IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 ^ 
 
 / 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 ''<' ^ /A,, ^m 
 
 :/ 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 |50 ™^ 
 
 ■HIM 
 
 IM 
 
 Z2 
 
 1.8 
 
 i-4 11.6 
 
 V] 
 
 <? 
 
 /i 
 
 ^;. 
 
 
 y 
 
 ><;^ 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 

 
 
 s- .S' 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 
 Microfiche 
 
 Series. 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 Collection de 
 microfiches. 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques 
 
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes 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. 
 
 L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire 
 qu'il lui a 6x6 possible de se procurer. Les details 
 de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Stre uniques du 
 point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier 
 une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une 
 modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage 
 sont indiqu6s ci-dessous. 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couverture de couleur 
 
 □ Covers damaged/ 
 Couverture endommag^e 
 
 □ Cov 
 Cou 
 
 D 
 
 □ 
 
 D 
 
 Covers restored and/or laminated/ 
 verture restaurde et/ou pellicul^e 
 
 I I Cover title missing/ 
 
 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/ 
 Reli6 avec d'autres documents 
 
 Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion 
 along interior margin/ 
 
 Lareliure serr^e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la 
 distortion le long de la marge int^rieure 
 
 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 ajoutdes 
 lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, 
 mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont 
 pas 6t6 filmdes. 
 
 D 
 D 
 D 
 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 D 
 D 
 D 
 
 Coloured pages/ 
 Pages de couleur 
 
 Pages damaged/ 
 Pages endommag^es 
 
 Pages restored and/or laminated/ 
 Pages restaurdes et/ou pellicul^es 
 
 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 Pages d^colorees, tachetdes ou piqudes 
 
 Pages detached/ 
 Pages d6tach6es 
 
 Showthrough/ 
 Transparence 
 
 Quality of print varies/ 
 Quality in6gale de I'impression 
 
 Includes supplementary material/ 
 Comprend du matdriel supplementaire 
 
 Only edition available/ 
 Seule Edition disponible 
 
 Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata 
 slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to 
 ensure the best possible image/ 
 Les pages totalement ou partiellement 
 obv-ourcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, 
 etc., ont 6t6 film^es d nouveau de fapon d 
 obtenir la meilleure image possible. 
 
 D 
 
 Additional comments:/ 
 Commentaires suppl6mentaires; 
 
 This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ 
 
 Ce document bst film6 au taux de reduction indiqud ci-dessous. 
 
 10X 14X 
 
 18X 
 
 22X 
 
 26X 
 
 30X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■y 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12X 
 
 16X 
 
 20X 
 
 24X 
 
 28X 
 
 32X 
 
aire 
 details 
 ues du 
 t modifior 
 ger une 
 ! filmage 
 
 The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks 
 to the generosity of: 
 
 Library of the Public 
 Archives of Canada 
 
 The images appearing here are the best quality 
 possible considering the condition and legibility 
 of the original copy and in keeping with the 
 filming contract specifications. 
 
 L'exemplaire filmd fut reproduit grdce d la 
 g6n6rosit6 de: 
 
 La bibliothdque des Archives 
 publiques du Canada 
 
 Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le 
 plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et 
 de la nettetd de l'exemplaire film6, et en 
 ccnformitd avec les conditions du contrat de 
 filmage. 
 
 / 
 u^es 
 
 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 back 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. 
 
 Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en 
 papier est imprim^e sont filmds en commenpant 
 par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la 
 dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second 
 plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires 
 originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la 
 premidre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par 
 la dernidre page qui comporte une telle 
 empreinte. 
 
 The last recorded frame on each microfiche 
 shall contain the symbol —^(meaning "CON- 
 TINUED "), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), 
 whichever applies. 
 
 Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la 
 dernidre image de chaque microfiche, selon le 
 cas: le symbole -^ signifie "A SUIVRE", le 
 symbole V signifie "FIN". 
 
 lire 
 
 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: 
 
 Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre 
 filmds d des taux de reduction diffdrents. 
 Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre 
 reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir 
 de Tangle sup^rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, 
 et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre 
 d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants 
 illustrent la m6thode. 
 
 by errata 
 led to 
 
 Bnt 
 
 jne pelure, 
 
 apon d 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 32X 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
11^ 
 
 CO 
 
 Tlli 
 
 I 
 
 PUBI 
 
 TE 
 SO 
 BY 
 
 fUSH ^'^^^KBKK^ 
 
iL. 
 
 ^^^ , 
 
 BESCniPTION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ISLAND OF CAPE BRETON, 
 
 IN 
 
 JlJort!) Zintxita; 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 A BRIEF AND ACCURATE ACCOUNT 
 
 OF ITS 
 
 CONSTITUTION, LAWS & GOVERNMENT: 
 
 ALSO 
 
 The Encouragement held out bi^ Government to Emigrants. 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED, 
 
 THE FORMS NECESSARY TO RE COMPLIED WITH BY 
 APPLICANTS FOR CROWN GRANTS; 
 
 ALSO 
 
 The E.vpaice of Improving the JVildernas Lands, 
 
 WITH 
 
 THE ADVANTAGES THEREOF; 
 AND 
 
 OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 
 
 BY A GENTLEMAN, 
 
 Who has resided many Years in the British Colonic;^. 
 
 LOj'^DON: 
 PUBLISHED BY SHERWOOD, NEELY, AND JONES, PATERNOS- 
 TER-ROW ; GOSLfNG AND KED3HAW, CHARLES STREET, 
 KOHO ; BAIN, MEWS-GATE; W. TAYLOR, LONG-ACRE: AND 
 BY T. TAYLOR, DROMPTON. 
 
 c^^v;^, 
 
 {i .vJ 
 
 I'vinUd by T. Tajlvr, Hromptm. 
 
 U: 
 
 ^p,rt>- '^ w *^ 
 
 «* A-i-t'" r- . r 
 

 fA 
 
 
 )J . 
 
 
 \ 
 
 
 (H- 
 
 
 '. 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 ^' 
 
 i 
 
 
 «■ 
 
 ^ 
 
 .^l. ...*.» 
 
 m 
 
«- 
 
 tv^ V 'i. sj^'f^"^^^]/} '^^'i^^i con- 
 
 Y \^the Information I 
 ^Ve Colony, I beg 
 
 ^ e account of the 
 \ I have been per- 
 
 J wo- fVoj'k in con- 
 
 the indidgence of 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ^'E AUTHOR. 
 
 ^ 1 w 
 
 »^^? .^ 
 
 \\ A'*' 
 
 .» ' : 
 
 i 
 
T 
 
 f^ %, -^ 
 
 
 .^ 
 
 \ 
 
 {^ ,^-\ 
 
 r^ 
 
 m-' 
 
 j^ 
 
 .*r 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 i'^' 
 
 W' ■'. 
 
 I. 
 
 »•— 1~. ._ . 4«.. 
 

 * \: ■-^' 
 
 V 
 
 TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 THERE being ?w accurate account of the 
 Island of Cape Breton extant, I have been per- 
 suaded to undertake the foUoxving JVork in con- 
 sideration of its usefulness. Brevity, with con- 
 sisteticy and truths have been my chief o}>jccf, and 
 in a fexo sheets is comprised all the Information 1 
 conceive important concerning the Colony. I beg 
 leave now dutifully to submit it to the Public^ con- 
 vinced that my motives insure me the indulgence of 
 a liberal and enlightened People. 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 m 
 
 M 
 
 \ M 
 
 V 
 
 ^p 
 
INTRODLXTIOV. 
 
 WHILST |ursoiis, \\\\0H' ciicumstuuccs iviulcr it 
 [t(lvi.sal)lc loi' l!u 111 to !i ;i\c tlicii' niiiivc Coimtiv, and 
 lo iiiiiiiMtc lodisl.iiil cliiiii...., il a|)j)Ciirs a ^rcat iiii.sl'or- 
 tiiiic, that many an- It It wilhoiil a kiiuwlt'il'it; of the 
 A.-yhiiii tht'ir ('ountiy har> proviieil lor thciii within 
 her own Colonics. ]ii the want ot" lhi.-^ inloinialion, 
 \\c ))( raivc many persons cnitHy tit huKa hy artful 
 ami e\au;gi;ratc(J slalciiK'nts, ami iiuhiccti to tjuit tlicir 
 (.'otintry, tlirecliiiL!; thtir coarsf to the Uiiilnl Slates 
 of America, where tluic au fewer rtal ativanlaLiies 
 and induceinent.'s than jiossessed hy our own Colonics, 
 wiiilst they are led to sacrifice the deartst ctii itleru- 
 tions of a loyal people, their allt'giancv to the Coun- 
 try which jrave them hirtli, arid to foiefjo the benefits 
 of a Con-litution, fonndeil and sealed l)y l!;.' blood of 
 their ancestors. At a moment when hmidietis of our 
 Countrymen ai"e embarkin^^ and ab.uidonin-^ their 
 friends, imtler these latul impre^-iwus, I conceive it 
 to be an im{)erativc duty to aiforil i-ucli ^jtasoiKtble 
 information as a rcjiuience for seven:! vear.; in those 
 countries has enabled me to collect- Ilavinu- visited 
 
» % 
 
 ( a ) 
 
 the Island of Cape Dreton, and Prince Kdunnrs 
 Island, the Provinces of Xova Scotia, and New 
 Brun'jwick, and travelled over part of the United 
 States: in each ot these governments it lias been my 
 cliief ohject to ascertain, at the respective puhlic olVices, 
 tile fjualitication of ai)plicants, and the exprnce of 
 obtaining grants of crown lands, their situation and 
 quality, and to ( ndeavonr to be an eye uitntss of ttie 
 labour necessary to improve the wilderness lands, and 
 particularly to observe the circumstances of the 
 settlers, at the dilTcrent stages of their improvement: 
 and no part that I have hinted at appears to afl'oid ecpial 
 enconragrment to the settler, to that of the Island of 
 Cape Breton, with regard to soil, climate, and conve- 
 nience. It having been the policy of Ministers to 
 restrict the passing of any grants of land, the Island 
 has been left without encouragement, and passed 
 hitherto unnoticed, altiumgh possessing many superior 
 advantages even to Kova Scotia, and Prince Ldward s 
 Island, which have been hitherto frequently and justly 
 introduced to the public notice. Until tlie last summei-, 
 the only titles issued at C'ape Breton were crown 
 leases, constituting the occupiers of lands to be 
 tenants at will; settlers, without being pressed by the 
 most urgent necessity, would refuse accepting ui' so 
 fickle a tenure; and several individuals, after making 
 improvements, preferred to quit the Island, and aban- 
 don their farms, than to remain there, where they 
 would obtain no security for the enjoyment of their 
 
 »_ — 
 
111 Now 
 
 United 
 bi'cn 111V 
 c ufViccs, 
 VMice of 
 lion unii 
 ss of liie 
 lids, and 
 
 of the 
 ivciiicnt: 
 )id ctiuul 
 [bliiiid of 
 d convc- 
 isters to 
 le Island 
 
 passed 
 superior 
 'Edward's 
 id justly 
 sunimci-, 
 2 croun 
 to be 
 [I by the 
 npr of so 
 
 making 
 id abaii' 
 ere tliey 
 
 of their 
 
 ( 3 ) 
 
 '•fl-pnii'^. '1 hcsc circMinstai2C(\s luniiig been duly 
 nMiiiiiiiiiiciilcd lioniL- by the Lieutcnant-CioveiMor, with 
 the advice of ('ouiicii, ■ -in reply thereto, from the 
 Sicicttiry of State s oilier for the Colonies, the Lieute- 
 n>int-(ios('inor \v;is direclrd to issue Grants or l.etlen 
 I'.ittnt in fiiliu'e, for such (|iiantitie.s of land as appli- 
 eant settlers shall appear e(jiiij)etent to enllivute ; since 
 uhieh <hort period, npivanh of (;ii(; hundred Grant's 
 havi' bedi ilelivered at the public otlice.s on the 
 Island, and millions of acres of valuable land remain 
 yet to be distriiMited for the encoura^emeist of industri- 
 ous settlers. It may justly be eoiicluiled from the tiaior 
 of uhat I have already said, ihal 1 intend chietly to roii- 
 lin(; myself to such remarks as 1 conceive eisentially 
 necessary to be known to the einiij^rant, who intends to 
 settle on, and impiove the wilderness lando of America: 
 however it may not be amiss to -sxAA, for the informa- 
 tion of such persons as are about to seek out a place 
 of retirement, with enconragiiiif prospects to their 
 families, and also to those per^zons who iio abroad to 
 carry on a limited mercantile business, that the mines 
 of Cape Breton, its fisheries, and its timber, may 
 aiVord hereafter no inconsiderable field for s[)eculation. 
 Trustiuif to the exiifcncy of the lime, and to the can- 
 dotu- of a liberal and enlightened Puljlic, to excuse 
 any oversight, I venture to detail a few particulars of 
 this interesting Colonv. 
 
 b 2 
 
 ii 
 
 11 
 
ft 
 
Situatio7i and Co7istitiition 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ISLAND OF CAPE BRETON. 
 
 THE Island of Cape Breton, situate between 45 
 and 47 degrees of north latitude, and 6\ degrees of 
 west longitude, is separated from the province of 
 Nova Scotia by the narrow strait, called the Gut of 
 Canso : the easternmost part of the Island is called 
 Cape North, lying opposite Cape Race, in the Island 
 of Newfoundland, and forms the mouth or entrance 
 of the Gulph of St. Lawrence. The Island of Cape 
 Ereton is upwards of QO miles in length, and near 50 
 in breadth; its shores abounding with tine harbours, 
 many of which are fit for the reception of ships of the 
 largest tonnage. The interior of the Island is inter- 
 sected with many navigable rivers and large lakes, 
 that are supposed to cover, at least, one-third of the 
 Island, rendering the country very advantageous for 
 traderS; owing to the facility with which they ..re 
 enabled to ship and transport the produce of their 
 farms to market, and return home with necessaries 
 {iilJ supplies. The population of the Island is about 
 
 b3 
 
 I 
 
 { if 
 
 I*:; 
 
f \/^^ l^i^ /'ne t-eajii 
 
 \/€> /i^^,l/>iy^, ^ 
 
 I 
 
 fit. 
 
 \ ^^/cO^y^ 
 
 //■ 
 
 ( ^> ) 
 
 8000 souls, tlic greater part of whom arc (le:>((-ii(.li.nt., 
 of the original Frencli ^settlers, ^vho hccanie British 
 subjects at the conquest of tlic Ishuid, in the 
 year 1758: the residue have principally eniigrate(l 
 from Scotland and the United States of America ; 
 tliose from tiie latter country are called Anicrican 
 loyalists, who, being liritish subjects, left the Unite(l 
 States at the period those pro\inces beccune dis- 
 affected. 
 
 "• », 
 
 The Island of Caj)e Dreton is governed by the laws 
 of Eno;land : — it has a licutenant-izovernor and council, 
 who are empoweredj by his Majesty's instructions, to 
 make such local ordinances as are necessary and 
 suitable to the circuinstances of the Island; but this 
 arrangement is only to continue until such time as 
 the Colony shall be enabled to tind members to form 
 a House of Representatives, to have a voice in the 
 legislature similar to our House of Commons. 
 
 The power at pvesent thus of necessity conunitted 
 to the Lieutenant-Governor and Council is wisely limit- 
 ed, and the Royal Instructions direct that no ordinance 
 whatever, affecting the life, liberty, or property of the 
 subject shall be passed without a clause, suspending 
 the o})eration of such ordinance until his JMajesty s 
 pleasure be made known. 
 
 It has been determined by the courts of law on the 
 
 V8 
 
 % 
 
( r ) 
 
 I'cndi.ni., 
 i British 
 in the 
 iniiiiat('(l 
 Uucrica ; 
 
 LlDd'icCiU 
 
 L' United 
 anc tli.s- 
 
 the laws 
 
 council, 
 
 :tions, to 
 
 .ary and 
 
 but this 
 
 time as 
 
 . to form 
 
 :c in tilt 
 
 Island, that an ordinance made to tax the subject, or 
 atlbct his life or liberty, would, without the acqui- 
 escence of the subject, be unconstitutional and illegal, 
 and therefore no taxes are levied on the Island at 
 present. 
 
 The revenue of the Island arises from the rent of 
 the coal mines, which, strictly speaking, belongs to 
 his Majesty's privy purse, and a sum allowed by Par- 
 liament, called the annual contingent vote. 
 
 The Lieutenant-Governor and Council are also ap- 
 pointed for the conducting every matter relating to 
 the government of the Island, wherein his ^Majesty's 
 interest is concerned. 
 
 The following officers have been instituted for the 
 government of the Island, with the names of the pre- 
 sent offices annexed thereto : — • 
 
 lUMuitted 
 cly limit- 
 rdinance 
 tv of tlie 
 spcnchng 
 ilajcsty's 
 
 \i on the 
 
 His Excellency ^rajor-Gen. GEORGE ROBERT AINSLIE, 
 
 Lieutenant-Governor and Commander in Ciiief in and over his 
 Majesty's Island of Cape Breton, and the Territories thereunto 
 bolunging, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same. 
 
 HIS majesty's council, 
 
 The Hon. A. C. Podd, The Hon. J. Weeks, 
 
 Hichard Stone, F. M. Thiirn, 
 
 3 • F. Crawley, A. W. Desbanes-r^t dj /^^\ ' 
 
 CkiK of Council— }s. Crowdy, Esq. 
 B 4 
 
 U/ 
 
 .# 
 
 
 ' n.i 
 
 w 
 
 '■ ■* 
 
■ r- 
 
 rl 
 
 ( ^ ) 
 
 COURT OF CHANCERY, 
 
 Chamillor—i''. \\. Ainslic, K^(|. 
 
 Jllantcr in C/ta/iccnj —5, Weeks, Ksq. 
 
 Jl(<^istir — Jiinies Crowtly, E>.(j. 
 
 COL'RT OF KRROR. 
 
 Jlis M;ijcs)v"s C(>iincil. 
 
 COURT OF MARUlAfJE AND DIVOlU'l.. 
 liis iM;ijest\"s Council. 
 
 COURT OF KINGS BF.NCK. 
 
 C/z/f/' J;M//ic-lIon. A. C. Dudd, 
 As->istant Just'nc- 
 
 (0> ) 
 /itfornri/-Clcn(r(il—]\'.m. A. \V. Dosbaiiefr.v /^» ' r, ? ' ,,, V. 
 
 Solicitor-General — 
 
 ^rothonotary and Clerk of the Cro-du — C E. Lcotumi, I'^.ij. 
 
 Vroxosl Marshal — 
 
 COURT OF ESCHEAT AND FORFEITUIU:. 
 Jiidisc — lloii. A. C. D(>(1(), 
 
 (.p 
 
 Advocate-General — Iloii. A. \\ . Di'j«lniHt>t*.V , ; '^;^*, 
 Treasurer — V. M. Tlmrn, Es(|. 
 
 Siirxeyor-Gcncral of Lan<!s- ~V. Crawley, I'.sq. 
 
 Surroi^nte-General and Judas of Vrolatc—Q,. It. Wart!, Mmj, 
 
 Siineijor-General of Jl'oodti—C. E. Lfuiiard, Msq. 
 
 Hccretarij ami Rc\u,ister — Jamrs Crowdy, Kmj. 
 
 Fort I},Ius{cr—V\n\i\> Lly, Exj. 
 
 HIS MAJESTY S CUSTOMS. 
 
 Collector — ri)ili}) Diunar^fimjo, j^^sq. 
 
 Comp/ > oHer- -lltMnm Ctjimtv Es<i. 
 
 Inspector and Searcher — C. E. Lt'onard, E'-q. 
 
 Is'aral O/Jleer—Josvph Noad, K>(\. 
 
 King's Agent Jar the Island — Gforjjc Istcd, E^q. St. Jaiucs'i. Place. 
 
 Vi 
 
 l"*-* 
 

 '^'^'-^%i, 
 
 </ 
 
 aid, K.i(|, 
 Em J. 
 
 'J- 
 
 iics'b Place. 
 
 ( 9 ) 
 
 ^riic ciiiiiiito of the Island is very healtiiy, althon<:h 
 
 the degrees ol' heat and cold arc extreme, as will 
 
 appear by referring to experiments of Farenheit's 
 
 thermometer, whieh lias been known to raise in tbo 
 
 smnmer as hin;h as 88 degrees, and in the Winter to 
 
 fal! to 38 degrees belou- tlu; eij)her; yet in Snnnner 
 
 the days are refreshed by breezes, occasioned by the 
 
 indraft of the harbours; and in winter the intense 
 
 weather is generally serene and calm, and seldom 
 
 ^cvQX'v enouivji to interfere with the avocations of the 
 
 out-door lahonrer: tlie sumni' r season is sufficiently 
 
 lonj for the riixifinix of sprm^j wheat, barlev, oats, 
 
 rye, and lt;ick wheat, uliieli the soil is well adapted 
 
 to produce, i\\v\ the lands lying contiguous to the 
 
 shores and salt water, are not subject to eai'ly frosts, 
 
 ^vhicll lV( (piently destroy the crops in the interior of 
 
 Nova Scotia. Potatoes and turnips arc the only 
 
 roots that appear to occupy tlie attention of the 
 
 farmer, and produce good I'eturns : these roots aie 
 
 cultivated with i^reat advantaiie on the new burnt 
 
 lands, and lequire no other manure tlian the wood 
 
 ashes. The grasses cultivated arc lox tail or Timothy 
 
 and brown top, \\ilh red and white ch)ver, and i)ro- 
 
 duee iVoin two to three tons of hay i)er acre: i<e^i(ics 
 
 these gras.-cs, thei'e are sj)( eies ol' salt mai •-h glass, 
 
 rrdled sa;^e or mizot, and wild meadow gras>, wiiicli 
 
 is procu'cd in manv parts of the Island, aixl also 
 
 saved by new settlci's lor wihtv-r |)r(;vrii;ic'r. — 
 
 'J'hn spring commences in April, bat the ground is 
 
 
r- 
 
 ( in ) 
 
 i!/ 
 
 
 seldom fit for tillage till the beginning of May, Nvhicl; 
 is considered the Inisicst period of tlie year for the 
 farmer: the seed is no sooner in tiie ground thaq 
 veiretation rapidly approaches; and June may be 
 considered a summer nu>nth : towards the latter end 
 of July the hav harvest connncnces : in the beuinnins 
 of September the grain is fit to reap; and in October 
 the potatoes are dug, and every part of the crop 
 must be secured before tiie fir?t of November, Mhen 
 t.'ie weatlier becomes unsctded, as tlie winter ap- 
 proaches. The autumn on the Island is much finer 
 tlian in England. October is the pleasantest month 
 in the year, the weather becoming moderately cool; 
 and though November and December are subject to 
 fiost and partial falls of snow, the winter cannot be 
 said to set in before Christmas. Al)Out the first of 
 January navigation closes, and the harbours of 
 the Lland, except I ouisbourg, Manadicu, and St. 
 Peter's Bay, are frozen up, so as to form a complete 
 briiige of icr, whereby the settlers are enabled to 
 cross over with large ox and horse teams, and convey 
 their fodder, fuel, tS:c. from the opposite banks of the 
 harbour. Diirinir this season the settlers arc occii-! 
 pied in feeding their cattle, providing their fuel, 
 building vessels or boats, prepiu'ing timber for ex- 
 portation, or catching peltry for sale.* In Mai'ch 
 
 * Tlic {H'ltiv liaile consists of the skins of moose, caraboii, 
 villi ciits, musk r;it.s, minks, iiuirtiiis, weazlcs, racoons, bt'ar>, 
 oUt'is, and foxes of a rod, silver grcv, and bkitk colour. 
 
 thf 
 
 aiu| 
 
 fb 
 
 ami 
 bit. J 
 <1( 
 an(| 
 
 Th(J 
 
( n ) 
 
 t'.ir' ice lH\<iins to tluiu, and flow out of tlic linrhoiirs, 
 and navi<>;ati()n ojX'iis. It is at tliis time the Freiuli 
 tishcnncn vciturc oii tlic most hazardous voyage 
 ainoiiif the Icehi r<^s, in pursuit of srals, for making 
 l)it>: havinii; for this puiposc ibllowcd tiie floating ire 
 < har otV the coast, they return, to render their oil, 
 Mu\ prepare tor the eod fishery, wiiicii occupies 
 ihcui and their families till winter. 
 
 r\ 
 
 Curiosity has not yrt pcndrated into tiie bowels 
 of the \a^t mountains of Cape I'reton, lurther than 
 l!ie (li-f'ovcry of its valuable coal mines, which will 
 he ii(i( alter noticed : many dilVerent specimens of 
 ore have been collected and brought to Sydney, l)ut 
 have never been truly assayed, and we only suj)pose 
 valuable by their appearance and specific gravity: 
 manv different sj)ecim(;ns of line spar and petrifac- 
 tions have also been discovereil, and open an exten- 
 sive tield for the speculations of the curious in this 
 lespcct. 
 
 The Island, a> I have stated, contains extensive 
 tracts of tine hnid, which, in a wild state, are covered 
 xvith forests of trees, a large quantity of which is })ine, 
 fit for the Kniilish market, but very littU^ has vet been 
 ship))cd, under a supposition that it was recjuired 
 for the use of the Crown, and no licences conse- 
 fjuently allowed for the j)urj)Ose : licences are 
 now grantable, and several vessels have been loaded 
 
 ._J. 
 
 ;fi 
 
i ; 
 
 ( 1'^' ) 
 
 vith the timber, tlK3 quality of \vhi:h is tliought to be 
 of a closer texture, and superior to the timber of 
 Kova, Scotia. The fishery atlbrds another branch of 
 speculation, Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Sahiion, Mackii- 
 rel,Gaspereaux, Siiad,and Herrings, are caught for ex- 
 portcili(jn on every part of the coast; considerable 
 fiuanlities of train oil is t.d^en from the Dog Fish, Cod, 
 and Seals, in the spring oi' the year, and exi)orted to 
 Knghnid: these are the ciiicf and predominant fea- 
 tures of the Island. 
 
 tl ! 
 
 ::' I 
 
 Tlic Forests of Cape Breton contain many species 
 of wild animals, riz. *Jiears, Wild C'ats, Minks, Marlins, 
 
 * T'le bcnrs of tlu; Island are never seen diirinc: the winter 
 season, nor are their tracts discovered in the snow, which, in some 
 clcsrc*', confirms the opinion en!ertained hy the inhabitants, who 
 state tliese animals to dig liolos or dens in the ground, which tliey 
 enter ahixit the beginning of Novend)cr, and reniaii) there con- 
 <'e;i!c(l ill a torpid state for monlhs togctiier, wiHiout other nou- 
 rislmuiit lli;i!i snckintr their p.iws. This part of the natural his- 
 tory of that animal stranj^o and incredible as it may appear, was 
 coafnincd !o me by on ohi Indian, who stated, that a few seasons 
 prcciniiaj;, some (irno in the month of March, he happened to be 
 lujistia:^ aiicr moose, accompanied by his son; when they came to 
 a place wi;ere t!ie snow appeared to bo considerably reduced, and 
 b.iviii'L; cxiuiiiiied abcait lUc spot, they di^covored an oritice, in 
 vliicli they su-pocted some animiil lay concealed; afier removing 
 some of the snow witii their toniiiliawks, they perceived the e^es 
 of tlie aniai'd gii'>tenini>; from its ditik recess, at which his son dis- 
 charged his musket; the animal dropped, and it was a cuuai- 
 
 '^1 /■ 
 
Mp,hi to l)ft 
 timber of 
 branch of 
 n, Macka- 
 giilforex- 
 iisidcrable 
 •isb, Cod, 
 il)ortcd to 
 inaiit foa- 
 
 ly species 
 5, Marlins, 
 
 the winfrr 
 ich, in some 
 lifants, wlio 
 vvliich thoy 
 1 there ron- 
 
 otiior nou- 
 natiiral his- 
 i})|)CiJr, was 
 :e\v seasons 
 )ened to be 
 ry came to 
 ('need, and 
 1 orifice, in. 
 r renioviag 
 d the cM's 
 lis son dis- 
 s a couai- 
 
 ( V^ ) 
 
 ^lusqaartn, Oitcr, Racoon, T^eaver, and Foxes of a red 
 mixed and black coloin-, and allbrd the best furs in 
 the country; also two kinds of Deer are found in the 
 wilderness. The Moose is the largest species of Deer, 
 but being easily fatigued and taken after heavy falls of 
 snow, the inhabitants have mostly destroyed tlicm, for 
 the sake of the tallow and hides: the Cariaboo resem- 
 bles the red Deer, and are to be met with in abun- 
 dance at every part of the Island, though their fjuick 
 scent and fleetness render them difficult of approach: 
 the flesh of this animal is esteemed excellent and 
 delicious venison: the llab!)its arc plentiful, and do 
 not burrow in the ground : in the Winter this animal 
 turns white, and resembles the Alpine Hare: there are 
 likewise Porcupines, and many other of the smaller 
 species of animals, which are found in most woody 
 countries. 
 
 The only species of birds whicii are peculiar to the 
 colonies are the Partridges, of which there are two 
 species, the birch and spruce, taking their names from 
 
 derable time before they could cut away the ice sufTiciently to pet 
 to it, when they found it to be a large bear: from the appearance 
 of the den, which was afterwards exantined, they were convinced 
 it was made before the frost, which renders the earth so very 
 hard as to be impossible to dia; into i^, and from the size of the 
 orifice, they were also certain the \i.u.i; ■ ,ould not have left the 
 ien iiince the earliest full of suow. 
 
 
 
 Ji 
 
?A 
 
 ( M ) 
 
 the trot:*, ou till- biids of wliicli tin \ Iml. :tiul ai^f 
 cslt'CMiU'tl cxc.clkiil (ur llu.; table; tlir liobin, wliicli 
 rcscuilik'j our Tlu'usli in si/c ami plimiaiic, the \\'c'(|) 
 ^ool•^V'ill,c)r IiuliaiiNii^litr)i.{l,aiKlili<Hiiiiiuiiii!j,l)inl, 
 is lVc(|iu;nlly I'onnd in tlicsf paitb, and \> t'amous lor 
 its snuill size, juul the luaiity ol'it^ |»hiiiia<2;o: thiic 
 arc also woodcock', snipe, cnicw, and |)lonvc'r, with 
 a great variety of sea fowl: the l)ird^ of prey are the 
 eagle, vulline, and hawk. 
 
 the 
 
 The following are the principal harbours and set- 
 tlements of the Island, r'lz. Sydney, Manadieu, Lou- 
 isbourg, Gaberous, St. Peter's, Arichat, Gut of 
 Canso, Port Hood, or Justicor|ue, IVJargaree, Cap(i 
 North, St. Ann's, and Bradcck Lake, of uhicli I shall 
 attempt to add a brief account; and afterwards take 
 a survey of the interior, natural history, and native 
 Indians. 
 
 SYDNEY. 
 
 The present scat of government is called Sydney^ 
 and was founded in the year 1786', when the fortresSj 
 citadel, and town of Louisbourg were abandoned: 
 it is a small town, situate on a fine toiigue of land, 
 about nine miles above the entrance of Spanish 
 river, and is the residence of the public officers 
 of the government: it is also the head quarters for 
 
c 
 
 \J 
 
 ) 
 
 i, and ,nt> 
 jiii, wiiirli 
 the ^\'c('J^ 
 iiiiii!4l>ii(|, 
 iinioiis lor 
 i^c: llicrc 
 ivcr, witlj 
 cy arc the 
 
 ■» a nil sct- 
 licii, Lou- 
 Cut of 
 'C'C, Cap(i 
 ch I bliall 
 arils take 
 nd native 
 
 I SvducVj 
 fortress^ 
 nidoncd : 
 : of land, 
 Spanish 
 : officers 
 uters for 
 
 the troOjw, and ims a fort, bai racks, stores, auil ma- 
 gnziiu's: the south-west brunch of the Spanish river 
 is nuviLjal)lo for siimll emit, for six miles al)ove the 
 town, »nd the inursiiu (jf the river is ehielly iniprovctf. 
 and exhibits the face of a most plea^^iniv and proimsinj; 
 country, whilst the river atfords abundance of ditVerciit 
 species of lish, for the supply of the town ant! suImuI)?:. 
 At the entrance of the Spanish river, about eight miles 
 below the tow n, are situate d the *coal mines, b( iui^ the 
 finest veins of coal discovered in America, and are 
 at present worked to threat {)rolit by lessees, who pay 
 an annual rent to irovcrinur nt of about X' 2.500. TIk se 
 coal mines not only encourage navigation, but al>.o 
 afford cncom-agcment to the settlers, by the con>tant 
 consumption of produce necessary to sujiportso huge 
 an establishment, and being a source of employnient, 
 enable the industrious settler, at his leisure, to obtaiu 
 the means of procuring many necessaries which he 
 requires, Tlie exportations hum Sydiiry are chieliy 
 conhned to coal and di led lisli. 
 
 As a statement of prices must be considered a ne- 
 cessary exposure, in order to assist us to make up a 
 complete idea of the nature of a country, and ena- 
 
 * The Island 'abounds willi coal niinos, wliirh lie in a lioti/onhil 
 direction, and being not more tlian ei^ht or twelve t'eet below the 
 surface, may be worked without the cxpt-nce ol'dii;i:in<r deep or 
 drainin;; off the waters. 
 
 iy 
 
( K> ) 
 
 f . 
 
 bic US to jii(.li!;c ami {'oinpaic it willi others, I suhjoiii 
 the following price currriil, at Sui.n y, tor the year 
 18IS:~ 
 
 I'tofltuc of tfic Ishind. 
 
 3. il. 
 
 \Vhoat porJiQ o 
 
 \\\v, lio .1 
 
 Barlt'V, do. • • 4 6' 
 
 Oats, <t(>. • • '1 ()■ 
 
 Potatoes, do. C 
 
 Turnips, do. 1 ;3 
 
 Ik'of, pt-r ll». 3 5 
 
 Muttuii, do. I. 
 Fork, do. ..04 
 
 West liiilia ami Furel'^n 
 I'rudiiic. 
 
 ,1. 
 
 Miiiiii/actiins, 
 
 Goods olrvi-rs 
 Iliiin, ptM- ^!il, i I (U'sciiplioii iiiav 
 
 9, 
 
 Hraiid\, do. 1 i (i 
 
 I'orl wine, do. I 'J 
 
 Madeira, do. I i- 
 
 Sicily, do. • • 0" 0' 
 
 Moist sugar, I ^ 
 
 piM CWl.. . j 
 
 ('oti'eo, do.. . 4j 
 
 l>e pineliased a), 
 a small advance 
 on the ISritisii 
 price. 
 
 
 \ f 
 
 MAN ADIEU. 
 
 The settlement is situate to the olSychu y, 
 
 disuuil about 6'4 miles, and contains aljont thiitv 
 families, mostly lislicnnen, Avho carry on the ('(jd and 
 Mackarcl fishery; also large (juantities of Dog i'ish ar(^ 
 caught for oil. The harbour, though .^nuill, would 
 contain upw ards of one hundred sail of vessels, and 
 is capable of admitting ships of any burthen to enter 
 with safety: the entrance of this harbour being con- 
 siderably exposed to an indraft from the sea, is kept 
 continually agitated, particularly when the wind is on 
 shore, and thereby prevented freezing, which is of 
 
 ^ 
 
I siilijoiii 
 the }car 
 
 fiiiti.',// 
 
 iiffictiirci. 
 
 •lioii iiiuv 
 rcliiiscd ill, 
 II :i(lviui(-e 
 ic Hiitisli 
 
 ( 17 ) 
 
 crcMt iKlvjintaL'T to consfcis in flir fiill of the year, 
 uho arc sure ol tiiuiin:^ tht'ic an entrance and safe 
 n'treat, thoiiiiliollcn iVoycn oiitot'otluT harbours. Tiic 
 I tnds in this ncii^hhoiiihood are ol'^ood quality, but lit- 
 tle attention is \n\\d to th« ir iuiproveinent, turthcr than 
 is necessary to cultivate the small supply the settlers 
 recjiiire lor the eousunipiion of their families: tlu^y, 
 hnwrver, krep larne -locks of cattle, which are suj)- 
 portcd through winter with uiarsli hay, obtuined at 
 Seatlertt.; Island, and biou«j,l:t in v(.stels to this place. 
 
 rj 
 
 LouisnouiKJ. 
 
 Syilnev, 
 lit thiity 
 Cod and 
 Fish ar<! 
 I, would 
 els, and 
 to enter 
 ing eon- 
 is ke|)t 
 nd is on 
 L'h is of 
 
 I.o'.iishourir was at one time considered to be the 
 strongr^st fortress in America; and when CLiptured 
 from t!ie French, in the year 17/jO, was garrisoned by 
 l.>,0()()men, and called the Key of the St. Lawrence 
 i.i\n\ (,'anada. J.ouisbourg had no sooner fallen into 
 our hands, than it was found uiuiccessaiy to sup- 
 port so large a garrison, as was absolutely requisite 
 to preserve to us those formidaiile work-. The 
 town not being well situated for the encouragement 
 of settlers, it was thought advisable t(. demolish the 
 works. 'J'he town, which depended nnich on the 
 garrison, was soon abandoned, and the seat of govern- 
 ment removed to Sydney. At pres-ent there are but 
 few vestiges of the town and fortilications remaining ; 
 a bomb proof, some old cellars, and walls and mounds 
 
 ! .^ 
 
 1/4 
 
 k 
 
/ 
 
 
 W- • 1 
 
 i; 
 
 ■fr-: , ' 
 
 ( 18 ) 
 
 of earth, in different parts, convry only an iinpcvftct 
 idea of the perl'cclion to wliicli it luul anivcd. About 
 30 tamilies now reside in the liarboiir, all couitbrtably 
 settled, but depend much on the fishery for their sup- 
 port. It is a peculiar custom with the inhabitants of 
 this neighbourhood to liave their Suniiner and \\inter 
 abodes: about the fust of May they move to their 
 summer habitations, near the shore, where they have 
 wharfs for their vessels, and for tiie curing, and 
 making their fish, at tlie same time conveniently situ- 
 ated to their iniprc<vements: in November they reinove 
 to their winter houses, about two or three miles back 
 into the country, wliere they have plenty of wood (ur 
 fuel at their doois. Tlieir cattle are well sheltered 
 from winds and storms, and the tender shoots of 
 tlie trees supply them with abundance of furze. 
 
 GABEROU'S DAY. 
 
 The shore from Louisbourg to Gabcrou, and 
 thence to St. Peter's Day, presents large tracts ot fine 
 land for cultivation, and several inlets for the recep- 
 tion of fishing craft. 
 
 ST. PETER'S DAY. 
 
 St. Peter's Day is very large, and affords good and 
 safe anciiorage f< r the laricsf ships: it is however not 
 prudent for stran^ero to venture iu without a pilot, or 
 
 \ 
 
n imperfect 
 ctl. About 
 comfortably 
 )r their sup- 
 habitanls of 
 and \\' inter 
 JVC to ibeir 
 e ibcy have 
 :uring, and 
 nienUy sitii- 
 ihey rciMove 
 : miles back 
 of wood i\)V 
 i\\ sheltered 
 :r shoots of 
 furze. 
 
 ( 1P ) 
 
 witlioiit being possessed of charts, on which they can 
 rely, as several sunken hedges lie many miles distance 
 from the entrance ot the liarbour. ll is much to be 
 lamented, and I have been surprized to perceive 
 that the advantages of this Bay are so little known to 
 our mariners: it frequently happens, early in the 
 season, wlien vessels arri>e otf the coast, bound to 
 the lower ports of St. Lawrence and Quebec, th»t 
 they ar(; met by large bodies of Icebergs, which are 
 forced through the Gut of Canao, or driven by the 
 easterly winds into the entrance of the Gut, so as 
 to choke the navigation : in this case the harbour of 
 Arichat is filled up, but St. Peter's Bay, which is de- 
 fended by the Island of Madam, would then afford 
 the safest and most desirable shelter: for the want 
 of this information vessels oiten get into gieat danger, 
 and receive severe damage. St Peter's Bay never 
 freezes. 
 
 bcrou, and 
 racts ol fine 
 r the rcccp- 
 
 h good and 
 lowever not 
 .t a pilot, or 
 
 SHORE TO THE GUT OF CANSO. 
 
 From St. Peter's to the Gut of Canso is about 
 15 miles; the navigation and scenery is beautiful; 
 but we meet with very little land that is worthy of 
 the farmei's attention until we arrive at the river 
 Inhabitant: the shores, however, of the Island of 
 Madam arc well occupied by Arcadian fishermen, who 
 have formed themselves into villages. 
 
 c 2 
 
 i 
 
( 20 ) 
 
 ARICHAT. 
 
 Avichat, in the Island of Madam, is at present con- 
 sidered the most extensive settlement belonging to 
 Cape lireton, and was occupied by the French, the 
 ancestors of the present occupiers, before tlie capture 
 of the Island in 1758. The fisheries are carried on 
 here to a large extent by houses from Jersey, which 
 export chiefly dried Cod and Haddock; also pickled 
 Mackarel, Gaspereaux, and Herrings, to the Mediter- 
 ranean, West Indies, and American markets. The 
 settlers here nre chiefly fishermen, each family having 
 a vessel from 40 to .90 tons burden, which is fitted 
 out and manned by themselves, and the profits ac- 
 cruing are mutually divided amongst them. 
 
 GUT OF CANSO. 
 
 The Gut of Canso is the name given to the 
 mnch-admircd navigable straight, which separates the 
 Island of Cape Breton from the Province of Nova 
 Scotia, and is about 1 8 miles in length, and about one 
 mile in breadth: the whole distance affords safe an- 
 chorage for ships of the largest size. The shores are 
 generally high and appear at first view to afil)rd but 
 litde encouragement to the farmer. The old inhabi- 
 tants state the lands to have been at one time well 
 
( ^21 ) 
 
 esent con- 
 onging to 
 cnch, the 
 !C capture 
 carried on 
 ey, which 
 50 pickled 
 
 iter- 
 ets. The 
 lily having 
 1 is fitted 
 profits ac- 
 
 wooiltu), but the trees have been cut down to supply 
 vessels with fuel, while some persons, whose business or 
 amusenicnt carri<:;d thcni to encamp on the shores, 
 have, inadvertently and carelessly comuiunicatcd fire 
 to the underwoods, which has destroyed the herbage, 
 and blackened and damaged the appearance of the 
 country: however, tiiey assure me, that persons not 
 so easily prejudiced, had scM;tlcd there, and are 
 now become opulent by their industry; that their 
 lands, when cultivated, produce fine crops, and that 
 a ready market and a cheap supply of every necessary 
 they require amply reward their labour an;l expecta- 
 tions. It is from the high and mountainous shores 
 of this pait of the Island that large quantities of 
 Gyptum or Plaister of Paris is procured and exported 
 to the southern parts of the United Stales of America, 
 and there esteemed the most valuable manure for that 
 soil. 
 
 !n to the 
 
 tarates the 
 of Nova 
 about one 
 Is safe an- 
 shores are 
 afford but 
 Id inhabi- 
 time well 
 
 PORT HOOD, OR JUSTICOQUE. 
 
 Having I'ft the Gut of Canso, \vc pass through a 
 most fertile country, called Port Hood, or Jus iccujue: 
 the settlers here iire beco.ning very numerous, and 
 are settling back four or five miles from the shore : 
 these people depend entirely on the produce of tlieir 
 ftnns, and raise large stocks of cattle, wtiich are ex- 
 ported to Newfoundland, 
 
 c 3 
 
 - V 
 
( 2C5 ) 
 
 MARGEREE. 
 
 Margeree is situate on a river brand lirij:^ into the 
 country, and takinjr its source from lakes in the inte- 
 rior, some of which have very lately been discovered : 
 the borders of the river are a species of soil, called 
 Intervale, a name given by the settlers to low lands 
 that have been made by the sediment of the river, 
 which is composed of the dead leaves and washings 
 of the mountains, and deposited in the spring and fail 
 of the year, when the swellings of the river occasion 
 large tracts to be overflowed : the soil thus formed is 
 a dark strong loom, of a friable nature, and is from 
 five to six feet deep, without any appearance of sand 
 or gravel stones. This soil is full of vegetable matter, 
 and in its wild state produces a large growth of Elm 
 and Oak Trees underneath, the herbage is extremely 
 luxuriant. This species of land, when improved, is 
 well adapted for meadow ground, and produces from 
 three to four tons per acre : it is also well adapted for 
 dairy or pasture ground. Margeree is allowed to be 
 the finest rjver on the Jsland for the sq,lmon fishery. 
 
 CAPE NORTH. 
 
 The lands, tnough mountainous, are capable of 
 improvement; and the few settlers there have good 
 farms, and seem comfortable and wealthy. 
 
( 23 ) 
 
 ST. ANN'S. 
 
 .T- 
 
 into the 
 the inte- 
 coverrd ; 
 il, cnWvd 
 3w lands 
 he river, 
 washinjts 
 g and fall 
 occasion 
 brmed is 
 i is from 
 ^ of sand 
 e matter, 
 h of Ehn 
 :xtremciy 
 roved, is 
 ices from 
 ipted for 
 ed to he 
 fishery. 
 
 pable of 
 Lve good 
 
 St. Ann's is one of the finest liarbours on the coast, 
 but the settlement, for want of inhabitants, is still in 
 its in^'ncy. The fishery is carried on here with 
 great profit. 
 
 INGONISH. 
 
 The lands in this neighbourhood appear to have 
 been originally improved by the French: thev are 
 still clear of trees, except in partial spots, and they 
 are of a fir scrubby growth: the lands are generally 
 covered with grass; and I was informed, bv some of 
 the settlers, that there are many wild mtc^Jows in the 
 vicinity, from which some hundred tons of hay might 
 be procured; but the lands appear very stoncy, and 
 the want of an harbour is much against the present 
 settlement of these lands. 
 
 BRADECK. 
 
 Bradcck is a settlement noted for that species of 
 soil, which I have aire tdy described at Margen c, by 
 the settlers called Intervile. The farmers in this 
 settlement confine their attention to the improvement 
 of their lands, and are handsomely rewarded for their 
 
 industry, 
 
 c4 
 
 m 
 
( 24 ) 
 
 A General D( scrip/ ion of the hitvrior of the f.sland, 
 on a tour through the Brasdor Lake; uith some 
 account oj the Aatiie Indians. 
 
 Having, with rapid steps, passed aronnd the exte- 
 rior of the Ishiiid, and touchtd on the prominent 
 features of tlie harbours and infant s( ttlements, I 
 come now to survey the interior of the CoU^ny, by a 
 tour round the Brasdor Lake, This Lake, at the 
 present period, so interesting to the contemplative 
 mind of tlic public, is a vast sheet of water, near 
 forty miles in ieniith, and in some places not less than 
 fifteen in brcadtii, into which many rivers, laruje 
 cnougli to admit small vessels, and lakes of a smaller 
 description are contiimally discharging themselves: 
 so noted are tlic peculiar advantages which from this 
 inland sea are presented to the eye of the spectator, 
 that if has always been the subject of enquiry of those 
 * persons who have visited the Colony, and many have 
 proceeded to the uninhabited shores of the Lake, for 
 the purpose of witnessing the scenery and appearance 
 of this infant and promising country. 
 
 my 
 pi or 
 
 una 
 
 oft 
 
 Cl'Ci 
 
 nic. 
 ol 
 
 ?<ho 
 that 
 and 
 cho^ 
 
 * In the summer of 1 8 1 8 it was visited by the Earl of Dalhousie 
 and Sir David Mihie, and several gentlemen passed some days 
 viewing the lakes: Sir John Warren, Sir John Wentworth, and 
 Admiral Gritlith, have also expressed their opinion of the arivg^n* 
 tagcs possessed by this infant aettU-mcut. 
 
 ; 
 
'c Island, 
 ith some 
 
 the exte- 
 mniinent 
 ments, I 
 ny, by a 
 , at the 
 mplative 
 ;er, near 
 less than 
 "S, lari:;e 
 sinallor 
 nselvcs: 
 rom this 
 >cctator, 
 of those 
 ny have 
 tike, for 
 balance 
 
 )al!ioui>ie 
 me days 
 rtli, and 
 e adv;ia« 
 
 i 
 
 '< 
 
 ( 25 ) 
 
 In the summer of 1817, haviiirf sonic leisure on 
 my liancls, I determined to pass a short time in cx- 
 phjrin'4 the lakes, of wliieii till then I was generally 
 unacquainted, entertaining at the time l)nt a faint idea 
 of them, -ueh as passing hastily through a country may 
 creation the mind of the traveller. Having connnu- 
 nie.ited to some of mv fiiends at Sydney mv intention 
 of proceeding on tla; voyage, thc^y advised that I 
 shf)u!d enjploy Indians, who were the best })ilots, and 
 tli>it with their canoe I sh(juld proceed Mith cond'ort, 
 and he easily l.uidcil at tlie dilferent places where I 
 chose to direet tlicui. 
 
 I sliali here take the opportunity of giving some 
 account of tiie Aborii^ines or native Indians, tlu;ir re- 
 ligion, and habits, and the encom'agement held out 
 by Government to this deseri[>tion of inhabitants. 
 The native Indians, in ai)pearari{;e, resemble our 
 gypsies; tiiey consist of about ()0() of the Mic-mac 
 tribe, that profess tiie Itoman Catholic religion : they 
 are still governed bv a Cliief, but who has at |)resent 
 little power or contioul over them. The Indians are 
 of a low stature, ami although not strong, are well 
 made: the women are in general ill-featured, with a 
 dull and vacant countenaitce. The Ciiapel is one of 
 ihc finest buildings on the Island, and j)rayers are 
 rigidly performed, and punctually attended by the 
 Indians. A Priest, appointed by llie ('atholic I'ishop 
 of Twebee, visits tin. ni twice a year, when all the 
 
 i 
 
 £' 
 
f 
 
 ( 25 ) 
 
 Ittdiatts of tlie Island, n ith many families from the 
 contiguous bhorc of Nova Scotia, as.srmhle togctiier: 
 tlie Priest remains with them ab ;Ut a fortnight each 
 time, during wiiich they marry and clul-tcn their 
 children, and confess. The Indians are continually 
 M-andering from one part of the Inland to tiie other: 
 they transport themselves along the shore in canoes: 
 their baggage usually consists of a blanket, a musket, 
 an \ T, or tomahawk, and a large iron pot for coi^k- 
 ing; also the peltry and featliers they have collected. 
 Their canoe is constructed of the bark of a birch tree, 
 and is very light, so that a man can carry it alone for 
 several miles through the woods, when occasion 
 requires: when they arrive at a place, where they 
 intend tarrying, they erect a wigwam, by placing 
 several long poles upright, in the shape of a tent, 
 which they cover over with bark, leaving a space open 
 at the top for the smoke to pass. In the centre of 
 this camp they make their fire, and there can be but 
 little doubt but this confinement, in intolerable heat 
 and smoke, as well as exposure to the sun, gives 
 the dark tinge of colour to the Indian tribes. After 
 tiicy have settled themselves in this manner, they 
 continue fishing or hunting until the season ex- 
 pires, or until they have destroyed most of the wild 
 animals of the neighbouring forests, when necessity 
 obliges them to seek other parts of the country better 
 supplied for their purpose. 
 
 neigi 
 
 K-^-^- 
 
^ 
 
 roin the 
 ogctlier : 
 liht each 
 cu tlicir 
 itinnally 
 c ytljcr: 
 Citnoes ; 
 niu>l\et, 
 or co<jk- 
 oUectt'd. 
 rcli tree, 
 ilone for 
 Dccrtsion 
 TO tliey 
 placing 
 a tent, 
 CO open 
 entre of 
 I be but 
 ble heat 
 I, gives 
 After 
 r, tliey 
 ion ex- 
 ile wild 
 ?cessity 
 f better 
 
 I 
 
 C '27 ) 
 
 llar(l.shijis frequently enchired, and fre<|uent ex- 
 posure to danger, has naturally and strongly impressed 
 them with a duty of assisting each other in distress; 
 and although the Indians may a|)i)ear at Hist, in the 
 eye of the Kin-opcan settlor, to he an uneiviiiztd and 
 barbarous people, I think it but Justice to them to 
 observe, after a residence of many years in their 
 neighbourhood, that 1 have always found tiiem strictly 
 honest, and that they have been ever ready to endure 
 with each ')thei', or with any of the settlers, hunger, 
 fatigue, and danger, in preference to being guilty of 
 an act of iahospitality. Government holds out a 
 strong jnduccment for the Indians to become settlers, 
 and several fine tracts of lanil have l)een reserved for 
 the purpose, and some of tiiem have evinced a 
 disposition to improve them. Last November I visited 
 a family who had cleared about 10 icres of land, and 
 had several heads of cattle; but it is tlie nature of 
 Indians in general to prefer change and variety to 
 pursuing a particular course for ary period of time. 
 I trust, however, these industrious men will meet with 
 encouragement and assistance to overcome the dilli- 
 culties at first to be contended with, and that they will 
 be an example to others. As the wilderness of the 
 Island becomes improved, the wild animals of the 
 forest will become scarce, and in time become extinct; 
 the Indians, therefore, must of necessity resort to 
 other nneans of existence; and, I am persuaded, that 
 with some trifling encouragement, by way of bounty, 
 
t 
 
 ( 
 
 ) 
 
 1/ 
 
 f.r 
 
 / 
 
 tliey would soon 1)C indiici'd entirely to forsake their 
 present habits, tind take to cultivalinu; tlic soil: a 
 society lor the purpose ini<;!it easily he tbnucd: and I 
 an venture to say, that the Iciest of the (hstrict, 
 Mossi ur Ciemlel. would, honi motives oniuniaiiitv, 
 interest hiniseh in lorwardiii^ a rauj-e so iouilly called 
 on hy the nnsericbund sulVerin^s of his I'c How -creatures. 
 
 Havinff accordingly hired my Indian?, and niad«^ 
 my arrangements tor the purjjose, 1 ielt Sydney 
 on the evening of the 18lh of August, and put up 
 for the nij^ht at the house- of Mr. Niel Campbell, 
 situate at the Foi ks of Sydney river, seven miles 
 distant from the town. In the course of the evening 
 Campbell informed me, that he had lately arrived from 
 Scotland, and had taken a lease of the farm on which 
 he resided from a gentleman at Sydney, with the 
 prospect of raising a .stock of cattle for his new farm, 
 which lay contiguous, and he was improving it in the 
 meantime. 'I'he following morning, at my request, 
 Campbell consented to accompany me over his farm : 
 the premises consisted of about two hundred acres of 
 improved land, about thirty acres of which, 1 suppose, 
 to liuve been sown with grain, the remainder being 
 meadow and pasture land; the dwelling house was in 
 tohrable repair, v ith good barns and stabling; to 
 which was attached a (piantity of cattle, consisting of, 
 I think, a pair of oxen, nine cows, a horse, and several 
 heads of young cattle: the premises, with the stock I 
 
 i 
 
f~^ 
 
 <' soil : a 
 c<l: iinii I 
 a district, 
 iinaiiitv, 
 illy called 
 (.rcatures. 
 
 nd iijad<* 
 ; Sydney 
 id put up 
 'ninpbell, 
 en miles 
 b' evei)in<r 
 
 ved from 
 on which 
 
 with th*; 
 ew faru), 
 
 it in the 
 
 request, 
 lis Ikrin : 
 
 acres of 
 suppose, 
 jr beiuL' 
 B was iu 
 ing; to 
 iting of, 
 
 several 
 stock I 
 
 have niention(d, was Ut at a rent of £,()(). per ann. 
 Having walked o.cr tiic LVontids 1 was ni'ch delighted 
 with the appearance of the crops in geneial: the wheat 
 in particular appeared to W; very line. Cuinphell in- 
 formed me, tliat he expected the farm to produce at 
 least L50 bushels uf wheat, l()n husluls of barley, 
 and JOO bushels of oats, besides /OUibs of potatoes. 
 
 Fearful of disappointin^rny Indians, after breakfast, 
 I proceeded five miles to the lakes, where I found 
 them waiting mv arrival at the house of a Mr. Currie. 
 
 In travelling througli this new countiy, it must be 
 observed, that the roads, leading from one settlement 
 to the other, arc mere pathways or aveimes cut 
 through the forest, and the settlers reside at the dis- 
 tance of one and two miles asunder; so that I found 
 a country only beginning partially to assume the 
 appearance of the cultivation of which it was sus- 
 ceptible. 
 
 The appearance of the settlement, at which I had 
 now arrived, presenud a novel ami interesting scene, 
 a fine sheet of water, towards the margin of which, on 
 either side, the lands lay gently inclined, covered 
 with a forest of large Elm, Miiple, Hlack Birch, and 
 Spruce Trees. The farm lot where I was, consisted 
 of two hundred acres of land, fd'teen of which were 
 cut down and cleared away in the form of a square; 
 
 * 
 
 X 
 
 .'ti' 
 
 I '.ni 
 
i 
 
 iT 
 
 ( no ) 
 
 about liiiic nrrcs of this wna f'i>\Mj iiiid j>Kuit<(l. ti •; 
 rfnuiuiidcr hvlun used U3 mcudovi' jziound: in the 
 ci'ntre of the clearing stood the dMcllini; house, con- 
 structed of square logs dovctailrd into ciich other, and 
 covered over at liie top witii i^hinylcs; in tlic inside 
 a cleanliness and neatness of anangcnient aeenicd to 
 bespeak peculiar comfort and content; and I iiad an 
 opportiuiity of rralizino; what I Irjd anticipated hctbre, 
 that its industrious inn)atc« provided and enjoyed 
 a frugal supply of every neccfssary of ii!e. Having 
 set out with a determination to tiain a knowledge ot 
 the country, and of the (hilicultirs at first to he con- 
 tended with in improving on wilderness lands, and 
 the day being biid for the purpose of jirosecuting my 
 journey, I ft It anxious to im|)rove it, by obtaining all 
 the information conceinirig this industrious and conv 
 fortable settler, and was nnich pleased to find, that 
 he had no objection to gratify me in this particular. 
 He stated, that Iv: was born in Scothuul, and had 
 years before been induced, by the suggestions of his 
 friends, to proceed to Piince Kdward Island, where 
 he had made u temporary settlement ut a village, 
 called Cherry Valley : it was there be received the 
 first intellii(nce of tiie Brastior; and with several of 
 his friends afterwards hired a fishing boat, in order to 
 satisfy themselves of tla^ truth of the reports they had 
 heard: the result v/as, they found every expectation 
 realized, and before they returned, obtained orders 
 of survey for two hundred acres of land each; and the 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 
: in tlic 
 ISO, coii- 
 iicr, and 
 le insiflc 
 cincd to 
 [ lind an 
 ^clore, 
 enjoyed 
 Ilijvini^ 
 !t'(lsj;c ot 
 1)0 con- 
 (Is, and 
 iting my 
 inino; nil 
 i(i coin- 
 id, that 
 rticular. 
 and liad 
 5 of his 
 
 , where 
 village, 
 
 ^ed the 
 vcial of 
 )rfler to 
 icy Jiad 
 !Ctation 
 orders 
 nid the 
 
 , 
 
 ( o\ ) 
 
 aufnnin lollowing he removed lliitluT with his family, 
 consisting of a wife and tiirce children, the eldest of 
 whom was a daughter only fourteen years of age. 
 It was now near three years since their arrival, at 
 which tinjc the lot was entirely covered with wood ; the 
 first winter they were occupied in creeling a camp, 
 and clearing ahout three acres of hind, which he 
 sowed and planted the next .s[)ring: during the sum- 
 mer he was also occupied in clearing land, and occa- 
 sionally finding employment in the neighhouriiood, it 
 enahled him to purchase supplies for hia family until 
 harvest: the first crop produced him enough to sup- 
 port his family duiing winter; antl the last year he had 
 a considerahle quantity to dispose of, hy which he 
 was enahled to purchase three C(iws; and the present 
 year he had bought a marc and a horse, besides se- 
 veral pigs: his farm, which cost him about £]^2. was 
 now valued at X-00. Being thus provided for him- 
 self, he now proposed to discharge his parental duty, 
 and to apply for a grant of land for his j'amily, that 
 they might be comfortably situated near his own farm 
 
 The next morning proving fine, having procured a 
 supply of provisions, and the Indians having provided 
 themselves with the necessary fire-works to encanip, 
 we {)rocecded in the canoe, and I was happy to find, 
 that the Indians I had eini^loycd were men well ac- 
 quainted with every part of the shore, and qualified 
 to give me the information I required. On set- 
 
 ! 
 
 ft 
 
( 32 ) 
 
 tm^' ofi] 1 (Irlcnninctl to proceed bv cusv st;i'M ^ to 
 St. Peter's, l<er|)ii)g along the stxiili >i(l(; of tlie hike; 
 about three miles helow (Jurie's. I ohserNed the 
 braiulMve Mere on emptied itself into liie grand lake; 
 eight families were settled in this (li-;iance; tln.'v had 
 only hcgnn their eleariniis: the land< ^tiil retained a 
 similar appcaranee of lertility. 
 
 lleing informed that an Indian oavhcmI and possessed 
 a farm close in the neighbonrhood, 1 had miieli curio- 
 sity to see the i)remises. and desired to be landed, at 
 which niv Indians were highly delighted, beinu anxions 
 to meet some of their relations; the iinpro\emuits 
 contained about fifteen acres of tine land, a small j)art 
 of wiiich was planted with j^otaloes: the exterior of 
 the cottage in which they resided appeared rather 
 neat to the rye; bnt on entering 1 was much disap- 
 jiointed at finding it to be but a shell, wiihout any 
 floor or chimney : in the centre they had made their 
 lire, and the lieat and smoke were intolerable ; in 
 short, it was furnished and nscd as a wiiiwam. From 
 the appearance of these people, considering the (jua- 
 lity of the soil, and the time they had occupied it, I 
 pitied their ignorance, and the entire want of that 
 industry and stability, which can alone afford a pros- 
 pect of succes£^ in any pursuit in life : they knew 
 nothing of the improvement of lands, nor possessed 
 perseverance enough to overcome the apparent 
 difficulties at first to be contended with : they were 
 entire strangers to comfort and cleanliness. 
 
 ft 
 
 H-- 
 
( 
 
 OJ 
 
 ) 
 
 o 
 
 iir next staiie \v 
 
 ilcs further, at the 
 
 
 fis eleven miics turtner, 
 house of one Roderick M'Neal, where I determined 
 to pass the ni<rht, in order to have suflicicnt time to 
 survey the surrounding country. We had now ar- 
 rived at the widest part of the lake, and lost sight of 
 tiie o[)posite shore from our canoe: we landed at the 
 foot of a higli cape, which projected itself far into the 
 lake; and having, by a zigzag path througii the woods, 
 gained the summit of the liill, we found ArNeal's house 
 iving about tlnee hundred yards from us: the lands 
 generally appear hilly, but fertile. M'Neal's farm 
 contains two hundred acres of land, about twenty of 
 which arc cleared, one side of the clearing lies sloping 
 towards a small inlet of fresh water, on which is an- 
 nually made about six tons of hay: the crops of grain 
 looked generally fme, but the potatoes seemed to 
 require moisture or rain. After tea, M'Neal himself 
 not being able to speak English, communicated to me, 
 tiirough one of his neighbours, the following part of 
 his history:— *' That he came from the north of Scot- 
 land, and had settled on his farm about five years 
 ago, since which time he had obtained a grant of it: 
 that at the time he first settled he was very poor, and 
 was a widower, and had no family to assist him 
 in making improvements, and being at that time a 
 man of fifty-five it came hard upon him; but he 
 had now overcome all his difficulties, and the farm 
 produced all he required, and was worth about.£'l50. ; 
 that he owned also a handsome stock of cattle, and 
 
^ 
 
 ( iu ) 
 
 was indebted to nobodv; and tliat lie had .since been 
 comfortably settled; nmrricd one of his ncighboiiia' 
 daughters, and had two children." 
 
 ii) * 
 
 Having passed the night at M'Xcars, the nc\l 
 morning we pursued our journey, following along lh(; 
 shore : and at the end of five miles not having met with 
 any settler, I determined to encamp, and l)y pene- 
 trating a distance into the country, ascertain the qua- 
 lity of this vast tract of unoccupied wilderness: ^\e 
 landed on a fme hard sand beach, and having carried 
 the canoe into the woods, we proceeded: the lan(l> 
 from the shore rise with a sudden declivity, and be- 
 come hilly and mountainous, hut fertile. W'c had not 
 gone above a mile before we arrived at a valley, co- 
 vered with a forest of vast trees, and beneath pro- 
 ducing a most luxuriant herbage: the land here was 
 level, and of a strong black pliable loam: we conti- 
 nued along this strip of land, (for we afterwards dis- 
 covered it to be not more than a mile in width): after 
 having crossed it in several places for several miles, in 
 expectation that it would lead us to some lake or wild 
 meadow; but night approaching, we thought prudent 
 to return, in order to prepare our can)p. Having 
 arrived within sight of the shore, we began to prepare 
 our habitation for the night: the spot chosen for the 
 purpose was on the declivity of a hill, conveniently si- 
 tuated to a fine stream of water, and a large hollow pine 
 tree being split into i)lanks supplied us Mith covering 
 
( 
 
 35 
 
 ) 
 
 :o lueu 
 hboiira' 
 
 lie next 
 ouii; vIk' 
 net with 
 y pcnc- 
 tlie qua- 
 icss: N\e 
 T carried 
 he laii(l-> 
 and be- 
 '. had not 
 lUcv, CO- 
 ath pro- 
 be re was 
 we coiUi- 
 ards dis- 
 th): after 
 miles, in 
 :e or wild 
 prudent 
 Having 
 o prepare 
 n for the 
 niently si- 
 3II0W pine 
 covering 
 
 lor a shed, which we erected, shmting against the side 
 of the hill: beneath the shed a quantity of spruce 
 bouglis were laid, on wliich we were to sleep. The 
 camp being finished, tiie next object was to kindle a 
 iire, which was soon accomplished, having plenty of 
 *punk, which the Indians substitute for tinder. 
 
 There being no scarcity of fuel, an immense fire 
 was made close in front of the camp, and as darkness 
 approached, the blaze emitted became awful and 
 grand : the night being calm, the Indians requested 
 permission to lisli for eels, which the neighbourhood 
 was noted to produce : I accompanied them from 
 motives of curiosity ; the canoe was launched, we 
 entered it, the Indians standing one at each end, with 
 spears in their hands : I held the torch in the centre 
 of the canoe, which burnt, producing a light like a 
 link or torch : the astonishing effect of the light on 
 the water was so great, that at the depth of twelve or 
 fourteen feet, which was tlie length of the spear, we 
 could distinctly discern every object at the bottom : 
 the small llock Cod, Perch, and Flounders, of which 
 there were abundance, appeared stupiHed rather than 
 frightened by the effect of the light : when the Indians 
 observed any particular fish^ which they wished to 
 to take, they brought the canoe gently within reach, 
 
 * A species of rotten wood, 
 D2 
 
 
( 36 ) 
 
 and would throw the spear \Aith c;reai agility and 
 skilful attitude. Having taken what fish wc required, 
 we returned to the camp, and cooked it; and, I think, 
 I never enjoyed a meal of superior fish of the kind, 
 nor better cooked under the circumstances, tlian by 
 the Indians. After supper the Intiians rolled them- 
 selves in their bUmkets, and laying with their heads to 
 the lire, were soon sound asleep: being unaccustomed 
 myself to such scenes, and the novelty of encampment, 
 I got little rest, and found the night tediously long. 
 Early next morning we set off and arrived at the Red 
 Island settlement, five miles distance from the camp, 
 and put up at the house of a Mv. Campbel: the Red 
 Island settlement contains about fourteen families, 
 who have formed themselves into a scatterincr villaue: 
 the land is rather hilly, and, I think, stony; but the 
 crops looked remarkably well, and the inhabitants, 
 who were comfortably settled, assured me that they 
 had no fault to find with it. I learned that the set- 
 tlement was commenced aoout the year 1809, since 
 which time the inhabitants, who had commenced with 
 little or nothing, had become respectably settled, 
 possessing large stocks of catde, and fine farms. Our 
 landlord stated, that he kept a house of entertain- 
 ment, which might become of great advantage to him, 
 from the number of travellers that were dailv in- 
 creasing; that boats would be shortly established as 
 packets and for regular traders between St. Peter's and 
 the town of Sydney ; and would be of essential bene- 
 
 
 s.i 
 
( ^7 ) 
 
 fit to tlir settlements on tlic lakes: at present they 
 ucrc uiRJer the necessity of keeping their own vessels, 
 and of carrying their produce to market, and bringinj^ 
 home their supplies from Sydney or St. Peter's, ol)- 
 serving, that at either of those places they could dis- 
 pose of their produce, and purchase Wiiatever supplies 
 they stood in need of. 
 
 A quantity of netting lianging near the chimney 
 next attracted my attention, on uiiich my landlord 
 continued: — th •*; in the Spring and fall of the year 
 they took whatever quantity of Mackarel and Herrings 
 they required to salt for Winter use ; that during the 
 AV'inter season tlie lake wtis irenerallv frozen over, 
 .strop.": enough to bear the heaviest teams, at m hich 
 period, witliin a few hundred yards of their own 
 doors, by cutting holes through the ice, they could 
 take abundance of fine cod and haildock. The lake 
 also contained other species of fish; Salmon, Trout, 
 Shad, Gaspcreanx, Bass, &c. were to be found in 
 abundance; and in the spring the creeks and rivulets 
 'Aero filled with Snielts : those fish have Ijeen known 
 to be shovelled out to manure the soil with. 
 
 We had now arrived within eleven miles of St. 
 Peters: next mominir wc went to view i\Ir. M'Xah's 
 farm, about three miles distant, situate on a small 
 river, or inlet. This grant contained one thousand 
 ^cres, about one half of which appeared to be tillable 
 
 ■'I 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
I \ 
 
 
 
 L 
 
 ( 
 
 3S 
 
 ) 
 
 I 
 
 [ r 
 
 Imiil. The worthv settlor, 1 understand, was at onr 
 time in affluent circunistanccs, hut throuuli niistbr- 
 tnne Iwd been neecb-iitated to abandon his iVicnds, 
 uith whom he -was accustomed to associate, and seek 
 a livehhood abroad : he was the fust settler on that 
 pai't oi the lake, having retired there with his family, 
 consisting of a wife, a dauglit(-r, and three sons, to- 
 tally unaccustomed to the woods of Auierica, and 
 witiiout having any neighbour nearer than St. Pet(M*s, 
 to affoid him assistance: it was here he cut down the 
 first tree in his life and had to contend with superior 
 diiHculties; but to his credit i)e it said, he now soars 
 al)0ve the frowns of fortune. We now proceeded to 
 the Indian Inland, six miles from St. Peter's, the lake 
 grew sen.>ibly narrower, and several Islands made 
 their appearance, between which we had to pass: the 
 land began to assume a more sterile appearance, 
 being covered with black spruce, a sure intlication of 
 Avct land. This Island contains about one hundred 
 and tifty acres, and is reserved bv Government for 
 the use of the Indians, who have erected there a 
 handsome Ciiapel, and a house for the Priest, who at- 
 tends there twice a year, when the Indians have their 
 ruetings: only part of the Island is iuiproved, about 
 eight acres are planted in potatoes and Indian corn pro- 
 misees a good crop: about two miles beyond the Island, 
 Mr. Scot has a good farm: after which we see little 
 worth noticing, the lands being \cry inferior, until ue 
 arrive witiiin siiiht of St. Peter's. This settlement lies 
 
 
^^^ 
 
 ( '^t> ) 
 
 uii a i.ariuw isthmus, tliat .si'pavates the w atci^ of the 
 lake i'lom St, Peter's hay, and is the properlv oi Mr. 
 Kavauaivh, a considerable nierciuuit resithiiLi; there: 
 this is the must vahiabk: e^tate on the Kiaiui, and is 
 }»artieuiarly nell adapted tor liis pursuits, eoninunuhng 
 the trade of the lakes on tlie one siile, and an exten- 
 sive and hicrative fisiiery on the other: about four 
 hundied acres of the pro})ei ty is improved, and m a 
 good state of cultivation, the propiietor spurinii; no 
 expence about the farm : twenty men are usually 
 employed in working it; and 1 understand the lavin 
 not only covers the expenses incurred, but makes a 
 iiandsome and profitable return: the Mackarel fishery 
 bel<.)nifin" to the estate is said to be the best on the 
 Island, and two hundred Vaniis arc frequently taken 
 at one haul of tlie scene. Having passed a i'v.w of 
 the pleasantest days I recollect at the house of this 
 gentleman, whose hospitality 1 must ever rellcct on 
 with gratitude, we prepared to leave St. i\ lers, and 
 complete our tour by returning along the north shore 
 of the lakes to Sydney. Having communicated suci) 
 my intention to the Indians, who, du';ing my sliiy, 
 occupied a wig-wam, at the edge of a neighbouiing 
 wood, we set otf on our return. About nine miles 
 from St. Peter's we perceived that tlic lake branched 
 to the north-west, and ran towardsr the Gut of 
 Canso: we followed the course a few miles, and found 
 much good land, but very little improved and culti- 
 vated; and in some places there appeared many fine 
 
 1 \ 
 
 ^■■***r 
 
 \'- 
 
 n 
 
 V 
 
 I 
 
/ 
 
 ^ J \^ 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 ( 40 ) 
 
 timber trees fit to niiinurnrture for transjiortatioii : can- 
 timiini; our rrtiini alonir the shore, we eiimc to a 
 number of settlers, all of whom appeared to be doin:^ 
 well. Tills side of the lake is moreijoiKriilly resortetl to 
 than the south shore; but we found nothiii^ material 
 to induce us to deviate from our former obsei\atioiis 
 respcctiii<T the ,c;cneral quality of the soil, till wc took 
 our departure from the lake entering the Spanish 
 river. 
 
 by 
 
 It is necessary to my present object to afTord all 
 the information that I conceive the emiifrant may re- 
 quire, even after his arrival in the colony, and espe- 
 cially as to obtaining the grant of his land; and am 
 therefore induced to subjoin the follow ing account of 
 the regulations directed to be conformed to in his 
 application to obtain grants of crown land. I will 
 also add a brief statement of the advantages and 
 practibility of improving those wilderness lands; and 
 first. 
 
 V 
 
 J- 1 
 
 t I 
 
 OF OBTAINING GRANTS OF LAND. 
 
 At a late sitting of the Council Board, it was re- 
 solved. That all petitions for grants of land should 
 state in future the following particulars: — the person 
 applying, his occupation, that he has taken the oath of 
 allegiance, of what country he is, where lie has resided 
 
( 41 ) 
 
 in for the preceding six months, vviicther he is mar- 
 ried or single, or has any, and what, family; and in 
 what manner he intends to improve the said lands, 
 by liimself, by his family, or servants; and that he 
 has not directly or indirectly agreed fur the sale or 
 transfer of the said lands. This petition must be 
 sworn to before any justice of the peace, who is also 
 authorized to administer the oath of Allegiance. — 
 After the petition is made out, it must be carried to 
 the Surveyor-Cieneral, who certifies that the lands 
 prayed for are not contained in any previous grant or 
 reservation : it is then delivered to the Clerk of the 
 Council, to be presented at the first sitting; the Coun- 
 cil meets for these purposes the first Wednesday in 
 every month. If the petition be granted, an order of 
 survey is made out, which costs altogether about 
 £,\. 10., and will be considered a safe Title for a 
 year; if however it is not convenient to have the lands 
 surveyed within that period, the order can be renewed 
 by the Governor, on representing the circumstances, 
 and on paying costs, 2*. 6^., whenever the survey is 
 returned. The Surveyor-General of the Woods grants 
 a certificate, that it does not interfere with any ot the 
 Crown reservations: the Attorney-General then fur- 
 nishes the form of the grant, prepared by the Secretary, 
 which the Attorney-General examines, and to which he 
 affixes his seal : the Secretary then affixes the great 
 seal and carries it to the Governor for his signature, 
 
 £ 
 
 
 s'V 
 
 ^ 
 
 f-S^-S^ ■■■••/•» 
 
( 4'2 ) 
 
 and the grant is complete: it is then audited and 
 
 registered in the proper ofl'ices. Tiic ex pence to be 
 incurred is about iJ 12. in ail. 
 
 Of IMPROVING the WILDERNESS LANDS. 
 
 i \i 
 
 Whenever the settler has discovered the limits or 
 boundary of his lands, he prepares a temporary log- 
 house, in which to reside until he has sufficiently 
 cleared away the trees, to secure him from fire in a 
 better habitation, to be built afterwards, at his leisure. 
 This done, he proceeds to improve his wilderness 
 lands, which may be cleared off at any time of the year; 
 but about the end of July and August is undoubtedly 
 the best season to cut down the trees; the sap is then 
 up, and there is no danger of the young suckers 
 shooting from the roots: the sun is then powerful and 
 the trees are no sooner down than the leaves wither; 
 and in the course of a fortnight the trees may be 
 easily burned and consumed oft' the land. 
 
\ 
 
 dH and 
 
 r to be 
 
 ( 43 ) 
 
 I'Vom the follow ill-; authciilic csliiiiiitc, an iilca mav 
 be formed of the pniclilMlity and udvantagc of im- 
 proving the \\iidernc.-.s lands: — 
 
 WDS. 
 
 nits or 
 iry log- 
 ficiently 
 ire in a 
 
 leisnrc. 
 Iderness 
 he year ; 
 3ul)tedly 
 p is then 
 
 suckers 
 
 ^rful and 
 
 > wither; 
 
 may be 
 
 For culting down, rU';iiiii{^ ofl', rciifinsj, 
 and sowiii;; with ulu-at iiiid ru', five iiort-s of 
 wildoriKSs land, at the curiTiit price of llie 
 cou.itry, lit'iii;; jfc' 1-. \wr aav, 
 
 Expohcc of saving the crop uiid thriishint;, 
 
 Crop produced per acre, 1'2 bushels. 
 
 5 acres planted. 
 
 Produce, Ids. (Jo at 7?. 0(/. per 
 
 £20 
 .£'3 
 
 X' L'J 
 
 oduce, Ids. DU ai is. od. per -j 
 hiishel, •• ci!^'2 10 O V ^22 10 
 Slr.w, .. XO J 
 
 By this estimate it will appear that the fnsterop nearly 
 repays the whole of the expence: the next year the 
 latid ought to l)e planted witli potatoes, whieli restores 
 it; and the year following it will be tit for laying down 
 to meadow, which is usually sown with oats: potatoes 
 and turtiips produee well on liie new burnt lands, and 
 require no other manure. It is thus the settler pro- 
 gressively advances, until his industry, in a short time, 
 has provided him with the means of kee[)ii)g a stock 
 of cattle, and of procuring every cohifort and luxury 
 the country affords. 
 
 1 ■ . ■ J 
 
 E 2 
 
 / 
 
*<• 
 
 
 ( 44 ) 
 
 riuving thus exhibited tlie pfciiliur advaiitaL'c.^ 
 possessed by the infant Island of Cajxi Breton, and 
 ilischarged my duty to Society, I shall conclude the 
 present subject, requesting to remind tiie indulgent 
 reader, that notw ithstanding what lias been said, it is 
 not every individual, nho arrives as a settler on the 
 Island, that is sure to be happily and independently 
 settled, for there arc a few examjjles to the con- 
 trary; but these may be traced to the abuses of a 
 kind country, and appear to be the punishment of 
 indolence and vice; and only tend to prove, that 
 virtuous industry alone will insure happiness with 
 riches. 
 
 f 
 
 ■^ K 
 
 • f^i 
 
 '■''■■-. 
 
 London ; Printed by T, Tuylor, Hroinpton. 
 
T 
 
 
 Mi 
 
 \' " 
 
 f .1 
 
 <l 
 
 
 
 •4:^:^- 
 
 /L 
 

 u^/f//??6./{r^ 
 
 ^d 
 
 y4^ 
 
 f >• 
 
 f 
 
 m. 
 
 fc^$^ 
 
 \ 
 
 \ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ■iL. 'J^^'i 
 

 
 ^ 
 
 y.^^.