITISH AMERICAN POSSESSIONS. Ehiobation is » mibject which may be regarded in two important points of view— either as a principle accord- ant with the institutions of nature, as serving to dis- tribute a human population over the earth, or as a measure of relief applicable to a particular condition of some particular country. At present, as is well known, there are vast portions of the earth's surface, either not at all, or very thinly peopled, although furnished by nature with all the means of sustaining a healthy and numerous popula- tion. Assuredly, if life be upon the whole a blessing, and if accordingly it be desirable that it be enjoyed by as many as possible, no argument is needed to show that the spreading of the children of men over such countries, where they may increase and multiply, is an object justified equally by reason and by benevolent feeling. If, again, the population of any particuUr country be straitened by their numbers being in over- proportion to space, or at least to space as affected by regulations which, from peculiar causes, there is little hope of seeine quickly altered, an additional reason is furnished why men should remove to new soils. From one cause or another, emigration is a subject of considerable interest to the British public, and for some years has been practised upon a large scale. It is not necessary here to discuss these causes, but it may be allowable to present an account of the various coun- tries chiefly resorted to by British emigrants, such as may be useful to persons contemplating a change of country, and at the same time convey to those who remain some knowledge of the regions to which so many of their friends and fellow-countrymen have re- moved. In drawing up these accounts, we are ani- mated by an extreme desire to be correct and faithful, so that no one shall be unduly persuaded or dissuaded with respect to so important a step as that of emigra- tion. If, therefore, any error should find its way mto our pages, it must be attributed to unfaithfulness in the original reporters, or to our imperfect handling of the subject, and to no other cause. There are three regions of the earth to which the attention of emigrants is chiefly directed, namely, Ca- nada and the other British possessions in North Ame- rica ; the United States, which many prefer, and which hold out similar advantages ; and the British colonies in Australia, Van Diemen's Land, and New Zealand. At present, our attention will be confined to Canada and the other British American possessions. CANADAv—GENERAL DESCRIPnON. North America, of which Canada is a part, lies at the distance of SOOO miles west from Great Britain, on the opposite shore of the Atlantic Ocean. This vast continent is much larger than Europe, measuring 4376 miles in length from nortli to south, and 3000 miles across from east to west As yot only a portion of the 267 territory, measuring a few hundred miles back from the coast of the Atlantic, has been settled by people of European descent. Excepting in a few districts, the remainder of the continent is possessed only by a thin and scattered population of aborigines. The southern and tropical part of North America is composed of the republics of Guatemala and Mexico ; the most tempe- rate portion (from the 30th parallel of latitude to about the 43d) forms the republic of the Uiiited States. The more northerly part, with some islands, is in the pus- session of Great Britain, and comprehends the pro- vinces of Upper and Lower Canada, New Brunswick*, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Cape Breton, St John's or Prince Edward Island, &b. The line of division betwixt the British possessions and the United States, is either the River St Lawrence and the lakes from whence it proceeds, or an ideal and partly contested boundary. Canada is bounded on the east by the Gulf of St Law- rence and Labrador ; on the north by the territories of Hudson's Bay ; on the west by the Pacific Ocean ; on the south by Indian countries, parts of the United States, and New Brunswick. Canada is divided into two provinces, the Upper and Lower, each of which has hitherto had ite own local government ; but by a re- cent act of the Imperial Parliament, the two provinces are united under one general legislative council and house of assembly, two bodies respectively resembling the Houses of Peers and Commons in the mother coun- try, and whose measures require the consent of the governor, as the acte of the home Parliament require that of the sovereign. The afiairs of this, as of all other colonies, are subject to an ultimate control, vested imme- diately in a colonial minister, but finally in the British legislature. In Lower Canada, or that portion next the sea-coast, the greater part of the population is of French descent (this havins originally been a French colony) ; the laws resemble uose of France, and the French lan- guage is generally spoken. Upper Canada, or more pro- perly Inner Canada, lies to the west and south-west of the lower province. Ite inhabitanto are of British de- scent, and a very great number of them are from Scot- land, both Lowlands and Highlands. The English law and church are here establiwed ; but there is the most perfect liberty of conscience, and as great a security of life and property as even in Scotland or England. Upper Canada is divided into districts, counties, ridings, townships, special tracts, and nHotnienta, together wit'i blocks of land reserved for the clergy and the crow a, and lands appropriated to the Indians. A district c(>n- tains two or three counties, and each county contai ns from four to thirty townships. There are 13 districts, 26 counties, and 6 ridings, comprising together 273 townships. The line of division betwixt Upper and Lower Canada is in one part the Ottawa or Grand River; nearly all the other lines of division in the pro- vinces are straight, without regard to physical distinc- CHAMBERS'S INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE. c tibn, such aa liills and rivers ; and this peculiarity is common over the whole of North America. The ave- rage territory of each township may be estimated at 61,600 acre8,making an aggregate Quantity of 1 6,816,800 acres. Aliout 7,000,000 of acres nave been grrnted to dilTerent classes of settlers ; 4,805,400 acres are reserved for tliC crown and clergy (part of which has already been granted by the crown to the Canada Company) ; and 5,011,400 acres remain to be granted within the townships. This tract of country, chiefly bordering the north shore of the River St Lawrence to Lake Ontario, the northern side of that lake, and of Lake Erie up to Lake St Clair, and of the communication be- tween it and Lake Huron, a distance little short of five hundred and seventy miles, and stretoliing northward from the water to a depth varying from fiity to eighty miles, is composed of a soil, wliich, for productive rich- ness, variety, and applicability to the highest purposes of agriculture, may challenge competition with the choicest tracts of land in the New World. Upper Canada is chiefly a flat country, and is for the greater part covered with timber, but possesses a number of chains or ridges of high lands, running in difiierent directions, and separating the sources and channels of ipnumerable rivers and brooks. 'The higher and level districts are called Table Lands. The grand feature of the country is its water-courses. By looking at the map, it will be perceived that there is a series of large lakes, communicating with each other ; these are unequalled by any inland sheets of water in the world, and are entitled to the appellation of fresh-water seas, for they are not only of great extent, but are liable to be affected by storms like the ocean itself. The upper* most, called Lake Superior, is 381 miles long, and 161 broad; Huron, 218 miles long, and from 60 to 180 broad ; Erie, 23i miles long, and about 70 in breadth ; Ontario, 171 miles in length, and 60 in breadth. The waters of Lake Erie, on issuing from its lower extre- mity, form a river of nearly half a mile broad, which in its course is preci- pitated over a preci- pice to a depth of 165 feet, thus making the famed cataract or Falls of Niagara. The river is, at the distance of a few miles below, re- ceived by Lake Onta- rio, whence issues the Iliver St Lawrence, one of the largest streams in the world, and which, after a course of 2000 miles, falls into the At- lantic. This majestic river is 90 miles wide at its mouth, and is navigable for ships of the line for 400 miles from the ocear In its upper parts, its navi- gation is impeded by rapids, or the rushing of the stream down an inclined plane ; but some of these impedi- ments are obviated by means of canals re- cently cut; wherefore there is now a conti- nued water communi- cate Jia for vessels from the Atlantic into the interior or innermost lakes. The Welland Canal, a magnificent undertaking, connects Lakes Erie and Onta- rio, and affords a pas- sage for vessels of large size. Lake Erie is also connected by a canal with the Hudson, a river of the United States, which also falls into the Atlantic. Tlie Ottawa, or Grand Riv- er, is next to th« St Lawrence in point of ) to Lalcfl I of Lake nation be- ort of Ave lorthward to eighty stive ricli- i porposes witli the ind ia for oBsesses a running in urces and 7he higher rhe grand By looking a seriea of these are the world, vater eeas, re liable to fhe upper- g, and 161 60 to 180 a breadth ; idth. The wer extre- oad, which ) 18 preci- r a preci- pth of 165 laking the let or Falls The river itanoe of a below, re- aoke Onta- isBuea the nrrence, one st streams and which, <8e of 2000 nto the At- majestio miles wide ih, and is ships of 400 miles «r In its its navi- npeded by >ie rushing $am down plane; but se impedi- bviated by canals re- wherefore a conti- communi- !ssels from into the innermost Welland nagnificent connects and Onta> rds a pas- ils of large Srie is also a canal ludfion, a United also fulls ntic. Tlie rand Iliv- the St point of r EMIGRATION TO BRITISH AMERICA. to size, and is tribntary to it. It falls into the north side of the St Lawrence at Montreal. The Welland, or Chippewa, is also a remarkably flne river, wholly unob- structed by falls. The St Lawrence has a tendency northward in ita course, and, therefore, the farther up its banks the more mild doea the climate become. The chief towns in Canada are Quebec, Montreal, Three Rivers, Prescot, Kingston, and Toronto, for- merly called York. The city of Quebec is the capital of Lower Canada, and stands on the extremity of a pre- cipitous cape, on the north bank of the St Lawrence, opposite the island of Orleans. The appearance of the town, on coming into view, is particularly striking. The city is divided into an upper and lower town ; the for- mer being of ancient date, and adopted as the seat of commerce, and the latter being the residence of the higher and more affluent classes. There are a num- ber of fine public edifices ; among the rest, the castle of St Louis, a prominent object on the summit of the rock ; the Roman Catholic au'^ Protestant Cathe- drals, the biuTaoks, hospitals, the Quebec bank, and a handsome monument to Wolfe and Montcalm. The institutions are, in many instances, of French cha- racter, and the language of the inhabitants is French and Englirii. Montreal is a city of an entirely different appearance. It is agreeably situated on a beautiful island of the same name m the St Lawrence, which measures thirty-two miles long by ten aad a half broad, and lies at the con- fluence of the Ottawa River and the St Lawrence. The island of Montreal is nearly level, and is scarcely ex- celled in fertility. The city stands on the south side of the island, and is reckoned the firat in the province, in respect of situation, local advantages, and mildness of climate. The houses are well built, and the streets commodious. There are also some handsome public buildings. The literary and scholastic institutions in Montreal are numerous, and are of great benefit to the province. There are no wharfs, and the ships and steam-boats sail close to the bank of the river, where there is deep water. Mr Macgregor mentions, in his work on British America, that there is much activity observable among all classes connected with trade. " The position of Montreal," says he, " at the head of the ship navigation, and near the confluence of the St Lawrence with tho Ottawa, and its subsequent com- munication with Upper Canada, the Gennessee country, and other parts of the United States, will always con- stitute it one of the greatest commercial emporiums in America, which must increase in magnitude and im- portance along with the rapid improvement and increas- ing population of the upper and surrounding countries. In winter, the trade of Montreal is not suspended like that of Quebec. Hundreds of sledges may be seen coming in from all directions with agricultural produce, and frozen carcasses of beef aud pork, firewood, and other articles. Manufactured goods of all kinds are continually selling off in packages by the merchants or the auctioneers to the shopkeepers and country dealers, who again retail them to the towns-folk or country people ; and flour, wheat, potatoes, &c., are continually coming in, and fil<'ng tho stores or warehouses. The markets of Montreal are abundantly supplied at all seasons of the year." CIIAIUCIER OF DISTRICTS IN CANADA. The various writers on Canada each recommend par- ticular districts for the settlement of tho emigrant ; but it is hardly to be expected that persons in this country can make a perfectly judicious choice, a personal inspec- tion of the lands, or at least information near the spot, being in almost every case requisite. The most elabo- rate details are given by Bouchette, in his large work on British America, regarding the different parts of the province ; and as what he mentions may be of use in furnishing emigrants with an idea of the nature of the lands, we take the liberty of offering a few of his obser- vations. " The Eattern Section, including Ottawa, Johnstoun, 259 ■ -; 7r -^ < ^ Midland, and Bathurst districts. — Situated between two broad and navigable rivers, the Ottawa and the St Lawrence, and centrally traversed in a diagonal coun* by an extensive and splendid sloop eanal, connecting the navigation with the waters of Ontario, this moQoo of country evidently enjoya important geographioal and local advantages. Its surface presents, almost anex« ceptionably, a table level of moderate elevation, with • very gentle and scarcely perceptible depression, as H approaches the margin of the magnificent streams by which it is bounded to the northward and south-east. The soil, though sometimes too moist and marshy, ia extremely rich and fertile, and chiefly consists of a brown day and yellow loam. This section is intersected by numerous nvers, remarkable for the multitude of their branches and minor ramifications. There are also a number of good public roads, both along the St Lawrence and Ottawa, and into the interior. Great industry and attention to improvement are displayed upon most of the lands throughout this tract The town of Kingston, the Urgest and most populous of tho upper province, is very advantageously seated on the north side of the St Lawrence, or rather at the eastern extremity of Lake Ontario. The streets are reguUr and well planned, and the number of houses may be estimated at about 620. The town has now consider- able mercantile importance ; the harbour is well shel- tered and convenient. The thriving village of Perth is situated in the town- ship of Drummond, on a branch of the Rideau, and occupies a central position between the Grand River and the St Lawrence, communicating by tolerably f^ood roads with Kingston to the south and Bytown to the northward, at the opposite extremities of the Rideau Canal. The first establishment, fostered by government, was made in 1815, by British emigrants, chiefly from Scotland, many of whom are now at the head of excellent forms, possess comfortable habita- tions, and reap the fruits of their perseverance and industry. Ascending along the shores of Lake Chaudiere, the objects of note first presenting themselves are the rising colonies in front of the townships of March and Tar- bolton ; they are chiefly composed of families of high respectability, possessed in general of adequate means to avail themselves of the advantages that are incident to a newly opened country. High up, on the bold and abrupt Bhore of the Chats, the Highland chief Macnab has erected a romantic edifice, Kinell Lodge, which he has succeeded, through the most unshaken perseve- rance, in rendering exceedingly comfortable. The Central Section of the province (continues the accurate Bouchette) embraces the districts of Home and Newcastle, which occupy a grant of about one hundred and twenty miles upon Lake Ontario, extend- ing from the head of the Bay of Quints westward to the line between Toronto and Trafalgar. Although less populous than the tract of country composing the first part of the division which we have adopted, this portion of the province does not yield to it in fertility, and is equally well watered by numerous lakes, broad and beautiful rivers, and innumerable streams and brooks. The rivers in general abound with excellent fish, and especially salmon, great quantities of which are annually speared in the River Credit, for the supply of the western country. In front of Newcastle district, on the borders of Lake Ontario, the soil consists of a rich black earth ; but in the district of Home, the shores of the lake are of an inferior quality. The lands upon Yonge Street [roads are frequently called streets in Canada], which connects Toronto with Lake Simcoe, are exceedingly fertile, but so destitute of stones (for building and other purposes), as to create some incon- venience to the settlers. A sandy plain, of 3ome extent, exists some distance north of Ontario, towards Rice Lake ; but, saving this, and probably one or two mora comparatively insignificant exceptions, the soil of this tract of country is extremely fertile, well adapted for agriculture, and yields luxuriant crops of wheat, rye, CHAMBERS'S INFOHMATION FOR THE PEOPLE. nwice or Indian corn, peas, barley, oats, buckwheat, &o. The fronts of all tlio townships from Kingston to Toronto are, with few exceptions, well settled ; roads lead through them, from which, in many places, others branch off to the interior. At intervals, rather distant indeed from each other, there are a few small villages. On the hmds that are occupied, great progress has Men made in agricniturej the horses, generally speaking, Are strong and well built ; ani] the inhabitants appear to be possessed of all tho necessaries, as well as most of the comforts, that a life of industry usually bestows." In this division is the town of Toronto. Our authority next proceeds to notice 7%t Weilem Seetion, which includes Gore, Niagara, London, and Western districts. " With the aid of a little fancy," says Bouohette, " this tract of country may be shaped into a vast equilateral trian^lar pen- insaU, whose base, extending from Fort Erie to Cape Hurd on Lake ^uron, measures 216 miles, and whose perpendicular, striking the Detroit River at Amherst- Durgb, is about 195 miles. It is bounded to the north and west by Lake Huron, River and Lake St Chiir, and Detroit River; south by Lake Erie; and east by Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the wes- tern limits of the district of Home. The surface it exhibits is uniformly level, or slightly undulntinf, if we except a ver^ few solitary eminences, and those parts <> the districts of (xore and Niagara traversed by the ridge of elevated land. The variety of soils, and the diversity of their combinations, observable in these four districts, are by no means so great as might be expected in so extended a region. The whole tract is alluvial in its formation, and chiefly consists of a stratum of black, and sometimes yellow loam, above which is deposited, when in a state of nature, a rich and deep vegetable mould, the substratum beneath the bed of loam being generally a tenacious grey or blue clay, which in some parts appears at the surface, and, inter- mixed with sand, constitutes the super-soil. There are numerous and extensive quarries of limestone to be found in these districts, that supply the farmers with excellent materials for building. Freestone is also found, but in small quantities, and generally along the shores of the lakes. The Thames River, in this section, rises far in the interior, and, after pursuing a serpentine course of about one hundred and fifty miles, in a direc- tion nearly south-west, discharges itself into Lake St Clair." This portion of tho province seems to us to be that most worthy of the attention of the emigrant ; the climate is pleasant, the land excellent, the rivers nume- rous and useful ; roads are opening up in all directions for the benefit of the inhabitants ; and although at a preat distance inland, the communication with the ocean IS conveniently kept up by means of tho lakes and canals. Were we about to emigrate, we would have little hesitation in directing our steps towards this por- tion of Upper Canada, so tempting from the prodigious vastness of its waters, the exuberant fertility of its extensive pUins, its luxuriant orchards, and its busy scenes of rural industry. Nearly equal to this tract, and superior as regards exemption from ague, is the Simcoo district, lying betwixt the lake of that name and the eastern part of Lake Huron. This land is about 900 feet above the level of Ontario, and of the richest quality. A steam- boat on Lake Simcoe conveys the produce to Holland- landing at the south end of the lake, and a railroad has been projected from thence to Toronto. A great part of this tract being settled by naval and military half-pay officers, who draw their pay quarterly, there will, con- sequently, be more ready money circulating here, and more employment for all kinds of tradesmen, than ii. most other places. The land here is rising rapidly in value. We may state that all kinds of tradesmen will find abundance of employment at Toronto ; but, in con- sequence of its low situation on Lake Ontario, it is liable to agues, and will be avoided by those who are subject to such affections. It may here be remarked, that the general salubrity 260 of the climate improves as you rccodo from tho banks of the lakes and great rivers, although these possess, as a counterpoise, a greater facility of disposing of sur- plus produce. The prevailing maladies on the shores of the lakes and large rivers are fevers and the ague, which, al- though a most annoying compUint, is very seldom fatal. By great care bein^ given to regularity of tho bowels, moderate use of spirituous liquors, keeping tho feet dry, and avoiding uuneoessarv exposure to night air, it may generally bo averted. We cannot sufficiently impress on the minds of emigrants the necessity they will be under of adhering to temperate habits. In the Canadas, whisky is much cheaper than in Britain ; hence this advice becomes of double importance. Mr Fergusson, in his " Practical Notes," made dur- ing a tour in Canada in 1831, furnishes his readers with a number of valuable illustrations of the state and appearance of the Upper Province along tho routes he pursued : indeed, all intending emigrants who can afford it should purchase his very instructive volume. Speaking of that part of the territory adjacent to Lower Canada, he says — " Returning to the St Lawrence, we enter the Upper Province, the Ottawa here forming the boundary line. As we ascend the river, we find numerous settlers, and thousands of acres well adapted for the farmer. One of the first settlements we meet with is the Glen- garry district, an extensive tract of good land, enjoying the advantages of water carriage. The language, the cus- toms, and the native courage of their Celtic sires, still distinguish the clan, though at the same time, we are afraid, accompanied by some of those less profitable traits which stamp the Highlander as more at home in wielding the claymore, or extracting mountain dew, than in guiding the ploughshare to slow but certain results. The farms are but indifferently improved, considering the advantages they have enjoyed ; and much valuable time is expended in the depths of the forest, in a demi-savage life, cutting and preparing timber for the lumber merchant, which, if steadily devoted to the cultivation of the land, would certainly be attended with infinitely greater benefit, both in a physical and moral point of view. To go minutely into the statistics of even the banks of the river, would far exceed the limits to which I must necessarily restrict myself. Suffice it to say, that a con- stant succession of eligible situations present themselves for estates and farms. I was much pleased with the Matilda district, and consider it capable of great im- provement. The soil is a fiue mellow sandy loam, some- times perhaps rather light, but admirably adapted for turnip husbandry and fiiie-wooled sheep, with numerous beautiful situations for residences, the noble St Law- rence ever forming a prominent feature — its surface varied by lovely wooded islands, similar to those we so justly admire on many of our British lakes. In approach- ing Kingston, or the east end of Lake Ontario, the River Guananogue falls into the St Lawrence, and at its mouth is the establishment of Messrs M'Donell, two brothers who came about eight years ago to the colonv, and who, by steady enterprise, without original capital, havo realised considerable wealth, while, along with it, they have secured the respect and esteem of all who know them. They have here what is called in America a valuable water privilege, or fall, and have erected flour and saw mills to a lai'ge extent. Having received very encouraging accounts at King- ston, of the country along the Bay of Quintd, a deep inlet of Lake Ontario, formed by a peninsula called Prince Edward's Island, T made an excursion into that district. The scenery was pleasing, in many places 'ery fine ; and settlements are forming on eveiy hand, "he Hoi! is partly clay, partly loam and sand, suffi- ciently rich to yield fifteen crops of good wheat, with im- punity, in a period of twenty years. Granite, limestone, and schistus, or clay-slate, are successively met with. Wherever a stream or creek of any importance falls into the lake, there we find a mill-seat and a village growing up, the embryo, in many cases, of considerable towns. iV t:MlGKATlON TO BRITISH AMERICA. 10 banks g of Bur- he lakes hich, al- ' seldom ity of tho aping tho to night iffloiently isity they bits. lu 1 Britain ; ice. lade dur- s readers state and routes he can afford Speaking r Canada, enter the boundary IS settlers, le farmer. the Glen- 1, enjoying {e,thecuB- sires, still ne, we are profitable git home in ntain dew, tut certain improved, |oyed; and pths of the preparing S steadily certainly both in a the banks lich I must that a con- themselves d with the great im- }am, some- bdapted for numerous ._ St Law- its surface hose we so approaoh- the River . its mouth ro brothers oloDV, and pital, have th it, they who know America a ectcd flour ts at King- \t6, a deep sula called m into that any places very hand, land, suffi- %t, with im- , limestone, r met with, ce Calls into ge growing lie towns. t To the patriot or philanthropist, it is highly sratifvlng to remark, how the wants of the farmer and the inte- rests of the trader or mechanic co-operate in the rapid proKress of general improvement ana civilisation. Holy- well, Sophiaburgh, and Belville, are all thriving villages of this description ; and nianv individuals are to be met with in each, who, from the humble situations of mer- chant's clerks, &c., have rapidly rifien to independence. Toronto (he says in another place) is a very desirable station for a settler to chooBo as head-quarters, in looking about for a purchase. He is sure at this place to meet with numerous offers of farms, regarding which he will do well to act with caution ; and he will be able to inspect tho plans of public lands in the government land-office, under the superintendence of Mr P. Robin- son, a gentleman able and willing to afford him every facility. The rioh and heavtf land of Upper Canada is not to be found, in general, upon the immediate banks of the lakes and rivers. It lies for the most part from twelve to twenty miles back, and thus compensates the enterprising settler for plunging into the forest." The shores of the lakes of Upper Canada present many niperior stations for emigrants, the soil being of the very best quality, and the climate not ho severe as it is nearer the Bea. These districts are rapidly becoming peopled, through the exertions of government and the enterprise of private individuals. Even in the settled districts of both Lower and Upper Canada, there is still abundance of good land to be disposed of : the clergy- reserve land alono, in the latter, remaiuing unsold, amounts to 1,A25,245 acres. The climate of Canada presents very opposite ex- tremes of heat and cold, and the transition from the one to the other is much more sudden than in this country. Notwithstanding this, however, it is healthy; all ac- counts which we have seen, both those of travellers and the letters of private individuals, agreeing in this respect. The spring in Canada generally commences about the end of April, and the fields are well covered with vege- tation by the beginning of May. The the.vmometer ranges during summer from about 80° to 84° ; in some instances it has reached 102°, but such extreme heat is very rarely felt. Spring, summer, and autumn, extend from the end of April to October. Winter commences in November, when thick fogs and snow-Btormti are fi'e- quent. By the middle of December the ground is gene- rally covered with snow several feet deep, and the frost becomes very intense. The rivers are all frozen over ; even the St Lawrence is covered with ice almost to the town of Quebec. During this season, the thermometer ranges from 25° above to 25° below zero. The sky is then quite cloudless, the air bracing, and, from the absence of wind, in spite of the low temperature, tlie cold is not felt to be disagreeable. " All the feathered tribe," says Mr Montgomery Martin, " take the alarm ; even the hardy crow retreats, and few q^uadrupeds are to be seen — some, like the bear, remaining in a torpid state, and others, like the hare, changing their colour to a pure white." From Quebec to Montreal the St Lawrence ceases to be navigable, but its firm icy sur- face serves as a road for the sleighs and carrioles. Instead of tho variety which a Canadian summer presents, in tracing the course of noble rivers, the fall of beautiful cataracts, the gaiety nnd liveliness of the busy hum of commerce in the pa ^sing vessels on the moving waters, the fine tints ol the forest and the auburn tinge of the ripening corn, the whistle of the ploughboy and the lowiug of the teaded kine, nothing is now to be seen but one continued solid plain ; no rivers, no ships, no animals — all one indiscriminate plain of snow, the average depth of which (unless where accumulated by snow-storms or drifts) is about thirty inches. The dress of the Canadian now undergoes a complete change ; the hat and bonnet rouge are thrown aside, and fur caps, fur cloaks, fur gloves, are put in requisition, with worsted hose over as well as under boots ; those who take exercise on foot use snow-shoes or mocassins, which are made of a kind of net-work, fixed ou a frame, and shaped like a boy's paper kite, 261 about two feet long and eighlMtt inehM broad ; theM cover so much of the surface of the snow that tlio wearer sinks but a very few iuohes, even when tlis snow is softest. While the external weather is yarded again *t by tlie Canadians when out of doors, their habitaUoni i ;re alw secu .*ed against the destructive power of intenua cold. The walls of the houses are usually plastered on the outside, to preserve the stones from moisture, which, if acted on by the frost, is liable to split them ; and the apartments are^eated with stoves, which keep the tem- perature at a higher and more uniform rate than our English fireplaces will. It must not, however, be supposed that the severity of the winter is any obstacle to out-door amusement^ though it stops the navigation of the rivers and the cul- tivation of the soil. On the contrary, winter in Canada is the season of joy and pleasure ; the cares of business are laid aside, and all classes and ruiks indulge in » general carnival, as some amends for the toil under- gone during the summer months. The sleigh or car- riole of the humble habitan, or proud imgneur, is got ready all over the country; riding abroad ou busi- ness or pleasure commences ; visiting is in active play between friends, neighbours, and relatives ; regular city and town balls, and irregular pic-nic country parties (where each guest brings his dish), are quite the rage ; and, after dining, dancing and supping, and dancing again, the wintry morning dawn is often ushered in while the festive glee is yet at its height, and a violent snow-storm blocludes the pic-nickers until broad day- light enables them to carriole towards home, over the ice-bound rivers and waves of snow, in all the enjoy- ment which the lightest-hearted beings can be supposed capable of, and considering the hardships and the in- conveniences of the moment as a zest to tlie more staid and fashionable routs of Quebec and Montreal. Travelling over frozen rivers or lakes is not unat- tended with danger, for it sometimes happens that the sleigh, its horses, and passengers, are en^lfed and sucked beneath the ice. Fortunately, the thm or weak parts of the ice are in general of no great extent, and in most instances the passengers are able to leap from the vehicle to a part sufficiently firm to bear them. The Canadians have a curious contrivance for saving the horse on these occasions. A rope, with a running noose round the neck of the animal, is part of the fur- niture of every carriole. As soon as he sinks in the ice, the driver pulls this rope till he strangles him, or at least so far deprives him of sensation that h>- can no longer struggle. The poor horse is thus, b, .'. severe process, prevented from doing that which wou! '. sink him deeper in the broken ice, and, when the passengers are safe, he is pulled upon the firm ice, the rope is loosened, respiration re-commeuces, and generally, in a few minutes, he is carrioling away again, as well as ever. This singular and almost incredible operation has been known to be performed two or three times a-day on the same horse ; and the Americans say that, like Irishmen, the animals are so used to being hanged, that tliey think nothing about it. The other British possessions in North America are Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton, and Newfoundland ; the last, however, is an island in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and unsuitable for the settlement of emigrants. The whole lie within the 41st and Slst degrees of north latitude, and from about the 54th to the 68th degree of west longitude. The. -) countries are not so warm or genial as Upper Canada ; they are what Scotland is to England — ^more rugged and mountainous, and more unpromising in their outlines ; but they are not less healthy and pleasant, and they possess the advantage of being the nearest colonial possessions of Great Britain, with the likelihood of remaining longest under its patenial government. NOVA SCOTIA. Nova Scotia is a peninsula connected with the main- land by a narrow isthmus. It measures about three i CHAMBERS'S INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE. hundred milei in length, but in of unequal breadth ; altogether, it contains 15,017 miuare inilea, or nearlpr ten million* of acres. One-third of this superficies is occupied by lakes of various shapes and sixes, spread in all directions over the face of tne peninsula. There Is no part of the land thirty miles distant from navi- gable water, and in all parts there are fine streams and rivers. The southern margin of Nova Scotia is broken and rugged, with very prominent features, deep indents, and craggy islands. The features of the north- ern coast are soft and free from rocks. It is bounded on the north by part of the Gulf of St Lawrence, which separates it from Prince Edward Island ; on the north- east by the Gut of Canso, which separates it from the island of Cape Breton ; on the west by the Uay of Fundy, which separates it from New Brunswick ; and on the south and south-east by the Atlantic Ocean. Nova. Scotia was first settled by tlio French in 1G03, and till 1712 it was alternately possesaed by the French and English, when the latter became its permanent pos- sessors. The soil of a country of such extent and such varied features as Nova Scotia, must necessarily be various. If an imaginary line be drawn, dividing the province in the exact centre, from east to west, the north-western half will be found to contain by far the greatest portion of good land. On the side towards the Bay of Fundy, the soil is very rich and free from stones, and contains many thousand acres of dyked marsh land. This is alluvial land, and is made by the deposit of the tides, a sediment composed of the finer particleH of soil, brought away by the rivers and torrents in their course to the Bay of Fundy, of putrescent matter, salt, &c. This land, called marsh, after it has attained a suitable height, is dyked, and the waters of the rivers excluded. Nothing can exceed its fertility. In many places, par- ticularly about Windsor and Truro, it yields three tons of hay per acre, and has continued to do so without manure for fifty years past. There is a dilTerence in its quality. Where the water which overflows it is not much enriched by a long course through the country, it is thin and of an inferior quality. The quantity of land enclosed in this manner is very great. At the head of the Bay of Fundy, there are seventy thousand acres in one connected body. There is one marsh in Cumberland containing nearly as much land as Rom- ney Marsh in Kent, and of a quality vastly superior. There is something peculiarly agreeable to cattle in the grass growing upon these marshes, which has a wonder- ful tendency to fatten them. This land is found in great quantities in Cumberland, Macan, Napan, Lon- donderry, Truro, Onslow, Shubenacadie, Noel, Ken- netcook, Newport, Windsor, Falmouth, Horton, Corn- wallis, Granville, Annapolis, &c. The next best quality of land is called by a term peculiar to America, inter- vale, an alluvial soil made by the overflowing of large fresh-water brooks and rivers in the spring and autumn. The quantity of intervale is incalculable. It is to be met with in every part of the province, and is fre- quently found covered with a long natural grass, seve- ral feet in length, and is sometimes called wild meadow. The quality varies according to the size of the brook or river by which it is made, but in general it is very fer- tile and rich. The upland varies so much, that it is difficult to give a general description of it, but one tract deserves notice, from its extent and quality. It com- mences at Cape Blomidon in Cornwallis, and runs in one continuous ridge of high land for upwards of one hundred miles in the direction of Digby, and varies from three to seven miles in breadth. This is a very strong soil, and, with little exception, of a most excel- lent quality throughout, producing wheat and other grains in abundance. The mineral products of this part of America are valuable ; but none is so much worthy of consideration as coal, which is found at Pictou, and also at Sidney in Cape Breton ; and there can be no doubt that the possession of this mineral will constitute one of the chief advautagea of these provinces over every other. 262 Limestone, freestone, and slate abound, of the best qua* litiea, and there is plenty of fin* clay for bricks. Iron ore has also been discovered in several plaees. The province haa no aniv m the River St J«din joins the Miramichi, about eighty milea above Chatham, I was astonished at the unexpected progress made during so short a noriod in the cultivation of the soil. Near where the road parts oif fur Fredcrickton, an American, poi- sessing a full Bhare of the adventurous activity of tho citizens of the United States, has established himself. He told me that when he planted himself there, seven years before, ho was not worth a shilling. He liaa now (IB'J.'>) nmre than three hundred acres under cul- tivation, an immense tlock of sheep, horaes, several yokes of oxen, milch cows, swine, and poultry. He has a large dwelling-house, conveniently furnished, in which ho lives with bis fa>nily and a numerous train of la- bourers, one or two other houses, a forgo, with a power- ful trip-hammer worked by water-poWbr, fulling-mill, grist-mill, and two saw-mills — all turned by water. Near those, he showed me a building, which he said he erected for the double purpose of a school and chr.pel, the floor of which was laid, and r lupporting hia live-Ntoek. The ludden manner, alao, in which apring eomca on, abridgea the fieriod for aowing and planting, thua leaving the agriculturiat comparatively idle at one aeaaon, and obliging him to work aeverelv at another. The inhabitanta are chiefly from Great Ilritain and Ireland, with a few Dutch and Oermana. Mr Macgregor oharacteriaea them aa hoapit- able, kind, obliging, and aa, generally apeaking, a moral people. The island i» governed by a lieutenant-go- vernor, council, and houae of aaaemblv oonaiating of eighteen membera, who are elected by the people. Charlotte Town, the capital, ia aituated on the north hank of thu River Hillaborough, on the eaat aide of the iaiand. The town atanda on ground which riaea in gentle heighta from the banka of the river, and ita haroour ia com^idered one of the beat in the Gulf of St Lawrence. A email group of iaianda called the Magdalene, have been recently annexed to Prince £d- w»rd lalaiul, chiefly aa Aahing eatabliahmenta. Little requirea to be aaid reapectl.'g the trade of the Canadaa, or of Britiah America generally. To Halifax, Quebec, St John'a, and other porta, ahipmenta of Engliah manufactured gooda and loreign produce are regularly made, chiefly in apring and autumn, and the produce returned ia wood, flah, oil, potaahea, and aomo other raw materiala, including aome wheat and flour. The total of our exporta annually to Drituh Ame- rica, waa, in 1838, under L.2,U00,00O, while the military and civil expenditure incurred by the mother country in 183(i, waa L.38'2,735, thua ahowing that, aa regarda comnii'i-ce, Britain loaea a conaideraDle aum yearly by maintaining theae coloniea. Britiah America ia highly favoured by being permitted to aend ita produce at com- paratively low dutiea to the home country ; but from lade of capital or enterpriae, thia doea not appear to have an important effect on the proaperity of the colo- nies. The duty, for example, on wheat imported into thia country from Canada and other British poaaesaiona in North America, ia five ahillings a-quarter when the average price of wheat in this country ia leas than aixty-aeveu ahillinga a-quarter, and 6d. a-quarter when it is above that price. The duty on flour is in the same proportion. Tliese duties present no obstacle to the importation of any quantity which the Canadians can spare for export ; yet huw littlo Canadian corn enters British ports ! PEBSONS WHO OUGHT TO BMIORATE. " The persons who may be inclined to emigrate to Upper Canada," says Howison, "are of three diflerent descriptions, namely, the poor peasant or day-labourer ; the man of small income and increasing family ; the man possessing some capital, and wishing to employ it to advantage. Persona of the first class never would repent if they emigrated to Upper Canada, for they could hardly fail to improve their circumstances and condition. The poorest individual, if he acts prudently and is industrious, and has a common share of good {pirtune, will be able to acquire an independence in the space of four or five years. He will then have plenty to eat and drink, a warm house to reside in, and no taxes to pay ; and this state of thin^ surely forms a delightful contrast with those hardships and privations which are at present the lot of the Ubouring population of Great Britain. It is evident that some descriptions of emigrants will succeed better in Upper Canada than others. Those who have been accustomed to a country life and to country labour, are of course more fitted to cultivate land, and endure the hardships at first attendant upon a residence in the woods, than artisans or manufac- turers, whose constitutions and habits of I'fe are some, what unfavourable to the successful pursuit of agricul- ture. But every individual, who to youth and health joius persevei-ance and industry, will eventually prosper. 2C4 Mechanics cannot fail to do well in Upper Canada s for when not employed in clearing lands, they will And it eaay to gain a little money by working at their nrofea- aioua ; and they likewiae have the advantage of being able to improve their dwelling-houaea, and repair their farming-utenaila, at no oxpenae. Weavers, being Igno- rant of country aflkirs, and unaocuatomed to bodily ex- ertion, make but indilrerent aettlera at flrat, and their trade ia of no uae to them whatever in the wooda. Married pei-aona are always more comfortable, and aucceed aooner, in Canada, than aingle inon ; for a wife and family, ao far from being a burden there, alwaya trove aouroes of wealth. Tne wife of a new aettlor aa many domestic dutiea to perform ; and children, if at all grown up, are uaeful in varioua waya." Every candid trmvellor in Canada concurs in these views ; and it may be observed, that thev are equally applicable to the other districts noticed in this sheet. ** Of this, I think," says Fergusson, " there can be no doubt, that either the moderate capitalist, or the fru- gal, sober, and industrious labourer or artisan, cannot fail of success. Fortunei will not be rapidlv or even readilv acquired ; but it must be the settler's own fault if he does not enjoy, in large abundance, every solid comfort and enjoyment of life, and rear around his table even a forett of ' olive plants,' without ono auxioua thought regarding their future destination or provision." PAaSAOE. There are two waya of proceeding to Canada— by the St Lawrence, Quebec, and Montreal ; and by New York and the Erie Canal. The passage by the St Lawrence ia tedioua and troubleaome, and we reccni- mend all who can conveniently do so to take ahipping direct to New York ; from that city they will at onco go on by a steam-boat on the Hudson liiver to Albany, and from Albany be conveyed in a track-boat on the Erie Canal to Lake Erie, where they will find atoam- boats ready to convey them in ail direotiona. B'or thoae who prefer the passage by Quebec, the following information is given by an ofliciul pamphlet : — « Pas- sages to Quebec may either be engaged inclusive of provisions, or exclusive of provisions, in which case the shipowner finds nothing but water, fuel, and bed- places, without bedding. Children under fourteen years of age are charged one-half, and under seven yeara of age one-third, of the full price ; and for children under twelve months old no charge is made. Upon these conditions the price of passage from London, or from places on the east coast of Great Britain, has generally been L.6, with provisions, or L.3 without. From Liverpool, Gi-eenock, and the principal ports of Ireland, as the chances of delay are fewer, the charge is somewhat lower [we would here strongly advise emigrants to sail, if possible, from a port on tho west coast, as being a great saving of time, trouble, and expense] ; this year the charge will probably be from L.2 to L.2, lOs. without provisions, or from L.4 to L.5 including provisions. [Emigrants intending to settle in New Brunswick, Cape Breton, or Prince Edward Island, will generally obtain a passage in the vessels bound for Canada ; and ships for Halifax or Pictou in Nova Scotia are constantly sailing from the British Eorts.] In ships sailing from Scotland or Ireland, it as mostly been the custom for passengers to find their own provisions ; but this practice has not been so ge- neral in London, and some shipowners, sensible of tke dangerous mistakes which may be made in tliis matter through ignorance, are very averse to receive pas> songera who will not agree to be victualled by the ship. Those who do resolve to supply their own pra. visions should at least be careful not to lay in an insuf- ficient stock ; fifty days is the shortest period for which it is safe to provide, and, from London, the passage is sometimes prolonged to seventy-five days. Having wound up his aflkirs in this country, and otherwise pre- pared himself and family for proceeding to the land of their adoption, it is recommended that the emigrant EMIGRATION TO URIT19H AMERICA. ithould Uke with him a box of tooli, whether lia h*ve be«ii Uught to UM them or not. Th« tool* ihould eonaitt of a ooinmon »x«, h«nda»w, three «ugun of different ■ia«s,pioi(-«xe,ip«de,two giinieta,» hammer, iron wedge, three hoea ; ft Itettle, frying-pan, an iron po», naila, and n ainaii portable har Imill for grinilinfi corn : a gun and flalilng-neta will bo of great aervioe, if he liaa ineana to purehaae thorn, lie ahouid alao havo good warm frieae oouta and Jaolteta, and worated atuolciiiga and niittona for the winter ; alao atrong hido leather aliuoa, without iron heeia, an iron ia not required in aoft roada, and ia apt to attract the froat, and niaico tlie feet colder ; linen trouaera and jaeket for the aummer, aa ninny cotton aliirta aa he can afford to take out (linen being dear in thttao oountrlea, and more apt to rot with perapiration in aiinimer), and a abort flannel ahirt, to be worn next the akin, both in aummer and winter. Without caution aa to clothing, the aettlur has a chance of being attacked with ague, which ia the only ailment to bo dreaded. lie ahouldalao provide himaelf with a ainall atook of aimple medicinea, to preaerve the bowela in refrularity. Kvory one ought to take a doae of medicine on landing. No bulky artiolea or furniture of any kind ahould be taken ; but an emigrant ahould take all liia inattreaaoa niid bedding, and aa many good blanketa aa povaible ; alao a warm fur cap. Straw hata for aummer can be had at aclit>ap rate in thecoloiiioa. Every thing ahould be packed in aubatantial handy trunka. Plain furniture can bo bouglit at a cheap rate in the colony, or the einivrant can perhapa manage to make aome artiolea for Ilia new houaehold. The bark of tiie bass-tree, woven or Inced acroaa hia bedatend, will aupport a mat- trean, and that raattreaa need oonaiat of nothing more cxpeuaive than the bougha of the apruce-fir, or dry beech leavca ; n buffalo akin will anawer for quilt and blanketa. Scotch familiea uaually and very judicioualy provide themaelvea with a aufHcient quantity of oatmeal, egga well packed, aome tea and augar, beaidea other provi- aiona. A few cooking utenaila are iudiapenaable ; and tin dialiea, for eatins out of when the aea ia running high and the veascl neaving, would bean advantage. Milk boiled with loaf-augar, in the propoi*tion of one pound of augar to a quart of milk, and bottled when cool, will keep sweet all the voyage. The following we quote from the letter of a Scotch emigrant : — " Upon the voyage out, your provision store should consist mostly of oatmeal, plenty of potatoes, pggs, hams ; a good supply of porter and ale vou will find to be very useful. Tea will not be much used ; coffee will. Bring along with you some rice, with every other article to make a rice pudding ; and particularly bring plenty of red herrings ; you will find these vei'y useful indeed; a few dried fruits, &c. Be sure to bring provisions for three months at least ; and if you do not require them all on the voyage, you will find them of great use to you afterwards." A Scotch emigrant in Upper Canada, in a letter pub- lished in the Counsel for Emigrants, gives the following lixt of provisions, to be taken to sea for four.persons as steerage passengers: — " 16 or 1ft pecks of potatoes in a barrel with a lock on it ; 40 lbs. of good beef, well salted in brine ; 16 lbs. of butte'. ; 3 lbs. of cofiee ; 3 or 4 dozen old bottled beer, which nas less chance of fiying than if new ; some dozens of (ggs packed in salt ; half a dozen cod-fish, cut in pieces fjr boiling ;8ome dozens of Buckie haddocks, well dried for keeping. Milk does not keep well ; no sweetmeats are relished at sea. A few oranges, which at times taste very pleasant to the pai'cned palate ; some cheese ; 8 lbs. of treacle in a flagon ; I stone of barley ; a good deal of pepper and mustard ; plenty of carrots, turnips, and onions, for broth — they will keep all the voyage ; 28 lbs. of fine ship bread ; 8 or 10 quartern loaves, baked hard ; 1 boll of oatmeal, 6 pecks baked into bannocks and cakes, very well fired, and flat for packing ; some white puddings ; some suet for dumplings ; a few candles, and a white-iron lantern with horn ; 1 bottle of vinegar, to use in water on ship- board : 1 buttle of castor-oil : 2 or 3 dozens of colo- 266 eynth and rhubarb pilla ; li lb*, of cpMrni lalta, and I lb. of aenna— these medleinea are very dear here ; tin |>an to fit the atove of the ahip. and it ia convenient to ave one for hooking on the ribs of the grate when the top of the fire ia occupied ; kettle for making coffee, &c. Uae no erookery, but inatead, Juga and bowla of tin ; broth pot, fVyina-pan, and tin ketMe." The beat montna mr leaving England are oertainlv March and April. The names of the veaaela to sail are generally advertiaed in the newapapera. The con- veyance of paaaengera to the Hritiah poaaoaaiona in North America ia regulated by nn act of I'arliament (9 Uoo. IV. can. 21), of which the following are the principal proviaiona : — Ships are not nllowod to carry paaaengera to theue ooloniea unlesa they be of the height of five feet and a half between decka, and they muat not carry more than three paaaengera for every four tone of the regiatered burden ; there muat be on board at leaat fifty gallona of pure water, and fifty pounds of bread, biaouit, oatmeal, or bread-atuff, for each paa- aenger. Maaters of veaaela who land paaaengera, unleaa with their own oonaent, at a place different from that originally agreed upon, are subject to a penalty of L.20, recoverable by summary process before two juatioea of the peace in any of the North American coloiiiea. The enforcemefft of'^this law reats chiefly with tlie oflicei-a of her Majeaty's ouatoma; and peraona having com- plainta to make of ita infraction, ahould addreaa them- aelvea to the nearcat cuatomhouae. If the emigrant prefera taking a paaaage to New York, he should make particular inquiry respecting ihe veaael he is to sail in, as the above law doea not apply to aliips carrying passengera to the United States. We know of a young man with a small capital, who sailed from a port in the east coast of Scotland for New York, in a vessel whicn was afterwards discovered to be not sea- worthy. After beating about for three or four weeks in the Atlantic, the vessel was driven through the Irish channel, and had to put into the Cove of Cork to undergo repairs. The passengers were obliged to work in watches at the pumps, and six weeks were expended before the vessel really proceeded on her voyage, be- sides having to purchase a new stock of provisions. To avoid a similar disaster, we would advise ths intending emigrant to inquire into the character of the vessel at the oflico of the company with wh(>m she is insured, and in making any agreement with the captain, to be par- ticular in having it in writing. He should stipuUte for the use of all conveniences in the ship ; and also not to be obliged to land for at least twenty-four hours after getting into port. LANDIMQ. Previous to disembarkation, arrange your baggage in a small compass, the fewer packages the better, but have them well secured — old dirty clothing, large boxes, and other useless articles, are not worth the carriage. If you have any provisions left, such as oatmeal, pota- toes, &c., you can sell them at Quebec at a profit, and avoid the expense of transport, and you can purchase bakers' bread, butter, tea, sugar, and other necessaries more suited for your journey. AH sorts of provisions may be bought cheaper, and generally of a better qua- lity, in Montreal and Upper Canada, than at Quebec. Dress yourself in light clean clothing. Females fre- quently bring on uckness by being too warmly clothed. Cut your hair short, and wash daily and thoroughly. Avoid drinking ardent spirits of any kind, and, when heated, do not drink cold water. Eat moderately of watery food. Avoid night dews. By attending to the pi-eceding directions, sickness will be prevented, with other serious inconveniences. When every thing ia ready for disembarkation, and if the ship is Iving at anchor in the river, take care in passing from the ship to the boat ; avoid all haste, and see that your baggage is in the same conveyance with yourself, or left under the charge of some friend, with your name on it. If the ship nauls to the wharf to disembark, do not be in n hurry, but await the proper time of tide, when tho CllAMBERS'9 INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE. Bhip's deck will lio ou a line with tlie quay or wharf. PaBBengerB are entitled by law to the privilege of re- maining on board ship forty-ei^ht hours after arrival ; and it ia unlawful for the captaiu to deprive his passen- gera of any of their usual accommodations for cooking or otherwise ; you may therefore avoid the expense of lodgings, and make all your arrangements for prosecut- ing your journey. If, previous to disembarkation, sick- ness Bhould overtake you, proceed immediately, or be re- moved, to the Emigrant Hospital, in St John's Suburbs, where you will m taken care of, and provided with every thinf! needful until restored to health. Medicine and medical advice can also be had at the Dispensai'y attached to the Quebec Charitable Emigrant Society. This society will grant relief to all destitute emigrants. In Montreal there is a similar institution for the relief of emigrants. It is particularly recommended to emi- grants not to loiter their valuable time at the port of hiDding, but to proceed to obtain settlement or em- ployment. Many emigrants will find employment in the city of Quebec and its vicinity, as also in and about Montreal. Single men, in particular, are advised to embrace offers of this kind ; but emigrants with large families had better proceed without delay to Upper Canada, as hereafter directed, or to situations in Lower Canada, particularly the eastern townships ^nd if they have sons and daughters grown up, they will iind a sure demand for their services. Artificers and n' ;oha- nics of all denominations, and farming labourers, if sober and industrious, may be sure of doing well. Blacksmiths, particularly those acquainted with steam- engine work, also good millwrights and sawyers by machinery, are much wanted in the Canadas. The current rate of wages lately paid to carpenters, masons, and other artificers, was from Ss. 6d. to Gs. or 7s. per day, according to circumstances ; farm-labourers were paid at a lower rate. There is no demand for persons skilled in any of the ornamental professions, or for the preparation of articles such as are usually imported from England. A great number of labourers are usually employed on board ships, and about timber-yards, at Quebec and Montreal, who get from 3s. to 4s. 6d. a-dLiy, und board generally found. The extravagant habits engendered in such occupations render it decidedly pre- ferable for the labouring emigrant ti proceed imme- diately to the country. Emigrants v itii families, and who are possessed of from L.20 to L.2J, are advised to push immediately into the woods, in the vicinity of old settlements, where they can obtaiu provisions for their spare labour. The must vexing circumKtance con- nected with money matters, is that the currency of the whole of British America is different from that which prevails in the United Kingdom ; in other words, a shil- ling in England is different from a shilling in Canada. The money of Canada is locally of higher nomi- nal value than what we understand by the term sierling, and is called Halifax currency. The diffe- rence varies ; but it may be stated in general terms, that an English sovereign is reckoned to be worth 24s. or 24s. 6d. currency ; or an English shilling is equal to about Is. 24d. or Is. iid. currency. If you take Eng- lish money to Canada, you will receive these high prices for it ; but if you wish to turn currency into sterling, fur the purpose of sending it home, you will incur % corresponding loss. All wages are, of course, reckoned in currency ; therefore, when it is said you will receive 48. a-day of wages, the actual value of this 4s. is only 3s. sterling. This distinction between cur- rency and sterling will soon be learned, and is on the whole of Lbs consequence than the practice of paying wages in goods. Wo have heard very serious com- plaints on this subjuct. From all we can learn, it is not uncommon for an employer to pay his workmen by an order for goods on a store, corresponding to the amount bargained for; and such is the high price at which articles arc sold, tliat sometimes a workman, in- stead of getting 4s. a-day, does not in reality get inure goods than he could buy for Is. Gd. in England. Thus wage dwindles dowu to a trifle. •:6« an apparently high Perhaps suob practices are not resorted to by respect- able employers, or may only prevail in parts of the country where a circulating medium is scarce ; but we have considered it proper to mention the circumstance, in order to put emigrants on their euard. Always ascertain whether you are to be paid in cash or in goods, and act accordingly. Having arranged all your business at Quebec, you will proceed without loss of time to Montreal, by steam-boat, on vour route to Upper Canada. Two steam-boats ply (or lately plied) to Montreal, 180 miles up the St Lawrence, which is performed in from 24 to 30 hours. Take care not to engage a passage in any vessel from which you and your family will be obliged occasionally to come out and walk; we have he.ird of disgraceful instances of this kind of cruelty. The fares on board the steam-boats were lately as follow (but all may now be a little altered) : — Deck passengers, adults, 7s. 6d. each ; children under twelve years of age, half- (irice; and under seven, one-third. The routes and fai'es to the principal places were lately as follow :— Quebec to Montrc.il, by steam-boats, - - 7s. fid. Alontreal to Prcscot, by Durham boats, - fis. .Id. Prcscot to Kingston, by steam, • - - Ss. Od. Ditto to Coburgh, or Port Hope, - - • li.dA. Prcscot to Toronto, capital ot Upper Canada, Hamilton, and Niagara, - - - - lOs. Od. Prom Niagara you proceed by the Welland Canal to Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo on Lake Erie, where steam-boats, or sailing schooners, will convey those destined to Port Talbot, or ocher parts of the London district, or vicinity of Lake St Clair. Persons going to settle on the lands of the Canada Company will proceed to York or Burlington Bay, head of Lake Ontario. At most of the preceding towns and landing-places you will find government agents. If you are bound to Perth, or New Lanark, or the vicinity, disembark at Prescot ; or you may go by Bytown ou the Ottawa. If for the thrivuig settlements in the Newcastle dis- trict, disembark at Coburgh or Port Hope, on Lake Ontario. Those going to the townships of Seymour may proceed from Kingston, by the beautiful Bay of Quinti5, to the mouth of the Trent River, from whence a road, distance 18 miles, brings you to Seymour. If proceed- ing to the Hume or Western districts, disembark at Toronto, the capital of Upper Canada. Emigrants going any where beyond Toronto, will in general find it their interest to make this their route. If for the London district, proceed by the Niagara frontier to Lake Erie and the Talbot Settlement. If for Bytown, Urenville, Hull, Hortun, or other situations on the Ottawa River, proceed from Montreal and Lachine by the usual cun- veyanucs. Such are the directions that were a shurt time since suitable ; but as there are continual changes, emigrants may find it necessary, on their arrival, to act more by local information than any thing we can say on the subject. We think it important to mention, for the benefit of the poorer class of emigrants, that there has existed for some years in Montreal a benevolent society of great local importance, called the Canada Emigration Asso- ciation. This body of individuals, actuated by humane motives, and desirous of forwarding labourars to places where their services are required, affords ready assist- ance to poor emigrants on their arrival at Montreal. It appears that, from the Uth of Juno 1840 to the close of the navigation by frost a few months later, the society relieved 322 natives of England, 8778 natives of Ireland, 3.07 natives of Scotland, and 10 from Ger- many; total, 9507. Of this number, 201 were above sixty years of age, and 687 were infants. The relief consisted in furnishing provisions and a humble kind of lodging in sheds, also medical attendance, and payment of passage of individuals and families to places m the interior. The emigrants were greatly benefited by being sent off withuut loss of time, as they were thex'eby not only saved from the danger to their health and morals which would have been incurred by remaining any length of timo idle in a large city, but their time was by respect- parts of the itroe ; but wa lircumstance, ivd. Always 1 cash or in Quebec, you ^lontreal, by anada. Two eal, 180 miles n from 24 to issage in any ill be obliged ave heard of y. The fares dIIow (but all [igers, adults, I of age, half- 3 routes and 1 follow : — - 79. Od. 68. .rf;o the trouble of removing thither, and of exerting themselves for a few years after they arrive t As for the notion which obtains as to the pain of parting with early friends, and the phwK of our birth, that we take to be entirely falUoious. It is the duty of every man to go where his mental and physical pro- fierties can be most advantageously exercised. It is a undamental law of human nature, that mankind must disperse themselves over the whole earth, to seek out the best means of subsistence and the most agreeable spot for their residence. Had intending emigrants to proceed to a land of barbarians, where neither human nor divine laws were understood or acted upon, and where they hod to settle on sterile deserts or burning wUdernesses, we might excuse their hesitation to depart from their native country ; but the case is quite diffe< rent. To emigrate to Canada, or any other British colony, is simply to remove, as it were, to another part of Great Britain. Distance is nothing; for the re- moval of a family from the north of Scotland to the south of England would be attended with nearly tho same trouble and expense ; and, in each case, the family would find itself surrounded with neighbours equally strange. But to emigrate to Upper Canada with the means of purchasing a tract of land, holds out a much bettor prospect than to remove from one part of Great Britain to another. In this country, it now requires a very great mental and physical effort to obtain a comfortable subsistence. Nearly the whole of the lands and manufactures in the United Kingdom are passing into the hands of capitalists. The rich are becoming very rich, and the poor are sinking deeper and deeper into poverty and wretchedness. The small farmers and tradesmen of England, Scotland, and Ireland, are now placed in that peculiar condition, when emigration to a country less occupied and overdone than their own is almost imperative ; .for, looking around on all sides, they see little chance cf rising into better circumstances, or of rearing their families in that comfortable and reputable manner which their feelings dictate. To such, therefore, British America offers a fair field for removal and settlement. In these countries, lands can be had in full possession, at an expense of from fifteen to twen .y times less than what is paid here by way of annual rent ; and it is seen that in a space of from three to five years, the whole cost may be realised by the amount of the produce. In these colonies, moreover, there are no taxes ; at least they are so very trifling — a penny an acre, we believe, for cultivated land — ^that they are not worthy of being clossedas taxes. There are also no poor-rates, and no tithes, both of which im- f tests are severely felt in England. The emigrant will ikewise have nothing to annoy him in a political sense ; for in Canada he continues to be a British subject, and can cUim all the prerogatives of such a distinction. In short, it appears to us that, excepting the draw- backs attending the first difficulties, there is no substan- tial obstacle to a very considerable improvement of circumstances. But we entreat all who have any con- fidence in our advice, not to imagine that these difficul- ties will be trifling. They will be, on the contrary, of a very serious nature. Let all remember, that they will see a country consisting of extensive dreary forests, in- terspersed with settlements on the rudest scale; that the roads are generally in a very bad condition ; that the cold of winter far exceeds what is generally expe- rienced in Britain ; that many of the conveniences of civilised life can with great difficulty be obtained ; and, above all, that every one must teork hard with his own hands. We tell all, most distinctly, that these things will be seen and experienced ; and that a great deal will in all likelihood be suffered for some years. Hav- ing, however, by patience and enterprise, got over the early difficulties, the settler will unquestionably possess a competence, along with the blessing of mental tran- quillity, and be relieved of all fears respecting the rear- ing of his family in a state of decent independence. Printed and piiblifhed by W. and 11. Oi^mbbm, Edinburgh. Sold also by W. 8. Orr and Co., London. i After they to the pain f our birth, is the duty kygical i>ro- ed. It is a nkind must to seek out it agreeable migrants to her human upon, and or burning m to depart quite diife- lier British nother part for the re- land to the nearly tho ), the family urs equally la with the out a much \rt of Great iw requires to obtain a of the lands are passing B becoming and deeper farmers and nd, are now ligration to 1 their own n all sides, sumstances, ortable and lictate. To air field for IS, lands can from fifteen B by way of f from three ised by the , moreover, :y trifling — 1 land — that tes. There if which im- nigrant will itical sense ; subject, and tinction. If the draw- no substan- rovement of ,ve any con- lese difficul- mtrary, of a lat they will f forests, in- Bcale; that dition ; that lerally expe- veniences of »ined; and, oith his own these things i great deal ears. Hav- got over the ably possess mental tran- ingthe rear- mdence. a, Edinbiu^h.